JPWO2019058571A1 - Network systems, servers, and air purifiers - Google Patents

Abstract

A network system 1 including a first server 100C for transmitting firmware and an air purifier 200 for receiving firmware from the first server 100C and updating the firmware of its own memory is provided. The firmware.

Description

The present invention relates to the technology of an air purifier, and particularly to the technology of an air purifier connected to a network.

Conventionally, a technique for remotely controlling an air purifier has been known. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-67427 (Patent Document 1) discloses an air-conditioning control method, an air-conditioning control device, and an air-conditioning control program. According to Patent Document 1, the cloud server has an environment history DB that stores room temperature history information indicating the history of room temperature changes in a room where the air conditioner adjusts the temperature in association with the operation history information indicating the operation history of the air conditioner. Based on the room temperature history information and the operation history information, the indoor environment prediction unit that predicts the future room temperature of the living room when the air conditioner does not adjust the temperature as the off-time predicted room temperature, and the off-time predicted room temperature. It includes an air conditioner setting unit that determines the control parameters of the air conditioner, which is used to bring the room temperature of the living room to a predetermined target temperature at a predetermined target time.

JP-A-2017-67427

An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for controlling an air purifier more efficiently by utilizing a network.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a network comprising a first server for transmitting firmware and an air purifier for receiving firmware from the first server and updating the firmware of its own memory. The system is provided.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to control the air purifier more efficiently by using the network.

It is an image diagram which shows the overall structure and operation outline of the network system 1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the server 100 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is an image diagram which shows the equipment management data 121 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is an image diagram which shows the operation pattern data 122 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is an image diagram which shows the combination data 123 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is an image diagram which shows the method of specifying the 1st operation pattern which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is an image diagram which shows the method of specifying the 2nd operation pattern which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is an image diagram which shows the process when two or more operation patterns which concern on 1st Embodiment correspond | It is a flowchart which shows the 1st information processing of the server 100 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd information processing of the server 100 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the air purifier 200 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is an image diagram which shows the setting data 221 which concerns on the 1st Embodiment. It is an image figure which shows the operation part 240 of the air purifier 200 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st information processing of the air purifier 200 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd information processing of the air purifier 200 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the smartphone 300 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is an image diagram which shows the screen of the smartphone 300 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is an image diagram which shows the screen of the smartphone 300 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is an image diagram which shows the device management data 121B which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the information processing of the server 100 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is an image diagram which shows the overall structure and operation outline of the network system 1 which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st information processing of the server 100C which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd information processing of the server 100C which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is an image diagram which shows the area operation pattern data 124 which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the 3rd information processing of the server 100C which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st information processing of the server 100 which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is an image diagram which shows the overall structure and operation outline of the network system 1 which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st information processing of the air purifier 200 which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd information processing of the air purifier 200 which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd information processing of the server 100 which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is an image figure which shows the priority of the operation pattern which concerns on the 1st Embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are the same. Therefore, the detailed description of them will not be repeated.

<First Embodiment>
<Overall configuration and operation outline of network system 1>
First, with reference to FIG. 1, the overall configuration of the network system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. The network system 1 according to the present embodiment mainly includes a server 100 for managing home appliances, an information server 100B that handles various information, an air purifier 200 that can be connected to the server 100 via the Internet, a router, or the like. It includes a communication terminal such as a smartphone 300 that can be connected to the server 100 via the Internet, a router, or the like.

The air purifier 200 according to the present embodiment can adjust the sensitivity of the sensor for detecting dust and odor.

Further, the communication terminal such as the smartphone 300 acquires an application program for controlling home appliances such as the air purifier 200. In the present embodiment, the smartphone 300 will be used as an example of the communication terminal, but the communication terminal is not limited to the smartphone 300, and is another type of device such as a tablet, a game machine, or a personal computer. You may.

Next, an outline of the operation of the network system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. The air purifier 200 measures the amount of dust sucked into the air purifier 200 and the amount of a predetermined gas by using a dust sensor or an odor sensor. The air purifier 200 transmits the measurement result to the home appliance management server 100 (step S102).

The information server 100B acquires the weather, temperature, humidity, pollen amount, PM2.5 amount, and the like, and provides the information to the home appliance management server 100 (step S104).

The home appliance management server 100 performs optimum operation and optimum operation for each air purifier 200 according to the indoor history as a measurement result of dust and odor from the air purifier 200 and the outdoor information regarding the environmental condition from the information server 100B. Sensitivity and the like are determined, and the information is transmitted to the air purifier 200 (step S106).

The air purifier 200 changes the operation mode based on the information given from the home appliance management server 100, and sets the sensitivities of various sensors (step S108).

As described above, in the present embodiment, the server 100 provides the air purifier 200 with information suitable for the air purifier 200 based on the data measured by the air purifier 200 and the data from the information server 100B. Can be provided. Hereinafter, a specific configuration of the network system 1 for realizing such a function will be described in detail.

<Hardware configuration of server 100>
With reference to FIG. 2, one aspect of the hardware configuration of the server 100 constituting the network system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. The server 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 110, a memory 120, a display 130, an operation unit 140, a clock 150, and a communication interface 160 as main components.

The CPU 110 controls each part of the server 100 by executing a program stored in the memory 120. For example, the CPU 110 executes a program stored in the memory 120 and executes various processes described later by referring to various data.

The memory 120 is realized by various RAMs (Random Access Memory), various ROMs (Read-Only Memory), etc., may be included in the server 100, or may be attached to and detached from various interfaces of the server 100. It may be a recording medium of another device accessible from the server 100. The memory 120 relates to a program executed by the CPU 110, data generated by executing the program by the CPU 110, input data, device management data 121, operation pattern data 122, combination data 123, and other embodiments of the present embodiment. Stores databases used for home appliance management services.

FIG. 3 is an image diagram showing the device management data 121 according to the present embodiment. With reference to FIG. 3, the device management data 121 is used to remotely control the identification information of the air purifier 200, the user name of the air purifier 200, and the air purifier 200 for each registered air purifier 200. Includes correspondence such as identification information of a communication terminal such as a smartphone 300, a user's zip code, a user's address, and information on whether or not automatic automatic operation is performed by the server 100. Naturally, the device management data 121 may include the type and model number of the air purifier 200, the command being executed, the time until the filter is replaced, and other information.

FIG. 4 is an image diagram showing the operation pattern data 122. With reference to FIG. 4, the operation pattern data 122 according to the present embodiment includes a correspondence relationship between the type of operation mode suitable for each operation pattern and the sensitivities of various sensors.

FIG. 5 is an image diagram showing the combination data 123. With reference to FIG. 5, the combination data 123 according to the present embodiment includes a correspondence relationship between a suitable operation mode type and set sensitivities of various sensors for each combination of operation patterns. A combination of three or more operation patterns may be set.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 110 determines the first operation pattern based on the data from the information server 100B. For example, the CPU 110 operates for "a lot of pollen (yellow sand)" when the amount of pollen is "a lot" or "very a lot" based on the information about the pollen of tomorrow's weather forecast based on the data from the information server 100B. Select. The CPU 110 selects the operation for "a lot of pollen (yellow sand)" when the amount of yellow sand is "a lot" based on the information about the yellow sand of tomorrow's weather forecast based on the data from the information server 100B. Based on the data from the information server 100B, the CPU 110 selects the operation for "PM2.5 more" when it is "caution" or "alarm" based on the information about PM2.5 of the tomorrow weather forecast. .. From May to September, the CPU 110 has an average humidity of 80% or more and a maximum temperature of 15 degrees or more based on the data from the information server 100B and the information on the humidity and re-temperature of the tomorrow weather forecast. At a certain time, that is, when the temperature and humidity are high, the operation for "high temperature and humidity (rainy season)" is selected. From October to March, when the dryness warning is issued, the CPU 110 "low temperature and humidity" based on the data from the information server 100B and the information on the humidity and re-temperature of the tomorrow weather forecast. Select the operation for "(drying)".

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 110 determines a second operation pattern suitable for the air purifier 200 according to the number of times the dust sensor of the air purifier 200 reacts within one week. For example, when the dust sensor responds only 14 times or less (preferably 10 times or less, more preferably 7 times or less) within a week with respect to the air purifier 200 in operation where "dust is normal (history)". , The CPU 110 determines the operation of the air purifier 200 to be "less dusty (history)". Then, when the dust sensor reacts 35 times or more (preferably 50 times or more, more preferably 70 times or more) within one week with respect to the air purifier 200 during operation with "less dust stains (history)", the CPU 110 is subjected to the reaction. , The air purifier 200 is determined to be in "normal (history) dusty dirt" operation.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 110 determines a third operation pattern suitable for the air purifier 200 according to the number of times the odor sensor of the air purifier 200 reacts within one week. For example, when the odor sensor responds only 14 times or less (preferably 10 times or less, more preferably 7 times or less) within a week with respect to the air purifier 200 during "normal (history) odor contamination" operation. , CPU 110 determines the operation of the air purifier 200 with "less odor stains (history)". Then, when the odor sensor reacts 35 times or more (preferably 50 times or more, more preferably 70 times or more) within one week with respect to the air purifier 200 in operation with "less odor stains (history)", the CPU 110 is subjected to the reaction. , The air purifier 200 is determined to be operated as "normal (history) odor stain".

Note that these settings may be set by the user for the air purifier 200 itself. Further, the number of threshold values may be changed by the server 100 to a preferable value according to the season or the weather, or may be set by the user with respect to the air purifier 200 itself.

Then, in the present embodiment, when the first operation pattern corresponding to the environmental data and the second and third operation patterns corresponding to the operation history are compatible with each other, the CPU 110 is as shown in FIG. The operation mode and sensitivity are determined based on the combination data shown in FIG. Further, when two or more first operation patterns corresponding to two or more environmental data are established at the same time, for example, as shown in FIG. 31, the CPU 110 has a preset priority or season. The driving pattern is selected according to the priority set by the environment and the weather, or the priority set by the user. In addition, combination data of the first operation pattern may be prepared.

Returning to FIG. 2, the display 130 displays a text or an image based on the signal from the CPU 110. The operation unit 140 receives a command from the service administrator or the like and inputs the command to the CPU 110.

The clock 150 inputs the current time to the CPU 110 and measures the elapsed time from the designated timing.

The communication interface 160 transmits data from the CPU 110 to other devices such as the air purifier 200 and the smartphone 300 via the Internet, a carrier network, a router, and the like. On the contrary, the communication interface 160 receives data from other devices such as the air purifier 200 and the smartphone 300 via the Internet, a carrier network, a router, and the like, and delivers the data to the CPU 110. In the present embodiment, the CPU 110 acquires data on the operation history from the air purifier 200 via the communication interface 160, and transmits data on the operation mode designation and the sensor sensitivity designation to the air purifier 200. ..

<Information processing in server 100>
Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the information processing of the indoor history accumulation in the server 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. When the CPU 110 of the server 100 receives data from the air purifier 200 via the communication interface 160, the CPU 110 executes the following processing.

The CPU 110 extracts the ID of the air purifier 200 from the received data (step S102). The CPU 110 acquires information on the detection of dust and odor by the air purifier 200 from the received data, for example, information indicating that the air purifier 200 has been detected, the number of detections, the amount and degree of the detected dust and odor, and the like, and the air. The information is stored in the memory 120 in association with the identification information of the purifier 200 (step S104). The server 100 may store the type, intensity, time, and the like of the operation as a history.

Next, with reference to FIG. 10, information processing for specifying the operation mode in the server 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. When the CPU 110 of the server 100 receives data from the air purifier 200 via the communication interface 160, the CPU 110 executes the following processing.

The CPU 110 extracts the ID of the air purifier 200 from the received data (step S152). The CPU 110 refers to the device management data 121 to specify the area where the air purifier 200 is arranged (step S154). The CPU 110 acquires regional environmental data of the air purifier 200 from the information server 100B via the communication interface 160 (step S156).

The CPU 110 refers to the memory 120 and reads out the history related to dust and the history data related to odor related to the air purifier 200 (step S158). The CPU 110 identifies an operation pattern suitable for the target air purifier 200 based on historical data and data of the local environment (step S160). The CPU 110 transmits the operation mode and the sensitivities of various sensors corresponding to the specified operation pattern to the air purifier 200 via the communication interface 160 (step S162).

<Hardware configuration of air purifier 200>
With reference to FIG. 11, one aspect of the hardware configuration of the air purifier 200 constituting the network system 1 will be described. The air purifier 200 according to the present embodiment has a CPU 210, a memory 220, a display 230, an operation unit 240, a clock (timer) 250, a communication interface 260, a dust detection sensor 271 and a odor as main components. It includes various sensors such as a detection sensor 272, an infrared light receiving unit 280, and a device drive unit 290.

The CPU 210 controls each part of the air purifier 200 by executing a program stored in the memory 220 or an external storage medium.

The memory 220 is realized by various RAMs, various ROMs, etc., and may be included in the air purifier 200 or may be detachable from various interfaces of the air purifier 200. However, it may be a recording medium of another device accessible from the air purifier 200. The memory 220 receives a program executed by the CPU 210, data generated by executing the program by the CPU 210, data input via the operation unit 240, data received from the remote control, and received from the server 100 via the router or the Internet. The data, the setting data 221 related to the operation content, and the like are stored.

As shown in FIG. 12, the setting data 221 includes settings such as an operation mode according to the operation pattern, the sensitivity of the dust detection sensor 271, and the sensitivity of the odor detection sensor 272. The memory 220 stores the setting data as the initial data included in the firmware in advance and the setting data suitable for the operation mode from the server 100 as the setting data 221. More specifically, the setting data as the initial data and the setting data 221 suitable for the operation mode acquired from the server 100 are still stored even when the power is turned off, but the setting data 221 acquired from the server 100 turns on the power. It may disappear when it is turned off.

Returning to FIG. 11, the display 230 outputs characters, images, and the like based on the signal from the CPU 210. The display 230 may be simply an LED light or the like.

The operation unit 240 is realized by a button, a touch panel, or the like, receives a command from the user, and inputs the command to the CPU 210. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the operation unit 240 according to the present embodiment has a button 241 for starting the automatic operation by the server 100 and ending the automatic operation by the server 100, and the server 100. Includes a button 242 and the like for setting whether or not to communicate with. The display 230 and the operation unit 240 may form a touch panel.

The clock 250 inputs the current time to the CPU 210 and measures the elapsed time from the designated timing.

The communication interface 260 is realized by a communication module such as a wireless LAN or a wired LAN. The communication interface 260 exchanges data with other devices by wired communication or wireless communication. That is, the CPU 210 receives various information from another device such as the server 100 or transmits various information to the other device via the communication interface 260. In the present embodiment, the CPU 210 transmits data related to dust and odor to the server 100 via the communication interface 260, and receives the operation mode, the sensitivity of various sensors, and the like from the server 100.

The dust detection sensor 271 detects dust contained in the sucked air and inputs the detection result to the CPU 210. The odor detection sensor 272 detects a predetermined gas contained in the sucked air and inputs the detection result to the CPU 210.

The infrared light receiving unit 280 detects an infrared signal from a remote controller or the like and inputs a received signal to the CPU 210. For example, the CPU 210 receives a power ON / OFF command, other control commands, various data, and the like from the remote controller via the infrared light receiving unit 280.

The device drive unit 290 controls each unit (motor, heater, etc.) of the air purifier 200 based on the signal from the CPU 210. For example, in the present embodiment, the CPU 210 receives commands related to various modes, air volume, wind direction, ion generation, etc. from the server 100 via the operation unit 240 or the communication interface 260, and is based on the commands. Controls the device drive unit 290.

In particular, in the present embodiment, the CPU 210 changes the threshold value for determining that there is dust or odor based on the setting data 221 and the initial data. That is, the CPU 210 changes the threshold value for determining that there is dust or odor with respect to the signal input from the dust detection sensor 271 or the odor detection sensor 272. For example, in the case of a high sensitivity setting, the CPU 110 determines that there is dust or odor even with a small output value. On the contrary, when the sensitivity is set to be low, the CPU 110 does not determine that there is dust or odor unless the output value is large to some extent.

<Information processing in the air purifier 200>
Next, with reference to FIG. 14, information processing when the user in the air purifier 200 according to the present embodiment inputs an instruction to start automatic operation with the server to the operation unit 240 will be described.

When the automatic operation button 241 of the operation unit 240 is pressed, the CPU 210 of the air purifier 200 determines whether or not the communication with the server 100 is enabled (step S202). When the communication with the server 100 is enabled (YES in step S202), the CPU 210 determines whether or not the automatic operation is already permitted to the server 100 via the communication interface 260. That is, it inquires whether or not the user has input the permission command for the automatic operation by the server to the application of the smartphone 300 (step S204).

At this time, the CPU 110 of the server 100 refers to the device management data 121 based on the inquiry from the air purifier 200, and determines whether or not the automatic operation of the air purifier 200 is permitted. , The result is transmitted to the air purifier 200.

In step S204, the information on whether or not the automatic operation using the setting data 221 from the server based on the setting from the smartphone 300 is permitted is stored in the server 100. However, when the smartphone 300 receives an instruction to set permission for automatic automatic operation, the information is written to the air conditioner 200 main body via the server 100, and the air purifier 200 main body is concerned for the determination in step S204. Information may be retained. Then, the information is initialized by the CPU 210 of the air purifier 200 together with the setting data 221 regarding the operation content of FIG. 12 when "when a reason for initializing the operation content occurs" such as step S264 described later. You may change the setting so that the information indicating whether or not to allow the automatic operation is not allowed.

Based on the response from the server 100, the CPU 210 of the air purifier 200 starts the automatic automatic operation using the server 100 when the automatic automatic operation is permitted by the application of the smartphone 300 (YES in step S204). (Step S206).

On the other hand, when the communication with the server 100 is not enabled (NO in step S202), or when the user has not entered the permission for automatic driving in the application of the smartphone 300 (in step S204). (If NO), the CPU 210 starts the local automatic operation of the air purifier 200 (step S208).

Next, with reference to FIG. 15, information processing at the time of automatic automatic operation using the server 100 in the air purifier 200 according to the present embodiment will be described. The CPU 210 of the air purifier 200 periodically determines whether or not the communication with the server 100 is interrupted via the communication interface 260 during the automatic operation of the server 100 (step S252). When the communication with the server 100 is not interrupted (NO in step S252), the CPU 210 determines whether or not a command for invalidating the communication with the server 100 has been input from the user via the operation unit 240. Determine (step S254).

When the command for invalidating the communication with the server 100 is not input (NO in step S254), the CPU 210 determines whether or not the user has input the permission release command for automatic driving left to the application of the smartphone 300. Is determined (step S256). When the permission release command for the automatic operation is not input to the application (NO in step S256), the CPU 210 determines whether or not the end command for the automatic operation is input via the operation unit 240 (when the command is NO). Step S258)
When the end command of the automatic operation is not input (NO in step S258), the CPU 210 refers to the clock 250 and determines whether or not the predetermined time has been reached (step S260). If the predetermined time has not been reached (NO in step S260), the CPU 210 waits until the next timing. When the predetermined time is reached, the CPU 210 executes the process from step S264 described later.

On the other hand, when the communication with the server 100 is interrupted (YES in step S252), or when an instruction for invalidating the communication with the server 100 is input (YES in step S254). Alternatively, when the user inputs a command to release the permission for automatic driving to the smartphone 300 (YES in step S256), or receives a command to end automatic driving to leave via the operation unit 240 (to step S258). (If YES), the CPU 210 ends the communication with the server 100 (step S262), and returns the operation mode and the sensitivities of various sensors to the initial values (step 264). The CPU 210 waits until the next timing.

More specifically, when the communication with the server 100 is interrupted (YES in step S252), or when the user inputs the permission release command for automatic driving left to the application of the smartphone 300 (YES in step S256). In some cases), the CPU 210 may disable communication with the server 100. That is, the CPU 110 may shift to a state in which a command for invalidating communication with the server 100 is input from the user via the button 242 of the operation unit 240.

The timing for initializing the setting data 221 related to the operation content in FIG. 12 is "when the automatic operation is canceled", "when the automatic operation is started", and "communication interruption (not depending on user operation)". "When a communication invalid command is entered (by user operation)", "When a permission release command is entered", "When a specific time is reached", "Other specific commands are issued" When any of "when input", "when a predetermined error occurs", etc., or when multiple conditions among them are met, "when there is a reason to initialize the operation contents" ".

That is, when the air purifier 200 or the server 100 satisfies any of these conditions, the setting data 221 regarding the operation content, the data as to whether or not the automatic automatic operation is permitted, and the data with the server 100. It is preferable to return the data on whether or not to exchange the data and various data using other networks to the initial values. This can reduce the possibility of continuing driving that is not suitable for the current situation.

<Hardware configuration of communication terminals such as smartphone 300>
With reference to FIG. 16, one aspect of the hardware configuration of the communication terminal such as the smartphone 300 according to the present embodiment will be described. The smartphone 300 includes a CPU 310, a memory 320, a display 330, an operation unit 340, a clock 350, and a communication interface 360 as main components.

The CPU 310 controls each part of the smartphone 300 by executing a program stored in the memory 320. For example, the CPU 310 executes a program stored in the memory 320 and executes various processes described later by referring to various data.

The memory 320 is realized by various RAMs, various ROMs, and the like, and may be included in the smartphone 300, may be detachable from various interfaces of the smartphone 300, or may be detachable from the smartphone 300. It may be a recording medium of another device accessible from. The memory 320 includes various programs executed by the CPU 310, such as a home appliance control application program, data generated by executing the program by the CPU 310, data input from the operation unit 340, and other home appliance management services according to the present embodiment. Stores data used for.

The display 330 displays text or an image based on the signal from the CPU 310. The operation unit 340 receives a command from a user or the like and inputs the command to the CPU 310. The display 330 and the operation unit 340 may form a touch panel. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, the CPU 310 receives an instruction as to whether or not to permit the automatic operation of the air purifier 200 using the server 100 via the touch panel, and the communication interface 260. The instruction is transmitted to the server 100 via the above.

Returning to FIG. 16, the clock 350 inputs the current time to the CPU 310 and measures the elapsed time from the designated timing.

The communication interface 360 transmits data from the CPU 310 to other devices such as the server 100 and the air purifier 200 via the Internet, carrier network, router, and the like. On the contrary, the communication interface 360 receives data from the other device via the Internet, a carrier network, a router, or the like, and delivers the data to the CPU 310. For example, the CPU 310 specifies whether or not to accept the remote control command on the display 330 based on the data received from the server 100 via the communication interface 360 based on the application program for remote control of the air purifier. The screen is displayed, and the instruction received from the user via the operation unit 340 is transmitted to the server 100 via the communication interface 360.

<Second Embodiment>
In the present embodiment, a network system is provided in which a user can select a desired driving pattern, driving mode, sensor sensitivity, and the like. This can reduce the possibility that the user will drive undesirably.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 18, the CPU 310 of the smartphone 300 displays a plurality of operation patterns on the display 330 so as to be selectable based on the downloaded home appliance management application, and the user can select the user via the operation unit 340. Accepts the designation of the desired operation pattern. Then, the smartphone 300 transmits the designation to the server 100.

In the present embodiment, the memory 120 of the server 100 stores the device management data 121B as shown in FIG. The device management data 121B according to the present embodiment remotely controls the identification information of the air purifier 200, the user name of the air purifier 200, and the air purifier 200 for each air purifier 200 registered in the service. Identification information of a communication terminal such as a smartphone 300 for this purpose, a user's zip code, a user's address, a specification of an operation pattern that can be selected during automatic automatic operation by the server 100, and whether or not automatic automatic operation is performed by the server 100. Includes the correspondence between the information and the information indicating.

Since it is configured in this way, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, the CPU 110 of the server 100 is applied to the air purifier 200 with reference to the device management data 121B at the time of specifying the operation pattern. After narrowing down the possible operation patterns (step S159), the operation pattern suitable for the target air purifier 200 is specified based on the historical data on past dust and odor and the data of the local environment (step S160). ).

<Third embodiment>
Regarding the air purifier 200 according to the first and second embodiments, the CPU 210 executes various processes based on the firmware stored in the memory 220 in advance. However, the air purifier 200 according to the present embodiment downloads and installs new firmware in response to an update request from the server 100 or the like.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 21, the network system 1 according to the present embodiment also includes a server 100C for providing firmware. Since the configuration of the server 100C is the same as that of the server 100 shown in FIG. 2 of the first embodiment, the description thereof will not be repeated here. As a result, every time a new function or process for the air purifier 200 is developed, the air purifier 200 acquires and updates new firmware from the server 100C, or the smartphone 300 acquires and updates a new application program. You will be able to do it.

In the present embodiment, when new firmware is registered, the server 100C transmits a firmware update request to a plurality of registered air purifiers 200 via the communication interface 160. Then, for example, the CPU 110 of the server 100C executes the process shown in FIG. 22 when new firmware is requested from the air purifier 200.

That is, the CPU 110 reads the device ID of the air purifier 200 from the data from the air purifier 200 (step S172). The CPU 110 reads out the firmware suitable for the type and model number of the air purifier 200 (step S178), and provides the firmware to the air purifier 200 via the communication interface 160 (step S180). As a result, the CPU 210 of the air purifier 200 rewrites the memory 220, that is, updates the firmware with the new firmware downloaded.

As shown in FIG. 18 of the second embodiment, the user may be able to select the type of operation pattern and operation mode included in the firmware provided in the air purifier 200. In this case, as shown in FIG. 23, the CPU 110 reads the device ID of the air purifier 200 from the data from the air purifier 200 (step S172), and then displays the device management data 121B of the server 100 or another database. The operation pattern required for the air purifier 200 is specified with reference to (step S176). The CPU 110 assembles the firmware including the operation pattern (step S178B) and provides the firmware to the air purifier 200 via the communication interface 160 (step S180).

Alternatively, the operation pattern and the type of operation mode included in the firmware may be different depending on the area where the air purifier 200 is arranged, the season, and the like. In this case, the server 100C may store the regional operation pattern data 124 as shown in FIG. 24, or the server 100C may be configured to refer to the regional operation pattern data 124. As shown in FIG. 24, the regional driving pattern data 124 has a correspondence relationship between the driving pattern ID for each driving pattern, the content of the driving pattern, and the information for specifying the region and time suitable for the driving pattern. Including.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 25, the CPU 110 reads the device ID of the air purifier 200 from the data from the air purifier 200 (step S172), and then obtains the device management data 121 of the server 100 or another database. The area of the air purifier 200 is specified by reference (step S174). Then, the CPU 110 identifies the operation pattern required for the air purifier 200 by referring to the device management data 121 of the server 100 or another database (step S176C). The CPU 110 assembles firmware including the operation pattern corresponding to the region of the air purifier 200 and the user's preference (step S178C), and provides the firmware to the air purifier 200 via the communication interface 160 (step S180). ..

<Fourth Embodiment>
Other devices may perform a part or all of the roles of each device of the network system 1 according to the first to third embodiments. Specifically, another device plays a part or all of the roles of the server 100, the air purifier 200, and the smartphone 300, or a part or all of the roles of the server 100, the air purifier 200, and the smartphone 300. The whole may be played by a plurality of devices, or any of the server 100, the air purifier 200, and the smartphone 300 may play a part or all of the roles of the server 100, the air purifier 200, and the smartphone 300. ..

For example, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the air purifier 200 acquires information from the server 100 indicating whether or not the user permits the automatic automatic operation using the server 100. (Step S204), it was decided whether or not to start the automatic operation of entrustment using the server 100. However, as shown in FIG. 26, the CPU 110 of the server 100 refers to the device management data 121 after step S152, and the target air purifier 200 is operated by the server via the application of the corresponding communication terminal. It may be determined whether or not the automatic automatic operation is permitted (step S153). Then, when the automatic automatic operation is permitted (YES in step S153), the CPU 110 executes the processes after S154, and when it is not permitted (NO in step S153), the operation mode and the sensor It may be in a form that does not provide the sensitivity to the air purifier 200.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 27, instead of the server 100, the air purifier 200 may acquire information such as a weather forecast from the information server 100B via the Internet. Then, the air purifier 200 executes the process as shown in FIG. 28. That is, the CPU 210 of the air purifier 200 identifies the area where it is located (step S254). The CPU 210 acquires regional environmental data of the air purifier 200 from the information server 100B via the communication interface 260 (step S256).

The CPU 210 refers to the memory 220 and reads out the history of dust and the history of odor related to the air purifier 200 (step S258). The CPU 210 identifies an operation pattern suitable for the air purifier 200 based on past dust data and local environment data (step S260). The CPU 110 resets the operation mode and the sensitivities of various sensors corresponding to the specified operation pattern (step S262). It is preferable that the latest program for executing these processes is also downloaded from the server 100C to the air purifier 200 as firmware.

Alternatively, the CPU 210 of the air purifier 200 may execute the process as shown in FIG. 29. That is, the CPU 210 of the air purifier 200 refers to the memory 220 and reads out the history of dust and the history of odor related to the air purifier 200 (step S258). The CPU 210 identifies a second or third operation pattern suitable for the air purifier 200 based on past dust and odor data (step S260). The CPU 110 resets the operation mode and the sensitivities of various sensors corresponding to the specified second or third operation pattern (step S262).

Alternatively, the CPU 110 of the server 100 may execute the process as shown in FIG. That is, the CPU 110 extracts the ID of the air purifier 200 from the received data (step S152). The CPU 110 refers to the memory 120 and reads out the history of dust and the history of odor related to the air purifier 200 (step S158). The CPU 110 identifies a second or third operation pattern suitable for the target air purifier 200 based on past dust data (step S160). The CPU 110 transmits the operation mode and the sensitivities of various sensors corresponding to the specified second or third operation pattern to the air purifier 200 via the communication interface 160 (step S162).

<Fifth Embodiment>
In the above-described embodiment, the air purifier 200 has been described as an example, but the device is not limited to the air purifier 200, and is not limited to the air purifier 200, but is a device having a cooling / heating function, a device having a humidifying function, and a device having a dehumidifying function. The above techniques, such as devices having an ion generation function, can be generally applied to air purifiers in a broad sense.

<Summary>
In the above embodiment, the first server 100C for transmitting the firmware, the air purifier 200 for receiving the firmware from the first server 100C and updating the firmware of its own memory, and the air purifier 200. The network system 1 is provided.

Preferably, the firmware contains information about a plurality of types of operation contents.

Preferably, the first server 100C is the type of operation content included in the firmware downloaded to the air purifier 200 or the content of the operation content included in the firmware based on the area of the air purifier 200. To determine.

Preferably, the air purifier 200 transmits the measurement result of the predetermined sensors 251,252 to the second server 100 based on the firmware. The second server 100 determines the operation content based on the measurement result, and transmits the designation of the operation content to the air purifier 200.

Preferably, the network system 1 further includes a terminal 300. The terminal 300 receives the selection command of the type of operation content and transmits the selection command to the first server 100C. Based on the selection command, the first server 100C determines the operation content included in the firmware to be downloaded to the air purifier 200 corresponding to the terminal 300.

In the above embodiment, a server including a communication interface 160 for communicating with the air purifier 200 and a processor 110 for downloading new firmware to the air purifier 200 via the communication interface 160. 100C is provided.

In the above embodiment, new firmware is downloaded from the server 100 via the memory 220 for storing the firmware, the communication interface 260 for communicating with the server 100C, and the communication interface 260, and the new firmware is downloaded. An air purifier 200 including a processor 210 for rewriting the memory 220 with a new firmware is provided.

It should be considered that the embodiments disclosed this time are exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the scope of claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

1: Network system 100: Home appliance management server 100B: Information server 100C: Firmware provision server 110: CPU
120: Memory 121: Equipment management data 121B: Equipment management data 122: Operation pattern data 123: Combination data 124: Regional operation pattern data 130: Display 140: Operation unit 150: Clock 160: Communication interface 200: Air purifier 210: CPU
220: Memory 221: Setting data 230: Display 240: Operation unit 241: Button 242: Button 250: Clock 260: Communication interface 264: Step 271: Dust detection sensor 272: Smell detection sensor 280: Infrared light receiving unit 290: Device drive unit 300: Smartphone 310: CPU
320: Memory 330: Display 340: Operation unit 350: Clock 360: Communication interface

Claims (7)

The first server to send the firmware and
A network system including an air purifier for receiving firmware from the first server and updating the firmware of its own memory. The network system according to claim 1, wherein the firmware includes information on a plurality of types of operation contents. The first server determines the type of operation content included in the firmware downloaded to the air purifier or the content of the operation content included in the firmware based on the area of the air purifier. The network system according to 2. The air purifier transmits the measurement result of a predetermined sensor to the second server based on the firmware.
The network system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the second server determines the operation content based on the measurement result and transmits the designation of the operation content to the air purifier. With more terminals
The terminal receives the selection command of the type of operation content and transmits the selection command to the first server.
The network according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first server determines the operation content included in the firmware to be downloaded to the air purifier corresponding to the terminal based on the selection command. system. A communication interface for communicating with the air purifier,
A server comprising a processor for downloading new firmware to the air purifier via the communication interface. Memory for storing firmware and
A communication interface for communicating with the server,
An air purifier including a processor for downloading new firmware from the server via the communication interface and rewriting the memory with the new firmware.