Support program and support system for using household water treatment equipment.

Abstract

The objective of the present invention is to provide a program and system to help users stably use household water treatment equipment. [Solution] The aforementioned objective is solved by a program for assisting the use of a household water treatment device, which is to be executed by a computer, and which includes an information acquisition step of acquiring user information of the household water treatment device and user water usage information; an information selection step of selecting instruction information related to the use of the household water treatment device based on the user information and user water usage information, or selecting warning information and / or feedback information related to the use of the household water treatment device in place of or together with the instruction information; and an information output step of outputting the information selected in the information selection step.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a usage support program for a household water treatment device and a usage support system for a household water treatment device.

Background Art

[0002] Self-circulating water treatment devices can be installed for each dwelling such as a house, and purify domestic wastewater discharged from drainage facilities such as washrooms, toilets, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens so that it can be reused.

[0003] When using a household water treatment device, problems such as insufficient remaining water volume in the storage tank of the household water treatment device and deterioration of the purification ability of the household water treatment device may occur depending on the water usage pattern of the residents (users) living in the dwelling. Therefore, it is required that users use the household water treatment device appropriately, but it is not easy to manage water usage at home while living.

[0004] Programs and systems for supporting the operation of water treatment facilities in relatively large-scale water treatment plants are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a water treatment facility operation support program and device that outputs coping guidance inferred based on data representing the operation state of a water treatment facility and data representing the results of coping by a user with respect to the operation state of the water treatment facility.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] <00元素 According to the water treatment equipment operation support program and device described in Patent Document 1, a user who is the operator manager of the water treatment equipment at a water treatment plant can link data representing the operating status of the water treatment equipment with data representing past handling results to know what needs to be done next. However, in such large-scale water treatment plants, the treatment of water to be treated is relatively standardized, and it does not involve micro-level management and operation of domestic wastewater discharged from individual drainage facilities such as washrooms, toilets, bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, dehumidifiers, and air conditioners in a home.

[0007] Furthermore, in the case of household water treatment systems, the user is both the administrator and the user of the system, meaning that the user's actions directly affect the remaining water volume and purification capacity of the system. Therefore, in order to prevent problems related to household water treatment systems, the guidance provided by the water treatment equipment operation support program and device described in Patent Document 1 is insufficient, and it is necessary to encourage users to change their behavior so that they use household water treatment systems appropriately in their daily lives.

[0008] However, there are currently very few programs and systems available to help people use household water treatment systems properly.

[0009] Therefore, the problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a program and system to support users in stably using household water treatment equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] While diligently conducting research to solve the aforementioned problems, the inventors conceived of selecting and outputting information directed to the user according to the user's level of proficiency (familiarity) with using the household water treatment device. Furthermore, they considered that the user's level of proficiency could be determined or inferred from information about the user and information about the user's water usage patterns.

[0011] Based on these ideas, the inventors, after repeated trial and error, succeeded in creating a user support program and system for a household water treatment device that includes an information acquisition step, an information selection step, and an information output step, and which selects and outputs information for the user based on the said information, thereby solving the problems of the present invention. The present invention is completed based on these initial ideas and successful examples made by the inventors.

[0012] In other words, according to each aspect of the present invention, the following embodiments are provided. [1] A user support program for household water treatment equipment to be run on a computer, It includes an information acquisition step, an information selection step, and an information output step, The aforementioned information acquisition step acquires user information of the household water treatment device and user water usage information. The information selection step selects instruction information relating to the use of a household water treatment device based on the user information and the user's water usage information, or, in place of or together with the instruction information, selects at least one type of information selected from the group consisting of cautionary information and feedback information relating to the use of a household water treatment device. The information output step outputs the information selected in the information selection step. The aforementioned program. [2] The program described in item [1], wherein the instruction information is at least one type of instruction information selected from the group consisting of household water treatment equipment and its components, and information terminals for operating and monitoring them. [3] The program described in item [1], wherein the user's water usage information is at least one type of information selected from the group consisting of the water quality and volume of water flowing into and out of the household water treatment device, and statistical and virtual information based thereon. [4] A support system for the use of household water treatment equipment, It includes an information acquisition unit, an information selection unit, and an information output unit. The information acquisition unit acquires user information and user water usage information for the household water treatment device. The information selection unit selects instruction information relating to the use of the household water treatment device based on the user information and the user's water usage information, or, in place of or together with the instruction information, selects at least one type of information selected from the group consisting of warning information and feedback information relating to the use of the household water treatment device. The information output unit outputs the information selected in the information selection step. The aforementioned system. [5] A server connected to a network, It comprises a communication unit, a control unit, and a storage unit. The aforementioned communication unit communicates with the household water treatment device, and The control unit is the server which executes the program described in item [1] stored in the storage unit. [6] A method for supporting the use of a household water treatment device, It includes an information acquisition step, an information selection step, and an information output step, The aforementioned information acquisition step acquires user information of the household water treatment device and user water usage information. The information selection step selects instruction information relating to the use of a household water treatment device based on the user information and the user's water usage information, or, in place of or together with the instruction information, selects at least one type of information selected from the group consisting of cautionary information and feedback information relating to the use of a household water treatment device. The information output step outputs the information selected in the information selection step. The aforementioned method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, based on information about the user and information about the user's water usage, the user will be able to use the household water treatment device stably according to the user's level of proficiency.

[0014] According to the present invention, a user can be liberated from the troubles related to the use and troubles of a household water treatment device, and furthermore, the behavior of the user can be changed to stably use the household water treatment device. As a result, through the present invention, it is expected that the user will become attached to the household water treatment device to be used.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a use support system 1 for a household water treatment device according to an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a computer system of the use support system 10 for a household water treatment device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a user information structure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a user's water usage information structure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an instruction information structure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a household water treatment device 200. [Figure 7ABC] FIG. 7ABC is a diagram showing an example of a warning / feedback information structure regarding daily water usage. [Figure 7DE] FIG. 7DE is a diagram showing an example of a warning / feedback information structure regarding weekly water usage. [Figure 7FGH] FIG. 7FGH is a diagram showing an example of a warning / feedback information structure regarding monthly water usage. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the functions of the use support system 10 for a household water treatment device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a use support program for a household water treatment device.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] The details of each aspect of the present invention will be described below, but the present invention can take various forms insofar as it achieves its objective.

[0017] In this specification, unless otherwise specified, each term is used in the sense commonly used by those skilled in the art, such as in the fields of water treatment and software, and should not be interpreted as having an unreasonably restrictive meaning. Furthermore, since the assumptions and theories made herein are based on the inventors' prior knowledge and experience, the present invention is not limited solely to such assumptions and theories.

[0018] "Comprise," "contain," and "include" mean that elements other than those explicitly included can be added (synonymous with "at least include"), but they also encompass "consist of" and "essentially consist of." In other words, "comprise" can mean including the explicitly included elements and any one or more of those elements, consisting of the explicitly included elements, or essentially consisting of the explicitly included elements. "Have" is synonymous with "comprise." Elements include limitations such as parts, means, components, processes, conditions, and parameters. "And / or" means any one of the listed related items, any combination of two or more, or all of the combinations thereof. Throughout this specification, unless the context clearly indicates a singular term, it shall be understood to include plural terms. As used herein, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based solely on" unless otherwise specified. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based solely on" and "based at least on."

[0019] [Summary of the Invention] One aspect of the present invention is a user support program for a household water treatment system that causes a computer to perform actions to assist a user in using the household water treatment system. Another aspect of the present invention is a user support method for a household water treatment system that assists a user in using the household water treatment system. A user support program and method for a household water treatment system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an information acquisition step, an information selection step, and an information output step as basic steps.

[0020] Another aspect of the present invention is a user support system for a household water treatment device that assists users in using the household water treatment device. A user support system for a household water treatment device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an information acquisition unit, an information selection unit, and an information output unit as its basic configuration.

[0021] For users to use household water treatment systems reliably, they need to understand the things they need to check and the operating procedures to prevent problems. However, if a vast amount of information regarding the use of household water treatment systems is provided to users all at once, it is difficult for users to grasp all of it and act based on the information given. For example, if cautionary information regarding the use of household water treatment systems is provided to a first-time user immediately after installation, the first-time user may not be able to deal with it appropriately. On the other hand, if instruction information such as things to check and operating procedures regarding the use of household water treatment systems is provided to an expert user who is familiar with using the system, the expert user may find it troublesome and may overlook the information. Therefore, it is desirable to provide users with information regarding the use of household water treatment systems that is appropriate to their level of proficiency in using the system.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, a user support program, method, and system for a household water treatment device determines or infers the user's proficiency in using the household water treatment device based on acquired user information and the user's water usage information, and then selects and outputs information according to the user's proficiency level. This allows for the provision of instructional information regarding the use of the household water treatment device to beginner users and cautionary information to expert users. As a result, both beginner users and expert users can use the household water treatment device stably based on the appropriate information provided.

[0023] For first-time users, we encourage autonomous support until the household water treatment system is in stable operation. Specifically, to support the use of the household water treatment system, we display concise and clear information, enabling users to reliably notice and address issues related to the system's operation and maintenance. As a result, we encourage first-time users who are encountering a household water treatment system for the first time to accept changes in their water usage behavior.

[0024] For expert users, the aim is to promote an understanding of the usage and mechanisms of home water treatment systems and to improve their operational level. Furthermore, it is to foster an attachment to home water treatment systems and cultivate empathy so that they can talk about their appeal. Specifically, this involves presenting information in a way that inspires trust and affection, encouraging intelligent support for water use optimized for each residence, promoting an understanding of the meaning, significance, and mechanisms of maintenance, promoting an objective evaluation of residents' water use and an understanding of areas for improvement, raising awareness of contributions to the residential area and the surrounding world, and assisting residents in understanding the information communicated by the software application (program).

[0025] Furthermore, feedback information can be selected and output to start users and expert users. By providing feedback tailored to the user's daily timeline, it is expected that behavioral changes will be encouraged to ensure the stable operation of the household water treatment system. Users have a desire to quickly understand whether they are using the household water treatment system appropriately and to maintain their awareness of water usage, which tends to fade. To satisfy these desires, by selecting and outputting appropriate feedback information over a 24-hour period, it is possible to encourage users to be mindful of their daily water usage. In addition, through the feedback information, manufacturers of household water treatment systems can monitor the user's peak water usage during the day, actions that increase drainage load, and understand the user's learning depth regarding the household water treatment system.

[0026] By comprehensively analyzing user information for household water treatment systems and user water usage information, it may be possible to encourage behavioral changes in users not only through daily information presentations but also through weekly or monthly information presentations.

[0027] For example, users have a desire to understand their usage patterns over time and receive advice on water usage for the following week. Therefore, feedback information that satisfies these needs can be output once a week, for example, on weekends or Sunday mornings, to encourage users to change their behavior. Manufacturers of household water treatment systems can then reflect on the causes of anomalies such as insufficient water supply or high drainage loads.

[0028] Users have a desire to understand their water usage patterns by day of the week, gain a sense of accomplishment from using water appropriately throughout the month, and maintain motivation to continue the stable operation of their home water treatment system in the long term. Therefore, feedback information that satisfies these desires should be output once a month, for example, on the billing date at the end of the month, to encourage users to change their behavior. Home water treatment system manufacturers can expect to learn that users are continuing to use their home water treatment systems stably in the long term and that they are fostering an awareness of contributing to their community and the environment.

[0029] The selected and outputted information may be either cautionary information or feedback information regarding the use of household water treatment systems, but preferably both, or comprehensive information including both, such as a report. Generally, feedback information regarding water usage alone tends to make it difficult for users to be motivated to use water appropriately. In particular, the longer the period of use of household water treatment systems, the more difficult it tends to be to encourage preventative measures before problems such as running out of water occur. For example, as users gain a better understanding of what constitutes high water usage and how to deal with it, they may become complacent and their interest in using household water treatment systems may diminish. In such cases, it is preferable to combine cautionary information and feedback information and present more advanced information to the user as useful information according to their level of proficiency.

[0030] From a user's perspective, as they become accustomed to using a household water treatment system, the minimum amount of water they need for daily life remains unchanged. Therefore, they tend to seek proactive advice and solutions for unexpected water shortages. Furthermore, feedback information is not something users want to check daily, or if the period between checks is extended, their memory may fade, and they may not be able to recall the circumstances under which a problem occurred. Thus, the preference for outputting warning information and feedback information—whether combined, separated, or with varying emphasis—may differ depending on the situation. Therefore, it is preferable to control these based on user information for the household water treatment system and the user's water usage information.

[0031] The following describes various aspects and embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, elements that are not relevant to the present invention (for example, the user) are omitted from the illustration.

[0032] [Support system for using household water treatment equipment] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of a user support system 1 for a household water treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 shows a terminal 30 for inputting information to the user support system 1 for the household water treatment device and / or outputting information from the user support system 1 for the household water treatment device, along with the household water treatment device 20. Note that if the user support system 1 for the household water treatment device or the household water treatment device 20 has an information input function and / or an information output function, the terminal 30 is omitted. The household water treatment device 20 and the terminal 30 together are also referred to as the household water treatment device 20, etc. The user support system 1 for the household water treatment device may be built into or integrated with the household water treatment device 20, or it may be physically separate from the household water treatment device 20. The household water treatment device 20 is not limited to water treatment devices installed in general houses (including apartment buildings), but may also be water treatment devices installed in lodges, accommodations, villas, private spaces in commercial buildings, campervans, leisure boats, yachts, private jets, etc. Specifically, it may be a circulating water treatment device.

[0033] The information acquisition function F1 of the household water treatment device user support system 1 acquires information from the household water treatment device 20, etc. The information acquired is the user information D1 of the household water treatment device and the user's water usage information D2.

[0034] User information D1 is information about residents (users) of the residence where the household water treatment system 20 is installed, who will use the household water treatment system 20. This information includes, for example, the number of users, age, gender, health status, and preferences. User information D1 also includes the number of times, duration, frequency, and timing of past water use. Water usage scenarios such as bathing, showering, laundry, cooking, handwashing, face washing, and toilet use differ depending on the user. It is preferable to obtain past water usage information as user information D1 before using the household water treatment system 20. Past water usage information may be obtained from information on the water meter before the installation of the household water treatment system 20, for example, the amount of cubic meters used as listed in the water rate table, the amount of water flowing into the septic tank, etc.

[0035] User water usage information D2 is information about water usage based on the user's use of the household water treatment device 20. User water usage information D2 includes information about the user's actual water usage, such as the amount of water used (untreated water) and the amount of water available (treated water), and the quality of the water used (untreated water), as well as statistical information generated by extracting and processing this information, and hypothetical information determined by comparing this information with reference values, applying mathematical models, or inferring it through machine learning. Actual water usage may be, for example, the detection values ​​of various sensors equipped in the household water treatment device 20. User water usage information D2 includes abnormal water information such as water shortages, water overloads and the risks thereof, as well as the number and frequency of these occurrences, derived from this information. In other words, user water usage information D2 may include information obtained as a result of the user's use of the household water treatment device 20, and any information obtained by extracting, processing, determining, inferring, etc., this information.

[0036] The information selection function F2 of the household water treatment device user support system 1 selects the information to be output based on the acquired user information D1 and user water usage information D2 of the household water treatment device. The selected information is instruction information D3 and warning information / feedback information D4.

[0037] Instruction information D3 is information regarding the use of the household water treatment device 20. Instruction information D3 includes information that prompts the user to ensure the household water treatment device 20 functions properly, such as operating instructions for the household water treatment device 20, actions to avoid in daily life, monitoring items, and operation check items. Instruction information D3 also includes information explaining the operation and output information of the household water treatment device user support system 1, information to encourage the user to check the output screen before using water, information to encourage the user to be aware of times when water shortages are likely to occur, weather information to check and predict current and future rainfall amounts, information on items to avoid flushing down the drain, information to prevent the load on the drainage treatment system, information on areas requiring regular maintenance (including consumables), information on maintenance methods, and personalized water usage suggestions closely related to user information. The content and output timing of instruction information D3 may be fixed.

[0038] Warning / feedback information D4 is information intended to help users improve or maintain their usage of the household water treatment device 20. Warning / feedback information D4 may consist of warning information only, feedback information only, or a combination of both. Warning information in warning / feedback information D4 may include warnings about current or future water shortages, warnings about current or future wastewater treatment overloads, and warnings about current or future malfunctions of the household water treatment device 20. Feedback information may include information that visualizes the user's water usage information D2 using tables or graphs, and information that evaluates the user's water usage using text or numerical values. Combined information may include report information created by combining warning information and feedback information, but it is not necessary to strictly separate warning information and feedback information.

[0039] Information selection is based on user information D1 and user water usage information D2 for the household water treatment system. For example, based on this information, the user's proficiency level of the household water treatment system 20 is determined or inferred. If the proficiency level is low, instruction information D3 is selected; if the proficiency level is moderate, instruction information D3 and warning / feedback information D4 are selected; and if the proficiency level is high, warning / feedback information D4 is selected primarily.

[0040] The information output function F3 of the household water treatment device user support system 1 outputs the selected information. The information output can be made in a way that the user can confirm, such as through a screen or audio. The output destination device may be the household water treatment device user support system 1, the household water treatment device 20, the terminal 30, or a combination of these.

[0041] Based on the outputted information, the start user can use the household water treatment system 20 appropriately, and the expert user can maintain or improve the appropriate use of the household water treatment system 20. As a result, the household water treatment system user support system 1 can encourage users of the household water treatment system 20 to change their behavior regarding water use in their daily lives.

[0042] [Embodiment of a support system for the use of household water treatment equipment] One embodiment of a household water treatment device user support system according to one aspect of the present invention is described below.

[0043] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of the user support system 10 for a household water treatment device as a computer system. The user support system 10 for a household water treatment device comprises a processor 10, memory 12, communication device 13, input device 14, and output device 15.

[0044] The processor 11 comprehensively controls the user support system 10 of the household water treatment system so that the user support system 10 performs each function. The processor 11, also called the CPU (Central Processing Unit), executes various functions according to the program 121 stored in the memory 12. The program 121 includes the base OS (Operating System) program, application programs including the user support program for the household water treatment system, etc. The processor 11 is connected to the memory 12, communication device 13, input device 14 and output device 15 via a bus, and may also be connected to other devices.

[0045] The communication device 13 communicates with the household water treatment device 200 and the terminal 300 via wired or wireless connection, or via a network. The household water treatment device user support system 10 obtains the user's water usage information via the communication device 13.

[0046] The input device 14 receives information input and operation from external sources such as users and maintainers of the household water treatment system 200 to the household water treatment system user support system 10, and examples include a keyboard, mouse, and voice input device. The household water treatment system user support system 10 acquires user information through the input device 14.

[0047] The output device 15 outputs information related to the household water treatment device 200, and examples include a screen such as an LCD display and a speaker. The household water treatment device user support system 10 outputs the selected information through the output device 15.

[0048] In the household water treatment device user support system 10, various functions are executed by the processor 11, the physical components that acquire information (information acquisition unit) are the communication device 13 and the input device 14, the physical component that selects the information to be output (information selection unit) is the processor 11, and the physical component that outputs information (information output unit) is the output device 15.

[0049] Memory 12 stores a program 121 to be executed by the processor 11, a database (DB) 122 that stores data such as user information and user water usage information acquired by the communication device 13 and input device 14, setting information 123 for the household water treatment device user support system 10 and the household water treatment device 200, a model 124 created by determination or learning based on the user information and user water usage information, and a history (log) 125 of selected and output information. Memory 12 may be, for example, a storage device such as ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disk, an SSD, or a combination thereof.

[0050] The household water treatment device user support system 10, based on user information and user water usage information stored in DB 122 in memory 12, has the processor 11 execute an information selection function according to program 121 in memory 12. The information to be output is selected by referring to model 124. Model 124 may be a model that is not updated or a model that is updated. An example of a model that is updated is a machine learning model that utilizes AI (Artificial Intelligence).

[0051] The following describes some non-restrictive examples of information selection using machine learning models. The algorithms used to learn and infer selected information include, but are not limited to, unsupervised learning models such as k-means clustering and lazy learning algorithms such as k-nearest neighbors.

[0052] Information selection using a machine learning model is divided into a learning phase and an inference phase. In the learning phase, model 124 is trained. Model 124 is trained using integrated data based on user information and user water usage information stored in DB 122 in memory 12 as input data. The integrated data may include pre-configured data and standard data that correct or supplement the aforementioned information. During the training of model 124, the parameter values ​​constituting model 124 are adjusted so that the training result data output is suitable for the input data. The training result data is the data resulting from the training of the selected information.

[0053] In the inference phase, the trained model 124, i.e., the updated model 124, is input with integrated data including newly acquired user information and user water usage information, as well as the training result data. Inference processing is performed to obtain inference result data. The inference result data is the data of the inference result of the selected information. The inference processing can be performed using the algorithm described above, etc.

[0054] The household water treatment device user support system 10 selects and outputs instruction information and warning / feedback information based on user information and user water usage information, either by determining using an unupdated model 124 or by inferring using an updated model 124.

[0055] The following describes a specific example of information acquired, selected, and output by the household water treatment system 10.

[0056] Figure 3 shows a specific example of user information stored in DB122. The user information stored in DB122 includes the age, gender, water usage tendencies (preferences), frequency of use, and daytime usage frequency of water facilities, which are determined based on the number of residents living in the residence. User information is entered before using the household water treatment device 200, but it may also be re-entered and edited to update it after the household water treatment device 200 has been put into use.

[0057] Figure 4 shows a specific example of user water usage information stored in DB122. The user water usage information stored in DB122 includes the amount of water used, electrical conductivity, and residual chlorine concentration of treated water (usable water) in the water storage tank of the household water treatment system 200, rainwater flowing into the household water treatment system 200, treated water in the treatment tank of the household water treatment system 200, and water quality such as electrical conductivity and residual chlorine concentration. User water usage information is acquired and stored when the resident user uses water, that is, when the household water treatment system 200 is used. User water usage information may be statistical information consisting of information acquired within a certain period, such as within a day, week, or month, or it may be virtual information obtained by extracting and processing some or all of this information.

[0058] Figure 5 shows a specific example of the selected and outputted instruction information. The instruction information is selected and output based on user information and user water usage information of the household water treatment system, using indicators such as the number of days since startup and the risk of malfunction of the household water treatment system 200. The instruction information may also be information related to the maintenance of the household water treatment system 200.

[0059] For example, for the first few weeks after starting to use the household water treatment system 200, instruction information is output frequently, allowing the user to complete initial learning about the system. During this time, the user comprehensively learns about water usage, drainage load, maintenance, etc. The frequency and content of the instruction information are adjusted according to the user's information, residence, and individual lifestyle. Furthermore, after the initial learning period, the system can understand the user's daily routine, such as waking up, going to bed, bathing, and doing laundry, based on their water usage information, thus optimizing the timing and content of the instruction information output. The frequency of instruction information output decreases as the user becomes more proficient.

[0060] Figure 6 shows an example of the configuration of a household water treatment system 200. The household water treatment system 200 comprises a control unit 201, a monitoring unit 202, a communication unit 203, and a water treatment main unit 210. The water treatment main unit 210 has a water storage tank and components responsible for water treatment as basic components, and has a structure that functions to treat wastewater received from outside the system, store the resulting treated water, and discharge the stored treated water outside the system. Examples of components responsible for water treatment in the water treatment main unit 210 include water treatment tanks such as chemical treatment tanks, biological treatment tanks, and filtration treatment tanks, membrane modules such as activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis membranes, membrane filters, and degassing membranes, and components such as ozone input devices, UV irradiation devices, chlorine input devices, electro-deionization devices, pumps, and valves.

[0061] The control unit 201 sends operational information such as the amount of treated water (residual water volume) and water quality, and the status of water treatment, detected by various sensors (not shown) installed in the household water treatment device 200, to the household water treatment device user support system 10 via the communication unit 203, either via the network or directly without going through the network.

[0062] The monitoring unit 202 monitors the status information and operating information of each component of the water treatment main unit 210, and sends this information, or information on components requiring maintenance, to the household water treatment device user support system 10 via the communication unit 203. The control unit 201 may also perform the functions of the monitoring unit 202.

[0063] Figure 7 shows specific examples of selected and outputted warning / feedback information. The warning / feedback information is output to the screens of the household water treatment device 200, terminal 300, etc.

[0064] Figures 7(A) to 7(C) show the warning / feedback information regarding daily water usage. The warning / feedback information can be output in report format along with the user's water usage information, including evaluations selected based on the user information of the household water treatment system 200 and the user's water usage information, and warning / feedback information accordingly. Furthermore, if the household water treatment system 200 stores water for domestic use and toilet use in separate storage tanks, the warning / feedback information may be for each storage tank.

[0065] Figures 7(D) to 7(E) show alert / feedback information regarding weekly water usage. Figures 7(F) to 7(H) show alert / feedback information regarding monthly water usage. The alert / feedback information may be a comprehensive report combining user water usage information, charges, alert / feedback text, ratings, and other evaluations. The alert / feedback information may also include, or consist of, information on future predictions learned and inferred based on user information of the household water treatment device 200 and the user's water usage information.

[0066] [Support program and support method for using household water treatment equipment] Referring to Figure 2, the processor 11 in the household water treatment device user support 10 executes the household water treatment device user support program stored in memory 12, thereby realizing the information acquisition unit 101, information selection unit 102, and information output unit 103, as shown in Figure 8. The processing of each unit will be explained in accordance with the flowchart shown in Figure 9. The flowchart shown in Figure 9 explains the processing routine of the household water treatment device user support program and the process of the household water treatment device user support method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] The information acquisition unit 101 acquires user information from the household water treatment device 200, terminal 300, etc., and user water usage information from the household water treatment device 200 (S101). The acquired user information and user water usage information are stored in DB122, respectively. The transmission of user water usage information from the household water treatment device 200 may be done automatically by the household water treatment device 200, or it may be done by the user operating the household water treatment device 200 or terminal 300.

[0068] The information selection unit 102 selects instruction information and / or warning information / feedback information based on the acquired user information and the user's water usage information (S102). The selection based on user information and the user's water usage information is made using indicators such as the user's proficiency with the household water treatment device 200, which is determined or inferred based on the user information and the user's water usage information.

[0069] The information output unit 103 outputs instruction information and / or warning information / feedback information selected by the information selection unit 102 (S103). The instruction information and / or warning information / feedback information is output to the household water treatment device 200, terminal 300, etc., by displaying text and / or images, by providing alarm sounds or voice messages, or by combining these.

[0070] [Another aspect of the present invention] Another aspect of the present invention is a network-connected server for executing a user support program for a household water treatment device according to one aspect of the present invention. The server according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a communication unit, a control unit, and a storage unit. The communication unit communicates with the household water treatment device. The control unit executes the user support program for the household water treatment device according to one aspect of the present invention, which is stored in the storage unit. The server according to one aspect of the present invention functions similarly to the user support system for the household water treatment device according to one aspect of the present invention, except that the communication of information is via a network.

[0071] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to any of the embodiments described above, and the components can be modified and implemented in practice without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining the multiple components disclosed in the embodiments. For example, some components from all the components shown in the embodiments may be modified by addition, deletion, substitution, etc. Furthermore, components and forms from different embodiments may be appropriately combined. [Industrial applicability]

[0072] A user support program and system for a household water treatment device according to one aspect of the present invention can be used to support users of a household water treatment device in using the device. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0073] 1.10 Support system for the use of household water treatment equipment 11 processors 12 memory 13. Communication equipment 14 Input devices 15 Output device 20,200 household water treatment devices 201 Control Unit 202 Monitoring Department 203 Communications Department 210 Water treatment main unit 30,300 devices

Claims

1. A user support program for household water treatment equipment to be run on a computer, It includes an information acquisition step, an information selection step, and an information output step, The aforementioned information acquisition step acquires user information of the household water treatment device and user water usage information. The information selection step selects instruction information relating to the use of a household water treatment device based on the user information and the user's water usage information, or, in place of or together with the instruction information, selects at least one type of information selected from the group consisting of warning information and feedback information relating to the use of a household water treatment device. The information output step outputs the information selected in the information selection step. The aforementioned program.

2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the instruction information is at least one type of instruction information selected from the group consisting of information relating to household water treatment equipment and its components, and information terminals for operating and monitoring them.

3. The program according to claim 1, wherein the user's water usage information is at least one type of information selected from the group consisting of the water quality and quantity of water flowing into and out of the household water treatment device, and statistical and virtual information based thereon.

4. A system to support the use of household water treatment equipment, It includes an information acquisition unit, an information selection unit, and an information output unit. The information acquisition unit acquires user information and user water usage information for the household water treatment device. The information selection unit selects instruction information relating to the use of the household water treatment device based on the user information and the user's water usage information, or, in place of or together with the instruction information, selects at least one type of information selected from the group consisting of warning information and feedback information relating to the use of the household water treatment device. The information output unit outputs the information selected in the information selection step. The aforementioned system.

5. A server connected to a network, It comprises a communication unit, a control unit, and a storage unit. The aforementioned communication unit communicates with the household water treatment device, and The control unit is the server which executes the program described in claim 1 stored in the storage unit.

6. A method for supporting the use of household water treatment equipment, It includes an information acquisition step, an information selection step, and an information output step, The aforementioned information acquisition step acquires user information of the household water treatment device and user water usage information. The information selection step selects instruction information relating to the use of a household water treatment device based on the user information and the user's water usage information, or, in place of or together with the instruction information, selects at least one type of information selected from the group consisting of warning information and feedback information relating to the use of a household water treatment device. The information output step outputs the information selected in the information selection step. The aforementioned method.

Images