WO2018124291A1

WO2018124291A1 - Water purifier, water purifier system, water purifier management system, and method for detecting water purifier usage state

Info

Publication number: WO2018124291A1
Application number: PCT/JP2017/047303
Authority: WO
Inventors: 由修河合; 昇三木村
Original assignee: 三菱ケミカル・クリンスイ株式会社
Priority date: 2016-12-28
Filing date: 2017-12-28
Publication date: 2018-07-05
Also published as: TW201829044A; JPWO2018124291A1; JP7104839B2; JP6921122B2; JP2021181090A

Abstract

A water purifier is provided with a near-field wireless communication device using power supplied from another device. The water purifier is also provided with: a sensor that detects usage amount information relating to the usage state of a cartridge; a control unit that records in a storage unit the cartridge usage amount information detected by the sensor; and a first communication unit that transmits the usage amount information recorded in the storage unit to the other device via near-field wireless communication using power supplied by the other device.

Description

Water purifier, water purifier system, water purifier management system, and water purifier usage status detection method

The present invention relates to a water purifier, a water purifier system, a water purifier management system, and a water purifier usage status detection method.
The present application includes Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-254765 filed in Japan on December 28, 2016, Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-143828 filed in Japan on July 25, 2017, and December 20, 2017. Claim priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-244487 filed in Japan on the day, the contents of which are incorporated herein.

With the spread of the Internet and smartphones, the so-called IoT (Internet of Things) technology that connects goods and people and provides information is rapidly spreading. For example, in Patent Document 1, information indicating the degree of filter wear based on the number of times of opening and closing the lid detected by the lid opening / closing detection unit provided in the lid of the water purifier is transmitted to the portable terminal device, and the portable terminal device A technique for displaying information that prompts replacement of a filter according to the degree of wear is disclosed. For example, Patent Document 2 describes a water purifier including a detection unit that detects a state where water purification treatment is performed and a beacon device. In this water purifier, the beacon device transmits a signal for notifying the replacement time of the filter to the user's mobile terminal device based on the total time during which the water purification treatment detected by the detection unit is performed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2015-219688 JP 2016-96421 A

In the techniques described in

Patent Documents

1 and 2, in any case, a water purifier is provided with a communication device, and this communication device transmits information related to the deterioration of the filter of the water purifier at predetermined time intervals. However, in such a configuration, the power consumed by the communication device is enormous, so a power supply device is required, and there are problems in terms of cost and arrangement space. For example, in the case of a faucet-directly connected water purifier, power is often supplied by a button battery stored inside the water purifier, but it is not realistic to cover the power consumed by the communication device by the button battery. .

The present invention provides a water purifier, a water purifier system, a water purifier management system, and a water purifier usage status detection method that can solve the above-described problems.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the water purifier includes a short-range wireless communication device that is powered by another device.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the water purifier includes a sensor that detects usage amount information relating to the usage status of the cartridge, a control unit that records the usage amount information of the cartridge detected by the sensor in the storage unit, and A first communication unit that transmits the usage information recorded in the storage unit to the other device by short-range wireless communication by power feeding from the other device.

The water purifier according to the third aspect of the present invention includes a button battery that supplies power for the detection process by the sensor and the recording process to the storage unit.

The water purifier according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized by not including a display unit that displays the usage amount information.

According to the 5th aspect of this invention, it supplies with respect to the said water purifier and the said 1st communication part, performs the short distance radio | wireless communication, and receives the said usage-amount information from the said 1st communication part. A water purifier system comprising: a communication unit; and a portable communication device that includes a display control unit that outputs information that prompts replacement of the cartridge.

In the water purifier system according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the display control unit outputs information for guiding product information of a cartridge corresponding to the water purifier.

In the water purifier system according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the display control unit outputs the usage information.

In the water purifier system according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the mobile communication device includes a display unit that displays information output by the display control unit.

In the water purifier system according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the display control unit prompts reception of the usage amount information after a predetermined period has elapsed since the second communication unit received the usage amount information. Output information.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the water purifier system according to any one of the above and an analysis server device that communicates with the portable communication device, wherein the analysis server device includes the portable communication device, A third communication unit that performs communication; and a determination unit that determines the replacement time of the cartridge based on the usage amount information received from the portable communication device, wherein the determination unit has reached the replacement time of the cartridge If it is determined, the water purifier management system in which the third communication unit transmits information indicating the arrival of the cartridge replacement time to the portable communication device.

In the water purifier management system according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the analysis server device further includes a prediction unit that predicts the replacement time of the cartridge based on the usage amount information received from the mobile communication device, When the cartridge replacement time predicted by the prediction unit arrives, the third communication unit transmits information indicating the arrival of the cartridge replacement time to the portable communication device.

In the water purifier management system according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the prediction unit predicts the replacement time of the cartridge based on the past history of the usage amount information related to the cartridge.

In the water purifier management system according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the prediction unit predicts the replacement time of a cartridge based on usage information on other cartridges used in an area where the cartridge is used. Do it.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, a sensor that detects usage amount information related to the usage status of a cartridge, and a communication that transmits the usage amount information detected by the sensor by short-range wireless communication by power feeding from another device. Is a water purifier usage status detection method in which a device having a function of reading information by short-range wireless communication is brought close to a water purifier comprising a unit, and the usage information is detected.

According to the water purifier, the water purifier system, the water purifier management system, and the water purifier usage status detection method described above, the power consumption by communication is provided by providing the water purifier with a device for short-range wireless communication by feeding from another device. Therefore, the power consumption of the water purifier is reduced, and the frequency of battery replacement can be reduced. Further, it is possible to determine the replacement time of the cartridge and present the replacement time to the user.

It is the schematic of the water purifier management system 1 in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of water purifier 10 in one embodiment of the present invention. It is a functional block diagram of water purifier management system 1 in one embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining communication of the usage-amount information with the water purifier 10 and portable communication apparatus 20 in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the relationship between the usage-amount information which the water purifier 10 in one Embodiment of this invention memorize | stores, and the reading process of the usage-amount information by the portable communication apparatus 20. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the communication process of the usage-amount information in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a 1st figure which shows an example of the usage-amount information recorded on the memory | storage part 406 in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the guidance information which the portable communication apparatus 20 displays in one Embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a reset process of usage amount information at the time of cartridge replacement according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a 2nd figure which shows an example of the usage-amount information recorded on the memory | storage part 406 in one Embodiment of this invention. It is the 1st figure showing an example of water purifier 10A in one embodiment of the present invention. It is a 2nd figure which shows an example of 10 A of water purifiers in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the example of mounting of the control apparatus 100 in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the water purifier management system 1 in one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a first diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on a display unit 201 by a display control unit 202 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a second diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the display unit 201 by the display control unit 202 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 10 is a third diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the display unit 201 by the display control unit 202 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the starting screen in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a 1st figure which shows an example of the initial registration screen in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a 2nd figure which shows an example of the initial registration screen in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a 3rd figure which shows an example of the initial registration screen in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a 1st figure which shows an example of the water purifier status display screen in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a 2nd figure which shows an example of the water purifier status display screen in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a 3rd figure which shows an example of the water purifier status display screen in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a 4th figure which shows an example of the water purifier status display screen in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a 5th figure which shows an example of the water purifier status display screen in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a 6th figure which shows an example of the water purifier status display screen in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a 7th figure which shows an example of the water purifier status display screen in one Embodiment of this invention. It is an 8th figure which shows an example of the water purifier status display screen in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the menu screen of cartridge replacement | exchange in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the cartridge purchase screen in one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a first diagram illustrating an example of a cartridge replacement method display screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a second diagram illustrating an example of a cartridge replacement method display screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a third diagram illustrating an example of a cartridge replacement method display screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the battery replacement method display screen in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting screen in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the push notification display screen in one Embodiment of this invention.

<Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a water purifier management system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
Drawing 1 is a schematic diagram of water purifier management system 1 in one embodiment of the present invention.
The water purifier management system 1 is a system that monitors the usage status of the water purifier 10 and thereby guides the user when to replace the cartridge of the water purifier 10. The water purifier management system 1 includes a water purifier 10, a portable communication device 20, a PC (Personal Computer) terminal 30, an analysis server device 40, and an EC (Electronic Commerce) server device 50. The mobile communication device 20 and the PC terminal 30, the analysis server device 40, and the EC server device 50 are communicably connected via a network such as the Internet. Moreover, the portable communication apparatus 20 and the water purifier 10 are connected so that communication is possible by near field communication. The water purifier 10 is provided with a device for short-range wireless communication by power feeding from another device.
Near field communication in this application refers to NFC (Near Field Communication), which is a 13.56 MHz near field communication technology approved as an international standard, ISO / IEC18092 (NFC IP-1), ISO / IEC21418 (NFC IP -2) etc. IC card and RFID wireless communication technology. As specific communication technology of NFC (Near Field Communication), there are five types: Type1 (TOPAZ), Type2 (MIFARE Ultralight), Type3 (Felica), Type4 (ISO / IEC14443), Type5 (based on ISO / 15693), Examples include technologies such as NDEF (NFC Data Exchange Format), which is a common data format for NFC tags, and record types used in communications.

The water purifier 10 is, for example, a directly attached water purifier attached to a faucet of a user's house 60. The water purifier 10 can discharge water by switching between purified water, raw water, shower, and the like. The water purifier 10 has a function of detecting either one or both of the flow rate of purified water when used in the water purification mode and the flow rate of raw water flowing into the cartridge 4 and storing the result (usage amount information). ing. Moreover, the water purifier 10 incorporates an NFC communication module (hereinafter referred to as an NFC chip) as a short-range wireless communication device that is powered by another device, and stores it in the mobile communication device 20 using short-range wireless communication. The used usage information. The mobile communication device 20 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone equipped with an NFC function owned by the user. The portable communication device 20 has functions necessary for NFC communication. The portable communication device 20 supplies power to the NFC chip of the water purifier 10 and receives usage information from the NFC chip. Moreover, the portable communication apparatus 20 transmits the usage-amount information received from the water purifier 10 to the analysis server apparatus 40 via a network.

The PC terminal 30 is a computer installed in the user's house 60, for example. The user accesses the analysis server device 40 and the EC server device 50 using the mobile communication device 20 or the PC terminal 30.
The analysis server device 40 accumulates the usage information received from the mobile communication device 20 and analyzes the usage status of the water purifier 10. Then, the analysis server device 40 determines or predicts the replacement time of the cartridge of the water purifier 10 based on the analyzed usage status data. The EC server device 50 receives a cartridge order from the user.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the water purifier 10 in one embodiment of the present invention.
The water purifier 10 illustrated in FIG. 2 is mainly composed of a substantially octagonal water purifier main body 2 and a substantially cylindrical cartridge 4, and one end of the water purifier main body 2 along the substantially horizontal direction. Thus, the lower part of the cartridge 4 along the substantially vertical direction is coupled to form a substantially L shape. Moreover, this water purifier 10 is formed so as to be plane-symmetric with a central section in the front-rear direction (hereinafter simply referred to as a central section). Here, in this embodiment, the front-rear direction is a state in which the longitudinal direction of the water purifier 10 is perpendicular to the arm 3a of the faucet 3, and the front of the faucet 3, that is, the arm 3a. The front-rear direction seen from the user standing on the extension line. In addition, the water purifier main body 2 is not limited to a substantially octagonal prism shape.

The water purifier 10 is covered with a case body 5 that is plane-symmetric with respect to the central section. In the approximate center at the top of the case body 5, a receiving port (raw water receiving port) 7 for receiving tap water as raw water is formed from the faucet 3, and this receiving port 7 is connected to the faucet 3 via a ring-shaped mounting jig 8. It is attached to the discharge port. The water purifier main body 2 is provided with a switching operation unit 6. The switching operation unit 6 is formed to be rotatable in the front-rear direction around a rotation axis along the longitudinal direction of the water purifier main body 2. By operating the switching operation unit 6, the flow path of the tap water supplied to the receiving port 7 is switched, and the raw water outlet provided at the bottom of the water purifier body 2, the shower outlet, or the lower part of the cartridge 4 It can be made to discharge from any one of the purified water outlets provided. For example, when the switching operation unit 6 is rotated to the back side in the front-rear direction, the purified water filtered by the filtering material in the cartridge 4 is discharged from the purified water outlet. Moreover, if the switching operation part 6 is rotated to the front side in the front-rear direction, the raw water is directly discharged from the raw water outlet. Moreover, if the switching operation part 6 is rotated to the intermediate position of the front-back direction, shower-shaped raw | natural water will be discharged from a shower exit. The switching positions of the switching operation unit 6 corresponding to each outlet are referred to as a purified water position, a shower position, and a raw water position, respectively.

The water purifier main body 2 includes a flow rate detection unit 120 that detects the flow rate of raw water flowing into the cartridge 4, a control device 100 configured by a control circuit board including an NFC chip, and a power supply unit 110 that supplies power to them. Is built-in.
The flow rate detection unit 120 has an internal magnet and an axial flow impeller (not shown) that rotates at a speed corresponding to the flow rate of the fluid flowing from upstream to downstream, and the rotation of the impeller. And a rotational speed detector (not shown) for detecting the magnetic flux density displaced, and an arithmetic part (not shown) for calculating the flow rate based on the detection result of the rotational speed detector. The impeller of the flow rate detection unit 120 is provided in a flow path for sending raw water flowing from the receiving port 7 to the cartridge 4 when the switching position of the switching operation unit 6 is set to the purified water position. The flow rate detection unit 120 outputs information on the detected flow rate to the control device 100. As the recording process, the control device 100 acquires flow rate information and records it in the built-in storage unit 103. In addition, the control device 100 transmits usage information to the mobile communication device 20 by NFC communication led by the mobile communication device 20. Details of the control device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. Further, a battery housing part (not shown) is provided inside the case body 5 on the back side (the back side of the paper) of the water purifier body 2, and a button battery (power supply unit 110) is housed in the battery housing part. Yes. The power supply unit 110 supplies power to the flow rate detection unit 120 and the control device 100.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the water purifier management system 1 in one embodiment of the present invention.
The functions of the water purifier 10, the mobile communication device 20, and the analysis server device 40 shown in FIG. 3 show functions related to the present embodiment, and may have other functions.
As shown in FIG. 3, the water purifier 10 includes a control device 100, a power supply unit 110, and a flow rate detection unit 120. As described with reference to FIG. 2, the flow rate detection unit 120 detects the flow rate of the raw water flowing into the cartridge 4. The power supply unit 110 is a button battery that supplies power to the flow rate detection unit 120 and the control device 100. The button battery supplies power for a detection process for outputting the flow rate information detected by the flow rate detection unit 120 to the control device 100 and a recording process for acquiring the flow rate information and recording it in the storage unit 103 of the write control unit 102. However, this power is not used for NFC communication.
The control device 100 includes an input unit 101, a write control unit 102, a storage unit 103, and a communication unit 104. The control device 100 includes an NFC chip.
The input unit 101 inputs information on the flow rate detected by the flow rate detection unit 120. The input unit 101 outputs flow rate information to the write control unit 102.
The write control unit 102 writes the flow rate information acquired from the input unit 101 in the storage unit 103. In addition, the writing control unit 102 deletes the usage amount information including the flow rate information transmitted to the mobile communication device 20 from the storage unit 103.
The storage unit 103 is, for example, a storage medium included in the NFC chip, and stores usage information acquired from the flow rate detection unit 120. The usage amount information is information indicating the usage status of the cartridge based on the flow rate information detected by the flow rate detection unit 120. Specific contents of the usage amount information will be described later. For example, the daily flow rate detected by the flow rate detection unit 120 is one of them.
The communication unit 104 transmits the usage amount information stored in the storage unit 103 to the mobile communication device 20. The communication unit 104 is an antenna in an NFC chip, for example.
The NFC chip requires an operation at a close range of several centimeters (up to about 10 centimeters) for communication with the mobile communication device 20 and wireless power feeding from the mobile communication device 20. The NFC chip is placed in consideration of the positional relationship between the water purifier 10 and the portable communication device 20.
When the NFC chip is built in the upper surface portion of the water purifier 10, the front side slope of the upper surface, or the front side, when the user performs communication by bringing the water purifier 10 and the mobile communication device 20 close to each other, Since the communication operation can be performed while the display unit 201 is visible, the communication operation can be easily performed. Moreover, in order to make communication operation more reliable, when the mark which shows the place (place where the portable communication apparatus 20 is approached) where the NFC chip is built in the water purifier 10 is provided, or the communication operation was performed normally. When the information indicating this is displayed on the display unit 201 of the mobile communication device 20, if the NFC chip is built in the upper surface of the water purifier 10, the front side slope of the upper surface, or the front side, the user Is suitable because it is easily visible. Especially when it is the upper surface part of the water purifier 10 or the front side slope of the upper surface, the location where the NFC chip is built in the display unit 201 of the mobile communication device 20 or the water purifier 10 from the positional relationship of the user's eyes ( It is easy to see the mark indicating the place where the mobile communication device 20 is brought closer.
On the other hand, due to restrictions on the design and structure of the water purifier 10, it is not always possible to incorporate the NFC chip on the upper surface of the water purifier 10, the front side slope of the upper surface, or the front side. In this case, an NFC chip may be built in the side surface or the lower surface of the water purifier. When communicating with the water purifier 10 and the portable communication device 20 in proximity, the user does not always perform a communication operation in a non-contact state, and may be in a contact state. Since the faucet 3 to which the water purifier 10 is attached normally rotates in the left-right direction, when the NFC chip is built in the side surface of the water purifier 10, the water purifier 10 and the portable communication device 20 are connected. Since the faucet 3 swings to the left and right in the contact state, it is possible to prevent the faucet 3 from being loaded. Moreover, since it will be the operation | movement which lifts the portable communication apparatus 20 from the bottom up if it is a lower surface side, when the water purifier 10 and the portable communication apparatus 20 will be in a contact state, the load concerning the faucet 3 is a purified water Compared to the case where the NFC chip is built in the upper surface of the vessel 10, the front side slope of the upper surface, or the front side.
That the above-mentioned communication operation was normally performed so that a user can recognize that communication is performed normally in a non-contact state so that water purifier 10 and portable communication device 20 may not be in a contact state. In addition to displaying the information to be displayed on the display unit 201 of the mobile communication device 20, the water purifier 10 may be provided with a notification means by light or sound, or the mobile communication device 20 may have a notification method by light, sound or vibration.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the mobile communication device 20 includes a display unit 201, a display control unit 202, an NFC function unit 203, and a communication unit 204.
The display unit 201 is a display having an input function such as a touch panel.
The display control unit 202 is generally configured by a calculation unit (processor, CPU, control unit, processing device, etc.) and a storage unit (main memory such as RAM, storage such as HDD / SDD, register, cache memory, etc.). For example, when the user purchases the water purifier 10, the user can install the application in the mobile communication device 20 by accessing a manufacturer's server or site. The application is executed by the display control unit 202. Arithmetic units (processor, CPU, control unit, processing device, etc.) and storage units (main memory such as RAM, storage such as HDD / SDD, registers, cache memory, etc.) constituting the display control unit 202 execute applications. As a result, information for displaying a message prompting replacement of the cartridge 4 on the display unit 201 is output. Alternatively, the display control unit 202 outputs information for guiding the type (article number) of the cartridge 4 to be purchased by the user, or outputs information on the purchase destination.
Acquisition of usage information from the water purifier 10, control of transmission of the acquired usage information to the analysis server device 40, and the like can also be performed.
The NFC function unit 203 is an NFC module that communicates with the water purifier 10 by NFC and has a reader / writer unit having a read / write function. The NFC function unit 203 supplies power to the NFC chip of the control device 100 via the communication signal (carrier wave) to the water purifier 10, and uses the usage information recorded in the storage unit 103 via the communication unit 104 (antenna). Receive. As described above, the NFC function unit 203 is brought close to the NFC chip of the control device 100 as a power feeding method from the other device to the NFC chip of the control device 100, and the control device 100 is controlled from the NFC function unit 203 by electromagnetic induction. Wireless power supply to the NFC chip. As a power feeding method, not only wireless power feeding by electromagnetic induction but also wireless power feeding of a radio wave reception method or a magnetic resonance method may be adopted.
The communication unit 204 communicates with the analysis server device 40 and the EC server device 50 via a network such as the Internet by wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The communication unit 204, the analysis server device 40, and the EC server device 50 communicate with each other through a communication network of a mobile communication company as well as a method of performing wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) via a network. Selectable.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the analysis server device 40 includes a data collection unit 401, a data update unit 402, a determination unit 403, a prediction unit 404, an analysis unit 405, a storage unit 406, and a communication unit 407. . The analysis server device 40 is installed in, for example, a data center managed by the manufacturer of the water purifier 10, collects usage information from the portable communication devices 20 owned by users nationwide, and accumulates the collected usage information. To do. The analysis server device 40 determines whether or not the replacement time of the cartridge 4 has arrived for each water purifier 10 from the collected usage information, or predicts the replacement time of the cartridge 4.
The data collection unit 401 acquires the usage amount information received by the communication unit 407 from the mobile communication device 20. The data collection unit 401 outputs the acquired usage information to the data update unit 402.
The data update unit 402 records the usage amount information acquired by the data collection unit 401 in the storage unit 406.
Based on the usage information acquired by the data collection unit 401, the determination unit 403 determines whether the cartridge 4 of the water purifier 10 corresponding to the usage information has reached the replacement time.
The prediction unit 404 predicts the replacement time of the cartridge 4 based on the analysis of the usage amount information accumulated in the storage unit 406.
The analysis unit 405 analyzes the usage amount information accumulated in the storage unit 406 by using various statistical methods and methods such as machine learning. For example, the analysis unit 405 constructs a prediction model for predicting the replacement time of the cartridge 4 in consideration of seasonal variation and the like based on past use results of purified water. For example, the analysis unit 405 analyzes the tendency of the degree of consumption of the cartridge 4 for each region based on the usage amount information accumulated in the storage unit 406.
The storage unit 406 is a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The storage unit 406 stores usage amount information acquired from the plurality of mobile communication devices 20.
The communication unit 407 communicates with the mobile communication device 20 and the PC terminal 30 via a network.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating communication of usage information between the water purifier 10 and the portable communication device 20 in one embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 4, the faucet body 9 is installed on the sink 11. A water purifier 10 is attached to the tip of the faucet 3 provided in the faucet body 9. When the user uses purified water, the flow rate of the raw water flowing into the cartridge 4 is detected by the flow rate detection unit 120 and recorded in the control device 100 (storage unit 103).
When the user activates the application, the NFC function unit 203 starts sending a communication signal according to an instruction from the application. In this state, the user brings the mobile communication device 20 close to the water purifier 10. Then, the NFC function unit 203 communicates with the communication unit 104 and reads usage information from the water purifier 10. Further, the application is instructed to transmit the read usage information to the analysis server device 40 via the communication unit 204, and transmission is performed. In this way, cartridge usage information in the water purifier 10 used by each user is collected in the analysis server device 40.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the usage amount information stored in the water purifier 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention and the usage amount information reading process performed by the mobile communication device 20.
The left three columns in the table shown in FIG. 5 show a part of the usage information recorded in the storage unit 103 of the water purifier 10. The value in the “days” column is the number of days since the start of use of the cartridge 4. For example, the control device 100 is equipped with a circuit for counting the number of days, and the writing control unit 102 acquires the number of days elapsed after the start of use of the cartridge 4 from this circuit, and stores it together with clean water usage information. 103. The value in the “Actual Usage” column is the flow rate of raw water per day that flows into the cartridge 4. The writing control unit 102 acquires information on the flow rate detected by the flow rate detection unit 120 for each day, and records the information in the storage unit 103 in association with the number of days information. The value in the “main body integrated usage” column is an integrated value (cumulative value) of the actual usage of the cartridge 4. The writing control unit 102 accumulates information on the daily flow rate (“actual usage amount”) and records it in the storage unit 103 in association with the number of days information.
For example, in the data in the row where the value of “days” is “2”, the actual usage amount on the second day from the start of use of the cartridge 4 is 15 L, and the integrated value of the actual usage amount for 1 to 2 days is 25 L ( 1st day: 10L, 2nd day 15L).

The fourth column and the fifth column from the left in the table shown in FIG. 5 show a usage amount information reading process performed by the mobile communication device 20 and an integrated value reset process performed for each reading process. The reading process means that the mobile communication device 20 communicates with the control device 100 by the power supply of the mobile communication device 20, and the mobile communication device 20 receives the usage amount information in the storage unit 103.
The value “P” in the “NFC” column of the data in the row of “3” days indicates that the user has moved the mobile communication device 20 closer to the water purifier 10 and the usage amount information has been read. The value “0L” in the “Reset” column in the same row indicates that the integrated value in the storage unit 103 is reset to zero.
For example, in the data in the row where the value of “days” is “3”, the actual usage amount on the third day from the start of use of the cartridge 4 is 20 L, and the integrated value of the actual usage amount for 1 to 3 days is 45 L ( "Main body integrated usage"), and then indicates that the user has moved the portable communication device 20 closer to the water purifier 10 and performed a reading process. When the reading process is performed, the NFC function unit 203 of the mobile communication device 20 uses the actual usage amount of 1 to 3 days (1st day: 10L, 2nd day: 15L, 3rd day: 20L), the main body accumulated usage amount (45L). ) Information. In the control device 100 of the water purifier 10, when the transmission of the information is completed, the writing control unit 102 deletes the information on the actual usage amount and the main body accumulated usage amount on the first to third days recorded in the storage unit 103. . As a result, as indicated by the value in the “reset” column, the “main body integration” value is “0L”.

On the other hand, in the mobile communication device 20, the application is instructed to transmit the actual usage amount and the main body integration information of the first to third days read from the storage unit 103 to the analysis server device 40 via the communication unit 204. , Transmission is done. In the analysis server device 40, the data collection unit 401 acquires the information and records it in the storage unit 406. That is, the main body integration value of the water purifier 10 is cleared, but the main body integration value remains in the analysis server device 40.
Next, when looking at the data in the row with the number of days “4”, the value of “main body integration” starts from 0 again, and is the same value as the actual usage amount “5L” on the fourth day.

Next, looking at the data in the row with the number of days “5”, the value “P” indicating that the reading process has been performed is described in the “NFC” column. As a result of the reading process, the body integrated value 15L on the 4th to 5th days is transmitted to the

analysis server device

40, and 60L (45L + 15L) is recorded in the analysis server device 40.

Next, the flow of usage information among the water purifier 10, the mobile communication device 20, and the analysis server device 40 will be described.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of communication processing of usage information according to an embodiment of the present invention.
As a premise, in the water purifier 10, the flow rate detection unit 120 detects the flow rate of water flowing into the cartridge 4 (step S11). In the control device 100, the input unit 101 periodically acquires the usage amount information detected by the flow rate detection unit 120 and outputs the value to the write control unit 102. The writing control unit 102 records the usage information for one day in the storage unit 103 in association with the number of days of use of the cartridge 4 every day. Further, the writing control unit 102 sums up the usage information for one day for each day, and calculates an integrated value of the usage information after the previous reading process. The writing control unit 102 records the integrated value in the storage unit 103 in association with the number of days of use of the cartridge 4.

Next, the user activates an application for reading usage information from the water purifier 10 installed in the mobile communication device 20 (step S12). When the application is activated, the NFC function unit 203 starts sending a communication signal by NFC according to an instruction from the application. The user brings the mobile communication device 20 close to the position where the control device 100 of the water purifier 10 is built (the position of the NFC chip). On the water purifier 10 side, the communication unit 104 receives wireless power supply by the communication signal transmitted from the NFC function unit 203 and starts communication. The communication unit 104 transmits the usage amount information stored in the storage unit 103 (step S13). Here, the usage information includes identification information of the water purifier 10, the number of days after the start of use of the cartridge 4, information on the flow rate associated with the number of days, and an integrated value of the flow rate. When the usage amount information is transmitted, the writing control unit 102 deletes the usage amount information recorded in the storage unit 103 (step S14).

On the other hand, in the mobile communication device 20, the NFC function unit 203 receives the usage amount information. Here, the application may add identification information of the mobile communication device 20 and position information of the mobile communication device 20 to the received usage information. The location information of the mobile communication device 20 is, for example, measured by the GPS function of the mobile communication device 20. The application is instructed by the communication unit 204 to transmit the usage information received by the NFC function unit 203 to the analysis server device 40 via the network, and transmission is performed (step S15).

In the analysis server device 40, the data collection unit 401 acquires the usage amount information transmitted by the mobile communication device 20 via the communication unit 407. The data collection unit 401 outputs the usage amount information to the data update unit 402. The data update unit 402 writes and accumulates usage amount information in the storage unit 406 (step S16). At this time, as described with reference to FIG. 5, the data update unit 402 identifies the latest data corresponding to the identification information of the water purifier 10, and integrates the flow rate acquired this time into the integrated value of the flow rate of the data. Add values. The value after addition is the cumulative usage.
Although it demonstrated with the example which records usage-amount information for every day as embodiment, when usage-amount information is recorded on the control apparatus 100 for every time, the usage-amount information may be read from the water purifier 10 several times a day. The actual usage amount per day of the cartridge 4 can be recorded in the analysis server device 40 more accurately. Moreover, if the amount-of-use information is recorded in the control apparatus 100 for every use of purified water, and the information is read as it is from the water purifier 10 and recorded in the analysis server 40, the user's purified water use status can be recorded more accurately. Alternatively, the data update unit 402 may record the accumulated usage days obtained by accumulating the usage days. The data update unit 402 transmits the accumulated usage amount and the accumulated usage days to the mobile communication device 20 via the communication unit 407 (step S17). In the mobile communication device 20, the communication unit 204 receives information such as cumulative usage. The display control unit 202 outputs information such as the accumulated usage amount and the accumulated usage days to the display unit 201. With these displays, the user can grasp the usage status of the cartridge 4. The user ends the application of the mobile communication device 20 (step S18).

Next, the determination unit 403 of the analysis server device 40 reads the latest integrated value of the flow rate from the storage unit 406 and determines whether or not the cartridge 4 of the water purifier 10 related to the acquired usage information has reached the replacement time ( Step S19). More specifically, if the integrated value of the latest flow rate recorded for the water purifier 10 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the determination unit 403 determines that the cartridge 4 has reached the replacement time. If the integrated value of the latest flow rate is less than the predetermined threshold value, the determination unit 403 determines that the cartridge 4 has not yet reached the replacement time.
For example, the analysis unit 405 may calculate the average flow rate (L / min) and calculate the current flow rate reduction rate with respect to the current flow rate at the start of use of the cartridge 4. Further, for example, the analysis unit 405 may convert the amount of purified water used into the number of, for example, 500 ml PET bottles or an amount corresponding to the number based on the usage information.
When it is determined that the replacement time has come, the determination unit 403 transmits the determination result to the mobile communication device 20 via the communication unit 407. In other words, the analysis server device 40 notifies the mobile communication device 20 of the arrival of the replacement time by, for example, a push notification (step S20). Alternatively, the analysis server device 40 may transmit the arrival of the replacement time to the user of the mobile communication device 20 by e-mail. The analysis server device 40 may transmit the average flow rate, the flow rate reduction rate, or the converted value of the PET bottle.

In the mobile communication device 20, the communication unit 204 receives this notification. When a notification notifying that the replacement time has arrived is received, an application for displaying information that prompts replacement of the cartridge 4 is activated. This application is activated by, for example, an OS (operating system) of the mobile communication device 20. The application executed by the display control unit 202 outputs information for prompting replacement of the cartridge 4 to the display unit 201, and the display unit 201 displays the information (step S21). For example, the information indicating the arrival of the replacement time received by the communication unit 204 includes information such as the product name of the cartridge 4 corresponding to the identification information of the water purifier 10, and the application executed by the display control unit 202 May prompt replacement of the cartridge 4 and output information for guiding the cartridge 4 to be purchased, and the display unit 201 may display the information. When the display for prompting the replacement of the cartridge is performed, as information for supporting the cartridge replacement, information on the replacement method of the cartridge such as a replacement procedure and points to be noted is displayed, and a used cartridge disposal method ( For example, information regarding whether it is combustible waste or the like may be displayed. In addition, about the disposal method, you may make it link with the positional information on the portable communication apparatus 20, or the information regarding the residence area which the user registered previously, and may guide the disposal method peculiar to the area. As a result, the user can definitely replace the cartridge, and the convenience is further improved.
In addition, when the analysis server device 40 transmits the flow rate reduction rate, the application executed by the display control unit 202 is provided to remove dust under the strainer (the packing unit that connects the faucet and the water purifier main body). A message prompting cleaning of the metal mesh), a message prompting cartridge replacement, or a message notifying that the cartridge replacement time is approaching, is output to the display unit 201, and the display unit 201 displays the information. good. In addition, when the analysis server device 40 transmits the PET bottle converted value, the application executed by the display control unit 202 purchases the number of PET bottles corresponding to the amount of purified water used or the number of PET bottles. A necessary amount of money may be output to the display unit 201 as eco information, and the display unit 201 may display the information. By displaying the PET bottle converted value, the user can be notified of the saving effect due to the use of the water purifier. When the analysis server device 40 transmits the average flow rate, the application executed by the display control unit 202 outputs an optimal flow rate mark to the display unit 201 when the average flow rate is 2.9 L / min or less, for example. The unit 201 displays the information, and when the average flow rate is 3.0 L / min or more, it outputs information such as “Please use a faucet with a little more faucet” and encourage the use of purified water at the optimum flow rate. Good.

FIG. 7 is a first diagram illustrating an example of usage information recorded in the storage unit 406 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In the data table (cumulative usage management table) shown in FIG. 7, the water purifier 10 is associated with identification information (for example, a production number) of the water purifier 10 and identification information (for example, a MAC address) of the mobile communication device 20. The cumulative usage amount (integrated value of the flow rate) and the cumulative usage days of the cartridge 4 are recorded.
As described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6, the determination unit 403 compares the accumulated usage amount with the threshold value to determine whether or not the cartridge 4 is in the replacement period. Alternatively, the determination unit 403 determines that it is the replacement time of the cartridge 4 if the cumulative use day exceeds the use day indicating the replacement time of the cartridge using the cumulative use day, and the cumulative use day indicates the replacement time. If it is less than the number of days used, it may be determined that it is not time to replace the cartridge.
Further, the determination unit 403 may determine the replacement time using the property that the cartridge 4 is clogged and the flow rate is reduced as the usage period becomes longer. For example, the flow rate per unit time detected by the flow rate detection unit 120 is transmitted to the analysis server device 40, and the determination unit 403 has a flow rate per unit time detected by the flow rate detection unit 120 smaller than a predetermined threshold. If so, it may be determined that it is time to replace the cartridge.
In addition, the threshold value of the cumulative usage amount and the threshold value of the cumulative usage days are recorded in advance in the storage unit 406 in association with the identification information of the water purifier 10, and the determination unit 403 reads the threshold value and performs the above determination. I do.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of guidance information displayed by the mobile communication device 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The left diagram in FIG. 8 is an example of an image that prompts the user to replace the cartridge displayed on the display unit 201 in accordance with an application instruction. For example, the application generates an image displaying a message such as “the amount of clean water used has exceeded XXXL. It is recommended to replace the cartridge”. When the user performs an operation of touching the “view in detail” position on the image illustrated in the left diagram of FIG. 8, the application outputs the image information illustrated in the middle diagram of FIG. 8 to the display unit 201. Is displayed.

8 is an example of an image that guides the cartridge to be purchased for replacement that is displayed on the display unit 201 by the application. The application generates an image displaying the product name of the cartridge to be purchased and the package of the product. When the user performs an operation of touching the “buy” position on the image illustrated in the middle diagram of FIG. 8, the application causes the display unit 201 to display the image illustrated in the right diagram of FIG. 8.

The right diagram in FIG. 8 is an example of a cartridge purchase screen image that the application displays on the display unit 201. From this screen, the user can easily purchase a cartridge suitable for the water purifier 10 used by the user at an appropriate timing.
The user may purchase a new cartridge 4 at the store with reference to the product information shown in the middle diagram of FIG.
FIG. 8 shows an example of an image displayed on the display unit 201 of the mobile communication device 20, but the user uses the PC terminal 30 to describe information that prompts replacement of the cartridge transmitted by the analysis server device 40. The cartridge may be purchased according to the guidance information described in the mail.

Next, the processing when the user replaces the cartridge 4 that has reached the replacement time with a new cartridge 4 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the usage amount information reset process when the cartridge is replaced according to the embodiment of the present invention.
For convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the cartridge 4 of the water purifier 10 has reached the replacement time. First, it is assumed that the application displays the replacement time of the cartridge 4 and the guide information of the cartridge 4 suitable for the water purifier 10 (step S31). The user performs an operation of purchasing a new cartridge 4 according to the guidance information. For example, the user performs an operation of touching the position “To purchase procedure” on the image illustrated in the right diagram of FIG. 8. Then, the application causes the EC server device 50 to transmit purchase instruction information of the target product (“AAA”) via the communication unit 204 (step S32). In the EC server device 50, the product is settled and shipped (step S33), and the manufacturer ships the cartridge “AAA” to the user.

When the user receives the delivered new cartridge 4, the user attaches the new cartridge 4 to the water purifier 10. For example, a magnetic or electrical switch mechanism is provided in the attachment portion of the cartridge 4 or the water purifier 10 at the attachment portion of the cartridge 4, and the user attaches a new cartridge 4 or resets the water purifier 10. When an operation is performed, a signal resulting from the switching of the switch mechanism is input to the input unit 101 of the control device 100. When the input unit 101 inputs a switching signal, the writing control unit 102 erases the usage amount information recorded in the storage unit 103 (step S34). That is, 0 is set for each value of “days”, “actual usage”, and “main body cumulative usage”. Thereby, the update of “days”, “actual usage amount”, and “main body integrated usage amount” for the new cartridge 4 after replacement can be started from the state of 0. Note that when a new cartridge 4 is attached, it includes the time of the first use.
Moreover, the setting which starts the update of the "days" of the control apparatus 100 (memory | storage part 103), "actual usage amount", and "main body integrated usage amount" from the state of 0 is performed from the application via the NFC function part 203. Reset instruction information may be sent to the device 10.

The user who has finished replacing the cartridge 4 activates the application (step S35). The user inputs a reset operation to the application. For example, the application displays a button image displayed as “reset operation” on the display unit 201, and the user performs a touch operation on the position of the button image. If the usage amount information in the storage unit 103 of the water purifier 10 has been reset, the application receives an input of a reset operation (step S36). Then, the application transmits reset instruction information to the analysis server device 40 via the communication unit 204 (step S37). When the usage amount information in the storage unit 103 of the water purifier 10 has not been reset, a message to that effect may be displayed.
In the analysis server device 40, the data collection unit 401 acquires the reset instruction information via the communication unit 407 and outputs the reset instruction information to the data update unit 402. The data update unit 402 records the reset instruction information and the reception date in the storage unit 406. Moreover, the data update part 402 resets usage-amount information based on the identification information of the water purifier 10 contained in reset instruction information (step S38). For example, when the identification information of the target water purifier 10 is “001”, the data update unit 402 sets 0 to the cumulative usage amount and the cumulative usage days in the cumulative usage amount management table illustrated in FIG. Thereby, the update of the “cumulative usage amount” and “cumulative usage days” for the new cartridge 4 after replacement in the analysis server device 40 can be started from the state of 0.

In the conventional notification system of the cartridge replacement time in the water purifier, the communication device provided in the water purifier is configured to actively transmit a beacon signal including cartridge usage information at predetermined time intervals. Regular communication consumes a large amount of power, so a power supply device is often required. The battery level of the mobile device was exhausted due to frequent notifications. On the other hand, the control apparatus 100 with which the water purifier 10 of this embodiment is provided communicates with an NFC chip. In the case of this configuration, since communication is performed by supplying power from the mobile communication device 20, power consumption due to communication is eliminated. Therefore, the water purifier 10 of this embodiment can supply sufficient power with only the built-in button battery, and the water purifier 10 can be used for a long time without battery replacement. Since there is no need for a power supply device for power by communication, merits such as downsizing of the water purifier 10, cost reduction, and increased freedom of installation space can be obtained. Therefore, the water purifier 10 is suitable for a faucet direct connection type water purifier. Since the water purifier 10 and the portable communication device 20 can be brought close to each other for the convenience of the user, communication can be performed, so that significant battery remaining consumption of the portable terminal due to frequent notification reception can be suppressed.
The sink in the sink sometimes uses hot water as well as water. In particular, in the case of a water purifier directly connected to a faucet, when the hot water is used in the sink, the entire water purifier is exposed to steam. In cold weather, dew condensation tends to occur in the water purifier body as the tap water passes through the water purifier body. If the water purifier body is exposed to steam or condensation has formed on the surface of the water purifier body, if the battery is replaced, moisture will enter the battery compartment when the battery lid that has been kept liquid-tight is removed. This will cause deterioration of the electrical components in the battery compartment. By reducing the battery replacement frequency, it is possible to reduce the deterioration of the electrical components in the battery storage unit. It is particularly suitable for faucet-direct water purifiers.
Further, in the case of the conventional communication method using a beacon, it is necessary to perform pairing setting, which is troublesome. According to the water purifier 10 of this embodiment, since communication can be performed only by holding the portable communication device 20 over the water purifier 10, there is no need to perform complicated work.
In addition, the water purifier 10 is provided with a display unit (liquid crystal panel or the like) for indicating that the remaining amount or the remaining amount of the button battery is small, or the water purifier 10 is provided with an LED lamp or the like. You may make it notify a user of the replacement timing of a battery by lighting an LED lamp etc. when it decreases. Thereby, the user can use the water purifier 10 for a long period of time with peace of mind while exchanging the button battery and the cartridge 4 at an appropriate timing.

Further, according to the present embodiment, information such as the amount of clean water used can be displayed on the display unit 201 of the mobile communication device 20. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide the water purifier 10 with a display for displaying the usage amount. Thereby, size reduction and cost reduction of the water purifier 10 are realizable. Moreover, since the power used for the display of the information on a display can be reduced by not providing a display in the water purifier 10, consumption of a button battery can be reduced.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the analysis server device 40 notifies the replacement timing of the cartridge 4. Therefore, the user can grasp the optimum timing for cartridge replacement, and does not need to worry about the replacement timing of the cartridge 4. Further, by replacing the cartridge 4 at the replacement timing notified by the analysis server device 40, it is possible to always use appropriately filtered purified water. Moreover, since the analysis server device 40 provides purchase guide information for the cartridge 4 suitable for the user, the user can purchase an appropriate cartridge without worrying about which cartridge to purchase. Further, by purchasing an appropriate cartridge from an EC site on the Internet using the mobile communication device 20 or the PC terminal 30, it is possible to save the trouble of purchasing the cartridge.

The application records the date and time when the reading process was performed in a storage unit (not shown) of the mobile communication device 20, and when a predetermined period (for example, one week) has elapsed, “the mobile communication device 20 is connected to the water purifier 10”. You may instruct the display unit 201 to display a message such as “Please read the usage amount information close by”. By doing so, it is possible to prompt the user to execute the reading process and collect the usage data periodically.
As a method for prompting the user to read the usage amount information by bringing the mobile communication device 20 close to the water purifier 10, in addition to the above, the method of increasing the motivation of the user to execute the reading process can more reliably execute the reading process. Let the user do it.
For example, every time a reading process is executed within a predetermined period, points that can be used at the EC site are added to the user. Within a predetermined period, it can be set as appropriate in a period of every day up to about a week. Each time the reading process is executed, there is a possibility that a user who frequently performs the reading process appears, or that the period is too long after one week, and the user forgets to execute the reading process. In addition, when the reading process is performed, the user's willingness to perform the reading process is displayed by displaying a moving image, animation, message, or the like on the mobile communication device 20 so as to be enjoyed by the user, or interlocking with a training software such as a game application. It can also be improved.

So far, the embodiment for determining the replacement time of the cartridge 4 based on the usage amount information transmitted from the water purifier 10 has been described. For example, if it is a user who brings the portable communication apparatus 20 close to the water purifier 10 every day and executes a reading process, an appropriate replacement time can be notified only by the above function. However, the user tends to forget to perform the reading process. The analysis server device 40 has a function for predicting the cartridge replacement time so that such a user can be notified of the cartridge replacement at an appropriate time.

FIG. 10 is a second diagram illustrating an example of usage amount information recorded in the storage unit 406 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In the cumulative usage management table of FIG. 7, information necessary for determining the cartridge replacement deadline is illustrated for the usage information transmitted from the water purifier 10 (control device 100) of a user through the mobile communication device 20. did.
FIG. 10 shows an example of a data table (usage amount history table) for accumulating the history of the usage amount information transmitted from the mobile communication device 20. The usage history table is log data of usage information transmitted from the water purifiers 10 nationwide. For example, the usage history table includes “identification information of water purifier”, “region” where the water purifier 10 is used, “identification information of portable communication device”, “date of reception”, “number of days”, “actual number” Information such as “usage” and “main unit accumulated usage” is recorded. The “purifier identification information” is, for example, the manufacturing number of the water purifier 10 or the identification number of the NFC module, and is used for specifying the type of cartridge. If it is the identification number of an NFC module, it can be diverted as it is, without giving new information to a water purifier, and it is efficient. The “region” is included in the transmission target information instructed to be transmitted by the application running on the mobile communication device 20, and may be measured by a GPS function or the like, or may be mobile communication when the water purifier 10 is newly purchased. When installing an application in the device 20, the user may be asked to input regional information. Alternatively, the area information may be input in advance by user registration and recorded in the analysis server device 40. “Identification information of the mobile communication device” is information (MAC address, UDID, etc.) that can uniquely identify the mobile communication device 20 in which the application is installed. The “reception date” is the date when the analysis server device 40 receives the usage amount information from the mobile communication device 20. “Days”, “actual usage”, and “main body cumulative usage” are information recorded in the storage unit 103 of the control device 100 included in the water purifier 10 as described in FIG.

Using the information in the usage history table illustrated in FIG. 10, the analysis unit 405 determines the replacement time of the cartridge 4 for the water purifier 10 of the user who uses the mobile communication device 20 for each identification information of the mobile communication device. Build a prediction model to predict when. For example, the analysis unit 405 calculates how much clean water is used per day using “days” and “actual usage” among the past usage information recorded in the usage history table, The number of days until the accumulated usage amount reaches the threshold value from the calculated daily usage amount may be obtained and used as a prediction model. Alternatively, the analysis unit 405 calculates the month or season in which the usage indicated by the “actual usage” actually occurs from the “reception date” and the “number of days”, and the number of days until the cumulative usage reaches the threshold for each season. May be calculated.
By constructing such a prediction model, even if a user who has been performing a reading process periodically for a while after purchasing the water purifier 10 does not perform the reading process and can no longer detect the usage status, By using the prediction model constructed based on the collected usage information, the user can be notified of the replacement time of the cartridge 4.
Specifically, when the cartridge replacement time estimated based on the past use record is X days after starting to use the new cartridge 4, the prediction unit 404 finally receives the reset instruction information from the mobile communication device 20. The cartridge replacement time is predicted by adding X days on the day when the cartridge is received. When the predicted replacement time approaches, the prediction unit 404 notifies the mobile communication device 20 of information indicating the arrival of the replacement time. Thereby, it is possible to prompt the user who is far away from the water purifier 10 to replace the cartridge at an appropriate timing.

Further, the analysis unit 405 may further analyze the tendency of the degree of consumption of the cartridge for each region using the “region” information and reflect the tendency in the prediction model. For example, it is assumed that the number of days until the cumulative usage amount in the region A reaches the threshold value is an average “X1” days for a certain type of water purifier 10 (the same type of cartridge 4). Further, it is assumed that the region B has an average “X2” days. In such a situation, when the type β water purifier 10 that has been used in the region A and is not used in the region B starts to be used in the region B, for example, the analysis unit 405 may use the type β water purifier. For the ten cartridge replacement times, a prediction model that is corrected in consideration of the difference between the region A and the region B may be constructed with respect to the prediction model constructed based on the usage record in the region A. (For example, when the threshold value in the area A is Y day, the area B is Y × (X2 ÷ X1).)
In addition, for example, until one year ago, the days until the cumulative usage amount analyzed by the analysis unit 405 for a certain type of water purifier 10 (the same type of cartridge 4) reaches the threshold value are both in the region A and the region B. And average “X1” days. However, it is assumed that the average is “X1” days for the region A, but the average “X2” days for the region B is shorter than “X1”. In such a case, for example, the manufacturer of the water purifier 10 calls the user in the region B to replace the cartridge 4 earlier than before, or takes measures such as adjusting the inventory in preparation for it. Can do.

In the above-described embodiment, the analysis server device 40 includes the determination unit 403. However, the cumulative usage management table illustrated in FIG. 7 is stored in the storage unit of the mobile communication device 20, and is displayed in the display control unit 202. A function unit similar to the determination unit 403, a threshold value used for determination of the cartridge replacement time, and product information of the cartridge to be replaced may be mounted, and the cartridge replacement time may be determined on the portable communication device 20 side. By the water purifier system including the water purifier 10 and the mobile communication device 20 configured as described above, notification of the cartridge replacement time for each water purifier 10 and appropriate cartridge guidance can be performed.

In the above embodiment, the example in which the control device 100 is mounted on the faucet directly connected water purifier 10 is described, but the type of the water purifier is not limited thereto. For example, you may mount the control apparatus 100 in the stationary water purifier installed on a sink. For example, you may mount the control apparatus 100 in the lid | cover of a pot-type water purifier.

Also, for example, the present invention may be applied to a built-in type water purifier such as an undersink type, a spout-in type, or a counter-on type. Specifically, in the case of the undersink type, the control device 100 may be mounted inside the lever handle of the faucet, the water inlet or tip of the faucet spout, or the hose for connecting the cartridge. In the case of the spout-in type, the control device 100 may be mounted in the faucet lever handle, in the front lever, between the shower head and the spout body, and in the drawer hose of the shower head. In the case of the counter-on type, the control device 100 may be mounted in the lever handle, between the faucet spout and the main body, or in the water inlet or tip of the faucet spout.

In the case of an alkaline water purifier type, the control device 100 may be mounted inside the lever handle of the faucet, the water inlet or tip of the faucet spout, the hose for connecting the cartridge, or the alkaline water purifier main body. In the case of a stationary type, undersink type, pot type, or built-in type water purifier, for example, a household single-phase 100V power source can be used.

In addition, the water purifier 10 of this embodiment may be provided with the following functions. For example, a water quality analyzer (chlorine meter, pH meter, TDS (total dissolved solids) meter, etc.) and its detector are installed downstream of the cartridge 4. And the analysis result of an analyzer is recorded on the memory | storage part 103, and when a user brings the portable communication apparatus 20 close to the water purifier 10, an analysis result will be transmitted to the portable communication apparatus 20. FIG. Thereby, it becomes possible to notify a user of the quality condition of purified water. In addition, the user can grasp the state of the water quality and can take a fine response. Moreover, the user can grasp the state of the quality of the purified water, and can feel more secure.
In addition, for example, the water purifier 10 may include a solar power generation device, an LED power generation device, a hydroelectric power generation device (for example, an impeller is provided in the flow path of raw water), and a power storage device that stores electric power generated by them. Good. Thereby, it can be set as the structure which is not provided with a button battery, or can be set as the structure which uses a button battery as a power supply for backup, and energy saving of the water purifier 10 can be achieved.

<Example>
Hereinafter, a specific example of the embodiment will be described, but the embodiment is not limited by the following description.
FIG. 11 is a first diagram illustrating an example of a water purifier 10A according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a second diagram illustrating an example of a water purifier 10A according to an embodiment of the present invention.
A water purifier 10A illustrated in FIG. 11 includes a water purifier main body 2A and a cylindrical cartridge 4A. The water purifier 10A is a so-called faucet direct-coupled water purifier having a structure in which the raw water receiving port 7A is detachably connected to a water faucet, and a switching operation unit 6A and a panel unit 105A are attached to the water purifier main body 2A. Yes. The panel unit 105A is provided with an NFC antenna and an LED (light emitting diode) 106A. The water purifier main body 2A includes a flow rate detection unit 120, a control device 100, and a power supply unit 110 that supplies power to them. In addition to the functions described in FIG. 2, the control device 100 determines whether or not the flow rate (for example, L / min) of purified water detected by the flow rate detection unit 120 is appropriate, and turns on the LED 106A based on the result. It has a function to turn off. For example, if the flow rate is within an appropriate range, the control device 100 turns on the LED 106A, and turns off the light if the flow rate is inappropriate (eg, the flow rate is too large). In addition, the user brings the mobile communication device 20 close to the panel unit 105A of the water purifier 10A with the application activated. Then, NFC communication is started, and the mobile communication device 20 reads the usage amount information from the water purifier 10A. In addition, the control apparatus 100 is provided in the case which ensured the waterproofness provided in the back side of the panel part 105A inside the water purifier main body 2A.

The middle view of FIG. 12 shows a view of the water purifier 10A from the upper side (faucet side), the lower view of the water purifier 10A from the lower side (the outlet side of raw water, purified water, etc.), and the upper view of FIG. AA sectional view of the vessel 10A is shown. As shown in the middle of FIG. 12, the water purifier main body 2A is substantially L-shaped, and the tap water supplied from the raw water receiving port 7A is provided at the bottom of the water purifier main body 2A by the operation of the switching operation section 6A. It flows out from any one of the purified water outlet 9A, the shower outlet 9B, and the raw water outlet 9C. When the switching operation unit 6A is switched to the purified water position, the tap water is supplied to the cartridge 4A via the flow path indicated by the arrow 122a in the middle diagram and the arrow 122b in the upper diagram. The purified water filtered by the filter medium of the cartridge 4A is discharged from the purified water outlet 9A via the flow paths indicated by the arrows 122c and 122d shown in the upper diagram. A flow rate detection unit 120 is provided in the middle of the flow path indicated by the arrows 122c and 122d. Specifically, an impeller that rotates in one direction is provided by a water flow that passes through a flow path through which purified water passes, and a magnet is attached to the shaft of the impeller, and the rotation speed of the magnet is detected by a magnetic switch such as a reed switch. Configured to be detected by the means. Since the rotation speed of the magnet is proportional to the rotation speed of the impeller and reflects an increase or decrease in flow rate, the control device 100 calculates the rotation speed detected by the reed switch and calculates necessary information such as flow rate and integrated flow rate. It is recorded in the storage unit 103. Moreover, as shown in the following figure, the battery accommodating part 111A is provided in the back side of the water purifier main body 2A, and a button battery (power supply part 110) is accommodated in the battery accommodating part 111A. The power supply unit 110 supplies power to the flow rate detection unit 120 and the control device 100.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an implementation example of the control device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The control device 100 includes a microcomputer A10, a battery storage unit 111A (battery case), a flow rate detection unit 120 (flow rate sensor), an NFC chip A14 (NFC module), and an LED 106A. A button battery (power supply unit 110) is stored in the battery storage unit 111A. The microcomputer A10 includes a data flash ROM (read only memory) corresponding to the input unit 101, the write control unit 102, and the storage unit 103. Further, the microcomputer A10 controls the turning on / off of the LED 106A according to the flow rate of the purified water detected by the flow rate detection unit 120. Further, the microcomputer A10 has a function of detecting a power supply voltage (button battery voltage) and outputting voltage information to the NFC chip A14 when the detected voltage is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold (low voltage). The NFC chip A14 includes a communication unit 104.

When the switching operation unit 6A is in the purified water position, the magnet A13 provided in the flow rate detection unit 120 rotates, and the reed switch A15 provided in the flow rate detection unit 120 is turned on / off. The flow rate detection unit 120 outputs a sensor signal having a duty ratio and frequency corresponding to the flow rate of purified water, and the microcomputer A10 acquires the sensor signal, calculates the flow rate of purified water from the frequency of the sensor signal, and the flow rate is Determine if appropriate. If the flow rate is appropriate, the microcomputer A10 turns on the LED 106A. Further, the microcomputer A10 calculates the amount of purified water used for one day by integrating the flow rate indicated by the acquired sensor signal, and stores this value. In addition to this, the microcomputer A10 calculates and stores the elapsed days after the replacement of the cartridge 4A, the integrated flow rate, and the like. When the user brings the mobile communication device 20 close to the NFC chip A14, the microcomputer A10 uses the NFC chip A14 to use amount information (identification information for the water purifier 10A, the number of days used for the cartridge 4A, and the flow rate used every day. And the integrated value of the flow rate) are transmitted to the mobile communication device 20. Further, when the power supply voltage becomes low, the microcomputer A10 notifies the mobile communication device 20 through the NFC chip A14 that the power supply voltage has become low. Note that the threshold for determining that the power supply voltage is low is set in multiple stages (for example, three stages), and the microcomputer A10 notifies the portable communication device 20 of which level the threshold is below. To do. As will be described later, in the mobile communication device 20, the display control unit 202 outputs information according to the remaining amount of the button battery, and the display unit 201 displays the information. With this display, the user can grasp the degree of the remaining amount of the button battery.

Drawing 14 is a figure showing an example of water purifier management system 1 in one embodiment of the present invention.
As described in FIG. 6 and the like, when the user brings the mobile communication device 20 close to the NFC chip A14, the mobile communication device 20 acquires the usage information from the water purifier 10A, and the usage information is sent to the analysis server device 40. Send. In the analysis server device 40, the usage amount information is accumulated, and the replacement time of the cartridge 4A is predicted for each water purifier 10A. When the replacement time approaches, the prediction unit 404 notifies the user's mobile communication device 20 using the cartridge of information indicating that the replacement time is approaching. At that time, a service that provides a push notification that is generally provided may be used. More specifically, the prediction unit 404 registers information such as information for identifying a user to be notified, date and time of push notification, notification content (message), and the like in the push notification server 41 of the company that provides the push notification service. . The push notification server 41 notifies the target user's mobile communication device 20 of a message such as “the replacement time is approaching” at the designated date and time.

FIG. 15 is a first diagram illustrating an example of an image output from the display control unit 202 to the display unit 201 and displayed by the display unit 201 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a second diagram illustrating an example of an image output from the display control unit 202 to the display unit 201 and displayed by the display unit 201 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a third diagram illustrating an example of an image output from the display control unit 202 to the display unit 201 and displayed by the display unit 201 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 shows transition of an image (screen) displayed on the display unit 201 by the application. When the user starts the application, a startup screen is displayed (screen 1). On the start-up screen, so-called splash display is performed, and a transition is made to the next screen. First, at the first activation after purchase or after cartridge replacement, a purchase store registration screen is displayed (screen 2). An example of the purchase store registration screen is shown in the left diagram of FIG. The user selects whether to purchase at the EC site or at the actual store. When purchasing from the EC site, the “Purchase at EC site” button is used. When purchasing from the actual store, the “Enter purchased store” is selected. Press the button. When the “Purchase Store Entry” button is pressed, the application causes the display control unit 202 to output information for displaying a screen for entering a store name and the like, and the display unit 201 displays the information. The user enters and registers the store name and the like.

If it is not at the time of the first activation, or when registration of the purchase store etc. is completed on the purchase store registration screen, an information display screen (main screen) is displayed (screen 3). Measurement data is displayed on the information display screen. An example of the information display screen is shown on the right side of FIG. As shown in the figure, on the information display screen, the model number of the water purifier 10A and the cartridge 4A used, the amount of purified water used (the number of used plastic bottles, or the amount of money when purchasing that amount of plastic bottles) Converted and displayed), remaining amount of cartridge (displays how many L can be used), scheduled replacement date of cartridge, remaining amount of battery (displayed in 4 steps), and finally the user brings portable communication device 20 close to water purifier 10A Display the date and time. The remaining battery level may be displayed for each color according to the remaining battery level. For example, when the remaining battery level is below the minimum level, the remaining battery level may be displayed in red. In addition, the information display screen displays information that prompts an operation to perform communication by bringing the water purifier 10 and the mobile communication device 20 close to each other, for example, “touch the water purifier to update information”, and the user can communicate with the information display screen. When the operation is performed, information such as the amount of purified water used and the remaining battery level is updated.

The information display screen displays information (buttons, links, etc.) that guides the user to purchase consumables such as “cartridge / battery replacement”. When the user presses this display location, the cartridge or battery A purchase guide screen (screen 4) for purchasing the item is displayed. An example of the purchase guidance screen is shown in FIG. The left diagram in FIG. 17 is a purchase guide screen displayed when an EC site is selected at the first activation. On the purchase guide screen, choices of cartridges suitable for the water purifier 10A used by the user are displayed. The user presses a “go to online store” button and purchases a cartridge selected from the options. The right diagram in FIG. 17 is a purchase guide screen displayed when a purchase store is registered at the first activation. On the purchase guide screen, choices of cartridges suitable for the water purifier 10A used by the user are displayed. In addition, on the purchase guide screen, a store name registered by the user on the purchase store registration screen (screen 2) and a message recommending purchase at the store are displayed. Furthermore, a “guide to online store” button is displayed on the purchase guide screen so that the user can also purchase from the EC site.
Although FIG. 17 illustrates the screen related to the purchase of the cartridge, a screen for guiding the purchase of the button battery may be displayed.
When the push notification described in FIG. 14 is displayed, when the user performs a tap operation on the message displayed by the push notification, the screen illustrated in FIG. 17 is displayed.

When the user purchases the cartridge 4A on the purchase guide screen, the user attaches the purchased cartridge 4A to the water purifier 10A. In addition, information (such as a “Next” button) that guides the replacement method of the cartridge 4A and guides to the next screen is displayed on the screen that is displayed after the purchase of the cartridge on the purchase guide screen. The user who has replaced the cartridge 4A presses the “Next” button. Then, the display control unit 202 controlled by the application outputs information on a post-replacement reset screen (screen 5) for guiding operations after cartridge replacement, and the display unit 201 displays the information. On the reset screen after replacement, after the cartridge replacement is completed, information that prompts the water purifier 10 and the mobile communication device 20 to communicate with each other (for example, “touch the mobile terminal device to the water purifier for 1 second or longer”) Etc.) is displayed. When the user performs a touch operation according to this guidance, a reset command is notified to the water purifier 10A via the NFC chip A14, and the reset process described in FIG. 9 is executed.

Note that, for example, a setting screen call button is arranged at the upper right corner of the information display screen, and when this button is pressed, the setting screen may be displayed. On the setting screen, the model numbers of the water purifier 10A and the cartridge 4A in use can be confirmed. Moreover, the information regarding the change of the purchase shop of the water purifier 10A, the terms of use of the application, and the license of the OSS (Open Source Software) used in the application can be displayed (screen 6).

Next, the effect of reducing power consumption according to the present embodiment will be described.
When the amount of current consumption (battery consumption) was examined for the water purifier 10A, the following results were obtained. When the amount of clean water used is determined to be a predetermined value, the amount of current consumed by the flow rate detection unit 120 and the LED 106A is about 0.28 mAh per day, and the current consumed by the NFC chip A14 when a touch operation is performed 20 times a day. The amount was found to be about 0.005 mAh. Assuming that the purified water is continuously used under the same conditions, the life of the button battery (battery capacity: 210 mAh) is about 2.1 years. As described above, the influence of the NFC communication by the touch operation of the present embodiment hardly affects the current consumption of the button battery.

On the other hand, the battery consumption when a Beacon transmitter is attached to the water purifier 10A for the purpose of transmitting usage information by BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication instead of the NFC chip A14 for comparison. Consider the amount. For example, it is assumed that an advertisement signal is always transmitted (at an interval of 100 msec). If the current at the time of transmitting the advertisement signal is 6 mA, the operation time per time is 0.02 sec, the current at the time of sleep is 0.0008 mA, etc., the current consumption by the Beacon transmitter is about 2.89 mAh per day. . Moreover, if the usage-amount of purified water shall be the same as the above, the consumption current amount by the flow volume detection part 120 and LED106A will be about 0.28 mAh per day. In this case, the life of the button battery is 0.18 years (about 2 months).
Moreover, the amount of current consumption was calculated assuming that the number of times of use of purified water was 20 times and an advertisement signal was transmitted for 5 minutes only when purified water was used (the current consumption amount during transmission and during sleep was the same as above). Then, the amount of current consumed by the Beacon transmitter was about 0.21 mAh per day. In this case, the life of the button battery is 1.18 years.

From these facts, it can be seen that with the water purifier 10A of the present embodiment, the power consumption of the button battery is limited to the consumption due to the operation of the flow rate detection unit 120 and the LED 106A, and can be used for a long period (for example, two years). In particular, the water purifier 10A of the present embodiment does not include a display unit such as a liquid crystal display that displays usage information, and is configured to display the usage information only on the mobile communication device 20. Suppression is further improved.

Hereinafter, specific examples of images displayed on the display unit 201 will be described.
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a startup screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. The transition of the startup screen illustrated in FIG. 18 is a specific example of the startup screen display of “Screen 1” in FIG. When the application is activated, a logo mark may be displayed, and program update information may be notified.
FIG. 19 is a first diagram illustrating an example of an initial registration screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a specific example of a registration screen performed at the time of initial registration such as when the water purifier 10 is purchased. On the registration screen, a touch operation on the water purifier 10 may be guided.
FIG. 20 is a second diagram illustrating an example of the initial registration screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. The transition of the screen illustrated in FIG. 20 is a specific example of the purchase store registration screen of “Screen 2” in FIG. The purchase store is registered following the registration of the water purifier 10, for example. On this screen, the manufacturer's official online shop or dealer information may be registered. FIG. 21 is a third diagram illustrating an example of an initial registration screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. When the purchase store is registered on the screen shown in FIG. 20, for example, a transition is made to a screen showing registration completion shown in FIG. Moreover, when a purchase store is registered, for example, as shown in FIG. 22 and the subsequent drawings, a transition to the status display screen of the water purifier 10 may be made.

Next, examples of water purifier status display screens are shown in FIGS.
22 to 24 are first to third diagrams showing examples of the water purifier status display screen in the embodiment of the present invention, respectively.
The left figure of FIG. 22 shows an outline of the water purifier status display screen. As shown in the figure, the status display screen of the water purifier 10 displays the remaining amount of the cartridge, the usage period, the expected replacement date of the cartridge, and the remaining battery level. The right diagram of FIG. 22 shows a display example of each item of the expected replacement date of the cartridge, the remaining battery level, and the usage period. The left diagram of FIG. 23 shows a display example of the remaining amount of cartridge. The display control unit 202 outputs the information to the display unit 201 in various modes according to the period until the replacement time, and the display unit 201 displays the information. For example, initially the status of each item is displayed in blue or green, which means a safe state, and in yellow to call attention as the replacement deadline approaches, finally when the replacement time comes, or When it is about to expire, it may be displayed in red or the like meaning a warning. By referring to these displays, the user can grasp the usage status of the cartridge and the battery at a glance. In addition, the user can update the value of each item by bringing the mobile communication device 20 close to the water purifier 10.
The right diagram in FIG. 23 shows an example of a dialog screen displayed in accordance with the usage status of the cartridge and the battery. When it is time to replace the cartridge or the like, the display control unit 202 may display information in a dialog to notify the user that the replacement time has come.

FIG. 24 shows an example of a background image that changes according to the remaining amount of the cartridge. In this example, it is shown that the waveform of the water surface indicating the remaining amount of the cartridge decreases as the remaining amount of the cartridge decreases. As in this example, the display control unit 202 may output information for visualizing and notifying the remaining amount of the cartridge using the entire background image.

FIG. 25 is a fourth diagram illustrating an example of a water purifier status display screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 25 illustrates a display example that prompts the user to validate the push notification when the push notification for notifying the replacement time of the cartridge is invalid.

FIG. 26 is a fifth diagram showing an example of the water purifier status display screen in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 26 illustrates a dialog screen that is displayed when the integrated flow rate is 0 even when a touch operation is performed.

FIG. 27 is a sixth diagram illustrating an example of a water purifier status display screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. A series of screens illustrated in FIG. 27 is displayed when a touch operation is performed on the water purifier 10 different from the initially registered screen.

FIG. 28 is a seventh diagram illustrating an example of a water purifier status display screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 28 shows an example of a dialog screen that prompts the user to perform a touch operation again when the touch process with the water purifier 10 fails.

FIG. 29 is an eighth diagram illustrating an example of the water purifier status display screen according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 29 shows various display examples of a status display screen that changes as the cartridge remaining amount decreases. The status display screen immediately after the cartridge replacement is shown on the leftmost side in the upper part of FIG. When the remaining cartridge amount gradually decreases from the left side of the upper row to the right side, changes to the screen illustrated on the leftmost side of the lower row, and the remaining cartridge amount further decreases from the left side to the right side of the lower row Shows the status display screen. When the remaining cartridge capacity is finally exhausted, a second screen from the lower right side is displayed, and in that case, a dialog for prompting replacement of the cartridge may be displayed as shown on the rightmost side in the lower stage.

Next, an example of a display screen used when the replacement time of the cartridge and the battery has come will be shown.
FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of a cartridge replacement menu screen in one embodiment of the present invention. On the menu screen, buttons for changing to a screen for guiding each of the cartridge purchase method, the cartridge replacement method, and the battery replacement method are displayed. When the user presses the cartridge purchase method button, the screen of FIG. 31 is displayed. When the user presses the cartridge replacement method button, the screen of FIG. 32 is displayed. When the user presses the battery replacement method button, FIG. Is displayed.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of a cartridge purchase screen in one embodiment of the present invention.
The screen shown in FIG. 31 displays a button for displaying an enlarged image of the package of the product to be exchanged, a button for an online store (official store) where the product can be purchased, the name of the store for purchase registered in the initial registration, and the like. Is done.

FIG. 32 is a first diagram illustrating an example of a cartridge replacement method display screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 32 shows a screen for explaining the cartridge replacement method.
FIG. 33 is a second diagram illustrating an example of a cartridge replacement method display screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 33 shows a screen for explaining confirmation work after cartridge replacement.
FIG. 34 is a third diagram illustrating an example of a cartridge replacement method display screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 34 shows a screen displayed when the touch operation to the water purifier 10 fails during the confirmation work after the cartridge replacement.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an example of a battery replacement method display screen in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 35 shows a screen for explaining a button battery replacement method.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen in one embodiment of the present invention.
When the setting button on the upper right of the menu screen in FIG. 30 is pressed, a setting screen for the water purifier and cartridge illustrated in FIG. 36 is displayed. On the setting screen, the product number of the water purifier 10 being used, the product number of the cartridge being used, the store where the water purifier 10 or the cartridge is purchased may be referred to, or may be reset.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing an example of a push notification display screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.
For example, when a message notifying that the cartridge replacement time is approaching, is notified by a push notification, the display control unit 202 displays “There is a notification from the water purifier. May be output to the display unit 201, and the display unit 201 may display the information. The same applies to the case where a message notifying that the cartridge replacement time has passed or a message for prompting the touch operation of the water purifier is notified by push notification. Display examples when these push notifications are received are shown in the middle and right diagrams of FIG. 37, respectively.

While various embodiments have been described above, the following embodiments may be used.
For example, in the above example, the case where the replacement time of the cartridge is determined based on the flow rate flowing through the cartridge has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be determined that it is time to replace the cartridge after a predetermined period has elapsed, based on the elapsed time since the cartridge was mounted. Or you may determine with the replacement | exchange time of a cartridge having reached the time when purified water is measured and this time exceeds a threshold value. Alternatively, a flow rate per unit time (for example, L / min) may be measured, and when the flow rate falls below a predetermined threshold, it may be determined that the cartridge replacement time has come. Alternatively, based on the frequency of use of purified water (for example, the number of uses of purified water per day), it may be determined that the cartridge replacement time has come when the cumulative number of uses exceeds a predetermined threshold. Alternatively, the cartridge replacement time may be determined by combining the flow rate through the cartridge, the usage time, and the usage frequency. Thereby, the prediction of the replacement time of the cartridge can be performed more accurately.

Further, for example, a water quality meter may be provided in the water purifier 10 to measure the quality of at least one of the raw water and the purified water, and the water quality information may be transmitted to the mobile communication device 20. The water quality is, for example, TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) indicating the total amount of inorganic ions (calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, iron, manganese, etc.) contained in water, and TOC indicating the amount of total organic carbon. (Total Organic Carbon), a water quality index such as residual chlorine. Further, for example, a water temperature meter may be provided in the water purifier 10, the temperature of at least one of the raw water and the purified water may be measured, and information on the water temperature may be transmitted to the mobile communication device 20. Further, for example, a water pressure gauge may be provided in the water purifier 10 to measure the water pressure of at least one of the raw water and the purified water and transmit the water pressure information to the mobile communication device 20. Thereby, the user can grasp | ascertain the quality of raw | natural water or purified water. Further, the cartridge replacement time may be determined in consideration of water quality, water temperature, water pressure, and the like in addition to the flow rate of the cartridge, the usage time, and the usage frequency.
The flow rate detection unit 120 is an example of the sensor of the present application, and a water quality meter or a water pressure meter may be used as a sensor in addition to the flow rate detection unit. Thereby, it is possible to determine the replacement time of the cartridge not only based on the flow rate but also based on the information on the water quality and the water pressure.

Also, information including the URL of the dealer's website may be displayed on the water purifier 10 or cartridge package (such as a sticker displaying a QR code (registered trademark)). For example, the user may be able to perform initial registration by reading the QR code (registered trademark) using the mobile communication device 20 on the purchase store registration screen illustrated in FIG. Thus, the cartridge manufacturer can secure the dealer by encouraging purchase at the dealer and improving the sales of the dealer. Moreover, the convenience of the user of the water purifier 10 improves.

In addition, an NFC chip or an IC tag for storing the product number or life of the cartridge may be provided in the cartridge. Then, the cartridge and the main body of the water purifier 10 communicate with each other, so that the water purifier 10 may recognize the cartridge product number, the service life, and the like. Alternatively, the mobile communication device 20 may directly communicate with the NFC chip or IC tag of the cartridge by a touch operation so that the product number and life of the cartridge can be recognized by the mobile communication device 20. For example, the portable communication device 20 stores the cartridge product number and life information, and when the period indicated by the life information read from the NFC chip elapses after first recognizing the cartridge product number, the portable communication device 20 A message indicating that it is time to replace the cartridge may be displayed. Thereby, even if the water purifier 10 is not provided with a flow sensor or an NFC chip, the user can grasp the replacement time of the cartridge. In addition, when the NFC chip or the like stores information indicating that the cartridge is a genuine product and the water purifier 10 or the portable communication device 20 reads the information of the NFC chip, the portable communication device 20 In addition, the analysis server device 40 may be notified that a non-product is being used, or the water purifier 10 may be controlled so that purified water does not flow.

Further, the water purifier 10 may include unique identification information, and various information such as flow rate, water quality, cartridge replacement time, and the like may be managed on the analysis server device 40 side based on the identification information. Thus, cartridge replacement can be notified without collecting personal information of the user.
Also, ID linkage (Single Sign On or ID Federation) is performed between the analysis server device 40 and an external web page that collects user personal information such as social networking service (SNS) and provides services on the web. Thus, the manufacturer of the water purifier 10 may provide a service for extracting only the cartridge information used by each user from the analysis server device 40 and providing a Web page for each user. Thereby, the user can grasp | ascertain the use condition of the water purifier 10 and cartridge which he uses, etc. on this individual web page, without providing personal information to the maker of the water purifier 10. FIG.

Further, the cartridge replacement time may be determined by the mobile communication device 20 without depending on the analysis server device 40.

Further, the mobile communication device 20 may receive information on the climate and weather of the user's living area. For example, when another device transmits information measuring the temperature and humidity of the room to the mobile communication device 20 and the temperature becomes higher than a predetermined temperature, the display control unit 202 says “Let's drink water because it is hot”. Information for displaying a message may be output to the display unit 201. Similarly, when the humidity is high, a message prompting hydration may be displayed. Further, weather information is transmitted from the external server to the mobile communication device 20, and if the sunlight is strong, the application 202 may output information that displays a message “Drink water frequently because it is hot”.

Moreover, the water purifier 10 may include a wireless module applied to various low power consumption wireless standards / technology. Low power consumption wireless standards / technology include BLE, EnOcean, LPWA (SIGFOX, LoRa, Wi-Fi HaLow, RPMA, Flexnet, IM92), Wi-SUN, and the like. The above-described wireless module may be activated by touching the water purifier 10 with the mobile communication device 20, and usage amount information or the like may be transmitted to the mobile communication device 20 or the direct analysis server device 40 via the wireless module.
Moreover, you may enable it to perform pairing of the wireless module of a water purifier by NFC. Thereby, various wireless modules can be easily set, and various data such as usage information can be transmitted easily.
Moreover, the above-mentioned radio | wireless module may start by touching the display of the water purifier 10 which pushes the attached button of the water purifier 10, and performs data communication. In particular, if the above operation is performed after the water purifier is attached, it is cumbersome and user convenience is improved.
Moreover, it becomes possible to manage the some water purifier 10 by the one water purifier 10 in it by providing the above-mentioned radio | wireless module. By providing the above-described wireless module, communication between a plurality of water purifiers 10 becomes possible, so various data communication such as usage information between one of the water purifiers 10 and the portable communication device 20 among them. By performing the above, it becomes possible to collectively acquire various data such as usage information of the plurality of water purifiers 10, and it becomes easier for the user to acquire and manage various data.

In addition, data communication of the wireless module uses the above-described solar power generation device, LED power generation device, hydroelectric power generation device (for example, an impeller is provided in the flow path of raw water), and a power storage device that stores electric power generated by them. May be.
By doing in this way, the battery life of a water purifier main body can be extended.

In addition, the type of information (for example, cartridge purchase destination, use start date, cartridge price, cartridge replacement date, comment, name, personal information, data transmission to SNS, etc.) You may write in the control apparatus 100 of the water purifier 10 via the NFC chip | tip of the portable communication apparatus 20. FIG.
By doing in this way, the information to communicate can be set easily.

Moreover, an electromagnetic valve (switching of purified water, raw water, etc.) may be provided in the water purifier so that the switching operation of the electromagnetic valve can be performed by NFC power supply.
By doing so, the switching lever can be omitted and the size can be further reduced.

Moreover, when the water purifier 10 and the portable communication device 20 are brought close to each other for communication, a notification means using sound, light, or the like may be provided so that the user can confirm that communication or power feeding has been performed reliably. Furthermore, sound and light may be changed according to the life of the cartridge so that the user can easily recognize the cartridge life.
Moreover, a display unit may be provided in the water purifier 10 so that the water temperature, TDS, chlorine concentration, pH, and the like are displayed on the display unit of the water purifier 10 during communication or power feeding. By doing in this way, even if it does not use the battery in the water purifier 10 for display parts, it becomes possible to display on the display part of the water purifier 10, and the battery amount in the water purifier 10 can be reduced. Therefore, since the frequency of battery replacement can be reduced by reducing the size of the water purifier 10 and the battery lasting longer, the risk of failure of the water purifier 10 can be reduced.

In addition, when the user connects to the download site of the application to install the application in the mobile communication device 20, the download site information is stored in advance in the NFC chip, and the download site is communicated with the NFC chip at the first setting. You may make it connect automatically. In this way, the application can be installed and set easily.
Alternatively, the application may be stored in advance in the NFC chip, and the application may be installed when communicating with the NFC chip during the initial setting. By doing in this way, it becomes possible to install an application more easily.

In addition, it is possible to appropriately replace the components in the above-described embodiments with known components without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the analysis server device 40, the storage unit 406 can be replaced with an external storage device.
The flow rate detection unit 120 is an example of a sensor, the communication unit 104 is an example of a first communication unit, the communication unit 204 is an example of a second communication unit, and the communication unit 407 is an example of a third communication unit. The portable communication device 20 is an example of another device.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Water

purifier management system

2, 2A Water purifier main body 3

Faucet 3a Arm

4, 4A Cartridge 5 Case

main body

6, 6A

Switching operation part

7, 7A Inlet 8 Mounting jig

9A Purified outlet

9B Shower outlet 9C

Raw water outlet

10, 10A Purified water Controller 100 Control device 101 Input unit 102 Write control unit 103 Storage unit 104 Communication unit 105A Panel unit 106A LED
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 110 Power supply part 111A Battery storage part 120 Flow volume detection part 20 Portable communication apparatus 201 Display part 202 Display control part 203 NFC function part 204 Communication part 30 PC terminal 40 Analysis server apparatus 401 Data collection part 402 Data update part 403 Determination part 404 Prediction part 405 Analysis unit 406 Storage unit 407 Communication unit 41 Push notification server 50 EC server device 60 House A10 Microcomputer A13 Magnet A14 NFC chip A15 Reed switch

Claims

A water purifier equipped with a short-range wireless communication device powered by other devices.
A sensor that detects cartridge usage information;
A controller that records cartridge usage information detected by the sensor in a storage unit;
A first communication unit for transmitting the usage information recorded in the storage unit to the other device by short-range wireless communication by power feeding from the other device;
The water purifier according to claim 1, comprising:
The water purifier according to claim 2, further comprising a button battery that supplies electric power for detection processing by the sensor and recording processing to the storage unit.
The water purifier according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the water purifier does not include a display unit that displays the usage amount information.
The water purifier according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
A second communication unit that feeds power to the first communication unit and receives the usage information from the first communication unit by short-range wireless communication; and a display control unit that outputs information for prompting replacement of the cartridge. A portable communication device;
Water purifier system equipped with.
The display control unit outputs information for guiding product information of a cartridge corresponding to the water purifier,
The water purifier system according to claim 5.
The display control unit outputs the usage information.
The water purifier system according to claim 5 or 6.
The portable communication device includes a display unit that displays information output by the display control unit,
The water purifier system according to any one of claims 5 to 7.
The display control unit outputs information prompting reception of the usage information when a predetermined period has elapsed after the second communication unit receives the usage information.
The water purifier system according to any one of claims 5 to 8.
The water purifier system according to any one of claims 5 to 9,
An analysis server device that communicates with the mobile communication device;
With
The analysis server device
A third communication unit for communicating with the portable communication device;
A determination unit that determines the replacement time of the cartridge based on the usage information received from the mobile communication device,
When the determination unit determines that the replacement time of the cartridge has arrived, the third communication unit transmits information indicating the arrival of the replacement time of the cartridge to the portable communication device.
Water purifier management system.
The analysis server device
A prediction unit for predicting the replacement time of the cartridge based on the usage information received from the mobile communication device;
Further comprising
When the cartridge replacement time predicted by the prediction unit arrives, the third communication unit transmits information indicating the arrival of the cartridge replacement time to the portable communication device.
The water purifier management system according to claim 10.
The predicting unit predicts the replacement time of a cartridge based on a past history of usage amount information related to the cartridge.
The water purifier management system according to claim 11.
The prediction unit predicts the replacement time of a cartridge based on usage amount information relating to another cartridge used in an area where the cartridge is used.
The water purifier management system according to claim 11 or claim 12.
A water purifier comprising: a sensor that detects cartridge usage information; and a communication unit that transmits the usage information detected by the sensor by short-range wireless communication using power supplied from another device.
A device having a function of reading information by short-range wireless communication is brought close to the device, and the usage information is detected;
Water purifier usage status detection method.