JP7240593B2 - bathroom system - Google Patents

Description

Aspects of the present invention relate generally to bathroom systems.

As a means for operating equipment provided in a bathroom, operation by voice input (voice operation), which is a non-contact means, is effective. In order to realize voice operation in the bathroom, it is necessary to reliably collect voices uttered by users. Therefore, normally, when voice operation is performed, voice input is always enabled.

JP-A-10-259941

However, if voice input is always enabled, there is a possibility that an erroneous operation may occur due to unintended voice input by the user. In addition, if voice input is always enabled, the user may feel uneasy about being eavesdropped.

As means for solving this problem, it is conceivable to provide an operation unit that can switch between a voice collection permission mode that permits voice collection and a voice collection prohibition mode that prohibits voice collection. Thus, by switching to the voice collection prohibition mode when voice operation is not used, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of erroneous operations due to unintended voice input by the user. In addition, since voice collection can be easily prohibited by switching to the voice collection prohibition mode, it is possible to reduce the user's anxiety about eavesdropping.

Further, in order to further improve usability, it is conceivable to provide an operation unit for switching between the voice collection permission mode and the voice collection prohibition mode in a place other than the bathroom. However, if this operation unit is provided in a place other than the bathroom, even if the user has set the voice collection prohibition mode, there is a risk that a third party will arbitrarily change the mode to the voice collection permission mode. That is, there is a possibility that prohibition of voice input may be lifted against the user's intention.

The present invention has been made based on the recognition of such a problem, and provides a bathroom system in which devices can be operated by voice, and in which it is possible to suppress the release of prohibition of voice input against the user's intention. intended to provide

A first invention is a bathroom system that can operate devices installed in a bathroom by voice, and includes a voice collection unit that collects voices uttered by a user, and based on the voices collected by the voice collection unit, A voice collection operation for switching between a control unit that controls the operation of the device, a voice collection permission mode that permits voice collection by the voice collection unit, and a voice collection prohibition mode that prohibits voice collection by the voice collection unit. and a unit, wherein the control unit determines whether or not the voice collection permission mode is entered when an operation for switching from the voice collection prohibition mode to the voice collection permission mode is performed in the voice collection operation unit. A bathroom system characterized by:

According to this bathroom system, when the voice collection operation unit is operated to switch from the voice collection prohibition mode to the voice collection permission mode, the control unit determines whether or not the voice collection permission mode is set. It is possible to suppress switching from the voice collection prohibition mode to the voice collection permission mode by a person. As a result, it is possible to prevent the voice input prohibition from being lifted against the user's intention.

In a second aspect based on the first aspect, a plurality of the voice collection operation units are provided, and the control unit includes a voice collection operation unit operated to switch from the voice collection permission mode to the voice collection prohibition mode. The bathroom system is characterized in that the voice collection permission mode is set only when the same voice collection operation unit is operated to switch from the voice collection prohibition mode to the voice collection permission mode.

According to this bathroom system, voice collection is permitted only when an operation for switching from the voice collection prohibition mode to the voice collection permission mode is performed in the same voice collection operation unit that is used when switching from the voice collection permission mode to the voice collection prohibition mode. By entering the mode, switching from the voice collection prohibition mode to the voice collection permission mode by a third party in a different place than when switching from the voice collection permission mode to the voice collection prohibition mode can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to more reliably prevent the prohibition of voice input from being lifted against the user's intention.

In a third aspect based on the first aspect, a plurality of the voice collection operation units are provided, and the control unit includes a voice collection operation unit operated to switch from the voice collection permission mode to the voice collection prohibition mode. The same voice collection operation unit or the voice collection operation unit closer to the bathroom than the voice collection operation unit operated to switch from the voice collection permission mode to the voice collection prohibition mode changes from the voice collection prohibition mode to the voice collection permission. The bathroom system is characterized in that the audio collection permission mode is set only when an operation to switch to the mode is performed.

According to this bathroom system, the same voice collection operation part as when switching from the voice collection permission mode to the voice collection prohibition mode, or the bathroom than the one operated when switching from the voice collection permission mode to the voice collection prohibition mode Only when an operation is performed to switch from the voice collection prohibited mode to the voice collection permitted mode in the nearby voice collection operation unit, the voice collection permitted mode will be set, and the location will be different from when switching from the voice collection permitted mode to the voice collection prohibited mode. It is possible to suppress switching from the voice collection prohibition mode to the voice collection permission mode by a third party far away from the bathroom. As a result, the user's intention can be more respected, and it is possible to more reliably prevent the voice input prohibition from being lifted against the user's intention.

In a fourth aspect based on the first aspect, a plurality of the voice collection operation units are provided, the voice collection operation unit has a bathroom voice collection operation unit provided in the bathroom, and the control unit includes the The same voice collection operation unit as the voice collection operation unit operated to switch from the voice collection permission mode to the voice collection prohibition mode, or the operation of switching from the voice collection prohibition mode to the voice collection permission mode in the bathroom voice collection operation unit. The bathroom system is characterized in that the voice collection permission mode is set only when the voice collection permission mode is set.

According to this bathroom system, the same voice collection operation unit as when switching from the voice collection permission mode to the voice collection prohibition mode, or an operation to switch from the voice collection prohibition mode to the voice collection permission mode is performed in the bathroom voice collection operation unit. Only when the mode is switched from the voice collection permission mode to the voice collection prohibition mode is switched from the voice collection prohibition mode to the voice collection permission mode by a third party in a different place or a place other than the bathroom. can be suppressed from being switched. As a result, the user's intention can be more respected, and it is possible to more reliably prevent the voice input prohibition from being lifted against the user's intention.

In a fifth aspect based on the first aspect, a plurality of the voice collection units are provided, the voice collection operation unit has a bathroom voice collection operation unit provided in the bathroom, and the control unit includes a bathroom voice collection operation unit provided in the bathroom. is in use, the voice collection permission mode is set only when an operation to switch from the voice collection prohibition mode to the voice collection permission mode is performed in the bathroom voice collection operation unit. bathroom system.

According to this bathroom system, when it is detected that the bathroom is in use, the voice collection permission mode is set only when the bathroom voice collection operation unit is operated to switch from the voice collection prohibition mode to the voice collection permission mode. Therefore, it is possible to suppress switching from the voice collection prohibition mode to the voice collection permission mode by a third party outside the bathroom while the bathroom is in use. As a result, it is possible to more reliably prevent the prohibition of voice input from being lifted against the user's intention while using the bathroom.

In a sixth invention, in any one of the first to fifth inventions, the control unit automatically activates the voice collection permission mode when the elapsed time from entering the voice collection prohibition mode reaches a predetermined time or longer. A bathroom system characterized by:

According to this bathroom system, when the elapsed time from entering the voice collection prohibition mode reaches a predetermined time or longer, the voice collection permission mode is automatically entered. Even if it becomes impossible to switch to the voice collection permission mode, it is possible to automatically switch from the voice collection prohibition mode to the voice collection permission mode. As a result, even if the voice collection operation unit fails, the device provided in the bathroom can be operated by voice.

In a seventh aspect based on any one of the first to sixth aspects, the control unit switches to the voice collection permission mode when a specific operation on the voice collection operation unit is detected in the voice collection prohibition mode. A bathroom system characterized by:

According to this bathroom system, in the voice collection prohibition mode, when a specific operation on the voice collection operation unit is detected, the voice collection permission mode is entered, thereby preventing switching from the voice collection prohibition mode to the voice collection permission mode. Also on the operation unit, it is possible to switch from the voice collection prohibition mode to the voice collection permission mode by a specific operation. As a result, switching from the voice collection prohibition mode to the voice collection permission mode can be performed even when the user forgets which voice collection operation unit was operated when switching from the voice collection permission mode to the voice collection prohibition mode. can improve usability. Further, for example, even if switching from the voice collection permission mode to the voice collection prohibition mode can only be performed with the voice collection operation unit provided in the bathroom, a specific operation can be performed with the voice collection operation unit provided in the living room. Since switching can be performed by doing so, usability can be improved.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bathroom system capable of suppressing cancellation of prohibition of voice input against the user's intention in a bathroom system in which devices can be operated by voice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a block diagram which represents typically the bathroom system which concerns on embodiment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a perspective view which represents typically the bathroom system which concerns on embodiment. It is a floor plan which shows typically an example of the position of the voice collection operation part of the bathroom system which concerns on embodiment. It is a flow chart showing an example of operation of a bathroom system concerning an embodiment. It is a flow chart showing another example of operation of a bathroom system concerning an embodiment. It is a flow chart showing another example of operation of a bathroom system concerning an embodiment. It is a flow chart showing another example of operation of a bathroom system concerning an embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each drawing, the same reference numerals are given to the same constituent elements, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a bathroom system according to an embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the bathroom system 100 according to the embodiment has a voice collection unit 10, a control unit 20, and a voice collection operation unit 80.

The voice collection unit 10 collects voices uttered by the user. The voice collecting unit 10 is a voice input device capable of inputting voice such as a microphone. The voice collecting unit 10 is connected to the control unit 20 and transmits data on collected (input) voices to the control unit 20 . Note that the voice collection unit 10 and the control unit 20 may be wired or wirelessly connected.

The control unit 20 controls the operation of the equipment 30 provided in the bathroom based on the sound collected by the sound collection unit 10 . In this example, multiple devices 30 are provided. The number of devices 30 may be one. The device 30 is connected to the control section 20 and operates based on control signals from the control section 20 . Note that each device 30 and the control unit 20 may be wired or wirelessly connected.

The equipment 30 provided in the bathroom includes, for example, a water discharger 31, an air conditioner 32, a lighting equipment 33, an AV equipment 34, a massage equipment 35, a washing equipment 36, and the like. The water discharger 31 includes, for example, a shower or a faucet. The air conditioner 32 is, for example, a device that has at least one of a heating function, a cooling function, a drying function, and a ventilation function. The AV equipment 34 includes, for example, speakers and televisions (monitors capable of outputting video). The massage device 35 includes, for example, a water flow massage device such as a blow bath or a shoulder bath. The cleaning equipment 36 includes a bathroom floor cleaning device and a bathtub cleaning device. The device 30 provided in the bathroom may also include, for example, a bathtub drain plug.

In addition, in the embodiment, at least one of the devices 30 provided in the bathroom may be operated by voice. In other words, some of the devices 30 provided in the bathroom may not be voice-operable.

The control unit 20 controls, for example, water spouting, water stopping, temperature, flow rate, etc. of the water discharging device 31 based on the user's voice operation (that is, voice collected by the voice collecting unit 10). The control unit 20 controls, for example, the operation start, operation stop, temperature, air volume, etc. of the air conditioner 32 based on the user's voice operation. The control unit 20 controls, for example, lighting, turning off, brightness, color tone, etc. of the lighting device 33 based on the user's voice operation. The control unit 20 controls, for example, operation start, operation stop, volume, etc. of the AV equipment 34 based on the user's voice operation. The control unit 20 controls, for example, operation start, operation stop, flow rate, etc. of the massage device 35 based on the user's voice operation. The control unit 20 controls, for example, the operation start and operation stop of the cleaning device 36 based on the user's voice operation.

Moreover, the control unit 20 may control the operation of the equipment provided in the washroom adjacent to the bathroom based on the sound collected by the sound collection unit 10 . Voice-operable devices in washrooms include, for example, air conditioners. The control unit 20 controls, for example, the operation start, operation stop, temperature, air volume, etc. of an air conditioner provided in the washroom based on the user's voice operation.

Also, in this example, the bathroom system 100 has a human body detection sensor 40 . A human body detection sensor 40 detects a human body in the bathroom. The human body detection sensor 40 detects the entry and exit of a human body into and out of the bathroom. The human body detection sensor 40 is, for example, an infrared sensor, a microwave sensor, or the like. The human body detection sensor 40 is connected to the control unit 20 and transmits data on detection results to the control unit 20 . The human body detection sensor 40 is provided as required and can be omitted.

The control unit 20 has a voice collection permission mode that permits voice collection by the voice collection unit 10 and a voice collection prohibition mode that prohibits voice collection by the voice collection unit 10 . The voice collection operation unit 80 is an operation unit for switching between a voice collection permission mode and a voice collection prohibition mode. The voice collection operation unit 80 is, for example, a button. The voice collection operation unit may be, for example, a touch screen.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the bathroom system according to the embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 2, the bathroom 50 has a ceiling 51, a floor 52, and side walls 53. As shown in FIG. The side wall 53 is an upright portion provided between the ceiling 51 and the floor 52 . The side wall 53 has, for example, first to fourth side walls 53a to 53d.

A bathtub 60 is provided inside the bathroom 50 . The bathtub 60 has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from above. In other words, the bathtub 60 has a pair of long sides 61 and a pair of short sides 62 . A floor 52 is a lower portion of the bathroom 50 where the bathtub 60 is not provided.

The first side wall 53 a contacts the long side 61 side of the bathtub 60 . The second side wall 53b faces the first side wall 53a. The third sidewall 53c and the fourth sidewall 53d are located between the first sidewall 53a and the second sidewall 53b, respectively, and connect the first sidewall 53a and the second sidewall 53b. The fourth side wall 53d faces the third side wall 53c.

In this example, a mirror 70 and a counter 72 are provided on the third side wall 53c. A door 55 for entering and exiting the bathroom 50 is provided on the fourth side wall 53d. A human body detection sensor 40 for detecting a human body in the bathroom 50 is provided on the ceiling 51 .

In this example, a water discharging device 31 , an air conditioner 32 , a lighting device 33 , a speaker 34 , a massage device 35 and a washing device 36 are provided inside the bathroom 50 . The water discharging device 31 is provided on the third side wall 53c. The air conditioner 32 , the lighting device 33 and the speaker 34 are provided on the ceiling 51 . Massage device 35 is provided in bathtub 60 . Also, the cleaning device 36 is provided under a counter 72 provided below the water discharging device 31 .

The voice collecting unit 10 is provided on at least one of the ceiling 51 , the floor 52 and the side walls 53 of the bathroom 50 . In this example, two sound collection units 10 (sound collection unit 10a and sound collection unit 10b) are provided on the first side wall 53a and the second side wall 53b. More specifically, the sound collection unit 10a is provided on the first side wall 53a, and the sound collection unit 10b is provided on the second side wall 53b. Note that the number of voice collection units 10 is not limited to two, and may be one, or may be three or more.

The voice collecting unit 10 may be embedded in the members forming the ceiling 51, the floor 52, and the side walls 53 of the bathroom 50, or may form the ceiling 51, the floor 52, and the side walls 53 from the inside or outside of the bathroom 50. It may be fixed to a member.

A side wall 53 of the bathroom 50 is provided with an in-bathroom remote controller 75 for operating the equipment 30 provided in the bathroom 50 . In this example, the bathroom remote controller 75 is provided on the first side wall 53a. The in-bathroom remote control 75 may be provided on the second side wall 53b, the third side wall 53c, or the fourth side wall 53d.

The bathroom remote controller 75 is, for example, a remote controller for operating at least one of the water discharging device 31, the air conditioner 32, the lighting device 33, the speaker 34, the massage device 35, and the cleaning device 36. The bathroom remote controller 75 may be a remote controller for operating a water heater (not shown). Note that the device that can be operated by the bathroom remote control 75 may be a device that can be operated by voice, or a device that cannot be operated by voice. The in-bathroom remote controller 75 is provided as necessary and can be omitted.

A washroom 90 is provided in a space adjacent to the bathroom 50 . A door 55 is provided between the washroom 90 and the bathroom 50 . A user enters the bathroom 50 from the washroom 90 through the door 55 and leaves the bathroom 50 to the washroom 90 .

A side wall of the washroom 90 is provided with a washroom remote control 95 for operating the equipment provided in the bathroom 50 . In this example, the washroom remote controller 95 is provided on the side wall of the washroom 90 where the door 55 leading to the bathroom 50 is provided (that is, the washroom 90 side of the fourth side wall 53d).

The washroom remote control 95 is, for example, a remote control for operating at least one of the water discharging device 31, the air conditioner 32, the lighting device 33, the speaker 34, the massage device 35, and the cleaning device 36. The washroom remote controller 95 may be a remote controller for operating a water heater (not shown). Note that the equipment that can be operated by the washroom remote control 95 may be equipment that can be operated by voice, or may be equipment that cannot be operated by voice. The washroom remote control 95 is provided as necessary and can be omitted.

In the embodiment, the bathroom system 100 includes a bathroom 50 (ceiling 51, floor 52, and side walls 53), equipment 30 (water discharger 31, air conditioning equipment 32, lighting equipment 33, AV equipment 34, massage equipment 35, and washing equipment 36). etc.), the human body detection sensor 40 , the bathtub 60 , and/or the washroom 90 .

FIG. 3 is a floor plan schematically showing an example of the position of the voice collection operation unit of the bathroom system according to the embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 3, in this example, the voice collection operation section 80 has a first voice collection operation section 80a, a second voice collection operation section 80b, and a third voice collection operation section 80c. The first sound collection operation section 80a is provided at a position closer to the bathroom 50 than the second sound collection operation section 80b. In other words, the distance between the first sound collection operation section 80 a and the bathroom 50 is shorter than the distance between the second sound collection operation section 80 b and the bathroom 50 . The second sound collection operation section 80b is provided at a position closer to the bathroom 50 than the third sound collection operation section 80c. In other words, the distance between the second sound collection operation part 80b and the bathroom 50 is shorter than the distance between the third sound collection operation part 80c and the bathroom 50.

The distance between each sound collection operation unit 80 and the bathroom 50 can be regarded as the distance between each sound collection operation unit 80 and the internal space of the bathroom 50 . That is, as described later, when the first sound collection operation unit 80a is provided inside the bathroom 50, the distance between the first sound collection operation unit 80a and the bathroom 50 can be considered to be substantially zero. .

The first voice collection operation unit 80 a is provided inside the bathroom 50 . The first voice collection operation unit 80 a is the bathroom voice collection operation unit 81 . For example, the first sound collection operation unit 80a is connected to at least one of the side walls 53 of the bathtub 60 and the bathroom 50 that are in contact with the bathtub 60 (that is, the first side wall 53a, the third side wall 53c, and the fourth side wall 53d). be provided. In this manner, by providing the first sound collection operation unit 80a on at least one of the surfaces of the bathtub 60 and the side walls 53 of the bathroom 50 that are in contact with the bathtub 60, the user in the bathtub 60 can easily It is possible to operate the first sound collection operation section 80a.

When the first sound collection operation unit 80a is provided in the bathtub 60, the first sound collection operation unit 80a is provided, for example, on the rim (upper surface) or the bath apron (side surface) of the bathtub 60. When the first sound collection operation unit 80a is provided on the surface of the side wall 53 of the bathroom 50 that contacts the bathtub 60, the first sound collection operation unit 80a may be directly provided on the side wall 53 of the bathroom 50, or may be provided directly on the side wall 53. may be provided in the in-bathroom remote control 75 provided in the .

In this example, the first voice collection operation unit 80a is provided in the bathroom remote controller 75 (see FIG. 2). By providing the bathroom remote controller 75 with the first voice collection operation unit 80a in this manner, watertightness of the bathroom remote controller 75 can be ensured, and watertightness of the first voice collection operation unit 80a can also be ensured. Therefore, as compared with the case where the first sound collection operation unit 80a is directly provided on the side wall 53 of the bathroom 50 or the like, workability can be improved.

The second voice collection operation unit 80 b is provided in the washroom 90 . The second voice collection operation unit 80b is provided on the side wall of the washroom 90, for example. The second voice collection operation unit 80b may be directly provided on the side wall of the washroom 90, or may be provided on the washroom remote controller 95 provided on the side wall.

In this example, the second voice collection operation unit 80b is provided in the washroom remote controller 95 (see FIG. 2). Thus, by providing the second voice collection operation unit 80b in the washroom 90, voice collection can be prohibited before entering the bathroom 50. FIG. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of an erroneous operation due to an unintended voice input by the user when the user speaks in a situation in which it is not known whether voice collection is permitted or prohibited.

The third voice collection operation unit 80c is provided in a place other than the bathroom 50 and the washroom 90. FIG. In this example, the third sound collection operation section 80c is provided in the kitchen 210. FIG. The third sound collection operation unit 80c may be provided in the living room 220. FIG. In this way, by providing the third voice collection operation unit 80c in a place other than the bathroom 50 and the washroom 90 (for example, the kitchen 210 and the living room 220), the voice collection permission mode and the voice collection prohibition mode can be set from the kitchen 210 and the living room 220. You can switch between

Further, in the embodiment, switching between the voice collection permission mode and the voice collection prohibition mode may be made possible by an external terminal such as a smartphone. In this case, the external terminal can be regarded as, for example, the voice collection operation section 80 farthest from the bathroom 50 .

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the bathroom system according to the embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 20 starts, for example, from the voice collection permission mode (step S101). When the control unit 20 detects that an operation (prohibition operation) for switching from the voice collection permission mode to the voice collection prohibition mode has been performed in the voice collection operation unit 80 (step S102: Yes), the control unit 20 switches to the voice collection prohibition mode (step S103). ).

If no prohibited operation is detected in step S102 (step S102: No), the control unit 20 maintains the voice collection permission mode until a prohibited operation in the voice collection operation unit 80 is detected.

When the voice collection prohibition mode is entered in step S103, the control unit 20 stores the voice collection operation unit 80 in which the prohibited operation was performed (step S104), and starts counting the elapsed time since the voice collection prohibition mode was entered. (Step S105). Note that step S105 may be performed after step S104, before step S104, or simultaneously with step S104.

When the voice collection operation unit 80 for which the prohibited operation has been performed is stored in step S104 and counting is started in step S105, the control unit 20 performs an operation (permission mode) to switch the voice collection operation unit 80 from the voice collection prohibition mode to the voice collection permission mode. operation) is performed (step S106). When the control unit 20 detects the permission operation (step S106: Yes), the control unit 20 determines whether or not the voice collection operation unit 80 subjected to the permission operation is the same as the voice collection operation unit 80 subjected to the prohibition operation (step S107). ).

In step S107, when the voice collection operation unit 80 subjected to the permission operation is the same as the voice collection operation unit 80 subjected to the prohibition operation (step S107: Yes), the control unit 20 enters the voice collection permission mode (step S108). .

More specifically, in a state in which a prohibition operation has been performed on the first voice collection operation unit 80a, if a permission operation is performed on the same first voice collection operation unit 80a as when the prohibition operation was performed, the control unit 20 enters the voice collection permission mode. However, even if the permission operation is performed in the second sound collection operation section 80b or the third sound collection operation section 80c, which is different from the one used in the prohibition operation, the sound collection permission mode is not set. The control unit 20 enters the voice collection permission mode when a permission operation is performed with the second voice collection operation unit 80b, which is the same as the prohibition operation, in a state where the prohibition operation is performed with the second voice collection operation unit 80b. Even if the permission operation is performed in the first sound collection operation section 80a or the third sound collection operation section 80c at different times, the sound collection permission mode is not set. The control unit 20 enters the voice collection permission mode when the permission operation is performed with the third voice collection operation unit 80c, which is the same as the prohibition operation, while the prohibition operation is performed with the third voice collection operation unit 80c. Even if the permission operation is performed in the first sound collection operation section 80a or the second sound collection operation section 80b at different times, the sound collection permission mode is not set.

In this way, when the voice collection operation unit 80 is operated to switch from the voice collection prohibition mode to the voice collection permission mode, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the voice collection permission mode is set. can suppress switching from the voice collection prohibition mode to the voice collection permission mode. As a result, it is possible to prevent the voice input prohibition from being lifted against the user's intention.

In addition, the voice collection permission mode is set only when the voice collection operation unit 80 is used for switching from the voice collection permission mode to the voice collection prohibition mode. Therefore, it is possible to prevent switching from the voice collection prohibition mode to the voice collection permission mode by a third party who is in a different place from the time of switching from the voice collection permission mode to the voice collection prohibition mode. As a result, it is possible to more reliably prevent the prohibition of voice input from being lifted against the user's intention.

In step S107, if the voice collection operation unit 80 for which the permission operation has been performed is different from the voice collection operation unit 80 for which the prohibition operation has been performed (step S107: No), the control unit 20 performs the specific operation on the voice collection operation unit 80. It is determined whether or not it has been done (step S109). When the control unit 20 detects in step S109 that a specific operation has been performed on the voice collection operation unit 80 (step S109: Yes), the control unit 20 enters the voice collection permission mode (step S108).

If the control unit 20 does not detect a specific operation on the voice collection operation unit 80 in step S109 (step S109: No), the control unit 20 returns to step S106 while maintaining the voice collection prohibition mode.

The specific operation in step S109 is an operation that is not normally performed. The specific operation in step S109 is, for example, operating the voice collection operation unit 80 a predetermined number of times in succession (for example, pressing a button five times in a row) or operating the voice collection operation unit 80 continuously for a predetermined period of time (for example, five seconds or more in succession). button presses), etc.

In this manner, when a specific operation on the voice collection operation unit 80 is detected in the voice collection prohibition mode, the voice collection permission mode is entered, thereby making it impossible to switch from the voice collection prohibition mode to the voice collection permission mode. In 80, it is also possible to switch from the voice collection prohibition mode to the voice collection permission mode by a specific operation. As a result, switching from the voice collection prohibition mode to the voice collection permission mode can be performed even when the user forgets which voice collection operation unit 80 was operated when switching from the voice collection permission mode to the voice collection prohibition mode. It can be done and the usability can be improved. Further, for example, even if switching from the voice collection permission mode to the voice collection prohibition mode can only be performed by the voice collection operation unit 80 (first voice collection operation unit 80a) provided in the bathroom 50, the living room 220 Since switching can be performed by performing a specific operation on the provided voice collection operation unit (third voice collection operation unit 80c), usability can be improved.

If the control unit 20 does not detect the permission operation in step S106 (step S106: No), the control unit 20 determines whether or not the elapsed time (count) after entering the voice collection prohibition mode is equal to or longer than a predetermined time ( step S110). When the elapsed time from entering the voice collection prohibition mode reaches a predetermined time or longer (step S110: Yes), the control unit 20 automatically enters the voice collection permission mode (step S108).

In step S110, if the elapsed time since entering the voice collection prohibition mode is less than the predetermined time (step S110: No), the control unit 20 returns to step S106 while maintaining the voice collection prohibition mode.

In this manner, when the elapsed time from entering the voice collection prohibition mode reaches a predetermined time or longer, the mode automatically enters the voice collection permission mode. Even if switching to the permission mode cannot be performed, the voice collection prohibition mode can be automatically switched to the voice collection permission mode. Thereby, even if the voice collection operation unit 80 fails, the device 30 provided in the bathroom 50 can be voice-operated.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing another example of the operation of the bathroom system according to the embodiment. Steps S201 to S208, S210, and S211 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 are respectively the same as steps S101 to S108, S109, and S110 of the flowchart shown in FIG.

In step S207, if the voice collection operation unit 80 subjected to the permission operation is the same as the voice collection operation unit 80 subjected to the prohibition operation (step S207: Yes), the control unit 20 enters the voice collection permission mode (step S208). .

In step S207, if the voice collection operation unit 80 subjected to the permission operation is different from the voice collection operation unit 80 subjected to the prohibition operation (step S207: No), the control unit 20 controls the voice collection operation unit 80 subjected to the permission operation. is closer to the bathroom 50 than the voice collection operation unit 80 for which the prohibited operation has been performed (step S209). That is, the control unit 20 determines whether the distance between the voice collection operation unit 80 subjected to the permission operation and the bathroom 50 is shorter than the distance between the voice collection operation unit 80 subjected to the prohibition operation and the bathroom 50. determine whether

When the control unit 20 determines in step S209 that the voice collection operation unit 80 subjected to the permission operation is closer to the bathroom 50 than the voice collection operation unit 80 subjected to the prohibition operation (step S209: Yes), the voice collection permission mode is entered. becomes (step S208).

More specifically, in a state in which a prohibition operation has been performed on the first voice collection operation unit 80a, if a permission operation is performed on the same first voice collection operation unit 80a as when the prohibition operation was performed, the control unit 20 enters the voice collection permission mode. However, even if the permission operation is performed in the second sound collection operation section 80b or the third sound collection operation section 80c, which are farther from the bathroom 50 than the first sound collection operation section 80a, the sound collection permission mode is not set. In a state in which the prohibition operation is performed in the second sound collection operation unit 80b, the control unit 20 controls the same second sound collection operation unit 80b as at the time of the prohibition operation or the first sound closer to the bathroom 50 than the second sound collection operation unit 80b. When the permission operation is performed with the collection operation unit 80a, the voice collection permission mode is entered. do not become. The control unit 20 controls the third sound collection operation unit 80c that is the same as the time of the prohibition operation or the first sound that is closer to the bathroom 50 than the third sound collection operation unit 80c when the prohibition operation is performed in the third sound collection operation unit 80c. When the permission operation is performed on the collection operation section 80a or the second sound collection operation section 80b, the voice collection permission mode is entered.

Thus, the same voice collection operation unit 80 as when switching from the voice collection permission mode to the voice collection prohibition mode, or closer to the bathroom 50 than the one operated when switching from the voice collection permission mode to the voice collection prohibition mode. Only when an operation is performed to switch from the voice collection prohibition mode to the voice collection permission mode in the voice collection operation unit 80, the voice collection permission mode is set, so that the voice collection mode is switched from the voice collection permission mode to the voice collection prohibition mode. It is possible to suppress switching from the voice collection prohibition mode to the voice collection permission mode by a third party far from the bathroom 50 . As a result, the user's intention can be more respected, and it is possible to more reliably prevent the voice input prohibition from being lifted against the user's intention.

If the control unit 20 determines in step S209 that the voice collection operation unit 80 for which the permission operation has been performed is not closer to the bathroom than the voice collection operation unit 80 for which the prohibition operation has been performed (step S209: No), the voice collection operation is performed. The process proceeds to a determination as to whether or not a specific operation has been performed on the unit 80 (step S210).

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing another example of the operation of the bathroom system according to the embodiment. Steps S301 to S308, S310, and S311 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 are the same as steps S101 to S108, S109, and S110 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, respectively.

In step S307, if the voice collection operation unit 80 subjected to the permission operation is the same as the voice collection operation unit 80 subjected to the prohibition operation (step S307: Yes), the control unit 20 enters the voice collection permission mode (step S308). .

In step S307, if the voice collection operation unit 80 subjected to the permission operation is different from the voice collection operation unit 80 subjected to the prohibition operation (step S307: No), the control unit 20 controls the voice collection operation unit 80 subjected to the permission operation. is the bathroom voice collection operation unit 81 (step S309).

When the control unit 20 determines in step S309 that the voice collection operation unit 80 for which the permission operation has been performed is the bathroom voice collection operation unit 81 (step S309: Yes), the control unit 20 enters the voice collection permission mode (step S308).

More specifically, in a state in which the prohibited operation is performed by the first voice collection operation unit 80a, the control unit 20 causes the first voice collection operation unit 80a, which is the same bathroom voice collection operation unit 81 as the time of the prohibited operation, to perform the permission operation. When the operation is performed, the audio collection permission mode is entered. It does not enter collection permission mode. In a state in which the prohibition operation is performed in the second voice collection operation unit 80b, the control unit 20 operates the second voice collection operation unit 80b or the first voice collection operation unit 80a, which is the bathroom voice collection operation unit 81, as in the case of the prohibition operation. When the permission operation is performed, the voice collection permission mode is entered. However, unlike the prohibition operation, even if the permission operation is performed in the third voice collection operation section 80c, which is not the bathroom voice collection operation section 81, the voice collection permission mode is not entered. In a state in which the prohibition operation is performed in the third voice collection operation unit 80c, the control unit 20 operates the same third voice collection operation unit 80c or the first voice collection operation unit 80a, which is the bathroom voice collection operation unit 81, as at the time of the prohibition operation. When the permission operation is performed, the voice collection permission mode is entered, but unlike the prohibition operation, even if the permission operation is performed in the second voice collection operation section 80b, which is not the bathroom voice collection operation section 81, the voice collection permission mode is not entered.

In this way, when switching from the voice collection prohibition mode to the voice collection permission mode is performed in the same voice collection operation unit 80 or the bathroom voice collection operation unit 81 as when switching from the voice collection permission mode to the voice collection prohibition mode. Only when the mode is switched from the voice collection permission mode to the voice collection prohibition mode, the voice collection prohibition mode is changed to the voice collection permission mode by a third party in a place other than the bathroom 50. can be suppressed from being switched. As a result, the user's intention can be more respected, and it is possible to more reliably prevent the voice input prohibition from being lifted against the user's intention.

When the control unit 20 determines in step S309 that the voice collection operation unit 80 for which the permission operation has been performed is not the bathroom voice collection operation unit 81 (step S309: No), the specific operation to the voice collection operation unit 80 is performed. It proceeds to the determination of whether or not (step S310).

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing another example of the operation of the bathroom system according to the embodiment. Steps S401 to S406, S408, S410, and S411 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 are the same as steps S101 to S106, S108, S109, and S110 of the flowchart shown in FIG. is.

When detecting the permission operation (step S406: Yes), the control unit 20 determines whether or not the bathroom 50 is in use (step S407). If the bathroom 50 is not in use at step S407 (step S407: No), the controller 20 enters the voice collection permission mode (step S408).

In step S407, when the bathroom 50 is in use (step S407: Yes), the control unit 20 determines whether or not the voice collection operation unit 80 for which the permission operation has been performed is the bathroom voice collection operation unit 81 ( step S409).

The control unit 20 can determine whether or not the bathroom 50 is in use, for example, based on the operation status of the device 30 provided in the bathroom 50 . For example, the control unit 20 can determine that the bathroom 50 is in use if the equipment 30 is in operation, and can determine that the bathroom 50 is not in use if the equipment 30 is not in operation.

Further, the control unit 20 may determine whether or not the bathroom 50 is in use, for example, based on the detection result of the human body detection sensor 40 provided in the bathroom 50 . For example, the control unit 20 determines that the bathroom 50 is in use if the human body detection sensor 40 detects a human body, and determines that the bathroom 50 is not in use if the human body detection sensor 40 does not detect a human body. can do.

When the control unit 20 determines in step S409 that the voice collection operation unit 80 for which the permission operation has been performed is the bathroom voice collection operation unit 81 (step S409: Yes), the control unit 20 enters the voice collection permission mode (step S408).

More specifically, if the bathroom 50 is not in use when the permission operation is performed after the prohibition operation is performed in any of the first to third sound collection operation units 80a to 80c, the control unit 20 The voice collection permission mode is set when the permission operation is performed in any one of the first to third voice collection operation units 80a to 80c. On the other hand, if the bathroom 50 is in use when the permission operation is performed after the prohibition operation is performed by any of the first to third voice collection operation units 80a to 80c, the control unit 20 performs the bathroom voice collection operation. When the permission operation is performed in the first voice collection operation section 80a which is the part 81, the voice collection permission mode is entered. Even if the permission operation is performed, the audio collection permission mode is not entered. In other words, when the bathroom 50 is in use, the control unit 20 does not enter the audio collection permission mode unless the first audio collection operation unit 80a, which is the bathroom audio collection operation unit 81, is operated for permission.

Thus, when it is detected that the bathroom 50 is in use, the voice collection permission mode is set only when the bathroom voice collection operation unit 81 is operated to switch from the voice collection prohibition mode to the voice collection permission mode. , it is possible to suppress switching from the voice collection prohibition mode to the voice collection permission mode by a third party outside the bathroom 50 while the bathroom 50 is in use. As a result, it is possible to more reliably prevent the prohibition of voice input from being lifted against the user's intention while using the bathroom 50 .

When the control unit 20 determines in step S409 that the voice collection operation unit 80 for which the permission operation has been performed is not the bathroom voice collection operation unit 81 (step S409: No), the specific operation to the voice collection operation unit 80 is performed. It proceeds to the determination of whether or not (step S410).

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the invention is not limited to these descriptions. Appropriate design changes made by those skilled in the art with respect to the above-described embodiments 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, size, material, arrangement, and the like of each element included in the bathroom system are not limited to those illustrated and can be changed as appropriate.
Moreover, each element provided in each of the above-described embodiments can be combined as long as it is technically possible, and a combination thereof is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as it includes the features of the present invention.

Reference Signs List 10, 10a, 10b voice collecting unit 20 control unit 30 equipment 31 water discharge device 32 air conditioner 33 lighting equipment 34 AV equipment (speaker) 35 massage equipment 36 washing equipment 40 human body detection sensor 50 bathroom , 51 ceiling, 52 floor, 53 side wall, 53a to 53d first to fourth side wall, 55 door, 60 bathtub, 61 long side, 62 short side, 70 mirror, 72 counter, 75 bathroom remote control, 80 voice collection operation unit , 80a to 80c 1st to 3rd voice collection operation units, 81 bathroom voice collection operation units, 90 washroom, 95 washroom remote control, 100 bathroom system, 210 kitchen, 220 living room

Claims (7)

A bathroom system capable of operating a device provided in the bathroom by voice,
a voice collecting unit that collects voices uttered by the user;
a control unit that controls the operation of the device based on the sound collected by the sound collection unit;
a voice collection operation unit for switching between a voice collection permission mode that permits voice collection by the voice collection unit and a voice collection prohibition mode that prohibits voice collection by the voice collection unit;
with
The control unit switches to the voice collection permission mode when a predetermined condition is satisfied when an operation is performed to switch from the voice collection prohibition mode to the voice collection permission mode in the voice collection operation unit , and the predetermined condition is satisfied. A bathroom system , wherein the voice collection permission mode is not entered when a condition is not satisfied . A plurality of the voice collection operation units are provided,
The predetermined condition is that the operation to switch from the voice collection prohibition mode to the voice collection permission mode is performed in the same voice collection operation unit as the voice collection operation unit in which the operation to switch from the voice collection permission mode to the voice collection prohibition mode is performed. 2. The bathroom system of claim 1, wherein : A plurality of the voice collection operation units are provided,
The predetermined condition is the same voice collection operation unit as the voice collection operation unit operated to switch from the voice collection permission mode to the voice collection prohibition mode, or an operation to switch from the voice collection permission mode to the voice collection prohibition mode. 2. The bathroom system according to claim 1, wherein an operation for switching from the voice collection prohibition mode to the voice collection permission mode is performed at a voice collection operation unit closer to the bathroom than the voice collection operation unit where the voice collection operation unit is operated. . A plurality of the voice collection operation units are provided,
The voice collection operation unit has a bathroom voice collection operation unit provided in the bathroom,
The predetermined condition is the same voice collection operation unit as the voice collection operation unit that is operated to switch from the voice collection permission mode to the voice collection prohibition mode, or the voice collection operation unit that switches from the voice collection prohibition mode to the voice collection prohibition mode in the bathroom voice collection operation unit. 2. The bathroom system according to claim 1, wherein an operation is performed to switch to a voice collection permission mode. A plurality of the voice collection units are provided,
The voice collection operation unit has a bathroom voice collection operation unit provided in the bathroom,
The predetermined condition is that an operation is performed to switch from the voice collection prohibition mode to the voice collection permission mode in the bathroom voice collection operation unit when it is detected that the bathroom is in use. 2. The bathroom system of claim 1, wherein: 6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit automatically enters the voice collection permission mode when the elapsed time from entering the voice collection prohibition mode reaches a predetermined time or longer. bathroom system. 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit switches to the voice collection permission mode when a specific operation on the voice collection operation unit is detected in the voice collection prohibition mode. bathroom system.

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