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

Abstract

To dynamically adjust an inflow amount of hot water to a bathtub on the basis of a past tendency of a change in the temperature inside a bathtub.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes: an acquisition unit for acquiring temperature information showing a measured temperature, which is a temperature inside a bathtub measured by a temperature sensor arranged within a preset range of a water level of hot water stored in the bathtub: and a control unit for, when the measured temperature shown in the temperature information acquired by the acquisition unit is lower than the preset temperature set as the temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub, opening a control valve and allowing the hot water whose temperature is higher than the preset temperature to flow into the bathtub, closing the control valve and stopping the flow of the hot water into the bathtub when the measurement temperature is equal to or higher than the preset temperature, and executing control to adjust the aperture of the control value on the basis of a tendency of a change in the measurement temperature shown in the past temperature information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a water temperature control device that supplies hot spring water from above the bathtub for a long period of time without mixing in water. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-9258 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In bathing facilities such as public baths and hot springs, caretakers sometimes manually open and close control valves to adjust the amount of hot water flowing into the bathtub. While it may be conceivable to keep the control valve open during the bathing facility's operating hours, this may not be desirable depending on the situation. For example, during busy bathing hours, a large amount of hot water overflows from the bathtub, making it necessary to continuously flow hot water into the bathtub. However, during times when there are few or no bathers, it is not necessarily necessary to continuously flow hot water into the bathtub. Given the above, it is desirable to adjust the opening of the control valve during the bathing facility's operating hours, but this can be difficult for caretakers to do manually due to the fact that they manage multiple bathing facilities or that the facilities are located in remote areas.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and an information processing program that can dynamically adjust the amount of hot water flowing into a bathtub based on past trends in temperature changes inside the bathtub. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect of the information processing device includes an acquisition unit that acquires temperature information indicating a measured temperature, which is the temperature inside the bathtub, measured by a temperature sensor positioned within a set range of the hot water level in the bathtub. A control unit that, if the measured temperature indicated by the temperature information acquired by the acquisition unit is below a set temperature set for the hot water temperature in the bathtub, opens a control valve to allow hot water with a temperature higher than the set temperature to flow into the bathtub. If the measured temperature indicated by the temperature information acquired by the acquisition unit is equal to or higher than the set temperature, closes the control valve to stop the flow of hot water into the bathtub. The control unit also controls the opening of the control valve based on the trend of changes in the measured temperature indicated by the past temperature information. This allows the information processing device to dynamically adjust the amount of hot water flowing into the bathtub based on the trend of changes in the measured temperature in the past. Therefore, for example, the information processing device can continuously flow hot water into the bathtub during times when many bathers are expected, and reduce the amount of hot water flowing into the bathtub during times when few or no bathers are expected, based on the trend of changes in the measured temperature in the past.

[0007] The information processing device of the second aspect is the information processing device of the first aspect, in which, if there is a time period in the past temperature information in which the decrease in the measured temperature per unit time is within a predetermined value after the difference between the measured temperature and the set temperature becomes within a reference value, the control unit reduces the opening of the control valve during that time period to reduce the amount of hot water flowing into the bathtub. As a result, with this information processing device, when hot water flows into the bathtub, the inflow rate of hot water during that time period is slower than during other time periods, thereby saving hot water.

[0008] A third aspect of the information processing device is the information processing device of the first or second aspect, in which the control unit closes the control valve to stop the inflow of hot water into the bathtub when the difference between the measured temperature measured by the temperature sensor and the set temperature falls within a reference value and the measured temperature remains below the set temperature for a predetermined period of time. Thus, by stopping the inflow of hot water into the bathtub in the above case, the information processing device can prevent the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub from rising too high.

[0009] A fourth aspect of the information processing device is the information processing device of any one of the first to third aspects, in which the control unit controls the opening of the control valve based on opening information indicating past changes in the opening of the control valve over time, instead of the temperature information, when the difference between the measured temperature measured by the temperature sensor and the set temperature falls within a reference value and the measured temperature remains below the set temperature for a predetermined period of time. As a result, even if the temperature sensor is removed from the bathtub or breaks down, the information processing device can dynamically adjust the amount of hot water flowing into the bathtub based on past changes in the opening of the control valve over time.

[0010] An information processing system according to a fifth aspect includes the information processing device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects and an external terminal that acquires the temperature information. The external terminal includes a transmitter that transmits to the information processing device instruction information indicating the opening degree of the control valve determined based on the acquired temperature information and meteorological information indicating the weather at the location where the bathtub is installed. This allows the information processing system to remotely control the opening degree of the control valve. Therefore, with this information processing system, for example, by instructing the opening degree of the control valve via the external terminal during times of day when the temperature is low (e.g., morning or evening), the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub can be increased more quickly or the temperature can be reduced more slowly.

[0011] The information processing system of a sixth aspect is the information processing system of the fifth aspect, wherein the information processing device includes a notification unit that issues a predetermined notification to the external terminal when the difference between the measured temperature and the set temperature indicated in the temperature information acquired by the acquisition unit does not decrease for a predetermined time or more while the hot water is flowing into the bathtub, and the external terminal includes a notification unit that notifies the user of the acquired predetermined notification via an output device. This allows the information processing system to make the user aware of an abnormality occurring in the bathtub.

[0012] An information processing method of the seventh aspect involves a computer executing a process in which temperature information indicating a measured temperature, which is the temperature inside the bathtub, measured by a temperature sensor positioned within a set range of the water level of the hot water to be stored in the bathtub, is acquired, and if the measured temperature indicated in the acquired temperature information is lower than a set temperature set as the temperature of the hot water to be stored in the bathtub, a control valve is opened to allow hot water with a temperature higher than the set temperature to flow into the bathtub, and if the measured temperature is higher than or equal to the set temperature, the control valve is closed to stop the flow of hot water into the bathtub, and the opening of the control valve is adjusted based on the trend of change in the measured temperature indicated in the past temperature information.

[0013] An information processing program of an eighth aspect causes a computer to execute the following process: acquire temperature information indicating a measured temperature, which is the temperature inside the bathtub, measured by a temperature sensor positioned within a set range of the water level of the hot water to be stored in the bathtub; if the measured temperature indicated in the acquired temperature information is lower than a set temperature set as the temperature of the hot water to be stored in the bathtub, open a control valve to allow hot water with a temperature higher than the set temperature to flow into the bathtub; if the measured temperature is higher than or equal to the set temperature, close the control valve to stop the flow of hot water into the bathtub, and adjust the opening of the control valve based on the trend of change in the measured temperature indicated in the past temperature information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] As described above, the information processing device, information processing system, information processing method, and information processing program disclosed herein can dynamically adjust the amount of hot water flowing into the bathtub based on past trends in temperature changes inside the bathtub. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a hot spring facility. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the information processing device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a server and a user terminal. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the storage configuration of the server. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing temperature information stored in a temperature database. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing opening degree information stored in an opening degree database. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of an adjustment process. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of an opening degree determination process. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a ROM of a user terminal. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a user terminal. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a processing flow in the information processing system. [Figure 14] 10 is a display example displayed on a display unit of a user terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The information processing system 10 according to this embodiment will be described below. (First embodiment) First, a first embodiment of the information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an information processing system 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 10 includes an information processing device 20, a server 40, and a user terminal 60. The information processing device 20, the server 40, and the user terminal 60 are connected via a network N. The network N may be, for example, the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), or a WAN (Wide Area Network).

[0018] The information processing device 20 is a microcomputer installed in a bathroom of a bathing facility 100 (see FIG. 2), such as a public bath or hot spring. The server 40 is a server computer that stores various information related to the bathing facility 100. The user terminal 60 is a smartphone owned by the manager of the bathing facility 100. The user terminal 60 is an example of an "external terminal."

[0019] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the bathing facility 100. 2, the hot spring facility 100 includes an information processing device 20, a first pipe 30, a control valve 32, a second pipe 34, a bathtub 36, and a temperature sensor 38. Here, the hot spring facility 100 is a hot spring, and the bathtub 36 is a bathtub with water directly from the source.

[0020] The first pipe 30 is a pipe that serves as a flow path for the hot spring water whose temperature is higher than the set temperature set as the temperature of the hot spring water to be stored in the bathtub 36. As an example, the set temperature of the bathtub 36 is "42°C" and the temperature of the hot spring water is "60 to 70°C." The hot spring water is an example of "warm water."

[0021] The control valve 32 is an electrically controlled valve that can adjust the amount of water that flows into the second pipe 34. The control valve 32 is equipped with a pipe and a stopper (not shown), and the opening and closing of the stopper can be electrically controlled. In this embodiment, the control valve 32 opens and closes the stopper at an opening degree between 0% (fully closed) and 100% (fully open) based on instructions from the information processing device 20 or the user terminal 60. Below, examples in which the information processing device 20 instructs the opening degree of the control valve 32 will be described in the first to third embodiments, and an example in which the user terminal 60 instructs the opening degree of the control valve 32 will be described in the fourth embodiment. The second pipe 34 is a pipe that serves as a flow path for the hot spring water to the bathtub 36.

[0022] Temperature sensor 38 is positioned within a set range for the water level of the hot spring water stored in bathtub 36. This set range is from the lower limit to the upper limit of the water level of the hot spring water stored in bathtub 36. As an example, the lower limit of the water level is approximately half the height between the lower end and the upper end of bathtub 36, and the upper limit of the water level is the height of the upper end of bathtub 36. Temperature sensor 38 is positioned so that the measurement portion capable of measuring the temperature inside bathtub 36 is located at the height of the lower limit of the water level.

[0023] Here, the temperature sensor 38 measures the temperature inside the bathtub 36 , and outputs the measurement result to the information processing device 20 .

[0024] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information processing device 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the information processing device 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 23, a storage 24, and a communication I / F (Interface) 25. Each component is connected to each other via a bus 26 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0025] The CPU 21 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls various components. That is, the CPU 21 reads programs from the ROM 22 and executes the programs using the RAM 23 as a work area. In this embodiment, an information processing program 22A is stored in the ROM 22.

[0026] The ROM 22 stores various programs and various data. The RAM 23 serves as a working area for temporarily storing programs or data.

[0027] The storage 24 is configured by a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD), and stores various programs and various data.

[0028] The communication I / F 25 is an interface for communicating with other devices, and the communication uses wireless communication standards such as 4G, 5G, or Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0029] 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the server 40 and the user terminal 60. Note that the server 40 and the user terminal 60 basically have a general computer configuration, so the server 40 will be described as a representative.

[0030] 4, the server 40 includes a CPU 41, a ROM 42, a RAM 43, a storage 44, an input unit 45, a display unit 46, and a communication I / F 47. Each component is connected to each other via a bus 48 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0031] The CPU 41 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls each part. That is, the CPU 41 reads programs from the ROM 42 or the storage 44 and executes the programs using the RAM 43 as a work area. The CPU 41 controls each of the above components and performs various arithmetic processing in accordance with the programs stored in the ROM 42 or the storage 44.

[0032] The ROM 42 stores various programs and various data. The RAM 43 serves as a working area for temporarily storing programs or data.

[0033] The storage 44 is configured by a storage device such as an HDD, an SSD, or a flash memory, and stores various programs and various data.

[0034] The input unit 45 includes, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, various buttons, a microphone, a camera, and the like, and is used to perform various inputs.

[0035] The display unit 46 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various information. The display unit 46 may function as the input unit 45 by adopting a touch panel system.

[0036] The communication I / F 47 is an interface for communicating with other devices, and the communication may use, for example, a wired communication standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or FDDI, or a wireless communication standard such as 4G, 5G, or Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0037] The functions of the CPU 61, ROM 62, RAM 63, storage 64, input unit 65, display unit 66, communication I / F 67, and bus 68 of the user terminal 60 are similar to the functions of the CPU 41, ROM 42, RAM 43, storage 44, input unit 45, display unit 46, communication I / F 47, and bus 48 of the server 40 described above.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 20. As shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 21 of the information processing device 20 has, as functional components, an acquisition unit 21A, a control unit 21B, a transmission unit 21C, and a notification unit 21D. Each functional component is realized by the CPU 21 reading and executing an information processing program 22A stored in the ROM 22. The function of the notification unit 21D will be described in the fourth embodiment.

[0039] Acquisition unit 21A acquires various types of information. For example, acquisition unit 21A acquires temperature information indicating the temperature of bathtub 36 measured by temperature sensor 38. The temperature information includes at least the measured temperature of bathtub 36 and the date and time when the temperature was measured. Acquisition unit 21A also acquires temperature information indicating past measured temperatures of bathtub 36 (hereinafter referred to as "past temperature information") stored in temperature database 44A (see FIG. 6), which will be described later.

[0040] The control unit 21B controls the opening degree of the control valve 32. Specifically, when the measured temperature indicated in the temperature information acquired by acquisition unit 21A is lower than the set temperature of bathtub 36, control unit 21B opens control valve 32 to allow the hot spring water to flow into bathtub 36. As a result, when the hot spring water level in bathtub 36 is below the lower limit, the air temperature is measured instead of the hot spring water temperature, causing the measured temperature to be lower than the set temperature of bathtub 36, and the hot spring water continues to flow into bathtub 36.

[0041] Furthermore, when the measured temperature is equal to or higher than the set temperature, control unit 21B closes control valve 32 to stop the inflow of hot spring water into bathtub 36. For example, when the hot spring water level in bathtub 36 reaches or exceeds the lower limit, the temperature of the hot spring water is measured, and if the measured water temperature (measured temperature) is equal to or higher than the set temperature, the inflow of hot spring water into bathtub 36 is stopped. On the other hand, if the measured water temperature (measured temperature) is lower than the set temperature in this case, the hot spring water continues to flow into bathtub 36, and when the water level exceeds the upper limit, the overflowing hot spring water is drained from bathtub 36.

[0042] Furthermore, the control unit 21B adjusts the opening degree of the control valve 32 based on the tendency of changes in the measured temperature indicated in the past temperature information acquired by the acquisition unit 21A. A specific example of this control will be described later.

[0043] The transmitter 21C transmits various types of information to the outside. For example, the transmitter 21C periodically transmits the temperature information acquired by the acquirer 21A to the server 40. The transmitter 21C also periodically transmits to the server 40 opening degree information indicating the opening degree of the control valve 32 controlled by the controller 21B. The opening degree information includes at least the opening degree of the control valve 32 and the date and time when the opening degree was set.

[0044] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the storage 44 of the server 40. As shown in FIG. 6, the storage 44 stores a temperature database 44A and an opening degree database 44B.

[0045] The temperature database 44A stores temperature information indicating the measured temperature of the bathtub 36 over a predetermined period of time.

[0046] The opening degree database 44B stores opening degree information indicating the opening degree of the control valve 32 over a predetermined period of time.

[0047] Next, specific examples of the temperature information stored in the temperature database 44A and the opening degree information stored in the opening degree database 44B will be described.

[0048] Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing temperature information stored in temperature database 44A. Here, Fig. 7 is a graph showing temperature information indicating the measured temperature of bathtub 36 on a past day. As an example, the graph shows the change in the measured temperature of bathtub 36 over time between 6:00 and 21:00 in one day. The horizontal axis of the graph indicates time, and the vertical axis indicates the measured temperature (°C).

[0049] Here, the graph shown in Figure 7 can be divided into three periods: period P1 from 6:00 to 7:00 before the bathing facility 100 opens for business; period P2 from 7:00 to 20:00 during the bathing facility 100's business hours; and period P3 from 20:00 to 21:00 after the bathing facility 100 closes for business.

[0050] As an example, period P1 is a period during which hot spring water is filled into empty bathtub 36. Here, during period P1 shown in Figure 7, the measured temperature rises as the hot spring water flows into bathtub 36, and eventually reaches 42°C, which is the set temperature of bathtub 36.

[0051] As an example, period P2 is a period during which the measured temperature is maintained at 42°C, which is the set temperature of bathtub 36. Here, during period P2 shown in Figure 7, if the measured temperature falls below the set temperature, for example, due to a user of hot spring facility 100 bathing in bathtub 36, hot spring water is allowed to flow into bathtub 36 until the measured temperature reaches or exceeds the set temperature. As a result, during period P2, the measured temperature can be maintained at 42°C, which is the set temperature of bathtub 36.

[0052] As an example, period P3 is a period during which hot spring water is drained from bathtub 36. Here, during period P3 shown in Fig. 7, the measured temperature drops as the hot spring water is drained from bathtub 36 through a drain not shown.

[0053] Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the opening degree information stored in the opening degree database 44B. Here, Fig. 8 shows the opening degree information in the form of a table indicating the opening degree of the control valve 32 over a predetermined period. In the table, each row shows the change over time in the average opening degree of the control valve 32 for each hour of a certain day.

[0054] For example, Figure 8 shows that the opening information for January 1, 2024 is that the average opening of control valve 32 between 6 and 7 o'clock is 100%, the average opening of control valve 32 between 7 and 8 o'clock is 50%, and the average opening of control valve 32 between 8 and 9 o'clock is 70%, etc.

[0055] 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of an adjustment process in which the information processing device 20 adjusts the opening degree of the control valve 32. The adjustment process is performed by the CPU 21 reading out the information processing program 22A from the ROM 22, expanding it into the RAM 23, and executing it. As an example, the adjustment process is automatically performed repeatedly at regular intervals.

[0056] 9, the CPU 21 acquires temperature information indicating the temperature of the bathtub 36 measured by the temperature sensor 38. Then, the CPU 21 proceeds to step S11.

[0057] In step S11, CPU 21 determines whether the measured temperature indicated in the temperature information acquired in step S10 is less than the set temperature of bathtub 36. If CPU 21 determines that the measured temperature is less than the set temperature of bathtub 36 (step S11: YES), CPU 21 proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, if CPU 21 determines that the measured temperature is not less than the set temperature of bathtub 36, that is, that the measured temperature is equal to or greater than the set temperature of bathtub 36 (step S11: NO), CPU 21 proceeds to step S14.

[0058] In step S12, the CPU 21 performs an opening degree determination process to determine the opening degree of the control valve 32. Then, the CPU 21 proceeds to step S13. Details of the opening degree determination process will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0059] In step S13, the CPU 21 opens the control valve 32 at the opening degree determined in the opening degree determination process, and causes the hot spring water to flow into the bathtub 36. Then, the CPU 21 ends the adjustment process.

[0060] In step S14, the CPU 21 closes the control valve 32 to stop the inflow of hot spring water into the bathtub 36. Then, the CPU 21 ends the adjustment process.

[0061] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the opening degree determination process shown in step S12 of Fig. 9. The CPU 21 reads out the information processing program 22A from the ROM 22, loads it into the RAM 23, and executes it to perform the opening degree determination process.

[0062] 10, CPU 21 acquires past temperature information of bathtub 36 stored in temperature database 44A. At this time, CPU 21 acquires, for example, temperature information from the day before the execution date of the opening degree determination process from temperature database 44A as past temperature information. CPU 21 then proceeds to step S12-2.

[0063] In step S12-2, CPU 21 determines whether the measured temperatures indicated in the past temperature information acquired in step S12-1 show a predetermined change trend. If CPU 21 determines that the measured temperatures indicated in the past temperature information show a predetermined change trend (step S12-2: YES), CPU 21 proceeds to step S12-3. On the other hand, if CPU 21 determines that the measured temperatures indicated in the past temperature information do not show a predetermined change trend (step S12-2: NO), CPU 21 proceeds to step S12-5. As an example, CPU 21 determines that the measured temperatures indicated in the past temperature information show a predetermined change trend when the past temperature information includes a time period (hereinafter referred to as a "specific time period") in which the decrease in the measured temperature per unit time is within a predetermined value after the difference between the measured temperature and the set temperature becomes within a reference value. In this embodiment, the "within the reference value" is set to "within 0.5°C," but this is not particularly limited and may be another value such as "within 0.3°C." In addition, in this embodiment, the predetermined value is set to "within 1°C", but this is not particularly limited and may be another value such as "within 0.5°C". In addition, in this embodiment, the unit time is set to "per hour", but this is not particularly limited and may be another value such as "per 30 minutes".

[0064] In step S12-3, the CPU 21 determines whether the specific time period identified in step S12-2 corresponds to the current time. If the CPU 21 determines that the specific time period corresponds to the current time (step S12-3: YES), the process proceeds to step S12-4. On the other hand, if the CPU 21 determines that the specific time period does not correspond to the current time (step S12-3: NO), the process proceeds to step S12-5. As an example, the CPU 21 determines that the specific time period corresponds to the current time when the current time is included in the specific time period, such as when the specific time period is between 7:00 and 8:00 and the current time is 7:30.

[0065] In step S12-4, the CPU 21 adjusts the opening of the control valve 32 to make the opening of the control valve 32 less than 100% during the time period of the current time, thereby reducing the amount of hot spring water flowing into the bathtub 36. Then, the CPU 21 proceeds to step S13.

[0066] In step S12-5, the CPU 21 determines the opening degree of the control valve 32 to be 100%. Then, the CPU 21 proceeds to step S13.

[0067] As described above, in the information processing device 20, the CPU 21 acquires temperature information indicating the measured temperature of the bathtub 36 measured by the temperature sensor 38. Furthermore, if the measured temperature indicated in the acquired temperature information is lower than the set temperature of the bathtub 36, the CPU 21 opens the control valve 32 to allow the hot spring water to flow into the bathtub 36. Furthermore, if the measured temperature is equal to or higher than the set temperature, the CPU 21 closes the control valve 32 to stop the hot spring water from flowing into the bathtub 36. The CPU 21 then controls the opening of the control valve 32 based on the trend of changes in the measured temperature indicated in the acquired past temperature information. This allows the information processing device 20 to dynamically adjust the amount of hot spring water flowing into the bathtub 36 based on the trend of changes in the past measured temperature of the bathtub 36. Therefore, for example, based on the trend of changes in the past measured temperature of the bathtub 36, the information processing device 20 can continue to flow the hot spring water into the bathtub 36 during times when many bathers are expected, and reduce the amount of hot spring water flowing into the bathtub 36 during times when few or no bathers are expected. Furthermore, the information processing device 20 can perform the temperature control described above without installing equipment requiring large-scale construction, such as a tank and a pump, in the hot spring facility 100. Therefore, the information processing device 20 can be introduced into existing facilities at low cost and easily, and can maintain the temperature of the hot spring water in the bathtub 36 at a set temperature.

[0068] Furthermore, in the information processing device 20, if a specific time period is included in the past temperature information, the CPU 21 reduces the opening of the control valve 32 during the specific time period, thereby reducing the amount of hot spring water flowing into the bathtub 36. A specific time period is, for example, a time period during the business hours of the hot spring facility 100 when it is assumed that there are few or no bathers. As a result, when the information processing device 20 flows hot spring water into the bathtub 36, the amount of hot spring water flowing in during the specific time period is slower than during other time periods, making it possible to conserve hot spring water.

[0069] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the information processing system 10 according to the present invention will be described while omitting or simplifying parts that overlap with the above embodiment.

[0070] In the second embodiment, the temperature sensor 38 is removable from the bathtub 36. That is, the temperature sensor 38 is not fixed inside the bathtub 36, and can be removed from the bathtub 36 by the bather. If the bather removes the temperature sensor 38 from the bathtub 36, the temperature sensor 38 will measure the air temperature instead of the hot spring water temperature, and the measured temperature will be lower than the set temperature of the bathtub 36, causing the hot spring water to continue flowing into the bathtub 36. In this case, even though the temperature sensor 38 is unable to measure the hot spring water temperature, the hot spring water will continue to flow into the bathtub 36, which could cause the water temperature to rise too high and become unsuitable for bathing.

[0071] Therefore, in the information processing device 20 according to the second embodiment, the CPU 21, as a function of the control unit 21B, closes the control valve 32 to stop the inflow of hot spring water into the bathtub 36 if the measured temperature remains below the set temperature for a predetermined period of time after the difference between the measured temperature measured by the temperature sensor 38 and the set temperature falls within a reference value. For example, if the measured temperature remains below the set temperature for a predetermined period of time during the business hours of the hot spring facility 100, the CPU 21 closes the control valve 32 to stop the inflow of hot spring water into the bathtub 36. In this way, the information processing device 20 can prevent the temperature of the hot spring water in the bathtub 36 from rising too much by stopping the inflow of hot spring water into the bathtub 36 in the above case. Note that, although the predetermined period of time is set to "10 minutes," this is not particularly limited and may be another value, such as "5 minutes."

[0072] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the information processing system 10 according to the present invention will be described while omitting or simplifying parts that overlap with the above-described embodiments.

[0073] Similar to the second embodiment, the temperature sensor 38 of the third embodiment can be taken in and out of the bathtub 36. In the information processing device 20 of the second embodiment, if the measured temperature is below the set temperature for a predetermined period of time during the business hours of the bathing facility 100, the inflow of hot spring water into the bathtub 36 is stopped to prevent the temperature of the hot spring water in the bathtub 36 from rising too much. However, if the inflow of hot spring water into the bathtub 36 is stopped for a long period of time, the temperature of the hot spring water in the bathtub 36 may drop too much and become unsuitable for bathing.

[0074] Therefore, in the information processing device 20 according to the third embodiment, the CPU 21, as a function of the control unit 21B, controls the opening of the control valve 32 based on opening information (hereinafter referred to as "past opening information") indicating the past change in the opening of the control valve 32 over time, instead of temperature information, when the difference between the measured temperature measured by the temperature sensor 38 and the set temperature becomes within a reference value and the measured temperature remains below the set temperature for a predetermined period of time.

[0075] For example, if the current time is 7:30, CPU 21 acquires from opening database 44B opening information from 7:00 to 8:00 the previous day as past opening information. CPU 21 then determines the opening indicated in the acquired past opening information as the opening of control valve 32. For example, if the opening indicated in the acquired past opening information is 50%, CPU 21 opens control valve 32 at 50% opening from 7:30 to 8:00. With the above configuration, information processing device 20 according to the third embodiment can dynamically adjust the amount of hot spring water flowing into bathtub 36 based on past changes in the opening of control valve 32 over time, even if temperature sensor 38 is removed from bathtub 36 or breaks down.

[0076] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the information processing system 10 according to the present invention will be described while omitting or simplifying parts that overlap with the above-described embodiments.

[0077] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the ROM 62 of the user terminal 60. As shown in FIG. 11, an information processing program 62A for causing the CPU 61 to execute various processes is stored in the ROM 62. When executing the information processing program 62A, the user terminal 60 executes processing based on the information processing program 62A using the hardware resources shown in FIG.

[0078] ROM 62 also stores a learning model 62B. Learning model 62B is a machine learning model trained to output the opening degree of control valve 32 when temperature information indicating the measured temperature of bathtub 36 and meteorological information indicating the weather at the location where bathtub 36 is installed are input. Learning model 62B is generated using a known machine learning algorithm such as a neural network. The training data input to the machine learning algorithm can be created, for example, by linking the opening degree of control valve 32 to a predetermined pair of temperature information and meteorological information. Various pairs of temperature information and meteorological information are manually evaluated, and the opening degree of control valve 32 is set for each pair. By using the training data, learning model 62B is trained to output a larger opening degree value during times of day when the temperature is low (e.g., morning and evening) than during times of high temperature (e.g., daytime).

[0079] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the user terminal 60. As shown in FIG. 12, the CPU 61 of the user terminal 60 has, as functional components, an acquisition unit 61A, a transmission unit 61B, and a notification unit 61C. Each functional component is realized by the CPU 61 reading and executing an information processing program 62A stored in the ROM 62.

[0080] Acquisition unit 61A acquires various types of information. For example, acquisition unit 61A acquires temperature information stored in temperature database 44A (see FIG. 6). Acquisition unit 61A also acquires meteorological information indicating the weather at the installation location of bathtub 36, which is stored in a predetermined external database. The meteorological information is observation data published by the Japan Meteorological Agency, and includes elements such as temperature, humidity, solar radiation, rainfall, wind speed, and heat index.

[0081] The transmitter 61B transmits various types of information to the outside. For example, the transmitter 61B transmits to the information processing device 20 instruction information instructing the opening degree of the control valve 32 determined based on the temperature information and weather information acquired by the acquirer 61A. Specifically, the transmitter 61B inputs the temperature information and weather information acquired by the acquirer 61A to the learning model 62B and acquires the opening degree of the control valve 32 as an output of the learning model 62B. The transmitter 61B then transmits to the information processing device 20 the instruction information instructing the opening degree of the control valve 32 output from the learning model 62B.

[0082] The notification unit 61C notifies the manager of the hot spring facility 100 of various information via the display unit 66. The display unit 66 is an example of an "output device," and the manager of the hot spring facility 100 is an example of a "user."

[0083] Here, the CPU 21 of the information processing device 20 has, as functional components, an acquisition unit 21A, a control unit 21B, a transmission unit 21C, and a notification unit 21D shown in FIG. 5, similarly to the above embodiment.

[0084] If the difference between the measured temperature indicated in the temperature information acquired by acquisition unit 21A and the set temperature does not decrease for a predetermined time or more while hot spring water is flowing into bathtub 36, notification unit 21D issues a predetermined notification to user terminal 60. For example, the above case may be one in which heavy rain falls at the location where bathtub 36, which is an open-air hot spring, is installed, and the temperature of the hot spring water does not rise to the set temperature even though hot spring water continues to flow into bathtub 36. In this embodiment, the predetermined time or more is set to "10 minutes or more," but this is not particularly limited and may be another value such as "5 minutes or more."

[0085] In the user terminal 60, the acquisition unit 61A acquires the predetermined notification transmitted by the notification unit 21D of the information processing device 20. Then, the notification unit 61C notifies the manager of the bathing facility 100 of the predetermined notification acquired by the acquisition unit 61A via the display unit 66. An example of the display of the predetermined notification will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0086] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of processing in the information processing system 10 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0087] 13, the CPU 61 of the user terminal 60 acquires the temperature information stored in the temperature database 44A, and the process then proceeds to step S21.

[0088] In step S21, the CPU 61 of the user terminal 60 acquires weather information stored in an external database, and the process then proceeds to step S22.

[0089] In step S22, the CPU 61 of the user terminal 60 inputs the temperature information acquired in step S20 and the weather information acquired in step S21 into the learning model 62B, and acquires the opening degree of the control valve 32 as an output of the learning model 62B. Then, the process proceeds to step S23.

[0090] In step S23, the CPU 61 of the user terminal 60 transmits the instruction information, acquired in step S22, instructing the opening degree of the control valve 32 to the information processing device 20. Then, the process proceeds to step S24.

[0091] In step S24, the CPU 21 of the information processing device 20 controls the opening degree of the control valve 32. Specifically, the CPU 21 acquires the instruction information transmitted from the user terminal 60, and sets the opening degree indicated in the instruction information to the control valve 32. Then, the process ends.

[0092] Fig. 14 is an example of a display displayed on the display unit 66 of the user terminal 60. Specifically, message information 70 indicating a predetermined notification is displayed on the display unit 66 shown in Fig. 14.

[0093] The message information 70 indicates a message for the manager of the hot spring facility 100. In Fig. 14, the message information 70 indicates a message regarding an abnormality, saying "<Warning> There may be an abnormality in the water temperature of ABC Hot Spring."

[0094] As described above, in the information processing system 10 according to the fourth embodiment, the CPU 61 of the user terminal 60 transmits instruction information instructing the opening degree of the control valve 32 determined based on the acquired temperature information and weather information to the information processing device 20. As a result, the information processing system 10 can remotely control the opening degree of the control valve 32. Therefore, according to the information processing system 10, for example, by instructing the opening degree of the control valve 32 via the user terminal 60 during times of day when the temperature is low (e.g., morning and evening), it is possible to quickly increase the temperature of the hot spring water in the bathtub 36 or to slow down the decrease in the water temperature.

[0095] Furthermore, in the information processing system 10 according to the fourth embodiment, when the difference between the measured temperature and the set temperature indicated in the temperature information acquired by the acquisition unit 21A does not decrease for a predetermined time or longer while hot spring water is flowing into the bathtub 36, the CPU 21 of the information processing device 20 sends a predetermined notification to the user terminal 60. The CPU 61 of the user terminal 60 then notifies the manager of the bathing facility 100 of the acquired predetermined notification via the display unit 66. This allows the information processing system 10 to make the manager aware of any abnormalities occurring in the bathtub 36.

[0096] (others) In the above embodiment, the set temperature of bathtub 36 is set to 42°C, but this set temperature is not limited to this. For example, the set temperature may be any temperature between 30°C and 45°C. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, only bathtub 36 is shown as the bathtub in hot spring facility 100, but multiple bathtubs may be provided in hot spring facility 100. In this case, the set temperature may be different for each of the multiple bathtubs.

[0097] In the above embodiment, the bathing facility 100 is a hot spring, and the bathtub 36 is filled with hot spring water, but this is not limited to this. For example, the bathing facility 100 may be a public bath, and the bathtub 36 may be filled with normal hot water other than hot spring water. In other words, the processing of the information processing system 10 according to the above embodiment is not limited to being performed in a hot spring, but may also be performed in a public bath.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the temperature of the hot spring water flowing into the bathtub 36 may be the temperature of the hot spring itself, or may be an adjusted temperature of the hot spring water itself. For example, the temperature of the hot spring water flowing into the bathtub 36 can be lowered to "60 to 70°C" by adding water to the hot spring water or by passing the hot spring water through a bamboo hot spring cooling device. In addition, the temperature of the hot spring water flowing into the bathtub 36 can be raised to "60 to 70°C" by heating the hot spring water.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the CPU 21 acquires the temperature information for the day before the execution date of the opening degree determination process from the temperature database 44A as past temperature information, but the temperature information acquired as past temperature information is not limited to this. For example, the CPU 21 may acquire temperature information for one week or one year before the execution date of the opening degree determination process as past temperature information. Furthermore, the temperature information acquired as past temperature information is not limited to one day's worth, and may be for multiple days' worth.

[0100] In the above embodiment, the CPU 21 acquired, as past opening information, from the opening database 44B, opening information for the day before when the measured temperature fell below the set temperature for a predetermined period of time after the difference between the measured temperature measured by the temperature sensor 38 and the set temperature fell within the reference value. However, the opening information acquired as past opening information is not limited to this. For example, the CPU 21 may acquire, as past opening information, opening information from one week or one year before the day when the measured temperature fell below the set temperature for the predetermined period of time. Furthermore, the opening information acquired as past opening information is not limited to one day, but may also be for multiple days.

[0101] In the bathtub 36 of the above embodiment, a drain groove may be installed between the height at which the temperature sensor 38 is located and the upper end of the bathtub 36. In this case, the height at which the drain groove is located in the bathtub 36 is the upper limit of the water level of the hot spring water that can be stored in the bathtub 36.

[0102] In the above embodiment, the configurations of the information processing systems 10 according to the first to fourth embodiments can be combined as appropriate.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the adjustment process and the opening determination process executed by the CPU 21 by loading software (programs) may be executed by various processors other than a CPU. Examples of such processors include programmable logic devices (PLDs) (such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)) whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacture, and dedicated electrical circuits such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) that are processors with circuit configurations specifically designed to execute specific processes. The adjustment process and the opening determination process may be executed by one of these various processors, or by a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (e.g., multiple FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). The hardware structure of these various processors is, more specifically, an electrical circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor devices.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the information processing program 22A is pre-stored (installed) in the ROM 22, and the information processing program 62A is pre-installed in the ROM 62. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The information processing program 22A and the information processing program 62A may be provided in a form recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory), or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. The information processing program 22A and the information processing program 62A may also be downloaded from an external device via a network N. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 10 Information Processing Systems 20 Information processing equipment 21A Acquisition Department 21B Control section 21D Notification Department 22A Information Processing Program 32 Control valve 36 Bathtub 38 Temperature Sensor 60 User terminal (external terminal) 61B Transmitter 61C Notification Department 66 Display section (output device)

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires temperature information indicating a measured temperature, which is the temperature inside the bathtub, measured by a temperature sensor located within a set range of the hot water level stored in the bathtub; a control unit that, when the measured temperature indicated in the temperature information acquired by the acquisition unit is lower than a set temperature set as the temperature of the hot water to be stored in the bathtub, opens a control valve to allow hot water with a temperature higher than the set temperature to flow into the bathtub, and, when the measured temperature is equal to or higher than the set temperature, closes the control valve to stop the hot water from flowing into the bathtub, and adjusts the opening of the control valve based on the tendency of changes in the measured temperature indicated in the past temperature information; Equipped with Information processing device.

2. When the past temperature information includes a time period in which the decrease in the measured temperature per unit time is within a predetermined value after the difference between the measured temperature and the set temperature becomes within a reference value, the control unit reduces the opening of the control valve during the time period to reduce the amount of hot water flowing into the bathtub. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. When the difference between the measured temperature measured by the temperature sensor and the set temperature falls within a reference value and the measured temperature remains below the set temperature for a predetermined time, the control unit closes the control valve to stop the hot water from flowing into the bathtub. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. When the difference between the measured temperature measured by the temperature sensor and the set temperature falls within a reference value and then the measured temperature falls below the set temperature for a predetermined time, the control unit controls the opening of the control valve based on opening information indicating a change in the opening of the control valve over time in the past, instead of the temperature information. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4; an external terminal that acquires the temperature information; The external terminal a transmitting unit that transmits to the information processing device instruction information that indicates the opening degree of the control valve, the instruction information being determined based on the acquired temperature information and meteorological information indicating the weather at the installation location of the bathtub; Information processing system.

6. the information processing device includes a notification unit that issues a predetermined notification to the external terminal when a difference between the measured temperature and the set temperature indicated in the temperature information acquired by the acquisition unit does not decrease for a predetermined time or more while the hot water is flowing into the bathtub; the external terminal includes a notification unit that notifies a user of the acquired predetermined notification via an output device; The information processing system according to claim 5 .

7. Acquire temperature information indicating a measured temperature, which is the temperature inside the bathtub, measured by a temperature sensor located within a set range of the hot water level to be stored in the bathtub; If the measured temperature indicated in the acquired temperature information is lower than a set temperature set as the temperature of the hot water to be stored in the bathtub, a control valve is opened to allow hot water having a temperature higher than the set temperature to flow into the bathtub, and if the measured temperature is equal to or higher than the set temperature, the control valve is closed to stop the hot water from flowing into the bathtub, and the opening of the control valve is adjusted based on the tendency of changes in the measured temperature indicated in the past temperature information. An information processing method in which processing is performed by a computer.

8. Acquire temperature information indicating a measured temperature, which is the temperature inside the bathtub, measured by a temperature sensor located within a set range of the hot water level to be stored in the bathtub; If the measured temperature indicated in the acquired temperature information is lower than a set temperature set as the temperature of the hot water to be stored in the bathtub, a control valve is opened to allow hot water having a temperature higher than the set temperature to flow into the bathtub, and if the measured temperature is equal to or higher than the set temperature, the control valve is closed to stop the hot water from flowing into the bathtub, and the opening of the control valve is adjusted based on the tendency of changes in the measured temperature indicated in the past temperature information. An information processing program that causes a computer to execute a process.

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