JP2022065935A - Toilet guide apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a toilet guide apparatus which is convenient by determining wrong operation of a user.SOLUTION: A toilet guide apparatus installed in a toilet room gives information about the toilet room includes: a guide output part which outputs information about the toilet room in a plurality of languages; a language selection part having a plurality of operation parts for selecting languages outputted by the guide output part; and a control part controlling the guide output part. The control part keeps guiding in the language outputted by the guide output part and performs invalidation control to invalidate a plurality of operation of the operation parts when the operation parts are operated more than once within a prescribed time in the case where information about the toilet room is outputted by the guide output part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

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

There is known a toilet guide device that is installed in a toilet room of a public facility and guides a user with voice information about the toilet room such as the arrangement and usage of the equipment installed in the toilet room. Toilet rooms in public facilities are used by a variety of people. Therefore, the toilet guidance device needs to provide guidance so that as many users as possible can comfortably use the toilet room.

For example, it is known that the guidance of the toilet room is performed in the selected language by operating the remote controller for language selection installed in the toilet room (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). As a result, even a user who is unfamiliar with the use of the toilet room can comfortably use the toilet room.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-84616 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2018-97829

For example, the user may accidentally touch the remote controller for language selection, and the guidance language of the toilet room may be changed. In such a case, if the user returns to the original language again, the toilet room guidance may be reset and the already recognized toilet room guidance may have to be confirmed again. Such language changes and guidance are unintended to the user and may cause annoyance to the user.

Aspects of the present invention have been made based on the recognition of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide an easy-to-use toilet guide device by determining an erroneous operation by a user.

The first invention is a toilet guidance device installed in a toilet room and guiding information about the toilet room, from a guidance output unit that outputs information about the toilet room in a plurality of languages and a guidance output unit. A language selection unit having a plurality of operation units for selecting an output language and a control unit for controlling the guidance output unit are provided, and the control unit can receive information about the toilet room from the guidance output unit. When the operation unit is operated multiple times within a predetermined time when it is output, the guidance in the language output from the guidance output unit is continued and the multiple operation of the operation unit is invalidated. It is a guide device for toilets, which is characterized by performing invalidation control.

According to this toilet guidance device, when the operation unit is operated a plurality of times, the guidance output from the guidance output unit is continued before the operation unit is operated a plurality of times. As a result, even if an operation unit in another language is operated due to an erroneous operation on the operation unit, for example, the guidance currently being output can be continued. Therefore, the user does not need to check the language guidance again from the beginning, and the usability can be improved.

A second aspect of the invention is the same as in the first aspect, when the control unit has the same language as the language output from the guidance output unit by a plurality of operations on the operation unit. If invalidation control is performed and the language last selected by multiple operations on the operation unit is different from the language output from the guidance output unit, the language output from the guidance output unit is selected last. It is a guide device for toilets, which is characterized by setting the language to the specified language.

According to this toilet guidance device, even if the operation unit is mistakenly operated a plurality of times, the toilet room can be appropriately guided. That is, when the operation unit is operated multiple times, it is highly possible that the last operated operation unit is the language desired by the user, and it is highly possible that the operation to the other operation units is incorrect. .. Therefore, by determining whether the last selected language is the same as or different from the currently output language, it is possible to appropriately guide in the language requested by the user.

According to a third aspect of the invention, in the first invention, the control unit is adjacent to an operation unit that was last operated by a plurality of operations on the operation unit and another operation unit that was operated before the operation unit. In that case, the invalidation control is performed, and if the operation unit last operated by the multiple operations on the operation unit and the other operation unit operated before the operation unit are not adjacent to each other, the last operation is performed. It is a guide device for a toilet, characterized in that it is set to the language of the operation unit.

According to this toilet guidance device, even if the user unintentionally touches the operation unit, the toilet room can be appropriately guided. That is, when an adjacent operation unit is operated, it is conceivable that the user unintentionally touches the operation unit. In such a case, the setting of the language not intended by the user is invalidated, and the guidance currently output is continued. On the other hand, when the operation units that are not adjacent to each other are operated, it is highly possible that the user intentionally operated the operation unit. In such a case, the guidance is output in the language of the last operated operation unit. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately switch to the guidance of the language required by the user, and it is possible to improve the usability of the toilet room.

In the fourth aspect of the invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the control unit performs the invalidation control when the same operation unit is not operated a plurality of times within the predetermined time. When the same operation unit is operated a plurality of times within a predetermined time, the toilet guidance device is characterized in that the language is set to the language selected by the operation unit without waiting for the elapse of the predetermined time.

According to this toilet guidance device, usability can be improved by recognizing the operation intended by the user at an early stage. That is, when the same operation unit is operated a plurality of times, it is highly possible that the operation is intended by the user. In such a case, the guidance of the toilet room is set to the language of the operation unit operated multiple times without waiting for the elapse of a predetermined time. Therefore, it is possible to quickly switch to the guidance in the language requested by the user.

According to the aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an easy-to-use toilet guide device by determining an erroneous operation by the user.

It is a perspective view which shows the toilet room which installed the toilet guide device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the communication system of the toilet guidance device. It is a front view which shows the terminal installed in the toilet room in FIG. It is a flow chart which shows the control process performed in the control part in FIG. It is a flow chart which shows the control process of the toilet guide device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flow chart which shows the control process of the toilet guide device which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a flow chart which shows the control process of 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.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a toilet room in which a toilet guide device according to the first embodiment is installed.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a communication system of a toilet guide device.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the toilet guide device 10 is installed and used in the toilet room TR. The toilet guidance device 10 provides voice information regarding the toilet room TR. The toilet guidance device 10 may guide information about the toilet room TR with an image or a video. As a result, even those who are uneasy because they do not know 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 the toilet room TR, in addition to the toilet guide device 10, devices such as a toilet bowl 12, a hand wash bowl 16, 18, a baby chair 20, a urinal 22 and a sewage distribution unit 24 are installed. Further, equipment such as a hand dryer and a baby seat (not shown) may be provided.

However, the equipment installed in the toilet room TR 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 2 of the toilet room TR on the wall side where the lining 30 is not provided. The doorway 2 is provided with, for example, an openable door 4.

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 stool 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 washers 16 and 18 are used by a user U or the like who has used the toilet bowl 12 or the 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 sit an infant 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, 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 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 (paper holder) for holding the toilet paper is further provided on the second side surface 30b of the lining 30. The paper winder 38 is arranged, for example, below the toilet bowl cleaning button 36. The call button 32, the toilet bowl cleaning button 36, and the toilet bowl 38 are arranged within the reach of the user U seated on the toilet bowl 12.

The call button 32, 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 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.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the toilet guidance device 10 has a voice output unit 54 and a control unit 56. The audio output unit 54 and the control unit 56 are provided in the main body unit 50. Further, the toilet guidance device 10 has a language selection unit 64 and a display unit 62. The language selection unit 64 and the display unit 62 are provided in the terminal 60.

The sensor 52 detects the state of the user U who has entered the toilet room TR. The sensor 52 is a human body detection sensor 52a that detects where the user U is in the toilet room TR, and a seating detection sensor 52b that detects that the user U is seated on the toilet seat 14a.

The human body detection sensor 52a is provided inside the main body 50 to enter the toilet room TR of the user U, move to the vicinity of the toilet bowl 12 of the user U, and leave the toilet room TR of the user U. Detects a specific state of the user U such as. The state of the user U detected by the human body detection sensor 52a is not limited to the above, and may be any state of the user U.

For the human body detection sensor 52a, for example, a microwave sensor can be used. As the human body detection sensor 52a, for example, an infrared light emitting / receiving type ranging sensor, a pyroelectric sensor, or the like may be used. The human body detection sensor 52a 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 52a may have, for example, a plurality of sensors corresponding to a plurality of states of the user U. The human body detection sensor 52a is connected to the control unit 56 and transmits the detection information of the user U to the control unit 56.

The seating detection sensor 52b is provided inside the main body 50, and 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 52b acquires seating information indicating that the user U is seated on the toilet seat 14a. As such a seating detection sensor 52b, for example, an infrared light emitting / receiving type distance measuring sensor can be used. As the seating detection sensor 52b, for example, a microwave sensor, a pyroelectric sensor, or the like may be used. The seating detection sensor 52b is connected to the control unit 56 and transmits the seating information of the user U to the control unit 56.

The voice output unit 54 outputs information about the toilet room TR in a plurality of languages (for example, Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, etc.). The voice output unit 54 outputs the toilet room information guidance by voice. The voice output unit 54 is, for example, a speaker, and constitutes the guidance output unit of the present invention. The voice output unit 54 is connected to the control unit 56 and outputs a specific voice (for example, Japanese) into the toilet room TR based on the voice signal transmitted from the control unit 56.

As described above, the main body unit 50 has a human body detection sensor 52a, a seating detection sensor 52b, a voice output unit 54, and a control unit 56. The human body detection sensor 52a, the seating detection sensor 52b, the voice output unit 54, and the control unit 56 may be provided separately. The main body 50 guides information about the toilet room TR by voice by outputting voice from the voice output unit 54. The information about the toilet room TR is the installation position of each device such as the toilet bowl 12 and the hand wash basin 16 and 18 of the toilet room TR and the usage method of each device.

The voice output unit 54 outputs information about the toilet room TR based on the language selected by the user U among the plurality of languages. That is, the voice output unit 54 provides toilet room information guidance in, for example, Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, etc., based on the control signal (language signal) transmitted from the control unit 56. As a result, the user U who is unfamiliar with the toilet room TR and the user U who is visually impaired can comfortably use the toilet room TR. The language output from the audio output unit 54 may include other languages such as French and Italian.

The main body 50 is provided, for example, in the vicinity of the toilet bowl 12. 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 where the user U can appropriately hear the voice guidance.

The control unit 56 controls the audio output unit 54. The control unit 56 determines the language output from the voice output unit 54 based on the language selected by the user U. Further, the control unit 56 transmits the detection information of the human body detection sensor 52a and the seating detection sensor 52b to the terminal 60 via the communication unit 58. The control unit 56 determines the guidance output from the voice output unit 54 based on the detection signals transmitted from the human body detection sensor 52a and the seating detection sensor 52b.

Therefore, the control unit 56 has a storage unit 56a in which a plurality of information groups corresponding to the state of the user U are stored for each of a plurality of languages. A plurality of guidance texts output from the voice output unit 54 are stored in the storage unit 56a according to the state of the user U. The storage unit 56a stores information groups in each language (for example, English, Chinese, Korean).

The state of the user U is classified into, for example, room entry guidance (first information group), approach guidance (second information group), seating guidance (third information group), and leaving guidance (fourth information group). There is. The classification of the information group is not limited to this, and other information groups corresponding to the state of the user U may be included. The first information group is an information group that is first output from the voice output unit 54 after the user U enters the toilet room TR. On the other hand, the second to fourth information groups are information groups output from the voice output unit 54 after the first information group.

The entry guidance is useful guidance for the user U who has entered the toilet room TR, and is, for example, information on starting a voice guide or arranging the toilet bowl 12. In this example, when the human body detection sensor 52a detects the entry of the user U, the entry guidance in an arbitrary language (for example, Japanese) is automatically output from the voice output unit 54 and the display unit 62. Admission guidance may be provided in other languages such as English and Chinese.

The approach guidance is useful guidance for the user U who is approaching the toilet bowl 12, for example, the position of the toilet bowl cleaning button 36 for cleaning the toilet bowl 12. The approach guidance is output from the voice output unit 54 and the display unit 62 when the human body detection sensor 52a detects the user U approaching the toilet bowl 12.

The seating guide is useful for the user U who is seated on the toilet bowl 12, and includes, for example, an explanation about toilet bowl cleaning, an explanation about local cleaning, and an explanation of a call button 32 operated in an emergency or the like. The seating guidance is output from the voice output unit 54 and the display unit 62 when the seating detection sensor 52b detects the user U.

The leaving guide is useful guidance for the user U who has left the toilet bowl 12, and is, for example, an explanation of the toilet bowl 12 and explanations of the hand wash basins 16 and 18. The leaving guidance is output from the voice output unit 54 and the display unit 62 when the seating detection sensor 52b changes from the detection state of the user U to the non-detection state.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing a terminal installed in the toilet room in FIG. 1.
The terminal 60 is provided, for example, on the side wall surface W2 of the toilet bowl 12. The terminal 60 is, for example, a tablet terminal, and has a display unit 62, a language selection unit 64, a function operation unit 65, and a communication unit 66. The terminal 60 is arranged at a position where, for example, the user U seated on the toilet seat 14a can easily see the display unit 62, and the user U seated on the toilet seat 14a can easily operate the language selection unit 64.

However, the mounting position of the terminal 60 is not limited to this, and may be any position where the user U seated on the toilet seat 14a can easily see the display unit 62 and the user U seated on the toilet seat 14a can easily operate the terminal 60. Further, the language selection unit 64 is formed separately from the display unit 62, and may be provided on, for example, the second side surface 30b of the lining 30.

The display unit 62 displays an image or a video. As shown in FIG. 3, the display unit 62 displays, for example, the position of the toilet bowl cleaning button 36 when cleaning the toilet bowl. Further, the display unit 62 constitutes the guidance output unit of the present invention, and displays characters by the guidance text of each language. In FIG. 3, the guidance text G stating "The flowing button is a round button on the paper" is displayed. The display unit 62 may switch and display a plurality of still images, for example. The display unit 62 stores an image, a video, and a guide text G in a storage unit (not shown). A well-known display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display is used for the display unit 62.

The display unit 62 communicates with the control unit 56 of the main body unit 50 via the communication units 66 and 58. The display unit 62 receives the control signal output from the control unit 56 via the communication units 58 and 66, and receives a moving image, a still image, and a guide text of the toilet room TR based on the control signal transmitted from the control unit 56. Display on the screen.

As described above, the terminal 60 has a display unit 62. The terminal 60 guides information about the toilet room TR by displaying an image or a guide text on the display unit 62. In this way, the toilet guidance device 10 guides the information about the toilet room TR by voice, and also guides by images and characters. That is, in the toilet guidance device 10, the voice language output from the voice output unit 54 and the characters displayed on the display unit 62 have the same contents.

This makes it possible to more reliably convey information about the toilet room TR to the user U. For example, the display unit 62 can 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 language selection unit 64 has a plurality of operation units for selecting a language output from a guidance output unit such as a voice output unit 54 and a display unit 62. This operation unit is, for example, a touch panel or a push button type switch, and is operated by the user U. As shown in FIG. 3, the language selection unit 64 is, for example, a first operation unit 64a for selecting Japanese, a second operation unit 64b for selecting English, and a third operation unit for selecting Chinese. It has 64c, a fourth operation unit 64d for selecting Korean, and a stop operation unit 64e for stopping the guidance of the toilet room TR. The language that can be selected is not limited to these, and may be any language. Further, the number of languages that can be selected is not limited to four and may be any number.

The language selection unit 64 can be recognized by, for example, turning on or blinking a switch of the currently selected language. For example, if the currently output guidance language is Japanese, the first operation unit 64a lights up or blinks. Further, the language selection unit 64 may be able to understand that the user U has operated (touched) the first to fourth operation units 64a to 64d and the stop operation unit 64e.

The function operation unit 65 is for starting various functions provided in the toilet room TR and the toilet bowl 12. As shown in FIG. 3, the functional operation unit 65 includes, for example, a first operation switch 65a for cleaning the buttocks, a second operation switch 65b for cleaning the bidet, a third operation switch 65c for generating onomatopoeia, and a nozzle for local cleaning. It has a fourth operation switch 65d for cleaning. The number of switches in the function operation unit 65 is not limited to four, and may be any number. Further, it may have a switch having another function. Further, the function operation unit 65 may be able to be recognized by, for example, lighting or blinking the currently selected switch, similarly to the language selection unit 64.

The communication unit 66 communicates with the communication unit 58 of the main body unit 50. The communication unit 58 and the communication unit 66 communicate in both directions and send and receive various types of information to and from each other. The communication between the main body 50 and the terminal 60 may be wireless or wired. The terminal 60 transmits the operation information corresponding to the operation of the language selection unit 64 by the user U from the communication unit 66 to the control unit 56 via the communication unit 58 of the main body unit 50. Further, the terminal 60 transmits the operation information corresponding to the operation of the function operation unit 65 by the user U from the communication unit 66 to the toilet seat device 14.

The control unit 56 identifies the selected language based on the operation information input by the operation of the language selection unit 64. Then, after identifying the selected language, the control unit 56 outputs the voice of the selected language from the voice output unit 54. Further, the terminal 60 causes the display unit 62 to display the guidance text following the voice output from the voice output unit 54. As a result, the toilet guidance device 10 outputs information about the toilet room TR in the selected language. Therefore, 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 toilet guide device 10 according to the present embodiment has the above-mentioned configuration, and next, the operation of the toilet guide device 10 will be described.

For example, when the user U tries to operate the language selection unit 64 or the function operation unit 65, a selection switch (1st to 4th operation units 64a to 64d) of a language different from the currently output language by mistake. May be touched. As an example, when the Japanese guidance is output, the second operation unit 64b for selecting English may be accidentally touched, and the first operation unit 64a for selecting Japanese may be operated again. Be done. In such a case, it may be annoying for the user U that the already output Japanese guidance is reset and the Japanese guidance is output again from the beginning.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the control unit 56 has an operation unit (first operation unit 64a to fourth) when information about the toilet room TR is output from the guidance output unit (voice output unit 54 and display unit 62). When the operation unit 64d) is operated a plurality of times within a predetermined time, the guidance in the language output from the guidance output unit is continued, and invalidation control is performed to invalidate the multiple operations of the operation unit. Note that disabling the multiple operation of the operation unit means that the guidance output in the language based on the multiple operation is performed even after the guidance output when the operation unit is operated multiple times is completed. Indicates that there is no such thing.

As a result, even if an operation unit in another language is operated due to an erroneous operation of the first to fourth operation units 64a to 64d, the guidance currently being output can be continued. Therefore, the user does not have to listen to or see the language guidance from the beginning again, and the usability can be improved.

Next, the control process when the language selection unit 64 is operated a plurality of times will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a control process performed by the control unit in FIG. 2.
The control process shown in FIG. 4 is stored in the storage unit 56a of the control unit 56. This control process is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle. Further, each step is indicated by "S", and for example, "step 1" is indicated by "S1".

First, in S1, it is determined whether or not guidance is being performed. That is, the control unit 56 determines whether or not the guidance of the toilet room TR is performed in any language. This guidance is not limited to the case where the guidance is given in the language selected by the user U, and also includes the case where any language is automatically output when the entry is detected by the human body detection sensor 52a, for example. In addition, "guidance" includes a case where guidance (voice) is not output and is in a standby state. Specifically, for example, when the guidance in one of the languages is performed according to the user's state (sensor detection), the guidance of the predetermined state is completed and the guidance of the next state is started. The standby state is also included in the guidance. That is, "during guidance" is a state in which the language of guidance is set automatically or by the operation of the user. Then, if it is determined in S1 that "YES", that is, guidance is being performed, the process proceeds to S2. On the other hand, when it is determined in S1 that "NO", that is, the guidance is not being performed, it is monitored whether the guidance is given.

In S2, it is determined whether or not there is an operation of the operation unit (first operation unit 64a to fourth operation unit 64d). If it is determined in S2 that "YES", that is, any one of the first operation unit 64a to the fourth operation unit 64d has been operated, the process proceeds to S3. On the other hand, when it is determined in S2 that "NO", that is, the first operation unit 64a to the fourth operation unit 64d are not operated, the process returns to S1.

In S3, the selected language L1 is stored. That is, the control unit 56 stores the language corresponding to the operation unit operated in S2 in the storage unit 56a. For example, if the second operation unit 64b is operated, the selected language L1 is stored in the storage unit 56a as English.

In the next S4, the timer is started. That is, the control unit 56 counts the timer from the time when the first to fourth operation units 64a to 64d are operated. This timer measures a predetermined time (standby time) for enabling the selected language L1. That is, the control unit 56 recognizes that the first language selection operation within a predetermined time was performed when the operation to the operation unit was first performed.

In the next S5, it is determined whether or not there is an operation of the operation unit (first operation unit 64a to fourth operation unit 64d). That is, the control unit 56 determines whether or not any one of the first operation unit 64a to the fourth operation unit 64d is operated during the timer count. Then, if it is determined in S5 that "YES", that is, any one of the first operation unit 64a to the fourth operation unit 64d has been operated, the process proceeds to S6. On the other hand, if it is determined in S5 that "NO", that is, the first operation unit 64a to the fourth operation unit 64d are not operated, the process proceeds to S7.

In S6, the selected language Ln (n = 2,3,4 ...) Is stored. That is, the control unit 56 stores the language corresponding to the operation unit operated in S5 in the storage unit 56a. For example, if the third operation unit 64c is operated for the second time, the selected language L2 is stored in the storage unit 56a as Chinese.

In S7, it is determined whether or not the timer has elapsed a predetermined time. That is, the control unit 56 determines whether or not the timer count started in S4 has elapsed a predetermined time. This predetermined time is set by experiments and simulations in consideration of smooth guidance of the toilet room TR and convenience of the user U, and is set to about several seconds (for example, about 1 to 2 seconds). The predetermined time is stored in the storage unit 56a of the control unit 56.

Then, if "YES" in S7, that is, if the timer determines that the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to S8. On the other hand, when it is determined in S7 that "NO", that is, the timer has not elapsed the predetermined time, the process returns to S5 and the operation of the operation unit is monitored.

For example, when the third operation is performed in S5, the selected language L3 is stored in the storage unit 56a in S6. For example, if the first operation unit 64a is operated for the third time, the selected language L3 is stored in the storage unit 56a as Japanese. That is, the control unit 56 sequentially stores the selected language Ln selected within a predetermined time from the operation to the first operation unit in the storage unit 56a.

In S8, it is determined whether or not the operation unit has been operated a plurality of times. That is, the control unit 56 determines whether or not the operation unit has been operated a plurality of times by confirming whether or not the selected language Ln is stored in the storage unit 56a. In other words, the control unit 56 can determine that the operation unit has been operated only once in a predetermined time when only the selected language L1 is stored in the storage unit 56a.

Then, when it is determined in S8 that "NO", that is, the operation to the operation unit is performed once, the process proceeds to S9. On the other hand, if it is determined in S8 that "YES", that is, the operation to the operation unit is performed a plurality of times, the process proceeds to S10.

In S9, the guidance is set to the selected language L1. That is, the control unit 56 starts the guidance by the selected language L1 from the voice output unit 54 and the display unit 62 from the beginning (for example, the guidance given immediately after entering the room) and ends the guidance.

As an example, when the currently output language is Japanese and the selected language L1 is English, the guidance of the toilet room TR is changed from Japanese to English and started from the beginning. Further, for example, when the currently output language is Japanese and the selected language L1 is Japanese, the guidance of the toilet room TR is started from the beginning in Japanese. As a result, the user U can confirm the guidance in the desired language from the beginning.

In S10, the stored selection languages L1 and Ln are invalidated, and the guidance currently being output is continued. That is, when the operation unit is operated a plurality of times within a predetermined time, the control unit 56 invalidates the multiple operations (all operations) and ends the operation. That is, the control in S8 and S10 is invalid control according to the aspect of the present invention.

Thus, according to the toilet guidance device 10 according to the first embodiment, for example, the selected language L1 is due to an operation (wrong operation) on the operation unit not intended by the user U, and the user notices the wrong operation. When the operation unit of the currently output language is operated, it is possible to suppress that the guidance is reset and the guidance in the same language must be heard or viewed from the beginning. Further, since the guidance does not change even if the operation unit is operated a plurality of times within a predetermined time, it is possible to suppress the mischief of operating the operation unit a plurality of times.

It should be noted that the selection language L2 stored in the storage unit 56a by the second operation determines that the operation unit is operated multiple times within a predetermined time, so that the operation unit is operated the third time or later. The selected language Ln (n = 3,4 ...) Does not have to be stored. Further, the control unit 56 may store in the storage unit 56a that the operation unit has been operated for the second time without storing the selected language Ln.

Next, the toilet guide device 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The toilet guidance device 10 according to the second embodiment is the language currently being guided and the last language when the first to fourth operation units 64a to 64d of the language selection unit 64 are operated a plurality of times within a predetermined time. Continues the currently output language when the language selected for is the same. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the control unit 56, the language selected last by a plurality of operations to the operation unit (first operation unit 64a to fourth operation unit 64d) is output from the guidance output unit (voice output unit 54 and display unit 62). If it is the same as the existing language, invalidation control is performed. On the other hand, if the language last selected by the multiple operations on the operation unit is different from the language output from the guidance output unit, the control unit 56 finally selects the language output from the guidance output unit. Set to the language.

As a result, even when the first to fourth operation units 64a to 64d are mistakenly operated a plurality of times, the toilet room TR can be appropriately guided. That is, when the first to fourth operation units 64a to 64d are operated a plurality of times, there is a high possibility that the last operated operation unit is the language desired by the user U, and the other operation units are to be operated. The operation is likely to be wrong. Therefore, by determining whether the last selected language is the same as or different from the currently output language, it is possible to appropriately guide in the language requested by the user U.

Next, the control process when the language selection unit 64 is operated a plurality of times will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a control process of the toilet guide device according to the second embodiment.
The control process shown in FIG. 5 is stored in the storage unit 56a of the control unit 56. This control process is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle.

S1 to S9 in FIG. 5 are subjected to the same control processing as S1 to S9 in FIG. Then, in S11, it is determined whether or not the language being guided is the same as the last selected language. That is, the control unit 56 determines whether or not the selected language Ln finally stored in the storage unit 56a is the same as the currently guided language.

Then, if "YES" in S11, that is, if it is determined that the language being guided and the language selected last are the same, the process proceeds to S12. On the other hand, if it is determined in S11 that "NO", that is, the language being guided is different from the last selected language, the process proceeds to S13.

In S12, the stored selection languages L1 and Ln are invalidated, and the guidance currently being output is continued. That is, if the operation unit is operated a plurality of times within a predetermined time and the last selected selected language Ln is the same as the currently output language, the control unit 56 operates the operation unit a plurality of times (all operations). Is disabled and the end is set. That is, the control in S8, S11, and S12 is invalid control according to the aspect of the present invention.

As a result, for example, when the selected language L1 is an operation (erroneous operation) to the operation unit not intended by the user U, and the user U notices the erroneous operation and operates the operation unit of the currently output language, the guidance is provided. Can be reset to prevent you from having to hear or see guidance in the same language from the beginning.

In S13, the guidance is set to the last selected selected language Ln. That is, if the operation unit is operated a plurality of times within a predetermined time and the last selected selected language Ln is different from the currently output language, the control unit 56 finally selects the currently output language. Change to the selected language Ln and use it as the end.

For example, if the currently output language is Japanese and the last selected language Ln is English, the toilet room TR guidance is changed from Japanese to English and started from the beginning. do. As a result, the user U can confirm the guidance of the toilet room from the beginning in the desired language.

Thus, the toilet guide device 10 according to the second embodiment can be improved in usability because the case where the first operation unit 64a to the fourth operation unit 64d are erroneously operated is taken into consideration.

That is, when the first to fourth operation units 64a to 64d are operated a plurality of times, there is a high possibility that the last operated operation unit is the language desired by the user U, and the other operation units are to be operated. The operation is likely to be wrong. In such a case, when the last selected language is the same as the language in which Ln is currently output, the guidance is continued without returning to the beginning (for example, the guidance given immediately after entering the room), so that the user It is possible to suppress giving U annoyance. On the other hand, when the last selected selected language Ln is different from the currently output language, the guidance is changed to the selected language Ln and output from the beginning (for example, the guidance given immediately after entering the room). Can provide appropriate guidance in the language required by.

Next, the toilet guide device 10 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The toilet guidance device 10 according to the third embodiment is the operation unit that was last operated when the first to fourth operation units 64a to 64d of the language selection unit 64 were operated a plurality of times within a predetermined time. This is to continue the currently output language when there is an adjacent positional relationship between the operation unit operated one time before and the operation unit operated one time before. In the third embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the control unit 56, the operation unit last operated by a plurality of operations on the operation unit (first operation unit 64a to the fourth operation unit 64d) and another operation unit operated before the operation unit are adjacent to each other. In that case, invalidation control is performed. On the other hand, when the operation unit last operated by the operation unit (first operation unit 64a to the fourth operation unit 64d) is not adjacent to the other operation unit operated before the operation unit. , Set to the language of the last operated operation unit.

The other operating unit adjacent to the last operated operation unit means an operating unit located around the last operated operation unit. As shown in FIG. 3, the first to fourth operation units 64a to 64d of the terminal 60 are arranged in a row in the left-right direction. Therefore, the second operation unit 64b is adjacent to the first operation unit 64a and the third operation unit 64c, and the third operation unit 64c is adjacent to the second operation unit 64b and the fourth operation unit 64c. It will be. Not limited to this, for example, when the operation units of the language selection unit 64 are arranged in the left-right and up-down directions, other operations in the left-right position, the up-down position, and the diagonal position with respect to the last operated operation unit. The unit becomes an adjacent operation unit.

As a result, even if the user U unintentionally touches the operation unit, the toilet room TR can be appropriately guided. That is, when an adjacent operation unit is operated, it is conceivable that the user unintentionally touches the operation unit. In such a case, since the guidance currently being output is continued, it is possible to suppress the setting of the language not intended by the user U and improve the usability. On the other hand, when the operation units that are not adjacent to each other are operated, it is highly possible that the user U intentionally operated the operation unit. In such a case, the guidance is output in the language of the last operated operation unit. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately switch to the guidance of the language requested by the user.

Next, the control process when the language selection unit 64 is operated a plurality of times will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a control process of the toilet guide device according to the third embodiment.
The control process shown in FIG. 6 is stored in the storage unit 56a of the control unit 56. This control process is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle. Further, the storage unit 56a stores the arrangement information of the language selection unit 64.

S1 to S9 in FIG. 6 are subjected to the same control processing as S1 to S9 in FIG. Then, in S21, it is determined whether or not the operation unit operated last and the operation unit operated one time before are adjacent to each other. That is, the control unit 56 determines whether or not the operation unit of the selection language Ln stored last in the storage unit 56a is adjacent to the operation unit of the selection language Ln-1 stored one time before. To judge.

Then, if "YES" in S21, that is, if it is determined that the operation unit operated last time and the operation unit operated one time before are adjacent to each other, the process proceeds to S22. On the other hand, if it is determined in S21 that "NO", that is, the operation unit operated last time and the operation unit operated one time before are not adjacent to each other, the process proceeds to S23.

In S22, the stored selection languages L1 and Ln are invalidated, and the guidance currently being output is continued. That is, when the operation unit is operated a plurality of times and the operation unit operated last is adjacent to another operation unit operated immediately before the operation unit 56, the control unit 56 operates the operation unit a plurality of times ( Disable all operations) and end. That is, the control in S8, S21, and S22 is invalid control according to the aspect of the present invention.

Thus, according to the toilet guidance device 10 according to the third embodiment, even if the user unintentionally touches the operation unit, the toilet room TR can be appropriately guided. For example, when the user U tries to operate the second operation unit 64b in order to set the guidance in English, there is a possibility that the first operation unit 64a and the third operation unit 64c are erroneously operated. Further, there is a possibility that the first operation unit 64a and the third operation unit 64c may be erroneously operated after the second operation unit 64b is operated for the first time. In such a case, since the language desired by the user U is unclear, multiple operations (all operations) on the operation unit are invalidated.

On the other hand, when the operation units that are not adjacent to each other are operated, it is highly possible that the user U intentionally operated the operation unit. In such a case, the guidance is output from the beginning in the language of the operation unit that was last operated. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately switch to the guidance of the language requested by the user U.

Next, the toilet guide device 10 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the toilet guidance device 10 according to the fourth embodiment, when the language selection unit 64 is operated a plurality of times to the same operation unit, the language of the operation unit operated the same operation unit a plurality of times without waiting for the elapse of a predetermined time. To set. In the fourth embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The control unit 56 performs invalidation control when the same operation unit is not operated a plurality of times within a predetermined time. On the other hand, when the same operation unit is operated a plurality of times within a predetermined time, the control unit 56 sets the language selected by the operation unit without waiting for the elapse of the predetermined time.

As a result, usability can be improved by recognizing the intended operation of the user U at an early stage. That is, when the same operation unit is operated, it is highly possible that the operation is intended by the user U. In such a case, the guidance of the toilet room TR is set to the language of the operation unit operated a plurality of times without waiting for the elapse of a predetermined time. Therefore, it is possible to quickly switch to the guidance in the language requested by the user U.

Next, the control process when the language selection unit 64 is operated a plurality of times will be described with reference to FIG. 7.
FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a control process of the toilet guide device according to the fourth embodiment.
The control process shown in FIG. 7 is stored in the storage unit 56a of the control unit 56. This control process is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle. Further, the storage unit 56a stores a threshold value for the number of times for determining how many times the same operation unit is operated to set the language.

S1 to S10 in FIG. 7 are subjected to the same control processing as S1 to S10 in FIG. Then, in the fourth embodiment, S31 is provided between S6 and S7 in FIG. 4 to monitor whether the same operation unit is operated.

In S31, it is determined whether or not the same selected language is stored a plurality of times. That is, the control unit 56 determines whether or not the same operation unit has been operated a plurality of times among the first operation unit 64a to the fourth operation unit 64d. For example, the control unit 56 monitors whether or not the same operation unit is continuously operated a plurality of times (for example, the number of times threshold value = 2 times). The number of times threshold value may be 3 times or more. As an example, when English is stored as the selected language L1 by operating the second operation unit 64b, and then English is stored as the selected language L2 by operating the second operation unit 64b again. be.

Then, if it is determined in S31 that "YES", that is, the same selected language is stored a plurality of times, the process proceeds to S32. On the other hand, if it is determined in S31 that "NO", that is, the same selected language is not stored multiple times, the process proceeds to S7.

In S32, the guidance is set to the selected language selected a plurality of times. That is, when the same operation unit is continuously operated a plurality of times, the control unit 56 starts the guidance in the selected language from the beginning without waiting for the elapse of a predetermined time, and ends the guidance.

On the other hand, if "YES" in the determination of whether or not the operation unit determined in S8 has been operated a plurality of times, it means that the same operation unit is not continuously operated a plurality of times. In such a case, it is highly possible that the first operation on the operation unit is not intended by the user U (erroneous operation). Therefore, in such a case, the process proceeds to S10, the stored selection languages L1 and Ln are invalidated, and the guidance currently being output is continued. The control in S8 and S10 is invalid control according to the aspect of the present invention.

Thus, according to the toilet guidance device 10 according to the fourth embodiment, usability can be improved by recognizing the operation intended by the user U at an early stage. That is, when the same operation unit is operated, it is highly possible that the operation is intended by the user U. In such a case, the guidance of the toilet room TR is set to the language of the operation unit operated a plurality of times without waiting for the elapse of a predetermined time. Therefore, it is possible to quickly switch to the guidance in the language requested by the user U. On the other hand, if the multiple operations on the operation unit are not the same operation unit, there is a high possibility that the operation is not intended by the user U. Therefore, by continuing the currently output guidance, the guidance is first ( Convenience can be improved without returning to the guidance given immediately after entering the room.

In the fourth embodiment described above, the case where the operation to the operation unit is continuously performed has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, operations to the same operation unit may not be continuous. For example, the second operation unit 64b may be operated after the first operation unit 64a is operated, and then the first operation unit 64a may be operated.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the set guidance language is returned to the first guidance given immediately after entering the room has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may start from the first guide text of the information group corresponding to the state of the user U by the detection of the human body detection sensor 52a or the seating detection sensor 52b, for example. For example, when the user U is seated on the toilet seat 14a, the user U may start with the language set from the first guide text of the third information group. As a result, the necessary guidance to the user U can be promptly provided, so that convenience can be improved.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the human body detection sensor 52a and the seating detection sensor 52b are provided on the main body 50 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the toilet seat device 14 may be provided with a human body detection sensor or a seating detection sensor. When the seating detection sensor is provided in the toilet seat device 14, the seating detection sensor may be, for example, a mechanical switch, an optical sensor, or a magnetic sensor that detects the movement of the toilet seat 14a, or detects a change in capacitance due to seating. It may be a capacitance sensor or the like, or a piezoelectric sensor or the like that detects a change in pressure due to sitting.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the language selection unit 64 is provided on the side wall surface W2 of the toilet bowl 12 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the language selection unit 64 may be provided in another place such as the vicinity of the door 4 or the vicinity of the hand wash basins 16 and 18, or may be provided in a plurality of places of the toilet room TR. ..

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the guidance output unit is the voice output unit 54 and the display unit 62 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the guidance output unit may be at least one of the audio output unit 54 and the display unit 62.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the control unit 56 is provided in the main body unit 50 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the control unit 56 may be provided in the terminal 60. Further, the control unit 56 may be provided in another device connected to the main body unit 50 and the terminal 60.

The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. With respect to the above-described embodiments, those skilled in the art with appropriate design changes 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 guide device 10 and the like are not limited to those exemplified, and can be appropriately changed. Further, the elements included in the above-described embodiments 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 Doorway 4 Door 10 Toilet guide device 12 Toilet bowl 13 Toilet bowl body 14 Toilet seat device 14a Toilet seat 15 Backrest 16, 18 Hand wash basin 20 Baby chair 22 Urinal 24 Dirty distribution unit 30 Lining 30a 1st side 30b 2nd side 32 Call button 36 Toilet bowl cleaning button 38 Paper roll 50 Main body 52 Sensor 52a Human body detection sensor 52b Seating detection sensor 54 Voice output section (guidance output section)
56 Control unit 56a Storage unit 58 Communication unit 60 Terminal 62 Display unit (guidance output unit)
64 Language selection unit 64a 1st operation unit 64b 2nd operation unit 64c 3rd operation unit 64d 4th operation unit 64e Stop operation unit 65 Function operation unit 65a 1st operation switch 65b 2nd operation switch 65c 3rd operation switch 65d 4th Operation switch 66 Communication unit TR Toilet room U User W1, W2 Wall surface

Claims (4)

It is a toilet guidance device installed in the toilet room and guiding information about the toilet room.
A guidance output unit that outputs information about the toilet room in multiple languages,
A language selection unit having a plurality of operation units for selecting a language output from the guidance output unit, and a language selection unit.
A control unit that controls the guidance output unit and
Equipped with
The control unit
When the information about the toilet room is output from the guidance output unit and the operation unit is operated a plurality of times within a predetermined time, the guidance in the language output from the guidance output unit is continued. , A toilet guidance device characterized by performing invalidation control for invalidating a plurality of operations of the operation unit. The control unit
If the language last selected by the multiple operations on the operation unit is the same as the language output from the guidance output unit, the invalidation control is performed.
If the language output from the guidance output unit is different from the language output from the guidance output unit due to multiple operations on the operation unit, the language output from the guidance output unit is set to the last selected language. The toilet guidance device according to claim 1, wherein the toilet guide device is characterized in that. The control unit
When the operation unit operated last by the multiple operations on the operation unit and another operation unit operated before the operation unit are adjacent to each other, the invalidation control is performed.
If the operation unit that was last operated by multiple operations on the operation unit and other operation units that were operated before it are not adjacent to each other, the language of the operation unit that was last operated is set. The toilet guidance device according to claim 1. The control unit
If the same operation unit is not operated multiple times within the predetermined time, the invalidation control is performed.
Any of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the same operation unit is operated a plurality of times within the predetermined time, the language is set to the language selected by the operation unit without waiting for the elapse of the predetermined time. The toilet guidance device according to item 1.

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