Notification system, space purification system, and notification method

Abstract

To facilitate use of a common space shared by a plurality of people in a purified state.SOLUTION: An informing system 100 includes a detection part 11, a determination part 15, and an informing part 17. The detection part 11 detects a first user in a common space 31 shared by a plurality of people. The determination part 15 determines a purified state indicating a degree of purification in the common space 31 on the basis of time used by the first user detected by at least the detection part 11. The informing part 17 informs a second user of the purified state determined by the determination part 15.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a notification system, a space purification system, and a notification method for notifying the state of a shared space that is used jointly by multiple people, for example. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a space purification system. This space purification system includes an identification unit and a purification control unit. The identification unit identifies a target area in the space that needs purification based on information about people staying in the space. The purification control unit locally purifies the target area identified by the identification unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 039818 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure has the advantage that a shared space used by multiple people can be easily used in a purified state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a notification system including a detection unit, a determination unit, and a notification unit. The purification device communicates with a device installed at the entrance of the common space via a communication network, The determination unit detects a first user in the ,before The first user detected by the detection unit The shared space Time used Time elapsed since the end of Based on Whether the shared space is available for use A purification status indicating the degree of purification of the common space. As The notification unit determines Through a notification device installed outside the shared space or an information terminal carried by the second user, The purification state determined by the determination unit By voice or display The second user is notified. The determination unit determines that the shared space is available when the elapsed time is equal to or greater than a predetermined time, and determines that the shared space is not available when the elapsed time is less than the predetermined time.

[0006] A space purification system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the notification system and a control unit that is installed in the shared space and controls a purification device that purifies the shared space.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a notification method is provided for a shared space used by multiple people. The purification device communicates with a device installed at the entrance of the common space via a communication network, Detect the first user in , Inspection The first user who was informed The shared space Time used Time elapsed since the end of Based on Whether the shared space is available for use A purification status indicating the degree of purification of the common space. As Judging, Through a notification device installed outside the shared space or an information terminal carried by the second user, The determined purification state is By voice or display Notify the second user In the determination of the purification state, if the elapsed time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, it is determined that the shared space is in a usable state, and if the elapsed time is less than the predetermined time, it is determined that the shared space is not in a usable state. do.

[0008] Furthermore, these comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized by a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM, or may be realized by any combination of the system, the method, the integrated circuit, the computer program, and the recording medium. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is an advantage that a shared space used by multiple people can be easily used in a purified state. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overview of a space purification system including a notification system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an environment to which a space purification system including a notification system according to an embodiment is applied. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an example of a manner in which a purification state is notified via a notification device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3B]FIG. 3B is a diagram showing another example of a manner in which a purification state is notified via a notification device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a diagram showing an example of a manner in which a purification state is notified via an information terminal according to an embodiment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a diagram showing another example of a mode in which the purification state is notified via an information terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a diagram showing an example of notification by the notification unit according to the embodiment when a request is made by a second user after the purification state meets a predetermined standard. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an example of notification by the notification unit according to the embodiment when a request is made by the second user before the purification state meets a predetermined standard. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the notification system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] In recent years, as a risk associated with infectious diseases such as COVID-19, attention has been focused on the onset of infectious diseases caused by the ingestion of minute infectious substances suspended in exhaled breath (including droplets and aerosols) emitted by a living body. In this regard, importance is being placed on infectious disease control measures related to air, such as the effectiveness of masks in preventing the dispersion of infectious substances and the importance of indoor ventilation. In particular, widespread attention has been paid to the risk of infection in shared spaces used by multiple people. In view of the above, the inventor has come to create the present disclosure.

[0012] Hereinafter, the embodiment will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] The embodiments described below are comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, the arrangement and connection of the components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0014] In addition, each drawing is not necessarily a strict illustration. In each drawing, substantially the same configuration is given the same reference numeral, and duplicated explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0015] (Embodiment) [composition] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an overview of a space purification system 200 including a notification system 100 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an environment to which the space purification system 200 including the notification system 100 according to an embodiment is applied. The notification system 100 according to the embodiment is a system for notifying the state of a shared space 31 used in common by multiple people, in particular, a purification state indicating the degree of purification of the shared space 31. Moreover, the space purification system 200 according to the embodiment is a system for further purifying the shared space 31.

[0016] The shared space 31 may include, for example, a toilet, a bath, a washroom, or a conference room in the facility 3. In other words, the shared space 31 is a space used by multiple people at different times. The facility 3 may include, for example, a residential facility such as a detached house or an apartment building. The facility 3 may also include, for example, a school, a hospital, a nursing home, a library, or other facilities, as well as commercial facilities such as a shop or an office, or industrial facilities such as a factory.

[0017] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the facility 3 is a detached house and has three shared spaces 31: a toilet, a bathroom, and a washroom. Each shared space 31 is equipped with a ventilation fan 71 as a purification device 7 described later. Furthermore, an arrow A1 indicates that a user (first user 41) travels back and forth between the shared space 31 and his / her own room. In the following, for simplicity of explanation, the explanation will be focused on one shared space 31 out of the multiple shared spaces 31, but the following explanation is similar for the other shared spaces 31.

[0018] The term "purification" as used herein means purification in a broad sense, and includes not only disinfecting or sterilizing infectious substances with hypochlorous acid or the like, but also preventing the retention or spread of infectious substances by blowing air. Purification also includes, for example, opening a window or door in the common space 31. Infectious substances may include, for example, mold, bacteria, or viruses. In the embodiment, infectious substances are substances that may cause infection caused by inhaling pathogens such as viruses or pathogens into the respiratory tract, that is, infectious diseases caused by respiratory tract infection. Respiratory tract infection is divided into airborne infection and droplet infection. Infectious diseases caused by airborne infection may include, for example, measles, tuberculosis, or chickenpox. Infectious diseases caused by droplet infection may include, for example, influenza, epidemic parotitis (mumps), or COVID-19.

[0019] It should be noted that purification may also include preventing the retention or transmission of odorous substances, such as fecal odors, rather than infectious substances.

[0020] The purification state here may include, for example, whether or not it is estimated that the concentration of infectious substances (or odorous substances) in the shared space 31 meets a predetermined standard. In other words, the purification state may include whether or not it is estimated that the space has been sufficiently purified to be usable by the next user. The purification state does not have to be expressed strictly based on the concentration of infectious substances (or odorous substances), and may simply be expressed by whether or not a predetermined time has passed since the previous user used the shared space 31. This is because, for example, if the shared space 31 is ventilated by a ventilation fan or the like, the concentration of infectious substances (or odorous substances) in the shared space 31 will decrease over time.

[0021] In the embodiment, the notification system 100 is realized by a server device. For example, a cloud server can be used as the server device. Also, an edge server, a home server, a workstation, or any combination of these may be used as the server device. In the following description, the server device is assumed to be installed inside the facility 3, unless otherwise specified.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 1, the notification system 100 includes a detection unit 11, a first acquisition unit 12, a second acquisition unit 13, a third acquisition unit 14, a determination unit 15, a reception unit 16, a notification unit 17, and a storage unit 18. The space purification system 200 includes the notification system 100 and a control unit 21. For example, a processor (not shown) and a memory (not shown) in which instructions are stored may be used as each of the detection unit 11, the first acquisition unit 12, the second acquisition unit 13, the third acquisition unit 14, the determination unit 15, the reception unit 16, the notification unit 17, and the control unit 21. Note that a dedicated electronic circuit may be used as each of the detection unit 11, the first acquisition unit 12, the second acquisition unit 13, the third acquisition unit 14, the determination unit 15, the reception unit 16, the notification unit 17, and the control unit 21.

[0023] The detection unit 11 detects a first user 41 in the shared space 31. The first user 41 is a person who uses the shared space 31 before the second user 42. In other words, the person who uses the shared space 31 is the first user 41, and the person who has not yet used the shared space 31 and is scheduled to use the shared space 31 after the first user 41 is the second user 42. It is to be noted that the first user 41 and the second user 42 do not have to be the same person. In the embodiment, the first user 41 and the second user 42 are described as being different people.

[0024] Below, examples of detection means for the first user 41 by the detection unit 11 are listed. Note that the detection means shown below are only examples, and it goes without saying that there may be detection means other than the examples shown below. Furthermore, the detection unit 11 may apply one of the detection means shown below, or may apply a combination of multiple detection means.

[0025] The detection unit 11 communicates with a camera installed, for example, inside the shared space 31 or at the entrance / exit of the shared space 31 via a communication network. The camera captures an image of a target area and transmits the captured still images or video to the detection unit 11. The detection unit 11 then detects the first user 41 by performing appropriate image analysis processing on the still images or video captured by the camera.

[0026] Furthermore, the detection unit 11 communicates with a tag reader installed, for example, at the entrance / exit of the shared space 31 via a communication network. The tag reader is a device that acquires information stored in an IC tag by wirelessly communicating with an IC (Integrated Circuit) tag, which is a type of RFID (Radio frequency identification) tag. The IC tag is held by the first user 41. Information that can individually identify the first user 41 is stored in the IC tag. The detection unit 11 detects the first user 41 by acquiring the information stored in the IC tag read by the tag reader.

[0027] Furthermore, the detection unit 11 communicates with a transceiver installed, for example, at the entrance / exit of the shared space 31 via a communication network. The transceiver is a device that acquires information stored in a portable device, for example, a smartphone or a wristwatch carried by the first user 41, by wirelessly communicating with the portable device. Information that can individually identify the first user 41 is stored in the portable device. The detection unit 11 detects the first user 41 by acquiring the information stored in the portable device acquired by the transceiver.

[0028] The first acquisition unit 12 acquires respiratory information related to the breathing of the first user 41. The respiratory information may include information such as the number of breaths per unit time or the amount of exhaled air per breath, based on the age, sex, height, or weight of the first user 41, for example.

[0029] The second acquisition unit 13 acquires infection information about an infectious disease of the first user 41. The infection information may include, for example, information indicating that the first user 41 has developed an infectious disease, that the first user 41 is suspected of developing an infectious disease, or that the first user 41 does not develop an infectious disease.

[0030] The first acquisition unit 12 (or the second acquisition unit 13) acquires the respiratory information (or infection information) by receiving the respiratory information (or infection information) input by the first user 41 using the information terminal 6 (see FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B) from the information terminal 6 via a communication network. That is, the first acquisition unit 12 (or the second acquisition unit 13) acquires the respiratory information (or infection information) based on the self-declaration by the first user 41. The information terminal 6 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet computer having a touch panel display. Also, for example, the information terminal 6 may be a desktop computer or a laptop computer having an input device (for example, a mouse and a keyboard, etc.) and a display. Alternatively, the information terminal 6 may be a controller dedicated to the notification system 100. In the embodiment, the information terminal 6 is a smartphone. As a communication means between the first acquisition unit 12 (or the second acquisition unit 13) and the information terminal 6, for example, a wired communication circuit or a wireless communication circuit can be used, but is not limited thereto.

[0031] Furthermore, the first acquisition unit 12 (or the second acquisition unit 13) may be configured to automatically acquire respiratory information (or infection information) without relying on self-reporting by the first user 41. Below, examples of acquisition means for automatically acquiring respiratory information (or infection information) by the first acquisition unit 12 (or the second acquisition unit 13) are listed. Note that the acquisition means shown below are only examples, and it goes without saying that there may be acquisition means other than the examples shown below. Furthermore, the first acquisition unit 12 (or the second acquisition unit 13) may apply one of the acquisition means shown below, or may apply a combination of multiple acquisition means.

[0032] For example, assume that the detection unit 11 detects the first user 41 by communicating with a tag reader via a communication network, and that respiratory information (or infection information) is stored in an IC tag held by the first user 41. In this case, the first acquisition unit 12 (or the second acquisition unit 13) can indirectly acquire the respiratory information (or infection information) from the IC tag via the tag reader. Note that the first user 41 may write the respiratory information (or infection information) in the IC tag in advance.

[0033] Also, for example, assume that the detection unit 11 detects the first user 41 by communicating with the transceiver via a communication network, and that respiratory information (or infection information) is stored in a portable device carried by the first user 41. In this case, the first acquisition unit 12 (or the second acquisition unit 13) can indirectly acquire the respiratory information (or infection information) from the portable device via the transceiver. Note that the first user 41 may input the respiratory information (or infection information) to the portable device in advance.

[0034] Even if the respiratory information (or infection information) is not stored in the IC tag or the portable device, for example, if there is another system that manages the respiratory information (or infection information) of users in the shared space 31, the first acquisition unit 12 (or the second acquisition unit 13) can acquire the respiratory information (or infection information) of the first user 41 from the other system. That is, when the first acquisition unit 12 (or the second acquisition unit 13) acquires the identification information of the first user 41 from the IC tag or the portable device, it can acquire the respiratory information (or infection information) of the first user 41 from the other system by requesting the other system for the respiratory information (or infection information) corresponding to this identification information.

[0035] The first acquisition unit 12 (or the second acquisition unit 13) may adopt either a mode in which respiratory information (or infection information) is acquired based on the self-reporting of the first user 41 described above, or a mode in which respiratory information (or infection information) is automatically acquired, or may adopt a combination of both.

[0036] The third acquisition unit 14 acquires behavioral information about behavior related to infectious diseases by the first user 41 in the shared space 31. The behavioral information may include, for example, information indicating whether the first user 41 coughed or sneezed in the shared space 31, and if the first user 41 coughed or sneezed, the number of times per unit time. In other words, the behavioral information referred to here corresponds to information about behavior that may spread infectious substances in the shared space 31.

[0037] For example, if a camera is installed inside the shared space 31, the third acquisition unit 14 can acquire behavioral information by analyzing whether the first user 41 is coughing or sneezing by performing appropriate image analysis processing on still images or moving images captured by the camera. Also, if a microphone is installed inside the shared space 31 or at an entrance to the shared space 31, the third acquisition unit 14 can acquire behavioral information by collecting sounds corresponding to coughing or sneezing with the microphone.

[0038] The determination unit 15 determines the purification state indicating the degree of purification of the shared space 31 based on at least the time of use by the first user 41 detected by the detection unit 11. For example, the determination unit 15 determines the purification state immediately after the first user 41 uses the shared space 31 as a state in which the shared space 31 is most contaminated by infectious substances (or smelly substances) and the shared space 31 cannot be used. The determination unit 15 then determines the degree of purification of the shared space 31 to be greater as time passes from the above-mentioned time point, and determines that the shared space 31 is in a usable state when a predetermined time has passed from the above-mentioned time point. In other words, the determination unit 15 determines, for example, whether or not the shared space 31 is in a usable state as the purification state.

[0039] In the embodiment, the determination unit 15 determines the purification state further based on the breathing information acquired by the first acquisition unit 12. That is, the determination unit 15 estimates the purification amount required until the shared space 31 meets a predetermined standard (in other words, until the shared space 31 is sufficiently purified to be usable) further based on the breathing information. The purification amount referred to here may include the ventilation amount, for example, if the purification device 7 (described later) is a ventilation fan. Also, the purification amount may include the amount of air purification material sprayed, for example, if the purification device 7 is an air purifier.

[0040] For example, the determination unit 15 assumes that the greater the number of breaths per unit time or the amount of exhalation per breath of the first user 41, the greater the degree of contamination of the shared space 31 immediately after the first user 41 uses the shared space 31, and estimates that a greater amount of purification is required. Therefore, in this case, the determination unit 15 sets the above-mentioned predetermined time to be longer.

[0041] In the embodiment, the determination unit 15 determines the purification state further based on the infection information acquired by the second acquisition unit 13. That is, the determination unit 15 estimates the amount of purification required for the shared space 31 to meet a predetermined standard further based on the infection information. For example, if the first user 41 has developed an infectious disease, the determination unit 15 considers that the degree of contamination of the shared space 31 is high immediately after the first user 41 uses the shared space 31, and estimates that the amount of purification required is large. Therefore, in this case, the determination unit 15 sets the above-mentioned predetermined time to be long.

[0042] Furthermore, in the embodiment, the determination unit 15 determines the purification state further based on the behavioral information acquired by the third acquisition unit 14. That is, the determination unit 15 estimates the amount of purification required for the shared space 31 to satisfy a predetermined standard further based on the behavioral information. For example, the determination unit 15 assumes that the greater the number of times the first user 41 coughs or sneezes, the greater the degree of contamination of the shared space 31 immediately after the first user 41 uses the shared space 31, and estimates that a greater amount of purification is required. Therefore, in this case, the determination unit 15 sets the above-mentioned predetermined time to be longer.

[0043] The determination unit 15 may determine the purification state by weighting each of the respiratory information, infection information, and behavioral information. For example, when the infection information indicates that the first user 41 has developed an infectious disease, the determination unit 15 may determine the purification state based only on the infection information, regardless of the respiratory information and behavioral information.

[0044] The reception unit 16 receives a request from the second user 42. The request here refers to an inquiry from the second user 42 about the purification state of the shared space 31. Specifically, the second user 42 transmits a request signal from the information terminal 6 to the reception unit 16 via the communication network, for example, by operating the information terminal 6. The reception unit 16 receives the request from the second user 42 by receiving the request signal transmitted from the information terminal 6. Note that the second user 42 may cause the notification device 5 to transmit a request signal to the reception unit 16 via the communication network, for example, by operating an input interface (for example, a push button, etc.) provided on the notification device 5 described later.

[0045] The notification unit 17 notifies the second user 42 of the purification state determined by the determination unit 15. Examples of notification means by the notification unit 17 are listed below. Note that the notification means shown below are only examples, and it goes without saying that there may be notification means other than the examples shown below. Furthermore, the notification unit 17 may apply one of the notification means shown below, or may apply a combination of multiple notification means.

[0046] 3A and 3B, the notification unit 17 notifies the second user 42 of the purification state by voice or display via a notification device 5 installed outside the shared space 31. Fig. 3A is a diagram showing an example of a manner in which the purification state is notified via the notification device 5 according to the embodiment. Fig. 3B is a diagram showing another example of a manner in which the purification state is notified via the notification device 5 according to the embodiment.

[0047] In the example shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the notification device 5 is a display installed above the door 32 which is the entrance / exit of the shared space 31 (here, "conference room A"). That is, in the example shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the notification unit 17 transmits a notification signal including notification contents indicating the purification state of the shared space 31 to the notification device 5 via a communication network. Upon receiving the notification signal from the notification unit 17, the notification device 5 notifies the second user 42 who has gone to the entrance / exit of the shared space 31 of the purification state by displaying a character string or the like based on the notification contents included in the notification signal. Note that the notification device 5 may have a built-in speaker, for example, and notify the purification state by a voice message via the speaker. Also, the notification device 5 may be provided with either a display or a speaker.

[0048] The notification unit 17 notifies the second user 42 of the purification state by voice or display via the information terminal 6 carried by the second user 42, for example, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B. Figure 4A is a diagram showing an example of how the purification state is notified via the information terminal 6 according to the embodiment. Figure 4B is a diagram showing another example of how the purification state is notified via the information terminal 6 according to the embodiment.

[0049] In the example shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, the information terminal 6 is a smartphone. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, the notification unit 17 transmits a notification signal including notification contents indicating the purification state of the shared space 31 (here, "conference room A") to the information terminal 6 via a communication network. When the information terminal 6 receives the notification signal from the notification unit 17, the information terminal 6 notifies the second user 42 of the purification state by displaying a character string or the like on the built-in display 61 based on the notification contents included in the notification signal. Note that the information terminal 6 may notify the purification state by a voice message via a built-in speaker, for example. Also, the information terminal 6 may notify the purification state by only one of the modes of voice and display.

[0050] In the embodiment, when the receiver 16 receives a request from the second user 42, the notification unit 17 notifies the second user 42 of the purification state. Here, the content of the notification by the notification unit 17 can change depending on the timing at which the receiver 16 receives the request from the second user 42.

[0051] Fig. 5A is a diagram showing an example of notification by the notification unit 17 according to the embodiment when the second user 42 makes a request after the purification state meets a predetermined standard. In the example shown in Fig. 5A, at the time when the reception unit 16 receives a request from the second user 42, the determination unit 15 determines that the purification state of the shared space 31 is purified to an extent that meets the predetermined standard (i.e., to an extent that the shared space 31 is usable). Therefore, the notification unit 17 notifies the second user 42 that the shared space 31 is usable, for example, as shown in Fig. 3A or 4A.

[0052] Fig. 5B is a diagram showing an example of notification by the notification unit according to the embodiment when the second user makes a request before the purification state meets a predetermined standard. In the example shown in Fig. 5B, at the time when the reception unit 16 receives a request from the second user 42, the determination unit 15 determines that the purification state of the shared space 31 does not yet meet the predetermined standard (i.e., the shared space 31 cannot be used). Therefore, the notification unit 17 notifies the second user 42 that the shared space 31 cannot be used, for example, as shown in Fig. 3B or 4B.

[0053] 3B or 4B, when the shared space 31 is not available at the time of notifying the second user 42, the notification unit 17 notifies the second user 42 including the time (required time) required until the shared space 31 becomes available. The required time can be calculated based on the predetermined time set by the determination unit 15 and the time when the request from the second user 42 is accepted.

[0054] The storage unit 18 is a storage device that stores various information. The storage unit 18 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory, but is not particularly limited and any known means for storing electronic information can be used. The storage unit 18 stores, for example, the respiratory information acquired by the first acquisition unit 12, the infection information acquired by the second acquisition unit 13, or the behavioral information acquired by the third acquisition unit 14 in association with the identification information of the first user 41. The storage unit 18 also stores information indicating the position and performance of the purification device 7 described below.

[0055] The control unit 21 controls the purifying device 7. The purifying device 7 is a device installed in the shared space 31 to purify the shared space 31. The purifying device 7 may include, for example, an air purifier that sprays an air purifying substance such as hypochlorous acid water into the shared space 31, or a ventilation fan 71 (see FIG. 2) that exhausts the air in the shared space 31 to the outside. The "outside" here may be outside the shared space 31 and does not have to be outside the facility 3. In addition, the purifying device 7 may include, for example, a filter device that captures infectious substances (or odorous substances), or an air conditioner that has a function of exchanging the air in the shared space 31.

[0056] The purification device 7 can communicate with the control unit 21 via the communication network. Therefore, the control unit 21 can remotely control the purification device 7 by transmitting a control signal to the purification device 7 via the communication network. For example, when the detection unit 11 detects the first user 41, the control unit 21 transmits a control signal to the purification device 7 via the communication network. As a result, the purification device 7 that receives the control signal operates according to the control content included in the control signal, thereby purifying the shared space 31.

[0057] Here, the control unit 21 controls the purification device 7 according to the purification state determined by the determination unit 15. That is, the control unit 21 controls the purification device 7 until the necessary purification amount determined by the determination unit 15 is satisfied. In the embodiment, when the notification unit 17 notifies the second user 42, if the purification state does not reach a predetermined standard (that is, the shared space 31 is not sufficiently purified to be usable), the control unit 21 increases the purification amount of the purification device 7. That is, when the determination unit 15 determines that the shared space 31 is not sufficiently purified to be usable at the time when the reception unit 16 accepts a request from the second user 42, the control unit 21 transmits a control signal including a command to increase the purification amount to the purification device 7 via the communication network. In this aspect, by increasing the purification amount by the purification device 7, the speed at which the shared space 31 is purified can be increased, and the time at which the shared space 31 becomes usable can be shortened.

[0058] [Operation] Hereinafter, an example of the operation (notification method) of the notification system 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation (notification method) of the notification system 100 according to the embodiment.

[0059] First, the detection unit 11 detects whether or not the first user 41 is present in the shared space 31 (S1). If the first user 41 is present in the shared space 31 (S2: Yes), the first acquisition unit 12 acquires respiratory information about the first user 41 (S3), the second acquisition unit 13 acquires infection information about the first user 41 (S4), and the third acquisition unit 14 acquires behavioral information about the first user 41 (S5). The order of the processes S3 to S5 is not limited to this order. Also, there may be cases where the first acquisition unit 12, the second acquisition unit 13, and the third acquisition unit 14 are unable to acquire the respiratory information, the infection information, and the behavioral information, respectively. On the other hand, if the first user 41 is not present in the shared space 31 (S2: No), nothing is particularly executed.

[0060] Next, the determination unit 15 determines the purification state of the shared space 31 after the first user 41 uses the shared space 31 (S6). The process S6 is executed in real time or periodically, for example, until the second user 42 is detected in the shared space 31 (i.e., until the next user is detected in the shared space 31).

[0061] When the reception unit 16 receives a request from the second user 42 (S7), the notification unit 17 refers to the result of the determination of the purification state of the shared space 31 by the determination unit 15 at the time of receiving the request from the second user 42 (S8). When the determination unit 15 determines that the shared space 31 is available for use based on the purification state (S9: Yes), the notification unit 17 notifies the second user 42 that the shared space 31 is available for use (S10). On the other hand, when the determination unit 15 determines that the shared space 31 is not available for use based on the purification state (S9: No), the notification unit 17 notifies the second user 42 that the shared space 31 is not available for use and the time required until the shared space 31 becomes available for use (S11).

[0062] [Effects, etc.] As described above, the notification system 100 according to the embodiment includes the detection unit 11, the determination unit 15, and the notification unit 17. The detection unit 11 detects a first user 41 in a shared space 31 used jointly by multiple people. The determination unit 15 determines a purification state indicating the degree of purification of the shared space 31 based on at least the time of use by the first user 41 detected by the detection unit 11. The notification unit 17 notifies the second user 42 of the purification state determined by the determination unit 15.

[0063] This has the advantage that the second user 42 can grasp the purification state of the shared space 31 after use by the first user 41, making it easier to use the shared space 31 shared by multiple people in a purified state.

[0064] In particular, according to this, when the first user 41 uses the shared space 31, the second user 42 is notified of the purification state of the shared space 31 regardless of whether the first user 41 has developed an infectious disease. Therefore, if the first user 41 has developed an infectious disease, the risk of infection caused by the second user 42 using the shared space 31 can be reduced. Furthermore, even if the first user 41 does not have an infectious disease, the second user 42 can use the shared space 31 with peace of mind without worrying about the risk of infection.

[0065] Here, in the spatial purification system disclosed in Patent Document 1, even if purification of the shared space 31 as the target area has begun, there is a problem in that the second user 42 cannot know whether the shared space 31 has been purified or not, and there is a possibility that the second user 42 will use the shared space 31 when the shared space 31 has not been purified.

[0066] In contrast, in the notification system 100 according to the embodiment, the purification state of the shared space 31 is notified to the second user 42, so that the second user 42 can know whether the shared space 31 has been purified or not. Therefore, the notification system 100 according to the embodiment has the advantage that it becomes easier to prevent the second user 42 from using the shared space 31 when the shared space 31 has not been purified.

[0067] Moreover, in the notification system 100 according to the embodiment, the determination unit 15 determines whether the shared space 31 is in a usable state as the purification state.

[0068] This has the advantage that the second user 42 can know whether the shared space 31 is available for use or not.

[0069] In addition, in the notification system 100 of the embodiment, when the shared space 31 is in an unusable state at the time of notifying the second user 42, the determination unit 15 determines the purification state to be the time required for the shared space 31 to become available.

[0070] This has the advantage that the second user 42 can know the time when the shared space 31 will be available for use.

[0071] Moreover, in the notification system 100 according to the embodiment, the notification unit 17 notifies the second user 42 of the purification state through the notification device 5 installed outside the shared space 31 by voice or display.

[0072] This has the advantage that the second user 42 can grasp the purification state of the shared space 31, for example, when passing by the notification device 5.

[0073] Moreover, in the notification system 100 according to the embodiment, the notification unit 17 notifies the second user of the purification state by voice or display via the information terminal 6 carried by the second user .

[0074] This has the advantage that the second user 42 can grasp the purification state of the shared space 31 by checking the information terminal 6 that he or she carries, without having to go to the shared space 31.

[0075] Moreover, the notification system 100 according to the embodiment further includes a reception unit 16 that receives a request from the second user 42. When the reception unit 16 receives a request from the second user 42, the notification unit 17 notifies the second user 42 of the purification state.

[0076] This has the advantage that the second user 42 can grasp the purification state of the shared space 31 at any time desired.

[0077] Moreover, the notification system 100 according to the embodiment further includes a first acquisition unit 12 that acquires respiratory information related to the breathing of the first user 41. The determination unit 15 determines the purification state further based on the respiratory information acquired by the first acquisition unit 12.

[0078] This has the advantage that by taking into account the breathing of the first user 41, which may affect the purification state of the shared space 31, it becomes easier to determine the purification state of the shared space 31 with greater accuracy.

[0079] Moreover, the notification system 100 according to the embodiment further includes a second acquisition unit 13 that acquires infection information about an infectious disease of the first user 41. The determination unit 15 determines the purification state further based on the infection information acquired by the second acquisition unit 13.

[0080] According to this, for example, if the first user 41 has an infectious disease, infectious substances emitted from the first user 41 may affect the purification state of the shared space 31, so by taking into account whether or not the first user 41 is infected, it has the advantage that it becomes easier to more accurately determine the purification state of the shared space 31.

[0081] Moreover, the alarm system 100 according to the embodiment further includes a third acquisition unit 14 that acquires behavioral information about behavior related to infectious diseases of the first user 41 in the shared space 31. The determination unit 15 determines the purification state further based on the behavioral information acquired by the third acquisition unit 14.

[0082] This has the advantage that, if the first user 41 has an infectious disease, for example, by taking into account whether or not the first user 41 has engaged in any behavior that may spread infectious substances into the shared space 31, such as coughing or sneezing, it becomes easier to more accurately determine the purification state of the shared space 31.

[0083] Moreover, the space purification system 200 according to the embodiment includes the notification system 100 and a control unit 21. The control unit 21 controls the purification device 7. The purification device 7 is installed in a shared space 31 and purifies the shared space 31.

[0084] This has the advantage that the shared space 31 can be purified while the second user 42 is informed of the purified state of the shared space 31.

[0085] Furthermore, in the space purification system 200 according to the embodiment, when the notification unit 17 notifies the second user 42 that the purification state does not reach a predetermined standard, the control unit 21 increases the purification amount of the purification device 7.

[0086] This has the advantage that by increasing the speed at which the shared space 31 is purified, the time at which the shared space 31 becomes available for use can be shortened.

[0087] Moreover, in the notification method according to the embodiment, a first user 41 in a shared space 31 used by multiple people is detected. Moreover, in the notification method according to the embodiment, a purification state indicating the degree of purification of the shared space 31 is determined based on at least the time of use by the detected first user 41. Moreover, in the notification method according to the embodiment, the determined purification state is notified to a second user 42.

[0088] This has the advantage that the second user 42 can grasp the purification state of the shared space 31 after use by the first user 41, making it easier to use the shared space 31 shared by multiple people in a purified state.

[0089] (Modification) Although the spatial purification system including the notification system according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure and the notification method have been described based on the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. As long as it does not deviate from the gist of the present disclosure, various modifications conceived by a person skilled in the art to the present embodiment and forms constructed by combining components in different embodiments may also be included within the scope of one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0090] In the embodiment, the notification by the notification unit 17 as to whether the shared space 31 is available or not merely indicates a judgment by the notification system 100, and does not prevent the second user 42 from using the shared space 31. In other words, even if the notification unit 17 notifies the second user 42 that the shared space 31 is unavailable, the second user 42 may use the shared space 31 at his / her own risk. For example, if the second user 42 is the same person as the first user 41, the second user 42 may use the shared space 31 without waiting for the shared space 31 to be purified.

[0091] In the embodiment, the notification system 100 includes a first acquisition unit 12, but is not limited to this. For example, the notification system 100 does not need to include the first acquisition unit 12. In addition, in the embodiment, the notification system 100 includes a second acquisition unit 13, but is not limited to this. For example, the notification system 100 does not need to include the second acquisition unit 13. In addition, in the embodiment, the notification system 100 includes a third acquisition unit 14, but is not limited to this. For example, the notification system 100 does not need to include the third acquisition unit 14.

[0092] In the embodiment, the notification system 100 includes the reception unit 16, but is not limited to this. For example, the notification system 100 does not need to include the reception unit 16. In this case, for example, the notification unit 17 may notify the purification state of the shared space 31 in real time via the notification device 5 or the information terminal 6, regardless of the presence or absence of a request from the second user 42.

[0093] In the embodiment, when the shared space 31 is unavailable, the notification unit 17 notifies the second user 42 of the time required until the shared space 31 becomes available as the purification state, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the notification unit 17 may simply notify the second user 42 that the shared space 31 is unavailable as the purification state. Furthermore, the notification unit 17 may notify the second user 42 of only whether the shared space 31 has been purified as the purification state, rather than whether the shared space 31 is available. Furthermore, the notification of the required time is not limited to a numerical display, and may be expressed by a color, a blinking state, or a decaying scale.

[0094] In the embodiment, when the determination unit 15 determines that the shared space 31 is not available as a purified state, the use of the shared space 31 may be prohibited, for example, by remotely controlling and locking an electronic lock installed at the entrance to the shared space 31. In this case, at the point in time when the determination unit 15 determines that the shared space 31 is available as a purified state, the electronic lock is remotely controlled to be unlocked, and the shared space 31 becomes available.

[0095] In the embodiment, the space purification system 200 including the notification system 100 is constructed as a local system for one facility 3, but is not limited to this. For example, the space purification system 200 may be constructed as a cloud system that collectively manages multiple facilities 3. [Industrial Applicability]

[0096] The present disclosure can be used, for example, as an alert system for alerting users to the status of a shared space that is used jointly by multiple people. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 11 Detection unit 12 First acquisition part 13 Second acquisition part 14 Third acquisition part 15 Judgment section 16 Reception 17. Notification Department 18 Memory section 21 Control section 3. Facilities 31 Common space 32 Doors 41 1st user 42 2nd user 5. Notification device 6 Information terminal 61 Display 7 Purification Equipment 71 Ventilator 100 Notification System 200 Space Purification System A1 Arrow

Claims

1. A detection unit that detects a first user in a shared space by communicating with a device installed at an entrance of the shared space, which is used by multiple people and in which a purification device is installed, via a communication network; A determination unit that determines whether the shared space is in a usable state based on an elapsed time from the end of the time when the first user used the shared space detected by the detection unit, as a purification state indicating a degree of purification of the shared space; and a notification unit that notifies the second user of the purification state determined by the determination unit by voice or display via an alarm device installed outside the shared space or an information terminal carried by the second user, The determination unit determines that the shared space is in a usable state when the elapsed time is equal to or greater than a predetermined time, and determines that the shared space is not in a usable state when the elapsed time is less than the predetermined time. Notification system.

2. When the shared space is unavailable at the time of notifying the second user, the notification unit calculates a time required until the shared space becomes available based on the elapsed time and the predetermined time, and notifies the second user of the calculated time. The notification system according to claim 1 .

3. A reception unit that receives a request from the second user is further provided, When the reception unit receives a request from the second user, the notification unit notifies the second user of the purification state. The notification system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A first acquisition unit that acquires respiratory information related to the first user's breathing, The determination unit determines the purification state further based on the respiratory information acquired by the first acquisition unit. The notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A second acquisition unit that acquires infection information regarding an infectious disease of the first user, The determination unit determines the purification state further based on the infection information acquired by the second acquisition unit. The notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A third acquisition unit that acquires behavioral information regarding behavior of the first user related to an infectious disease in the shared space, The determination unit determines the purification state further based on the behavior information acquired by the third acquisition unit. The notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. An alarm system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A control unit for controlling the purification device. Space purification system.

8. The control unit increases a purification amount of the purification device when the purification state does not reach a predetermined standard when the notification unit notifies the second user. The space purification system according to claim 7.

9. A shared space is used by a plurality of people, and a purification device is installed in the shared space. By communicating with a device installed at an entrance of the shared space via a communication network, a first user in the shared space is detected; determining whether the shared space is in a usable state or not as a purification state indicating a degree of purification of the shared space based on an elapsed time from the end point of the time when the detected first user used the shared space; notifying the second user of the determined purification state by voice or display via an alarm device installed outside the shared space or an information terminal carried by the second user; In the determination of the purification state, it is determined that the shared space is in a usable state when the elapsed time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, and it is determined that the shared space is not in a usable state when the elapsed time is less than the predetermined time. Notification method.

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