JP2019121971A - Communication device and system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a communication device and a system that can detect a user's unusual state with high accuracy and do not need an external power supply.SOLUTION: A communication device is attached to a tip of a hand-washing faucet provided in a bath room. The communication device includes a power generation unit and a communication unit. The power generation unit is configured to generate power by using water output from the hand-washing faucet. The communication unit is configured to transmit data to a server directly or indirectly when power is supplied from the power generation unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication device and system, and more particularly to a communication device attached to the tip of a hand wash caraurant provided in a toilet and a system including the communication device.

  Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2013-178852 (patent document 1) discloses the solitary person watching system which detects a change of a solitary person. In this single person watching system, the non-operation duration time of the home appliance installed at home is measured. And based on the continuation time of the no-operation state of a household appliance, a change of a single resident is detected (refer patent document 1).

JP, 2013-178852, A

  In the patent document 1, it is premised that a single person (user) uses a home appliance. However, some of the single residents rarely use home appliances. In the case where a single resident hardly uses a home appliance, it is difficult to detect a change in the single resident with high accuracy based on the duration of no operation of the home appliance. Moreover, in the said patent document 1, the special sensor is attached to household appliances. This special sensor is likely to operate by receiving power from an external power source such as an outlet. That is, it is necessary to prepare an external power supply.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object thereof is to be able to detect a user's abnormality with high accuracy, and to perform communication which does not require an external power supply (including a battery or the like). It is providing an apparatus and a system.

  A communication device in accordance with an aspect of the present invention is attached to the tip of a hand wash currant provided on a toilet. The communication device comprises a power generation unit and a communication unit. The power generation unit is configured to generate electric power by using water discharged by hand washing currant. The communication unit is configured to transmit data to the server directly or indirectly when power is supplied from the power generation unit.

  When the user of the communication device is at home, the user is likely to use the toilet in the home. For example, if the toilet in the home is not used beyond a predetermined period, there may be a possibility that the user has made a mistake. That is, by detecting the use condition of the toilet, it is possible to detect a user's change with high accuracy. In this communication device, data is sent to the server when the user flushes the toilet. Therefore, according to this communication device, it is possible to indirectly inform the server of the user's change by notifying the server of the usage state of the toilet. Also, in this communication device, the power required for data transmission is generated by the water in the toilet. Therefore, according to this communication device, there is no need to prepare an external power supply.

  Preferably, management information in which the user of the communication apparatus is associated with an ID (identification) is stored in the server. A third party who is not authorized to access the management information can not identify the user of the communication device from the ID alone. The communication unit is configured to transmit the ID to the server when power is supplied from the power generation unit.

  In this communication device, only the ID is sent to the server. Therefore, according to this communication device, even if data (ID) leaks to a third party in the process of data transmission, it is possible to prevent the third party from identifying the user of the communication device.

  Preferably, in the communication device, communication between the communication unit and the server is performed in compliance with the IEEE 802.11 standard (WiFi standard).

  The WiFi standard is widely and generally popular. Therefore, according to this communication device, a wide installable range can be secured.

  Preferably, in the communication device, the communication unit is configured to transmit data to the server via a first communication terminal held by the same user as the user of the communication device. The server stores management information in which the user of the communication apparatus is associated with an ID (identification). A third party who is not authorized to access the management information can not identify the user of the communication device from the ID alone. The communication unit is configured to transmit an ID to the server via the first communication terminal when power is supplied from the power generation unit.

  In this communication device, data is transmitted to the server via the communication terminal. Therefore, according to this communication device, even if the communication device can not directly communicate with the server, it is possible to indirectly transmit data to the server.

  Preferably, the first communication terminal is a smartphone.

  Preferably, in the communication device, communication between the communication unit and the first communication terminal is performed in compliance with the IEEE 802.15.1 standard (Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard).

  The Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard is widely and widely spread. Therefore, according to this communication device, a wide installable range can be secured.

  A system according to another aspect of the present invention comprises the communication device, a second communication terminal, and a server. The second communication terminal is held by a user different from the user of the communication device. The server is configured to communicate directly or indirectly with the communication device and the second communication terminal. The server is configured to transmit information on the reception status of data from the communication device to the second communication terminal.

  In this system, information on the reception status of data from the communication device is transmitted to the second communication terminal. Therefore, according to this system, it is possible to inform the user of the second communication terminal of a change in the user of the communication apparatus.

  Preferably, in the above system, the server transmits the above information (information regarding the reception status of data from the communication device) to the second communication terminal when the reception of data from the communication device is not performed for a predetermined period. Is configured as.

  In this system, information is transmitted from the server to the second communication terminal when data transmission from the communication apparatus to the server has not been performed for a predetermined period. Therefore, according to this system, it is possible to alert the user of the second communication terminal only when there is a high possibility that the user of the communication apparatus has made a mistake.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a communication device and system capable of detecting a user's change with high accuracy and requiring no external power supply.

It is a figure showing a schematic structure of a watching system. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a communication apparatus. It is a perspective view of a communication apparatus. It is a top view of a communication apparatus main body. It is a V-V cross-sectional view of FIG. It is VI-VI sectional drawing of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a server. It is a figure which shows an example of management information. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a smart phone. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a communication apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows ID reception operation | movement in a server. It is a flow chart which shows contact operation to a guardian in a server. It is a figure which shows an example of warning mail.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding portions are denoted by the same reference characters and description thereof will not be repeated.

[1. Constitution]
(1-1. Configuration of watching system)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a watching system 10 according to the present embodiment. The watching system 10 is a system for remotely monitoring the safety of a single person (for example, an elderly person living alone).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the watching system 10 includes a communication device 100, a server 200, and a smartphone 300. The communication device 100 is installed in the bathroom 15 of a single person's home. Specifically, the communication device 100 is attached to the tip of the hand wash curry 20 of the toilet 15. The smartphone 300 is held by a guardian of a single person. Parents, for example, live away from the home of a single person. Communication device 100 can communicate with server 200, and server 200 can communicate with smartphone 300.

  When a single resident is at home, the single resident is likely to use the toilet 15 at home. For example, if the toilet 15 is not used beyond a predetermined time, there may be a change in a single resident. In the watching system 10, the use condition of the toilet 15 is notified to the server 200. Then, when there is a change in the use state of the toilet 15, the server 200 notifies the smartphone 300 of a warning. As a result, the guardian (holder of the smartphone 300) can remotely recognize that there is something wrong with the single person.

  Hereinafter, configurations of the communication device 100, the server 200, and the smartphone 300 will be described, and thereafter, operations of the communication device 100 and the server 200 will be described. The watching system 10 is an example of the “system” in the present invention, and the smartphone 300 is an example of the “second communication terminal” in the present invention.

(1-2. Electrical configuration of communication device)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the communication apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the communication device 100 includes a generator 110, a rectifier 120 and a communication module 130.

  The generator 110 is configured to generate electric power by using the water discharged by the hand wash curry 20 (FIG. 1) of the toilet 15. Although details will be described later, the generator 110 includes a small water wheel rotated by water and a motor that generates electric power by rotation of the small water wheel. The AC power generated by the generator 110 is supplied to the rectifier 120. The generator 110 is an example of the “power generation unit” in the present invention.

  The rectifier 120 is configured to convert AC power supplied from the generator 110 into DC power. The DC power generated by the rectifier 120 is supplied to the communication module 130.

  The communication module 130 is configured, for example, to enable communication compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard (WiFi standard) and the IEEE 802.15.1 standard (Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard). The communication module 130 includes a processor and a memory 135 not shown. The memory 135 stores a control program of the communication module 130 and an ID (identification) associated with a single person (user). The ID will be described in detail later. The communication module 130 operates by utilizing the power supplied from the rectifier 120. The communication module 130 is an example of the “communication unit” in the present invention.

  As described above, in the communication device 100, since power generation is performed, a battery or the like is unnecessary. That is, there is no need to prepare an external power supply to use the communication device 100.

(1-3. Mechanical configuration of communication device)
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the communication device 100. FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the communication device 100 has a substantially oval shape and is attached to the tip of the hand-washed curd 20. The communication device 100 includes a communication device body 101 and caps 102 and 103. The exterior of the communication device body 101 and each of the caps 102 and 103 are made of, for example, resin. The cap 102 is attached to the upper surface of the communication device body 101, and the cap 103 is attached to the lower surface of the communication device body 101. The cap 103 is formed with a through hole penetrating in the vertical direction. Further, a through hole penetrating in the vertical direction is formed in the cap 102, and an O-ring is disposed in the through hole. The communication device 100 is attached to the hand wash carlan 20 via an O-ring in the cap 102.

  FIG. 4 is a plan view of the communication device main body 101. As shown in FIG. 4, the communication device main body 101 has a circular shape in plan view. A hole 105 is formed in the communication device body 101. Further, a flat portion 104 and an inclined portion 106 are provided in the communication device main body 101. The inclined portion 106 is inclined obliquely downward. The water flowing in from the upper side is led to the hole 105 via the flat portion 104 and the inclined portion 106.

  FIG. 5 is a V-V cross-sectional view of FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 5, the communication device body 101 includes a main housing 111 and covers 112 and 113. Each of main case 111 and covers 112 and 113 is made of, for example, a resin. Each of the covers 112 and 113 covers the main housing 111 from the side.

  In communication device body 101, a first space inside main casing 111, a second space between main casing 111 and cover 112, and a third space between main casing 111 and cover 113 are formed. It is done. The rectifier 120 is disposed in the second space, and the communication module 130 is disposed in the third space. Water flows into the first space from above.

  Since each space is independent, water flowing into the first space does not flow into other spaces. In the communication device 100, waterproofing of the electronic components (the rectifier 120 and the communication module 130) is realized by isolating the arrangement location of the electronic components and the water flow path. The rectifier 120 and the communication module 130 are connected by wiring (not shown). The location of the wiring will be described later.

  Inside the main housing 111, a support portion 114 having a hollow cylindrical shape is formed. A hole is formed at the tip of the support portion 114. Inside the main housing 111, the coil 118, the bearing 117, and the shaft portion 116 of the small water wheel 115 are supported by the support portion 114.

  The generator 110 includes a small water wheel 115 and a motor 119. In the circumferential direction of the small water wheel 115, a plurality of wings (not shown) are provided. The small water wheel 115 is supported by the support portion 114 by the shaft portion 116 of the small water wheel 115 penetrating the hole of the support portion 114. A bearing 117 is attached around the shaft portion 116. The bearing 117 is made of, for example, brass. The coil 118 is disposed to surround the bearing 117. In addition, the small water wheel 115 is provided with, for example, two blocks including a powder magnet 122 so as to surround the coil 118. The powder magnet 122 and the coil 118 function as a motor 119. When each block rotates around the coil 118 as the small water wheel 115 rotates, power generation occurs. The coil 118 and the rectifier 120 are connected by a wire (not shown), and the generated power is supplied to the rectifier 120.

  6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI of FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, a hole 105 is formed above the main housing 111. The flow path of water flowing in from above is gradually narrowed from the inclined portion 106 toward the hole 105. In the communication device 100, by narrowing the flow path of water, the force of water flowing into the small water wheel 115 is increased (Venturi effect). By increasing the momentum of the water, the small water wheel 115 rotates sufficiently, and sufficient power necessary for the operation of the communication module 130 (FIG. 2) is secured.

  In addition, a hole 121 is formed in the main housing 111. In the hole 121, a wire connecting the rectifier 120 and the communication module 130 is passed. Since the water does not pass through the holes 121, the wiring will not get wet.

(1-4. Electrical configuration of server)
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the server 200. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the server 200 includes a communication unit 210, a storage unit 220, and a control unit 230.

  The communication unit 210 is configured to communicate with the communication device 100 and the smartphone 300 (FIG. 1). The communication unit 210 is configured of, for example, a wired LAN (Local Area Network) module or a wireless LAN module.

  The storage unit 220 is, for example, an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk drive or a solid state drive. The storage unit 220 is configured to store, for example, the management information 222. The management information 222 is information in which a single person (a user of the communication apparatus 100) is associated with an ID (identification). The management information 222 is updated each time there are more single people who install the communication device 100 at home.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the management information 222. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the management information 222 includes “ID”, “individual (resident) name”, “guardian name”, “guardian TEL (phone number)”, and “guard Mail”. “E-mail address” is associated with “last received date and time”. Although the details will be described later, the “final reception date and time” is the date and time when the information indicating the use status of the toilet by the single resident was last received.

  The control unit 230 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), and the like, and is configured to control each component according to a control program. Also, the control unit 230 includes a timer 232, and can recognize the current time. The processing content of the control unit 230 will be described in detail later.

(1-5. Electrical configuration of smartphone)
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the smartphone 300. As shown in FIG. As described above, the smartphone 300 is held by a single resident guardian (a user different from the single resident).

  As shown in FIG. 9, the smartphone 300 includes a communication unit 310, a storage unit 320, a display unit 330, and a control unit 340.

  The communication unit 310 is configured to communicate with the server 200 (FIG. 1). Communication unit 310 is configured of, for example, a wired LAN module or a wireless LAN module. The storage unit 320 is, for example, an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk drive or a solid state drive. The display unit 330 is, for example, a monitor such as a liquid crystal monitor or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) monitor. The control unit 340 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like, and is configured to control each component according to a control program.

[2. Operation]
(2-1. Operation of Communication Device)
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the communication apparatus 100. The process shown in this flowchart is executed by the communication module 130 when the toilet 15 (FIG. 1) is flushed.

  Referring to FIG. 10, when the toilet 15 is flushed and sufficient power is generated, the communication module 130 is activated (step S100). After activation, the communication module 130 starts searching for free WiFi (step S110). Free WiFi is WiFi that does not require a password for network connection.

  Then, the communication module 130 determines whether free WiFi has been found (step S120). If it is determined that free WiFi is not found (NO in step S120), the communication module 130 continues searching for free WiFi until the supplied power is exhausted.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that free WiFi has been found (YES in step S120), the communication module 130 executes connection to the found free WiFi (step S130). Thereafter, the communication module 130 transmits the ID stored in the memory 135 (ID associated with a single person) to the server 200 (step S140).

  As described above, in the communication device 100, the ID of a single person is transmitted to the server 200 each time the toilet 15 is flushed. That is, according to the communication device 100, the use situation of the toilet 15 by a single person can be transmitted to the server 200.

  In addition, the ID of a single resident is, for example, a simple number. That is, a third party who is not permitted to access the management information 222 (FIG. 8) can not identify a single resident from the ID alone. Therefore, even if data (ID) is leaked to a third party in the process of data transmission, the third person does not identify a single resident. The specification for transmitting only an ID in the communication apparatus 100 is based on the so-called "principle of least privilege".

(2-2. Operation of server)
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an ID reception operation in the server 200. The process shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed by the control unit 230 (FIG. 7).

  Referring to FIG. 11, control unit 230 determines whether or not an ID has been received from communication device 100 (step S200). If it is determined that the ID has not been received (NO in step S200), the process proceeds to return.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the ID is received (YES in step S200), control unit 230 updates the "last received date and time" of management information 222 stored in storage unit 220 (step S210). That is, the control unit 230 updates the “final reception date and time” associated with the received ID to the current date and time.

  As described above, the server 200 manages the date and time when each single resident last used the toilet by updating the management information 222.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation of contacting the parent in the server 200. The process shown in this flowchart is executed by control unit 230 when a predetermined time (for example, 8:00 and 20:00) arrives.

  Referring to FIG. 12, control unit 230 determines whether an ID is received in a predetermined time slot (step S300). For example, the control unit 230 determines whether an ID has been received within 12 hours retroactively from the current time. Specifically, the control unit 230 determines whether or not an ID is received in a predetermined time slot by referring to the “final reception date and time” of the management information 222 stored in the storage unit 220.

  If it is determined that the ID is received in the predetermined time zone (YES in step S300), the process proceeds to the end. That is, no contact is made to the parents. For example, if the toilet 15 is used within 12 hours retroactively from the current time, there is a high possibility that no error has occurred in the single resident.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the ID is not received in the predetermined time zone (NO in step S300), control unit 230 executes a process for contacting the guardian of the single person (step S310). For example, the control unit 230 executes a process for calling the smartphone 300. Also, for example, the control unit 230 controls the communication unit 210 to transmit a warning email to the smartphone 300.

  FIG. 13 is a view showing an example of the warning mail. As illustrated in FIG. 13, for example, the warning mail is displayed on the display unit 330 of the smartphone 300. For example, the warning e-mail describes that there may be something wrong with a single person.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the single person does not use the toilet 15 for a predetermined period, the server 200 contacts the smartphone 300. Therefore, the guardian (holder of the smart phone 300) can know remotely whether or not a change occurs in the person living alone.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the server 200 comes in contact with the smart phone 300 only when there is a high possibility that a single resident has been altered. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the smartphone 300 does not receive contact from the server 200 more frequently than necessary.

[3. Feature]
As described above, communication device 100 in accordance with the present embodiment is attached to the tip of hand wash carlan 20 provided in toilet 15. Communication device 100 includes a generator 110 and a communication module 130. The generator 110 generates power by using the water discharged by the handwashing curd 20. The communication module 130 transmits data (ID) to the server 200 when power is supplied from the generator 110.

  According to the communication device 100, by notifying the server 200 of the usage condition of the toilet 15, it is possible to indirectly notify the server 200 of a change of a single person (user). Also, in the communication device 100, the water necessary for data transmission is generated by the water of the toilet 15. Therefore, according to the communication device 100, there is no need to prepare an external power supply.

  Further, watching system 10 according to the present embodiment includes communication device 100, smartphone 300, and server 200. The smartphone 300 is held by a user (a guardian) different from the user (a single person) of the communication device 100. The server 200 communicates with the communication device 100 and the smartphone 300. The server 200 is configured to transmit information related to the reception status of data from the communication device 100 to the smartphone 300.

  In watching system 10, information on the reception status of data from communication device 100 (information indicating that an ID has not been received in a predetermined time slot) is transmitted to smartphone 300. Therefore, according to the watching system 10, it is possible to notify the user (the guardian) of the smartphone 300 of a change in the user (the person living alone) of the communication device 100.

[4. Modified example]
As mentioned above, although embodiment was described, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various change is possible unless it deviates from the meaning. Hereinafter, modified examples will be described. However, the following modifications can be combined as appropriate.

(4-1)
In the above embodiment, the communication module 130 is compatible with both IEEE 802.11 and IEEE 802.15.1. However, the communication module 130 does not have to be compatible with both. The communication module 130 may support, for example, only IEEE 802.11. Further, the standard used by the communication module 130 for communication may not necessarily be the IEEE 802.11 standard. In short, as long as communication is established between the communication module 130 and the communication apparatus 100, any communication standard may be used.

(4-2)
Further, in the above embodiment, the communication device 100 and the server 200 directly communicate with each other. However, the communication device 100 and the server 200 may not necessarily communicate directly. For example, communication device 100 and server 200 may communicate via a communication terminal such as a smartphone held by a single person.

  For example, the communication device 100 and the smartphone of a single person may be connected by Bluetooth (registered trademark), and the smartphone of the single person and the server 200 may be connected by WiFi. In this case, when the toilet 15 is used, the communication device 100 transmits the ID of the single person to the smartphone of the single person, and the smartphone of the single person transmits the ID of the single person to the server 200. .

(4-3)
Further, in the above embodiment, when the communication module 130 is activated, a search for free WiFi is performed. However, the network searched by the communication module 130 does not necessarily have to be free WiFi. For example, a specification may be made such that a password or the like of WiFi contracted by a single resident is registered in advance in the communication device 100, and the communication module 130 searches for registered WiFi at startup.

(4-4)
In the above embodiment, when the predetermined time has arrived, the server 200 determines whether or not the ID has been received in the predetermined time slot. However, the determination timing by the server 200 is not limited to this. For example, the server 200 may always determine whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the last reception of an ID from each communication device 100. In this case, the server 200 may execute a process for contacting a guardian when a predetermined time has elapsed.

(4-5)
Further, in the above embodiment, the server 200 executes the process for contacting the guardian only when the ID is not received in the predetermined time zone. However, for example, when an ID is received in a predetermined time zone, the server 200 may notify a parenter that no abnormality has occurred in the single resident.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 guard system, 15 toilets, 20 hand washing carlans, 100 communication apparatus, 101 communication apparatus main body, 102, 103 cap, 104 flat part, 105, 121 hole, 106 inclination part, 110 generator, 111 main case, 112, 113 Cover, 114 support portion, 115 small water wheel, 116 shaft portion, 117 bearing, 118 coil, 119 motor, 120 motor, 120 rectifier, 122 powder magnet, 130 communication module, 135 memory, 200 server, 210, 310 communication unit, 220, 320 memory Part, 222 management information, 230, 340 control part, 232 timer, 300 smart phone, 330 display part.

Claims (8)

A communication device attached to the tip of a hand washing carang provided in a toilet,
A power generation unit configured to generate power by using the water discharged by the handwashing currant;
A communication apparatus comprising: a communication unit configured to transmit data to a server directly or indirectly when power is supplied from the power generation unit. Management information in which the user of the communication device is associated with an ID (identification) is stored in the server,
A third party who is not authorized to access the management information can not identify the user only from the ID.
The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit is configured to transmit the ID to the server when power is supplied from the power generation unit.   The communication device according to claim 2, wherein communication between the communication unit and the server is performed in compliance with the IEEE 802.11 standard. The communication unit is configured to transmit data to the server via a first communication terminal held by the same user as the user of the communication device;
Management information in which the user of the communication device is associated with an ID (identification) is stored in the server,
A third party who is not authorized to access the management information can not identify the user only from the ID.
The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit is configured to transmit the ID to the server via the first communication terminal when power is supplied from the power generation unit.   The communication device according to claim 4, wherein the first communication terminal is a smartphone.   The communication device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein communication between the communication unit and the first communication terminal is performed in accordance with the IEEE 802.15.1 standard. A communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
A second communication terminal held by a user different from the user of the communication device;
A server configured to communicate directly or indirectly with the communication device and the second communication terminal;
The system, wherein the server is configured to transmit, to the second communication terminal, information regarding the reception status of data from the communication device.   The system according to claim 7, wherein the server is configured to transmit the information to the second communication terminal when reception of data from the communication device has not been performed for a predetermined period.

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