JP6807765B2 - Communications system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a communication system for communicating between a plurality of baths.

In public baths such as hot springs, public baths, and spa facilities, men's and women's baths are generally isolated from each other when mixed bathing is not permitted. Therefore, when a man and a woman such as a married couple enter the men's bath and the women's bath, respectively, it is difficult for the man and the woman to have a conversation with each other.

Patent Document 1 discloses a technique (hereinafter, also referred to as "related technique A") for enabling two-way communication between a men's bath and a women's bath, which are isolated from each other. In related technology A, the means of communication used by each of the two bathers entering different baths is a waterproof specified low power transceiver or infrared transceiver.

Patent Document 2 discloses a technique (hereinafter, also referred to as “related technique B”) that can easily manage the whereabouts of each user in a public bath.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-227666 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-337855

In some situations, it is not preferable to use the user's voice in order for a plurality of users to communicate with each other between a plurality of baths. In such a situation, in a plurality of bathhouses, it may be required to notify the user of another bathhouse of the intention of the user of one bathhouse without using the voice of the user. Related technologies A and B cannot meet this requirement.

The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and it is possible to notify a user of another bathhouse of the intention of a user of one bathhouse without using the voice of the user. The purpose is to provide a possible communication system.

In order to achieve the above object, the communication system according to one aspect of the present invention is used when a first user who uses a first bath provided in a facility having a plurality of baths uses the first bath. The first communication device held and the second communication device held by the second user who uses the second bath provided in the facility when using the second bath are provided. Each of the first communication device and the second communication device has a function of communicating between the first communication device and the second communication device, and the first communication device and the second communication device have a function of communicating with each other. Each has a reception unit having a function of accepting a communication operation, which is an operation for transmitting a human intention to another person, and a notification unit having a function of performing a process for notifying the intention corresponding to the communication operation. In order to specify the intention corresponding to the communication operation when the reception unit of the first communication device receives the communication operation performed by the first user. of the intention information, the second and transmitted to the communication device, wherein the notification unit of the second communication device, have rows notification process for notifying the intention to be specified by the intention information, the second communication device The reception unit further receives a confirmation operation, which is an operation indicating that the second user has confirmed the intention notified by the notification process, and the reception unit of the second communication device performs the confirmation operation. When accepted, the second communication device sends confirmation information indicating that the intention specified by the intention information transmitted by the first communication device is transmitted to the second user to the first communication device. When the first communication device receives the confirmation information after transmission, the notification unit of the first communication device has the intention specified by the intention information transmitted by the first communication device by the second user. Performs processing to notify that it has been transmitted to .

According to the present invention, the communication system holds the first communication device held by the first user when using the first bathhouse and the second communication device held by the second user when using the second bathhouse. It includes a second communication device. Each of the first communication device and the second communication device includes a reception unit having a function of receiving a communication operation for transmitting a person's intention to another person.

When the reception unit of the first communication device receives the communication operation performed by the first user, the first communication device provides intention information for specifying the intention corresponding to the communication operation. , Transmit to the second communication device. The notification unit of the second communication device performs notification processing for notifying the intention specified by the intention information.

As a result, the intention of the first user of the first bathhouse can be notified to the second user of the second bathhouse without using the voice of the first user. That is, the intention of a user of a certain bathhouse can be notified to a user of another bathhouse without using the voice of the user.

It is a figure which shows the usage form of the communication system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the state which the communication device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention is attached to the wrist of a user. It is an external view of the communication device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the communication device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a state transition diagram of the notification part which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a sequence diagram of the communication process which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the communication system which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the communication system which concerns on the modification 1 of Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the characteristic functional structure of a communication system.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings below, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals. The names and functions of the components with the same reference numerals are the same. Therefore, detailed description of a part of each component having the same reference numeral may be omitted.

The dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of each component exemplified in the embodiment may be appropriately changed depending on the configuration of the device to which the present invention is applied, various conditions, and the like.

<Embodiment 1>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a usage pattern of the communication system 1000 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. With reference to FIG. 1, the communication system 1000 includes communication devices 100a and 100b. Each of the communication device 100a and the communication device 100b has a function of communicating between the communication device 100a and the communication device 100b. For example, the communication devices 100a and 100b have a function of wirelessly communicating with each other.

In the following, each of the communication devices 100a and 100b is also collectively referred to as "communication device 100". The communication device 100 is configured to be attached to a human wrist or the like. The communication device 100 has a waterproof function.

FIG. 1 shows a bathhouse Bt1a and a bathhouse Bt1b isolated from each other by a partition member WL1. The partition member WL1 is, for example, a wall. The bathhouse Bt1a and the bathhouse Bt1b are provided in a facility having a plurality of bathhouses. That is, the bathhouse Bt1a and the bathhouse Bt1b are provided in the same facility. The bathhouse Bt1a is, for example, a men's bath. The bathhouse Bt1b is, for example, a women's bath.

In the following, a person who uses the bathhouse Bt1a is also referred to as a "user Mna". The user Mna is, for example, a male. Further, in the following, a person who uses the bathhouse Bt1b is also referred to as a "user Mnb". The user Mnb is, for example, a woman.

The bathhouse Bt1a may be a women's bath. When the bathhouse Bt1a is a women's bath, the user Mna is a woman. Further, the bathhouse Bt1b may be a men's bath. When the bathhouse Bt1b is a men's bath, the user Mnb is a man. Further, both the bathhouse Bt1a and the bathhouse Bt1b may be men's baths or women's baths.

In the following, each of the bathhouses Bt1a and Bt1b is also collectively referred to as "bathhouse Bt1". Further, in the following, each of the users Mna and Mnb is also collectively referred to as "user Mn". The communication system 1000 is a system capable of transmitting the intention of the user Mn to another user Mn, although the details will be described later.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the communication device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is attached to the wrist of the user Mn. The state in which the communication device 100 is attached to the wrist of the user Mn is a state in which the user Mn holds the communication device 100. FIG. 3 is an example of an external view of the communication device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In the present embodiment, when the user Mna uses the bathhouse Bt1a, the user Mna holds the communication device 100a. Further, when the user Mnb uses the bathhouse Bt1b, the user Mnb holds the communication device 100b. FIG. 1 shows, as an example, a state in which the user Mna holding the communication device 100a is in the bathhouse Bt1a, and the user Mnb holding the communication device 100b is in the bathhouse Bt1b.

Although the details will be described later, the communication devices 100a and 100b are configured so that the user Mna and the user Mnb can communicate each other's intentions.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the communication device 100 includes reception units 2a, 2b, 2c. In the following, each of the reception units 2a, 2b, and 2c is also collectively referred to as "reception unit 2". Further, in the following, the operation performed by a human is also referred to as "operation Op".

The reception unit 2 is an interface having a function of receiving an operation Op. The reception unit 2 is, for example, a touch sensor. The reception unit 2 has a function of detecting that a human finger touches the reception unit 2. In the following, the operation Op in which the human finger touches the reception unit 2 is also referred to as a “pressing operation”. The reception unit 2 has a function of receiving a pressing operation on the reception unit 2.

In the following, the intention of the human user Mn is also referred to as “intention X1”. In the present embodiment, as an example, three types of intentions X1 will be described. In the following, the three types of intentions X1 will be referred to as intentions X1a, X1b, and X1c.

The intention X1a is an intention to inquire of the user Mn who is in the bathhouse Bt1 whether or not to leave the bathhouse Bt1. The intention X1a is, for example, an intention expressed as "get out?".

The intention X1b is an intention that the user Mn who is in the bathhouse Bt1 leaves the bathhouse Bt1. The intention X1b is, for example, an intention expressed as "getting out". The intention X1c is the intention that the user Mn who is in the bathhouse Bt1 does not want to leave the bathhouse Bt1 yet. The intention X1c is, for example, an intention expressed as "yet!".

In the following, an operation for transmitting a human intention X1 to another person is also referred to as a "communication operation". The communication operation is, for example, an operation for transmitting the intention X1 of the user Mna to the user Mnb. The communication operation is, for example, the above-mentioned pressing operation on the reception unit 2. That is, the reception unit 2 has a function of receiving a communication operation (pressing operation).

The communication device 100 further includes a control unit 10, a communication unit 4, and notification units 3a, 3b, and 3c. The control unit 10 has a function of controlling each component in the communication device 100.

The communication unit 4 has a function of performing wireless communication. The communication unit 4 transmits / receives information by wireless communication. The communication unit 4 includes a transmission unit 4a and a reception unit 4b. The transmission unit 4a has a function of transmitting information to the outside by wireless communication. The receiving unit 4b has a function of receiving information from the outside by wireless communication.

In each of the communication devices 100a and 100b, the notification units 3a, 3b and 3c are previously associated with the intentions X1a, X1b and X1c, respectively. In the following, each of the notification units 3a, 3b, and 3c is also collectively referred to as "notification unit 3". The notification unit 3 has a function of performing a process for notifying the intention X1 corresponding to the communication operation.

The notification unit 3 is composed of, for example, a red LED (Light Emitting Diode) and a blue LED. As an example, the state of the notification unit 3 is set to any one of a red lighting state, a red blinking state, a blue lighting state, a blue blinking state, and an off state.

The red lighting state is a state in which the red LED continuously emits red light. The red blinking state is a state in which the red LED is blinking. That is, the red blinking state is a state in which the red LED emits red light at predetermined time intervals.

The blue lighting state is a state in which the blue LED continuously emits blue light. The blue blinking state is a state in which the blue LED is blinking. That is, the blue blinking state is a state in which the blue LED emits blue light at predetermined time intervals. The off state Stn is a state in which both the red LED and the blue LED do not emit light.

In the following, the red lighting state, the red blinking state, the blue lighting state, the blue blinking state, and the extinguishing state are also referred to as a state StRp, a state StRw, a state StBp, a state StBw, and a state Stn, respectively.

The notification unit 3 notifies the intention X1 by setting the state of the notification unit 3 to any of the state StRp, the state StRw, the state StBp, the state StBw, and the state Stn as shown in FIG.

Again, with reference to FIG. 4, the control unit 10 further includes a storage unit 11. The storage unit 11 is a memory for storing information. The storage unit 11 stores the intention information W1a, W1b, W1c. In the following, each of the intention information W1a, W1b, and W1c is also collectively referred to as "intention information W1". The intention information W1 is information for specifying the intention X1. The intention information W1 indicates, for example, identification information for identifying the intention X1.

The intention information W1a is information for specifying the intention X1a. The intention information W1b is information for specifying the intention X1b. The intention information W1c is information for specifying the intention X1c.

The storage unit 11 has storage areas R1a, R1b, and R1c. Intention information W1a, W1b, and W1c are stored in the storage areas R1a, R1b, and R1c, respectively. In the following, each of the storage areas R1a, R1b, and R1c is also collectively referred to as "storage area R1". That is, the storage unit 11 has three storage areas R1. The storage area R1 is a dedicated area for storing the intention information W1.

The storage area R1a is a dedicated area for storing the intention information W1a. Further, the storage area R1b is a dedicated area for storing the intention information W1b. Further, the storage area R1c is a dedicated area for storing the intention information W1c.

Further, the notification units 3a, 3b, and 3c are associated with the storage areas R1a, R1b, and R1c, respectively. The notification unit 3 changes the state of the notification unit 3 based on the intention information W1 stored in the storage area R1 corresponding to the notification unit 3. For example, the notification unit 3a changes the state of the notification unit 3a based on the intention information W1a stored in the storage area R1a corresponding to the notification unit 3a.

In the present embodiment, when the communication device 100 transmits the intention information W1, the notification unit 3 of the communication device 100 performs processing using, for example, blue light. When the communication device 100 receives the intention information W1, the notification unit 3 of the communication device 100 performs processing using, for example, red light.

Next, a process for communicating an intention between the user Mna and the user Mnb (hereinafter, also referred to as "communication process") will be described. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram of a communication process according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Here, the following premise Pm1 is considered. In the premise Pm1, as an example, the user Mna holding the communication device 100a is in the bathhouse Bt1a. Further, in the premise Pm1, as an example, the user Mnb holding the communication device 100b is in the bathhouse Bt1b. Further, in the premise Pm1, the partition member WL1 is composed of a member through which radio waves can easily pass. Further, in the premise Pm1, the communication device 100a held by the user Mna and the communication device 100b held by the user Mnb can directly perform wireless communication with each other.

Further, in the premise Pm1, the states of the notification units 3a, 3b, and 3c included in each of the communication devices 100a and 100b are turned off immediately before the communication processing is started. Further, in the premise Pm1, in a state where the user Mna wants to leave the bathhouse Bt1a, an operation is performed to convey the intention X1a of the user Mna, which expresses "exit?", To the user Mnb. Specifically, in the premise Pm1, the user Mna performs a pressing operation (communication operation) on the reception unit 2a of the communication device 100a.

In the following, the communication device 100a and the communication device 100b are also referred to as a communication device CA and a communication device CB, respectively. The communication device CA and the communication device CB shown in FIG. 6 are a communication device 100a and a communication device 100b, respectively.

In the communication process in the premise Pm1, first, the reception unit 2a of the communication device 100a receives the communication operation performed by the user Mna. The communication operation performed by the user Mna, which is received by the reception unit 2a of the communication device 100a, corresponds to the intention X1a of the user Mna.

As a result, the control unit 10 of the communication device 100a sets the intention information W1a for specifying the intention X1a expressing "exit?" As the information to be transmitted (S110).

Next, when the information to be transmitted is set to the intention information W1a for specifying the intention X1a expressing "exit?", The transmission process A in step S120 is performed in the communication device 100a.

In the transmission process A, in the communication device 100a, the control unit 10 sets the state of the notification unit 3a to the state StBw (blinking blue state). Specifically, the control unit 10 updates the intention information W1a so that the intention information W1a stored in the storage unit 11 indicates a blue blinking state. As a result, the state of the storage unit 11 changes. Further, the state of the notification unit 3a of the communication device 100a changes from the off state to the blue blinking state (see FIG. 5).

Further, the control unit 10 of the communication device 100a transmits the intention information W1a indicating the blinking blue state stored in the storage unit 11 whose state has changed to the communication device 100b via the communication unit 4 (transmission unit 4a). Send. That is, when the reception unit 2a of the communication device 100a receives the communication operation performed by the user Mna, the communication device 100a communicates the intention information W1a for specifying the intention X1a corresponding to the communication operation. It is transmitted to the device 100b. As a result, the control unit 10 of the communication device 100b receives the intention information W1a via the communication unit 4 (reception unit 4b).

In the communication device 100b, the notification process B in step S210 is performed. In the notification process B in the premise Pm1, in the communication device 100b, the control unit 10 sets the state of the notification unit 3a corresponding to the intention X1a specified by the intention information W1a to the state StRw (blinking red state). Specifically, the control unit 10 updates the intention information W1a so that the intention information W1a stored in the storage unit 11 indicates a red blinking state. As a result, the state of the storage unit 11 changes. Further, the state of the notification unit 3a of the communication device 100b changes from the off state to the red blinking state (see FIG. 5).

When the state of the notification unit 3a of the communication device 100b held by the user Mnb becomes a flashing red state, the user Mnb can be notified of the intention X1a of the user Mna. That is, in the notification process B in the premise Pm1, the notification unit 3a of the communication device 100b performs a notification process for notifying the intention X1a specified by the intention information W1a. As a result, the user Mnb confirms the intention X1a of the user Mna.

In the premise Pm1, the user Mnb performs a pressing operation on the reception unit 2a of the communication device 100b. The pressing operation is a confirmation operation indicating that the user Mnb has confirmed the intention X1a notified by the notification process performed in the notification process B. The reception unit 2a of the communication device 100b accepts the confirmation operation (pressing operation). When the reception unit 2a accepts the confirmation operation, the confirmation process B in step S220 is performed on the communication device 100b.

In the confirmation process B, in the communication device 100b, the control unit 10 sets the state of the notification unit 3a to the state StRp (red lighting state). Specifically, the control unit 10 updates the intention information W1a so that the intention information W1a stored in the storage unit 11 indicates a red lighting state. As a result, the state of the storage unit 11 changes. Further, the state of the notification unit 3a of the communication device 100b changes from the red blinking state to the red lighting state (see FIG. 5).

Next, in the communication device 100b, the transmission process B in step S230 is performed. In the transmission process B, in the communication device 100b, the control unit 10 transmits the intention information W1a indicating the red lighting state, which is stored in the storage unit 11 whose state has changed, via the communication unit 4 (transmission unit 4a). It is transmitted to the communication device 100a. The intention information W1a indicating the red lighting state is confirmation information indicating that the intention X1a specified by the intention information W1a transmitted by the communication device 100a has been transmitted to the user Mnb.

As a result, the communication device 100a receives the confirmation information (intention information W1a indicating the red lighting state). When the communication device 100a receives the confirmation information, the communication device 100a performs the confirmation notification process in step S130.

In the confirmation notification process, in the communication device 100a, the control unit 10 sets the state of the notification unit 3a corresponding to the intention X1a specified by the confirmation information (intention information W1a) to the state StBp (blue lighting state). Specifically, the control unit 10 updates the intention information W1a so that the intention information W1a stored in the storage unit 11 indicates a blue lighting state.

As a result, the state of the storage unit 11 changes. Further, the state of the notification unit 3a of the communication device 100a changes from the blue blinking state to the blue lighting state (see FIG. 5). The notification unit 3a in the blue lighting state continuously emits blue light. As a result, the user Mna holding the communication device 100a recognizes that the user Mnb holding the communication device 100b has confirmed the intention X1a of the user Mna. That is, in the confirmation notification process, the notification unit 3a of the communication device 100a performs a process (lights up in blue) for notifying the user Mnb that the intention X1a specified by the intention information W1a transmitted by the communication device 100a is transmitted to the user Mnb. Do.

Through the above processing, the user Mnb confirms the intention X1a of the user Mna. Further, the user Mna recognizes that the user Mnb has confirmed the intention X1a of the user Mna.

Next, an example of a process for returning the state of each of the notification units 3a of the communication devices 100a and 100b to the initial state will be described. In the following, the pressing operation performed on the reception unit 2a of the communication device 100a including the notification unit 3a in the blue lighting state is referred to as a “reset operation”.

In the premise Pm1, the user Mna performs a pressing operation (reset operation) on the reception unit 2a of the communication device 100a including the notification unit 3a in the blue lighting state. In this case, the reset process A in step S190 is performed in the communication device 100a.

In the reset process A, the control unit 10 sets the state of the notification unit 3a to the state Stn (light-off state). Specifically, the control unit 10 updates the intention information W1a so that the intention information W1a stored in the storage unit 11 indicates a light-off state. As a result, the state of the storage unit 11 changes. Further, the state of the notification unit 3a of the communication device 100a changes from the blue lighting state to the extinguishing state (see FIG. 5).

Then, the control unit 10 transmits the reset information to the communication device 100b. In the communication device 100b that has received the reset information, the reset process B in step S290 is performed.

In the reset process B, the control unit 10 sets the state of the notification unit 3a to the state Stn (light-off state). Specifically, the control unit 10 updates the intention information W1a so that the intention information W1a stored in the storage unit 11 indicates a light-off state. As a result, the state of the storage unit 11 changes. Further, the state of the notification unit 3a of the communication device 100b changes from the red lighting state to the turning off state (see FIG. 5).

Next, a process will be described when the user Mnb who has confirmed the intention X1a of the user Mna responds to the intention X1a. When the user Mnb wants to get out of the bathhouse Bt1b, the user Mnb performs an operation to convey the intention X1b expressing "getting out" to the user Mna. Specifically, the user Mnb performs a pressing operation (communication operation) on the reception unit 2b of the communication device 100b.

As a result, in the description of steps S111, S120, S210 to S230, S130 described above, the same process as the process of replacing the communication devices 100a and 100b with the communication devices 100b and 100a, respectively, is performed. As a result, the intention X1b of the user Mnb to express "go out" can be transmitted to the user Mna.

Further, when the user Mnb wants to continue in the bathhouse Bt1b, the user Mnb performs an operation for transmitting the intention X1c expressing "yet!" To the user Mna. Specifically, the user Mnb performs a pressing operation (communication operation) on the reception unit 2c of the communication device 100b.

As a result, in the description of steps S111, S120, S210 to S230, S130 described above, the same process as the process of replacing the communication devices 100a and 100b with the communication devices 100b and 100a, respectively, is performed. As a result, the user Mnb's intention X1c to express "yet!" Can be transmitted to the user Mna.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the communication system 1000 is a communication device 100a held by the user Mna when using the bathhouse Bt1a, and when the user Mnb uses the bathhouse Bt1b. It includes a communication device 100b that holds it. Each of the communication device 100a and the communication device 100b includes a reception unit 2 having a function of receiving a communication operation for transmitting a human intention X1 to another person.

When the reception unit 2 of the communication device 100a receives the communication operation performed by the user Mna, the communication device 100a provides the communication device 100b with the intention information W1 for specifying the intention X1 corresponding to the communication operation. Send to. The notification unit 3 of the communication device 100b performs notification processing for notifying the intention X1 specified by the intention information W1.

As a result, the intention of the user Mna of the bathhouse Bt1a can be notified to the user Mnb of the bathhouse Bt1b without using the voice of the user Mna. That is, the intention of a user of a certain bathhouse can be notified to a user of another bathhouse without using the voice of the user.

Further, in the present embodiment, the user Mna performs an operation for transmitting, for example, the intention X1a expressing "exit?" To the user Mnb. By this operation, the above-described processes S111, S120, S210 to S230, S130 are performed in the communication device 100a and the communication device 100b.

As a result, in the communication device 100b, a process for notifying the user Mnb of the intention X1a of the user Mna is performed. Further, in the communication device 100a, a process is performed so that the user Mna can recognize that the user Mnb has confirmed the intention X1a of the user Mna. Therefore, the user Mnb can confirm the intention X1a of the user Mna. In addition, the user Mna can recognize that the user Mnb has confirmed the intention X1a of the user Mna.

Further, the user Mnb performs an operation for transmitting the intention X of the user Mnb to the user Mna with respect to the intention X1a of the user Mna to the reception unit 2 of the communication device 100b. In this case, the intention X of the user Mnb can be transmitted to the user Mna. Since the user Mnb cannot respond to the intention X1a expressing "exit?", When an operation for transmitting the intention X1c expressing "yet!" To the user Mna is performed, the above-mentioned step S111 is performed. , S120, S210 to S230, S130 are processed in the same manner. As a result, the user Mnb's intention X1c to express "yet!" Can be transmitted to the user Mna.

Further, according to the present embodiment, for example, between the men's bath and the women's bath, which are isolated from each other, each of the user Mna and the user Mnb can surely share each other's state. Therefore, there is an effect that each of the user Mna and the user Mnb can communicate with each other without worrying about the existence of others.

In the communication system to which the above-mentioned related technology A is applied, voice is exchanged between the men's bath and the women's bath by using a transceiver. In general, in public baths, as in the case of trains, voice communication is frustrating. Therefore, there is a problem that it is not desirable to introduce a communication system to which the related technology A is applied to a public bath. Further, when the user is washing his hair or the like, there is a problem that the communication system to which the related technology A is applied cannot communicate using the transceiver.

In the user location management system to which the related technology B is applied, the above problem does not occur because the communication is not performed by voice. However, although the user location management system can manage the location of each user, it cannot recognize the intention of the other party.

Also, when a user enters a public bath for the first time, even if the location of the other party is known, it is not easy to know where the location is. Therefore, in the communication system to which the related technology A is applied, there is a problem that a plurality of users do not satisfy the purpose of contacting each other and measuring communication.

Therefore, the communication system 1000 of the present embodiment is configured as described above. Therefore, the communication system 1000 can solve the above problem.

<Embodiment 2>
The configuration of this embodiment is a configuration in which a communication device can communicate with another communication device via a repeater (hereinafter, also referred to as “configuration Ct2”). In the following, the communication system to which the configuration Ct2 is applied is also referred to as "communication system 1000A".

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of a communication system 1000A according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The communication system 1000A is different from the communication system 1000 of FIG. 1 in that it includes repeaters 200a and 200b. Since the other configurations of the communication system 1000A are the same as those of the communication system 1000, the detailed description will not be repeated.

The communication system 1000A is provided in the facility where the above-mentioned bathhouse Bt1a and bathhouse Bt1b are provided. Here, the following premise Pm2 is considered. The premise Pm2 is different from the premise Pm1 in that the communication device 100a held by the user Mna and the communication device 100b held by the user Mnb cannot directly perform wireless communication with each other. different. The other contents of the premise Pm2 are the same as those of the premise Pm1. That is, in the premise Pm2, the user Mna holding the communication device 100a is in the bathhouse Bt1a. Further, in the premise Pm2, the user Mnb holding the communication device 100b is in the bathhouse Bt1b.

Further, the bathhouse Bt1a and the bathhouse Bt1b are separated from each other by the partition member WL2. In the premise Pm2, the partition member WL2 is composed of, for example, a member that does not transmit radio waves. Therefore, in the premise Pm2, the communication device 100a held by the user Mna and the communication device 100b held by the user Mna cannot directly perform wireless communication with each other.

Each of the repeaters 200a and 200b has a function of performing wireless communication. The repeaters 200a and 200b are configured to be able to communicate with each other via the network NW1. Each of the repeaters 200a and 200b has a function of storing information. Specifically, each of the repeaters 200a and 200b has a storage device for storing information.

In the premise Pm2, the repeater 200a is configured to be able to directly communicate with the communication device 100a. Further, in the premise Pm2, the repeater 200b is configured to be able to directly communicate with the communication device 100b.

In the communication system 1000A in the premise Pm2, the communication device 100a is configured to be able to communicate with the communication device 100b via the repeaters 200a and 200b. In the following, the process performed in the communication system 1000A in the premise Pm2 is also referred to as "communication process A".

Here, it is assumed that the communication device 100a transmits the intention information W1 to the communication device 100b to the repeater 200a while the communication device 100a can communicate with the repeater 200a. Further, it is assumed that the intention information W1 is information for specifying the intention X1 of the user Mna. Further, the intention information W1 indicates, for example, the timing when the user Mna leaves the bathhouse Bt1a. In this case, in the communication process A, the repeater 200a stores the intention information W1 transmitted by the communication device 100a.

Then, in the communication process A, the repeater 200a transmits the intention information W1 stored in the repeater 200a to the communication device 100b via the repeater 200b. Specifically, when the repeater 200b is in a state where it can communicate with the communication device 100b, the repeater 200a transmits the intention information W1 to the communication device 100b via the network NW1 and the repeater 200b.

That is, the communication device 100b receives the intention information W1 at the timing when the communication device 100b held by the user Mnb can communicate with the repeater 200b. As a result, the notification unit 3 of the communication device 100b performs a process (for example, blinking of red light) for performing notification according to the intention information W1.

By performing the above communication process A, in the communication system 1000A, information transmission (two-way communication) between the communication devices 100a and 100b can be performed in the same manner as the two-way communication in which the communication devices 100a and 100b directly communicate with each other. You can do it with certainty.

In the following, each of the repeaters 200a and 200b will be collectively referred to as "repeater 200". That is, the communication system 1000A includes two repeaters 200.

The communication system 1000A may be configured to include one repeater 200 instead of the two repeaters 200 and the network NW1 (hereinafter, also referred to as “configuration Ct2a”). In the communication system 1000A to which the configuration Ct2a is applied, the communication device 100a is configured to be able to communicate with the communication device 100b via the repeater 200.

In the communication process A in the configuration Ct2a, the repeater 200 stores the intention information W1 transmitted by the communication device 100a. Then, when the repeater 200 is in a state of being able to communicate with the communication device 100b, in the communication process A in the configuration Ct2a, the repeater 200 transmits the intention information W1 stored in the repeater 200 to the communication device 100b. To do.

Therefore, the communication system 1000A in the configuration Ct2a can obtain the same effect as the communication system 1000A in the configuration Ct2.

The number of repeaters 200 included in the communication system 1000A may be 3 or more.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, even if the communication device 100a and the communication device 100b cannot directly perform wireless communication with each other by providing the repeater 200, the communication device 100a can be used. Communication with the communication device 100b can be performed via one or more repeaters 200.

The number of repeaters 200 included in the communication system 1000A is arbitrarily changed according to the situation in which the communication system 1000A is installed. For example, when the communication system 1000A is installed in a hot spring town where a plurality of baths exist, the number of repeaters 200 may be increased according to the scale of the hot spring town.

Note that each of the communication devices 100a and 100b may not include the control unit 10, and each of the repeaters 200a and 200b may include the control unit 10 (hereinafter, also referred to as “configuration Ct2b”). Thereby, the configuration of the communication devices 100a and 100b in the configuration Ct2b can be simplified. Therefore, the cost of the communication devices 100a and 100b can be reduced.

The communication system 1000A may be used in the above-mentioned premise Pm1. That is, the communication system 1000A may be configured to be used in either the prerequisite Pm2 or the prerequisite Pm1 (hereinafter, also referred to as “configuration Ct2w”).

In the configuration Ct2w in which the communication system 1000A is used in the premise Pm1, the following communication processing A1 is performed in a situation where the communication device 100a can directly communicate with the communication device 100b.

In the communication process A1, the process described in the first embodiment is performed. In summary, when the reception unit 2 of the communication device 100a receives the communication operation performed by the user Mna, the communication device 100a provides the intention information W1 for specifying the intention X1 corresponding to the communication operation. , Transmit to the communication device 100b.

Then, the notification unit 3 of the communication device 100b performs a notification process for notifying the intention X1 specified by the intention information W1.

Further, in the configuration Ct2w in which the communication system 1000A is used in the premise Pm2, the above-mentioned communication process A is performed in a situation where the communication device 100a can communicate with the communication device 100b via one or more repeaters 200. Will be.

In the communication process A, in summary, the repeater 200 stores the intention information W1 transmitted by the communication device 100a. Then, when the repeater 200 is in a state where it can communicate with the communication device 100b, the repeater 200 transmits the intention information W1 stored in the repeater 200 to the communication device 100b.

As described above, in the configuration Ct2w, instant communication or reliable two-way communication can be realized according to the communication state between the communication device 100a and the communication device 100b.

<Modification 1 of the second embodiment>
The configuration of this modification is a configuration in which the repeater 200 included in the communication system 1000A is a base station (hereinafter, also referred to as “configuration Ct2m1”).

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of the communication system 1000A according to the first modification of the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 shows a communication system 1000A including three repeaters 200 as an example. Each of the three repeaters 200 is a base station. Further, two of the three repeaters 200 are the repeaters 200a and 200b.

The number of repeaters 200 included in the communication system 1000A may be 1, 2, 4 or more.

In the configuration Ct2m1, the communication device 100a is configured to be able to communicate with the communication device 100b via one or more repeaters 200 as a base station. In the configuration Ct2m1, the communication process A in the premise Pm2 of the second embodiment is performed.

The repeater 200 in the configuration Ct2m1 may be a mobile station (hereinafter, also referred to as “configuration Ct2m2”). The mobile station is configured so that the position of the mobile station can be changed. The mobile station is, for example, a human-portable communication terminal.

In the configuration Ct2m2, the communication device 100a is configured to be able to communicate with the communication device 100b via one or more repeaters 200 as a mobile station.

When a mobile station is used, it is necessary to search the communication route again, but it is possible to increase the number of communication devices that can be connected to the mobile station.

<Modification example X1>
The configuration of this modification is a configuration in which each of the communication devices 100a and 100b included in the communication system 1000 or the communication system 1000A does not have a waterproof function (hereinafter, also referred to as “configuration CtX1”).

For example, when a communication device is used between two changing rooms isolated from each other, it is not necessary to deal with the input of the communication device into water, hot water, or the like. The communication devices 100a and 100b in the configuration CtX1 are used by the users Mna and Mnb in, for example, two places where the use of the device having a camera function is uncertain. The two places are isolated from each other, similar to the bathhouses Bt1a and Bt1b described above. In the configuration CtX1, communication can be performed at the two locations. Since each of the communication devices 100a and 100b does not have a waterproof function, it is possible to reduce the cost of each of the communication devices 100a and 100b.

<Modification example X2>
In the first embodiment, since the notification unit 3 performs notification using light, a configuration is shown in which the intention is transmitted by using human vision. The configuration of the present invention may be a configuration for communicating intentions by using sensations other than vision among the five senses.

The configuration of this modification is a configuration in which the notification units 3 of the communication devices 100a and 100b included in the communication system 1000 or the communication system 1000A do not use light (hereinafter, also referred to as “configuration CtX2”).

In the configuration CtX2, the notification unit 3 has a function of vibrating, for example. For example, the notification unit 3 expresses the above-mentioned intentions X1a, X1b, and X1c by three types of vibrations. The notification unit 3 notifies the intention X1a, for example, by vibrating the notification unit 3. For example, in step S210 of FIG. 6 to which the configuration CtX2 is applied, the notification unit 3 notifies the intention X1 specified by the intention information W1 by vibration. In this case, it is possible to perform notification using the human sense of touch.

Further, in the configuration CtX2, the notification unit 3 may have a function of outputting voice, for example. In this case, the notification unit 3 expresses, for example, the above-mentioned intentions X1a, X1b, and X1c by three types of voices.

For example, in step S210 of FIG. 6 to which the configuration CtX2 is applied, the notification unit 3 notifies the intention X1 specified by the intention information W1 by sound. In this case, it is possible to perform notification using human hearing.

Further, in the present modification, for example, the configuration may be such that the intention is transmitted by changing the strength of the band tightening method.

As described above, according to the present modification, even when the user Mn has, for example, a visually impaired person, he / she can communicate his / her intention.

<Modification example X3>
The configuration of this modification is a configuration in which the number of intention information W1 used can be changed (hereinafter, also referred to as “configuration CtX3”).

In the configuration CtX3, the storage units 11 of the communication devices 100a and 100b included in the communication system 1000 or the communication system 1000A do not have a dedicated storage area for storing the specific intention information W1. In the configuration CtX3, the storage unit 11 includes, for example, one storage area Rn instead of the storage areas R1a, R1b, and R1c.

In the configuration CtX3, each of the communication device 100a and the communication device 100b stores a plurality of types of intention information W1 in common in the storage area Rn. Further, in the configuration CtX3, the configuration, the configuration Ct2, the configuration Ct2a, the configuration Ct2b, the configuration Ct2w, the configuration Ct2m1, the configuration Ct2m2, the configuration CtX1, the configuration CtX2, the configuration CtX3, the configuration CtX4, which will be described later, and the above-described first embodiment In any of the configurations CtX4a described later, each of the communication device 100a and the communication device 100b independently processes a plurality of types of intention information W1. Thereby, the number of intention information W1 used can be easily increased or decreased without worrying about the state of other intention information W1. Therefore, the number of intentions X1 to be transmitted can be easily increased or decreased.

For example, suppose that the user wants to convey his or her intention to leave the bathhouse at any of 5 minutes, 10 minutes, and 15 minutes. In this case, by adding the corresponding three types of intention information W1 after 5 minutes, 10 minutes, and 15 minutes, the above-mentioned desire can be easily met.

<Modification example X4>
The configuration of this modification is a configuration in which each of the repeaters 200a and 200b includes the notification unit 3 in the communication system 1000A in the premise Pm2 of the second embodiment (hereinafter, also referred to as “configuration CtX4”).

In the configuration CtX4, each of the repeaters 200a and 200b includes the notification units 3a, 3b and 3c. The notification units 3a, 3b, 3c included in each of the repeaters 200a, 200b are the same as the notification units 3a, 3b, 3c of the first embodiment.

Further, in the configuration CtX4, each of the communication devices 100a and 100b does not include the notification units 3a, 3b and 3c. As described above, each of the notification units 3a, 3b, and 3c is also collectively referred to as "notification unit 3". Further, as described above, each of the repeaters 200a and 200b is also collectively referred to as "repeater 200". That is, each notification unit 3 is included in each repeater 200 instead of being included in each of the communication device 100a and the communication device 100b.

Configuration In CtX4, as in the second embodiment, the communication device 100a is configured to be able to communicate with the communication device 100b via the repeaters 200a and 200b. In the configuration CtX4, for example, each of the communication devices 100a and 100b does not perform complicated processing such as notification, but performs only simple processing. For example, each of the communication devices 100a and 100b transmits and receives the intention information W1.

In the following, the process performed in the configuration CtX4 in the premise Pm2 is also referred to as “communication process B”.

Here, it is assumed that the communication device 100a transmits the intention information W1 to the communication device 100b to the repeater 200a while the communication device 100a can communicate with the repeater 200a. Further, it is assumed that the intention information W1 is information for specifying the intention X1 of the user Mna.

In this case, in the communication process B, the repeater 200a transmits the intention information W1 transmitted by the communication device 100a to the communication device 100b via the repeater 200b. Specifically, when the repeater 200b is in a state where it can communicate with the communication device 100b, the repeater 200a transmits the intention information W1 to the communication device 100b via the network NW1 and the repeater 200b. That is, the communication device 100b receives the intention information W1 at the timing when the communication device 100b held by the user Mnb can communicate with the repeater 200b.

Further, at the timing when the communication device 100b held by the user Mnb becomes capable of communicating with the repeater 200b, the notification unit 3 of the repeater 200b performs a process for performing notification according to the intention information W1 ( For example, blinking red light). As a result, the user Mnb can confirm the intention X1 of the user Mna by the notification by the notification unit 3 of the repeater 200b.

In the configuration CtX4, the communication system 1000A may include one repeater 200 instead of the two repeaters 200 (hereinafter, also referred to as “configuration CtX4a”). That is, the notification unit 3 is included in the repeater 200 instead of being included in each of the communication device 100a and the communication device 100b.

Configuration In the communication system 1000A to which CtX4a is applied, the communication device 100a is configured to be able to communicate with the communication device 100b via the repeater 200.

Here, it is assumed that the communication device 100a transmits the intention information W1 to the communication device 100b to the repeater 200a while the communication device 100a can communicate with the repeater 200.

In this case, in the communication process B in the configuration CtX4a, the communication device 100a transmits the intention information W1 to the communication device 100b in a state where the communication device 100a can communicate with the repeater 200a. As a result, the communication device 100b receives the intention information W1.

Further, at the timing when the communication device 100b held by the user Mnb becomes capable of communicating with the repeater 200, the notification unit 3 of the repeater 200 performs a process for performing notification according to the intention information W1 ( For example, blinking red light). As a result, the user Mnb can confirm the intention X1 of the user Mna by the notification by the notification unit 3 of the repeater 200.

As described above, according to the present modification, the notification unit 3 of the repeater 200 performs a process for performing notification according to the intention information W1. Further, each of the communication devices 100a and 100b does not include the notification units 3a, 3b and 3c.

This makes it possible to simplify the communication devices 100a and 100b used in the bathhouse. Further, the communication device 100 used in the bathhouse, which requires water resistance, heat resistance, etc., is not provided with the notification unit 3, and the repeater outside the bathhouse is provided with the notification unit 3 to suppress the failure of the communication device 100. Can be done.

(Functional block diagram)
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a characteristic functional configuration of the communication system BL50. The communication system BL50 corresponds to the communication system 1000 or the communication system 1000A. That is, FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the main functions related to the present invention among the functions of the communication system BL50.

The communication system BL50 includes a communication device BL10 and a communication device BL20.

The communication device BL10 is a communication device held by a first user who uses the first bathhouse provided in a facility having a plurality of bathhouses when using the first bathhouse. The communication device BL20 is a communication device held by a second user who uses the second bath provided in the facility when using the second bath.

Each of the communication device BL10 and the communication device BL20 has a function of communicating between the communication device BL10 and the communication device BL20.

The communication device BL10 corresponds to one of the communication device 100a and the communication device 100b. The communication device BL20 corresponds to the other of the communication device 100a and the communication device 100b.

Further, each of the communication device BL10 and the communication device BL20 functionally includes a reception unit BL11 and a notification unit BL12.

The reception unit BL11 has a function of accepting a communication operation, which is an operation for transmitting a person's intention to another person. The reception unit BL11 corresponds to the reception unit 2. The notification unit BL12 has a function of performing a process for notifying the intention corresponding to the communication operation. The notification unit BL12 corresponds to the notification unit 3.

When the reception unit BL11 of the communication device BL10 receives the communication operation performed by the first user, the communication device BL10 provides the communication device with intention information for specifying the intention corresponding to the communication operation. Send to BL20. The notification unit BL12 of the communication device BL20 performs notification processing for notifying the intention specified by the intention information.

(Other variants)
The communication system according to the present invention has been described above based on the respective embodiments and modifications, but the present invention is not limited to the respective embodiments and modifications. The present invention also includes modifications to each embodiment and modification that can be conceived by those skilled in the art without departing from the gist of the present invention. That is, in the present invention, within the scope of the invention, each embodiment and modification can be freely combined, and each embodiment and modification can be appropriately modified or omitted.

Further, the communication device 100 does not have to include all the components shown in the figure. That is, the communication device 100 may include only the minimum components capable of realizing the effects of the present invention.

Further, the present invention may be realized as a communication method in which the operation of a characteristic component included in the communication system 1000 or the communication system 1000A is a step. Further, the present invention may be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute each step included in such a communication method. Further, the present invention may be realized as a computer-readable recording medium for storing such a program. Further, the program may be distributed via a transmission medium such as the Internet.

All the numerical values used in the above-described embodiment are numerical values of an example for concretely explaining the present invention. That is, the present invention is not limited to the numerical values used in the above embodiments.

In the present invention, within the scope of the invention, each embodiment and modification can be freely combined, and each embodiment and modification can be appropriately modified or omitted.

2,2a, 2b, 2c, BL11 reception unit, 3,3a, 3b, 3c, BL12 notification unit, 100, 100a, 100b, BL10, BL20 communication equipment, 200, 200a, 200b repeater, 1000, 1000A, BL50 communication system.

Claims (10)

The first communication device held by the first user who uses the first bathhouse provided in the facility having a plurality of bathhouses when using the first bathhouse, and
It is equipped with a second communication device held by a second user who uses the second bathhouse provided in the facility when using the second bathhouse.
Each of the first communication device and the second communication device has a function of communicating between the first communication device and the second communication device.
Each of the first communication device and the second communication device
A reception unit that has a function to accept a communication operation, which is an operation to convey a person's intention to another person,
Including a notification unit having a function of performing a process for notifying an intention corresponding to the communication operation.
When the reception unit of the first communication device receives the communication operation performed by the first user, the first communication device provides intention information for specifying the intention corresponding to the communication operation. , Send to the second communication device,
Wherein the notification unit of the second communication device, have rows notification process for notifying the intention to be specified by the intention information,
The reception unit of the second communication device further receives a confirmation operation, which is an operation indicating that the second user has confirmed the intention notified by the notification process.
When the reception unit of the second communication device receives the confirmation operation, the second communication device conveys to the second user the intention specified by the intention information transmitted by the first communication device. Confirmation information indicating that is transmitted to the first communication device,
When the first communication device receives the confirmation information, the notification unit of the first communication device conveys to the second user the intention specified by the intention information transmitted by the first communication device. A communication system that performs processing to notify that . The first communication device held by the first user who uses the first bathhouse provided in the facility having a plurality of bathhouses when using the first bathhouse, and
It is equipped with a second communication device held by a second user who uses the second bathhouse provided in the facility when using the second bathhouse.
Each of the first communication device and the second communication device has a function of communicating between the first communication device and the second communication device.
Each of the first communication device and the second communication device
A reception unit that has a function to accept a communication operation, which is an operation to convey a person's intention to another person,
Including a notification unit having a function of performing a process for notifying an intention corresponding to the communication operation.
When the reception unit of the first communication device receives the communication operation performed by the first user, the first communication device provides intention information for specifying the intention corresponding to the communication operation. , Send to the second communication device,
The notification unit of the second communication device performs notification processing for notifying the intention specified by the intention information.
In a situation where the first communication device can directly communicate with the second communication device,
(A1) The first communication device is for specifying an intention corresponding to the communication operation when the reception unit of the first communication device receives the communication operation performed by the first user. The intention information is transmitted to the second communication device,
(A2) the notification of the second communication device may perform the notification process for notifying the intention to be specified by the intention information,
In a situation where the first communication device can communicate with the second communication device via a repeater,
(B1) The repeater stores the intention information transmitted by the first communication device, and stores the intention information.
(B2) The repeater further transmits the stored intention information to the second communication device.
Communication system. The first communication device held by the first user who uses the first bathhouse provided in the facility having a plurality of bathhouses when using the first bathhouse, and
It is equipped with a second communication device held by a second user who uses the second bathhouse provided in the facility when using the second bathhouse.
Each of the first communication device and the second communication device has a function of communicating between the first communication device and the second communication device.
Each of the first communication device and the second communication device
Including the reception part that has the function of accepting the communication operation, which is the operation to convey the intention of one person to another person.
The first communication device is configured to be able to communicate with the second communication device via a repeater.
The repeater includes a notification unit having a function of performing a process for notifying an intention corresponding to the communication operation.
When the reception unit of the first communication device receives the communication operation performed by the first user, the first communication device provides intention information for specifying the intention corresponding to the communication operation. , Transmit to the second communication device via the repeater,
The notification unit performs notification processing for notifying the intention specified by the intention information.
Communication system. The reception unit of the second communication device further receives a confirmation operation, which is an operation indicating that the second user has confirmed the intention notified by the notification process.
When the reception unit of the second communication device receives the confirmation operation, the second communication device conveys to the second user the intention specified by the intention information transmitted by the first communication device. Confirmation information indicating that is transmitted to the first communication device,
When the first communication device receives the confirmation information, the notification unit of the first communication device conveys to the second user the intention specified by the intention information transmitted by the first communication device. The communication system according to claim 2 or 3 , wherein a process for notifying the fact is performed. The first communication device is configured to be able to communicate with the second communication device via a repeater.
The repeater stores the intention information transmitted by the first communication device, and stores the intention information.
The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the repeater further transmits the stored intention information to the second communication device. In a situation where the first communication device can directly communicate with the second communication device,
(A1) The first communication device is for specifying an intention corresponding to the communication operation when the reception unit of the first communication device receives the communication operation performed by the first user. The intention information is transmitted to the second communication device,
(A2) the notification of the second communication device may perform the notification process for notifying the intention to be specified by the intention information,
The first communication device, via the repeater, in a communicable status and the second communication device,
(B1) The repeater stores the intention information transmitted by the first communication device, and stores the intention information.
(B2) The communication system according to claim 3 , wherein the repeater further transmits the stored intention information to the second communication device. The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the first communication device is configured to be able to communicate with the second communication device via a repeater as a base station or a mobile station. .. The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the first communication device and the second communication device does not have a waterproof function. The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the notification unit notifies an intention specified by the intention information by vibration or sound. The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the first communication device and the second communication device independently processes a plurality of types of the intention information.

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