JP2021107699A - Air blower - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an air blower operating with a voice command, which has a configuration that is easy to acquire input voice clearly to enhance a voice recognition rate.SOLUTION: An air blower comprises a fan for blowing, a motor that drives the fan, a sound input unit that acquires input voice, and a control unit that performs predetermined control according to the input voice. The control unit is configured to change the operating state of the air blower when it is determined that there is a factor that interferes with the voice acquisition of the sound input unit in the operating state of the air blower.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

One aspect of the present invention relates to a device having a blowing means such as a fan, a circulator, a humidifier, a dehumidifier, an air purifier, and an air conditioner (air conditioner), which can be operated by voice recognition.

Conventionally, there have been blowers having a means of blowing such as a fan or a circulator. On the other hand, in recent years, the number of devices operated by voice recognition is increasing. Patent Document 1 discloses an electric fan having a voice operating means.

JP-A-2002-349477

A fan having a conventional voice operating means as described above is simply a combination of a fan and a voice operating means, and has a configuration in which noise generated from a fan, a motor, or the like when the fan operates is taken into consideration. I couldn't say there was. Blowers such as electric fans are required to have a configuration that improves the voice recognition rate in consideration of the noise generated by the equipment.

The present invention employs the following means in order to solve at least one of the above problems. In the following description, reference numerals and the like in the drawings may be added in parentheses to facilitate understanding of the invention, but each component of the present invention is not limited to those added. However, it should be widely interpreted to the extent that those skilled in the art can technically understand it.

One means of the present invention is
Blower (10)
Blower fan (56) and
The motor (54) that drives the fan and
The sound input unit (66) that acquires the input sound and
A control unit (100) that performs predetermined control according to the input sound is provided.
The control unit changes the operating state of the blower when it is determined that the operating state of the blower has a factor that interferes with the sound acquisition of the sound input unit.
It is a blower.

According to the blower having the above configuration, factors that interfere with voice acquisition, such as a loud noise emitted from the blower or a state in which wind passes between the user who inputs voice and the sound input unit. When is present, it becomes possible to operate so as to change the operating state so that the noise is reduced. As a result, the sound input unit can easily acquire a clear input voice. Further, the configuration can have a structure in which the voice recognition rate is increased.

In the blower (10) having the above configuration, preferably
The change in the operating state is a change in the rotation speed of the motor (54).

According to the blower having the above configuration, it is possible to suppress the noise generated by the rotation of the motor and the fan, and it is possible to make it easy to acquire a clear input voice.

In the blower having the above configuration, preferably
Further equipped with a wind direction changing section (121) for changing the blowing direction,
The change in the operating state is a change in the blowing direction by the wind direction changing unit.

According to the blower having the above configuration, the user's voice is clear to the sound input section by changing the blowing direction in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction so that the wind does not pass between the user and the sound input section. It can be configured to be easily reachable.

In the blower having the above configuration, preferably
The wind direction changing part (121) that changes the blowing direction,
A drive unit (120) for driving the wind direction changing unit is provided.
The change in the operating state is the suppression or prohibition of the operation of the driving unit.

According to the blower having the above configuration, it is possible to suppress the noise emitted from the drive unit or the wind direction change unit when the drive unit drives the wind direction change unit. As a result, it is possible to make a configuration that makes it easy to acquire clear input voice.

In the blower having the above configuration, preferably
Further equipped with a notification sound output unit (67) for outputting output voice,
The change in the operating state is the suppression or prohibition of the output voice.

According to the blower having the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the noise output from the blower from being mixed with the input sound, and it is possible to make it easy to acquire a clear input sound.

In the blower having the above configuration, preferably
The control unit (100)
It is possible to recognize that the input sound is a wake-up word, and it is possible to recognize that the input sound is a wake-up word.
When the control unit recognizes the wakeup word, it determines that the volume of the sound generated from the blower exceeds the threshold value.

According to the blower having the above configuration, it is possible to make it easy to clearly acquire the control word input by the user after recognizing the wake-up word for which the voice recognition rate is particularly desired to be increased.

In the blower having the above configuration, preferably
Further equipped with a volume measuring unit (66a) for measuring the volume of ambient sound,
The control unit determines that the volume of the sound generated from the blower exceeds the threshold value according to the measurement result of the volume measurement unit.

According to the blower having the above configuration, the operating state of the blower for suppressing the noise is obtained only in an environment where it is difficult to obtain a clear input voice while dynamically checking the noise around the blower and the noise emitted from the blower. It is possible to make changes.

In the blower having the above configuration, preferably
The volume measuring unit measures the volume of ambient sound based on the input sound.

According to the blower having the above configuration, it is possible to measure the volume of the noise around the blower and the sound emitted from the blower without adding a special configuration for measuring the volume.

In the blower having the above configuration, preferably
The threshold value can be changed by setting.

In the blower having the above configuration, preferably
The control unit (100)
During a predetermined control word recognition period (for example, 6 seconds) after the wake-up word recognition, it is recognized that the input sound is a control word.
After recognizing the wakeup word, after the control word recognition period elapses, the operating state of the blower is returned to the original state.

According to the blower having the above configuration, it is possible to set the operation state to suppress noise during the control word recognition period and to return to the original operation state when the control word recognition period ends.

In the blower having the above configuration, preferably
When the control word is an instruction to change the rotation speed of the motor and the changed rotation speed of the motor is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the control unit (100) causes the control word recognition period to elapse. Change the rotation speed of the motor.

According to the blower having the above configuration, when the rotation speed of the motor, which is particularly prone to noise, is to be increased to a predetermined value or more, the rotation speed of the motor is immediately increased by operating the motor so as not to increase the rotation speed immediately. By raising it, it is possible to prevent the noise from becoming loud. As a result, it is possible to prevent the clear input sound from being unable to be acquired when the control by the control word is continued by the user.

In the blower having the above configuration, preferably
Further equipped with an air volume display unit (65) for displaying the air volume,
When the control word is a command to change the rotation speed of the motor, the air volume display unit changes the display of the air volume before the elapse of the control word recognition period.

According to the blower having the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the user from misunderstanding that the blower does not recognize the command even during the period for maintaining the rotation speed of the motor in response to the command to increase the rotation speed of the motor. can do.

The blower having the above configuration is preferably
During the predetermined control word recognition period after the wakeup word recognition, it is recognized that the input sound is a control word, and the input sound is recognized as a control word.
After recognizing the wake-up word, after the control word recognition period elapses, the operating state of the blower is changed to a state in which the state change corresponding to the control word is reflected in the original state.

According to the blower having the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the noise generated from the blower from increasing by changing the operating state of the blower during the control word recognition period.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the blower. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the blower. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the blower. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a voice operation process performed by the blower. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram of a blower operated by an operator in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram of a blower operated by an operator in the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram of a blower operated by an operator in the third embodiment. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram of a blower operated by an operator in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram of a blower operated by an operator in the fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of a blower operated by an operator in the sixth embodiment. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram of a blower operated by an operator in the seventh embodiment.

The blower of the present invention is a blower operated by recognizing a user's voice and accepting a command, and is an operating state for noise reduction in order to clarify the acquired voice and improve the voice recognition rate. One of the features is that it is configured to change.

An embodiment and an embodiment of the blower of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments and examples described below are merely examples of the present invention, and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention. In each drawing, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof may be omitted. As used herein, the term "sound" includes voice, which is a human voice, and mechanical sound such as noise.

<1. Embodiment>
<Blower 10>
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing the configuration of the blower 10 of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the blower 10. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the blower 10. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the blower 10 includes a pedestal portion 20, a support column 30, and a blower portion 50. Specifically, the support column 30 is erected on the pedestal portion 20, and the blower portion 50 is provided on the upper end side thereof. The blower 10 has a control unit 100 and a storage unit 110 shown in the block diagram of FIG. 3, although it cannot be confirmed from the outside. The wind direction changing section 121 includes a left / right swing mechanism section 24 and a vertical swing mechanism section 42, which will be described later. The drive unit 120 includes a left / right swing motor 22 and a vertical swing motor 40, which will be described later.

The blower 10 of the present embodiment is a fan-type blower as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, but has a circulator without a support column 30, a humidifier having a humidifying function, a dehumidifying device having a dehumidifying function, and an air purifying function. It can also be diverted to an air purifier having a heating and / or cooling function (air conditioner or air conditioner).

<Pedestal part 20>
The pedestal portion 20 is a portion that serves as a pedestal for the blower 10. The pedestal portion 20 is formed in a disk shape having a circular and flat bottom surface. A support column 30 is erected slightly behind the center of the pedestal portion 20. The support column 30 may be detachably configured with respect to the pedestal portion 20. An operation unit 60, an air volume display unit 65, a sound input unit 66, a volume measurement unit 66a, and a notification sound output unit 67 are provided on the upper surface of the pedestal unit 20. Further, in the pedestal portion 20, the remote controller 62 is held on the back side of the position where the support column 30 is erected. The pedestal portion 20 houses a left / right swing motor 22, a left / right swing mechanism 24, a control board 26, a power supply board 28, and the like. A microcomputer (semiconductor integrated circuit), electronic components, and the like corresponding to the control unit 100 described later are mounted on the control board 26. A switching power supply circuit or the like for supplying electric power to each part of the blower 10 is mounted on the power supply board 28. The blower 10 may be configured not to have the remote controller 62.

<Left / right swing motor 22, left / right swing mechanism 24>
The left-right swing motor 22 drives the left-right swing mechanism portion 24 so as to change the direction of the blower portion 50 in the left-right direction via the support column 30. The left / right swing motor 22 is, for example, a stepping motor. The left / right swinging motor 22 rotates the left / right swinging mechanism portion 24 by transmitting power to the left / right swinging mechanism portion 24. When the left-right swing mechanism portion 24 rotates, the support column 30 rotates about its axis. Since the support column 30 is connected to the blower portion 50, when the left / right swing mechanism portion 24 rotates, the blower portion 50 rotates in the left-right direction to change the direction. The left-right swing mechanism unit 24 is a specific example of the "wind direction changing unit 121" of the present invention. The left / right swing motor 22 is a specific example of the "drive unit 120" of the present invention.

<Operation unit 60>
The operation unit 60 includes a plurality of operation keys (buttons) that can be pushed by the user. Characters indicating the functions of the operation keys are arranged on the side of the operation keys. When the operation unit 60 detects that the operation key has been operated by the user, the operation unit 60 outputs the detection result to the control unit 100.

<Remote control 62>
The remote controller 62 is configured to be able to wirelessly transmit commands to the blower 10 using infrared rays or the like. The blower 10 performs a predetermined operation in response to a command received from the remote controller 62. Since the general operation of the blower 10 by the remote controller 62 is a well-known technique, the description thereof will be omitted.

<Air volume display 65>
The air volume display unit 65 is arranged in the area where the operation unit 60 is arranged, and includes a plurality of (for example, 10) light emitting units. This light emitting unit is, for example, a light emitting element such as an LED. The air volume display unit 65 indicates the air volume of the blower 10 according to the number of these plurality of light emitting units lit. The air volume display unit 65 may be configured by a display device or the like capable of displaying numbers instead of the configuration in which the air volume is indicated by the number of lights of the plurality of light emitting units. The display of the air volume indicated by the air volume display unit 65 is controlled by the control unit 100.

<Sound input unit 66>
The sound input unit 66 is a so-called microphone or the like, and converts ambient sounds including the voice of the user into an electric signal and outputs the sound to the control unit 100. When the sound input unit 66 specializes in acquiring and recognizing the user's voice, it may be configured to have a bandpass filter that acquires only the sound in the frequency band of the human voice. Further, the sound input unit 66 may be provided with various filters for reducing sound in a specific frequency band and a mechanism for removing noise.

<Volume measurement unit 66a>
The volume measuring unit 66a measures the volume of the sound (noise) emitted from the blower 10 based on the sound acquired by the sound input unit 66. The volume measuring unit 66a outputs the measurement result to the control unit 100.

<Notification sound output unit 67>
The notification sound output unit 67 is a so-called speaker or the like, and outputs a notification sound in response to a given electric signal. The notification sound output unit 67 emits a voice under the control of the control unit 100. The notification sound output unit 67 notifies a predetermined operation or state by mechanical sound or voice.

<Strut 30>
The support column 30 extends upward from the pedestal portion 20 in a columnar shape and supports the blower portion 50. A housing portion 38 is provided in the vicinity of the upper end portion of the support column 30.

<Accommodation section 38>
The accommodating portion 38 accommodates the vertical swing motor 40 and the vertical swing mechanism portion 42.

<Motor 40 for vertical swing, vertical swing mechanism 42>
The vertical swing motor 40 drives the vertical swing mechanism portion 42 so as to change the direction of the blower portion 50 in the vertical direction. The vertical swing motor 40 is, for example, a stepping motor. The vertical swing motor 40 transmits power to the vertical swing mechanism 42, so that the vertical swing mechanism 42 rotates in the vertical direction. Since the vertical swing mechanism 42 is connected to the blower 50, when the vertical swing mechanism 42 rotates in the vertical direction, the blower 50 also rotates in the vertical direction to change the direction. The vertical swing mechanism unit 42 may have a ratchet mechanism or the like that allows the user to manually change the orientation in the vertical direction. The vertical swing mechanism portion 42 is a specific example of the “wind direction changing portion 121” of the present invention. The vertical swing motor 40 is a specific example of the "drive unit 120" of the present invention.

<Blower 50>
The blower portion 50 includes a fan guard 52, a blower motor 54, and a fan 56.

<Fanguard 52>
The fan guard 52 rotatably accommodates the fan 56. The fan guard 52 is composed of a front fan guard 52a located on the front side of the blower 10 and a rear fan guard 52b located on the back side of the blower 10. The front fan guard 52a and the rear fan guard 52b are detachably connected to the blower 10 respectively.

<Blower motor 54>
The blower motor 54 is configured to be able to rotationally drive the fan 56 by rotating. The blower motor 54 is, for example, a DC motor. The rotation speed of the blower motor 54 can be changed in a plurality of stages such as 10 stages. The rotation speed of the blower motor 54 is controlled by the control unit 100. By changing the rotation speed of the blower motor 54, the air volume of the blower 10 is changed.

<Fan 56>
The fan 56 is a blower mechanism that rotates by being driven by a blower motor 54 and can blow air toward the front side of the blower 10. The fan 56 is configured to have an inclination with respect to the front surface of the blower.

<Control unit 100>
The control unit 100 controls the operation of the blower 10. The control unit 100 is, for example, a microcomputer (semiconductor integrated circuit) mounted on the control board 26. The control unit 100 can be realized by both hardware and software. The control unit 100 executes operation control of the blower of the conventional blower, voice operation processing which is a feature of the present invention, and the like. Specific control by the control unit 100 will be described later.

<Memory unit 110>
The storage unit 110 is a memory capable of storing various information under the control of the control unit 100. The storage unit 110 is a ROM or a RAM. The storage unit 110 may be built in the control unit 100, or may be mounted on the control board 26 separately from the control unit 100. The storage unit 110 includes, for example, an operating state memory capable of storing the operating state of the blower 10 as information in a part of the storage area. Further, the storage unit 110 stores the wake-up word, the control word, the operation corresponding to the input control word, and the like. The wakeup word and the control word may be predetermined ones or may be changed by the user. Further, the wakeup word and the control word may be optimized so as to be easily recognized according to the voice of the user.

<Operation of blower 10>
Next, the voice operation process performed by the blower 10 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The blower 10 can be operated by the user pressing the operation key of the operation unit 60, or can be operated by the user by voice. When the blower 10 is operated by voice, the user issues a control word following the wakeup word for starting the voice operation process, and various operations corresponding to the control word are performed. ..

<S100-S110>
The blower 10 outputs the sound acquired by the sound input unit 66 to the control unit 100 while the power is turned on, and waits for the wake-up word to be input by the user's voice as the input sound (S100 to ~). S110). The wakeup word is a voice such as "iris".

<S112>
When the control unit 100 confirms that the sound input unit 66 has acquired the wakeup word (Y in S110), the control unit 100 stores the current operating state in the operating state memory of the storage unit 110 (S112). The operating state stored in the operating state memory is the air volume, the wind direction, the mode of swinging, and the like. Further, if the operating state of the blower 10 has a factor that interferes with the sound acquisition of the sound input unit 66, the control unit 100 changes the operating state (S112).

Here, the factors that interfere with the sound acquisition include, for example, (1) the rotating sound of the fan 56, (2) the operating sound of the blower motor 54, (3) the operating sound of the left and right swinging motor 22, and (4). The operating sound of the vertical swinging motor 40, (5) the operating sound of the left and right swinging mechanism 24, (6) the operating sound of the vertical swinging mechanism 42, or (7) the operating sound emitted from the notification sound output unit 67. Noise such as output sound such as, or (8) wind direction of the blower 10.

If there is noise ((1) to (7)) such as the rotation noise of the fan 56, this noise is mixed in the voice acquired by the sound input unit 66, which makes it difficult for the user to recognize the control word. The operating state is changed so as to suppress the generation of these noises. Specifically, (1) the rotation speed of the blower motor 54 is reduced in order to reduce the rotation noise of the fan 56, and (2) the rotation speed of the blower motor 54 is reduced in order to reduce the rotation noise of the blower motor 54. To reduce the operating noise of the left / right swinging motor 22, (3) reduce the rotation speed of the left / right swinging motor 22 or stop the operation, and (4) the operating noise of the vertical swinging motor 40. The rotation speed of the vertical swinging motor 40 is reduced or the operation is stopped, and (5) the operation of the left and right swinging mechanism unit 24 is suppressed in order to reduce the operating noise of the left and right swinging mechanism unit 24. Or stop, (6) suppress or stop the operation of the vertical swing mechanism 42 in order to reduce the operating noise of the vertical swing mechanism 42, or (7) emit from the notification sound output unit 67. In order to suppress the notification sound such as the operation sound, the operating state of the blower 10 is changed by lowering the volume of the notification sound or stopping the output of the notification sound. In other words, lower the air volume ((1) and (2)), suppress or stop the swinging motion ((3) to (6)), and lower or stop the notification sound such as the operation sound (((1) and (6)). 7)), change the operating state.

(8) If the wind direction of the blower 10 causes the wind to pass between the user and the sound input unit 66, the voice of the user may not reach the sound input unit 66 sufficiently. , Suppress the interference of voice acquisition by changing the wind direction. More specifically, the control unit 100 operates the left / right swing motor 22 or the up / down swing motor 40 to drive the left / right swing mechanism 24 or the up / down swing mechanism 42 to change the wind direction. As a result, the wind does not pass between the user and the sound input unit 66.

<S114>
Next, the control unit 100 resets the timer in order to measure the time for waiting for the input of the control word following the wakeup word (S114). When returning from S132 or S134, the timer is reset to measure the time for waiting for the input of the next control word.

<S120>
Next, the control unit 100 waits for the user to input the control word. Specifically, the sound acquired by the sound input unit 66 is output to the control unit 100, and the control unit 100 confirms whether or not the sound included in this sound corresponds to a pre-registered control word (S120). .. The control word is stored in the storage unit 110 together with the instruction corresponding to the control word. The control unit 100 confirms whether or not the acquired voice is a control word by comparing the information stored in the storage unit 110 with the sound acquired by the sound input unit 66. The confirmation of the control word is continued for a predetermined time (for example, 6 seconds) (S140). The period of waiting for the input of the control word is called the control word recognition period.

<S120-S134>
When the control word is input by voice within the control word recognition period within a predetermined time (for example, within 6 seconds) from the timer reset (Y in S120), it is confirmed whether or not this control word is a control word related to a specific operation. (S130). The control word related to a specific operation is a control word corresponding to an operation that is a factor that interferes with voice acquisition. Specifically, it is (1) an operation of increasing the air volume, (2) an operation of changing the mode of swinging, or (3) an operation of changing the wind direction. When the input control word is related to a specific operation (Y in S130), the operation state memory stored in the storage unit 110 is updated (S134) without performing the operation corresponding to the control word. Return to the process of S114. On the other hand, when the input control word is not related to the specific operation (N in S130), the operation state is changed corresponding to the control word (S132), and the process returns to the process of S114. At this time, the control unit 100 changes the operation state memory of the storage unit 110. In either case of S132 or S134, the control unit 100 changes the display of the air volume on the air volume display unit 65.

<S140 to S150>
When the control word is not input by voice during the control word recognition period (Y in S140), the control unit 100 confirms the operation state memory stored in the storage unit 110, and operates according to the contents of the operation state memory. The state is changed (S142). As described above, since the air volume, the wind direction, the mode of the swinging motion, and the like are stored in the operation state memory, the air volume, the wind direction, the mode of the swinging motion, and the like are changed based on the contents. After changing the operating state, the control unit 100 ends the voice operation process.

The above-mentioned processing after S120 will be described more specifically. When the control word corresponds to (1) the operation of increasing the air volume, increasing the air volume increases the rotation speed of the blower motor 54 and the rotation speed of the fan 56, and the rotation sound of the fan 56 and the blower. The rotation noise of the motor 54 may become loud. Then, noise is mixed in the sound acquired by the sound input unit 66 due to the rotation sound of the fan 56 and the blower motor 54, and it becomes difficult to recognize the control word of the user. Therefore, even if a control word for increasing the air volume is input, the air volume is not increased immediately, but is processed so that the air volume is increased after the control word recognition period (6 seconds after the timer reset) has elapsed (6 seconds after the timer reset). See S142 below).

Further, when the control word is (2) an operation of changing the swing mode, the left / right swing motor 22, the left / right swing mechanism portion 24, and the vertical swing motor can be changed by changing the swing mode. The operating noise emitted from the 40 and the vertical swing mechanism 42 may become loud. Then, noise is mixed in the voice acquired by the sound input unit 66 due to these operating sounds, and it becomes difficult to recognize the control word of the user. Therefore, even if a control word for changing the swing mode is input, the swing mode is not changed immediately, but the swing mode is changed after the control word recognition period has elapsed.

Further, when the control word is (3) an operation of changing the wind direction, changing the wind direction may cause the wind to pass between the user and the sound input unit 66. Then, the voice of the user may not sufficiently reach the sound input unit 66. Therefore, even if a control word for changing the wind direction is input, the swing direction is not changed immediately, but the wind direction is changed after the control word recognition period has elapsed.

The operating state in S112 may be changed only when the air volume is equal to or more than a predetermined air volume (for example, an air volume of 6 or more in 10 steps). Similarly, the immediate change of the operating state of S130 to S134 and S142 may be prohibited only when the changed air volume is equal to or more than a predetermined air volume (for example, an air volume of 6 or more in 10 steps).

Further, the operating state in S112 may be changed only when the swinging mode is a certain speed or more and a certain amount of noise or more is emitted. Similarly, the immediate change of the operating state of S130 to S134 and S142 may be prohibited only when the mode of swinging after the change is a certain speed or more.

<2. Example>
Next, the behavior of the blower 10 described in the above embodiment will be described with reference to more specific examples.

<(1) Example 1>
In the first embodiment, an operation example will be described when the user inputs a voice of a control word for increasing the air volume of the blower 10 following the wake-up word.

First, the user utters the voice "iris" as a wake-up word. The sound input unit 66 acquires this voice and outputs it to the control unit 100. The control unit 100 confirms that this voice is a wake-up word (S110), and stores the operating state in the operating state memory of the storage unit 110 (S112). The control unit 100 further weakens the air volume (for example, weakens the air volume from 7 to 5) by lowering the rotation speed of the blower motor 54, and suppresses the sound emitted from the blower motor 54 and the fan 56 (S112). Then, the control unit 100 resets the timer (S114) and waits for the control word to be input.

Next, the user utters a voice saying, "Increase the air volume." The sound input unit 66 acquires this voice and outputs it to the control unit 100. The control unit 100 confirms the control word stored in the storage unit 110 and the operation corresponding to the control word, and confirms that this voice input increases the rotation speed of the blower motor 54 (S120). Here, the control unit 100 determines that the operation of increasing the rotation speed of the blower motor 54 is a specific operation (S130), and immediately does not increase the rotation speed of the blower motor 54, and the operation state memory of the storage unit 110. Is updated (S134). Further, the control unit 100 changes the display of the air volume on the air volume display unit 65 so as to be the changed air volume. Then, the control unit 100 resets the timer again (S114) and waits for the next control word to be input.

Since the control unit 100 did not input the next control word (Y in S140) during the control word recognition period from the input of the previous control word (Y in S140), the control unit 100 operates according to the operation state memory of the storage unit 110. The state is changed (S142). Here, the operating state memory stores an increased air volume (for example, an air volume 8) corresponding to a control word for increasing the air volume with respect to an air volume before the air volume is reduced (for example, an air volume 7). Therefore, the control unit 100 increases the rotation speed of the blower motor 54 so as to change to the air volume (for example, air volume 8).

<(2) Example 2>
In the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, an operation example in which the user inputs the voice of the control word for increasing the air volume of the blower 10 after the wake-up word will be described. However, it differs from the first embodiment in that the air volume is not changed after the wakeup word is confirmed.

First, the user utters the voice "iris" as a wake-up word. The sound input unit 66 acquires this voice and outputs it to the control unit 100. The control unit 100 confirms that this voice is a wake-up word (S110), and stores the operating state in the operating state memory of the storage unit 110 (S112). The control unit 100 refers to the storage unit 110 and confirms that the reference for changing the operating state at the time of confirming the wakeup word is set to have an air volume of 6 or more. At this time, since the air volume of the blower 10 was 5, the control unit 100 maintains the air volume without changing it, that is, resets the timer (S114) without changing the rotation speed of the blower motor 54. Wait for the word to be entered.

Next, the user utters a voice saying, "Increase the air volume." The sound input unit 66 acquires this voice and outputs it to the control unit 100. The control unit 100 confirms the control word stored in the storage unit 110 and the operation corresponding to the control word, and confirms that this voice input increases the rotation speed of the blower motor 54 (S120). Next, the control unit 100 refers to the storage unit 110 and confirms that the specific operation is set to the operation of increasing the air volume to 6 or more. Here, if the air volume is increased from the air volume 5 before the change, the air volume becomes 6, so the control unit 100 only updates the operation state memory of the storage unit 110 and does not change the air volume (Y, S134 in S130). .. That is, the control unit 100 updates the value of the air volume in the operating state memory of the storage unit 110 to the air volume 6. Further, the control unit 100 changes the display of the air volume on the air volume display unit 65 so that the air volume is 6.

Since the control unit 100 did not input the next control word (Y in S140) during the control word recognition period from the input of the previous control word (Y in S140), the control unit 100 operates according to the operation state memory of the storage unit 110. The state is changed (S142). Here, although the air volume 6 is stored as the value of the air volume in the operation state memory, the blower 10 is operating at the air volume 5. Therefore, the control unit 100 increases the rotation speed of the blower motor 54 so as to change the operating state to the air volume 6 stored in the operating state memory.

<(3) Example 3>
In the third embodiment, an operation example in which the user inputs the voice of the control word for weakening the air volume of the blower 10 after the wake-up word will be described. The process before the control by the control word is performed is the same as that of the second embodiment, but is different from the second embodiment in that the process of weakening the air volume is performed.

First, the user utters the voice "iris" as a wake-up word. The sound input unit 66 acquires this voice and outputs it to the control unit 100. The control unit 100 confirms that this voice is a wake-up word (S110), and stores the operating state in the operating state memory of the storage unit 110 (S112). The control unit 100 refers to the storage unit 110 and confirms that the reference for changing the operating state at the time of confirming the wakeup word is set to have an air volume of 6 or more. At this time, since the air volume of the blower 10 was 5, the control unit 100 maintains the air volume without changing it, that is, resets the timer (S114) without changing the rotation speed of the blower motor 54. Wait for the word to be entered.

Next, the user utters a voice saying, "Weaken the air volume." The sound input unit 66 acquires this voice and outputs it to the control unit 100. The control unit 100 confirms the control word stored in the storage unit 110 and the operation corresponding to the control word, and confirms that this voice input reduces the rotation speed of the blower motor 54 (S120). Here, the control unit 100 refers to the storage unit 110 and confirms that the specific operation is set to the operation of increasing the air volume to 6 or more. Here, if the air volume is lowered from the air volume 5 before the change, the air volume becomes 4, so the control unit 100 lowers the rotation speed of the blower motor 54 to change the air volume (N, S132 in S130). Further, the control unit 100 updates the value of the air volume in the operating state memory of the storage unit 110 to the air volume 4. Further, the control unit 100 changes the display of the air volume on the air volume display unit 65 so that the air volume is 4.

Since the control unit 100 did not input the next control word (Y in S140) during the control word recognition period from the input of the previous control word (Y in S140), the control unit 100 operates according to the operation state memory of the storage unit 110. Attempts to change the state (S142). Here, the air volume 4 is stored as the value of the air volume in the operation state memory, and the blower 10 operates at the air volume 4. Therefore, the control unit 100 ends the process without changing the rotation speed of the blower motor 54 (S150).

<(4) Example 4>
In the fourth embodiment, an operation example will be described when the user performs voice input of the control word for changing the air volume of the blower 10 to the air volume 1 following the wake-up word.

First, the user utters the voice "iris" as a wake-up word. The sound input unit 66 acquires this voice and outputs it to the control unit 100. The control unit 100 confirms that this voice is a wake-up word (S110), and stores the operating state in the operating state memory of the storage unit 110 (S112). The control unit 100 refers to the storage unit 110 and confirms that the reference for changing the operating state at the time of confirming the wakeup word is set to have an air volume of 6 or more. At this time, since the air volume of the blower 10 was 7, the control unit 100 reduces the rotation speed of the blower motor 54 in order to change the air volume to 5. Then, the control unit 100 resets the timer (S114) and waits for the control word to be input.

Next, the user makes a voice saying, "Set the air volume to 1." The sound input unit 66 acquires this voice and outputs it to the control unit 100. The control unit 100 confirms the control word stored in the storage unit 110 and the operation corresponding to the control word, and confirms that this voice input changes the rotation speed of the blower motor 54 to a predetermined value. (S120). Here, the control unit 100 refers to the storage unit 110 and confirms that the specific operation is set to the operation of increasing the air volume to 6 or more. Here, even if the air volume is changed to 1, the air volume is less than 6, so the control unit 100 lowers the rotation speed of the blower motor 54 to the rotation speed of the air volume 1 to change the air volume (N, S132 in S130). .. Further, the control unit 100 updates the value of the air volume in the operating state memory of the storage unit 110 to the air volume 1. Further, the control unit 100 changes the display of the air volume on the air volume display unit 65 so that the air volume is 1.

Since the control unit 100 did not input the next control word (Y in S140) during the control word recognition period from the input of the previous control word (Y in S140), the control unit 100 operates according to the operation state memory of the storage unit 110. Attempts to change the state (S142). Here, the air volume 1 is stored as the value of the air volume in the operation state memory, and the blower 10 operates at the air volume 1. Therefore, the control unit 100 ends the process without changing the rotation speed of the blower motor 54 (S150).

<(5) Example 5>
In the fifth embodiment, an operation example will be described when the user performs a voice input of a control word for changing the air volume of the blower 10 by 4 to 2 steps after the wake-up word.

First, the user utters the voice "iris" as a wake-up word. The sound input unit 66 acquires this voice and outputs it to the control unit 100. The control unit 100 confirms that this voice is a wake-up word (S110), and stores the operating state in the operating state memory of the storage unit 110 (S112). The control unit 100 refers to the storage unit 110 and confirms that the reference for changing the operating state at the time of confirming the wakeup word is set to have an air volume of 6 or more. At this time, since the air volume of the blower 10 was 4, the control unit 100 maintains the air volume without changing it, that is, resets the timer (S114) without changing the rotation speed of the blower motor 54. Wait for the word to be entered.

Next, the user utters a voice saying, "Increase the air volume." The sound input unit 66 acquires this voice and outputs it to the control unit 100. The control unit 100 confirms the control word stored in the storage unit 110 and the operation corresponding to the control word, and confirms that this voice input increases the rotation speed of the blower motor 54 (S120). Here, the control unit 100 refers to the storage unit 110 and confirms that the specific operation is set to the operation of increasing the air volume to 6 or more. Here, since the air volume is 5 even if the air volume is increased by one step from the air volume 4 before the change, the control unit 100 increases the rotation speed of the blower motor 54 to change the air volume (N, S132 in S130). Further, the control unit 100 updates the value of the air volume in the operating state memory of the storage unit 110 to the air volume 5. Further, the control unit 100 changes the display of the air volume on the air volume display unit 65 so that the air volume is 5.

In addition, the user utters a voice saying, "Increase the air volume." The sound input unit 66 acquires this voice and outputs it to the control unit 100. The control unit 100 confirms the control word stored in the storage unit 110 and the operation corresponding to the control word, and confirms that this voice input increases the rotation speed of the blower motor 54 (S120). Here, the control unit 100 refers to the storage unit 110 and confirms that the specific operation is set to the operation of increasing the air volume to 6 or more. Here, if the air volume is increased from the air volume 5 before the change, the air volume becomes 6, so the control unit 100 only updates the operation state memory of the storage unit 110 and does not change the air volume (Y, S134 in S130). .. That is, the control unit 100 updates the value of the air volume in the operating state memory of the storage unit 110 to the air volume 6. Further, the control unit 100 changes the display of the air volume on the air volume display unit 65 so that the air volume is 6.

Since the control unit 100 did not input the next control word (Y in S140) during the control word recognition period from the input of the previous control word (Y in S140), the control unit 100 operates according to the operation state memory of the storage unit 110. The state is changed (S142). Here, although the air volume 6 is stored as the value of the air volume in the operation state memory, the blower 10 is operating at the air volume 5. Therefore, the control unit 100 increases the rotation speed of the blower motor 54 so as to change the operating state to the air volume 6 stored in the operating state memory.

<(6) Example 6>
In the sixth embodiment, an operation example will be described when the user inputs the voice of the control word for changing the wind direction of the blower 10 upward after the wake-up word.

First, the user utters the voice "iris" as a wake-up word. The sound input unit 66 acquires this voice and outputs it to the control unit 100. The control unit 100 confirms that this voice is a wake-up word (S110), and stores the operating state in the operating state memory of the storage unit 110 (S112). The control unit 100 refers to the storage unit 110 and sets that the standard for changing the operating state at the time of confirming the wakeup word is that the air volume is 6 or more and that the wind direction is changed to the most upward direction. Check. At this time, since the air volume of the blower 10 was 7, the control unit 100 reduces the rotation speed of the blower motor 54 in order to change the air volume to 5. Further, the control unit 100 controls the drive unit 120 to operate the wind direction changing unit 121, and changes the direction of the fan 56 so that the wind direction is most upward. Then, the control unit 100 resets the timer (S114) and waits for the control word to be input.

Next, the user utters a voice saying, "Wind direction up." The sound input unit 66 acquires this voice and outputs it to the control unit 100. The control unit 100 confirms the control word stored in the storage unit 110 and the operation corresponding to the control word, and confirms that this voice input increases the rotation speed of the blower motor 54 (S120). Here, the control unit 100 refers to the storage unit 110 and confirms that the specific operation includes changing the wind direction. Therefore, the control unit 100 only updates the operation state memory of the storage unit 110, and does not change the wind direction (Y, S134 in S130). That is, the control unit 100 updates the wind direction in the operating state memory of the storage unit 110 so as to be one step upward.

Since the control unit 100 did not input the next control word (Y in S140) during the control word recognition period from the input of the previous control word (Y in S140), the control unit 100 operates according to the operation state memory of the storage unit 110. The state is changed (S142). Here, the operating state memory stores the operating state in which the wind direction is raised by one step. Therefore, the control unit 100 controls the drive unit 120 to operate the wind direction changing unit 121, and lowers the direction of the fan 56 so that the wind direction is one step higher than the original state.

<(7) Example 7>
In the sixth embodiment, an operation example in which the user inputs the voice of the control word for changing the swinging motion of the blower 10 after the wake-up word will be described.

First, the user utters the voice "iris" as a wake-up word. The sound input unit 66 acquires this voice and outputs it to the control unit 100. The control unit 100 confirms that this voice is a wake-up word (S110), and stores the operating state in the operating state memory of the storage unit 110 (S112). The control unit 100 refers to the storage unit 110, and the reference for changing the operation state at the time of confirming the wakeup word is that the air volume is 6 or more, the wind direction is changed to the most upward, and the swing operation (wind direction change operation). ) Is prohibited, and confirm that it is set. At this time, since the air volume of the blower 10 was 7, the control unit 100 reduces the rotation speed of the blower motor 54 so as to reduce the air volume to 5. Further, the drive unit 120 is controlled to operate the wind direction changing unit 121 to stop the swinging operation and change the wind direction so that the direction of the fan 56 is the most upward. Then, the control unit 100 resets the timer (S114) and waits for the control word to be input.

Next, the user makes a voice saying "change the swinging motion". The sound input unit 66 acquires this voice and outputs it to the control unit 100. The control unit 100 confirms the control word stored in the storage unit 110 and the operation corresponding to the control word, and confirms that the voice input performs a predetermined swinging motion for reciprocating the drive unit 120. (S120). Here, the control unit 100 refers to the storage unit 110 and confirms that the specific operation includes changing the mode of swinging. Therefore, the control unit 100 only updates the operation state memory of the storage unit 110, and does not change the mode of swinging (Y in S130, S134). That is, the control unit 100 updates the swing operation of the storage unit 110 in the operation state memory so as to have a predetermined mode.

Since the control unit 100 did not input the next control word (Y in S140) during the control word recognition period from the input of the previous control word (Y in S140), the control unit 100 operates according to the operation state memory of the storage unit 110. The state is changed (S142). Here, the operating state memory stores an operating state in which the mode of the swinging operation is a predetermined mode. Therefore, the control unit 100 controls the drive unit 120 to operate the wind direction changing unit 121 to set the swing mode to a predetermined mode.

<3. Modification example>
Next, a modified example of the above embodiment will be described. In this modification, the configuration is the same as that of the embodiment, but the sound generated when the volume measuring unit 66a is used to actually acquire the ambient sound and the volume of the sound emitted from the blower 10 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value. It differs from the embodiment in that it operates to suppress the above. Hereinafter, the differences will be mainly described.

In the configuration of the embodiment, when the wakeup word is confirmed, the control unit 100 changes the operating state based on the conditions given in advance. Further, when the control word is confirmed, the control unit 100 prohibits the immediate change of the operation state when the control word is related to a preset specific operation. In this modification, the control unit 100 measures the volume of the sound generated from the blower 10 based on the volume measured by the volume measuring unit 66a, and suppresses the generated sound when the measurement result is equal to or higher than a certain level. Perform feedback operation.

That is, when the control unit 100 confirms the wake-up word, the volume measuring unit 66a measures the sound generated from the blower 10, and if the generated sound is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value, the rotation speed of the blower motor 54 is increased. It controls one or more of the reduction, the suppression or stop of the operation of the drive unit 120, and the suppression or stop of the operation of the notification sound output unit 67. As a result, the control unit 100 suppresses the sound generated from the blower 10 and makes it easier to acquire the sound emitted by the user.

Similarly, when the control unit 100 confirms the control word, the control unit 100 performs an operation corresponding to the control word, but as a result, when the volume of the sound measured by the volume measuring unit 66a exceeds a certain level. Returns the operating state to the original state. At this time, the control unit 100 stores the changed operating state in the operating state memory.

In the above operation, the threshold value of the volume for suppressing the sound generated from the blower 10 can be arbitrarily changed.

<4. Features of the present invention>
The present invention described above by exemplifying the embodiments, examples, and modifications has the following features.

In the above blower 10, the control unit 100 is configured to change the operating state of the blower 10 when it is determined that the operating state of the blower 10 has a factor that interferes with the sound acquisition of the sound input unit 66. .. With this configuration, for example, the volume of noise emitted from the blower 10 is loud, or the wind from the fan 56 passes between the user who inputs the voice and the sound input unit 66, so that the voice can be acquired. When there is an interfering factor, it becomes possible to operate so as to change the operating state so as to reduce the noise. As a result, the sound input unit 66 can be configured to easily acquire a clear input voice. Further, the blower 10 can be configured to have an increased voice recognition rate.

Further, the blower 10 may be configured to change the rotation speed of the blower motor 54 as a change in the operating state. According to this configuration, the noise generated by the rotation of the blower motor 54 and the fan 56 can be suppressed, and a clear input voice can be easily acquired.

Further, the blower 10 may be configured to change the wind direction as a change in the operating state. According to this configuration, the user's voice reaches the sound input unit 66 clearly by changing the air blowing direction in either direction so that the air does not pass between the user and the sound input unit. It can be easily configured.

Further, in the blower 10, the drive unit 120 (the left / right swing motor 22 and the left / right swing motor 22) that drives the wind direction change unit 121 (at least one of the left / right swing mechanism portion 24 and the vertical swing mechanism portion 42) is used to change the operating state. The operation of at least one of the vertical swing motors 40) can be suppressed or prohibited (stopped). According to this configuration, when the driving unit 120 drives the wind direction changing unit 121, it is possible to suppress the noise emitted from the driving unit or the wind direction changing unit. As a result, it is possible to make a configuration that makes it easy to acquire clear input voice.

Further, in the blower 10, the change of the operating state can be configured to suppress or prohibit (stop) the notification sound from the notification sound output unit 67. It is possible to prevent sounds such as operation sounds output from the blower 10 from being mixed with the input voice, and it is possible to make a configuration that makes it easy to acquire a clear input voice.

Further, the blower 10 may be configured to determine the sound generated from the blower 10 when the wakeup word is recognized and change the operating state as necessary. In particular, it is possible to make it easy to clearly acquire the control word input by the user after recognizing the wake-up word for which the voice recognition rate is desired to be increased.

Further, as described in the above modification, the blower 10 is configured to include the volume measuring unit 66a, and it is determined that the sound generated from the blower 10 exceeds a predetermined value according to the measurement result of the volume measuring unit 66a. It may be configured. According to this configuration, the operating state of the blower 10 for suppressing the noise only in an environment where it is difficult to acquire a clear input voice while dynamically checking the noise around the blower 10 and the noise emitted from the blower 10. Can be changed.

Further, in the blower 10 of the above-described modification, the volume measuring unit 66a may be configured to measure the volume of the surrounding sound based on the sound acquired by the sound input unit 66. According to this configuration, it is possible to measure the volume of the noise around the blower 10 and the sound emitted from the blower 10 without adding a special configuration for measuring the volume.

Further, the blower 10 may be configured so that the threshold value of the sound as a reference for changing the operating state can be changed.

Further, the blower 10 may be configured to change the operating state (for example, change the rotation speed of the blower motor 54) after the control word recognition period has elapsed. According to this configuration, the operation state in which noise is suppressed during the control word recognition period can be set, and the operation of returning to the original operation state can be performed when the control word recognition period ends.

Further, in the above blower 10, when a command for changing the rotation speed of the blower motor 54 is input as a control word and the changed rotation speed of the blower motor 54 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the control word is recognized. The rotation speed of the blower motor 54 may be changed after the elapse of the period. That is, when the rotation speed of the blower motor 54, which is particularly prone to generate noise, is to be increased to a predetermined value or more, the blower motor 54 is immediately operated so as not to increase the rotation speed of the blower motor 54 immediately. It is possible to suppress the increase in noise by increasing the number of rotations of.

Further, in the above blower 10, even when the air volume is changed during the control word recognition period, the display of the air volume display unit 65 may be set to the changed value immediately after the control word recognition. According to this configuration, for example, the user mistakenly recognizes that the blower 10 does not recognize the command even during the period in which the rotation speed of the blower motor 54 is maintained in response to the command to increase the rotation speed of the blower motor 54. It is possible to make a configuration that can prevent this.

<5. Supplementary information>
The embodiments, examples, and modifications of the present invention have been specifically described above. These embodiments and the like are merely specific examples as one configuration example and one operation example of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and can be grasped by those skilled in the art based on the same technical idea. It is widely interpreted to the extent possible.

10 ... Blower 20 ... Pedestal 22 ... Swing motor 24 ... Swing mechanism 26 ... Control board 28 ... Power supply board 30 ... Support 38 ... Accommodating 40 ... Swing motor 42 ... Swing mechanism 50 ... Blower 52 ... Fan guard 52a ... Front fan guard 52b ... Rear fan guard 54 ... Blower motor 56 ... Fan 60 ... Operation unit 62 ... Remote control 65 ... Air volume display unit 66 ... Sound input unit 66a ... Volume measurement unit 67 ... Notification sound output unit 100 ... Control unit 110 ... Storage unit 120 ... Drive unit 121 ... Wind direction changing unit

Claims (13)

It ’s a blower,
With a fan for blowing,
The motor that drives the fan and
The sound input section that acquires the input sound and
A control unit that performs predetermined control according to the input sound is provided.
The control unit changes the operating state of the blower when it is determined that the operating state of the blower has a factor that interferes with the sound acquisition of the sound input unit.
Blower. The change in the operating state is a change in the rotation speed of the motor.
The blower according to claim 1. Further equipped with a wind direction changing part that changes the blowing direction,
The change in the operating state is a change in the blowing direction by the wind direction changing unit.
The blower according to claim 1. The wind direction changing part that changes the blowing direction,
A drive unit for driving the wind direction changing unit is provided.
The change in the operating state is the suppression or prohibition of the operation of the driving unit.
The blower according to claim 1. It also has a notification sound output unit that outputs notification sound.
The change in the operating state is the suppression or prohibition of the output of the notification sound.
The blower according to claim 1. The control unit
It is possible to recognize that the input sound is a wake-up word, and it is possible to recognize that the input sound is a wake-up word.
When the control unit recognizes the wakeup word, it determines that the volume of the sound generated from the blower exceeds a predetermined threshold value.
The blower according to any one of claims 1 to 5. It also has a volume measuring unit that measures the volume of ambient sound.
The control unit determines that the volume of the sound generated from the blower exceeds the threshold value according to the measurement result of the volume measurement unit.
The blower according to claim 6. The volume measuring unit measures the volume of ambient sound based on the input sound.
The blower according to claim 7. The threshold can be changed by setting.
The blower according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The control unit
When the predetermined control word cannot be recognized after the wake-up word confirmation, the predetermined time is set as the control word recognition period from the wake-up word confirmation, and when the control word is recognized, the predetermined time is controlled from the control word confirmation. Word recognition period
After the elapse of the control word recognition period, the operating state of the blower is changed to a state in which the state change according to the control word is reflected in the original state.
The blower according to claim 6. When the control word is an instruction to change the rotation speed of the motor and the changed rotation speed of the motor is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the control unit rotates the motor after the control word recognition period elapses. Change the number,
The blower according to claim 10. It also has an air volume display unit that displays the air volume.
When the control word is a command to change the rotation speed of the motor, the air volume display unit changes the display of the air volume before the elapse of the control word recognition period.
The blower according to claim 11. The control unit
During the predetermined control word recognition period after the wakeup word recognition, it is recognized that the input voice is a control word, and the input voice is recognized as a control word.
After recognizing the wakeup word, after the control word recognition period elapses, the operating state of the blower is changed to a state in which the state change according to the control word is reflected in the original state.
The blower according to claim 6.

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