JP2021134509A - Guiding device for toilet - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a guiding device for a toilet with which guide information regarding how to use a toilet room can be provided to a user with higher reliability.SOLUTION: A guiding device for a toilet that is used in a toilet system placed in a toilet room includes: a display unit which displays images; a detection information obtaining unit which obtains first detection information that is a first state of a user detected and second detection information that is a second state, a subsequent state to the first state, of the user detected; and a control unit which controls the operation of the display unit based on the first detection information and the second detection information. The control unit executes provision of first output regarding how to use the toilet room in response to the first detection information being obtained and provision of second output in response to the second detection information being obtained, and continues the provision of the first output until the display of a specific portion of the first input is completed when the second detection information is obtained before the display of the specific portion of the first input is completed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Aspects of the present invention generally relate to toilet guidance devices.

Toilet guidance devices that are used in toilet systems installed in toilet rooms such as public facilities and guide users of information about the toilet room, such as the arrangement and usage of toilet system equipment, are known (for example, patents). Documents 1 to 3).

The toilet guidance device guides the user how to use the toilet room by displaying an image on the display unit in response to the operation of the operation unit of the user, for example. In this case, if the user does not notice the existence of the operation unit, even if the user wants guidance on how to use the toilet room, the guidance cannot be performed. In addition, some users who do not want guidance may mistakenly recognize how to use the toilet room. In this way, even if there is no request from the user, it may be necessary for the toilet guidance device to voluntarily guide how to use the toilet room.

For example, it has been proposed to detect the position of the user in the toilet room and switch the content of the guidance according to the detected position. However, in this case, if the user moves to the next position in the middle of the guidance on how to use the toilet room, the guidance on how to use the toilet room will be interrupted or stopped, and the use of the toilet room will be interrupted. There is a risk that the method guidance will not be fully communicated to the user.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-84616 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2007-282954 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-55071

The present invention has been made based on the recognition of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a toilet guidance device capable of more reliably transmitting guidance on how to use a toilet room to a user.

The first invention is a toilet guidance device used in a toilet system installed in a toilet room, which includes a display unit for displaying an image, first detection information for detecting a first state of a user, and the above-mentioned. A detection information acquisition unit that acquires a second detection information that detects a second state after the first state of the user, and a display unit based on the first detection information and the second detection information. The control unit includes a control unit for controlling the operation, and the control unit displays an image relating to the usage method of the toilet room on the display unit in response to the acquisition of the first detection information, thereby displaying the usage method of the toilet room. By performing the first output regarding the above and displaying a predetermined image on the display unit in response to the acquisition of the second detection information, the second output is performed and before the display of the predetermined range of the first output is completed. In addition, when the second detection information is acquired, the toilet guidance device is characterized in that the first output is continued until the display of the predetermined range is completed.

According to this toilet guidance device, if the second detection information is acquired before the display of the predetermined range of the first output regarding the usage of the toilet room is completed, the first is until the display of the predetermined range is completed. By continuing the output, it is possible to more reliably inform the user how to use the toilet room.

In the first invention, the second state is the user's entry into the toilet room or the user's approach, and the second state is the user's seating on the toilet seat. It is a guide device for a toilet characterized by being.

According to this toilet guidance device, it is possible to more reliably convey how to use the toilet room even to a user who enters or approaches the toilet room quickly and quickly sits down.

According to a third aspect of the invention, in the first or second invention, the toilet system includes a toilet seat device, and the control unit starts the first output before the operation of the toilet seat device. It is a guide device for toilets, which is characterized by.

According to this toilet guidance device, the display unit can be made conspicuous by starting the first output regarding how to use the toilet room before the operation of the toilet seat device, and the line of sight of the user can be displayed on the display unit. It can be easily guided. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably inform the user how to use the toilet room.

A fourth aspect of the invention is the first or second aspect of the toilet system, wherein the toilet system includes a lighting unit that irradiates light, and the control unit outputs the first output before lighting the lighting unit. It is a guide device for toilets, which is characterized by starting.

According to this toilet guidance device, the display unit can be made conspicuous by starting the first output regarding how to use the toilet room before the lighting unit is turned on, and the user's line of sight can be displayed on the display unit. It can be easily guided. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably inform the user how to use the toilet room.

According to the aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a toilet guidance device that can more reliably convey guidance on how to use the toilet room to the user.

It is a perspective view which shows typically the toilet room which installed the toilet guide device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows typically the toilet guide device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 3A and 3B are explanatory views schematically showing an example of an operation screen displayed on the display unit. It is a flowchart which schematically shows an example of the operation of the toilet guidance device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which schematically shows an example of another operation of the toilet guidance device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which schematically shows an example of another operation of the toilet guidance device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows typically the toilet seat device of the toilet system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which schematically shows an example of the operation of the toilet system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows typically the modification of the toilet seat device of the toilet system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows typically the toilet system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows typically the toilet guide device which concerns on 4th Embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, similar components are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.
(First Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a toilet room in which the toilet guide device according to the first embodiment is installed.
As shown in FIG. 1, the toilet guidance device 10 is used in the toilet system 2 installed in the toilet room TR. The toilet guidance device 10 guides information about the toilet room TR (toilet system 2) by voice or image. As a result, even those who are uncertain about how to use the toilet room TR, such as foreigners and visually impaired people, can use the toilet room TR with peace of mind.

The toilet room TR is, for example, a toilet room of a public facility. The toilet room TR is an independent room such as a multipurpose toilet or a multifunctional toilet. The toilet room TR may be a so-called toilet booth, which is provided side by side in one room in a state of being partitioned by a partition or the like.

In addition to the toilet guide device 10, the toilet system 2 includes devices such as a toilet bowl 12, hand wash basins 16 and 18, a baby chair 20, a urinal 22, and a waste disposal unit 24. Each of these devices of the toilet system 2 is installed in the toilet room TR. Further, the toilet system 2 may be further provided with equipment such as a hand dryer and a baby seat (not shown). However, the equipment provided in the toilet system 2 is not limited to these, and any equipment may be used. These devices are arranged side by side on a lining 30 provided on the wall side of the toilet room TR, for example. The lining 30 may be referred to as a cabinet, casing, or the like. The toilet room TR has an entrance / exit TRa of the toilet room TR on the wall side where the lining 30 is not provided. The doorway TRa is provided with, for example, an openable door TRb.

The toilet bowl 12 includes a toilet bowl body 13 having a bowl portion recessed downward, and a toilet seat device 14 mounted on the toilet bowl body 13. The toilet bowl body 13 receives excrement such as urine and feces of the user U in the bowl portion. That is, the toilet bowl 12 is a Western-style sitting toilet bowl.

The toilet seat device 14 has a toilet seat 14a. Above the toilet seat device 14, for example, a backrest 15 for receiving the back of the user U seated on the toilet seat 14a is provided. The toilet seat device 14 may be integrally attached to the toilet body 13, or may be detachably attached to the toilet body 13.

The toilet seat device 14 has, for example, a body cleaning function unit that realizes cleaning of the “buttocks” of the user U seated on the toilet seat 14a. The toilet seat device 14 is, for example, a sanitary cleaning device. The toilet seat device 14 may be a heated toilet seat device having a heating function for warming the seating surface of the toilet seat 14a. Further, the toilet bowl 12 does not necessarily have to include the toilet seat device 14. The toilet seat 14a may be, for example, a normal toilet seat directly mounted on the toilet body 13.

The hand wash basins 16 and 18 are used by a user U or the like who has added a toilet bowl 12 or a urinal 22 to wash his / her hands. The baby chair 20 is provided on the side of the toilet bowl 12 and is a chair for a guardian to temporarily allow the baby to sit when using the toilet bowl 12 or the like. Further, the urinal 22 receives the urine of the user U and is provided on the side of the baby chair 20. The sewage distribution unit 24 is provided on the side of the urinal 22, and is a device for the ostomate to dispose of sewage such as excrement.

The lining 30 is, for example, L-shaped and is installed facing two adjacent wall surfaces W1 and W2 of the rectangular toilet room TR. The lining 30 has, for example, a first side surface 30a facing the same direction as the wall surface W1 and a second side surface 30b provided adjacent to the first side surface 30a and facing the same direction as the wall surface W2.

The toilet bowl 12 is attached to the first side surface 30a, for example, close to the second side surface 30b of the lining 30. In this example, the toilet bowl 12 is a so-called wall-mounted toilet bowl. The toilet bowl 12 may be, for example, a floor-standing toilet bowl arranged close to the first side surface 30a and the second side surface 30b.

A call button 32, an operation remote controller 34, a toilet bowl cleaning button 36, and the like are provided on the second side surface 30b of the lining 30. The call button 32 is an operation unit for notifying the outside of the occurrence of an abnormal situation in an emergency or the like. The operation remote controller 34 is an operation unit for instructing the toilet seat device 14 to operate the body cleaning function unit. The operation remote controller 34 has a plurality of operation buttons such as a stop button, a buttocks cleaning button, and a bidet cleaning button. The toilet bowl cleaning button 36 is an operation unit for cleaning the toilet bowl 12. By operating the toilet bowl cleaning button 36, cleaning water is supplied to the bowl portion of the toilet bowl 12, and the bowl portion of the toilet bowl 12 is cleaned.

Further, a paper winder 38 for holding the toilet paper is further provided on the second side surface 30b of the lining 30. The paper winder 38 is arranged below, for example, the toilet bowl cleaning button 36.

The call button 32, the operation remote controller 34, the toilet bowl cleaning button 36, and the paper winder 38 are arranged within the reach of the user U seated on the toilet bowl 12. The distance between the side end of the toilet bowl 12 and the second side surface 30b is preferably 60 cm or less, for example. As a result, the user U seated on the toilet bowl 12 can easily reach the call button 32, the operation remote controller 34, the toilet bowl cleaning button 36, and the paper roll 38.

The call button 32, the operation remote controller 34, the toilet bowl cleaning button 36, and the paper winder 38 are not limited to the second side surface 30b of the lining 30, and may be attached to, for example, the wall surface W2 of the toilet room TR. The calling button 32, the operation remote controller 34, the toilet bowl cleaning button 36, and the paper winder 38 may be attached at any position within the reach of the user U seated on the toilet bowl 12.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing a toilet guide device according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the toilet guidance device 10 includes a main body 50 and a display terminal 52. The main body unit 50 includes a voice output unit 60, a human body detection sensor 61, a seating detection sensor 62, a control unit 63, and a communication unit 64.

The audio output unit 60 outputs audio. The audio output unit 60 is, for example, a speaker. The audio output unit 60 is connected to the control unit 63 and outputs a specific audio into the toilet room TR based on the audio signal input from the control unit 63.

As described above, the main body unit 50 has an audio output unit 60. The main body 50 guides information about the toilet room TR by voice by outputting voice from the voice output unit 60. More specifically, the information on the toilet room TR is information on how to use the toilet room TR (toilet system 2).

The main body 50 is provided in the vicinity of the toilet bowl 12, for example. The main body 50 is provided on the first side surface 30a of the lining 30 so as to be adjacent to the toilet bowl 12, for example. As a result, the voice guidance can be easily heard by the user U seated on the toilet seat 14a. However, the mounting position of the main body 50 is not limited to the above, and may be any position at which the user U can appropriately hear the voice guidance.

The human body detection sensor 61 detects the user U of the toilet room TR. The human body detection sensor 61 is a specific state of the user U such as the user U entering the toilet room TR, moving the user U to the vicinity of the toilet bowl 12, and leaving the user U from the toilet room TR. Is detected. The state of the user U detected by the human body detection sensor 61 is not limited to the above, and may be any state of the user U.

For the human body detection sensor 61, for example, a microwave sensor can be used. As the human body detection sensor 61, for example, an infrared light emitting / receiving type ranging sensor, a pyroelectric sensor, or the like may be used. The human body detection sensor 61 may be configured by one sensor or the like, or may be configured by combining a plurality of sensors or the like. The human body detection sensor 61 may have, for example, a plurality of sensors corresponding to a plurality of states of the user U.

The human body detection sensor 61 is connected to the control unit 63. The human body detection sensor 61 detects the user U's entry into the toilet room TR or the user U's approach to the toilet bowl 12 (main body 50) as the first state of the user U, and the user U enters the room. Alternatively, the approach detection information is acquired as the first detection information. The human body detection sensor 61 inputs the acquired first detection information to the control unit 63.

The seating detection sensor 62 detects the human body existing above the toilet seat 14a immediately before the user U sits on the toilet bowl 12 and the user U seated on the toilet seat 14a. As a result, the seating detection sensor 62 acquires seating information indicating that the user U is seated on the toilet seat 14a. As such a seating detection sensor 62, for example, an infrared light emitting / receiving type ranging sensor can be used. As the seating detection sensor 62, for example, a microwave sensor, a pyroelectric sensor, or the like may be used.

The seating detection sensor 62 is connected to the control unit 63. The seating detection sensor 62 detects the user U's seating on the toilet seat 14a as the second state after the first state of the user U, and acquires the seating information of the user U as the second detection information. The seating detection sensor 62 inputs the acquired second detection information to the control unit 63. As described above, in this example, the human body detection sensor 61 and the seating detection sensor 62 function as detection information acquisition units for acquiring the first detection information and the second detection information.

The display terminal 52 includes a communication unit 70, a display unit 71, and an operation unit 72. The communication unit 70 communicates with the communication unit 64 of the main body 50. The communication unit 64 and the communication unit 70 communicate in both directions and send and receive various types of information to each other. The communication between the main body 50 and the display terminal 52 may be wireless or wired.

The display unit 71 displays an image. The display unit 71 displays, for example, a moving image. The display unit 71 may switch and display a plurality of still images, for example. For the display unit 71, for example, a well-known display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display is used.

The display unit 71 communicates with the control unit 63 of the main body unit 50 via the communication units 64 and 70. The display unit 71 receives the image signal output from the control unit 63 via the communication units 64 and 70, and displays a moving image or a still image on the screen based on the image signal input from the control unit 63.

In this way, the display terminal 52 has a display unit 71. By displaying an image on the display unit 71, the display terminal 52 guides the information about the toilet room TR with the image. As described above, the toilet guidance device 10 includes the main body 50 and the display terminal 52, and guides the information about the toilet room TR by voice and also by an image. As a result, information about the toilet room TR can be more reliably transmitted to the user U. For example, it is possible to convey information about the toilet room TR to the deaf user U and the like. Therefore, it is possible to allow a wider variety of users U to comfortably use the toilet room TR.

The operation unit 72 receives the operation of the user U. The operation unit 72 communicates with the control unit 63 via the communication units 64 and 70, and inputs operation information according to the operation of the user U to the control unit 63. The operation unit 72 is, for example, a touch panel that is provided so as to overlap the front surface of the display unit 71 and detects a touch operation of the user U on the screen of the display unit 71. The operation unit 72 inputs the detection result of the touch operation of the user U to the control unit 63 as operation information. The display terminal 52 is, for example, a tablet terminal.

However, the operation unit 72 for inputting the operation information is not limited to the touch panel, and may be a push button type switch or the like. When a push button type switch or the like is used as the operation unit 72, the operation unit 72 may be provided separately from the display terminal 52. The operation unit 72 may be, for example, a remote controller provided separately from the main body unit 50 and the display terminal 52. The configuration of the operation unit 72 may be any configuration in which operation information corresponding to the operation of the user U can be input to the control unit 63.

The display terminal 52 is arranged, for example, at a position where the user U seated on the toilet seat 14a can easily see the display unit 71 and the user U seated on the toilet seat 14a can easily operate the operation unit 72. The display terminal 52 is provided, for example, on the side wall surface W2 of the toilet bowl 12. In this case, the distance between the side end of the toilet bowl 12 and the wall surface W2 is preferably 60 cm or less, for example. As a result, the user U seated on the toilet seat 14a can easily operate the operation unit 72.

However, the mounting position of the display terminal 52 is not limited to this, and any user U seated on the toilet seat 14a can easily see the display unit 71, and the user U seated on the toilet seat 14a can easily operate the operation unit 72. The position is fine. The display terminal 52 may be provided, for example, on the second side surface 30b of the lining 30 or the like. When the display unit 71 and the operation unit 72 are provided as separate members, the display unit 71 is preferably arranged at a position that is easy for the user U seated on the toilet seat 14a to see, and the operation unit 72 is arranged at a position that is easy to see from the toilet seat 14a. It is preferable to arrange the toilet at a position that is easy to operate from the user U seated on the toilet.

The control unit 63 of the main body 50 is input from the detection information (first detection information) input from the human body detection sensor 61, the seating information (second detection information) input from the seating detection sensor 62, and the operation unit 72. The operation of the voice output unit 60 and the display unit 71 is controlled based on the operation information.

The control unit 63 displays an image on how to use the toilet room TR on the display unit 71 in response to the acquisition of the first detection information from the human body detection sensor 61, and also outputs a voice about how to use the toilet room TR as a voice output unit. By outputting from 60, the first output regarding how to use the toilet room TR is performed.

The information on how to use the toilet room TR includes, for example, information on how to sit on the toilet bowl 12. As a result, it is possible to prevent the user U, who is unfamiliar with the toilet bowl 12, from using the toilet bowl 12 in a posture different from the usual one. The user U can be seated on the toilet seat 14a in the correct posture with respect to the toilet seat 14a. For example, it is possible to prevent the toilet seat 14a from being damaged by crouching with the foot resting on the toilet seat 14a. Alternatively, excretion can be performed so as to straddle the toilet seat 14a without sitting on the toilet seat 14a, and it is possible to prevent the excrement from adhering to the periphery of the toilet seat 14a and the toilet bowl 12.

The information on how to use the toilet room TR includes, for example, information on how to dispose of the toilet paper after use. As a result, the used toilet paper can be appropriately discarded in the toilet bowl 12. For example, in order to prevent clogging of the toilet bowl, some areas have a custom of throwing used toilet paper into a trash can prepared around the toilet instead of flushing it into the toilet bowl. It is possible to prevent the user U residing in such an area from throwing away the used toilet paper around the toilet bowl 12 or the like based on his / her own custom.

Further, the control unit 63 displays an image corresponding to the second state on the display unit 71 in response to the acquisition of the second detection information from the seating detection sensor 62, and outputs a voice corresponding to the second state to the voice output unit. By outputting from 60, the second output corresponding to the second state is performed. In this example, the second state is the state in which the user U is seated on the toilet seat 14a. In other words, the control unit 63 performs a second output corresponding to the seated state of the user U on the toilet seat 14a in response to the acquisition of the seating information from the seating detection sensor 62.

The information corresponding to the seated state of the user U on the toilet seat 14a (the image corresponding to the second state) includes, for example, information on how to flush the toilet bowl 12. As a result, it is possible to prevent the user U, who is unfamiliar with the toilet bowl 12, from having trouble because he / she does not know how to flush the toilet bowl 12 or being surprised by the automatic cleaning of the toilet bowl. ..

For example, when the toilet seat device 14 has a body cleaning function unit, the information corresponding to the seated state of the user U on the toilet seat 14a includes information on the function of the body cleaning function unit and information on the operation method of the operation remote controller 34. including. Thereby, for example, even a user U who does not know the body washing function part can appropriately use the body washing function part.

Further, the information corresponding to the seated state of the user U on the toilet seat 14a includes, for example, information on the arrangement of the equipment installed in the toilet room TR. The main body 50 (toilet guide device 10) guides, for example, the arrangement of the call button 32, the operation remote controller 34, the toilet bowl cleaning button 36, and the paper winder 38 by image and voice. The equipment arrangement information may include, for example, the arrangement information of the hand wash basins 16 and 18, the baby chair 20, the urinal 22, and the sewage disposal unit 24. Thereby, for example, the arrangement of each device can be appropriately communicated to the visually impaired user U.

The first output (information on how to use the toilet room TR) includes, for example, at least one of the above-mentioned information described with respect to the first output. Similarly, the second output (information corresponding to the second state) includes, for example, at least one of the above-mentioned information described with respect to the second output. By guiding the above information with images and sounds, the user U who is unfamiliar with the toilet room TR and the visually impaired user U can comfortably use the toilet room TR. However, the information regarding the toilet room TR is not limited to the above-mentioned information, and may be arbitrary information regarding the usage method and precautions of the toilet room TR. Further, the second output does not necessarily have to be the output of information on how to use the toilet room TR. The image displayed in the second output is not limited to the image corresponding to the second state, and may be a predetermined image output according to the second state of the user U. The information output in the second output may be, for example, information such as an advertisement or a sales promotion.

3A and 3B are explanatory views schematically showing an example of an operation screen displayed on the display unit.
The control unit 63 displays the operation screen 80 on the display unit 71 by inputting an image signal to the display unit 71.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the operation screen 80 includes, for example, a plurality of language selection buttons 81 to 84, an information display unit 85, and a stop button 86. Language selection buttons 81-84 allow the user U to select a desired language. In this example, the language selection buttons 81 to 84 for selecting Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean are shown as an example. The selectable language is not limited to these, and any language may be used. The number of languages that can be selected is not limited to four, and may be any number.

When the operation unit 72 detects a touch operation on any of the language selection buttons 81 to 84, the operation unit 72 inputs the operation information of the language corresponding to the touch-operated language selection buttons 81 to 84 to the control unit 63. In this way, the operation unit 72 inputs the operation information related to the language selection to the control unit 63.

The control unit 63 identifies the selected language based on the input operation information. Then, after identifying the selected language, the control unit 63 outputs the voice of the selected language from the voice output unit 60. As described above, when the language is selected by the touch operation of any of the language selection buttons 81 to 84, the control unit 63 provides guidance by the voice of the selected language. As a result, it is possible to convey information about the toilet room TR to the users U in various languages so that the toilet room TR can be used comfortably.

The information display unit 85 displays an image corresponding to information about the toilet room TR. The control unit 63 displays various images according to the situation of the user U on the information display unit 85, thereby guiding information on the toilet room TR as images. The control unit 63 guides information about the toilet room TR with an image by using, for example, a pictogram or characters. Further, when displaying characters on the information display unit 85, the control unit 63 displays the characters of the language selected by the language selection buttons 81 to 84. This makes it possible to more reliably convey information about the toilet room TR to users U in various languages.

When the control unit 63 performs the first output regarding how to use the toilet room TR, for example, as shown in FIG. 3A, after guiding the information on how to sit on the toilet bowl 12 with an image, FIG. As shown in (b), information on how to dispose of the toilet paper after use is shown in the image. In this way, the control unit 63 performs the first output for a predetermined time (first time) by switching the moving image or the plurality of still images and displaying them on the display unit 71. The same applies to the second output. The control unit 63 performs the second output for a predetermined time (second time) by switching the moving image or the plurality of still images and displaying them on the display unit 71.

The stop button 86 enables the user U to stop the guidance when the guidance is performed by voice or image. When the operation unit 72 detects a touch operation on the stop button 86, the operation unit 72 inputs operation information regarding the stop of guidance to the control unit 63. The control unit 63 stops the guidance by voice or image in response to the input of the operation information regarding the stop of the guidance. As a result, the guidance can be stopped according to the request of the user U, and the convenience of the toilet guidance device 10 can be further improved. For example, by providing a mute button or the like, only voice guidance may be stopped.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart schematically showing an example of the operation of the toilet guidance device according to the first embodiment.
When the user U enters the toilet room TR, the human body detection sensor 61 detects the user U, and the detection information of the user U is input to the control unit 63 as the first detection information (step S101 in FIG. 4). As described above, the detection of the human body by the human body detection sensor 61 may be the detection of the user U entering the toilet room TR, or the detection of the user U approaching the toilet bowl 12 (main body 50). But it may be.

When the control unit 63 receives the input of the detection information, the control unit 63 inputs the image signal to the display unit 71 to display the operation screen 80 on the display unit 71. Then, the control unit 63 inputs an image signal to the display unit 71, and displays an image related to how to use the toilet room TR on the information display unit 85 of the operation screen 80 displayed on the display unit 71, whereby the toilet room TR The first output regarding the usage of the above is started (step S102 in FIG. 4). The control unit 63 may perform the first output by the image and the sound by outputting the sound corresponding to the image regarding the usage of the toilet room TR from the sound output unit 60.

The seating detection sensor 62 inputs the seating information as the second detection information to the control unit 63 in response to the detection of the user U sitting on the toilet seat 14a. After starting the first output, the control unit 63 determines whether or not the user U is seated on the toilet seat 14a (step S103 in FIG. 4).

When the control unit 63 determines that the user U has been seated on the toilet seat 14a based on the input of the seating information, the control unit 63 subsequently determines whether or not the display of the predetermined range of the first output has been completed (FIG. 4). Step S104). In other words, when it is determined that the user U is seated on the toilet seat 14a, the control unit 63 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the first output.

The predetermined range of the first output may be an important part of the first output regarding the usage of the toilet room TR, or may be the entire first output. When the control unit 63 determines that the user U is seated on the toilet seat 14a, the control unit 63 may determine whether or not the first output is completed.

When the control unit 63 determines that the display of the predetermined range of the first output has not been completed, the control unit 63 continues the first output (step S105 in FIG. 4). In this way, when the control unit 63 detects that the user U is seated on the toilet seat 14a before the display of the predetermined range of the first output is completed (when the second detection information is acquired), the control unit 63 is predetermined. The first output is continued until the display of the range is completed.

On the other hand, when the control unit 63 determines that the display of the predetermined range of the first output has been completed, the operation screen in which the image corresponding to the seated state (second state) of the user U is displayed on the display unit 71. By displaying the image on the information display unit 85 of 80, the second output corresponding to the seated state is started (step S106 in FIG. 4). The control unit 63 may output the second output by the image and the sound by outputting the sound corresponding to the seated state from the sound output unit 60.

The control unit 63 ends the output in response to the end of the second output or the touch operation on the stop button 86 (step S107 in FIG. 4).

As described above, in the toilet guidance device 10 according to the present embodiment, when the second detection information is acquired before the display of the predetermined range of the first output regarding the usage of the toilet room TR is completed. , The first output is continued until the display of the predetermined range is completed. As a result, it is possible to more reliably inform the user U of how to use the toilet room TR.

Further, in the toilet guidance device 10, the first state is the user U entering the toilet room TR or the user U approaching, and the second state is the user U sitting on the toilet seat 14a. As a result, it is possible to more reliably convey how to use the toilet room TR even to the user U who quickly enters or approaches the toilet room TR and sits down.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart schematically showing another operation of the toilet guidance device according to the first embodiment.
In this example, the control unit 63 determines whether or not the operation unit 72 has been operated after the human body detection sensor 61 detects the user U and starts the first output regarding the usage of the toilet room TR (FIG. FIG. 5 steps S201 to S203).

In this example, the operation unit 72 detects the state of the user U who operates the operation unit 72 as the second state after the first state of the user U, and the operation information according to the operation of the user U. Is acquired as the second detection information. The operation unit 72 inputs the acquired second detection information to the control unit 63. As described above, in this example, the human body detection sensor 61 and the operation unit 72 function as a detection information acquisition unit that acquires the first detection information and the second detection information.

When the control unit 63 determines that the display of the predetermined range of the first output has been completed and starts the second output, the control unit 63 displays an image corresponding to the operation state (second state) of the operation unit 72 of the user U. By displaying on the information display unit 85 of the operation screen 80 displayed on the display unit 71, the second output corresponding to the operation state is started (step S206 in FIG. 5). Hereinafter, since the operations of steps S204 to S207 are substantially the same as the operations of steps S104 to S107 described with reference to FIG. 4, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, the second state is not limited to the state in which the user U is seated on the toilet seat 14a, and may be the state in which the operation unit 72 of the user U is operated. The detection information acquisition unit is not limited to the one composed of the human body detection sensor 61 and the seating detection sensor 62, and may be composed of the human body detection sensor 61 and the operation unit 72.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart schematically showing another operation of the toilet guidance device according to the first embodiment.
In this example, the control unit 63 first determines whether or not the user U is seated on the toilet seat 14a based on the seating information from the seating detection sensor 62 (step S301 in FIG. 6).

When the control unit 63 determines that the user U is seated on the toilet seat 14a, the control unit 63 inputs an image signal to the display unit 71 to display the operation screen 80 on the display unit 71. Then, the control unit 63 inputs an image signal to the display unit 71, and displays an image related to how to use the toilet room TR on the information display unit 85 of the operation screen 80 displayed on the display unit 71, whereby the toilet room TR The first output relating to the usage of the above is started (step S302 in FIG. 4).

In this example, the seating detection sensor 62 detects the user U's seating on the toilet seat 14a as the first state of the user U, and acquires the seating information of the user U as the first detection information. The human body detection sensor 61 inputs the acquired first detection information to the control unit 63. Hereinafter, since the operations of steps S303 to S307 are substantially the same as the operations of steps S203 to S207 described with reference to FIG. 5, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, the first state of the user U is not limited to the state of the user U entering the toilet room TR or the user U approaching the toilet bowl 12 (main body 50). It may be in a state of being seated on the toilet seat 14a. The detection information acquisition unit may be composed of a seating detection sensor 62 and an operation unit 72.

The first state is not limited to the above, and may be any state of the user U. The second state is not limited to the above, and may be any state performed by the user U after the first state. The configuration of the detection information acquisition unit is not limited to the above, and may be any configuration capable of acquiring the first detection information and the second detection information. For example, the human body detection sensor 61 may be used as a detection information acquisition unit, the entry or approach of the user U may be set as the first state, and the state closer than the first state may be set as the second state.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically showing a toilet seat device of the toilet system according to the second embodiment.
Those having substantially the same functions and configurations as those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. This point is the same for the following embodiments.
As described in the first embodiment, the toilet system 2 includes a toilet guide device 10 and a toilet seat device 14. In this example, the toilet seat device 14 has a toilet seat 14a, a device main body 90, and a toilet lid 91.

The device main body 90 pivotally supports the toilet seat 14a and the toilet lid 91 so as to be openable and closable. The toilet lid 91 is pivotally supported by the device main body 90 so as to be openable and closable, and covers the upper part of the toilet seat 14a in a closed state (lowered state).

The device main body 90 includes an opening / closing mechanism 92, a control unit 93, and a human body detection sensor 94. The device main body 90 has, for example, a casing, and houses the opening / closing mechanism 92, the control unit 93, and the human body detection sensor 94 in the casing.

The opening / closing mechanism 92 has a motor or the like, and opens / closes the toilet lid 91 by transmitting a driving force to the toilet lid 91. In other words, the opening / closing mechanism 92 moves the toilet lid 91 between the closed position and the open position. That is, the opening / closing mechanism 92 enables the toilet lid 91 to be automatically opened / closed without the need for manual operation by the user U.

The human body detection sensor 94 detects the user U approaching the toilet seat device 14. As the human body detection sensor 94, the same one as described in the human body detection sensor 61 can be used. The human body detection sensor 94 inputs the detection result of the user U to the control unit 93.

The detection range of the user U of the human body detection sensor 94 of the toilet seat device 14 is narrower than the detection range of the user U of the human body detection sensor 61 of the toilet guidance device 10. In other words, the longest distance that can detect the user U of the human body detection sensor 94 is shorter than the longest distance that can detect the user U of the human body detection sensor 61. Therefore, the operation of the toilet guidance device 10 using the human body detection sensor 61 is executed before the operation of the toilet seat device 14 using the human body detection sensor 94.

The control unit 93 automatically opens / closes the toilet lid 91 by controlling the operation of the opening / closing mechanism 92 based on the detection result of the user U input from the human body detection sensor 94. The control unit 93 automatically opens the toilet lid 91 by operating the opening / closing mechanism 92 in response to the human body detection sensor 94 detecting the approach of the user U. Then, the control unit 93 automatically closes the toilet lid 91 by operating the opening / closing mechanism 92 in response to the human body detection sensor 94 detecting the movement of the user U away from the toilet seat device 14.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart schematically showing an example of the operation of the toilet system according to the second embodiment.
In the toilet system 2, as described above, the detection range of the user U of the human body detection sensor 94 of the toilet seat device 14 is narrower than the detection range of the user U of the human body detection sensor 61 of the toilet guidance device 10. Therefore, in this example, when the user U enters the toilet room TR, the human body detection sensor 61 of the toilet guidance device 10 first detects the user U, and the detection information of the user U is used as the first detection information. It is input to the control unit 63 (step S401 in FIG. 8).

Upon receiving the input of the detection information, the control unit 63 starts the first output regarding the usage of the toilet room TR as in the description of the first embodiment (step S402 in FIG. 8).

Next, when the user U approaches the toilet seat device 14 further from the detection position of the human body detection sensor 61, the human body detection sensor 94 of the toilet seat device 14 detects the user U, and the detection result of the user U is the control unit. It is input to 93 (step S403 in FIG. 8).

Upon receiving the input of the detection result, the control unit 93 operates the opening / closing mechanism 92 to move the toilet lid 91 from the closed position to the open position (step S404 in FIG. 8). In this way, the control unit 63 of the toilet guidance device 10 starts the first output before the operation of the toilet seat device 14. The control unit 63 of the toilet guidance device 10 starts the first output, for example, before the opening operation of the toilet lid 91 of the toilet seat device 14.

Hereinafter, since the operations of steps S405 to S409 are substantially the same as the operations of steps S103 to S107 described with reference to FIG. 4, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, in the toilet system 2 and the toilet guidance device 10 according to the present embodiment, the control unit 63 of the toilet guidance device 10 starts the first output before the operation of the toilet seat device 14. .. As a result, the display unit 71 can be made to stand out, and the line of sight of the user U can be easily guided to the display unit 71. For example, by starting the first output before the opening operation of the toilet lid 91, the user U does not pay attention to the opening operation of the toilet lid 91, and misses the first output displayed on the display unit 71. It is possible to prevent the closure. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably inform the user U how to use the toilet room TR.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram schematically showing a modified example of the toilet seat device of the toilet system according to the second embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 9, in this example, the toilet seat device 14 has an illumination unit 95 that irradiates light. The lighting unit 95 is provided in, for example, the device main body 90. The illumination unit 95 is, for example, an illumination unit that irradiates the bowl portion of the toilet bowl body 13 with light to illuminate the bowl portion. The lighting unit 95 may be, for example, a lighting unit that notifies the user U of the operating status of the toilet seat device 14, such as whether to turn the power on / off or execute various operations, by turning on / off the light. The lighting unit 95 may be any lighting unit provided in the toilet seat device 14.

In this example, the control unit 93 controls the lighting and extinguishing of the lighting unit 95 based on the detection result of the user U input from the human body detection sensor 94. The control unit 93 turns on the lighting unit 95 in response to the human body detection sensor 94 detecting the approach of the user U. Then, the control unit 93 turns off the lighting unit 95 in response to the human body detection sensor 94 detecting the movement of the user U away from the toilet seat device 14.

Then, in this example, the control unit 63 of the toilet guidance device 10 starts the first output before the lighting operation of the lighting unit 95 of the toilet seat device 14. As described above, the operation of the toilet seat device 14 started after the first output is not limited to the opening operation of the toilet lid 91, but may be the lighting operation of the lighting unit 95 or the like. The operation of the toilet seat device 14 started after the first output is not limited to these, and may be any operation that may divert the user's attention from the first output of the display unit 71.

Further, in this embodiment, the first output is started before the operation of the toilet seat device 14 by adjusting the detection ranges of the human body detection sensors 61 and 94. The configuration in which the first output is started before the operation of the toilet seat device 14 is not limited to this. For example, when the first output is started before the lighting operation of the lighting unit 95, the toilet seat device 14 is provided with a seating detection sensor, and the first output is started in response to the detection of the human body detection sensor 61. The lighting unit 95 may be turned on according to the detection of the seating detection sensor. Also in this case, the first output can be started before the lighting operation of the lighting unit 95. The configuration for starting the first output prior to the operation of the toilet seat device 14 is not limited to the above, and may be any configuration capable of appropriately starting the first output.

(Third Embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a block diagram schematically showing the toilet system according to the third embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 10, the toilet system 2 includes a toilet guide device 10 and a lighting unit 100 that irradiates light.

The lighting unit 100 is, for example, a lighting unit provided on the ceiling of the toilet room TR and illuminates the inside of the toilet room TR brightly. However, the lighting unit 100 is not limited to the lighting provided on the ceiling of the toilet room TR, and may be, for example, indirect lighting provided on the wall surface of the toilet room TR, the toilet bowl 12, the lining 30, or the like. The lighting unit 100 may be any lighting provided at an arbitrary position in the toilet room TR. Further, the toilet system 2 may include a plurality of lighting units 100.

The illumination unit 100 includes a light source 101, a control unit 102, and a human body detection sensor 103. The light source 101 is, for example, a light bulb or an LED, and irradiates light according to the supply of electric power. As the human body detection sensor 103, the same one as the human body detection sensor 61 can be used.

The control unit 102 controls turning on and off of the light source 101 based on the detection result of the user U input from the human body detection sensor 103. The control unit 102 turns on the light source 101 in response to the human body detection sensor 103 detecting the entry of the user U into the toilet room TR. Then, the control unit 102 turns off the light source 101 in response to the human body detection sensor 103 detecting the exit of the user U from the toilet room TR.

Also in this example, the detection range of the user U of the human body detection sensor 103 of the lighting unit 100 is narrower than the detection range of the user U of the human body detection sensor 61 of the toilet guidance device 10. As a result, the control unit 63 of the toilet guidance device 10 starts the first output before the light source 101 of the lighting unit 100 is turned on.

In this way, by starting the first output regarding how to use the toilet room TR before the lighting unit 100 is turned on, the display unit 71 can be made to stand out, and the line of sight of the user U can be directed to the display unit 71. It can be easily guided. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably inform the user U how to use the toilet room TR.

The configuration for starting the first output before the lighting unit 100 is turned on is not limited to the above, and may be any configuration capable of appropriately starting the first output. For example, the first output may be started before the lighting unit 100 is turned on by communicating between the toilet guidance device 10 and the lighting unit 100 and communicating the operation timing. Alternatively, a higher-level controller or the like for controlling the operation of the toilet guidance device 10 and the lighting unit 100 is provided, and the operation timing of the toilet guidance device 10 and the lighting unit 100 is controlled by the higher-level controller to control the lighting unit. The first output may be started before the lighting of 100.

(Fourth Embodiment)
FIG. 11 is a block diagram schematically showing the toilet guidance device according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, in this example, the human body detection sensor 61 and the seating detection sensor 62 are omitted from the main body 50 of the toilet guidance device 10, and the toilet seat device 14 communicates with the human body detection sensor 94 and the seating detection sensor 96. A section 97 is provided.

The seating detection sensor 96 inputs the seating information to the control unit 93 in response to the detection of the seating of the user U.

As the seating detection sensor 96, the same one as the seating detection sensor 62 can be used. When the seating detection sensor 96 is provided in the toilet seat device 14, the seating detection sensor 96 may be, for example, a mechanical switch, an optical sensor, or a magnetic sensor that detects the movement of the toilet seat 14a, or may be an electrostatic sensor associated with seating. It may be a capacitance sensor or the like that detects a change in capacitance, or a piezoelectric sensor or the like that detects a change in pressure due to sitting.

The communication unit 97 communicates with the control unit 93, and receives input of the detection information of the human body detection sensor 94 and the seating information of the seating detection sensor 96 from the control unit 93. Then, the communication unit 97 communicates with the communication unit 64 of the main body 50 of the toilet guidance device 10, and inputs the detection information of the human body detection sensor 94 and the seating information of the seating detection sensor 96 into the communication unit 64 of the main body 50. do.

The communication unit 64 communicates with the communication unit 97 of the toilet seat device 14 and acquires detection information and seating information from the communication unit 97. Then, the communication unit 64 inputs the acquired detection information and the seating information to the control unit 63.

As described above, in this example, the communication unit 64 functions as a detection information acquisition unit that acquires detection information (first detection information) and seating information (second detection information). The detection information acquisition unit is not limited to the human body detection sensor 61 and the seating detection sensor 62, and may be a communication unit 64 that acquires detection information and seating information from an external device such as the toilet seat device 14. The detection information acquisition unit may be configured by combining any one of the human body detection sensor 61 and the seating detection sensor 62 with the communication unit 64, for example.

Further, when acquiring detection information and seating information from an external device, for example, the user U who operates the operation remote controller 34, which is an operation unit for instructing the toilet seat device 14 to operate the body washing function unit. May be set as the second state after the first state of the user U, and the operation information corresponding to the operation of the user U of the operation remote controller 34 may be acquired as the second detection information. In this case, the operation information of the operation remote controller 34 may be acquired by directly communicating with the operation remote controller 34, or may be acquired via the toilet seat device 14 or the like.

In this example, the communication unit 64 communicates with the display terminal 52 and the toilet seat device 14. The communication unit that communicates with the toilet seat device 14 may be separated from the communication unit that communicates with the display terminal 52. Further, the external device that acquires the detection information and the seating information is not limited to the toilet seat device 14, and may be, for example, a server that communicates with both the toilet seat device 14 and the toilet guidance device 10.

In each of the above embodiments, the toilet guidance device 10 is composed of a main body 50 and a display terminal 52. The configuration of the toilet guidance device 10 is not limited to this, and may be one device in which the main body 50 and the display terminal 52 are integrated. On the contrary, the human body detection sensor 61, the seating detection sensor 62, the operation unit 72, and the like may be made independent and may be composed of a larger number of members.

Further, the toilet guidance device 10 does not necessarily have to have the voice output unit 60. The toilet guide device 10 includes at least a display unit, a detection information acquisition unit, and a control unit, and the control unit displays the second detection information before the display of the predetermined range of the first output is completed. When acquired, any configuration may be used in which the first output can be continued until the display of the predetermined range is completed.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. With respect to the above-described embodiment, those having been appropriately redesigned by those skilled in the art are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they have the features of the present invention. For example, the shape, dimensions, material, arrangement, installation form, and the like of each element included in the toilet system 2 and the toilet guide device 10 are not limited to those illustrated, and can be changed as appropriate. Further, the elements included in the above-described embodiment can be combined as much as technically possible, and the combination thereof is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as the features of the present invention are included.

2 Toilet system, 10 Toilet guide, 12 Toilet bowl, 13 Toilet bowl body, 14 Toilet seat device, 14a Toilet seat, 15 Backrest, 16,18 Hand wash, 20 Baby chair, 22 Urinal, 24 Sewage distribution unit, 30 Lining, 32 Call button, 34 Operation remote control, 36 Toilet bowl cleaning button, 38 Paper roll, 50 Main unit, 52 Display terminal, 60 Voice output unit, 61 Human body detection sensor, 62 Seating detection sensor, 63 Control unit, 64 Communication unit, 70 Communication Unit, 71 Display, 72 Operation, 80 Operation screen, 81-84 language selection button, 85 Information display, 86 Stop button, 90 Device body, 91 Toilet lid, 92 Open / close mechanism, 93 Control, 94 Human detection sensor , 95 Lighting unit, 96 Seating detection sensor, 97 Communication unit, 100 Lighting unit, 101 Light source, 102 Control unit, 103 Human body detection sensor, TR toilet room, TRa doorway, TRb door, U user

Claims (4)

It is a toilet guidance device used in the toilet system installed in the toilet room.
A display unit that displays images and
A detection information acquisition unit that acquires the first detection information that detects the first state of the user and the second detection information that detects the second state after the first state of the user.
A control unit that controls the operation of the display unit based on the first detection information and the second detection information.
With
The control unit displays an image related to the usage method of the toilet room on the display unit in response to the acquisition of the first detection information, thereby performing a first output regarding the usage method of the toilet room, and the second detection. When the second output is performed by displaying a predetermined image on the display unit in response to the acquisition of the information, and the second detection information is acquired before the display of the predetermined range of the first output is completed. The toilet guide device is characterized in that the first output is continued until the display of the predetermined range is completed. The first state is the entry of the user into the toilet room or the approach of the user.
The toilet guidance device according to claim 1, wherein the second state is sitting on the toilet seat of the user. The toilet system is equipped with a toilet seat device.
The toilet guide device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit starts the first output before the operation of the toilet seat device. The toilet system includes a lighting unit that irradiates light.
The toilet guidance device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit starts the first output before the lighting unit is turned on.

Images