WO2024043487A1

WO2024043487A1 - Mask storage apparatus and control method therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2024043487A1
Application number: PCT/KR2023/009108
Authority: WO
Inventors: 이상훈; 김지용; 김준형; 라선욱; 조성진
Original assignee: 삼성전자주식회사
Priority date: 2022-08-26
Filing date: 2023-06-29
Publication date: 2024-02-29
Also published as: KR20240029701A

Abstract

The disclosed mask storage apparatus comprises: a housing having a space in which an object is accommodated; a door which is coupled to one side of the housing, and which opens or closes the space; an object sensor for detecting the object arranged inside the housing; an ultraviolet light source for emitting ultraviolet light at the inside of the housing; an exhaust fan provided at an exhaust port of the housing; and a control unit electrically connected to the object sensor, the ultraviolet light source, and the exhaust fan, wherein the control unit identifies the type of the detected object to determine to be an operation in a mask storage mode for storing an electronic mask or a general storage mode for storing an object other than the electronic mask, the mask storage mode including a sterilization operation in which the ultraviolet light source is used and a drying operation in which the exhaust fan and/or a suction fan of the electronic mask is used, and the general storage mode including the sterilization operation in which the ultraviolet light source is used.

Description

Mask storage device and its control method

The disclosed invention relates to a mask storage device capable of storing and managing electronic masks and a control method thereof.

A typical mask includes non-woven fabric and a filter, and has a shape that can cover the area around the user's nose and mouth. The mask filters dust and germs contained in the air inhaled through the user's nose and mouth. Since the mask adheres closely to the user's face to cover the user's nose and mouth, there was a problem that the user's breathing became uncomfortable while wearing the mask. In particular, users often feel uncomfortable when they inhale. Recently, electronic masks including fans have been developed to facilitate the user's breathing. Additionally, mask storage boxes for managing electronic masks are also appearing.

The disclosed invention provides a mask storage device and a control method thereof that can store not only electronic masks but also various objects and perform optimal operation depending on the stored items.

In addition, the disclosed invention is a mask storage device and control thereof that can properly dry an electronic mask, predict the drying completion time, detect the remaining life of a filter included in the electronic mask, and provide notification regarding replacement of the filter. Provides a method.

In addition, the disclosed invention provides a mask storage device and a control method that can improve drying efficiency and power consumption efficiency by appropriately controlling the suction fan of the electronic mask and the exhaust fan of the mask storage device.

A mask storage device according to one embodiment includes a housing forming a space in which an object is accommodated; a door coupled to one side of the housing and provided to open or close the space; an object sensor that detects the object disposed within the housing; an ultraviolet light source that emits ultraviolet light into the housing; an exhaust fan provided at the exhaust port of the housing; and a control unit electrically connected to the object sensor, the ultraviolet light source, and the exhaust fan, wherein the control unit identifies the type of the detected object and enters a mask storage mode for storing the electronic mask or another device other than the electronic mask. Operation is determined as a general storage mode for storing objects, and the mask storage mode includes a sterilization operation using the ultraviolet light source and a drying operation using at least one of the exhaust fan or the suction fan of the electronic mask, and the general storage mode includes: The storage mode may include a sterilization operation using the ultraviolet light source.

The mask storage device further includes a humidity sensor that detects humidity within the housing, wherein the control unit first operates the suction fan of the electronic mask in the mask storage mode and determines the change rate of humidity within the housing for a predetermined time. Based on being greater than or equal to this predetermined critical rate of change, the exhaust fan can be further operated.

The control unit may stop the operation of the exhaust fan and the suction fan based on the humidity within the housing reaching a predetermined reference humidity.

The mask storage device further includes a damper provided to open or close the exhaust port of the housing, wherein the control unit opens the damper in response to an operation of the exhaust fan, and the control unit opens the damper in response to a stoppage of operation of the exhaust fan. The damper can be closed.

The mask storage device further includes a pressure sensor provided in the housing and detecting the force of wind passing through the electronic mask, wherein the control unit detects the force of wind detected by the pressure sensor in the mask storage mode. Based on the size, it is possible to determine the remaining lifespan of the filter included in the electronic mask and whether the filter needs to be replaced.

The mask storage device further includes a display provided on the housing or the door, wherein the control unit determines the display included in the electronic mask based on whether the magnitude of the detected wind force is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold. The display can be controlled to provide notifications regarding filter replacement.

The mask storage device includes a humidity sensor that detects humidity within the housing; and a display provided on the housing or the door, wherein the control unit predicts a drying completion time of the electronic mask based on the humidity detected by the humidity sensor in the mask storage mode, and performs the predicted drying. The display can be controlled to display completion time.

The mask storage device further includes a door sensor provided on the other side of the housing, and the control unit may control the object sensor to detect the object in response to detection of the door being closed by the door sensor. there is.

The door may include a protrusion provided to form a gap between the housing and the door when the door is closed.

The object sensor may include an imaging sensor that acquires image data inside the housing or an optical sensor that irradiates light to the object and detects reflected light reflected from the object.

The mask storage device further includes a charging connector provided in the housing to be connected to a charging terminal of the electronic mask, and the control unit processes the image data to identify the type of the object, detects the reflected light, and The type of the object can be identified based on whether the object is connected to the charging connector.

In one embodiment, a method of controlling a mask storage device comprising a housing, a door coupled to one side of the housing, an ultraviolet light source emitting ultraviolet light into the housing, and an exhaust fan provided at an exhaust port of the housing, in one embodiment. The control method of the mask storage device according to the present invention includes detecting an object placed in the housing by an object sensor; identify, by the control unit, the type of the detected object; Based on the type of the detected object, determine an operation mode of the mask storage device as a mask storage mode for storage of an electronic mask or a general storage mode for storage of objects other than the electronic mask; The mask storage mode may include a sterilization operation using the ultraviolet light source and a drying operation using at least one of the exhaust fan or the suction fan of the electronic mask, and the general storage mode may include a sterilization operation using the ultraviolet light source. there is.

The operation of the mask storage mode includes first operating the suction fan of the electronic mask; detecting humidity in the housing using a humidity sensor; It may include additionally operating the exhaust fan based on the fact that the change rate of the humidity detected during a predetermined time is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold change rate.

The operation of the exhaust fan and the suction fan may be stopped based on the humidity within the housing reaching a predetermined reference humidity.

The operation of the mask storage mode includes opening a damper provided at an exhaust port of the housing in response to an operation of the exhaust fan; It may include closing the damper in response to stopping operation of the exhaust fan.

The operation of the mask storage mode includes detecting the force of wind passing through the electronic mask using a pressure sensor; It may include determining whether a filter included in the electronic mask needs to be replaced based on the magnitude of the wind force.

The operation of the mask storage mode includes controlling a display to provide a notification regarding replacement of a filter included in the electronic mask based on the magnitude of the detected wind force being less than or equal to a predetermined threshold; may include.

Operation of the mask storage mode includes detecting humidity within the housing using a humidity sensor; predict a drying completion time of the electronic mask based on the detected humidity; It may include controlling a display to display the predicted drying completion time.

Detection of the object may be performed in response to detection of the door being closed by a door sensor provided in the housing.

Identification of the type of the object is performed based on image data acquired by the object sensor, or based on detection of reflected light reflected from the object by the object sensor and whether the object and the charging connector are connected. It can be.

The disclosed mask storage device and its control method can store not only electronic masks but also various objects, and can perform optimal operation depending on the stored items.

In addition, the disclosed mask storage device and its control method can properly dry the electronic mask, predict the drying completion time, detect the remaining life of the filter included in the electronic mask, and provide notification regarding replacement of the filter. .

Additionally, the disclosed mask storage device and its control method can improve drying efficiency and power consumption efficiency by appropriately controlling the suction fan of the electronic mask and the exhaust fan of the mask storage device.

1 shows a mask storage device according to one embodiment.

2 and 3 are exploded views of an electronic mask according to one embodiment.

Figure 4 shows a vertical cross-section of a mask storage device according to an embodiment.

Figure 5 shows a cross-section cut in the vertical direction while an electronic mask is accommodated in a mask storage device according to an embodiment.

6 shows control configurations of a mask storage device according to one embodiment.

Figure 7 shows air flow when only the suction fan of the electronic mask is operated while the electronic mask is accommodated in a mask storage device according to an embodiment.

Figure 8 shows air flow when the suction fan of the electronic mask and the exhaust fan of the mask storage device are operated while the electronic mask is accommodated in the mask storage device according to an embodiment.

Figure 9 is a flowchart explaining a control method of a mask storage device according to an embodiment.

Figure 10 is a flowchart explaining a drying operation performed when the mask storage device operates in the mask storage mode according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of determining the remaining lifespan of a filter included in an electronic mask when a mask storage device operates in a mask storage mode according to an embodiment.

The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are only preferred examples of the disclosed invention, and at the time of filing this application, there may be various modifications that can replace the embodiments and drawings in this specification.

The same reference numbers or symbols shown in each drawing of this specification indicate parts or components that perform substantially the same function. The shapes and sizes of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity.

Throughout this specification, when a part is said to be "connected" to another part, this includes not only the case of being directly connected, but also the case of being indirectly connected, and an indirect connection means being connected through a wireless communication network. Or it includes being connected through another part.

Terms used herein are used to describe embodiments and are not intended to limit and/or limit the disclosed invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as “comprise” or “have” are intended to indicate the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but are not intended to indicate the presence of one or more other features. The existence or addition of numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof is not excluded in advance.

Terms containing ordinal numbers, such as "first", "second", etc., used in this specification may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms, and the terms refer to one It is used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, a first component may be named a second component, and similarly, the second component may also be named a first component without departing from the scope of the present invention. The term “and/or” includes any of a plurality of related stated items or a combination of a plurality of related stated items.

Additionally, terms such as "~unit", "~unit", "~block", "~member", and "~module" may refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation. For example, the terms may refer to at least one hardware such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) / application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), at least one software stored in memory, or at least one process processed by a processor. there is.

The codes attached to each step are used to identify each step, and these codes do not indicate the order of each step. Each step is performed differently from the specified order unless a specific order is clearly stated in the context. It can be.

Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

1 shows a mask storage device according to one embodiment.

Referring to Figure 1, the mask storage device 1 includes a housing 11 that forms a receiving space in which an object is placed. For example, the housing 11 may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape or a box shape with one side open. In addition, the mask storage device 1 is coupled to one side of the housing 11 and includes a door 12 provided to open or close the receiving space. The door 12 may be rotatably coupled to the housing 11 by a hinge. Various objects can be accommodated inside the housing 11. For example, the electronic mask 2 may be accommodated in the housing 11, or small objects such as a smartphone or glasses may be accommodated.

The mask storage device 1 may include an object sensor 20 that detects an object placed within the housing 11 . For example, the object sensor 20 may be provided on the lower surface of the door 12. The object sensor 20 may include an imaging sensor that acquires image data inside the housing 11. The imaging sensor may include a camera. Additionally, the object sensor 20 may include an optical sensor that irradiates light to an object and detects reflected light reflected from the object.

The housing 11 and the door 12 may be provided with a plurality of ultraviolet light sources 30 that emit ultraviolet light. A plurality of ultraviolet light sources 30 may be disposed on the door 12 and the housing 11 to emit ultraviolet light toward the receiving space. For example, the plurality of ultraviolet light sources 30 may be disposed on the lower surface of the door 20 and the inner surface of the bottom of the housing 11. Sterilization of an object accommodated in the housing 11 may be performed using ultraviolet light emitted from the plurality of ultraviolet light sources 30 .

A door sensor 14 may be provided on one side of the housing 11 to which the door 12 is coupled and on the other side of the housing 11. The door sensor 14 can detect the opening or closing of the door 12. The control unit 100 of the mask storage device 1 may control the object sensor 20 to detect an object contained within the housing 11 in response to detection of the door 12 being closed by the door sensor 14. there is.

Additionally, the door 12 may include a protrusion 13 protruding from the surface of the door 12. Even when the door 12 is closed due to the protrusion 13, a gap 15 may be formed between the housing 11 and the door 12 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). In other words, a gap 15 may be formed between the lower edge of the door 12 and the housing 11.

The protrusion 13 may be provided at a position corresponding to the door sensor 14. The protrusion 13 may contact the door sensor 14. The protrusion 13 may be provided as a magnet, and the door sensor 14 may be provided as a magnet sensor. The protrusion 13 and the door sensor 14 are not limited to those illustrated. The protrusion 13 and the door sensor 14 may also function as a locking device.

Additionally, a display 90 may be provided in the housing 11 or the door 12. In FIG. 1, the display 90 is illustrated as being provided on the outer surface of the housing 11, but the display is not limited thereto. The display 90 can display various information regarding the operation of the mask storage device 1. Additionally, the display 90 may display status information of the electronic mask 2 disposed within the housing 11. The display 90 may emit light of various colors in response to the operation of the mask storage device 1, or may display at least one of an image, text, or a graphic user interface (GUI).

2 and 3 are exploded views of an electronic mask according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 , the electronic mask 2 may include an outer shell 210, a flexible film 220, and an inner shell 230. The outer shell 210, the flexible film 220, and the inner shell 230 may overlap in the front-back direction. That is, the outer shell 210, the flexible film 220, and the inner shell 230 may be stacked and combined in that order. The outer shell 210, flexible film 220, and inner shell 230 can be easily separated by the user. When the user wears the electronic mask 2, the endothelium 230 comes into contact with the user's face.

The flexible film 220 may include a flexible PBA (Printed Board Assembly). The flexible film 220 may be equipped with a suction fan 310 and a mask power supply unit 320. The mask power supply unit 320 may include a battery, a mask control circuit, and a charging terminal. Additionally, the flexible film 220 may include a first hole 221 and a second hole 222. The first hole 221 and the second hole 222 may be spaced apart from each other. For example, the first hole 221 may be formed on the left side of the flexible film 220, and the second hole 222 may be formed on the right side of the flexible film 220.

The suction fan 310 and the mask power source 320 may be electrically connected through a wire 330. The wire 330 may be a conductive line printed on a flexible circuit board. The suction fan 310 can be controlled by the mask power supply unit 320 and can be operated by power supplied from the mask power supply unit 320. The suction fan 310 may be mounted in the first hole 221 of the flexible film 220. A first filter 340 may be installed in front of the suction fan 310. A second filter 350 may be installed in the second hole 222 of the flexible film 220. The first filter 340 and the second filter 350 may be HEPA filters. The second filter 350 may be removed depending on design.

The endothelium 230 may include a third hole 231 and a fourth hole 230. The third hole 231 and the fourth hole 232 may be spaced apart from each other. For example, the third hole 231 may be formed on the left side of the endothelium 230, and the fourth hole 232 may be formed on the right side of the endothelium 230. The third hole 231 of the endothelium 230 may be formed to correspond to the first hole 221 of the flexible film 220. The fourth hole 232 of the endothelium 230 may be formed to correspond to the second hole 222 of the flexible film 220.

When the suction fan 310 operates, the air sequentially passes through the outer shell 210, the first filter 340, the first hole 221 of the flexible film 220, and the third hole 231 of the inner shell 230. can do. By operating the suction fan 310, the user can easily breathe in clean air. That is, the first hole 221 of the flexible film 220 and the third hole 231 of the inner skin 230 may form an intake passage. The breath exhaled by the user may sequentially pass through the fourth hole 232 of the inner shell 230, the second hole 222 of the flexible film 220, and the outer shell 210. The fourth hole 232 of the endothelium 230 and the second hole 222 of the flexible film 220 may form an exhalation flow path.

The outer shell 210 and the inner shell 230 may be made of a fabric material, but are not limited thereto. The outer shell 210 may function as a pre-filter that filters out relatively large foreign substances. The endothelium 230 may also serve as a post-filter that additionally filters relatively small foreign substances.

Figure 4 shows a vertical cross-section of a mask storage device according to an embodiment. Figure 5 shows a cross-section cut in the vertical direction while an electronic mask is accommodated in a mask storage device according to an embodiment.

Referring to Figures 4 and 5, a gap 15 may be formed between the door 12 and the housing 11 of the mask storage device 1. Even if the door 12 is closed, the housing 11 and the door 12 may not be sealed. External air may flow into the housing 11 through the gap 15 between the housing 11 and the door 12. That is, the gap 15 between the housing 11 and the door 12 may serve as an air inlet. Although not shown, the housing 11 may further include a separate air inlet for introducing external air.

A support portion 16 may be provided within the housing 11 to support the placed object. The support portion 16 may be provided to protrude upward from the bottom surface of the housing 11. The support portion 16 may be provided in plural pieces. The support portion 16 may be provided on the left and right sides respectively within the housing 11. When the electronic mask 2 is disposed within the housing 11, the support portion 16 may support the left and right sides of the electronic mask 2, respectively. Accordingly, the electronic mask 2 may not contact the bottom surface of the housing 11 and may be supported in a floating state from the bottom surface of the housing 11. The support portion 16 may be provided in various shapes. For example, the support portion 16 may have a rod shape.

Housing 11 may include an exhaust port 17. For example, the exhaust port 17 may be provided in the lower part of the housing 11. An exhaust fan 40 may be provided in the exhaust port 17. Additionally, the housing 11 may include a damper 50 provided to open or close the exhaust port 17. The damper 50 may be rotatably coupled to one side of the exhaust port 17. For example, the damper 50 may be coupled to one side of the exhaust port 17 by a hinge. The damper 50 may be opened in response to the operation of the exhaust fan 40. Damper 50 may be closed in response to stopping operation of exhaust fan 40 and/or ending dry operation. When the damper 50 is opened, the air inside the housing 11 may be discharged to the outside through the exhaust port 17.

The object sensor 20 is illustrated as being provided on the door 12, but is not limited thereto. The object sensor 20 can detect an object placed within the housing 11 of the mask storage device 1. Object sensor 20 may include an imaging sensor and/or an optical sensor. In addition, the object sensor 20 may be implemented with various sensors used to detect objects.

A plurality of ultraviolet light sources 30 that emit ultraviolet light may be provided in the housing 11 and the door 12 of the mask storage device 1. A plurality of ultraviolet light sources 30 may be disposed on the door 12 and the housing 11 to emit ultraviolet light toward the receiving space formed by the housing 11. For example, the plurality of ultraviolet light sources 30 may be disposed on the lower surface of the door 20 and the inner surface of the bottom of the housing 11. Sterilization of an object accommodated in the housing 11 may be performed using ultraviolet light emitted from the plurality of ultraviolet light sources 30 .

A humidity sensor 60 that detects humidity may be provided within the housing 11. When the electronic mask 2 is disposed within the housing 11, the drying completion time of the electronic mask 2 can be predicted based on the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 60. Additionally, after the electronic mask 2 is disposed within the housing 11, whether or not the exhaust fan 40 operates may be determined based on the humidity within the housing 11. The humidity sensor 60 is shown as being disposed on the bottom of the housing 11, but is not limited thereto. Humidity sensor 60 may be placed in various locations within housing 11.

A pressure sensor 70 that detects the force of wind passing through the electronic mask 2 may be provided within the housing 11. The pressure sensor 70 may be placed on the bottom of the housing 11. The pressure sensor 70 can detect the force of wind discharged from the third hole 231 formed in the inner skin 230 of the electronic mask 2. Based on the magnitude of the wind force detected by the pressure sensor 70, the remaining lifespan of the filter included in the electronic mask 2 and whether the filter needs to be replaced can be determined.

Additionally, the mask storage device 1 may include a charging connector 80 and a control unit 100. The charging connector 80 may be connected to the mask power supply unit 320 of the electronic mask 2 to supply charging power to the electronic mask 2. The mask power supply unit 320 may include a charging terminal for connection to the charging connector 80. The charging connector 80 may be connected to the control unit 100 of the mask storage device 1 by a charging cable 81.

The control unit 100 may include a control circuit and a power circuit. The control unit 100 may be attached to or coupled to the housing 11. The control unit 100 may be connected to an external power source and may control the operation of the mask storage device 1 using power supplied from the external power source. The control unit 100 may supply charging power to the electronic mask 2 connected to the charging connector 80. Additionally, the mask storage device 1 may include a communication circuit that communicates with an external device.

Referring to FIG. 6, the mask storage device 1 includes a door sensor 14, an object sensor 20, an ultraviolet light source 30, an exhaust fan 40, a damper 50, a humidity sensor 60, and a pressure sensor. (70), it may include a display 90, a control unit 100, and a communication unit 130. The control unit 100 may include a memory 110 and a processor 120. The control unit 100 is electrically connected to the components of the mask storage device 1 and can control the components. Additionally, the control unit 100 may be electrically connected to the electronic mask 2 and may control the operation of the electronic mask 2. The components of the mask storage device 1 are not limited to those illustrated, and some of the illustrated components may be omitted or other components may be added.

The memory 110 can memorize/store various information necessary for the operation of the mask storage device 1. The memory 110 may store instructions, applications, data, and/or programs necessary for the operation of the mask storage device 1. The memory 110 may include volatile memory such as Static Random Access Memory (S-RAM) or Dynamic Random Access Memory (D-RAM) for temporarily storing data. In addition, the memory 110 includes non-volatile memory such as Read Only Memory (ROM), Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), or Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) for long-term storage of data. It can be included.

The processor 120 may generate a control signal for controlling the operation of the mask storage device 1 based on instructions, applications, data, and/or programs stored in the memory 110. The processor 120 is hardware and may include a logic circuit and an operation circuit. The processor 120 may process data according to programs and/or instructions provided from the memory 110 and generate control signals according to the processing results. The memory 110 and the processor 120 may be implemented as one control circuit or as a plurality of circuits.

The communication unit 130 may include a wired communication module and/or a wireless communication module for communicating with an external device (eg, a mobile device, a computer). The wired communication module can communicate with external devices through a wide area network such as the Internet, and the wireless communication module can communicate with external devices through an access point connected to the wide area network. Through this, the user can remotely control the mask storage device 1 using an external device such as a smartphone.

The display 90 may be provided with a light emitting diode (LED) or may include a display panel. For example, the display 90 may include a liquid crystal display panel (LCD panel), a light emitting diode panel (LED panel), an organic light emitting diode panel (OLED panel), or a micro LED panel. Additionally, the display 90 may be implemented as a touch display.

The door sensor 14 can detect the opening or closing of the door 12. The door sensor 14 may be provided in the housing 11. The door sensor 14 can detect the closing of the door 12 by contacting or combining with the protrusion 13 formed on the door 12 and transmit a door closing signal to the control unit 100. Conversely, the door sensor 14 can detect the opening of the door 12 as it is separated from the protrusion 13 of the door 12 and transmit a door opening signal to the control unit 100.

The object sensor 20 can detect an object placed within the housing 11 of the mask storage device 1. The object sensor 20 may include an imaging sensor that acquires image data inside the housing 11 and/or an optical sensor that irradiates light to an object and detects reflected light reflected from the object. The control unit 100 may control the object sensor 20 to detect an object accommodated inside the housing 11 in response to detection of the door 12 being closed by the door sensor 14 .

When the object sensor 20 includes an imaging sensor, the control unit 100 may identify the type of the detected object by processing image data acquired by the object sensor 20. The control unit 100 may process the image data to identify whether the object accommodated in the housing 11 is the electronic mask 2 or another personal item such as a smartphone.

When the object sensor 20 includes an optical sensor, the object sensor 20 may transmit a detection signal to the control unit 100 as it receives reflected light reflected from the object. Additionally, the control unit 100 can identify whether there is a connection between the object and the charging connector 80. When an object is connected to the charging connector 80, a connection signal may be transmitted to the control unit 100 through the charging cable 81. The control unit 100 may identify the object as the electronic mask 2 based on detection of reflected light by the object sensor 20 and detection of the connection between the object and the charging connector 80. When a detection signal is transmitted from the object sensor 20 while the object and the charging connector 80 are not connected, the control unit 100 may identify the detected object as an object other than the electronic mask 2.

The mask storage device 1 may operate in a mask storage mode for storing the electronic mask 2 or in a general storage mode for storing other objects. The control unit 100 may determine the operation mode of the mask storage device 1 to be a mask storage mode or a general storage mode based on the type of object detected within the housing 11. The mask storage mode may include a sterilization operation using the ultraviolet light source 30 and a drying operation using at least one of the exhaust fan 40 or the suction fan 310 of the electronic mask 2. The general storage mode may include sterilization operation using an ultraviolet light source 30. Dry operation may not be performed in normal storage mode.

The control unit 100 may determine operation in a mask storage mode including a sterilization operation and a drying operation based on the object being identified as the electronic mask 2. That is, when the object placed within the housing 11 is identified as the electronic mask 2, the operating mode of the mask storage device 1 may be determined to be the mask storage mode. The control unit 100 may determine operation in a general storage mode including a sterilization operation based on the object being identified as an object other than the electronic mask 2. That is, if the object placed within the housing 11 is identified as a personal item such as a smartphone, the operation mode of the mask storage device 1 may be determined to be a general storage mode.

Alternatively, the user may select the operating mode of the mask storage device 1 as the mask storage mode or the general storage mode using the display 90 or an external device. Additionally, if no object is detected within the housing 11, the mask storage device 1 may enter standby mode. In standby mode, sterilization operation and drying operation are not performed. That is, in standby mode, power is not supplied to the ultraviolet light source 30 and the exhaust fan 40 of the mask storage device 1, and the ultraviolet light source 30 and the exhaust fan 40 may not operate.

A plurality of ultraviolet light sources 30 may be provided in the housing 11 and the door 12. The plurality of ultraviolet light sources 30 may emit ultraviolet light toward the receiving space formed by the housing 11 . The ultraviolet light sources 30 may be provided as UV-LED. The control unit 100 may operate the ultraviolet light sources 30 for sterilization operation in mask storage mode and general storage mode. The control unit 100 may operate the plurality of ultraviolet light sources 30 in response to the closing of the door 12 being detected by the door sensor 14 and the object being detected by the object sensor 20 . The control unit 100 may stop the operation of the ultraviolet light sources 30 based on the door 12 being opened.

The exhaust fan 40 may be provided in the exhaust port 17 of the housing 11. The damper 50 may be provided to open or close the exhaust port 17. The damper 50 may be rotatably coupled to one side of the exhaust port 17 and may be controlled by the control unit 100. The control unit 100 may open the damper 50 in response to the operation of the exhaust fan 40. The control unit 100 may close the damper 50 in response to stopping operation of the exhaust fan 40 and/or ending the drying operation.

The humidity sensor 60 may detect the humidity within the housing 11 and transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the detected humidity to the control unit 100. Humidity sensor 60 may detect relative humidity and/or absolute humidity. The control unit 100 may control the humidity sensor 60 to detect humidity within the housing 11 as the mask storage mode is entered. When the humidity within the housing 11 is higher than the reference humidity, the control unit 100 may control the display 90 to provide notification information indicating that the electronic mask 2 needs to be dried. Additionally, the control unit 100 may predict the drying completion time of the electronic mask 2 based on the detected humidity. The control unit 100 may control the display 90 to display the predicted drying completion time.

The control unit 100 may operate at least one of the exhaust fan 40 of the mask storage device 1 or the suction fan 310 of the electronic mask 2 for drying operation in the mask storage mode. When entering the mask storage mode, the control unit 100 may first operate the suction fan 310 of the electronic mask 2. Thereafter, the controller 100 may additionally operate the exhaust fan 40 based on whether the change rate of humidity within the housing 11 is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold change rate for a predetermined time. The operation time of the exhaust fan 40 can be reduced by determining whether to operate the exhaust fan 40 according to the change rate of humidity within the housing 11. As the operation time of the exhaust fan 40 is reduced, power consumption efficiency can be improved. Additionally, discomfort that the user may feel due to the noise of the exhaust fan 40 can be reduced.

Additionally, the control unit 100 may stop the operation of the exhaust fan 40 and the suction fan 310 based on the humidity within the housing 11 reaching a predetermined reference humidity. As the drying operation is performed, the humidity in the housing 11 may decrease. When the humidity decreases to the reference humidity, the control unit 100 may determine the end of the drying operation. Accordingly, the control unit 100 can stop the operation of the exhaust fan 40 of the mask storage device 1 and the suction fan 310 of the electronic mask 2.

Stopping the operation of the exhaust fan 40 of the mask storage device 1 and the suction fan 310 of the electronic mask 2 may be performed sequentially. For example, the control unit 100 may stop the operation of the exhaust fan 40 based on the detected humidity reaching the first reference humidity. Thereafter, the operation of the suction fan 310 of the electronic mask 2 may be stopped based on the detected humidity reaching a second reference humidity that is lower than the first reference humidity.

The pressure sensor 70 can detect the force of wind passing through the electronic mask 2. For example, the pressure sensor 70 may be disposed on the bottom surface of the housing 11 and detects the force of the wind discharged from the third hole 231 formed in the inner skin 230 of the electronic mask 2. You can. When at least one of the suction fan 310 of the electronic mask 2 or the exhaust fan 40 of the mask storage device 1 operates, an airflow is formed within the housing 11, and the inner skin of the electronic mask 2 ( The pressure sensor 70 located on the side 230) can measure the magnitude of the force of wind passing through the electronic mask 2. The magnitude of the wind force measured by the pressure sensor 70 may be expressed as a pressure value.

The control unit 100 may determine the remaining lifespan of the filter included in the electronic mask 2 and whether the filter needs to be replaced, based on the magnitude of the wind force detected by the pressure sensor 70. As the filter 340 of the electronic mask 2 filters foreign substances when the user breathes in, foreign substances may accumulate on the filter 340. Foreign matter accumulating in the filter 340 hinders air from passing through the filter 340. Therefore, it is necessary to replace the filter 340 at an appropriate time. As foreign matter accumulates in the filter 340 of the electronic mask 2, the speed of wind passing through the filter 340 gradually decreases. The power of the wind is proportional to the speed of the wind. As foreign matter accumulates in the filter 340 of the electronic mask 2, the magnitude of wind force (i.e., pressure value) measured by the pressure sensor 70 decreases.

The control unit 100 sends a notification regarding replacement of the filter 340 included in the electronic mask 2 based on the size of the wind force detected by the pressure sensor 70 being less than or equal to a predetermined threshold. The display 90 can be controlled to provide Additionally, the memory 110 may store correlation data between the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor 70 and the remaining lifespan of the filter 340. The control unit 100 may determine the remaining lifespan of the filter 340 using correlation data between the pressure value and the remaining lifespan of the filter 340. The control unit 100 may control the display 90 to display information on the remaining life of the filter 340. Based on the completion of the operation of the mask storage mode, the control unit 100 may control the display 90 to provide a notification regarding replacement of the filter 340 and/or information on the remaining lifespan of the filter 340.

Figure 7 shows air flow when only the suction fan of the electronic mask is operated while the electronic mask is accommodated in a mask storage device according to an embodiment. Figure 8 shows air flow when the suction fan of the electronic mask and the exhaust fan of the mask storage device are operated while the electronic mask is accommodated in the mask storage device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8 , when the electronic mask 2 is disposed within the housing 11 of the mask storage device 1, the mask storage device 1 may operate in a mask storage mode. In the mask storage mode, sterilization and drying operations of the electronic mask 2 can be performed. A plurality of ultraviolet light sources 30 may operate for sterilization operation. For drying operation, at least one of the exhaust fan 40 of the mask storage device 1 or the suction fan 310 of the electronic mask 2 may operate.

Referring to FIG. 7, the control unit 100 of the mask storage device 1 may first operate the suction fan 310 of the electronic mask 2 based on entering the mask storage mode. In this case, the exhaust fan 40 may not operate and the damper 50 may remain closed. As the suction fan 310 of the electronic mask 2 operates, an airflow may be formed within the housing 11. As the suction fan 310 operates, air may flow into the housing 11 through the gap 15 between the door 12 and the housing 11. Some of the air introduced into the housing 11 may escape to the outside through the gap 15.

As indicated by the arrow, air introduced into the housing 11 may pass through the electronic mask 2 by the suction force of the suction fan 310. Air sucked by the suction fan 310 may be discharged through the third hole 231 of the endothelium 230. Additionally, air existing on the inner shell 230 side of the electronic mask 2 may move toward the outer shell 210 through the fourth hole 232. That is, within the housing 11, air can circulate while passing through the outer shell 210 and the inner shell 230 of the electronic mask 2. The outer shell 210, inner shell 230, and filter 340 of the electronic mask 2 may be dried by this air circulation.

However, if there is a lot of moisture contained in the electronic mask 2, the humidity in the housing 11 may increase even if the suction fan 310 operates. When the humidity in the housing 11 increases, drying efficiency can be improved by operating the exhaust fan 40 of the mask storage device 1 together.

Referring to FIG. 8, after entering the mask storage mode, the control unit 100 operates the exhaust fan 40 based on the change rate of humidity in the housing 11 for a predetermined time being greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold change rate. can be operated additionally. Additionally, the control unit 100 may open the damper 50. As indicated by the arrow, due to the opening of the damper 50 and the operation of the exhaust fan 40, the air introduced into the housing 11 passes through the electronic mask 2 and then flows out to the outside through the exhaust port 17. may be discharged. Air existing on the outer shell 210 side of the electronic mask 2 may move to the exhaust port 17 through the third hole 231 and the fourth hole 232 of the inner shell 230. In this case, moisture inside the housing 11 may also be discharged to the outside of the housing 11 through the exhaust port 17.

Referring to FIG. 9, the control unit 100 of the mask storage device 1 uses an object sensor ( 20) can be controlled (901). If no object is detected within the housing 11, the control unit 100 may enter the mask storage device 1 into standby mode (902, 903). In standby mode, sterilization operation and drying operation are not performed. That is, in standby mode, power is not supplied to the ultraviolet light source 30 and the exhaust fan 40 of the mask storage device 1, and the ultraviolet light source 30 and the exhaust fan 40 may not operate.

When an object is detected within the housing 11, the control unit 100 can identify the type of the detected object (904). The control unit 100 may determine operation in a general storage mode including a sterilization operation based on the object being identified as an object other than the electronic mask 2 (905). The control unit 100 may determine operation in a mask storage mode including a sterilization operation and a drying operation based on the object being identified as the electronic mask 2 (906).

Referring to FIG. 10, the control unit 100 may operate the suction fan 310 of the electronic mask 2 as the mask storage mode is entered (1001). That is, the control unit 100 can turn on the suction fan 310. Although not shown, ultraviolet light sources 30 may also be included. Additionally, the control unit 100 may control the humidity sensor 60 to detect humidity within the housing 11 and predict the drying completion time of the electronic mask 2 based on the detected humidity (1002). The drying completion time of the electronic mask 2 may be displayed through the display 90.

Thereafter, the control unit 100 may detect the change rate of humidity within the housing 11 for a predetermined period of time (1003). The control unit 100 may additionally operate the exhaust fan 40 based on the change rate of humidity within the housing 11 being greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold change rate (1004). That is, the control unit 100 can turn on the exhaust fan 40.

If the moisture contained in the electronic mask 2 is small, drying may be possible by operating only the suction fan 310 of the electronic mask 2. However, if there is a lot of moisture contained in the electronic mask 2, the humidity inside the housing 11 may rapidly increase after the electronic mask 2 is accommodated in the housing 11. In this case, to improve drying efficiency, the suction fan 310 of the electronic mask 2 and the exhaust fan 40 of the mask storage device 1 can be operated together.

As the exhaust fan 40 and the suction fan 310 operate to dry the electronic mask 2, the humidity inside the housing 11 may decrease. The control unit 100 may stop the operation of the exhaust fan 40 based on the humidity measured by the humidity sensor 60 reaching the first reference humidity (1005, 1006). That is, the control unit 100 may first turn off the exhaust fan 40 when the humidity within the housing 11 decreases to the first reference humidity.

The control unit 100 may stop the operation of the suction fan 310 of the electronic mask 2 based on the humidity measured by the humidity sensor 60 reaching a second reference humidity that is lower than the first reference humidity ( 1007, 1008). That is, the control unit 100 may turn off the suction fan 310 when the humidity within the housing 11 decreases to the second reference humidity. The control unit 100 may end the drying operation (1009). The control unit 100 may close the damper 50 based on the end of the drying operation.

In FIG. 10 , it is explained that stopping the operation of the exhaust fan 40 of the mask storage device 1 and stopping the operation of the suction fan 310 of the electronic mask 2 are performed sequentially, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The control unit 100 may stop the operation of the exhaust fan 40 and the suction fan 310 together based on the humidity within the housing 11 reaching a predetermined reference humidity (e.g., the second reference humidity). In this case, the damper 50 may be closed in response to the stoppage of operation of the exhaust fan 40.

Referring to FIG. 11, the control unit 100 may operate the suction fan 310 of the electronic mask 2 as the mask storage mode is entered (1101). Additionally, the control unit 100 may control the pressure sensor 70 to detect the magnitude (i.e., pressure value) of the wind force passing through the electronic mask 2 (1102). The control unit 100 displays a display to provide a notification regarding replacement of the filter 340 included in the electronic mask 2 based on the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor 70 being less than or equal to a predetermined threshold. (90) can be controlled (1103, 1104).

If the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor 70 is greater than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 100 may determine the remaining lifespan of the filter 340 included in the electronic mask 2 (1105). The memory 110 may store correlation data between the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor 70 and the remaining lifespan of the filter 340. The control unit 100 may determine the remaining lifespan of the filter 340 using correlation data between the pressure value and the remaining lifespan of the filter 340. Additionally, the control unit 100 may control the display 90 to display information on the remaining life of the filter 340 (1106).

As described above, the disclosed mask storage device and its control method can store not only electronic masks but also various objects, and can perform optimal operation depending on the stored items.

Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a storage medium that stores instructions executable by a computer. Instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, may create program modules to perform operations of the disclosed embodiments.

A storage medium that can be read by a device may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory storage medium' simply means that it is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g. electromagnetic waves). This term refers to cases where data is semi-permanently stored in a storage medium and temporary storage media. It does not distinguish between cases where it is stored as . For example, a 'non-transitory storage medium' may include a buffer where data is temporarily stored.

Methods according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided and included in a computer program product. Computer program products are commodities and can be traded between sellers and buyers. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g. compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)) or through an application store (e.g. Play StoreTM) or on two user devices (e.g. It can be distributed (e.g. downloaded or uploaded) directly between smartphones) or online. In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) is stored on a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server. It can be temporarily stored or created temporarily.

As described above, the disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the attached drawings. A person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that the present invention can be practiced in forms different from the disclosed embodiments without changing the technical idea or essential features of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

Claims

A housing forming a space in which an object is accommodated;

a door coupled to one side of the housing and provided to open or close the space;

an object sensor that detects the object disposed within the housing;

an ultraviolet light source that emits ultraviolet light into the housing;

an exhaust fan provided at an exhaust port of the housing; and

It includes a control unit electrically connected to the object sensor, the ultraviolet light source, and the exhaust fan,

The control unit

Identifying the type of the detected object and determining operation in a mask storage mode for storing the electronic mask or a general storage mode for storing objects other than the electronic mask,

The mask storage mode includes a sterilization operation using the ultraviolet light source and a drying operation using at least one of the exhaust fan or the suction fan of the electronic mask,

The general storage mode is a mask storage device including a sterilization operation using the ultraviolet light source.
According to paragraph 1,

It further includes a humidity sensor that detects humidity within the housing,

The control unit

First operating the suction fan of the electronic mask in the mask storage mode,

A mask storage device that further operates the exhaust fan based on the rate of change of humidity in the housing during a predetermined time being greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold rate of change.
According to paragraph 2,

The control unit

A mask storage device that stops operation of the exhaust fan and the suction fan based on the humidity within the housing reaching a predetermined reference humidity.
According to paragraph 1,

It further includes a damper provided to open or close the exhaust port of the housing,

The control unit

A mask storage device that opens the damper in response to operation of the exhaust fan and closes the damper in response to stopping operation of the exhaust fan.
According to paragraph 1,

It further includes a pressure sensor provided in the housing and detecting the force of wind passing through the electronic mask,

The control unit

A mask storage device that determines the remaining life of a filter included in the electronic mask and whether the filter needs to be replaced, based on the magnitude of the wind force detected by the pressure sensor in the mask storage mode.
According to clause 5,

It further includes a display provided on the housing or the door,

The control unit

A mask storage device that controls the display to provide a notification regarding replacement of a filter included in the electronic mask based on the magnitude of the detected wind force being less than or equal to a predetermined threshold.
According to paragraph 1,

a humidity sensor that detects humidity within the housing; and

It further includes a display provided on the housing or the door,

The control unit

Predicting the drying completion time of the electronic mask based on the humidity detected by the humidity sensor in the mask storage mode,

A mask storage device that controls the display to display the predicted drying completion time.
According to paragraph 1,

It further includes a door sensor provided on the other side of the housing,

The control unit

A mask storage device that controls the object sensor to detect the object in response to detection of the door being closed by the door sensor.
According to paragraph 1,

The door is

A mask storage device comprising: a protrusion provided to form a gap between the housing and the door when the door is closed.
According to paragraph 1,

The object sensor is

A mask storage device comprising an imaging sensor that acquires image data inside the housing or an optical sensor that irradiates light to the object and detects reflected light reflected from the object.
According to clause 10,

It further includes a charging connector provided in the housing to be connected to the charging terminal of the electronic mask,

The control unit

Process the image data to identify the type of object,

A mask storage device that identifies the type of the object based on detection of the reflected light and whether the object and the charging connector are connected.
A method of controlling a mask storage device comprising a housing, a door coupled to one side of the housing, an ultraviolet light source emitting ultraviolet light into the housing, and an exhaust fan provided at an exhaust port of the housing,

detecting, by an object sensor, an object placed within the housing;

identify, by the control unit, the type of the detected object;

Based on the type of the detected object, determine an operation mode of the mask storage device as a mask storage mode for storage of an electronic mask or a general storage mode for storage of objects other than the electronic mask;

The mask storage mode includes a sterilization operation using the ultraviolet light source and a drying operation using at least one of the exhaust fan or the suction fan of the electronic mask,

The general storage mode is a control method of a mask storage device including a sterilization operation using the ultraviolet light source.
According to clause 12,

The operation of the mask storage mode is,

first operating the suction fan of the electronic mask;

detecting humidity in the housing using a humidity sensor;

A control method of a mask storage device including; additionally operating the exhaust fan based on the change rate of the humidity detected during a predetermined time being greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold change rate.
According to clause 13,

The operation of the exhaust fan and the intake fan is

A control method of a mask storage device in which the humidity in the housing is stopped based on reaching a predetermined reference humidity.
According to clause 12,

The operation of the mask storage mode is,

opening a damper provided at an exhaust port of the housing in response to operation of the exhaust fan;

Closing the damper in response to stopping operation of the exhaust fan.