JP2019217164A - Cleaner system and cleaner - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a technique of performing an operation behavior based on operation schedule information by easily generating operation schedule information of a cleaner that is highly convenient for a user.SOLUTION: A cleaner system includes a cleaner, a server, a scheduler, and terminal devices. The server can communicate with the cleaner. The scheduler is stored in the server and stores schedule information indicating contents of behaviors of multiple users. The terminal device can access to the scheduler and can transmit schedule information to the scheduler. At least one of the cleaner and the server generates operation schedule information to control an operation behavior of the cleaner on the basis of schedule information of multiple users stored in the scheduler, and controls the operation behavior of the cleaner on the basis of the generated operation schedule information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The technology disclosed in the present specification relates to a vacuum cleaner system and a vacuum cleaner.

  Vacuum cleaners that perform cleaning autonomously are known. For example, when the user inputs a scheduled cleaning start time, the cleaner autonomously starts cleaning in response to the scheduled cleaning start time.

JP 2005-304553 A

  The above-mentioned vacuum cleaner starts cleaning autonomously based on the operation schedule information determined by the user. In this case, in an environment where a plurality of people live together, such as a home or a dormitory, the user needs to determine the operation schedule information of the vacuum cleaner in consideration of the schedule of the plurality of people. For this reason, in the conventional technique, a burden is imposed on the user, and the convenience is lacking. The present specification provides a technology that can easily generate operation schedule information of a vacuum cleaner that is highly convenient for a user, and can execute an operation based on the operation schedule information.

  A vacuum cleaner system disclosed in the present specification includes a vacuum cleaner, a server, a scheduler, and a terminal device. The server can communicate with the vacuum cleaner. The scheduler is stored in the server, and stores schedule information indicating the contents of actions of a plurality of users. The terminal device is capable of accessing the scheduler and transmitting the schedule information to the scheduler. At least one of the vacuum cleaner and the server, based on the schedule information of the plurality of users stored in the scheduler, generates operation schedule information for controlling the operation of the vacuum cleaner, the generated The operation of the vacuum cleaner is controlled based on the operation schedule information.

  In the above-described vacuum cleaner system, the schedule information of each of the plurality of users received from the terminal device is stored in the scheduler. Then, operation schedule information is generated based on the stored plurality of schedule information, and the operation of the vacuum cleaner is controlled based on the generated operation schedule information. As described above, according to the above-described vacuum cleaner system, the driving operation of the vacuum cleaner is controlled in consideration of each of the schedule information of the plurality of users. Therefore, in an environment where a plurality of users live together, the convenience for the users is improved. A high driving operation can be performed by the vacuum cleaner.

  The present specification also discloses a vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner is communicable with a server and includes a control unit. The server stores schedule information indicating the details of actions of a plurality of users. The controller, based on the schedule information of the plurality of users stored in the scheduler, generates operation schedule information for controlling the operation of the vacuum cleaner, based on the generated operation schedule information Controlling the operation of the vacuum cleaner.

  The above-mentioned vacuum cleaner controls the driving operation according to the driving schedule information based on the schedule information of each of the plurality of users, and therefore performs the driving operation that is highly convenient for the users in an environment where a plurality of users live together. Can be.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the vacuum cleaner system 10. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table T1 according to the first embodiment. The figure which shows the flowchart of a driving schedule information generation process. The figure which shows the flowchart of a monitoring process. The figure showing an example of the map memorized by memory 34b of cleaner 20. The figure which shows an example of the table T2 of 2nd Example. The figure which shows an example of the table T3 of a modification. The figure which shows an example of the driving schedule information displayed on the imaging device.

(First embodiment)
A vacuum cleaner system 10 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the cleaner system 10 includes a cleaner 20, a cloud server 50 (hereinafter, simply referred to as “server 50”), and terminal devices 100, 200, 300, and 400. The vacuum cleaner 20, the server 50, and each of the terminal devices 100 to 400 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via the communication network 110. The communication network 110 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, the Internet, a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, or a combination thereof.

  The cleaner 20 is a robot cleaner capable of autonomous traveling. The cleaner 20 cleans the floor surface while autonomously traveling on the floor surface (the surface to be cleaned). The vacuum cleaner 20 includes a flat cylindrical (disk-shaped) main body 22, an operation unit 24, a display unit 26, a traveling unit 28, a cleaning unit 30, a sensor 32, and a control unit 34.

  The operation unit 24 includes a plurality of buttons for executing each function of the cleaner 20. When a button is operated by the user, the operation unit 24 transmits a signal according to the operated button to the control unit 34. The display unit 26 has a liquid crystal panel. The display unit 26 is controlled by the control unit 34, and displays information related to functions and operations of the cleaner 20. The operation unit 24 may be any unit that can be operated by a user to instruct the operation of the cleaner 20, and may be configured integrally with the display unit 26 as a so-called touch panel. Further, the cleaner 20 may be configured to be operable by a remote controller (not shown) capable of communicating with the cleaner 20.

  Although not shown, the traveling unit 28 has driving wheels for traveling on the floor, a driving motor for rotating the driving wheels, and the like. In the vacuum cleaner 20, the drive motor is controlled by the control unit 34, so that the drive wheels are driven to rotate and travel on the floor. Although not shown, the cleaning unit 30 includes a suction port, a dust collection unit that collects dust, a suction motor that suctions dust from the suction port and delivers the dust to the dust collection unit, a cleaning brush, and a cleaning brush. A cleaning motor for driving the brush to rotate; When the suction motor and the cleaning motor are driven by the control unit 34, the cleaning brush repeatedly contacts the floor surface to scoop up dust on the floor surface, and the dust is delivered from the suction port to the dust collection unit and accumulated.

  The sensor 32 detects an obstacle, a wall, and the like existing around the cleaner 20. The sensor 32 detects a step existing around the cleaner 20. The sensor 32 includes, for example, an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, a laser sensor, and the like.

  The control unit 34 includes a CPU 34a and a memory 34b. The control unit 34 is controllably connected to each of the units 24 to 32 by wiring not shown. The CPU 34a is a processor that controls processing of each of the units 24 to 32 according to a program stored in the memory 34b. The memory 34b includes a RAM, a ROM, and the like.

  The terminal device 100 is a portable terminal such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a PDA, a notebook PC, a tablet PC, a portable music playback device, and a portable operation playback device. The terminal device 100 includes an operation unit 112, a display unit 114, and a control unit 116.

  The operation unit 112 includes a plurality of keys. The user can input various instructions to the terminal device 100 by operating the operation unit 112. The display unit 114 is a display for displaying various information (for example, driving schedule information to be described later). The display unit 114 also functions as a so-called touch panel.

  The control unit 116 includes a CPU 116a and a memory 116b. The control unit 116 is controllably connected to each of the units 112 and 114 by wiring not shown. The CPU 116a executes various processes according to the programs 120 and 122 stored in the memory 116b. The OS program 120 is a program for controlling various basic operations of the terminal device 100. The cleaner application 122 (abbreviated as “cleaner application 122” in the figure) is an application provided by a vendor of the cleaner 20 and is installed in the terminal device 100 from a server on a communication network, for example. The cleaner application 122 causes the terminal device 100 to execute communication of target data (for example, schedule information and operation schedule information to be described later) between the terminal device 100 and the server 50, or causes the display unit 114 of the terminal device 100 to execute target object communication. It is an application for displaying data.

  Each of the terminal devices 200 to 400 has the same configuration as the terminal device 100. In the following, for convenience of description, the users of the terminal devices 100 to 400 will be described as families of one household. Specifically, as shown in a region R1 in FIG. 2, the user of the terminal device 100 is “father”, the user of the terminal device 200 is “mother”, the user of the terminal device 300 is “son”, and the user of the terminal device 400 is Is described as “daughter”.

  The server 50 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a server installed on a communication network, and may be a server provided by a vendor of the vacuum cleaner 20 or a server provided by a vendor different from the vacuum cleaner 20. You may. The server 50 can communicate with the cleaner 20 via the communication network 110 and controls the operation of the cleaner 20. The server 50 includes a CPU 52 and a memory 54. The CPU 52 executes various processes according to programs stored in the memory 54. The memory 54 stores a scheduler 60. The scheduler 60 is a program for managing schedule information of a plurality of users. In the present embodiment, the scheduler 60 stores schedule information received from each user of each of the terminal devices 100 to 400 via the communication interface of the server 50.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of a table T1 in which schedule information is stored. The schedule information is information indicating the content (i.e., schedule) of the behavior of each user of each of the terminal devices 100 to 400, as shown in a region R2 of FIG. The “contents of an action” in this specification means a schedule of an action after the present. Therefore, in other words, the schedule information is information indicating a future action schedule of each of the users of the mobile terminals 100 to 400. The schedule information includes at-home information indicating whether the user is at home (for example, information indicated in region R3). That is, each of the schedules transmitted from each of the terminal devices 100 to 400 has an attribute of “absent” indicating that the user is not at home, or “at home” indicating that the user is at home. I have. For example, "work" shown in a region R3 in FIG. 2 indicates that the father is working at the company, and has an attribute of "absence". Similarly, “going to school”, which indicates a state of going to school, has an attribute of “absent”. In the schedule information shown in the area R2 in FIG. 2, a time zone in which no schedule is registered has an attribute of “at home”.

  The server 50 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes an external service information acquisition unit 62. The external service information acquisition unit 62 acquires external service information. The external service information is information that can be automatically acquired by receiving distribution from the outside, and is useful information when the server 50 selects the operation time of the cleaner 20. The external service information includes, for example, information on local public services distributed from government offices in the residential area, the Meteorological Agency, etc., power outage information indicating a power outage plan, pollen information indicating the amount of pollen scattered, and the like. The power failure information indicates, for example, a time zone when a power failure is scheduled, as shown in a region R4 in FIG. 2, and the pollen information, for example, is “large”, “normal”, and “low” as shown in a region R5 in FIG. And the like, and the amount of pollen scattered is stored in the scheduler 60. Note that the external service information is not limited to these, and includes information that suggests the possibility that the user has either the “at home” or “absence” attribute, such as a school event in the user's residence area. May be.

  The server 50 generates operation schedule information for controlling the operation of the cleaner 20 based on the schedule information of each user and the external service information stored in the scheduler 60. Further, the server 50 transmits the generated operation schedule information to the terminal device 100. The generation of the operation schedule information will be described in detail below.

  Next, various processes executed by the server 50 will be described with reference to the drawings. First, an operation schedule generation process for the server 50 to generate operation schedule information of the vacuum cleaner 20 will be described with reference to FIG. The operation schedule information generation processing is started at a predetermined time, for example, every day at 22:00.

  First, a first embodiment will be described. In S10 of the operation schedule information generation processing, the server 50 acquires the schedule information of each user from the scheduler 60. Specifically, the schedule information of the father, mother, son, and daughter is acquired. The acquired schedule information is stored in the table T1 as shown in a region R3 in FIG.

  Subsequently, in S20 of the first embodiment, the server 50 extracts a time zone in which all the users have the attribute of “absence”. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the time when the attribute of the mother changes from “at home” to “absence” (ie, 11:00), the time at which the attribute of the daughter changes from “absence” to “at home” (I.e., 15:00) is extracted as a time zone in which all users have the attribute of "absence" in common. That is, as shown by dot hatching in FIG. 2, the server 50 extracts the common area A1 in which all the users have the attribute of “absence”.

  In S50, the server 50 extracts the return time of each user. Specifically, the time at which the attribute of each user changes from “absence” to “at home” is extracted. That is, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the server 50 extracts 18:00, 17:00, 16:00, and 15:00 as the return times of the father, mother, son, and daughter, respectively.

  In S60, the server 50 acquires the power failure information and the pollen information by the external service information acquisition unit 62 as the external service information. The acquired power failure information and pollen information are stored in the table T1, as shown in a region R4 and a region R5 in FIG.

  In S70, the server 50 generates operation schedule information for controlling the operation of the cleaner 20. More specifically, the server 50 sets 11:30 as a cleaning start time after a lapse of a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) from the time when all users change to the attribute of “absence” (that is, 11:00). I do. This is because, by waiting for a predetermined time from the timing when all the users are “absent”, dust settles on the floor surface, and cleaning can be appropriately performed. Then, as shown in a region R6 of FIG. 2, the server 50 cleans the vacuum cleaner 20 so that the cleaning ends between the set start time and the time when the power failure based on the power failure information starts (that is, 14:00). Set the operation of. In the present embodiment, the server 50 sets the cleaner 20 to perform the cleaning during the time period from 11:30 to 13:30. In addition, when the amount of pollen scattered at each user's leaving time is equal to or greater than the threshold, the server 50 sets a driving operation such that the cleaner 20 performs cleaning after the user returns home. In the present embodiment, since the pollen scattering amount based on the pollen information indicates “large”, the server 50 executes the cleaning by the vacuum cleaner 20 after all the users have returned home as shown in a region R7 of FIG. Set to make it. Here, the server 50 may cause the cleaner 20 to clean the entire area of the room or only the area (for example, a corridor) from the entrance to the room where pollen relatively easily accumulates. In addition, the server 50 carefully cleans the area to be cleaned so that the pollen can be properly removed (for example, increasing the number of rotations of the suction motor by causing the same area to be cleaned twice). Cleaning etc.). In the modification, the server 50 performs the driving operation of the cleaner 20 so that the user performs cleaning every time each user returns home (that is, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, and 18:00). May be set. Then, the server 50 generates driving schedule information in which the set driving operations are integrated.

  Subsequently, in S80 of the first embodiment, the server 50 transmits the generated operation schedule information to each of the terminal devices 100 to 400. Upon receiving the operation schedule information from the server 50, each of the terminal devices 100 to 400 displays an image for notifying the user of the generated operation schedule information on the display unit. For example, a table T1 is displayed on the display unit of each of the terminal devices 100 to 400. After performing the process of S60, the server 50 ends the operation schedule generation process.

  The server 50 controls the operation of the cleaner 20 according to the operation schedule information generated in the operation schedule information generation processing. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the server 50 determines that all the users are “absent” based on the schedule information stored in the scheduler 60 (that is, “commute” and “attend to school” as the user's schedule information). ) Is stored) at the timing when 30 minutes have elapsed from the timing (i.e., 11:00). Then, at the timing when all the users return home (that is, at 18:00), the user causes the cleaner 20 to perform the cleaning.

  Next, the monitoring process will be described with reference to FIG. The monitoring process is, for example, a process that is started after the server 50 transmits the operation schedule information to each terminal device. Specifically, the server 50 starts the monitoring process with the execution of S80 in FIG. 3 as a trigger. Although the operation schedule information is received by each of the terminal devices 100 to 400, the following description focuses on only the terminal device 100 that has received the operation schedule information.

  In S210, the server 50 monitors that an approval operation is received. The approval operation is an operation in which the user of the terminal device 100 that has received the operation schedule information selects to cause the cleaner 20 to execute the operation according to the operation schedule information. Specifically, when receiving the operation schedule information, the terminal device 100 displays an image on the display unit 114 for accepting a selection as to whether or not to cause the cleaner 20 to execute the operation according to the operation schedule information. Then, when it is determined that the user operation for selecting execution of the driving operation has been received, server 50 determines that the approval operation has been received (YES in S210), and proceeds to S220.

  In S220, server 50 determines whether or not the cleaning start time has arrived. When it is determined that the cleaning start time has arrived (YES in S220), the process proceeds to S230. When it is determined that the cleaning start time has not arrived (NO in S220), the arrival of the start time is determined. It waits (that is, repeats S220).

  In S230, server 50 causes cleaner 20 to start cleaning according to the operation schedule information. When S230 ends, the server 50 ends a series of processing.

  Further, in parallel with the monitoring in S210, the server 50 monitors in S240 for accepting a change operation. The change operation is an operation for the user of the terminal device 100 having received the operation schedule information to change the operation schedule information. Specifically, upon receiving the driving schedule information, the terminal device 100 displays an image for accepting a change in the driving schedule information on the display unit 114. For example, when the user of the terminal device 100 confirms the operation schedule information shown in the table T1, the user cannot perform cleaning until 12:00 (for example, a case where a drug such as wax applied to the floor is not dried). ), An operation for changing the cleaning start time (for example, changing from 11:30 to 12:00) is input. Then, when it is determined that the operation for changing the operation schedule information has been received, server 50 determines that the change operation has been received (YES in S240), and proceeds to S250. If the server 50 determines that the change operation has not been received (NO in S240), the process returns to S210.

  In S250, the server 50 changes the operation schedule information. The operation schedule information is changed to the operation schedule information for which the change operation has been received in S240. For example, in S240, when a change operation for changing the operation start time from 11:30 to 12:00 is received, the driving operation shown in the region R6 in FIG. 2 is changed to a time zone from 12:00 to 14:00. When S250 ends, the process returns to S210. When the operation schedule is changed in S250, the server 50 monitors in S210 to accept an approval operation for selecting to cause the cleaner 20 to execute the operation according to the changed operation schedule information.

(Effect of the first embodiment)
In the above-described vacuum cleaner system 10, the schedule information of each user received from each of the terminal devices 100 to 400 is stored in the scheduler 60. Then, the server 50 generates driving schedule information based on the schedule information (S70), and controls the driving operation according to the generated driving schedule information. As described above, since the server 50 determines and controls the operation of the cleaner 20 based on each of the schedule information of the plurality of users, the user need not generate the operation schedule information in consideration of the schedule of the plurality of users. . Therefore, the burden on the user can be reduced, and the convenience for the user is improved.

  Further, in the above-described vacuum cleaner system 10, the server 50 extracts a time period in which all the users have the attribute of “absence” (S20), and the cleaning is performed in the time period, so that each user goes out. Cleaning of the room can be completed in between.

  In addition, when each of the terminal devices 100 to 400 receives the operation schedule information from the server 50, a screen for receiving an operation of selecting whether or not to cause the cleaner 20 to execute the operation according to the operation schedule information. Is displayed. When it is determined that the user has accepted the input of the approval operation (YES in S210), server 50 causes cleaner 20 to execute a driving operation according to the driving schedule information (S230). Thus, the user can instruct via the communication network 110 to cause the cleaner 20 to execute a driving operation according to the proposed driving schedule information.

  In addition, when each of the terminal devices 100 to 400 receives the operation schedule information from the server 50, the terminal device 100 to 400 displays a screen for accepting an operation for changing the operation schedule information. Then, when it is determined that the user has received an input of an operation for changing the driving schedule information (YES in S240), server 50 changes the driving schedule information based on the changing operation (S250). Thus, the user who has received the driving schedule information can remotely change the proposed driving schedule information.

  Further, the server 50 acquires the external service information (S60), and generates an operation schedule based on the schedule information and the external service information (S70). In this way, by reflecting information obtained from outside in addition to the user's schedule information, more optimal operation schedule information can be generated.

(Correspondence)
“Attendance” and “school” are examples of “at-home information”. 11:00 is an example of “timing when all of the plurality of users are determined to be absent”. The approval operation is an example of “first user operation”. The change operation is an example of a “second user operation”. The pollen scattering amount “large” is an example of “above the threshold”. 18:00 is an example of “the timing at which it is determined that a state where a plurality of users are away from home is changed to a home state”. 30 minutes is an example of the “predetermined time”.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a vacuum cleaner system according to a second embodiment will be described. In the following, only the differences from the first embodiment will be described, and the same components as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

  In the present embodiment, an indoor map (see FIG. 5) is stored in the memory 34b of the vacuum cleaner 20. The map may be generated by, for example, detecting an obstacle or a wall using the sensor 32 when the cleaner 20 performs cleaning, may be input by a user in advance, or may be an external imaging device. An image captured by a camera (for example, a camera) may be transmitted to the cleaner 20, and the cleaner 20 may generate the image based on the image.

  The map in the memory 34b is divided into a plurality of cleaning target areas. As shown in FIG. 5, the cleaning target areas include, for example, an area A that is a room for a father and a mother, an area B that is a room for a son, and an area C that is a room for a daughter. In addition, the vacuum cleaner 20 stores each of the sections A to C in association with a user who uses each section. That is, the vacuum cleaner 20 stores the area A in association with the father and the mother, the area B with the son, and the area C with the daughter. The association between each area A to C and each user can be set by the user, for example. FIG. 6 is an example of a table T2 in which schedule information is stored. The cleaner 20 transmits the information indicating the relationship between each of the areas A to C and each of the users to the scheduler 60 in the server 50. The information is stored in the scheduler 60 (see area R8 in FIG. 6). In the map shown in FIG. 5, areas indicated by dot hatching indicate non-target areas that are not targeted for cleaning, such as entrances, obstacles, and the inside of walls, and are other than areas A to C and non-target areas. The area indicates an area that is not associated with any user (ie, a common space).

  Next, an operation schedule generation process executed by the server 50 will be described with reference to FIG. S10 is the same as in the first embodiment. In S30 of the second embodiment, the server 50 extracts the leaving time of each user. Specifically, the server 50 extracts the time at which the attribute of each user changes from “at home” to “absence”. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, 6:00, 11:00, 7:00 and 8:00 are extracted as the outing times of the father, mother, son and daughter.

  In S40, the server 50 specifies a cleaning target area associated with each user. That is, the server 50 specifies, based on the information stored in the scheduler 60, that the area A is associated with the father and the mother, the area B is associated with the son, and the area C is associated with the daughter. I do.

  S50 and S60 are the same as in the first embodiment. Then, in S70, the server 50 generates operation schedule information for controlling the operation of the cleaner 20. For example, when generating the driving schedule information based on the father's schedule information, the server 50 transmits a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) from the time when the father changes to the attribute of “absence” (that is, 6:00). 6:30 is set as the time to start cleaning the area A associated with the father. Then, the server 50 calculates the time required for cleaning the area A, and performs the cleaning on the area A by the cleaner 20 in the time period from 6:30 to 7:30 as shown in a region R9 of FIG. The operation of the vacuum cleaner 20 is set to cause the operation. Similarly, cleaning is performed on the zone B associated with the son during the time period from 7:30 to 8:30, and associated with the daughter during the time period from 8:30 to 9:30. The driving operation is set so that cleaning is performed on the area C that has been cleaned. It should be noted that the server 50 is already set to perform the cleaning in the time zone from 6:30 to 7:30, so that the server 50 After the timing at which the attribute changes to "" (i.e., 11:00), it is not set so that the cleaner 20 performs the cleaning of the area A. The driving operation shown in a region R10 in FIG. 6 is the same as that in the first embodiment (see a region R7 in FIG. 2). In addition, the server 50 may extract a time zone in which all the users have the attribute of “absence”, and set the driving operation such that the common space is cleaned in the time zone.

  In S90 of the second embodiment, based on the generated driving schedule information and the schedule information of each user, the server 50 assigns the attribute of “at home” to the user associated with the predetermined cleaning target area at the cleaning time of the area. It is determined whether or not there is a user having. In the present embodiment, the user who is associated with the zone A is in a time zone in which the vacuum cleaner 20 performs the cleaning on the zone A (that is, a time zone from 6:30 to 7:30). The mother has the attribute “at home”. Therefore, server 50 determines YES in S90 and proceeds to S100.

  In S100, server 50 transmits permission request information to terminal device 200. The permission request information is information for requesting permission of the user to perform cleaning of the cleaning target area associated with the predetermined user while the predetermined user is at home. In the present embodiment, as described in S90, the driving operation for performing the cleaning on the area A associated with the mother is set during the time period when the mother has the attribute of “at home”. Therefore, the server 50 transmits the permission request information for performing the cleaning of the area A during the set time period to the mother terminal device 200. In this case, terminal device 200 displays on the display unit of terminal device 200 a screen for accepting an operation of selecting whether or not to permit cleaning of area A during the set time period.

  In S110, server 50 determines whether or not permission information has been acquired. The server 50 acquires the permission information from the terminal device 200 when the user of the terminal device 200 (that is, the mother) executes an operation for permitting the cleaning of the area A during the set time period. If it is determined that the permission information has been obtained (YES in S110), the process proceeds to S140, and if it is determined that the permission information has not been obtained (that is, if the mother performs an operation of selecting not to permit cleaning). (NO in S110), the process proceeds to S120.

  In S120, the server 50 extracts a time zone in which all the users associated with the area A have the attribute “absence”. That is, in this embodiment, from the time when the attribute of the mother changes from “at home” to “absent” (ie, 11:00), the time at which the attribute of the mother changes from “absence” to “at home” (ie, 17:00) ) To extract.

  In S130, server 50 regenerates the operation schedule information. Specifically, as shown in a region R11 in FIG. 6, the server 50 sets a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) from the time when both the father and the mother change to the attribute of “absence” (that is, 11:00). 11:30 after the elapse is reset as the cleaning start time for the area A. Then, the operation of the cleaner 20 is reset so that the cleaner 20 performs the cleaning on the area A during the time period from 11:30 to 12:30.

  In S140, the server 50 transmits the generated operation schedule information to each of the terminal devices 100 to 400. In S140, the server 50 transmits the driving schedule information generated in S70 if NO in S90, or if YES in S90 and YES in S110, and if YES in S90 and NO in S110. Transmits the operation schedule information regenerated in S130.

(Effect of Second Embodiment)
In the present embodiment, the server 50 extracts the leaving time of each user (S30), and generates the driving schedule information so that cleaning is performed in order from the area associated with the user determined to have gone out. (S70). For this reason, it is possible to cause the cleaner 20 to efficiently perform indoor cleaning.

  Further, when there is a user associated with a predetermined area (for example, area A) in a time zone in which the execution of cleaning is set (YES in S90), server 50 executes the execution of cleaning. The permission request information for requesting permission is transmitted to the terminal device of the user (S100). The user of the terminal device that has received the permission request information can select whether or not to permit the execution of the cleaning in the time period. Further, when there is a problem for the user in performing the cleaning (NO in S110), the server 50 automatically regenerates the operation schedule information (S130). As described above, when the cleaning is not permitted, the operation schedule information is regenerated without requiring a complicated operation by the user, so that the burden on the user is reduced.

(Reference example)
In the vacuum cleaner system 10 of each of the above-described embodiments, the vacuum cleaner 20 is a robot vacuum cleaner. However, as a reference example, a cleaner such as a so-called canister type or a handy type that performs cleaning by being operated by a user (ie, a cleaner). , A vacuum cleaner system using a vacuum cleaner that is not a robot vacuum cleaner will be described. In this case, at least one of the vacuum cleaner and the server generates the operation schedule information and transmits the generated operation schedule information to the terminal device. Specifically, for example, the server 50 determines a time period in which a user other than a specific user (for example, a mother) who performs cleaning using a vacuum cleaner has an attribute of “absence” (in the example of the schedule information illustrated in FIG. 2, 8:00 to 11:00) is extracted, and operation schedule information for recommending that cleaning be performed during the time period is generated and transmitted to the terminal device. The specific user can be set in advance by the user. The user (that is, mother) of the terminal device that has received the operation schedule information can perform cleaning according to the operation schedule information. As described above, in the vacuum cleaner system of the reference example, the user can perform cleaning in accordance with the optimal operation schedule information generated based on the schedule information of each user.

  While some embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. These embodiments can be implemented in other various forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

(Modification 1) In each of the embodiments described above, the server 50 generates the operation schedule information and controls the operation of the cleaner 20. However, the vacuum cleaner 20 may receive the schedule information and the external service information of each user from the server 50, generate the operation schedule information, and control the own driving operation.

(Modification 2) The server 50 need not transmit the operation schedule information to each of the terminal devices 100 to 400. In this case, S80 and S140 in FIG. 3 can be omitted. That is, the terminal device may not be able to receive the generated operation schedule information.

(Modification 3) The monitoring process of FIG. 4 may not be executed. That is, the terminal device does not have to display a screen for receiving the first user operation, and does not have to display a screen for receiving the second user operation.

(Modification 4) The server 50 need not acquire the external service information. That is, S60 in FIG. 3 can be omitted.

(Modification 5) The external service information may include garbage collection information indicating a garbage collection schedule as shown in a region R12 of FIG. In this case, as shown in a region R13 of FIG. 7, the server 50 performs the driving operation of the vacuum cleaner 20 based on the garbage collection information so that the cleaner finishes the cleaning before the time when the garbage collection ends. The operation schedule information may be generated by setting. In such a configuration, since the cleaning is completed by the time when the dust collection ends, the dust generated by the cleaning can be discarded together.

(Modification 6) In each of the above-described embodiments, the server 50 causes the cleaner 20 to execute cleaning at a timing when a predetermined time (ie, 30 minutes) has elapsed from the time when the attribute of the user changes to “absent”. Although the driving schedule information is generated, cleaning may be performed at a timing when the attribute of the user changes to “absent”. Generally speaking, the driving schedule information may be generated such that cleaning is performed during a time period when the user attribute is “absent”.

(Modification 7) The operation schedule information may be transmitted to devices other than the terminal device. For example, the server 50 can communicate with a video device 70 such as a television, and may display the generated operation schedule information on the display unit 72 of the video device 70. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, an enlarged image P1 displayed on the entire display unit 72 of the video device 70, and a reduced image P2 displayed on a part (for example, the upper left portion) of the display unit 72 of the video device 70. May be configured to be displayed together with a button B1 that can be switched between. The button B1 may be operable by a remote controller of the video device 70. Note that the video device 70 may display an image (for example, a map (see FIG. 5) indicating an area currently being cleaned) indicating the operation state of the cleaner 20. With such a configuration, the user can easily grasp the driving schedule information and the driving situation without operating the terminal device while viewing the video device 70.

(Modification 8) The server 50 determines that only the child has the attribute “at home” (that is, the time when the father and mother have the attribute “absent” and the son and daughter have the attribute “at home”). In the band, control may be performed so as to restrict the operation input to the cleaner 20. For example, in the table T1 illustrated in FIG. 2, during the time period from 15:00 to 17:00 in which only the child has the attribute “at home”, the operation is not performed even if an operation to the operation unit 24 of the vacuum cleaner 20 is input. It may be invalid. With such a configuration, even when the adult is not at home, an unexpected driving operation by operating the operation unit 24 of the vacuum cleaner 20 can be prevented.

  These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and the equivalents thereof, as well as in the scope of the invention and the paper.

10: Vacuum cleaner system, 20: Vacuum cleaner, 22: Main body, 24: Operation unit, 26: Display unit, 28: Running unit, 30: Cleaning unit, 32: Sensor, 34: Control unit, 34a: CPU, 34b: Memory, 50: Cloud server, 52: CPU, 54: Memory, 60: Scheduler, 62: External service information acquisition unit, 100: Terminal device, 110: Communication network, 112: Operation unit, 114: Display unit, 116: Control Section, 116a: CPU, 116b: memory, 120 :: OS program, 122: vacuum cleaner application, 200, 300, 400: terminal device

Claims (13)

A vacuum cleaner system,
A vacuum cleaner,
A server capable of communicating with the vacuum cleaner,
A scheduler that is stored in the server and stores schedule information indicating the details of the actions of the plurality of users;
A terminal device capable of accessing the scheduler and transmitting the schedule information to the scheduler;
With
At least one of the vacuum cleaner and the server,
Based on the schedule information of the plurality of users stored in the scheduler, generates operation schedule information for controlling the operation of the cleaner,
Controlling the operation of the vacuum cleaner based on the generated operation schedule information;
Vacuum cleaner system. The schedule information includes home information indicating whether or not each of the plurality of users is at home,
At least one of the vacuum cleaner and the server, based on the home information, the driving schedule information to cause the vacuum cleaner to perform indoor cleaning at a timing when it is determined that all of the plurality of users are absent. The vacuum cleaner system according to claim 1, which generates: The schedule information includes home information indicating whether or not each of the plurality of users is at home,
The at least one of the vacuum cleaner and the server,
It stores a plurality of cleaning target areas associated with each of the plurality of users,
Based on the at-home information, the driving schedule information to cause the vacuum cleaner to perform cleaning on the cleaning target area associated with the user who is determined to be absent among the plurality of users. The vacuum cleaner system according to claim 1, which generates: The terminal device includes a display unit,
The cleaning according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the terminal device is capable of receiving the generated operation schedule information, and displays the received operation schedule information on the display unit of the terminal device. Machine system. The terminal device, when receiving the operation schedule information, displays a screen for accepting a first user operation for selecting whether to cause the vacuum cleaner to execute the operation according to the operation schedule information. Display on the display,
When it is determined that the at least one of the vacuum cleaner and the server has received the first user operation for selecting to execute the driving operation according to the driving schedule information, the driving schedule information The vacuum cleaner system according to claim 4, wherein the operation of the vacuum cleaner is controlled based on: The terminal device, when receiving the driving schedule information, displays a screen for receiving a second user operation for changing the driving schedule information on the display unit,
The at least one of the cleaner and the server, when it is determined that the second user operation to change the operation schedule information is received, based on the changed operation schedule information, The vacuum cleaner system according to claim 4, wherein the driving operation is controlled. The server is capable of acquiring external service information,
The at least one of the cleaner and the server generates the operation schedule information for controlling the operation of the cleaner based on the schedule information of the plurality of users and the external service information. The vacuum cleaner system according to any one of Items 1 to 6. The external service information includes pollen information indicating the amount of pollen scattered,
The driving schedule information is based on the pollen information, and when the amount of pollen scatter is equal to or greater than a threshold, the timing is determined after the timing at which it is determined that the plurality of users have changed from being absent to being at home. The vacuum cleaner system of claim 7, wherein the cleaner system is generated to cause the vacuum cleaner to perform cleaning. The external service information includes garbage collection information indicating a garbage collection schedule,
9. The vacuum cleaner system according to claim 7, wherein the operation schedule information is generated based on the dust collection information to cause the cleaner to finish cleaning before a time at which dust collection ends. 10. The external service information includes power outage information indicating a power outage plan,
The cleaning according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the operation schedule information is generated based on the power failure information so as to cause the vacuum cleaner to finish cleaning before a time when the power failure starts. Machine system. The schedule information includes home information indicating whether each of the plurality of users is at home,
The driving schedule information is generated based on the home information so as to cause the cleaner to start cleaning at a timing when a predetermined time has elapsed from a timing when it is determined that the plurality of users are absent. The vacuum cleaner system according to any one of Items 1 to 10.   The at least one of the vacuum cleaner and the server is capable of communicating with a video device, and displays the generated operation schedule information on a display unit of the video device. Vacuum cleaner system. A vacuum cleaner capable of communicating with a server and including a control unit,
The server stores schedule information indicating the contents of actions of a plurality of users,
The control unit includes:
Based on the schedule information of the plurality of users stored in the scheduler, generates operation schedule information for controlling the operation of the vacuum cleaner,
Controlling the operation of the cleaner based on the generated operation schedule information;
Vacuum cleaner.

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