Program for remote operation of toilet device, remote operation system, and the toilet device

Abstract

To suppress a situation in which a next user cannot establish a communication connection even when the previous user forgets to disconnect the communication connection and information on the number of steps of the previous user cannot be acquired.SOLUTION: A program for a remote operation of a toilet device program, according to an embodiment is a program that can be installed in a mobile terminal including: a communication part that performs wireless communication with an external device including the toilet device; a display part that displays an operation screen for inputting an operation instruction to the toilet device; and a control part that controls the communication part. The program for the remote operation of the toilet device program causes a first mobile terminal to execute a disconnection step of disconnecting a connection between the first mobile terminal and the toilet device by the communication part of the first mobile terminal receiving a connection request signal transmitted by a second mobile terminal when the first mobile terminal is connected to the toilet device by wireless communication.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a program for remotely controlling a toilet device, a remote control system, and a toilet device. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known technology for remotely controlling a toilet seat device, such as a warm-water washing toilet seat, using a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone. The mobile information terminal remotely controls the toilet seat device by wirelessly communicating with the toilet seat device. In this case, depending on the communication standard between the toilet seat device and the mobile information terminal, while one mobile information terminal is connected to the toilet seat device, another mobile information terminal cannot be connected to the toilet seat device. Therefore, in a system in which a toilet seat device can be remotely controlled by a mobile information terminal, a method has been provided to prevent a situation in which the next user cannot connect to the toilet seat device even if the previous user forgets to disconnect the communication connection (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7216908 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there is room for improvement in the above-described conventional technology. For example, the above-described conventional technology measures the number of steps taken by a user carrying a mobile information terminal, and automatically disconnects the communication connection based on the measured number of steps when the number of steps exceeds a first threshold. As described above, the above-described conventional technology requires obtaining information on the number of steps taken by the user, and it is difficult to respond when the information on the number of steps cannot be obtained. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to prevent a situation in which a subsequent user is unable to connect to the communication connection even if the previous user forgets to disconnect the communication connection, regardless of the number of steps taken by the user.

[0005] The disclosed embodiments aim to provide a program for remotely controlling toilet equipment, a remote control system, and toilet equipment that can prevent a situation in which the next user is unable to connect to the communication network even if the previous user forgets to disconnect the communication network and the previous user's step count information cannot be obtained. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A program for remotely controlling toilet equipment in one aspect of an embodiment is a program that can be installed on a mobile terminal that has a communication unit that performs wireless communication with external devices including toilet equipment, a display unit that displays an operation screen for inputting operation instructions to the toilet equipment, and a control unit that controls the communication unit, and is characterized in that when a first mobile terminal is connected to the toilet equipment via wireless communication, the program causes the first mobile terminal to execute a disconnection process that disconnects the connection between the first mobile terminal and the toilet equipment when the communication unit of the first mobile terminal receives a connection request signal transmitted from a second mobile terminal.

[0007] According to a toilet device remote control program according to one aspect of the embodiment, when a first portable terminal receives a connection request signal transmitted from a second portable terminal while the first portable terminal is connected to the toilet device via wireless communication, the first portable terminal disconnects the connection between the toilet device and the toilet device. This prevents a situation in which a next user is unable to connect to the toilet device even if the previous user forgets to disconnect the communication connection and is unable to obtain the previous user's step count information.

[0008] Thus, according to one aspect of the embodiment of the program for remotely controlling toilet equipment, when a person who enters a toilet stall (also called a "toilet booth") later attempts to start remotely controlling the toilet equipment using a mobile device, the mobile device of the person who used the same toilet stall immediately before is automatically disconnected even if it remains connected to the toilet equipment, so that the mobile device of the person in the toilet stall is given priority in connecting to the toilet equipment, making it possible to reliably perform remote control of the toilet equipment using a mobile device.

[0009] Note that the term "remote operation" as used herein refers to an operation mode that allows operation without direct contact with the toilet equipment, and the distance may be any mode. For example, remote operation using a mobile device with a toilet equipment remote operation program installed also includes operation performed when the mobile device is located close to the toilet equipment (e.g., a toilet seat device), such as when the user holding the mobile device is sitting on the toilet seat. In this way, the term "remote operation" as used herein refers to an operation mode in which the toilet equipment is operated using the user's mobile device, and remote operation may be interpreted simply as "operation" or as "operation of the toilet equipment using a mobile device."

[0010] In one aspect of the embodiment, in the program for remotely controlling toilet equipment, the disconnection process is executed when ID information identifying the toilet equipment to which the mobile terminal is attempting to connect via wireless communication is included in the connection request signal received by the communication unit.

[0011] According to one aspect of the embodiment, a toilet device remote control program is configured to: while a first mobile terminal is connected to a toilet device via wireless communication, the first mobile terminal receives a connection request signal transmitted from a second mobile terminal; if the connection request signal includes ID information identifying the toilet device to which the first mobile terminal is connected, the program disconnects the connection between the first mobile terminal and the toilet device. Thus, the toilet device remote control program disconnects the connection between a first mobile terminal and the toilet device in response to the first mobile terminal receiving a connection request signal from another mobile terminal while the first mobile terminal is connected to the toilet device. This prevents the next user from being unable to connect to the toilet device even if the previous user forgets to disconnect the communication connection and is unable to obtain the previous user's step count information. For example, even in a toilet where multiple toilet devices are lined up (multi-unit toilet), the program for remotely controlling toilet devices can prevent a situation where the toilet device cannot be operated using a mobile device by not receiving a connection request signal from another toilet device while the toilet device is in use and automatically disconnecting the connection to the toilet device.

[0012] In one aspect of the embodiment, the program for remotely operating a toilet device is characterized in that the communication unit is put into a scannable state based on the acquisition of the ID information.

[0013] According to one aspect of the toilet equipment remote control program, a first portable terminal sets its communication unit to a scan-enabled state based on the acquisition of ID information, thereby enabling the first portable terminal to receive a connection request signal transmitted from a second portable terminal. Thus, when a portable terminal on which the toilet equipment remote control program is installed connects to a toilet device, the program enables the first portable terminal to receive a connection request signal from another portable terminal. This prevents a situation in which a next user is unable to connect to the toilet equipment even if the previous user forgets to terminate the communication connection and is unable to acquire the previous user's step count information. For example, a portable terminal on which the toilet equipment remote control program is installed transitions to a scan-enabled state after acquiring ID information, making it easier to receive a connection request signal from another portable terminal.

[0014] A remote control system according to one aspect of the embodiment is a remote control system having a toilet device having a device communication unit capable of wireless communication, a plurality of mobile terminals each equipped with a terminal communication unit that performs wireless communication with external devices including the toilet device, a display unit that displays an operation screen for inputting operation instructions to the toilet device, and a control unit that controls the terminal communication unit, wherein when a first mobile terminal among the plurality of mobile terminals is connected to the toilet device via wireless communication, the first mobile terminal executes a disconnection process that disconnects the connection between the first mobile terminal and the toilet device when the terminal communication unit of the first mobile terminal receives a connection request signal transmitted by a second mobile terminal among the plurality of mobile terminals.

[0015] According to one aspect of the embodiment, when a first mobile device receives a connection request signal transmitted from a second mobile device while the first mobile device is connected to the toilet device via wireless communication, the first mobile device disconnects the connection between the first mobile device and the toilet device. This prevents the next user from being unable to connect to the toilet device even if the previous user forgets to disconnect the communication connection and is unable to obtain the previous user's step count information. Thus, according to one aspect of the embodiment, when a person who enters a toilet stall (toilet booth) later attempts to remotely control the toilet device using the mobile device, the mobile device of the person who used the same stall immediately before automatically disconnects the connection, even if it remains connected to the toilet device. This gives the mobile device of the person in the stall priority in connecting to the toilet device, ensuring reliable remote control of the toilet device using the mobile device.

[0016] In a remote control system according to one aspect of the embodiment, each mobile terminal includes an acquisition unit that acquires ID information that identifies the toilet device to be connected to via wireless communication, and a memory unit that stores the ID information, and the first mobile terminal executes the disconnection process when it determines that the ID information included in the connection request signal received by the terminal communication unit from the second mobile terminal is identical to the ID information stored in the memory unit.

[0017] According to one aspect of the embodiment, a remote control system disconnects the first portable terminal from the toilet device when the first portable terminal receives a connection request signal from a second portable terminal while the first portable terminal is connected to the toilet device via wireless communication and the connection request signal includes ID information identifying the toilet device to which the first portable terminal is connected. In this way, the remote control system disconnects the first portable terminal from the toilet device in response to the first portable terminal receiving a connection request signal from another portable terminal while the first portable terminal is connected to the toilet device. This prevents the next user from being unable to connect to the toilet device even if the previous user forgets to disconnect the communication connection and is unable to obtain the previous user's step count information. For example, even in a toilet with multiple toilet devices lined up (multi-unit toilets), the remote control system can prevent the toilet device from being automatically disconnected when a connection request signal from another toilet device is received while the previous user is using the toilet device, thereby preventing the toilet device from being unable to be operated with a mobile device.

[0018] In a remote control system according to an embodiment, the terminal communication unit is set to a scan-enabled state based on the acquisition of the ID information.

[0019] According to one aspect of the remote control system, a first portable device sets its device communication unit to a scanning state based on the ID information acquired, thereby enabling the first portable device to receive a connection request signal transmitted from a second portable device. In this manner, when a first portable device connects to a toilet device, the remote control system enables the first portable device to receive a connection request signal from another portable device. This prevents a situation in which a next user is unable to connect to the toilet device even if the previous user forgets to terminate the communication connection and is unable to acquire the previous user's step count information. For example, the portable device of the remote control system transitions to a scanning state after acquiring ID information, making it easier to receive a connection request signal from another portable device.

[0020] A remote control system according to one aspect of the embodiment is a remote control system having a toilet device having a device communication unit capable of wireless communication, a plurality of mobile terminals each having a terminal communication unit that performs wireless communication with external devices including the toilet device, a display unit that displays an operation screen for inputting operation instructions to the toilet device, and a control unit that controls the terminal communication unit, wherein the toilet device is characterized in that when a first mobile terminal among the plurality of mobile terminals is connected to the toilet device via wireless communication, the toilet device executes a disconnection process to disconnect the connection with the first mobile terminal by receiving a connection request signal transmitted from a second mobile terminal among the plurality of mobile terminals.

[0021] According to one aspect of the embodiment, when the toilet device receives a connection request signal transmitted from a second portable device while the toilet device is connected to a first portable device via wireless communication, the toilet device disconnects the connection between the first portable device and the first portable device. This prevents the next user from being unable to connect to the toilet device even if the previous user forgets to disconnect the communication connection and is unable to acquire the previous user's step count information. Thus, according to one aspect of the embodiment, when a person who enters a toilet stall (toilet booth) later attempts to remotely control the toilet device using their portable device, the portable device of the person who used the same toilet stall immediately before automatically disconnects even if it remains connected to the toilet device. This gives the portable device of the person in the stall priority in connecting to the toilet device, ensuring reliable remote control of the toilet device using the portable device.

[0022] In a remote control system according to one aspect of the embodiment, each mobile terminal is provided with an acquisition unit that acquires ID information that identifies the toilet device to be connected to via wireless communication, and the toilet device executes the disconnection process when it determines that the ID information included in the connection request signal received by the device communication unit from the second mobile terminal is ID information specific to the toilet device.

[0023] According to one aspect of the embodiment, a remote control system disconnects a connection between a toilet device and a first mobile device when the toilet device receives a connection request signal from a second mobile device while the toilet device is connected to a first mobile device via wireless communication and the connection request signal contains ID information specific to the toilet device. In this way, the remote control system disconnects the connection between the toilet device and a first mobile device in response to the toilet device receiving a connection request signal from another mobile device while the toilet device is connected to the first mobile device. This prevents a situation in which a next user is unable to connect to the toilet device even if the previous user forgets to disconnect the communication connection and is unable to obtain the previous user's step count information. For example, even in a toilet with multiple toilet devices lined up (multi-unit toilets), the remote control system prevents a situation in which a toilet device cannot be operated with a mobile device by receiving a connection request signal from another toilet device while in use, preventing the toilet device from being automatically disconnected.

[0024] A toilet device according to one aspect of the embodiment is a toilet device having a device communication unit capable of wireless communication, and is characterized in that when a first mobile terminal among a plurality of mobile terminals is connected to the toilet device via wireless communication, the toilet device receives a connection request signal transmitted by a second mobile terminal among the plurality of mobile terminals, and executes a disconnection process to disconnect the connection with the first mobile terminal.The toilet device is equipped with a terminal communication unit that performs wireless communication with external devices including the toilet device, a display unit that displays an operation screen for inputting operation instructions to the toilet device, and a control unit that controls the terminal communication unit.

[0025] According to one aspect of the embodiment, when a toilet device receives a connection request signal transmitted from a second mobile device while connected via wireless communication with a first mobile device, the toilet device disconnects the connection with the first mobile device. This prevents a situation in which a next user is unable to connect to the toilet device even if the previous user forgets to disconnect the communication connection and is unable to acquire the previous user's step count information. Thus, according to one aspect of the embodiment, when a person who enters a toilet stall (toilet booth) later attempts to start remote operation of the toilet device using the mobile device, the mobile device of the person who used the same toilet stall immediately before is automatically disconnected even if it remains connected to the toilet device. This gives priority to the mobile device of the person in the toilet stall, making it possible to reliably remotely control the toilet device using the mobile device.

[0026] In one aspect of the embodiment, in a toilet device, each mobile terminal is capable of acquiring ID information that identifies the toilet device to be connected via wireless communication, and the disconnection process is executed when the device communication unit determines that the ID information included in the connection request signal received from the second mobile terminal is ID information specific to the toilet device.

[0027] According to one aspect of the embodiment, a toilet device, while connected via wireless communication with a first mobile device, receives a connection request signal transmitted from a second mobile device. If the connection request signal contains ID information specific to the toilet device, the toilet device disconnects from the first mobile device. In this way, while connected to one mobile device, the toilet device disconnects from the first mobile device in response to receiving a connection request signal from another mobile device. This prevents the toilet device from being unable to connect to the first mobile device even if the previous user forgets to disconnect the communication connection and is unable to obtain the previous user's step count information. For example, even in a toilet with multiple toilet devices lined up (multi-unit toilet), the toilet device does not automatically disconnect the connection to the mobile device when it receives a connection request signal from another toilet device while connected to the first mobile device, thereby preventing the toilet device from being unable to be operated with the mobile device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] According to one aspect of the embodiment, even if the previous user forgets to disconnect the communication connection and the previous user's step count information cannot be obtained, it is possible to prevent the next user from being unable to connect to the communication connection. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a toilet device operating system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a toilet unit according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a toilet seat device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a mobile terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display screen displayed on a display unit of a mobile terminal. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a process executed by the toilet device operating system according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7]4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the toilet device operating system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 3 is a diagram showing a flow of processing executed by the toilet device operating system according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a toilet seat device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a mobile terminal according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a process executed by a toilet device operating system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the toilet device operating system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the toilet device operating system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a flow of processing executed by the toilet device operating system according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, like components are designated by like reference numerals and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0031] <1. First embodiment> <1-1. Toilet equipment operation system> The configuration of a toilet equipment operating system 1, which is an example of a remote control system according to the first embodiment, will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a toilet equipment operating system according to the first embodiment. In Fig. 1, the toilet equipment operating system 1 includes toilet units 21, 22, and 23, and mobile terminals 1001 and 10022, which are mobile information terminals.

[0032] When describing toilet unit 21, toilet unit 22, toilet unit 23, etc. without distinguishing between them, they may be referred to as "toilet unit 2." When describing mobile terminal 1001, mobile terminal 1002, etc. without distinguishing between them, they may be referred to as "mobile terminal 100."

[0033] As such, the toilet equipment operating system 1 shown in Fig. 1 includes a plurality of toilet units 2 and a plurality of mobile terminals 100. In Fig. 1, toilet unit 21 includes a toilet device 101 including a toilet seat device 201 and a remote control 281, and is located in toilet booth TB1. Furthermore, toilet unit 22 includes a toilet device 102 including a toilet seat device 202 and a remote control 282, and is located in toilet booth TB2. Furthermore, toilet unit 23 includes a toilet device 103 including a toilet seat device 203 and a remote control 283, and is located in toilet booth TB3.

[0034] When describing toilet devices 101, 102, 103, etc. without distinction, they may be referred to as "toilet device 10." When describing toilet seat devices 201, 202, 203, etc. without distinction, they may be referred to as "toilet seat device 20." When describing remote controls 281, 282, 283, etc. without distinction, they may be referred to as "remote controls 28." When describing toilet booths TB1, TB2, TB3, etc. without distinction, they may be referred to as "toilet booth TB."

[0035] The toilet booth TB is a space (private space) separated by a partition (divider). Each toilet booth TB has a toilet device 10 and other components arranged therein, and functions as a place where people perform excretory activities. Each toilet booth TB is also provided 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 a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, the toilet booth TB does not have to be a space completely separated by a partition, and there may be portions at the top or bottom of the partition that are not separated from adjacent toilet booths TB or shared spaces.

[0036] The toilet booth TB may be installed in any location as long as the space allows for the toilet booth TB to be physically placed. In other words, the location where the toilet booth TB is installed can be any location. For example, the toilet booth TB may be installed in a commercial facility such as a department store. Furthermore, the location where the toilet booth TB is installed is not limited to a commercial facility such as a shop, and may be various other facilities. For example, the location where the toilet booth TB is installed may be an amusement park, a sports stadium, an office building, etc.

[0037] Furthermore, for example, the location where the toilet booth TB is installed may be a toilet installed in an area such as a tourist destination. For example, the location where the toilet booth TB is installed may be a park or a parking lot. That is, the toilet may be installed outdoors, such as in a park or a parking lot. The toilet booth TB is not limited to public facilities, and may be installed in homes, etc. In a home, for example, multiple toilet booths TB may be installed on the first and second floors, etc. In this way, the location where the toilet booth TB is installed may be any location as long as there is space available to place the toilet booth TB.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, a code CD1, which is a QR code (registered trademark) for obtaining ID information that identifies the toilet device 101, is placed in toilet booth TB1. For example, the code CD1 is placed on a wall surface within toilet booth TB1. Furthermore, a code CD2, which is a QR code for obtaining ID information that identifies the toilet device 102, is placed in toilet booth TB2. For example, the code CD2 is placed on a wall surface within toilet booth TB2. Furthermore, a code CD3, which is a QR code for obtaining ID information that identifies the toilet device 103, is placed in toilet booth TB3. For example, the code CD3 is placed on a wall surface within toilet booth TB3.

[0039] When code CD1, code CD2, code CD3, etc. are not to be distinguished from one another, they may be referred to as "code CD." The QR code is merely an example, and any code can be used as code CD as long as it is possible to obtain identification information (such as ID information) that specifies the toilet device to be operated, such as the toilet seat device 201. For example, the code CD may be a two-dimensional code other than a QR code, or a predetermined one-dimensional code such as a barcode.

[0040] In addition, a display containing instructions to users, such as "To operate this toilet with your mobile device, please scan the code on the left," may be placed near each code CD. This allows users to clearly understand the purpose of the code CD by checking the display.

[0041] For example, when a user operates his / her mobile terminal 100 and photographs the code CD, the mobile terminal 100 executes a process of reading the code CD and acquires ID information for identifying (specifying) the toilet device corresponding to the code CD. The mobile terminal 100 identifies the toilet device to be operated based on the acquired ID information, and executes a process related to the identified toilet device.

[0042] The mobile terminal 100 is, for example, a smartphone (hereinafter also referred to as "smart phone") or tablet terminal owned by a user. In FIG. 1, the mobile terminal 100 is shown as being a smartphone. However, the mobile terminal 100 is not limited to these, and may be any terminal (device) that can be carried by a user, such as a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or a wearable terminal. In FIG. 1, the mobile terminal 1001 is shown as being a mobile terminal 100 used by user X, and the mobile terminal 1002 is shown as being a mobile terminal 100 used by user Y.

[0043] A remote operation program (application software) for remotely operating the toilet seat device 20 is pre-installed in the mobile terminal 100. Based on the remote operation program, the mobile terminal 100 executes an operation in a remote operation mode for remotely operating the toilet seat device 20. In the toilet equipment operating system 1, the remote operation program is started in the mobile terminal 100, and the mobile terminal 100 is operated in the remote operation mode, whereby the operation of the toilet seat device 20 can be remotely controlled by the mobile terminal 100.

[0044] Note that the toilet equipment operating system 1 can have any configuration as long as it can execute the desired processing, and the configuration of the toilet equipment operating system 1 is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 1. For example, the toilet equipment operating system 1 may include two or less or four or more toilet units 2, or may include three or more mobile terminals 100. The number of toilet booths TB is also not limited to three, and may be two or less or four or more depending on the number of toilet units 2.

[0045] <1-2. Toilet unit> An example of the configuration of the toilet unit will now be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the toilet unit according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the toilet unit 2 includes a toilet device 10 and a remote control 28.

[0046] The toilet device 10 comprises a seated toilet bowl (hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, simply referred to as the "toilet bowl") 12 and a toilet seat device 20. The toilet seat device 20 is installed on top of the toilet bowl 12. The toilet seat device 20 may be attached integrally to the toilet bowl 12, or may be attached detachably to the toilet bowl 12.

[0047] The toilet seat device 20 is an example of a toilet device, and includes a main body 22, a toilet seat 24, a toilet lid 26, and a nozzle 30. The toilet lid 26 is provided on the toilet seat device 20 as needed and can be omitted. The toilet seat 24 and the toilet lid 26 are rotatably supported on a shaft relative to the main body 22. Note that the toilet seat device 20 is merely an example of a toilet device, and the toilet device that can be operated by the mobile terminal 100 is not limited to the toilet seat device 20, and any device can be used.

[0048] In this specification, the terms "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left side," and "right side" refer to directions as seen by a user sitting on the toilet seat 24 with their back to the open toilet lid 26.

[0049] The toilet 12 has a bowl portion 12a. The bowl portion 12a is concave and recessed downward. The toilet 12 receives excrement such as urine and feces from the user in the bowl portion 12a. The main body portion 22 of the toilet seat device 20 is attached to the toilet 12 at a position rearward of the bowl portion 12a.

[0050] The toilet seat 24, on which a user sits, has an opening 24a that exposes the bowl portion 12a. When lowered, the toilet seat 24 is placed on the toilet bowl 12 so as to surround the outer edge of the bowl portion 12a, exposing the bowl portion 12a through the opening 24a. This allows a user to defecate into the bowl portion 12a while sitting on the toilet seat 24. In this example, a so-called O-shaped toilet seat 24 is shown, in which a through-hole-shaped opening 24a is formed. The toilet seat 24 is not limited to an O-shape and may be U-shaped or the like. The opening 24a is not limited to a through-hole shape and may be a notch-shaped opening. When viewed from above in a usable state (a state in which a user can sit on it), the toilet seat 24 has a ring-shaped or U-shaped shape.

[0051] The remote control 28 (operation unit) has, for example, a plurality of switches and sensors, and receives operation instructions from the user. The remote control 28 may be included in the toilet seat device 20. The remote control 28 is connected to the main body 22 via a wired or wireless connection, and transmits operation instructions input by the user to the main body 22. The main body 22 performs a predetermined operation in accordance with the operation instructions input from the remote control 28. The operation instructions may be input to the main body 22 via, for example, an operation panel provided on the main body 22. In this way, the operation unit for inputting operation instructions may be the remote control 28 or an operation panel provided on the main body 22.

[0052] Nozzle 30 is provided in main body portion 22. Nozzle 30 moves back and forth between a position where it is housed within main body portion 22 and a position where it protrudes forward from main body portion 22 and advances into bowl portion 12a. Note that Figure 2 shows the state where nozzle 30 advances into bowl portion 12a.

[0053] The toilet seat device 20 has a private parts washing function that washes the private parts of the user by discharging washing water from the nozzle 30 toward the private parts such as the user's buttocks while the nozzle 30 is advanced into the bowl portion 12a. Note that in this specification, the term "water" includes not only cold water but also heated water.

[0054] The remote control 28 has a plurality of operating members for operating the operation of the private parts washing function, such as a wash button and a stop button. The toilet seat device 20 executes the operation of the private parts washing function based on, for example, an operation instruction input from the remote control 28. This allows the user to wash their private parts in accordance with the operation of the remote control 28.

[0055] In the toilet equipment operating system 1, for example, the operation of the private parts washing function of the toilet seat device 20 can be remotely controlled by the mobile terminal 100. That is, in the toilet equipment operating system 1, the operation of the private parts washing function of the toilet seat device 20 can be remotely controlled by operating either the remote control 28 or the mobile terminal 100.

[0056] In this example, the toilet seat device 20 is, in other words, a sanitary washing device with a private parts washing function. The toilet seat device 20 is not limited to a sanitary washing device, and may be, for example, a heated toilet seat device that warms the seat surface of the toilet seat 24. The operation of the toilet seat device 20 remotely controlled by the remote controller 28 and the mobile terminal 100 is not limited to the operation of the private parts washing function, and may be any operation.

[0057] <1-3. Toilet seat device> An example of the configuration of a toilet seat device will now be described using Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram that schematically illustrates a toilet seat device according to a first embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 3, the toilet seat device 20 includes a control unit 40, a memory unit 42, a first human body detection sensor 51, a second human body detection sensor 52, a seating detection sensor 53, a first wireless communication unit 61, a second wireless communication unit 62, a toilet lid opening / closing device 70, a toilet seat opening / closing device 71, a toilet seat heater 72, a solenoid valve 73, a hot water heater 74, a nozzle driving device 75, a deodorizing device 76, an indoor heating device 77, a lighting device 78, a toilet bowl flushing device 79, and a hot air blower 80.

[0058] The storage unit 42 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. For example, the storage unit 42 is a computer-readable recording medium that non-temporarily records data used by an information processing program. For example, the storage unit 42 stores various control programs and various data for controlling the operation of each part of the toilet seat device 20. The storage unit 42 also stores ID information for identifying a toilet device (e.g., the toilet seat device 20) currently connected via wireless communication by the second wireless communication unit 62.

[0059] The control unit 40 controls, for example, various components and processes. The control unit 40 may have, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and may be realized by executing programs stored in the control unit 40 using RAM or the like as a work area. The control unit 40 may also have, for example, an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). For example, the control unit 40 reads out various programs and data stored in the storage unit 42 and processes them sequentially, thereby comprehensively controlling the operation of each part of the toilet seat device 20.

[0060] The first human body detection sensor 51 detects a human body approaching the toilet seat device 20. In other words, the first human body detection sensor 51 detects a human body entering the toilet booth TB. For example, a pyroelectric sensor or a radio wave sensor is used as the first human body detection sensor 51. The first human body detection sensor 51 is connected to the control unit 40. The first human body detection sensor 51 inputs the detection result of the human body to the control unit 40.

[0061] The second human body detection sensor 52 detects a human body standing in front of the toilet seat device 20 (toilet bowl 12). For example, an infrared distance measuring sensor is used as the second human body detection sensor 52. The second human body detection sensor 52 is connected to the control unit 40. The second human body detection sensor 52 inputs the detection result of the human body to the control unit 40.

[0062] The seating detection sensor 53 detects a person sitting on the toilet seat 24. The seating detection sensor 53 has a detection state in which it detects a person sitting on the toilet seat 24, and a non-detection state in which it does not detect a person sitting on the toilet seat 24. The seating detection sensor 53 may be, for example, a mechanical switch or an electrostatic sensor. The seating detection sensor 53 is connected to the control unit 40. The seating detection sensor 53 inputs the detection result of the human body to the control unit 40.

[0063] The first wireless communication unit 61 performs wireless communication with the remote control 28. The first wireless communication unit 61 is, for example, an infrared receiving device that receives an infrared signal transmitted from the remote control 28. The first wireless communication unit 61 is connected to the control unit 40. The first wireless communication unit 61 inputs a received signal received from the remote control 28 to the control unit 40.

[0064] The second wireless communication unit 62 functions as a device communication unit capable of wireless communication. The second wireless communication unit 62 performs wireless communication with the mobile terminal 100. For example, the second wireless communication unit 62 performs two-way wireless communication with the mobile terminal 100. For example, a wireless communication device conforming to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication standard is used for the second wireless communication unit 62. The second wireless communication unit 62 directly connects the toilet seat device 20 and the mobile terminal 100 via wireless communication. For example, the second wireless communication unit 62 is connected to the mobile terminal 100 via Bluetooth so that it can communicate with the mobile terminal 100, and transmits and receives information to and from the mobile terminal 100.

[0065] The second wireless communication unit 62 is connected to the control unit 40. The second wireless communication unit 62 inputs a reception signal received from the mobile terminal 100 to the control unit 40, and transmits a transmission signal input from the control unit 40 to the mobile terminal 100.

[0066] Note that the second wireless communication unit 62 is not limited to Bluetooth, and a wireless communication device conforming to a communication standard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or ZigBee (registered trademark) may be used as long as it can achieve the desired functions. In this way, wireless communication is not limited to Bluetooth, and any communication standard can be adopted, but Bluetooth, which provides a one-to-one connection, is particularly suitable.

[0067] The toilet lid opening / closing device 70 is connected to the control unit 40 and automatically opens and closes the toilet lid 26 under the control of the control unit 40. The control unit 40 opens the toilet lid 26 based on, for example, the detection of a human body by the first human body detection sensor 51 or the second human body detection sensor 52, and closes the toilet lid 26 based on the non-detection of a human body by the first human body detection sensor 51 or the second human body detection sensor 52. The control unit 40 also opens and closes the toilet lid 26 by driving the toilet lid opening / closing device 70 in response to the operation of the remote control 28 or the mobile terminal 100, for example.

[0068] The toilet seat opening / closing device 71 is connected to the control unit 40, and automatically opens and closes the toilet seat 24 under the control of the control unit 40. The control unit 40 opens and closes the toilet seat 24 by driving the toilet seat opening / closing device 71 in response to the operation of the remote control 28 or the mobile terminal 100, for example.

[0069] The toilet seat heater 72 is provided inside the toilet seat 24 and heats the seat surface of the toilet seat 24 from the inside. The toilet seat heater 72 is connected to the control unit 40 and heats the seat surface of the toilet seat 24 under the control of the control unit 40. The control unit 40 controls the driving of the toilet seat heater 72 so that the temperature of the seat surface of the toilet seat 24 becomes the temperature set by operating the remote control 28 or the mobile terminal 100, for example.

[0070] The solenoid valve 73 is provided between the water supply source and the nozzle 30. By opening the solenoid valve 73, cleaning water is supplied to the nozzle 30. By closing the solenoid valve 73, the supply of cleaning water to the nozzle 30 is stopped. The solenoid valve 73 is connected to the control unit 40. The solenoid valve 73 switches between supplying cleaning water to the nozzle 30 and stopping the supply of cleaning water to the nozzle 30 based on the control of the control unit 40.

[0071] Hot water heater 74 is provided downstream of solenoid valve 73. Hot water heater 74 is connected to control unit 40. Hot water heater 74 heats wash water supplied from a water supply source based on the control of control unit 40, for example, to a specified temperature. Hot water heater 74 converts wash water supplied from the water supply source into hot water at a set temperature. Hot water heater 74 may be, for example, an instantaneous heating type (instantaneous type) heat exchanger using a ceramic heater or the like, or may be a hot water storage heating type heat exchanger using a hot water storage tank.

[0072] Furthermore, the control unit 40 allows the hot water temperature to be set, for example, by operating the remote control 28 or the mobile terminal 100. The user can set the hot water temperature to a desired temperature by operating the remote control 28 or the mobile terminal 100.

[0073] Nozzle drive device 75 moves nozzle 30 back and forth between a position housed within main body portion 22 and a position protruding forward from main body portion 22 and advancing into bowl portion 12a. Nozzle drive device 75 is connected to control unit 40. Nozzle drive device 75 moves nozzle 30 back and forth based on the control of control unit 40.

[0074] Furthermore, control unit 40 makes it possible to adjust the position of nozzle 30 when it is advanced into bowl portion 12a, for example, by operating remote control 28 or mobile terminal 100. When nozzle 30 is advanced into bowl portion 12a, the user can adjust the front-to-rear position of nozzle 30 to a desired position by operating remote control 28 or mobile terminal 100.

[0075] The deodorizing device 76 deodorizes the air within the bowl portion 12a of the toilet 12 by sucking in the air within the bowl portion 12a of the toilet bowl 12, reducing the odorous components contained in the sucked air, and then discharging the air outside the main body portion 22. The deodorizing device 76 is connected to the control unit 40, and deodorizes the air within the bowl portion 12a based on the control of the control unit 40. For example, when the seating detection sensor 53 detects that the user has left the toilet seat 24, the control unit 40 operates the deodorizing device 76 for a predetermined period of time.

[0076] The indoor heating device 77 heats the inside of the toilet booth TB by blowing warm air out of the main body 22. The indoor heating device 77 is connected to the control unit 40, and heats the inside of the toilet booth TB based on the control of the control unit 40. The control unit 40 makes it possible to set the indoor temperature by operating the remote control 28 or the mobile terminal 100, for example. The user can set the set temperature inside the toilet booth TB to a desired temperature by operating the remote control 28 or the mobile terminal 100.

[0077] The lighting device 78 illuminates the inside of the bowl portion 12a of the toilet 12. The lighting device 78 is connected to the control unit 40, and illuminates the inside of the bowl portion 12a based on the control of the control unit 40. The control unit 40 turns on the lighting device 78 based on the detection of a human body by the first human body detection sensor 51 or the second human body detection sensor 52, for example, thereby making the bowl portion 12a easier to see at night, etc.

[0078] The toilet flushing device 79 supplies flush water to the toilet 12 to flush it. The toilet flushing device 79 is provided, for example, in a water supply tank for the toilet 12 or a water supply pipe for the toilet 12, and enables automatic flushing of the toilet 12. The toilet flushing device 79 is connected to the control unit 40, and flushes the toilet 12 based on the control of the control unit 40. The control unit 40 flushes the toilet 12 by operating the toilet flushing device 79 in response to detection, for example, by the first human body detection sensor 51, the second human body detection sensor 52, or the seating detection sensor 53, that a user has left the toilet seat 24.

[0079] The warm air blower 80 blows warm air toward the user's private parts. For example, the warm air blower 80 dries the user's private parts by blowing warm air toward the user's private parts that have become wet due to local washing. The warm air blower 80 is connected to the control unit 40. The warm air blower 80 switches between blowing and stopping the blowing of warm air toward the user's private parts based on the control of the control unit 40.

[0080] In this way, the toilet seat device 20 has operating units that perform predetermined operations related to the use of the toilet 12, such as a toilet lid opening / closing device 70, a toilet seat opening / closing device 71, a toilet seat heater 72, a solenoid valve 73, a hot water heater 74, a nozzle driving device 75, a deodorizing device 76, an indoor heating device 77, a lighting device 78, a toilet bowl flushing device 79, and a warm air blower 80. The toilet seat device 20 has, for example, multiple operating units. Note that the operating units are not limited to those described above, and may be any operating unit that performs predetermined operations related to the use of the toilet 12. The number of operating units provided in the toilet seat device 20 may be any number. For example, the number of operating units provided in the toilet seat device 20 may be one.

[0081] As described above, in the toilet equipment operating system 1, the operation of the toilet seat device 20 can be remotely controlled by operating either the remote control 28 or the mobile terminal 100. The control unit 40 of the toilet seat device 20 controls the operation of the multiple operation units based on signals received from the remote control 28 via the first wireless communication unit 61, and also controls the operation of the multiple operation units based on signals received from the mobile terminal 100 via the second wireless communication unit 62. The control unit 40 can execute a mobile terminal operation mode in which the operation of the multiple operation units is controlled based on signals received from the mobile terminal 100 via the second wireless communication unit 62.

[0082] <1-4. Mobile devices> Next, an example of the configuration of a mobile terminal will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a mobile terminal according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 4, the mobile terminal 100 includes a control unit 110, a storage unit 112, a wireless communication unit 114, an operation unit 116, a display unit 118, a speaker 120, and a microphone 122.

[0083] The storage unit 112 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. For example, the storage unit 112 is a computer-readable recording medium that non-temporarily records data used by an information processing program. For example, the storage unit 112 stores various control programs and various data for controlling the operation of each part of the mobile terminal 100. For example, the storage unit 112 stores data for a program for operating toilet equipment such as the toilet seat device 20. In FIG. 4, the storage unit 112 stores data for a toilet seat device remote operation program 200.

[0084] The control unit 110 controls, for example, various components and processes. The control unit 110 may have, for example, a CPU or an MPU, and may be realized by executing a program using RAM or the like as a work area. The control unit 110 may also have, for example, an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. For example, the control unit 110 reads out various programs and data stored in the storage unit 112 and processes them sequentially, thereby comprehensively controlling the operation of each unit of the mobile terminal 100.

[0085] The wireless communication unit 114 functions as a terminal communication unit that performs wireless communication with external devices including toilet devices. The wireless communication unit 114 performs wireless communication with the second wireless communication unit 62 of the toilet seat device 20. A wireless communication device that complies with the same communication standard as the second wireless communication unit 62 is used for the wireless communication unit 114. For example, a wireless communication device that complies with the Bluetooth communication standard is used for the wireless communication unit 114. For example, the wireless communication unit 114 is communicably connected to the toilet seat device 20 via Bluetooth, and transmits and receives information to and from the toilet seat device 20. The wireless communication unit 114 is connected to the control unit 110. The wireless communication unit 114 inputs a received signal received from the second wireless communication unit 62 of the toilet seat device 20 to the control unit 110, and transmits a transmission signal input from the control unit 110 to the second wireless communication unit 62 of the toilet seat device 20.

[0086] The operation unit 116 accepts input of operation instructions from a user or the like. For example, a touch panel is used for the operation unit 116. For example, the operation unit 116 may be a mechanical switch or other sensor, or may be configured by a combination of these. The operation unit 116 is connected to the control unit 110. The operation unit 116 inputs the input operation instructions to the control unit 110. The control unit 110 controls the operation of each unit, such as the wireless communication unit 114, in accordance with the operation instructions input from the operation unit 116, for example.

[0087] The display unit 118 displays various operation screens and the like. For example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display is used as the display unit 118. The display unit 118 is connected to the control unit 110, and displays various types of information based on the control of the control unit 110. For example, if the operation unit 116 is a touch panel, the operation unit 116 is provided on top of the display unit 118.

[0088] The speaker 120 outputs various sounds. The speaker 120 is connected to the control unit 110 and outputs various sounds based on the control of the control unit 110.

[0089] The microphone 122 converts the input sound into an electrical signal. The microphone 122 is connected to the control unit 110 and inputs the converted electrical signal to the control unit 110.

[0090] As described above, the storage unit 112 stores the toilet seat device remote operation program 200 for remotely operating the toilet seat device 20 by the mobile terminal 100. In other words, the toilet seat device remote operation program 200 is installed in the mobile terminal 100.

[0091] For example, when the control unit 110 is instructed by the operation unit 116 to start the toilet seat device remote operation program 200, the control unit 110 reads the toilet seat device remote operation program 200 from the memory unit 112 and executes operations in the remote operation mode based on the toilet seat device remote operation program 200, thereby enabling remote operation of the toilet seat device 20.

[0092] Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram that schematically shows an example of a display screen displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal. As shown in Fig. 5, the control unit 110 of the mobile terminal 100, when connected to and communicating with the toilet seat device 20, displays an operation screen OS for operating the toilet seat device 20 on the display unit 118. The operation screen OS is provided with various buttons, such as a posterior cleansing button for instructing the execution of a posterior cleansing, a bidet cleansing button for instructing the execution of a bidet cleansing, a setting button for setting the hot water temperature, the toilet seat temperature, etc., and a disconnect button for disconnecting the communication connection with the toilet seat device 20. The user inputs desired operation instructions to the control unit 110 by operating the various buttons via the operation unit 116.

[0093] When an operation instruction regarding the operation of the toilet seat device 20 is input from the operation unit 116 by operating the flush button or the like, the control unit 110 transmits a signal from the wireless communication unit 114 to the toilet seat device 20 and instructs the toilet seat device 20 to perform an operation corresponding to the operation.

[0094] When the control unit 40 of the toilet seat device 20 receives a signal from the mobile terminal 100, it executes an operation corresponding to the signal. When the control unit 40 receives a signal from the mobile terminal 100, it operates any one of the toilet lid opening / closing device 70, toilet seat opening / closing device 71, toilet seat heater 72, solenoid valve 73, hot water heater 74, nozzle driving device 75, deodorizing device 76, room heating device 77, lighting device 78, toilet bowl flushing device 79, and warm air blower 80 in response to the signal. This allows the toilet seat device 20 to be remotely controlled based on the operation of the mobile terminal 100.

[0095] On the other hand, when an instruction to disconnect the communication connection is input from the operation unit 116 by operating the disconnect button, the control unit 110 executes a process to disconnect the communication connection with the toilet seat device 20. As a result, the control unit 110 of the mobile terminal 100 and the control unit 40 of the toilet seat device 20 disconnect their communication connections with each other.

[0096] In this way, when the control unit 40 of the toilet seat device 20 receives a signal from the mobile terminal 100 instructing to disconnect the communication connection, the control unit 40 disconnects the communication connection with the mobile terminal 100 in response to the instruction from the mobile terminal 100. The control unit 40 also disconnects the communication connection with the mobile terminal 100 when the mobile terminal 100 goes out of the communication range of the second wireless communication unit 62.

[0097] <1-5. Processing Overview> Next, the processing according to the first embodiment, which is premised on the above-mentioned configuration, will be described. In the following, an example will be described in which a communication method of Bluetooth Low Energy (hereinafter referred to as "BLE"), which is an extended specification of Bluetooth, is used in wireless communication between the mobile terminal 100 and the toilet seat device 20, but it is not limited to BLE, and any communication method can be adopted as long as the toilet device operating system 1 can execute the desired processing.

[0098] First, an overview of the processing flow will be explained using Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the processing executed by the toilet equipment operating system according to the first embodiment. Fig. 6 explains, as an example, the processing when user Y uses the toilet device 10 after user X has used the toilet device 10.

[0099] FIG. 6 shows an example of processing when a mobile terminal 1001 carried by user X connects to the toilet device 10, and then a mobile terminal 1002 carried by user Y connects to the toilet device 10. That is, FIG. 6 shows a case where the mobile terminal 1001 carried by user X is a first mobile terminal, and the mobile terminal 1002 carried by user Y is a second mobile terminal. Note that the first mobile terminal and the second mobile terminal are relative concepts based on the temporal relationship of the connection with the toilet device 10, and one mobile terminal 100 can correspond to either the first mobile terminal or the second mobile terminal. For example, the mobile terminal 1001 carried by user X can be a second mobile terminal in relation to one mobile terminal 100 that was previously connected to the toilet device 10. Also, for example, when mobile terminal 1001 connects after mobile terminal 1002 connects, mobile terminal 1002 can be the first mobile terminal and mobile terminal 1001 can be the second mobile terminal.

[0100] 6 shows the flow of processing from a state in which a first user, user X, reads the code CD using the mobile terminal 1001 and connects to the toilet seat device 20 of the toilet device 10. For example, before step S13 is executed, the mobile terminal 1001 is connected by wireless communication via BLE with the toilet seat device 20 identified by the ID information acquired by reading the code CD (corresponding to connection CN in FIG. 6), and is in a state in which the toilet seat device 20 can be operated. The mobile terminal 1001 stores ID information for identifying the connected toilet seat device 20 in the storage unit 42, thereby retaining the ID information. In this way, the mobile terminal 100 connected to a toilet device retains information (ID information, etc.) that enables identification of the connected toilet device.

[0101] Furthermore, while connected to the toilet seat device 20, the mobile terminal 1001 is executing a scan SC to detect an advertising signal (also simply referred to as an advertisement) transmitted by another device. In this case, the mobile terminal 1001 is in a state of receiving an advertisement transmitted by another device, and can acquire information such as a connection request signal transmitted by the other device. Furthermore, the toilet seat device 20 transmits an advertisement while it is in a state where it can be connected to the mobile terminal 100. For example, the toilet seat device 20 transmits an advertisement while it is not connected to the mobile terminal 100.

[0102] Here, even if the user X has finished using the toilet device 10 and left the toilet booth TB in which the toilet device 10 is installed, the toilet device 10 will remain connected unless the user X performs an operation to disconnect the connection CN with the toilet seat device 20. For example, in FIG. 1, even if the user X has finished using the toilet device 101 and left the toilet booth TB1 in which the toilet device 101 is installed, the mobile terminal 1001 will remain connected to the toilet seat device 201 unless the user X performs an operation to disconnect the wireless communication connection with the toilet seat device 201. In such a case, even if the next user Y wants to connect to the toilet seat device 20, the toilet seat device 20 is connected to the mobile terminal 1001 of the user X, so the mobile terminal 1002 cannot connect to the toilet seat device 20 and the toilet seat device 20 cannot be operated using the mobile terminal 1002. Therefore, the toilet equipment operating system 1 executes the following process.

[0103] First, the next user Y performs an operation to read the code CD placed in the toilet booth TB where the toilet device 10 is placed using the mobile terminal 1002. As a result, the mobile terminal 1002 acquires ID information that identifies the toilet seat device 20 contained in the code CD through a reading process of the code CD in response to the operation of the user Y (step S11).

[0104] Then, the mobile terminal 1002 transmits a connection request signal including ID information identifying the toilet seat device 20 as an advertisement (step S12). For example, in response to acquiring the ID information identifying the toilet seat device 20, the mobile terminal 1002 starts transmitting a connection request signal including the ID information identifying the toilet seat device 20. Furthermore, the mobile terminal 1002 starts executing a scan to detect an advertisement transmitted by another device. In this way, the toilet equipment operating system 1 causes the mobile terminal 100 to perform a scan when connecting to a toilet device. In this way, the toilet equipment operating system 1 can enable the mobile terminal 100 to receive advertisements from other devices even when the mobile terminal 100 is connected to a toilet device.

[0105] Then, in response to receiving the advertise transmitted by the mobile terminal 1002, the mobile terminal 1001 executing the scan SC executes a process to disconnect the connection with the toilet seat device 20 (step S13). First, the mobile terminal 1001 receives the advertise, which is a connection request signal including ID information that identifies the toilet seat device 20. Since the mobile terminal 1001 connected to the toilet seat device 20 is executing the scan SC, it can receive the advertise transmitted by the mobile terminal 1002.

[0106] Then, the mobile terminal 1001 determines whether the toilet device indicated by the ID information included in the advertise (connection request signal) received from the mobile terminal 1002 is the toilet device to which the mobile terminal 1001 is currently connected. For example, the mobile terminal 1001 compares the ID information included in the advertise (connection request signal) received from the mobile terminal 1002 with the ID information stored in the storage unit 42 of the mobile terminal 1001 to determine whether the toilet device to which the mobile terminal 1002 is requesting connection is the toilet device to which the mobile terminal 1001 is currently connected. In Fig. 6, the mobile terminal 1001 determines that the ID information included in the advertise (connection request signal) received from the mobile terminal 1002 is the same as the ID information stored in the storage unit 42 of the mobile terminal 1002, and determines that the toilet device to which the mobile terminal 1002 is requesting connection is the toilet seat device 20 to which the mobile terminal 1002 is currently connected.

[0107] Therefore, the mobile terminal 1001 disconnects the connection CN with the toilet seat device 20. In this way, the mobile terminal 1001 executes a disconnection process to disconnect the wireless communication with the toilet seat device 20 in response to receiving information indicating that another mobile terminal 100 is requesting a connection with the toilet seat device 20. For example, when the mobile terminal 1001 receives an advertisement from the mobile terminal 1002 and the advertisement contains information (ID information) such as a toilet ID indicating the currently connected toilet device, the mobile terminal 1001 disconnects the connection with that toilet device. In addition, in response to the disconnection of the connection CN with the toilet seat device 20, the mobile terminal 1001 ends the execution of the scan SC (step S14). In addition, in response to the disconnection of the connection CN with the mobile terminal 1001, the toilet seat device 20 resumes transmitting advertisements.

[0108] Then, the mobile terminal 1002 establishes a wireless communication connection with the toilet seat device 20 (step S15). While performing the scan, the mobile terminal 1002 executes a process of establishing a wireless communication connection with the toilet seat device 20 in response to receiving an advertise transmitted by the toilet seat device 20. After connecting with the toilet seat device 20, the mobile terminal 1002 transmits information for operating the toilet seat device 20 to the toilet seat device 20 in response to the operation of the user Y that has been accepted. As a result, in the toilet equipment operating system 1, the user Y can operate the toilet seat device 20 using his / her own mobile terminal 1002.

[0109] Next, an example of a processing flow will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the toilet equipment operating system according to the first embodiment. For example, Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing in one mobile terminal 100 in which the toilet seat device remote operation program 200 is installed. Note that the processing described with the toilet equipment operating system 1 as the processing subject may be performed by any device that can consistently execute the processing, depending on the device configuration included in the toilet equipment operating system 1.

[0110] The toilet equipment operating system 1 reads the code (step S101). For example, in the toilet equipment operating system 1, a user X operates a mobile terminal 1001, which is a smartphone on which a toilet seat device remote operation program 200 is installed, and the mobile terminal 1001 executes a process of reading a code CD such as a QR code.

[0111] The toilet device operating system 1 inputs the toilet device information into the smartphone and performs processing related to advertising (step S102). For example, in the toilet device operating system 1, the mobile terminal 1001 starts transmitting an advertisement including ID information acquired by processing to read the code CD.

[0112] The toilet device operating system 1 scans for surrounding toilet devices (step S103). For example, in the toilet device operating system 1, the mobile terminal 1001 performs scanning to detect advertisements transmitted by the toilet devices.

[0113] If the toilet device has not been found (step S104: No), the toilet device operating system 1 repeats the process of step S104. For example, in the toilet device operating system 1, if the mobile terminal 1001 performing the scan has not found a toilet device, the toilet device operating system 1 repeats the process of step S104.

[0114] When the toilet device operating system 1 finds a toilet device (step S104: Yes), it establishes a BLE connection with the toilet device (step S105). For example, in the toilet device operating system 1, when the mobile terminal 1001 that is performing a scan finds a toilet device, it establishes a BLE connection with the toilet device.

[0115] The toilet device operating system 1 scans surrounding smartphones (step S106). For example, in the toilet device operating system 1, the mobile terminal 1001 performs scanning in order to detect advertisements transmitted by other mobile terminals 100.

[0116] If the toilet device operating system 1 has not detected an advertisement containing information about the connected toilet device (step S107: No), it repeats the process of step S107. For example, in the toilet device operating system 1, if the mobile terminal 1001 performing the scan has not received an advertisement containing ID information that identifies the connected toilet device, it repeats the process of step S107.

[0117] When the toilet device operation system 1 detects an advertisement containing information about a connected toilet device (step S107: Yes), it disconnects the BLE connection with that toilet device (step S108). For example, in the toilet device operation system 1, when the mobile terminal 1001 performing a scan receives an advertisement containing ID information that identifies the connected toilet device from another mobile terminal 100, it disconnects the BLE connection with that toilet device.

[0118] Next, an example of the state of each device in each process (step) will be described using Figure 8. Figure 8 is a diagram showing the flow of processing executed by the toilet device operating system according to the first embodiment. Note that the smartphone X shown in Figure 8 is, for example, the mobile terminal 1001 of the user X, the smartphone Y is, for example, the mobile terminal 1002 of the user Y, and the toilet device is, for example, the toilet seat device 20.

[0119] Step #1 shown in Figure 8 is a step in which the smartphone X acquires a code. For example, in step #1, the smartphone X acquires ID information of the toilet seat device 20, which is an example of ID information of the toilet device. For example, in step #1, the toilet device transmits an advertisement.

[0120] Step #2 shown in Figure 8 is a step in which Smartphone X performs BLE advertising (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "advertising") and scanning. For example, in step #2, Smartphone X starts advertising and scanning. For example, in step #2, Smartphone X stores ID information of the toilet device.

[0121] Step #3 shown in Figure 8 is a step in response to smartphone X receiving an advertisement for the toilet device. For example, in step #3, smartphone X connects to the toilet device in response to receiving the advertisement for the toilet device. For example, in step #3, smartphone X and the toilet device stop transmitting advertisements.

[0122] Step #4 shown in Figure 8 is a step in which smartphone X is connected to the toilet device. Step #4 corresponds to a state in which the advertising transmission by smartphone X and the toilet device in step #3 has stopped, and the connection between smartphone X and the toilet device continues.

[0123] Step #5 shown in Figure 8 is a step in which smartphone Y acquires a code. For example, in step #5, smartphone Y acquires ID information of the toilet device connected to smartphone X. For example, in step #5, the toilet device has stopped transmitting advertisements.

[0124] Step #6 shown in Figure 8 is a step in which the smartphone Y advertises and scans. For example, in step #6, the smartphone Y starts advertising and scanning including ID information of the toilet device. For example, in step #6, the smartphone Y holds the ID information of the toilet device.

[0125] Step #7 shown in FIG. 8 is a step performed in response to smartphone X receiving an advertisement from smartphone Y. For example, in step #7, smartphone X disconnects from the toilet device indicated by the ID information in response to receiving an advertisement from smartphone Y that includes the toilet device's ID information. Also, in step #7, smartphone X stops scanning and deletes the ID information it had retained. For example, in step #7, the toilet device resumes transmitting advertisements.

[0126] Step #8 shown in Figure 8 is a step in response to reception of an advertisement for the toilet device by smartphone Y. For example, in step #8, smartphone Y connects to the toilet device in response to receiving the advertisement for the toilet device. For example, in step #8, smartphone Y and the toilet device stop transmitting advertisements.

[0127] Step #9 shown in Figure 8 is a step in which smartphone Y is connected to the toilet device. Step #9 corresponds to a state in which the advertising transmission by smartphone Y and the toilet device in step #8 has stopped, and the connection between smartphone Y and the toilet device is continuing.

[0128] As described above, the toilet equipment operating system 1 is a system that enables operation of toilet equipment such as a toilet seat device 20 that can be connected via a communication method such as BLE from a mobile terminal 100 such as a smartphone. The toilet equipment operating system 1 is a toilet system in which a code CD such as a QR code for obtaining information (ID information) that identifies the toilet equipment is placed in the toilet booth TB, and the user identifies and connects to the toilet equipment by reading the code CD with their own mobile terminal 100.

[0129] For example, it is desirable to apply the function of operating toilet functions using a mobile device such as a smartphone in public places where an unspecified number of users are present. On the other hand, when operating toilet equipment using a user's mobile device in a public place, if the previous user forgets to disconnect, the next user may not be able to connect to or operate the toilet equipment using their mobile device.

[0130] As a solution to the above problem, a technology that disconnects communication based on the number of steps has been provided, but since people quickly change in public toilet booths (such as toilet booths TB1 to TB3 in Figure 1), there remains the possibility that the next user will not be able to connect to and operate the toilet devices with their mobile terminal. Therefore, by using the above-mentioned process, the toilet device operating system 1 determines whether to disconnect communication regardless of the number of steps, and then disconnects the communication, thereby preventing the next user from being unable to connect to communication even if the previous user forgets to disconnect the communication connection and the previous user's step count information cannot be obtained.

[0131] For example, the toilet device operation system 1 utilizes communication between mobile terminals 100. In the toilet device operation system 1, the mobile terminal 100 that first connected to the toilet device continues to scan for Bluetooth signals while connected. In the toilet device operation system 1, the mobile terminal 100 that next enters the toilet and reads the information identifying the toilet device transmits a signal containing the information identifying the toilet device to the surrounding area and attempts to connect to the toilet device. In the toilet device operation system 1, the mobile terminal 100 that was previously connected to the toilet device uses the signal as a trigger to disconnect from the toilet device. As a result, in the toilet device operation system 1, the mobile terminal 100 of the user who arrived later and was attempting to connect can connect to the toilet device.

[0132] 2. Second embodiment The processing executed by the remote control system is not limited to the processing shown in the first embodiment, and may be any processing. Processing in this regard will be described below as a second embodiment. In the toilet equipment operating system 1 according to the second embodiment, explanations of the same aspects as those of the toilet equipment operating system 1 according to the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate. For example, the toilet equipment operating system 1 according to the second embodiment is the same as the toilet equipment operating system 1 according to the first embodiment except for the fact that the toilet equipment determines whether to disconnect communication, and therefore explanations of the arrangement within the toilet booth TB, etc. will be omitted.

[0133] The toilet equipment operating system 1 according to the second embodiment includes a plurality of toilet units 2 and a plurality of mobile terminals 100A. The toilet unit 2 according to the second embodiment includes a toilet apparatus 10A having a toilet seat apparatus 20A. The toilet apparatus 10A is the same as the toilet apparatus 10 except that it includes the toilet seat apparatus 20A instead of the toilet seat apparatus 20, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0134] Regarding the configuration according to the second embodiment, first, an example of the configuration of a toilet seat device will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a block diagram that schematically shows the toilet seat device according to the second embodiment.

[0135] 9, the toilet seat device 20A includes a control unit 40, a memory unit 42A, a first human body detection sensor 51, a second human body detection sensor 52, a seating detection sensor 53, a first wireless communication unit 61, a second wireless communication unit 62, a toilet lid opening and closing device 70, a toilet seat opening and closing device 71, a toilet seat heater 72, a solenoid valve 73, a hot water heater 74, a nozzle driving device 75, a deodorizing device 76, an indoor heating device 77, a lighting device 78, a toilet bowl flushing device 79, and a warm air blower 80. Note that, regarding the toilet seat device 20A, explanations of the same aspects as those of the toilet seat device 20 according to the first embodiment will be omitted where appropriate.

[0136] The toilet seat device 20A in Fig. 9 has a memory unit 42A instead of the memory unit 42 of the toilet seat device 20. The memory unit 42A is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as RAM or flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or optical disk. For example, the memory unit 42A stores the same information as the memory unit 42.

[0137] The storage unit 42A also stores data of the communication processing program 300. For example, the storage unit 42A stores data of the communication processing program 300 that executes a disconnection step of disconnecting the connection with one mobile terminal 100A when a connection request signal transmitted from another mobile terminal 100A is received while one mobile terminal 100A is connected to the toilet seat device 20A via wireless communication.

[0138] The control unit 40 according to the second embodiment performs various controls in the same manner as the control unit 40 according to the first embodiment. The control unit 40 comprehensively controls the operation of each unit of the toilet seat device 20A. For example, when one mobile terminal 100A is connected to the toilet seat device 20A via wireless communication and a connection request signal transmitted from another mobile terminal 100A is received, the control unit 40 executes a disconnection step of disconnecting the connection with the one mobile terminal 100A according to the communication processing program 300.

[0139] Next, an example of the configuration of a mobile terminal will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a block diagram that schematically illustrates a mobile terminal according to the second embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 10, in the mobile terminal 100A, a toilet seat device remote operation program 200A is stored in the storage unit 112 instead of the toilet seat device remote operation program 200 of the mobile terminal 100. Note that, with regard to the mobile terminal 100A, explanations of the same points as those of the mobile terminal 100 according to the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0140] The toilet seat device remote operation program 200A is a program for enabling remote operation of the toilet seat device 20A. For example, the toilet seat device remote operation program 200A is a program that does not include a processing portion of the toilet seat device remote operation program 200 that determines whether or not to disconnect the currently connected toilet device.

[0141] As described above, the toilet seat device remote operation program 200A for remotely operating the toilet seat device 20A by the mobile terminal 100A is stored in the storage unit 112. In other words, the toilet seat device remote operation program 200A is installed in the mobile terminal 100A.

[0142] For example, when the control unit 110 is instructed by the operation unit 116 to start the toilet seat device remote operation program 200A, the control unit 110 reads the toilet seat device remote operation program 200A from the memory unit 112 and executes operations in the remote operation mode based on the toilet seat device remote operation program 200A, thereby enabling remote operation of the toilet seat device 20A.

[0143] <2-1. Processing Overview> Next, a description will be given of the processing according to the second embodiment, which is based on the above-described configuration. As in the first embodiment, the following description will be given using an example in which the BLE communication method is used in wireless communication between the mobile terminal 100A and the toilet seat device 20A, but any communication method can be used, not limited to BLE.

[0144] First, an outline of the processing flow will be explained using Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the processing executed by the toilet equipment operating system according to the second embodiment. Fig. 11 explains, as an example, the processing when user Y uses the toilet device 10A after user X has used the toilet device 10A.

[0145] FIG. 11 shows a case where a mobile terminal 100A1, which is a smartphone X carried by a user X, connects to the toilet device 10A, and then a mobile terminal 100A2, which is a smartphone X carried by a user Y, connects to the toilet device 10A. That is, FIG. 11 shows a case where the mobile terminal 100A1 carried by the user X is the first mobile terminal, and the mobile terminal 100A2 carried by the user Y is the second mobile terminal. Scenes SN1 to SN5 in FIG. 11 illustrate an example of the state of each device as the process progresses. Note that when describing the mobile terminals 100A1, 100A2, etc. without distinguishing between them, they may be referred to as "mobile terminal 100A."

[0146] In scene SN1 of Fig. 11, the toilet seat device 20A of the toilet device 10A is scanning. In scene SN1 of Fig. 11, the first user, user X, uses the mobile terminal 100A1 to read the code CD, enters the acquired toilet device information (ID information, etc.), and performs advertising.

[0147] 11 shows a state in which the mobile terminal 100A1 is connected to the toilet seat device 20A. For example, the mobile terminal 100A1 is connected via wireless communication using BLE with the toilet seat device 20A identified by ID information obtained by reading the code CD, and is in a state in which the toilet seat device 20A can be operated. The mobile terminal 100A1 stores the ID information for identifying the connected toilet seat device 20A in the storage unit 42A, thereby retaining the ID information. Also, in the scene SN2 of FIG. 11, while connected to the mobile terminal 100A1, the toilet seat device 20A continues scanning.

[0148] Then, in scene SN3 of Fig. 11, the toilet seat device 20A continues scanning. In scene SN3 of Fig. 11, the next user Y uses the mobile terminal 100A2 to read the code CD, enters the acquired information about the toilet device (ID information, etc.), and performs advertising.

[0149] 11, the toilet seat device 20A, which is continuing scanning, executes a process of disconnecting the connection with the mobile terminal 100A1 in response to receiving an advertise transmitted by the mobile terminal 100A2. First, the toilet seat device 20A receives the advertise, which is a connection request signal including ID information that identifies the toilet seat device 20A. Since the toilet seat device 20A, which is connected to the mobile terminal 100A1, is continuing scanning, it can receive the advertise transmitted by the mobile terminal 100A2.

[0150] Then, the toilet seat device 20A compares the ID information included in the advertise (connection request signal) received from the mobile terminal 100A2 with the ID information of its own device (for example, ID information stored in the storage unit 42A) to determine whether the toilet device to which the mobile terminal 100A2 requests connection is its own device. In Fig. 11, the toilet seat device 20A determines that the ID information included in the advertise (connection request signal) received from the mobile terminal 100A2 is the same as the ID information that identifies its own device, and determines that the toilet device to which the mobile terminal 100A2 requests connection is its own device.

[0151] Therefore, the toilet seat device 20A disconnects the wireless communication connection with the mobile terminal 100A1. In this way, the toilet seat device 20A executes a disconnection process to disconnect the wireless communication with the mobile terminal 100A1 in response to receiving information indicating that a mobile terminal 100A other than the currently connected mobile terminal 100A is requesting connection with the toilet seat device 20A. In Fig. 11, the toilet seat device 20A receives an advertisement from the mobile terminal 100A2, and if the advertisement contains information (ID information) such as a toilet ID indicating the toilet seat device 20A, the toilet seat device 20A disconnects the currently connected mobile terminal 100A1.

[0152] 11, the toilet seat device 20A establishes a wireless communication connection with the mobile terminal 100A2. While scanning, the toilet seat device 20A executes a process of establishing a wireless communication connection with the mobile terminal 100A2 in response to receiving an advertise transmitted by the mobile terminal 100A2. After connecting with the toilet seat device 20A, the mobile terminal 100A2 transmits information for operating the toilet seat device 20A to the toilet seat device 20A in response to the operation of the user Y that has been received. As a result, in the toilet equipment operating system 1, the user Y can operate the toilet seat device 20A using his / her own mobile terminal 100A2.

[0153] Next, an example of a processing flow will be described with reference to Fig. 12 and Fig. 13. Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 are flowcharts showing an example of processing executed by a toilet equipment operating system according to a second embodiment. First, the processing flow shown in Fig. 12 will be described. For example, Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing in a toilet seat device 20A, which is an example of a toilet equipment.

[0154] The toilet seat device 20A scans for surrounding smartphones (step S201). For example, in the toilet device operating system 1, the toilet seat device 20A performs scanning to detect an advertisement transmitted by a mobile terminal 100A such as a smartphone.

[0155] If the toilet seat device 20A has not detected an advertise containing toilet device information (step S202: No), it repeats the process of step S202. For example, in the toilet device operating system 1, if the toilet seat device 20A performing a scan has not detected an advertise containing ID information identifying the toilet seat device 20A itself, it repeats the process of step S202.

[0156] When the toilet seat device 20A detects an advertisement containing toilet device information (step S202: Yes), it establishes a BLE connection with the smartphone (step S203). For example, in the toilet device operating system 1, when the toilet seat device 20A performing a scan detects an advertisement containing ID information identifying the device itself, it establishes a BLE connection with the mobile terminal 100A, such as a smartphone, that is the sender of the advertisement.

[0157] The toilet seat device 20A scans for surrounding smartphones (step S204). For example, in the toilet device operating system 1, the toilet seat device 20A continues scanning to detect an advertisement transmitted by the mobile terminal 100A, such as a smartphone.

[0158] If the toilet seat device 20A has not detected an advertise containing toilet device information (step S205: No), it repeats the process of step S205. For example, in the toilet device operating system 1, if the toilet seat device 20A that is continuing scanning has not detected an advertise containing ID information identifying the device itself, it repeats the process of step S205.

[0159] When the toilet seat device 20A detects an advertise containing toilet device information (step S205: Yes), it disconnects the BLE connection with the smartphone (step S206). For example, in the toilet device operation system 1, when the toilet seat device 20A that is continuing scanning detects an advertise containing ID information identifying the device itself, it disconnects the connection with the currently connected mobile terminal 100. Furthermore, in the toilet device operation system 1, after disconnecting the connection with the currently connected mobile terminal 100, the toilet seat device 20A establishes a BLE connection with the mobile terminal 100A, such as a smartphone, that is the sender of the advertise.

[0160] Next, a process flow shown in Fig. 13 will be described. For example, Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow in a toilet seat device 20A, which is an example of a toilet device. For example, Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow in a mobile terminal 100A.

[0161] The mobile terminal 100A reads the code (step S301). For example, in the toilet equipment operating system 1, the user X operates the mobile terminal 100A1, which is a smartphone on which the toilet seat device remote operation program 200 is installed, and the mobile terminal 100A1 executes a process of reading a code CD such as a QR code.

[0162] The mobile terminal 100A inputs the toilet device information into the smartphone and performs processing related to advertising (step S302). For example, in the toilet device operating system 1, the mobile terminal 100A1 starts transmitting an advertisement including the ID information acquired by the processing of reading the code CD.

[0163] If the mobile terminal 100A is not connected to a toilet device (step S303: No), the mobile terminal 100A repeats the process of step S303. For example, in the toilet device operating system 1, if the mobile terminal 100A1 that is performing advertising is not connected to a toilet device, the mobile terminal 100A repeats the process of step S303.

[0164] When the mobile terminal 100A is connected to the toilet device (step S303: Yes), the mobile terminal 100A establishes a BLE connection with the toilet device (step S304). For example, in the toilet device operating system 1, when the toilet seat device 20A performing a scan detects an advertisement transmitted by the mobile terminal 100A1, the mobile terminal 100A1 establishes a BLE connection with the toilet seat device 20A.

[0165] If the mobile terminal 100A is not disconnected from the toilet device (step S305: No), the mobile terminal 100A repeats the process of step S305. For example, in the toilet device operating system 1, if the mobile terminal 100A1 connected to the toilet seat device 20A is not disconnected from the toilet seat device 20A, the mobile terminal 100A1 repeats the process of step S305.

[0166] When the mobile terminal 100A is disconnected from the toilet device (step S305: Yes), the mobile terminal 100A performs BLE disconnection with the toilet device (step S306). For example, in the toilet device operating system 1, when the mobile terminal 100A1 connected to the toilet seat device 20A is disconnected from the toilet seat device 20A, the mobile terminal 100A performs BLE disconnection with the toilet seat device 20A.

[0167] Next, an example of the state of each device in each process (step) will be described using Figure 14. Figure 14 is a diagram showing the flow of processing executed by the toilet device operating system according to the second embodiment. Note that the smartphone X shown in Figure 14 is, for example, the mobile terminal 100A1 of the user X, the smartphone Y is, for example, the mobile terminal 100A2 of the user X, and the toilet device is, for example, the toilet seat device 20A.

[0168] Step #1 shown in Figure 14 is a step in which the smartphone X acquires a code. For example, in step #1, the smartphone X acquires ID information of the toilet seat device 20A, which is an example of ID information of a toilet device. For example, in step #1, the toilet device performs a scan.

[0169] Step #2 shown in Figure 14 is a step in which smartphone X advertises. For example, in step #2, smartphone X starts advertising. For example, in step #2, smartphone X holds ID information of the toilet device. For example, in step #2, the toilet device continues scanning.

[0170] Step #3 shown in FIG. 14 is a step in response to the toilet device receiving an advertisement from smartphone X. For example, in step #3, the toilet device connects to smartphone X in response to receiving the advertisement from smartphone X. For example, in step #3, smartphone X stops transmitting advertisements. For example, in step #3, the toilet device continues scanning.

[0171] Step #4 shown in Figure 14 is a step in which the toilet device is connected to smartphone X. Step #4 corresponds to a state in which the advertising transmission by smartphone X in step #3 has stopped and the connection between the toilet device and smartphone X is continuing. For example, in step #4, the toilet device is continuing to scan.

[0172] Step #5 shown in Figure 14 is a step in which smartphone Y acquires a code. For example, in step #5, smartphone Y acquires ID information of the toilet device connected to smartphone X. For example, in step #5, the toilet device continues scanning.

[0173] Step #6 shown in FIG. 14 is a step in which the smartphone Y performs advertising. For example, in step #6, the smartphone Y starts advertising including ID information of the toilet device. For example, in step #6, the smartphone Y holds ID information of the toilet device. For example, in step #6, the toilet device continues scanning.

[0174] Step #7 shown in Figure 14 is a step in response to the reception of an advertisement by the toilet device. For example, in step #7, the toilet device disconnects the currently connected smartphone X in response to receiving an advertisement including the toilet device's ID information from smartphone Y. Also, in step #7, the ID information held by smartphone X is deleted. For example, in step #7, the toilet device continues scanning.

[0175] Step #8 shown in FIG. 14 is a step that occurs when smartphone Y is in use. For example, in step #8, the toilet device connects to smartphone Y in response to receiving an advertisement from smartphone Y. For example, in step #8, smartphone Y stops transmitting advertisements. For example, in step #8, the toilet device continues scanning.

[0176] Step #9 shown in Figure 14 is a step in which the toilet device is connected to smartphone Y. Step #9 corresponds to a state in which the advertising transmission by smartphone Y in step #8 has stopped and the connection between the toilet device and smartphone Y is continuing. For example, in step #9, the toilet device is continuing to scan.

[0177] The toilet equipment operating system 1 according to the second embodiment uses the above-described processing to determine whether to disconnect communication regardless of the number of steps, and then performs the disconnection, thereby preventing the next user from being unable to connect to communication even if the previous user forgets to disconnect the communication connection and the previous user's step count information cannot be obtained.

[0178] The above describes embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. Design modifications made by a person skilled in the art to the above-described embodiments are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they incorporate the features of the present invention. For example, the shape, dimensions, materials, and arrangement of each element of the toilet equipment operating system 1, toilet seat device 20, mobile terminal 100, toilet seat device remote operation program 200, etc. are not limited to those illustrated and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, the elements of the above-described embodiments can be combined to the extent technically possible, and such combinations are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they incorporate the features of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0179] 1 Toilet equipment operation system (remote operation system), 2 Toilet unit, 10, 10A Toilet device, 12 Toilet, 12a Bowl portion, 20, 20A Toilet seat device, 22 Main body portion, 24 Toilet seat, 24a Opening, 26 Toilet lid, 28 Remote control, 30 Nozzle, 40 Control unit, 42, 42A Memory unit, 51 First human body detection sensor, 52 Second human body detection sensor, 53 Sitting detection sensor, 61 First wireless communication unit, 62 Second wireless communication unit, 70 Toilet lid opening / closing device, 71 Toilet seat opening / closing device, 72 Toilet seat heater, 73 Solenoid valve, 74 Hot water heater, 75 Nozzle drive device, 76 Deodorizing device, 77 Indoor heating device, 78 Lighting device, 79 Toilet bowl flushing device, 80 Warm air blower, 100, 100A mobile terminal (mobile information terminal), 110 control unit, 112 memory unit, 114 wireless communication unit, 116 operation unit, 118 display unit, 120 speaker, 122 microphone, 200 toilet seat device remote operation program, 300 communication processing program

Claims

1. A program that can be installed in a mobile device that includes a communication unit that performs wireless communication with external devices including a toilet device, a display unit that displays an operation screen for inputting operation instructions to the toilet device, and a control unit that controls the communication unit, When a first portable terminal is connected to the toilet device by wireless communication, a connection request signal transmitted by a second portable terminal is received by the communication unit of the first portable terminal, and the first portable terminal is caused to execute a disconnection step of disconnecting the connection between the first portable terminal and the toilet device. A program for remotely controlling toilet equipment.

2. The disconnection step is executed when ID information that identifies the toilet device to which the mobile terminal is to connect via wireless communication is included in the connection request signal received by the communication unit.

2. The toilet equipment remote control program according to claim 1.

3. Put the communication unit into a scan-enabled state based on the acquired ID information.

3. The toilet equipment remote control program according to claim 2.

4. a toilet device having a device communication unit capable of wireless communication; a plurality of mobile terminals each including a terminal communication unit that performs wireless communication with external devices including the toilet device, a display unit that displays an operation screen for inputting operation instructions to the toilet device, and a control unit that controls the terminal communication unit; A remote control system having: When a first mobile terminal of the plurality of mobile terminals is connected to the toilet device by wireless communication, the first mobile terminal executes a disconnection step of disconnecting the connection between the first mobile terminal and the toilet device when the terminal communication unit of the first mobile terminal receives a connection request signal transmitted by a second mobile terminal of the plurality of mobile terminals. A remote control system characterized by:

5. Each mobile terminal includes an acquisition unit that acquires ID information that identifies the toilet device to be connected via wireless communication, and a storage unit that stores the ID information; The first portable terminal executes the disconnection step when it determines that the ID information included in the connection request signal received by the terminal communication unit from the second portable terminal is identical to the ID information stored in the storage unit.

5. The remote control system according to claim 4.

6. The terminal communication unit is put into a scan-enabled state based on the acquired ID information.

6. The remote control system according to claim 5.

7. a toilet device having a device communication unit capable of wireless communication; a plurality of mobile terminals each including a terminal communication unit that performs wireless communication with external devices including the toilet device, a display unit that displays an operation screen for inputting operation instructions to the toilet device, and a control unit that controls the terminal communication unit; A remote control system having: When a first mobile terminal of the plurality of mobile terminals is connected to the toilet device via wireless communication, the toilet device executes a disconnection step of disconnecting the connection with the first mobile terminal when the toilet device receives a connection request signal transmitted by a second mobile terminal of the plurality of mobile terminals. A remote control system characterized by:

8. Each mobile terminal includes an acquisition unit that acquires ID information that identifies the toilet device to be connected via wireless communication, The toilet device executes the disconnection step when it is determined that the ID information included in the connection request signal received by the device communication unit from the second mobile terminal is ID information specific to the toilet device.

8. The remote control system according to claim 7.

9. A toilet device having a device communication unit capable of wireless communication, When a first mobile terminal among a plurality of mobile terminals is connected to the toilet device by wireless communication, the mobile terminal includes a terminal communication unit that performs wireless communication with external devices including the toilet device, a display unit that displays an operation screen for inputting operation instructions to the toilet device, and a control unit that controls the terminal communication unit, the toilet device receives a connection request signal transmitted by a second mobile terminal among the plurality of mobile terminals, and executes a disconnection step of disconnecting the connection with the first mobile terminal. A toilet device characterized by:

10. Each mobile terminal is capable of acquiring ID information that identifies the toilet device to be connected via wireless communication, The disconnection step is executed when it is determined that the ID information included in the connection request signal received by the device communication unit from the second mobile terminal is ID information specific to the toilet device.

10. The toilet device according to claim 9.

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