Power-source-less home water purifier for notifying, through real-time water quality analysis, whether filter is to be replaced and water is suitable for drinking, and system therefor

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a power-source-less home water purifier for notifying, through real-time water quality analysis, whether a filter is to be replaced and water is suitable for drinking, and a system therefor. A water quality measurement module according to the present disclosure comprises: a main body allowing water to flow thereinto through one side thereof, pass through a filter, and be discharged through the other side thereof; a first water quality sensor and a second water quality sensor, which are provided, respectively, on the one side and the other side of the inner part of the main body and measure first characteristics of the water; a third water quality sensor, which is provided on the other side thereof and measures second characteristics of the water; a communication unit for transmitting the measurement values of the first water quality sensor, the second water quality sensor and the third water quality sensor to the outside; and a control unit which uses the first characteristics so as to determine whether to replace the filter, and which uses the second characteristics so as to determine whether the water that has flowed into the main body so as to be purified through the filter is drinkable.

Description

A wireless home water purifier and its system that provides filter replacement and drinking water suitability information through real-time water quality analysis.

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wireless home water purifier and its system that provides information on filter replacement and drinking water suitability through real-time water quality analysis.

[0002] As water pollution increases, the use of water purifiers is gradually increasing, and most households are using water purifiers.

[0003] A water purifier is a device that purifies water to make it drinkable, removing impurities through physical and chemical methods. Specifically, a water purifier purifies tap water through a filter that requires periodic replacement, ensuring people have clean drinking water.

[0004] As such, water purifiers are closely related to people's eating habits and therefore need to be kept clean.

[0005] The purpose of the embodiment disclosed in the present disclosure is to provide a wireless home water purifier and its system that informs of filter replacement and drinking suitability through real-time water quality analysis.

[0006] The problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0007] A water quality measurement module according to the present disclosure for achieving the above-described technical task comprises: a main body into which water flows in on one side and the water passes through a filter and is discharged on the other side; a first water quality sensor and a second water quality sensor provided on the one side and the other side inside the main body, respectively, for measuring a first characteristic of the water; a third water quality sensor provided on the other side inside the main body, for measuring a second characteristic of the water; a communication unit for transmitting measurement values ​​of the first water quality sensor, the second water quality sensor, and the third water quality sensor to the outside; And a control unit that determines whether the filter needs to be replaced using the first characteristic, and determines whether water that has been introduced into the main body and purified through the filter is drinkable using the second characteristic; wherein the first characteristic is the total dissolved solids content of the water, and the second characteristic is the turbidity of the water, and the control unit determines that the filter needs to be replaced when the difference between the measured value of the first water quality sensor and the measured value of the second water quality sensor is within a first value set in advance, and determines that the purified water is unsuitable for drinking when the measured value of the third water quality sensor is equal to or greater than a second value set in advance.

[0008] At this time, the water quality measurement module according to the present disclosure may further include a fourth water quality sensor provided on the one side, the fourth water quality sensor measures the second characteristic, and the control unit may determine that the filter needs to be replaced when the difference between the measurement value of the third water quality sensor and the measurement value of the fourth water quality sensor is within a predetermined third value.

[0009] Additionally, the water quality measurement module according to the present disclosure may further include a display that indicates the need for replacement of the filter by the control unit.

[0010] In addition, the water quality measurement module according to the present disclosure may further include a self-generating unit that is provided inside the main body and generates induced power by rotating a rotary blade with the flow of water flowing into the main body; and the first water quality sensor, the second water quality sensor, and the communication unit may be operated by the induced power generated by the self-generating unit.

[0011] In addition, the water quality measurement module according to the present disclosure may further include a filter coupling unit in which the filter is coupled between the one side and the other side of the main body.

[0012] In addition, a method for controlling a water quality measurement module according to the present disclosure for achieving the above-described technical task comprises the steps of: measuring a first characteristic of the water through a first water quality sensor and a second water quality sensor respectively provided on one side and the other side of the main body of the water quality measurement module through which water flows in on one side and the water passes through a filter and is discharged on the other side; measuring a second characteristic of the water through a third water quality sensor provided on the other side; determining whether to replace the filter using the first characteristic; And a step of determining whether water purified by flowing into the main body and passing through the filter is drinkable by using the second characteristic, wherein the first characteristic is the total dissolved solids of the water, and the second characteristic is the turbidity of the water, and the step of determining whether the filter is to be replaced may determine that the filter needs to be replaced if the difference between the measured value of the first water quality sensor and the measured value of the second water quality sensor is within a first value set in advance, and the step of determining whether the water is drinkable may determine that the purified water is unsuitable for drinking if the measured value of the third water quality sensor is equal to or greater than a second value set in advance.

[0013] At this time, the control method of the water quality measurement module according to the present disclosure further includes a step of measuring the second characteristic through a fourth water quality sensor provided on the one side, and the step of determining whether to replace the filter may determine that the filter needs to be replaced if the difference between the measured value of the third water quality sensor and the measured value of the fourth water quality sensor is within a predetermined third value.

[0014] Additionally, the control method of the water quality measurement module according to the present disclosure may further include a step of indicating the need for replacement of the filter through a display.

[0015] In addition, the control method of the water quality measurement module according to the present disclosure further includes a step of generating induced power by rotating a rotary blade with the flow of water flowing into the main body through a self-generating unit provided inside the main body, and the first water quality sensor and the second water quality sensor can be operated by the induced power generated by the self-generating unit.

[0016] In addition, a water quality measurement system according to the present disclosure for achieving the above-described technical problem includes a main body into which water flows in on one side and the water passes through a filter and is discharged on the other side, a first water quality sensor and a second water quality sensor provided on the one side and the other side inside the main body respectively to measure a first characteristic of the water, a third water quality sensor provided on the other side to measure a second characteristic of the water, and a communication unit that transmits the measured first characteristic and the second characteristic to the outside; and an external device that determines whether the filter should be replaced using the first characteristic received from the communication unit and determines whether water that flows into the main body and is purified through the filter is drinkable using the second characteristic received from the communication unit; wherein the first characteristic is the total dissolved solids content of the water, and the second characteristic is the turbidity of the water,

[0017] The external device may determine that the filter requires replacement if the difference between the measurement value of the first water quality sensor and the measurement value of the second water quality sensor is within a first value set in advance, and may determine that the purified water is unsuitable for drinking if the measurement value of the third water quality sensor is greater than or equal to a second value set in advance.

[0018] According to the aforementioned problem solving means of the present disclosure, it is possible to monitor in real time whether the filter is functioning normally through sensors located at the front and rear ends of the water quality measurement module.

[0019] Additionally, by allowing users to immediately know the status of the filter when it is not functioning properly, it can prevent users from drinking water that is not properly purified.

[0020] Additionally, by installing another sensor at the rear of the water quality measurement module, more accurate management is possible by determining whether the filtered water is suitable for drinking separately from determining whether the filter is functioning normally.

[0021] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a water quality measurement system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a water quality measurement module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a water quality measurement method performed by a water quality measurement module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b are drawings for explaining a method for determining whether a filter needs to be replaced and whether it is suitable for drinking according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Throughout this disclosure, the same reference numerals denote the same components. This disclosure does not describe all elements of the embodiments, and any content that is common in the technical field to which this disclosure belongs or that overlaps between embodiments is omitted. The terms "part, module, element, block" used in the specification may be implemented in software or hardware, and depending on the embodiments, multiple "parts, modules, elements, blocks" may be implemented as a single component, or a single "part, module, element, block" may include multiple components. Throughout the specification, when a part is said to be "connected" to another part, this includes not only cases where it is directly connected, but also cases where it is indirectly connected, and an indirect connection includes a connection via a wireless communication network.

[0027] Additionally, when a part is said to "include" a component, this does not mean that it excludes other components, but rather that it may include other components, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0028] Throughout the specification, when we say that an element is "on" another element, this includes not only cases where the element is in contact with the other element, but also cases where another element exists between the two elements.

[0029] The terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one component from another, and the components are not limited by the aforementioned terms.

[0030] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0031] The identification codes for each step are used for convenience of explanation and do not describe the order of each step. Each step may be performed in a different order than specified unless the context clearly indicates a specific order.

[0032] The operating principle and embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0034] Before proceeding, the meanings of terms used in this specification will be briefly explained. However, it should be noted that the explanation of terms is intended to aid understanding of this specification and, unless explicitly stated to limit the disclosure, is not intended to limit the technical concepts of this disclosure.

[0035] As used herein, the term "device" encompasses a variety of devices capable of performing computational processing and providing results to a user. For example, a device may include a computer, a server, or a mobile terminal, or may be any one of these.

[0036] Here, the computer may include, for example, a notebook, desktop, laptop, tablet PC, slate PC, etc. equipped with a web browser.

[0037] The above server device is a server that processes information by communicating with an external device, and may include an application server, a computing server, a database server, a file server, a game server, a mail server, a proxy server, and a web server.

[0038] The above portable terminal may include, for example, a wireless communication device that ensures portability and mobility, and may include all kinds of handheld-based wireless communication devices such as a PCS (Personal Communication System), GSM (Global System for Mobile communications), PDC (Personal Digital Cellular), PHS (Personal Handyphone System), PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), IMT (International Mobile Telecommunication)-2000, CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access)-2000, W-CDMA (W-Code Division Multiple Access), WiBro (Wireless Broadband Internet) terminal, a smart phone, and a wearable device such as a watch, a ring, a bracelet, an anklet, a necklace, glasses, contact lenses, or a head-mounted device (HMD).

[0039] Traditionally, water purifiers, despite being expensive devices, have been replaced based on their expected lifespan, without considering water quality or the environment. This means that even when the purifier is not in use, the filter is already in contact with air, potentially allowing microbial growth within the filter. However, this potential risk has been ignored, and filters have been replaced periodically based on their predetermined expected lifespan.

[0040] The present disclosure provides a method for informing users of the time to replace a filter through accurate water quality diagnosis, thereby enabling users to safely consume drinking water.

[0041] The “water quality measurement module” disclosed below may refer to a wireless home water purifier that notifies filter replacement and drinking water suitability through real-time water quality analysis.

[0042] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a water quality measurement system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 1, a water quality measurement system (hereinafter, “system”) according to one embodiment may include a water quality measurement module (10) and an external device (20). However, in some embodiments, the system may include fewer or more components than the components illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0044] The water quality measurement module (10) can filter raw water and output purified water when raw water flows in from outside. Here, the raw water may be tap water containing contaminants, and the purified water may be drinking water purified through one or more filters.

[0045] The water quality measurement module (10) may be included as part of a water purifier and function as such. In this case, water purified by the water quality measurement module (10) may be stored in a storage tank within the water purifier and provided to users. However, this is not limited thereto, and depending on the embodiment, the water quality measurement module (10) may be the water purifier itself.

[0046] The external device (20) may be a server device of a company that provides water quality measurement services (i.e., manufactures water quality measurement modules (10)). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and depending on the embodiment, the external device (20) may be a terminal of a user using a water purifier including a water quality measurement module (10), or may be a server device of a company that manufactures a water purifier including a water quality measurement module (10).

[0047] The external device (20) can receive water quality measurement-related data and user water intake-related data from the water quality measurement module (10) and store them.

[0048] The external device (20) can analyze the user's water consumption pattern through the received water intake-related data.

[0049] An external device (20) can control the operation of the water quality measurement module (10). The external device (20) can control the operation of the water quality measurement module (10) by setting the operating conditions of the water quality measurement module (10).

[0050] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a water quality measurement module (10) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 2, the water quality measurement module (10) may include a main body (11), a sensor unit (12), a self-power generation unit (13), a filter coupling unit (14), a control unit (15), a display (16), and a communication unit (17). However, in some embodiments, the water quality measurement module (10) may include fewer or more components than the components illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0052] The main body (11) is a housing of the water quality measurement module (10), and can be formed so that part or all of the water quality measurement module (10) is included inside.

[0053] Water flows into one side of the main body (11), and the flowed water can pass through the filter and be discharged out the other side of the main body (11).

[0054] The sensor unit (12) can be provided on one side and the other side of the inside of the main body (11).

[0055] Specifically, the sensor unit (12) may include first and second water quality sensors that measure the first characteristic of water. The first water quality sensor provided on one side may measure the first characteristic of water (raw water) before passing through the filter, and the second water quality sensor provided on the other side may measure the first characteristic of water (purified water) after passing through the filter.

[0056] Here, the first characteristic may refer to the total dissolved solids content of water. In this case, the first and second water quality sensors may be TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) sensors. That is, the first water quality sensor may be used to measure the total amount of substances dissolved in water before filtering, and the second water quality sensor may be used to measure the total amount of substances dissolved in water after filtering.

[0057] Additionally, the sensor unit (12) may include third and fourth water quality sensors that measure second characteristics of water. The third water quality sensor provided on one side may measure the second characteristics of water (raw water) before passing through the filter, and the fourth water quality sensor provided on the other side may measure the second characteristics of water (purified water) after passing through the filter.

[0058] Here, the second characteristic may refer to the turbidity of the water. The third and fourth water quality sensors may be turbidity sensors. That is, the third water quality sensor may be used to measure the turbidity of the water before filtering, and the fourth water quality sensor may be used to measure the turbidity of the water after filtering.

[0059] Additionally, the sensor unit (12) may include fifth and sixth water quality sensors that measure third characteristics of water. The fifth water quality sensor provided on one side may measure the third characteristic of water (raw water) before passing through the filter, and the sixth water quality sensor provided on the other side may measure the third characteristic of water (purified water) after passing through the filter.

[0060] Here, the third characteristic may refer to the PH (Potential of Hydrogen) of the water. In this case, the fifth and sixth water quality sensors may be PH sensors. That is, the hydrogen ion concentration index of the water before filtering may be measured using the fifth water quality sensor, and the hydrogen ion concentration index of the water after filtering may be measured using the sixth water quality sensor.

[0061] Additionally, the sensor unit (12) may include seventh and eighth water quality sensors that measure the fourth characteristic of water. The seventh water quality sensor provided on one side may measure the fourth characteristic of water (raw water) before passing through the filter, and the eighth water quality sensor provided on the other side may measure the fourth characteristic of water (purified water) after passing through the filter.

[0062] Here, the fourth characteristic may refer to water temperature. At this time, the seventh and eighth water quality sensors may be temperature sensors. That is, the seventh water quality sensor may be used to measure the temperature of the water before filtering, and the eighth water quality sensor may be used to measure the temperature of the water after filtering.

[0063] In this way, the water quality measurement module (10) according to the present disclosure can measure the characteristics of water before and after the filter using various types of sensor pairs. And, using the measured value pairs in this way, it is determined whether to replace the filter. The characteristics of water measured by the sensor unit (12) of the water quality measurement module (10) are explained as total dissolved solids, turbidity, PH, and temperature, and although the sensor unit (12) is described above as using a TDS sensor, a turbidity sensor, a PH sensor, and a temperature sensor, it is not limited thereto and other water characteristics can be measured using various types of sensors.

[0064] For example, the water quality measurement module (10) can measure the characteristics of water such as color, odor, composition, dissolved oxygen, ORP (Oxidation-Reduction Potential), conductivity, nitrate level, and residual chlorine level in the sensor unit (12), and the sensor unit (12) can be configured to measure the characteristics of the target water.

[0065] The control unit (15) can determine whether the filter needs to be replaced by using the difference between the measured values ​​of each of the two water quality sensors installed on both sides of the main body (11). Specifically, if the difference between the two measured values ​​is within a predetermined value, it can be determined that the filter is not functioning properly and thus requires replacement.

[0066] For example, if it is predetermined that the difference between the measurement values ​​of the first and second water quality sensors must be greater than 50, and the measurement value of the first water quality sensor is 500 ppm (mg / L) and the measurement value of the second water quality sensor is 480 ppm (mg / L), the control unit (15) can determine that the filter needs to be replaced because the difference between the two measurement values ​​is 20.

[0067] As another example, if it is predetermined that the difference between the measurement values ​​of the third and fourth water quality sensors must be greater than 0.2, and the measurement value of the third water quality sensor is 1 NTU and the measurement value of the second water quality sensor is 0.9 NTU, the control unit (15) can determine that the filter needs to be replaced because the difference between the two measurement values ​​is 0.1.

[0068] In addition, the control unit (15) may determine that the filter needs to be replaced even if the difference between the measured values ​​of at least one sensor pair among the plurality of sensor pairs is within a predetermined value. For example, if the difference between the measured values ​​of the first and second water quality sensors is 20, and the difference between the measured values ​​of the third and fourth water quality sensors is 0.5, the control unit (15) may determine that the filter needs to be replaced because the difference between the first and second water quality sensors is within a predetermined value.

[0069] The control unit (15) can determine whether the filter needs to be replaced using the measurement values ​​of two sensors provided at the front and rear ends of the module (10), and can also determine whether the purified water is drinkable using the measurement values ​​of one sensor (specifically, the fourth water quality sensor) provided at the rear end (other side) of the module (10).

[0070] Specifically, if the measurement value of the fourth water quality sensor equipped on the other side (rear end) of the main body (11) is higher than a predetermined value, the control unit (15) can determine that the water flowing into the main body (11) (specifically, water that flows into the main body and is purified through a filter) is unsuitable for drinking. For example, if the measurement value of the fourth water quality sensor equipped on the other side (rear end) is predetermined to be less than 0.5 NTU, if the measurement value of the fourth water quality sensor is 0.6 NTU, the control unit (15) can determine that the water in question is unsuitable for drinking.

[0071] The control unit (15) can perform the aforementioned operations using a memory that stores data on an algorithm for controlling the operation of components within the water quality measurement module (10) or a program that reproduces the algorithm, and the data stored in the memory. In this case, the memory and the processor (130) may each be implemented as separate chips. Alternatively, the memory and the processor (130) may be implemented as a single chip.

[0072] In addition, the control unit (15) can control any one or a combination of the components discussed above in order to implement various embodiments according to the present disclosure described below on the water quality measurement module (10).

[0073] Here, the memory can store data supporting various functions of the water quality measurement module (10), a program for the operation of the control unit (15), can store input / output data, and can store a plurality of application programs (or applications) driven by the water quality measurement module (10), data for the operation of the water quality measurement module (10), and commands. At least some of these application programs can be downloaded from an external server via wireless communication.

[0074] Such memory may include at least one type of storage medium among flash memory type, hard disk type, SSD (Solid State Disk type), SDD (Silicon Disk Drive type), multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. In addition, the memory is separate from the water quality measurement module (10), but may be a database connected by wire or wirelessly.

[0075] The display (16) can indicate the need for filter replacement under the control of the control unit (15).

[0076] According to an embodiment, the control unit (15) may indicate the need for replacement with different colors depending on the difference between the measured values ​​of the two sensors on both sides (front and rear ends). Specifically, if the difference between the two values ​​is greater than 200, the control unit (15) may display the display (16) (e.g., the first LED) in blue (it is determined that the filter is functioning properly). If the difference between the two values ​​is less than or equal to 200 and greater than 50, the display (16) (e.g., the first LED) may display it in yellow (it is determined that the filter is functioning poorly). If the difference between the two values ​​is less than or equal to 50, the display (16) (e.g., the first LED) may display it in red (it is determined that the filter is not functioning properly).

[0077] In some embodiments, the control unit (15) may indicate the need for replacement with different colors based on the difference between the measured values ​​of the two sensors on both sides and the filter's lifespan. As described above, the difference between the two values ​​may be indicated with different colors, and the difference may be weighted based on the filter's lifespan.

[0078] Here, the weight may be a value less than or equal to 1. Specifically, a weight of 1 may be applied to the difference value until the filter's usage period exceeds a certain period of time, and a weight less than 1 may be applied to the difference value when the usage period exceeds a certain period of time. In this case, a weight closer to 0 may be applied as the usage period becomes longer.

[0079] Additionally, the display (16) can display a notification of unsuitability for drinking under the control of the control unit (15).

[0080] According to an embodiment, the control unit (15) may indicate the need for replacement with different colors depending on the measurement value of one sensor (turbidity sensor at the rear end) on the other side (rear end). Specifically, if the measurement value of the turbidity sensor at the rear end is greater than a preset value (e.g., 0.5 NTU), the control unit (15) may display the display (16) (e.g., the second LED) in red (because the water is undrinkable). If the measurement value of the turbidity sensor at the rear end is less than a preset value (e.g., 0.5 NTU), the display (16) (e.g., the second LED) may display the display (16) in blue (because the water is undrinkable).

[0081] The self-generating unit (13) is provided on one side (front end) of the interior of the main body (11), and can generate induced power by rotating the rotary blades with the flow of water flowing into the main body (11).

[0082] The multiple water quality sensors included in the sensor unit (12) and the communication unit (17) can be operated through the induced power generated in this way.

[0083] The filter coupling portion (14) may be formed so that the filter is coupled between one side (front end) and the other side (rear end) of the main body (11). At this time, more than one filter may be used. The filter coupling portion (14) may include coupling grooves corresponding to the number of filters so that the filters can be attached and detached.

[0084] The filter coupling portion (14) includes a rotating member on one or the other side so that the filter coupling portion can be rotated when replacing the filter. Specifically, when the filter is coupled to the filter coupling portion (14) in a direction perpendicular to the main body (11), and the filter is rotated by the rotating member, the filter is lifted so that it is level with the main body (11). This makes filter replacement easier.

[0085] The communication unit (17) may include one or more modules that enable wireless or wired communication between the water quality measurement module (10) and an external device (20), or between the water quality measurement module (10) and a communication network. For example, it may include at least one of a wired communication module, a wireless communication module, a short-range communication module, and a location information module.

[0086] The communication network can use various types of communication networks, for example, wireless communication methods such as WLAN (Wireless LAN), Wi-Fi, Wibro, WiMAX, and HSDPA (High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access), or wired communication methods such as Ethernet, xDSL (ADSL, VDSL), HFC (Hybrid Fiber Coax), FTTC (Fiber to The Curb), and FTTH (Fiber to The Home) can be used.

[0087] Meanwhile, the communication network is not limited to the communication methods presented above, and may include all other widely known or future-developed communication methods in addition to the above-described communication methods.

[0088] The wired communication module may include various wired communication modules such as a Local Area Network (LAN) module, a Wide Area Network (WAN) module, or a Value Added Network (VAN) module, as well as various cable communication modules such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB), a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), a Digital Visual Interface (DVI), RS-232 (recommended standard 232), power line communication, or plain old telephone service (POTS).

[0089] The wireless communication module may include a wireless communication module that supports various wireless communication methods such as GSM (global System for Mobile Communication), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access), UMTS (universal mobile telecommunications system), TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G, 5G, and 6G, in addition to a WiFi module and a Wireless Broadband module.

[0090] The short-range communication module is for short-range communication, and can support short-range communication using at least one of Bluetooth™, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), UWB (Ultra Wideband), ZigBee, NFC (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus) technologies.

[0091] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a water quality measurement method performed by a water quality measurement module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b are diagrams illustrating a method for determining whether a filter needs to be replaced and a method for determining whether water is suitable for drinking according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0092] The third water quality sensor and the fourth water quality sensor described below refer to the fourth water quality sensor and the third water quality sensor described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0093] In addition, the water quality measurement method described below with reference to FIGS. 3, 4a, and 4b overlaps with the content described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0094] Referring to Fig. 3, the water quality measurement module (10) can produce self-generated electricity through the self-generating unit (13) (S110).

[0095] The water quality measurement module (10) can measure the first characteristic of water through the first and second water quality sensors included in the sensor unit (12) (S120).

[0096] The water quality measurement module (10) can determine whether to replace the filter using the measurement values ​​of the first and second water quality sensors through the control unit (15) (S130).

[0097] The water quality measurement module (10) can measure the second characteristic of water using the third water quality sensor (the fourth water quality sensor described in FIGS. 1 and 2) included in the sensor unit (12) (S140).

[0098] The water quality measurement module (10) can determine whether water is drinkable by using the measurement value of the third water quality sensor through the control unit (15) (S140).

[0099] The power generated by the rotation of the rotary blades by the flow of raw water flowing in from the outside is supplied to the water quality sensors and communication unit (17) included in the sensor unit (12).

[0100] When power is supplied, the BLE included in the communication unit (17) operates.

[0101] When power is supplied, the first and second water quality sensors provided on one side and the other side of the main body (11) measure the first characteristic of the water. Here, the first characteristic is the total dissolved solids content of the water.

[0102] The control unit (15) can determine whether the filter needs to be replaced based on the difference between the total dissolved solids measurement value of the first water quality sensor on one side and the total dissolved solids measurement value of the second water quality sensor on the other side.

[0103] Additionally, the fourth and third water quality sensors provided on one side and the other side of the main body (11) measure the second characteristic of the water. Here, the second characteristic is the turbidity of the water.

[0104] The control unit (15) can determine whether the filter needs to be replaced based on the difference between the turbidity measurement value of the fourth water quality sensor on one side and the turbidity measurement value of the third water quality sensor on the other side.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 4a, it is possible to determine whether the filter needs to be replaced based on the difference between the measurement value 1 of the water quality sensor (first water quality sensor or fourth water quality sensor) included in the sensor unit (12) provided on one side (111) of the main body (11) and the measurement value 2 of the water quality sensor (second water quality sensor or third water quality sensor) included in the sensor unit (12) provided on the other side (112).

[0106] In addition, various sensors are installed on both sides to determine whether the filter needs to be replaced based on the difference between the two measurements.

[0107] The control unit (15) can determine whether water (purified water) is suitable for drinking based on the measurement value of the third water quality sensor on the other side.

[0108] Referring to Fig. 4b, it is possible to determine whether the water is suitable for drinking based on the measurement value 3 of the water quality sensor (third water quality sensor) included in the sensor unit (12) provided on the other side (112) of the main body (11).

[0109] If the control unit (15) determines that the filter needs to be replaced, it can display the need for filter replacement through the display (16) (first LED).

[0110] The control unit (15) can display a notification of unfitness for drinking through the display (16) (second LED) when the water is determined to be unfit for drinking.

[0111] On the other hand, if it is determined that the filter does not require replacement or that the water is suitable for drinking, the control unit (15) continues to perform measurements using water quality sensors.

[0112] In the above, it was explained that the water quality measurement module (10) measures the characteristics of water using a water quality sensor and uses the measured values ​​to determine whether the filter needs to be replaced and whether the water is suitable for drinking.

[0113] Hereinafter, it will be described that the water quality measurement module (10) measures the characteristics of water using a water quality sensor, and an external device (20) uses the measurement values ​​received from the water quality measurement module (10) to determine whether the filter needs to be replaced and whether the water is suitable for drinking.

[0114] The water quality measurement module (10) measures the characteristics of water using a pair of water quality sensors provided on both sides, and therefore a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0115] An external device (20) can receive a total dissolved solids measurement value of a first water quality sensor on one side and a total dissolved solids measurement value of a second water quality sensor on the other side from a water quality measurement module (10), calculate a difference between the two values, and determine whether the filter needs to be replaced based on the calculated difference. Specifically, the external device (20) can determine that the filter needs to be replaced if the difference between the measured values ​​is within a predetermined value.

[0116] In addition, the external device (20) can receive the turbidity measurement value of the fourth water quality sensor on one side and the turbidity measurement value of the third water quality sensor on the other side from the water quality measurement module (10), calculate the difference value between the two values, and determine whether the filter needs to be replaced based on the calculated difference value. Specifically, the external device (20) can determine that the filter needs to be replaced if the difference between the measured values ​​is within a predetermined value.

[0117] In addition, the external device (20) can determine whether the filter needs to be replaced based on the difference between the measurement values ​​of various sensor pairs received from the water quality measurement module (10).

[0118] The external device (20) receives the turbidity measurement value of the third water quality sensor on the other side from the water quality measurement module (10), and can determine whether the water (purified water) is suitable for drinking based on the received measurement value.

[0119] The external device (20) transmits the judgment result to the water quality measurement module (10), and the control unit (15) of the water quality measurement module (10) controls the sensor unit (12) to continue performing measurement using the water quality sensor according to the judgment result, or controls the display (16) to display the judgment result through LED color.

[0120] The method by which the external device (20) determines whether the filter needs to be replaced and whether the water is suitable for drinking is the same as the method by which the water quality measurement module (10) determines whether the filter needs to be replaced and whether the water is suitable for drinking, so a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0121] Meanwhile, as described above, the external device (20) can analyze the user's water consumption pattern through water intake-related data received from the water quality measurement module (10).

[0122] Specifically, by analyzing the user's water intake data accumulated over a certain period of time, the user's average daily water intake, average number of times of water intake per day, water intake by time zone, whether or not water is consumed before and after going to bed, number of times of cold water intake compared to purified water, number of times of cold water intake compared to hot water intake, time zone with the highest cold water intake, time zone with the highest hot water intake, total water intake over a certain period, and a graph of water intake over a certain period can be extracted.

[0123] Although FIG. 3 describes the steps as being executed sequentially, this is merely an example of the technical idea of ​​the present embodiment, and a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present embodiment belongs can modify and apply various modifications and variations by changing the order described in FIG. 3 or executing them in parallel without departing from the essential characteristics of the present embodiment, and therefore FIG. 3 is not limited to a chronological order.

[0124] Meanwhile, in the above description, the steps described in FIG. 3 may be further divided into additional steps or combined into fewer steps, depending on the implementation example of the present disclosure. Furthermore, some steps may be omitted as needed, and the order of the steps may be changed.

[0125] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing computer-executable instructions. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, may generate program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0126] Computer-readable storage media include all types of storage media that store instructions that can be deciphered by a computer. Examples include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic tape, magnetic disks, flash memory, and optical data storage devices.

[0127] The disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the attached drawings as described above. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present disclosure can be implemented in forms other than the disclosed embodiments without altering the technical spirit or essential features of the present disclosure. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. A body into which water flows in on one side and the water passes through a filter and is discharged on the other side; A first water quality sensor and a second water quality sensor, which are respectively provided on one side and the other side of the inside of the main body, and which measure the first characteristic of the water; A third water quality sensor provided on the other side and measuring the second characteristic of the water; A communication unit that transmits the measurement values ​​of the first water quality sensor, the second water quality sensor, and the third water quality sensor to the outside; and A control unit that determines whether the filter should be replaced using the first characteristic and determines whether water that has been purified by flowing into the main body and passing through the filter can be drunk using the second characteristic; The first characteristic is the total dissolved solids of the water, The second characteristic is the turbidity of the water, The above control unit, If the difference between the measured value of the first water quality sensor and the measured value of the second water quality sensor is within a predetermined first value, it is determined that the filter needs to be replaced. A water quality measurement module that determines that the purified water is unsuitable for drinking when the measurement value of the third water quality sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined second value.

2. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a fourth water quality sensor provided on the above side; The fourth water quality sensor measures the second characteristic, A water quality measurement module, wherein the control unit determines that the filter needs to be replaced when the difference between the measured value of the third water quality sensor and the measured value of the fourth water quality sensor is within a predetermined third value.

3. In paragraph 1, A water quality measurement module further comprising a display indicating the necessity of replacing the filter by the control unit.

4. In paragraph 1, It further includes a self-generating unit which is provided inside the main body and generates inductive power by rotating a rotary blade with the flow of water flowing into the main body; A water quality measurement module, wherein the first water quality sensor, the second water quality sensor, and the communication unit operate by the induced power generated by the self-generating unit.

5. In paragraph 1, A water quality measurement module further comprising a filter coupling portion in which the filter is coupled between the one side and the other side of the main body.

6. In the control method of the water quality measurement module, A step of measuring a first characteristic of the water through a first water quality sensor and a second water quality sensor respectively provided on one side and the other side of the main body of the water quality measuring module through which water flows in on one side and the water passes through a filter and is discharged on the other side; A step of measuring the second characteristic of the water through a third water quality sensor provided on the other side; A step of determining whether to replace the filter using the first characteristic; and It includes a step of determining whether water that has been introduced into the main body and purified through the filter is drinkable by using the second characteristic. The first characteristic is the total dissolved solids of the water, The second characteristic is the turbidity of the water, The step of determining whether to replace the filter is as follows: if the difference between the measured value of the first water quality sensor and the measured value of the second water quality sensor is within a predetermined first value, it is determined that the filter needs to be replaced; A method for controlling a water quality measurement module, wherein the step of determining whether the water is drinkable is such that, if the measured value of the third water quality sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined second value, the purified water is determined to be unsuitable for drinking.

7. In paragraph 6, Further comprising a step of measuring the second characteristic through a fourth water quality sensor provided on the above side, A method for controlling a water quality measurement module, wherein the step of determining whether to replace the filter comprises determining that the filter needs to be replaced if the difference between the measured value of the third water quality sensor and the measured value of the fourth water quality sensor is within a predetermined third value.

8. In paragraph 6, A control method of a water quality measurement module, further comprising a step of indicating the need for replacement of the filter through a display.

9. In paragraph 6, It further includes a step of generating induced power by rotating a rotary blade with the flow of water flowing into the main body through a self-generating unit provided inside the main body, A control method for a water quality measurement module, wherein the first water quality sensor and the second water quality sensor are operated by the induced power generated by the self-generating unit.

10. A water quality measurement module including a main body through which water flows in on one side and the water passes through a filter and is discharged on the other side, a first water quality sensor and a second water quality sensor provided on the one side and the other side of the inside of the main body respectively to measure a first characteristic of the water, a third water quality sensor provided on the other side to measure a second characteristic of the water, and a communication unit that transmits the measured first characteristic and the second characteristic to the outside; and An external device that determines whether the filter should be replaced using the first characteristic received from the communication unit, and determines whether water that has been purified by passing through the filter and flowing into the main body can be drunk using the second characteristic received from the communication unit; The first characteristic is the total dissolved solids of the water, The second characteristic is the turbidity of the water, The above external device is, If the difference between the measured value of the first water quality sensor and the measured value of the second water quality sensor is within a predetermined first value, it is determined that the filter needs to be replaced. A water quality measurement system that determines that the purified water is unsuitable for drinking when the measurement value of the third water quality sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined second value.

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