Information processing apparatus, information processing system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide an apparatus which easily confirms a sterilized region and acquires information for use in utilization of a facility for a user and an administrator.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus acquires facility information indicating use state of a facility, acquires user information relating to a user use request for the facility, allocates the user to a region in the facility based on the user information, detects whether or not the allocated region is sterilized by the user, and updates the facility information when it is detected that the region is sterilized.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosure of this specification relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] As a measure against infectious diseases, the importance of disinfection has been increasing.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a mobile autonomous robot that detects a substance to be disinfected with a sensor and automatically sprays hypochlorous acid for disinfection and deodorization. This robot can determine the object, location, means, amount, and time for supplying hypochlorous acid from the information detected by a chemical sensor and the information obtained from an image recognition means.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the robot described in Patent Document 1 does not confirm that a disinfection action has been performed, that is, that hypochlorous acid has been sprayed on an object or that the sprayed hypochlorous acid has been wiped off. Therefore, users who wish to use the facility and facility managers cannot easily confirm which areas within the facility have had a disinfection action performed and which have not.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention is characterized by comprising: means for acquiring facility information indicating the usage status of a facility; means for acquiring user information relating to a user's desire to use the facility; means for assigning a user to an area within the facility based on the user information; means for detecting whether the assigned area has been disinfected by the user; and means for updating the facility information when it is detected that the area has been disinfected.

[0007] Another system according to the present invention includes: cleaning information acquisition means for acquiring cleaning information indicating the cleaning status of an area to be cleaned; user information acquisition means for acquiring information about a user who uses the area to be cleaned; and determination means for determining information to be provided to the user based at least on the cleaning information and the user information.

[0008] The information processing device and information processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above allow users who wish to use a facility or facility managers to easily confirm the areas where disinfection has been performed and obtain information that is useful for using the facility. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of a system including an information processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a disinfectant visualization sheet according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows an example of an information processing method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a screen displayed by the information processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a screen displayed by the information processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7]A block diagram illustrating a system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] A flowchart illustrating a method according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] A figure showing an example of a server device in a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] A diagram illustrating a disinfectant visualization sheet according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] (First embodiment) As a measure against infectious diseases, the importance of managing the cleanliness and hygiene of areas within facilities used by a large number of people, such as equipment used by users, is increasing. In this specification, the act of maintaining cleanliness and hygiene, or the act of restoring a state in which cleanliness and hygiene have been compromised, is collectively referred to as disinfection (disinfection act). In this specification, the target of disinfection (disinfection act) is not limited to bacteria, but also includes viruses, fungi, microorganisms, contaminants from food, etc., and contaminants from users' saliva and hands, and disinfection (disinfection act) includes the act of wiping and cleaning these with appropriate chemicals and tools.

[0011] While the disclosures in this specification are not limited to specific facilities, the following explanation will use restaurants in commercial facilities (including food courts) and shared office spaces as examples.

[0012] [Facility Information Management System] Figure 1 shows an example of a system including an information processing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The facility information management system 100 includes a server device 200, a user terminal device 300, and a facility terminal device 400. The server device 200 is an example of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] The server device 200, the user terminal device 300, and the facility terminal device 400 can communicate with each other via a network. The network is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), or the Internet. The line used for communication in the network may be wired or wireless, and may be via various relay devices. The network for constituting the facility information management system 100 may have a plurality of networks or a plurality of lines.

[0014] The server device 200 acquires information from the user terminal device 300 and the facility terminal device 400, and manages the disinfection status of areas in the facility and the usage status of users. The server device 200 includes a management unit 210, an acquisition unit 220, a detection unit 230, and a presentation unit 240.

[0015] The management unit 210 acquires facility information indicating the usage status of the facility based on the information received from the facility terminal device 400. The management unit 210 assigns users to areas in the facility based on the user information acquired by the acquisition unit 220. More specifically, the management unit 210 determines whether it is possible to assign an area in the facility to a user based on the facility information and the user information. Further, the management unit 210 appropriately updates the facility information based on the content detected by the detection unit 230. More specifically, the management unit 210 updates the facility information when it detects that an area in the facility assigned to a user has been disinfected by the user. Details of the facility information will be described later. Furthermore, the management unit 210 determines an incentive based on the disinfection actions performed by the user. From this perspective, the management unit 210 can also be regarded as a means for granting an incentive to the user.

[0016] The acquisition unit 220 acquires user information regarding the user's usage request for the facility from the user terminal device 300. The acquisition unit 220 also acquires user attribute information regarding the attributes of the users using the facility from the user terminal device 300. Details of the user information and the user attribute information will be described later.

[0017] The detection unit 230 detects whether the area within the facility assigned to the user has been disinfected by the user based on the information acquired from the facility terminal device 400. For example, the detection unit 230 detects whether disinfection has been performed based on the disinfectant visualization sheet installed in each area. Details of the disinfectant visualization sheet will be described later.

[0018] The presentation unit 240 transmits information to the user terminal device 300 and the facility terminal device 400 to present the information to the user. When the management unit 210 determines that the user can be assigned an area, the presentation unit 240 transmits information indicating the assigned area to the device 300 or the device 400 to present it to the user. In addition, when the management unit 210 determines that the user cannot be assigned an area, the presentation unit 240 transmits information about the time when the user can be assigned an area to the device 300 or the device 400 to present it to the user. Furthermore, the presentation unit 240 gives an incentive to the user by transmitting information about the incentive for the disinfection action determined by the management unit 210 to the user terminal device 300. In this regard, the presentation unit 240 is an example of a means for giving an incentive to the user.

[0019] The server device 200 is not limited to a single device. It may be configured as an information processing system by a plurality of devices provided on a network, or the functions of the server device 200 in this specification may be realized in a cloud environment.

[0020] The user terminal device 300 is, for example, a smartphone or tablet owned by a user who wishes to use the facility. The user terminal device 300 sends and receives information with the server device 200 when using the facility. The user terminal device 300 has an application for the user to input user information and user attribute information. This application may be specific to the facility, or it may be an application that displays screens received from the server device 300. The system 100 may have multiple user terminal devices 300. The user terminal device 300 may be able to determine its own location. Location information is determined based on the reception of beacons, GPS (Global Positioning System) signals, mobile phone base station location information, or Wi-Fi base station location information.

[0021] The facility terminal device 400 is, for example, a computer or tablet installed in the facility. The facility terminal device 400 may also be a terminal carried by the facility manager or employees. It acquires information regarding the facility's usage status and information regarding disinfection activities and transmits it to the server device 200. The facility terminal device 400 may be installed within the facility and used to present facility information to users. The facility terminal device 400 may be installed in each area within the facility and acquire information regarding the usage status and disinfection activities of each area. Alternatively, the facility terminal device 400 may acquire information regarding the usage status and disinfection activities of each area from other terminals or sensors installed in each area within the facility. The system 100 may have multiple facility terminal devices 400.

[0022] [Hardware configuration of server device 200] Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the server device 200. The server device 200 includes a communication interface (IF) 31, read-only memory (ROM) 32, random access memory (RAM) 33, a storage unit 34, and a control unit 35.

[0023] The communication interface 31 is composed of, for example, a LAN card. The communication interface 31 communicates between the server device 200 and external devices such as user terminal devices 300 and facility terminal devices 400. The communication interface 31 stores the information to be output in a transfer packet and outputs it to the external device via LAN 21 using a communication technology such as TCP / IP. The server device 200 may have multiple communication interfaces to suit the desired communication configuration.

[0024] ROM32 is composed of non-volatile memory, etc. ROM32 stores programs and data related to the control procedures performed by the control unit 35. ROM32 stores the boot program and various initial data for the server device 200. Furthermore, ROM32 stores various programs necessary to implement the processing of the server device 200.

[0025] RAM33 is composed of volatile memory and the like. RAM33 provides a working memory area when the control unit 35 performs control using instruction programs. RAM33 temporarily stores information such as programs for executing processes in the server device 200 and each unit connected thereto, as well as various parameters used in information processing.

[0026] The storage unit 34 is composed of, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 34 stores information based on control from each component connected to it.

[0027] The control unit 35 is composed of components such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The control unit 35 comprehensively controls the server device 200 and the various components connected to it. The control unit 35 performs control by executing a program stored in the ROM 32. The control unit 35 also performs input / output control for the operation unit 36. Furthermore, the control unit 35 executes a display driver, which is software for controlling the display unit 37, and performs display control for the display unit 37.

[0028] The CPU and GPU, which are examples of the configuration of the control unit 35, are examples of processors. The ROM 32, RAM 33, and storage unit 34 are examples of memory. The server device 200 may have multiple processors. In this embodiment, the functions of the server device 200 are realized by the execution of programs stored in memory by the processors of the server device 200. The server device 200 may also have a CPU, GPU, or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) dedicated to specific processing. The server device 200 may also have an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) programmed for specific or all processing.

[0029] The server device 200 may be connected to an operation unit 36 ​​and a display unit 37. The operation unit 36 ​​is composed of, for example, a keyboard and mouse. The operation unit 36 ​​inputs instructions from the user to the server device 200. The display unit 37 displays information based on the control from the server device 200. Furthermore, the display unit 37 provides an interface for receiving user instructions based on the control from the server device 200. The display unit 37 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. Note that the operation unit 36 ​​and the display unit 37 may be integrated as a touch panel display.

[0030] The program that enables the server device 200 to perform a series of operations in system 100 may be provided via communication means or stored on various recording media. Furthermore, the configuration for realizing a series of functions in system 100 does not need to be implemented entirely by the server device 200; some configurations may be implemented by user terminal devices 300 or facility terminal devices 400.

[0031] [Facility Information] An example of facility information is described below. Facility information is information that indicates the usage status of a facility. Facility information includes information that indicates the usage status of areas within the facility. Information that indicates the usage status of areas within the facility includes at least information that indicates availability. Information that indicates availability includes information that indicates whether a user is using the area and information that indicates the user's usage time. Information that indicates the user's usage time may be information entered by the user at the time of use, or it may be a time that is predicted based on the user's attributes.

[0032] Information indicating the usage status of areas within a facility may include other information tailored to the characteristics of the facility. In the case of a restaurant or food court, an area within the facility might be, for example, a dining table. Information indicating the usage status of areas within a facility may include, in addition to information for identifying the area, information such as the capacity of each area (table), the type of table, and the surrounding environment of the table. Information indicating the type of table may include, for example, whether wheelchairs or strollers can be used as seats. Information indicating the surrounding environment of the table may include, for example, whether smoking is permitted, the distance to the smoking area, the distance to the restroom or baby changing room, and the distance to the air conditioner.

[0033] In the case of a shared office space, the areas within the facility are, for example, desks used for work. Information indicating the usage status of areas within the facility may include information to identify the area, as well as information such as the capacity of each area (desk), the type of desk, and the surrounding environment of the desk. Information indicating the type of desk may include, for example, the size of the desk, whether or not communication equipment is available, whether or not there is equipment for meetings, and whether or not it can be used as a private room. Information indicating the surrounding environment of the desk may include, for example, whether or not meetings or phone calls are permitted, and the distance from areas where meetings or phone calls are permitted.

[0034] Furthermore, facility information includes at least information regarding disinfection of areas within the facility. This information indicates whether a user is using the area, whether disinfection was performed after the user's use, or whether disinfection was not performed after the user's use. This information may also consist of the time the user started using the area, the time the user ended their use (this may be left blank if the area is still being used), and the time the user last performed disinfection. Facility information is constructed by associating the above information with each area within the facility.

[0035] The facility terminal device 400 transmits information to the server device 200 at predetermined intervals or in response to a command from the server device 200, so that the server device 200 can acquire facility information. Information indicating availability may be acquired based on information acquired by the acquisition unit 220. Alternatively, the facility terminal device 400 may transmit information indicating availability to the server device 200. It is preferable that the information indicating availability be updated in real time. Information regarding disinfection activities is acquired by the facility terminal device 400 transmitting information to the server device 200. Information regarding disinfection activities may be updated in real time, transmitted from the facility terminal device 400 in response to a command from the server device 200, or transmitted to the server device 200 when the facility terminal device 400 detects a disinfection activity performed by a user.

[0036] Information such as the form of tables and desks, and the surrounding environment, is not expected to change frequently, so it may be obtained based on pre-entered information.

[0037] [User Information] User information refers to information about a user's desire to use the facility. For example, user information may include information indicating a desire to use the facility at a specific time. User information may also include information indicating a desired usage time from a specific point in time. User information may also include information regarding reservations for facility use at a specific date and time. User information may also include information about rights acquired through incentives described later.

[0038] User information is entered by the user via the user terminal device 300 and transmitted to the server device 200.

[0039] [User attribute information] User attribute information refers to information about the attributes of users who use a facility. User attribute information is appropriately structured to suit the characteristics of the facility used by the user. If the facility is a restaurant or food court in a commercial building, user attribute information may include the user's age, gender, whether they have children, and purchasing tendencies. If the facility is a shared office or co-working space, user attribute information may include the user's name and affiliation.

[0040] [Detection of disinfection activities] The server device 200 acquires information regarding disinfection activities. This information is obtained based on information transmitted from the facility terminal device 400 to the server device 200. An example of a method for detecting disinfection activities is described below, but the detection can be performed by either the server device 200 or the facility terminal device 400; the important thing is that the server device 200 ultimately acquires the information regarding the disinfection activities.

[0041] The detection unit 230 detects environmental changes in areas within the facility and determines whether or not disinfection has been performed. For example, the facility terminal device 400 outputs information regarding environmental changes in areas within the facility as a numerical value to the server device 200, and the detection unit 230 can determine that disinfection has been performed if the numerical value is greater than a predetermined threshold. Alternatively, it can determine that disinfection has been performed if the numerical value is less than a predetermined threshold. The threshold can be appropriately determined according to the area within the facility. Note that environmental changes in areas within the facility refer to changes in the environment within the area and the environment surrounding the area within the facility. The area surrounding the area within the facility only needs to be within a range detectable by the facility terminal device 400.

[0042] The means for detecting that disinfection has been performed are not particularly limited as long as they can detect environmental changes in an area within the facility. For example, at least one means selected from the group consisting of means for detecting optical changes, means for detecting vibrations, means for detecting electrical changes, and means for detecting temperature changes can be used. The facility terminal device 400 may have these means, or the facility terminal device 400 may acquire information from another terminal or sensor that has these means.

[0043] (Means for detecting optical changes) The means for detecting optical changes detects changes in light emanating from an area within the facility. Here, a change in light refers to at least one of either a change in light intensity or a change in light wavelength.

[0044] Means for detecting optical changes include imaging means, such as cameras, video cameras, terminals with camera functions, smartphones and tablets, and surveillance cameras. It is also possible to use cameras worn by workers performing disinfection (wearable cameras, mobile cameras). Typical examples of means for detecting optical changes are image information acquisition means, which may acquire still images or moving images. If the image information acquisition means acquires moving images, it may also have means for acquiring images of the area to be disinfected from moving images acquired over a certain period. In order to acquire images of the area to be disinfected from moving images, it may also have means for detecting change points in the moving images. In that case, from a security standpoint, it is preferable not to store images of areas other than the area to be disinfected.

[0045] Furthermore, the means for detecting optical changes may be to detect optical changes in areas within the facility without acquiring images. For example, if the disinfectant is a liquid, a liquid intrusion indicator may be used to detect whether or not the liquid has been applied. When using the disinfectant visualization sheet described later, for example, the color (specific wavelength) of the colored state of the visualization agent provided in an area within the facility may be detected. Alternatively, if the visualization agent is provided in the form of a two-dimensional code, arranged to show textual information, or arranged to show image information (a diagram), as described later, the system may detect that.

[0046] (Means for detecting vibrations) The means for detecting vibrations should be capable of detecting vibrations associated with disinfection activities, such as vibrations of furniture like desks and chairs. For example, at least one of an acceleration sensor and a velocity sensor can be used to detect vibrations that indicate disinfection has taken place. The acceleration sensor may be contact-type or non-contact-type. In the case of a contact-type sensor, piezoelectric, conductive, or strain gauge type sensors can be used. In the case of a non-contact-type sensor, displacement detection type sensors such as eddy current, capacitive, or optical types can be used.

[0047] (Means for detecting electrical changes) Means for detecting electrical changes include detecting electrical changes such as current or voltage that occur when a disinfectant is applied. Examples include pH meters, alcohol sensors, and circuits where the current or voltage changes when a liquid is applied.

[0048] (Means for detecting temperature changes) The means for detecting temperature changes is to detect temperature changes in a specific area within the facility or in its surroundings. For example, it can detect a temperature drop due to evaporative cooling after a disinfectant such as alcohol is applied to an area within the facility, or it can detect a temperature rise in an object to be disinfected when a person is wiping off the disinfectant applied to the object. A known temperature sensor can be used as the means for detecting temperature changes in this embodiment.

[0049] (Information regarding the time when disinfection was performed) Information regarding the time of disinfection is not limited to the exact time the disinfection was performed or any similar information. It is at least one selected from the group consisting of the time the disinfectant was wiped, the time the disinfectant was confirmed to have been wiped, and the time elapsed since the last disinfection.

[0050] (Information regarding the location where disinfection was performed) Information regarding the location where disinfection was performed includes the location where the object to be disinfected was placed, the room in which the object was placed, etc. Information regarding the location where disinfection was performed may also be indicated by information that identifies areas within the facility, which is included in the facility information.

[0051] (Disinfectant) While the disinfectants disclosed herein are not particularly limited, they are typically liquid compositions sprayed onto areas within a facility. Examples of active ingredients in the liquid composition include surfactants, basic components, acidic components, and alcohols. Examples of basic components include alkalis, perchloric acid, hypochlorous acid, and their sodium salts.

[0052] (Disinfectant Visualization Sheet) One example of a means of visualizing the disinfection process through optical changes is the disinfectant visualization sheet 500. The disinfectant visualization sheet 500 has a base material 520 and a color-changing portion 510 provided on the base material 520 (Figure 3(a)). The color-changing portion 510 has a visualization agent (not shown) whose color state changes when a disinfectant is applied. Thus, using the disinfectant visualization sheet according to this embodiment, the application of the disinfectant can be confirmed by visually observing the change in the color state, making it convenient. Furthermore, the disinfectant and the visualization agent are mixed only when the disinfectant is applied to the disinfectant visualization sheet, and the time during which the disinfectant and visualization agent are mixed is short. Therefore, the materials used can be easily stored for a long period of time.

[0053] (Colored part) The coloring portion in this embodiment has at least a visualizing agent. The coloring portion may also have a binder to improve adhesion to the substrate. A resin can be used as the binder, for example, a urethane resin or polyvinyl alcohol.

[0054] The thickness of the colored portion is preferably 1 μm to 80 μm. More preferably 5 μm to 60 μm, and particularly preferably 15 μm to 50 μm. If the colored portion exceeds 80 μm, adhesion to the substrate will be poor, which is undesirable. If the colored portion is thinner than 1 μm, sufficient color development will not occur, which is also undesirable.

[0055] (Visualizing agent) The visualizing agent in this embodiment is not particularly limited as long as it changes its color state upon reaction with the aforementioned disinfectant. In this embodiment, a change in color state means a change that can be visually confirmed as a difference in color before and after the application of the disinfectant. For example, this could be a change from an invisible state to a visible state, a change from a visible state to an invisible state, or a change in color that can be visually recognized. Here, a change in color that can be visually recognized includes changes in the intensity of the color.

[0056] One phenomenon in which the color state changes is chromism. Examples of chromism include photochromism, thermochromism, electrochromism, acidichromism, solvatochromism, and vaporochromism. In this embodiment, substances that produce these phenomena are called chromic substances, and can be specifically called photochromic substances, thermochromic substances, electrochromic substances, acidichromic substances, solvatochromic substances, and vaporochromic substances.

[0057] Acidichromic substances change color with changes in pH, and the range of color development varies depending on the properties of each substance. For example, metanyl yellow, metacresol purple, thymol blue, tropeoline O, 2,4-dinitrophenol, methyl yellow, bromophenol blue, Congo red, methyl orange, bromochlorophenol blue, alizarin red S, bromocresol green, methyl orange-xylenecyanol FF, 2,5-dinitrophenol, methyl orange-indigocarmine, methyl red, methyl orange-xylenecyanol FF-phenolphthalein, lacmoid, chlorophenol red, o-nitrophenol, p-nitrophenol, bromocresol green-methyl red, bromocresol purple, bromophenol red, It is at least one selected from the group consisting of Chill Red-Methylene Blue, Bromothymol Blue, Neutral Red, Phenol Red, Neutral Red-Bromothymol Blue, Cresol Red, α-Naphtholphthalein, Bromothymol Blue-Phenol Red, Curcumin, Phenolphthalein, Cresol Red-Thymol Blue, o-Cresolphthalein, α-NaphtholBenzein, Thymolphthalein, Thymol Blue-Phenolphthalein, Alizarin Yellow GG, Alizarin Yellow R, Tropeolin O, Nitramine, 1,3,5-Trinitrobenzene, Indigo Carmine, Methyl Violet, Litmus, and Methyl Purple. Some change color in either an acidic or alkaline pH range, while others, like Thymol Blue, change color in both acidic and alkaline conditions.For lower toxicity and greater preference, the following are desirable: metanyl yellow, metacresol purple, thymol blue, tropeoline O, bromophenol blue, bromochlorophenol blue, alizarin red S, bromocresol green, methyl red, lacmoid, chlorophenol red, o-nitrophenol, bromocresol purple, bromophenol red, bromothymol blue, neutral red, phenol red, cresol red, α-naphtholphthalein, phenolphthalein, o-cresolphthalein, thymolphthalein, alizarin yellow GG, alizarin yellow R, tropeoline O, methyl violet, litmus, and methyl purple. Since the color changes between pH 3 and 11, the most desirable disinfectants are metacresol purple, thymol blue, tropeoline O, bromophenol blue, bromochlorophenol blue, alizarin red S, bromocresol green, methyl red, lacmoid, chlorophenol red, o-nitrophenol, bromocresol purple, bromophenol red, bromothymol blue, neutral red, phenol red, cresol red, α-naphtholphthalein, phenolphthalein, o-cresolphthalein, thymolphthalein, alizarin yellow GG, alizarin yellow R, litmus, and methyl purple. It is desirable that alkaline disinfectants change color in alkaline conditions, and acidic disinfectants change color in acidic conditions.

[0058] Furthermore, the visualization agent changes color and recovers as the disinfectant volatilizes. Here, "recovering" means returning to the state before the disinfectant was applied. In other words, the color state is reversible. That is, the visualization agent used in this embodiment can change its color state for a certain period of time when the disinfectant is applied, and then return to the state before the disinfectant was applied. For example, a visualization agent that is invisible to the naked eye can change its color state to a visible state when a disinfectant is applied, and then return to an invisible state after a certain period of time. In this way, because the visualization agent is reversible, it can be used in situations where disinfection needs to be repeated.

[0059] It is acceptable to use two or more types of visualization agents. For example, it is desirable to use visualization agents that maintain their color for different durations, as this allows the time elapsed since contact with the disinfectant to be displayed as an indicator.

[0060] (base material) In this embodiment, the substrate can be any substrate on which a coloring portion is provided. If the substrate is a resin sheet, it is preferable because it is lightweight and flexible. Examples of resin sheets include polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, and polyethylene terephthalate / isophthalate copolymers; polyolefin resins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polymethylpentene; polyfluoroethylene resins such as polyvinyl fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, and ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymers; aliphatic polyamide resins such as nylon 6 and nylon 6,6; vinyl polymer resins such as polyvinyl chloride, vinyl chloride / vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene / vinyl alcohol copolymer, polyvinyl alcohol, and vinylon; cellulose resins such as cellulose triacetate and cellophane; acrylic resins such as polymethyl methacrylate, polyethyl methacrylate, polyethyl acrylate, and polybutyl acrylate; and other synthetic resins such as polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyarylate, and polyimide. The resin sheet may be used individually or in combination or laminated form of two or more types. It is preferable to provide a receptive layer on the substrate to hold the colored portion. This is because the receptive layer is more likely to hold the colored portion when the visualization agent is an ink.

[0061] In this embodiment, it is desirable that the receiving layer of the substrate does not react with the visualization agent. For example, in the case of a visualization agent that develops color in an alkaline environment, it is desirable that the receiving layer be neutral or acidic. If the receiving layer and the visualization agent react, it is undesirable because the color will develop before it can react with the disinfectant.

[0062] The substrate in this embodiment may be transparent, opaque, or colored. If the visualizing agent is colored before reacting with the disinfectant, it is desirable that the substrate be a color close to that color.

[0063] In this embodiment, the base material can be release paper, a metal plate, wood, or the like. Furthermore, an adhesive portion may be provided to bond the base material to other components.

[0064] (holding part) In this embodiment, the disinfectant visualization sheet 500 may have a holding portion 530 that holds the disinfectant on the color-developing portion 510 (Figure 3(b)). The holding portion 530 can extend the time that the disinfectant is held, thus extending the time that the disinfectant reacts with the visualization agent and develops color. Furthermore, the time of color development can be controlled by appropriately selecting the material provided in the holding portion 530. For example, the time it takes for the color to change from a visible colored state to a state that is not visible can be controlled.

[0065] Because of this function, the holding unit can also be referred to as the decolorization time control unit.

[0066] The retaining portion preferably has voids to hold the applied disinfectant. For example, it can be formed from inorganic particles and resin that form the voids. The inorganic particles used here are at least one selected from the group consisting of pearl necklace-shaped silica particles, chain-shaped silica particles, spherical colloidal silica, non-spherical colloidal silica, alumina particles, titania particles, and zirconia particles. The peak position of the particle size distribution of the inorganic fine particles by dynamic light scattering method is preferably 1 nm to 300 nm. More preferably 1 nm to 150 nm, and even more preferably 1 nm to 60 nm. In particular, pearl necklace-shaped silica particles are preferably 20 nm to 50 nm. Chain-shaped silica particles are preferably 1 nm to 10 nm. If the particle size is too large, the voids will decrease, which is undesirable. On the other hand, if the particle size is too small, the pore diameter of the voids formed by the inorganic particles will become too small, which is undesirable because the absorption rate of the applied disinfectant will slow down. The pore diameter is preferably such that the pore diameter distribution curve has a maximum peak in the range of 5 nm to 20 nm.

[0067] If the peak pore diameter is 5 nm or less, the absorption rate of the disinfectant will be slow, and if it exceeds 20 nm, the haze may increase. High haze makes the surface appear whitish, which is undesirable as it reduces the visibility of the colored area. Pore diameter can be determined by BET specific surface area measurement.

[0068] The resin used here can be selected from a variety of resins, but if the disinfectant is water-based, a water-soluble resin is preferred. The water-soluble resin can be at least one selected from the group consisting of, for example, cellulosic binders such as methylcellulose, methylhydroxyethylcellulose, methylhydroxypropylcellulose, and hydroxyethylcellulose; starch and its modified products; gelatin and its modified products; natural polymer resins or derivatives thereof such as casein, pullulan, acacia gum, karaya gum, and albumin; polyvinyl alcohol and its modified products; latexes and emulsions such as SBR latex, NBR latex, methyl methacrylate-butadiene copolymer, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer; vinyl polymers such as polyacrylamide and polyvinylpyrrolidone; polyethyleneimine, polypropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, and maleic anhydride or its copolymers.

[0069] The thickness of the holding portion does not need to be uniform. For example, the holding time of the disinfectant can be controlled by changing the thickness of a portion of it. This is desirable because it allows control of the color development time of the color-developing portion, and the time since the disinfectant came into contact with the material can be displayed as an indicator.

[0070] (Protection Department) In this embodiment, a protective portion may be provided on the coloring portion to protect the coloring portion. Here, "on the coloring portion" means that the protective portion may be provided so as to be in contact with the coloring portion, or if a holding portion is provided on the coloring portion, the protective portion may be provided on the holding portion. For example, if a water-soluble resin is used as the holding portion, the surface will become viscous, so it is preferable to coat it with a protective layer. As the protective portion in this embodiment, at least one selected from the group consisting of resins such as acrylic resins, vinyl acetate resins, polyvinyl chloride resins, ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer resins, polyamide resins, polyester resins, urethane resins, polyolefin resins, and copolymer resins thereof can be used.

[0071] Furthermore, the decolorization time control unit is preferable because it can provide durability by repeatedly wiping the surface of the disinfectant visualization sheet with the disinfectant.

[0072] (QR code) In this embodiment, the disinfectant visualization sheet can have the visualization agent arranged in the shape of a two-dimensional code.

[0073] The two-dimensional code is at least one selected from the group consisting of QR Code (registered trademark), Micro QR Code (registered trademark), SP Code, VeriCode, MaxiCode, CP Code, Data Matrix, DataMatrix ECC200, Code1, AztecCode, Interactor Code, Card e, Chameleon Code, PDF417, Micro PDF417, Code49, Code16K, Codablock, SuperCode, Ultra Code, RSS Composite, and AztecMesa. The visualization agent is provided so as to form a two-dimensional code on the substrate, and the two-dimensional code can be read by the aforementioned imaging means, and it can be determined that a disinfectant has been applied based on the image information.

[0074] The QR code can be used to obtain information about the time the disinfectant was applied and the location where it was applied. Furthermore, scanning the QR code may display text or images indicating that disinfection (cleaning) is complete on the display device of the terminal that read the code. If the facility is a place where users must pay a fee, such as a restaurant, shared office, or co-working space, scanning the QR code may connect to the attached payment system. Additionally, scanning the QR code can motivate users to disinfect (clean) by displaying information such as points, rewards, discounts, or gifts available at the store or facility, using text or other means.

[0075] (Another example of a disinfectant visualization sheet) In another example of the disinfectant visualization sheet in this embodiment, the color-developing portion may be provided with visualization particles containing a visualization agent and supporting particles that carry the visualization agent. An aggregate of visualization particles can function as the color-developing portion. When visualization particles are used, the positions of the moisturizing layer and the layer containing the visualization particles can be microscopically designed, enabling precise design of properties.

[0076] (Invisible part) In yet another example of the disinfectant visualization sheet in this embodiment, multiple principles can be used in combination with the above-mentioned visualization agent. An invisible portion can be provided in the sheet having the above-mentioned visualization color-changing portion. In this embodiment, the invisible portion can be provided with an invisible material that absorbs light in the ultraviolet and infrared wavelengths. The ultraviolet and infrared regions include near-ultraviolet and near-infrared. By providing an invisible agent, it becomes possible to perform additional verification from a third-party perspective in addition to visual confirmation of disinfectant application.

[0077] Alternatively, the disinfectant visualization sheet in this embodiment can be further combined with thermochromism. For example, a dye that changes color with temperature can be used in combination with the visualization color-changing part. This allows for a further change in color not only when the disinfectant is present or absent, but also when the temperature changes due to the environment in which it is used. This makes it possible to indirectly determine the history of touch, etc. The thermochromic dye can be selected from known substances.

[0078] In this embodiment, the invisible material can be at least one selected from the group consisting of phthalocyanine dyes, naphthalocyanine dyes, metal complex dyes, polymethine dyes, quinone dyes, azo dyes, diphenylmethane and triphenylmethane dyes, radical dyes, perimidine dyes, and Au nanorods as the dye that absorbs the infrared region. The dye that absorbs the ultraviolet region and emits fluorescence is at least one selected from the group consisting of merocyanine, perylene, acridine, luciferin, pyranine, stilbene, rhodamine, coumarin, and fluorescein.

[0079] (Visible wavelength range) In this embodiment, the visible wavelength range refers to light with wavelengths between 360 nm and 830 nm. The wavelength range in the infrared region is between 900 nm and 14 μm, and the wavelength range in the ultraviolet region is between 100 nm and 400 nm.

[0080] (Marking composition) The color-changing portion provided on the disinfectant visualization sheet in this embodiment may be provided as a marking to indicate whether or not the disinfectant has been applied (whether or not it has been washed). In this embodiment, the material used for marking can be called a marking composition. The marking composition includes the above-mentioned visualization agent and solvent, and examples of solvents include hydrophobic solvents and aqueous solvents. Examples of hydrophobic solvents include organic solvents such as heptane and petroleum ether, and examples of aqueous solvents include water and alcohol.

[0081] In this embodiment, water or a mixed medium using water as the main solvent in combination with a protic organic solvent or an aprotic organic solvent can be used as the aqueous solvent. In this embodiment, it is preferable to use an organic solvent that can be miscible or dissolved with water in any proportion, and it is preferable to use a homogeneous mixed medium containing 50% by mass or more of water. As water, it is preferable to use deionized water (ion-exchanged water) or ultrapure water.

[0082] Protic organic solvents are organic solvents that have hydrogen atoms bonded to oxygen or nitrogen (acidic hydrogen atoms). Aprotic organic solvents are organic solvents that do not have acidic hydrogen atoms. Examples of organic solvents include alcohols, alkylene glycols, polyalkylene glycols, glycol ethers, glycol ether esters, carboxylic acid amides, ketones, keto alcohols, or cyclic ethers.

[0083] Suitable aqueous media include, for example, water, a water / ethanol mixed solvent, a water / ethylene glycol mixed solvent, or a water / N-methylpyrrolidone mixed solvent. The water content is preferably 10.0% by mass or more and 90.0% by mass or less, and more preferably 50.0% by mass or more and 90.0% by mass or less, based on the total mass of the composition.

[0084] The content of water-soluble organic solvents in the composition is preferably 5.0% by mass or more and 90.0% by mass or less, and more preferably 10.0% by mass or more and 50.0% by mass or less, based on the total mass of the composition.

[0085] (Other additives) In this embodiment, the marking composition may, as necessary, contain polyhydric alcohols such as trimethylolpropane and trimethylolethane, and water-soluble organic compounds such as urea and urea derivatives such as ethylene urea. Furthermore, the marking composition in this embodiment may, as necessary, contain various additives such as surfactants, pH adjusters, rust inhibitors, preservatives, fungicides, antioxidants, reduction inhibitors, evaporation accelerators, chelating agents, and water-soluble resins. Examples of the surfactants include anionic, cationic, and nonionic surfactants. The surfactant content in the marking composition is preferably 0.1% by mass or more and 5.0% by mass or less, and more preferably 0.1% by mass or more and 2.0% by mass or less, based on the total mass of the composition. Specific examples of the surfactants include nonionic surfactants such as polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ethers, polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymers, and acetylene glycol compounds.

[0086] When the marking composition in this embodiment is ejected from an inkjet recording head to record an image on a recording medium, it is preferable to use a marking composition whose surface tension and viscosity are appropriately controlled. Specifically, the concentration of the colorant compound in the marking composition is preferably about 5% to 20%. The surface tension of the composition at 25°C is preferably 10 mN / m to 60 mN / m, more preferably 20 mN / m to 60 mN / m, and particularly preferably 30 mN / m to 50 mN / m. The viscosity of the composition at 25°C is preferably 1.0 mPa·s to 10 mPa·s, and more preferably 1.0 mPa·s to 5 mPa·s.

[0087] (Image recording method (Method for applying marking composition)) The image recording method in this embodiment relates to a method for applying the marking composition to a substrate. Various methods can be used for the image recording method in this embodiment, such as inkjet, flexographic, screen, offset, and spin coating methods. For example, the inkjet method is a method of recording an image on a recording medium by ejecting the marking composition in this embodiment from an inkjet recording head. Methods for ejecting the marking composition include methods that impart mechanical energy to the marking composition and methods that impart thermal energy to the composition. Aside from using the marking composition in this embodiment, known methods can be used for the steps of the inkjet recording method.

[0088] (Disinfectant visible particles) The disinfectant visualization particles 540 according to this embodiment change in color state when a disinfectant is applied. Specifically, it has a visualization agent 530 whose color state changes when a disinfectant is applied, and a supported particle 510 that carries the visualization agent (Figure 3(c)). The disinfectant visualization particles 540 according to this embodiment may also have a decolorization time control unit (not shown). The decolorization time control unit does not necessarily have to be layered. Porous particles can be used as the decolorization time control unit. For example, at least one selected from the group consisting of mesoporous silica particles, porous silica particles, porous titania particles, porous zirconia particles, porous ceria particles, porous zinc oxide particles, porous crosslinked polymethyl methacrylate particles, porous crosslinked polystyrene particles, and porous methyl methacrylate-styrene copolymer crosslinked particles can be used. By impregnating the porous particles with a solution in which the visualization agent is dissolved and drying them, disinfectant visualization particles with a colored portion can be formed.

[0089] The surface of the porous particles may be treated to be hydrophilic or hydrophobic. Hydrophilicity is preferred when the disinfectant is water-based, and hydrophobicity is preferred when it is not water-based.

[0090] Furthermore, the visible disinfectant particles are highly rigid, making them durable even after repeated wiping with disinfectant, which is desirable.

[0091] The particle size of the disinfectant visualization particles is preferably 30 nm to 5 μm. More preferably 50 nm to 3 μm, and particularly preferably 80 nm to 1 μm. A particle size smaller than 30 nm is undesirable because it results in poor dispersion efficiency and problems with storage stability. A particle size larger than 5 μm is undesirable because the disinfectant visualization particles tend to settle when dispersed in the solution.

[0092] (Sheet using visible disinfectant particles) As shown in Figure 3(d), the disinfectant-visible particles according to this embodiment can also be used as a sheet by placing the disinfectant-visible particles 540 on a substrate 520.

[0093] (Coating solution and coated material containing visible disinfectant particles) The disinfectant-visible particles according to this embodiment can also be used as a coating liquid such as a dispersion or slurry. The coating liquid can also be applied to an article to form a coated object.

[0094] (Modified form of disinfectant visible particles) The disinfectant visualization particles according to this embodiment do not necessarily have to be in the form of particles. For example, they may be rod-shaped, plate-shaped, or film-shaped. In the case of a film shape, it is particularly desirable to provide a decolorization time control unit in order to maintain the resistance of the disinfectant to wiping.

[0095] [A series of processes performed by server device 200] Figure 4 shows a series of processes performed by the server device 200, an example of a series of processes performed by the information processing device according to this embodiment, and an example of an information processing method according to this embodiment.

[0096] In step S600, the acquisition unit 220 acquires user information from the user terminal device 300. The user inputs information regarding their desire to use the facility via the user terminal device 300, and the user terminal device 300 transmits the user information to the server device 200.

[0097] In step S610, the management unit 210 assigns a space within the facility to the user based on the user information acquired in step S600. Based on the facility information it possesses at the time of step S600, or based on the facility information acquired from the facility terminal device 400 when the user information was acquired in step S600, the management unit 210 determines whether a space matching the user information is available. If it is determined to be available, the process proceeds to step S630. If it is determined to be unavailable, the process proceeds to step S620.

[0098] In step S620, the management unit 210 obtains the time when an area matching the user information becomes available, based on the facility information acquired in step S610. The presentation unit 240 presents the time when an area matching the user's desired conditions becomes available to the user terminal device 300.

[0099] In step S630, the presentation unit 240 presents information to the user by transmitting it to the user terminal device 300, indicating the areas within the facility that the user can use. The method of presenting information to the user regarding the areas within the facility may be by showing the areas on a map of the facility, or by showing information such as a number to identify each area within the facility. At this time, the management unit 210 assigns an area within the facility to the user. The presentation unit 240 may also present information to the user by transmitting it to the user terminal device 300, indicating the disinfection status of the area. The facility terminal device 400 may also display information in the area indicating that the area assigned to the user is "reserved". The indication that it is "reserved" may be, for example, by displaying a note indicating that it is reserved on a monitor installed in the area, or by displaying it in an identifiable way using the color of a lamp, etc. The facility terminal device 400 may present the information indicating that it is "reserved", or it may be done by the facility terminal device 400 or the server device 200 controlling a separate terminal installed in each area.

[0100] In step S640, the management unit 210 detects the user's use of the facility. The management unit 210 may also detect the user's use of the facility based on information from the facility terminal device 400. Alternatively, the management unit 210 may detect the user's use of the facility when a specific area is assigned to the user in step S630. The management unit 210 updates the facility information and rewrites it with information indicating that the area is in use and unavailable to other users.

[0101] In step S650, the detection unit 230 determines whether or not the area within the facility has been disinfected. The detection unit 230 determines whether or not disinfection has been performed at predetermined intervals or based on information from the facility terminal device 400. If it is detected that disinfection has been performed, the process proceeds to step S660. If no disinfection is detected, the process remains in standby mode at step S650.

[0102] In step S660, the management unit 210 reflects in the facility information that an area within the facility has been disinfected. The management unit 210 updates the facility information for the area assigned to the user in step S630 and rewrites the information indicating that disinfection has been performed. At this time, the management unit 210 may update the facility information to indicate that the area is available for use by other users now that disinfection has been performed. Alternatively, the management unit 210 may detect that the user has finished using the area based on information from the facility terminal device 400 and then update the facility information to indicate that the area is available for use by other users. At this time, the presentation unit 240 may transmit information regarding incentives for disinfection to the user terminal device 300.

[0103] (A modified example of a series of processes performed by the server device 200) In steps S610 to S630, the example described was the case in which the server device 200 and the user terminal device 300 send and receive information, but this is not limited to this. Alternatively, instead of using the user terminal device 300, the user may input user information via a facility terminal device 400 installed in the facility, and the facility terminal device 400 may transmit this information to the server device 200. Furthermore, the display unit 240 may be controlled in steps S620 and S630 to display various types of information on the display unit of the facility terminal device 400.

[0104] In step S610, the user's act of inputting information regarding their desire to use the facility can also be considered, from another perspective, as an act of searching for the availability of the facility. The information regarding the desire to use that the user inputs in step S610, such as the start time of use, may be the time the user began inputting via the user terminal device, or it may indicate use from a specific time (reservation). Furthermore, the process in step S630 in which the management unit 210 assigns an area within the facility to a user may also be a process for the user to complete the reservation of that area.

[0105] In step S610, the management unit 210 may change the criteria for assigning users to areas within the facility based on facility information. For example, if there are few available areas in the facility and it is crowded, the management unit may not assign areas to users who wish to use the facility from a specific time, but instead assign available areas only to users who wish to use it immediately.

[0106] If no user activity is detected for a predetermined period of time or longer in step S640, the management unit 210 may release the user from the allocation of that area and update the facility information for that area to make it available to other users.

[0107] The management unit 210 may, as appropriate during the series of processes, acquire user attribute information along with user information, for example, in step S600.

[0108] [First Embodiment] The first embodiment will explain the process of the flowchart shown in Figure 4 in more detail, using the case where the facility is a restaurant or food court as an example.

[0109] In step S600, the management unit 210 acquires user information and user attribute information. User information includes information such as the user's preference for using the facility, the number of people using the facility, and whether or not they use a wheelchair or stroller. User attribute information may be acquired in advance by the user terminal device 300 as needed by the commercial facility, and transmitted to the server device 200 along with the user information in step S600. User attribute information may include information such as the user's age and purchasing tendencies. Purchasing tendencies may include the user's history of using restaurants and food courts.

[0110] In step S610, the management unit 210 determines whether an area corresponding to the user information is available and proceeds to step S620 or step S630. If it is available, the user terminal device 300 is presented with information indicating the area allocated to the user; if it is not available, it is presented with information indicating the time when it will become available. The process from step S610 to step S620 or step S630 can also be considered as a process of searching for the congestion status of the facility and presenting it to the user. In the example above, it was shown that the user can input a start time for use as user information (reservation), but the acceptance of reservations may be controlled depending on the time of day. For example, the management unit 210 may only accept immediate use during times when congestion is expected. The control unit 210 may also determine whether to accept reservations based on user information, for example, an area that can be used by wheelchairs or strollers may be designated as a "priority seat" and made available only to specific users (reservable).

[0111] In step S630, the display unit 240 transmits information indicating the area available to the user to the user terminal device 300 and the facility terminal device 400. Figure 5(a) is an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal device 300 based on the information transmitted from the display unit 240. For example, user information entered by the user and information about stores that match the user information are displayed. The store information may include the distance and route to the store based on the location information and user attribute information of the user terminal device 300. To ensure that the user can use the facility with peace of mind, the display unit 240 may transmit information indicating the disinfection status to the user terminal device 300. Figure 5(b) is an example of a screen displayed on the facility terminal device 400 based on the information transmitted from the display unit 240. The facility terminal device 400 is, for example, a tablet installed at the entrance of a food court, and the information is displayed on the screen of the tablet. In another example, it is displayed on signage controlled by the facility terminal device 400. The location of a seat that matches the user information is displayed, for example, on a floor plan of the food court. In the example of Figure 5(b), the tables marked with stars are the areas assigned to the user. The display unit 240 may also display areas that require disinfection, such as areas that the user did not disinfect after use, in a way that can be identified based on facility information. In the example in Figure 5(b), areas that require disinfection are displayed as "Cleaning in progress".

[0112] In step S640, the management unit 210 detects that the user has started using the facility. In step S650, the detection unit 230 determines whether the user has disinfected an area within the facility. Here, the user's disinfection action is detected by detecting the color change of the disinfectant visualization sheet 500 installed on tables in restaurants and food courts. The disinfectant visualization sheet 500 is configured to display a 2D code when the disinfection action is performed. The facility terminal device 400 may detect that the 2D code has been displayed and send information indicating the completion of disinfection to the server device 200. In another example, the user terminal device 300 may send information indicating the completion of disinfection to the server device 200 when it reads the 2D code.

[0113] In step S660, the management unit 210 updates the facility information and determines the incentive for disinfection to be given to the user. The presentation unit 240 gives the incentive to the user by transmitting information about the incentive to the user terminal device 300. The incentive may be, for example, points usable at the commercial facility or a discount coupon. The management unit 210 may change the content of the incentive based on the details of the disinfection activity acquired by the detection unit 230 and the user attribute information acquired by the acquisition unit 220. For example, points may be added to a user who disinfects twice, before and after a meal. Alternatively, a discount coupon may be issued based on the user's purchasing tendencies. When the management unit 210 accepts a reservation for a facility area, it may collect a deposit via the application on the user terminal device 300 and return the deposit as an incentive.

[0114] (Modified version of the first embodiment) As examples of displays for presenting the area assigned to the user, we have described examples such as displaying a list of available stores and displaying a floor plan of a food court, but we are not limited to these. Individual floor plans of restaurants within a commercial facility may be used, or a map showing multiple restaurants within a commercial facility may be used. This embodiment is not limited to commercial facilities, but can also be applied to multiple restaurants within a specific city block.

[0115] Furthermore, in the display for showing the area assigned to the user, information such as the usage status of neighboring areas, the environment around the table, and the table configuration may be displayed. The system may also be configured to allow the user to send a request to the server device 200 to change the assigned area based on the displayed information.

[0116] [Second Embodiment] The second embodiment will explain the process of the flowchart shown in Figure 4 in more detail, using the case where the facility is a shared office or co-working space as an example.

[0117] In step S600, the management unit 210 acquires user information and user attribute information. User information includes information about the time period during which the facility is used. User attribute information may be acquired in advance by the user terminal device 300 as needed by the facility and transmitted to the server device 200 along with the user information in step S600. User attribute information may include, for example, the user's name, affiliation, and payment information. Payment information includes information such as whether the user pays each time they use the facility or whether the facility bills the user's affiliation at specific intervals.

[0118] In step S610, the management unit 210 determines whether an area corresponding to the user information is available and proceeds to step S620 or step S630. If it is available, the user terminal device 300 is presented with information indicating the area allocated to the user; if it is not available, it is presented with information indicating the time when it will become available.

[0119] In step S630, the display unit 240 transmits information indicating the areas available to the user to the user terminal device 300 or the facility terminal device 400. Figure 6 is an example of a screen displayed by the user terminal device 300 or the facility terminal device 400 based on the information transmitted from the display unit 240. The location of a desk that matches the user information is displayed on the floor plan of the shared office. In the example in Figure 6, the desks marked with stars are the areas assigned to the user. The display unit 240 may also display areas that require disinfection and various information obtained based on facility information on the floor plan. In the example in Figure 6, areas that require disinfection are displayed as "Cleaning in Progress," information about equipment such as "Communication Equipment Malfunctioning" and "Eating and Drinking Allowed Area," and information about the surrounding environment of the desk such as "No Conversation Area" are displayed.

[0120] In step S640, the management unit 210 detects that the user has started using the facility. In step S650, the detection unit 230 determines whether the user has disinfected an area within the facility. Here, the user's disinfection action is detected by detecting the color change of the disinfectant visualization sheet 500 installed on the desk. The disinfectant visualization sheet 500 is configured to display a 2D code when the disinfection action is performed. The facility terminal device 400 may detect that the 2D code has been displayed and send information indicating the completion of disinfection to the server device 200. In another example, the user terminal device 300 may send information indicating the completion of disinfection to the server device 200 when it reads the 2D code.

[0121] In step S660, the management unit 210 updates the facility information and transmits information regarding incentives for disinfection activities to the user terminal device 300. The incentives may include points or discount coupons usable at commercial facilities that collaborate with the facility, or discounts on usage fees for the facility's areas or equipment. The management unit 210 may change the content of the incentives based on the details of the disinfection activity acquired by the detection unit 230 and the user attribute information acquired by the acquisition unit 220. For example, the management unit 210 may prioritize accepting reservations from the user's affiliated organization each time they perform disinfection activities. The management unit 210 may also provide incentives usable at commercial facilities near the user's affiliated organization.

[0122] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0123] The information processing device in each of the embodiments described above may be implemented as a single device, or as a combination of multiple devices that can communicate with each other to perform the above processing; both are included in the embodiments of the present invention. The above processing may also be performed using a common server device or group of servers. The information processing device and the multiple devices constituting the information processing system only need to be able to communicate at a predetermined communication rate, and do not need to be located in the same facility or in the same country.

[0124] Embodiments of the present invention include a configuration in which a software program that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment is supplied to a system or device, and the computer of the system or device reads and executes the code of the supplied program.

[0125] Therefore, the program code installed on a computer to implement the processing described in the embodiment is itself one of the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, based on the instructions contained in the program read by the computer, the operating system running on the computer may perform part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiment can also be realized through that processing.

[0126] Embodiments of the present invention also include configurations that appropriately combine the above-described embodiments.

[0127] The information processing device and information processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above allow users who wish to use a facility or facility managers to easily confirm the areas where disinfection has been performed and obtain information that is useful for using the facility.

[0128] (Second Embodiment) The embodiments of the present invention will be described below, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0129] (Background technology and challenges of the second embodiment) The importance of cleaning is increasing as a measure against infectious diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to achieve a state in which cleaning is carried out efficiently and thoroughly in environments where there are areas to be cleaned.

[0130] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-169613 (Patent Document 1) discloses a mobile autonomous robot that detects a substance to be treated using a sensor and automatically sprays hypochlorous acid for disinfection and deodorization. Patent Document 1 describes how the robot sprays hypochlorous acid based on a stored map of the locations of the substances to be treated.

[0131] However, in areas that robots cannot clean, users of those areas need to be asked to clean them. For example, tables in a food court need to be cleaned by users, and a system to encourage cleaning is necessary.

[0132] Therefore, the objective of the second embodiment of the present invention is to provide a system that encourages cleaning in facilities where users are required to clean.

[0133] (system) The system 700 according to this embodiment includes at least a cleaning information acquisition means 701 that acquires cleaning information indicating the cleaning status of the area to be cleaned, and a user information acquisition means 702 that acquires information about users who use the area to be cleaned (Figure 7). Furthermore, it includes a determination means 703 that determines information to be provided to the user based at least on the cleaning information and the user information.

[0134] When a user of the area to be cleaned enters information about themselves, and the cleaning information indicates that cleaning has been performed, the system determines the information to be provided to the user based on the information entered by the user. Here, the information to be provided to the user is, for example, information that is useful to the user when using the facility, including the area to be cleaned.

[0135] Furthermore, the more information a user inputs, the more information they are given, and the closer the information is to what they desire, thus encouraging users to input more information. In addition, by acquiring information indicating that cleaning has been done and providing this information to the user, the system according to this embodiment can motivate users to clean, thereby encouraging them to clean.

[0136] (Cleaning information acquisition means) The cleaning information acquisition means 701 according to this embodiment acquires information on whether or not cleaning has been performed. In this embodiment, "cleaning has been performed" means, for example, that a disinfectant has been applied to the area to be disinfected, and the applied disinfectant has been wiped off, or both.

[0137] (User information acquisition means) The user information acquisition means 702 according to this embodiment acquires information about users who use the area to be cleaned.

[0138] (Information about users) In this embodiment, the information relating to the user includes at least one selected from the group consisting of user attribute information and facility usage history including the area to be cleaned.

[0139] (User attribute information) In this embodiment, user attribute information includes the user's name, gender, date of birth, height, weight, information on food allergies, health information such as blood pressure, food preferences (likes and dislikes), interests (fashion, outdoor activities, etc.), disability information (whether or not a wheelchair is used, etc.), information on children or co-users, smoking status, personality, etc.

[0140] (Usage history of the facility, including the areas that were cleaned) In this embodiment, the usage history of the facility including the area to be cleaned includes the user's past usage history of the facility (food court, shopping mall, etc.), the date of use, the store used, the food menu ordered at the store, the items purchased at the store, the table used, the length of stay, the number of users, the number of times cleaning was performed, etc.

[0141] Furthermore, the system according to this embodiment may be configured such that the cleaning information means 701 and the storage means 702 communicate data (information) via the terminal communication means 704 and the server communication means 705, as shown in Figure 7.

[0142] (Decision-making mechanism) The determination means according to this embodiment determines the information to be provided to the user. The information to be provided to the user may include information useful to the user when using the facility and rewards (incentives) for the user.

[0143] (Reward) In this embodiment, rewards include coupons usable at facilities (such as food courts), discount coupons usable at the store used, coupons for free toppings on meals provided by the store, coupons for free drinks, coupons usable at stores that may interest the user, coupons redeemable for drinks at vending machines, coupons for the right to use a seat or order, novelty items, discount coupons for parking fees, and points usable at facilities and stores. An example of information given to the user, determined by the determination means, being based on information about the user is a reward tailored to the user's attribute information. Specifically, if the user is male, this could include a coupon usable at a men's clothing store or a discount coupon usable at a restaurant that suits the user's preferred type of food.

[0144] An example of how the information provided to users, determined by the decision-making process, is based on cleaning information is that if the cleaning is done frequently and of high quality, the user will receive a larger reward.

[0145] (memory means) In this embodiment, the storage means stores the determination result that a disinfection operation has been performed in the area to be disinfected, along with information about the location of the area to be disinfected and information about the time the disinfection operation was performed. Since information is obtained not only that a disinfection operation has been performed, but also when and where the disinfection operation was performed, it is possible to efficiently disinfect multiple areas to be disinfected.

[0146] In this embodiment, the storage means may include not only memory such as ROM and RAM, but also storage media such as flexible disks, hard disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, magnetic tapes, non-volatile memory cards, and DVDs.

[0147] (Disinfectant) The disinfectant in this embodiment is not particularly limited, but is typically a liquid composition sprayed onto the area to be disinfected. Examples of active ingredients in the liquid composition include surfactants, basic components, acidic components, and alcohols. Examples of basic components include alkalis, perchloric acid, hypochlorous acid, and their sodium salts.

[0148] (Detection means) The system according to this embodiment may also have a detection means that detects environmental changes in the area to be cleaned and outputs information related to those environmental changes. In that case, the cleaning information acquisition means 701 can determine whether or not disinfection has been performed in the area to be disinfected based on the information related to environmental changes output from the detection means.

[0149] For example, if information regarding environmental changes in the area to be disinfected, output from the detection means, is output as a numerical value and is greater than a predetermined threshold, it can be determined that disinfection has been performed. Conversely, if it is smaller than a predetermined threshold, it can also be determined that disinfection has been performed. The threshold can be appropriately determined depending on the area to be disinfected. Note that environmental changes in the area to be disinfected refer to changes in the environment of the area to be disinfected and the environment surrounding the area to be disinfected. The area surrounding the area to be disinfected is limited to an area that can be detected by the detection means.

[0150] The detection means in this embodiment is not particularly limited as long as it can detect environmental changes in the area to be disinfected. At least one means selected from the group consisting of means for detecting optical changes, means for detecting vibrations, means for detecting electrical changes, and means for detecting temperature changes can be used.

[0151] (Means for detecting optical changes) The means for detecting optical changes in this embodiment detects changes in light obtained from the area to be disinfected. Here, a change in light refers to at least one of a change in light intensity and a change in light wavelength.

[0152] In this embodiment, means for detecting optical changes include imaging means, such as cameras, video cameras, terminals with camera functions, smartphones, tablets, and surveillance cameras. It is also possible to use cameras worn by workers performing disinfection (wearable cameras, mobile cameras). Typical examples of means for detecting optical changes are image information acquisition means, which may acquire still images or moving images.

[0153] If the image information acquisition means acquires moving images, it may also have means for acquiring an image of the area to be disinfected from moving images acquired over a certain period of time. In order to acquire an image of the area to be disinfected from the moving images, it may also have means for detecting change points in the moving images. Furthermore, in that case, from a security standpoint, it is preferable not to store images other than the area to be disinfected.

[0154] Furthermore, the means for detecting optical changes may be to detect optical changes in the area to be disinfected without acquiring an image. For example, if the disinfectant is a liquid, a liquid intrusion indicator may be used to detect whether or not the liquid has been applied. When using the disinfectant visualization sheet described later, for example, the color (specific wavelength) of the colored state of the visualization agent provided in the area to be disinfected may be detected. Alternatively, if the visualization agent is provided in the shape of a two-dimensional code, arranged to show textual information, or arranged to show image information (figure), as described later, the system may detect that.

[0155] (Means for detecting vibrations) The means for detecting vibrations in this embodiment can be any means capable of detecting vibrations associated with disinfection, such as vibrations of furniture like desks and chairs. For example, at least one of an acceleration sensor and a velocity sensor can be used to detect vibrations that indicate disinfection has been performed. The acceleration sensor can be either a contact type or a non-contact type. In the case of a contact type, piezoelectric, conductive, or strain gauge type sensors can be used. In the case of a non-contact type, displacement detection type sensors such as eddy current, capacitive, or optical types can be used.

[0156] (Means for detecting electrical changes) The means for detecting electrical changes in this embodiment detects electrical changes, such as current or voltage, that occur when a disinfectant is applied. Examples include a pH meter, an alcohol sensor, and a circuit whose current or voltage changes when a liquid is applied.

[0157] (Means for detecting temperature changes) The means for detecting temperature changes in this embodiment detects temperature changes in the area to be disinfected or its surroundings. For example, it can detect a temperature drop due to evaporative cooling after a disinfectant such as alcohol is applied to the area to be disinfected, or it can detect a temperature rise in the object to be disinfected when a person is wiping off the disinfectant applied to the object. A known temperature sensor can be used as the means for detecting temperature changes in this embodiment.

[0158] (Terminal communication means, server communication means) In this embodiment, the terminal communication means and server communication means communicate information (data) such as judgment results. For example, it may be a LAN (Local Area Network), and the LAN may be a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, or a WAN (Wide Area Network). The terminal communication means is implemented, for example, by a wireless communication module, and is responsible for communication with the server communication means and the communication network. The same applies to the server communication means.

[0159] (Terminal device) An example of the terminal device 710 in this embodiment includes a detection means 703, a determination means 701, and a terminal communication means 704 (Figure 7). The terminal device 710 in this embodiment transmits the determination result to the server device 720 when at least a disinfection operation has been performed.

[0160] The terminal in this embodiment may be a dedicated terminal for determining the disinfection process, or it may be a general-purpose smartphone or tablet.

[0161] (Server device) The server device 720 according to this embodiment communicates information (data) with the terminal device of the area to be disinfected and is responsible for functions such as storage and analysis.

[0162] An example of a server device 720 will be explained using the schematic diagram in Figure 9. The server device 720 has a communication unit 901 (server communication means 705), a storage unit 902 (storage means 902), an operation unit 903, a display unit 904, a ROM 905, a RAM 906, and a control unit 901. The communication unit 901 is implemented by a LAN card or the like and is responsible for communication with external devices (e.g., terminal device 710) and communication networks. The ROM 905 is implemented by a non-volatile memory or the like and stores various programs, etc. The RAM 906 is implemented by a volatile memory or the like and temporarily stores various information. The storage unit 902 is implemented by an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), NAS (Network Attached Storage), etc. and stores various information. The operation unit 903 is implemented by a keyboard or mouse, etc., and the display unit 904 is implemented by a display, etc., and displays various information to the user.

[0163] The control unit 901 includes a data recording and updating unit 907 and a data processing unit 908. The data recording and updating unit 907 records the determination result that a disinfection operation has been performed, as well as information regarding the time and location where the disinfection operation was performed, in the storage unit 902, ROM 905, and RAM 906. The data processing unit 908, for example, refers to a database stored in the storage unit 902, ROM 905, and RAM 906 to add information to the read information, convert it, or process the information as data. The processing result may be communicated to the terminal device 710 using the communication unit 901.

[0164] (method) In this embodiment, the method for supporting the disinfection of multiple areas to be disinfected comprises at least the following steps. (1) A determination step (S801) that determines whether or not a disinfection operation has been performed in the area to be disinfected and outputs the determination result. (2) If it is determined that disinfection has been performed in the area to be disinfected, a storage step (S802) is performed to store the determination result output in (1), information about the location of the area to be disinfected, and information about the time the disinfection was performed, in association with each other.

[0165] <Second Embodiment> The system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 9. In this embodiment, the example will be described in which the detection means 703 is a surveillance camera capable of detecting environmental changes in the area to be disinfected.

[0166] In this embodiment, a camera 703 is used as the detection means 703 to detect environmental changes in the area to be disinfected, that is, to detect that disinfection has been performed. In this case, if an image characteristic of disinfection is acquired, it is determined that disinfection has been performed. For example, if it is determined that a disinfection worker is wiping off disinfectant, it is determined that disinfection has been performed. The determination result that disinfection has been performed is transmitted to the server device 720 along with information regarding the time and location where the disinfection was determined to have been performed. The storage means (storage unit) 902 of the server device 720 stores the determination result in association with the information regarding the time and location where the disinfection was determined to have been performed.

[0167] In the same manner, the data for multiple areas to be disinfected is stored in the storage means 902.

[0168] Based on the information stored in the analysis means (not shown) and the storage means 902, information (recommended information) is provided regarding the order in which disinfection should be performed for multiple areas to be disinfected.

[0169] Because this embodiment utilizes surveillance cameras, there is no need to install new devices or other equipment to collect information for determining disinfection activities.

[0170] <Second Embodiment> The system according to this embodiment uses a disinfectant visualization sheet when determining that disinfection has been performed, in the system according to the first embodiment described above. In this embodiment, the disinfectant visualization sheet becomes visible when a disinfectant is applied to the sheet. The disinfectant visualization sheet will be described in detail.

[0171] (Disinfectant Visualization Sheet) The disinfectant visualization sheet 1003 according to this embodiment has a base material 1002 and a color-developing portion 1001 provided on the base material 1002 (Figure 10(a)). The color-developing portion 1001 has a visualization agent (not shown) whose color state changes when a disinfectant is applied. Thus, using the disinfectant visualization sheet according to this embodiment, the application of the disinfectant can be confirmed by visually observing the change in the color state, making it convenient. Furthermore, the disinfectant and the visualization agent are mixed only when the disinfectant is applied to the disinfectant visualization sheet, and the time during which the disinfectant and visualization agent are mixed is short. Therefore, the material used can be easily stored for a long period of time.

[0172] (Colored part) The coloring portion in this embodiment has at least a visualizing agent. The coloring portion may also have a binder to improve adhesion to the substrate. A resin can be used as the binder, for example, a urethane resin or polyvinyl alcohol.

[0173] The thickness of the colored portion is preferably 1 μm to 80 μm. More preferably 5 μm to 60 μm, and particularly preferably 15 μm to 50 μm. If the colored portion exceeds 80 μm, adhesion to the substrate will be poor, which is undesirable. If the colored portion is thinner than 1 μm, sufficient color development will not occur, which is also undesirable.

[0174] (Visualizing agent) The visualizing agent in this embodiment is not particularly limited as long as it changes its color state upon reaction with the aforementioned disinfectant. In this embodiment, a change in color state means a change that can be visually confirmed as a difference in color before and after the application of the disinfectant. For example, this could be a change from an invisible state to a visible state, a change from a visible state to an invisible state, or a change in color that can be visually recognized. Here, a change in color that can be visually recognized includes changes in the intensity of the color.

[0175] One phenomenon in which the color state changes is chromism. Examples of chromism include photochromism, thermochromism, electrochromism, acidichromism, solvatochromism, and vaporochromism. In this embodiment, substances that produce these phenomena are called chromic substances, and can be specifically called photochromic substances, thermochromic substances, electrochromic substances, acidichromic substances, solvatochromic substances, and vaporochromic substances.

[0176] Acidichromic substances change color with changes in pH, and the range of color development varies depending on the properties of each substance. For example, metanyl yellow, metacresol purple, thymol blue, tropeoline O, 2,4-dinitrophenol, methyl yellow, bromophenol blue, Congo red, methyl orange, bromochlorophenol blue, alizarin red S, bromocresol green, methyl orange-xylenecyanol FF, 2,5-dinitrophenol, methyl orange-indigocarmine, methyl red, methyl orange-xylenecyanol FF-phenolphthalein, lacmoid, chlorophenol red, o-nitrophenol, p-nitrophenol, bromocresol green-methyl red, bromocresol purple, bromophenol red, It is at least one selected from the group consisting of Chill Red-Methylene Blue, Bromothymol Blue, Neutral Red, Phenol Red, Neutral Red-Bromothymol Blue, Cresol Red, α-Naphtholphthalein, Bromothymol Blue-Phenol Red, Curcumin, Phenolphthalein, Cresol Red-Thymol Blue, o-Cresolphthalein, α-NaphtholBenzein, Thymolphthalein, Thymol Blue-Phenolphthalein, Alizarin Yellow GG, Alizarin Yellow R, Tropeolin O, Nitramine, 1,3,5-Trinitrobenzene, Indigo Carmine, Methyl Violet, Litmus, and Methyl Purple. Some change color in either an acidic or alkaline pH range, while others, like Thymol Blue, change color in both acidic and alkaline conditions.For lower toxicity and greater preference, the following are desirable: metanyl yellow, metacresol purple, thymol blue, tropeoline O, bromophenol blue, bromochlorophenol blue, alizarin red S, bromocresol green, methyl red, lacmoid, chlorophenol red, o-nitrophenol, bromocresol purple, bromophenol red, bromothymol blue, neutral red, phenol red, cresol red, α-naphtholphthalein, phenolphthalein, o-cresolphthalein, thymolphthalein, alizarin yellow GG, alizarin yellow R, tropeoline O, methyl violet, litmus, and methyl purple. Since the color changes between pH 3 and 11, the most desirable disinfectants are metacresol purple, thymol blue, tropeoline O, bromophenol blue, bromochlorophenol blue, alizarin red S, bromocresol green, methyl red, lacmoid, chlorophenol red, o-nitrophenol, bromocresol purple, bromophenol red, bromothymol blue, neutral red, phenol red, cresol red, α-naphtholphthalein, phenolphthalein, o-cresolphthalein, thymolphthalein, alizarin yellow GG, alizarin yellow R, litmus, and methyl purple. It is desirable that alkaline disinfectants change color in alkaline conditions, and acidic disinfectants change color in acidic conditions.

[0177] Furthermore, the visualization agent changes color and recovers as the disinfectant volatilizes. Here, "recovering" means returning to the state before the disinfectant was applied. In other words, the color state is reversible. That is, the visualization agent used in this embodiment can change its color state for a certain period of time when the disinfectant is applied, and then return to the state before the disinfectant was applied. For example, a visualization agent that is invisible to the naked eye can change its color state to a visible state when a disinfectant is applied, and then return to an invisible state after a certain period of time. In this way, because the visualization agent is reversible, it can be used in situations where disinfection needs to be repeated.

[0178] It is acceptable to use two or more types of visualization agents. For example, it is desirable to use visualization agents that maintain their color for different durations, as this allows the time elapsed since contact with the disinfectant to be displayed as an indicator.

[0179] The visualization agent may be a material outside the visible light spectrum, and materials that absorb light in the ultraviolet and infrared regions can be used. The ultraviolet and infrared regions include near-ultraviolet and near-infrared. In this case, the observation system is installed on the aforementioned surveillance camera. Known materials and observation systems can be used.

[0180] (base material) In this embodiment, the substrate can be any substrate on which a coloring portion is provided. If the substrate is a resin sheet, it is preferable because it is lightweight and flexible. Examples of resin sheets include polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, and polyethylene terephthalate / isophthalate copolymers; polyolefin resins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polymethylpentene; polyfluoroethylene resins such as polyvinyl fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, and ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymers; aliphatic polyamide resins such as nylon 6 and nylon 6,6; vinyl polymer resins such as polyvinyl chloride, vinyl chloride / vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene / vinyl alcohol copolymer, polyvinyl alcohol, and vinylon; cellulose resins such as cellulose triacetate and cellophane; acrylic resins such as polymethyl methacrylate, polyethyl methacrylate, polyethyl acrylate, and polybutyl acrylate; and other synthetic resins such as polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyarylate, and polyimide. The resin sheet may be used individually or in combination or laminated form of two or more types. It is preferable to provide a receptive layer on the substrate to hold the colored portion. This is because the receptive layer is more likely to hold the colored portion when the visualization agent is an ink.

[0181] In this embodiment, it is desirable that the receiving layer of the substrate does not react with the visualization agent. For example, in the case of a visualization agent that develops color in an alkaline environment, it is desirable that the receiving layer be neutral or acidic. If the receiving layer and the visualization agent react, it is undesirable because the color will develop before it can react with the disinfectant.

[0182] The substrate in this embodiment may be transparent, opaque, or colored. If the visualizing agent is colored before reacting with the disinfectant, it is desirable that the substrate be a color close to that color.

[0183] In this embodiment, the base material can be release paper, a metal plate, wood, or the like. Furthermore, an adhesive portion may be provided to bond the base material to other components.

[0184] (holding part) In this embodiment, the disinfectant visualization sheet 1003 may have a holding portion 1004 that holds the disinfectant on the color-developing portion 1001 (Figure 10(b)). The holding portion 1003 can extend the time that the disinfectant is held, thus extending the time that the disinfectant reacts with the visualization agent and develops color. Furthermore, the time of color development can be controlled by appropriately selecting the material provided in the holding portion 1003. For example, the time it takes for the color to change from a visible colored state to a state that is not visible can be controlled.

[0185] Because of this function, the holding unit can also be referred to as the decolorization time control unit.

[0186] The retaining portion preferably has voids to hold the applied disinfectant. For example, it can be formed from inorganic particles and resin that form the voids. The inorganic particles used here are at least one selected from the group consisting of pearl necklace-shaped silica particles, chain-shaped silica particles, spherical colloidal silica, non-spherical colloidal silica, alumina particles, titania particles, and zirconia particles. The peak position of the particle size distribution of the inorganic fine particles by dynamic light scattering method is preferably 1 nm to 300 nm. More preferably 1 nm to 150 nm, and even more preferably 1 nm to 60 nm. In particular, pearl necklace-shaped silica particles are preferably 20 nm to 50 nm. Chain-shaped silica particles are preferably 1 nm to 10 nm. If the particle size is too large, the voids will decrease, which is undesirable. On the other hand, if the particle size is too small, the pore diameter of the voids formed by the inorganic particles will become too small, which is undesirable because the absorption rate of the applied disinfectant will slow down. The pore diameter distribution curve preferably has a maximum peak in the range of 5 nm to 20 nm. If the pore diameter peak is 5 nm or less, the absorption rate of the disinfectant will be slow, and if it exceeds 20 nm, the haze may increase. High haze is undesirable because it makes the whiteness more noticeable, reducing the visibility of the colored area. The pore diameter can be determined by BET specific surface area measurement.

[0187] The resin used here can be selected from a variety of resins, but if the disinfectant is water-based, a water-soluble resin is preferred. The water-soluble resin can be at least one selected from the group consisting of, for example, cellulose-based binders such as methylcellulose, methylhydroxyethylcellulose, methylhydroxypropylcellulose, and hydroxyethylcellulose; starch and its modified products; gelatin and its modified products; natural polymer resins or derivatives thereof such as casein, pullulan, acacia gum, karaya gum, and albumin; polyvinyl alcohol and its modified products; latexes and emulsions such as SBR latex, NBR latex, methyl methacrylate-butadiene copolymer, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer; vinyl polymers such as polyacrylamide and polyvinylpyrrolidone; polyethyleneimine, polypropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, and maleic anhydride or its copolymers.

[0188] The thickness of the holding portion does not need to be uniform. For example, the holding time of the disinfectant can be controlled by changing the thickness of a portion of it. This is desirable because it allows control of the color development time of the color-developing portion, and the time since the disinfectant came into contact with the material can be displayed as an indicator.

[0189] (Protection Department) In this embodiment, a protective portion may be provided on the coloring portion to protect the coloring portion. Here, "on the coloring portion" means that the protective portion may be provided so as to be in contact with the coloring portion, or if a holding portion is provided on the coloring portion, the protective portion may be provided on the holding portion. For example, if a water-soluble resin is used as the holding portion, the surface will become viscous, so it is preferable to coat it with a protective layer. As the protective portion in this embodiment, at least one selected from the group consisting of resins such as acrylic resins, vinyl acetate resins, polyvinyl chloride resins, ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer resins, polyamide resins, polyester resins, urethane resins, polyolefin resins, and copolymer resins thereof can be used.

[0190] Furthermore, the decolorization time control unit is preferable because it can provide durability by repeatedly wiping the surface of the disinfectant visualization sheet with the disinfectant.

[0191] (QR code) In this embodiment, the disinfectant visualization sheet can have the visualization agent arranged in the shape of a two-dimensional code.

[0192] The two-dimensional code is at least one selected from the group consisting of QR Code (registered trademark), Micro QR Code (registered trademark), SP Code, VeriCode, MaxiCode, CP Code, Data Matrix, DataMatrix ECC200, Code1, AztecCode, Interactor Code, Card e, Chameleon Code, PDF417, Micro PDF417, Code49, Code16K, Codablock, SuperCode, Ultra Code, RSS Composite, and AztecMesa. The visualization agent is provided so as to form a two-dimensional code on the substrate, and the two-dimensional code can be read by the aforementioned imaging means, and it can be determined that a disinfectant has been applied based on the image information.

[0193] The QR code can be used to obtain information about the time the disinfectant was applied and the location where the disinfectant was applied. Furthermore, by scanning the QR code, textual or visual information indicating that disinfection (cleaning) is complete may be displayed on the display device of the terminal that scanned the code. If the area to be disinfected is a place where a usage fee is required, such as a store or co-working space, scanning the QR code may connect to the attached system for paying the usage fee. Additionally, scanning the QR code can motivate users to disinfect (clean) by displaying information such as points, rewards, discounts, or gifts usable at the store or other location, using textual information.

[0194] (Another example of a disinfectant visualization sheet) In another example of the disinfectant visualization sheet in this embodiment, the color-developing portion may be provided with visualization particles containing a visualization agent and supporting particles that carry the visualization agent. An aggregate of visualization particles can function as the color-developing portion. When visualization particles are used, the positions of the moisturizing layer and the layer containing the visualization particles can be microscopically designed, enabling precise design of properties.

[0195] (Invisible part) In yet another example of the disinfectant visualization sheet in this embodiment, multiple principles can be used in combination with the above-mentioned visualization agent. An invisible portion can be provided in the sheet having the above-mentioned visualization color-changing portion. This is, for example, a form in which a material outside the visible light range of the visualization agent is applied in combination. In this embodiment, the invisible portion can be provided with an invisible material that absorbs light of wavelengths in the ultraviolet and infrared regions. The ultraviolet and infrared regions include near-ultraviolet and near-infrared. By providing an invisible agent, it becomes possible to perform additional verification from a third-party perspective in addition to visual confirmation of disinfectant application.

[0196] Alternatively, the disinfectant visualization sheet in this embodiment can be further combined with thermochromism. For example, a dye that changes color with temperature can be used in combination with the visualization color-changing part. This allows for a further change in color not only when the disinfectant is present or absent, but also when the temperature changes due to the environment in which it is used. This makes it possible to indirectly determine the history of touch, etc. The thermochromic dye can be selected from known substances.

[0197] In this embodiment, the invisible material can be at least one selected from the group consisting of phthalocyanine dyes, naphthalocyanine dyes, metal complex dyes, polymethine dyes, quinone dyes, azo dyes, diphenylmethane and triphenylmethane dyes, radical dyes, perimidine dyes, and Au nanorods as the dye that absorbs the infrared region. The dye that absorbs the ultraviolet region and emits fluorescence is at least one selected from the group consisting of merocyanine, perylene, acridine, luciferin, pyranine, stilbene, rhodamine, coumarin, and fluorescein.

[0198] (Visible wavelength range) In this embodiment, the visible wavelength range refers to light with wavelengths between 360 nm and 830 nm. The wavelength range in the infrared region is between 900 nm and 14 μm, and the wavelength range in the ultraviolet region is between 100 nm and 400 nm.

[0199] (Marking composition) The color-changing portion provided on the disinfectant visualization sheet in this embodiment may be provided as a marking to indicate whether or not the disinfectant has been applied (whether or not it has been washed). In this embodiment, the material used for marking can be called a marking composition. The marking composition includes the above-mentioned visualization agent and solvent, and examples of solvents include hydrophobic solvents and aqueous solvents. Examples of hydrophobic solvents include organic solvents such as heptane and petroleum ether, and examples of aqueous solvents include water and alcohol.

[0200] In this embodiment, water or a mixed medium using water as the main solvent in combination with a protic organic solvent or an aprotic organic solvent can be used as the aqueous solvent. In this embodiment, it is preferable to use an organic solvent that can be miscible or dissolved with water in any proportion, and it is preferable to use a homogeneous mixed medium containing 50% by mass or more of water. As water, it is preferable to use deionized water (ion-exchanged water) or ultrapure water.

[0201] Protic organic solvents are organic solvents that have hydrogen atoms bonded to oxygen or nitrogen (acidic hydrogen atoms). Aprotic organic solvents are organic solvents that do not have acidic hydrogen atoms. Examples of organic solvents include alcohols, alkylene glycols, polyalkylene glycols, glycol ethers, glycol ether esters, carboxylic acid amides, ketones, keto alcohols, or cyclic ethers.

[0202] Suitable aqueous media include, for example, water, a water / ethanol mixed solvent, a water / ethylene glycol mixed solvent, or a water / N-methylpyrrolidone mixed solvent. The water content is preferably 10.0% by mass or more and 90.0% by mass or less, and more preferably 50.0% by mass or more and 90.0% by mass or less, based on the total mass of the composition.

[0203] The content of water-soluble organic solvents in the composition is preferably 5.0% by mass or more and 90.0% by mass or less, and more preferably 10.0% by mass or more and 50.0% by mass or less, based on the total mass of the composition.

[0204] (Other additives) In this embodiment, the marking composition may, as necessary, contain polyhydric alcohols such as trimethylolpropane and trimethylolethane, and water-soluble organic compounds such as urea and urea derivatives such as ethylene urea. Furthermore, the marking composition in this embodiment may, as necessary, contain various additives such as surfactants, pH adjusters, rust inhibitors, preservatives, fungicides, antioxidants, reduction inhibitors, evaporation accelerators, chelating agents, and water-soluble resins. Examples of the surfactants include anionic, cationic, and nonionic surfactants. The surfactant content in the marking composition is preferably 0.1% by mass or more and 5.0% by mass or less, and more preferably 0.1% by mass or more and 2.0% by mass or less, based on the total mass of the composition. Specific examples of the surfactants include nonionic surfactants such as polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ethers, polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymers, and acetylene glycol compounds.

[0205] When the marking composition in this embodiment is ejected from an inkjet recording head to record an image on a recording medium, it is preferable to use a marking composition whose surface tension and viscosity are appropriately controlled. Specifically, the concentration of the colorant compound in the marking composition is preferably about 5% to 20%. The surface tension of the composition at 25°C is preferably 10 mN / m to 60 mN / m, more preferably 20 mN / m to 60 mN / m, and particularly preferably 30 mN / m to 50 mN / m. The viscosity of the composition at 25°C is preferably 1.0 mPa·s to 10 mPa·s, and more preferably 1.0 mPa·s to 5 mPa·s.

[0206] (Image recording method (Method for applying marking composition)) The image recording method in this embodiment relates to a method for applying the marking composition to a substrate. Various methods can be used for the image recording method in this embodiment, such as inkjet, flexographic, screen, offset, and spin coating methods. For example, the inkjet method is a method of recording an image on a recording medium by ejecting the marking composition in this embodiment from an inkjet recording head. Methods for ejecting the marking composition include methods that impart mechanical energy to the marking composition and methods that impart thermal energy to the composition. Aside from using the marking composition in this embodiment, known methods can be used for the steps of the inkjet recording method.

[0207] (Disinfectant visible particles) The disinfectant visualization particles 1005 according to this embodiment change in color state when a disinfectant is applied. Specifically, they have a visualization agent 1002 whose color state changes when a disinfectant is applied, and a supported particle 1001 that carries the visualization agent (Figure 10(c)). The disinfectant visualization particles 1005 according to this embodiment may also have a decolorization time control unit (not shown). The decolorization time control unit does not necessarily have to be layered. Porous particles can be used as the decolorization time control unit. For example, at least one selected from the group consisting of mesoporous silica particles, porous silica particles, porous titania particles, porous zirconia particles, porous ceria particles, porous zinc oxide particles, porous crosslinked polymethyl methacrylate particles, porous crosslinked polystyrene particles, and porous methyl methacrylate-styrene copolymer crosslinked particles can be used. By impregnating the porous particles with a solution in which the visualization agent is dissolved and drying them, disinfectant visualization particles with a colored portion can be formed.

[0208] The surface of the porous particles may be treated to be hydrophilic or hydrophobic. Hydrophilicity is preferred when the disinfectant is water-based, and hydrophobicity is preferred when it is not water-based.

[0209] Furthermore, the visible disinfectant particles are highly rigid, making them durable even after repeated wiping with disinfectant, which is desirable.

[0210] The particle size of the disinfectant visualization particles is preferably 30 nm to 5 μm. More preferably 50 nm to 3 μm, and particularly preferably 80 nm to 1 μm. A particle size smaller than 30 nm is undesirable because it results in poor dispersion efficiency and problems with storage stability. A particle size larger than 5 μm is undesirable because the disinfectant visualization particles tend to settle when dispersed in the solution.

[0211] (Sheet using visible disinfectant particles) As shown in Figure 10(d), the disinfectant-visible particles according to this embodiment can also be used as a sheet using disinfectant-visible particles by placing the disinfectant-visible particles 1005 on the substrate 1002.

[0212] (Coating solution and coated material containing visible disinfectant particles) The disinfectant-visible particles according to this embodiment can also be used as a coating liquid such as a dispersion or slurry. The coating liquid can also be applied to an article to form a coated object.

[0213] (Modified form of disinfectant visible particles) The disinfectant visualization particles according to this embodiment do not necessarily have to be in the form of particles. For example, they may be rod-shaped, plate-shaped, or film-shaped. In the case of a film shape, it is particularly desirable to provide a decolorization time control unit in order to maintain the resistance of the disinfectant to wiping.

[0214] According to the system of the second embodiment of the present invention described above, a system can be provided to encourage cleaning in facilities where users are required to clean.

[0215] The disclosures in this specification include the following components:

[0216] (Composition 1) A means of obtaining facility information that shows the usage status of the facility, Means for obtaining user information regarding the user's desire to use the aforementioned facility, means for assigning the user to an area within the facility based on the user information, Means for detecting whether the assigned area has been disinfected by the user, A means for updating the facility information when it is detected that disinfection has been completed, An information processing device characterized by having the following features.

[0217] (Configuration 2) The information processing device according to configuration 1, characterized in that the detection means detects whether or not disinfection has been performed based on a disinfectant visualization sheet installed in the assigned area.

[0218] (Composition 3) The allocation means is configured to determine whether or not it is possible to allocate an area within the facility to the user based on the facility information and the user information. If it is determined that an allocation is possible, the user will be presented with the allocated area within the facility. The information processing device according to configuration 1 or 2, further comprising means for presenting the user with information about available time slots if it is determined that allocation is not possible.

[0219] (Composition 4) The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the means for assigning further assigns the user to an area within the facility based on the facility information.

[0220] (Composition 5) The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the means for assigning the user changes the criteria for assigning the user to an area within the facility based on the facility information.

[0221] (Composition 6) The information processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, further comprising means for providing an incentive to the user when the detection means detects that sterilization has been performed.

[0222] (Composition 7) The information processing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, characterized in that the facility information includes information indicating the availability status of the area of ​​the facility and information regarding disinfection activities for the area.

[0223] (Composition 8) A means of obtaining facility information that shows the usage status of the facility, Means for obtaining user information regarding the user's desire to use the aforementioned facility, means for assigning the user to an area within the facility based on the user information, Means for detecting whether the assigned area has been disinfected by the user, A means for updating the facility information when it is detected that disinfection has been completed, An information processing system characterized by having the following features.

[0224] (Method 1) The process of obtaining facility information that shows the usage status of the facility, A step of obtaining user information regarding the user's desire to use the aforementioned facility, A step of assigning the user to an area within the facility based on the user information, A step of detecting whether the assigned area has been disinfected by the user, A step of updating the facility information when it is detected that disinfection has been completed, An information processing method characterized by having the following features.

[0225] (Program 1) A program that causes a computer to execute the information processing method described in Method 1.

[0226] (Composition 9) A means for acquiring cleaning information that shows the cleaning status of the area to be cleaned, A user information acquisition means for acquiring information about users who use the area to be cleaned, Based at least the cleaning information and the user information, A system comprising a determination means for determining the information to be provided to the user.

[0227] (Composition 10) The system according to configuration 9, wherein the cleaning information is information indicating that the area to be cleaned has been cleaned.

[0228] (Composition 11) The system according to configuration 9 or 10, wherein the information relating to the user is at least one selected from the group consisting of the user's attribute information and the facility's usage history, including the area to be cleaned.

[0229] (Composition 12) The information provided to the user is either useful information for the user when using the facility, or a reward for the user, as described in any one of items 9 to 11 of the system.

[0230] (Composition 13) The system further includes detection means that detect environmental changes in the area to be disinfected and output information related to the environmental changes. The system according to any one of configurations 9 to 12, wherein the determination means determines whether or not a disinfection operation has been performed in the area to be disinfected based on the information regarding the change in the environment and outputs a determination result.

[0231] (Composition 14) The system according to any one of the configurations 9 to 13, wherein the detection means is at least one selected from the group consisting of means for detecting optical changes, means for detecting vibrations, means for detecting electrical changes, and means for detecting temperature changes.

Claims

1. A means for acquiring facility information indicating the usage status of the facility; means for acquiring user information relating to the user's desire to use the facility; means for assigning the user to an area within the facility based on the user information; means for detecting whether the assigned area has been sterilized by the user; a means for updating the facility information when it is detected that the facility has been sterilized; An information processing device comprising:

2. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detecting means detects whether or not the area has been disinfected based on a disinfectant visualization sheet placed in the assigned area.

3. the allocating means is configured to determine whether or not an area within the facility can be allocated to the user based on the facility information and the user information; If it is determined that allocation is possible, present the allocated area within the facility to the user; 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for presenting information about time that is available for allocation to the user when it is determined that allocation is not possible.

4. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the allocating means further allocates the user to an area within the facility based on the facility information.

5. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the allocating means changes a criterion for allocating the users to areas within the facility based on the facility information.

6. 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a unit that provides an incentive to the user when the detecting unit detects that the device has been sterilized.

7. An information processing device as described in Claim 6, characterized in that the content of the incentive changes depending on the user information.

8. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the facility information includes information indicating availability of an area of ​​the facility and information regarding a sterilization action for the area.

9. A means for acquiring facility information indicating the usage status of the facility; means for acquiring user information relating to the user's desire to use the facility; means for assigning the user to an area within the facility based on the user information; means for detecting whether the assigned area has been sterilized by the user; a means for updating the facility information when it is detected that the facility has been sterilized; An information processing system comprising:

10. acquiring facility information indicating facility usage status; acquiring user information regarding the user's desire to use the facility; assigning the user to an area within the facility based on the user information; detecting whether the assigned area has been sterilized by the user; updating the facility information when it is detected that the facility has been sterilized; An information processing method comprising:

11. A program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method according to claim 10.

12. a cleaning information acquisition means for acquiring cleaning information indicating that the area to be cleaned has been cleaned; A user information acquisition means for acquiring, as information about a user who uses the area to be cleaned, at least one selected from a group consisting of attribute information of the user and a usage history of a facility including the area to be cleaned; Based on at least the cleaning information and the user information, a determination means for determining information to be assigned to the user; A system having a means for storing the cleaning information, the location of the area to be cleaned, and the time of the cleaning in association with each other.

13. The system described in Claim 12, characterized in that the information provided to the user is information that is useful when the user uses the facility or a reward for the user.

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