Charging method, and charging system

Abstract

To provide a charging method and a charging system for performing appropriate charging corresponding to use of a specific function by a user.SOLUTION: In a charging method, a management server determines the existence of data reception, acquires history information included in received data when there is the data reception, and stores a result time such as a massage execution time and a white turbidness execution time included in the history information. Then, an execution time (the massage execution time and the white turbidness execution time) from after the preceding charging time to a present charging time is integrated in the case of determining that a predetermined charging time arrives, and executes pay-as-you-go proportional to the integrated execution time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a billing method and a billing system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, shower systems have been known that include a shower head capable of implementing a bubble mode and an operating device. The bubble mode is a mode in which the shower head releases bubble-containing water. When the operating device does not receive an instruction to execute the bubble mode, the shower head releases bubble-free water. When the operating device receives an instruction to execute the bubble mode, the shower head executes the bubble mode and releases bubble-containing water (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2009 / 212028 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, a billing method may be considered in which a biomedical treatment device such as a shower system is rented to a user and a rental fee is charged. However, such a billing method has the problem of inconvenient billing, since the user is charged for the use of the biomedical treatment device itself, regardless of whether a specific function of the biomedical treatment device is used. Note that this problem is not limited to shower systems, but is also common to other biomedical treatment devices, such as an electrical stimulation device that applies electrical stimulation to a living body.

[0005] This specification discloses a technique that can solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The technology disclosed in this specification can be realized, for example, in the following forms.

[0007] (1) The billing method disclosed in this specification is a billing method for charging for a specific function used in a bioprocessing device that performs processing on a living body, wherein the bioprocessing device has an operation device and is configured to execute a function usage mode that uses the specific function based on operation by the operation device, and when the operation device receives an instruction to execute the function usage mode, it obtains history information regarding the execution of the function usage mode and executes billing based on the history information.

[0008] In this billing method, historical information regarding the execution of the function usage mode is acquired, and billing is performed based on that historical information. Therefore, compared to a billing method that bills when the biomedical processing device is turned on regardless of whether a specific function is used, it is possible to bill appropriately according to the user's use of a specific function.

[0009] (2) In the billing method, the biometric processing device may be configured to be able to execute a function non-use mode in which the specific function is not used, and the execution of the function non-use mode may not be subject to billing. In this billing method, for a biometric processing device capable of executing multiple modes, the execution of the function non-use mode is not charged, but the execution of the function use mode is charged. Therefore, appropriate billing can be performed according to the user's use of the specific function.

[0010] (3) The billing system disclosed in this specification is a biometric processing device that performs processing on a living body, and includes an operation device and a processing execution unit that executes a function usage mode that uses a specific function based on an operation by the operation device, a controller that outputs history information regarding the execution of the function usage mode when the operation device receives an instruction to execute the function usage mode, and a billing device that executes billing based on the history information output by the controller. This billing system allows appropriate billing according to the user's use of a specific function.

[0011] (4) In the billing system, the biometric processing device may be configured to selectively execute the function use mode and a function non-use mode in which the specific function is not used based on the operation of the operating device, and the billing device may be configured to exclude billing for the execution of the function non-use mode. With this configuration, appropriate billing can be performed according to the use of the specific function by the user.

[0012] (5) In the billing system, the living body processing device may be a fluid supply device that supplies a fluid to the living body, and the specific function may be a gas supply function that adds gas to the liquid supplied by the fluid supply device. With this configuration, appropriate billing can be performed according to the user's use of the gas supply function.

[0013] The technology disclosed in this specification can be realized in various forms, such as a billing method, a billing system, a bioprocessing device, a specific function execution device (e.g., a gas supplier), etc. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a billing system 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a shower system 2 according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a shower head 10 according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing a history acquisition process executed by the gas supplier 7. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing the billing process executed by the management server 3. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a shower head 10A according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] A. Implementation: A-1. Configuration of Billing System 1: FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a billing system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the billing system 1 includes a shower system 2 and a management server 3. The shower system 2 and the management server 3 are connected to each other via a network 4 so that they can communicate with each other. Specifically, the shower system 2 is connected to a communication box 5 so that they can communicate with each other via a wired or wireless connection (e.g., Bluetooth (registered trademark)). The communication box 5 has a network communication function. Therefore, the shower system 2 can communicate with the management server 3 by using the network communication function of the communication box 5. The management server 3 is an example of a billing device, and the shower system 2 is an example of a fluid supply device.

[0016] The shower system 2 is installed in a store such as a beauty salon, a home, or the like. The billing system 1 may include multiple shower systems 2. The multiple shower systems 2 may be installed in different locations (for example, multiple beauty salons). The management server 3 is installed in a location different from the location of the shower system 2, such as a management company that manages the shower system 2. As will be described later, the management server 3 can individually manage the usage status, etc. of one or more shower systems 2 via network communication and perform billing.

[0017] (Overall configuration of shower system 2): FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of shower system 2. As shown in FIG. 2, shower system 2 includes shower head 10, an operating device 6, and a gas supplier 7. Shower system 2 may include one pair of shower head 10 and operating device 6, or multiple pairs (three pairs are shown in FIG. 2). Each pair of shower head 10 and operating device 6 is disposed on a respective shower stand 8 (see FIG. 1).

[0018] (10 shower head configurations): FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the shower head 10 according to this embodiment. FIG. 3 shows mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes for specifying directions. The positive Z-axis direction is the upward direction, the negative Z-axis direction is the downward direction, the positive Y-axis direction is the leftward direction, the negative Y-axis direction is the rightward direction, the positive X-axis direction is the forward direction, and the negative X-axis direction is the backward direction. The shower head 10 is an example of a process execution unit.

[0019] As will be described later, the shower head 10 switches between, for example, a "foam mode" and a "non-foam mode" based on operation of the operating device 6. The foam mode is a mode that utilizes the gas supply function of the gas supplier 7. Specifically, the foam mode is a mode in which water containing bubbles is discharged by incorporating air supplied by the gas supplier 7 into water supplied from the water supply source 1000. The non-foam mode is a mode that does not utilize the gas supply function of the gas supplier 7. Specifically, the non-foam mode is a mode in which water is discharged without incorporating gas (air in this embodiment) supplied by the gas supplier 7 into water supplied from the water supply source 1000. The gas supply function of the gas supplier 7 is an example of a specific function, the foam mode is an example of a function utilization mode, and the non-foam mode is an example of a function non-utilization mode.

[0020] 3, the shower head 10 includes a head body 100 and a shower plate 200. The head body 100 and the shower plate 200 are made of, for example, resin (EPDM (ethylene propylene diene rubber)).

[0021] The head body 100 has a substantially spherical head portion 110 and a substantially cylindrical extension portion 120 extending downward from the head portion 110. An accommodation space (not shown) is formed inside the head portion 110, and a front opening communicating with the accommodation space is formed on the front surface of the head portion 110. A handle portion 116 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the head portion 110. The handle portion 116 protrudes obliquely upward from the rear surface side of the head portion 110.

[0022] The upper end of the internal space of extension portion 120 communicates with the storage space of head portion 110. A tubular connecting member 124 is provided at the lower end of extension portion 120, and the tip of shower hose 126 is connected to this connecting member 124. The base end of shower hose 126 is connected to water supply source 1000 (such as a water heater) via coupling 980, which will be described later (see FIG. 2). Water (which may be hot or cold) supplied from water supply source 1000 passes through shower hose 126 and is introduced into head body 100.

[0023] The shower plate 200 is disposed so as to cover the front opening of the head body 100. The shower plate 200 is generally in the shape of a circular plate, and has a plurality of discharge holes 220 formed therein.

[0024] Each discharge hole 220 is a hole that discharges water introduced from shower hose 126. The multiple discharge holes 220 are formed in an area that includes center P of shower plate 200. Each discharge hole 220 has, for example, the same cross-sectional shape over its entire length.

[0025] (Configuration of operation device 6): The operating device 6 is disposed, for example, near the feet of the shower stand 8. The operating device 6 has a first foot switch SW1 and a second foot switch SW2. The first foot switch SW1 and the second foot switch SW2 are both switches for issuing an instruction to execute the foam mode. The foam mode includes, for example, a massage mode and a milky white mode. The massage mode is a mode in which relatively large air masses (e.g., air bubbles with a diameter of 1 mm or more) are introduced from the gas supplier 7 into the water supplied from the water supply source 1000. The milky white mode is a mode in which relatively small air masses (e.g., fine air bubbles with a diameter of less than 50 μm) are introduced from the gas supplier 7 into the water supplied from the water supply source 1000.

[0026] Specifically, when the first foot switch SW1 or the second foot switch SW2 is stepped on with a foot, it changes from an off state to an on state and transmits an on signal to the gas supplier 7. When the gas supplier 7 receives an on signal from either the first foot switch SW1 or the second foot switch SW2, it executes a gas supply function. When the gas supplier 7 receives an on signal from the first foot switch SW1, it supplies air that satisfies a first flow rate condition corresponding to the massage mode. When the gas supplier 7 receives an on signal from the second foot switch SW2, it supplies air that satisfies a second flow rate condition corresponding to the cloudy mode. The flow rate conditions include, for example, the flow rate and the opening / closing pattern of the fluid supply.

[0027] (Configuration of gas supplier 7): The gas supplier 7 performs a gas supply function based on operation by the operating device 6. Specifically, when the first foot switch SW1 is in the on state, the gas supplier 7 performs a first gas supply function corresponding to the massage mode. When the second foot switch SW2 is in the on state, the gas supplier 7 performs a second gas supply function corresponding to the opaque mode. Specifically, the gas supplier 7 includes an electronic unit 700, a pressure generator 800, and an air switching unit 900.

[0028] The electronic unit 700 includes a power supply unit 710, a control unit 720, a communication unit 730, an input unit 740, an output unit 750, and a storage unit 760. The power supply unit 710 is electrically connected to an external power supply 1100 via a power switch 810. When the power switch 810 is turned on, the power supply unit 710 supplies power to each part of the electronic unit 700 (the control unit 720, the communication unit 730, the input unit 740, the output unit 750, and the storage unit 760).

[0029] The pressure generator 800 has an air compressor 820 and generates compressed air. The pressure generator 800 further has a power switch 810, an air tank 830, a regulator 840, air filters 850 and 870, a distribution pipe 860, and a drain valve 880. The air compressor 820 is an example of a compressor.

[0030] The power switch 810 is a switch for starting the air compressor 820. The power switch 810 is electrically connected to the external power supply 1100. When the power switch 810 is changed from an off state to an on state, the air compressor 820 starts up and takes in and compresses air E via an air filter 870. The air compressed by the air compressor 820 (hereinafter referred to as "compressed air E") is accumulated in an air tank 830. The air tank 830 is in communication with a distribution pipe 860 via a regulator 840 and an air filter 850. The distribution pipe 860 is a joint for distributing the compressed air E generated by the air compressor 820. The drain valve 880 is used, for example, when discharging the compressed air E or water accumulated in the air tank 830.

[0031] The air switching unit 900 has multiple switching mechanisms 901 corresponding to the multiple showerheads 10. Each switching mechanism 901 has a branch pipe 910, a first adjustment unit 920, a second adjustment unit 930, a first solenoid valve 940, a second solenoid valve 950, a junction pipe 960, and a check valve 970.

[0032] The input end of the branch pipe 910 is connected to the distribution pipe 860 of the pressure generator 800, and the two output ends of the branch pipe 910 are connected to a first adjustment unit 920 and a second adjustment unit 930, respectively. The first adjustment unit 920 adjusts the supply flow rate of the air E to satisfy a first flow rate condition corresponding to the massage mode (e.g., 5 L / min or more and 9 L / min or less, 7 L / min in this embodiment). The second adjustment unit 930 adjusts the supply flow rate of the air E to satisfy a second flow rate condition corresponding to the cloudy mode (e.g., 0.010 L / min or more and 0.020 L / min or less, 0.015 L / min in this embodiment).

[0033] The first solenoid valve 940 is disposed between the first adjustment unit 920 and the junction pipe 960. The first solenoid valve 940 maintains a closed state while not receiving an open signal corresponding to the on signal of the first foot switch SW1 from the electronic unit 700, and maintains an open state while receiving an open signal from the electronic unit 700. In other words, the time during which the first foot switch SW1 is in the on state corresponds to the execution time of the first gas supply function. The second solenoid valve 950 is disposed between the second adjustment unit 930 and the junction pipe 960. The second solenoid valve 950 maintains a closed state while not receiving an open signal corresponding to the on signal of the second foot switch SW2 from the electronic unit 700, and maintains an open state while receiving an open signal from the electronic unit 700. In other words, the time during which the second foot switch SW2 is in the on state corresponds to the execution time of the second gas supply function.

[0034] The junction pipe 960 communicates with a fitting 980 via a check valve 970. The input end of the fitting 980 communicates with the gas supplier 7 (air switching unit 900) and the water supply source 1000, and the output end of the fitting 980 communicates with the shower head 10 via a shower hose 126. The fitting 980 takes in compressed air E supplied by the gas supplier 7 into the water supplied from the water supply source 1000 and sends it to the shower head 10.

[0035] The control unit 720 is configured using, for example, at least one of a CPU, a multi-core CPU, and a programmable device (for example, an FGPA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device)). The control unit 720 controls the operation of the gas supplier 7. That is, the control unit 720 controls the air switching unit 900 based on the operation of the operating device 6, and also executes the history acquisition process (see FIG. 4 described later) described later.

[0036] The input unit 740 receives an ON signal from the first foot switch SW1 and an ON signal from the second foot switch SW2, separately. The input unit 740 transmits each of the received ON signals to the control unit 720. The output unit 750 is communicatively connected to the first solenoid valve 940 and the second solenoid valve 950 of each switching mechanism 901. When the control unit 720 receives an ON signal from the first foot switch SW1, it sends an open signal to the first solenoid valve 940, causing the first solenoid valve 940 to change from a closed state to an open state. When the control unit 720 receives an ON signal from the second foot switch SW2, it sends an open signal to the second solenoid valve 950, causing the second solenoid valve 950 to change from a closed state to an open state.

[0037] The storage unit 760 is configured with, for example, a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk drive (HDD), and a solid-state drive (SSD). The storage unit 760 stores various programs and data, and is used as a work area and data storage area when executing various processes. For example, the storage unit 760 stores a computer program for executing a history acquisition process. This computer program is provided in a state stored on a computer-readable recording medium (not shown), such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a USB memory, or is provided in a state that allows it to be retrieved from an external device (for example, the management server 3) via the network 4, and is then stored in the storage unit 760.

[0038] The communication unit 730 is communicatively connected to the communication box 5. Furthermore, based on an on signal received from the input unit 740, the control unit 720 stores history information regarding the execution of the gas supply function in the storage unit 760 and transmits the history information to the management server 3 via the communication unit 730. The electronic unit 700 (communication unit 730) is an example of a controller.

[0039] A-2. Billing method using Billing System 1: The billing method of this embodiment is a method of charging for the gas supply function of the gas supplier 7 used in the shower head 10.

[0040] (Processing performed by the gas supplier 7): 4 is a flowchart showing the history acquisition process executed by the gas supplier 7. When the power switch 810 of the gas supplier 7 is turned on, the control unit 720 executes the history acquisition process. The history acquisition process is a process for acquiring history information related to the execution of the gas supplier 7 used in the showerhead 10 based on the operation of the operation device 6.

[0041] 4, the control unit 720 determines whether the first foot switch SW1 is in the ON state (S110). If the input unit 740 does not receive an ON signal for the first foot switch SW1, the control unit 720 determines that the first foot switch SW1 is in the OFF state, and if the input unit 740 receives an ON signal for the first foot switch SW1, the control unit 720 determines that the first foot switch SW1 is in the ON state.

[0042] When the control unit 720 determines that the first foot switch SW1 is in the ON state (S110: YES), it turns on the massage mode (S120). Specifically, the control unit 720 sends an open signal to the first solenoid valve 940 via the output unit 750 to change the first solenoid valve 940 from the closed state to the open state. In addition, at the timing when the massage mode is turned on, the control unit 720 starts counting the elapsed time from the start of execution of the massage mode (hereinafter referred to as "massage execution time") (S130).

[0043] Thereafter, if the control unit 720 determines that the first foot switch SW1 continues to be ON (S140: NO), it continues counting up the massage execution time (S130). If the control unit 720 determines that the first foot switch SW1 has been turned OFF (S140: YES), it switches the massage mode to OFF (S150). Specifically, the control unit 720 sends a close signal to the first solenoid valve 940 via the output unit 750, causing the first solenoid valve 940 to change from an open state to a closed state. The control unit 720 also stops counting up the massage execution time. Thereafter, the control unit 720 transmits history information including this massage execution time to the management server 3 (S160), and returns to S110. Note that the history information may include, in addition to the massage execution time, at least one of massage mode identification information, massage execution date and time, execution time, and execution count.

[0044] When the control unit 720 determines that the second foot switch SW2 is in the ON state (S110: NO and S210: YES), it turns on the milky white mode (S220). Specifically, the control unit 720 sends an open signal to the second solenoid valve 950 via the output unit 750 to change the second solenoid valve 950 from a closed state to an open state. In addition, at the timing when the milky white mode is turned on, the control unit 720 starts counting the elapsed time from the start of execution of the milky white mode (hereinafter referred to as the "milky white execution time") (S230).

[0045] Thereafter, if the control unit 720 determines that the second foot switch SW2 continues to be in the ON state (S240: NO), it continues counting up the whitening execution time (S230). If the control unit 720 determines that the second foot switch SW2 has been turned off (S240: YES), it turns the whitening mode off (S250). Specifically, the control unit 720 sends a close signal to the second solenoid valve 950 via the output unit 750, causing the second solenoid valve 950 to change from an open state to a closed state. The control unit 720 also stops counting up the whitening execution time. Thereafter, the control unit 720 transmits history information including this whitening execution time to the management server 3 (S160), and returns to S110. Note that the history information may include, in addition to the whitening execution time, at least one of identification information of the whitening mode, the date and time of whitening execution, the execution time, and the number of executions.

[0046] (Processing performed by Management Server 3): FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the billing process executed by the management server 3. The billing control unit (not shown) of the management server 3 periodically determines whether data has been received (S130). If the billing control unit determines that no data has been received (S310: NO), it waits. If the billing control unit determines that data has been received (S310: YES), it acquires the history information included in the received data (S320) and stores the execution time (massage execution time, cloudy execution time) included in the history information in memory (not shown) in association with the date and time of receipt of the history information (S330). As a result, a correspondence relationship information (database) is created in the memory of the management server 3, in which the execution time of the gas supply function by the gas supplier 7 is associated with the execution date and time (or execution time). Therefore, the management server 3 can manage the usage status of the gas supply function (usage amount, usage time, usage frequency, number of uses, etc.), usage fees, etc. for each store based on this correspondence relationship information.

[0047] If the accounting control unit determines that a predetermined accounting period (for example, a monthly deadline) has not arrived (S340: NO), it does not execute accounting and returns to S310.

[0048] When the billing control unit determines that the billing time has arrived (S340: YES), it calculates the execution time (massage execution time, cloudy execution time) from the previous billing time to the current billing time based on the correspondence information, performs pay-per-use billing proportional to the accumulated execution time (S350), and returns to S310. Specifically, the billing control unit calculates the billing amount by multiplying the accumulated execution time by a predetermined billing standard (e.g., unit price per unit execution time), and issues billing information for the billing amount to, for example, the user of billing system 1.

[0049] A-3. Advantages of this embodiment: As described above, billing system 1 of this embodiment can bill only for the actual use of the gas supply function by gas supplier 7 out of the overall use of shower system 2. In other words, billing system 1 does not bill when shower system 2 is not in use, nor when non-foam mode is active or shower system 2 is in standby mode. The standby mode is a state in which foam mode is active; specifically, pressure generator 800 is active, but no instruction to activate the gas supply function has been issued by operating device 6 (neither foot switch SW1 nor SW2 has been depressed). Therefore, billing system 1 can appropriately bill a user based on their use of the gas supply function, compared to a billing method that bills when shower system 2 is powered on, regardless of whether the gas supply function is being used.

[0050] B. Variations: The technology disclosed in this specification is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified into various forms without departing from the spirit thereof, for example, the following modifications are also possible.

[0051] The configuration of the billing system 1 in the above embodiment is merely an example and can be modified in various ways. For example, the gas supplier 7 itself may have a network communication function and may be directly connected to the network communication network 4 so as to be able to communicate with the gas supplier 7. The gas supplier 7 may also be configured to perform only one of the first gas supply function and the second gas supply function. The gas supplier 7 may have only one or two switching mechanisms 901, or may have four or more switching mechanisms 901. The operation device 6 is not limited to a configuration having foot switches SW1 and SW2 that are operated by foot, and may also be an operation device that is operated by hand.

[0052] For example, the shapes, dimensions, and materials of each part of showerhead 10 are merely examples and can be modified in various ways. Specifically, showerhead 10 may be configured without handle 116 or the like. Showerhead 10 may also be configured with a built-in bubble generator that generates bubbles (microbubbles, etc.) by passing water introduced into head portion 110 from shower hose 126. In the above embodiment, if showerhead 10 is configured with a built-in bubble generator, the bubble generation function of the bubble generator is always performed regardless of the mode selected. Therefore, for example, if the bubble generation function of gas supplier 7 is not performed and the bubble generation function of the bubble generator is performed, no fee may be charged.

[0053] 6 is a perspective view showing the exterior configuration of a modified showerhead 10A. The showerhead 10A differs from the showerhead 10 of the above embodiment in that it includes a selector switch 150. The showerhead 10A can release liquid (water) from the shower plate 200 in multiple different release modes by operating the selector switch 150. The multiple release modes differ from one another in terms of liquid release patterns (e.g., release amount, release pressure, release timing, presence or absence of bubbles, bubble size, etc.).

[0054] Specifically, shower head 10A is configured to allow water to be discharged in a switchable discharge mode, for example, between "straight mode" and "pure straight mode." Straight mode discharges water at a relatively high water pressure and with force. Pure straight mode discharges a finer stream of water than straight mode. As shown in FIG. 6, an upper opening 118 that communicates with the storage space is formed on the top surface of head portion 110, and a portion of selector switch 150 protrudes from this upper opening 118.

[0055] Shower plate 200A is formed with a plurality of central discharge holes 210 in addition to a plurality of discharge holes 220. Discharge holes 220 are holes that discharge water introduced from shower hose 126 when the straight mode is set.

[0056] Each central release hole 210 is a hole that releases water introduced from shower hose 126 when pure straight mode is set. The multiple central release holes 210 are formed in an area on the inner periphery of release hole 220. Each central release hole 210 is configured to release a thinner water stream than release hole 220.

[0057] The selector switch 150 is a switch for switching between straight mode and pure straight mode. The selector switch 150 is a seesaw-type switch that rotates around a predetermined axis. Rotating the selector switch 150 in one direction sets the shower head 10A to straight mode, and rotating the selector switch 150 in the opposite direction sets the shower head 10A to pure straight mode. Regardless of whether the selector switch 150 is set to straight mode or pure straight mode, when either the first foot switch SW1 or the second foot switch SW2 of the operating device 6 is turned on, the shower head 10A operates in the foam mode. For example, when the selector switch 150 is set to straight mode and the first foot switch SW1 is turned on, foamy water is discharged from the discharge hole 220 in the massage mode. When the selector switch 150 is set to straight mode and the second foot switch SW2 is turned on, foamy water is discharged from the discharge hole 220 in the cloudy mode. When the selector switch 150 is set to the pure straight mode and the first foot switch SW1 is turned on, foamy water is released in the massage mode from the central release hole 210. When the selector switch 150 is set to the pure straight mode and the second foot switch SW2 is turned on, foamy water is released in the cloudy mode from the central release hole 210.

[0058] Thus, according to the configuration of this modified example, by combining the "multiple release modes that can be switched using the selector switch 150" of the shower head 10A with the "presence or absence of a gas supply function by the gas supplier 7 that can be switched by operating the operating device 6," water can be released from the shower head 10A in a wide variety of release patterns.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the first foot switch SW1 corresponds to the massage mode and the second foot switch SW2 corresponds to the milky white mode. However, this is not limiting. For example, the first foot switch SW1 may correspond to the milky white mode and the second foot switch SW2 may correspond to the massage mode. In the above embodiment and modified examples, the operation device is the operation device 6 equipped with the foot switches SW1 and SW2. However, the operation device may be provided in the process execution device (such as a shower head). Specifically, the shower head 10A shown in FIG. 6 may be configured such that switching between a function use mode and a function non-use mode (turning on and off the gas supply function of the gas supplier 7) is performed by operating the selector switch 150.

[0060] In the above embodiment, the gas supply function by the gas supplier 7 is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this and may also include a cavitation function that gasifies dissolved oxygen and supplies it, a function that supplies soap bubbles, etc. Furthermore, the function non-use mode is not limited to the straight mode and may also be, for example, a normal mode in which water supplied from the water supply source 1000 is released as is.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the shower system 2 is exemplified as the biotreatment device. However, the biotreatment device may be any device that treats a living organism. The living organism may be at least one of a human, an animal, and a plant. Treatment may include medical treatment, beauty treatment, etc. The biotreatment device is not limited to a fluid supplying device (note that the "fluid" is preferably water or hot water). It may also be, for example, an electrical stimulation device that applies electrical stimulation (e.g., electromagnetic waves within a predetermined frequency range) to a living organism. For example, a mode in which the current value or frequency of the electrical stimulation device is within a predetermined range or a mode in which the output pattern of the electrical stimulation device is a specific pattern may be defined as a function utilization mode, and a mode in which the current value or frequency of the electrical stimulation device is outside the predetermined range or a mode in which the output pattern of the electrical stimulation device is not a specific pattern may be defined as a function non-utilization mode. Specifically, the electrical stimulation device outputs a current equal to or greater than a predetermined value to perform EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) and passes a weak current less than a predetermined value to check whether the electrical stimulation electrodes are attached to the person (skin detection). In this case, when a current equal to or greater than a predetermined value is output to perform EMS (electrical muscle stimulation), the device is considered to be in a function use mode and is subject to charges, whereas when a weak current less than the predetermined value is flowing, the device is considered to be in a function non-use mode and is not subject to charges. In this case, the function of applying electrical stimulation is an example of a specific function, and the electrical stimulation electrodes (e.g., electrode pads) that apply the electrical stimulation are an example of a processing executor.

[0062] In the above embodiment, the electronic unit 700 that transmits history information to an external device is exemplified as the controller, but the controller is not limited to this and may be configured to output history information, for example, to print the history information using a printing device or display it on a display device.

[0063] The above billing method is merely an example and can be modified in various ways. For example, in the above embodiment, the first gas supply function and the second gas supply function are not distinguished from each other, and the billing is performed for the execution of the gas supply function based on the total execution time of the first gas supply function and the second gas supply function. However, this is not limited to this, and the above embodiment may distinguish between the execution of the first gas supply function and the execution of the second gas supply function, and the billing for the execution of the first gas supply function and the billing for the execution of the second gas supply function may be performed separately. In this case, the billing criteria for the execution of the first gas supply function and the billing for the execution of the second gas supply function may be different from each other.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the execution time of a specific function (gas supply function) was exemplified as the history information, but the history information is not limited to this and may also be the number of times the specific function is executed (for example, the number of times the foot switches SW1 and SW2 are turned on), the intensity of use of the specific function (for example, the degree to which the foot switches SW1 and SW2 are depressed, or the amount of bubble generation (amount of change) converted from the cumulative value of the degree to which the foot switches SW1 and SW2 are depressed), the amount of gas supplied (= flow rate x execution time), etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1: Billing system 2: Shower system 3: Management server 4: Network communication network 5: Communication box 6: Operating device 7: Gas supplier 8: Shower stand 10: Shower head 100: Head body 110: Head part 116: Handle part 118: Upper opening 120: Extension part 124: Connection member 126: Shower hose 150: Selector switch 200: Shower plate 210: Bubble discharge hole 220: Straight discharge hole 700: Electronic unit 710: Power supply unit 720: Control unit 730: Communication unit 740: Input unit 750: Output unit 760: Memory unit 800: Pressure generator 810: Power switch 820: Air compressor 830: Air tank 840: Regulator 850, 870: Air filter 860: Distribution pipe 880: Drain valve 900: Air switching unit 901: Switching mechanism 910: Branch pipe 920: First adjustment section 930: Second adjustment section 940: First solenoid valve 950: Second solenoid valve 960: Junction pipe 970: Check valve 980: Joint 1000: Water supply source 1100: External power supply CPU: Multi-core SW1: First foot switch SW2: Second foot switch

Claims

1. A billing method for charging for a specific function used in a biomedical processing device that performs processing on a living body, comprising: the biomedical processing device has an operation device, and is configured to execute a function use mode in which the specific function is used based on an operation of the operation device; When the operation device receives an instruction to execute the function use mode, it acquires history information regarding the execution of the function use mode; A billing method for performing billing based on the history information.

2. 2. The billing method according to claim 1, the biomedical processing device is configured to be able to execute a function non-use mode in which the specific function is not used, A billing method in which the execution of the non-function use mode is not subject to billing.

3. a biomedical processing device for performing processing on a living body, the biomedical processing device having an operation device and a processing execution unit configured to execute a function use mode that uses a specific function based on an operation by the operation device; a controller that outputs history information regarding execution of the function use mode when the operation device receives an instruction to execute the function use mode; a billing device that performs billing based on the history information output by the controller; A billing system comprising:

4. 4. The billing system according to claim 3, the biomedical processing device is configured to be able to selectively execute the function use mode and a function non-use mode in which the specific function is not used, based on an operation by the operation device; A billing system in which the billing device does not bill for the execution of the function non-use mode.

5. 5. The billing system according to claim 3 or claim 4, the living body treatment device is a fluid supply device that supplies a fluid to the living body, The specific function is a gas supply function of adding gas to the liquid supplied by the fluid supply device.

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