Information providing system, information providing method, and information providing program

Abstract

To enable appropriate information provision.SOLUTION: An information providing system outputs a congestion state of a plurality of restrooms provided in a facility to a display terminal. The information providing system comprises: a use state acquisition section that acquires a use state of an object to be used provided in each of the plurality of restrooms; a congestion state acquisition section that acquires congestion information on the plurality of restrooms on the basis of the use state of the object to be used acquired by the use state acquisition section; and a storage section that stores restroom information on each of the restrooms. A display mode in the display terminal includes: a first display form in which first restroom information on the plurality of restrooms based on the congestion information on the plurality of restrooms and the restroom information is displayed on the display terminal; and a second display form in which second restroom information obtained by detailing at least a part of the first restroom information on a specific restroom among the plurality of restrooms is displayed on the display terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to an information providing system, an information providing method, and an information providing program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are known information providing devices and programs that visualize the usage status of toilets in facilities such as commercial facilities and promote smooth toilet use (e.g., Patent Document 1, etc.). For example, Patent Document 1 displays the usage status (full, vacant, cleaning) of toilet spaces corresponding to each gender, such as the ladies' and men's restrooms provided on each floor of the facility, and the number of toilets available for use in each toilet space, making it possible to grasp the congestion status of the toilet spaces in the facility. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-197011 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there is room for improvement in the above technology. For example, in the above-mentioned conventional technology system, although it is possible to check at a glance whether each toilet space is full or being cleaned, the system does not take into consideration the display of individual information about each toilet space, and there is room for improvement in providing information to users who desire detailed information about each toilet space. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to provide appropriate information about toilets such as restrooms.

[0005] In light of the above, the challenge is to provide appropriate information.

[0006] An object of the disclosed embodiments is to provide an information providing system, an information providing method, and an information providing program that can enable appropriate information provision. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An information provision system according to one aspect of an embodiment is an information provision system that outputs the congestion status of a plurality of restrooms provided in a facility to a display terminal, and includes a usage status acquisition unit that acquires the usage status of an object of use provided in each of the plurality of restrooms, a congestion status acquisition unit that acquires congestion information of the plurality of restrooms based on the usage status of the object of use acquired by the usage status acquisition unit, and a memory unit that stores restroom information related to each of the restrooms, wherein the display modes of the display terminal include a first display form that causes the display terminal to display first restroom information of the plurality of restrooms based on the congestion information of the plurality of restrooms and the restroom information, and a second display form that causes the display terminal to display second restroom information that details at least a portion of the first restroom information of a specific restroom among the plurality of restrooms.

[0008] According to an information provision system according to an embodiment, the first display form allows a user to easily find a specific restroom that meets the conditions from the congestion information and restroom information, and the second display form allows the user to grasp detailed information of the specific restroom, so that toilet information that meets the user's needs can be provided, improving usability. Therefore, the information provision system can provide appropriate information. An example of the object of use will be described later, and while an example of the object of use is a toilet bowl, the object of use is not limited to a toilet bowl and may be various devices (objects) arranged in a restroom, such as a urinal or a sink.

[0009] In an information provision system according to one aspect of an embodiment, when a selection of a restroom from the plurality of restrooms is accepted in the first display form, the first display form is transitioned to the second display form in which the second restroom information of the restroom corresponding to the selection is displayed on the display terminal.

[0010] According to the information provision system according to one aspect of the embodiment, after a user finds a specific restroom that meets the conditions from the congestion information and restroom information, the user can grasp detailed information about the specific restroom and can be provided with toilet information that meets the user's requirements, thereby improving usability. Therefore, the information provision system can provide appropriate information.

[0011] In an information provision system according to one aspect of an embodiment, the second display form includes information regarding a configuration inside the specific restroom.

[0012] According to an information provision system according to an aspect of an embodiment, since the fixtures, products, and equipment information installed in a specific restroom can be grasped, toilet information that meets the user's needs can be provided, improving usability. Therefore, the information provision system can provide appropriate information.

[0013] In an information providing system according to one aspect of an embodiment, the first display form includes the first restroom information of restrooms on each floor of the facility.

[0014] According to an information providing system according to an embodiment, the first display mode is convenient because it displays the first restroom information of the restrooms on each floor of the facility. Therefore, the information providing system can provide appropriate information.

[0015] In an information providing system according to one aspect of an embodiment, at least one of the first display form and the second display form displays location information of a corresponding restroom in response to a user's operation.

[0016] According to an information provision system according to an embodiment, a specific restroom can be easily identified and its location within a facility can also be identified, so that restroom information that meets the user's needs can be provided, improving usability. Therefore, the information provision system can provide appropriate information.

[0017] In an information provision system according to one aspect of an embodiment, at least one of the first display form and the second display form is characterized in that, when a user selection is accepted, user input information for the restroom corresponding to the selection is output to a predetermined output destination.

[0018] According to the information providing system according to one aspect of the embodiment, since the user can easily know which restroom he / she used, it is easy for the user to notify the manager of the restroom he / she used. Therefore, the information providing system can provide appropriate information.

[0019] An information providing method according to one aspect of an embodiment is an information providing method for outputting congestion status of a plurality of restrooms provided in a facility to a display terminal, the information providing method including: a usage status acquisition process for acquiring usage status of objects of use provided in each of the plurality of restrooms; a congestion status acquisition process for acquiring congestion information of the plurality of restrooms based on the usage status of the objects of use acquired by the usage status acquisition process; and a storage process for storing restroom information related to each of the restrooms, wherein the display modes on the display terminal include a first display form for causing the display terminal to display first restroom information of the plurality of restrooms based on the congestion information of the plurality of restrooms and the restroom information; and a second display form for causing the display terminal to display second restroom information that details at least a portion of the first restroom information of a specific restroom among the plurality of restrooms.

[0020] According to the information providing method according to one aspect of the embodiment, the first display form allows a user to easily find a specific restroom that meets the conditions from the congestion information and restroom information, and the second display form allows the user to grasp detailed information of the specific restroom, so that toilet information that meets the user's needs can be provided, improving usability. Therefore, the information providing method can provide appropriate information.

[0021] An information provision program according to one aspect of an embodiment is an information provision program executed by a computer that outputs the congestion status of a plurality of restrooms provided in a facility to a display terminal, and causes the computer to execute a usage status acquisition procedure of acquiring the usage status of objects of use provided in each of the plurality of restrooms, a congestion status acquisition procedure of acquiring congestion information of the plurality of restrooms based on the usage status of the objects of use acquired by the usage status acquisition procedure, and a storage procedure of storing restroom information related to each of the restrooms, wherein the display modes on the display terminal include a first display form that causes the display terminal to display first restroom information of the plurality of restrooms based on the congestion information of the plurality of restrooms and the restroom information, and a second display form that causes the display terminal to display second restroom information that details at least a portion of the first restroom information of a specific restroom among the plurality of restrooms.

[0022] According to an information provision program according to an embodiment, the first display mode allows a user to easily find a specific restroom that meets the conditions from the congestion information and restroom information, and the second display mode allows the user to grasp detailed information of the specific restroom, so that toilet information that meets the user's needs can be provided, improving usability. Therefore, the information provision program can provide appropriate information. Effect of the Invention

[0023] According to one aspect of the embodiment, it is possible to provide appropriate information. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an information providing system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the toilet space according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information providing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a gateway device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the restroom information storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a user terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a process executed by the information providing system. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of information provision according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of information provision according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of information provision according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of information provision according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of information provision according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an information providing system, an information providing method, and an information providing program disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment.

[0026] In the present application, an area (space) having a function including a toilet (restroom) provided in a facility such as a commercial facility is referred to as a restroom. Also, so-called women's restrooms (ladies' restrooms), men's restrooms (gentlemen's restrooms), barrier-free restrooms, etc. may be referred to as restroom spaces. For example, a women's restroom is a restroom space expected to be used by people whose attributes correspond to women, and a men's restroom is a restroom space expected to be used by people whose attributes correspond to men. Also, for example, a barrier-free restroom may be a restroom space expected to be used by people who belong to the attributes of wheelchair users, ostomates, people with infants, etc. (also called "barrier-free target persons"). Note that the above-mentioned three types of restroom spaces are merely examples, and the restroom space may be any type of restroom space. For example, the restroom space may be a genderless restroom expected to be used by people of all genders. Also, the restroom space may be a restroom space expected to be used by all attributes. In this way, the restroom space may be any type of restroom space as long as the attributes of the people who use the space are expected.

[0027] In addition, restrooms are assumed to have various configurations depending on the arrangement. For example, in a facility such as a commercial facility, when a women's restroom, a men's restroom, and a barrier-free restroom are all arranged in a predetermined area, the restroom arranged in the predetermined area will have three toilet spaces, the women's restroom, the men's restroom, and the barrier-free restroom. In addition, for example, when a women's restroom and a men's restroom are all arranged in a predetermined area, the restroom arranged in the predetermined area will have two toilet spaces, the women's restroom and the men's restroom. In addition, for example, when a women's restroom and a barrier-free restroom are all arranged in a predetermined area, the restroom arranged in the predetermined area will have two toilet spaces, the women's restroom and the barrier-free restroom.

[0028] Also, for example, if only a men's restroom is arranged in a specified area, the restroom arranged in that specified area will be a restroom with one toilet space of a men's restroom. Also, for example, if only a barrier-free restroom is arranged in a specified area, the restroom arranged in that specified area will be a restroom with one toilet space of a barrier-free restroom. Also, for example, if only a genderless restroom is arranged in a specified area, the restroom arranged in that specified area will be a restroom with one toilet space of a genderless restroom. In other words, one restroom may be composed of multiple toilet spaces, or may be composed of only one toilet space. In other words, the restroom referred to here can be any configuration as long as it has one or more toilet spaces.

[0029] <1. Example of information provision system> Prior to describing the processing executed in the information providing system 1 according to the embodiment, an example of the configuration of the information providing system 1 will be described. First, an example of the physical configuration and application target of the information providing system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information providing system according to the embodiment. Fig. 1 shows an overview of the configuration and the like of an example in which the information providing system 1 is applied to providing information about a facility FC1.

[0030] In the following description, when the restrooms such as the restrooms 21 to 28 are not distinguished from one another, they may be referred to as "restroom 2." 11 , Toilet space 3 12 , Toilet space 3 13 When describing toilet spaces without distinguishing between these, it may be referred to as "toilet space 3."

[0031] Facility FC1 in FIG. 1 is a four-story facility, and is an installation property for which information is provided by information provision system 1. For example, facility FC1 is a commercial facility. The facility in which restroom 2 is provided may be any facility. For example, the facility in which restroom 2 is provided is not limited to a commercial facility such as a department store, but may be any facility such as an amusement park, stadium, office building, park, parking lot, etc. In this way, the location in which restroom 2 is provided may be any location as long as there is space available to place restroom 2.

[0032] The facility FC1 in FIG. 1 is provided with eight restrooms 2, two on each of the first to fourth floors. For example, on the first floor of the facility FC1, two restrooms 2 are provided: a restroom 21 shown as toilet A (restroom #1) in FIG. 1, and a restroom 22 shown as toilet B (restroom #2). For example, the restroom 21 is a restroom space 3 which is a men's restroom. 11 3. Women's toilet space 12 3. Barrier-free toilet space 13 The restroom 21 has three toilet spaces 3. Details of the restroom 21 will be described later. For example, the restroom 22 has two toilet spaces 3, a women's toilet and a barrier-free toilet. For example, the restroom 21 is provided in the southern area of ​​the first floor of the facility FC1, and the restroom 22 is provided in the northern area of ​​the first floor of the facility FC1.

[0033] For example, two restrooms 2 are provided on the second floor of facility FC1: a restroom 23 shown as Toilet C (restroom #3) in Fig. 1, and a restroom 24 shown as Toilet D (restroom #4). For example, the restroom 23 has three toilet spaces 3: a women's toilet, a men's toilet, and a barrier-free toilet. For example, the restroom 24 has one toilet space 3: a women's toilet. For example, the restroom 23 is provided in the southern area of ​​the second floor of facility FC1, and the restroom 24 is provided in the northern area of ​​the second floor of facility FC1.

[0034] For example, two restrooms 2 are provided on the third floor of facility FC1: a restroom 25 shown as toilet E (restroom #5) in FIG. 1 and a restroom 26 shown as toilet F (restroom #6). For example, the restroom 25 has three toilet spaces 3: a women's restroom, a men's restroom, and a barrier-free restroom. For example, the restroom 26 has three toilet spaces 3: a women's restroom, a men's restroom, and a barrier-free restroom. For example, the restroom 25 is provided in the southern area of ​​the third floor of facility FC1, and the restroom 26 is provided in the northern area of ​​the third floor of facility FC1.

[0035] For example, two restrooms 2 are provided on the fourth floor of facility FC1: a restroom 27 shown as toilet G (restroom #7) in FIG. 1 and a restroom 28 shown as toilet H (restroom #8). For example, the restroom 27 has three toilet spaces 3: a women's restroom, a men's restroom, and a barrier-free restroom. For example, the restroom 28 has three toilet spaces 3: a women's restroom, a men's restroom, and a barrier-free restroom. For example, the restroom 27 is provided in the southern area of ​​the fourth floor of facility FC1, and the restroom 28 is provided in the northern area of ​​the fourth floor of facility FC1.

[0036] Here, an example of the configuration of the toilet space 3 in the restroom 21 will be described using the restroom 21 in FIG. 1 as an example. As described above, the restroom 21 has the toilet space 3 11 , Toilet space 3 12 , Toilet space 3 13 In this way, the restroom 21 provided in the south area of ​​the first floor of the facility FC1 includes the toilet space 3, which is a men's toilet. 11 3. Women's toilet space 12 3. Barrier-free toilet space 13 Includes.

[0037] The following is the toilet space 3 shown in Figure 2, which is a men's toilet. 11 An example of the configuration of a toilet space (toilet room) will be described using the above as an example. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the toilet space according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 conceptually shows an example of the physical layout of one toilet space.

[0038] The toilet space 3 shown in FIG. 2 is an example of a men's toilet. 11 The toilet space 3 has toilet booths TB1-TB4 which are toilet booths forming private spaces, and a shared space CS1 which is a shared space other than the toilet booths. When describing the toilet booths provided in the toilet space 3 without distinguishing between toilet booths TB1, TB2, TB3, TB4, etc., they may be described as "toilet booths TB." In FIG. 2, a case where the toilet space 3 has four toilet booths TB is described as an example, but the toilet space 3 may have three or less or five or more toilet booths TB.

[0039] That is, the toilet space 3 shown in FIG. 11 is merely one example of the toilet space 3, and any configuration can be adopted for the toilet space 3. For example, the toilet space 3 may have one toilet booth TB. The toilet space 3 may have any configuration as long as it includes at least one of the objects of use of the toilet that can be used by a user. For example, the toilet space 3 may have any configuration as long as it includes at least one of the objects of use of the toilet, such as a toilet bowl 10, a urinal 20, and a washbasin 30.

[0040] A toilet booth TB is a space (private space) separated by a partition (partition). Each toilet booth TB is equipped with a toilet bowl 10 and functions as a place where people perform excretory activities. Each toilet booth TB is also equipped with an openable door (not shown) for entering the toilet booth TB. Note that the door of each toilet booth TB is similar to the doors provided in general toilet booths TB, and therefore detailed description will be omitted. Also, the toilet booth TB does not have to be a space completely separated by a partition, and there may be a portion at the top or bottom of the partition that is not separated from the adjacent toilet booth TB or the shared space.

[0041] Furthermore, when describing shared spaces provided in the toilet space 3 without making a distinction, such as the shared space CS1, they may be referred to as the "shared space CS." The shared space CS is a common area within the toilet space 3 where multiple people can stay at the same time. For example, the shared space CS has an entrance to the toilet space 3, facilities that function as a hand-washing area such as a washbasin 30, and routes to each toilet booth TB. The shared space CS functions as a place for entering the toilet space 3, washing hands, etc., moving to each toilet booth TB, etc. Note that when the toilet space 3 is a shared area, 11 When the shared space CS functions as a men's toilet space 3, a urinal 20 is disposed in the shared space CS. That is, the shared space CS may also function as a place for people to perform excretory activities.

[0042] Next, the toilet space 3 shown in Figure 2 11 The arrangement of each device in the toilet space 3 will be described below using the toilet bowl 10 as an example. 11 The toilet is placed in the toilet booth TB1. 12 The toilet is placed in the toilet booth TB2. 13 The toilet is placed in the toilet booth TB3. 14 The toilet is placed in the toilet booth TB4. 11 , urinal 10 12 , urinal 10 13 , urinal 10 14 When describing toilets without distinguishing between them, they may be referred to as "toilet 10."

[0043] While Figure 2 shows an example in which there are four toilet bowls 10, any number of toilet bowls 10 can be used as long as the desired processing can be performed, and the number of toilet bowls 10 may be three or less, or five or more. Details of the functions of the toilet bowls 10 will be described later. Furthermore, any description of the toilet bowl 10 as the subject of processing such as information collection and determination may be read as the toilet booth TB in which the toilet bowl 10 is placed.

[0044] The toilet bowl 10 is an object of use for the toilet that is used when a user using the toilet excretes feces, urination, etc. The toilet bowl 10 is placed in a toilet booth TB provided in the toilet space 3. For example, the toilet bowl 10 has a toilet seat device including a toilet seat on which a user sits, and an operating part for operating a nozzle for discharging water for flushing. In addition to the toilet seat device, the toilet bowl 10 has various components such as a toilet lid and a toilet bowl to realize the function of a toilet bowl, but detailed explanations will be omitted. It should be noted that the toilet bowl 10 does not have to be included in the information provision system 1.

[0045] In FIG. 2, a toilet bowl 10 11 ~10 14 Among the toilet booths TB1 to TB4 in which the above-mentioned are arranged, the toilet booth TB4 has a toilet bowl 10 14 In addition, a baby seat 41 (also called a "baby chair") and a diaper changing table 42 are also provided. The baby seat 41 is intended for use by users with children, for example, and is a dedicated chair (equipment) for temporarily holding (keeping) the child when the user is using the toilet, etc. The diaper changing table 42 is intended for use by users with children, for example, and is a table (equipment) used when changing the child's diaper. In this way, equipment other than the toilet bowl 10 may also be provided in the toilet booth TB.

[0046] In addition, the description of the toilet booth TB as the target of processing such as information collection and judgment may be read as the toilet 10 arranged in the toilet booth TB. For example, 11 may be read as toilet booth TB1, and toilet booth TB1 is a toilet bowl 10 11 It may also be read as follows.

[0047] urinal 20 11 , urinal 20 12 , urinal 20 13 , urinal 20 14 is placed in the shared space CS1. 11 , urinal 20 12 , urinal 20 13 , urinal 20 14When describing urinals arranged in the toilet space 3 without making a distinction, they may be referred to as "urinals 20". In Fig. 2, a case where the number of urinals 20 is four is shown as an example, but any number of urinals 20 may be adopted as long as the desired processing can be performed, and the number of urinals 20 may be three or less or five or more.

[0048] The urinal 20 is provided in the male toilet space 3, and is an object of use for the toilet when a user of the toilet excretes urine. In this way, the urinal 20 is an object of use (toilet bowl) specifically for male urination. The urinal 20 is placed in a shared space CS provided in the toilet space 3.

[0049] washbasin 30 11 , basin 30 12 is placed in the shared space CS1. 11 , basin 30 12 When describing the washbasins arranged in the toilet space 3 without making a distinction, they may be referred to as "washbasins 30". In Fig. 2, a case where the number of washbasins 30 is two is shown as an example, but any number of washbasins 30 may be adopted as long as the desired treatment can be performed, and the number of washbasins 30 may be one or three or more.

[0050] The washbasin 30 is an object of use for the toilet that is used by users when they wash their hands, wash their face, and look in the mirror. The washbasin 30 is placed in a shared space CS provided in the toilet space 3. For example, the washbasin 30 has a faucet with an automatic water faucet function and a bowl portion that receives water from the faucet. In addition, a device that provides a function required after the user of the washbasin 30 has taken action, such as a hand dryer, may be placed near the washbasin 30.

[0051] Returning to Figure 1, toilet space 3 11 21 restrooms and 3 restroom spaces 12 , 3 13 Toilet space 3 11 The explanation of the same points as those explained in the previous section will be omitted.

[0052] The toilet space 3 shown in FIG. 1 is an example of a women's toilet. 12 has four toilet booths TB and a shared space CS2. Toilet Space 3 12 In the shared space CS2, two washbasins 30 and two powder rooms 40 are arranged. The powder room 40 is, for example, a powder corner provided in a corner of the shared space CS of the women's toilet space 3, and is used for actions such as makeup and skin care, and is equipped with mirrors, chairs, etc. In this way, the women's toilet space 3 and the men's toilet space 3 may each be provided with different facilities.

[0053] Also, toilet space 3 12 A toilet bowl 10 is disposed in each of the four toilet booths TB. 12 Of the four toilet booths TB, in one toilet booth TB, in addition to the toilet bowl 10, a baby seat 41 and a diaper changing table 42 are arranged.

[0054] The toilet space 3 shown in Figure 1 is an example of a barrier-free toilet. 13 Various facilities are installed in the space. Toilet space 3 13 A toilet bowl 10, a washbasin 30, a baby seat 41, a diaper changing table 42, a changing table 43, and an ostomate 44 are arranged in the toilet space 3. The changing table 43 is an object used, for example, for a user to change clothes in the toilet space 3, and is a dedicated platform (equipment) on which the user takes off footwear such as shoes and stands to change clothes. The ostomate 44 is an object used, for example, by a user who has an artificial anus or artificial bladder, and is equipment such as a stoma appliance and a faucet for washing waste. In addition to the toilet bowl 10 and the washbasin 30, various other equipment is arranged in the toilet space 3 of the barrier-free toilet.

[0055] 1 is collected by the gateway device 100, and provided from the gateway device 100 to devices such as the user terminal 200 and the administrator terminal 300. The gateway device 100, the user terminal 200, and the administrator terminal 300 will be described in detail later, but the processing in each device will be briefly described below.

[0056] For example, the gateway device 100 provides, for example, a facility management support service. For example, the gateway device 100 collects location information related to facility FC1, such as a floor map of each floor of facility FC1. For example, the gateway device 100 acquires location information related to facility FC1 from an administrator who operates facility FC1. Note that the gateway device 100 may acquire location information related to facility FC1 in any manner, and may acquire location information related to facility FC1, such as a floor map of each floor of facility FC1, from a website of facility FC1, for example.

[0057] Furthermore, for example, the gateway device 100 collects information (also referred to as "crowding information") indicating the congestion status of each toilet space 3 of facility FC1. For example, the gateway device 100 estimates the congestion status of each toilet space 3 based on information (also referred to as "usage information") indicating the usage status of the toilet 10 acquired from a seating sensor (detection unit 11 in FIG. 3) of each toilet 10 in the toilet space 3. Note that the gateway device 100 may acquire the usage information and congestion information in any manner, and may, for example, acquire the usage information from a device used by the operator who operates facility FC1.

[0058] Further, for example, the gateway device 100 collects information (also referred to as "facility information") indicating the installation status of the equipment in each toilet space 3 of the facility FC1. For example, the gateway device 100 acquires equipment information of equipment such as the powder room 40, the baby seat 41, the diaper changing table 42, the changing table 43, and the ostomate 44 for each toilet space 3. As described above, the powder room 40, the baby seat 41, the diaper changing table 42, the changing table 43, and the ostomate 44 may also be included in the objects of use. For example, the gateway device 100 acquires equipment information including information indicating each equipment installed in the toilet space 3 and images of the installed equipment.

[0059] Furthermore, the gateway device 100 may acquire, as facility information, information including information on the arrangement of the toilet bowls 10, urinals 20, washbasins 30, etc., and information indicating the presence or absence of a hand dryer corresponding to the washbasin 30 that functions as a hand-washing area. For example, the gateway device 100 acquires facility information including information indicating the toilet bowls 10, urinals 20, washbasins 30, etc. that are arranged in the toilet space 3, and images of the arranged toilet bowls 10, urinals 20, washbasins 30, etc. Note that the gateway device 100 may acquire facility information in any manner, and may acquire facility information from a device used by the operator who operates the facility FC1, for example.

[0060] The gateway device 100 provides information to the user terminal 200 and receives various information from the user terminal 200. This will be described in detail later, but for example, the gateway device 100 provides the user terminal 200 with content based on the congestion information, facility information, location information, and the like described above. Then, the gateway device 100 receives information such as cleaning requests, malfunction reports, and satisfaction ratings in response to operations by the user who uses the user terminal 200.

[0061] The gateway device 100 also provides information to the administrator terminal 300. For example, the gateway device 100 transmits information such as a cleaning request, a malfunction report, and a satisfaction rating received from the user terminal 200 to the administrator terminal 300 as user information. The administrator terminal 300 displays the user information received from the gateway device 100. For example, the gateway device 100 transmits collected information such as facility information (also referred to as "facility installation information"), usage status information (also referred to as "usage information"), and congestion information to the administrator terminal 300 as property information. The administrator terminal 300 displays the property information received from the gateway device 100. For example, the administrator terminal 300 displays information such as user information and property information by an application related to property management (property management application) as shown in FIG. 1.

[0062] <2. Information provision system configuration> Next, the configuration of the information provision system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information provision system according to the embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the information provision system 1. Note that FIG. 3 shows only the configuration necessary for explaining the communication of information in the information provision system 1, but the information provision system 1 has various configurations other than those shown in FIG. 3. For example, FIG. 3 shows only one restroom 2, one toilet space 3, one toilet bowl 10, and one detection unit 11 for the purpose of explanation, but the information provision system 1 has multiple restrooms 2, multiple toilet spaces 3, multiple toilet bowls 10, and multiple detection units 11.

[0063] The information providing system 1 has an information processing device (gateway device 100 in FIG. 3) that collects information used in the information provision processing and executes the information provision processing. The information providing system 1 shown in FIG. 3 has a gateway device 100, a user terminal 200, an administrator terminal 300, and a detection unit 11. Although only one detection unit 11 is shown in FIG. 3, the information providing system 1 has a number of detection units 11 according to the congestion status management subject (for example, the number of toilets 10). The information providing system 1 may also include multiple gateway devices 100, multiple user terminals 200, multiple administrator terminals 300, etc.

[0064] The gateway device 100 is an information processing device (computer) that collects information related to toilets and provides the information. The gateway device 100 may be disposed outside the toilet space 3 or may be disposed inside the toilet space 3. For example, the gateway device 100 may be a server device disposed in a facility in which the toilet space 3 is provided. For example, the gateway device 100 may be a cloud server or the like. In this case, the gateway device 100 is a cloud server that collects information related to toilets and provides the information, and the information providing system 1 may include a device that functions as a gateway separate from the gateway device 100.

[0065] The gateway device 100 collects various information. For example, the gateway device 100 may be a gateway device that also functions as a gateway. The gateway device 100 is a device that collects detection information such as sensor data detected for each use object. The gateway device 100 collects information from other devices. The gateway device 100 collects detection information that is information detected for the toilet space 3, the toilet bowl 10, the urinal 20, the washbasin 30, etc. The gateway device 100 receives detection information from devices that detect information for the toilet space 3, the toilet bowl 10, the urinal 20, the washbasin 30, etc.

[0066] The gateway device 100 receives detection information of the toilet 10 from the detection unit 11 of the toilet 10. The gateway device 100 is connected to the detection unit 11 of the toilet 10 so as to be able to communicate wirelessly. Note that the gateway device 100 may be connected in any manner to devices that detect information on the toilet space 3, the toilet 10, the urinal 20, the washbasin 30, etc., as long as it is possible to send and receive information, and may also be connected so as to be able to communicate via wires.

[0067] The gateway device 100 is communicatively connected to the user terminal 200 and the administrator terminal 300 wirelessly or wired via a predetermined communication network (network N) such as the Internet. The gateway device 100 may be connected to the user terminal 200 and the administrator terminal 300 in any manner as long as it is possible to transmit and receive information, and may be communicatively connected wirelessly or wired.

[0068] The user terminal 200 is a display terminal (computer) used by a user (such as a user of the toilet). The user terminal 200 displays various information related to the toilet. For example, the user terminal 200 is a mobile terminal carried by a user who uses the toilet. For example, the user terminal 200 is a smartphone. Note that the user terminal 200 is not limited to a smartphone, and may be a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a tablet terminal, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), or the like. For example, the user terminal 200 is connected to the gateway device 100 via a network N so as to be able to communicate wirelessly or via wire.

[0069] The user terminal 200 transmits and receives information to and from the gateway device 100. The user terminal 200 receives information about restrooms from the gateway device 100 and performs display based on the received information. For example, the user terminal 200 displays content about restrooms received from the gateway device 100. The user terminal 200 transmits information according to a user operation (input) to the gateway device 100.

[0070] The administrator terminal 300 is an information processing device (computer) used by an administrator (e.g., an administrator of the information providing system 1, etc.). The administrator terminal 300 displays various information related to toilets. For example, the administrator terminal 300 is a desktop PC. Note that the administrator terminal 300 is not limited to a desktop PC, and may be a notebook PC, a mobile phone, a PDA, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, etc. For example, the administrator terminal 300 is connected to the gateway device 100 via a network N so as to be able to communicate wirelessly or via wire.

[0071] The administrator terminal 300 transmits and receives information to and from the gateway device 100. The administrator terminal 300 receives information about restrooms from the gateway device 100 and performs display based on the received information. For example, the administrator terminal 300 displays content about restrooms received from the gateway device 100. The administrator terminal 300 transmits information according to the operation (input) of the administrator to the gateway device 100.

[0072] The detection unit 11 is a detection unit that performs detection related to the toilet bowl 10. For example, the detection unit 11 functions as a detection unit that detects the use of the toilet bowl 10. The detection unit 11 has a seating detection sensor provided in the toilet bowl 10, and detects a user sitting on the toilet seat of the toilet bowl 10. In this case, the detection unit 11 detects the user sitting on the toilet bowl 10 by the seating sensor. Note that the detection unit 11 may perform detection using any sensor, not limited to a seating detection sensor, as long as it can detect the usage state of the toilet bowl 10. For example, the detection unit 11 may perform detection using any sensor as long as it can detect the occupancy state of the space in which the toilet bowl 10 is arranged (for example, the toilet booth TB or the barrier-free toilet space 3, etc.). For example, the detection unit 11 may detect the entry and exit of a person (user) to the toilet booth TB in which the toilet bowl 10 is arranged. For example, the detection unit 11 may be various sensors such as a human body detection sensor and a behavior detection sensor.

[0073] For example, the detection unit 11 may be provided on the door of the toilet booth TB or the like, and may have a door sensor that detects the opening and closing of the door of the toilet booth TB. The detection unit 11 may have an image sensor that captures an image of the vicinity of the door of the toilet booth TB. In this case, the detection unit 11 may not have a seating detection sensor. The above is an example, and the detection unit 11 may be realized by any means. The toilet bowl 10 and the detection unit 11 may be integrated. In this case, the toilet bowl 10 having the detection unit 11 may be included in the information provision system 1. The arrangement position of the detection unit 11 is not particularly limited, and it may be installed on the ceiling, wall surface, floor, etc. of the toilet booth TB, or may be mounted on the toilet seat of the toilet bowl 10. In this way, the detection unit 11 may have, for example, a sensor provided in the toilet (a seating sensor or other sensor that detects a user), or may have a door sensor. In other words, any sensor can be adopted as long as it can detect the usage status of the user.

[0074] Furthermore, the detection unit 11 has, for example, a communication unit (for example, a communication circuit or the like) with a wireless communication function, and is connected to the gateway device 100 so as to be able to communicate wirelessly. For example, when the detection unit 11 detects use of the toilet 10, it transmits detection information indicating the detection or the date and time of detection, etc., to the gateway device 100 together with identification information (ID, etc.) identifying the toilet 10 or the toilet booth TB in which the toilet 10 is located. For example, the detection unit 11 transmits detection information indicating the usage time of the toilet 10 to the gateway device 100 together with identification information (ID, etc.) identifying the toilet 10 or the toilet booth TB in which the toilet 10 is located.

[0075] Note that the above is merely an example, and any device configuration can be adopted for the information provision system 1 as long as it can realize the desired processing. For example, the information provision system 1 may provide information on the congestion status of various objects of use other than the toilet 10. In this regard, several examples are described below.

[0076] For example, when the urinal 20 is the target (user) for providing information on the congestion situation, the information provision system 1 may have a detection unit (also referred to as a "urinal detection unit") that detects the use of the urinal 20 by a person (user). For example, the urinal detection unit may be realized by various sensors, such as a human body detection sensor, a behavior detection sensor, a presence detection sensor, etc. The urinal detection unit may be a proximity sensor that detects the approach of a person to the urinal 20. Note that the above is only an example, and the urinal detection unit may be realized by any means as long as it can detect the use of the urinal 20 by a user. Note that the urinal 20 and the urinal detection unit may be integrated. In this case, the urinal 20 having the urinal detection unit may be included in the information provision system 1. For example, the urinal detection unit is provided on the front side of the urinal 20 and detects a person positioned in front of the urinal 20. The location of the urinal detection unit is not particularly limited, and it may be installed on the ceiling, wall, floor, etc. of the shared space CS.

[0077] The urinal detection unit of the urinal 20 has, for example, a communication unit (for example, a communication circuit or the like) with a wireless communication function, and is connected to the gateway device 100 so as to be able to communicate wirelessly. For example, when the urinal detection unit detects use of the urinal 20 by a person, it transmits detection information indicating the detection and the date and time of the detection, together with identification information (ID or the like) for identifying the urinal 20, to the gateway device 100. For example, the urinal detection unit transmits detection information indicating the time (usage time) during which the person is using the urinal 20 (for example, the time from when the person approaches the urinal 20 to when the person leaves the urinal 20) to the gateway device 100, together with identification information (ID or the like) for identifying the urinal 20.

[0078] In this case, the gateway device 100 may receive detection information of the urinal 20 from a urinal detection unit of the urinal 20, and provide information on the congestion state of the urinal 20 in the same manner as for the toilet 10. That is, while the information of the toilet 10 is displayed in the above example, the information provision system 1 may display, for example, the congestion state of the urinal 20. Note that the urinal 20 does not have to be included in the information provision system 1.

[0079] In addition, for example, when the washbasin 30 is the target (user) for providing information on the crowded state, the information provision system 1 may have a detection unit (also called a "washbasin detection unit") that detects the use of the washbasin 30 by a person (user). For example, the washbasin detection unit functions as a detection unit that detects the use of the washbasin 30 by a person (user). The washbasin detection unit may be realized by various sensors, for example, the washbasin detection unit may be various sensors such as a human body detection sensor, a behavior detection sensor, a presence detection sensor, etc. The washbasin detection unit may be a proximity sensor that detects the proximity of a person's body to the washbasin 30. Note that the above is an example, and the washbasin detection unit may be realized by any means as long as it can detect the use of the washbasin 30 by a user. Note that the washbasin 30 and the washbasin detection unit may be integrated. In this case, the washbasin 30 having the washbasin detection unit may be included in the information provision system 1. For example, the washbasin detection unit is provided near the faucet of the washbasin 30 and detects the approach of a human hand to the faucet of the washbasin 30. The location of the washbasin detection unit is not particularly limited, and it may be installed on the ceiling, wall, floor, etc. of the shared space CS.

[0080] The washbasin detection unit of the washbasin 30 has, for example, a communication unit (e.g., a communication circuit or the like) with a wireless communication function, and is connected to the gateway device 100 so as to be able to communicate wirelessly. For example, when the washbasin detection unit detects the use of the washbasin 30 by a person, it transmits detection information indicating the detection and the date and time of the detection to the gateway device 100 together with identification information (e.g., ID) that identifies the washbasin 30. For example, the washbasin detection unit transmits detection information indicating the time (usage time) during which the person is using the washbasin (e.g., while the faucet of the washbasin 30 is discharging water) to the gateway device 100 together with identification information (e.g., ID) that identifies the washbasin 30.

[0081] In this case, the gateway device 100 may receive detection information of the washbasin 30 from the washbasin detection unit of the washbasin 30, and provide information on the congestion status of the washbasin 30 in the same manner as for the toilet 10. That is, while the information of the toilet 10 is displayed in the above example, the information provision system 1 may display, for example, the congestion status of the washbasin 30. Note that the washbasin 30 does not have to be included in the information provision system 1.

[0082] Furthermore, the information providing system 1 may provide sensors in facilities such as the powder room 40, the baby seat 41, the diaper changing table 42, the changing table 43, and the ostomate 44, and display the usage status of the facilities. In this case, the information providing system 1 may have a detection unit (also referred to as an "facility device detection unit") that detects the use of the facilities by a person (user). For example, the facility device detection unit may be realized by various sensors, such as a human body detection sensor, a behavior detection sensor, a presence detection sensor, etc. Note that the above is just an example, and the facility device detection unit may be realized by any means as long as it can detect the use of the facilities by a user.

[0083] The facility device detection unit has, for example, a communication unit (for example, a communication circuit or the like) with a wireless communication function, and is connected to the gateway device 100 so as to be able to communicate wirelessly. For example, when the facility device detection unit detects use of a facility by a person, it transmits detection information indicating the detection and the date and time of detection, together with identification information (ID or the like) that identifies the facility, to the gateway device 100. For example, the facility device detection unit transmits detection information indicating the time during which the person used the facility (usage time) to the gateway device 100 together with identification information (ID or the like) that identifies the facility.

[0084] In this case, the gateway device 100 may receive detection information for the facility from the facility device detector of the facility, and provide information on the congestion status of the facility in the same manner as for the toilet 10. That is, while information on the toilet 10 is displayed in the above example, the information provision system 1 may also display, for example, the congestion status of the facility. Note that the facility does not have to be included in the information provision system 1.

[0085] <3. Functional configuration of the gateway device> Hereinafter, the functional configuration of the gateway device will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the gateway device according to the embodiment.

[0086] 4, the gateway device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130. The gateway device 100 may also include an input unit (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, etc.) that accepts various operations from an administrator of the gateway device 100, and a display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display, etc.) that displays various information.

[0087] The communication unit 110 is realized by, for example, a communication circuit or the like. The communication unit 110 is connected to a network N (see FIG. 3) by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from an external information processing device. For example, the communication unit 110 is connected to the network N by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from other devices such as the user terminal 200 and the administrator terminal 300. The communication unit 110 may also transmit and receive information to and from the detection unit 11 via the network N.

[0088] The storage unit 120 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. For example, the storage unit 120 is a computer-readable recording medium that non-temporarily records data used by various information processing programs such as an information provision program.

[0089] The storage unit 120 according to the embodiment stores restroom information related to each of the restrooms 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the storage unit 120 has a restroom information storage unit 121 and a collected information storage unit 122. Note that the storage unit 120 stores various information necessary for processing, not limited to the restroom information storage unit 121 and the collected information storage unit 122. For example, the storage unit 120 stores various information (e.g., pictograms, icon images, etc.) used in the information provision processing. For example, the storage unit 120 stores information used to generate content.

[0090] The restroom information storage unit 121 according to the embodiment stores various information related to restrooms. For example, the restroom information storage unit 121 stores information related to the arrangement of the toilet space 3, the toilet bowl 10, the urinal 20, and the washbasin 30. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the restroom information storage unit 121 according to the embodiment. The restroom information storage unit 121 shown in Fig. 5 includes items such as "facility," "restroom," "toilet space," "location," and "location elements."

[0091] "Facility" indicates the location where the restroom is located. Note that "facility" is not limited to structures, and various locations where restrooms are located can be registered. "Restroom" indicates identification information for identifying each restroom. In FIG. 5, for the purpose of explanation, "Restroom" illustrates the codes assigned to each restroom, such as "21" and "22", and a character string such as "Restroom #1", but "Restroom" stores information that can identify the restroom (e.g., a restroom ID, etc.).

[0092] "Toilet space" indicates identification information for identifying each toilet space. In FIG. 5, for the purpose of explanation, "Toilet space" is labeled "3 11 ", "3 12 The illustration shows a symbol assigned to each toilet space, such as "," and a string of characters indicating the type of toilet space, such as "Men's Toilet," but information that can identify the toilet space (such as a toilet space ID) is stored in the "toilet space."

[0093] "Location" indicates identification information for identifying each location. In FIG. 5, for the sake of explanation, the "location" indicates symbols such as "TB1", "TB2", "TB3", "TB4", and "CS1" that are assigned to each component of the toilet space 3, but the "location" stores information that can identify the location (such as a location ID). In addition, when the "location" is "-" (hyphen), it indicates that the corresponding toilet space is configured as a single space, such as a barrier-free toilet.

[0094] The "placement elements" include items such as "identification information" and "equipment." The "identification information" indicates identification information for identifying the object to be used in the toilet that is placed in the corresponding placement location. Note that FIG. 5 shows a case where either the toilet bowl 10, the urinal 20, or the washbasin 30 is registered in the "identification information," but the "identification information" is not limited to the toilet bowl 10, the urinal 20, or the washbasin 30, and any identification information for identifying the object to be used in the toilet may be registered.

[0095] For example, the "identification information" indicates identification information for identifying the objects to be used in the toilet, such as the toilet bowl 10, the urinal 20, and the washbasin 30, which are arranged in the corresponding arrangement locations. In FIG. 5, for the sake of explanation, "10 11 ", "10 12 ", "10 13 ", "20 11 ", "20 12 ", "20 13 ", "20 14 ", 30 11 ", "30 12 However, any information may be registered as the "identification information" as long as it is capable of identifying each target of use.

[0096] For example, the "identification information" stores information capable of identifying a toilet to be placed in a corresponding location (e.g., a toilet ID, etc.), identification information for identifying a urinal (e.g., a urinal ID, etc.), or identification information for identifying a washbasin (e.g., a washbasin ID, etc.).

[0097] Furthermore, "equipment" indicates equipment other than the equipment registered with the identification information that is to be placed at the corresponding placement location. Note that, although Fig. 5 shows a case where any one of baby seat 41, diaper changing table 42, changing table 43, and ostomate 44 is registered in "equipment", information indicating any equipment (e.g., hand dryer, etc.) may be registered in "equipment" without being limited to baby seat 41, diaper changing table 42, changing table 43, and ostomate 44.

[0098] FIG. 5 shows that the facility FC1 is provided with a plurality of restrooms 2, such as a restroom 21, a restroom 22, and a restroom 23. In addition, in FIG. 5, the restroom 21, which is the restroom #1, is provided with a toilet space 3, which is a men's toilet. 11 3. Women's toilet space 12 3. Barrier-free toilet space 13 This indicates that the room contains three toilet spaces 3.

[0099] In addition, the men's toilet space 3 11 indicates that the toilet booth TB1 identified by "TB1", the toilet booth TB2 identified by "TB2", the toilet booth TB3 identified by "TB3", and the toilet booth TB4 identified by "TB4" are included as placement locations. 11 indicates that the shared space CS1 identified by "CS1" is included as a placement location.

[0100] The toilet booth TB1, which is the location identified by "TB1", has a "10 11 10 toilets identified by 11 In addition, the toilet booth TB2, which is the location identified by "TB2", has a "10 12 10 toilets identified by 12 In addition, the toilet booth TB3, which is the location identified by "TB3", has a "10 13 10 toilets identified by 13 This indicates that the

[0101] In addition, the toilet booth TB4, which is the location identified by "TB4", has a "10 14 10 toilets identified by 14 In addition, the toilet booth TB4 is equipped with a toilet bowl 10. 14 In addition, a baby seat 41 and a diaper changing table 42 are arranged. Also, in the shared space CS1, which is the arrangement location identified by "CS1", "20 11 20 urinals identified by 11 , "30 11 30 washbasins identified by 11 etc. are placed.

[0102] In addition, the toilet space is barrier-free. 13 is one space, and "10 31 10 toilets identified by 31 , a baby seat 41, a diaper changing table 42, a changing table 43, and an ostomate 44 are arranged.

[0103] The restroom information storage unit 121 may store various information according to the purpose, not limited to the above. For example, the restroom information storage unit 121 stores information indicating attributes corresponding to each toilet space 3. For example, the restroom information storage unit 121 stores information indicating attributes corresponding to each toilet space 3. 11 For example, the restroom information storage unit 121 stores information indicating the attribute “male” in association with the restroom space 3. 12 For example, the restroom information storage unit 121 stores information indicating the attribute “female” in association with the restroom space 3. 13 The restroom information storage unit 121 may store information indicating the attribute "barrier-free target person" in association with the attribute. The restroom information storage unit 121 may also store information (e.g., a sensor ID) capable of identifying a sensor (detection unit) that detects sensor data (detection information) of each target of use that is the detection target, in association with the target of use detected by the sensor.

[0104] The restroom information storage unit 121 may store information indicating the specific location of the object of use of each toilet (e.g., latitude and longitude information, etc.) in association with the object of use of each toilet. For example, information indicating the specific location of each toilet space 3 (e.g., latitude and longitude information, etc.) may be stored in association with each toilet space 3. For example, information indicating the specific location of each toilet bowl 10 (e.g., latitude and longitude information, etc.) may be stored in association with each toilet bowl 10.

[0105] The collected information storage unit 122 stores detection information such as sensor data collected about the objects using each toilet. The collected information storage unit 122 stores information received from other devices. The collected information storage unit 122 stores detection information detected by the detection unit 11. For example, the collected information storage unit 122 stores the usage history of the objects using each toilet in association with information identifying the objects using each toilet.

[0106] For example, the collected information storage unit 122 stores the date and time when each toilet object was used in association with information identifying each toilet object. The collected information storage unit 122 stores the date and time when each toilet bowl 10 was used in association with information identifying each toilet bowl 10 or information identifying the toilet booth TB corresponding to each toilet bowl 10. For example, the collected information storage unit 122 stores the date and time when each toilet object was used and the duration of that use in association with information identifying each toilet object. The collected information storage unit 122 stores the date and time when each toilet bowl 10 was used and the duration of that use in association with information identifying each toilet bowl 10 or information identifying the toilet booth TB corresponding to each toilet bowl 10.

[0107] It should be noted that the above is merely an example, and the collected information storage unit 122 stores various types of collected information.

[0108] Returning to Fig. 4, the description will be continued. The control unit 130 is realized, for example, by a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or the like executing a program (for example, various information processing programs such as an information provision program according to the present disclosure) stored inside the gateway device 100 using a RAM or the like as a working area. The control unit 130 is a controller, and is realized, for example, by an integrated circuit such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0109] 4, the control unit 130 has a usage status acquisition unit 131, a congestion status acquisition unit 132, a processing unit 133, and a transmission unit 134, and realizes or executes the functions and actions of information processing described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 130 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 4, and may be other configurations as long as they perform the information processing described below.

[0110] The usage status acquisition unit 131 acquires various information. The usage status acquisition unit 131 acquires the usage status of the objects of use provided in each of the multiple restrooms 2. The usage status acquisition unit 131 acquires various information from the memory unit 120. The usage status acquisition unit 131 receives information from other devices via the communication unit 110. The usage status acquisition unit 131 receives information (detection information, etc.) collected by the other devices from the other devices. The usage status acquisition unit 131 receives detection information detected on the objects of use in the toilet from the other devices.

[0111] The usage status acquisition unit 131 receives detection information detected by a sensor or the like corresponding to the object of use of the toilet from the sensor. The usage status acquisition unit 131 receives detection information detected by the detection unit 11 regarding the toilet bowl 10 from the detection unit 11. The usage status acquisition unit 131 receives detection information detected by the detection unit 11 regarding the toilet booth TB in which the toilet bowl 10 is arranged from the detection unit 11.

[0112] Furthermore, the usage status acquisition unit 131 acquires input information related to the toilet by users of the toilet. The usage status acquisition unit 131 receives input information from a user terminal 200 used by the toilet user. The usage status acquisition unit 131 receives information indicating a cleaning request in response to an operation of a user using the user terminal 200. For example, the usage status acquisition unit 131 receives information indicating a user's cleaning request for a specific toilet space 3.

[0113] The usage status acquisition unit 131 receives information indicating a user's request for a malfunction notification in response to an operation of a user who uses the user terminal 200. For example, the usage status acquisition unit 131 receives information indicating a user's request for a malfunction notification for a specific toilet space 3.

[0114] The usage status acquisition unit 131 receives information indicating a request for a user satisfaction rating in response to an operation of a user who uses the user terminal 200. For example, the usage status acquisition unit 131 receives information indicating a request for a user satisfaction rating for a specific toilet space 3.

[0115] The crowded status acquisition unit 132 performs processing for acquiring the crowded status (crowded status acquisition processing). The crowded status acquisition unit 132 acquires (estimates) crowded status information of the multiple restrooms 2 based on the usage status of the objects of use acquired by the usage status acquisition unit 131. The crowded status acquisition unit 132 performs processing for estimating the crowded status using various information stored in the storage unit 120 (crowded status acquisition processing). The crowded status acquisition unit 132 performs the crowded status acquisition processing for estimating the crowded status using various information stored in the restroom information storage unit 121. The crowded status acquisition unit 132 performs the crowded status acquisition processing using various information acquired by the usage status acquisition unit 131.

[0116] The crowded status acquisition unit 132 estimates the crowded status based on the number of toilet bowls 10 stored in the restroom information storage unit 121 (also referred to as the "number of installed toilet bowls") and the number of toilet bowls 10 indicated by information acquired by the usage status acquisition unit 131 as being in use (also referred to as the "number of toilet bowls in use"). The crowded status acquisition unit 132 acquires the number of installed toilet bowls for one toilet space 3 from the restroom information storage unit 121, and estimates the crowded status of one toilet space 3 based on a comparison between the number of installed toilet bowls and the number of toilet bowls in use indicated by the information acquired by the usage status acquisition unit 131. For example, the crowded status acquisition unit 132 acquires the number of installed toilet bowls for one toilet space 3 from the restroom information storage unit 121, and estimates the crowded status of one toilet space 3 based on a comparison between the number of installed toilet bowls and the number of toilet bowls in use indicated by the information acquired by the usage status acquisition unit 131. 11 About the toilet space 3 11 The number of toilets installed and the toilet space 11 Based on a comparison of the number of toilets in use, the toilet space is 3 11 Estimate the congestion situation.

[0117] The crowded status acquisition unit 132 uses the number of installed toilets and the number of toilets in use to calculate a value indicating the crowded status (also referred to as the "crowding level"). For example, the crowded status acquisition unit 132 calculates the crowded status by dividing the number of toilets in use by the number of installed toilets. Note that the calculation of the crowded status described above is merely an example, and the crowded status acquisition unit 132 may calculate the crowded status using any function, etc., as appropriate. The crowded status acquisition unit 132 estimates the crowded status of one toilet space 3 based on the crowded status calculated by dividing the number of toilets in use by the number of installed toilets. For example, the crowded status acquisition unit 132 calculates the crowded status by dividing the number of toilets in use by the number of installed toilets. 11 About the toilet space 3 11 The number of toilets installed in the toilet space is 3 11 Based on the congestion level calculated by dividing the number of toilets in use by the number of toilets in use, 11 Estimate the congestion situation.

[0118] For example, when the number of installed toilet bowls for one toilet space 3 is "4" and the number of toilet bowls in use is "0", the congestion status acquisition unit 132 estimates that the value indicating the congestion status (congestion level) of the one toilet space 3 is "0" (=0 / 4), i.e., the congestion status is vacant (empty). For example, when the number of installed toilet bowls for one toilet space 3 is "4" and the number of toilet bowls in use is "4", the congestion status acquisition unit 132 estimates that the congestion level of the one toilet space 3 is "1" (=4 / 4), i.e., the congestion status is crowded (full).

[0119] Note that the crowdedness acquisition unit 132 may estimate the crowdedness at three or more levels, not limited to two levels of vacant and crowded. For example, the crowdedness acquisition unit 132 may estimate the crowdedness as slightly crowded when the crowdedness degree is 0.6 or more and less than 1. For example, when the number of installed toilet bowls for one toilet space 3 is "4" and the number of toilet bowls in use is "3", the crowdedness acquisition unit 132 estimates that the crowdedness degree of the one toilet space 3 is "0.75" (=3 / 4), that is, the crowdedness is slightly crowded.

[0120] The processing unit 133 performs information provision processing. The processing unit 133 performs information provision processing using various types of information stored in the storage unit 120. The processing unit 133 performs information provision processing using various types of information acquired by the usage status acquisition unit 131. The processing unit 133 performs information provision processing using various values ​​(information) calculated by the congestion status acquisition unit 132.

[0121] The processing unit 133 performs information provision processing using the congestion state estimated by the congestion state acquisition unit 132. The processing unit 133 generates content and the like including information on the congestion state estimated by the congestion state acquisition unit 132. The processing unit 133 generates content based on the congestion information, facility information, location information, and the like.

[0122] The processing unit 133 executes a process of generating content. The processing unit 133 generates content to be displayed on the user terminal 200. For example, the processing unit 133 generates content such as the content CT11 by appropriately using various technologies such as Java (registered trademark). The processing unit 133 may generate content such as the content CT11 based on the format of CSS, JavaScript (registered trademark), or HTML. For example, the processing unit 133 may generate content such as the content CT11 in various formats such as JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), GIF (Graphics Interchange Format), and PNG (Portable Network Graphics). When the user terminal 200 generates content based on information received from the gateway device 100, the processing unit 133 may not generate content.

[0123] The processing unit 133 instructs the transmission unit 134 to provide information to the user terminal 200 or the administrator terminal 300. The processing unit 133 instructs the transmission unit 134 to cause the administrator terminal 300 to transmit information.

[0124] The transmitting unit 134 functions as an output unit that outputs information. The transmitting unit 134 transmits information to an external information processing device. The transmitting unit 134 transmits information to the user terminal 200 or the administrator terminal 300 in response to an instruction from the processing unit 133. The transmitting unit 134 transmits information generated by the processing unit 133 to the user terminal 200 or the administrator terminal 300. The transmitting unit 134 transmits content generated by the processing unit 133 to the user terminal 200. The transmitting unit 134 transmits content based on congestion information, facility information, location information, etc. to the user terminal 200.

[0125] The transmission unit 134 transmits information such as cleaning requests, malfunction reports, and satisfaction ratings by users acquired from the user terminal 200 as user information to the manager terminal 300. The transmission unit 134 transmits information such as facility information (facility installation information), usage status information (usage information), and congestion information as property information to the manager terminal 300.

[0126] <4. Example of user terminal configuration> Next, a configuration example of the user terminal 200 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a user terminal according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, the user terminal 200 has a communication unit 211, an input unit 212, a display unit 213, a storage unit 214, a control unit 215, and an audio output unit 216.

[0127] The communication unit 211 is realized by, for example, a communication circuit or the like. The communication unit 211 is connected to a network N (see FIG. 3) by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from an external information processing device. The communication unit 211 is connected to the network N by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from the information providing system 1. For example, the communication unit 211 transmits and receives information to and from other devices such as the gateway device 100.

[0128] The input unit 212 receives various operations input from the user. The input unit 212 accepts various operations from the user via a display surface (e.g., the display unit 213) using a touch panel function. The input unit 212 accepts various operations from the user via a display (display surface, display screen) of a smartphone or the like using a touch panel function. That is, the input unit 212 accepts various operations from the user via the display unit 213 of the user terminal 200.

[0129] In addition, in smartphones, the capacitance method is mainly used as the method of detecting user operations by the input unit 212, but other detection methods such as a resistive film method, a surface acoustic wave method, an infrared method, and an electromagnetic induction method may be used as long as it can detect user operations and realize the function of a touch panel.

[0130] The display unit 213 is a display screen of a smartphone or the like realized by, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and is a display device for displaying various information. That is, the user terminal 200 accepts user input through the display screen that is the display unit 213, and also outputs to the user. The display unit 213 displays various information. The display unit 213 displays various information according to the display control of the display control unit 253. For example, the display unit 213 switches the display mode according to the display control of the display control unit 253.

[0131] The display unit 213 displays information provided from the gateway device 100. For example, the display unit 213 displays content provided from the gateway device 100. The display unit 213 displays various information as shown in Figs. 8 to 13, which will be described later.

[0132] The storage unit 214 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. The storage unit 214 stores, for example, information about an application (e.g., a toilet information display application) installed in the user terminal 200, such as a program. The storage unit 214 stores information used to display information. The storage unit 214 stores content to be displayed on the display unit 213.

[0133] The control unit 250 is realized by a CPU, an MPU, or the like executing programs stored in the storage unit 214 using the RAM as a working area. For example, the various programs include programs for applications (e.g., a toilet information display application) that perform various information processing such as display processing. The control unit 250 is also realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA.

[0134] 6, the control unit 250 has an acquisition unit 251, a reception unit 252, a display control unit 2503, and a transmission unit 254, and realizes or executes the functions and actions of the display processing described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 250 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 6, and may be other configurations as long as they perform the display processing described below.

[0135] The acquisition unit 251 acquires various information. For example, the acquisition unit 251 acquires various information from an external information processing device. The acquisition unit 251 acquires various information from the information providing system 1. For example, the acquisition unit 251 acquires various information from other devices such as the gateway device 100. For example, the acquisition unit 251 acquires various information from the storage unit 214.

[0136] The acquisition unit 251 receives information provided from the gateway device 100. For example, the acquisition unit 251 receives content from the gateway device 100. The acquisition unit 251 receives content based on congestion information, facility information, location information, and the like.

[0137] The reception unit 252 receives an input from a user who uses the user terminal 200. For example, the reception unit 252 receives an operation of the user who uses the user terminal 200. For example, the reception unit 252 receives an operation (input) of the user via the input unit 212.

[0138] The reception unit 252 receives a cleaning request from a user in response to an operation of the user who uses the user terminal 200. For example, the reception unit 252 receives a cleaning request from a user for a specific toilet space 3.

[0139] The reception unit 252 receives a user's request for a malfunction notification in response to an operation of the user who uses the user terminal 200. For example, the reception unit 252 receives a user's request for a malfunction notification for a specific toilet space 3.

[0140] The receiving unit 252 receives a request for a user satisfaction rating in response to an operation of a user who uses the user terminal 200. For example, the receiving unit 252 receives a request for a user satisfaction rating for a specific toilet space 3.

[0141] The display control unit 253 controls the display of various information. The display control unit 253 controls the display of the display unit 213. The display control unit 253 controls the display of the display unit 213 based on the information received by the acquisition unit 251. The display control unit 253 controls the display of the display unit 213 in response to a user operation accepted by the acceptance unit 252.

[0142] The display control unit 253 controls the display of the display unit 213 so that various information such as content is displayed. For example, the display control unit 253 controls the display of the display unit 213 so that content CT11 is displayed. For example, the display control unit 253 controls the display of the display unit 213 so that content CT12 is displayed. For example, the display control unit 253 controls the display of the display unit 213 so that content CT13 is displayed. For example, the display control unit 253 controls the display of the display unit 213 so that content CT14 is displayed.

[0143] The display control unit 253 switches the display mode in response to a user operation. The display control unit 253 switches the display mode from a list display (also referred to as a "first display mode") to an individual display (also referred to as a "second display mode") in response to a user operation. The display control unit 253 switches the display mode to a display of information of attributes corresponding to the selected tab in response to a user operation of selecting a tab.

[0144] For example, when the detail display button DB11 in the content CT11 is selected, the display control unit 253 switches the display mode from the content CT11 to the content CT13. For example, when the detail display button DB31 in the content CT12 is selected, the display control unit 253 switches the display mode from the content CT12 to the content CT14.

[0145] For example, when the selected tab is changed from tab TU1 to tab TU3, the display control unit 253 switches the display mode from content CT11 to content CT12. For example, when the selected tab is changed from tab TU1 to tab TU2, the display control unit 253 switches the display mode from content CT11 to the display of restroom information corresponding to the attribute "female."

[0146] The display control unit 253 may generate information to be displayed. The display control unit 253 executes a process of generating content to be displayed. The display control unit 253 generates content to be displayed on a screen (display unit 213). For example, the display control unit 253 generates content such as the content CT11 by appropriately using various technologies such as Java. The display control unit 253 may generate content such as the content CT11 based on the format of CSS, JavaScript, or HTML. For example, the display control unit 253 may generate content such as the content CT11 in various formats such as JPEG, GIF, or PNG. When the gateway device 100 generates content, the display control unit 253 may only control the display of the content acquired from the gateway device 100 without generating content.

[0147] The transmission unit 254 transmits various information. For example, the transmission unit 254 transmits various information by controlling the communication unit 211. The transmission unit 254 transmits various information to other devices via the communication unit 211. The transmission unit 254 transmits various information stored in the storage unit 214 to other devices.

[0148] The transmitting unit 254 transmits various information to the information providing system 1. For example, the transmitting unit 254 transmits various information to another device such as the gateway device 100. The transmitting unit 254 transmits various information acquired by the acquiring unit 251 to the other device. The transmitting unit 254 transmits various information corresponding to a user operation accepted by the accepting unit 252 to the other device. The transmitting unit 254 transmits various information generated by the display control unit 253 to the other device.

[0149] The transmission unit 254 transmits the information input by the user to another device such as the gateway device 100. For example, the transmission unit 254 transmits the information input by the user to the gateway device 100. For example, the transmission unit 254 transmits a request according to a user operation to the gateway device 100 as user input information.

[0150] The transmission unit 254 transmits the user's cleaning request accepted by the acceptance unit 252 to the gateway device 100. For example, the transmission unit 254 transmits the user's cleaning request for a specific toilet space 3 to the gateway device 100 as user input information.

[0151] The transmission unit 254 transmits the user's malfunction notification request received by the reception unit 252 to the gateway device 100. For example, the transmission unit 254 transmits the user's malfunction notification request for a specific toilet space 3 to the gateway device 100 as user input information.

[0152] The transmission unit 254 transmits the request for the user's satisfaction rating accepted by the acceptance unit 252 to the gateway device 100. For example, the transmission unit 254 transmits the request for the user's satisfaction rating for a specific toilet space 3 to the gateway device 100 as user input information.

[0153] Note that when the various processes by the control unit 250 described above are performed by a predetermined application (e.g., a toilet information display application, etc.), each unit of the control unit 250 may be realized, for example, by the predetermined application (e.g., a toilet information display application, etc.). For example, the various processes by the control unit 250 may be realized by control information received from an external information processing device.

[0154] The audio output unit 216 outputs sounds. For example, the audio output unit 216 is a speaker. The audio output unit 216 outputs various sounds in response to control. The audio output unit 216 outputs various sounds in response to a user's operation.

[0155] <5. Processing flow> From here, the processing flow of the information provision processing will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of processing executed by the information provision system.

[0156] The information providing system 1 stores restroom information related to each of the restrooms 2 (step S101). For example, the gateway device 100 of the information providing system 1 stores the restroom information related to each of the restrooms 2 in the restroom information storage unit 121.

[0157] The information providing system 1 acquires the usage status of the object of use provided in each of the plurality of restrooms 2 (step S102). For example, the gateway device 100 of the information providing system 1 acquires the usage status of the toilet 10 provided in each of the plurality of restrooms 2.

[0158] The information providing system 1 acquires congestion information of the plurality of restrooms based on the usage status of the object of use (step S103). For example, the gateway device 100 of the information providing system 1 acquires congestion information of the plurality of restrooms 2 based on the usage status of the toilet 10.

[0159] The information providing system 1 outputs the congestion status of the plurality of restrooms provided in the facility to a display terminal (step S104). For example, the gateway device 100 of the information providing system 1 transmits information indicating the congestion status of the plurality of restrooms 2 provided in the facility FC1 to the user terminal 200. Then, the user terminal 200 displays the information received from the gateway device 100.

[0160] <6. Information provision example> From now on, the contents of information provision executed in the information provision system 1 will be described with reference to each drawing, on the premise of the above-mentioned information provision system 1. Note that the description of the same points as those described above will be omitted as appropriate.

[0161] <6-1. First display format example> First, an example of a first display mode in which information on a plurality of restrooms is displayed in a list will be described with reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 are diagrams showing an example of information provision according to an embodiment. For example, Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a first display mode in which restroom information whose attribute corresponds to male is displayed in a list. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a first display mode in which restroom information whose attribute corresponds to barrier-free access recipients is displayed in a list.

[0162] First, a first display mode for displaying a list of restroom information corresponding to the attribute male will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 shows an example in which the user terminal 200 used to display information related to restrooms is a smartphone carried by the user.

[0163] It should be noted that the smartphone shown in FIG. 8 is merely an example, and as described above, the user terminal 200 is not limited to a smartphone, and any device used by a user can be adopted.

[0164] Prior to describing the display shown in Fig. 8, a configuration of the user terminal 200 related to the display shown in Fig. 8 will be described. In Fig. 8, it is assumed that a toilet information display application (hereinafter also referred to as a "toilet information display app") that displays toilet information has been installed in the user terminal 200. For example, the user terminal 200 performs processing such as displaying as shown in Fig. 8 and accepting user operations using the toilet information display app.

[0165] From here, the display shown in Fig. 8 will be described. The user terminal 200 in Fig. 8 shows a state in which content CT11 in a first display mode displaying a list of restroom information corresponding to the attribute "male" is displayed on the display unit 213 in response to a user operation. For example, the content CT11 is a men's restroom list content in which restroom information related to a plurality of restroom spaces 3 (also called "men's restrooms") corresponding to the attribute "male" is displayed in the first display mode.

[0166] The content CT11 includes an area AR11 that displays information corresponding to the tab TU1 selected from the tabs TU1 to TU3. In the following description, when the tabs TU1 to TU3 are not differentiated from one another, they may be referred to as "tab TU." Also, FIG. 8 shows an example in which the content CT11 includes a survey response button BT1 for the user to respond to a survey, but the content CT11 does not have to include the survey response button BT1. For example, when the user selects the survey response button BT1, the user terminal 200 displays information about the survey to be responded to by the user.

[0167] The user terminal 200 in Fig. 8 shows a state in which three tabs TU, a tab TU1 corresponding to the attribute "male", a tab TU2 corresponding to the attribute "female", and a tab TU3 corresponding to the attribute "barrier-free target person", are displayed, and the tab TU1 is selected. Note that in Fig. 8, the tabs TU2 and TU3 other than the tab TU1, which is the selected tab TU, are hatched to indicate that the tab TU1 is selected, and the tabs TU2 and TU3 are not selected.

[0168] Thus, in the user terminal 200 in Fig. 8, the tab TU1 is in a selected state, and the restroom information corresponding to the attribute "male" is displayed in the area AR11 of the content CT11. In Fig. 8, the area AR11 of the content CT11 displays a list of restroom information (also referred to as "first restroom information") for multiple restrooms 2, such as the south side restroom on the third floor of the facility FC1 (corresponding to the restroom 25), the north side restroom on the third floor of the facility FC1 (corresponding to the restroom 26), and the south side restroom on the second floor of the facility FC1 (corresponding to the restroom 23).

[0169] The user terminal 200 may display restroom information of another restroom 2 in the area AR11 of the content CT11 in response to a user operation. For example, the user terminal 200 may display restroom information of the restroom 2 on the fourth floor of the facility FC1 in response to a scroll operation or the like in which the user moves a finger touching the area AR11 of the content CT11 in the up and down direction. 7、 28), Restroom information for Restroom 2 on the 1st floor of Facility FC1 (Restroom 21、 22) restroom information, etc. may be displayed.

[0170] For example, the user terminal 200 may perform display in response to selection of pictograms AT1 to AT3 corresponding to each of three attributes included in the top screen that is initially displayed when the toilet information display app is started. For example, when the user selects pictogram AT1 from among pictograms AT1 to AT3 displayed on the top screen, the user terminal 200 displays content CT11, which is a men's toilet list content corresponding to pictogram AT1 (i.e., male). In this manner, the top screen of the toilet information display app displays pictograms AT1 to AT3 displayed corresponding to each of tabs TU1 to TU3, and the display is switched to a state in which the tab TU corresponding to the pictogram AT selected by the user is selected from among them. Note that the above-mentioned display switching from the top screen is merely an example, and the user terminal 200 may switch the display in any manner.

[0171] As shown in Fig. 8, the first restroom information corresponding to the attribute "male" includes information on the restroom space 3 (men's restroom) corresponding to the attribute "male" included in the restroom 2. In Fig. 8, the user terminal 200 displays, in an area AR11 of the content CT11, first restroom information INF11 of the men's restroom among the restrooms on the south side of the third floor of the facility FC1, first restroom information INF12 of the men's restroom among the restrooms on the north side of the third floor of the facility FC1, and first restroom information INF13 of the men's restroom among the restrooms on the south side of the second floor of the facility FC1. Hereinafter, when the first restroom information such as the first restroom information INF11 to INF33 is described without distinction, it may be described as "first restroom information INF."

[0172] The first restroom information INF11 includes congestion information CG11 indicating the congestion status of the men's restroom (hereinafter also referred to as the "south-side men's restroom on the 3rd floor") among the restrooms on the south side of the 3rd floor of facility FC1, and facility information PG11 indicating the facilities of the south-side men's restroom on the 3rd floor.

[0173] In Fig. 8, the congestion information CG11 indicates that the men's restroom on the south side on the third floor is empty. Note that in the drawing, colors are expressed by differences in hatching, with the congestion information CG11 being displayed in cooler colors (such as blue) as the level of congestion is lower, and in warmer colors (such as red) as the level of congestion is higher. Also, Fig. 8 shows an example of a case in which the congestion status is indicated in the form of a bar indicator, the word "empty," and a color, but the congestion information CG11 is not limited to the form of a bar indicator, characters, and colors, and may be displayed in any desired format, such as, for example, a bar indicator only, or a numerical representation of the level of congestion.

[0174] 8, the facility information PG11 includes a pictogram corresponding to the baby seat 41 and a pictogram corresponding to the diaper changing table 42. That is, the facility information PG11 indicates that the baby seat 41 and the diaper changing table 42 are installed in the south men's restroom on the third floor. Note that the above is merely an example, and the facility information PG11 may indicate in any format, such as text (baby seat available, diaper changing table available, etc.) that the baby seat 41 and the diaper changing table 42 are installed in the south men's restroom on the third floor. In the following, when congestion information such as congestion information CG11 to CG13 is described without distinction, it may be written as "crowding information CG", and when congestion information such as facility information PG11 to PG35 is described without distinction, it may be written as "facility information PG".

[0175] In addition, the first restroom information INF11 includes a cleaning request button RB11 for requesting cleaning of the men's restroom on the south side of the third floor, and a restroom evaluation button EB11 for evaluating the men's restroom on the south side of the third floor.

[0176] For example, when the user selects the cleaning request button RB11, the user terminal 200 displays information for requesting the user to clean the south side men's restroom on the third floor. In this case, the user terminal 200 displays information (also called "request content") for receiving information required for requesting the manager to clean the south side men's restroom on the third floor from the user. For example, the user terminal 200 may display request content including a list that allows the user to select what cleaning to request the manager to clean (floor, washbasin, urinal, inside of the private room, etc.) for the south side men's restroom on the third floor. The request content may include information requesting refilling of toilet paper, and information for reporting malfunctions of the washbasin, urinal, private room, etc. Then, when the user terminal 200 receives a selection from the user, it transmits information indicating the cleaning content selected by the user to the gateway device 100 together with information indicating that the south side men's restroom on the third floor is the cleaning target. The above is merely an example, and the user terminal 200 may receive a cleaning request from the user in any manner.

[0177] For example, when the user selects the restroom evaluation button EB11, the user terminal 200 displays information for the user to evaluate the south side men's restroom on the third floor. In this case, the user terminal 200 displays information for accepting an input of an evaluation from the user about the south side men's restroom on the third floor. For example, the user terminal 200 may display a list for the user to select an overall evaluation, good points, improvements, etc., for the south side men's restroom on the third floor. Then, when the user terminal 200 accepts a selection from the user, it transmits information indicating the content of the evaluation selected by the user to the gateway device 100 together with information indicating that the south side men's restroom on the third floor is the subject of evaluation. Note that the above is merely an example, and the user terminal 200 may accept an evaluation by the user in any manner.

[0178] The first restroom information INF11 includes a display switch button DB11 for displaying only the restroom information for the south side men's restroom on the third floor, and a map display button IC11 for displaying map information including the south side men's restroom on the third floor. For example, when the user selects the display switch button DB11, the user terminal 200 displays only the restroom information for the south side men's restroom on the third floor, which will be described in Fig. 10. Also, when the user selects the map display button IC11, the user terminal 200 displays a floor map including the south side men's restroom on the third floor, which will be described in Fig. 12.

[0179] The first restroom information INF12 includes congestion information CG12 indicating the congestion state of the men's restroom among the restrooms on the north side of the 3rd floor of facility FC1 (hereinafter also referred to as the "north side men's restroom on the 3rd floor"), and facility information PG12 indicating the facilities of the north side men's restroom on the 3rd floor. Note that, regarding the first restroom information INF12, explanations of points similar to those of the first restroom information INF11 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0180] In Fig. 8, the congestion information CG12 indicates that the north men's restroom on the third floor is crowded. Also, in Fig. 8, the facility information PG12 includes a pictogram corresponding to a baby seat 41 and a pictogram corresponding to a diaper changing table 42. In other words, the facility information PG12 indicates that the baby seat 41 and the diaper changing table 42 are installed in the north men's restroom on the third floor.

[0181] In addition, the first restroom information INF12 includes a cleaning request button RB12 for requesting cleaning of the north men's restroom on the third floor, which includes a restroom evaluation button EB12 for evaluating the north men's restroom on the third floor.

[0182] For example, when the user selects the cleaning request button RB12, the user terminal 200 displays information for the user to request cleaning of the north men's restroom on the third floor. For example, when the user selects the restroom evaluation button EB12, the user terminal 200 displays information for the user to evaluate the north men's restroom on the third floor.

[0183] The first restroom information INF12 includes a display switch button DB12 for displaying only the restroom information for the north side men's restroom on the 3rd floor, and a map display button IC12 for displaying map information including the north side men's restroom on the 3rd floor. For example, when the user selects the display switch button DB12, the user terminal 200 displays only the restroom information for the north side men's restroom on the 3rd floor. Also, when the user selects the map display button IC12, the user terminal 200 displays a floor map including the north side men's restroom on the 3rd floor.

[0184] The first restroom information INF13 includes congestion information CG13 indicating the congestion state of the men's restroom among the restrooms on the south side of the second floor of facility FC1 (hereinafter also referred to as the "south side men's restroom on the second floor"), and equipment information PG13 indicating the equipment of the south side men's restroom on the second floor. Note that, regarding the first restroom information INF13, explanations of points similar to those of the first restroom information INF11 and INF12 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0185] In Fig. 8, the congestion information CG13 indicates that the men's restroom on the south side on the second floor is slightly crowded. Also, in Fig. 8, the facility information PG13 includes a pictogram corresponding to a baby seat 41. That is, the facility information PG13 indicates that a baby seat 41 is installed in the men's restroom on the south side on the second floor.

[0186] In addition, the first restroom information INF13 includes a cleaning request button RB13 for requesting cleaning of the men's restroom on the south side of the second floor, and a restroom evaluation button EB13 for evaluating the men's restroom on the south side of the second floor.

[0187] For example, when the user selects the cleaning request button RB13, the user terminal 200 displays information for the user to request cleaning of the men's restroom on the south side of the second floor. For example, when the user selects the restroom evaluation button EB13, the user terminal 200 displays information for the user to evaluate the men's restroom on the south side of the second floor.

[0188] The first restroom information INF13 includes a display switch button DB13 for displaying only the restroom information for the south side men's restroom on the second floor, and a map display button IC13 for displaying map information including the south side men's restroom on the second floor. For example, when the user selects the display switch button DB13, the user terminal 200 displays only the restroom information for the south side men's restroom on the second floor. Also, when the user selects the map display button IC13, the user terminal 200 displays a floor map including the south side men's restroom on the second floor.

[0189] As described above, in the information providing system 1, the congestion information CG is used to display the congestion status of the toilets in the facility by floor and toilet space 3, and the user can grasp at a glance which toilets are available or crowded. In addition, for example, it is rare that diaper changing tables are installed in all the restrooms (toilet spaces) in the facility. Therefore, it is preferable for users to be able to grasp detailed information such as the equipment in each restroom from the viewpoint of convenience. Therefore, in the information providing system 1, the equipment information PG allows the user to grasp the equipment for each toilet space 3, and even users with small children can search for and use the toilet with peace of mind. This allows the user to quickly search for the equipment of the desired toilet. In this way, the information providing system 1 can provide appropriate information. Therefore, the information providing system 1 can improve the convenience of the users of the toilets.

[0190] Furthermore, the information providing system 1 enables users to easily contact the manager if they find dirt or equipment malfunctions in the restroom, making it possible to keep the facility clean. Furthermore, the information providing system 1 allows the manager to use the contact and satisfaction ratings to improve the efficiency of cleaning and equipment management. In this way, the information providing system 1 enables users to easily contact the manager about dirt or malfunctions, making it possible for the manager to improve the efficiency of cleaning and equipment management by utilizing information from users. In this way, the information providing system 1 can make it possible to provide appropriate information. Therefore, the information providing system 1 can improve the convenience of toilet users and the manager.

[0191] 8, for example, when the user selects tab TU2 by touching (contacting) the area on the user terminal 200 where tab TU2 is displayed, the user terminal 200 displays the content in a first display mode that displays a list of restroom information corresponding to the selected tab TU2, i.e., the attribute "female". For example, the content in the first display mode that displays a list of restroom information corresponding to the attribute female is a women's restroom list content in which restroom information on a plurality of women's restrooms is displayed in the first display mode. Note that the women's restroom list content is the same as the content CT11 except that the congestion information CG and facility information PG are different depending on the congestion state and facilities of each toilet space 3, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0192] Furthermore, when the user selects tab TU1 while the women's restroom list content is displayed, the user terminal 200 displays the men's restroom list content (content CT11, etc.) corresponding to the selected tab TU1, i.e., the attribute "male." In this way, the user terminal 200 switches and displays the content in the first display mode corresponding to each attribute according to the user's selection of tab TU.

[0193] For example, when considering the usability of a restroom for families, it may be desirable to compare the attributes of restroom users in the restroom 2 on a particular floor. Specifically, when a family uses the restroom 2, if it is possible to confirm whether the baby seat 41 is on the female side or the male side, it is possible to assign which attribute of user, male or female, will take care of the child without actually entering the restroom 2. Thus, the information provision system 1 can provide information that improves user convenience by switching and displaying information for each attribute in response to the selection of a tab TU, thereby enabling the user to confirm the facilities provided in the restroom space 3 for each attribute.

[0194] Also, in FIG. 8, when the user selects tab TU3, the user terminal 200 displays the content in the first display mode that displays a list of restroom information corresponding to the selected tab TU3, i.e., the attribute "barrier-free accessible person". For example, the content in the first display mode that displays a list of restroom information whose attribute corresponds to barrier-free accessible person is a barrier-free toilet list content in which restroom information on a plurality of barrier-free toilets is displayed in the first display mode. An example of the barrier-free toilet list content will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the description of the same points as in FIG. 8 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0195] 9 shows a state in which content CT12 in a first display mode displaying a list of restroom information whose attribute corresponds to a barrier-free person, is displayed on the display unit 213 in response to a user operation. For example, the content CT12 is a barrier-free toilet list content in which restroom information about a plurality of toilet spaces 3 (also called "barrier-free toilets") corresponding to the attribute "barrier-free person" is displayed in the first display mode.

[0196] Here, the content CT12 includes an area AR31 that displays information corresponding to the tab TU3 selected from the tabs TU1 to TU3. Also, in Fig. 9, a case where a survey response button BT1 for the user to respond to a survey is included in the content CT12 is shown as an example, but the content CT12 does not have to include the survey response button BT1. The user terminal 200 in Fig. 9 shows a state in which three tabs TU are displayed and the tab TU3 is selected.

[0197] 9, the tab TU3 is selected, and the restroom information corresponding to the attribute "barrier-free target person" is displayed in the area AR31 of the content CT12. In FIG. 9, the area AR31 of the content CT12 displays a list of restroom information (first restroom information) of multiple restrooms 2 such as the south side toilet on the third floor of the facility FC1 (corresponding to the restroom 25), the north side toilet on the third floor of the facility FC1 (corresponding to the restroom 26), and the south side toilet on the second floor of the facility FC1 (corresponding to the restroom 23). Note that the user terminal 200 may display restroom information of other restrooms 2 in the area AR31 of the content CT12 in response to a user operation.

[0198] As shown in Fig. 9, the first restroom information corresponding to the attribute "barrier-free target person" includes information on the toilet space 3 (barrier-free toilet) corresponding to the attribute "barrier-free target person" included in the restroom 2. In Fig. 9, the user terminal 200 displays, in an area AR31 of the content CT12, first restroom information INF31 of the barrier-free toilet among the toilets on the south side on the third floor of the facility FC1, first restroom information INF32 of the barrier-free toilet among the toilets on the north side on the third floor of the facility FC1, and first restroom information INF33 of the barrier-free toilet among the toilets on the south side on the second floor of the facility FC1. Note that, regarding the first restroom information INF31 to INF33, explanations of the same points as those of the first restroom information INF11 to INF13 etc. described in Fig. 8 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0199] The first restroom information INF31 includes facility information PG31 indicating the facilities of a barrier-free toilet among the toilets on the south side of the third floor of facility FC1 (hereinafter also referred to as "the barrier-free toilet on the south side of the third floor"). In this way, the first restroom information INF regarding the barrier-free toilet differs from the first restroom information INF regarding the men's or women's restroom in that it does not include congestion information indicating the crowded state. Note that the first restroom information INF regarding the barrier-free toilet may also include congestion information indicating the crowded state.

[0200] 9, the facility information PG31 includes a pictogram corresponding to a baby seat 41, a pictogram corresponding to a diaper changing table 42, a pictogram corresponding to a changing table 43, and a pictogram corresponding to an ostomate 44. In other words, the facility information PG31 indicates that the baby seat 41, the diaper changing table 42, the changing table 43, and the ostomate 44 are installed in the south-side barrier-free toilet on the third floor.

[0201] In addition, the first restroom information INF31 includes a cleaning request button RB31 for requesting cleaning of the barrier-free toilet on the south side of the third floor, and a toilet evaluation button EB31 for evaluating the barrier-free toilet on the south side of the third floor.

[0202] For example, when a user selects the cleaning request button RB31, the user terminal 200 displays information for the user to request cleaning of the south-side barrier-free toilet on the third floor. For example, when a user selects the toilet evaluation button EB31, the user terminal 200 displays information for the user to evaluate the south-side barrier-free toilet on the third floor.

[0203] The first restroom information INF31 includes a display switch button DB31 for displaying only the restroom information of the south-side barrier-free toilet on the third floor, and a map display button IC31 for displaying map information including the south-side barrier-free toilet on the third floor. For example, when the user selects the display switch button DB31, the user terminal 200 displays only the restroom information regarding the south-side barrier-free toilet on the third floor, which will be described in Fig. 11. Also, when the user selects the map display button IC31, the user terminal 200 displays a floor map including the south-side barrier-free toilet on the third floor.

[0204] The first restroom information INF32 includes equipment information PG32 indicating the equipment of the barrier-free toilet among the toilets on the north side on the third floor of the facility FC1 (hereinafter also referred to as the "north side barrier-free toilet on the third floor"). In Fig. 9, the equipment information PG32 includes a pictogram corresponding to a baby seat 41, a pictogram corresponding to a diaper changing table 42, a pictogram corresponding to a changing table 43, and a pictogram corresponding to an ostomate 44. In other words, the equipment information PG32 indicates that the north side barrier-free toilet on the third floor is equipped with a baby seat 41, a diaper changing table 42, a changing table 43, and an ostomate 44.

[0205] In addition, the first restroom information INF32 includes a cleaning request button RB32 for requesting cleaning of the barrier-free toilet on the north side of the third floor, and a toilet evaluation button EB32 for evaluating the barrier-free toilet on the north side of the third floor.

[0206] For example, when the user selects the cleaning request button RB32, the user terminal 200 displays information for the user to request cleaning of the north barrier-free toilet on the third floor. For example, when the user selects the toilet evaluation button EB32, the user terminal 200 displays information for the user to evaluate the north barrier-free toilet on the third floor.

[0207] The first restroom information INF32 includes a display switch button DB32 for displaying only the restroom information of the north-side barrier-free toilet on the 3rd floor, and a map display button IC32 for displaying map information including the north-side barrier-free toilet on the 3rd floor. For example, when the user selects the display switch button DB32, the user terminal 200 displays only the restroom information regarding the north-side barrier-free toilet on the 3rd floor. Also, when the user selects the map display button IC32, the user terminal 200 displays a floor map including the north-side barrier-free toilet on the 3rd floor.

[0208] The first restroom information INF33 includes equipment information PG33 indicating the equipment of the barrier-free toilet among the toilets on the south side on the second floor of the facility FC1 (hereinafter also referred to as the "south side barrier-free toilet on the second floor"). In addition, in Fig. 9, the equipment information PG33 includes a pictogram corresponding to a baby seat 41, a pictogram corresponding to a diaper changing table 42, a pictogram corresponding to a changing table 43, and a pictogram corresponding to an ostomate 44. In other words, the equipment information PG33 indicates that the baby seat 41, the diaper changing table 42, the changing table 43, and the ostomate 44 are installed in the south side barrier-free toilet on the second floor.

[0209] In addition, the first restroom information INF33 includes a cleaning request button RB33 for requesting cleaning of the barrier-free toilet on the south side of the second floor, and a toilet evaluation button EB33 for evaluating the barrier-free toilet on the south side of the second floor.

[0210] For example, when the user selects the cleaning request button RB33, the user terminal 200 displays information for the user to request cleaning of the south-side barrier-free toilet on the second floor. For example, when the user selects the toilet evaluation button EB33, the user terminal 200 displays information for the user to evaluate the south-side barrier-free toilet on the second floor.

[0211] The first restroom information INF33 includes a display switch button DB33 for displaying only the restroom information of the south-side barrier-free toilet on the second floor, and a map display button IC33 for displaying map information including the south-side barrier-free toilet on the second floor. For example, when the user selects the display switch button DB33, the user terminal 200 displays only the restroom information regarding the south-side barrier-free toilet on the second floor. Also, when the user selects the map display button IC33, the user terminal 200 displays a floor map including the south-side barrier-free toilet on the second floor.

[0212] In Fig. 9, for example, when the user selects the tab TU2, the user terminal 200 displays the women's restroom list content corresponding to the attribute "women" of the selected tab TU2. In Fig. 9, for example, when the user selects the tab TU1, the user terminal 200 displays the men's restroom list content (content CT11, etc.) corresponding to the attribute "men" of the selected tab TU1.

[0213] <6-2. Second display format example> Next, an example of the second display mode displaying information on a specific restroom will be described with reference to Figs. 10 and 11. Figs. 10 and 11 are diagrams showing an example of information provision according to an embodiment. For example, Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the second display mode displaying restroom information on a specific restroom whose attribute corresponds to male. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the second display mode displaying restroom information on a specific restroom whose attribute corresponds to a barrier-free target person. Note that explanations of points similar to those described above will be omitted as appropriate.

[0214] First, the second display mode for displaying restroom information of a specific restroom corresponding to the attribute male will be described with reference to FIG.

[0215] 10 shows a state in which content CT13 in a second display mode that displays only restroom information of a specific restroom whose attribute corresponds to male, is displayed on the display unit 213 in response to a user operation. For example, the content CT13 is a specific male restroom information content in which restroom information about one toilet space 3 (male restroom) corresponding to the attribute "male" is displayed in the second display mode.

[0216] For example, when a user selects the display switching button DB11 in the content CT11 shown in Fig. 8, the user terminal 200 displays the content CT13 including only the restroom information about the south side men's restroom on the third floor as shown in Fig. 10. The content CT13 includes an area AR12 that displays information corresponding to the tab TU1 selected from the tabs TU1 to TU3. Also, Fig. 10 shows as an example a case where the content CT13 includes a survey response button BT1 for the user to respond to a survey, but the content CT13 does not have to include the survey response button BT1. The user terminal 200 in Fig. 10 shows a state in which three tabs TU are displayed and the tab TU1 is selected.

[0217] 10, the tab TU1 is selected, and restroom information (also referred to as "second restroom information") that is a detailed version of at least a portion of the first restroom information for a specific restroom 2 is displayed in the area AR12 of the content CT13. In FIG. 10, only the second restroom information for the men's restroom on the south side on the third floor is displayed in the area AR12 of the content CT13.

[0218] As shown in Fig. 10, the second restroom information for a specific restroom 2 corresponding to the attribute "male" includes information on a toilet space 3 (men's toilet) corresponding to the attribute "male" included in the specific restroom 2. In Fig. 10, the user terminal 200 displays, in an area AR12 of content CT13, second restroom information SNF11 of a men's toilet (men's toilet on the south side of the third floor) among the toilets on the south side of the third floor of facility FC1. Hereinafter, when the second restroom information such as second restroom information SNF11, SNF12 is described without distinction, it may be described as "second restroom information SNF."

[0219] The second restroom information SNF11 includes congestion information CR11 indicating the congestion state of the men's restroom (the men's restroom on the south side of the third floor) among the restrooms on the south side of the third floor of the facility FC1, and equipment information PG15 indicating the equipment of the men's restroom on the south side of the third floor.

[0220] In FIG. 10, the congestion information CR11 indicates that the men's restroom on the south side on the third floor is empty. In FIG. 10, the congestion information CR11 includes information indicating that the men's restroom on the south side on the third floor is empty in a sentence, such as "this restroom is empty." In this way, the second restroom information SNF11 includes more detailed information on the men's restroom on the south side on the third floor in the first restroom information INF11. This allows the user to clearly know that the men's restroom on the south side on the third floor is empty.

[0221] 10, the facility information PG15 includes a pictogram corresponding to a baby seat 41 and a pictogram corresponding to a diaper changing table 42. That is, the facility information PG15 indicates that the baby seat 41 and the diaper changing table 42 are installed in the men's restroom on the south side on the third floor.

[0222] The second restroom information SNF11 also includes image information IG15 showing the status of the south-side men's restroom on the third floor. In FIG. 10, the second restroom information SNF11 includes image information IG15 showing a specific image of the status inside the south-side men's restroom on the third floor. In this way, the second restroom information SNF11 includes more detailed information than the information on the south-side men's restroom on the third floor in the first restroom information INF11. This allows the user to grasp the status of the south-side men's restroom on the third floor in more detail.

[0223] In addition, the second restroom information SNF11 includes a cleaning request button RB15 for requesting cleaning of the men's restroom on the south side of the third floor, which includes a restroom evaluation button EB15 for evaluating the men's restroom on the south side of the third floor.

[0224] For example, when the user selects the cleaning request button RB15, the user terminal 200 displays information for the user to request cleaning of the men's restroom on the south side on the third floor. For example, when the user selects the restroom evaluation button EB15, the user terminal 200 displays information for the user to evaluate the men's restroom on the south side on the third floor.

[0225] The second restroom information SNF11 also includes a map display button IC15 for displaying map information including the men's restroom on the south side on the third floor. When the user selects the map display button IC15, the user terminal 200 displays a floor map including the men's restroom on the south side on the third floor, in the same way as when the map display button IC11 is selected; this will be described in FIG.

[0226] 10, for example, when the user selects a back process by touching (contacting) the area in the upper left corner of the user terminal 200 where "Back" is displayed, the user terminal 200 switches the display from the content CT13 to the content CT11. In this way, the user terminal 200 can switch the display from the second display mode to the first display mode in response to the user's operation.

[0227] In Fig. 10, for example, when the user selects the tab TU2, the user terminal 200 displays the second restroom information SNF of the selected tab TU2, i.e., the toilet space 3 (the south-side women's toilet on the third floor) corresponding to the attribute "women" among the south-side toilets on the third floor of the facility FC1. Note that, if the toilet space 3 corresponding to the attribute "women" is not included in the south-side toilets on the third floor of the facility FC1, the tab TU2 may not be selectable in Fig. 10.

[0228] In Fig. 10, for example, when the user selects the tab TU3, the user terminal 200 displays the second restroom information SNF of the selected tab TU3, i.e., the toilet space 3 (the south-side barrier-free toilet on the third floor) corresponding to the attribute "barrier-free person" among the south-side toilets on the third floor of the facility FC1. Note that, if the toilet space 3 corresponding to the attribute "barrier-free person" is not included in the south-side toilets on the third floor of the facility FC1, the tab TU3 may not be selectable in Fig. 10.

[0229] Next, a second display mode for displaying restroom information of a specific restroom whose attribute corresponds to a person eligible for barrier-free access will be described with reference to FIG.

[0230] 11 shows a state in which content CT14 in a second display mode that displays only restroom information of a specific restroom whose attribute corresponds to a barrier-free person, is displayed on the display unit 213 in response to a user operation. For example, the content CT14 is a specific barrier-free toilet information content in which restroom information about one toilet space 3 (barrier-free toilet) that corresponds to the attribute "barrier-free person" is displayed in the second display mode.

[0231] For example, when a user selects the display switching button DB31 in the content CT12 shown in Fig. 9, the user terminal 200 displays the content CT14 including only the restroom information about the south side barrier-free toilet on the third floor as shown in Fig. 11. The content CT14 includes an area AR32 that displays information corresponding to the tab TU3 selected from the tabs TU1 to TU3. Also, Fig. 11 shows as an example a case where the content CT14 includes a survey response button BT1 for the user to respond to a survey, but the content CT14 does not have to include the survey response button BT1. The user terminal 200 in Fig. 11 shows a state in which three tabs TU are displayed and the tab TU3 is selected.

[0232] 11, the tab TU3 is selected, and restroom information (second restroom information) that is a detailed version of at least a portion of the first restroom information for a specific restroom 2 is displayed in the area AR32 of the content CT14. In FIG. 11, only the second restroom information for the south-side barrier-free toilet on the third floor is displayed in the area AR32 of the content CT14.

[0233] As shown in Fig. 11, the second restroom information for a specific restroom 2 corresponding to the attribute "barrier-free person" includes information on a toilet space 3 (barrier-free toilet) corresponding to the attribute "barrier-free person" included in the specific restroom 2. In Fig. 11, the user terminal 200 displays, in an area AR32 of content CT14, second restroom information SNF12 of a barrier-free toilet (the barrier-free toilet on the south side of the third floor) among the toilets on the south side of the third floor of facility FC1.

[0234] The second restroom information SNF12 includes facility information PG35 indicating the facility of a barrier-free toilet (the barrier-free toilet on the south side of the third floor) among the toilets on the south side of the third floor of the facility FC1. In this way, the second restroom information SNF regarding the barrier-free toilet differs from the second restroom information SNF regarding the men's or women's restroom in that it does not include congestion information indicating the crowded state. Note that the second restroom information SNF regarding the barrier-free toilet may also include congestion information indicating the crowded state.

[0235] 11, the facility information PG35 includes a pictogram corresponding to a baby seat 41, a pictogram corresponding to a diaper changing table 42, a pictogram corresponding to a changing table 43, and a pictogram corresponding to an ostomate 44. That is, the facility information PG35 indicates that the baby seat 41, the diaper changing table 42, the changing table 43, and the ostomate 44 are installed in the south-side barrier-free toilet on the third floor.

[0236] The second restroom information SNF12 also includes image information IG35 showing the status of the south-side barrier-free toilet on the third floor. In FIG. 11, the second restroom information SNF112 includes image information IG35 showing a specific image of the interior status of the south-side barrier-free toilet on the third floor. In this way, the second restroom information SNF12 includes more detailed information than the information on the south-side barrier-free toilet on the third floor in the first restroom information INF11. This allows the user to understand the status of the south-side barrier-free toilet on the third floor in more detail.

[0237] In addition, the second restroom information SNF12 includes a cleaning request button RB35 for requesting cleaning of the barrier-free toilet on the south side of the third floor, and a toilet evaluation button EB35 for evaluating the barrier-free toilet on the south side of the third floor.

[0238] For example, when the user selects the cleaning request button RB35, the user terminal 200 displays information for the user to request cleaning of the south-side barrier-free toilet on the third floor. For example, when the user selects the toilet evaluation button EB35, the user terminal 200 displays information for the user to evaluate the south-side barrier-free toilet on the third floor.

[0239] The second restroom information SNF12 also includes a map display button IC35 for displaying map information including the south-side barrier-free toilet on the third floor. When the user selects the map display button IC35, the user terminal 200 displays a floor map including the south-side barrier-free toilet on the third floor, in the same way as when the map display button IC31 is selected.

[0240] 11, for example, when the user selects a back process by touching (contacting) the area in the upper left corner of the user terminal 200 where "Back" is displayed, the user terminal 200 switches the display from the content CT14 to the content CT12. In this way, the user terminal 200 can switch the display from the second display mode to the first display mode in response to the user's operation.

[0241] In Fig. 10, for example, when the user selects the tab TU1, the user terminal 200 displays the second restroom information SNF11 of the selected tab TU1, i.e., the toilet space 3 corresponding to the attribute "male" (the south side men's toilet on the third floor) among the toilets on the south side on the third floor of the facility FC1. Note that, if the toilet space 3 corresponding to the attribute "male" is not included in the toilets on the south side on the third floor of the facility FC1, the tab TU1 may not be selectable in Fig. 10.

[0242] In Fig. 10, for example, when the user selects the tab TU2, the user terminal 200 displays the second restroom information SNF of the selected tab TU2, i.e., the toilet space 3 (the south-side women's toilet on the third floor) corresponding to the attribute "women" among the south-side toilets on the third floor of the facility FC1. Note that, if the toilet space 3 corresponding to the attribute "women" is not included in the south-side toilets on the third floor of the facility FC1, the tab TU2 may not be selectable in Fig. 10.

[0243] As described above, the information providing system 1 outputs the congestion status of multiple restrooms 2 provided in a facility to the user terminal 200. When the information providing system 1 receives a selection of a restroom 2 from the multiple restrooms 2 in a first display form, the information providing system 1 transitions from the first display form to a second display form in which the user terminal 200 displays second restroom information of the restroom 2 corresponding to the selection.

[0244] The information providing system 1 displays restroom information including congestion information on the user terminal 200, and is capable of switching the display of the restroom information for each attribute of people expected to use the restroom 2. The information providing system 1 is capable of switching the display of the restroom information by selecting a tab TU corresponding to each attribute. Information indicating the corresponding attribute is displayed on the tab TU. This allows the user to appropriately select information on the attribute that he or she wishes to view.

[0245] The display modes in the user terminal 200 include a first display mode and a second display mode that displays information different from the first display mode. The display modes in the user terminal 200 include a first display mode that displays on the user terminal 200 first restroom information of the multiple restrooms 2 based on congestion information and restroom information of the multiple restrooms 2, and a second display mode that displays on the user terminal 200 second restroom information that details at least a portion of the first restroom information of a specific restroom 2 among the multiple restrooms 2.

[0246] The first display form can be switched for each attribute. The first display form includes first restroom information of a plurality of restrooms 2. For example, the first display form includes first restroom information of the restrooms 2 for each floor of the facility. The first display form displays location information of the corresponding restroom 2 in response to a user's operation. When the first display form accepts a user's selection, it outputs user input information for the restroom 2 corresponding to the selection to a predetermined output destination. For example, when a button for requesting cleaning, reporting a malfunction, or rating satisfaction is selected while the first display form is being displayed and information is input, the user terminal 200 transmits the input to the gateway device 100 as user input information.

[0247] The second display form includes second restroom information of a specific restroom 2 among the multiple restrooms 2. The second display form includes second restroom information of the specific restroom 2 selected in the first display form. The second display form includes information related to the configuration inside the specific restroom 2. The second display form displays location information of the corresponding restroom 2 in response to a user's operation. When the second display form accepts a user's selection, it outputs user input information for the restroom 2 corresponding to the selection to a predetermined output destination. For example, when a button for requesting cleaning, reporting a malfunction, or rating satisfaction is selected while the second display form is displayed and information is input, the user terminal 200 transmits the input to the gateway device 100 as user input information. The second display form may be switchable for each attribute.

[0248] In this way, the information provision system 1 enables display switching between displaying a list of information on a plurality of restrooms 2 (first display mode) and displaying only information on an individual restroom 2 (second display mode). This allows the information provision system 1 to provide information in a manner that allows switching of information according to the user's situation when the user is searching for a restroom, thereby enabling appropriate information provision. Therefore, the information provision system 1 can improve convenience for users of the restroom.

[0249] Furthermore, as described above, the information provision system 1 allows the user to check photos of the interior of each toilet space 3 using the image information IG15, IG35, etc., enabling the user to search for and use a toilet with peace of mind. In this way, the information provision system 1 can provide appropriate information. Therefore, the information provision system 1 can improve the convenience of toilet users.

[0250] <6-3. Other display examples> The information provision described above is merely an example, and the information provision system 1 may provide various types of information. Examples of this point are described below. For example, the information provision system 1 may provide information such as a map of a facility in which restrooms 2 and the like are installed, as shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of information provision according to an embodiment. FIG. 12 shows, as an example, a case where a map display button IC11 in the content CT11 shown in FIG. 8 is selected.

[0251] For example, when a user selects a map display button IC11 in the content CT11 shown in Fig. 8 or a map display button IC15 in the content CT13 shown in Fig. 10, the user terminal 200 displays map information MP11 as shown in Fig. 12. In Fig. 12, the user terminal 200 displays the map information MP11 superimposed on the content CT11. In Fig. 12, the map information MP11 includes a mark MK11 indicating the position of the men's toilet on the south side of the third floor on the floor map of the entire third floor on which the men's toilet on the south side of the third floor is located. This allows the user to properly grasp where the men's toilet on the south side of the third floor is located.

[0252] The map information output may be, for example, a display of the congestion status superimposed on the map. In Fig. 12, the user terminal 200 may display the map information MP11 superimposed on information showing the congestion status of the south side men's restroom on the third floor (for example, the congestion information CG11 in Fig. 8, etc.). This allows the information provision system 1 to enable the user to grasp the congestion status on the map, improving user convenience.

[0253] Furthermore, the information providing system 1 may detect the state of the toilet based on the user's stay time, and may notify information based on the detection result, for example, in the second display mode. For example, the information providing system 1 may also display information based on the detection result when displaying the second display mode on the user terminal 200.

[0254] For example, the information provision system 1 may detect an abnormal state such as a clog in the water level based on the user's stay time, and notify information indicating the abnormality based on the detection result. For example, when the information provision system 1 detects an abnormal state in a toilet, it may display information indicating the abnormality when displaying information corresponding to the toilet in which the abnormal state was detected. For example, when the information provision system 1 detects an abnormal state in the men's toilet on the south side on the third floor, it may display information indicating that the men's toilet on the south side on the third floor is in an abnormal state when displaying information corresponding to the men's toilet on the south side on the third floor.

[0255] Also, while the door is open, the cleaning state may be detected by detecting a human body for a predetermined period of time, and information indicating cleaning based on the detection result may be notified. For example, when the information provision system 1 detects the cleaning state of a toilet, it may display information indicating cleaning when displaying information corresponding to the toilet whose cleaning state has been detected. For example, when the information provision system 1 detects the cleaning state of the men's toilet on the south side on the third floor, it may display information indicating that the men's toilet on the south side on the third floor is in a cleaning state when displaying information corresponding to the men's toilet on the south side on the third floor. Note that the above notification is merely an example, and the information provision system 1 may notify various information.

[0256] Further advantages and modifications may readily occur to those skilled in the art. Thus, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

[0257] The above-described embodiments and modifications may have the following configurations, but are not limited to these. (1) An information providing system that outputs the congestion status of a plurality of restrooms provided in a facility to a display terminal, a usage status acquisition unit that acquires a usage status of an object of use provided in each of the plurality of restrooms; a congestion status acquisition unit that acquires congestion information of the plurality of restrooms based on the usage status of the object of use acquired by the usage status acquisition unit; a storage unit that stores restroom information relating to each of the restrooms; Equipped with The display manner of the display terminal includes a first display form in which first restroom information of the plurality of restrooms based on congestion information of the plurality of restrooms and the restroom information is displayed on the display terminal, and a second display form in which second restroom information in which at least a part of the first restroom information of a specific restroom among the plurality of restrooms is detailed is displayed on the display terminal. An information providing system comprising: (2) When a selection of a restroom from the plurality of restrooms is received in the first display mode, the first display mode is transitioned to the second display mode in which the second restroom information of the restroom corresponding to the selection is displayed on the display terminal. 2. The information providing system according to claim 1, (3) The second display format includes information regarding a configuration of the specific restroom interior. 2. An information providing system according to claim 1, wherein the information providing system comprises: (4) The first display form includes the first restroom information of restrooms for each floor of the facility. The information providing system according to any one of (1) to (3) above. (5) At least one of the first display mode and the second display mode displays location information of a corresponding restroom in response to an operation by a user. The information providing system according to any one of (1) to (4) above. (6) At least one of the first display mode and the second display mode, when a selection by a user is accepted, outputs user input information for the restroom corresponding to the selection to a predetermined output destination. The information providing system according to any one of (1) to (5) above. (7) An information providing method for outputting the congestion status of a plurality of restrooms provided in a facility to a display terminal, comprising: a usage status acquiring step of acquiring a usage status of an object of use provided in each of the plurality of restrooms; a congestion status acquiring step of acquiring congestion information of the plurality of restrooms based on the usage status of the object of use acquired by the usage status acquiring step; storing restroom information for each of the restrooms; Including, The display manner of the display terminal includes a first display form in which first restroom information of the plurality of restrooms based on congestion information of the plurality of restrooms and the restroom information is displayed on the display terminal, and a second display form in which second restroom information in which at least a part of the first restroom information of a specific restroom among the plurality of restrooms is detailed is displayed on the display terminal. 13. An information providing method comprising: (8) An information providing program executed by a computer that outputs to a display terminal information on the congestion status of a plurality of restrooms provided in a facility, a usage status acquisition step of acquiring a usage status of an object of use provided in each of the plurality of restrooms; a congestion status acquisition step of acquiring congestion information of the plurality of restrooms based on the usage status of the object of use acquired by the usage status acquisition step; a storage procedure for storing restroom information for each of the restrooms; Run the following on your computer: The display manner of the display terminal includes a first display form in which first restroom information of the plurality of restrooms based on congestion information of the plurality of restrooms and the restroom information is displayed on the display terminal, and a second display form in which second restroom information in which at least a part of the first restroom information of a specific restroom among the plurality of restrooms is detailed is displayed on the display terminal. 23. An information providing program comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0258] 1 Information provision system 2 Restrooms 3. Toilet space 10 Toilet bowl 20 Urinal 30 wash basin 100 Gateway device 110 Communications Department 120 Storage section 121 Restroom information storage unit 122 Collected information storage unit 130 Control section 131 Usage status acquisition unit 132 Congestion Status Acquisition Unit 133 Processing section 134 Transmission unit (output unit) 200 User terminals (display terminals) 211 Communications Department 212 Input section 213 Display section 214 Storage section 215 Control Unit 251 Acquisition Department 252 Reception 253 Display control section 254 Transmitter 216 Audio output section 300 Administrator terminal CS shared space TB Toilet Booth

Claims

1. An information providing system that outputs the congestion status of a plurality of restrooms provided in a facility to a display terminal, a usage status acquisition unit that acquires a usage status of an object of use provided in each of the plurality of restrooms; a congestion status acquisition unit that acquires congestion information of the plurality of restrooms based on the usage status of the object of use acquired by the usage status acquisition unit; a storage unit that stores restroom information relating to each of the restrooms; Equipped with The display manner of the display terminal includes a first display form in which first restroom information of the plurality of restrooms based on congestion information of the plurality of restrooms and the restroom information is displayed on the display terminal, and a second display form in which second restroom information, which is obtained by detailing at least a part of the first restroom information of a specific restroom among the plurality of restrooms, is displayed on the display terminal. An information providing system comprising:

2. When a selection of a restroom from the plurality of restrooms is received in the first display mode, the first display mode is transitioned to the second display mode in which the second restroom information of the restroom corresponding to the selection is displayed on the display terminal.

2. The information providing system according to claim 1 .

3. The second display format includes information regarding a configuration of the specific restroom interior.

3. The information providing system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first display form includes the first restroom information of restrooms for each floor of the facility.

3. The information providing system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. At least one of the first display form and the second display form displays location information of a corresponding restroom in response to an operation by a user.

3. The information providing system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. At least one of the first display form and the second display form, when a selection by a user is accepted, outputs user input information for the restroom corresponding to the selection to a predetermined output destination.

3. The information providing system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. An information providing method for outputting the congestion status of a plurality of restrooms provided in a facility to a display terminal, comprising: a usage status acquiring step of acquiring a usage status of an object of use provided in each of the plurality of restrooms; a congestion status acquiring step of acquiring congestion information of the plurality of restrooms based on the usage status of the object of use acquired by the usage status acquiring step; storing restroom information for each of the restrooms; Including, The display manner of the display terminal includes a first display form in which first restroom information of the plurality of restrooms based on congestion information of the plurality of restrooms and the restroom information is displayed on the display terminal, and a second display form in which second restroom information, which is obtained by detailing at least a part of the first restroom information of a specific restroom among the plurality of restrooms, is displayed on the display terminal.

13. An information providing method comprising:

8. An information providing program executed by a computer that outputs to a display terminal information on the congestion status of a plurality of restrooms provided in a facility, a usage status acquisition step of acquiring a usage status of an object of use provided in each of the plurality of restrooms; a congestion status acquisition step of acquiring congestion information of the plurality of restrooms based on the usage status of the object of use acquired by the usage status acquisition step; a storage procedure for storing restroom information for each of the restrooms; on the computer, The display manner of the display terminal includes a first display form in which first restroom information of the plurality of restrooms based on congestion information of the plurality of restrooms and the restroom information is displayed on the display terminal, and a second display form in which second restroom information, which is obtained by detailing at least a part of the first restroom information of a specific restroom among the plurality of restrooms, is displayed on the display terminal.

23. An information providing program comprising:

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