Bathtub apparatus

Abstract

To provide a bathtub apparatus allowing a bather to confirm by associating objective information with subjective information by history information based on a plurality of bathing histories, and facilitating realizing more comfortable bathing of the bather.SOLUTION: A bathing information system includes: a bather specifying part 42; an information acquisition part 44 for acquiring objective information; and a program 50 for controlling a controlling unit so as to store subjective information input by a bather in the controlling unit. The program stores in the controlling unit 52, bathing histories in which objective information A acquired by the information acquisition part with respect to specified bathing of a specified bather, and subjective information B input by the specified bather with respect to the specified bathing are associated each other, and realizes by the controlling unit 52 an output function for outputting history information C based on the plurality of bathing histories relative to the specified bather to an output device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a bath information system, and particularly to a bath information system that acquires information about a bather taking a bath in a bathtub.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, as shown in Patent Document 1, there is known a bath management system that attempts to properly perform bath management by notifying a bather in a bathtub of electrocardiogram information. In this bath management system, the heart rate or the heart rate increase rate of the bather is displayed.

[0003] Also, for example, Patent Document 2 shows that a bath navigation system includes a wearable device that a user wears on the arm or the like during bathing. Based on characteristic data including biometric information, medical knowledge related to bathing, and subjective knowledge such as SNS articles by bathers including others, this wearable device presents information related to the risk and comfort of bathing for the user, and promotes guiding the user to a more appropriate bathing environment and bathing facility.

[0004] Also, for example, Patent Document 3 shows that a bath system refers to sleep information input by the bather himself / herself, and when it is determined that the sleep after bathing is good, sets the perceived comfort target temperature to be the same as that at the previous bath.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, only objective information such as the bather's heart rate or heart rate increase rate is communicated to the bather. Therefore, the relationship between this objective information and the bather's subjective experience is difficult for the bather to understand, and since bathing styles and the subjective experience of bathers differ from person to person, there is a problem that even if the objective information indicates a good condition, the bather may still feel uncomfortable.

[0007] Furthermore, while the invention described in Patent Document 2 provides information on the dangers of bathing based on subjective knowledge such as social media posts by other bathers, in addition to biometric information from a wearable device and medical knowledge regarding bathing, it only provides general information on dangers. Therefore, in the invention of Patent Document 2, it is not possible to know what subjective information a particular bather had in their multiple bathing histories, nor is it possible to know what subjective information had regarding a particular bathing purpose in those multiple bathing histories. This makes it difficult to compare a particular bather's subjective information with objective information and to enable a more comfortable bathing experience for that particular bather based on their own judgment.

[0008] Furthermore, in the invention described in Patent Document 3, the bathing system only sets the target temperature increase to the same level as the previous bath when it is determined that sleep after bathing is good. Therefore, there is a problem that the bather cannot compare their subjective information with objective information to help them find a bathing method that suits them. In addition, in the invention of Patent Document 3, since the bathing system sets the target temperature increase based on flow, there is a problem that it is difficult for the bather to try a more comfortable bathing method by linking objective and subjective information in historical information.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention aims to enable bathers to confirm objective and subjective information in relation to historical information based on multiple bathing histories, thereby facilitating a more comfortable bathing experience for bathers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a bathing information system for acquiring information about bathers entering a bathtub, comprising: a bather identification unit that identifies who the bather is for a particular bath; an information acquisition unit that acquires objective information about the bather's bath; and a program that controls the control unit to store subjective information input by the bather in the control unit, wherein the program causes the control unit to store a bathing history that associates the objective information acquired by the information acquisition unit for a specific bath of the identified bather with the subjective information input by the identified bather for that specific bath, and the program enables the control unit to implement an output function that causes a plurality of bathing histories for the identified bather to output history information to an output device. According to the present invention configured in this manner, the control unit stores a bathing history linked by program between the objective information acquired by the information acquisition unit regarding a specific bath of a specified bather and the subjective information input by the specified bather for that specific bath. It also implements an output function that causes the output device to output history information based on multiple bathing histories for a specified bather. As a result, the bather can confirm the relationship between objective and subjective information based on history information from multiple bathing histories, compare the subjective information with the objective information in multiple bathing histories to help the bather find a bathing method suitable for them, and facilitate a more comfortable bathing experience for the bather.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, preferably, the objective information is the temperature of the bathwater and the bathing time. According to one embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner, the objective information is the water temperature and bathing time, which indicate the bathing environment. The bather can confirm the water temperature and bathing time in relation to subjective information based on historical information derived from multiple bathing histories. By comparing the bather's subjective information regarding water temperature and bathing time in multiple bathing histories, it is possible to determine a bathing method suitable for the bather, making it easier to achieve a more comfortable bathing experience for the bather.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, preferably, the objective information is the biometric information of the bather. According to one embodiment of the present invention configured in this way, the objective information is the bather's biometric information, and the bather can confirm the bather's biometric information, which is the bather's bodily response, in relation to subjective information based on historical information derived from multiple bathing histories. By comparing the bather's subjective information with the bather's biometric information, which is the bather's bodily response, in multiple bathing histories, it is possible to find a bathing method suitable for the bather, and a more comfortable bathing experience for the bather can be achieved.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, preferably, the program further implements a function by which the control unit outputs pre-set recommended information along with the history information to the output device. According to the embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner, the control unit causes the output device to output pre-set recommended information along with the history information using the recommended information output function. This allows the bather to compare the pre-set recommended information with their own history information, which helps them adjust their bathing method and also allows them to try bathing methods within the range of the pre-set recommended information.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, preferably, the history information includes recommended range information determined based on a plurality of bathing histories. According to one embodiment of the present invention configured in this way, the history information includes recommended range information determined based on multiple bathing histories. This allows bathers to compare their subjective information with objective information using the recommended range information, helping them to find a bathing method that is more suitable for them, and further facilitating a more comfortable bathing experience for them.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, preferably, the output function includes a first output function and a second output function, wherein the program causes the control unit to store a first bathing history relating first objective information selected from the objective information for a first analysis purpose and first subjective information input for a first analysis purpose from the subjective information, and the control unit implements the first output function which causes the control unit to output first history information based on a plurality of first bathing histories for a specific bather to the output device, wherein the program causes the control unit to store a second bathing history relating second objective information selected from the objective information for a second analysis purpose and second subjective information input for a second analysis purpose from the subjective information, and the control unit implements the second output function which causes second history information based on a plurality of second bathing histories for a specific bather to output the output device, and the program further implements a function which allows the control unit to switch between the first output function and the second output function. According to one embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner, the control unit can output first historical information for a first analytical purpose to an output device using a first output function, output second historical information for a second analytical purpose to an output device using a second output function, and further switch between the first output function and the second output function using a switching function. As a result, bathers can switch and compare historical information for different analytical purposes using the switching function, which helps them to find a bathing method more suitable for them, and further facilitates a more comfortable bathing experience for bathers.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a bathing information system that acquires information about bathers entering a bathtub comprises: a bather identification unit that identifies who the bather is for a particular bath; an information acquisition unit that acquires objective information about the bather's bath; an input unit that accepts input of subjective information; a control unit that stores the objective information and the subjective information; and a display unit that displays the information received from the control unit. The control unit stores a bathing history that associates the objective information acquired by the information acquisition unit for a specific bath of an identified bather with the subjective information input to the input unit for a bather identified for a particular bath, and can display history information based on multiple bathing histories for a specific bather on the display unit. According to one embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner, the control unit stores a bathing history that associates the objective information acquired by the information acquisition unit regarding a specific bath of a specified bather with the subjective information input to the input unit regarding a bather identified for a specific bath, and displays the history information based on multiple bathing histories for a specified bather on the display unit. As a result, the bather can confirm the relationship between objective information and subjective information based on the history information from multiple bathing histories, compare the subjective information with the objective information in multiple bathing histories to help the bather find a bathing method suitable for them, and facilitate a more comfortable bathing experience for the bather.

[0017] In the present invention, preferably, the program estimates subjective information that will correspond to objective information values ​​that have not yet been associated with subjective information, based on objective information relating to at least one bath and subjective information linked to the values ​​of this objective information, and causes the estimated subjective information to be output to an output device.

[0018] According to the present invention configured as described above, subjective information corresponding to the value of objective information to which subjective information has not yet been linked is estimated by a program. Therefore, for values of objective information such as bathing conditions and biological information that the bather has not yet experienced, subjective information such as whether the bather feels sufficiently warmed or whether the bather has sweated can be estimated. As a result, it becomes possible to recommend values of objective information that the bather will be satisfied with even for values of objective information in areas that the bather has not experienced, and comfortable bathing can be provided.

[0019] In the present invention, preferably, the value of the objective information is the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub and the bathing time. According to the present invention configured as described above, based on the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub and the bathing time, which are objective information, and the corresponding subjective information, it is possible to estimate how the bather feels (subjective information) with respect to the temperature of the hot water and the bathing time for which the bather has not input subjective information. Thereby, for example, even when the bather is taking a bath in hot water at a temperature for which the bather has not input subjective information, it is possible to estimate how long of a bathing time is required to obtain a sufficient sense of warming, and bathing conditions that the bather can be satisfied with can be recommended.

[0020] In the present invention, preferably, the value of the objective information further includes the air temperature in the room where the bathtub is installed. According to the present invention configured as described above, since the air temperature in the room where the bathtub is installed is included in the value of the objective information, even when the bather's subjectivity (satisfaction level) changes due to the season or the weather on the day of bathing, etc., bathing conditions that the bather can be satisfied with can be accurately recommended.

[0021] In the present invention, preferably, the value of the objective information further includes the water level of the hot water in the bathtub. According to the present invention configured as described above, since the value of the objective information includes the water level of the hot water in the bathtub, the difference in the warming feeling felt by the bather in the case of partial bath and the case of full bath can also be taken into account in the estimation of the subjective information, and the bathing conditions that can satisfy the bather can be accurately recommended.

Effect of the Invention

[0022] According to the bathing information system of the present invention, the bather can associate and confirm the objective information and the subjective information based on the history information based on a plurality of bathing histories, and it is easier to realize a more comfortable bath for the bather.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing the entire bathroom in which the bathing information system according to the first embodiment of the present invention is installed. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of the bathtub device of the bathing information system according to the first embodiment of the present invention seen from obliquely above. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing the supply system of hot water to the bathtub device of the bathing information system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the signal processing device and the remote control of the bathing information system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a diagram schematically showing the positional relationship between the body of the bather leaning against the backrest surface of the bathtub body of the bathing information system according to the first embodiment of the present invention and each electrode attached to the backrest surface. [Figure 6] In the bathing information system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, it is a diagram showing a state in which the history information based on the bathing history associating the objective information and the subjective information is displayed on the terminal device. [Figure 7] In the bathing information system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, it is a diagram showing a state in which the history information based on the bathing history associating the objective information and the subjective information is displayed on the terminal device. [Figure 8]This figure shows how, in a bathing information system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, history information based on bathing history, which links objective information and subjective information, is displayed on a terminal device. [Figure 9] This figure shows how, in a bathing information system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, history information based on bathing history, which links objective information and subjective information, is displayed on a terminal device. [Figure 10] This figure shows how, in a bathing information system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, history information based on bathing history, which links objective information and subjective information, is displayed on a terminal device. [Figure 11] This figure shows how, in a bathing information system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, history information based on bathing history, which links objective information and subjective information, is displayed on a terminal device. [Figure 12A] This figure shows how, in a bathing information system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, history information based on bathing history, which links objective information and subjective information, is displayed in graph format on a terminal device. [Figure 12B] This figure shows how, in the bathing information system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, history information based on bathing history, which links objective information and subjective information, is displayed in a tabular format on a terminal device. [Figure 12C] This figure shows how, in the bathing information system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, history information based on bathing history, which links objective information and subjective information, is displayed on a terminal device in graph and text format. [Figure 13A] This figure shows how, in a bathing information system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, history information based on bathing history, which links objective information and subjective information, is displayed in graph format on a terminal device. [Figure 13B] This figure shows how, in the bathing information system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, history information based on bathing history, which links objective information and subjective information, is displayed in a tabular format on a terminal device. [Figure 13C]This figure shows how, in the bathing information system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, history information based on bathing history, which links objective information and subjective information, is displayed on a terminal device in graph and text format. [Figure 14A] This figure shows how, in a bathing information system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, history information based on bathing history, which links objective information and subjective information, is displayed in graph format on a terminal device. [Figure 14B] This figure shows how, in the bathing information system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, history information based on bathing history, which links objective information and subjective information, is displayed in a tabular format on a terminal device. [Figure 14C] This figure shows how, in the bathing information system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, history information based on bathing history, which links objective information and subjective information, is displayed on a terminal device in graph and text format. [Figure 15] This is a perspective view showing the entire bathroom equipped with a bathing information system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This figure shows a schematic configuration of a signal processing device and remote control for a bathing information system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] This figure shows an example of acquired bathing history in the bathing information system of the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] This graph shows an example of a bathing history representing subjective information corresponding to the water temperature and bathing time in a bathing information system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] This figure shows an example of a heat map representing subjective information corresponding to the water temperature and bathing time, estimated based on bathing history, in a bathing information system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] This figure shows an example of a procedure for estimating subjective information corresponding to objective information values ​​that have never been linked to subjective information, based on acquired bathing history, in a bathing information system of the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21]This figure shows an example of a procedure for estimating subjective information corresponding to objective information values ​​that have never been linked to subjective information, based on acquired bathing history, in a bathing information system of the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] This figure shows an example of a procedure for estimating subjective information corresponding to objective information values ​​that have never been linked to subjective information, based on acquired bathing history, in a bathing information system of the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] This figure shows an example of a screen displayed on a terminal device before a bather begins bathing, in a bathing information system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] This figure shows an example of a screen displayed on a remote control while a person is bathing, in a bathing information system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] This figure schematically illustrates the operation of the bathing information system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] This figure shows an example of a screen in which a bather inputs subjective information in a bathing information system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27] This figure shows an example of a screen displayed on a bather's smartphone before bathing in a bathing information system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] This figure shows an example of a screen displayed on the remote control during bathing in a bathing information system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] This figure shows an example of a screen in which a bather inputs subjective information in a bathing information system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30] This figure shows an example of a gauge displayed on the remote control screen in the bathroom in a bathing information system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 31] This figure shows an example of a screen in which a bather inputs subjective information in a bathing information system according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 32] This figure shows an example of a gauge displayed on the remote control screen in the bathroom in a bathing information system according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 33] This figure shows an example of an image captured by a thermosensor to obtain the body temperature of a bather in a bathing information system according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 34] This figure shows an example of a screen in which a bather inputs subjective information in a bathing information system according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 35] This figure shows an example of a gauge displayed on a remote control screen in the bathroom in a bathing information system according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 36] This figure shows an example of a gauge displayed on a remote control screen in the bathroom in a bathing information system according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] Next, a bathing information system according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the entire bathroom with the bathing information system according to the first embodiment of the present invention installed; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the bathtub device of the bathing information system according to the first embodiment of the present invention viewed from diagonally above; Figure 3 is a diagram showing the hot water supply system to the bathtub device of the bathing information system according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the signal processing device and remote control of the bathing information system according to the first embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 5 is a diagram schematically showing the positional relationship between the body of a bather leaning against the backrest surface of the bathtub body of the bathing information system according to the first embodiment of the present invention and each electrode attached to the backrest surface.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the bathing information system 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention acquires information about a bather entering a bathtub. The bathing information system 1 includes a bathtub device 2 installed in a bathroom R. The bathtub device 2 includes a bathtub body 4, a negative electrode 5a, a positive electrode 5b, and a reference electrode 5c attached to the bathtub body 4, a signal processing device 6 that processes signals acquired by the electrodes, a water discharge device 8 provided on the upper edge of the bathtub body 4, and a remote control 9 attached to the wall surface of the bathroom R. In this embodiment, the bathtub device 2 is arranged on one side of the bathroom R so as to be in contact with the wall surface.

[0026] The bathtub body 4 is formed in a roughly rectangular box shape in plan view and is configured to store hot water inside. In this embodiment, the bathtub body 4 is positioned so that one of its long sides and the two short sides on either side are in contact with the inner wall surface of the bathroom R. The inner wall surface constituting one of the short sides of the bathtub body 4 is configured as a backrest surface 4a, which is a first inner wall surface formed for the bather to lean against. An apron 4b is detachably attached to the long side of the bathtub body 4 on the side that is not in contact with the inner wall surface of the bathroom R. Here, the backrest surface is the inner wall surface that the bather's back contacts when bathing. Hot water at a predetermined temperature is supplied to the bathtub body 4 from a water heater 18 (see Figure 3). The water heater 18 is connected to a water supply 19 as an external supply source.

[0027] The water discharge device 8 is installed on the upper part of the backrest surface 4a of the bathtub body 4 and is configured to discharge hot water inward into the bathtub body 4. As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, the water discharge device 8 has a flat, wide spout 8a that extends along the upper edge of the backrest surface 4a and is configured to discharge hot water toward the shoulders of a bather leaning against the backrest surface 4a.

[0028] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the water discharge device 8 is equipped with a pump 8e that draws in the hot water stored in the bathtub body 4 from the intake port 8b and discharges it from the outlet port 8a via the circulation channel 8c and chamber 8d. Therefore, the hot water in the bathtub body 4 is drawn in by the pump 8e and discharged from the outlet port 8a, circulating and flowing back into the bathtub body 4. Downstream of the pump 8e, the circulation channel 8c is branched into a channel on the side of the bathtub outlet port 8f, which is located on the backrest surface 4a of the bathtub body 4, and a channel extending towards the chamber 8d. Thus, a portion of the hot water drawn in from the intake port 8b is discharged from the bathtub outlet port 8f of the bathtub body 4 via the circulation channel 8c.

[0029] The circulation channel 8c further comprises an injection channel 8g on the injection side where the pump 8e is provided, an introduction channel 8h connected to the chamber 8d and introducing hot water from the bathtub body 4 into the chamber 8d, and a water discharge device side channel 8i extending from the chamber 8d to the water discharge device 8 side.

[0030] A jet nozzle 8j is provided at the outlet of the injection-side flow path 8g to the chamber 8d. The jet nozzle 8j is positioned downstream of the pump 8e and forms an injection section that injects the hot water supplied from the pump 8e through the chamber 8d. The hot water injected by the jet nozzle 8j is drawn in by the jet pump action from the hot water in the chamber 8d and the hot water in the introduction flow path 8h. The flow rate of the hot water injected from the jet nozzle 8j is added to the flow rate of the hot water drawn in from the chamber 8d and the introduction flow path 8h, resulting in a larger flow rate of hot water being supplied to the discharge device side flow path 8i. The discharge device side flow path 8i extends along the extension of the jet nozzle 8j. In the chamber 8d, as the hot water injected by the jet nozzle 8j passes through the chamber 8d, the hot water in the chamber 8d is drawn in by the injected hot water, forming a larger flow rate.

[0031] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the spout 8a of the water discharge device 8 is flat and wide, the hot water discharged from the spout 8a is discharged as a wide, band-shaped water film, and lands on the water surface of the hot water stored in the bathtub body 4 at a position away from the backrest surface 4a.

[0032] As shown in Figures 2 and 5, the negative electrode 5a and positive electrode 5b are a pair of electrodes attached to the bathtub body 4 to detect the bather's electrocardiogram signal via the water stored in the bathtub body 4. The negative electrode 5a and positive electrode 5b function as an information acquisition unit 44, which will be described later. The bather's electrocardiogram signal is acquired as a potential difference signal between these negative electrode 5a and positive electrode 5b. The pair of electrodes, consisting of the negative electrode 5a and positive electrode 5b, are both positioned on the backrest surface 4a that constitutes the short side of the bathtub body 4. In addition, the reference electrode 5c is an electrode for acquiring a reference potential of the potential detected by the negative electrode 5a and positive electrode 5b, and this electrode is also positioned on the backrest surface 4a of the bathtub body 4. The reference electrode 5c may also function as an information acquisition unit 44, which will be described later.

[0033] Thus, in the bathtub device 2 of this embodiment, all electrodes for acquiring electrocardiogram signals are arranged on a single backrest surface 4a. In other words, in the bathtub device 2 of this embodiment, electrocardiogram signals are detected only by electrodes arranged on a single backrest surface 4a.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, the negative electrode 5a and the positive electrode 5b are positioned symmetrically with respect to the center line c in the horizontal (width direction) of the backrest surface 4a. That is, the negative electrode 5a and the positive electrode 5b are positioned on the backrest surface 4a, spaced apart from the center line c in the left and right directions, and are mounted at a height below the water surface in the bathtub body 4 and above the reference electrode 5c.

[0035] On the other hand, the reference electrode 5c is positioned on the center line c of the backrest surface 4a, below the negative electrode 5a and the positive electrode 5b. The reference electrode 5c is not necessarily required and can be omitted. The electrocardiogram signals acquired by the negative electrode 5a and the positive electrode 5b are transmitted to the signal processing device 6 via conductors 22 (see Figure 4) extending from the negative electrode 5a and the positive electrode 5b, respectively, and the electrocardiogram signals are input to the signal processing device 6. The reference electrode 5c is also connected to the signal processing device 6 via conductors 22. The conductors 22 extending from each electrode and the signal processing device 6 to which these conductors 22 are connected are all housed in the space behind the backrest surface 4a of the bathtub body 4. Note that the conductors 22 extending from each electrode and the signal processing device 6 to which these conductors 22 are connected may also be housed in an external space of the bathroom, such as above the ceiling of the bathroom R.

[0036] Next, the configuration of the signal processing device 6 and the remote control 9 will be described with reference to Figure 4. The signal processing unit 6 is an electrical circuit to which the negative electrode 5a, positive electrode 5b, and reference electrode 5c are connected, and is located on the back side of the backrest surface 4a of the bathtub body 4. The signals acquired by the negative electrode 5a, positive electrode 5b, and reference electrode 5c are processed by the signal processing unit 6, and the processing result is displayed on the remote control 9 located in the bathroom R.

[0037] The signal processing device 6 includes a differential amplifier circuit 26, a filter circuit 28, an amplifier circuit 30, an A / D converter 32, and an interface circuit 34, and these circuits are built into the housing 6b. The differential amplifier circuit 26 is an amplifier circuit to which conductors 22 extending from the negative electrode 5a and the positive electrode 5b are connected, and is configured to amplify the differential voltage between the negative electrode 5a and the positive electrode 5b.

[0038] The filter circuit 28 receives the differential voltage amplified by the differential amplifier circuit 26 as input, and is configured to remove unwanted frequency band components such as hum, while allowing signal components in the required frequency band to pass through. The amplifier circuit 30 is configured to receive a signal from which unwanted frequency band components such as hum have been removed by the filter circuit 28, and then amplify the input signal. In addition, the conductor 22 extending from the reference electrode 5c is connected to the ground of the differential amplifier circuit 26, the filter circuit 28, and the amplifier circuit 30.

[0039] The A / D converter 32 is configured to convert the analog signal amplified by the amplification circuit 30 into a digital signal. The interface circuit 34 is configured to receive the digital signal converted by the A / D converter 32 and to send the input digital signal to the remote control 9 and / or an external display device (not shown).

[0040] The remote control 9 has a control function that can control the supply of hot and cold water from the water heater 18 to the bathtub device 2, and can also operate the electrocardiogram signal detection function of the bathtub device 2 and the water discharge device 8. The remote control 9 includes a bathtub device control unit 9a that can control the supply of hot and cold water to the bathtub device 2, a remote control display unit 9b that displays bathing history and history information as an output device, and a remote control input unit 9c that receives commands to the bathtub device control unit 9a.

[0041] The bathtub device control unit 9a incorporates a CPU and memory, and controls connected equipment to supply hot and cold water from the water heater 18 to the bathtub device 2 and control the bathtub device 2 based on a predetermined control program recorded in the memory. The bathtub device control unit 9a is electrically connected to the water heater 18, the signal processing unit 6, the pump 8e of the water discharge device 8, the temperature sensor 14, the remote control display unit 9b, the remote control input unit 9c, etc. These electrical connections may be made by wireless communication or the like. The bathtub device control unit 9a is also connected to a terminal device 52 such as a bather's smartphone by wireless communication (for example, communication via the internet). The bathtub device control unit 9a communicates bidirectionally with the terminal device 52 and receives commands from the terminal device 52 that are necessary to display, for example, on the remote control display unit 9b.

[0042] The bathtub device control unit 9a acquires and records signals sent from the negative electrode 5a and positive electrode 5b, etc., via the signal processing unit 6. Therefore, the negative electrode 5a and positive electrode 5b, etc., acquire the heart rate and bathing time from objective information A (see Figures 6, 12B, etc.) related to the bather's bathing. The bathtub device control unit 9a, acting as a heart rate conversion unit, calculates the bather's heart rate based on the signals sent from the signal processing unit 6. The bathtub device control unit 9a can recognize the start of bathing by the start of heart rate measurement and the end of bathing by the end of heart rate measurement. Therefore, bathing time is the time from when the bather starts entering the bathtub until they get out of the bathtub and finish bathing. Note that a bather may, after bathing once (first bath), get out of the bathtub to wash their body and then bathe again (second bath). For example, if the period between the first bath and the second bath is less than a predetermined time, for example 15 minutes, the bathing time will be the sum of the first bathing time and the second bathing time. Also, for example, if the period between the first bath and the second bath is 15 minutes or more, for example 15 minutes, the bathing time will be the longer of the first bathing time and the second bathing time.

[0043] Furthermore, the bathtub device control unit 9a acquires and records the temperature of the bathwater in the bathtub body 4 from the temperature sensor 14. The bathtub device control unit 9a transmits the acquired objective information A to the terminal device 52. Therefore, the terminal device 52, which will be described later, can also display information based on the objective information A. In addition, the present invention can be configured so that some of the functions of the bathtub device control unit 9a are built into the terminal device 52 or a display device (not shown) located outside the bathroom R.

[0044] The remote control display unit 9b forms a display unit such as a monitor located inside the bathroom R. The remote control display unit 9b may also include a display device located outside the bathroom R.

[0045] The remote control input unit 9c is configured to receive commands to control the bathtub device control unit 9a. The input to the remote control input unit 9c may enable the program 50 to implement an output function that outputs history information on the remote control display unit 9b of the remote control 9, which is an output device. Such an output function is not limited to the remote control display unit 9b; it may also be implemented by outputting information as sound through a speaker or other device that generates audio output.

[0046] The bathtub device 2 further includes a bather identification unit 42 (pairing device 40) that identifies who the bather is for a particular bath by comparing it with registered information, and an information acquisition unit 44 (temperature sensor 14, etc.) that acquires objective information about the bather's bath (for example, the temperature of the water in the bathtub body 4, the amount of time the bather is in the bathtub body 4, and the bather's heart rate). Here, a particular bath is a bath that can be identified as taking place on a specific date (and time if necessary).

[0047] In this embodiment, the bather identification unit 42 is a pairing device 40 installed in the bathroom R. The pairing device 40 can connect to the bather's terminal device, such as a smartphone, via wireless communication and can register pairing information (information of the smartphone owner (bather)) as a pairing. The pairing device 40 is pre-paired with the bather's terminal device, such as a smartphone, and can individually recognize the bather's smartphone, etc. Therefore, the pairing device 40 can determine and identify a specific bather who is the owner of the target bather's terminal device, such as a smartphone, when paired with the device at a relatively close distance of a few meters. The pairing device 40 has information on multiple bathers registered so that it corresponds to the paired information terminal of each specific bather. Therefore, the pairing device 40 can recognize the registered terminal device and identify who the bather is. Alternatively, the bather identification unit 42 may be implemented as a function of the program of the terminal device, such as a smartphone, and the bather may be identified by inputting who the bather is into the terminal device. Furthermore, the bather identification unit 42 may be implemented as a function of the remote control 9's program, and may identify the bather by inputting who the bather is into the remote control 9. In this invention, "identifying the bather" is not limited to identifying the bather's personal information, but also includes, for example, determining which user is bathing from among multiple users registered in advance in the bathing information system 1, etc.

[0048] A temperature sensor 14, a negative electrode 5a, and a positive electrode 5b, which are installed in the bathtub device 2 and measure the temperature of the water stored in the bathtub body 4, function as an information acquisition unit 44.

[0049] As shown in Figure 3, the temperature sensor 14, acting as an information acquisition unit 44, acquires the temperature of the bathwater from objective information A related to the bather's bathing. The temperature sensor 14 is installed at the water supply port 16 from the water heater to the bathtub. The temperature sensor 14 may also be installed on the circulation path to the water outlet, etc. The temperature sensor 14 is, for example, a thermistor.

[0050] The bathing information system 1 further includes a program 50 that is installed on a terminal device 52 such as a bather's smartphone. For example, this program 50 is executed by the terminal device 52 to realize a predetermined function. The program 50 is configured to execute application software on the terminal device to realize the predetermined function.

[0051] The terminal device 52 functions as a control unit according to the program 50. The terminal device 52 is, for example, a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone, but it may also be other terminal devices such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, or a tablet device. The terminal device 52 has a built-in CPU and memory, and realizes predetermined control functions based on a predetermined program 50 recorded in the memory, etc. The terminal device 52 is electrically connected to the pairing device 40 and the remote control 9. These electrical connections may be made in whole or in part by wireless communication such as infrared communication or other methods. Therefore, the terminal device 52 may be located in a location physically separate from the bathtub device 2 via the internet.

[0052] The terminal device 52 further includes a terminal device input unit 52a that accepts subjective information B (see Figures 6 to 12B), and a terminal device display unit 52b that displays bathing history and other history information as an output device. The terminal device input unit 52a accepts input on a liquid crystal screen via a touch panel or the like. The terminal device input unit 52a may be configured with a screen common to the terminal device display unit 52b. The terminal device display unit 52b displays information on a liquid crystal screen via a touch panel or the like. The terminal device display unit 52b of the terminal device 52 can display history information and the like as an output device. This history information and the like does not necessarily need to be displayed on both the terminal device display unit 52b and the remote control display unit 9b; it may be displayed on only one of them. Subjective information refers to evaluation information based on the bather's sensations and feelings (subjectivity), such as evaluation information such as "satisfied," "average," "dissatisfied," or "good," "average," "bad." Furthermore, subjective information such as descriptive impressions based on the bather's sensations and feelings (subjective) may also be used.

[0053] Program 50 is stored in a memory or other storage device of the terminal device 52. Program 50 controls the terminal device 52, such as a smartphone, which functions as a control unit, to store subjective information B entered by the bather. Program 50 causes the terminal device 52 to store a bathing history that associates objective information A acquired by the information acquisition unit 44 regarding a specific bath of a specified bather with subjective information B entered by the specified bather for that specific bath. Program 50 implements an output function that causes the terminal device 52 to output history information C based on multiple bathing histories for a specified bather on the remote control display unit 9b of the remote control 9, which is an output device, and / or the terminal device display unit 52b of the terminal device 52. Program 50 may also have a function to output history information on the terminal device display unit 52b of the terminal device 52 if the bather is not bathing. Program 50 may be stored on the bathtub device control unit 9a and executed by the bathtub device control unit 9a. Furthermore, a portion of the program 50 may be stored on the bathtub device control unit 9a, and the terminal device 52 and the bathtub device control unit 9a may work together to execute it. Alternatively, all or part of the program 50 may be placed and stored on the cloud, and the program 50 may be executed by the terminal device 52, etc.

[0054] Objective information A consists of one or a combination of the following: the water temperature in the bathtub, the bathing time, and the bather's biological information. The water temperature and bathing time in objective information A objectively represent the bathing environment. The bather's biological information in objective information A represents the bather's objective bodily response to the bathing environment.

[0055] The program 50 further implements a function that causes the terminal device 52, which functions as a control unit, to output pre-set recommendation information D along with history information C to the remote control display unit 9b of the remote control 9 and / or the terminal device display unit 52b of the terminal device 52. The history information C includes recommendation range information E (see Figure 9) determined based on multiple bathing histories.

[0056] The output function implemented by Program 50 will be explained in more detail. The output function includes a first output function and a second output function. Program 50 causes terminal device 52 to store a first bathing history that associates first objective information (bathing time and water temperature) selected from objective information A for a first analysis purpose (for example, for improving cold sensitivity as shown in Figure 12A) with first subjective information input from subjective information B for a first analysis purpose. The terminal device 52 then implements a first output function that outputs first history information based on multiple first bathing histories for a specific bather to the remote control display unit 9b or the like. Program 50 further enables the terminal device 52 to store a second bathing history, which associates second objective information (bathing time and water temperature) selected from objective information A for a second analysis purpose (for example, sleep improvement purposes as shown in Figure 14A) with second subjective information input from subjective information B for a second analysis purpose. The terminal device 52 then implements a second output function, which outputs second history information based on multiple second bathing histories for a specific bather to the remote control display unit 9b or the like. Program 50 further enables the terminal device 52 to implement a function to switch between the first output function and the second output function. Note that the output function is not limited to just the first output function and the second output function, but may include three or more output functions.

[0057] Next, the operation of the bathing information system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to Figures 6 to 11. In Figures 6 to 11, the vertical axis shows the temperature of the bathwater (°C), and the horizontal axis shows the bathing time (minutes). Subjective information B entered by the bather is indicated by relatively large marks (large marks representing satisfaction ◎, neutral ○, and dissatisfaction △), with satisfaction indicated by ◎, neutral by ○, and dissatisfaction by △. At the top of the vertical axis are slide buttons F for turning on or off a function that determines whether or not to display recommended range information E, and slide buttons G for turning on or off a function that determines whether or not to display pre-set recommended information D. Reference numerals A to G are illustrated for illustrative purposes only and are not displayed on the actual screen (the same applies to Figures 7 to 14C).

[0058] First, let's explain how the bather is identified. For example, when a bather is taking a bath, the pairing device 40 recognizes the bather's terminal device 52, such as a smartphone, and the bathtub device control unit 9a of the remote control 9 and the terminal device 52 identify who the bather is.

[0059] When a bather enters the bathtub, the information acquisition unit 44 acquires objective information A. For example, when the negative electrode 5a and positive electrode 5b begin detecting the bather's electrocardiogram waveform, the bathtub device control unit 9a can determine that the user has entered the bathtub and begins measuring the bathing time. It also begins measuring the heart rate using the negative electrode 5a and positive electrode 5b, and at the same time begins measuring the temperature of the bathwater using the temperature sensor 14.

[0060] When a bather leaves the bathtub and finishes bathing, the information acquisition unit 44 stops acquiring objective information A. For example, when the negative electrode 5a and positive electrode 5b stop detecting the bather's electrocardiogram waveform, the bathtub device control unit 9a can determine that the user has finished bathing and stops measuring the bathing time. At the same time, it stops measuring the heart rate using the negative electrode 5a and positive electrode 5b, and simultaneously stops measuring the temperature of the bathwater using the temperature sensor 14. In this way, a specific bath for a bather is completed. The bathtub device control unit 9a acquires and stores the average temperature of the bathwater during the bather's bath as the bathwater temperature.

[0061] In this manner, the bathtub device control unit 9a acquires and stores objective information A obtained by the negative electrode 5a, the positive electrode 5b, and the temperature sensor 14. The terminal device 52 also acquires and stores this objective information A from the bathtub device control unit 9a.

[0062] After a particular bath, the bather inputs subjective information B about that particular bath into the terminal device input unit 52a of the terminal device 52 during the period until the next bath. For example, the bather may input subjective impressions regarding the improvement of cold sensitivity several hours after the bath. At the same time or at a different time, the bather may input subjective impressions regarding the improvement of sleep or fatigue, respectively, regarding that particular bath. In addition, the bather may input subjective impressions regarding the comfort of the bath itself, either immediately after the bath or after a predetermined amount of time has passed. Program 50 controls the terminal device 52 to store the subjective information B input by the bather.

[0063] As shown in Figure 6, the program 50 stores a bathing history in the terminal device 52, which associates objective information A (temperature of the bathwater and bathing time) acquired by the information acquisition unit 44 regarding a specific bath of a identified bather (for example, the first bath (measurement day 1)) with subjective information B input by the identified bather for that specific bath. The program 50 further implements an output function that causes the terminal device 52 to output history information C based on multiple bathing histories for a specific bather on the remote control display unit 9b of the remote control 9 and / or the terminal device display unit 52b of the terminal device 52. Here, the program 50 can also cause the terminal device 52 to output history information C to the output device based on a single bathing history. Even if recommendation information based on multiple bathing histories is not displayed, the bather can check the comparison between subjective and objective information relatively early and use it as a reference for future bathing. Thus, Figure 6 illustrates the history information C based on bathing history displayed on the terminal device 52.

[0064] As shown in Figure 6, the program 50 further implements a function that causes the terminal device 52 to output pre-set recommended information D along with history information C to the output device. Recommended information D is shown as a range of areas that are pre-assumed to be likely to give a subjective sense of satisfaction ◎ to an average bather with respect to objective information A such as water temperature and bathing time. Recommended information D is shown, for example, as an area enclosed by a dashed line. Recommended information D can provide reference indicators such as bathing time and temperature that are likely to give an average bather a subjective sense of satisfaction ◎.

[0065] For subsequent baths (for example, the second, third, etc.), the bather can refer to the history information C based on their bathing history from previous baths. For example, Figure 7 illustrates the third bath. First, for this particular bath, the bathtub device control unit 9a and terminal device 52 of the remote control 9 identify who the bather is. Next, when the bather enters the bathtub, the information acquisition unit 44 acquires objective information A. When the bather leaves the bathtub and finishes bathing, the information acquisition unit 44 terminates the acquisition of objective information A.

[0066] The bathtub device control unit 9a acquires and stores objective information A obtained by the negative electrode 5a, the positive electrode 5b, and the temperature sensor 14. The terminal device 52 also acquires and stores this objective information A from the bathtub device control unit 9a.

[0067] After this particular bath, and again during the period until the next bath, the bather inputs subjective information B about this particular bath into the terminal device input unit 52a of the terminal device 52. The program 50 controls the terminal device 52 to store the subjective information B input by the bather.

[0068] Program 50 stores a bathing history in the terminal device 52, linking objective information A acquired by the information acquisition unit 44 regarding a specific bath of a identified bather (for example, a bath on the third day) with subjective information B entered by the identified bather for that specific bath. Program 50 further implements an output function that causes the terminal device 52 to output history information C based on multiple bathing histories for a specific bather on the remote control display unit 9b of the remote control 9 and / or the terminal device display unit 52b of the terminal device 52. Even if the number of bathing histories is relatively small, the bather can check the comparison between subjective information B and objective information A relatively early on, and use it as a reference for future bathing. Thus, Figure 7 illustrates the history information C based on the bathing history displayed on the terminal device 52. For example, in the history information C, for a new bath (this bath), the bather subjectively bathed "normally," so a circle is shown for the new bath (this bath).

[0069] Program 50 enables the terminal device 52 to output pre-set recommended information D along with history information C to the remote control display unit 9b of the remote control 9 and / or the terminal device display unit 52b of the terminal device 52. The bather can compare the history information C and recommended information D of their multiple bathing histories to use as a reference when deciding on a bathing style.

[0070] As shown in Figure 8, for a specific bath (for example, the fifth bath), the information acquisition unit 44 similarly acquires objective information A, and the subjective information B of the bather is input to the terminal device input unit 52a. Program 50 causes the terminal device 52 to store a bathing history that associates the objective information A acquired by the information acquisition unit 44 with the specific bath of the identified bather (for example, the bath on the fifth day) and the subjective information B input by the identified bather for that specific bath. Program 50 further implements an output function that causes the terminal device 52 to output history information C based on multiple bathing histories for the specific bather on the remote control display unit 9b of the remote control 9 and / or the terminal device display unit 52b of the terminal device 52.

[0071] In Figure 9, for a specific bath (for example, the 7th bath), the information acquisition unit 44 similarly acquires objective information A, and the subjective information B of the bather is input to the terminal device input unit 52a. As a result, program 50 stores a bathing history in terminal device 52 that associates the objective information A acquired by the information acquisition unit 44 with the specific bath of the identified bather (for example, the bath on the 7th day) and the subjective information B input by the identified bather for that specific bath. Program 50 further implements an output function that causes terminal device 52 to output history information C based on multiple bathing histories for the specific bather on the remote control display unit 9b of remote control 9 and / or the terminal device display unit 52b of terminal device 52.

[0072] In Figure 9, program 50 further implements an output function that causes terminal device 52 to output recommended range information E, determined based on multiple bathing histories for a specific bather, on the remote control display unit 9b of remote control 9 and / or the terminal device display unit 52b of terminal device 52. When the number of bathing histories increases to multiple (for example, a total of 7), program 50 can display the recommended range information E (for example, displayed by a dashed circle) that includes the area where, for example, the "satisfied ◎" marks are concentrated among the bather's subjective information B. The recommended range information E can be used as a reference indicator for the area in which the bather is likely to feel satisfied.

[0073] In Figure 10, subjective information B (new and dissatisfied △) of the bather is input to the terminal device input unit 52a for a specific bath (for example, the 9th bath). Program 50 causes the terminal device 52 to store a bathing history that associates objective information A acquired by the information acquisition unit 44 regarding a specific bath of a identified bather (for example, the bath on the 7th day) with subjective information B input by the identified bather for that specific bath. Program 50 further implements an output function that causes the terminal device 52 to output history information C based on multiple bathing histories for a specific bather on the remote control display unit 9b of the remote control 9 and / or the terminal device display unit 52b of the terminal device 52. As shown in Figure 10, the bather tried bathing with water temperature and bathing time that were outside the recommended range information E and recommended information D, and as a result, was not satisfied and inputted dissatisfaction △. In this way, the output function realized by program 50 allows bathers to try bathing with new and different conditions, referring to recommended range information E or recommended information D, or their past bathing history. Furthermore, the subjective information obtained as a result can be analyzed and provided as feedback in relation to their past history.

[0074] In Figure 11, subjective information B (new and satisfied ◎) of the bather is input to the terminal device input unit 52a during a specific bath (for example, the 11th bath). The bather tried bathing with the water temperature and bathing time within the recommended range information E, and again obtained a satisfactory result, inputting satisfied ◎. In this way, the bather can use the output function realized by program 50 to confirm the range in which satisfaction can be obtained by referring to the recommended range information E or recommended information D, or their past bathing history, and can analyze and provide feedback in relation to their past history.

[0075] Next, we will describe in more detail the output functions provided by Program 50 for different analytical applications. Figure 12A shows an output function that outputs history information C based on multiple bathing histories for the purpose of improving cold sensitivity to the remote control display unit 9b of the remote control 9 and / or the terminal device display unit 52b of the terminal device 52. The bathing information system 1 can suggest effective bathing methods for specific issues (improving cold sensitivity, improving sleep, etc.) for each bather through such an output function. In Figure 12A, history information C, recommended range information E, and recommended information D are displayed on a graph in the same manner as in Figures 6 to 11. The acquisition of objective information A and subjective information B is the same as described above, so the explanation is omitted. Program 50 stores a first bathing history in terminal device 52, which associates first objective information (water temperature and bathing time) selected from objective information A for the first analysis purpose, which is improving cold sensitivity, with first subjective information (subjective information B of the bather regarding the purpose of improving cold sensitivity) input from subjective information B for the first analysis purpose. Terminal device 52 then implements a first output function that outputs first history information (history information C) based on multiple first bathing histories for a specific bather to the remote control display unit 9b, etc. Note that the first analysis purpose is explained as an example and can be changed to a second analysis purpose, a third analysis purpose, etc., which will be described later. That is, the first output function is exemplified in correspondence with the first analysis purpose for explanation purposes, but similarly it can be changed to a second output function, a third output function, etc.

[0076] In Figure 12B, a first output function is realized that outputs first history information (history information C) to the remote control display unit 9b in a different table format, based on the same data as shown in Figure 12A. In Figure 12B, the satisfaction level is displayed in three stages: satisfied, average, and dissatisfied, in the leftmost column (1st column), and from the left, the date is displayed in the second column, the water temperature in the third column, the bathing time in the fourth column, and the heart rate in the fifth column. Therefore, in Figure 12B, an output function is also shown that outputs first history information (history information C) based on multiple bathing histories for the purpose of improving cold sensitivity to the remote control display unit 9b of the remote control 9 and / or the terminal device display unit 52b of the terminal device 52. In this way, the program 50 can output history information C in a different table format via the terminal device 52. In addition, Figure 12B also shows that if the satisfaction level has not yet been entered (for example, if it is a new (this time) entry and has not been entered), the satisfaction level can be selected and entered.

[0077] In Figure 12C, a first output function is realized that outputs the first history information (history information C) to the remote control display unit 9b using the graph and text of Figure 12A, based on the same data as shown in Figures 12A and 12B. In Figure 12C, the range of water temperature and bathing time for the pre-set recommended information D is described in text, for example, "The following is a recommended bathing method for those who are sensitive to cold: Water temperature: 39~41℃, Bathing time: 13~17 minutes." The range of recommended information D in such text corresponds to the range of recommended information D in the graph of Figure 12C. Also in Figure 12C, the range of water temperature and bathing time for the recommended range information E is described in text, for example, "The following is your preferred bathing method: Water temperature: 39~41℃, Bathing time: 9~13 minutes." The range of recommended range information E in such text corresponds to the range of recommended range information E in the graph of Figure 12C. In this way, program 50 can output recommended information D and recommended range information E in text format, making it easier for bathers to recognize recommended information D and the like through text.

[0078] Next, Figure 13A shows an output function that outputs history information C based on multiple bathing histories for fatigue improvement purposes to the remote control display unit 9b of the remote control 9 and / or the terminal device display unit 52b of the terminal device 52. In Figure 13A, history information, recommended range information E, and recommended information D are displayed on the graph. The acquisition of objective information A and subjective information B is the same as described above, so the explanation is omitted. Program 50 stores a second bathing history in terminal device 52, which associates first objective information (water temperature and bathing time) selected from objective information A for the second analysis purpose, fatigue improvement, and second subjective information (subjective information of the bather regarding fatigue improvement) input from subjective information B for the second analysis purpose. The terminal device 52 then implements a first output function that outputs second history information (history information C) based on multiple second bathing histories for a specific bather to the remote control display unit 9b or the like.

[0079] In Figure 13B, a second output function is realized that outputs, for example, second history information C, in a different table format, to the remote control display unit 9b, based on the same data as shown in Figure 13A. In Figure 13B, the first column on the far left displays the satisfaction level regarding whether the objective of fatigue improvement has been achieved in three stages: satisfied, average, and dissatisfied. From the left, the second column displays the date, the third column displays the water temperature, the fourth column displays the bathing time, and the fifth column displays the heart rate. Therefore, in Figure 13B, an output function is also shown that outputs, for example, second history information C, based on multiple bathing histories for fatigue improvement purposes, to the remote control display unit 9b of the remote control 9 and / or the terminal device display unit 52b of the terminal device 52. In this way, the program 50 can output history information C in a different table format via the terminal device 52. In addition, Figure 13B shows that if the satisfaction level has not yet been entered (for example, if it is a new (this time) entry and has not been entered), the satisfaction level can be selected and entered.

[0080] In Figure 13C, a second output function is implemented that outputs history information C to the remote control display unit 9b using the graph and text of Figure 13A, based on the same data as shown in Figures 13A and 13B. In Figure 13C, the range of water temperature and bathing time for the pre-set recommended information D is described in text, for example, "The following is a recommended bathing method for fatigue: Water temperature: 40~42℃, Bathing time: 5~10 minutes." The range of recommended information D in such text corresponds to the range of recommended information D in the graph of Figure 13C. Also in Figure 13C, the range of water temperature and bathing time for the recommended range information E is described in text, for example, "The following is your preferred bathing method: Water temperature: 39~41℃, Bathing time: 9~13 minutes." The range of recommended range information E in such text corresponds to the range of recommended range information E in the graph of Figure 13C. In this way, the program can output recommended information D and recommended range information E in text format, making it easier for bathers to understand recommended information D and other information through text.

[0081] Next, Figure 14A shows an output function that outputs history information C, based on multiple bathing histories for sleep improvement purposes, to the remote control display unit 9b of the remote control 9 and / or the terminal device display unit 52b of the terminal device 52. In Figure 14A, history information C, recommended range information E, and recommended information D are displayed on the graph. The acquisition of objective information A and subjective information B is the same as described above, so the explanation is omitted. Program 50 stores a third bathing history in the terminal device 52, which associates, for example, third objective information (water temperature and bathing time) selected from objective information A for the third analysis purpose of sleep improvement purposes, and third subjective information (subjective information of the bather regarding fatigue improvement purposes) input from subjective information B for sleep improvement purposes. The terminal device 52 then implements a third output function that outputs history information C, which is, for example, third history information based on multiple third bathing histories for a specific bather, to the remote control display unit 9b.

[0082] In Figure 14B, a third output function is realized that outputs, for example, third history information C, in a different table format, to the remote control display unit 9b, based on the same data as shown in Figure 14A. In Figure 14B, the first column on the far left displays the satisfaction level regarding whether the objective of fatigue improvement has been achieved in three stages: satisfied, average, and dissatisfied. The second column from the left displays the date, the third column displays the water temperature, the fourth column displays the bathing time, and the fifth column displays the heart rate. Therefore, in Figure 14B, an output function is also shown that outputs, for example, third history information C, based on multiple bathing histories, to the remote control display unit 9b of the remote control 9 and / or the terminal device display unit 52b of the terminal device 52, for the purpose of improving sleep. In this way, the program 50 can output history information in a different table format via the terminal device 52. In addition, Figure 14B shows that if the satisfaction level has not yet been entered (for example, if it is a new (this time) entry and has not been entered), the satisfaction level can be selected and entered.

[0083] In Figure 14C, a third output function is realized that outputs history information C to the remote control display unit 9b in the form of a graph (as in Figure 14A) and text (in a different format) based on the same data as shown in Figures 14A and 14B. In Figure 14C, the range of water temperature and bathing time for the pre-set recommended information D is described in text, for example, "The following is a recommended bathing method for sleep: Water temperature: 38-40℃, Bathing time: 15-20 minutes." The range of recommended information D in such text corresponds to the range of recommended information D in the graph in Figure 14C. Also in Figure 14C, the range of water temperature and bathing time for the recommended range information E is described in text, for example, "The following is your preferred bathing method: Water temperature: 39-41℃, Bathing time: 9-13 minutes." The range of recommended range information E in such text corresponds to the range of recommended range information E in the graph in Figure 14C. The program can output recommended information D and recommended range information E in text format, making it easier for bathers to understand recommended information D and other information through text.

[0084] In the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the terminal device 52 holds a bathing history that associates objective information A acquired by the information acquisition unit 44 regarding a specific bath of a specified bather with subjective information B input by the specified bather for that specific bath, and outputs history information C based on multiple bathing histories for a specified bather to the remote control 9. As a result, the bather can confirm the relationship between objective information A and subjective information B using the history information C based on multiple bathing histories, compare the subjective information B with objective information A in multiple bathing histories to find a bathing method suitable for the bather, and make it easier for the bather to have a more comfortable bathing experience.

[0085] In the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, objective information A is the water temperature and bathing time, which indicate the bathing environment. The bather can confirm the water temperature and bathing time in relation to subjective information B using history information C based on multiple bathing histories. By comparing the subjective information B of the bather with the water temperature and bathing time in multiple bathing histories, it is possible to determine a bathing method suitable for the bather, making it easier to achieve a more comfortable bathing experience for the bather.

[0086] In the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, objective information A is the bather's biological information, and the bather can confirm the bather's biological information, which is the bather's bodily reaction, in relation to subjective information B, based on history information C which is the bather's bodily reaction in multiple bathing histories. By comparing the bather's subjective information B with the bather's biological information, which is the bather's bodily reaction in multiple bathing histories, it is possible to find a bathing method suitable for the bather, and a more comfortable bathing experience for the bather can be realized.

[0087] In the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the terminal device 52 outputs pre-set recommended information along with history information C to the remote control 9 using the recommended information output function. This allows the bather to compare the pre-set recommended information with their own history information C, which helps them adjust their bathing method and also allows them to try bathing methods within the range of the pre-set recommended information.

[0088] In the first embodiment of the present invention configured in this way, the history information C includes recommended range information E determined based on a plurality of bathing histories. This allows bathers to use the recommended range information E to compare their subjective information B with objective information A, thereby helping them to find a bathing method that is more suitable for them, and further facilitating a more comfortable bathing experience for them.

[0089] In the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the terminal device 52 can output first history information for a first analysis purpose to the remote control 9 using the first output function, and can output second history information for a second analysis purpose to the remote control 9 using the second output function, and can further switch between the first output function and the second output function using the switching function. As a result, bathers can switch and compare history information C for different analysis purposes using the switching function, which helps them to learn a bathing method more suitable for them, and further facilitates a more comfortable bathing experience for bathers.

[0090] Next, a bathing information system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 15 and 16. The second embodiment is an example in which the bathing information system is configured using a bathtub device, in which the functions of the terminal device 52 in the first embodiment are realized by the remote control 109 of the second embodiment. Figure 15 is a perspective view showing the entire bathroom in which the bathing information system according to the second embodiment of the present invention is installed. Figure 16 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the signal processing device and remote control of the bathing information system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] Since the bathing information system 101 according to the second embodiment has a similar basic structure to the bathing information system 1 according to the first embodiment described above, only the differences between the second embodiment of the present invention and the first embodiment will be explained, and similar parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings and their explanation will be omitted.

[0092] As shown in Figure 15, the bathing information system 101 of the second embodiment of the present invention acquires information about a bather entering the bathtub. The bathing information system 101 includes a bathtub device 102 installed in the bathroom R. The bathtub device 102 has a remote control 109 mounted on the wall of the bathroom R.

[0093] Next, the configuration of the signal processing device 6 and the remote control 109 will be described with reference to Figure 16. In the second embodiment, the remote control 109 is configured to perform the functions of the terminal device 52 in the first embodiment, instead of the terminal device 52 itself. That is, the bathtub device 102 realizes a predetermined output function.

[0094] The remote control 109 has a control function that can control the supply of hot and cold water from the water heater 18 to the bathtub device 2, and can also operate the electrocardiogram signal detection function of the bathtub device 2 and the water discharge device 8. The remote control 109 includes a bathtub device control unit 109a that can control the supply of hot and cold water to the bathtub device 2, a remote control display unit 109b that displays bathing history and history information as an output device, and a remote control input unit 109c that receives commands to the bathtub device control unit 109a.

[0095] The bathtub device control unit 109a incorporates a CPU and memory, and controls the supply of hot and cold water from the water heater 18 to the bathtub device 102 and the connected equipment that controls the bathtub device 102 based on a predetermined control program recorded in the memory. The bathtub device control unit 109a is electrically connected to the water heater 18, the signal processing unit 6, the pump 8e of the water discharge device 8, the temperature sensor 14, the remote control display unit 109b, the remote control input unit 109c, etc. These electrical connections may be made by wireless communication or the like. The electrical connection between the bathtub device control unit 109a and the temperature sensor 14, etc. may be made by wireless communication or the like.

[0096] The bathtub device control unit 109a acquires and records signals sent from the negative electrode 5a and positive electrode 5b, etc., via the signal processing unit 6. Thus, the negative electrode 5a and positive electrode 5b, etc., acquire the heart rate and bathing time from objective information A related to the bather's bathing. The bathtub device control unit 109a, acting as a heart rate conversion unit, calculates the bather's heart rate based on the signals sent from the signal processing unit 6.

[0097] Furthermore, the bathtub device control unit 109a acquires and records the temperature of the water in the bathtub body 4 from the temperature sensor 14.

[0098] The remote control display unit 109b displays information received from the bathtub device control unit 109a. The remote control display unit 109b forms a display unit for a screen such as a monitor or touch panel located inside the bathroom R. The remote control display unit 9b (and the remote control input unit 109c described later) may further include a display device located outside the bathroom R. The remote control display unit 109b has a function to display bathing history and history information as an output device.

[0099] The remote control input unit 109c is configured to receive commands to control the bathtub device control unit 109a on a screen via a touch panel or the like. The remote control input unit 109c also has a function to receive subjective information B.

[0100] In this embodiment, the bather identification unit 42 of the bathtub device 2 is a pairing device 40 implemented as a function of the program of the remote control 109. The bather identification unit 42 identifies the bather by inputting who the bather is into the remote control 109.

[0101] The bathing information system 101 further includes a program 150 (see Figure 16) which is introduced into the bathtub device control unit 109a. For example, this program 150 is executed by the bathtub device control unit 109a to realize a predetermined function. The program 150 in the second embodiment has an output function that outputs history information C etc. on the remote control display unit 109b, similar to the output function that outputs history information C etc. on the remote control display unit 9b by the program 50 in the first embodiment. Therefore, the bathtub device control unit 109a functions as a control unit by program 150.

[0102] Program 150 is stored in a memory or other storage device of the bathtub device control unit 109a. Program 150 controls the bathtub device control unit 109a, which functions as a control unit, to store subjective information B entered by the bather. Thus, the bathtub device control unit 109a stores objective information A and subjective information B. Program 150 causes the bathtub device control unit 109a to store a bathing history that associates objective information A acquired by the information acquisition unit 44 regarding a specific bath of a specified bather with subjective information B entered by the bather specified for that specific bath. Thus, the bathtub device control unit 109a stores a bathing history that associates objective information A acquired by the information acquisition unit 44 regarding a bather specified for a specific bath with subjective information B entered by the bather specified for that specific bath. Program 150 enables the bathtub device control unit 109a to implement an output function that causes history information C, based on multiple bathing histories for a specific bather, to be output on the remote control display unit 109b, which is an output device. Therefore, the bathtub device control unit 109a displays history information C, based on multiple bathing histories for a specific bather, on the remote control display unit 109b, which is an output device. In addition, all or part of program 150 may be placed and stored in the cloud, and program 150 may be read from the cloud and executed by the bathtub device control unit 109a.

[0103] Program 150 further implements a function in which the bathtub device control unit 109a, which functions as a control unit, outputs pre-set recommended information D along with history information C to the remote control display unit 109b.

[0104] The output function implemented by Program 150 will be explained in more detail below. The output function includes a first output function and a second output function. Program 150 causes the bathtub device control unit 109a to store a first bathing history that associates first objective information selected from objective information A for a first analysis purpose (for example, for improving cold sensitivity as shown in Figure 12A) with first subjective information input from subjective information B for a first analysis purpose. The bathtub device control unit 109a then implements a first output function that causes the bathtub device control unit 109a to output first history information based on multiple first bathing histories for a specific bather to the remote control display unit 109b. Program 150 further enables the bathtub device control unit 109a to store a second bathing history that associates second objective information selected from objective information A for a second analysis purpose (for example, sleep improvement purposes as shown in Figure 14A) with second subjective information input from subjective information B for a second analysis purpose. The bathtub device control unit 109a then implements a second output function that outputs second history information based on multiple second bathing histories for a specific bather to the remote control display unit 109b. Program 150 further enables the bathtub device control unit 109a to switch between the first output function and the second output function. The output function implemented by Program 150 can also be implemented for the output function implemented by Program 50 of other first embodiments.

[0105] In the second embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the control unit stores a bathing history that associates objective information A acquired by the information acquisition unit regarding a specific bath of a specified bather with subjective information B input to the input unit regarding a bather identified for a specific bath, and displays history information C based on multiple bathing histories for a specified bather on the remote control display unit 109b. As a result, the bather can confirm the relationship between objective information A and subjective information B using the history information C based on multiple bathing histories, compare the subjective information B with objective information A in multiple bathing histories to help the bather find a bathing method suitable for them, and make it easier for the bather to have a more comfortable bathing experience.

[0106] Next, a bathing information system according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 17 to 24. In the bathing information system according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above, the pairing device 40, which is the bather identification unit, communicates with and connects to the bather's smartphone (terminal device 52), thereby identifying the bather. Furthermore, the negative electrode 5a, positive electrode 5b, and temperature sensor 14, which are information acquisition units 44 installed in the bathtub, acquire objective information about the identified bather's bathing, such as the temperature of the bathwater and the bathing time. After bathing, the bather inputs subjective information about the bath into their smartphone. For example, for analysis purposes, the bather selects the effect they felt on improving their cold sensitivity from three options: "satisfied," "average," and "dissatisfied," and inputs it as subjective information (Figure 12B, etc.).

[0107] In this way, objective and subjective information about bathing is collected and linked together to be stored as a bathing history. This stored bathing history is then displayed on the bather's smartphone. In addition, pre-set recommendation information is also displayed, such as what kind of bathing conditions are recommended for improving poor circulation (Figure 12A, etc.).

[0108] In contrast, the bathing information system according to the third embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the above functions, has a function to collect objective and subjective information for a specific bather's bathing and to estimate subjective information that will correspond to objective information values ​​(for example, water temperature, bathing time) that have never been associated with subjective information by that bather. Furthermore, the estimated subjective information is output to an output device, which is a smartphone (terminal device 52) or a remote control 9. The configuration of the bathing information system according to the third embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, but the functions implemented by the program differ from those of the first embodiment described above.

[0109] Therefore, in the following, only the differences between the third embodiment of the present invention and the first embodiment will be described, and similar configurations, operations, and effects will not be explained. Figure 17 shows an example of acquired bathing history in the bathing information system of the third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 18 is a graph showing an example of bathing history representing subjective information corresponding to the water temperature and bathing time. Figure 19 shows an example of a heat map representing subjective information corresponding to the water temperature and bathing time estimated based on the bathing history. Figures 20 to 22 show an example of a procedure for estimating subjective information corresponding to objective information values ​​that have never been associated with subjective information, based on the acquired bathing history.

[0110] In the example shown in Figure 17, objective information such as the temperature of the bathwater, the duration of bathing, and the bather's heart rate upon exiting the bath is acquired during each bath. For each bath, the bather inputs subjective information. In the example shown in Figure 17, the subjective information is configured to allow the bather to input their "feeling of warmth" on a five-point scale: "too hot," "somewhat hot," "comfortable," "somewhat cold," and "too cold." In other words, in this embodiment, the analysis purpose of the bathing information system is "feeling of warmth."

[0111] Figure 18 is a graph plotting subjective information on "feeling warm" entered by bathers, corresponding to objective information such as the temperature of the bathwater and the duration of bathing. Specifically, Figure 18 plots each bath on a graph with bathing time on the horizontal axis and water temperature on the vertical axis, with ◎ indicating a "comfortable" feeling of warmth and ○ indicating a "slightly hot" feeling of warmth.

[0112] As shown in Figure 18, the objective information values ​​stored in the bathing history only represent a very small range of the expected water temperature and bathing time. Therefore, subjective information of the bather is not associated with objective information values ​​not stored in the bathing history, and it is impossible to know from the bathing history alone whether the bather will experience a comfortable "feeling of warmth" when bathing with objective information values ​​that are not linked to subjective information.

[0113] For example, in the example shown in Figure 18, there are no plotted points in the regions where the water temperature is higher than approximately 40.5°C and lower than approximately 38°C, meaning that there are no objective values ​​(temperature) linked to subjective information in those regions. Also, in the example shown in Figure 18, there are no plotted points in the regions where the bathing time is shorter than approximately 7 minutes and longer than approximately 21 minutes, meaning there are no objective values ​​(bathing time) linked to subjective information. Therefore, the subjective information corresponding to objective values ​​that have not yet been linked to subjective information is unknown. For example, in the example shown in Figure 18, if the bathing time is shorter than approximately 7 minutes, it is not possible to know from the bathing history alone what temperature of water would give the bather a comfortable feeling of warmth.

[0114] In contrast, according to the bathing information system of this embodiment, subjective information that will correspond to objective information values ​​that have not yet been associated with subjective information is estimated based on objective information related to at least one bath, and subjective information linked to the values ​​of this objective information. That is, in the bathing information system of this embodiment, the heat map shown in Figure 19 is estimated based on the bathing history shown in Figure 18.

[0115] The heatmap shown in Figure 19 is a graph with bathing time on the horizontal axis and water temperature on the vertical axis, showing the areas where a bather is likely to feel a comfortable level of warmth (subjective information on "warmth" is entered as "comfortable"). Specifically, in the heatmap shown in Figure 19, A1 represents the area where a bather is likely to feel "too cold," A2 represents "slightly cold," A3 represents "comfortable," A4 represents "slightly hot," and A5 represents "too hot." Using this heatmap, for example, it is possible to determine the estimated bathing time at which a "comfortable" level of warmth will be felt, based on the temperature of the water being used for bathing.

[0116] Next, with reference to Figures 20 to 22, an example of the procedure for estimating the heatmap shown in Figure 19 will be explained. First, as shown in Figure 20, plot points near a water temperature of 40°C (the area within the horizontal rectangle in Figure 20) are extracted from the objective information of the bathing history, which is stored as a pair of water temperature and bathing time.

[0117] Next, as shown in Figure 21, the plot points ○ extracted from Figure 20 are plotted on a graph with "bathing time" on the horizontal axis and "feeling of warmth" ("too cold" = "1" to "too hot" = "5") on the vertical axis. Here, in the stored bathing history, there are no plot points ○ where the bathing time is 5 minutes or less, or where the bathing time is 20 minutes or more. Furthermore, the plot points ○ on the graph shown in Figure 21 are concentrated in the bathing time range of approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

[0118] However, it is generally expected that a bathing time of approximately 0 minutes will result in a subjective assessment of "too cold" for the feeling of warmth, and a bathing time of approximately 30 minutes will result in a subjective assessment of "too hot." Therefore, plot points × are added to the graph in Figure 21. Based on the plot points ○ and × obtained in Figure 21 in this way, interpolation is performed using the logistic equation to obtain the regression curve shown by the dashed line in Figure 21. This allows for the calculation of estimated subjective information (feeling of warmth) corresponding to each bathing time when the water temperature is around 40°C. Similarly, estimated subjective information (feeling of warmth) corresponding to each bathing time is calculated for other temperature ranges.

[0119] Next, based on the estimated subjective information (feeling of warmth) corresponding to each bathing time obtained as shown in Figure 21, subjective information corresponding to each water temperature is estimated. Figure 22 is a graph with "water temperature" on the horizontal axis and "feeling of warmth" on the vertical axis, plotting the "feeling of warmth" around 15 minutes of bathing time as plotted points ○ (the area within the vertical rectangle in Figure 20). As shown in Figure 22, among the water temperatures interpolated as in Figure 21, there are no plotted points ○ where the temperature is 36℃ or lower, or plotted points ○ where the water temperature is 44℃ or higher. Furthermore, the plotted points ○ on the graph shown in Figure 22 are concentrated between water temperatures of approximately 39-41℃.

[0120] However, it is generally expected that when the water temperature is approximately 35°C, the subjective information regarding "feeling warm" will be evaluated as "too cold," and when the water temperature is approximately 45°C, the subjective information will be evaluated as "too hot." Therefore, plot points × are added to the graph in Figure 22. Based on the plot points ○ and × obtained in Figure 22 in this way, interpolation is performed using the logistic equation to obtain the regression curve shown as a dashed line in Figure 22. This allows for the calculation of estimated subjective information (feeling warm) corresponding to each water temperature when the bathing time is approximately 15 minutes.

[0121] Furthermore, as shown above, Figure 22 estimates the "feeling of warmth" for each water temperature around 15 minutes into bathing. Similarly, estimated subjective information (feeling of warmth) corresponding to each water temperature is calculated for other bathing time ranges. This allows for the calculation of estimated subjective information (feeling of warmth) corresponding to each bathing time and each water temperature, resulting in the heatmap shown in Figure 19.

[0122] Next, the operation of the bathing information system according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 23 and 24. Figure 23 shows an example of a screen displayed on a smartphone (terminal device 52) before a bather begins bathing. Figure 24 shows an example of a screen displayed on the remote control 9 while the bather is bathing.

[0123] As shown in Figure 23, in the bathing information system of this embodiment, when a bather launches a predetermined application program on their smartphone before bathing, a heat map estimated based on their stored bathing history is displayed. Here, if the bathtub is set to a temperature of, for example, 41°C and the bathtub is filled with 41°C water, the bather taps near 41°C on the vertical axis of the heat map. Then, even if the bather has never bathed in 41°C water before, the system calculates the estimated bathing time at which the subjective feeling of "warmth" will be "comfortable" when the water temperature is 41°C. In other words, the bathing time is calculated based on the heat map by the program running on the smartphone. The calculated bathing time is displayed, for example, below the heat map on the smartphone screen as "The recommended bathing time is approximately 6 to 9 minutes" (not shown).

[0124] On the other hand, if a bather expresses a desire to bathe for about 20 minutes before entering the bath, they will tap around 20 minutes on the horizontal axis of the heatmap. Even if the bather has never bathed for 20 minutes before, the system will calculate, based on the heatmap, the water temperature at which the subjective feeling of "warmth" would be estimated to be "comfortable" for a 20-minute bath. The calculated water temperature will be displayed, for example, below the heatmap on a smartphone screen as "The recommended water temperature is approximately 37.5°C to 38.5°C" (not shown). Based on this display, the bather can change the bathtub's temperature setting to achieve a comfortable feeling of warmth for their desired bathing time. Alternatively, the bathing information system can be configured to automatically change the bathtub's temperature setting based on the recommended water temperature.

[0125] On the other hand, when a bather is immersed in the bathtub, the screen shown in Figure 24 is displayed on the remote control 9. Specifically, as shown in Figure 24, the display on the remote control 9 shows the temperature of the water currently stored in the bathtub, the elapsed time since bathing (the time elapsed from when the bather entered the bathtub until the present), and the remaining time until the recommended time to exit the bath to achieve a comfortable feeling of warmth. In the example shown in Figure 24, the temperature of the water stored in the bathtub is 39°C, 4 minutes and 40 seconds have passed since the bather entered the bathtub, and it is displayed that a comfortable feeling of warmth can be achieved by exiting the bath after another 1 minute and 20 seconds. This allows the bather to easily understand when to exit the bath to achieve a comfortable feeling of warmth by looking at the screen on the remote control 9 while bathing.

[0126] Furthermore, in the third embodiment described above, the temperature of the bathwater and the bathing time were acquired as objective information. However, instead of the temperature of the bathwater and / or the bathing time, or in addition to the temperature of the bathwater and / or the bathing time, biological information such as heart rate can also be acquired as objective information. Moreover, in the third embodiment described above, the bather input "feeling of warmth" as subjective information. However, the present invention can also be configured so that instead of "feeling of warmth," the bather inputs subjective information such as "improvement of cold sensitivity," "improvement of fatigue," "improvement of sleep," or "sweating."

[0127] According to the bathing information system of the third embodiment of the present invention, subjective information that will correspond to objective information values ​​that have never been associated with subjective information is estimated (Figure 19). Therefore, subjective information such as whether the bather feels sufficiently warm or whether the bather sweats can be estimated for objective information values ​​such as bathing conditions and biological information that the bather has never experienced before. As a result, even for objective information values ​​in areas that the bather has never experienced, it becomes possible to recommend objective information values ​​that the bather will likely be satisfied with, thereby providing a comfortable bathing experience.

[0128] Furthermore, according to the bathing information system of this embodiment, based on objective information such as the temperature of the bathwater and the bathing time, and the corresponding subjective information, it is possible to estimate how the bather feels (subjective information) for bathwater temperatures and bathing times for which the bather has never entered subjective information. As a result, for example, even if the bather is bathing in water at a temperature for which they have never entered subjective information, it is possible to estimate how long they need to bathe to feel sufficiently warm (Figures 23 and 24), and recommend bathing conditions that will satisfy the bather.

[0129] Next, with reference to Figure 25, a bathing information system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The bathing information system of this embodiment differs from the third embodiment described above in that it acquires the temperature inside the room (bathroom) where the bathtub is located as objective information. Below, only the differences between the fourth embodiment of the present invention and the third embodiment will be described, and similar configurations, operations, and effects will not be explained. Figure 25 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the bathing information system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0130] In this embodiment of the bathing information system, objective information such as the temperature of the bathwater, the bathing time, and the ambient temperature in the bathroom are acquired each time a specific bather takes a bath. After each bath, the bather inputs their "feeling of warmth" in five stages: "too hot," "somewhat hot," "comfortable," "somewhat cold," and "too cold." The program installed on the smartphone links and stores the acquired objective information with the subjective information entered by the bather. The program further generates a heat map, as shown in Figure 19, for each ambient temperature in the bathroom. In this embodiment, if the ambient temperature in the bathroom is below 24°C, the room temperature is considered "low"; if the ambient temperature is between 24°C and 28°C, the room temperature is considered "medium"; and if the ambient temperature is 28°C or higher, the room temperature is considered "high." Three types of heat maps corresponding to "low," "medium," and "high" ambient temperatures are estimated.

[0131] When a user enters the bath, as shown in Figure 25, they tap either "Low," "Medium," or "High" according to the temperature in the bathroom that day, and a heat map estimated to correspond to that room temperature is displayed on the smartphone screen. The operation after the heat map is displayed is the same as in the third embodiment described above, so the explanation is omitted. Alternatively, the present invention can be configured so that a heat map corresponding to the room temperature is automatically displayed based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor built into the smartphone. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the heat map (not shown) displayed on the screen of the remote control 9 is also selected according to the temperature in the bathroom, and the same information as in the third embodiment is displayed.

[0132] According to the bathing information system of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, since the objective information includes the temperature of the room where the bathtub is located, even if the subjective experience (satisfaction level) of the bather changes depending on the season, the weather on the day of bathing, etc., it is possible to recommend bathing conditions that will satisfy the bather with high accuracy.

[0133] Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment described above, the temperature inside the bathroom was included as objective information. However, as a modification, the present invention can also be configured to acquire the water level in the bathtub as objective information instead of the temperature inside the bathroom. In this case, a water level gauge (not shown) is provided to detect the water level in the bathtub, and the detection signal from this water level gauge is acquired as objective information. That is, even if the temperature of the bathwater and the bathing time are the same, if the water level in the bathtub is high, the bather will be warmed well, and if the water level is low, the bather will not be warmed as well. In this modification, the program generates a heat map as shown in Figure 19 for each water level in the bathtub. In this embodiment, the water level in the bathtub is classified into three stages: "low," "medium," and "high," and three types of heat maps corresponding to each are estimated.

[0134] When a bather enters the bath, as in Figure 25, they tap either "Low," "Medium," or "High" according to the water level in the bathtub for that day, and a heat map estimated to correspond to that water level is displayed on the smartphone screen. The operation after the heat map is displayed is the same as in the third embodiment described above, so the explanation is omitted. Alternatively, the present invention can be configured so that the water level detected by a water level gauge (not shown) is transmitted to the smartphone, and a heat map corresponding to the water level is automatically displayed. Furthermore, in this modified example, the heat map (not shown) displayed on the screen of the remote control 9 is also selected according to the water level in the bathtub, and the same information as in the third embodiment is displayed.

[0135] According to this modified version, since the water level in the bathtub is included in the objective information, the difference in the feeling of warmth experienced by the bather when taking a half-body bath versus a full-body bath can also be taken into account in the estimation of subjective information, making it possible to recommend bathing conditions that will satisfy the bather with high accuracy.

[0136] Next, a fifth embodiment of the bathing information system according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 26 to 28. The bathing information system of this embodiment differs from the third embodiment described above in that it inputs subjective information, specifically whether or not the bather sweated after getting out of the bath. Below, only the differences between the fifth embodiment of the present invention and the third embodiment will be described, and similar configurations, operations, and effects will not be explained. Figure 26 shows an example of a screen in which a bather inputs subjective information in a bathing information system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 27 shows an example of a screen displayed on the bather's smartphone before bathing in a bathing information system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 28 shows an example of a screen displayed on the remote control 9 during bathing in a bathing information system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0137] As shown in Figure 26, in the bathing information system of this embodiment, the temperature of the bathwater and the bathing time are acquired as objective information each time a specific bather takes a bath. After each bath, the bather inputs subjective information, indicating whether or not they sweated after the bath, i.e., "sweated" or "did not sweat." The program installed on the smartphone stores the acquired objective information and the subjective information entered by the bather, linking them together. The program further estimates a heat map as shown in Figure 27. As shown in Figure 27, this heat map estimates whether or not the bather sweated after getting out of the bath, based on the objective information of the bathwater temperature and bathing time.

[0138] In the bathing information system of this embodiment, when a bather launches a predetermined application program on their smartphone before bathing, a heat map, as shown in Figure 27, estimated based on the stored bathing history, is displayed. If the bathtub temperature setting is, for example, 39°C and the bathtub is filled with 39°C water, the bather taps near 39°C on the vertical axis of the heat map. As a result, the minimum bathing time at which subjective information will be estimated to result in "sweating" when the water temperature is 39°C is calculated by the program running on the smartphone based on the heat map. The calculated bathing time is displayed, for example, below the heat map on the smartphone screen as "You will sweat if you bathe for about 9 minutes or more" (not shown).

[0139] On the other hand, if a bather expresses a desire to bathe for about 15 minutes before entering the bath, they tap around 15 minutes on the horizontal axis of the heatmap. This allows the system to calculate, based on the heatmap, the minimum water temperature at which subjective information would indicate "sweating" for a 15-minute bath. The calculated water temperature is then displayed, for example, below the heatmap on a smartphone screen, as "Setting the temperature to approximately 38.5°C or higher will induce sweating" (not shown). If a bather wishes to sweat, they can change the bathtub's temperature setting based on this display, allowing them to sweat after their desired bathing time.

[0140] On the other hand, when the bather is immersed in the bathtub, the screen shown in Figure 28 is displayed on the remote control 9. As shown in Figure 28, the display on the remote control 9 shows how many more minutes of bathing are needed before sweating occurs after getting out of the bath. In the example shown in Figure 28, it is shown that sweating will occur after getting out of the bath if the bather stays in the bath for 5 minutes and 10 seconds or more. In other words, the program calculates how many more minutes of bathing are needed before sweating occurs after getting out of the bath, based on the temperature of the water stored in the bathtub and the elapsed time since the bather entered the bathtub, and displays the remaining time on the screen of the remote control 9. As a result, if the bather wishes to sweat, they will continue bathing until the remaining time on the screen of the remote control 9 reaches at least 0. If the bather does not wish to sweat, they will get out of the bath before the remaining time on the screen of the remote control 9 reaches 0.

[0141] Next, a bathing information system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 29 and 30. The bathing information system of this embodiment differs from the third embodiment described above in that it acquires the bather's heart rate as objective information and displays a heart rate gauge on the remote control. Below, only the differences between the sixth embodiment of the present invention and the third embodiment will be described, and similar configurations, operations, and effects will not be explained. Figure 29 shows an example of a screen in which a bather inputs subjective information in a bathing information system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 30 shows an example of a gauge displayed on a remote control screen in the bathroom.

[0142] In the bathing information system of this embodiment, each time a specific bather takes a bath, objective information such as the bather's heart rate at the start of the bath and at the end of the bath is acquired (only the end-of-bath data is displayed on the display screen in Figure 29). After each bath, the bather inputs their "feeling of warmth" during that bath on a five-point scale: "too hot," "somewhat hot," "comfortable," "somewhat cold," and "too cold." The program installed on the smartphone stores the acquired objective information and the subjective information entered by the bather, linking them together. Furthermore, based on the acquired objective information and the entered subjective information, the program estimates how many times the heart rate per minute (Δheart rate) the bather needs to increase from the start of the bath to the end of the bath to achieve a "comfortable feeling of warmth."

[0143] Next, as shown in Figure 30, while the bather is bathing, the remote control 9 displays the "current Δ heart rate" (how many times the heart rate has increased since the start of bathing) and the "recommended exit Δ heart rate" (how many times the heart rate should increase per minute to exit the bath to achieve a "comfortable" "warm feeling"). Below this display, an indicator line showing the current Δ heart rate and the range of the recommended exit Δ heart rate are displayed on the heart rate gauge. In the example shown in Figure 30, the heart rate has currently increased by 9.5 beats since the start of bathing, and the numerical value and gauge indicate that a "comfortable" "warm feeling" can be achieved by exiting the bath when the heart rate increases by 10.5 to 22.5 beats since the start of bathing. The bather can achieve a "comfortable" "warm feeling" by exiting the bath when the indicator line for "current heart rate" displayed on the heart rate gauge falls within the "recommended heart rate" range.

[0144] According to the bathing information system of the sixth embodiment of the present invention, a "comfortable" "feeling of warmth" can be obtained based on objective information of heart rate.

[0145] Next, a bathing information system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 31 and 32. The bathing information system of this embodiment differs from the sixth embodiment described above in that subjective information, such as whether or not the bather is sweating, is input. Below, only the differences between the seventh embodiment of the present invention and the sixth embodiment will be described, and similar configurations, operations, and effects will not be explained. Figure 31 shows an example of a screen in which a bather inputs subjective information in a bathing information system according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. Figure 32 shows an example of a gauge displayed on a remote control screen in the bathroom.

[0146] In the bathing information system of this embodiment, each time a specific bather takes a bath, the bather's heart rate at the start of the bath and at the end of the bath is acquired as objective information (only the heart rate at the end of the bath is displayed on the display screen in Figure 31). After each bath, the bather inputs whether or not they sweated. The program installed on the smartphone stores the acquired objective information and the subjective information entered by the bather, linking them together. The program further estimates, based on the acquired objective information and the entered subjective information, how many times the heart rate per minute (Δheart rate) the bather's heart rate needs to increase from the start of the bath to the end of the bath for them to sweat after the bath.

[0147] Next, as shown in Figure 32, while the bather is bathing, the remote control 9 displays the "current Δ heart rate" (how many times the heart rate has increased since the start of bathing) and the "sweating start Δ heart rate" (how many heart rate beats per minute must increase before sweating occurs upon exiting the bath). Below this display, the heart rate gauge shows indicator lines indicating the current Δ heart rate and the minimum Δ heart rate required for sweating after exiting the bath. In the example shown in Figure 32, the heart rate has currently increased by 9.5 beats since the start of bathing, and the numerical value and gauge indicate that sweating will occur when the heart rate increases by 12.0 beats or more from the start of bathing before exiting the bath. If the bather wishes to sweat after exiting the bath, they should exit the bath after the "current heart rate" indicator line on the heart rate gauge crosses the "sweating start heart rate" indicator line. Furthermore, if a bather does not wish to sweat after bathing, they should exit the bath before the "current heart rate" indicator line on the heart rate gauge crosses the "heart rate at which sweating begins" indicator line.

[0148] According to the bathing information system of the seventh embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to recognize whether or not sweating occurs after bathing based on objective information of heart rate.

[0149] Next, with reference to Figures 33 to 35, a bathing information system according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The bathing information system of this embodiment differs from the third embodiment described above in that it acquires the bather's body temperature as objective information and displays a body temperature gauge on the remote control. Below, only the differences between the eighth embodiment of the present invention and the third embodiment will be described, and similar configurations, operations, and effects will not be explained. Figure 33 shows an example of an image captured by a thermosensor to obtain the body temperature of a bather in a bathing information system according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 34 shows an example of a screen in which a bather inputs subjective information. Figure 35 shows an example of a gauge displayed on a remote control screen in the bathroom.

[0150] In the bathing information system of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 33, an image of a bather in the bathtub is captured by a thermosensor (not shown). By analyzing this captured image, the temperature of the bather's forehead Br is obtained as objective information regarding the bather's body temperature. As a result, as shown in Figure 34, each time a particular bather takes a bath, the bather's body temperature at the start of the bath and at the end of the bath is obtained as objective information (only the end-of-bath temperature is displayed on the display screen in Figure 34). After each bath, the bather inputs their "feeling of warmth" during that bath on a scale of five: "too hot," "somewhat hot," "comfortable," "somewhat cold," and "too cold." The program installed on the smartphone stores the acquired objective information and the subjective information entered by the bather, linking them together. The program further estimates, based on the acquired objective information and the entered subjective information, how many degrees (Δbody temperature) the bather's body temperature needs to rise from the start of the bath to the end of the bath to achieve a "comfortable feeling of warmth."

[0151] Next, as shown in Figure 35, while the bather is bathing, the remote control 9 displays "Current Δ Body Temperature" (how many degrees the body temperature has risen since the start of bathing) and "Recommended Bath Exit Δ Body Temperature" (at what temperature should the bather exit to achieve a "comfortable" feeling of warmth). Below this display, an indicator line showing the current Δ Body Temperature and a range for the recommended bath exit Δ Body Temperature are displayed on the body temperature gauge. In the example shown in Figure 35, the body temperature has risen by 0.5°C since the start of bathing, and the numerical value and gauge indicate that a "comfortable" feeling of warmth can be achieved by exiting the bath when the body temperature rises by 0.7°C to 1.5°C from the start of bathing. The bather can achieve a "comfortable" feeling of warmth by exiting the bath when the indicator line for "Current Δ Body Temperature" displayed on the body temperature gauge falls within the "Recommended Bath Exit Δ Body Temperature" range.

[0152] According to the bathing information system of the eighth embodiment of the present invention, a "comfortable" "feeling of warmth" can be obtained based on objective information of body temperature.

[0153] Next, with reference to Figure 36, a bathing information system according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The bathing information system of this embodiment differs from the eighth embodiment described above in that subjective information, such as whether or not the bather is sweating, is input. Below, only the differences between the ninth embodiment of the present invention and the eighth embodiment will be described, and similar configurations, operations, and effects will not be explained. Figure 36 shows an example of a gauge displayed on a remote control screen in the bathroom in a bathing information system according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention.

[0154] In the bathing information system of this embodiment, an image of a bather in the bathtub is captured by a thermosensor (not shown). By analyzing this captured image, the temperature of the bather's forehead Br is obtained as objective information regarding the bather's body temperature. As a result, each time a particular bather takes a bath, the bather's body temperature at the start of the bath and at the end of the bath is obtained as objective information. After each bath, the bather inputs whether or not they sweated after getting out of the bath. A program installed on a smartphone stores the acquired objective information and the subjective information entered by the bather, linking them together. The program further estimates, based on the acquired objective information and the entered subjective information, how many degrees (Δbody temperature) the bather's body temperature needs to rise from the start of the bath to the end of the bath for them to sweat.

[0155] Next, as shown in Figure 36, while the bather is bathing, the remote control 9 displays "Current Δ Body Temperature" (how many degrees the body temperature has risen since the start of bathing) and "Sweating Initiation Δ Body Temperature" (at what temperature the body temperature will rise before sweating occurs upon exiting the bath). Below this display, indicator lines showing the current Δ Body Temperature and the sweating initiation Δ Body Temperature are displayed on the body temperature gauge. In the example shown in Figure 36, the body temperature has risen by 0.5°C since the start of bathing, and the numerical value and gauge indicate whether sweating will occur after exiting the bath if the body temperature rises by 0.7°C or more from the start of bathing. If the bather wishes to sweat after exiting the bath, they should exit the bath after the "Current Body Temperature" indicator line on the body temperature gauge crosses the "Sweating Initiation Temperature" indicator line. If the bather does not wish to sweat after exiting the bath, they should exit the bath before the "Current Body Temperature" indicator line on the body temperature gauge crosses the "Sweating Initiation Temperature" indicator line.

[0156] According to the bathing information system of the ninth embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to recognize whether or not sweating occurs after bathing based on objective information of heart rate.

[0157] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, various modifications can be made to the embodiments described above. In particular, the present invention can also be constructed by appropriately combining the configurations provided in each of the embodiments described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0158] 1: Bathing Information System 2: Bathtub equipment 4: Bathtub body 42: Bather Identification Department 44: Information acquisition department 50: Program 101: Bathing Information System 102: Bathtub equipment 150: Program A: Objective information B: Subjective information C: History Information D: Recommended Information E: Recommended range information R:Bathroom

Claims

1. A bathing information system for acquiring information about a person taking a bath in a bathtub, comprising: A bather identification unit that identifies who is taking a bath for a particular bath; An information acquisition unit that acquires objective information regarding the bather's bathing; A program for controlling the control unit to store subjective information input by a bather in the control unit, The program causes the control unit to store a bathing history that associates the objective information acquired by the information acquisition unit regarding a specific bathing of the identified bather with the subjective information input by the identified bather regarding the specific bathing, A bathing information system comprising the program, which causes the control unit to realize an output function of outputting historical information based on multiple bathing histories for a specific bather to an output device.

2. 2. The bathing information system according to claim 1, wherein the objective information is the temperature of the water in the bathtub and bathing time.

3. 2. The bathing information system according to claim 1, wherein the objective information is biological information of the bather.

4. 2. The bathing information system according to claim 1, wherein the program further causes the control unit to realize a function of outputting preset recommendation information together with the history information to the output device.

5. The bathing information system according to claim 1 , wherein the history information includes recommended range information determined based on a plurality of the bathing histories.

6. The output function includes a first output function and a second output function, The above program is First objective information selected from the objective information for a first analysis purpose; and The control unit stores a first bathing history associated with the first subjective information input for a first analytical purpose among the subjective information, and the control unit realizes the first output function of outputting, to the output device, first history information based on the first bathing histories for a specific bather. The above program is second objective information selected from the objective information for a second analysis purpose; and The control unit stores a second bathing history associated with the second subjective information input for a second analytical purpose among the subjective information, and the control unit realizes the second output function of outputting second history information based on the second bathing histories of a specific bather to the output device. The bathing information system according to claim 1 , wherein the program further causes the control unit to realize a function of switching between the first output function and the second output function.

7. A bathing information system for acquiring information about a person taking a bath in a bathtub, comprising: A bather identification unit that identifies who is taking a bath for a particular bath; An information acquisition unit that acquires objective information regarding the bather's bathing; An input unit that accepts input of subjective information; a control unit that stores the objective information and the subjective information; A display unit that displays information received from the control unit, The control unit is storing a bathing history that associates the objective information acquired by the information acquisition unit regarding the specific bathing of the identified bather with the subjective information input to the input unit regarding the identified bather for the specific bathing; A bathing information system characterized in that historical information based on multiple bathing histories for a specific bather is displayed on the display unit.

8. The bathing information system of claim 1, wherein the program estimates subjective information that would correspond to a value of objective information to which no subjective information has yet been linked based on objective information related to at least one bath and subjective information linked to the value of the objective information, and outputs the estimated subjective information to the output device.

9. 9. The bathing information system according to claim 8, wherein the objective information values ​​are the temperature of the water in the bathtub and bathing time.

10. 10. The bathing information system according to claim 9, wherein the objective information value further includes an air temperature of a room in which the bathtub is provided.

11. 10. The bathing information system according to claim 9, wherein the objective information value further includes a water level in the bathtub.

12. A bathing information system for acquiring information about a bather bathing in a bathtub, comprising: A bather identification unit that identifies who is taking a bath for a particular bath; An information acquisition unit that acquires objective information regarding the bather's bathing; A program for controlling the control unit to store subjective information input by a bather in the control unit, The program causes the control unit to store a bathing history that associates the objective information acquired by the information acquisition unit regarding a specific bathing of the identified bather with the subjective information input by the identified bather regarding the specific bathing, A bathing information system comprising the program, which, via the control unit, suggests a bathing method for a specific bather based on the bathing history.

13. A bathing information system for acquiring information about a bather bathing in a bathtub, comprising: A bather identification unit that identifies who is taking a bath for a particular bath; An information acquisition unit that acquires objective information regarding the bather's bathing; An input unit that accepts input of subjective information; a control unit that stores the objective information and the subjective information, The control unit is storing a bathing history that associates the objective information acquired by the information acquisition unit regarding the specific bathing of the identified bather with the subjective information input to the input unit regarding the identified bather for the specific bathing; A bathing information system that proposes bathing methods for a specific bather based on the bathing history of the bather.

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