Rain cover device, rain cover control system, rain cover control method, rain cover control method, and rain cover control program

Abstract

To operate a rain shielding cover for laundry more adequately.SOLUTION: A rain shielding cover device of the present invention includes: weather information acquisition means to acquire weather information; cover storage means to store a rain shielding cover for laundry; cover extending means to extend the stored rain shielding cover; communication means to communicate information with neighboring other rein shielding cover device; determination means to determine whether or not the rain shielding cover is extended based on the weather information and determination result of the other rein shielding cover device obtained by the communication means; and instruction means to give instruction to the cover extending means to extend the rein shielding cover when the determination means determines to extend the rein shielding cover.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to laundry, and in particular to a rain cover for laundry. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a clothes drying hanger equipped with a rain cover that automatically drops when it detects moisture and rainwater. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-158464 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When hanging a clothes drying hanger on a balcony, etc., it may be difficult to detect moisture and rainwater because it is blocked by the eaves of the balcony, etc. In this way, the clothes drying hanger disclosed in Patent Document 1 may have difficulty detecting moisture and rainwater.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a rain cover device that operates a rain cover for laundry more appropriately based on cooperation between devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A rain cover device in one form of the present invention includes weather information acquisition means for acquiring weather information, cover storage means for storing a rain cover for laundry, cover deployment means for deploying the stored rain cover, communication means for communicating information with other nearby rain cover devices, determination means for determining whether or not to deploy the rain cover based on the weather information and the determination results of the other rain cover devices acquired via the communication means, and instruction means for instructing the cover deployment means to deploy the rain cover when the determination means determines that the rain cover should be deployed.

[0007] A rain protection control system in one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of the above-mentioned rain protection cover devices, a second communication means for communicating with the rain protection cover devices, a destination extraction means for extracting rain protection cover devices to which the judgment result of the judgment means in the rain protection cover devices is provided based on location information of the rain protection cover devices acquired from the rain protection cover devices via the second communication means and the judgment result of the judgment means, and an information providing means for providing the judgment result of the judgment means in the rain protection cover devices to the extracted rain protection cover devices.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, a rain cover control method includes a rain cover device having a cover storage means for storing a rain cover for laundry and a cover deployment means for deploying the stored rain cover, which acquires weather information, determines whether to deploy the rain cover based on the weather information and the determination results of determination means in other nearby rain cover devices, and instructs the cover deployment means to deploy the rain cover when it is determined that the rain cover should be deployed.

[0009] In one embodiment of the rain cover control method of the present invention, a plurality of rain cover devices execute the above-mentioned rain cover method, and an information providing device extracts a rain cover device that provides a judgment result for the rain cover device based on position information of the rain cover device acquired from the rain cover device and the judgment result of the judgment means, and provides the judgment result for the rain cover device to the extracted rain cover device.

[0010] A rain cover control program in one form of the present invention causes a rain cover device, which has a cover storage means for storing a rain cover for laundry and a cover deployment means for deploying the stored rain cover, to execute the following processes: acquiring weather information, determining whether or not to deploy the rain cover based on the weather information and the determination results of the determination means of other nearby rain cover devices, and instructing the cover deployment means to deploy the rain cover when it is determined that the rain cover should be deployed. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve the effect of more appropriately operating a rain cover for laundry based on cooperation between devices. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a rain cover device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a rain cover device when attached to a clothes drying hanger for hanging a single garment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a rain cover apparatus when attached to a clothes hanger configured to hang a plurality of laundry items; FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the rain cover in an unfolded state. [Figure 6] 5 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of a determination unit and an instruction unit in the rain cover device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a rain protection control system that uses a rain protection cover device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a rain cover device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of an information providing device. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of a determination unit and an instruction unit in the rain cover device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration constituting a computer device included in the rain cover device. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] The embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments are not limited to those described in the drawings. In the following description, the same numbers are used for similar configurations in each drawing, and repeated description thereof may be omitted. In the following description, a hanger for hanging one piece of clothing is used as an example of a clothes drying hanger to which the rain cover device is applied. However, this does not limit the clothes drying hanger to which the embodiments are applied. For example, each embodiment may be applied to a clothes drying hanger equipped with multiple hangers, also known as a multi-hanger, or a clothes drying hanger equipped with multiple clothespins, also known as a "corner hanger" or "pinch hanger".

[0014] <First embodiment> 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a rain cover device 6 according to the first embodiment. The rain cover device 6 includes a weather information acquisition unit 1, a determination unit 2, a cover storage unit 3, a communication unit 4, a rain cover 7, an instruction unit 8, and a cover deployment unit 9.

[0015] The weather information acquisition unit 1 acquires weather information. Specifically, the weather information acquisition unit 1 acquires information related to the weather around the rain cover device 6 as the weather information. The weather information is information used to determine the deployment of the rain cover 7, and is, for example, "sunny" or "rain". However, the weather information is not limited to these. For example, the weather information may be "sunny", "cloudy", and "rain". Alternatively, the weather information acquisition unit 1 may acquire weather information that may wet laundry, such as haze, fog, snow, sleet, and hail, in addition to rain. The weather information may include weather information such as temperature, humidity, or wind speed. Then, the weather information acquisition unit 1 outputs the weather information to the determination unit 2.

[0016] In order to acquire weather information, the weather information acquisition unit 1 may include a sensor that measures conditions for determining the surrounding weather. The weather information acquisition unit 1 may then determine the weather using the measurement results of the sensor and use the determination results as weather information. In the following, as an example of the weather information acquisition unit 1 acquiring weather information, it is assumed that the weather information acquisition unit 1 includes a sensor and acquires weather information based on the measurement results of the sensor. However, the weather information acquisition unit 1 may be attached near the rain cover device 6 and acquire the measurement results from the sensor. For example, if the communication unit 4 includes a connector, the weather information acquisition unit 1 may acquire the measurement results from an external sensor connected to the connector.

[0017] The sensor may be, for example, but is not limited to, a humidity sensor that measures humidity, a moisture sensor that detects the amount of moisture in the air, a sunshine sensor that measures the amount of sunlight, a camera that captures the surroundings, or a microphone that captures the sound of rain. Below, as an example, a case will be described in which the weather information acquisition unit 1 uses the above sensors to determine whether it is "sunny" or "rainy." However, the determination by the weather information acquisition unit 1 is not limited to the following description. In the following description, "sunny" is an example of a state in which laundry does not get wet. Therefore, "sunny" in the following description includes cloudy weather.

[0018] (1) Moisture sensor When it rains, the moisture sensor detects moisture. Therefore, the weather information acquisition unit 1 may determine that it is sunny when the moisture sensor does not detect moisture, and may determine that it is raining when the moisture sensor detects moisture.

[0019] (2) Humidity sensor Humidity increases before it starts to rain. Therefore, the weather information acquisition unit 1 may determine that it is sunny when the humidity is equal to or lower than a threshold value, and determine that it is raining when the humidity exceeds the threshold value.

[0020] (3) Sunlight sensor When rain clouds spread, the rate at which the amount of sunlight decreases becomes greater than the rate at which it usually decreases with the movement of the sun in the evening, etc. Therefore, the weather information acquisition unit 1 may determine that it is sunny when the rate at which the amount of sunlight decreases is equal to or less than the rate at which it usually decreases with the movement of the sun, and may determine that it is raining when the rate at which the amount of sunlight decreases exceeds the rate at which it usually decreases with the movement of the sun.

[0021] (4) Camera When it rains, the range of rain clouds spreads. Therefore, the weather information acquisition unit 1 may determine the ratio of rain clouds in the sky based on an image of the sky captured by a camera. The weather information acquisition unit 1 may determine that it is sunny when the ratio of rain clouds is equal to or less than a threshold, and determine that it is raining when the ratio of rain clouds exceeds the threshold.

[0022] (5) Microphone When the sound of rain is loud, such as during heavy rain, the microphone can pick up the sound of the rain. Therefore, the weather information acquisition unit 1 may determine the source of the sound picked up by the microphone and acquire weather information. For example, the weather information acquisition unit 1 may determine that the sound is raining when the sound source is rain, and may determine that the sound is sunny when the sound source is not rain.

[0023] It is desirable to prevent particulate matter (PM) suspended in the air, such as pollen, yellow sand, or volcanic ash, from adhering to laundry, not only when it gets wet from rain. Therefore, the weather information acquisition unit 1 may be equipped with a sensor that detects particles, such as a pollen sensor or a PM sensor. In addition to or instead of the weather information, the weather information acquisition unit 1 may output information related to conditions that are different from the weather but in which it is better to protect the laundry, such as volcanic ash or pollen. PM is sometimes referred to according to the size of the particles, such as PM2.5, which is a small particle of 2.5 μm or less.

[0024] The cover storage unit 3 stores the rain cover 7 that protects the laundry from rain. For this purpose, for example, the cover storage unit 3 has a mechanical configuration for storing the rain cover 7. Then, the cover unfolding unit 9 unfolds the rain cover 7 stored in the cover storage unit 3 in response to an instruction from the instruction unit 8 to protect the laundry from rain. For this purpose, for example, the cover unfolding unit 9 has a power for unfolding the rain cover 7 and a controller for controlling the power. For example, when the cover storage unit 3 has a lid at the bottom of the structure for storing the rain cover 7, the cover unfolding unit 9 may have a configuration for opening the lid and unfold the rain cover 7 by opening the lid. Alternatively, the cover unfolding unit 9 may unfold the rain cover 7 using a power such as a spring or a motor. In this way, the cover unfolding unit 9 may use any power as a power for unfolding the rain cover 7. When a power such as a motor is used, the cover unfolding unit 9 may have a mechanism or means for storing the rain cover 7 in the cover storage unit 3 and may store the unfolded rain cover 7 in response to an instruction from the instruction unit 8. When the rain cover 7 is retractable, the cover unfolding unit 9 may use different powers for unfolding the rain cover 7 and for retracting the rain cover 7. For example, the cover unfolding unit 9 may unfold the rain cover 7 using a spring and retract the rain cover 7 using a motor. The material of the rain cover 7 may be any material that can prevent water from entering the laundry, such as, but not limited to, polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene. For example, the rain cover 7 may be a waterproof cloth.

[0025] The communication unit 4 communicates information with other nearby rain cover devices 6. The nearby area is, for example, an area where the user hangs out laundry, such as the user's balcony, but is not limited to this and may be an area designated in advance by the user. The communication unit 4 communicates at least the following two pieces of information related to the decision to deploy the rain cover 7.

[0026] (1) The communication unit 4 transmits the determination result of the determination unit 2 to the other rain cover devices 6.

[0027] (2) The communication unit 4 acquires from another rain cover device 6 the judgment result of the judgment unit 2 in that rain cover device 6 .

[0028] The communication unit 4 may directly communicate information with other rain cover devices 6 using short-distance communication or the like, or may communicate information with other rain cover devices 6 via a communication network such as a home network. The communication unit 4 may communicate information with a plurality of rain cover devices 6, not limited to one. When communicating with a plurality of rain cover devices 6, the communication unit 4 may communicate with a fixed rain cover device 6 as the rain cover device 6 to communicate with. For example, the communication unit 4 may communicate with a rain cover device 6 designated by a user. Alternatively, the communication unit 4 may determine a rain cover device 6 to be a communication partner according to a predetermined protocol during communication, and communicate with the determined rain cover device 6.

[0029] The determination unit 2 determines whether or not to deploy the rain cover 7 in the cover storage unit 3 based on the weather information acquired from the weather information acquisition unit 1 and the determination result of the determination unit 2 in the other rain cover device 6 acquired via the communication unit 4. For example, when the weather information is information to deploy the rain cover 7 due to rain or the like, the determination unit 2 determines that the rain cover 7 is deployed. Alternatively, when the determination result of the determination unit 2 in the other rain cover device 6 is a determination that the rain cover 7 is deployed, the determination unit 2 determines that the rain cover 7 is deployed. Alternatively, when the weather information is information to deploy the rain cover 7 due to rain or the like and the determination result of the determination unit 2 in the other rain cover device 6 is a determination that the rain cover 7 is deployed, the determination unit 2 may determine that the rain cover 7 is deployed. Note that the determination unit 2 may use the determination result of the determination unit 2 in the other rain cover device 6 when the weather information acquisition unit 1 cannot acquire weather information. The determination unit 2 may use the determination results of the determination unit 2 for the multiple rain cover devices 6. For example, the determination unit 2 may use the majority of the determination results of the determination unit 2 for the multiple rain cover devices 6. When the determination unit 2 determines that the rain cover 7 should be deployed, the instruction unit 8 instructs the cover deployment unit 9 to deploy the rain cover 7.

[0030] If the weather information acquisition unit 1 acquires weather information that may wet the laundry, such as mist, fog, snow, sleet, and hail in addition to rain, the determination unit 2 may use all or some of the weather information. Alternatively, if the weather information acquisition unit 1 acquires information related to a condition that is different from weather but in which it is better to protect the laundry, such as volcanic ash or pollen, the determination unit 2 may use such information to determine whether to deploy the rain cover 7.

[0031] The determination unit 2 may communicate weather information in addition to or instead of the determination result of the determination unit 2 in the other rain cover device 6 via the communication unit 4. In this case, the determination unit 2 may use the weather information acquired from the other rain cover device 6 to determine whether or not to deploy the rain cover 7.

[0032] An example of the coordinated operation in the rain cover device 6 will be described. For example, on a balcony equipped with two clotheslines, the rain cover device 6 is installed on a clothesline hanger hung on the outer clothesline pole and on a clothesline hanger hung on the inner clothesline pole. Hereinafter, the rain cover device 6 installed on the clothesline hanger hung on the outer clothesline pole will be referred to as the "outer rain cover device 6", and the rain cover device 6 installed on the clothesline hanger hung on the inner clothesline pole will be referred to as the "inner rain cover device 6".

[0033] In such a case, the weather information acquisition unit 1 in the inner rain cover device 6 may have difficulty in acquiring weather information. For example, if the weather information acquisition unit 1 is equipped with a camera, the camera in the inner rain cover device 6 may be blocked by the balcony ceiling and laundry hanging on other clothes hangers at the position of the inner rain cover device 6, and may not be able to acquire an image of the outside. Alternatively, if the weather information acquisition unit 1 is equipped with a humidity sensor, the humidity sensor in the inner rain cover device 6 may not be able to detect the humidity of the air due to the influence of the moisture of the surrounding laundry. In such a case, it is difficult for the determination unit 2 in the inner rain cover device 6 to determine whether or not to deploy the rain cover 7 based on the weather information acquired from the weather information acquisition unit 1.

[0034] However, the determination unit 2 acquires the determination result of the determination unit 2 in the other rain cover device 6 via the communication unit 4. For example, when it starts to rain, the weather information acquisition unit 1 in the outer rain cover device 6 can detect the rain. As a result, the determination unit 2 in the outer rain cover device 6 can determine to deploy the rain cover 7 based on the weather information. Then, the determination unit 2 in the inner rain cover device 6 acquires the determination result of the determination unit 2 in the outer rain cover device 6. The determination result in this case is that the rain cover 7 is deployed. Therefore, the determination unit 2 in the inner rain cover device 6 can determine to deploy the rain cover 7 based on the acquired determination result. In this way, even if it is difficult for the weather information acquisition unit 1 to acquire weather information, the determination unit 2 can appropriately determine the deployment of the rain cover 7 based on the determination result of the determination unit 2 in the other rain cover device 6. In other words, the determination unit 2 can determine the deployment of the rain cover 7 more appropriately by using cooperation with other rain cover devices 6.

[0035] In addition, when the cover deployment unit 9 can store the deployed rain cover 7 in the cover storage unit 3, the determination unit 2 may determine whether or not to store the rain cover 7. When determining storage, the determination unit 2 may also use the weather information from the weather information acquisition unit 1 and the determination result of the determination unit 2 in the other rain cover device 6. For example, the determination unit 2 determines whether or not to store the rain cover 7 based on the weather information and the determination result of the determination unit 2 in the other rain cover device 6 acquired via the communication unit 4. Then, when the determination unit 2 determines that the rain cover 7 is to be stored, the instruction unit 8 may instruct the cover deployment unit 9 to store the rain cover 7. For example, when the weather information indicating sunny weather is acquired from the weather information acquisition unit 1 after the rain cover 7 is deployed, the determination unit 2 determines that the rain cover 7 is to be stored. Then, the instruction unit 8 may instruct the cover deployment unit 9 to store the rain cover 7. Alternatively, after the rain cover 7 is deployed, if a determination result indicating that the rain cover 7 is to be stored is obtained from another rain cover device 6, the determination unit 2 determines that the rain cover 7 is to be stored. Then, the instruction unit 8 may instruct the cover deployment unit 9 to store the rain cover 7.

[0036] Next, the deployment of the rain cover 7 in the rain cover device 6 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the rain cover device 6 when it is attached to a clothes drying hanger for hanging one piece of clothing. The rain cover device 6 may include a clothes drying hanger. However, the rain cover device 6 may be provided at a position different from the clothes drying hanger as long as the deployed rain cover 7 can protect the laundry from rain. For example, the rain cover device 6 may be attached to a clothes drying pole for hanging a clothes drying hanger. The clothes drying hanger on which the rain cover device 6 is installed is not limited to the clothes drying hanger for hanging one piece of clothing as shown in FIG. 2. For example, the rain cover device 6 may be attached to a clothes drying hanger that has multiple clothespins and is configured to hang multiple laundry. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the rain cover device 6 when it is attached to a clothes drying hanger configured to hang multiple laundry. The clothes drying hanger in Fig. 3 is configured to have a plurality of clothespins to hang a plurality of laundry items. However, the following description will be given using the clothes drying hanger shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which laundry has been hung out. In Fig. 4, the rain cover device 6 has the rain cover 7 not deployed. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which the rain cover 7 is deployed. The rain cover 7 shown in Fig. 5 is made of a transparent material. Therefore, the laundry can be seen in Fig. 5. However, the rain cover 7 may be made of a semi-transparent or light-shielding material.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing an example of the operation of the determination unit 2 and the instruction unit 8 in the rain cover device 6 according to the first embodiment. The determination unit 2 acquires weather information from the weather information acquisition unit 1 (step S101). The determination unit 2 determines whether or not to deploy the rain cover 7 based on the weather information (step S102). When it is determined that the rain cover 7 is not to be deployed (No in step S102), the determination unit 2 acquires the determination result of the determination unit 2 in the other rain cover device 6 from the other rain cover device 6 via the communication unit 4 (step S103). The determination unit 2 determines whether or not to deploy the rain cover 7 based on the determination result of the determination unit 2 in the other rain cover device 6 (step S104). When it is determined that the rain cover 7 is not to be deployed (No in step S104), the determination unit 2 returns to the operation of acquiring weather information, that is, step S101. The determination unit 2 may also operate to return to step S101 when it cannot obtain the determination result of the determination unit 2 for another rain cover device 6 from another rain cover device 6. When the determination unit 2 determines that the rain cover 7 should be deployed (Yes in steps S102 and S104), the instruction unit 8 instructs the cover deployment unit 9 to deploy the rain cover 7 (step S105). The cover deployment unit 9 deploys the rain cover 7 in response to the instruction from the instruction unit 8.

[0038] In this way, the determination unit 2 uses the determination result of the determination unit 2 in the other rain cover device 6 in addition to the weather information acquired by the weather information acquisition unit 1. In other words, the rain cover device 6 has a function of linking with the other rain cover device 6. Therefore, even if the weather information acquisition unit 1 cannot acquire weather information, the rain cover device 6 can appropriately operate the rain cover 7. For example, even if it is difficult for the weather information acquisition unit 1 to acquire weather information, the rain cover device 6 can appropriately operate the rain cover 7 using the determination result acquired from the other rain cover device 6.

[0039] <Second embodiment> The rain cover device 6A of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a rain cover control system 16 using the rain cover device 6A according to the second embodiment. The rain cover control system 16 includes a plurality of rain cover devices 6A and an information providing device 10. The rain cover control system 16 may include a rain cover device 6. The information providing device 10 is connected to the rain cover device 6A via a predetermined communication network such as the Internet. The rain cover devices 6A can communicate with each other, similar to the rain cover devices 6 of the first embodiment. However, at least some of the rain cover devices 6A may not be able to communicate with other rain cover devices 6A. For example, some of the rain cover devices 6A may be placed at a position farther away than the short-distance communication range used for mutual communication. When the rain cover devices 6A can communicate with each other, they may operate in the same manner as the rain cover devices 6 in the first embodiment.

[0040] 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a rain cover device 6A according to the second embodiment. The rain cover device 6A includes a weather information acquisition unit 1, a determination unit 2, a cover storage unit 3, a communication unit 4, a position information acquisition unit 5, a rain cover 7, an instruction unit 8, and a cover deployment unit 9. The weather information acquisition unit 1, the cover storage unit 3, the rain cover 7, the instruction unit 8, and the cover deployment unit 9 are the same as those in the first embodiment. Therefore, hereinafter, the description of the configuration and operation similar to those in the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate, and the description will be centered on the configuration and operation unique to the second embodiment.

[0041] The position information acquiring unit 5 acquires the position information of the rain cover device 6A. For example, the position information acquiring unit 5 may be provided with a Global Positioning System (GPS) and acquire the position information from the GPS.

[0042] The communication unit 4 communicates information with the information providing device 10 in addition to communicating information with other rain cover devices 6A in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0043] The determination unit 2 realizes the following functions in addition to the same functions as the determination unit 2 in the first embodiment. The determination unit 2 outputs the position information acquired from the position information acquisition unit 5 and the determination result determined by the determination unit 2 to the information providing device 10 via the communication unit 4. The determination unit 2 then acquires the determination result of the determination unit 2 in the other rain cover device 6A from the information providing device 10 via the communication unit 4. The determination unit 2 then uses the determination result of the determination unit 2 in the other rain cover device 6A acquired from the information providing device 10 in addition to the information used by the determination unit 2 in the first embodiment in determining whether or not to deploy the rain cover 7. The information used by the determination unit 2 in the first embodiment is the weather information acquired by the weather information acquisition unit 1 and the determination result of the determination unit 2 in the other rain cover device 6A acquired via the communication unit 4. In other words, the judgment unit 2 of the second embodiment uses the judgment result obtained from the information providing device 10 in addition to the judgment result of the judgment unit 2 in other rain cover devices 6A obtained in the same manner as in the first embodiment as the judgment result of the judgment unit 2 to be used for judgment.

[0044] 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information providing device 10. The information providing device 10 includes a communication unit 12, a destination extraction unit 13, and an information providing unit 14. The communication unit 12 communicates information with the rain cover device 6A. In order to distinguish the communication unit 12 from the communication unit 4, the communication unit 12 may be called a "second communication unit."

[0045] The destination extraction unit 13 acquires the position information of the rain cover device 6A and the judgment result judged by the judgment unit 2 from the rain cover device 6A via the communication unit 12. Then, the destination extraction unit 13 extracts the rain cover device 6A that provides the judgment result of the judgment unit 2 based on the acquired position information of the rain cover device 6A and the judgment result judged by the judgment unit 2. For example, the area around the rain cover device 6A in which the rain cover 7 is deployed is an area where rainfall or the like is occurring and it is desirable to deploy the rain cover 7. Therefore, the destination extraction unit 13 operates as follows.

[0046] First, the destination extraction unit 13 extracts the rain cover device 6A whose rain cover 7 is deployed as a result of the judgment by the judgment unit 2. Hereinafter, the extracted rain cover device 6A is called the "rain cover device 6A of the information source". Then, the destination extraction unit 13 extracts the position information of the rain cover device 6A of the information source. Then, the destination extraction unit 13 sets a predetermined range corresponding to the extracted position information. For example, the destination extraction unit 13 sets a circular range of 1 km centered on the extracted position information. Note that 1 km is an example and is not limited to this. Note that, when multiple rain cover devices 6A are "rain cover devices 6A of the information source", the destination extraction unit 13 may set a range corresponding to the position information of all "rain cover devices 6A of the information source" as a range for extracting the rain cover devices 6A. However, the destination extraction unit 13 may extract a range corresponding to a portion of the "rain cover device 6A that is the source of information" based on specified information such as the judgment time in the judgment unit 2 or the positional relationship of the rain cover device 6A.

[0047] Then, the destination extraction unit 13 extracts the rain cover devices 6A included in the set range as the rain cover devices 6A to which information is to be provided, based on the position information of the rain cover devices 6A. Hereinafter, the extracted rain cover devices 6A are referred to as "destination rain cover devices 6A." Then, the information providing unit 14 provides the destination rain cover device 6A, via the communication unit 12, with the determination result of the determination unit 2 in the information source rain cover device 6A, that is, the determination result that the rain cover 7 is to be deployed.

[0048] The information providing device 10 may use other information in addition to the location information and the determination result. For example, the information providing device 10 may acquire weather information from the rain cover device 6A and provide the weather information in addition to the determination result. Alternatively, the information providing device 10 may use the weather information acquired from the rain cover device 6A to extract the rain cover device 6A to be provided. Alternatively, the information providing device 10 may acquire weather information from a weather information provider or the like and provide the acquired weather information. Alternatively, the information providing device 10 may acquire a predicted time for the start of rain from a weather information provider or the like and use the predicted time to extract the rain cover device 6A to be provided. Alternatively, the information providing device 10 may acquire an image related to the weather, such as a photograph taken by a satellite, predict the weather by applying the acquired image to a determination model generated by utilizing machine learning or the like, and extract the rain cover device 6A to be provided based on the prediction. Alternatively, the information providing device 10 may provide a determination result that the rain cover 7 should be stored by using a determination result that the rain cover 7 should be stored in addition to a determination result that the rain cover 7 should be deployed.

[0049] The information providing device 10 is not particularly limited as long as it can communicate with the rain cover device 6A and can execute the above-mentioned operations. For example, the information providing device 10 may be a server in a service provider that provides services using the Internet. Alternatively, the information providing device 10 may be a smartphone carried by a user of the rain cover device 6A. In this case, the user may install an application that realizes the functions of the information providing device 10 on the smartphone and use it.

[0050] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram showing an example of the operation of the determination unit 2 and the instruction unit 8 in the rain cover device 6A according to the second embodiment. The determination unit 2 acquires weather information from the weather information acquisition unit 1 (step S101). The determination unit 2 determines whether or not to deploy the rain cover 7 based on the weather information (step S102). When it is determined that the rain cover 7 is not to be deployed (No in step S102), the determination unit 2 acquires the determination result of the determination unit 2 in the other rain cover device 6A from the other rain cover device 6A via the communication unit 4 (step S103). Then, the determination unit 2 determines whether or not to deploy the rain cover 7 based on the determination result of the determination unit 2 in the other rain cover device 6A (step S104).

[0051] When it is determined that the rain cover 7 is not to be deployed (No in step S104), the determination unit 2 acquires the determination result of the determination unit 2 in the other rain cover device 6A from the information providing device 10 via the communication unit 4 (step S106). Note that, when the determination result of the determination unit 2 can be acquired from the other nearby rain cover device 6A via the communication unit 4, the determination unit 2 may omit acquiring information from the information providing device 10. In other words, when the determination result of the determination unit 2 cannot be acquired from the other nearby rain cover device 6A, the determination unit 2 may acquire the determination result of the determination unit 2 in the other rain cover device 6A from the information providing device 10.

[0052] Then, the determination unit 2 determines whether or not to deploy the rain cover 7 based on the determination result of the determination unit 2 in the other rain cover device 6A obtained from the information providing device 10 (step S107). When it is determined that the rain cover 7 is not to be deployed (No in step S107), the determination unit 2 returns to the operation of obtaining weather information, that is, step S101. When the determination unit 2 determines that the rain cover 7 is to be deployed (Yes in steps S102, S104, and S107), the instruction unit 8 instructs the cover deployment unit 9 to deploy the rain cover 7 (step S105). The cover deployment unit 9 deploys the rain cover 7 in response to the instruction from the determination unit 2. Furthermore, the determination unit 2 outputs the position information and the determination result that the rain cover 7 is to be deployed to the information providing device 10 (step S108).

[0053] In this way, the determination unit 2 uses the weather information acquired by the weather information acquisition unit 1 and the determination results acquired from other rain cover devices 6A, as well as the information acquired from the information providing device 10. That is, the rain cover device 6A expands the range of the rain cover devices 6A that cooperate with each other through the information providing device 10. As a result, the rain cover device 6A can operate using the results determined by the rain cover device 6A in a position where they cannot communicate with each other. For example, a cumulonimbus cloud with high activity may move quickly. Even in such a case, the rain cover device 6A can deploy the rain cover 7 based on the determination results of the rain cover device 6A corresponding to rainfall at a position that is somewhat distant. In this way, the rain cover device 6A can cooperate with a wider range of rain cover devices 6A compared to the rain cover device 6 of the first embodiment.

[0054] <Modification> Modified examples of the rain cover devices 6 and 6A will be described below.

[0055] (1) Number of rain covers 7 and weather The cover storage section 3 may store a plurality of rain covers 7. When the cover storage section 3 stores a plurality of rain covers 7, the determination section 2 may determine three or more weather conditions as the weather to be determined, instead of two weather conditions such as sunny and rainy. For example, the clothes drying hanger on which the rain cover devices 6 and 6A are installed is provided with two rows of clothes pegs for hanging laundry. The two rows are an outer row and an inner row. The cover storage section 3 is provided with two rain covers 7 for covering the laundry in the outer and inner rows. Furthermore, the cover deployment section 9 is capable of deploying the two rain covers 7 individually. Hereinafter, the rain cover 7 corresponding to the outer row of clothes pegs is referred to as the "outer rain cover 7", and the rain cover 7 corresponding to the inner row of clothes pegs is referred to as the "inner rain cover 7". In this case, the determination section 2 determines the weather conditions as sunny, light rain, and rain. When the determination unit 2 determines that it is light rain, it determines that the outer rain cover 7 is to be deployed. Then, the instruction unit 8 instructs the cover deployment unit 9 to deploy the outer rain cover 7. When the weather changes from light rain to rain, the determination unit 2 determines that the inner rain cover 7 is to be deployed. Then, the instruction unit 8 instructs the cover deployment unit 9 to deploy the inner rain cover 7. In this way, the determination unit 2 may determine the deployment of the multiple rain covers 7 separately in response to multiple weather conditions. Note that, when the determination unit 2 determines that it is rain from the beginning, such as during heavy rain, it may determine that both rain covers 7 are to be deployed simultaneously. In this case, the instruction unit 8 may instruct the cover deployment unit 9 to deploy two rain covers 7. Note that, when the cover storage unit 3 stores three or more rain covers 7, the determination unit 2 may determine three or more weather conditions. For example, the determination unit 2 may determine "light rain", "rain", and "heavy rain".

[0056] (2) Judgments other than weather The determination unit 2 may determine information related to things other than laundry. For example, when the weather information acquisition unit 1 includes a camera, the weather information acquisition unit 1 can acquire an image of the surroundings of the rain cover device 6A. The determination unit 2 may determine a person included in the image of the surroundings captured by the camera. If the person is different from a person registered in advance, such as a family member of the user, the determination unit 2 may output an alarm. For example, the determination unit 2 compares a facial image of the user's family registered in advance with a facial image captured by the camera to determine whether or not the person included in the image is a family member of the user. The determination unit 2 may use an external device as a comparison process. For example, the determination unit 2 may transmit the captured image to another device, such as the information providing device 10 in the second embodiment, via the communication unit 4, and acquire the result of the determination from that device. Alternatively, when the weather information acquisition unit 1 includes a microphone, the determination unit 2 may analyze the voice captured by the microphone in addition to the image of the camera to determine the person. If the person is not a family member, the determination unit 2 may output an alarm to a predetermined device such as the user's smartphone via the communication unit 4. Alternatively, the determination unit 2 may output an alarm to the information providing device 10 in the second embodiment. The determination unit 2 may output at least one of position information, an image, and a sound in addition to the alarm. In this case, the output destination device such as the smartphone or the information providing device 10 may output at least one of position information, an image, and a sound of the rain cover device 6A that output the alarm in conjunction with the alarm.

[0057] <Hardware configuration> In the rain cover devices 6 and 6A, the hardware configuration for realizing the functions of the configuration will be described using the rain cover device 6. Each component of the rain cover device 6 may be configured with hardware. Alternatively, in the rain cover device 6, multiple components may be configured with one piece of hardware. The rain cover device 6 may be realized by including a computer device. The computer device is a device that includes at least a central processing unit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM), and a random access memory (RAM). In addition to the above configuration, the computer device may include other configurations, such as a storage device, a data communication card (DCC), or an interface card (IFC).

[0058] Next, the configuration of the computer device included in the rain cover device 6 will be described. The cover storage unit 3 and the cover deployment unit 9 include mechanical configurations corresponding to the rain cover 7. The rain cover 7 is hardware independent of the hardware of the computer device. If the weather information acquisition unit 1 includes a sensor, the sensor is hardware independent of the hardware of the computer device. In other words, the rain cover devices 6 and 6A are configured as devices including a computer device, the hardware of which will be described below, and mechanical configurations, the rain cover 7, and sensors included in the cover storage unit 3 and the cover deployment unit 9. Therefore, in the following description of the computer device, the description of these configurations will be omitted.

[0059] 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a computer device 600 included in the rain cover device 6. The computer device 600 includes a CPU 610, a ROM 620, a RAM 630, a storage device 640, a DCC 650, and an IFC 660.

[0060] The CPU 610 reads a program from at least one of the ROM 620 and the storage device 640. The CPU 610 then controls the RAM 630, the storage device 640, and the DCC 650 based on the read program. The CPU 610 then controls these components to realize the functions of the weather information acquisition unit 1, the determination unit 2, the cover storage unit 3, the communication unit 4, and the instruction unit 8 shown in Fig. 1. The CPU 610 may also realize the functions of the weather information acquisition unit 1, the determination unit 2, the cover storage unit 3, the communication unit 4, the position information acquisition unit 5, and the instruction unit 8 shown in Fig. 8.

[0061] When implementing each function, the CPU 610 may use the RAM 630 or the storage device 640 as a temporary storage medium for programs and data. The CPU 610 may also read a program stored in a storage medium 690 that stores the program in a computer-readable manner, using a storage medium reading device (not shown). The storage medium 690 is, for example, an SD memory card. Alternatively, the CPU 610 may receive a program from an external device (not shown) via the DCC 650, store the program in the RAM 630 or the storage device 640, and operate based on the stored program.

[0062] The ROM 620 stores programs and fixed data executed by the CPU 610. The ROM 620 is, for example, a programmable ROM (P-ROM) or a flash ROM. The RAM 630 temporarily stores programs and data executed by the CPU 610. The RAM 630 is, for example, a dynamic RAM (D-RAM). The storage device 640 stores data and programs that the computer device 600 stores long-term. The storage device 640 may also operate as a temporary storage device for the CPU 610. The storage device 640 is, for example, a flash ROM, a solid state drive (SSD), or a hard disk device.

[0063] The ROM 620 and the storage device 640 are non-volatile (non-transitory) recording media. On the other hand, the RAM 630 is a volatile (transitory) recording medium. The CPU 610 can operate based on a program stored in the ROM 620, the storage device 640, or the RAM 630. In other words, the CPU 610 can operate using either a non-volatile recording medium or a volatile recording medium.

[0064] The DCC 650 relays data exchange with other rain cover devices 6 and 6A using a predetermined communication means. That is, the DCC 650 realizes the function of the communication unit 4. The DCC 650 in the rain cover device 6A further relays data exchange with the information providing device 10. The rain cover device 6A may include a DCC 650 that communicates with other rain cover devices 6 and 6A, and a DCC 650 that communicates with the information providing device 10. The DCC 650 is, for example, a communication card.

[0065] The IFC 660 relays information to and from components of the rain cover devices 6 and 6A that are not included in the computer device 600, such as mechanical parts or sensors of the cover storage unit 3. For example, the IFC 660 relays an instruction to the cover storage unit 3 to deploy the rain cover 7. The IFC 660 is, for example, an input / output card or a serial interface card.

[0066] The information providing device 10 may be configured using at least a part of the hardware illustrated in Fig. 11. For example, the information providing device 10 may be configured using a CPU 610, a ROM 620, a RAM 630, a storage device 640, and a DCC 650.

[0067] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but is not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0068] (Appendix 1) A weather information acquisition means for acquiring weather information; A cover storage means for storing a rain cover for laundry; A cover deployment means for deploying the stored rain cover; A communication means for communicating information with other nearby rain cover devices; A determination means for determining whether or not to deploy the rain cover based on weather information and a determination result of another rain cover device acquired via a communication means; an instruction means for instructing the cover deployment means to deploy the rain cover when the determination means determines that the rain cover should be deployed; A rain cover apparatus including:

[0069] (Appendix 2) The determination means determines whether to store the rain cover based on the weather information and the determination results of the other rain cover devices acquired via the communication means; The instruction means instructs the cover deployment means to store the rain cover when the determination means determines that the rain cover is to be stored, The cover deployment means stores the rain cover in the cover storage means. 2. The rain cover device of claim 1.

[0070] (Appendix 3) The determining means determines whether or not to deploy the rain cover based on weather information of other nearby rain cover devices. 3. The rain cover device according to claim 1 or 2.

[0071] (Appendix 4) The weather information acquisition means acquires an image of the surroundings of the rain cover device, The determining means outputs a warning when a person included in the surrounding image is different from a registered person. A rain cover device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

[0072] (Appendix 5) The weather information acquisition means acquires weather information including a plurality of weather conditions; The cover storage means stores a plurality of rain covers, The cover deployment means deploys the rain covers, The determining means determines which of the plurality of rain covers to deploy based on the weather information; The instruction means instructs the cover deployment means to deploy the rain cover that the determination means has determined to be deployed. A rain cover device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

[0073] (Appendix 6) Further comprising a location information acquisition means for acquiring location information; The communication means communicates information with the information providing device; The determination means is outputting the position information and the determination result of the determination means to the information providing device via the communication means; Obtaining a determination result of a determination means in another rain cover device from an information providing device; A determination is made as to whether or not to deploy the rain cover based on a determination result of the determination means obtained from the information providing device. A rain cover device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

[0074] (Appendix 7) A plurality of rain cover devices according to claim 6; A second communication means for communicating with the rain cover device; a destination extraction means for extracting a rain cover device to which the determination result of the determination means in the rain cover device is provided based on the position information of the rain cover device acquired from the rain cover device via the second communication means and the determination result of the determination means; an information providing means for providing the extracted rain cover device with the determination result of the determination means in the rain cover device; An information providing device including Rain protection control system including:

[0075] (Appendix 8) A rain cover device including a cover storing means for storing a rain cover for laundry and a cover deploying means for deploying the stored rain cover, Get weather information, determining whether or not to deploy the rain cover based on the weather information and the determination results of the determination means of other nearby rain cover devices; When it is determined that the rain cover is to be deployed, the cover deployment means is instructed to deploy the rain cover. Rain cover control method.

[0076] (Appendix 9) Get location information, outputting the position information and the determination result to an information providing device; Obtaining a judgment result of another rain cover device from the information providing device; A determination is made as to whether or not to deploy the rain cover based on a determination result obtained from the information providing device. 9. The rain cover control method according to claim 8.

[0077] (Appendix 10) A plurality of rain cover devices execute the rain cover control method described in appendix 9; The information providing device, extracting a rain cover device that provides a judgment result for the rain cover device based on the position information of the rain cover device acquired from the rain cover device and the judgment result of the judgment means; Providing a judgment result for the extracted rain cover device Rain protection control method.

[0078] (Appendix 11) A rain cover device includes a cover storing means for storing a rain cover for laundry, and a cover deploying means for deploying the stored rain cover, A process of acquiring weather information; A process of determining whether or not to deploy a rain cover based on weather information and a determination result of a determination means of another nearby rain cover device; a process of instructing the cover deployment means to deploy the rain cover when it is determined that the rain cover should be deployed; A rain cover control program that executes the following:

[0079] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 1 Weather information acquisition section 2 Judgment section 3 Cover storage area 4. Communications Department 5 Location information acquisition section 6 Rain cover device 7 Rain cover 8 Instruction section 9 Cover expansion section 10 Information provision device 12 Communications Department 13 Destination extraction part 14 Information Provision Department 16 Rain protection control system 600 Computer equipment 610 CPU 620 ROM 630 RAM 640 Storage device 650 DCC 660 IFC 690 Recording media

Claims

1. A weather information acquisition means for acquiring weather information; A cover storage means for storing a rain cover for laundry; A cover deployment means for deploying the stored rain cover; A communication means for communicating information with other nearby rain cover devices; a determination means for determining whether or not to deploy the rain cover based on the weather information and a determination result of another rain cover device acquired via the communication means; an instruction means for instructing the cover unfolding means to unfold the rain cover when the determination means determines that the rain cover should be unfolded; Including, When the weather information acquisition means cannot acquire the weather information, the determination means makes a determination using a determination result of another rain cover device. A rain cover device that can be attached to a laundry hanger.

2. The determination means determines whether to store the rain cover based on the weather information and a determination result of another rain cover device acquired via the communication means, the instruction means instructs the cover unfolding means to store the rain cover when the determination means determines that the rain cover is to be stored, The cover deployment means stores the rain cover in the cover storage means. The rain cover assembly according to claim 1.

3. The determining means determines whether or not to deploy the rain cover based on the weather information of other nearby rain cover devices. The rain cover assembly according to claim 1.

4. The weather information acquisition means acquires an image of the surroundings of the rain cover device, The determining means outputs a warning when a person included in a surrounding image is different from a registered person. The rain cover assembly according to claim 1.

5. Further comprising a location information acquisition means for acquiring location information; The communication means communicates information with an information providing device; The determination means is outputting the location information and the determination result of the determination means to an information providing device via the communication means; Obtaining a determination result of the determination means in another rain cover device from an information providing device; A determination is made as to whether or not to deploy the rain cover based on a determination result of the determination means obtained from an information providing device. A rain cover device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A plurality of rain cover devices according to claim 5; A second communication means for communicating with the rain cover device; A destination extraction means for extracting a rain cover device to which the determination result of the determination means in the rain cover device is provided based on the position information of the rain cover device acquired from the rain cover device via the second communication means and the determination result of the determination means; an information providing means for providing the extracted rain cover device with the determination result of the determination means for the rain cover device; An information providing device including Rain protection control system including:

7. A rain cover device is provided which is attached to a hanger for hanging out laundry and includes a cover storing means for storing a rain cover for laundry and a cover deploying means for deploying the stored rain cover, Get weather information, determining whether to deploy the rain cover based on the weather information and the determination results of the determination means of other nearby rain cover devices; instructing the cover unfolding means to unfold the rain cover when it is determined that the rain cover should be unfolded; When the weather information cannot be acquired, the determination as to whether to deploy the rain cover is made using a determination result of another rain cover device. Rain cover control method.

8. Get location information, outputting the position information and the determination result to an information providing device; Obtaining a judgment result of another rain cover device from the information providing device; A determination is made as to whether or not to deploy the rain cover based on a determination result obtained from an information providing device. The method for controlling a rain cover according to claim 7.

9. A plurality of rain cover devices execute the rain cover control method according to claim 8; The information providing device, extracting a rain cover device that provides a judgment result in the rain cover device based on the position information of the rain cover device acquired from the rain cover device and the judgment result of the judgment means; A rain cover control method that provides an extracted rain cover device with a judgment result for the rain cover device.

10. A rain cover device includes a cover storing means for storing a rain cover for laundry, and a cover deploying means for deploying the stored rain cover, and is attached to a hanger for hanging laundry. A process of acquiring weather information; A process of determining whether or not to deploy the rain cover based on the weather information and a determination result of a determination means of another nearby rain cover device; a process of instructing the cover unfolding means to unfold the rain cover when it is determined that the rain cover should be unfolded; Run the command, The process of determining whether to deploy the rain cover is performed using a determination result of another rain cover device when the weather information cannot be acquired. Rain cover control program.

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