JP7484651B2 - Toilet guide device - Google Patents

Description

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

Toilet guidance devices are known that are installed in toilets in public facilities and provide users with audio guidance about the toilet, such as the layout of the equipment installed in the toilet and how to use it. Toilet rooms in public facilities are used by a wide variety of people. For this reason, toilet guidance devices need to provide guidance that allows as many users as possible to use the toilet comfortably.

For example, there is known a system in which a remote control for selecting a language is operated in the toilet, and toilet guidance is given in the selected language (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). This allows even users who are unfamiliar with using toilets to use them comfortably.

JP 2016-84616 A JP 2018-97829 A

For example, a user may accidentally touch the language selection remote control and change the language of the restroom guidance. In such a case, if the user changes the language back to the original language, the restroom guidance may be reset, and the user may have to check the restroom guidance that they have already recognized again. Such language changes and guidance are unintended by the user and may be annoying to the user.

The present invention was developed based on the recognition of this problem, and aims to provide a user-friendly toilet guidance device that can detect user operation errors.

The first invention is a toilet guidance device that is installed in a toilet room and provides information about the toilet room, comprising: a guidance output unit that outputs information about the toilet room in multiple languages; a language selection unit that has multiple operation units for selecting the language output from the guidance output unit; and a control unit that controls the guidance output unit, wherein when information about the toilet room is output from the guidance output unit and the operation unit is operated multiple times within a predetermined time, the control unit continues the guidance in the language output from the guidance output unit and performs invalidation control to invalidate the multiple operations of the operation unit.

According to this toilet guidance device, when the operating unit is operated multiple times, the guidance that was being output from the guidance output unit before the operating unit was operated multiple times continues. This makes it possible to continue the guidance currently being output even if, for example, an operating unit in a different language is operated due to an erroneous operation of the operating unit. Therefore, the user does not need to check the guidance in the language again from the beginning, improving usability.

The second invention is the toilet guidance device of the first invention, characterized in that the control unit performs the invalid control when the language last selected by multiple operations on the operation unit is the same as the language output from the guidance output unit, and sets the language output from the guidance output unit to the last selected language when the language last selected by multiple operations on the operation unit is different from the language output from the guidance output unit.

This toilet guidance device can provide appropriate toilet guidance even if the operating unit is operated multiple times by mistake. In other words, if the operating unit is operated multiple times, the operating unit operated last is likely to be the language desired by the user, and operations on other operating units are likely to be incorrect. Therefore, by determining whether the last selected language is the same as or different from the language currently being output, appropriate guidance can be provided in the language desired by the user.

The third invention is the toilet guidance device of the first invention, characterized in that the control unit performs the invalid control when the last operated operation unit by operating the operation unit multiple times and another operation unit operated before that are adjacent to each other, and sets the language to that of the last operated operation unit when the last operated operation unit by operating the operation unit multiple times and another operation unit operated before that are not adjacent to each other.

This toilet guidance device can provide appropriate toilet guidance even if the user unintentionally touches the operation unit. That is, if an adjacent operation unit is operated, it is possible that the user has unintentionally touched the operation unit. In such a case, the language setting that is not intended by the user is disabled, and the currently output guidance continues. On the other hand, if a non-adjacent operation unit is operated, it is highly likely that the user intentionally operated the operation unit. In such a case, guidance is output in the language of the operation unit last operated. Therefore, guidance can be appropriately switched to the language desired by the user, improving usability of the toilet.

The fourth invention is a toilet guidance device according to any one of the first to third inventions, characterized in that the control unit performs the invalid control if the same operation unit is not operated multiple times within the specified time, and sets the language to the language selected by the operation unit without waiting for the specified time to elapse if the same operation unit is operated multiple times within the specified time.

This toilet guidance device can improve usability by quickly recognizing the user's intended operation. In other words, if the same operation unit is operated multiple times, it is highly likely that this is the operation intended by the user. In such a case, the toilet guidance is set to the language of the operation unit that was operated multiple times without waiting for the passage of a predetermined time. This makes it possible to quickly switch to guidance in the language desired by the user.

According to this aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a user-friendly toilet guidance device by detecting user operation errors.

1 is a perspective view showing a toilet room in which a toilet guide device according to a first embodiment is installed. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a communication system of the toilet guidance device. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a terminal installed in the toilet room in FIG. 1 . 3 is a flowchart showing a control process performed by a control unit in FIG. 2 . 13 is a flowchart showing a control process of the toilet guidance device according to the second embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing a control process of the toilet guidance device according to the third embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing a control process of the toilet guidance device according to the fourth embodiment.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, like components are designated by like reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a toilet room in which a toilet guide device according to a first embodiment is installed.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a communication system of the toilet guidance device.
As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the toilet guidance device 10 is installed in the toilet room TR for use. The toilet guidance device 10 provides information about the toilet room TR by voice. The toilet guidance device 10 may provide information about the toilet room TR by images or videos. This allows people who are unsure how to use the toilet room TR, such as foreigners and visually impaired people, 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 such as a multi-purpose toilet or a multi-function toilet. The toilet room TR may also be a so-called toilet booth, which is arranged side by side in a single room separated by a partition or the like.

In addition to the toilet guide device 10, the toilet room TR is equipped with equipment such as a toilet bowl 12, hand washing basins 16, 18, a baby chair 20, a urinal 22, and a waste sink unit 24. Equipment such as a hand dryer and a baby seat (not shown) may also be provided.

However, the equipment installed in the toilet room TR is not limited to these, and any equipment may be used. These equipment are arranged, for example, side by side on a lining 30 provided on the wall side of the toilet room TR. The lining 30 may also be called a cabinet or casing. The toilet room TR has an entrance 2 for the toilet room TR on the wall side where the lining 30 is not provided. The entrance 2 is provided with, for example, an opening and closing door 4.

The toilet 12 comprises a toilet body 13 having a bowl portion that is recessed downward, and a toilet seat device 14 attached to the toilet body 13. The toilet body 13 receives excrement such as urine and feces from the user U in the bowl portion. In other words, the toilet 12 is a Western-style seated toilet.

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

The toilet seat device 14 has a body washing function section that washes the bottom of the user U seated on the toilet seat 14a. The toilet seat device 14 is, for example, a sanitary washing device. The toilet seat device 14 may also be a heated toilet seat device that has a heating function that warms the seating surface of the toilet seat 14a. In addition, the toilet bowl 12 does not necessarily have to be equipped with the toilet seat device 14. The toilet seat 14a may be, for example, a normal toilet seat that is attached directly on top of the toilet body 13.

The hand washing basins 16, 18 are used by users U and others who have used the toilet 12 or urinal 22 to wash their hands. The baby chair 20 is provided to the side of the toilet 12 and is a chair on which a baby or small child can be temporarily seated when a guardian uses the toilet 12 or the like. The urinal 22 is provided to the side of the baby chair 20 and is used to receive urine from the user U. The waste sink unit 24 is provided to the side of the urinal 22 and is a device for ostomates to dispose of waste such as feces.

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

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

The second side 30b of the lining 30 is provided with a call button 32, a toilet flush button 36, etc. The call button 32 is an operation part for notifying the outside of the occurrence of an abnormality such as an emergency. The toilet flush button 36 is an operation part for flushing the toilet 12. By operating the toilet flush button 36, flush water is supplied to the bowl portion of the toilet 12, and the bowl portion of the toilet 12 is flushed.

A toilet paper holder 38 for holding toilet paper is also provided on the second side 30b of the lining 30. The toilet paper holder 38 is located, for example, below the toilet flush button 36. The call button 32, the toilet flush button 36, and the toilet paper holder 38 are located within reach of a user U seated on the toilet 12.

The call button 32, toilet flush button 36, and paper roll holder 38 are not limited to being attached to the second side surface 30b of the lining 30, but may be attached, for example, to the wall surface W2 of the toilet room TR. The call button 32, toilet flush button 36, and paper roll holder 38 may be attached in any position within reach of a user U seated on the toilet bowl 12.

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

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

The human body detection sensor 52a is provided inside the main body 50 and detects specific states of the user U, such as the user U's entry into the toilet room TR, the user U's movement near the toilet bowl 12, and the user U's exit from the toilet room TR. Note that the state of the user U detected by the human body detection sensor 52a is not limited to the above, and may be any state of the user U.

The human body detection sensor 52a may be, for example, a microwave sensor. The human body detection sensor 52a may also be, for example, an infrared emitting/receiving distance sensor, a pyroelectric sensor, or the like. The human body detection sensor 52a may be configured with a single sensor, or may be configured with a combination of multiple sensors. The human body detection sensor 52a may have, for example, multiple sensors corresponding to multiple states of the user U. The human body detection sensor 52a is connected to the control unit 56 and transmits detection information of the user U to the control unit 56.

The seating detection sensor 52b is provided inside the main body 50, and detects a human body above the toilet seat 14a just before the user U sits on the toilet bowl 12, and the user U sitting on the toilet seat 14a. In this way, the seating detection sensor 52b obtains seating information indicating that the user U is sitting on the toilet seat 14a. For example, an infrared light emitting/receiving distance measuring sensor can be used as this type of seating detection sensor 52b. Note that the seating detection sensor 52b may also be, for example, a microwave sensor, a pyroelectric sensor, or the like. The seating detection sensor 52b is connected to the control unit 56, and transmits the seating information of the user U to the control unit 56.

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

Thus, the main body unit 50 has a human body detection sensor 52a, a seating detection sensor 52b, an audio output unit 54, and a control unit 56. Note that the human body detection sensor 52a, the seating detection sensor 52b, the audio output unit 54, and the control unit 56 may each be provided separately. The main body unit 50 outputs audio from the audio output unit 54 to provide audio guidance regarding the toilet room TR. The information regarding the toilet room TR is the installation location of each device in the toilet room TR, such as the toilet bowl 12 and hand washing basins 16 and 18, and how to use each device.

The audio output unit 54 outputs information about the toilet room TR based on a language selected by the user U from among multiple languages. That is, the audio output unit 54 provides toilet room information guidance in, for example, Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, etc., based on a control signal (language signal) transmitted from the control unit 56. This allows users U who are unfamiliar with the toilet room TR or visually impaired users U to use the toilet room TR comfortably. Note that the languages output from the audio output unit 54 may include other languages, such as French and Italian.

The main body 50 is provided, for example, near the toilet bowl 12. The main body 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. This makes it possible for the user U seated on the toilet seat 14a to easily hear the audio guidance. However, the mounting position of the main body 50 is not limited to the above, and may be any position that allows the user U to appropriately hear the audio guidance.

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

To this end, the control unit 56 has a memory unit 56a in which multiple sets of information corresponding to the state of the user U are stored for each of multiple languages. The memory unit 56a stores multiple guidance sentences to be output from the audio output unit 54 in correspondence with the state of the user U. The memory unit 56a stores information sets in each language (e.g., English, Chinese, Korean).

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

The entrance guidance is useful guidance for the user U who has entered the toilet room TR, and includes, for example, the start of audio guidance and information on the placement of the toilet bowl 12. In this example, when the human body detection sensor 52a detects the entry of the user U, the entrance guidance in any language (for example, Japanese) is automatically output from the audio output unit 54 and the display unit 62. Note that the entrance guidance may also be provided in other languages, such as English or Chinese.

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

The seating guidance is useful guidance for the user U seated on the toilet 12, and includes, for example, an explanation about toilet flushing, an explanation about private parts washing, and an explanation about the call button 32 to be operated in an emergency. The seating guidance is output from the audio output unit 54 and the display unit 62 when the seating detection sensor 52b detects the user U.

The seat leaving guidance is useful guidance for the user U who has left the toilet 12, and includes, for example, an explanation of the toilet 12 and the hand washing basins 16 and 18. The seat leaving guidance is output from the audio output unit 54 and the display unit 62 when the seating detection sensor 52b goes from a state of detecting the user U to a state of not detecting the user U.

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

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

The display unit 62 displays images and videos. As shown in Fig. 3, the display unit 62 displays, for example, the position of the toilet flush button 36 when the toilet is flushed. The display unit 62 also constitutes the guidance output unit of the present invention, and displays text with guidance in various languages. In Fig. 3, guidance G is displayed saying "The flush button is the round button above the paper." The display unit 62 may, for example, switch between displaying a number of still images. The display unit 62 stores images, videos, and guidance G in a memory unit (not shown). A well-known display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence display is used for the display unit 62.

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

In this way, the terminal 60 has a display unit 62. The terminal 60 provides information about the toilet room TR by displaying images and guidance text on the display unit 62. In this way, the toilet guidance device 10 provides information about the toilet room TR by voice, and also by images and text. In other words, in the toilet guidance device 10, the audio language output from the audio output unit 54 and the text displayed on the display unit 62 are the same.

This allows information about the toilet room TR to be more reliably conveyed to the user U. For example, information about the toilet room TR can be conveyed to a hearing-impaired user U by the display unit 62. This allows a wider variety of users U to use the toilet room TR comfortably.

The language selection unit 64 has a plurality of operation units for selecting a language to be output from a guidance output unit such as the audio output unit 54 or the display unit 62. The operation units are, for example, a touch panel or a push button switch, and are operated by the user U. As shown in FIG. 3, the language selection unit 64 has, for example, a first operation unit 64a for selecting Japanese, a second operation unit 64b for selecting English, a third operation unit 64c for selecting Chinese, a fourth operation unit 64d for selecting Korean, and a stop operation unit 64e for stopping the guidance of the toilet room TR. Note that the selectable languages are not limited to these and may be any language. Also, the number of selectable languages is not limited to four and may be any number.

The language selection unit 64 can be recognized, for example, by the switch for the currently selected language lighting up or flashing. For example, if the currently output guidance language is Japanese, the first operation unit 64a lights up or flashes. The language selection unit 64 may also be configured to recognize that the user U has operated (touched) the first to fourth operation units 64a to 64d and the stop operation unit 64e.

The function operation unit 65 is for starting various functions provided in the toilet room TR and the toilet bowl 12. As shown in FIG. 3, the function operation unit 65 has, for example, a first operation switch 65a for rear washing, a second operation switch 65b for bidet washing, a third operation switch 65c for generating an imitation sound, and a fourth operation switch 65d for washing the nozzle for genital washing. The number of switches in the function operation unit 65 is not limited to four and may be any number. It may also have switches for other functions. Similarly to the language selection unit 64, the function operation unit 65 may also be made recognizable by, for example, lighting or blinking the currently selected switch.

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

The control unit 56 identifies the selected language based on the operation information input by operating the language selection unit 64. After identifying the selected language, the control unit 56 outputs audio in the selected language from the audio output unit 54. The terminal 60 also displays a guidance message on the display unit 62 in response to the audio output from the audio output unit 54. This allows the toilet guidance device 10 to output information about the toilet room TR in the selected language. Therefore, information about the toilet room TR can be conveyed to users U of various languages, allowing them to use the toilet room TR comfortably.

The toilet guidance device 10 according to this embodiment has the configuration described above, and the operation of the toilet guidance device 10 will now be described.

For example, when user U tries to operate the language selection unit 64 or the function operation unit 65, he or she may accidentally touch a selection switch (first to fourth operation units 64a to 64d) for a language different from the currently output language. As one example, when guidance in Japanese is being output, the user may accidentally touch the second operation unit 64b to select English, and then operate the first operation unit 64a to select Japanese again. In such a case, the guidance already output in Japanese is reset, and Japanese guidance is output again from the beginning, which may be annoying for user U.

In this embodiment, when information related to the toilet room TR is being output from the guidance output unit (audio output unit 54 and display unit 62), if the operation unit (first operation unit 64a to fourth operation unit 64d) is operated multiple times within a predetermined time, the control unit 56 continues the guidance in the language being output from the guidance output unit and performs disable control to disable the multiple operations of the operation unit. Note that disabling the multiple operations of the operation unit means that guidance output in the language based on the multiple operations is not performed even after the guidance that was output when the operation unit was operated multiple times has ended.

As a result, even if, for example, an operation unit in a different language is operated due to an erroneous operation of the first to fourth operation units 64a to 64d, the currently output guidance can be continued. Therefore, the user does not need to listen to or view the guidance in the language again from the beginning, improving usability.

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

First, in S1, it is determined whether guidance is being given. That is, the control unit 56 determines whether guidance for the toilet room TR is being given in any language. This guidance is not limited to the case where guidance is given in the language selected by the user U, but also includes the case where any language is automatically output when entry is detected by the human body detection sensor 52a. In addition, guidance is being given also includes a standby state in which guidance (audio) is not being output. Specifically, for example, when guidance is given in any language depending on the user's state (detection by the sensor), the standby state until guidance for a specific state ends and guidance for the next state begins is also included in guidance. In other words, guidance is being given in a state in which the guidance language is set automatically or by the user's operation. Then, if it is determined that "YES" is given in S1, i.e., guidance is being given, the process proceeds to S2. On the other hand, if it is determined that "NO" is given in S1, i.e., guidance is not being given, it monitors whether guidance is being given.

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

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

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

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

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

In S7, it is determined whether the timer has reached a predetermined time. That is, the control unit 56 determines whether the timer count started in S4 has reached a predetermined time. This predetermined time is set by experiment and simulation, taking into consideration smooth guidance in the toilet room TR and the convenience of the user U, and is set to about several seconds (for example, about 1 to 2 seconds). The predetermined time is stored in the memory unit 56a of the control unit 56.

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

For example, if a third operation is performed in S5, the selected language L3 is stored in the memory unit 56a in S6. For example, if the first operation unit 64a is operated for the third time, the selected language L3 is stored in the memory unit 56a as Japanese. In other words, the control unit 56 sequentially stores the selected languages Ln selected within a predetermined time from the first operation on the operation unit in the memory unit 56a.

In S8, it is determined whether the operation unit has been operated multiple times. That is, the control unit 56 determines whether the operation unit has been operated multiple times by checking whether the selected language Ln is stored in the memory unit 56a. In other words, if only the selected language L1 is stored in the memory unit 56a, the control unit 56 can determine that the operation unit has been operated only once within a specified period of time.

If S8 returns "NO", i.e., if it is determined that the operation unit has been operated once, the process proceeds to S9. On the other hand, if S8 returns "YES", i.e., if it is determined that the operation unit has been operated multiple times, the process proceeds to S10.

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

As one example, if the currently output language is Japanese and the selected language L1 is English, the guidance for the toilet room TR is changed from Japanese to English and restarted from the beginning. Also, for example, if the currently output language is Japanese and the selected language L1 is Japanese, the guidance for the toilet room TR is restarted in Japanese from the beginning. This allows the user U to view the guidance in the desired language from the beginning.

In S10, the stored selected languages L1 and Ln are invalidated, and the currently output guidance continues. In other words, if the operation unit is operated multiple times within a predetermined time, the control unit 56 invalidates the multiple operations (all operations) and ends the process. In other words, the control in S8 and S10 is invalidation control according to an aspect of the present invention.

Thus, according to the toilet guidance device 10 of the first embodiment, for example, if the selected language L1 is the result of an unintended operation (erroneous operation) of the operation unit by the user U, and the user realizes the erroneous operation and operates the operation unit in the currently output language, it is possible to prevent the guidance from being reset and having to listen to or see guidance in the same language from the beginning. In addition, since no change occurs in the guidance even if the operation unit is operated multiple times within a specified period of time, it is possible to prevent mischief such as operating the operation unit multiple times.

Note that the selected language L2 stored in the memory unit 56a upon the second operation confirms that the operation unit has been operated multiple times within a specified time period, so the selected language Ln (n = 3, 4, ...) from the third operation onwards on the operation unit does not need to be stored. The control unit 56 may also store in the memory unit 56a that the operation unit has been operated a second time, without storing the selected language Ln.

Next, a toilet guidance device 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The toilet guidance device 10 according to the second embodiment continues the currently output language when the first to fourth operation units 64a to 64d of the language selection unit 64 are operated multiple times within a predetermined time and the language currently being guided is the same as the last language selected. Note that in the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are given the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

The control unit 56 performs invalid control when the language last selected by multiple operations on the operation units (first operation unit 64a to fourth operation unit 64d) is the same as the language output from the guidance output unit (audio output unit 54 and display unit 62). On the other hand, when the language last selected by multiple operations on the operation units is different from the language output from the guidance output unit, the control unit 56 sets the language output from the guidance output unit to the last selected language.

As a result, even if the first to fourth operation units 64a to 64d are operated multiple times by mistake, it is possible to provide appropriate guidance for the toilet room TR. In other words, if the first to fourth operation units 64a to 64d are operated multiple times, it is highly likely that the operation unit operated last is in the language desired by the user U, and it is highly likely that operation of any other operation unit is incorrect. Therefore, by determining whether the last selected language is the same as or different from the language currently being output, it is possible to provide appropriate guidance in the language desired by the user U.

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

S1 to S9 in FIG. 5 are the same control processes as S1 to S9 in FIG. 4. Then, in S11, it is determined whether the language being presented is the same as the last language selected. In other words, the control unit 56 determines whether the selected language Ln last stored in the memory unit 56a is the same as the language currently being presented.

If S11 returns "YES", i.e., if it is determined that the language being provided is the same as the last language selected, the process proceeds to S12. On the other hand, if S11 returns "NO", i.e., if it is determined that the language being provided is different from the last language selected, the process proceeds to S13.

In S12, the stored selected languages L1 and Ln are invalidated, and the currently output guidance continues. That is, if the operation unit is operated multiple times within a predetermined time period and the last selected selected language Ln is the same as the currently output language, the control unit 56 invalidates the multiple operations (all operations) and ends the process. That is, the control in S8, S11, and S12 is invalidation control according to an aspect of the present invention.

This prevents, for example, when the selected language L1 is an operation on an operation unit that the user U did not intend (an erroneous operation) and the user U realizes the erroneous operation and operates the operation unit in the language currently being output, from having to listen to or view guidance in the same language from the beginning by resetting the guidance.

In S13, the guidance is set to the last selected language Ln. That is, if the operation unit is operated multiple times within a predetermined time and the last selected language Ln is different from the currently output language, the control unit 56 changes the currently output language to the last selected language Ln, and ends the process.

For example, if the currently output language is Japanese and the last selected language Ln is English, the toilet room TR guidance is changed from Japanese to English and restarted from the beginning. This allows the user U to view the toilet room guidance in the desired language from the beginning.

Thus, the toilet guidance device 10 according to the second embodiment takes into consideration cases where the first operating unit 64a to the fourth operating unit 64d are operated erroneously, thereby improving usability.

In other words, when the first to fourth operation units 64a to 64d are operated multiple times, it is highly likely that the operation unit operated last is the language desired by the user U, and that operation on the other operation units is highly likely to be incorrect. In such a case, when the last selected selected language Ln is the same as the language currently being output, the guidance continues without returning to the beginning (for example, the guidance provided immediately after entering the room), thereby reducing annoyance for the user U. On the other hand, when the last selected selected language Ln is different from the currently output language, the guidance is changed to the selected language Ln and output from the beginning (for example, the guidance provided immediately after entering the room), thereby allowing appropriate guidance to be provided in the language desired by the user U.

Next, a toilet guidance device 10 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The toilet guidance device 10 according to the third embodiment is configured to continue the currently output language when the first to fourth operation units 64a to 64d of the language selection unit 64 are operated multiple times within a predetermined time period, and the operation unit operated last and the operation unit operated just before are adjacent to each other. In the third embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

The control unit 56 performs invalid control when the last operated operation unit in multiple operations on the operation units (first operation unit 64a to fourth operation unit 64d) is adjacent to another operation unit operated before that. On the other hand, when the last operated operation unit in multiple operations on the operation units (first operation unit 64a to fourth operation unit 64d) is not adjacent to another operation unit operated before that, the control unit 56 sets the language to the language of the last operated operation unit.

The other operation units adjacent to the last operated operation unit refer to the operation units located around the last operated operation unit. As shown in FIG. 3, the first to fourth operation units 64a to 64d of the terminal 60 are aligned in a row in the left-right direction. Therefore, the second operation unit 64b is adjacent to the first operation unit 64a and the third operation unit 64c, and the third operation unit 64c is adjacent to the second operation unit 64b and the fourth operation unit 64c. This is not limited to the above, and for example, if the operation units of the language selection unit 64 are aligned in the left-right and up-down directions, other operation units located to the left and right, up and down, and diagonally from the last operated operation unit are adjacent operation units.

This allows appropriate guidance for the toilet room TR to be provided even if the user U unintentionally touches the operation unit. That is, when an adjacent operation unit is operated, it is possible that the user has unintentionally touched the operation unit. In such a case, the currently output guidance is continued, and usability can be improved by suppressing the setting of a language not intended by the user U. On the other hand, when a non-adjacent operation unit is operated, it is highly likely that the user U operated the operation unit intentionally. In such a case, guidance is output in the language of the operation unit last operated. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately switch to guidance in the language desired by the user.

Next, a control process when the language selection unit 64 is operated multiple times will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control process of the toilet guidance device according to the third embodiment.
6 is stored in the storage unit 56a of the control unit 56. This control process is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle. The storage unit 56a also stores location information of the language selection unit 64.

S1 to S9 in FIG. 6 are the same control processes as S1 to S9 in FIG. 4. Then, in S21, it is determined whether the operation part operated last and the operation part operated one time before are adjacent to each other. In other words, the control part 56 determines whether the operation part of the selected language Ln last stored in the memory part 56a is in an adjacent positional relationship to the operation part of the selected language Ln-1 stored one time before that.

If S21 returns "YES", i.e., if it is determined that the last operated operation part and the operation part operated one time before are adjacent, the process proceeds to S22. On the other hand, if S21 returns "NO", i.e., if it is determined that the last operated operation part and the operation part operated one time before are not adjacent, the process proceeds to S23.

In S22, the stored selected languages L1 and Ln are invalidated, and the currently output guidance continues. That is, if an operation part is operated multiple times and the operation part operated last is adjacent to another operation part operated one time before, the control unit 56 invalidates the multiple operations (all operations) and ends the process. That is, the control in S8, S21, and S22 is invalid control according to this aspect of the present invention.

Thus, according to the toilet guidance device 10 of the third embodiment, even if the user unintentionally touches the operation unit, the toilet room TR can be appropriately guided. For example, when the user U tries to operate the second operation unit 64b to set guidance in English, there is a risk that the user will mistakenly operate the first operation unit 64a or the third operation unit 64c. In addition, after first operating the second operation unit 64b, there is a risk that the user will mistakenly operate the first operation unit 64a or the third operation unit 64c. In such a case, since the language desired by the user U is unclear, multiple operations (all operations) on the operation units are invalidated.

On the other hand, if a non-adjacent operating unit is operated, it is highly likely that the user U operated the operating unit intentionally. In such a case, the guidance is output from the beginning in the language of the operating unit that was last operated. This makes it possible to appropriately switch to guidance in the language desired by the user U.

Next, a toilet guidance device 10 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. When the same operation part of the language selection unit 64 is operated multiple times, the toilet guidance device 10 according to the fourth embodiment sets the language of the operation part that has been operated multiple times without waiting for a predetermined time to elapse. Note that in the fourth embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

The control unit 56 performs invalid control if the same operation unit is not operated multiple times within a specified time. On the other hand, if the same operation unit is operated multiple times within a specified time, the control unit 56 sets the language to the language selected by the operation unit without waiting for the specified time to elapse.

This allows for early recognition of the operation intended by the user U, improving usability. In other words, if the same operation unit is operated multiple times, it is highly likely that this is the operation intended by the user U. In such a case, the guidance for the toilet room TR is set to the language of the operation unit that was operated multiple times, without waiting for a predetermined time to elapse. This allows for rapid switching to guidance in the language desired by the user U.

Next, a control process when the language selection unit 64 is operated multiple times will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a control process of the toilet guidance device according to the fourth embodiment.
7 is stored in the storage unit 56a of the control unit 56. This control process is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle. The storage unit 56a also stores a frequency threshold value that determines how many times the same operation unit is operated before the language is set.

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

In S31, it is determined whether the same selected language has been stored multiple times. That is, the control unit 56 determines whether the same operation unit among the first operation unit 64a to the fourth operation unit 64d has been operated multiple times. For example, the control unit 56 monitors whether the same operation unit has been operated multiple times (for example, the number threshold = 2 times) in succession. The number threshold may be 3 times or more. As an example, after English is stored as the selected language L1 by operating the second operation unit 64b, English is stored as the selected language L2 by operating the second operation unit 64b again.

If S31 returns "YES", i.e., if it is determined that the same selected language has been stored multiple times, the process proceeds to S32. On the other hand, if S31 returns "NO", i.e., if it is determined that the same selected language has not been stored multiple times, the process proceeds to S7.

In S32, the guidance is set to the selected language that has been selected multiple times. In other words, when the same operation unit is operated multiple times in succession, the control unit 56 restarts the guidance in the selected language from the beginning without waiting for a predetermined time to elapse, and then ends the guidance.

On the other hand, if the determination in S8 as to whether or not the operation unit has been operated multiple times is "YES," this means that the same operation unit has not been operated multiple times in succession. In such a case, there is a high possibility that the first operation on the operation unit was unintended by the user U (misoperation). Therefore, in such a case, the process proceeds to S10, the stored selected languages L1, Ln are invalidated, and the currently output guidance continues. The control in S8 and S10 is invalidation control according to an aspect of the present invention.

Thus, according to the toilet guidance device 10 of the fourth embodiment, usability can be improved by quickly recognizing the operation intended by the user U. That is, if the same operation unit is operated, it is highly likely that it is the operation intended by the user U. In such a case, the guidance for the toilet room TR is set to the language of the operation unit that was operated multiple times, without waiting for the passage of a predetermined time. Therefore, it is possible to quickly switch to guidance in the language desired by the user U. On the other hand, if the operation unit is not operated multiple times by the same operation unit, it is highly likely that it is an operation not intended by the user U, so by continuing the guidance currently being output, the guidance does not return to the beginning (the guidance given immediately after entering the room), and convenience can be improved.

In the fourth embodiment described above, an example was given of a case where the operation units are operated consecutively. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the operations on the same operation unit do not have to be consecutive. For example, the first operation unit 64a may be operated, followed by the second operation unit 64b, and then the first operation unit 64a.

In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the set guidance language was returned to the initial guidance given immediately after entry. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may start, for example, from the first guidance sentence in the information group corresponding to the state of user U detected by human body detection sensor 52a or seating detection sensor 52b. For example, if user U is seated on the toilet seat 14a, the first guidance sentence in the third information group may start in the set language. This allows the necessary guidance to be given to user U quickly, improving convenience.

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

In the above embodiment, the language selection unit 64 is provided on the wall W2 on the side of the toilet bowl 12. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the language selection unit 64 may be provided in other locations, such as near the door 4 or near the hand washing basins 16 and 18, or may be provided in multiple locations in the toilet room TR.

In the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which the guidance output unit was the audio output unit 54 and the display unit 62. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the guidance output unit may be at least one of the audio output unit 54 and the display unit 62.

In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 56 is provided in the main body unit 50. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the control unit 56 may be provided in the terminal 60, for example. The control unit 56 may also be provided in another device connected to the main body unit 50 and the terminal 60.

The above describes the embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. Any design modifications made by a person skilled in the art to the above-mentioned embodiments are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention. For example, the shape, dimensions, material, arrangement, installation form, etc. of each element of the toilet guidance device 10 are not limited to those exemplified, and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, each element of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined to the extent technically possible, and such combinations are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention.

2 Entrance/Exit 4 Door 10 Toilet Guidance Device 12 Toilet Bowl 13 Toilet Bowl Body 14 Toilet Seat Device 14a Toilet Seat 15 Backrest 16, 18 Hand Wash Basin 20 Baby Chair 22 Urinal 24 Waste Sink Unit 30 Lining 30a First Side 30b Second Side 32 Call Button 36 Toilet Flush Button 38 Toilet Paper Holder 50 Main Body 52 Sensor 52a Human Body Detection Sensor 52b Sitting Detection Sensor 54 Voice Output Unit (Guidance Output Unit)
56 Control unit 56a Storage unit 58 Communication unit 60 Terminal 62 Display unit (guidance output unit)
64 Language selection section 64a First operation section 64b Second operation section 64c Third operation section 64d Fourth operation section 64e Stop operation section 65 Function operation section 65a First operation switch 65b Second operation switch 65c Third operation switch 65d Fourth operation switch 66 Communication section TR Toilet room U User W1, W2 Wall surface

Claims (4)

A toilet guidance device that is installed in a toilet room and provides information about the toilet room,
a guidance output unit that outputs information about the toilet room in a plurality of languages;
a language selection unit having a plurality of operation units for selecting a language to be output from the guidance output unit;
A control unit that controls the guidance output unit;
Equipped with
The control unit is
A toilet guidance device characterized in that, when information regarding the toilet room is output from the guidance output unit, and the operation unit is operated multiple times within a predetermined period of time, the device continues to provide guidance in the language output from the guidance output unit, and performs invalid control to invalidate the multiple operations of the operation unit. The control unit is
When the language selected last by multiple operations on the operation unit is the same as the language output from the guidance output unit, the invalid control is performed;
The toilet guidance device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the language last selected by multiple operations on the operation unit is different from the language output from the guidance output unit, the language output from the guidance output unit is set to the last selected language. The control unit is
performing the invalid control when the last operated operation part among the multiple operations on the operation parts is adjacent to another operation part operated before that operation part;
The toilet guidance device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the last operating unit operated by multiple operations on the operating unit is not adjacent to another operating unit operated before that, the language of the operating unit operated last is set to the language of the operating unit operated last. The control unit is
When the same operation unit has not been operated a plurality of times within the predetermined time period, the invalid control is performed.
A toilet guidance device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that if the same operating unit is operated multiple times within the specified time, the language selected by the operating unit is set without waiting for the specified time to elapse.

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