Air treatment device

Abstract

To provide an air treatment device that notifies information regarding an object that serves as a source of odor, with consideration for the user of the object.SOLUTION: An air treatment device according to the embodiment comprises a detection unit, an air treatment unit, a control unit, and a communication unit. The detection unit detects the situation of an object that serves as a source of odor, and the air treatment unit performs air treatment by operating in the vicinity of the object. The control unit controls the operation of the air treatment unit and generates a notification command related to the object based on the detection results from the detection unit. The communication unit sends the notification command generated by the control unit to the outside.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to an air treatment device. [Background technology]

[0002] Air treatment modules are used to perform air treatments such as sterilization and deodorization. In the air treatment module, external air is introduced into the air treatment module by operating a fan or the like, and the introduced air is treated using ultraviolet light or the like. The treated air is then discharged to the outside of the air treatment module. Air treatment modules such as those described above are used to deodorize odors generated in objects such as pet toilets and nursing care beds. In these cases, the air treatment module is operated in response to the excretion of a pet or a person being cared for, which is the user of the object, or the air treatment module is switched to an operating mode with higher air treatment performance than the real-time operating mode.

[0003] When deodorizing odors originating from an object as described above, notification information about the object, such as notification that a user has defecates in the object and notification that excrement is present in the object, must be provided to a person in charge of the object, such as a pet owner or a caregiver. In this case, it is necessary to provide information about the object with consideration for the user of the object. For example, when providing information about a pet toilet, it is necessary to provide the notification information in a manner that does not startle the pet using the pet toilet. Furthermore, when providing information about a nursing care bed, it is necessary to provide the notification information in a manner that does not alert anyone other than the caregiver to the excrement of a care recipient using the nursing care bed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-163889 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an air treatment device that takes into consideration the user of an object that is a source of odor and notifies the user of the object of information about the object. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to an embodiment, the air treatment device includes a detection unit, an air treatment unit, a control unit, and a communication unit. The detection unit detects the condition of an object that is a source of odor, and the air treatment unit operates in the vicinity of the object to perform air treatment. The control unit controls the operation of the air treatment unit and generates a notification command regarding the object based on the detection result of the detection unit. The communication unit transmits the notification command generated by the control unit to the outside. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an air treatment device that notifies information about an object that is a source of odor, taking into consideration the user of the object. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an air treatment device according to a first embodiment and an example of a mode of use of the air treatment device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of an air treatment module of an air treatment device in the first embodiment, cut along a vertical cross section. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram that schematically shows an example of a control system, a communication system, etc. of an air treatment system in which the air treatment device is used in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart schematically showing an example of operational control of the air processing unit of the air processing module, which is performed by the control unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart schematically showing another example of operational control of the air processing unit of the air processing module, which is performed by the control unit, in the first embodiment, different from that shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart schematically illustrating an example of a notification process for information related to the pet toilet, which is performed by the control unit of the air treatment module in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of how an air treatment system including a plurality of air treatment modules is used in a modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of a control system, a communication system, etc. of an air treatment system in which a plurality of air treatment devices are used in a modified example of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart schematically showing an example of operational control of the air processing units of the plurality of air processing modules, which is performed by the control units of the plurality of air processing modules in the modified example of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The air treatment device (1) of this embodiment includes a detection unit (8), an air treatment unit (20), a control unit (25), and a communication unit (31). The detection unit (8) detects the condition of an object (5; 41) that is a source of odor, and the air treatment unit (20) operates in the vicinity of the object (5; 41) to treat the air. The control unit (25) controls the operation of the air treatment unit (20) and generates a notification command regarding the object (5; 41) based on the detection result of the detection unit (8). The communication unit (31) transmits the notification command generated by the control unit (25) to an external device. As a result, information regarding the object (5; 41) is notified in consideration of the user of the object (5; 41).

[0010] In the air treatment device (1) of the embodiment, the communication unit (31) transmits a notification command to the terminal device (12). As a result, notification information related to the object (5; 41) is appropriately notified to the manager of the object (5; 41), for example by transmitting the notification command to the terminal device (12) used by the manager of the object (5; 41).

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] First, a first embodiment will be described as an example of an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an air treatment device 1 according to the first embodiment and an example of how the air treatment device 1 is used. As shown in FIG. 1, the air treatment device 1 includes an attachment device 2 and an air treatment module 3. In this embodiment, a pet toilet 5 is detachably attached to the attachment device 2 as an object that is a source of odor. In the pet toilet 5, the user, a pet, urinates, defecates, and so on. When the pet defecates, the pet toilet 5 becomes a source of odor due to the excrement.

[0013] In the example of FIG. 1 , the mounting fixture 2 is installed in a freestanding state on an installation surface 6 such as a floor in an environmental space such as a room. The mounting fixture 2 is installed freestanding on the installation surface 6 in a state in which it extends vertically upward (upward in the height direction) from the installation surface 6. In the example of FIG. 1 , a side wall surface 7 of the environmental space such as a room is adjacent to the mounting fixture 2 from the rear side. Note that the mounting fixture 2 may also be installed freestanding on the installation surface 6 at a position away from the side wall surface 7. In another example, the mounting fixture 2 is not installed on the installation surface 6, but is installed on the side wall surface 7 by connecting it to the side wall surface 7 using screws or the like, for example.

[0014] In the example of FIG. 1, the air treatment module 3 is attached to the mounting fixture 2 from the vertically upper side (upper side in the height direction). The target object, a pet toilet 5, is installed in the mounting fixture 2 while being positioned vertically below (lower side in the height direction) the air treatment module 3. Also in the example of FIG. 1, a sensor 8 serving as a detection unit is installed in the mounting fixture 2. The sensor 8 is placed between the air treatment module 3 and the pet toilet 5 in the vertical direction (height direction). Therefore, the sensor 8 is placed vertically below the air treatment module 3 and vertically above the installed pet toilet 5.

[0015] In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the sensor 8 and the air treatment module 3 are connected by a connection cable 11. With this configuration, the sensor 8 is disposed outside the air treatment module 3 and attached to the air treatment module 3 via the connection cable 11. In other words, the sensor 8 is retrofitted to the air treatment module 3. However, in one example, the sensor 8 may be mounted on the air treatment module 3, for example, by directly attaching it to the air treatment module 3. The sensor 8 may also be provided integrally with the air treatment module 3. In this case, the sensor 8 may be provided inside the air treatment module 3 so as not to be visible from the outside, or may be provided outside the air treatment module 3 so as to be visible from the outside. In another example, the sensor 8 may be provided separately from the air treatment module 3 and the mounting fixture 2.

[0016] 1, the air treatment module 3 can communicate with a terminal device 12 such as a mobile terminal. The terminal device 12 is provided separately from the air treatment module 3, etc. The terminal device 12 communicates with the air treatment module 3 wirelessly or via a cable. In one example, the terminal device 12 is located at a position distant from the air treatment module 3 and the pet toilet 5. Here, a distant position is, for example, a room different from the room in which the air treatment module 3 and the pet toilet 5 are located.

[0017] Fig. 2 shows an example of the configuration of the air treatment module 3 of the air treatment device 1 in the first embodiment. Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a cross section cut along the vertical direction (height direction). As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the air treatment module 3 includes an exterior housing 13 that forms an exterior, and an internal cavity is formed inside the exterior housing 13 in the air treatment module 3.

[0018] The exterior housing 13 has openings 15 and 16 formed to the outside. In the exterior housing, opening (first opening) 15 opens vertically downward (downward in the height direction). Opening (second opening) 16 is disposed vertically above opening 15 (upper in the height direction), and in the example shown in FIG. 2 etc., it opens vertically upward. Note that openings 15 and 16 preferably open in different directions, and the opening direction is not limited to the height direction. For example, in one example, one of openings 15 and 16 may open toward the outer periphery of the air treatment module 3 (in a horizontal direction intersecting the height direction), and the other may open toward the height direction.

[0019] A fan 21, an ultraviolet light source 22, and a photocatalyst module 23 are arranged inside the exterior housing 13. In the air treatment module 3, the fan 21 is operated by the supply of power, and air is introduced into the interior of the exterior housing 13 through the opening 15. Then, inside the exterior housing 13, air flows from the opening 15 toward the opening 16, and is discharged to the outside of the exterior housing 13 through the opening 16. When the air flow described above is formed by the operation of the fan 21, the opening 15 serves as an inlet (air intake) that introduces air into the interior of the exterior housing 13, and the opening 16 serves as an outlet that discharges air from the interior of the exterior housing 13. Note that the configuration of the air treatment module 3 and the air flow inside the exterior housing 13 are not limited to the example described above using FIG. 2 etc.

[0020] Furthermore, in the air treatment module 3, the ultraviolet light source 22 emits ultraviolet light by performing a light emitting operation when power is supplied. In one example shown in Fig. 2 etc., inside the exterior housing 13, the ultraviolet light source 22 emits ultraviolet light toward the photocatalyst module 23. In one example, the ultraviolet light source 22 includes a light emitting element such as an ultraviolet LED. Note that, instead of a light emitting element, the ultraviolet light source 22 may be a lamp other than an LED, such as a mercury lamp, a metal halide lamp, a fluorescent ultraviolet lamp, or an excimer lamp.

[0021] In the photocatalyst module 23, a photocatalyst is supported on the surface of a base material. In the photocatalyst module 23, a plurality (countless) of through-holes are formed in the base material, and the base material is made of ceramics such as aluminum oxide and aluminum nitride. The photocatalyst supported on the base material is made of metal oxides such as titanium oxide and tungsten oxide. In the photocatalyst module 23, air passes through the through-holes formed in the base material.

[0022] In one example shown in FIG. 2 , air treatment is performed using ultraviolet light emitted from an ultraviolet light source 22 and a photocatalyst module 23. The ultraviolet light source 22 emits ultraviolet light with a peak wavelength in the range of 320 nm or more and 400 nm or less, i.e., UV-A. At least a portion of the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet light source 22 enters the photocatalyst module 23 directly and / or after reflection. When UV-A enters the photocatalyst module 23, active oxygen and OH radicals are generated in the photocatalyst module 38. The generated active oxygen and OH radicals then decompose odorous substances, viruses, fungi (bacteria), and the like contained in the air flowing toward the opening 16 (exhaust port). This results in deodorization, sterilization, and the like of the air inside the exterior housing 13. The air that has undergone air treatment, such as deodorization and sterilization, is then discharged to the outside of the exterior housing 13 through the opening 16.

[0023] In one example, the ultraviolet light source 22 emits ultraviolet light having a peak wavelength in the range of 200 nm or more and 320 nm or less, i.e., UV-C, in addition to the aforementioned UV-A. In this example, the UV-C emitted from the ultraviolet light source 22 to the air suppresses the activity of viruses and bacteria (bacteria) contained in the air flowing inside the exterior housing 13. This sterilizes the air inside the exterior housing 13.

[0024] "Deodorization" means, for example, mitigating the effects of odorous substances present in the air, and terms such as "deodorization" and "odor reduction" can be used instead of "deodorization." "Sterilization" means, for example, inactivating viruses and bacteria (bacteria) present in the air, and terms such as "sterilization," "sterilization," and "sterilization" can be used instead of "sterilization."

[0025] In one example, instead of, or in addition to (or instead of) the air treatment using ultraviolet light or the like described above, air treatment using ozone is performed. In this case, an ozone generator is disposed inside exterior housing 13. Inside exterior housing 13, air treatment is performed by mixing ozone with air flowing from opening 15 (inlet) toward opening 16 (outlet). The air mixed with ozone is then discharged to the outside of exterior housing 13 through opening 16. In this case, the ozone discharged from inside exterior housing 13 deodorizes and sterilizes the air.

[0026] As described above, in this embodiment, the air treatment module 3 is provided with an air treatment unit 20. In one example, such as FIG. 2 , the air treatment unit 20 is composed of a fan 21, an ultraviolet light source 22, and a photocatalyst module 23. In the air treatment module 3, air treatment is performed in the same manner as in any of the above-described examples when the air treatment unit 20 operates. The air treatment module 3 equipped with the air treatment unit 20 is disposed near the pet litter box 5, which is a source of odor, in an environmental space such as a room. Therefore, when the air treatment unit 20 operates, it performs air treatment near the pet litter box 5, which is the target object. The air treatment means provided in the air treatment unit 20 is not limited to those described above, and any means capable of deodorizing air may be used. However, it is desirable that the air treatment unit in this embodiment be configured to be switchable between a state in which air treatment is performed and a state in which air treatment is not performed.

[0027] In the above-described embodiment, the air treatment module 3 is configured to be attached to the mounting fixture 2, but the mounting fixture 2 does not have to be provided. In either case, however, the air treatment module 3 is placed near the pet litter box 5, which is the source of the odor.

[0028] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a control system, a communication system, etc. of the air treatment system 10 in the first embodiment, in which the air treatment device 1 is used. As shown in FIG. 3 etc., the air treatment module 3 of the air treatment device 1 includes the air treatment device 20 described above and a control unit 25.

[0029] The control unit 25, which serves as a processing execution unit, is composed of a processor or an integrated circuit and a storage medium such as a memory (neither of which is shown). The processor or integrated circuit constituting the control unit 25 includes any of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a microcomputer, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The control unit 25 may include only one integrated circuit or multiple integrated circuits. The control unit 25 may also include only one storage medium or multiple storage media. Processing programs and the like executed by the control unit 25 are stored as software in the storage medium. The control unit 25 is also capable of reading information and the like from the storage medium and writing information and the like to the storage medium.

[0030] In the air treatment device 1, the sensor 8 detects the condition of the pet litter box 5, which is the source of the odor. The control unit 25 is connected to the sensor 8 and acquires the detection result of the sensor 8. The control unit 25 controls the operation of the air treatment unit 20 based at least on the detection result of the sensor 8. In this way, the air treatment operation by the air treatment unit 20 is controlled based at least on the detection result of the sensor 8.

[0031] 1 and 2, etc., a control board 27 is disposed inside the exterior housing 13, and integrated circuits and the like that constitute the control unit 25 are provided on the control board 27. Furthermore, wiring 28, such as a signal line, extends inside the connection cable 11, and the sensor 8 is electrically connected to the control board 27 via the wiring 28. A signal or the like indicating the detection result of the sensor 8 is transmitted to the control unit 25 of the control board 27 through the wiring 28. Note that the signal or the like indicating the detection result of the sensor 8 may also be transmitted to the control unit 25 of the control board 27 via wireless communication. Furthermore, in the example of FIGS. 1 and 2, etc., the control unit 25 controls the operation of the fan 21 and the light emission operation of the ultraviolet light source 22 based at least on the detection result of the sensor 8, and controls the air treatment operation by the air treatment unit 20.

[0032] In one example, the sensor 8 is a proximity sensor or a human presence sensor, etc. The sensor 8 detects whether or not a pet (user) is present in the pet toilet 5 installed in the mounting fixture 2, etc. Therefore, the sensor 8 detects a change in the state of the pet toilet 5 from a state in which the pet is not present to a state in which the pet is present, and detects the entry of the pet into the pet toilet 5. The sensor 8 also detects a change in the state of the pet toilet 5 from a state in which the pet is present to a state in which the pet is not present, and detects the exit of the pet from the pet toilet 5.

[0033] In another example, the sensor 8 is an image sensor or a photographing device, and captures an image of the pet toilet 5 attached to the attachment 2 or the like, thereby obtaining a photographed image in which the pet toilet 5 is the subject. In this case, the control unit 25 obtains the photographed image as a detection result of the sensor 8. The control unit 25 performs image analysis or the like on the image captured by the sensor 8 to determine whether or not a pet is present in the pet toilet 5 and whether or not there is pet excrement in the pet toilet 5. In this case, the control unit 25 performs image analysis and determination processing according to an algorithm indicated in a processing program stored in a storage medium, for example. The control unit 25 also performs image analysis and determination processing by AI analysis using artificial intelligence.

[0034] In this example, the control unit 25 may perform image analysis of the captured image to determine the behavior of the pet in the pet toilet 5. In this case, it is determined whether the pet in the pet toilet 5 is excreting. If the pet is excreting, it is determined whether the pet is urinating or defecating. In this example, if excrement is present in the pet toilet 5, the control unit 25 may perform image analysis of the captured image to determine the type of excrement present. In this case, it is determined whether urine or feces is present in the pet toilet 5.

[0035] In another example, the sensor 8 is an odor sensor that detects odors in and around the pet litter box 5 installed in the attachment 2 or the like. In this case, the control unit 25 analyzes the detected odor based on the detection results of the sensor 8. Then, the control unit 25 determines whether or not excrement is present in the pet litter box 5 based on the odor analysis results. In this case, the control unit 25 performs odor analysis and determination processing, for example, according to an algorithm indicated in a processing program stored in a storage medium.

[0036] In odor analysis, the amount or ratio of odor components originating from excrement in the detected odor is calculated. Then, it is determined whether the detected odor contains odor components originating from excrement at a content exceeding a reference level. If the content of odor components originating from excrement is found to be above the reference level, it is determined that excrement is present in the pet toilet 5. In this example, if the detected odor contains odor components originating from excrement, the control unit 25 may determine whether the odor components present are originating from urine or feces. This allows the type of excrement present in the pet toilet 5 to be determined.

[0037] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operational control of the air treatment unit 20 of the air treatment module 3 performed by the control unit 25 in the first embodiment. The process of the example of FIG. 4 is started in a state where the operation of the air treatment unit 20 is stopped, i.e., in a state where the air treatment operation by the air treatment unit 20 is not being performed. Moreover, the process of the example of FIG. 4 is started in a situation where a pet who is the user is not present in the pet toilet 5.

[0038] When the processing of the example of FIG. 4 is started, the control unit 25 determines whether or not a pet is present in the pet toilet 5 based on the detection result of the sensor 8 (S101). This determines whether or not a pet has entered the pet toilet 5. If a pet is not present in the pet toilet 5 (S101-No), the processing returns to S101 and waits in S101. If the sensor 8 is any of a proximity sensor, a human sensor, an image sensor, and a photographing device, it determines whether or not a pet is present in the pet toilet 5 as described above. Furthermore, if the pet that will be using the pet toilet 5 has a unique odor, even if an odor sensor is used as the sensor 8, it is possible to determine whether or not a pet is present in the pet toilet 5 based on the amount or proportion of the pet-specific odor component in the detected odor.

[0039] If a pet is present in the pet toilet 5 (S101-Yes), the control unit 25 determines whether the situation of the pet toilet 5 has changed from a situation in which a pet is present in the pet toilet 5 (first situation) to a situation in which a pet is not present (second situation) based on the detection result of the sensor 8 (S102). If the pet has not left the pet toilet 5, that is, if the situation of the pet toilet 5 has not changed to a situation in which a pet is not present (S102-No), the process returns to S102 and waits at S102.

[0040] When a pet leaves the pet toilet 5, that is, when the situation of the pet toilet 5 changes to one where no pet is present (S102-Yes), the control unit 25 starts the operation of the air processing unit 20 (S103). This starts air processing by the air processing unit 20. At this time, the fan 21 is operated to form an air flow as described above.

[0041] In the example of Fig. 4, after detecting a first situation in which a pet is present in the pet toilet 5, the control unit 25 determines that a predetermined condition has been satisfied based on detecting a change from the first situation to a second situation in which a pet is not present in the pet toilet 5. Then, after detecting the first situation, the control unit 25 starts operation of the air processing unit 20 based on the satisfaction of the predetermined condition. As a result, operation of the air processing unit 20 starts in a situation in which a pet is not present in the pet toilet 5, which is the target object, and operation of the fan 21 and the like starts.

[0042] In one example, either an image sensor or a photographing device is used as the sensor 8, and instead of the process of S101 in FIG. 4 , the control unit 25 determines whether a pet is present in the pet toilet 5 and whether the pet is excreting based on the pet's posture and posture. In this example, after detecting a first situation in which a pet is excreting in the pet toilet 5, the control unit 25 determines that a predetermined condition has been met based on detecting a change from the first situation to a second situation in which the pet is not present in the pet toilet 5. Then, after detecting the first situation, the control unit 25 starts operation of the air processing unit 20 based on the fact that the predetermined condition has been met. In this example as well, operation of the air processing unit 20 is started in a situation in which no pet is present in the pet toilet 5, which is the target object.

[0043] In the example shown in FIG. 4 , after a first situation, such as a situation in which a pet is present in the pet litter box, is detected, the air treatment operation is initiated by the process of S103 based on the satisfaction of a predetermined condition (e.g., the passage of a predetermined time). However, in one example, instead of the process of S103, the control unit 25 may switch the air treatment unit 20 to an operation mode with higher air treatment performance than the real-time operation mode. In this case, while the process of determining whether the first situation, such as the process of S101, has been detected and the process of determining whether a predetermined condition has been satisfied, such as the process of S102, are being performed, the air treatment unit 20 operates in an operation mode with relatively low air treatment performance. Then, after the first situation is detected, the control unit 25 switches the air treatment unit 20 to an operation mode with relatively high air treatment performance based on the satisfaction of the predetermined condition.

[0044] In the air treatment module 3 including the air treatment unit 20, the air treatment performance is improved by increasing the rotation speed of the fan 21 and the flow rate of the air. Therefore, as the air treatment performance improves, the operating noise of the fan 21 increases. In this example, by performing the above-described process, the air treatment unit 20 switches from an operating mode in which the operating noise of the fan 21 is low to an operating mode in which the operating noise of the fan 21 is high when no pet is present in the pet toilet 5, which is the target object.

[0045] Fig. 5 is a flowchart schematically illustrating another example of operational control of the air treatment unit 20 of the air treatment module 3 performed by the control unit 25 in the first embodiment, different from that shown in Fig. 4. The process of the example of Fig. 5 is started when the operation of the air treatment unit 20 is stopped, i.e., when no air treatment operation is being performed by the air treatment unit 20. The process of the example of Fig. 5 is also started when no pet is defecating in the pet toilet 5, i.e., when there is no excrement in the pet toilet 5. In the example of Fig. 5, any one of an odor sensor, an image sensor, and a photographing device is used as the sensor 8, and the control unit 25 has a timer function.

[0046] 5 starts, the control unit 25 determines whether or not there is pet excrement in the pet toilet 5 based on the detection result of the sensor 8 (S111). This determines whether or not the pet has excreted in the pet toilet 5. If there is no excrement in the pet toilet 5 (S111-No), the process returns to S111 and waits at S111.

[0047] If excrement is present in the pet toilet 5 (S111-Yes), the control unit 25 uses a timer function to calculate the elapsed time Y from the timing at which the presence of excrement was detected (S112). Then, the control unit 25 determines whether the calculated elapsed time Y is equal to or greater than the specified time Yref (S113). This determines whether or not the specified time Yref has elapsed since the situation (first situation) in which excrement is present in the pet toilet 5 was detected. If the elapsed time Y is shorter than the specified time Yref, that is, if the specified time Yref has not elapsed since the detection of excrement (S113-No), the process returns to S112, and the control unit 25 sequentially performs the processes from S112 onwards.

[0048] If the elapsed time Y is equal to or greater than the specified time Yref, i.e., if the specified time Yref or greater has elapsed since the detection of excrement (S113-Yes), the control unit 25 starts the operation of the air processing unit 20 (S114). This starts air processing by the air processing unit 20. At this time, the fan 21 is operated to form an air flow as described above.

[0049] 5, the control unit 25 determines that a predetermined condition has been met based on the fact that a specified time Yref or more has elapsed since detecting a first situation in which excrement is present in the pet toilet 5. Then, after detecting the first situation, based on the fact that the predetermined condition has been met, the control unit 25 starts operation of the air treatment unit 20. As a result, after a certain amount of time has elapsed since the pet (the user) has excreted in the pet toilet 5, operation of the air treatment unit 20 is started, and operation of the fan 21 and the like is started.

[0050] In one example, either an image sensor or a photographing device is used as the sensor 8, and instead of the process of S111 in FIG. 5 , the control unit 25 determines whether or not the pet is excreting in the pet toilet 5. In this example, the control unit 25 determines that a predetermined condition is met based on the fact that a specified time or more has passed since detecting a first situation in which the pet is excreting in the pet toilet 5. Then, after detecting the first situation, the control unit 25 starts operation of the air processing unit 20 based on the fact that the predetermined condition is met. In this example as well, operation of the air processing unit 20 starts a certain amount of time after the pet excretes in the pet toilet 5.

[0051] In the example shown in FIG. 5 , after detecting a first situation, such as the presence of excrement in the pet toilet, the air treatment operation is initiated by the process of S114 based on the satisfaction of a predetermined condition. However, in one example, instead of the process of S114, the control unit 25 may switch the air treatment unit 20 to an operation mode with higher air treatment performance than the real-time operation mode. In this case, while the processes of S101 to S103 are being performed, the air treatment unit 20 operates in an operation mode with relatively low air treatment performance. Then, after detecting the first situation, based on the satisfaction of a predetermined condition, the control unit 25 switches the air treatment unit 20 to an operation mode with relatively high air treatment performance. Therefore, in this example, after a certain amount of time has passed since the pet excreted in the pet toilet 5, the air treatment unit 20 switches from an operation mode with low operating noise of the fan 21 to an operation mode with high operating noise of the fan 21.

[0052] In the example shown in FIG. 3 , the air treatment module 3 includes a communication unit 31. The communication unit 31 is configured, for example, with a communication circuit. The control unit 25 of the air treatment module 3 communicates with external devices and equipment, including the terminal device 12, through the communication unit 31. The communication unit 31 communicates with the external device wirelessly or via a wired connection. When the communication unit 31 communicates wirelessly with the external device, the communication unit 31 converts a signal from the control unit 25 into a wireless signal and transmits it to the external device. The communication unit 31 then converts a wireless signal received from the external device into a signal compatible with the control unit 25 and transmits it to the control unit 25. The signal transmitted from the communication unit 31 to the external device indicates either a command to the external device or information to be notified to the external device.

[0053] 3, the terminal device 12 includes a processing unit 32, a communication unit 33, and a notification unit 35. The processing unit 32 is configured from a processor or an integrated circuit, and the processor or integrated circuit configuring the processing unit 32 includes any of a CPU, an ASIC, a microcomputer, an FPGA, a DSP, etc. The processing unit 32 may include only one integrated circuit, etc., or may include multiple integrated circuits, etc. The communication unit 33 is configured from, for example, a communication circuit. The processing unit 32 of the terminal device 12 communicates with external devices and equipment, including the air treatment module 3, through the communication unit 33. The communication unit 33 communicates with external devices, etc. wirelessly or via a wired connection.

[0054] The notification unit 35 is configured from a user interface provided in the terminal device 12, and is configured from, for example, any one of a display screen, a sound generator, a light source, etc. provided in the terminal device 12. In the terminal device 12, notification of information, etc. is performed by operating the notification unit 35. Here, the terminal device 12 is used, for example, by a person who manages the pet toilet 5, such as a pet owner. In the terminal device 12, notification information regarding the target object, the pet toilet 5, can be notified by operating the notification unit 35. The notification unit 35 performs notification by displaying on the display screen, emitting a sound, turning on a light source, etc.

[0055] When using the pet toilet 5, which is the target object, a situation may arise where it is necessary to notify the manager of the pet toilet 5, such as the owner, of information relating to the pet toilet 5. In the example shown in Fig. 3, notification information relating to the pet toilet 5 is notified by operating the notification unit 35 of the terminal device 12 located away from the pet toilet 5. Fig. 6 is a flowchart schematically illustrating an example of a notification process of information relating to the pet toilet 5, which is performed by the control unit 25 of the air treatment module 3 in the first embodiment.

[0056] When the process of the example in FIG. 6 is started, the control unit 25 determines whether or not notification of information related to the pet toilet 5 is necessary based on the detection result of the sensor 8, which is the detection unit (S121). In this way, the necessity of notification of information related to the pet toilet 5 is determined. For example, if the sensor 8 detects a pet's excretion behavior in the pet toilet 5, it determines that notification of the excretion behavior is necessary. Also, if the sensor 8 detects the presence of excrement in the pet toilet 5, it determines that notification of the presence of excrement is necessary.

[0057] In one example, the control unit 25 makes a determination regarding cleaning of the pet toilet 5, including changing the seat, based on the detection result of the sensor 8. In this example, the control unit 25 determines whether a notification recommending cleaning of the pet toilet 5 is necessary. For example, if the sensor 8 has detected the pet's defecation behavior one or more times since the previous cleaning, the control unit 25 determines that a notification recommending cleaning is necessary. Also, if the sensor 8 has detected the pet's urination behavior a reference number of times or more since the previous cleaning, the control unit 25 determines that a notification recommending cleaning is necessary. The reference number of times for urination is multiple times, for example, set to two or three times.

[0058] If notification of information is not required (S121-No), the process of the example in Fig. 6 ends. On the other hand, if notification of information is required (S121-Yes), the control unit 25 generates a notification command regarding the pet toilet 5 (S122). Here, the notification command is a command to a device external to the air treatment module 3, such as the terminal device 12, and is a command to notify the external device of notification information regarding the pet toilet 5. Examples of notification commands include a command to notify that an excretion action has occurred, a command to notify that excrement is present in the pet toilet 5, and a command to notify that cleaning of the pet toilet 5 is recommended.

[0059] Then, when the notification command is generated, the control unit 25 causes the communication unit 31 to transmit a signal including the generated notification command to an external device or the like (S123). As a result, a notification command for notifying information about the pet toilet 5 is output to the external device or the like. At this time, the signal including the notification command is transmitted to the terminal device 12.

[0060] In the terminal device 12, when the communication unit 33 receives a notification command from the air treatment module 3 (air treatment device 1), the processing execution unit 32 operates the notification unit 35 to cause the notification unit 35 to notify notification information related to the pet toilet 5. This allows information related to the pet toilet 5 to be notified to the person in charge of the pet toilet 5, such as the owner. The notification from the notification unit 35 enables the person in charge of the pet toilet 5, such as the person in charge of the pet toilet 5, to recognize that an excretion action has occurred, that excrement is present in the pet toilet 5, and that cleaning of the pet toilet 5 is recommended, etc.

[0061] In a configuration in which the notification unit 35 notifies information by displaying a screen or the like, the content displayed on the screen differs depending on the content of the notification information. For example, a notification that an excretion has occurred will have different content displayed on the screen than a notification that cleaning of the pet litter box 5 is recommended. In a configuration in which the notification unit 35 notifies information by emitting a sound, any of the volume, pitch, transmission time, transmission pattern, etc. of the generated sound will differ depending on the content of the notification information. Similarly, in a configuration in which the notification unit 35 notifies information by turning on a light source, any of the light intensity, light color, lighting time, lighting pattern, etc. will differ depending on the content of the notification information. In addition, if the notification unit 35 is configured with multiple light sources, the light source to be turned on may be changed depending on the content of the notification information.

[0062] Furthermore, the notification unit 35 may be provided in a device separate from the terminal device 12 and the air treatment module 3. In this case, the terminal device 12 is capable of wireless or wired communication with the device including the notification unit 35. When the terminal device 12 receives a notification command from the air treatment module 3, the processing execution unit 32 transmits a command to operate the notification unit 35 from the communication unit 33 to the device including the notification unit 35. As a result, the notification unit 35, which is provided in a device separate from the terminal device 12 and the air treatment module 3, notifies the notification information regarding the target object, the pet toilet 5.

[0063] When the notification unit 35 is provided in a device separate from the terminal device 12 and the air treatment module 3, examples of the device having the notification unit 35 include a lighting device, a display device, a sound device, etc. separate from the air treatment module 3 and the terminal device 12. These devices are placed, for example, in a position away from the pet toilet 5 and the air treatment module 3 in the environmental space where the pet toilet 5 is used. In one example, a lighting device is installed on a wall in the environmental space where the pet toilet 5 is used, and a light source unit of the lighting device installed on the wall functions as the notification unit 35.

[0064] 3, the notification command is transmitted from the air treatment module 3 to the terminal device 12, but the destination of the notification command from the air treatment module 3 is not limited to the terminal device 12. For example, the notification command from the air treatment module 3 may be transmitted to any one of a lighting device equipped with a notification unit 35, a display device equipped with a notification unit 35, and a sound device equipped with a notification unit 35, without going through a terminal device or the like. In one example, the light source unit of a lighting device installed on a wall functions as the notification unit 35. Then, when the lighting device equipped with the notification unit 35 receives the notification command from the air treatment module 3, the lighting control unit turns on the light source unit serving as the notification unit 35, thereby notifying notification information related to the target object, the pet toilet 5.

[0065] As described above, in this embodiment, after the sensor 8, which is the detection unit, detects the first situation, the control unit 25 starts the operation of the air treatment unit 20 based on the satisfaction of a predetermined condition, or switches the air treatment unit 20 to an operation mode with higher air treatment performance than the real-time operation mode (for example, a mode in which the fan rotation speed is increased and noise is increased, or a mode in which ultraviolet light and light that excites the photocatalyst are strengthened and more light leaks into the surroundings). Therefore, even if the first situation, such as a situation in which a pet is present in the pet toilet 5, is detected, the operation of the stopped air treatment unit 20 is not started, and the operating air treatment unit 20 is not switched to an operation mode in which the operating noise of the fan 21 is louder, unless a predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0066] Because the operation of the air treatment device 20 is controlled as described above, it is less likely that the stopped air treatment device 20 will start operating, or that the operating air treatment device 20 will switch to an operating mode that produces a loud operating noise of the fan 21, when a pet user is present in the pet toilet 5. This effectively prevents the pet using the pet toilet 5, which is the target object, from being startled by the noise caused by the air treatment device's operation or the increased amount of light, and the air treatment device 20 operates with consideration for the pet user of the pet toilet 5.

[0067] Furthermore, in one example of this embodiment, the control unit 25 determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied when a specified time Yref or more has elapsed since the first situation was detected. As a result, the air treatment unit 20 starts operating or switches to an operating mode in which the operating noise of the fan 21 is louder after a certain amount of time has elapsed since the first situation was detected, such as a situation in which a pet is excreting in the pet toilet 5. Therefore, when a pet (the user) is present in the pet toilet 5, it becomes even less likely that the stopped air treatment unit 20 will start operating or that the operating air treatment unit 20 will switch to an operating mode in which the operating noise of the fan 21 is louder.

[0068] Furthermore, in one example of this embodiment, the control unit 25 determines that a predetermined condition has been satisfied based on detecting a change from the first situation to a second situation after detecting a first situation. As a result, in response to a change from the first situation, such as a situation in which a pet is present in the pet toilet 5, to the second situation in which a pet is not present in the pet toilet 5, the air treatment unit 20 starts operating or the air treatment unit 20 switches to an operating mode in which the operating noise of the fan 21 is louder. Therefore, in a situation in which a pet (the user) is present in the pet toilet 5, it becomes even less likely that the stopped air treatment unit 20 will start operating or that the operating air treatment unit 20 will switch to an operating mode in which the operating noise of the fan 21 is louder.

[0069] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 25 of the air treatment module 3 generates a notification command regarding the pet toilet 5, which is the target object, based on the detection result of the sensor 8, which is the detection unit. Then, the communication unit 31 transmits the notification command generated by the control unit 25 to the outside. As a result, notification information regarding the pet toilet 5 is notified by a device, etc. external to the air treatment module 3 (air treatment device 1), and the notification information can be notified by a device, etc., located away from the pet toilet 5. This effectively prevents a pet using the pet toilet 5, which is the target object, from being surprised by the notification operation of the notification information, and information regarding the pet toilet 5 is notified with consideration for the pet, which is the user of the pet toilet 5.

[0070] In one example of this embodiment, the communication unit 31 of the air treatment module 3 transmits a notification command to the terminal device 12. Therefore, by transmitting a notification command to the terminal device 12 used by the manager of the pet toilet 5, such as the owner, notification information related to the pet toilet is appropriately notified to the manager of the pet toilet 5, which is the target object.

[0071] In the above-described embodiment, a pet toilet 5 is used as an example of an object that is a source of odor, but the object is not limited to this as long as it is an odor source. That is, the object may be used by a person or an animal, and the user's actions may create a situation in which odor-causing substances such as excrement and filth are present. If the object satisfies these conditions, the air treatment operation by the air treatment unit 20 can be controlled based on the detection results of the object's status, as in the above-described embodiment. If the object satisfies the above-described conditions, notification information regarding the object is sent based on the detection results of the object's status, as in the above-described embodiment.

[0072] Examples of objects other than pet toilets include nursing care beds and containers in which people dispose of waste that generates bad odors. In addition, when the object is a portable human toilet such as a chamber pot, it is possible to control the air treatment operation and notify notification information in the same manner as in the above-described embodiments.

[0073] For example, when the object is a nursing care bed, notification of notification information about the nursing care bed is performed in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment, thereby effectively preventing the excretion of the care recipient from being noticed by people other than the caregiver who is the manager (for example, other care recipients staying in the same room as the care recipient who performed the excretion) through the notification operation of the notification information. In this way, information about the nursing care bed is notified with consideration for the care recipient who is using the nursing care bed. Furthermore, notification information about the nursing care bed is appropriately notified to the manager of the nursing care bed, which is the object, by sending a notification command to the terminal device 12 used by the manager of the nursing care bed, such as a caregiver.

[0074] In another modified example, in an environment where a plurality of nursing care beds are placed as a plurality of odor source objects, the air treatment operation is controlled as follows. Fig. 7 schematically shows an example of a usage mode of an air treatment system 10 including a plurality of air treatment modules 3 in a modified example. As shown in Fig. 7, in this modified example, the air treatment system 10 is used in an environmental space such as a room where a plurality of nursing care beds 41 are placed as a plurality of odor source objects. In the environmental space, the plurality of nursing care beds 41 are placed, for example, at positions separated from one another. Note that Fig. 7 shows the environmental space as viewed vertically from above.

[0075] In this modification, one air treatment device 1 is provided for each of the plurality of nursing care beds 41. Therefore, in the air treatment system 10, the same number of air treatment modules 3 and sensors 8 are provided as there are nursing care beds 41. One air treatment module 3 is provided for each of the plurality of nursing care beds 41, and one sensor 8, which is a detection unit, is provided for each of the plurality of nursing care beds 41.

[0076] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an example of a control system and a communication system of an air treatment system 10 using a plurality of air treatment devices 1 in a modification of Figure 7. As shown in Figure 8 and other figures, in this modification, each of the plurality of air treatment modules 3 also includes the air treatment device 20, control device 25, and communication device 31 described above. In each of the air treatment modules 3, the air treatment device 20 performs air treatment operations in the same manner as in any of the above-described examples.

[0077] In this modification, as shown in Fig. 7 etc., each of the multiple air treatment modules 3 is placed in the vicinity of a corresponding one of the multiple nursing care beds 41 in an environmental space such as a room. Therefore, in each of the air treatment modules 3, the air treatment unit 20 operates to perform air treatment in the vicinity of the corresponding one of the nursing care beds 41, which is the target. Also, each of the multiple sensors 8 detects the status of the corresponding one of the multiple nursing care beds 41. In each of the air treatment devices 1, the control unit 25 is electrically connected to the sensor 8 and acquires the detection result of the sensor 8.

[0078] Furthermore, in this modified example, each of the multiple air treatment modules 3 communicates with the other air treatment modules 3 wirelessly or via a wire. Therefore, in each air treatment device 1, a signal indicating the detection result of the sensor 8 is transmitted from the communication unit 31 to the other air treatment device 1. Furthermore, in each air treatment device 1, a signal indicating the detection result of the sensor 8 of the other air treatment device 1 is received by the communication unit 31. In this modified example, the control units 25 of the multiple air treatment devices 1 cooperate with each other to control the operation of each of the multiple air treatment devices 20 based on the detection results of the multiple sensors 8. In this way, the air treatment operation by each of the multiple air treatment modules 3 is controlled based on the detection results of the multiple sensors 8.

[0079] In one example of this modified example, each of the sensors 8 is an image sensor or an imaging device, and captures an image of a corresponding one of the nursing care beds 41. Each of the air processing devices 1 performs image analysis or the like on the image captured by the sensor 8 to determine whether or not the care recipient, who is the user of the corresponding one of the nursing care beds 41, has performed an excretory activity. At this time, each of the control units 25 performs image analysis and determination processing in the same manner as in any of the examples described above.

[0080] In another example, the sensor 8 is an odor sensor that detects odors in and around the corresponding one of the nursing care beds 41. In each of the air processing devices 1, the control unit 25 analyzes the detected odor based on the detection results of the sensor 8, and determines whether the care recipient, who is the user of the corresponding one of the nursing care beds 41, has performed an excretory activity based on the odor analysis results. In this case, each of the control units 25 performs odor analysis and determination processing in the same manner as in any of the examples described above.

[0081] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of operational control of the air treatment units 20 of the air treatment modules 3 performed by the control units 25 of the air treatment modules 3 in the modified example of Fig. 7. The process of the example of Fig. 9 is started in a state where the air treatment operation is stopped in all the air treatment modules 3. The process of the example of Fig. 9 is also started in a state where no excrement has been excreted by the care recipient who is the user of the nursing bed 41.

[0082] When the processing of the example of FIG. 9 starts, the multiple control units 25 determine whether the care recipient has performed excretion in one or more of the nursing care beds 41 based on the detection results of the multiple sensors 8 (S131). If excretion has not been performed in any of the nursing care beds 41 (S131-No), the processing returns to S131 and waits in S131. On the other hand, if excretion has been performed in one or more of the nursing care beds 41 (S131-Yes), the multiple control units 25 start the air treatment operation (operation of the air treatment unit 20) in all of the multiple air treatment modules 3 (S132). At this time, by operating the fans 21 in all of the multiple air treatment modules 3, air flow is formed as described above.

[0083] 9, the multiple control units 25 cooperate with each other to start the operation of the multiple air treatment modules 3 based on the detection by one or more of the multiple sensors 8 of a predetermined situation in which excretion is occurring in the corresponding nursing bed 41. Therefore, even if excretion is occurring in only one of the multiple nursing beds 41, the air treatment operation is started in all of the multiple air treatment modules 3, and the operation of the fans 21, etc. is started.

[0084] In one example, instead of the processing of S132, the multiple control units 25 may switch all of the multiple air treatment modules 3 to an operation mode with higher air treatment performance than the real-time operation mode. In this case, while the determination processing of S131 and the like are being performed, all of the air treatment modules 3 are operated in an operation mode with relatively low air treatment performance. Then, based on the detection of a predetermined situation by one or more of the multiple sensors 8, the multiple control units 25 switch all of the air treatment modules 3 to an operation mode with relatively high air treatment performance. Therefore, in this example, even if excretion activity is performed in only one of the multiple nursing beds 41, all of the multiple air treatment modules 3 are switched from an operation mode with low operating noise of the fan 21 to an operation mode with high operating noise of the fan 21.

[0085] As described above, in this modification, the control unit 25 starts the operation of all of the air treatment modules 3, or switches all of the air treatment modules 3 to an operation mode with higher air treatment performance than the real-time operation mode, based on the detection of a predetermined situation by one or more of the multiple sensors 8, which are multiple detection units. Therefore, even if a predetermined situation, such as a situation in which excretion is occurring in only some of the multiple nursing beds 41, is detected, the operation of the stopped air treatment units 20 in all of the air treatment modules 3 will be started, or the operating air treatment units 20 will be switched to an operation mode in which the operating noise of the fans 21 is louder.

[0086] Because the air treatment operation of the multiple air treatment modules 3 is controlled as described above, even if excretion occurs in one of the multiple nursing care beds 41, it is difficult to identify which nursing care bed 41 the excretion occurred in. In other words, the excretion of the care recipient is effectively prevented from being noticed by anyone other than the caregiver who acts as the supervisor due to the operation of the air treatment module 3. In this way, the operation of each of the multiple air treatment modules 3 is controlled with consideration for the care recipient, who is the user of the nursing care bed, and air treatment is performed using the multiple air treatment modules 3 with consideration for the care recipient.

[0087] When the operation of the air treatment modules 3 is controlled in a manner similar to the modified examples of Figures 7 to 9, a central control device separate from the multiple air treatment modules 3 may be provided in the air treatment system 10. In this case, the central processing device is configured as a computer such as a server. The central processing device then cooperates with the control units 25 of the multiple air treatment modules 3 to control the operation of the multiple air treatment modules 3 in a manner similar to the modified examples of Figures 7 to 9. Furthermore, instead of the central processing device, a server or the like in a cloud environment may cooperate with the control units 25 of the multiple air treatment modules 3 to control the operation of the multiple air treatment modules 3 in a manner similar to the modified examples of Figures 7 to 9.

[0088] According to at least one of these embodiments, the control unit controls the operation of the air treatment unit and generates a notification command related to the object based on the detection result of the detection unit. The communication unit then transmits the notification command generated by the control unit to an external device. This makes it possible to provide an air treatment device that notifies users of the object that is a source of odor with consideration for the user of the object.

[0089] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1...air treatment device, 3...air treatment module, 5...pet toilet, 8...sensor, 10...air treatment system, 12...terminal device, 20...air treatment device, 25...control device, 31...communication unit, 35...notification unit, 41...nursing bed

Claims

1. A detection unit that detects the state of the object that is the source of the odor; an air treatment unit that operates in the vicinity of the object to treat the air; a control unit that controls the operation of the air processing unit and generates a notification command regarding the object based on the detection result of the detection unit; a communication unit that transmits the notification command generated by the control unit to an external device; An air treatment device comprising:

2. The air treatment device according to claim 1 , wherein the communication unit transmits the notification command to a terminal device.

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