Space purification system and space purification method

Abstract

A space purification system (10) is provided with an acquisition unit (23a) that acquires a usage schedule of an indoor space, and a control unit (23b) that ventilates the indoor space during a free time when the indoor space is not used, as determined by the acquired usage schedule. The control unit (23b) performs sterilization of the indoor space more strongly during the free time than during the use of the indoor space, on the basis of the length of the free time.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a space purification system and a space purification method. [Background technology]

[0002] Various technologies have been proposed for purifying the air in indoor spaces. Patent Document 1 discloses an air purification system that enables ventilation or air purification operation depending on the pollution state of the indoor air. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-43035 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention provides a space purification system and a space purification method that can purify an indoor space without interfering with the use of the indoor space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A space purification system according to one aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires a usage schedule for an indoor space, and a control unit that ventilates the indoor space during free time when the indoor space is not in use, which is determined by the acquired usage schedule, and the control unit sterilizes the indoor space more strongly during the free time than when the indoor space is in use, based on the length of the free time.

[0006] A space purification method according to one aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition step of acquiring a usage schedule for an indoor space, and a control step of ventilating the indoor space during a vacant time when the indoor space is not being used, which is determined by the acquired usage schedule, and in the control step, based on the length of the vacant time, sterilization of the indoor space is performed more strongly during the vacant time than when the indoor space is being used.

[0007] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the space purification method. Effect of the Invention

[0008] A space purification system and a space purification method according to one aspect of the present invention are capable of purifying an indoor space in a manner that does not interfere with the use of the indoor space. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a space purification system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an indoor space to which the space purification system according to the embodiment is applied. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of a usage schedule. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an operation example of the space purification system according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a time chart showing an example of the control content when powerful sterilization is performed. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a time chart showing an example of the control content when strong sterilization is not performed. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a time chart showing another example of the control content when powerful sterilization is performed. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a time chart showing another example of the control content when strong sterilization is not performed. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a time chart showing an example of the control content when strong sterilization is performed and fragrance is emitted. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a time chart showing an example of the control content when strong sterilization is not performed and fragrance is emitted. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a time chart showing an example of the control content in which ventilation is started while the indoor space is being used, and strong sterilization is performed immediately thereafter during the unoccupied time. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a time chart showing an example of the control content in the case where ventilation is started while the indoor space is being used and powerful sterilization is not performed in the unoccupied time immediately thereafter. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram of a usage schedule in which a reservation prohibition period is set. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the relationship between the information included in the usage schedule and the strength of sterilization. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the relationship between the information included in the usage schedule and the ventilation volume. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component arrangement and connection forms, steps, and order of steps shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims will be described as optional components.

[0011] In addition, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily a precise illustration. In addition, in each drawing, the same reference numerals are used for substantially the same configuration, and duplicated explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0012] (Embodiment) [Configuration of the space purification system] First, the configuration of the space purification system according to the embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the space purification system according to the embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an indoor space to which the space purification system according to the embodiment is applied.

[0013] The space purification system 10 according to the embodiment is a system that purifies an indoor space 90 by sterilization and ventilation in order to suppress infection of people who use the indoor space 90 with infectious substances. The indoor space 90 is, for example, a conference room. The indoor space 90 is, for example, a closed space used by unspecified people in turn. The infectious substances are, for example, viruses or bacteria. As shown in FIG. 1, the space purification system 10 includes a control device 20, a ventilation device 30, a sterilization device 40, a fragrance generating device 50, and a speaker 60. In addition, FIG. 1 also illustrates a management system 70. The space purification system 10 may include the management system 70.

[0014] First, the management system 70 will be described. The management system 70 is a system that manages reservations for the usage time period of the indoor space 90. The management system 70 is, for example, a cloud server equipped with a storage unit 71, and reservations for the usage time period of the indoor space 90 are stored in the storage unit 71 as a usage schedule. Fig. 3 is a conceptual diagram of the usage schedule.

[0015] In order to reserve the indoor space 90 in advance, the user accesses the management system 70 using an information terminal such as a personal computer. At this time, the user inputs, into the information terminal, the identification information of the indoor space 90 to be reserved (specifically, the conference room 1, etc.), the date of use of the indoor space 90, the time zone of use of the indoor space 90, the number of users of the indoor space 90, etc. After the input is completed, the management system 70 associates the identification information of the indoor space 90, the date of use of the indoor space 90, the time zone of use of the indoor space 90, the number of users of the indoor space 90, etc., and stores (registers) them in the storage unit 71 as a usage schedule. In other words, the usage schedule is information indicating the usage schedule.

[0016] Next, the control device 20 will be described. The control device 20 receives a usage schedule from the management system 70, and controls the ventilation equipment 30 and the sterilization equipment 40 based on the received usage schedule. The control device 20 is a local controller installed in the indoor space 90 or in the vicinity of the indoor space 90, but may be a controller installed in a position away from the indoor space 90. The control device 20 includes a first communication unit 21, a second communication unit 22, an information processing unit 23, and a storage unit 24.

[0017] The first communication unit 21 is a communication circuit that communicates with the management system 70 via a wide area communication network 80 such as the Internet and receives a usage schedule from the management system 70. The first communication unit 21 is, for example, a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication, but may also be a wired communication circuit that performs wired communication. There is no particular limitation on the communication standard of the communication performed by the first communication unit 21.

[0018] The second communication unit 22 is a communication circuit for the control device 20 to communicate with the ventilation device 30, the sterilization device 40, the fragrance generating device 50, and the speaker 60 (hereinafter also referred to as the ventilation device 30, etc.) via a local communication network. The second communication unit 22 is, for example, a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication, but may also be a wired communication circuit that performs wired communication. There is no particular limitation on the communication standard of the communication performed by the second communication unit 22. The second communication unit 22 may communicate using different communication standards depending on the device with which it is communicating.

[0019] The information processing unit 23 performs information processing related to the control of the ventilation equipment 30 and the like. The information processing unit 23 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor. The information processing unit 23 has, as functional components, an acquisition unit 23a that acquires a usage schedule, and a control unit 23b that controls the ventilation equipment 30 and the like based on the acquired usage schedule. The functions of the acquisition unit 23a and the control unit 23b are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 23 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 24.

[0020] The storage unit 24 is a storage device that stores computer programs executed by the information processing unit 23 to control the ventilation equipment 30, etc. The storage unit 24 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory.

[0021] Next, the ventilation equipment 30 and the like will be described. The ventilation equipment 30 is equipment that ventilates the indoor space 90. The ventilation equipment 30 is realized, for example, by an air supply fan that supplies air from the outside to the indoor space 90, and exhausts air to the outside from an exhaust port that is an opening provided in the indoor space 90. The amount of ventilation is adjusted, for example, by the rotation speed of the air supply fan.

[0022] The ventilation device 30 may be realized by an exhaust fan that exhausts air from the indoor space 90 to the outside, and may supply air to the indoor space 90 through an air supply port that is an opening provided in the indoor space 90. The ventilation device 30 may also include both an air supply fan and an air exhaust fan.

[0023] The sterilization device 40 is installed in the indoor space 90 and sterilizes the air in the indoor space 90. The sterilization device 40 sterilizes the air in the indoor space 90, for example, by releasing a mist of hypochlorous acid water into the indoor space 90. The strength of sterilization is adjusted, for example, by the amount (concentration) of the mist of hypochlorous acid water released into the indoor space 90.

[0024] The sterilization device 40 may sterilize the air in the indoor space 90 by collecting air in the indoor space 90, sterilizing the collected air with hypochlorous acid water, and discharging it into the indoor space 90. The sterilization device 40 may also be a device that sterilizes the indoor space 90 by a means other than hypochlorous acid water, such as ozone. Sterilization means reducing the effectiveness of infectious substances, for example, reducing the number of infectious substances.

[0025] The scent emitting device 50 is installed in the indoor space 90 and emits a scent that people find comfortable in the indoor space 90. The scent emitting device 50 is, for example, an aroma diffuser. The scent emitting device 50 may also be a humidifier, an air conditioner, a circulator, or the like that has a scent emitting function. In other words, the scent emitting device 50 may also be a device whose main purpose is not to emit a scent.

[0026] The speaker 60 is installed in the indoor space 90 and outputs sound for notification to a user of the indoor space 90. The speaker 60 is, for example, a network speaker, but may also be a smart speaker.

[0027] [Example] If the users of the indoor space 90 include a person infected with an infectious substance, it is believed that aerosols containing the infectious substance will be floating in the indoor space 90 after use. In order to prevent the next user from becoming infected with the infectious substance, it is effective to sterilize the indoor space 90 with the sterilization device 40. In particular, during the vacant time before the next user enters the room, it is believed that there is no one in the indoor space 90, and it is possible to perform powerful sterilization with the sterilization device 40.

[0028] However, from the viewpoint of the comfort of the next user, it is necessary to ventilate sufficiently after performing strong sterilization to remove the odor of hypochlorous acid water. In other words, a certain amount of time is required to perform strong sterilization, and it is difficult to perform strong sterilization when the period until the next user starts using the facility is short. Therefore, the space purification system 10 determines whether to perform strong sterilization based on the length of time that the indoor space 90 is vacant. An example of the operation of such a space purification system 10 will be described below. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an operation example 1 of the space purification system 10.

[0029] First, the first communication unit 21 of the control device 20 receives the use schedule from the management system 70 (S11), and the acquisition unit 23a acquires the received use schedule (see FIG. 3) (S12). The control unit 23b identifies the free time of the indoor space 90 based on the acquired use schedule (S13). In other words, the free time means the time period during which the indoor space 90 is not used. For example, if the indoor space 90 corresponds to the conference room 1 in FIG. 3, the free time is the time period before 13:00, 14:00-14:30, and 15:30 and after.

[0030] Next, the control unit 23b judges whether or not the length of the identified free time is equal to or longer than a first threshold value (S14). The first threshold value is, for example, a predetermined time period of about 20 to 30 minutes, but is not particularly limited.

[0031] When the control unit 23b determines that the length of the specified free time is equal to or longer than the first threshold (Yes in S14), it determines the control content so that strong sterilization is performed during the specified free time and ventilation is also performed (S15). Fig. 5 is a time chart showing an example of the control content when strong sterilization is performed.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 5, when strong sterilization is performed during free time, the sterilization device 40 is turned on and the ventilation device 30 is turned off in the early and middle periods of the free time. In the example of Fig. 5, the sterilization device 40 is off while the indoor space 90 is being used (i.e., during a meeting), so it can be said that stronger sterilization is performed in the early and middle periods of the free time than when the indoor space 90 is being used. If the ventilation device 30 is turned off while the sterilization device 40 is on, the mist of hypochlorous acid water released by the sterilization device 40 is less likely to be discharged outside the indoor space 90 by ventilation, thereby enhancing the sterilization effect.

[0033] In the latter half of the unoccupied time, the sterilization device 40 is turned off and the ventilation device 30 is turned on. This causes the aerosol after sterilization and the mist of the hypochlorous acid water to be discharged outside the indoor space 90. If the mist of the hypochlorous acid water is discharged, the odor of the hypochlorous acid water can be reduced.

[0034] On the other hand, when the control unit 23b determines that the length of the identified free time is less than the first threshold value (No in S14), it determines the control content so that strong sterilization is not performed during the identified free time and ventilation is performed (S16). FIG. 6 is a time chart showing an example of the control content when strong sterilization is not performed. As shown in FIG. 6, when strong sterilization is not performed during the free time, the sterilization device 40 is turned off and the ventilation device 30 is turned on during the free time. This allows the space purification system 10 to promote the discharge of aerosols to the outside of the indoor space 90 by omitting sterilization.

[0035] Thereafter, when the start time of the free time arrives, control unit 23b executes the determined control content (S17). Control unit 23b can realize the control content as shown in Fig. 5 or 6 by causing second communication unit 22 to transmit control signals to ventilation device 30 and sterilization device 40.

[0036] 5 and 6, the ventilation device 30 was turned off while the indoor space 90 was being used, but it is also possible that the ventilation device 30 was turned on while the indoor space 90 was being used. That is, it is also possible that the ventilation device 30 was constantly on. Similarly, in the example of Fig. 5 and 6, the sterilization device 40 was turned off while the indoor space 90 was being used, but it is also possible that the sterilization device 40 was turned on while the indoor space 90 was being used. That is, it is also possible that the sterilization device 40 was constantly on.

[0037] Here, an example of the control contents when the ventilation device 30 and the sterilization device 40 are constantly on will be described. FIG. 7 is a time chart showing another example of the control contents when strong sterilization is performed. FIG. 8 is a time chart showing another example of the control contents when strong sterilization is not performed. In the following description, it is assumed that the sterilization device 40 can change the sterilization strength in two stages, weak and strong, and the ventilation device 30 can change the ventilation volume in three stages, weak, medium, and strong. In the examples of FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, when the indoor space 90 is being used, the ventilation device 30 operates in the medium mode, and the sterilization device 40 operates in the weak mode.

[0038] When strong sterilization is performed as shown in Fig. 7, in the early and middle periods of the vacant time, the sterilization device 40 operates at a high setting, and performs stronger sterilization than when the indoor space 90 is being used. On the other hand, in the early and middle periods of the vacant time, the ventilation device 30 operates at a low setting, and the ventilation volume is reduced compared to when the indoor space 90 is being used. If the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 30 is reduced while the sterilization device 40 is operating, the mist of hypochlorous acid water released by the sterilization device 40 is less likely to be discharged outside the indoor space 90 by ventilation, and the sterilization effect is enhanced.

[0039] In addition, in the latter part of the free time, the sterilization device 40 operates at low and the ventilation device 30 operates at high. That is, in the latter part of the free time, the ventilation volume is increased compared to when the indoor space 90 is in use. As a result, the aerosol after sterilization and the mist of hypochlorous acid water are discharged outside the indoor space 90. If the mist of hypochlorous acid water is discharged, the odor of the hypochlorous acid water can be reduced. Note that, as shown in FIG. 7, the state in which the ventilation volume is increased may be continued until the beginning of the next meeting.

[0040] On the other hand, when strong sterilization is not performed as shown in Fig. 8, during the vacant time, the sterilization device 40 continues to operate at low power from when the indoor space 90 is in use, but the ventilation device 30 operates at high power. In other words, during the vacant time, the ventilation volume is increased compared to when the indoor space 90 is in use. This allows the space purification system 10 to prioritize ventilation over sterilization and promote the discharge of aerosols to the outside of the indoor space 90.

[0041] As described above with reference to Figures 4 to 8, the space purification system 10 sterilizes the indoor space 90 more strongly during the vacant time than when the indoor space 90 is in use, based on the length of time when the indoor space 90 is not in use. Specifically, when the length of the vacant time is equal to or greater than a first threshold, the space purification system 10 sterilizes the indoor space 90 more strongly during the vacant time than when the indoor space 90 is in use, and when the length of the vacant time is less than the first threshold, the space purification system 10 does not sterilize the indoor space 90 more strongly during the vacant time than when the indoor space 90 is in use.

[0042] Such a space purification system 10 automatically purifies the indoor space 90 during the vacant time of the indoor space 90. In other words, the space purification system 10 can purify the indoor space 90 without interfering with the use of the indoor space 90. Furthermore, when it is estimated that the vacant time is short and therefore strong sterilization and ventilation after sterilization are not sufficient, the space purification system 10 purifies the indoor space 90 mainly through ventilation. In this way, the space purification system 10 can purify the indoor space 90 to the extent that does not impair the comfort of the user even when the vacant time is short.

[0043] [Variation 1] The space purification system 10 may cause the aroma emitting device 50 to emit an aroma at the end of the free time. Fig. 9 is a time chart showing an example of the control contents when strong sterilization is performed and aroma is emitted. Fig. 10 is a time chart showing an example of the control contents when strong sterilization is not performed and aroma is emitted.

[0044] 9 and 10, the control unit 23b of the control device 20 determines control content including a period during which fragrance is emitted by the fragrance emitting device 50 at the end of the free time, and executes the determined control content. Note that the control unit 23b can realize the control content as shown in FIG. 9 or 10 by causing the second communication unit 22 to transmit control signals to the ventilation device 30, the sterilization device 40, and the fragrance emitting device 50.

[0045] Such a space purification system 10 can improve the comfort of users of the indoor space 90. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, while the fragrance emitting device 50 is on (emitting fragrance), ventilation by the ventilation device 30 and sterilization by the sterilization device 40 are turned off. This prevents the fragrance from becoming weak.

[0046] The control content shown in Fig. 9 is the control content shown in Fig. 5 to which a period during which the fragrance is emitted has been added, but control unit 23b may determine and execute the control content by adding a period during which the fragrance is emitted to the control content shown in Fig. 7. Similarly, the control content shown in Fig. 10 is the control content shown in Fig. 6 to which a period during which the fragrance is emitted has been added, but control unit 23b may determine and execute the control content by adding a period during which the fragrance is emitted to the control content shown in Fig. 8.

[0047] [Variation 2] The space purification system 10 may start ventilation of the indoor space 90 (strong ventilation for purifying the indoor space 90) a predetermined period before the scheduled end time of the usage time period. Fig. 11 is a time chart showing an example of control content when ventilation is started while the indoor space 90 is in use and strong sterilization is performed in the free time immediately thereafter. Fig. 12 is a time chart showing an example of control content when ventilation is started while the indoor space 90 is in use and strong sterilization is not performed in the free time immediately thereafter.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 11, when strong sterilization is performed during an unoccupied time, the control unit 23b of the control device 20 turns on the ventilation device 30 at timing t1, which is a predetermined period before the scheduled end time of the reserved usage time period. The predetermined period is, for example, 10 minutes, but is not particularly limited. After that, when the unoccupied time arrives, the control unit 23b turns off the ventilation device 30.

[0049] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12, if strong sterilization is not performed during the free time, the control unit 23b of the control device 20 turns on the ventilation equipment 30 at timing t1, a predetermined period before the scheduled end time of the reserved usage time period, and keeps the ventilation equipment 30 on until the scheduled end time of the free time.

[0050] In this way, by performing control to start ventilation of the indoor space 90 a predetermined period of time before the scheduled end time of the usage time period (hereinafter also referred to as anticipatory ventilation control), the space purification system 10 can purify the indoor space 90 at least by ventilation when there is little free time between usage time periods (including when there is no free time).

[0051] Note that the control unit 23b may determine whether or not the length of the vacant time is equal to or less than a second threshold, and when it is determined that the length of the vacant time is equal to or less than the second threshold, perform the anticipatory ventilation control.

[0052] Furthermore, at timing t1, the control unit 23b may cause the speaker 60 to output a sound indicating that the scheduled end time of the usage time period is approaching. This enables the space purification system 10 to prompt users of the indoor space 90 to leave the room.

[0053] The control contents shown in Fig. 11 are those in which anticipatory ventilation control has been added to the control contents shown in Fig. 5, but the control unit 23b may determine and execute the control contents in which anticipatory ventilation control has been added to the control contents shown in Fig. 7. Similarly, the control contents shown in Fig. 12 are those in which anticipatory ventilation control has been added to the control contents shown in Fig. 6, but the control unit 23b may determine and execute the control contents in which anticipatory ventilation control has been added to the control contents shown in Fig. 8.

[0054] [Variation 3] In the above-described operation example 1, the space purification system 10 identified an available time based on the usage schedule, and purified the indoor space 90 during the identified available time. However, when the available time is exhausted due to the reservation of use of the indoor space 90 being packed up, there is a problem that time to purify the indoor space 90 cannot be obtained.

[0055] Therefore, when the management system 70 accepts a reservation for a usage time slot of the indoor space 90, the management system 70 may set a reservation prohibition period immediately following the reserved usage time slot. Fig. 13 is a conceptual diagram of a usage schedule in which a reservation prohibition period is set. For example, the management system 70 sets the reservation prohibition period to 20 minutes immediately following the reserved usage time slot.

[0056] In this way, when the reservation prohibition period is set by the management system 70, the control unit 23b of the control device 20 can identify the set reservation prohibition period as available time. Note that, as shown in Fig. 13, the available time of the indoor space 90 when a reservation prohibition period is set corresponds to the total period of the reservation prohibition period and the period following the reservation prohibition period during which no reservation has been made. The control unit 23b can determine whether or not to perform strong sterilization by judging whether or not this total period is equal to or greater than a first threshold value.

[0057] The length of the reservation prohibition period may be set to the same as the above-mentioned first threshold value, which ensures that there is at least a free time for ventilation without performing strong sterilization, and if there is a period following the reservation prohibition period where no reservations are made, the space purification system 10 can perform strong sterilization during the free time.

[0058] The reservation prohibition period may be set immediately before the reserved usage time slot. The reservation prohibition period may be set at least either immediately before or immediately after the reserved usage time slot.

[0059] [Variation 4] When strong sterilization is performed during unoccupied time and ventilation is also performed (i.e., if the answer is Yes in step S14), the space purification system 10 may control the sterilization strength of the sterilization device 40 based on the usage schedule. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing the relationship between the information included in the usage schedule and the sterilization strength.

[0060] As described above, the usage schedule includes information indicating the number of users. Therefore, the control unit 23b of the control device 20 may control the sterilization strength of the sterilization device 40 based on the number of users included in the usage schedule.

[0061] When sterilization is performed during an unoccupied time, the greater the number of users in the indoor space 90 immediately prior to the unoccupied time, the greater the possibility that aerosols containing infectious substances are remaining in the indoor space 90, and the greater the need to sterilize the indoor space 90. Therefore, the greater the number of users in the usage schedule immediately prior to the unoccupied time, the more strongly the control unit 23b sterilizes the unoccupied time. Specifically, the control unit 23b increases the amount of hypochlorous acid water mist emitted by the sterilization device 40.

[0062] As described above, the usage schedule includes information indicating the usage time, so the control unit 23b of the control device 20 may control the sterilization strength of the sterilization device 40 based on the usage time included in the usage schedule.

[0063] When sterilization is performed during free time, the longer the usage time of the indoor space 90 immediately before the free time, the higher the possibility that aerosols containing infectious substances remain in the indoor space 90, and the higher the need to sterilize the indoor space 90. Therefore, the control unit 23b may sterilize the free time more strongly the longer the usage time in the usage schedule immediately before the free time.

[0064] Furthermore, the control unit 23b may control the sterilization strength of the sterilization device 40 based on both the number of users and the usage time included in the usage schedule.

[0065] In this way, if the sterilization strength of the sterilization device 40 is controlled based on the usage schedule immediately prior to the unoccupied time, the space purification system 10 can sterilize the indoor space 90 efficiently.

[0066] In addition, when the space purification system 10 purifies each of the multiple indoor spaces 90, the size (area) of each of the multiple indoor spaces 90 may be managed, and the strength of sterilization in each of the multiple indoor spaces 90 may be controlled according to the size of the indoor space 90. Specifically, the control unit 23b of the control device 20 may sterilize more strongly the larger the indoor space 90.

[0067] [Variation 5] When ventilation is performed during unoccupied time (i.e., both Yes and No in step S14), the space purification system 10 may control the ventilation volume based on the usage schedule. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing the relationship between the information included in the usage schedule and the ventilation volume.

[0068] As described above, the use schedule includes information indicating the number of users. Therefore, the control unit 23b of the control device 20 may control the ventilation volume by the ventilation device 30 based on the number of users included in the use schedule.

[0069] From the viewpoint of carbon dioxide concentration, the more the number of users in the indoor space 90, the greater the required ventilation volume. When ventilation is performed during free time, it is considered that the more users there are in the indoor space 90 immediately after the free time, the more sufficient ventilation of the indoor space 90 is required. Therefore, the control unit 23b increases the ventilation volume during the free time, the greater the number of users in the usage schedule immediately after the free time. Specifically, the control unit 23b increases the rotation speed of the blower fan provided in the ventilation device 30.

[0070] As described above, the usage schedule includes information indicating the usage time. Therefore, the control unit 23b of the control device 20 may control the ventilation amount by the ventilation device 30 based on the usage time included in the usage schedule.

[0071] When ventilation is performed during a free time, it is considered that the longer the usage time of the indoor space 90 immediately following the free time, the more sufficient ventilation of the indoor space 90 is required. Therefore, the control unit 23b increases the ventilation amount during the free time, the longer the usage time in the usage schedule immediately following the free time.

[0072] Furthermore, the control unit 23b may control the ventilation volume by the ventilation device 30 based on both the number of users and the usage time included in the usage schedule.

[0073] In this way, if the ventilation volume by the ventilation device 30 is controlled based on the usage schedule immediately after the empty time, the space purification system 10 can efficiently ventilate the indoor space 90.

[0074] In addition, when the control device 20 purifies each of the multiple indoor spaces 90, the size (area) of each of the multiple indoor spaces 90 may be managed, and the ventilation volume in each of the multiple indoor spaces 90 may be controlled according to the size of the indoor space 90. Specifically, the control unit 23b of the control device 20 may increase the ventilation volume for a larger indoor space 90 among the multiple indoor spaces 90.

[0075] [Variation 6] As shown in the time chart of Fig. 7 above, the ventilation volume is increased in the latter part of the free time (i.e., immediately after strong sterilization has been performed) compared to the earlier part of the free time (when strong sterilization has been performed). However, there are cases where it is not necessarily necessary to increase the ventilation volume in the later part of the free time, such as when the free time is sufficiently long, when the meeting following the free time is held with a small number of people, or when the meeting following the free time is held for only a short period of time.

[0076] Therefore, in such a case, the control unit 23b may sterilize the indoor space 90 more strongly during the vacant time than when the indoor space 90 is in use, and then ventilate the indoor space 90 at the same ventilation volume as during the sterilization. In other words, the control unit 23b may ventilate the indoor space 90 at a constant ventilation volume during the entire vacant time.

[0077] [Effects, etc.] As described above, the space purification system 10 includes the acquisition unit 23a that acquires a usage schedule for the indoor space 90, and the control unit 23b that ventilates the indoor space 90 during a vacant time when the indoor space 90 is not in use, which is determined by the acquired usage schedule. The control unit 23b sterilizes the indoor space 90 more strongly during the vacant time than when the indoor space 90 is in use, based on the length of the vacant time.

[0078] Such a space purification system 10 automatically purifies the indoor space 90 during the vacant time of the indoor space 90. In other words, the space purification system 10 can purify the indoor space 90 without interfering with the use of the indoor space 90. Furthermore, the space purification system 10 can perform strong sterilization based on the length of vacant time.

[0079] Also, for example, when the length of the free time is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the control unit 23b sterilizes the indoor space 90 more strongly during the free time than when the indoor space 90 is in use, and when the length of the free time is less than the threshold value, the control unit 23b does not sterilize the indoor space 90 more strongly during the free time than when the indoor space 90 is in use.

[0080] When the empty time is short, the space purification system 10 purifies the indoor space 90 mainly by ventilation, without performing strong sterilization that may impair the comfort of the next user. In this way, the space purification system 10 can purify the indoor space 90 to an extent that does not impair the comfort of the user.

[0081] Also, for example, the control unit 23b sterilizes the indoor space 90 more strongly during unoccupied time than when the indoor space 90 is in use, and then increases the ventilation volume more than during the sterilization.

[0082] Such a space purification system 10 can discharge the aerosol after sterilization, the mist of hypochlorous acid water released for sterilization, and the like to the outside of the indoor space 90.

[0083] Also, for example, the control unit 23b may sterilize the indoor space 90 more strongly during unoccupied time than when the indoor space 90 is in use, and then ventilate the indoor space 90 with the same ventilation volume as during the sterilization.

[0084] Such a space purification system 10 can provide ventilation at a constant ventilation rate during idle times when the idle times are sufficiently long.

[0085] Also, for example, during unoccupied time, while sterilizing the indoor space 90 more strongly than when the indoor space 90 is in use, the control unit 23b sets the ventilation volume of the indoor space 90 to the amount equal to or lower than when the indoor space 90 is in use.

[0086] Such a space purification system 10 can prevent the mist of hypochlorous acid water discharged for sterilization from being discharged outside the indoor space 90 due to ventilation. In other words, the space purification system 10 can enhance the sterilization effect.

[0087] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 23b further causes the scent emitting device 50 installed in the indoor space 90 to emit scent during spare time.

[0088] Such a space purification system 10 can improve the comfort of the occupants of the indoor space 90.

[0089] Also, for example, when sterilizing the indoor space 90 more strongly during unoccupied time than when the indoor space 90 is being used, the control unit 23b controls the strength of the sterilization based on the usage schedule immediately prior to the unoccupied time.

[0090] Such a space purification system 10 can efficiently sterilize the indoor space 90.

[0091] Also, for example, the control unit 23b controls the ventilation volume of the indoor space 90 during the vacant time based on the usage schedule immediately following the vacant time.

[0092] Such a space purification system 10 can efficiently ventilate the indoor space 90.

[0093] Also, for example, the acquisition unit 23a acquires a usage schedule from the management system 70 that manages reservations for the usage time period of the indoor space 90.

[0094] Such a space purification system 10 can purify the indoor space 90 during the unoccupied time of the indoor space 90 determined by the usage schedule obtained from the management system 70.

[0095] In addition, for example, when the management system 70 accepts a reservation for a usage time period of the indoor space 90, it sets reservation prohibition periods immediately before and after the reserved usage time period. The control unit 23b specifies the set reservation prohibition periods as available time.

[0096] Such a space purification system 10 can purify the indoor space 90 during the reservation prohibition period.

[0097] Also, for example, the control unit 23b starts ventilation of the indoor space 90 a predetermined period of time before the scheduled end time of the reserved usage time period.

[0098] Such a space purification system 10 can purify the indoor space 90 at least by ventilation when there is little free time between usage time periods (including when there is no free time).

[0099] Moreover, the space purification method executed by a computer such as the space purification system 10 includes an acquisition step S12 of acquiring a usage schedule for the indoor space 90, and a control step S17 of ventilating the indoor space 90 during a vacant time when the indoor space 90 is not being used, which is determined by the acquired usage schedule. In the control step, based on the length of the vacant time, the indoor space 90 is sterilized more strongly during the vacant time than when the indoor space 90 is being used.

[0100] Such a space purification method can automatically purify the indoor space 90 during the vacant time of the indoor space 90. In other words, the space purification method can purify the indoor space 90 without interfering with the use of the indoor space 90. Furthermore, the space purification method can perform powerful sterilization based on the length of vacant time.

[0101] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

[0102] For example, in the above embodiment, the indoor space is described as a conference room, but it may be a karaoke booth, a training gym, etc. The indoor space may be a space that is used by an unspecified number of people in turn, and the usage schedule may be managed.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the space purification system is realized by a plurality of devices, but may be realized as a single device. For example, the space purification system may be realized as a single device corresponding to a control device. When the space purification system is realized by a plurality of devices, the components of the space purification system described in the above embodiment may be distributed among the plurality of devices in any manner.

[0104] The space purification system may be realized as a client-server system. For example, the control device may be realized as a server device, and the ventilation device, the sterilization device, the fragrance emitting device, and the speaker may be realized as client devices.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the processes executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. The order of multiple processes may be changed, or multiple processes may be executed in parallel.

[0106] In the above embodiment, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

[0107] Furthermore, each component may be realized by hardware. Each component may be a circuit (or an integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or each may be a separate circuit. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit, or a dedicated circuit.

[0108] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0109] For example, the present invention may be realized as the control device of the above embodiment, or as a space purification method executed by a computer such as a space purification system. The present invention may also be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute the space purification method, or as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0110] In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art may think of, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 10. Space Purification System 23a Acquisition Department 23b Control section 50 Scent-emitting device 70 Management Systems 90 Indoor space

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires a usage schedule of the indoor space from a management system that manages reservations for usage time periods of the indoor space; a control unit that ventilates the indoor space during a vacant time when the indoor space is not being used, which is determined by the acquired usage schedule, The control unit is Based on the length of the vacant time, sterilization of the indoor space is performed more strongly during the vacant time than when the indoor space is in use; When it is a predetermined period before the scheduled end time of the reserved use time period, ventilation of the indoor space is started. Space purification system.

2. The control unit is When the length of the vacant time is equal to or greater than a threshold value, sterilization of the indoor space is performed more strongly during the vacant time than when the indoor space is in use; When the length of the vacant time is less than a threshold value, the sterilization of the indoor space is not performed more strongly during the vacant time than when the indoor space is in use. The space purification system according to claim 1 .

3. The control unit performs sterilization of the indoor space during the free time more strongly than when the indoor space is in use, and then increases a ventilation volume more than during the sterilization. The space purification system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The control unit sterilizes the indoor space during the free time more strongly than when the indoor space is in use, and then ventilates the indoor space with the same ventilation volume as during the sterilization. The space purification system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The control unit sets the ventilation amount of the indoor space to a level equal to or lower than that during the use of the indoor space while sterilizing the indoor space more strongly than when the indoor space is used during the free time. The space purification system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The control unit further controls a fragrance emitting device installed in the indoor space to emit a fragrance during the free time. The space purification system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. When sterilizing the indoor space during the unoccupied time more strongly than when the indoor space is in use, the control unit controls the sterilization strength based on a usage schedule immediately before the unoccupied time. The space purification system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The control unit controls the ventilation amount of the indoor space during the free time based on the usage schedule immediately after the free time. The space purification system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. When the management system accepts a reservation for a time period during which the indoor space is to be used, the management system sets reservation prohibition periods immediately before and after the reserved time period, The control unit specifies the set reservation prohibition period as the available time. The space purification system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A computer-implemented method for purifying a space, comprising: An acquisition step of acquiring a usage schedule of the indoor space from a management system that manages reservations of usage time periods of the indoor space; a control step of ventilating the indoor space during a vacant time when the indoor space is not being used, which is determined by the acquired usage schedule, In the control step, Based on the length of the vacant time, sterilization of the indoor space is performed more strongly during the vacant time than when the indoor space is in use; When it is a predetermined period before the scheduled end time of the reserved use time period, ventilation of the indoor space is started. How to purify space.

11. A program for causing a computer to execute the spatial purification method according to claim 10.

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