JP7432145B2 - Toilet guide device - Google Patents

Description

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

Toilet guide devices are known that are used in toilet systems installed in toilet rooms of public facilities, etc., and guide users with information about the toilet room, such as the arrangement of toilet system equipment and how to use it (for example, patented References 1-3).

The toilet guidance device guides the user on how to use the toilet room, for example, by displaying an image on the display unit in response to the user's operation of the operating unit. In this case, if the user does not notice the presence of the operating section, even if the user desires guidance on how to use the toilet room, guidance cannot be provided. Additionally, some users who do not wish to be guided may incorrectly understand how to use the toilet room. In this way, even if there is no request from the user, it may be necessary for the toilet guide device to spontaneously guide the user on how to use the toilet room.

For example, it has been proposed to detect the user's position in the toilet room and change the content of the guidance depending on the detected position. However, in this case, if the user moves to the next position during the guidance on how to use the toilet room, the guidance on how to use the toilet room will be interrupted or stopped, and the user will not be able to use the toilet room. There is a possibility that the instructions on the method may not be sufficiently conveyed to the user.

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

The present invention was made based on the recognition of this problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a toilet guide device that can more reliably convey guidance on how to use a toilet room to a user.

A first invention is a toilet guide device used in a toilet system installed in a toilet room, which includes: a display unit that displays an image; first detection information that detects a first state of a user; a detection information acquisition unit that acquires second detection information that detects a second state of the user after the first state; a control unit that controls the operation, and the control unit displays an image related to the usage method of the toilet room on the display unit according to the acquisition of the first detection information, thereby controlling the usage method of the toilet room. A second output is performed by displaying a predetermined image on the display unit according to the acquisition of the second detection information, and before the display of a predetermined range of the first output ends. The restroom guide device is characterized in that when the second detection information is acquired, the first output is continued until the display of the predetermined range is finished.

According to this toilet guide device, if the second detection information is acquired before the display of the predetermined range of the first output regarding how to use the toilet room is completed, the first output is not displayed until the display of the predetermined range is finished. By continuing to output, it is possible to more reliably tell the user how to use the toilet room.

In a second invention, in the first invention, the first state is the user entering the toilet room or the user approaching, and the second state is the user sitting on the toilet seat. This is a toilet guide device characterized by:

According to this toilet guide device, instructions on how to use the toilet room can be more reliably conveyed to users who are quick to enter or approach the toilet room and sit down.

A third invention is based on the first or second invention, wherein the toilet system includes a toilet seat device, and the control unit starts the first output before the toilet seat device operates. This is a toilet guide device featuring:

According to this toilet guide device, by starting the first output regarding how to use the toilet room before the toilet seat device operates, it is possible to make the display part stand out, and the user's line of sight is drawn to the display part. It can be made easier to guide. Therefore, instructions on how to use the toilet room can be communicated more reliably to the user.

A fourth invention is based on the first or second invention, wherein the toilet system includes a lighting unit that irradiates light, and the control unit controls the first output before lighting the lighting unit. This is a toilet guide device characterized by starting a toilet.

According to this toilet guide device, by starting the first output regarding how to use the toilet room before the lighting section is turned on, the display section can be made to stand out, and the user's line of sight can be directed to the display section. It can be made easier to guide. Therefore, instructions on how to use the toilet room can be communicated more reliably to the user.

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

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a toilet room in which a toilet guide device according to a first embodiment is installed. FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically representing a toilet guide device according to a first embodiment. FIGS. 3A and 3B are explanatory diagrams schematically showing examples of operation screens displayed on the display unit. 3 is a flowchart schematically representing an example of the operation of the toilet guide device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart schematically representing another example of the operation of the toilet guide device according to the first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart schematically representing another example of the operation of the toilet guide device according to the first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically representing a toilet seat device of a toilet system according to a second embodiment. 7 is a flowchart schematically representing an example of the operation of the toilet system according to the second embodiment. It is a block diagram showing typically a modification of the toilet seat device of the toilet system concerning a 2nd embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically representing a toilet system according to a third embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically representing a toilet guide device according to a fourth embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that in each drawing, similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations are omitted as appropriate.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a toilet room in which a toilet guide device according to a first embodiment is installed.
As shown in FIG. 1, the toilet guide device 10 is used in a toilet system 2 installed in a toilet room TR. The toilet guide device 10 provides information regarding the toilet room TR (toilet system 2) using audio or images. As a result, even those who are unsure of how to use the toilet room TR, such as foreigners and visually impaired people, can be allowed to use the toilet room TR with peace of mind.

The toilet room TR is, for example, a toilet room in a public facility. The toilet room TR is an independent room containing a multipurpose toilet, a multifunctional toilet, and the like. The toilet room TR may be a so-called toilet booth that is arranged in one room and separated by a partition or the like.

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

The toilet bowl 12 includes a toilet bowl main body 13 having a bowl portion recessed downward, and a toilet seat device 14 attached to the top of the toilet bowl main body 13. The toilet main body 13 receives excrement such as urine and feces of the user U at the bowl portion. That is, the toilet bowl 12 is a Western-style seated toilet bowl.

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

The toilet seat device 14 includes, for example, a body washing function section that realizes washing of the "buttocks" and the like of the user U seated on the toilet seat 14a. The toilet seat device 14 is, for example, a sanitary cleaning device. The toilet seat device 14 may be a heated toilet seat device or the like having a heating function to warm the seating surface of the toilet seat 14a. Further, the toilet bowl 12 does not necessarily have to include the toilet seat device 14. The toilet seat 14a may be, for example, a regular toilet seat attached directly onto the toilet main body 13.

The hand wash basins 16 and 18 are used by users U and the like who relieve themselves in the toilet bowl 12 or the urinal 22 to wash their hands. The baby chair 20 is provided on the side of the toilet bowl 12, and is a chair for allowing an infant to temporarily sit when a guardian uses the toilet bowl 12 or the like. Further, the urinal 22 is for receiving the urine of the user U, and is provided on the side of the baby chair 20. The waste distribution unit 24 is provided on the side of the urinal 22, and is a device for the ostomate to dispose of waste such as excrement.

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

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

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

Further, a paper roll 38 for holding toilet paper is further provided on the second side surface 30b of the lining 30. The cigarette holder 38 is arranged, for example, below the toilet flush button 36.

The call button 32, the remote control 34, the toilet flush button 36, and the cigarette roll 38 are arranged within the reach of the user U seated on the toilet 12. It is preferable that the distance between the side edge of the toilet bowl 12 and the second side surface 30b is, for example, 60 cm or less. Thereby, the user U seated on the toilet bowl 12 can easily reach the call button 32, the operation remote control 34, the toilet flush button 36, and the paper roll 38.

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

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

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

In this way, the main body section 50 has the audio output section 60. The main unit 50 outputs audio from the audio output unit 60 to provide audio guidance on information regarding the toilet room TR. More specifically, the information regarding the toilet room TR is information regarding how to use the toilet room TR (toilet system 2).

The main body portion 50 is provided near the toilet bowl 12, for example. The main body portion 50 is provided, for example, on the first side surface 30a of the lining 30 so as to be adjacent to the toilet bowl 12. Thereby, the audio guidance can be easily heard by the user U seated on the toilet seat 14a. However, the mounting position of the main body part 50 is not limited to the above, and may be any position where the user U can appropriately hear the audio guidance.

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

For example, a microwave sensor can be used as the human body detection sensor 61. Note that the human body detection sensor 61 may be, for example, an infrared light emitting/receiving distance measuring sensor, a pyroelectric sensor, or the like. The human body detection sensor 61 may be configured with one sensor or the like, or may be configured with a combination of multiple sensors. The human body detection sensor 61 may include a plurality of sensors corresponding to a plurality of states of the user U, for example.

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

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

The seating detection sensor 62 is connected to the control section 63. The seating detection sensor 62 detects the seating of the user U on the toilet seat 14a as a second state after the first state of the user U, and acquires the seating information of the user U as the second detection information. The seating detection sensor 62 inputs the acquired second detection information to the control unit 63. Thus, in this example, the human body detection sensor 61 and the seating detection sensor 62 function as a detection information acquisition unit that acquires the first detection information and the second detection information.

The display terminal 52 includes a communication section 70, a display section 71, and an operation section 72. The communication section 70 communicates with the communication section 64 of the main body section 50 . The communication unit 64 and the communication unit 70 communicate bidirectionally and exchange various information with each other. Note that communication between the main body section 50 and the display terminal 52 may be wireless or wired.

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

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

In this way, the display terminal 52 has the display section 71. The display terminal 52 displays the image on the display unit 71 to provide information regarding the toilet room TR in the form of an image. In this way, the toilet guide device 10 includes the main body 50 and the display terminal 52, and provides audio guidance as well as image guidance regarding information regarding the toilet room TR. Thereby, information regarding the toilet room TR can be conveyed to the user U more reliably. For example, information regarding the toilet room TR can be conveyed to a hearing-impaired user U or the like. Therefore, more diverse users U can comfortably use the toilet room TR.

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

However, the operation unit 72 for inputting operation information is not limited to a touch panel, and may be a push button type switch or the like. If a push-button switch or the like is used as the operating section 72, the operating section 72 may be provided separately from the display terminal 52. The operation section 72 may be, for example, a remote control provided separately from the main body section 50 and the display terminal 52. The configuration of the operation unit 72 may be any configuration capable of inputting operation information according to the operation by the user U to the control unit 63.

The display terminal 52 is arranged, for example, at a position where the user U sitting on the toilet seat 14a can easily see the display section 71 and where the user U sitting on the toilet seat 14a can easily operate the operating section 72. The display terminal 52 is provided, for example, on the side wall surface W2 of the toilet bowl 12. In this case, the distance between the side edge of the toilet bowl 12 and the wall surface W2 is preferably, for example, 60 cm or less. This allows the user U seated on the toilet seat 14a to easily operate the operating section 72.

However, the mounting position of the display terminal 52 is not limited to this, and may be any position where the user U sitting on the toilet seat 14a can easily see the display section 71 and the user U sitting on the toilet seat 14a can easily operate the operation section 72. Any position is fine. The display terminal 52 may be provided, for example, on the second side surface 30b of the lining 30. Further, when the display section 71 and the operation section 72 are provided as separate members, it is preferable that the display section 71 is arranged at a position where it can be easily seen by the user U seated on the toilet seat 14a, and the operation section 72 is arranged on the toilet seat 14a. It is preferable to arrange it at a position where it can be easily operated by the user U seated on the seat.

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

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

The information regarding how to use the toilet room TR includes, for example, information about how to sit on the toilet bowl 12. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the user U who is not accustomed to the toilet bowl 12 from using the toilet bowl 12 in an unusual posture. The user U can sit on the toilet seat 14a in a correct posture relative to the toilet seat 14a. For example, it is possible to prevent the user from squatting down with his or her feet on the toilet seat 14a and damaging the toilet seat 14a. Alternatively, the user can urinate by straddling the toilet seat 14a without sitting on the toilet seat 14a, thereby preventing excrement from adhering to the toilet seat 14a, around the toilet bowl 12, and the like.

The information on how to use the toilet room TR includes, for example, information on how to throw away toilet paper after use. This allows the user to properly dispose of used toilet paper into the toilet bowl 12. For example, in some regions, it is customary to dispose of used toilet paper in a nearby trash can instead of flushing it down the toilet in order to prevent toilets from clogging. Users U living in such areas can be prevented from throwing away used toilet paper around the toilet bowl 12 based on their own customs.

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

The information corresponding to the sitting state of the user U on the toilet seat 14a (the image corresponding to the second state) includes, for example, information on how to flush the toilet bowl 12. This can prevent the user U who is not familiar with the toilet bowl 12 from having trouble knowing how to flush the toilet bowl 12 or being surprised when the toilet bowl is flushed automatically. .

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

Further, the information corresponding to the sitting state of the user U on the toilet seat 14a includes, for example, information on the arrangement of equipment installed in the toilet room TR. The main body part 50 (toilet guide device 10), for example, guides the arrangement of the call button 32, the operation remote control 34, the toilet flush button 36, and the cigarette roll 38 using images and sounds. The information on the arrangement of equipment may include, for example, information on the arrangement of the hand wash basins 16, 18, the baby chair 20, the urinal 22, the waste drainage unit 24, and the like. Thereby, for example, even the visually impaired user U can be appropriately informed of the location of each device.

The first output (information regarding how to use the toilet room TR) includes, for example, at least any of the above information described regarding the first output. Similarly, the second output (information corresponding to the second state) includes, for example, at least any of the above information described regarding the second output. By providing the above-mentioned information with images and sounds, even users U who are unfamiliar with the toilet room TR or users U who are visually impaired can use the toilet room TR comfortably. However, the information regarding the toilet room TR is not limited to the above information, and may be any information regarding how to use the toilet room TR, precautions, etc. Furthermore, the second output does not necessarily have to be an output of information regarding how to use the toilet room TR. The image displayed in the second output is not limited to the image corresponding to the second state, and may be a predetermined image output according to the second state of the user U. The information output as the second output may be, for example, information such as advertisements or sales promotions.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are explanatory diagrams schematically showing examples of operation screens displayed on the display unit.
The control section 63 displays the operation screen 80 on the display section 71 by inputting the image signal to the display section 71 .

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

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

The control unit 63 identifies the selected language based on the input operation information. After identifying the selected language, the control unit 63 outputs the audio of the selected language from the audio output unit 60. In this manner, when a language is selected by touching one of the language selection buttons 81 to 84, the control unit 63 provides guidance using the audio of the selected language. Thereby, information regarding the toilet room TR can be conveyed to the users U who speak various languages, and the users U can use the toilet room TR comfortably.

The information display section 85 displays an image corresponding to information regarding the toilet room TR. The control unit 63 displays various images depending on the situation of the user U on the information display unit 85 to guide information regarding the toilet room TR in the form of images. The control unit 63 provides information regarding the toilet room TR in an image by using pictograms, characters, etc., for example. Further, when displaying characters on the information display section 85, the control section 63 displays the characters of the language selected by the language selection buttons 81 to 84. Thereby, information regarding the toilet room TR can be more reliably conveyed to users U who speak various languages.

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

The stop button 86 allows the user U to stop the guidance when audio or visual guidance is being provided. When the operation unit 72 detects a touch operation on the stop button 86, it inputs operation information related to stopping the guidance to the control unit 63. The control unit 63 stops the audio or visual guidance in response to input of operation information regarding stopping the guidance. Thereby, the guidance can be stopped according to the request of the user U, and the convenience of the toilet guidance device 10 can be further improved. For example, a mute button or the like may be provided so that only the audio guidance can be stopped.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart schematically showing an example of the operation of the toilet guide device according to the first embodiment.
When the user U enters the toilet room TR, the human body detection sensor 61 detects the user U, and the detection information of the user U is inputted to the control unit 63 as first detection information (step S101 in FIG. 4). Note that the detection of a human body by the human body detection sensor 61 may be the detection of the user U's entry into the toilet room TR, or the detection of the user U's approach to the toilet bowl 12 (main unit 50), as described above. But that's fine.

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

The seating detection sensor 62 inputs seating information to the control unit 63 as second detection information in response to detection of the user U sitting on the toilet seat 14a. After starting the first output, the control unit 63 determines whether the user U is seated on the toilet seat 14a (step S103 in FIG. 4).

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

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

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

On the other hand, when the control unit 63 determines that the display of the predetermined range of the first output has ended, the control unit 63 displays an image corresponding to the sitting state (second state) of the user U on the operation screen displayed on the display unit 71. 80, the second output corresponding to the seated state is started (step S106 in FIG. 4). The control unit 63 may perform the second output using images and audio by outputting audio corresponding to the seated state from the audio output unit 60.

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

As described above, in the toilet guide device 10 according to the present embodiment, if the second detection information is acquired before the display of the predetermined range of the first output regarding how to use the toilet room TR ends, , the first output is continued until the display of the predetermined range is completed. Thereby, it is possible to more reliably tell the user U how to use the toilet room TR.

Furthermore, in the toilet guide device 10, the first state is the user U entering or approaching the toilet room TR, and the second state is the user U sitting on the toilet seat 14a. This makes it possible to more reliably convey how to use the toilet room TR even to the user U who is quick to enter or approach the toilet room TR and sit down.

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

In this example, the operation unit 72 detects the state of the user U who operates the operation unit 72 as a second state after the first state of the user U, and provides operation information corresponding to the user U's operation. is acquired as the second detection information. The operation unit 72 inputs the acquired second detection information to the control unit 63. Thus, in this example, the human body detection sensor 61 and the operation unit 72 function as a detection information acquisition unit that acquires the first detection information and the second detection information.

When determining that the display of the predetermined range of the first output has been completed and starting the second output, the control unit 63 displays an image corresponding to the operation state (second state) of the operation unit 72 of the user U. The second output corresponding to the operation state is started by displaying it on the information display section 85 of the operation screen 80 displayed on the display section 71 (step S206 in FIG. 5). Hereinafter, the operations from step S204 to step S207 are substantially the same as the operations from step S104 to step S107 described with reference to FIG. 4, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

In this way, the second state is not limited to the state in which the user U is seated on the toilet seat 14a, but may also be a state in which the user U operates the operating section 72. The detection information acquisition section is not limited to the human body detection sensor 61 and the seating detection sensor 62, but may be composed of the human body detection sensor 61 and the operation section 72.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart schematically showing another example of the operation of the toilet guide device according to the first embodiment.
In this example, the control unit 63 first determines whether the user U is seated on the toilet seat 14a based on the seating information from the seating detection sensor 62 (step S301 in FIG. 6).

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

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

In this way, the first state of the user U is not limited to the state of the user U entering the toilet room TR or the state of the user U approaching the toilet bowl 12 (main body part 50), but also the state of the user U The user may be seated on the toilet seat 14a. The detection information acquisition section may include the seating detection sensor 62 and the operation section 72.

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

(Second embodiment)
FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically representing a toilet seat device of a toilet system according to a second embodiment.
Components that are substantially the same in function and configuration as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. This point also applies to the following embodiments.
As described in the first embodiment, the toilet system 2 includes the toilet guide device 10 and the toilet seat device 14. In this example, the toilet seat device 14 includes a toilet seat 14a, and further includes a device main body 90 and a toilet lid 91.

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

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

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

The human body detection sensor 94 detects the user U approaching the toilet seat device 14 . The human body detection sensor 94 may be the same as that described for the human body detection sensor 61. The human body detection sensor 94 inputs the detection result of the user U to the control unit 93.

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

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

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

When the control unit 63 receives the input of the detection information, it starts outputting the first output regarding how to use the toilet room TR, as described in the first embodiment (step S402 in FIG. 8).

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

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

Hereinafter, the operations from step S405 to step S409 are substantially the same as the operations from step S103 to step S107 described with reference to FIG. 4, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

As described above, in the toilet system 2 and the toilet guide device 10 according to the present embodiment, the control unit 63 of the toilet guide device 10 starts the first output before the toilet seat device 14 operates. . Thereby, the display section 71 can be made to stand out, and the line of sight of the user U can be easily guided to the display section 71. For example, by starting the first output before the opening operation of the toilet lid 91, the user U will not pay attention to the opening operation of the toilet lid 91 and may miss the first output displayed on the display unit 71. It is possible to prevent this from happening. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably tell the user U how to use the toilet room TR.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram schematically representing a modification of the toilet seat device of the toilet system according to the second embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 9, in this example, the toilet seat device 14 includes an illumination section 95 that emits light. The illumination unit 95 is provided in the device main body 90, for example. The lighting unit 95 is, for example, a lighting unit that irradiates light toward the bowl portion of the toilet main body 13 to illuminate the bowl portion. The lighting unit 95 may be, for example, a lighting unit that notifies the user U of the operational status of the toilet seat device 14, such as turning on/off the power supply and whether various operations are being performed, by turning on or off the light. The lighting section 95 may be any lighting section provided in the toilet seat device 14.

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

In this example, the control unit 63 of the toilet guide device 10 starts the first output before the lighting unit 95 of the toilet seat device 14 turns on. In this way, the operation of the toilet seat device 14 that starts after the first output is not limited to the operation of opening the toilet lid 91, but may also be an operation of turning on the illumination section 95, etc. The operation of the toilet seat device 14 that is started after the first output is not limited to these, and may be any operation that may divert the user's attention from the first output of the display unit 71.

Further, in this embodiment, the first output is started before the toilet seat device 14 operates by adjusting the detection ranges of the human body detection sensors 61 and 94. The configuration in which the first output is started before the operation of the toilet seat device 14 is not limited to this. For example, if the first output is to be started before the lighting section 95 turns on, the toilet seat device 14 is provided with a seating detection sensor, and the first output is started in response to detection by the human body detection sensor 61. The lighting section 95 may be turned on in response to detection by the seating detection sensor. In this case as well, the first output can be started before the lighting section 95 turns on. The configuration for starting the first output before the operation of the toilet seat device 14 is not limited to the above, and may be any configuration that can appropriately start the first output.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a block diagram schematically representing a toilet system according to a third embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 10, the toilet system 2 includes a toilet guide device 10 and further includes a lighting section 100 that emits light.

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

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

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

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

In this way, by starting the first output regarding how to use the toilet room TR before the lighting section 100 is turned on, the display section 71 can be made more noticeable, and the line of sight of the user U can be directed to the display section 71. It can be made easier to guide. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably tell the user U how to use the toilet room TR.

Note that the configuration for starting the first output before the lighting section 100 is turned on is not limited to the above, and may be any configuration that can appropriately start the first output. For example, the first output may be started before the lighting section 100 is turned on by communicating between the toilet guide device 10 and the lighting section 100 and communicating the timing of the operation. Alternatively, by providing a higher-level controller that controls the operation of the toilet guide device 10 and the lighting section 100, and controlling the timing of the operation of the toilet guide device 10 and the lighting section 100, the lighting section The first output may be started before 100 lights up.

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

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

The seating detection sensor 96 may be the same as the seating detection sensor 62. Further, when the toilet seat device 14 is provided with the seating detection sensor 96, the seating detection sensor 96 may be, for example, a mechanical switch, an optical sensor, or a magnetic sensor that detects the movement of the toilet seat 14a, or may be a mechanical switch, an optical sensor, or a magnetic sensor that detects the movement of the toilet seat 14a. It may be a capacitance sensor that detects changes in capacitance, or a piezoelectric sensor that detects changes in pressure caused by seating.

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

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

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

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

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

In each of the embodiments described above, the toilet guide device 10 is composed of a main body portion 50 and a display terminal 52. The configuration of the toilet guide device 10 is not limited to this, and may be a single device in which the main body portion 50 and the display terminal 52 are integrated. On the other hand, the human body detection sensor 61, the seating detection sensor 62, the operating section 72, etc. may be made independent and configured from a larger number of members.

Further, the toilet guide device 10 does not necessarily have to include the audio output section 60. The configuration of the toilet guide device 10 includes at least a display section, a detection information acquisition section, and a control section, and the control section outputs the second detection information before the display of a predetermined range of the first output ends. If acquired, any configuration that can continue the first output until the display of the predetermined range is completed may be used.

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 within the scope of the present invention as long as they have the characteristics of the present invention. For example, the shape, size, material, arrangement, installation form, etc. of each element included in the toilet system 2, the toilet guide device 10, etc. are not limited to those illustrated, and can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the elements of the embodiments described above can be combined to the extent technically possible, and combinations of these are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention.

2 toilet system, 10 toilet guide device, 12 toilet bowl, 13 toilet bowl main body, 14 toilet seat device, 14a toilet seat, 15 backrest, 16,18 hand basin, 20 baby chair, 22 urinal, 24 waste drainage unit, 30 lining, 32 call button, 34 operation remote control, 36 toilet flush button, 38 cigarette roller, 50 main unit, 52 display terminal, 60 audio output unit, 61 human body detection sensor, 62 seating detection sensor, 63 control unit, 64 communication unit, 70 communication part, 71 display section, 72 operation section, 80 operation screen, 81 to 84 language selection button, 85 information display section, 86 stop button, 90 device main body, 91 toilet lid, 92 opening/closing mechanism, 93 control section, 94 human body detection sensor , 95 lighting section, 96 seating detection sensor, 97 communication section, 100 lighting section, 101 light source, 102 control section, 103 human body detection sensor, TR toilet room, TRa entrance, TRb door, U user

Claims (3)

A toilet guide device used in a toilet system installed in a toilet room, comprising:
a display section that displays images;
a detection information acquisition unit that acquires first detection information that detects a first state of the user and second detection information that detects a second state of the user after the first state;
a control unit that controls the operation of the display unit based on the first detection information and the second detection information;
Equipped with
The control unit displays an image related to how to use the toilet room on the display unit in response to acquisition of the first detection information, thereby performing a first output related to how to use the toilet room, and detecting the second detection information. When a second output is performed by displaying a predetermined image on the display unit in response to the acquisition of information, and the second detection information is acquired before the display of a predetermined range of the first output is finished. continue the first output until the display of the predetermined range ends;
The toilet system includes a lighting section that emits light,
The toilet guide device, wherein the control unit starts the first output before the lighting unit turns on . The first state is the user's entry into the toilet room or the user's approach,
The toilet guide device according to claim 1, wherein the second state is the user sitting on a toilet seat. The toilet system includes a toilet seat device;
The toilet guide device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit starts the first output before the toilet seat device operates.

Images