Control system of air cleaner, air cleaner, and control method of air cleaner

Abstract

To provide a control system of an air cleaner capable of assisting natural wake-up of a user with the usage of the air cleaner.SOLUTION: A control system 100A of an air cleaner is a control system for controlling an air cleaner having an air quality detecting unit 33 for detecting an air quality, and includes a control unit 30 which executes wake-up assist processing so that rotation speed of a fan 36 of the air cleaner is equal to or more than a prescribed value larger than a rotation speed lower limit value regardless of a detection result of the air quality detecting unit in a first period in which the depth of sleep of a user is a first level that is shallow.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air purifier control system, an air purifier, and a method for controlling an air purifier. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a desire to wake up comfortably and naturally. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-28698 Summary of the Invention

[0004] Generally, alarm clocks are used to encourage users to wake up, but depending on the timing, waking up may not be pleasant. Also, there may be cases where a dedicated device such as an alarm clock is not available. Therefore, it is desirable to assist users in waking up naturally without using a dedicated device, for example, by using a device already installed in the bedroom.

[0005] According to one embodiment, the control system for an air purifier is a control system for controlling an air purifier having an air quality detection unit that detects air quality, and includes a control unit configured to perform wake-up assist processing to increase the rotation speed of the fan of the air purifier to a predetermined value greater than a lower limit rotation speed value during a first period in which the depth of the user's sleep is at a first level that is shallow, regardless of the detection result of the air quality detection unit.

[0006] Further details will be described in the following embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the operation unit of the air purifier. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the control unit of the control system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control method for the air purifier according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the second drive process corresponding to the sleep estimation mode executed in step S4 of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a sleep state. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the third drive process corresponding to the maximum wind force determination mode executed in step S5 of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the fifth driving process corresponding to the wake-up assist mode executed in step S6 of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] <1. Overview of the air purifier control system, air purifier, and air purifier control method> (1) An embodiment of an air purifier control system is a control system for controlling an air purifier having an air quality detection unit that detects air quality, and includes a control unit configured to perform wake-up assist processing that increases the rotation speed of the air purifier fan to a predetermined value greater than a lower limit value during a first period in which the user's sleep depth is at a first level, regardless of the detection result of the air quality detection unit.

[0009] Sleep stages, which represent the depth of sleep, are divided into four stages, for example. Sleep stages are divided into REM sleep, in which the brain is awake, and non-REM sleep, in which the brain is asleep. Non-REM sleep is further divided into stage 1 (N1), stage 2 (N2), and stage 3 (N3), in order of lightness of sleep. A first level of light sleep depth is, for example, stage 1 (N1) of REM sleep and non-REM sleep. A second level of sleep depth deeper than the first level is, for example, stage 2 (N2) and stage 3 (N3) of non-REM sleep. During the first level (first period), the user's sleep is light. Therefore, by setting the rotation speed of the air purifier fan to a predetermined value greater than the lower limit of the rotation speed during that period, the operating noise of the air purifier can be increased, leading to a more natural awakening of the user. Therefore, by using an air purifier control system, the air purifier can be used to assist the user in waking up more naturally.

[0010] (2) In the air purifier control system of (1), the wake-up assistance process preferably includes increasing the fan rotation speed over time. This allows the operating noise of the air purifier to gradually increase during the user's REM sleep period. This allows the air purifier to assist the user in waking up naturally.

[0011] (3) In the control system for the air purifier of (1) and (2), preferably, the control unit is further configured to acquire information on the scheduled wake-up time, and the control unit performs the wake-up assist process during a first period immediately before the scheduled wake-up time or during a first period that includes the scheduled wake-up time. This makes it possible to assist the user in waking up naturally at the scheduled wake-up time.

[0012] (4) In the control system for the air purifier according to (1) to (3), the control unit is preferably further configured to determine a first period for performing the wake-up assist process based on a sleep cycle that is a cycle of the first and second levels and that starts from an estimated timing at which the user falls asleep. This makes it possible to assist the user in waking up naturally at the user's scheduled wake-up time.

[0013] (5) In the air purifier control system of (4), the control unit is preferably further configured to receive a detection result from the illuminance sensor and estimate a sleep onset timing based on the timing at which the detection result falls below a threshold. This makes it possible to assist the user in waking up naturally at the user's scheduled wake-up time using the estimated sleep onset timing of the user.

[0014] (6) In the air purifier control system of (4), preferably, determining the first period for performing the wake-up assist process includes determining the first period in a predetermined number of sleep cycles from the estimated time of falling asleep as the first period for performing the wake-up assist process. By setting the predetermined number of sleep cycles to the estimated time of the user's wake-up, it is possible to assist the user in waking up naturally in accordance with the user's wake-up time.

[0015] (7) In the air purifier control system of (1) to (6), the control unit is preferably configured to set the upper limit of the fan rotation speed during a second period when the user's sleep depth is at a second level higher than the upper limit of the fan rotation speed during the first period. This allows the air volume to be increased during the second period when the user is in deep sleep compared to the first period when the user is in light sleep. This makes it possible to reduce the operating noise of the air purifier during the user's light sleep period while ensuring the air purification function during the user's deep sleep period.

[0016] (8) An air purifier according to an embodiment includes the control system described in (1) to (7). This allows the air purifier to set the fan speed to a predetermined value or higher, which is greater than the lower limit of the fan speed, during the user's REM sleep period. This allows the air purifier to increase the operating noise during the first period of light sleep, which helps the user wake up naturally. Therefore, the air purifier can assist the user in waking up naturally.

[0017] (9) A control method for an air purifier according to an embodiment is a control method for an air purifier having an air quality detection unit that detects air quality, and includes setting the rotation speed of the air purifier fan to a predetermined value greater than a lower limit value during a first period in which the user's sleep depth is a first level, regardless of the detection result of the air quality detection unit. This allows the rotation speed of the air purifier fan to be set to a predetermined value greater than a lower limit value during the user's first period. Therefore, the operating noise of the air purifier can be increased during the first period in which the user's sleep is light, leading to a more natural awakening of the user. Therefore, the air purifier can be used to assist the user in waking up more naturally.

[0018] <2. Examples of air purifier control system, air purifier, and air purifier control method>

[0019] [First embodiment] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system 100A according to a first embodiment. The control system 100A is a control system for an air purifier 3 and includes a control unit 30. The air purifier 3 may be mounted on a humidifier, a dehumidifier, an air conditioner, or the like.

[0020] The air purifier 3 has a fan 36 inside the housing 3A. As the fan 36 rotates, outside air is drawn into the housing 3A through an air intake 35 of the air purifier 3. The air purifier 3 has a filter (not shown) inside the housing 3A to purify the drawn-in outside air, and as the fan 36 rotates, the air purifier 3 exhausts the purified air from an exhaust vent 38 to the outside of the housing 3A. In this way, the air purifier 3 purifies the surrounding air.

[0021] The air purifier 3 has an air quality detection unit 33. The air quality detection unit 33 is disposed in a flow path of the outside air taken into the housing 3A and detects the quality of the outside air. The air quality detection unit 33 includes at least one of a dust sensor 33A that detects dust in the air and an odor sensor 33B that detects odors in the air. That is, the air purifier 3 may have only the dust sensor 33A as the air quality detection unit 33, only the odor sensor 33B, or both the dust sensor 33A and the odor sensor 33B. The air quality detection unit 33 of the air purifier 3 in FIG. 1 includes the dust sensor 33A and the odor sensor 33B. The air quality detection unit 33 may also include a sensor that detects air quality different from the dust sensor 33A and the odor sensor 33B.

[0022] The air quality detection unit 33 inputs the detection result to the control unit 30. The control unit 30 controls the rotation of the fan 36 based on the detection result of the air quality detection unit 33. The control unit 30 increases the cleaning capacity of the air purifier 3 by increasing the rotation of the fan 36, and decreases the cleaning capacity by decreasing the rotation of the fan 36.

[0023] The air purifier 3 has an illuminance sensor 37. The illuminance sensor 37 detects the illuminance outside the housing 3A of the air purifier 3 and inputs the detection result to the control unit 30.

[0024] The air purifier 3 has an operation unit 34. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the operation unit 34. The operation unit 34 includes, for example, a button group 41 for operating the air purifier 3 and a button 42 for stopping the operation. The button group 41 has buttons 41A to 41D for operating the air purifier 3 in a plurality of modes. That is, the button group 41 includes a button 41A for instructing operation in the normal operation mode, a button 41B for instructing operation in the sleep mode, a button 41C for instructing operation in the sleep estimation mode, a button 41D for instructing operation in the maximum air volume estimation mode, and a button 41E for instructing operation in the wake-up assist mode. Each operation mode will be described later. The operation unit 34 accepts a user operation and inputs an operation signal to the control unit 30. The control unit 30 controls each part of the air purifier 3 according to the operation signal.

[0025] 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the control unit 30. The control unit 30 has a processor 31 and a memory 32. The processor 31 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The memory 32 includes, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and stores a program 321 executed by the processor 31. The memory 32 also has a sleep state storage unit 322 for storing the user's sleep state.

[0026] Processor 31 is connected to operation unit 34 and receives input of operation signals from operation unit 34. Processor 31 is also connected to air quality detection unit 33 and receives input of sensor signals indicating the detection results of each sensor included in air quality detection unit 33. Processor 31 is also connected to illuminance sensor 37 and receives input of sensor signals indicating the detection results of illuminance sensor 37. Processor 31 is also connected to drive unit 36A of fan 36 and controls the rotation speed of fan 36 by outputting a control signal to drive unit 36A.

[0027] Processor 31 executes first drive processing 311 to fifth drive processing 315 according to program 321. First drive processing 311 includes processing in normal operation mode. Second drive processing 312 includes processing in sleep mode. Third drive processing 313 includes processing in sleep estimation mode. Fourth drive processing 314 includes processing in maximum air volume estimation mode. Fifth drive processing 315 includes processing in wake-up assist mode.

[0028] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a control method for the air purifier 3 according to the first embodiment. When the processor 31 of the control unit 30 receives an instruction signal from the button 41A, the processor 31 determines that the operation mode is the normal operation mode ("normal operation mode" in step S1), and executes a first drive process 311, which is a process for the normal operation mode, in response to the instruction signal from the button 41A (step S2).

[0029] The first drive process 311 includes controlling the rotation speed of the fan 36 in accordance with the detection result of the air quality detection unit 33. As an example, in the first drive process 311, the processor 31 compares the detection result of the air quality detection unit 33 with a preset threshold, and performs a purification operation if the detection result is equal to or greater than the threshold.

[0030] The cleaning operation may, for example, increase the rotation speed of the fan 36 to a predetermined rotation speed for the cleaning operation, or increase the current rotation speed of the fan 36 by a predetermined rotation speed. In the first drive process 311, the processor 31 terminates the cleaning operation when the detection result falls below a threshold. Terminating the cleaning operation may, for example, set the rotation speed of the fan 36 to a predetermined lower limit value. The lower limit value of the rotation speed refers to the rotation speed of the fan 36 when no dust, odor, or the like is detected in the normal operation mode, i.e., when the air is clean.

[0031] Furthermore, upon receiving an instruction signal from button 41B, processor 31 of control unit 30 determines the operation mode as sleep mode ("sleep mode" in step S1) and executes second drive processing 312, which is sleep mode processing, in response to the instruction signal from button 41B (step S3). The second drive processing 312 includes controlling the rotation speed of fan 36 to be lower than that in normal operation mode when performing a purification operation in response to the detection result of air quality detection unit 33. As an example, in second drive processing 312, when increasing the rotation speed of fan 36 in response to the detection result of air quality detection unit 33, processor 31 follows an upper limit value of the rotation speed of fan 36 for sleep mode. The upper limit value of the rotation speed may be determined and set by fourth drive processing 314 (described later), may be set in advance, or may be set or changed by user operation. Furthermore, the upper limit value of the rotation speed may be set separately for a first level period and a second level period of sleep depth (described later). In this case, in second drive processing 312, processor 31 reads and uses the upper limit value of the rotation speed in accordance with a sleep cycle (described later).

[0032] Furthermore, when processor 31 of control unit 30 receives a command signal from button 41C, it determines the operation mode to be the sleep estimation mode ("sleep estimation mode" in step S1), and executes third drive processing 313, which is processing for the sleep estimation mode, in response to the command signal from button 41C (step S4). When processor 31 of control unit 30 receives a command signal from button 41D, it determines the operation mode to be the maximum airflow determination mode ("maximum airflow determination mode" in step S1), and executes fourth drive processing 314, which is processing for the maximum airflow determination mode, in response to the command signal from button 41D (step S5). When processor 31 of control unit 30 receives a command signal from button 41E, it determines the operation mode to be the wake-up assist mode ("wake-up assist mode" in step S1), and executes fifth drive processing 315, which is processing for the wake-up assist mode, in response to the command signal from button 41E (step S6). The third drive processing 313, fourth drive processing 314, and fifth drive processing 315 will be described later.

[0033] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the second drive process 312 corresponding to the sleep estimation mode executed in step S4 of Fig. 4. The control unit 30 of the control system 100A is configured to estimate the user's sleep state based on the detection result of the air quality detection unit 33.

[0034] More specifically, when the second drive process 312 starts, the processor 31 sets the sensitivity of the air quality detection unit 33 to a preset sensitivity for the sleep estimation mode (step S101). The sensitivity of the air quality detection unit 33 for the sleep estimation mode is higher than the sensitivity of the air quality detection unit 33 in the normal operation mode. When the operation of the air purifier 3 is switched from the normal operation mode to the sleep estimation mode, the processor 31 increases the sensitivity of the air quality detection unit 33 in step S101.

[0035] The sensitivity of the air quality detection unit 33 may be, for example, a threshold value of the detection result at which a purification operation should be performed in the processor 31. That is, the processor 31 performs a purification operation when the detection result is equal to or greater than the threshold value. In this case, increasing the sensitivity means decreasing the threshold value.

[0036] As another example, the sensitivity of the air quality detection unit 33 may be the gain of a sensor included in the air quality detection unit 33. In this case, increasing the sensitivity refers to increasing the gain. As another example, the sensitivity of the air quality detection unit 33 may be the resolution of a sensor included in the air quality detection unit 33. In this case, increasing the sensitivity refers to increasing the resolution.

[0037] Furthermore, when the second drive process 312 starts, the processor 31 sets the upper limit of the rotation speed of the fan 36 to a preset upper limit of the rotation speed for the sleep estimation mode (step S103). The upper limit of the rotation speed of the fan 36 for the sleep estimation mode is lower than the upper limit of the rotation speed of the fan 36 in the normal operation mode. When the operation of the air purifier 3 is switched from the normal operation mode to the sleep estimation mode, the processor 31 lowers the upper limit of the rotation speed of the fan 36 in step S103.

[0038] The upper limit value of the rotation speed of the fan 36 is the upper limit value when increasing the rotation speed of the fan 36 during the purification operation in accordance with the detection result of the air quality detection unit 33. In this case, the processor 31 increases the rotation speed of the fan 36 by a specified number in accordance with the detection result of the air quality detection unit 33, and when the rotation speed reaches the upper limit value, the rotation speed is not increased any further.

[0039] In the sleep estimation mode, for example, the processor 31 keeps the rotation speed of the fan 36 constant regardless of the detection result of the air quality detection unit 33. In this case, the processor 31 sets the rotation speed of the fan 36 in the sleep estimation mode to a speed lower than the upper limit of the rotation speed in the normal operation mode, which was set in step S103. This makes it possible to reduce the noise caused by the rotation of the fan 36 compared to the normal operation mode, thereby achieving a quiet state when the user is sleeping.

[0040] As another example, in the sleep estimation mode, the processor 31 may control the rotation speed of the fan 36 in accordance with the detection result of the air quality detection unit 33, as in the normal operation mode. In this case, the processor 31 sets the sensitivity of the air quality detection unit 33 in the sleep estimation mode to be higher than the sensitivity in the normal operation mode, which was set in step S101. This causes the rotation of the fan 36 to be suppressed more in the sleep estimation mode than in the normal operation mode. Therefore, the generation of noise associated with the rotation of the fan 36 can be suppressed more than in the normal operation mode, allowing for a quiet state when the user is sleeping.

[0041] Next, processor 31 estimates the timing at which the user fell asleep. As one example, processor 31 estimates that the user fell asleep when the illuminance detected by illuminance sensor 37 falls below a predetermined threshold (YES in step S105) (step S107). As another example, processor 31 may estimate that the user fell asleep a predetermined time (e.g., 15 minutes or 30 minutes) after the illuminance falls below the threshold, a predetermined time (e.g., 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM), or a time at which a user operation such as a predetermined button operation was performed or a predetermined time after that time.

[0042] After the sleep onset estimation timing determined in step S107, the processor 31 monitors the detection results of the air quality detection unit 33 and estimates the sleep state based on the detection results. Estimating the sleep state involves estimating the user's sleep depth level, and, for example, estimating a first level of shallow sleep depth and a second level of deep sleep depth. Sleep stages representing the stages of sleep depth are, for example, divided into four stages. That is, sleep stages are divided into REM sleep, in which the brain is awake, and non-REM sleep, in which the brain is asleep. Non-REM sleep is further divided into stage 1 (N1), stage 2 (N2), and stage 3 (N3) in order of lightness of sleep. For example, the first level is REM sleep and stage 1 (N1) of non-REM sleep, and the second level is stage 2 (N2) and stage 3 (N2) of non-REM sleep. Note that the sleep depth stages are not limited to four stages and may be divided into five or more stages or three or less stages. Furthermore, the first and second levels are not limited to the above classifications.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a sleep state, with the horizontal axis representing the passage of time and the vertical axis representing the depth of sleep. During a user's sleep, a period R1 of a first level, representing a shallow sleep depth, alternates with a period R2 of a second level, representing a deep sleep depth. The example in FIG. 6 shows sleep cycles C1, C2, and C3, each consisting of a period R1 and a period R2. Sleep cycle C1 is the period from the start time t1 of the second level period R2, immediately after the estimated time t0 of sleep onset, to the end time t2 of the next first level period R1. Sleep cycle C2 is the period from the end time t2, i.e., the start time t2 of the next second level period R2, to the end time t3 of the next first level period R1. Sleep cycle C3 is the period after the end time t3, i.e., the start time t3 of the next second level period R2. Each sleep cycle C1, C2, and C3 is said to be approximately 90 minutes long.

[0044] For example, processor 31 stores in advance a threshold value of the detection result for estimating the second level in the sleep estimation mode. The detection result of air quality detection unit 33 used by processor 31 may be only the detection result of dust sensor 33A, only the detection result of odor sensor 33B, or both the detection results of dust sensor 33A and odor sensor 33B.

[0045] In the second level of deep sleep, there is no or almost no body movement, whereas in the first level of shallow sleep, body movement occurs. The user's body movement changes the air quality. That is, when the user's body movement is large, the amount of dust in the air increases, the odor increases, and the air quality changes significantly, so these values ​​increase in the detection result. The detection result threshold corresponds to the detection result threshold that indicates the occurrence of body movement. The threshold may be determined and set, for example, experimentally, or may be measured and set for each user.

[0046] After time t0, which is the sleep onset estimation timing, processor 31 compares the detection result obtained from air quality detection unit 33 with a threshold (step S109). If the detection result obtained from air quality detection unit 33 in the sleep estimation mode is equal to or greater than the threshold (YES in step S109), processor 31 estimates the state to be at the first level (step S111), and if the detection result is below the threshold (NO in step S109), processor 31 estimates the state to be at the second level (step S113). In step S109, processor 31 may estimate the state to be at the first level when both the detection results of dust sensor 33A and odor sensor 33B are equal to or greater than their thresholds, and may estimate the state to be at the second level when at least one of the detection results is below the threshold. Alternatively, in step S109, processor 31 may infer that the state is at the first level when at least one of the detection results of dust sensor 33A and odor sensor 33B is above a threshold, and that the state is at the second level when all of them are below the threshold.

[0047] Processor 31 repeats the estimation of the user's sleep state (steps S109 to S113) until the sleep estimation mode ends (NO in step S115). As a result, the user's sleep state during the sleep estimation mode is estimated. That is, periods R1 and R2 in FIG. 6 are estimated, and sleep cycles C1, C2, and C3 each consisting of periods R1 and R2 are obtained.

[0048] When the sleep estimation mode ends (YES in step S115), preferably, the processor 31 stores the estimated sleep state of the user in the sleep state storage unit 322 of the memory 32 (step S117). In step S117, the processor 31 stores, as an example, sleep cycles C1, C2, and C3 including periods R1 and R2 in FIG. 6 as sleep states in the sleep state storage unit 322.

[0049] Furthermore, when the sleep estimation mode ends (YES in step S115), preferably, the processor 31 restores the sensitivity of the air quality detection unit 33 to the sensitivity set in step S101 (step S119). When the operation of the air purifier 3 is switched from the sleep estimation mode to the normal operation mode, the processor 31 reduces the sensitivity of the air quality detection unit 33 in step S119.

[0050] Furthermore, when the sleep estimation mode ends (YES in step S115), preferably, the processor 31 restores the upper limit value of the rotation speed of the fan 36 set in step S103 (step S121). When the operation of the air purifier 3 is switched from the sleep estimation mode to the normal operation mode, the processor 31 increases the upper limit value of the rotation speed of the fan 36 in step S121.

[0051] When the processor 31 executes the second drive process 312, the control system 100A according to the first embodiment can estimate the sleep state of the user using the air purifier 3. That is, the control system 100A according to the first embodiment can obtain the sleep cycle as the sleep state of the user using the air purifier 3.

[0052] The sleep cycle representing the user's sleep state may be stored in the sleep state storage unit 322 of the memory 32 and used in other processes executed by the processor 31. For example, in the fourth drive process 314 corresponding to the sleep mode, the processor 31 reads the sleep cycle from the memory 32 and may set different upper limit values ​​for the rotation speed of the fan 36 during the first level period R1 and the second level period R2. For example, in the fourth drive process 314, the processor 31 may set the upper limit value for the rotation speed during the second level period R2, when the user is in deep sleep, to be higher than the upper limit value for the first level period R1, when the user is in light sleep. The sleep cycle may also be used in the maximum airflow determination mode and the wake-up assist mode, which will be described later.

[0053] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the third drive process 313 corresponding to the maximum airflow determination mode executed in step S5 of Fig. 4. The control unit 30 of the control system 100A is configured to determine the upper limit of the rotation speed (maximum airflow) of the fan 36 when the user is sleeping, based on the detection result of the air quality detection unit 33.

[0054] Specifically, the processor 31 reads the user's sleep cycle from the sleep state storage unit 322 (step S201). In step S201, the processor 31 may execute the second drive process 312 (sleep estimation mode) of Fig. 5, or may read from the sleep state storage unit 322 the sleep cycle stored as a result of the second drive process 312 previously executed.

[0055] The processor 31 estimates the timing at which the user fell asleep (step S203). In step S203, the processor 31 can estimate the timing at which the user fell asleep in the same manner as in steps S105 and S107 of Fig. 5. After obtaining the timing at which the user fell asleep, the processor 31 estimates, as an example, a period R2 of the second level of the user based on the user's sleep cycle read out in step S201, and determines the upper limit of the rotation speed of the fan 36 during the period R2 based on the detection result of the air quality detection unit 33.

[0056] Specifically, the processor 31 rotates the fan 36 at a predetermined rotation speed during the period estimated to be the user's second level period R2, and reads the sensor value obtained from the sensor signal from the air quality detection unit 33 (step S207). The predetermined rotation speed is, for example, the rotation speed of the fan 36 in the sleep estimation mode. This allows the sensor value corresponding to the user's body movement during the second level period R2 to be obtained.

[0057] During the period R2 estimated to be the user's second level, processor 31 increases the rotation speed by a predetermined amount and reads the sensor value obtained from the sensor signal from air quality detection unit 33 (step S209). Processor 31 repeats step S209 until the increased sensor value is greater than the sensor value before the increase (NO in step S211). As a result, during the period R2 estimated to be the user's second level, the rotation speed of fan 36 increases stepwise until the sensor value is greater than the sensor value before the increase.

[0058] If the increased sensor value is greater than the sensor value before the increase (YES in step S211), processor 31 determines the rotation speed before the increase as the upper limit rotation speed (maximum airflow) for period R2 (step S213), and ends the series of operations.

[0059] As sleep becomes shallower, body movement increases during sleep. When body movement increases during sleep, the sensor value obtained from the sensor signal of the air quality detection unit 33 increases. If the fan 36 is rotated at a rotation speed corresponding to the detection of a large amount of body movement, the driving noise may disturb the user's sleep. By performing the process of FIG. 7 , the control system 100A according to the first embodiment can obtain an upper limit value for the rotation speed of the fan 36 that will not disturb the user's sleep during the second level period R2 using the air purifier 3. By setting the obtained upper limit value as the upper limit value for the rotation speed in sleep mode, the driving noise of the air purifier 3 in sleep mode can be set to a volume that will not disturb the user's sleep, even when the fan 36 is at its maximum airflow rate.

[0060] 7, in the third drive process 313, the processor 31 determines the upper limit of the rotation speed (maximum airflow) based on the sensor value that indicates the user's body movement during the second level period R2 of the user's sleep cycle. At the first level, the user's sleep is lighter and there is more body movement than at the second level. Therefore, at the first level, it is easier to determine whether or not sleep has been disturbed by the drive sound using body movement.

[0061] The period during which processor 31 determines the upper limit of the rotation speed (maximum airflow) in third drive processing 313 is not limited to second level period R2, but may be first level period R1. The upper limit of the rotation speed (maximum airflow) determined during first level period R1, when the user is in light sleep, is smaller than the upper limit of the rotation speed determined during second level period R2. Therefore, by setting the upper limit of the rotation speed determined during first level period R1, when the user is in light sleep, as the upper limit of the rotation speed in sleep mode, the driving noise of air purifier 3 in sleep mode can be reduced.

[0062] Alternatively, in the third drive process 313, the processor 31 may determine the upper limit value of the rotation speed (maximum airflow) for each of the first level period R1 and the second level period R2. In this case, the upper limit value obtained in the first level period R1 can be set as the upper limit value of the rotation speed for the first level period R1 in sleep mode, and the upper limit value obtained in the second level period R2 can be set as the upper limit value of the rotation speed for the second level period R2 in sleep mode. This allows the processor 31 to perform the purification operation using different upper limit values ​​of the rotation speed for the first level period R1 and the second level period R2 in sleep mode.

[0063] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the fifth drive process 315 corresponding to the wake-up assist mode executed in step S6 of Fig. 4. The control unit 30 of the control system 100A is configured to perform the wake-up assist process during a period R1 when the user's sleep state is at the first level. The wake-up assist process includes setting the rotation speed of the fan 36 to a predetermined value or higher that is greater than the lower limit of the rotation speed, regardless of the detection result of the air quality detection unit 33.

[0064] Specifically, the processor 31 reads out the user's sleep cycle from the sleep state storage unit 322 (step S303). In step S303, the processor 31 may execute the second drive process 312 (sleep estimation mode) of Fig. 5, or may read out from the sleep state storage unit 322 the sleep cycle stored as a result of the second drive process 312 previously executed.

[0065] The processor 31 estimates the timing at which the user fell asleep (step S305). In step S305, the processor 31 can estimate the timing at which the user fell asleep in the same manner as in step S203 in FIG. 7 and steps S105 and S107 in FIG. 5.

[0066] The processor 31 reads out the scheduled wake-up time (step S307). For example, the scheduled wake-up time may be set by a user operation, may be a predetermined time (e.g., 7:00, 8:00, etc.), or may be a set time after the sleep onset timing estimated in step S305.

[0067] When the estimated sleep onset timing and the planned wake-up time are obtained, the processor 31 determines a first level period R1 for performing the wake-up assist action based on the user's sleep cycle read out in step S303 (step S309).

[0068] In step S309, for example, processor 31 determines whether the scheduled wake-up time is included in the first level period R1 or the second level period R2 in the sleep cycle starting from the estimated sleep onset timing. If the scheduled wake-up time is included in the first level period R1, processor 31 sets the period R1 including the scheduled wake-up time as the period R for performing the wake-up assist operation. If the scheduled wake-up time is included in period R2, processor 31 sets the period R1 immediately before period R2 including the scheduled wake-up time as the period R for performing the wake-up assist operation.

[0069] Preferably, during periods other than the period during which the wake-up assist operation is performed, the processor 31 performs the same process as the fourth drive process 314 (sleep mode). That is, as an example, the processor 31 controls the rotation of the fan 36 in accordance with the detection result of the air quality detection unit 33, using the upper limit value of the rotation speed in the sleep mode.

[0070] Processor 31 measures the elapsed time from the estimated fall asleep timing, and when the time period for performing the wake-up assist operation determined in step S309 has elapsed (YES in step S311), processor 31 performs the wake-up assist operation (step S313). In step S313, processor 31 sets the rotation speed of fan 36 to a predetermined value that is greater than the lower limit of the rotation speed, for example. Preferably, the predetermined value is greater than the rotation speed of fan 36 at the start of the wake-up assist operation. More preferably, the predetermined value is greater than the upper limit of the rotation speed of fan 36 determined in the maximum air volume determination mode of FIG. 7.

[0071] Preferably, in step S313, the processor 31 increases the rotation speed of the fan 36 over time. As one example, the processor 31 increases the rotation speed of the fan 36 in stages by a predetermined number of rotations. As another example, the processor 31 increases the rotation speed of the fan 36 gradually and continuously.

[0072] Processor 31 continues the wake-up assist operation (step S313) until the wake-up assist mode ends (NO in step S315). The wake-up assist mode may end, for example, at the end of the first level period R1 during which the wake-up assist operation is performed, or at the end of a predetermined time period from the start of the wake-up assist operation. Processor 31 may also accept a predetermined user operation to end the wake-up assist operation. When the wake-up assist mode ends (YES in step S315), processor 31 ends the wake-up assist operation and completes the series of operations.

[0073] 8, processor 31 reads out and uses the expected wake-up time in step S307 to determine the first level period R1 for performing the wake-up assist operation. However, as another example, the first level period R1 may be determined without using the expected wake-up time. In this case, processor 31 can determine the first level period R1 in a predetermined number of sleep cycles from the sleep onset timing estimated in step S305 as the period for performing the wake-up assist operation. The predetermined number may be set in advance, for example, to 4 or 5, or may be settable or changeable by a user operation.

[0074] As the rotation speed of the fan 36 increases, the driving noise of the air purifier 3 increases. By increasing the driving noise of the air purifier 3 during the first level period R1, which is light sleep, the user's sleep becomes lighter, leading to a more natural wake-up. In this way, the control system 100A according to the first embodiment can use the air purifier 3 to assist the user in waking up.

[0075] [Second embodiment] The sleep cycles stored in the sleep state storage unit 322 of the memory 32 of the air purifier 3 do not have to be those estimated by the control unit 30. As another example, the control unit 30 of the air purifier 3 may have a communication unit (not shown) and acquire the sleep cycles from another device such as a smartphone or a wearable device. In this case, in the processing of the maximum airflow determination mode in FIG. 7 and the processing of the wake-up assist mode in FIG. 8, the processor 31 uses the sleep cycles acquired from the other device and stored in the sleep state storage unit 322.

[0076] The sleep cycle acquired from another device may include a first-level period R1 and a second-level period R2, or may include only the periods R1 and R2. If the sleep cycle acquired from another device does not include periods R1 and R2, processor 31 may estimate the first-level period R1 and the second-level period R2 in the sleep cycle and use them in the maximum airflow determination mode process of FIG. 7 and the wake-up assist mode process of FIG. 8. In this case, estimation of periods R1 and R2 may be performed by applying the ratio of periods R1 and R2 in a pre-stored sleep cycle to the acquired sleep cycle, for example. As another example, control unit 30 of air purifier 3 may acquire a first-level period R1 for performing a wake-up assist operation from another device instead of or in addition to the sleep cycle.

[0077] [Third embodiment] At least a portion of the control of the air purifier 3 described in the first and second embodiments may be performed by another device. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system 100B according to a third embodiment. The control system 100B includes a control unit 30 of the air purifier 3 and a control unit 10 of the server 1. In this case, the control unit 30 of the air purifier 3 and the control unit 10 of the server 1 may function as a single control unit. The control system 100B may further include a control unit 20 of the user terminal 2. In this case, the control unit 30 of the air purifier 3, the control unit 10 of the server 1, and the control unit 20 of the user terminal 2 may function as a single control unit. The control unit 30 of the air purifier 3 can communicate with the server 1 via a communication network 5 such as the Internet. In the control system 100B according to the third embodiment, at least a portion of the control of the air purifier 3 described in the first and second embodiments is performed by the control unit 10 of the server 1 and / or the control unit 20 of the user terminal 2.

[0078] <3. Notes> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1: Server, 2: User terminal, 3: Air purifier, 10, 20, 30: Control unit, 33: Air quality detection unit, 33A: Dust sensor, 33B: Odor sensor, 36: Fan, 100A, 100B: Control system, 311: First drive process (normal operation mode), 312: Second drive process (sleep estimation mode), 313: Third drive process (maximum airflow determination mode), 314: Fourth drive process (sleep mode), 315: Fifth drive process (wake-up assist mode), C1 to C3: Sleep cycle, R1: First level period, R2: Second level period

Claims

1. A control system for controlling an air purifier having an air quality detection unit that detects air quality, and a control unit configured to perform a wake-up assist process of increasing the rotation speed of the fan of the air purifier to a predetermined value greater than a lower limit rotation speed value, regardless of the detection result of the air quality detection unit, during a first period in which the depth of the user's sleep is at a first level where the depth of sleep of the user is shallow. Air purifier control system.

2. The wake-up assist process includes increasing the rotation speed of the fan over time. The control system for an air purifier according to claim 1 .

3. The control unit is further configured to acquire information about a scheduled wake-up time, The control unit performs the wake-up assist process during the first period immediately before the scheduled wake-up time or during the first period including the scheduled wake-up time. The control system for an air purifier according to claim 1 .

4. The control unit is further configured to determine the first period for performing the wake-up assist process based on a sleep cycle that starts from an estimated timing of the user falling asleep and is a cycle of the first level and a second level whose depth of sleep is deeper than the first level. The control system for an air purifier according to claim 1 .

5. The control unit further Accepts input of detection results from the illuminance sensor, The sleep onset estimation timing is estimated based on the timing at which the detection result falls below a threshold. The control system for an air purifier according to claim 4.

6. Determining the first period for which the wake-up assist processing is to be performed includes determining the first period in a predetermined number of sleep cycles from the estimated sleep onset timing as the first period for which the wake-up assist processing is to be performed. The control system for an air purifier according to claim 4.

7. The control unit is configured to set an upper limit value of the rotation speed of the fan during a second period in which the depth of the user's sleep is at a second level deeper than the first level, to be greater than an upper limit value of the rotation speed of the fan during the first period. The control system for an air purifier according to claim 1 .

8. Equipped with a control system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 Air purifier.

9. A control method for an air purifier having an air quality detection unit that detects air quality, During a first period when the depth of the user's sleep is at a first level, the rotation speed of the fan of the air purifier is set to a predetermined value or more that is greater than a lower limit value of the rotation speed, regardless of the detection result of the air quality detection unit. How to control an air purifier.

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