Toilet system

Abstract

To provide a toilet system capable of improving detection accuracy of a user's state in a toilet room.SOLUTION: A toilet system for detecting a user's state in a toilet room which is equipped with a plurality of instruments includes: an operation part operating when the instruments are used; a sensor part detecting location information of the user; and a control part determining the user's state on the basis of the operation information of the operation part and the location information by the sensor part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects of the present invention generally relate to a toilet system.

Background Art

[0002] A toilet system for monitoring the state of a user in a toilet room is known (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The toilet system according to Patent Document 1 only detects the space in the toilet room using a plurality of sensors, so there is a risk of erroneously detecting the state of the user due to noise or the like.

[0005] Aspects of the present invention have been made based on the recognition of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a toilet system capable of improving the detection accuracy of the state of a user in a toilet room.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A first invention is a toilet system for detecting the state of a user in a toilet room equipped with a plurality of appliances, the toilet system including: an operating unit that operates when the appliance is used; a sensor unit that detects the position information of the user; and a control unit that determines the state of the user based on the operating information of the operating unit and the position information by the sensor unit.

[0007] According to this toilet system, since the state of the user is determined based on the operation information that operates when the device is used and the position information from the sensor unit, the state of the user can be accurately determined.

[0008] A second invention is a toilet system according to the first invention, wherein the control unit determines the state of the user based on the position information from the sensor unit obtained after obtaining the operation information of the operation unit.

[0009] According to this toilet system, since the state of the user can be determined from the position information by the sensor unit based on the position of the used device, false detection of the user can be suppressed.

[0010] A third invention is a toilet system according to the first invention, wherein the device has at least one of a toilet seat, a faucet device, and a bed, and the operation unit is at least one of a seating sensor of the toilet seat, a solenoid valve of the faucet device, and a load sensor of the bed.

[0011] According to this toilet system, when at least one of the toilet seat, the faucet device, and the bed is used, the position of the user can be specified.

[0012] A fourth invention is a toilet system according to the first invention, wherein the position information by the sensor unit has the horizontal position of the user and the height direction of the user.

[0013] According to this toilet system, both the movement of the user in the toilet room and the state of the user falling down (toppling) can be determined.

[0014] A fifth invention is a toilet system according to the first invention, wherein the sensor unit can detect biometric information of the user in addition to the position information of the user.

[0015] According to this toilet system, since the biological information of the user can be detected, it is possible to take early action in case the user loses consciousness in the toilet compartment.

[0016] A sixth invention is a toilet system according to the first invention, wherein the sensor unit is a radio wave sensor.

[0017] According to this toilet system, the state of the user can be detected by the radio wave sensor.

[0018] A seventh invention is a toilet system for detecting the state of a user in a toilet compartment equipped with a plurality of appliances, comprising an operating unit that operates when the appliance is used, a sensor unit that detects the position information of the user, a notification unit that notifies the state of the user determined based on the operation information of the operating unit and the position information by the sensor unit.

[0019] According to this toilet system, the administrator can recognize the state of the user in the toilet compartment by checking the notification unit.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] According to an aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a toilet system capable of improving the detection accuracy of the state of the user in the toilet compartment.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted as appropriate. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a toilet room in which a toilet system according to the first embodiment of the present invention is installed. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the toilet system.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, the toilet room TR is, for example, a toilet room in a public facility. The toilet room TR is an independent room such as a multi-purpose toilet or a multi-functional toilet. The toilet room TR is a barrier-free toilet considering the usability of, for example, a wheelchair user. This embodiment includes a toilet system 1 that detects the state of a user in the toilet room TR equipped with a plurality of appliances 100. The toilet system 1 includes an operating unit 20, a sensor unit 30, and a control unit 51.

[0024] In the toilet room TR, a plurality of appliances 100 used by users are installed. The appliances 100 include, for example, a door 10, a toilet 11, a toilet seat 12, a bed 13, a washbasin 14, a handrail 15, a remote control 16, a waste drain unit 17, and a toilet paper dispenser 18. Also, the appliances 100 may be, for example, a hand dryer (not shown), a urinal, a baby chair, etc. The appliances 100 installed in the toilet room TR are not limited to these and may be any appliances.

[0025] In the toilet room TR, a lining 5 is provided along the wall side. The toilet 11, the washbasin 14, the handrail 15, the remote control 16, the waste drain unit 17, and the toilet paper dispenser 18 are attached to the lining 5. An entrance / exit 3 of the toilet room TR is formed on the wall side where the lining 5 is not provided. An opening / closing door 10 is provided at this entrance / exit 3.

[0026] The toilet 11 has a bowl portion that is recessed downward. A toilet seat 12 on which the user sits is attached to the toilet 11. That is, the toilet 11 is a Western-style seated toilet. The toilet 11 may have, for example, a body washing function unit that realizes washing of the "buttocks" of a user sitting on the toilet seat 12. A backrest 19 for a user sitting on the toilet seat 12 is provided above the toilet 11.

[0027] The bed 13 is installed on the wall surface where the lining 5 is not provided. The bed 13 can be switched, for example, between a use state (the state in FIG. 1) and a non-use state folded toward the wall surface. The bed 13 is, for example, sized such that an adult who needs a diaper change can use it.

[0028] The washbasin 14 is for users, such as those who have finished using the toilet 11, to wash their hands. The washbasin 14 is located at two places, namely, on the side of the toilet 11 and in the front left of the toilet 11, and is attached to the upper surface of the lining 5. The handrail 15 is attached to the wall surface of the toilet room TR or the lining 5. The user can hold the handrail 15 and sit on or get off the toilet seat 12.

[0029] The remote controller 16 is located on the side of the toilet 11 and is provided on the lining 5. The remote controller 16 is provided at a position within reach of the hand of a user sitting on the toilet seat 12. The user can perform cleaning of the toilet 11, cleaning of the buttocks, etc. by operating the remote controller 16. The waste discharge unit 17 is provided on the side of the toilet 11 and is for the ostomate to process waste such as excrement. The toilet paper dispenser 18 is located at two positions, below the remote controller 16 and on the side of the waste discharge unit 17, and is attached to the lining 5.

[0030] The operating part 20 is provided in each appliance 100 and is a part that operates when the appliance 100 is used. The operating part 20 is, for example, a part that operates based on the operation of the user, or a sensor that detects that the user has used the appliance 100. That is, the operating part 20 is a member that opens and closes when the user uses the appliance 100, or a sensor that operates from detection off (OFF) to detection on (ON).

[0031] For example, the operating part 20 includes a seating sensor 21 that detects seating on the toilet seat 12, a load sensor 22 that detects the user on the bed 13, a solenoid valve 23 of a faucet device provided in the washbasin 14, a handrail sensor 24 that detects contact with the handrail 15, an entrance / exit detection sensor 25 that opens and closes the door 10 and detects entry into and exit from the toilet room TR, and the like. The entrance / exit detection sensor 25 only needs to be able to detect the user passing through the entrance / exit 3 and does not have to be provided on the door 10.

[0032] Also, the operating part 20 may be a solenoid valve that supplies washing water to the toilet 11, a flow sensor for the washing water flowing in the pipeline, an operation button of the remote controller 16, a solenoid valve that supplies washing water to the waste discharge unit 17, a flow sensor for the washing water flowing in the pipeline, and a sensor that detects the use of the toilet paper dispenser 18, etc. That is, the operating part 20 may be a device or a sensor of the appliance 100 as long as it can identify the appliance 100 used by the user.

[0033] ​The operation information of the actuating unit 20 is transmitted to the control unit 51 described later via the network device 40 also described later. The control unit 51 can identify the position of the user in the toilet room TR based on the operation information of the actuating unit 20. The processing of the user state detection control regarding the position and state of the user executed by the control unit 51 will be described in detail later.

[0034] The sensor unit 30 is provided, for example, on the ceiling of the toilet room TR and detects the state of the user in the toilet room TR. The sensor unit 30 is composed of, for example, a radio wave sensor (millimeter wave sensor) and can detect the movement and position information of the user.

[0035] The position information is at least one of the horizontal position (X, Y components) of the user and the height position (Z component) from the floor surface. As shown in FIG. 1, for example, the X component is the component between the entrance / exit 3 side and the wall surface facing the entrance / exit 3, and the Y component is the direction orthogonal to the X component. That is, the sensor unit 30 can detect where in the toilet room TR the user is present and at what height position. The position information from the sensor unit 30 is transmitted to the control unit 51 via the network device 40 described later.

[0036] Note that the sensor unit 30 is not limited to being provided on the ceiling of the toilet room TR and may be provided, for example, on the lining 5 or the like. The sensor unit 30 may be attached anywhere as long as it can detect the entire interior of the toilet room TR. Also, a plurality of sensor units 30 may be provided. Further, the sensor unit 30 may be a 3D sensor such as a lidar sensor.

[0037] The network device 40 acquires the operation information from a plurality of appliances 100 and also acquires the position information of the user from the sensor unit 30. The network device 40 has, for example, a gateway and transmits the operation information of the actuating unit 20 and the position information of the sensor unit 30 to the management device 50 via the network. The network is, for example, the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network). Note that the network device 40 may be any communication device as long as it can communicate with the outside.

[0038] The management device 50 is provided at a position away from the toilet room TR. The management device 50 is, for example, a cloud server and is connected to the network device 40 in the toilet room TR and the notification unit 60 via a network. Note that the management device 50 may be installed, for example, in the same building as the toilet room TR.

[0039] The management device 50 has a control unit 51 that monitors the state of the user in the toilet room TR. The control unit 51 determines the state of the user based on the operation information of the operating unit 20 and the position information of the user by the sensor unit 30. The control unit 51 determines the state of the user based on the position information by the sensor unit 30 acquired after acquiring the operation information of the operating unit 20. The control unit 51 has a storage unit 52. In the storage unit 52, a program for user state detection control executed by the control unit 51 is stored.

[0040] The notification unit 60 is an administrator terminal held by an administrator who manages the toilet room TR, and is, for example, a mobile terminal 61 or a PC terminal 62. The notification unit 60 is connected to the management device 50 via a network. The notification unit 60 notifies the state of the user determined by the operation information of the operating unit 20 and the position information by the sensor unit 30. Thereby, the administrator can recognize the state of the user in the toilet room TR at a location away from the toilet room TR.

[0041] Here, a plurality of metal members are provided in the toilet room TR. In such a case, there is a possibility that the radio waves radiated from the sensor unit 30 are diffusely reflected and the state of the user is erroneously detected. Therefore, the toilet system 1 determines the state of the user based on the usage state of the fixture 100 in the toilet room TR and the state of the user by the sensor unit 30.

[0042] Regarding the user state detection control executed by the control unit 51, for example, the case where a user using a wheelchair uses the toilet room TR will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 assumes the case where a user using a wheelchair sits on the toilet seat 12.

[0043] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of user state detection control executed by the control unit. The user state detection control is stored in the storage unit 52 of the control unit 51. Each step is indicated by "S". The control process in Figure 3 is executed, for example, when the seating sensor 21 is turned on.

[0044] In S1, the seating sensor 21 is turned on. Here, even if the seating sensor 21 is turned on, the control unit 51 cannot determine whether the user is in a seated state on the toilet seat 12. That is, when the seating sensor 21 is on, the user may be touching the toilet seat 12 with their hand.

[0045] In the next S2, it is determined whether it has continued for T1 hours or more. That is, the control unit 51 measures the time since the seating sensor 21 was turned on. T1 is several seconds (for example, 5S). If "YES" in S2, that is, if it has continued for T1 hours or more, the process proceeds to S3. On the other hand, if "NO" in S2, that is, if it has not continued for T1 hours or more (when the seating sensor 21 is turned off), the process proceeds to S6.

[0046] In S3, it is determined whether the position information (height information: Z component) of the user detected by the sensor unit 30 is equal to or less than the height H. The height H is, for example, about 1000 mm from the floor surface. The sensor unit 30 compares the highest position of the user (for example, the head) with the height H. Note that the sensor unit 30 may identify the upper body of the user's body and compare the upper body with the height H.

[0047] Also, since the seating sensor 21 is ON, the control unit 51 identifies the detection information of the sensor unit 30 detected at the position (surrounding) of the toilet seat 12 as information of the user. The control unit 51 recognizes, for example, that the detection information at a position away from the toilet seat 12 is noise. The toilet system 1 can assume that the information detected by the sensor unit 30 around the used appliance 100 is the correct user state. Then, by tracking the detection information of the correct user state, the control unit 51 can identify the position information of where the user is present in the toilet room TR. Therefore, the toilet system 1 can suppress the false detection of the user due to noise such as signals diffusely reflected in the toilet room TR.

[0048] Then, if it is determined in S3 that "YES", that is, the Z component detected by the sensor unit 30 is equal to or less than the height H, the process proceeds to S4. On the other hand, if it is determined in S3 that "NO", that is, the Z component detected by the sensor unit 30 is greater than the height H, the process proceeds to S5.

[0049] In S4, it is determined that there is an abnormal state. In this case, the seating sensor 21 is ON, and the Z component detected by the sensor unit 30 is equal to or less than the height H. Therefore, the control unit 51 can determine that, for example, the user has fallen onto the floor with their hand on the toilet seat 12. Then, the control unit 51 causes the notification unit 60 to notify the abnormal state, and the process ends. In this case, the notification unit 60 may notify the abnormal state along with specific information of the user, such as "possibility of falling onto the floor".

[0050] In S5, it is determined that the state is normal. That is, since the ON state of the seating sensor 21 has continued for T1 hours or more and the Z component is greater than the height H, the control unit 51 can determine that the user is seated on the toilet seat 12. Then, the control unit 51 causes the notification unit 60 to notify the normal state, and the process ends.

[0051] In S6, it is determined whether the position information (height information: Z component) of the user detected by the sensor unit 30 is equal to or less than the height H. In S6, the same control process as in S3 is executed. When the determination in S6 is "YES", that is, when it is determined that the Z component detected by the sensor unit 30 is equal to or less than the height H, the process proceeds to S7. On the other hand, when the determination in S3 is "NO", that is, when it is determined that the Z component detected by the sensor unit 30 is greater than the height H, the process proceeds to S8.

[0052] In S7, it is determined that an abnormal state has occurred. In this case, the seating sensor 21 is OFF, and the Z component detected by the sensor unit 30 is equal to or less than the height H. Therefore, the control unit 51 can determine that there is a possibility that the user has fallen to the floor, for example, after once sitting on the toilet seat 12 or after once placing a hand on the toilet seat 12. Then, the control unit 51 causes the notification unit 60 to notify the abnormal state, and the process ends. In this case, the notification unit 60 may notify the abnormal state and specific information of the user, such as "possibility of falling to the floor".

[0053] In S8, it is determined that the state is normal. That is, the control unit 51 can determine that, for example, after the user once touched the toilet seat 12 and then returned to the wheelchair (without transferring to the toilet seat 12). Then, the control unit 51 causes the notification unit 60 to notify the normal state, and the process ends.

[0054] In this way, the toilet system 1 can assume that the information detected by the sensor unit 30 at the position of the appliance 100 is the correct user state in a state where the position of the user is specified by using the appliance 100. That is, the control unit 51 determines the state of the user based on the position information obtained by the sensor unit 30 after obtaining the operation information of the operating unit 20. In other words, the control unit 51 determines the state of the user by associating the use of the appliance 100 with the detection information of the sensor unit 30.

[0055] As a result, the control unit 51 can detect the correct user state, thereby suppressing misdetection. Further, the control unit 51 can accurately estimate the specific state of the user by combining the operation information of the operating unit 20 and the user information obtained by the sensor unit 30.

[0056] Next, an example of the user state when transferring from the toilet seat 12 to the wheelchair will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of user state detection control executed by the control unit of the toilet system according to the second embodiment. The user state detection control is stored in the storage unit 52 of the control unit 51. Each step is indicated by "S". The control process in FIG. 4 is executed, for example, when the seating sensor 21 is turned off. Further, the control process in FIG. 4 is repeatedly executed by returning to S13 after the end after passing through S11 and S12.

[0057] In S11, the seating sensor 21 is turned off (the user gets off the seat). Then, in the next S12, the handrail sensor 24 is turned on. The handrail in this case is the handrail 15 located on the side of the toilet bowl 11. As a result, the control unit 51 identifies the detection information of the sensor unit 30 detected at the positions (surroundings) of the toilet seat 12 and the handrail 15 as the user's information. In this case, the control unit 51 can recognize that the user is in a state of trying to transfer from the toilet seat 12 to the wheelchair. Note that S11 and S12 may be reversed. That is, the user may hold the handrail 15 and then get off the toilet seat 12.

[0058] In S13, it is determined whether or not it is within T2 hours. That is, the control unit 51 measures the time from when the handrail sensor 24 is turned on (the time of holding the handrail 15). T2 is set corresponding to, for example, the time taken when transferring from the toilet seat 12 to the wheelchair. T2 is several seconds (for example, 5S). If "YES" in S13, that is, if it is within T2 hours, the process proceeds to S14. On the other hand, if "NO" in S13, that is, if the time of holding the handrail 15 exceeds T2 hours, the process proceeds to S21.

[0059] In S14, it is determined whether the handrail sensor 24 is OFF. That is, the control unit 51 determines whether the user has released the handrail 15 within T2 hours. And if it is "YES" in S14, that is, when the handrail sensor 24 is OFF, the process proceeds to S15. On the other hand, if it is "NO" in S14, that is, when the handrail sensor 24 is ON, the process proceeds to S18.

[0060] In S15, it is determined whether the position information (horizontal direction information: X, Y components) of the user detected by the sensor unit 30 has changed. That is, the control unit 51 recognizes the user holding the handrail 15 as the detection information of the sensor unit 30 and monitors the horizontal movement of the detection information.

[0061] And if it is "YES" in S15, that is, when it is determined that there is a change in the X and Y components, the process proceeds to S16. On the other hand, if it is "NO" in S15, that is, when it is determined that there is no change in the X and Y components, the process proceeds to S17.

[0062] In S16, it is determined to be in a normal state. That is, the control unit 51 can determine that the user has transferred from the toilet seat 12 to the wheelchair using the handrail 15. In addition, if the change in the X and Y components is large in S15, it can also be determined that the user is moving in the wheelchair. And the control unit 51 causes the notification unit 60 to notify the normal state, and it ends.

[0063] In S17, it is determined to be in a minor abnormal state. In this case, the control unit 51 can determine that the user has not moved after releasing the handrail 15. That is, the control unit 51 determines that there is a possibility that the user is taking time around the handrail 15. And the control unit 51 causes the notification unit 60 to notify the minor abnormal state, and it ends.

[0064] In this case, the notification unit 60 may notify the minor abnormal state and specific information of the user such as "possibility of taking time" to the user. The administrator can check the state of the user by confirming the minor abnormal state.

[0065] In S18, it is determined whether the position information (horizontal direction information: X, Y components) of the user detected by the sensor unit 30 has changed. The same control process as in S15 is executed in S18. However, in S18, since the handrail sensor 24 is in the ON state, it is considered that the wheelchair is not moving. Therefore, the changes in the X component and Y component in S18 detect changes in values smaller than those in S15.

[0066] And when it is determined as "YES" in S18, that is, when there is a change in the X and Y components, the process proceeds to S19. On the other hand, when it is determined as "NO" in S18, that is, when there is no change in the X and Y components, the process proceeds to S20.

[0067] In S19, it is determined to be in a normal state. In this case, since the handrail sensor 24 is ON and there is a change in the X and Y components, the control unit 51 determines that, for example, the user is in the process of boarding the wheelchair. Then, the control unit 51 causes the notification unit 60 to notify the normal state, and the process ends.

[0068] In this case, the notification unit 60 may notify, together with the notification of the normal state, specific information of the user such as "boarding the wheelchair". Thereby, the administrator can check the state of the user by confirming the normal state.

[0069] In S20, it is determined to be in a medium abnormal state. In this case, since the handrail sensor 24 is ON and there is no change in the X and Y components, the control unit 51 determines that, for example, the user's body may be caught on the handrail 15 and unable to move. Then, the control unit 51 causes the notification unit 60 to notify the medium abnormal state, and the process ends.

[0070] In this case, the notification unit 60 may notify, together with the notification of the medium abnormal state, specific information of the user such as "possibility of being caught on the handrail (no movement)". Thereby, the administrator can rush to the toilet room TR by confirming the medium abnormal state.

[0071] In S21, it is determined whether the position information (horizontal direction information: X, Y components) of the user detected by the sensor unit 30 has changed. The same control process as in S18 is executed in S21. When it is determined as "YES" in S21, that is, when there is a change in the X and Y components, the process proceeds to S22. On the other hand, when it is determined as "NO" in S21, that is, when there is no change in the X and Y components, the process proceeds to S23.

[0072] In S22, it is determined as a high abnormal state. In this case, since the handrail sensor 24 has been ON for more than the T2 time and there is a change in the X and Y components, the control unit 51 determines that, for example, the user's body may be entangled with the handrail 15 and the user may be suffocating. Then, the control unit 51 causes the notification unit 60 to notify the high abnormal state, and the process ends.

[0073] In this case, the notification unit 60 may notify specific information of the user, such as "Possibility of being entangled with the handrail for a long time (movement detected)", together with the notification of the high abnormal state. Thereby, the administrator can rush to the toilet room TR by confirming the high abnormal state.

[0074] In S23, it is determined as a high abnormal state. In this case, since the handrail sensor 24 has been ON for more than the T2 time and there is no change in the X and Y components, the control unit 51 determines that, for example, the user's body may be entangled with the handrail 15 and the user may be unable to move. Then, the control unit 51 causes the notification unit 60 to notify the high abnormal state, and the process ends.

[0075] In this case, the notification unit 60 may notify specific information of the user, such as "Possibility of being entangled with the handrail for a long time (no movement detected)", together with the notification of the high abnormal state. Thereby, the administrator can rush to the toilet room TR by confirming the high abnormal state. Note that since the movement of the user cannot be confirmed in the high abnormal state of S23, the urgency is higher than that of the high abnormal state of S22.

[0076] Thus, also in the second embodiment, by using the instrument 100 (the handrail 15) and the detection result of the sensor unit 30, it is possible to suppress the misdetection of the state of the user in the toilet room TR. In addition, since the specific state of the user can be estimated, the management of the toilet room TR can be efficiently performed.

[0077] Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7. In the second embodiment, the case where the state of the user is determined by using the instrument 100 and detecting the horizontal position (X, Y components) of the user has been described as an example. In the third embodiment, in addition to this, the height position (Z component) of the user is detected to determine the state of the user.

[0078] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of user state detection control executed by the control unit of the toilet system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of user state detection control executed by the control unit of the toilet system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of user state detection control executed by the control unit of the toilet system according to the third embodiment. In FIGS. 5 to 7, S11 to S14 in FIG. 4 are omitted.

[0079] S31 is executed after "YES" in S15. In S31, it is determined whether or not the position information (height information: Z component) of the user detected by the sensor unit 30 is equal to or less than the height H. The control process of S31 is the same as the control process of S3 in FIG. 3.

[0080] Then, when "YES" in S31, that is, when it is determined that the Z component detected by the sensor unit 30 is equal to or less than the height H, the process proceeds to S32. On the other hand, when "NO" in S31, that is, when it is determined that the Z component detected by the sensor unit 30 is greater than the height H, the process proceeds to S33.

[0081] In S32, it is determined that it is a highly abnormal state. In this case, the handrail sensor 24 is OFF, there are changes in the X and Y components of the sensor unit 30, and the Z component is equal to or less than the height H. Therefore, the control unit 51 can determine that, for example, the user is moving while having fallen onto the floor surface (crawling on the floor surface). Then, the control unit 51 causes the notification unit 60 to notify the highly abnormal state, and it ends.

[0082] In this case, to the notification unit 60, together with the notification of the highly abnormal state, specific information of the user such as "possibility of falling onto the floor surface (with movement)" may be notified. Thereby, the administrator can rush to the toilet room TR.

[0083] In S33, it is determined that it is a normal state. That is, the control unit 51 can determine that the user has transferred from the toilet seat 12 to the wheelchair using the handrail 15 (is moving in the wheelchair). Then, the control unit 51 causes the notification unit 60 to notify the normal state, and it ends.

[0084] S34 is executed after "NO" in S15. In S34, it is determined whether or not the position information (height information: Z component) of the user detected by the sensor unit 30 is equal to or less than the height H. The control process of S34 executes the same control process as S3 in FIG. 3.

[0085] And when it is determined as "YES" in S34, that is, when it is determined that the Z component detected by the sensor unit 30 is equal to or less than the height H, it proceeds to S35. On the other hand, when it is determined as "NO" in S34, that is, when it is determined that the Z component detected by the sensor unit 30 is greater than the height H, it proceeds to S36.

[0086] In S35, it is determined that it is a highly abnormal state. In this case, the handrail sensor 24 is OFF, there are no changes in the X and Y components of the sensor unit 30, and the Z component is equal to or less than the height H. Therefore, the control unit 51 can determine that, for example, the user has fallen onto the floor surface around the handrail 15. Then, the control unit 51 causes the notification unit 60 to notify the highly abnormal state, and it ends.

[0087] In this case, the notification unit 60 may notify, together with the notification of the high abnormal state, specific information of the user such as "possibility of collapsing on the floor surface (no movement)". As a result, the administrator can rush to the toilet room TR.

[0088] In S36, it is determined as a medium abnormal state. In this case, the handrail sensor 24 is OFF, there is no change in the X and Y components of the sensor unit 30, and the Z component is larger than the height H. Therefore, the control unit 51 can determine that, for example, the user is in a semi - bent state around the handrail 15 or is taking time around the handrail 15. Then, the control unit 51 causes the notification unit 60 to notify the medium abnormal state, and this is the end.

[0089] In this case, the notification unit 60 may notify, together with the notification of the medium abnormal state, specific information of the user such as "possibility of taking time". As a result, the administrator can rush to the toilet room TR.

[0090] S37 is executed after "YES" in S18. In S37, it is determined whether the position information (height information: Z component) of the user detected by the sensor unit 30 is equal to or less than the height H. The control process of S37 is the same as the control process of S3 in FIG. 3.

[0091] Then, when "YES" in S37, that is, when it is determined that the Z component detected by the sensor unit 30 is equal to or less than the height H, the process proceeds to S38. On the other hand, when "NO" in S37, that is, when it is determined that the Z component detected by the sensor unit 30 is larger than the height H, the process proceeds to S39.

[0092] In S38, it is determined that there is a high abnormal state. In this case, the handrail sensor 24 is ON, there are changes in the X and Y components of the sensor unit 30, and the Z component is equal to or less than the height H. Therefore, the control unit 51 can determine that, for example, the user has fallen onto the floor while touching the handrail 15. Then, the control unit 51 causes the notification unit 60 to notify the high abnormal state, and this is the end.

[0093] In this case, together with the notification of the high abnormal state, specific information of the user such as "Possibility of falling onto the floor (with movement)" may be notified to the notification unit 60. Thereby, the administrator can rush to the toilet room TR.

[0094] In S39, it is determined that it is a normal state. In this case, the handrail sensor 24 is ON within the T2 time, there are changes in the X and Y components of the sensor unit 30, and the Z component is greater than the height H. Therefore, the control unit 51 can determine that the user is in the process of transferring to the wheelchair while gripping the handrail 15. Then, the control unit 51 causes the notification unit 60 to notify the normal state, and this is the end.

[0095] S40 is executed after "NO" in S18. In S40, it is determined whether the position information (height information: Z component) of the user detected by the sensor unit 30 is equal to or less than the height H. The control process of S40 is the same as the control process of S3 in FIG. 3.

[0096] And when it is determined as "YES" in S40, that is, when it is determined that the Z component detected by the sensor unit 30 is equal to or less than the height H, the process proceeds to S41. On the other hand, when it is determined as "NO" in S40, that is, when it is determined that the Z component detected by the sensor unit 30 is greater than the height H, the process proceeds to S42.

[0097] In S41, it is determined that there is a high abnormal state. In this case, the handrail sensor 24 is ON, there is no change in the X and Y components of the sensor unit 30, and the Z component is equal to or less than the height H. Therefore, the control unit 51 can determine that, for example, the user has fallen to the floor while touching the handrail 15. Also, it can be determined that the user is not moving. Then, the control unit 51 causes the notification unit 60 to notify the high abnormal state, and this is the end.

[0098] In this case, the notification unit 60 may notify the high abnormal state and also specific information of the user, such as "Possibility of falling to the floor (no movement)", etc. Thereby, the administrator can rush to the toilet room TR.

[0099] In S42, it is determined that there is a medium abnormal state. In this case, the handrail sensor 24 is ON, there is no change in the X and Y components of the sensor unit 30, and the Z component is greater than the height H. Therefore, the control unit 51 can determine that, for example, the user is entangled with the handrail 15. Then, the control unit 51 causes the notification unit 60 to notify the medium abnormal state, and this is the end.

[0100] In this case, the notification unit 60 may notify the medium abnormal state and also specific information of the user, such as "Possibility of being entangled with the handrail (no movement)", etc. Thereby, the administrator can rush to the toilet room TR.

[0101] S43 is executed after "YES" in S21. In S43, it is determined whether the position information (height information: Z component) of the user detected by the sensor unit 30 is equal to or less than the height H. The control process of S43 is the same as the control process of S3 in FIG. 3.

[0102] And when "YES" in S43, that is, when it is determined that the Z component detected by the sensor unit 30 is equal to or less than the height H, the process proceeds to S44. On the other hand, when "NO" in S43, that is, when it is determined that the Z component detected by the sensor unit 30 is greater than the height H, the process proceeds to S45.

[0103] S44 determines that it is a high abnormal state. In this case, more than T2 hours have elapsed since the handrail sensor 24 turned ON (a long time has passed), there are changes in the X and Y components of the sensor unit 30, and the Z component is equal to or less than the height H. Therefore, the control unit 51 can determine that, for example, the user has fallen to the floor while touching the handrail 15 for a long time. Then, the control unit 51 causes the notification unit 60 to notify the high abnormal state, and it ends.

[0104] In this case, the notification unit 60 may notify specific information of the user, such as "possibility of falling to the floor for a long time (with movement)", together with the notification of the high abnormal state. Thereby, the administrator can rush to the toilet room TR.

[0105] S45 determines that it is a high abnormal state. In this case, more than T2 hours have elapsed since the handrail sensor 24 turned ON (a long time has passed), there are changes in the X and Y components of the sensor unit 30, and the Z component is greater than the height H. Therefore, the control unit 51 can determine that, for example, the user is entangled with the handrail 15 for a long time and is suffocating. Then, the control unit 51 causes the notification unit 60 to notify the high abnormal state, and it ends.

[0106] In this case, the notification unit 60 may notify specific information of the user, such as "possibility of being entangled with the handrail for a long time (with movement)", together with the notification of the high abnormal state. Thereby, the administrator can rush to the toilet room TR.

[0107] In S46, it is determined whether or not the position information (height information: Z component) of the user detected by the sensor unit 30 is equal to or less than the height H. The control process of S46 executes the same control process as S3 in FIG. 3.

[0108] And when the determination in S46 is "YES", that is, when it is determined that the Z component detected by the sensor unit 30 is equal to or less than the height H, the process proceeds to S47. On the other hand, when the determination in S46 is "NO", that is, when it is determined that the Z component detected by the sensor unit 30 is greater than the height H, the process proceeds to S48.

[0109] In S47, it is determined that there is a high abnormality state. In this case, the time T2 has elapsed since the handrail sensor 24 became ON (a long time has passed), there is no change in the X and Y components of the sensor unit 30, and the Z component is equal to or less than the height H. Therefore, the control unit 51 can determine that, for example, the user has fallen to the floor while touching the handrail 15 for a long time. It can also be determined that the user is not moving. Then, the control unit 51 causes the notification unit 60 to notify the high abnormality state, and the process ends.

[0110] In this case, the notification unit 60 may notify specific information of the user, such as "Possibility of falling to the floor for a long time (no movement)", together with the notification of the high abnormality state. Thereby, the administrator can rush to the toilet room TR.

[0111] In S48, it is determined that there is a high abnormality state. In this case, the time T2 has elapsed since the handrail sensor 24 became ON (a long time has passed), there is no change in the X and Y components of the sensor unit 30, and the Z component is greater than the height H. Therefore, the control unit 51 can determine that, for example, the user is entangled with the handrail 15 for a long time and is in a state where they cannot move. Then, the control unit 51 causes the notification unit 60 to notify the high abnormality state, and the process ends.

[0112] In this case, the notification unit 60 may notify specific information of the user, such as "Possibility of being entangled with the handrail for a long time (no movement)", together with the notification of the high abnormality state. Thereby, the administrator can rush to the toilet room TR.

[0113] In this way, in the third embodiment, by detecting the use of the instrument 100, the horizontal position (X, Y components) of the user, and the height position (Z component), the state of the user can be determined in more detail. In particular, by detecting the height component, it is possible to determine if the user has fallen. Therefore, the administrator can determine whether to check the situation or rush to the toilet based on the state of the user in the toilet room TR.

[0114] Next, the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8. In the fourth embodiment, a case will be described in which the state of the user is determined based on the detection of the user's entry and exit, the use of the toilet seat 12, the horizontal position (X, Y components) and the height position (Z component) of the user. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of user state detection control executed by the control unit of the toilet system according to the fourth embodiment. The control process shown in FIG. 8 is repeatedly executed from S54 until the entry / exit detection sensor 25 detects ON (entry) and then OFF (exit).

[0115] In S51, the entry / exit detection sensor 25 becomes ON (entry). The control unit 51 identifies the detection information of the sensor unit 30 detected at the position (surrounding) of the entrance / exit 3 as information of the user. Then, in the next S52, the seating sensor 21 becomes ON (seated), and in S53, the seating sensor 21 becomes OFF (unseated).

[0116] In S54, it is determined whether the position information (horizontal direction information: X, Y components) of the user detected by the sensor unit 30 has changed. That is, the control unit 51 monitors the horizontal movement of the user detected by the sensor unit 30 around the toilet seat 12.

[0117] And when it is determined as "YES" in S54, that is, when there is a change in the X and Y components, the process proceeds to S55. On the other hand, when it is determined as "NO" in S54, that is, when there is no change in the X and Y components, the process proceeds to S60.

[0118] In S55, it is determined whether or not the position information (height information: Z component) of the user detected by the sensor unit 30 is equal to or less than the height H. The control process of S55 executes the same control process as S3 in FIG. 3.

[0119] Then, if it is determined as "YES" in S55, that is, if the Z component detected by the sensor unit 30 is equal to or less than the height H, the process proceeds to S56. On the other hand, if it is determined as "NO" in S55, that is, if the Z component detected by the sensor unit 30 is greater than the height H, the process proceeds to S57.

[0120] In S56, it is determined that there is a high abnormality state. In this case, there are changes in the X and Y components of the sensor unit 30, and the Z component is equal to or less than the height H. Therefore, the control unit 51 can determine that, for example, the user is moving in a state of having fallen onto the floor surface (crawling on the floor surface). Then, the control unit 51 causes the notification unit 60 to notify the high abnormality state, and the process ends.

[0121] In this case, the notification unit 60 may notify specific information of the user, such as "possibility of falling onto the floor surface (with movement)", together with the notification of the high abnormality state. Thereby, the administrator can rush to the toilet room TR.

[0122] In S57, it is determined whether or not the entry / exit detection sensor 25 has turned OFF (exited). That is, the control unit 51 determines whether or not the user has exited the toilet room TR based on the detection result of the entry / exit detection sensor 25. Then, if it is determined as "YES" in S57, that is, if it is determined that the user has exited, the process proceeds to S58. On the other hand, if it is determined as "NO" in S57, that is, if it is determined that the user has not exited, the process proceeds to S59.

[0123] In S58, it is determined that it is a normal state. In this case, there are changes in the X and Y components of the sensor unit 30, the Z component is greater than the height H, and the entry / exit detection sensor 25 is OFF. Therefore, the control unit 51 determines that the user has normally exited the toilet room TR. Then, the control unit 51 causes the notification unit 60 to notify the normal state, and the process ends.

[0124] In S59, it is determined as a minor abnormal state. In this case, there are changes in the X and Y components of the sensor unit 30, the Z component is larger than the height H, and the entry / exit detection sensor 25 is ON. Therefore, the control unit 51 can determine that, for example, the user is moving inside the toilet room TR. Then, the control unit 51 causes the notification unit 60 to notify the minor abnormal state, and it ends.

[0125] In this case, to the notification unit 60, together with the notification of the minor abnormal state, specific information of the user such as "moving inside the toilet room" may be notified. Thereby, the administrator can monitor whether the user is taking time to leave the room by observing the state of the user.

[0126] In S60, it is determined whether the position information (height information: Z component) of the user detected by the sensor unit 30 is less than or equal to the height H. The control process of S60 executes the same control process as S3 in FIG. 3.

[0127] And when it is determined as "YES" in S60, that is, when it is determined that the Z component detected by the sensor unit 30 is less than or equal to the height H, it proceeds to S61. On the other hand, when it is determined as "NO" in S60, that is, when it is determined that the Z component detected by the sensor unit 30 is larger than the height H, it proceeds to S62.

[0128] In S61, it is determined as a major abnormal state. In this case, there are no changes in the X and Y components of the sensor unit 30, and the Z component is less than or equal to the height H. Therefore, the control unit 51 can determine that, for example, the user is in a state of having fallen to the floor. Then, the control unit 51 causes the notification unit 60 to notify the major abnormal state, and it ends.

[0129] In this case, to the notification unit 60, together with the notification of the major abnormal state, specific information of the user such as "possibility of having fallen to the floor (no movement)" may be notified. Thereby, the administrator can rush to the toilet room TR.

[0130] In S62, it is determined as a minor abnormal state. In this case, there is no change in the X and Y components of the sensor unit 30, and the Z component is larger than the height H. Therefore, the control unit 51 can determine that, for example, the user is preparing to leave the room. Then, the control unit 51 causes the notification unit 60 to notify the minor abnormal state, and this is the end. In this example, since there is no horizontal movement of the user, it is regarded as a minor abnormal state.

[0131] In this case, the notification unit 60 may notify specific information of the user, such as "Preparing to leave the room", along with the notification of the minor abnormal state. Thereby, the administrator can check the state of the user.

[0132] As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the entry of the user into the toilet room TR is detected, and the detection information of the sensor unit 30 detected around the entrance / exit 3 is specified as the information of the user. Then, the control unit 51 can more finely determine the state of the user by detecting the appliance 100 used until leaving the room, the horizontal position (X, Y components) of the user, and the height position (Z component). Therefore, the administrator can determine whether to check the situation or rush over according to the state of the user in the toilet room TR.

[0133] Next, the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 9. In the fifth embodiment, a case will be described by taking as an example the situation where the sensor unit 30 determines the biometric information of the user in addition to the position information of the user. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of user state detection control executed by the control unit of the toilet system according to the fifth embodiment. The control process shown in FIG. 9 is repeatedly executed after the appliance 100 is used.

[0134] In S71, the operating unit 20 becomes ON (use of the appliance 100). The control unit 51 specifies the detection information of the sensor unit 30 detected at the position (surrounding) of the used appliance 100 as the information of the user.

[0135] In the next S72, it is determined whether the biometric information of the user by the sensor unit 30 has deteriorated. The biometric information is vital information such as the user's breathing and heartbeat, for example. The sensor unit 30 detects biometric information by minute signals caused by, for example, the user's body movement, breathing, heartbeat, and the like.

[0136] And when it is determined as "YES" in S72, that is, when it is determined that the biometric information detected by the sensor unit 30 has deteriorated, the process proceeds to S73. On the other hand, when it is determined as "NO" in S72, that is, when it is determined that the biometric information detected by the sensor unit 30 has not deteriorated, as in the first to fourth embodiments, the state of the user based on the position information (changes in the X, Y, and Z components) of the user by the sensor unit 30 is detected, and a normal state or an abnormal state is determined by S74, and the process ends.

[0137] In S73, it is determined as an emergency abnormal state. In this case, the biometric information of the user by the sensor unit 30 has deteriorated. Therefore, the control unit 51 can determine, for example, that the user's physical condition has deteriorated. Then, the control unit 51 causes the notification unit 60 to notify the emergency abnormal state, and the process ends.

[0138] In this case, the notification unit 60 may notify specific information of the user, such as "possibility of loss of consciousness", together with the notification of the emergency abnormal state. Thereby, after making an emergency request, the administrator can rush to the toilet room TR.

[0139] As described above, in the fifth embodiment, the detection information detected at the position (surrounding) of the instrument 100 used by the user is specified as the user's information. Then, the control unit 51 determines the state of the user based on the user's information. In the fifth embodiment, the sensor unit 30 is capable of detecting the biometric information of the user. Thereby, the administrator can recognize that the physical condition of the user in the toilet room TR has changed, and can recognize the state of the user from the horizontal position and the height position of the user.

[0140] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the control unit 51 is provided in the management device 50 has been described as an example. However, the aspect of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 51 may be provided in the toilet room TR or the notification unit 60 (administrator terminal).

[0141] In the above-described embodiment, as an example, the case where the state of the user is determined assuming that the toilet seat 12 and the handrail 15 are used as the appliance 100 has been described. However, the aspect of the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be when other appliances 100 are used. For example, when the faucet device of the hand-washing basin 14 is used or when the bed 13 is used, the state of the user may be determined using the information from the sensor unit 30 at the position (surrounding) of the hand-washing basin 14 or the bed 13 as the information of the user.

[0142] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the user of the wheelchair uses the toilet room TR has been described as an example. However, the aspect of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the toilet system 1 can be applied to people who are not using a wheelchair.

[0143] The embodiment may include the following configuration. (Configuration 1) In a toilet system that detects the state of a user in a toilet room equipped with a plurality of appliances, an operating unit that operates when the appliance is used, a sensor unit that detects the position information of the user, and a control unit that determines the state of the user based on the operating information of the operating unit and the position information from the sensor unit. A toilet system characterized by comprising. (Configuration 2) The toilet system according to Configuration 1, wherein the control unit determines the state of the user based on the position information from the sensor unit obtained after obtaining the operating information of the operating unit. (Configuration 3) The appliance has at least any one of a toilet seat, a faucet device, and a bed, The operation unit is at least one of the seating sensor of the toilet seat, the electromagnetic valve of the faucet device, and the load sensor of the bed, in the toilet system according to Configuration 1 or 2. (Configuration 4) The position information obtained by the sensor unit includes the horizontal position of the user and the height direction of the user, in the toilet system according to any one of Configurations 1 to 3. (Configuration 5) The sensor unit can detect the biological information of the user in addition to the position information of the user, in the toilet system according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4. (Configuration 6) The sensor unit is a radio wave sensor, in the toilet system according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5. (Configuration 7) In a toilet system for detecting the state of a user in a toilet room equipped with a plurality of appliances, an operation unit that operates when the appliance is used, a sensor unit that detects the position information of the user, and a notification unit that notifies the state of the user determined by the operation information of the operation unit and the position information obtained by the sensor unit.

[0144] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. Regarding the above-described embodiments, those obtained by appropriately modifying the design by those skilled in the art are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they have the features of the present invention. For example, the shape, dimensions, materials, arrangement, installation form, etc. of each element included in the toilet system and the like are not limited to those illustrated and can be appropriately changed. In addition, each element included in the above-described embodiments can be combined as long as it is technically possible, and those obtained by combining these are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0145] 1 Toilet system 3 Entrances and Exits 5 Linings 10 Doors 11 Toilets 12 Toilet Seats 13 Beds 14 Washbasins 15 Handrails 16 Remote Controls 17 Waste Drainage Units 18 Toilet Paper Holders 19 Backrests 20 Actuating Parts 21 Seating Sensors 22 Load Sensors 23 Electromagnetic Valves 24 Handrail Sensors 25 Entrance / Exit Detection Sensors 30 Sensor Parts 40 Network Devices 50 Management Devices 51 Control Parts 52 Memory Parts 60 Notification Parts 61 Mobile Terminals 62 PC Terminals 100 Appliances TR Toilet Room

Claims

1. In a toilet system for detecting the state of a user in a toilet room equipped with a plurality of appliances, an operating part that operates when the appliance is used, a sensor part that detects the position information of the user, and a control part that determines the state of the user based on the operation information of the operating part and the position information by the sensor part, A toilet system characterized by comprising the above.

2. The toilet system according to claim 1, wherein the control part determines the state of the user based on the position information by the sensor part acquired after acquiring the operation information of the operating part.

3. The appliance has at least any one of a toilet seat, a faucet device, and a bed, The toilet system according to claim 1, wherein the operating part is at least one of a seating sensor of the toilet seat, a solenoid valve of the faucet device, and a load sensor of the bed.

4. The position information by the sensor part has the horizontal direction position of the user and the height direction of the user, and is characterized by the toilet system according to claim 1.

5. The toilet system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor part can detect the biological information of the user in addition to the position information of the user.

6. The toilet system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor part is a radio wave sensor.

7. In a toilet system for detecting the state of a user in a toilet room equipped with a plurality of appliances, an operating part that operates when the appliance is used, a sensor part that detects the position information of the user, A toilet system, characterized by comprising: a notification unit that notifies the state of the user determined based on the operation information of the operation unit and the position information obtained by the sensor unit.

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