Sterilization equipment, terminal equipment, sterilization systems and programs

Abstract

To provide a sterilization device which can set presence / absence of start of sterilization operation outside installation environment of the sterilization device.SOLUTION: A sterilization device 1 includes a high concentration ozone generation portion 2 generating high concentration ozone gas, an operation portion 10 receiving operation of setting start of sterilization operation by the high concentration ozone in the high concentration ozone generation portion 2, a communication portion 11 which enables communication between a terminal device and the communication portion 11, and a control portion 7, wherein when start of the sterilization operation by the high concentration ozone requiring waving of a user from installation environment is set by the operation portion 10, the control portion 7 inhibits the start of the sterilization operation until a permission signal for permitting the start of the sterilization operation is received from the terminal device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sterilization device for sterilizing an installation environment, a terminal device capable of communicating with the sterilization device, a sterilization system including the sterilization device and the terminal device, a program executed by the sterilization device, and a program executed by the terminal device.

Background Art

[0002] In an air cleaner that performs air cleaning operation of a space, a technique has been proposed that includes a sensor unit for sensing the installation environment of the cleaner itself and notifying the sensing result to an external device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this air cleaner, the environment of the space where the cleaner itself is installed is sensed, and the presence or absence of movement of people in the space is determined from the sensing result, and the determination result is notified to the external device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003] [[ID=2,]]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when considering a sterilization device that generates a functional factor for sterilizing the installation environment, it may be necessary to consider the presence of a person (user) who operates the sterilization device regarding the timing of generating the functional factor.

[0005] However, the external device described in Patent Document 1 is used as a notification destination for the determination result of human detection, and does not switch the operation of the air cleaner by operating the external device.

[0006] The present invention was made to solve these problems and aims to provide a sterilizer that can start sterilization operations at a more appropriate timing, a terminal device that can communicate with the sterilizer, a sterilization system comprising the sterilizer and the terminal device, a program executed by the sterilizer, and a program executed by the terminal device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a sterilization unit for sterilizing the installation environment, an operation unit for receiving user operations to set the operating conditions of the sterilization unit, and a communication unit that enables communication with a terminal device. A time measurement unit that measures elapsed time, The control unit comprises a control unit that controls the sterilization section, and when the operation unit is set to start a specific function that requires the user to evacuate from the installation environment, A human detection unit, capable of detecting whether a person is present within the sterilization target area of ​​the installation environment, measures the elapsed time since the person was no longer detected by a time measurement unit. If the person is not detected and the elapsed time since the person was no longer detected is within the time limit for permitting the start of a specific function, This sterilization device prohibits the activation of a specific function until it receives an authorization signal from a terminal device that permits the activation of that specific function.

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention includes an operating unit that receives user input to set the operating conditions of the sterilization unit that sterilizes the installation environment, and a computer of the sterilization unit that can communicate with a terminal device is configured by the operating unit to start a specific function that requires the user to evacuate from the installation environment. A human detection unit, capable of detecting whether a person is present within the sterilization target area of ​​the installation environment, measures the elapsed time since the person was no longer detected by a time measurement unit. If the person is not detected and the elapsed time since the person was no longer detected is within the time limit for permitting the start of a specific function, This program functions as a control unit that prohibits the activation of a specific function until it receives an authorization signal from a terminal device that permits the activation of that specific function.

[0009] Furthermore, the present invention is Equipped with a sterilization unit to sterilize the installation environment. An operating unit that receives an operation to select whether or not to start a specific function that requires the user to evacuate from the sterilization device's installation environment, and a communication unit that enables communication with the sterilization device. A terminal device equipped with the following features: When the start of a specific function is set on the operation unit of the sterilizer, the time elapsed since the person detection unit, which can detect whether a person is present in the sterilization target area of ​​the installation environment, stopped detecting a person is measured by the time measurement unit. If the person is not detected and the time elapsed since the person stopped detecting is within the time limit for permitting the start of the specific function, the terminal device will prohibit the start of the specific function until it receives a permit signal from the terminal device permitting the start of the specific function. When permission to start a specific function is granted by the operation of the control unit, the control unit sends a permission signal to the sterilizer. of It is a terminal device equipped with this feature.

[0010] Furthermore, the present invention includes an operating unit that receives an operation to select whether or not to start a specific function that requires the user to evacuate from the installation environment of the sterilization device, and a computer in a terminal device that can communicate with the sterilization device, When the operation unit of the sterilizer sets a specific function that requires the user to evacuate from the installation environment, the time elapsed since the person detection unit, which can detect whether a person is present in the sterilization target area of ​​the installation environment, stopped detecting a person is measured by the time measurement unit. If the person is not detected and the elapsed time since the person stopped detecting is within the time limit for permitting the start of the specific function, the sterilizer will prohibit the start of the specific function until it receives a permission signal from the terminal device permitting the start of the specific function. This program functions as a control unit that sends a permission signal to the sterilizer when permission to start a specific function is granted by the operation of the control unit.

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention is a sterilization system comprising the above-mentioned sterilization device and terminal device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, the sterilization operation can be started at a more appropriate timing. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing an example of the sterilization system of this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a functional block diagram showing an example of a sterilization apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a configuration diagram showing an example of a sterilization apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a functional block diagram showing an example of a terminal device according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a configuration diagram showing an example of a terminal device according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] A flowchart illustrating an example of how a sterilization device works. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of terminal device operation. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the sterilization apparatus, a terminal device capable of communicating with the sterilization apparatus, a sterilization system comprising the sterilization apparatus and the terminal device, a program executed by the sterilization apparatus, and a program executed by the terminal device will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] <Example configuration of the sterilization apparatus, terminal device, and sterilization system of this embodiment> FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the sterilization system of the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the sterilization apparatus of the present embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the sterilization apparatus of the present embodiment. Further, FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the terminal device of the present embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the terminal device of the present embodiment.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the sterilization system 200 includes a sterilization apparatus 1 and a terminal device 100. The sterilization apparatus 1 is communicably connected to the terminal device 100 by a wireless communication method or a wired communication method.

[0017] The sterilization apparatus 1 has a function of generating, for example, ozone gas containing ozone as a functional factor for sterilizing the installation environment 300 of the sterilization apparatus 1. The installation environment 300 of the sterilization apparatus 1 is, for example, the interior of a medical institution.

[0018] The user sets whether to execute a sterilization operation for generating ozone gas containing ozone exceeding a predetermined concentration. Ozone gas containing ozone exceeding a predetermined concentration is referred to as high-concentration ozone gas.

[0019] When a user setting for executing a sterilization operation using high-concentration ozone gas is made, the sterilization apparatus 1 guides the user to evacuate from the installation environment 300 of the sterilization apparatus 1. Therefore, when a user setting for executing a sterilization operation using high-concentration ozone gas is made, the sterilization apparatus 1 guides the user to perform an operation to start the sterilization operation on the terminal device 100. The terminal device 100 is used, for example, in a location separated from the installation environment 300 of the sterilization apparatus 1.

[0020] When an operation to start a sterilization operation using high-concentration ozone gas is performed on the terminal device 100, the sterilization apparatus 1 starts the sterilization operation. Thereby, the sterilization apparatus 1 can start the sterilization operation using high-concentration ozone gas after the user has evacuated, and can start the sterilization operation at a more appropriate timing.

[0021] Furthermore, the area where users need to evacuate during the sterilization operation may be defined as a predetermined area within the installation environment 300 of the sterilizer 1, at a distance from the sterilizer 1.

[0022] Furthermore, the sterilization device 1 is not limited to sterilization by ozone, but may also be a sterilization device that sprays hypochlorous acid water into the space as a functional factor for sterilizing the object to be sterilized. In the case of spraying hypochlorous acid water into the space, guidance may be provided to evacuate the user.

[0023] The details of the sterilization device 1 and terminal device 100, and the sterilization system 200 equipped with the sterilization device 1 and terminal device 100, will be described below with reference to the respective figures.

[0024] <Example of sterilization device configuration> As shown in Figure 2, the sterilization device 1 includes a high-concentration ozone generator 2 that generates high-concentration ozone gas and a low-concentration ozone generator 3 that generates low-concentration ozone gas. The sterilization device 1 also includes a fan motor 4 for diffusing the ozone gas generated by the high-concentration ozone generator 2 or the low-concentration ozone generator 3 into the environment in which the sterilization device 1 is installed. The fan motor 4 rotates a fan (not shown). Furthermore, the sterilization device 1 includes an ozone concentration detection unit 5 for detecting the ozone concentration in the environment in which the sterilization device 1 is installed.

[0025] Furthermore, the sterilization device 1 includes a power supply unit 6 that converts power supplied from an external source into the power required by each part of the sterilization device 1 and supplies it. In addition, the sterilization device 1 includes a control unit 7 that controls the overall operation of the sterilization device 1, and a time measurement unit 8 that can measure the elapsed time since a certain event started.

[0026] Furthermore, the sterilizer 1 includes a display unit 9 that notifies the user of the operating conditions and status of the sterilizer 1, and an operation unit 10 that allows the user to set the operating conditions of the sterilizer 1. In addition, the sterilizer 1 includes a communication unit 11 that enables communication with an external terminal device, which will be described later. Furthermore, the sterilizer 1 includes a human detection unit 12 that can detect whether a person is present in the installation environment of the sterilizer 1, or within a predetermined distance from the sterilizer 1 in the installation environment of the sterilizer 1.

[0027] The high-concentration ozone generating unit 2 and the low-concentration ozone generating unit 3 are examples of sterilization units. The high-concentration ozone generating unit 2 and the low-concentration ozone generating unit 3 inactivate bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms by generating ozone gas.

[0028] The high-concentration ozone generating unit 2 may use methods such as generating ozone gas by silent discharge, generating ozone gas by an ultraviolet light lamp, or generating ozone gas by surface discharge. However, the method of generating ozone gas is not limited. The same applies to the low-concentration ozone generating unit 3.

[0029] Specific functions that require users to evacuate from the installation environment 300 of the sterilization device 1 include, for example, sterilization operations that generate ozone gas containing ozone at a concentration exceeding a threshold. Low and high concentrations of ozone gas are defined as ozone gas at a concentration that provides a higher sterilization effect. Specifically, a concentration of ozone of 0.1 [ppm] or less is considered low concentration, and a concentration higher than 0.1 [ppm] is considered high concentration. However, the definition of the thresholds for low and high concentrations of ozone gas is not limited to these values.

[0030] The fan motor 4 does not need to be provided if there is airflow in the environment where the sterilization device 1 is installed. Alternatively, the ozone gas may be diffused by utilizing the rising airflow obtained by heating the air inside the sterilization device 1.

[0031] The ozone concentration detection unit 5 may use methods such as ultraviolet absorption or semiconductor thin-film, but the measurement method is not limited. Furthermore, the ozone concentration detection unit 5 may not be installed in the sterilization device 1, but rather in the room where the sterilization device 1 is installed. The ozone concentration detection unit installed outside the sterilization device 1 may also output the ozone concentration to the sterilization device 1 via communication through the communication unit 11, or via other communication means.

[0032] The time measurement unit 8 has a separate configuration from the control unit 7, but it may also be composed of hardware and software as an internal function of the control unit 7. The same applies to the communication unit 11; it has a separate configuration from the control unit 7, but it may also be composed of hardware and software as an internal function of the control unit 7.

[0033] While a wireless communication system for the communication unit 11 would improve the flexibility of the installation location of the sterilization device 1 and enhance user convenience, a wired communication system may also be used.

[0034] The human detection unit 12 is, for example, a pyroelectric infrared sensor that utilizes infrared light. Other human detection units 12 include ultrasonic sensors that utilize changes in the time of flight (ToF) of ultrasonic waves, and capacitive sensors that utilize changes in the capacitance formed between the sensor and the human body. However, the method of detecting people is not limited. Furthermore, the human detection unit 12 may not be installed in the sterilization device 1, but rather in the room where the sterilization device 1 is installed. The human detection unit installed outside the sterilization device 1 may output a human detection signal to the sterilization device 1 via communication through the communication unit 11, or via communication through other means of communication.

[0035] When the start of a specific function is set, the control unit 7 executes a program that prohibits the start of the specific function until it receives a permission signal from the terminal device 100. The program causes the computer of the sterilizer 1 to function as a control unit 7 that prohibits the start of sterilization operation with high-concentration ozone gas until it receives a permission signal from the terminal device 100. With this program, the control unit 7 starts sterilization operation with high-concentration ozone gas when it receives a permission signal from the terminal device 100 for a user setting to perform sterilization operation with high-concentration ozone gas.

[0036] In other words, the control unit 7 withholds the start of a sterilization operation using high-concentration ozone gas in response to a user setting. The control unit 7 also sends a request signal to the terminal device 100 requesting permission to start the sterilization operation. Furthermore, upon receiving the permission signal from the terminal device 100, the control unit 7 starts the sterilization operation.

[0037] As shown in Figure 3, the display unit 9 of the sterilization device 1 consists of a display that shows the operating conditions, operating status, and selection items of the sterilization device 1 to the user. The display unit 9 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, but it may also be an organic EL display or other, and is not limited to a liquid crystal display.

[0038] The control unit 10 includes a power button 10a for starting the operation of the sterilizer 1 and a sterilization start button 10b for starting the sterilization operation using high-concentration ozone. The control unit 10 also includes a selection button 10c for receiving user selections from the selection items displayed on the display unit 9. Furthermore, the control unit 10 includes a confirmation button 10d for confirming the selection item made by the selection button 10c.

[0039] The power button 10a, the sterilization start button 10b, the selection button 10c, and the confirm button 10d may be mechanical in nature, or they may be configured as a touch panel on the display unit 9.

[0040] When a user setting is made to start a function that requires the user to evacuate, the control unit 7 notifies the user via a display on the display unit 9 that operation on the terminal device 100 is required.

[0041] In other words, when the sterilization start button 10b on the operation unit 10 is pressed, the control unit 7 determines that a user setting has been made to perform sterilization using high-concentration ozone. When a user setting has been made to perform sterilization using high-concentration ozone, the control unit 7 notifies the user of a message 9a on the display unit 9 to guide them to operate the terminal device 100. If the terminal device 100 is portable, a message may be displayed to guide the user to use the terminal device 100 in a location separate from the installation environment 300 of the sterilizer 1.

[0042] <Example of terminal device configuration> As shown in Figure 4, the terminal device 100 includes a display unit 101 that displays a screen or the like to guide the user through the operation on the terminal device 100 to start the sterilization operation on the sterilizer 1. The terminal device 100 also includes an operation unit 102 on which operations such as starting the sterilization operation on the sterilizer 1 are performed.

[0043] Furthermore, the terminal device 100 includes a control unit 103 that controls the overall operation of the terminal device 100, and a power supply unit 104 that provides a battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery. The terminal device 100 also includes a communication unit 105 that enables communication with the sterilization device 1.

[0044] The control unit 103 executes a program that sends a permission signal to the sterilizer 1 when it is authorized to start a specific function that requires the user to evacuate from the installation environment 300 of the sterilizer 1. The program causes the computer of the terminal device 100 to function as the control unit 103 that sends a permission signal to the sterilizer 1 in response to a predetermined operation of the operation unit 102. With this program, the control unit 103 sends a permission signal in response to a request signal that requests permission to start a sterilization operation with high-concentration ozone, in accordance with the user's operation.

[0045] Specifically, when the control unit 103 receives a request signal from the sterilizer 1, it displays a screen on the display unit 101 that guides the user through the operation to start the sterilization process. Furthermore, when the operation unit 102 performs the operation to authorize the start of the sterilization process, the control unit 103 transmits an authorization signal to the sterilizer 1.

[0046] The terminal device 100 may be a portable, dedicated terminal device, or it may be a general-purpose terminal device such as a smartphone or tablet with a predetermined program installed. Furthermore, the terminal device 100 may be a stationary personal computer with a predetermined program installed. If the terminal device 100 is a stationary personal computer, the power supply unit 104 converts the power supplied from an external source into the power required by each part of the terminal device 100 and supplies it.

[0047] As shown in Figure 5, the display unit 101 of the terminal device 100 includes a display 101a that displays to the user selection items for the operation of the sterilizer 1 with which the terminal device 100 is communicating. The display unit 101 also includes an indicator unit 101b that can indicate the operating status of the sterilizer 1 with which it is communicating, for example, by the color of the indicator light.

[0048] The display 101a is, for example, a liquid crystal display, but it may also be an organic EL display or other type of display, and is not limited to a liquid crystal display. Furthermore, the indicator unit 101b may be implemented by displaying information on the display 101a.

[0049] The operation unit 102 includes a power button 102a for starting the operation of the terminal device 100. The operation unit 102 also includes a selection button 102b for sequentially switching between selection items. Furthermore, the operation unit 102 includes a confirmation button 102c for confirming the selection item made by the selection button 102b. The power button 102a, selection button 102b, and confirmation button 102c may be mechanically configured, or a touch panel may be provided on the display 101a.

[0050] When a user setting is made in the sterilizer 1 to start a specific function that requires the user to evacuate, the control unit 103 prompts the terminal device 100 to select whether or not to allow the start of that function.

[0051] In other words, the control unit 103 displays a message 101d on the display 100a to confirm whether or not to allow the user to start a specific function set by the user in the sterilizer 1. When the control unit 103 receives a request signal from the sterilizer 1 requesting permission to start the sterilization operation with high-concentration ozone, it displays message 101d on the display 100a. In addition, the control unit 103 displays a selection item 101e on the display 100a that allows the user to select whether or not to start the sterilization operation in accordance with message 101d.

[0052] When the control unit 103 selects "Yes" for selection item 101e, indicating that it is OK to start the sterilization operation, and the OK button 102c is pressed, it sends an OK signal to the sterilizer 1.

[0053] Furthermore, when the control unit 103 transmits a permission signal to the sterilizer 1, it outputs a specific signal via the indicator unit 101b to warn against entering the environment where the sterilizer 1 is installed. The control unit 103 indicates, for example, that the sterilization operation is being performed in the sterilizer 1 by lighting the indicator unit 101b in yellow. The control unit 103 also indicates that the sterilization operation in the sterilizer 1 has finished by lighting the indicator unit 101b in, for example, green. This notifies that it is now possible to enter the installation environment.

[0054] <Example of a sterilization system configuration> As shown in Figure 1, the sterilization system 200 comprises a sterilization device 1 and a terminal device 100. The sterilization device 1 communicates with the terminal device 100 via a communication unit 11 that uses either wireless or wired communication.

[0055] The sterilizer 1 communicates with a terminal device 100 located outside the installation environment 300 of the sterilizer 1, for example, via a communication line 401 using Bluetooth®. Alternatively, the sterilizer 1 communicates with an access point 201 installed in the same room as the installation environment 300 of the sterilizer 1, via a communication line 402 using Wi-Fi®. Furthermore, the sterilizer 1 communicates with the terminal device 100 via a cloud server 202 from the access point 201. In addition, the sterilizer 1 communicates with the terminal device 100 located outside the installation environment 300 of the sterilizer 1 via a wired communication line 403 using a cable.

[0056] The sterilizer 1 and terminal device 100, connected via a desired communication line, are authenticated to enable communication. The configuration may consist of one terminal device 100 connected to one sterilizer 1, or multiple sterilizers 1 connected to one terminal device 100.

[0057] The sterilizer 1 transmits a request signal to a pre-certified terminal device 100. The terminal device 100, having been pre-certified, transmits a permission signal to the sterilizer 1 that transmitted the request signal, using a predetermined procedure.

[0058] Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (both registered trademarks) are short-range wireless communication methods classified as WPAN (Wireless Personal Area Network) and WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), respectively. For communication between the sterilization device 1 and the terminal device 100, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (both registered trademarks), which are such short-range wireless communication methods, are shown as examples; however, a mobile communication system may also be used.

[0059] Figure 1 shows the terminal device 100 installed in a location separate from the installation environment 300 of the sterilization device 1, that is, outside the room to be sterilized by ozone. However, the terminal device 100 may be installed in the same room as the installation environment 300 of the sterilization device 1, but at a sufficiently distant location. For example, the sterilization device 1 may be installed at the back of the room, and the terminal device 100 may be installed at the entrance of the room.

[0060] <Examples of operation of the sterilization apparatus, terminal device, and sterilization system of this embodiment> Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the sterilization device. Figure 6 shows a case where the user has set a function that requires the user to evacuate when operating the sterilization device 1. In other words, it is a control flow by a program executed by the control unit 7 of the sterilization device 1 when the user has set the sterilization device 1 to start sterilization using high-concentration ozone.

[0061] The control unit 7 of the sterilization device 1 determines whether the user has made a user setting to start a sterilization operation with high-concentration ozone gas by operating the operation unit 10 (step SA1). If the user setting to start the sterilization operation has been made (determination: YES), the control unit 7 notifies the user via the display unit 9 that operation on the terminal device 100 is required (step SA2). In the process of step SA2, as shown in Figure 3, the control unit 7 displays a message 9a on the display unit 9 to guide the user to operate the terminal device 100 in order to start the sterilization operation.

[0062] Furthermore, the control unit 7 transmits a request signal to a predetermined terminal device 100 authenticated with the sterilization device 1, requesting permission to start the sterilization operation (step SA3). In other words, the control unit 7 notifies the predetermined terminal device 100 via the communication unit 11 that user settings to start the sterilization operation have been made.

[0063] Furthermore, the control unit 7 stores the time at which the user setting to start the sterilization operation was made (step SA4). Then, the control unit 7 measures the elapsed time from the time at which the user setting to start the sterilization operation was made using the time measurement unit 8.

[0064] The control unit 7 uses the human detection unit 12 to confirm whether there are any people in the detection target area (step SA5). The detection target area is, for example, the same room as the installation environment 300 of the sterilization device 1. Alternatively, the detection target area is within the same room as the installation environment 300 of the sterilization device 1, but within an area close enough to the sterilization device 1 that the sterilization effect of ozone can reach.

[0065] If the control unit 7 detects that a person is present within the detection area (Judgment: NO), it checks whether the user setting to cancel the sterilization operation has been made in the operation unit 10 (Step SA6). If the user setting to cancel the sterilization operation has not been made (Judgment: NO), the control unit 7 returns to Step SA6 and continues to detect the presence or absence of a person within the detection area. If the user setting to cancel the sterilization operation has been made (Judgment: YES), the control unit 7 notifies the terminal device 100 of this user setting (Step SA7). Then, it terminates without starting the sterilization operation.

[0066] If the control unit 7 does not detect the presence of a person within the detection target area (determination: YES), it stores the time when the state changed from one in which a person could be detected to one in which it could not be detected (step SA8). The control unit 7 also measures the elapsed time from the time when the state changed from one in which a person could be detected to one in which it could not be detected using the time measurement unit 8. Furthermore, the control unit 7 compares the time when the state changed from one in which a person could be detected to one in which it could not be detected with the current time. Finally, the control unit 7 checks whether the elapsed time from the time when the state changed from one in which a person could not be detected to the current time is within a time limit that has been arbitrarily set in advance (step SA9).

[0067] If the elapsed time exceeds the time limit (determination: NO), the control unit 7 notifies the terminal device 100 of the timeout period for allowing the sterilization operation to start (step SA10). Then, it terminates without starting the sterilization operation.

[0068] If the elapsed time is within the time limit (determination: YES), the control unit 7 checks whether it has received a permission signal from the terminal device 100 (step SA11). If the control unit 7 has not received a permission signal (determination: NO), it returns to step SA6 and continues to detect the presence or absence of a person within the detection target area. If the control unit 7 has received a permission signal (determination: YES), it controls the high-concentration ozone generator 2 to start the sterilization operation (step SA12).

[0069] During sterilization, the control unit 7 detects the concentration of ozone gas generated by the high-concentration ozone generator 2 using the ozone concentration detection unit 5 and appropriately controls the amount of ozone generated. The control unit 7 notifies the terminal device 100 of the ozone gas concentration detected by the ozone concentration detection unit 5. The control unit 7 also detects the rotation speed of the fan motor 4 and appropriately controls the airflow. Furthermore, the control unit 7 checks whether a person can be detected within the detection area using the person detection unit 12. If a person is present within the detection area, the control unit 7 temporarily stops the sterilization operation and notifies the user to move out of the detection area. The control unit 7 also notifies the terminal device 100 that a person is present within the detection area.

[0070] The control unit 7 checks whether the sterilization operation is complete based on the passage of time (step SA13). If the control unit 7 has completed the sterilization operation (determination: YES), it notifies the terminal device 100 that the sterilization operation is complete (step SA14). Then, it completes the sterilization operation and terminates.

[0071] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of terminal device operation. Figure 7 shows the control flow of terminal device 100 when a function requiring user evacuation is set in sterilizer 1. Specifically, it shows the control flow by the program executed in control unit 103 of terminal device 100 when a user setting is made to start sterilization operation with high-concentration ozone in sterilizer 1.

[0072] The control unit 103 of the terminal device 100 determines whether it has received a request signal from the sterilizer 1 via the communication unit 105 requesting permission to start the sterilization operation (step SB1). If the control unit 103 has received the request signal (determination: YES), it notifies the user via the display unit 101 that operation on the terminal device 100 is required (step SB2). In the process of step SB2, the control unit 103 displays a message 101d on the display 100a to confirm whether or not to start the sterilization operation, as shown in Figure 5. The control unit 103 also displays a selection item 101e on the display 100a in accordance with the message 101d, allowing the user to select whether or not to start the sterilization operation.

[0073] The control unit 103 determines whether the user has performed an operation on the operation unit 102 that authorizes the start of the sterilization operation (step SB3). If the control unit 103 has not performed an operation that authorizes the start of the sterilization operation (determination: NO), it checks whether it has received a notification that the user has set to cancel the sterilization operation (step SB4). If the control unit 103 has received a notification to cancel the sterilization operation (determination: YES), it terminates the display of message 101d, which confirms whether the sterilization operation can be started (step SB5). Then, it terminates the control that confirms whether the sterilization operation can be started.

[0074] If the control unit 103 has not received a notification to cancel the sterilization operation (determination: NO), it checks whether it has received a timeout notification (step SB6). If the control unit 103 has received a timeout notification (determination: YES), it terminates the display of message 101d, which confirms whether the sterilization operation can be started (step SB7). The control unit 103 also displays for a certain period of time that the valid period for allowing the sterilization operation to start has timed out (step SB7). Furthermore, the control unit 103 displays for a certain period of time that if the user wishes to start the sterilization operation, they should perform the user settings on the sterilizer 1 again (step SB7). Then it terminates the control to confirm whether the sterilization operation can be started. If the control unit 103 has not received a timeout notification (determination: NO), it returns to step SB3 and continues to check whether the operation to allow the sterilization operation to start has been performed.

[0075] If the control unit 103 determines that there is an operation to permit the start of the sterilization operation (determination: YES), it sends a permit signal to the sterilizer 1 (step SB8). The control unit 103 also starts notifying the sterilizer 1 that the sterilization operation has started using the indicator unit 101b (step SB9).

[0076] The control unit 103 indicates, for example, that a sterilization operation is being performed in the sterilizer 1 by lighting the indicator unit 101b in yellow. This warns the user not to enter the installation environment 300 where the sterilization operation is taking place. The control unit 103 also starts control during the sterilization operation (step SB10).

[0077] Control during sterilization refers to the control by which the terminal device 100 notifies the user of the operating status of the sterilizer 1 during sterilization, which is communicating with the terminal device 100. The operating status of the sterilizer 1 is notified by the display unit 101 of the terminal device 100, through a display 101a or indicator unit 101b.

[0078] The control unit 103 displays, for example, the ozone gas concentration notified by the sterilizer 1 on the display 101a. Furthermore, when the control unit 103 receives notification from the sterilizer 1 that a person is present within the detection area, it alerts the person by, for example, lighting the indicator unit 101b in red. Note that the control during sterilization operation in the terminal device 100 is not limited to these examples.

[0079] The control unit 103 determines whether it has received notification from the sterilizer 1 that the sterilization operation is complete (step SB11). If the control unit 103 has received notification that the sterilization operation is complete (determination: YES), it notifies the user that it is OK to enter the installation environment 300 by, for example, lighting the indicator unit 101b in green, and then terminates.

[0080] Furthermore, the sterilization device 1 and the terminal device 100 may each be equipped with an identification information acquisition unit that acquires identification information to identify the user.

[0081] The control unit 7 of the sterilization device 1 acquires the user's identification information using an identification information acquisition unit (not shown) before the user performs any operation. The control unit 7 notifies the terminal device 100 of the request signal and the user's identification information.

[0082] The control unit 103 of the terminal device 100 acquires the user's identification information using an identification information acquisition unit (not shown) before the user's operation. The control unit 103 compares the user's identification information received from the sterilizer 1 with the user's identification information acquired by the terminal device 100 to confirm that they are the same user. Once the control unit 103 confirms that they are the same user, it receives an operation to authorize the start of the sterilization operation. This allows the start of the sterilization operation to be authorized by the user who has set up the user configuration to start the sterilization operation with high-concentration ozone.

[0083] <Examples of the operation and effects of the sterilization apparatus, terminal device, and sterilization system of this embodiment> Consider a sterilization device equipped with two ozone generators: a low-concentration ozone generator and a high-concentration ozone generator. The low-concentration ozone generator is intended for use in occupied environments, while the high-concentration ozone generator is intended for use in unoccupied environments. In order to powerfully sterilize the room in which the sterilization device is installed in a short time, it is desirable that the room be unoccupied during the period when high-concentration ozone is being generated.

[0084] Furthermore, consider a sterilization device equipped with a "high-concentration ozone sterilization start button" to initiate sterilization using a high-concentration ozone generator. In such a sterilization device, if the generation of high-concentration ozone starts immediately after the user initiates the sterilization operation, it becomes difficult to ensure enough time for the user to evacuate the room.

[0085] Therefore, a control system could be considered that starts generating high-concentration ozone a certain amount of time after the user initiates the sterilization process. However, if the time between the operation and the start of the sterilization process is too long, the time required to sterilize the room will be wasted. On the other hand, if the time is too short, it will be difficult to ensure that the user who initiated the operation has enough time to evacuate the room.

[0086] Therefore, the control unit 7 of the sterilization device 1 will not start the sterilization operation until it receives a permission signal from the terminal device 100 that authorizes the start of the sterilization operation with high-concentration ozone. Thus, when the user sets the sterilization operation to start with high-concentration ozone through operation of the sterilization device 1, the start of the sterilization operation is prohibited until it receives a permission signal from the terminal device 100. This makes it possible to make the start of the sterilization operation with high-concentration ozone conditional on the user operating the terminal device 100.

[0087] Therefore, the user operating the sterilizer 1 can be moved away from the sterilizer 1 towards the terminal device 100. This prevents the sterilization operation using high-concentration ozone from starting while a user is present in the installation environment 300 of the sterilizer 1, allowing the sterilization operation to start at a more appropriate time.

[0088] Furthermore, the control unit 7 uses the human detection unit 12 to detect whether or not a person is present within a predetermined sterilization target area of ​​the installation environment 300. The control unit 7 does not start the sterilization operation while the human detection unit 12 is detecting a person. As a result, even if another user at the installation location of the terminal device 100 performs an operation to authorize the start of the sterilization operation, the start of the sterilization operation is prohibited while the human detection unit 12 is detecting a person.

[0089] In response to this, the control unit 7 starts the sterilization operation when the human detection unit 12 does not detect a person and receives a permission signal from the terminal device 100 to allow the start of the sterilization operation. This makes it possible to set the user to start the sterilization operation with high-concentration ozone in the sterilizer 1, but to make it a condition that there are no people in the installation environment 300 before the sterilization operation can start. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the sterilization operation with high-concentration ozone from starting when a user is present in the installation environment 300.

[0090] Furthermore, the control unit 7 measures the elapsed time since the person detection unit 12 stopped detecting a person using the time measurement unit 8. If the elapsed time since the person stopped detecting a person exceeds the time limit that permits the start of the sterilization operation with high-concentration ozone, the control unit 7 will not start the sterilization operation. As a result, if the time from when the sterilization device 1 is operated until when the terminal device 100 is operated exceeds the time limit that permits the start of the sterilization operation, the start of the sterilization operation is prohibited.

[0091] In response, the control unit 7, upon receiving a permission signal, starts the sterilization operation if the elapsed time since the person was no longer detected is within the time limit for permitting the start of the sterilization operation. This makes it possible to use the length of time elapsed from when the user who operated the sterilizer 1 leaves the sterilizer 1 until the terminal device 100 is operated as a condition for whether or not the sterilization operation can be started. Therefore, it is possible to determine that the operation on the sterilizer 1 and the operation on the terminal device 100 are a series of operations performed by the same user, and to start the sterilization operation.

[0092] Furthermore, when the user has set the control unit 7 to start sterilization using high-concentration ozone, the display unit 9 notifies the user that an operation is required on the terminal device 100 to authorize the start of sterilization. Therefore, the user who has operated the sterilizer 1 can be moved away from the sterilizer 1 to the terminal device 100. Thus, it is possible to prevent the sterilization operation using high-concentration ozone from starting while a user is present in the installation environment 300 of the sterilizer 1.

[0093] The communication unit 11 of the sterilization device 1 can receive permission signals from a terminal device 100 installed in a location separate from the environment in which the sterilization device 1 is installed. This allows the sterilization device 1 to be used while it is installed in a sealed room and the terminal device 100 is installed outside the room.

[0094] Therefore, the user who operated the sterilizer 1 can be evacuated to a location separate from the environment in which the sterilizer 1 is installed. Thus, it is possible to prevent the sterilization operation using high-concentration ozone from starting while the user is present in the installation environment 300 of the sterilizer 1.

[0095] Furthermore, the communication unit 11 communicates with the communication unit 105 of the terminal device 100 using a short-range wireless communication method classified as either WPAN (Wireless Personal Area Network) or WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network).

[0096] Therefore, users who change the room in which the sterilization device 1 is installed each time can avoid the hassle of rewiring with wired cables, thus improving user convenience.

[0097] The sterilizer 1 and terminal device 100 are configured such that the terminal device 100 acts as the master unit or central unit. The sterilizer 1, which is constantly powered by the power supply unit 6, is configured as a slave unit or peripheral unit. The control unit 7 controls the sterilizer 1 as a slave unit or peripheral unit to the terminal device 100.

[0098] Therefore, one terminal device 100 can connect to multiple sterilization devices 1, and each of the multiple sterilization devices 1 can authenticate one terminal device 100.

[0099] Furthermore, the peripheral unit periodically transmits an advertisement signal to connect to the central unit. By making the terminal device 100 the central unit, the terminal device 100, before connecting to the sterilizer 1, enters a standby state for advertisement signals from the sterilizer 1. Therefore, if the power supply unit 104 of the terminal device 100 is a battery, battery consumption can be reduced. In addition, the sterilizer 1, which is constantly powered, is less affected by the power consumption due to the periodic transmission of advertisement signals.

[0100] After the sterilization operation using high-concentration ozone is started and completed, the control unit 7 notifies the terminal device 100 that the sterilization operation is complete. The terminal device 100 then notifies the user of the completion of the sterilization operation via the display unit 101.

[0101] Therefore, even if the user is not present in the installation environment where the sterilization device 1 is installed, the user can recognize that the sterilization operation is complete using the terminal device 100.

[0102] As described above, in the sterilization device 1, when the user sets the start of a specific function, such as sterilization by ozone, through operation of the control unit 10, the start of the specific function is prohibited until an authorization signal is received from the terminal device 100 to permit the start of the specific function. The control unit 7 of the sterilization device 1 starts the specific function when it receives the authorization signal from the terminal device 100. This makes it possible to make the start of a specific function that requires the user to evacuate from the installation environment 300 a condition for operation of the terminal device 100 by the user.

[0103] This allows the sterilizer 1 to evacuate the user who operated it to the terminal device 100 before starting specific functions such as ozone sterilization, which require the user to evacuate from the installation environment 300. Therefore, it is possible to prevent specific functions from starting while a user is present in the installation environment 300 of the sterilizer 1. The program executed by the sterilizer 1 can prevent specific functions from starting while a user is present in the installation environment 300 of the sterilizer 1.

[0104] Furthermore, in the terminal device 100, when permission to start a specific function is granted by the user through operation of the control unit 102, a permission signal is sent to the sterilizer 1. This allows the terminal device 100 to send a permission signal to the sterilizer 1, which has been set to start a specific function, through user operation, thereby enabling the sterilizer 1 to start the specific function. The program executed in the terminal device 100 can send a permission signal through user operation, enabling the sterilizer 1 to start the specific function.

[0105] Furthermore, the sterilization system 200 allows users who have set the activation of a specific function requiring their evacuation from the installation environment 300 via an operation on the sterilizer 1 to evacuate to the location of the terminal device 100. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the activation of a specific function while a user is present in the installation environment 300 of the sterilizer 1. In addition, the sterilization system 200 can send a permission signal to the sterilizer 1, which has been set to activate a specific function, via an operation by the user on the terminal device 100. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0106] 1. Sterilization device, 2. High-concentration ozone generator, 3. Low-concentration ozone generator, 4. Fan motor, 5. Ozone concentration detection unit, 6. Power supply unit, 7. Control unit, 8. Time measurement unit, 9. Display unit, 10. Operation unit, 11. Communication unit, 12. Human detection unit, 100. Terminal device, 101. Display unit, 102. Operation unit, 103. Control unit, 104. Power supply unit, 105. Communication unit

Claims

1. A sterilization unit that sterilizes the installation environment, An operating unit that receives operations from the user to set the operating conditions of the sterilization unit, A communication unit that enables communication with terminal devices, A time measurement unit that measures elapsed time, The system includes a control unit that controls the sterilization unit, When the control unit sets the start of a specific function that requires the user to evacuate from the installation environment, the control unit measures the elapsed time since the person detection unit, which can detect whether a person is present in the sterilization target area of ​​the installation environment, stopped detecting a person, and if the person is not detected and the elapsed time since the person stopped detecting a person is within the time limit for permitting the start of the specific function, the control unit prohibits the start of the specific function until it receives a permit signal from the terminal device that permits the start of the specific function. Sterilization equipment.

2. comprising a display unit, When the start of the specific function is set by the operation unit, the control unit notifies the terminal device via the display unit that an operation is required to authorize the start of the specific function. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The communication unit is configured to receive permission signals from the terminal device installed in a location separate from the installation environment. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The communication unit communicates with the terminal device using a short-range wireless communication method classified as WPAN (Wireless Personal Area Network) or WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network). The sterilization apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The terminal device is configured as a master unit or a central unit, The control unit controls the sterilization device as a slave unit or peripheral unit to the terminal device. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 3.

6. The control unit, after the start of the specific function and upon completion of the specific function, notifies the terminal device that the specific function has been completed. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The sterilization unit is an ozone generating unit that generates ozone gas, The aforementioned specific function is a sterilization operation that generates ozone gas containing ozone at a concentration exceeding a threshold. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 1.

8. An operating unit that receives an operation to select whether or not to start a specific function that requires the user to evacuate from the installation environment of a sterilization device equipped with a sterilization unit that sterilizes the installation environment, A terminal device comprising a communication unit that enables communication with the sterilization device, When the start of the specified function is set on the operation unit of the sterilizer, the time elapsed since the person detection unit, which can detect whether a person is present in the sterilization target area of ​​the installation environment, stopped detecting a person is measured by the time measurement unit. If no person is detected and the elapsed time since the person stopped detecting a person is within the time limit for permitting the start of the specified function, the sterilizer will be prohibited from starting the specified function until it receives a permission signal from the terminal device permitting the start of the specified function. When the operation of the terminal device's control unit authorizes the start of the specific function, the control unit transmits the authorization signal to the sterilizer. Terminal device.

9. The sterilization apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, The terminal device is provided as described in claim 8. Sterilization system.

10. The sterilization device includes an operating unit that receives an operation from the user to set the operating conditions of the sterilization unit that sterilizes the installation environment, and a computer of the sterilization device that can communicate with a terminal device, A program that, when the operation unit sets the start of a specific function requiring the user to evacuate from the installation environment, measures the elapsed time since the person detection unit, which can detect whether a person is present in the sterilization target area of ​​the installation environment, stopped detecting a person, and when the person is not detected and the elapsed time since the person stopped detecting is within the time limit for permitting the start of the specific function, the program functions as a control unit that prohibits the start of the specific function until it receives a permit signal from the terminal device permitting the start of the specific function.

11. A computer in a terminal device that can communicate with the sterilization device, comprising an operating unit that receives an operation to select whether or not to start a specific function that requires the user to evacuate from the installation environment of the sterilization device, When the operation unit of the sterilizer sets the start of a specific function that requires the user to evacuate from the installation environment, the time elapsed since the person detection unit, which can detect whether a person is present in the sterilization target area of ​​the installation environment, stopped detecting a person, is measured by the time measurement unit. If the person is not detected and the elapsed time since the person stopped detecting a person is within the time limit for permitting the start of the specific function, the sterilizer will be prohibited from starting the specific function until it receives a permission signal from the terminal device permitting the start of the specific function. A program that, when permission to start the specific function is granted by operation of the control unit of the terminal device, causes the control unit to function as a control unit that transmits the permission signal to the sterilization device.

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