TW201625345A - Beacon device, water purification device, and device information notification system - Google Patents

Abstract

A device information notification system includes a beacon device attached to a device using an expendable item, and a reception terminal that receives a beacon signal transmitted from the beacon device. The beacon device includes: a storage unit storing identification information; a use detection unit that detects a use of the device together with a use of the expendable item; and a transmission unit that transmits a beacon signal including the identification information when triggered by the use of the device detected by the use detection unit. The reception terminal, upon reception of the beacon signal, notifies information regarding the use of the device.

Description

Beacon device, water purification device and machine information notification system

The present invention relates to a beacon apparatus that transmits a beacon signal, a water purification apparatus including the beacon apparatus, and a machine information notification system including a beacon apparatus and a signal receiving terminal that receives a beacon signal.

Among the products that are installed in the use of man-made structures, etc., there are consumables that need to be replaced at any time. For example, the water purifier installed in the water supply part of the man-made building needs to replace the filter cartridge when the amount of purified water reaches a certain amount or after a certain period of time has elapsed since the previous replacement. In addition, a machine such as an air cleaner, a ventilating fan, or a humidifier also needs to be replaced with a filter depending on the use time and the like. The consumables replacement period of these products requiring replacement of consumables is long. For example, for a water purifier, the filter cartridge needs to be replaced in a period of 6 months to 1 year under normal use conditions.

In such machines, when the replacement period of the filter or the like is reached, the user is notified of the replacement of the filter by, for example, the blinking of the signal lamp provided on the machine body.

In addition, the company has proposed a technique for notifying a user by mail or the like when the replacement period of the filter cartridge is estimated based on the registration information of the user (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

[Previous Technical Literature]

[Patent Literature]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2002-109304

As described in Patent Document 1, when the replacement filter cartridge is notified by an e-mail from a sales company at regular intervals, there is a problem that the replacement cycle can be handled for a certain period of time. That is, when the filter cartridge of the water purifier is to be replaced according to the amount of purified water, it cannot be adequately handled.

In addition, products such as water purifiers are often placed in locations that are not visible to the user in the sink. Therefore, even if the signal lamp of the water purifier is blinking, if the inside of the flow table is not opened, the user cannot observe the signal lamp, and the user cannot be properly notified. In addition, if the filter is continuously notified until the filter is replaced, the consumption of the battery installed in the water purifier is increased.

An object of the present invention is to provide a beacon apparatus and a water purifying apparatus that can appropriately notify a user of replacement of a filter cartridge-like consumable item attached to a water purifier, such as a battery, by using a simple configuration. Machine information notification system.

The beacon device of the present invention is mounted to a beacon device in a machine using consumables. Further, the beacon apparatus includes a memory unit that memorizes the information identifying person, a use detecting unit that detects a user of the device that is associated with the use of the consumable item, and a signal transmitting unit that detects the user that is detected by the use detecting unit. The use of the machine sends a beacon signal containing the identification information as an opportunity.

Further, the water purification device of the present invention includes: a filter that is replaceable; a detection unit that detects a flow of water passing through the filter to output a detection signal; and a beacon device that has identification information, and A person who transmits a beacon signal including identification information is triggered by the supply of the detection signal from the detecting unit.

Further, the machine information notification system of the present invention is a machine information notification system having a beacon device that transmits a beacon signal and a signal receiving terminal that receives a beacon signal, which is installed in a device using consumables.

The beacon apparatus includes: a memory unit that memorizes the identification information; a use detection unit that detects a user of the device that is associated with the use of the consumables; and a signal transmission unit that uses the device that is detected by the detection unit. Use a beacon signal that contains identification information for the opportunity.

When the signal receiving terminal receives the beacon signal, it will notify the information about the use of the machine.

According to the present invention, since the beacon apparatus transmits the beacon signal including the identification information in response to the use of the consumables, the signal receiving terminal that receives the beacon signal can correctly notify the user of the consumables corresponding to the use of the machine. Replacement period, etc.

10‧‧‧流台

11‧‧‧Water tap

12‧‧‧Water supply pipe

20‧‧‧Water purifier

21‧‧‧ filter cartridge

22‧‧‧ filter cartridge

23‧‧‧ filter cartridge

24‧‧‧Detection Department

24a‧‧‧ above the flow path

24b‧‧‧ below the flow path

24c‧‧Reed switch

24d‧‧‧ magnet

24e‧‧‧Detection signal output terminal

25‧‧‧Battery Installation Department

26‧‧‧Battery holding device

27‧‧‧Battery/button battery

28‧‧‧ Spring

30‧‧‧Beacon device

30’‧‧‧Beacon device

31‧‧‧Use detection department

32‧‧‧Water Measurement Department

33‧‧‧Decision Department

34‧‧‧Timer

35‧‧‧Memory Department

36‧‧‧Signal Transmission Department

50‧‧‧Signal receiving terminal

50’‧‧‧Signal receiving terminal

51‧‧‧Signal Reception Department

52‧‧‧Processing Department

53a‧‧‧Application Execution Department

53b‧‧‧Application Execution Department

54‧‧‧Memory Department

55‧‧‧Operation Department

56‧‧‧Display Department

B1‧‧‧ beacon signal

B11‧‧‧ beacon signal

B12‧‧‧ beacon signal

B13‧‧‧ beacon signal

B14‧‧‧ beacon signal

B21‧‧‧ beacon signal

B22‧‧‧ beacon signal

B23‧‧‧ beacon signal

B24‧‧‧ beacon signal

B31‧‧‧ beacon signal

B32‧‧‧ beacon signal

B33‧‧‧ beacon signal

B34‧‧‧ beacon signal

B35‧‧‧ beacon signal

B36‧‧‧ beacon signal

B2‧‧‧ beacon signal

S11‧‧ steps

Step S12‧‧‧

S13‧‧‧ steps

S14‧‧‧ steps

S15‧‧‧ steps

S16‧‧ steps

S17‧‧‧ steps

S18‧‧‧ steps

S19‧‧‧Steps

S20‧‧‧ steps

S21‧‧‧ steps

S22‧‧‧ steps

S31‧‧‧Steps

S32‧‧‧ steps

S33‧‧‧ steps

S34‧‧‧ steps

S35‧‧ steps

S36‧‧‧ steps

S37‧‧‧ steps

S38‧‧‧ steps

S39‧‧‧Steps

S40‧‧‧ steps

ta‧‧‧Time

Tb‧‧‧ timing

U‧‧‧Users

W‧‧‧Water

Fig. 1 is a general view showing an example of a system configuration of a first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration example of a first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a water purifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is an explanatory view showing an example of a water flow detecting unit of the water purifier according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a flow chart showing a processing example (Example 1) of the first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a timing chart showing an example of a transmission timing of a beacon signal in the first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a view showing an example of a display screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 7A is an example of a display screen when the threshold value is not exceeded; and Fig. 7B is an example of a display screen when the elapsed time exceeds the threshold value. Fig. 7C is an example of a display screen when the amount of water exceeds the threshold.

Fig. 8 is a flow chart showing a processing example (Example 2) of the first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration example of a second embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of processing of a second embodiment of the present invention.

<1. First embodiment>

Hereinafter, a device information notification system according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 8 .

[1-1. Example of the overall system configuration]

Fig. 1 is a view showing an overall configuration example of a machine information notification system according to a first embodiment.

The first embodiment is an example of a consumable item included in a machine installed in a man-made structure, and is an example of notifying a user of the replacement period of the water purifier filter cartridge.

As shown in Fig. 1, a faucet 11 is disposed on the flow table 10 of the man-made structure, and a water supply pipe 12 is connected to the faucet 11. A water purifier 20 is provided in the middle of the water supply pipe 12 inside the flow table 10. As will be described later, the filter cartridges 21, 22, and 23 are detachably provided in the water purifier 20. The water flowing out of the faucet 11 is purified water by passing through the respective filter cartridges 21, 22, and 23 in the water purifier 20.

Moreover, each of the filter cartridges 21, 22, and 23 first reaches either of the following two conditions, that is, when the amount of water purified from the time of replacement exceeds a predetermined amount (here, 2000 liters), or It is recommended to replace the filter cartridge when it has exceeded a certain period of time since the previous replacement (here 6 months).

The beacon device 30 is installed in the water purifier 20, and the beacon device 30 transmits the beacon signal B1 in accordance with the state of use of the water purifier 20. A specific example in which the beacon device 30 transmits the beacon signal B1 will be described later.

Further, the beacon signal B1 transmitted from the beacon device 30 is received by the signal receiving terminal 50 held by the user U. Upon receiving the beacon signal B1, the signal receiving terminal 50 performs a process of displaying a notification screen or the like to the user U based on the information included in the beacon signal B1. A portable terminal called, for example, a smart phone can be used as the signal receiving terminal 50 held by the user U.

[1-2. Internal configuration example of beacon device and signal receiving terminal]

Fig. 2 is a view showing an internal configuration example of a beacon apparatus and a signal receiving terminal.

While the water purifier 20 is purifying the inside of the filter cartridges 21, 22, and 23, the detecting unit 24 (FIG. 3) outputs a detection signal of the use state. The use detecting unit 31 of the beacon device 30 is supplied with the detection signal to detect that the water purifier 20 is in use. When the use detecting unit 31 detects that the water purifier 20 is in use, the use detecting unit 31 supplies the water amount measuring unit 32 with a signal indicating that it is in use.

The water amount measuring unit 32 performs a process of measuring the accumulated accumulated water amount based on the supply time (i.e., the time of use of the water purifier) indicating the signal in use. Further, in the use of the water purifier 20, the amount of purified water purified per certain period of time is substantially constant, and the amount of accumulated water purified can be obtained according to the use time of the water purifier 20.

The measured value of the accumulated water amount obtained by the water amount measuring unit 32 is stored in the memory unit 35. Each time the water amount measuring unit 32 measures the measured value of the new accumulated water amount, the measured value of the accumulated water amount stored in the memory unit 35 is updated. Then, the measurement value of the accumulated water amount obtained by the water amount measuring unit 32 is supplied to the determination unit 33. Further, a timer 34 is connected to the determination unit 33, and information on the elapsed time from the previous replacement of the filter cartridges 21, 22, and 23 can be obtained from the timer 34.

Then, the determination unit 33 sends a signal to the signal when it is determined that the accumulated value of the water amount exceeds the preset threshold value, and when it is determined that the period from the previous replacement of the filter cartridges 21, 22, and 23 exceeds the preset threshold value. The portion 36 outputs the current accumulated water amount, the elapsed time since the replacement, and the filter replacement information. When the accumulated value of the water amount does not exceed the preset threshold value, and the period from the previous replacement of the filter cartridges 21, 22, and 23 does not exceed the preset threshold value, the determination unit 33 supplies the signal transmitting unit 36 to the present. Information on the cumulative amount of water and the elapsed time since the replacement.

When the use detecting unit 31 detects that the water purifier 20 is in use, the signal transmitting unit 36 transmits the beacon signal B1 in response to the use of the water purifier 20. At this time, the identification information stored in the memory unit 35 and given to each of the beacon devices 30 will be in the signal transmitting unit 36. It is attached to the beacon signal B1. Further, information such as the accumulated water amount and the period from the previous replacement is attached to the beacon signal B1. In addition, when the filter cartridges 21, 22, and 23 need to be replaced, the filter replacement information is also attached to the beacon signal B1.

The signal transmitting unit 36 uses, for example, a frequency band of the 2.4 GHz band, and transmits a beacon signal in a low energy mode prepared in accordance with the 4.0 specification of Bluetooth (registered trademark). Here, the beacon signal refers to a signal that notifies the presence of the beacon device 30 to the surroundings, and is a signal that is repeatedly transmitted in a certain period (for example, every several hundred milliseconds to every few seconds) during the period in which the signal is transmitted.

When transmitting the beacon signal, the signal transmitting unit 36 transmits the signal with an intensity that the signal receiving terminal 50 can receive the signal, for example, within a range of about 10 m from the beacon device 30. The arrival distance of the beacon signal is set to about 10 m, and the signal transmitting unit 36 can transmit the beacon signal with a different intensity.

Further, the beacon device 30 is actuated by a power supply supplied from a mounted battery 27 (Fig. 3). Further, the accumulated water amount value stored in the determination unit 33 and the elapsed time calculated by the timer 34 are reset when the battery 27 is replaced.

Next, the configuration of the signal receiving terminal 50 will be described.

The signal receiving terminal 50 is provided with a signal receiving unit 51 that receives a beacon signal. The signal receiving unit 51 performs a process of receiving, for example, the beacon signal B1 transmitted in the low energy mode of the Bluetooth specification of 4.0. When receiving the beacon signal B1, the signal receiving unit 51 supplies the processing unit 52 with additional information such as identification information included in the beacon signal B1.

The processing unit 52 includes an application execution unit 53a. Since the application execution unit 53a executes a specific application, the processing unit 52 performs a notification operation of displaying various kinds of information on the display unit 56 by receiving the beacon signal B1. The display unit 56 is an example of a notification unit that performs a notification operation.

Further, in the storage unit 54 of the signal receiving terminal 50, the identification information of the beacon signal transmitted by the beacon device 30 is previously stored by the application executed by the application executing unit 53a. The memory job of the identification information is entered by, for example, a user operating by the operation unit 55. Row.

When the signal receiving unit 51 receives the beacon signal, the processing unit 52 determines whether or not the identification information included in the received beacon signal matches the identification information previously stored in the memory unit 54. When the processing unit 52 determines that the identification information included in the received beacon signal matches the identification information previously stored in the memory unit 54, the processing unit 52 performs the corresponding information included in the received beacon signal based on the instruction of the application program. Processing of information.

[1-3. Configuration example of water purifier]

FIG. 3 is a view showing a configuration example of the water purifier 20.

The first filter cartridge 21, the second filter cartridge 22, and the third filter cartridge 23 are attached to the water purifier 20, and unnecessary oil contained in the passed water W is removed from each of the filter cartridges 21, 22, and 23 substance. For example, three filter cartridges 21, 22, and 23 may be used, and for example, one or two filter cartridges may be attached to the water purifier 20.

In addition, the detecting unit 24 that detects the flow of the water W is attached to the water purifier 20, and the detection signal obtained by the detecting unit 24 is supplied to the beacon device 30 incorporated in the water purifier 20. The battery mounting portion 25 is provided in the water purifier 20, and the battery holding device 26 is inserted into the battery mounting portion 25. A button type battery 27 is held in the battery holding device 26. The battery 27 supplies a power source for driving to the beacon device 30 by holding the battery holding device 26 of the battery 27 attached to the battery mounting portion 25.

FIG. 4 is a view showing the configuration of the detecting portion 24 of the water purifier 20.

The detecting unit 24 is disposed on the flow path of the water W. In this example, the reed switch 24c is disposed on the upper surface 24a of the flow path, and the magnet 24d is disposed on the lower surface 24b of the flow path. The magnet 24d is attached to the lower surface 24b of the flow path or the like via a spring 28. In the absence of the flow of the water W, the magnet 24d is located away from the reed switch 24c due to the action of the spring 28. In this state, the reed switch 24c is in an off state. Thereafter, when the flow of the water W occurs, as shown by the imaginary line in Fig. 4, the magnet 24d moves to a position close to the reed switch 24c against the elastic force of the spring 28, and the reed switch 24c is turned on. If the magnetic spring is on When the switch 24c is in the ON state, the detection signal of the specific potential is output from the detection signal output terminal 24e, and the detection signal is supplied to the use detecting unit 31 (FIG. 2) of the beacon device 30. When the flow of the water W is stopped, the magnet 24d returns to the initial position by the action of the spring 28. Further, although a detecting portion composed of a reed switch and a magnet is used here, other magnetic sensors or the like may be used as long as it is possible to detect the occurrence of water flow.

[1-4. Example of processing operation of the use of water purifier (Example 1)]

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an example of processing operations of the beacon device 30 and the signal receiving terminal 50 when the water purifier 20 is used.

First, the use detecting unit 31 of the beacon device 30 determines whether or not the detection signal that the reed switch 24c is in the ON state is detected (step S11). Here, when the detection signal that the reed switch 24c is in the ON state is not detected, the use detecting unit 31 stands by until the reed switch 24c changes to the ON state.

In addition, when the detection unit 31 detects the detection signal of the ON state, the detection unit 31 starts the measurement of the usage time of the water amount measuring unit 32 (step S12). When the measurement time is started, the water amount measuring unit 32 determines the amount of water to be purified based on the use time (step S13), and the measured amount of purified water is added to the accumulated water amount value (step S14) to update the accumulated water amount value.

Thereafter, the determination unit 33 determines whether or not the updated accumulated water amount exceeds a preset threshold (2000 liters) (step S15). When it is determined in the step S15 that the updated accumulated water amount does not exceed the threshold value, the determination unit 33 determines whether or not the time (elapsed time) calculated by the timer 34 exceeds the preset threshold value (6 months). (Step S16).

When the determination unit 33 determines that the threshold value is exceeded by the determination of any of the steps S15 and S16, the signal transmission unit 36 performs a process of transmitting the beacon signal (step S17). In addition to the identification information stored in the memory unit 35, the information of the accumulated water amount and the elapsed time obtained by the judging unit 33, and the filtering indicating the time when the filter is replaced are added to the beacon signal at this time. Replace the information.

Thereafter, when the signal receiving terminal 50 receives the beacon signal transmitted in step S17 (step S18), the processing unit 52 in the signal receiving terminal 50 displays the filter replacement information, the accumulated water amount, and the elapsed time on the display unit 56 ( Step S19). The display information is based on the display of information attached to the received beacon signal.

Further, even if it is determined in step S16 that the threshold value is not exceeded, the signal transmitting unit 36 performs a process of transmitting a beacon signal (step S20). The beacon signal at this time is added with the identification information stored in the memory unit 35 and the accumulated water amount and the elapsed time information obtained by the determination unit 33.

If the beacon signal transmitted in step S20 is received by the signal receiving terminal 50 (step S21), the processing unit 52 in the signal receiving terminal 50 will be based on the information attached to the received beacon signal on the display portion 56. The accumulated water amount and the elapsed time are displayed (step S22).

The signal receiving terminal 50 terminates the notification processing by performing the display of step S19 or step S22. Here, the notification display of step S19 or step S22 is terminated by, for example, the user performing a specific operation at the operation unit 55 of the signal receiving terminal 50, and is switched to display of another screen.

[1-5. Example of the timing of transmission of beacon signals]

Fig. 6 is a view showing an example of a timing at which a beacon signal is transmitted.

As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5, the transmission of the beacon signal is performed in the event that water flow occurs and the reed switch 24c is turned on in step S11. As a transmission timing of the beacon signal transmitted by the reed switch 24c being turned on, any of the three examples (Example 1, Example 2, and Example 3) shown in Fig. 6 can be applied. In any of the three cases, water is discharged from the faucet 11 at the timing ta, and at the timing tb, the faucet 11 stops discharging water. In addition, in any case, the beacon signal transmission interval is constant.

‧example 1

When the timing tb stops the water discharge, the signal transmitting unit 36 transmits the beacon signals b11, b12, b13, and b14 for a predetermined period of time.

‧ Case 2

When the timing ta starts to discharge water, the signal transmitting unit 36 transmits the beacon signals b21, b22, b33, and b24 for a predetermined period of time.

‧Example 3

The beacon signals b31, b32, ..., b36 are transmitted at regular intervals until a time when the water is started at the timing ta until the water is stopped at the timing tb.

[1-6. Display example of signal receiving terminal]

Fig. 7 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 56 of the signal receiving terminal 50 in steps S16 and S19 of the flowchart of Fig. 5. In this example, the case of replacing the filter cartridge is notified when either of the following two conditions is reached first, that is, 6 months after the replacement of the previous filter cartridge, or when the amount of water exceeds 2000L.

Fig. 7A is an example of a case where the filter replacement information is not included in the beacon signal B1. At this time, based on the information of the accumulated water amount and the elapsed time included in the beacon signal B1, the period of use of the filter cartridges 21, 22, and 23 from the replacement, and the amount of water used by the filter cartridges 21, 22, and 23 are displayed.

In the example of Fig. 7A, the current situation is "the elapsed time: 4 months; the amount of water used: 1400 liters". Further, in the signal receiving terminal 50, the processing unit 52 calculates the time and the amount of water passing the threshold value. Further, the display unit 56 displays the time when the calculated distance exceeds the threshold value and the amount of water, and is displayed as "the distance replacement filter has a usage time: 2 months; the usage water amount: 600 liters!".

Fig. 7B is an example of a case where the beacon signal B1 may contain filter replacement information because the elapsed time exceeds the threshold (6 months). At this time, based on the filter replacement information included in the beacon signal B1, the information indicating "replace the filter!!" is displayed on the display unit 56 to inform the replacement filter. Further, based on the information on the accumulated water amount and the elapsed time included in the beacon signal B1, the period of time from the replacement of the filter cartridges 21, 22, and 23 and the amount of water used by the filter cartridges 21, 22, and 23 are displayed. For example, the display unit 56 displays "as of now Room: 6 months; use of water: 1500 liters."

Further, a link to the image of "Click here to purchase the filter" is displayed on the lower portion of the display unit 56. When the picture link is clicked by the user operation, the signal receiving terminal 50 will visit the website selling the filter cartridges 21, 22, 23 on the Internet, and the display unit 56 becomes a screen displaying the website of the sales filter.

Fig. 7C is an example of a case where the filter replacement information is included in the beacon signal B1 because the amount of water used exceeds the threshold (2000 liters). At this time, based on the filter replacement information included in the beacon signal B1, the information indicating the replacement of the filter "Please replace the filter!!" is displayed on the display unit 56. Further, based on the information on the accumulated water amount and the elapsed time included in the beacon signal B1, the period of time from the replacement of the filter cartridges 21, 22, and 23 and the amount of water used by the filter cartridges 21, 22, and 23 are displayed. For example, on the display unit 56, "the elapsed time until now: 4 months; the amount of water used: 2000L" is displayed.

In the case of the display example of FIG. 7C, the image link of "Click here to purchase filter" is displayed on the lower part of the display unit 56, and the website of the sales filter cartridge can be visited by the user's click.

Since the display as described above is presented to the signal receiving terminal 50, the information of the "replacement time of the filter cartridge that has reached the water purifier 20" can be reliably notified to the user holding the signal receiving terminal 50. Further, even in the case where the replacement time of the filter cartridge is not reached, since the elapsed period and the amount of used water shown in Fig. 7A are displayed, it is possible to estimate whether or not the replacement time of the filter cartridge has come.

Further, since the beacon device 30 transmits the beacon signal in response to the purification in the water purifier 20, the beacon signal is transmitted only when the water purifier 20 is used, and the beacon device 30 can transmit the signal. The period of the standard signal is suppressed to a minimum. Therefore, the beacon device 30 can suppress the consumption of the mounted battery 27 to a minimum, and the battery 27 can be used to operate the beacon device 30 for a long period of time.

Furthermore, it is designed to replace the battery 27 at the same time when the filter cartridges 21, 22, 23 are replaced. borrow Thus, the determination unit 33 and the timer 34 in the beacon device 30 are reset at the same time as the battery is replaced. Therefore, at the time of replacement of the filter cartridges 21, 22, and 23, since the user does not need to perform the resetting operation during the elapsed period and the amount of used water, it is not necessary to perform an unnecessary operation at the time of replacement of the filter cartridge, and the reset can be surely performed.

[1-7. Another example of processing action (Example 2)]

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing another example of the processing operation in the beacon device 30 and the signal receiving terminal 50 when the water purifier 20 is used.

In the example of the flowchart of FIG. 5, when the elapsed time since the replacement of the filter cartridges 21, 22, 23 does not exceed the threshold value, and the accumulated usage water amount does not exceed the threshold value, the transmission does not include filtering in step S20. The beacon signal B1 of the information exchange is replaced. On the other hand, in the flowchart of FIG. 8, when the elapsed time does not exceed the threshold (6 months) in step S16, the process returns to the judgment of step S11. The other processing of the flowchart of Fig. 8 is the same as the processing explained in the flowchart of Fig. 5.

When the processing of the flowchart of Fig. 8 is performed, the beacon apparatus 30 transmits the beacon signal B1 only when the elapsed time exceeds the threshold value, or when the accumulated usage water amount exceeds the threshold value. Therefore, as the display form in the signal receiving terminal 50, only one of the display when the elapsed time exceeds the threshold value shown in FIG. 7B or the display when the used water amount exceeds the threshold value as shown in FIG. 7C is performed. The display when the threshold value is not exceeded as shown in Fig. 7A is not performed.

When the processing of the flowchart of Fig. 8 is performed, the beacon device 30 transmits the beacon signal B1 only when it is necessary to inform the user of the replacement of the filter cartridge, and does not transmit the beacon signal in other cases. Therefore, the frequency at which the beacon signal B1 is transmitted becomes lower, and the duration of the battery 27 can be pursued for a long time.

<2. Second embodiment example>

Hereinafter, a device information notification system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 9 and 10 . In FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 for explaining the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the portions corresponding to those in FIGS. 1 to 8 described in the first embodiment, and the detailed description thereof is omitted. Bright.

[2-1. Internal configuration example of beacon device and signal receiving terminal]

Fig. 9 is a view showing an example of the configuration of a device information notification system of the second embodiment. The machine information notification system of the second embodiment is the same as the machine information notification system shown in FIG. 1. As an example of the consumables provided in the machine installed in the man-made structure, it is applied to the filter cartridge of the water purifier. An example of notifying the user during the replacement period. The configuration of the water purifier 20 is the same as that of the water purifier 20 described in the first embodiment.

As shown in Fig. 9, the beacon device 30' provided in the water purifier 20 includes a use detecting unit 31, a water amount measuring unit 32, a timer 34, a storage unit 35, and a signal transmitting unit 36.

The use detecting unit 31 detects the use of the water purifier 20 by the detection signal outputted from the reed switch 24c (FIG. 4) in the water purifier 20. When the use detecting unit 31 detects that the water purifier 20 is in use, the use detecting unit 31 supplies a signal indicating that the water purifier 20 is being used to the water amount measuring unit 32.

The water amount measuring unit 32 performs a process of measuring the accumulated accumulated water amount based on the supplied time (i.e., the time of use of the water purifier) indicating that the signal is being used, and the measured value of the accumulated water amount is memorized. Memory unit 35. Then, the measured value of the accumulated water amount obtained by the water amount measuring unit 32 is supplied to the signal transmitting unit 36.

Moreover, the information of the elapsed time from the previous replacement of the filter cartridges 21, 22, and 23 is supplied from the timer 34 to the signal transmitting unit 36.

When the use detecting unit 31 detects that the water purifier 20 is in use, the signal transmitting unit 36 transmits the beacon signal B2 in response to the use of the water purifier 20. At this time, the identification information stored in the memory unit 35 and supplied to each of the beacon devices 30 is added to the beacon signal B2 in the signal transmitting unit 36, and the information on the accumulated water amount and the elapsed time is added to the signal transmitting unit 36.

Next, the configuration of the signal receiving terminal 50' will be explained.

The signal receiving terminal 50' is provided with a signal receiving unit 51 that receives a beacon signal. In the letter The number receiving unit 51 performs processing of receiving the beacon signal B2. When the signal receiving unit 51 receives the beacon signal B2, the signal receiving unit 51 supplies the processing unit 52 with additional information such as identification information included in the beacon signal B2.

The processing unit 52 includes an application execution unit 53b. Since the application execution unit 53b executes the specific application, the processing unit 52 performs a notification operation of displaying various kinds of information obtained by the reception of the beacon signal B2 on the display unit 56. Further, the storage unit 54 preliminarily stores the identification information of the beacon signal transmitted by the beacon device 30' by the processing of the application executed by the application execution unit 53b.

Further, when the signal receiving unit 51 receives the beacon signal, the processing unit 52 performs a process of determining whether or not the identification information included in the received beacon signal matches the identification information stored in the storage unit 54. Further, when the identification information included in the received beacon signal matches the identification information stored in the memory unit 54, the processing unit 52 performs processing based on the information included in the beacon signal received at this time based on the instruction of the application program. .

[2-2. Example of processing operation of the use of water purifier]

Fig. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of the processing operation in the beacon device 30' and the signal receiving terminal 50' used in the water purifier 20 of Fig. 9.

First, the use detecting unit 31 of the beacon device 30' determines whether or not the detection signal that the reed switch 24c is in the ON state is detected (step S31). Here, when the detection signal that the reed switch 24c is in the ON state is not detected, the use detecting unit 31 changes the standby to the reed switch 24c to the ON state.

Further, in step S31, when the detection unit 31 detects the detection signal of the ON state, the measurement of the usage time at the water amount measuring unit 32 is started (step S32). When the measurement of the usage time is started, the water amount measuring unit 32 determines the amount of water to be purified based on the use time (step S33), and the measured amount of purified water is added to the accumulated water amount value (step S34) to update the accumulated water amount value. Further, the signal transmitting unit 36 transmits a beacon signal including the identification information, the elapsed time, and the accumulated water amount (step S35).

Thereafter, when the signal receiving terminal 50' receives the beacon signal transmitted in step S35 (step S36), the processing unit 52 in the signal receiving terminal 50' determines whether the accumulated accumulated water amount exceeds a preset threshold ( 2000 liters) (step S37). Further, when it is determined in the judgment of step S37 that the threshold value is not exceeded, the processing unit 52 determines whether or not the elapsed time of transmission exceeds a preset threshold (6 months) (step S38).

When it is determined in any of the steps S37 and S38 that the threshold value is exceeded, the processing unit 52 notifies the user of the replacement of the filter on the display unit 56 based on the information added to the received beacon signal. The display is displayed, and the accumulated water amount and the elapsed time are displayed (step S39). At this time, a display such as that shown in FIG. 7B or FIG. 7C is performed.

Further, when it is determined in the judgment of the step S38 that the threshold value is not exceeded, the processing unit 52 displays the accumulated water amount and the elapsed time on the display unit 56 based on the information added to the received beacon signal (step S40). At this time, for example, the display shown in FIG. 7A is performed.

When the signal receiving terminal 50' performs the display in step S39 or S40, it ends the notification processing.

<3. Change example>

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a system for notifying the user of the replacement of the filter cartridge of the water purifier 20 is employed. On the other hand, it is also possible to use a system that informs the user of the information on the consumables provided by other devices (machines used by the user). For example, when a machine such as an air cleaner, a ventilating fan, or a humidifier is provided with a consumable such as a filter that needs to be periodically replaced, the user's system is notified of the replacement of the consumables such as the filter.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a communication terminal called a smart phone is applied to a signal receiving terminal used by a user. On the other hand, other terminals having the function of receiving a beacon signal can also be applied to the signal receiving terminal. For example, a tablet terminal having a function of receiving a beacon signal, a cellular phone terminal, or the like can also be applied to a signal receiving terminal. Or, you can prepare a dedicated signal for each machine equipped with a beacon device such as a water purifier. The receiving terminal notifies the user of the replacement of components such as filters by the dedicated signal receiving terminal.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a signal transmitted in the low energy mode of the Bluetooth specification of 4.0 is used as the beacon signal. In contrast, beacon signals to which other communication methods are applied may be employed.

Further, the display screen displayed by the signal receiving terminal shown in FIG. 7 is only displayed as an example, and may be another display screen. For example, in the example of FIG. 7, in the screen showing the replacement time of the filter cartridge, the image link of the website visiting the sales filter cartridge is displayed. On the other hand, the display form other than the picture link can also be displayed as a guide for the filter cartridge. For example, the user can directly subscribe to the purchase request screen of the specific model filter of the filter cartridge conforming to the form of the water purifier 20 being used, and display it on the same screen (or other screen).

In addition, in order to guide the user to purchase the filter cartridge, the detailed information (product number, price, etc.) of the filter cartridge to be replaced can be displayed on the screen indicating the replacement time of the filter cartridge.

10‧‧‧流台

11‧‧‧Water tap

12‧‧‧Water supply pipe

20‧‧‧Water purifier

21‧‧‧ filter cartridge

22‧‧‧ filter cartridge

23‧‧‧ filter cartridge

30‧‧‧Beacon device

50‧‧‧Signal receiving terminal

B1‧‧‧ beacon signal

U‧‧‧Users

Claims (28)

A beacon apparatus is characterized in that it is attached to a device using consumables, and has a memory unit that memorizes the identification information, and a use detection unit that detects the use of the aforementioned device accompanying the use of the consumables. And a signal transmitting unit that transmits a beacon signal including the identification information when the use of the device detected by the use detecting unit is triggered. The beacon apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a measurement unit that measures an amount of use of the consumable product based on a time period of use of the device detected by the use detecting unit; and the signal transmission unit transmits the display further including the measurement The beacon signal of the measurement information of the aforementioned usage amount of the consumables measured by the part. The beacon apparatus of claim 2, further comprising: a determination unit that determines whether the aforementioned usage amount of the consumables exceeds a specific threshold value; and the signal transmission unit uses the aforementioned usage amount of the consumable item beyond the specific threshold At the time of the value, a beacon signal further containing the replacement information of the aforementioned consumables is transmitted. The beacon apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a timer for measuring an elapsed time from the replacement of the consumable; and the signal transmitting unit transmits a beacon signal further including an elapsed time information indicating the elapsed time. The beacon apparatus of claim 4, further comprising: a determination unit that determines whether the elapsed time exceeds a specific threshold; and the signal transmitting unit exceeds the specific threshold when the elapsed time exceeds the specific threshold A beacon signal further containing replacement information of the aforementioned consumables is transmitted. The beacon apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a measuring unit that measures the usage amount of the consumable item based on a time period of use of the device detected by the use detecting unit; and a timer that is measured from And a time period after the replacement of the consumables; and the signal transmitting unit transmits at least one of measurement information further including the usage amount of the consumables measured by the measurement unit and elapsed time information indicating the elapsed time. Beacon signal. The beacon apparatus of claim 6, further comprising: a determination unit that determines whether the usage amount of the consumable item exceeds a specific first threshold value, and determines whether the elapsed time exceeds a specific second threshold value; The signal transmitting unit transmits a beacon further including the replacement information of the consumable item when the usage amount of the consumables exceeds the specific first threshold value or when the elapsed time exceeds the specific second threshold value signal. The beacon device of claim 1, wherein the signal transmitting unit transmits the beacon signal after the use detecting unit detects the end of use of the device. The beacon apparatus of claim 1, wherein the signal transmitting unit transmits the beacon signal after the use detecting unit detects the start of use of the device. The beacon device of claim 1, wherein the signal transmitting unit transmits the beacon signal while the use detecting unit detects use of the device. A water purifying device characterized by comprising: a filter capable of being replaced; a detecting unit that detects a flow of water passing through the filter to output a detection signal; and a beacon device having identification information, And the aforementioned from the aforementioned detecting portion The supply of the detection signal is a trigger to transmit a beacon signal including the identification information. The water purification device according to claim 11, further comprising: a measurement unit that measures a usage amount of the filter based on a time period of the flow of the water passing through the filter detected by the detection unit; and the beacon device transmission further includes a display a beacon signal of measurement information of the usage amount of the filter measured by the measuring unit. The water purification device of claim 12, further comprising a determination unit for determining whether said usage amount of said filter exceeds a specific threshold value; and said aforementioned usage amount of said beacon device in said filter exceeds said specific threshold At the time of the value, a beacon signal further containing the replacement information of the aforementioned filter is transmitted. The water purifying device of claim 11, further comprising a timer for measuring an elapsed time since the replacement of the filter; and the beacon device transmitting a beacon signal further comprising displaying the elapsed time information of the elapsed time. The water purification device of claim 14, further comprising: a determination unit that determines whether the elapsed time exceeds a specific threshold; and the beacon device further includes the filtering when the elapsed time exceeds the specific threshold The beacon signal of the replacement information of the device. The water purification device according to claim 11, further comprising: a measuring unit that measures the amount of use of the filter based on a time period during which the detecting unit detects a flow of water passing through the filter; and a timer Measuring the elapsed time since the replacement of the filter; and transmitting, by the beacon device, measurement information indicating the usage amount of the filter measured by the measurement unit, and displaying the elapsed time A beacon signal of at least one of the time information. The water purification device of claim 16, further comprising: a determination unit that determines whether the usage amount of the filter exceeds a specific first threshold value, and determines whether the elapsed time exceeds a specific second threshold value; The beacon device transmits a beacon further including the replacement information of the filter when the usage amount of the filter exceeds the specific first threshold value or when the elapsed time exceeds the specific second threshold value signal. The water purifying device of claim 11, wherein the beacon device transmits the beacon signal after the detecting unit detects the end of the flow of water passing through the filter. The water purifying device of claim 11, wherein the beacon device transmits the beacon signal after the detecting unit detects the start of the flow of water passing through the filter. A water purifying device according to claim 11, wherein said beacon device transmits said beacon signal while said detecting portion detects a flow of water passing through said filter. A machine information notification system, comprising: a beacon device installed in a machine using consumables and transmitting a beacon signal; and a signal receiving terminal receiving the beacon signal; and the beacon device a memory unit that is a memory identification information, a use detection unit that detects a user of the device that is associated with the use of the consumable product, and a signal transmission unit that is the machine that is detected by the use detection unit. The use of the aforementioned beacon signal including the identification information is transmitted as an opportunity; and the signal receiving terminal notifies the information about the use of the aforementioned device when receiving the beacon signal. The machine information notification system of claim 21, wherein the aforementioned beacon device further has The measurement unit that measures the usage amount of the consumables based on the time of use of the device detected by the detection unit; and the signal transmission unit transmits the usage amount of the consumables measured by the measurement unit. A beacon signal that measures information. The device information notification system according to claim 22, wherein the beacon device further includes a determination unit that determines whether the usage amount of the consumables exceeds a specific threshold value, and the signal transmission unit exceeds the usage amount of the consumable item At the specific threshold value, a beacon signal further including replacement information of the consumables is transmitted. The device information notification system of claim 21, wherein the beacon device further includes a timer for measuring an elapsed time since the replacement of the consumable item; and the signal transmitting unit transmits the elapsed time information further including the elapsed time. Beacon signal. The device information notification system of claim 24, wherein the beacon device further includes a determination unit that determines whether the elapsed time exceeds a specific threshold value; and the signal transmission unit, when the elapsed time exceeds the specific threshold value, A beacon signal further containing replacement information of the aforementioned consumables is transmitted. The device information notification system according to claim 21, wherein the beacon device further includes: a measurement unit that measures the usage amount of the consumable item based on a time period of use of the device detected by the use detection unit; and a timer And measuring the elapsed time from the replacement of the consumables; and the signal transmitting unit transmits the measurement information further including the usage amount indicating the consumables measured by the measurement unit, and displaying the elapsed time A beacon signal of at least one of the time information. The device information notification system of claim 26, wherein the beacon device further comprises determining whether the usage amount of the consumable item exceeds a specific first threshold value, and determining whether the elapsed time exceeds a specific second threshold value a determination unit; and the signal transmission unit transmits the consumable product further when the usage amount of the consumable product exceeds the specific first threshold value or when the elapsed time exceeds the specific second threshold value Replace the beacon signal of the information. The machine information notification system of claim 21, wherein the machine is a water purifier having: a filter capable of being replaced; and a detecting unit that detects a flow of water passing through the filter to output a detection signal The use detecting unit supplies the detection signal from the detecting unit, and detects the use of the water purifier accompanying the use of the filter based on the detection signal.