WO2012067088A1

WO2012067088A1 - Water supply control device, and water supply system

Info

Publication number: WO2012067088A1
Application number: PCT/JP2011/076246
Authority: WO
Inventors: 山本　圭一; 亨村瀬; 高岸　成典; 幹草尾
Original assignee: 住友電気工業株式会社
Priority date: 2010-11-17
Filing date: 2011-11-15
Publication date: 2012-05-24
Also published as: CN103097619B; JP5707891B2; CN103097619A; JP2012107427A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a water supply control device (10) for controlling the discharge of water from a water supply device in accordance with the context of a user, by determining the type or state of an object which has entered a water discharge area. The water supply control device (10) of the present invention is provided with: an image acquisition unit (11) for acquiring, from an imaging camera (30), an image which has been captured by the imaging camera (30) and shows a water discharge area (A1) where a water supply device (20) discharges water; and a control unit (13) for controlling a water supply valve (21) of the water supply device (20) in accordance with the image acquired by the image acquisition unit (11).

Description

Water supply control device and water supply system

The present invention relates to a water supply control device that controls water discharge by a water supply device, and a water supply system including the water supply device.

In order to enter sanitary control areas such as food factories and medical sites, manuals that are arranged to wash hands at dedicated hand washing stations have become widespread as hygiene management manuals that users should follow. Yes. However, in such a hand-washing place, if the user touches the water supply device in order to use water, the hygienic condition may be deteriorated, and water should be used without touching the hand using an infrared sensor or the like. A water supply device that automatically discharges water has been put into practical use. In recent years, water supply devices that perform such automatic water discharge are not limited to places where sanitary management is required, but are also widely used as general water facilities.

In Patent Document 1 below, a water supply that controls the ejection of hot water from a shower by detecting a human body that has entered a detection range using a pyroelectric infrared sensor and controlling a solenoid valve based on the detection. An apparatus is disclosed.

JP 2000-333870 A

In the water supply device disclosed in Patent Document 1, a pyroelectric infrared sensor is used to detect a human body. The pyroelectric infrared sensor is a sensor that detects the temperature of an object that has entered the detection range, and detects the body temperature of the human body with the pyroelectric infrared sensor. However, when the difference between the surface temperature of the human body and the ambient temperature is small, the human body may not be detected. In addition, when a pyroelectric infrared sensor is used in a water supply device that automatically discharges water, it can detect the human body based on the temperature difference and discharge water, but a cup or toothbrush that has the same temperature as the surrounding temperature. There was a problem that objects other than the human body could not be detected.

In addition to pyroelectric infrared sensors, there are reflective infrared sensors, ultrasonic sensors, etc. as sensors used in water supply devices that automatically discharge water, but these sensors only determine whether an object enters the detection range. In this case, even if an object other than the target to be discharged enters the detection range, it may be detected and unnecessary water discharge may be performed.

Thus, in a water supply apparatus that automatically discharges water, there is a demand for a technique for saving water by appropriately detecting a target that requires water discharge and discharging water only to a user who needs water discharge.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and by determining the type and state of an object that has entered the water discharge area, it is possible to perform water discharge control of an appropriate water supply device in accordance with the state of the user. Objective.

The water supply control device according to the first aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires, from the imaging camera, an image of a water discharge area that is discharged by the water supply device, and an image acquired by the acquisition unit. And a control means for controlling a water supply valve of the water supply device.

According to the water supply control device according to the first aspect, the acquisition unit acquires an image of the water discharge area where water is discharged by the water supply device, and the control unit uses the water supply valve of the water supply device based on the image. To control. Therefore, if an object identification process such as edge extraction or pattern matching is performed on the image captured by the imaging camera, the determination unit determines whether there is an object to be discharged in the water discharge area, It can be determined whether or not water discharge is required. And since it can detect that the user of a water supply apparatus needs a water discharge by the result of these judgments, it is possible for a control means to control water discharge appropriately according to a user's condition. Become.

The water supply control device according to the second aspect of the present invention is a water supply control device according to the first aspect, in particular, a determination unit that determines the state of the object in the video based on the video acquired by the acquisition unit. The control means switches the opening and closing of the water supply valve based on the state of the object.

According to the water supply control device according to the second aspect, based on the image obtained by imaging the water discharge area, the determination means determines whether or not the object to be discharged is in a state that requires water discharge. And when the said target object is a state which requires water discharge, a water supply valve is controlled by a control means, and water discharge from a water supply apparatus is performed. Therefore, for example, if an object to be discharged, such as a hand of a user of the water supply device or a cup, needs to discharge water in the water discharge area, the user can receive water discharge from the water supply device. On the other hand, if there is no target in the water discharge area such as the hand or cup of the user of the water supply device, or if the target is present in the water discharge area, it does not require water discharge. No water is discharged from the water supply device. Therefore, since unnecessary water discharge is not performed, water can be saved in the water supply device.

A water supply control device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the water supply control device according to the second aspect, in particular, the object includes a user's hand of the water supply device, and the control means discharges water. If not, the water supply valve is opened when the hand slide operation is performed for a predetermined time or more.

According to the water supply control device according to the third aspect, based on the image obtained by imaging the water discharge area, the determination means performs a predetermined sliding motion of the user within the water discharge area when the water discharge is not performed. When it has been performed for more than an hour, it is determined that the water needs to be discharged. Therefore, it is assumed that the user's hand washing with the detergent has been sufficiently performed by continuing the sliding operation of the hand for a predetermined time or longer, such as attaching the detergent and rubbing both hands together for hand washing. Control is performed to discharge water for rinsing. If the user does not slide the hand for a predetermined time or more and the hand washing with the detergent is insufficient, the user cannot receive the water discharged from the water supply device and cannot wash the hand with the detergent. Therefore, it is possible to urge the user to perform hand-washing for a predetermined time or more, and it is possible to prevent deterioration of hygiene due to insufficient hand-washing.

In the water supply control device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, particularly in the water supply control device according to the third aspect, when the determination means is discharging water, when a hand sliding operation is started, The water supply valve is closed.

According to the water supply control device according to the fourth aspect, based on the image obtained by imaging the water discharge area, the determination unit starts the sliding operation of the hand in the water discharge area when the water discharge is in progress. When it is determined that it is not in a state that requires water discharge. Therefore, when the user starts a sliding operation of the hand, such as attaching a detergent and rubbing both hands to perform hand washing, water discharge from the water supply device is not performed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent water from being continuously discharged from the water supply device while the user is performing a hand sliding operation that does not require water discharge, and to save water in the water supply device.

The water supply control device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the water supply control device according to the first aspect, in particular, the control means adjusts the opening / closing amount of the water supply valve based on the state of the object. It is characterized by.

According to the water supply control device according to the fifth aspect, based on the image obtained by imaging the water discharge area, the determination unit determines whether or not the user is requesting an increase or decrease in the water discharge amount of the water supply device. To do. If it is determined that the user is requesting increase / decrease of the water discharge amount, the control means controls the water supply device to increase / decrease the water discharge amount. Therefore, the user can increase or decrease the water discharge amount of the water supply device without touching the water supply device. Therefore, when the user touches the water supply device for the operation of increasing or decreasing the water discharge amount, the sanitary condition of the hand is improved. It can be prevented from getting worse.

The water supply system which concerns on the 6th aspect of this invention is equipped with a water supply apparatus, the imaging camera which images the water discharge area which the said water supply apparatus discharges water, and the water supply control apparatus which controls the said water supply apparatus, The said water supply control The apparatus acquires an image of the water discharge area imaged by the imaging camera from the imaging camera, and a control unit that controls a water supply valve of the water supply device based on the image acquired by the acquisition unit; It is characterized by having.

According to the water supply system according to the sixth aspect, the acquisition unit acquires an image of the water discharge area where water is discharged by the water supply device, and the control unit controls the water supply valve of the water supply device based on the image. Control. Therefore, the determination means determines whether or not there is an object to be discharged in the water discharge area by performing object identification processing such as edge extraction and pattern matching on the image captured by the imaging camera, It can be determined whether or not water discharge is required. And since it can detect that the user of a water supply apparatus needs a water discharge by the result of these judgments, it is possible to control water discharge appropriately according to a user's state by a control means. Become.

The water supply system according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the water supply system according to the sixth aspect, in particular, the water supply control device is configured so that a user of the water supply device is predetermined based on an image acquired by the acquisition means. A determination unit that determines whether or not a hand-washing operation has been performed; and, as a result of determination by the determination unit, if the user has not performed the predetermined hand-washing operation, causes the user to perform the predetermined hand-washing operation Output means for outputting instruction information for receiving the information.

According to the water supply system concerning the 7th mode, based on the picture which picturized the water discharge area, a judgment means judges whether the user who entered the water discharge area performed predetermined hand-washing operation. If the result of determination by the determining means is that the user has not performed the predetermined hand washing operation, the output means outputs instruction information for causing the user to perform the predetermined hand washing operation. Therefore, when the user does not perform the predetermined hand washing operation and the hand washing is insufficient, the user can be instructed to perform the hand washing appropriately by performing the predetermined hand washing operation. In addition, the water supply system can properly perform hygiene management by hand washing.

The water supply system according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the water supply system according to the sixth aspect, in particular, the water supply control device is configured so that a user of the water supply device is predetermined based on an image acquired by the acquisition means. It further includes a determination unit that determines whether or not a hand washing operation has been performed. If the user does not perform the predetermined hand washing operation as a result of the determination by the determination unit, the use to a predetermined hygiene management area is performed. It further comprises a regulating means for regulating the person's entry.

According to the water supply system according to the eighth aspect, based on the image obtained by imaging the water discharge area, the determination unit determines whether or not the user who has entered the water discharge area has performed a predetermined hand washing operation. Then, as a result of the determination by the determining means, when the user is not performing the predetermined hand washing operation, the restricting means restricts the user from entering the predetermined hygiene management area. Therefore, a user who does not perform the predetermined hand washing operation and does not have enough hand washing cannot enter the predetermined hygiene management area, so the water supply system can prevent the sanitary condition of the hygiene management area from deteriorating. It becomes.

The water supply system according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the water supply system according to any one of the sixth to eighth aspects, in particular, the water supply control device is a use situation of the water supply device by a user of the water supply device When the usage of the water supply device by the user is inappropriate based on the information acquisition means for acquiring information on the information and the information on the usage status acquired by the acquisition means, the user is notified of the water supply device And an output means for outputting guidance information for guiding appropriate usage.

According to the water supply system of the ninth aspect, the information acquisition means includes information on the time when the user receives water from the water supply device, information on the time during which a predetermined hand washing operation is performed, and time for performing the hand washing. Information on the usage status of the water supply device by the user, such as information on whether or not it is sufficient, is acquired. Then, the output means guide information for guiding the user to the appropriate usage method of the water supply device when the usage method of the water supply device by the user is inappropriate based on the information on the usage status. Is output. Therefore, when a user uses a water supply device in an inappropriate usage method, the water supply system guides the user to the appropriate usage method, so that the user improves the usage method of the water supply device Can be encouraged to do so.

According to the present invention, by determining the type or state of an object that has entered the water discharge area, it is possible to perform water discharge control of the water supply apparatus in accordance with the user's situation.

It is the figure which showed roughly the whole structure of the water supply system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed an example of the external appearance of a water supply apparatus typically. It is the figure which showed typically an example of the facility in which the water supply system was installed. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a state determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a water discharge control process. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a hand-washing monitoring process.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the element which attached | subjected the same code | symbol in different drawing shall show the same or corresponding element.

The water supply system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention performs a state determination process for determining the state of an object to be discharged using an image obtained by imaging a water discharge area where the water supply device discharges water. It is a system that performs a water discharge control process for controlling water discharge from the water supply apparatus and a hand washing monitoring process for monitoring a hand washing operation performed by a user of the water supply apparatus based on the determination result.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an overall configuration of a water supply system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The water supply system 1 includes a water supply control device 10, a water supply device 20, an imaging camera 30, and a restriction device 40 that is a restriction means.
The water supply control device 10 includes a video acquisition unit 11 that is an acquisition unit, a determination unit 12 that is a determination unit, a control unit 13 that is a control unit, an information acquisition unit 14 that is an information acquisition unit, and an output unit 15 that is an output unit. It is configured. The water supply device 20 includes a water supply valve 21.
The output of the imaging camera 30 is connected to the input of the video acquisition unit 11. The output of the video acquisition unit 11 is connected to the input of the determination unit 12. The output of the determination unit 12 is connected to the inputs of the control unit 13 and the information acquisition unit 14. The output of the control unit 13 is connected to the input of the water supply valve 21. The output of the information acquisition unit 14 is connected to the output of the output unit 15 and the regulation device 40.

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the appearance of the water supply device 20. The water supply device 20 of the water supply system 1 includes a faucet 22 having a water supply port 23, and the water supply valve 21 is opened and closed and water is discharged from the water supply port 23 according to the amount of opening and closing. Moreover, the imaging camera 30 uses the water discharge area A1 where the water supply apparatus 20 discharges water as an imaging range.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a facility where the water supply system 1 is installed. The facility is a facility having a predetermined hygiene management area that requires hygiene management such as a medical facility or a food factory. A restriction device 40 is installed at the entrance for entering the hygiene management area from the hand washing area of the facility, and the restriction device 40 normally restricts the user of the facility from entering the hygiene management area. Yes.
The water supply system 1 monitors hand washing performed by the user using the water supply device 20 by hand washing monitoring processing described later, and the restriction is released by the restriction device 40 only when the user performs appropriate hand washing. .

Next, the operation of the water supply system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the state determination process. Hereinafter, the state determination process performed by the water supply system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, in step SP100, the imaging camera 30 captures an image of the water discharge area A1. The water discharge area A <b> 1 is an area including a range in which water is discharged from the water supply port 23.
In the case of the water supply device 20 shown in FIG. 2, the water discharge area A1 extends below the faucet 22, and generally when the user tries to use the water discharge from the water supply port 23, an object ( This is a region where the user enters the user's hand or a cup held by the user.
The imaging camera 30 may be a device that can acquire video (moving images), such as a general camera such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) camera, or a solid-state imaging device represented by a CCD image sensor or a CMOS image sensor. What is necessary is just to be able to obtain the video data which imaged the water discharge area A1.

And the video acquisition part 11 acquires the video data which imaged the water discharge area A1 from the imaging camera 30 using signal S1. The video format such as the compression method and the bit rate of the video data is not limited in the present invention. Searching for an object to be discharged and determining the state of the object are performed in steps SP110 and SP120 described later. Anything that can be done.
The water supply system 1 may further include a storage device in addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 1, and the video acquisition unit 11 may store the video data in the storage device. Then, the video acquisition unit 11 outputs video data captured by the imaging camera 30 (which may include past video data stored in the storage device) to the determination unit 12 using the signal S2.

Next, with reference to FIG. 4, in step SP110, the determination part 12 searches the target object which performs water discharge based on the video data which imaged the water discharge area A1, and the said target object in the water discharge area A1 The presence or absence of is determined.
Specifically, the determination unit 12 to which the video data obtained by capturing the water discharge area A1 is input uses the edge data obtained by edge extraction and the feature data obtained by feature point extraction for the image of the video data. Object identification processing such as pattern matching used is performed. As this object identification processing, an image recognition technique performed by general image processing can be used. The determination unit 12 is registered in advance with reference data relating to edges, feature points, and the like of an object to be discharged.
Therefore, the determination unit 12 determines whether or not an object that matches the reference data of the object registered in advance is in the water discharge area A1 by the object identification process. It is possible to search for an object to be discharged.

The target to be discharged in the present invention is, for example, a human hand that is a user, a toilet tool such as a toothbrush, a drinking container such as a cup, and a cooking tool such as a pan or a kettle. Any object that receives water discharge from the water.
Moreover, even if it is an object other than these objects as long as it is an object that can be identified by the object identification process, it is possible to make an object to be discharged by registering in advance, even if it is not an object that generally receives water discharge. .

And in determination of the presence or absence of the target object in the water discharge area A1 which the determination part 12 performs, when the target object which performs water discharge exists in the water discharge area A1 (that is, the determination result in step SP110 is "YES"), water supply The system 1 performs the operation of step SP120 described later. On the other hand, when the target for water discharge is not in the water discharge area A1 (that is, when the determination result in step SP110 is “NO”), the water supply system 1 performs the operation of step SP115 described later.

When it is determined as “NO” in the determination in step SP110, in step SP115, the determination unit 12 outputs a determination signal S3 including information indicating that an object to be discharged has not been found to the control unit 13. To do. Furthermore, the control part 13 outputs the control signal S4 which does not perform water discharge toward the water supply valve 21 based on the said determination signal S3. The water supply valve 21 prevents water from being discharged from the water supply device 20 in accordance with the control signal S4.
In addition, when the water supply apparatus 20 is not discharging water from the beginning, in step SP115, the control part 13 does not need to output control signal S4. And the water supply system 1 which finished operation | movement of step SP115 complete | finishes a state determination process.

When it determines with "YES" by determination of step SP110, the determination part 12 determines the state of the said target object in step SP120. For example, the determination of the state of the target to be discharged is that the determination unit 12 is registered in advance in the determination unit 12 with the edge data and feature data of the target obtained from the video data captured by the imaging camera 30. It may be determined whether or not the reference state data relating to the predetermined state of the target object is compatible.
Further, the determination unit 12 can acquire the motion data of the target object based on the time change of the edge data and the feature data of the target object in the video captured by the imaging camera 30. The determination unit 12 determines whether or not the motion data of the target object and the reference motion data related to the predetermined motion of the target object registered in advance in the determination unit 12 are compatible. It can be determined whether or not is performing a predetermined operation.

The predetermined state of the object registered in advance is, for example, a state in which a human hand is registered as an object to be discharged, which is a state that requires water discharge. "The state of facing the direction of", the state of requesting to increase the amount of water discharge, "the state where only two fingers of the hand are extended (the state of the shape of the so-called Janken choke), and the amount of water discharge It may be a state where a request for reduction is made, such as “a state where a finger is closed and a fist is made”.
Further, if a cup is registered as an object to be discharged, the predetermined state is “a state where the mouth of the cup faces the direction of the water supply port 23”, which is a state that requires water discharge. It's okay. Furthermore, the predetermined movement of the object registered in advance is a sliding action of a hand if a human hand is registered as an object to be discharged. It may be a “matching operation”.
In addition, a predetermined state and a predetermined action regarding water discharge may be registered for each object registered as an object to be discharged. In step SP120, the determination unit 12 determines whether or not the object is compatible with these registered states and operations.

Next, in step SP130, the determination part 12 determines whether the water supply system 1 is performing the hand-washing monitoring process mentioned later. When the water supply system 1 is executing the hand washing monitoring process (that is, when the determination result in step SP130 is “YES”), the water supply system 1 continues the hand washing monitoring process being executed, and ends the state determination process. .
On the other hand, when the water supply system 1 is not executing the hand-washing monitoring process (that is, when the determination result in step SP130 is “NO”), in step SP140, the water supply system 1 performs an operation of a water discharge control process described later.

In addition, the state determination process shown in step SP100 to step SP140 is repeated at regular intervals or at predetermined intervals (for example, intervals appropriate for detecting the entry of an object in the water discharge area A1, such as an interval of 0.2 seconds). Has been done.
Therefore, the water supply system 1 can appropriately detect the object in the water discharge area A1 and determine the state of the object. Even when the hand washing monitoring process described later is being executed, the state determination process is repeatedly performed, and the determination result of the state of the object performed in the state determination process can be used in the hand washing monitoring process. .

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the water discharge control process. Hereinafter, the water discharge control process performed by the water supply system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, in step SP200, the determination unit 12 is in a state in which the target object requests increase / decrease of the water discharge amount registered in advance based on the determination of the state of the target object to be discharged performed in the state determination process. It is determined whether or not there is.
The state of the target to be discharged is a state that requests increase / decrease in the amount of discharged water, such as a request for increasing the discharged amount of the water supply device 20 registered in advance and a request for reducing the discharged amount. If there is (that is, the determination result in step SP200 is “YES”), the water supply system 1 performs the operation of step SP205. On the other hand, when the object to be discharged is not in a state of requesting increase / decrease of the discharged water amount (that is, when the determination result in step SP200 is “NO”), the water supply system 1 performs the operation of step SP210.

When it is determined “YES” in the determination in step SP200, in step SP205, the water supply system 1 increases or decreases the water discharge amount of the target object in the state determined in the state determination process. Control to change the water discharge amount corresponding to the state that requires
Specifically, the determination unit 12 outputs to the control unit 13 a determination signal S3 including information indicating that the water discharge amount is changed to a state that requires the increase / decrease of the water discharge amount. Furthermore, the control unit 13 outputs a control signal S4 toward the water supply valve 21 based on the determination signal S3, so that the water discharge amount of the water supply device 20 becomes the water discharge amount corresponding to the request. Controls the amount of opening and closing. That is, when the object to be discharged is in a state of requesting to increase the water discharge amount, the water supply valve 21 is controlled to increase the open / close amount, and the object to be discharged is a request to reduce the water discharge amount. When it is in the state which is carrying out, control which reduces the opening / closing amount with respect to the water supply valve 21 is performed.
In step SP205, when the water supply apparatus 20 is not discharging water, the control unit 13 may not output the control signal S4. And the water supply system 1 which finished operation | movement of step SP205 complete | finishes a water discharge control process.

When it is determined as “NO” in the determination in step SP200, in step SP210, the determination unit 12 determines whether or not the object is discharged based on the determination of the state of the object to be discharged in the state determination process. It is determined whether or not it is in a state that requires this.
When the state of the target to be discharged is a state that requires pre-registered water discharge (that is, when the determination result in step SP210 is “YES”), the water supply system 1 performs the operation of step SP215. On the other hand, when the state of the target to be discharged is not in a state that requires pre-registered discharge (that is, when the determination result in step SP210 is “NO”), the water supply system 1 performs the operation of step SP220. .

When it determines with "YES" by determination of step SP210, the determination part 12 outputs the determination signal S3 containing the information that water discharge is required toward the control part 13 in step SP215. And the control part 13 outputs control signal S4 toward the water supply valve 21, and performs control which opens the water supply valve 21. FIG.
In addition, this control may be control which maintains the state which the water supply valve 21 opened for predetermined time (for example, 5 second). And the water supply system 1 which finished operation | movement of step SP215 complete | finishes a water discharge control process.

When it is determined as “NO” in the determination in step SP210, in step SP220, the determination unit 12 determines that the object to be discharged is a user's hand, and the user slides the hand in a predetermined hand washing operation. It is determined whether or not an operation is being performed.
Specifically, based on the determination of the state of the object to be discharged, which is performed in the state determination process, the determination unit 12 is a “simple detergent” in which the user slides in the water discharge area A1. It is determined whether or not the “operation of attaching both hands together” is performed. When the object to be discharged is a user's hand and the user is performing a sliding motion of the hand (that is, when the determination result in step SP220 is “YES”), the water supply system 1 is described later in step SP225. Perform the operation. On the other hand, when the user is not performing the hand sliding operation (that is, when the determination result in step SP220 is “NO”), the water supply system 1 performs the operation of step SP230 described later.

When it is determined as “NO” in the determination in step SP220, in step SP230, the determination unit 12 outputs a determination signal S3 including information indicating that water discharge is not necessary, to the control unit 13.
And the control part 13 outputs control signal S4 toward the feed valve 21, and performs control which closes the feed valve 21. FIG. The water supply system 1 which finished operation | movement of step SP230 complete | finishes a water discharge control process.

When it determines with "YES" by determination of step SP220, the water supply system 1 performs a hand-washing monitoring process in step SP225.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the hand-washing monitoring process. Hereinafter, the hand-washing monitoring process performed by the water supply system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, in step SP300, the determination unit 12 outputs a determination signal S3 including information that water discharge is not necessary to the control unit 13. And the control part 13 outputs control signal S4 toward the feed valve 21, and performs control which closes the feed valve 21. FIG.

Next, in step SP310, the determination unit 12 starts measuring the time during which the user is performing the hand sliding motion. The time during which the user of the water supply apparatus 20 is performing the hand sliding operation (hereinafter referred to as the sliding time) is measured by operating a counter included in the determination unit 12 and counting up or counting down. It may be a thing.
Then, the determination unit 12 outputs a signal S5 including information indicating that the sliding time has started to be measured toward the information acquisition unit 14. With this information, the information acquisition unit 14 can acquire information related to the user's hand-washing such as the time when the user started the hand sliding operation and the time when the user started the hand sliding operation.

Next, in step SP320, the determination unit 12 determines whether or not the user has finished the sliding motion of the hand based on the determination of the state of the target for water discharge performed in the state determination process. . The water supply system 1 repeats the state determination process constantly or at predetermined intervals even during the hand washing monitoring process.
Therefore, the determination part 12 can determine the state and operation | movement of the user's hand which exists in the water discharge area A1 at any time, even during execution of the hand washing monitoring process. Based on the determination of the state and motion of the user's hand, the determination unit 12 determines whether or not the user has finished the sliding motion of the hand. When the user has not finished the hand sliding motion (that is, when the determination result in step SP320 is “NO”), the water supply system 1 periodically (until the user finishes the hand sliding motion ( For example, step SP320 is repeated every 0.2 seconds as in the state determination process. On the other hand, when the user finishes the hand sliding operation (that is, when the determination result in step SP320 is “YES”), the water supply system 1 performs the operation of step SP330 described later.

If it is determined as “YES” in the determination in step SP320, in step SP330, the determination unit 12 stops the measurement of the sliding time that has been performed.

Next, in step SP340, the determination unit 12 determines whether the sliding time by the user is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. This predetermined time may be the duration of the sliding motion of the hand that is adequate to clean the hand and that the effect of sterilization by hand washing is sufficiently recognized when the user performs hand washing. For example, 30 seconds. When the sliding time of the hand on which the determination unit 12 performs measurement is equal to or longer than the predetermined time (that is, when the determination result in step SP340 is “YES”), the water supply system 1 performs the operation of step SP370 described later. Do. On the other hand, when the sliding time measured by the determination unit 12 is less than the predetermined time (that is, when the determination result in step SP340 is “NO”), the water supply system 1 performs the operation of step SP350 described later. Do.

When it is determined as “NO” in the determination in step SP340, in step SP350, the water supply system 1 instructs the user to appropriately perform a predetermined hand washing operation.
Specifically, the determination unit 12 outputs a signal S5 including a determination result indicating that the user has not performed a predetermined hand washing operation toward the information acquisition unit 14. The information acquisition unit 14 stores information (information including instruction information and guidance information output to the user by the output unit 15) corresponding to the determination result of the type and state of the target to be discharged. have.
The information acquisition unit 14 instructs the storage unit to appropriately perform the predetermined hand-washing operation based on the input information indicating that the user has not performed the predetermined hand-washing operation. Read information. Then, the information acquisition unit 14 outputs a signal S6 including the instruction information to the output unit 15. Then, the output unit 15 outputs the input instruction information to the user.
Specifically, the output unit 15 may be an audio output device such as a speaker. For example, when the output unit 15 is a speaker, the instruction information is output by a voice instruction to the user such as “Insufficient hand washing time. Please continue hand washing”. Good.

Next, in step SP360, the determination unit 12 determines that the user who has stopped when the user starts the sliding motion of the hand based on the result of the state determination of the object to be discharged in the state determination process. Resume sliding time measurement. And the water supply system 1 which finished operation | movement of step SP360 returns to operation | movement of step SP320.
That is, the water supply system 1 measures the total sliding time of the user by the state determination process, and repeats the operations from step SP320 to step SP360 until the total sliding time becomes equal to or longer than a predetermined time.

When it determines with "YES" in step SP340, in step SP370, the determination part 12 outputs the determination signal S3 containing the information that water discharge is required toward the control part 13. FIG.
And the control part 13 outputs control signal S4 toward the water supply valve 21, and performs control which opens the water supply valve 21. FIG. In addition, the control which performs water discharge at this time may be control which maintains water discharge for a predetermined time.

Next, in step SP380, the restriction device 40 cancels the restriction on the user's entry into the predetermined hygiene management area. In the example of the water supply system 1 shown in FIG. 3, this restriction is released by unlocking the door separating the hand-washing area and the hygiene management area for a predetermined time so that the user can enter the hygiene management area. It may be.
Alternatively, the regulation device 40 has a sensor that can detect that the user has entered the sanitary management area, and the sensor unlocks the door until the user enters the sanitary management area. It may be. Further, at this time, the output unit 15 may output to the user information indicating that the restriction has been released, such as “hand washing has been completed. Access to the hygiene management area is permitted”.

As described above, the water supply system 1 performs the state determination process and the water discharge control process and the hand washing monitoring process performed based on the determination result of the state determination process.

Moreover, the information acquisition part 14 of the water supply system 1 can acquire the information regarding the utilization condition of the water supply apparatus 20 based on the result of a state determination process. Specifically, the determination unit 12 outputs information related to the result of the state determination of the target for water discharge performed in the state determination process as a signal S5 toward the information acquisition unit 14.
The information acquisition unit 14 acquires information related to the usage status of the water supply device 20 based on the information related to the input determination result. The information regarding the usage status of the water supply device 20 includes, for example, the time and frequency in which the user needs to discharge water (that is, the time and frequency at which the water supply device 20 discharges water) and the hand in the hand washing monitoring process. Information such as sliding time is included.

When the usage method of the water supply device 20 of the user is inappropriate based on the information on the usage status, the information acquisition unit 14 changes the information on the usage status from the storage unit that the information acquisition unit 14 has. Guidance information for guiding an appropriate usage of the corresponding water supply apparatus 20 is read out.
Then, the signal S6 including the guidance information is output to the output unit 15. Receiving the input of the signal S6 including the guidance information, the output unit 15 outputs the guidance information to the user. For example, when the output unit 15 is a speaker and the acquired information on the use situation includes information indicating that the user has been discharging the water supply device 20 for a long time, You may also output guidance information such as “Please use water. Moreover, guidance information is not restricted to what was illustrated, What is necessary is just to guide the appropriate usage method of the water supply apparatus 20. FIG.

Further, the determination unit 12 outputs a signal S5 including information on the user's sliding time obtained in the hand washing monitoring process and information indicating that the user's hand sliding operation has been completed to the information acquisition device 14. And the information acquisition part 14 may acquire such information as information regarding hand-washing.
And you may add the information regarding the said hand-washing to the information regarding the utilization condition of the water supply apparatus 20. FIG. When the hand washing information is added to the information on the usage status of the water supply device 20, for example, if the sliding time by the user exceeds 1 minute, the output unit 15 indicates that “hand washing is unnecessarily too long. Guidance on how to use the water supply apparatus 20 may be given as “a guideline is 45 seconds”.

Thus, according to the water supply system 1 which concerns on embodiment of this invention, the determination part 12 detects the target object which performs the water discharge which entered water discharge area A1. And based on the determination result which the determination part 12 determined the state and operation | movement of the said target object, if the user is in the state which requires a water discharge, the control part 13 will perform water discharge from the water supply apparatus 20 (that is, , Control to open the water supply valve 21).
In addition, if a target for water discharge is not detected in the water discharge area A1 or if a target for water discharge is detected in the water discharge area A1, the water supply device is not in a state that requires water discharge. Since the water discharge from 20 is not performed, the water supply system 1 can save water in the water supply apparatus 20.

Moreover, when the target for water discharge detected in the water discharge area A1 is in a state of requesting increase / decrease of the water discharge amount, the water supply valve 21 is set to have a water discharge amount corresponding to the state of requesting increase / decrease of the water discharge amount. Thus, the user of the water supply device 20 can increase or decrease the water discharge amount of the water supply device 20 without touching the water supply device 20.
Therefore, the water supply system 1 can prevent the sanitary condition of the hand from deteriorating when the user touches the water supply device 20.

Further, according to the water supply system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the hand-sliding operation such as “the operation of attaching the detergent and rubbing both hands” that does not require the user to discharge water is started by the hand washing monitoring process. In such a case, water discharge from the water supply device 20 is not performed.
Therefore, while the user performs a hand sliding operation that does not require water discharge, useless water discharge is not performed, so that the water supply system 1 can save water in the water supply device 20.

In addition, when the sliding time in the user's hand washing is not performed for a predetermined time or longer, water is not discharged by the water supply device 20, so that the user who has performed the hand washing using the detergent exceeds the predetermined time. If the hand is not slid, the hand cannot be rectified, and hand washing cannot be completed. Further, when the user performs hand washing with a sliding motion of the hand for a predetermined time or longer, water is discharged from the water supply device 20, and the user can end the hand washing by shaking his hand.
Therefore, when the user starts hand washing using the detergent, the user slides for a predetermined time or more, and the water supply system 1 deteriorates in the hygiene management area due to insufficient hand washing. Can be prevented.

When a predetermined hand washing operation such as performing a hand sliding operation for a predetermined time or longer is not performed, the output unit 15 outputs instruction information for performing the predetermined hand washing operation. Therefore, even if the user's hand washing is insufficient, the user is instructed to perform sufficient hand washing, and thus hygiene management by hand washing can be appropriately performed.
In addition, when the user's hand washing is insufficient, the regulating device 40 regulates the user's entry into the hygiene management area, so that a user with insufficient hand washing enters the hygiene management area. It is possible to prevent the sanitary condition of the hygiene management area from deteriorating.

Furthermore, the information acquisition part 14 acquires the information regarding the utilization condition of the water supply apparatus 20 obtained based on the image | video which the imaging camera 30 imaged, and the usage method of the water supply apparatus 20 by a user based on the information regarding the said utilization condition Is inappropriate, the output unit 15 guides the user how to use the water supply device 20 appropriately.
Therefore, even if there is a user who uses the water supply apparatus 20 inappropriately, the water supply system 1 can prompt the user to improve the usage of the water supply apparatus 20.

In the embodiment of the present invention, an example in which the output unit 15 is a speaker and outputs information by sound has been described. However, in the present invention, the output unit is not limited to the speaker, and may be a display or a lamp. Good. The output of information to the user may be a display of characters and symbols on a display, a state display by a lamp, or the like.
In the embodiment of the present invention, the example in which the regulating device 40 is a door that separates the hand-washing area and the hygiene management area has been shown. However, in the present invention, the regulating means is not limited to the door, and entry is prohibited by a guide plate. Any device that can appropriately regulate the user's behavior, such as a display device that prompts attention to do so or a guidance device that permits entry when the regulation is released, may be used.

Moreover, in the embodiment of the present invention, the example in which the imaging camera 30 is installed in the faucet 22 of the water supply apparatus 20 has been shown. However, in the present invention, the imaging camera 30 does not have to be installed in the faucet 22. It is only necessary to be installed at a location where the user can image the water discharge area A1, which is a region where the user receives water discharge from the water supply port 23, such as the wall around the sink 50 and the faucet 22.
Moreover, in this invention, the thing which has the water supply port 23 which the water supply apparatus 20 discharges water is not restricted to the faucet 22, What is necessary is just water supply equipment which can perform water discharge including a shower etc.
Moreover, the water which the water supply apparatus 20 discharges is not limited to cold water, and may be cold water, hot water, or a mixture of both. In that case, the control unit 13 switches between cold water and hot water or changes the mixing ratio of cold water and hot water based on the state determination of the target to be discharged using the image captured by the imaging camera 30. You may perform control which performs.

Furthermore, the present invention monitors the user's hand-washing operation and, when not performing the predetermined hand-washing operation, can instruct the user to perform the predetermined hand-washing. It is also expected to have an educational effect that makes people recognize the need for hand washing.
Therefore, by installing the water supply system 1 of the present invention in a facility used by a child such as a nursery school or a school, it is possible to encourage the child to perform an appropriate hand wash and to make an education for making an appropriate hand wash habit.

Further, it should be considered that the embodiment disclosed this time is illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the meanings described above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Water supply system 10 Water supply control apparatus 11 Image | video acquisition part 12 Determination part 13 Control part 14 Information acquisition part 15 Output part 20 Water supply apparatus 21 Water supply valve 30 Imaging camera 40 Control apparatus

Claims

An acquisition means for acquiring, from the imaging camera, an image of a water discharge area where the water supply device discharges water imaged by the imaging camera;
Control means for controlling the water supply valve of the water supply device based on the video acquired by the acquisition means;
A water supply control device.
Based on the video acquired by the acquisition means, further comprising a determination means for determining the state of the object in the video,
The water supply control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit switches opening and closing of the water supply valve based on a state of the object.
The object includes a hand of a user of the water supply device,
3. The water supply control device according to claim 2, wherein when the water is not discharged, the control means opens the water supply valve when a hand sliding operation is performed for a predetermined time or more.
The water supply control device according to claim 3, wherein the determination means closes the water supply valve when a hand sliding operation is started when water is discharged.
The water supply control device according to claim 1, wherein the control means adjusts an opening / closing amount of the water supply valve based on a state of the object.
A water supply device;
An imaging camera for imaging a water discharge area where the water supply device discharges water;
A water supply control device for controlling the water supply device;
With
The water supply control device
Acquisition means for acquiring an image of the water discharge area imaged by the imaging camera from the imaging camera;
Control means for controlling the water supply valve of the water supply device based on the video acquired by the acquisition means;
Having a water supply system.
The water supply control device
Determination means for determining whether or not a user of the water supply apparatus has performed a predetermined hand-washing operation based on the video acquired by the acquisition means;
As a result of determination by the determination unit, when the user has not performed the predetermined hand washing operation, an output unit that outputs instruction information for causing the user to perform the predetermined hand washing operation;
The water supply system according to claim 6, further comprising:
The water supply control device
Based on the video acquired by the acquisition means, further comprising a determination means for determining whether or not the user of the water supply device has performed a predetermined hand-washing operation;
The control unit according to claim 6, further comprising a control unit that controls entry of the user into a predetermined hygiene management area when the user does not perform the predetermined hand washing operation as a result of the determination by the determination unit. Water supply system.
The water supply control device
Information acquisition means for acquiring information on the usage status of the water supply device by a user of the water supply device;
Guidance for guiding an appropriate usage method of the water supply device to the user when the usage method of the water supply device by the user is inappropriate based on the information on the usage status acquired by the acquisition means An output means for outputting information;
The water supply system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, further comprising: