Washstand and program

Abstract

To promote a user to perform a predetermined action on a washstand.SOLUTION: A washstand comprises: a detection information reception unit 11 that receives a predetermined action performed by a user on the washstand; and a transmission unit 15 that transmits information indicating that the predetermined action has been received to a communication terminal 10 in response to the detection information reception unit 11 receiving the predetermined action.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a bathroom vanity and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Various inventions have been proposed to improve the convenience of bathroom vanities.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a digital mirror that displays a user from various angles using image information captured by a plurality of cameras. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-290964 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Among users of the bathroom vanity, those who tend to be less attentive, such as children, the elderly, and people with dementia, are more likely than others to forget to perform certain actions at the vanity, such as washing their hands or gargling. This problem cannot be solved by conventional vanities such as those described in Patent Document 1.

[0006] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a bathroom vanity and a program that encourages users to perform predetermined actions at the bathroom vanity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, the bathroom vanity of the first aspect of the present invention comprises a detection information receiving unit that receives a specified action performed by a user at the bathroom vanity, and a transmitting unit that, when the detection information receiving unit receives the specified action, transmits information about the received specified action to a communication terminal.

[0008] According to this configuration, if the owner of the communication terminal does not receive information that the communication terminal has accepted a specified action, the owner can determine that the user has not performed the specified action, and can prompt the user to perform the specified action. For example, if the user is a preschooler or elementary school student, and the parent owns the communication device, the parent can monitor the child's actions, such as washing their hands at the bathroom vanity, even if the parent is not nearby, because the communication device receives information. This provides a sense of security to parents who are worried about whether their child has removed the virus. In addition to this sense of security, the parent can make a promise to the child to follow certain actions and check whether the promise is being followed, which also contributes to education and discipline. In addition, if the user is elderly and the person carrying the communication terminal is their child, or if the user is an older brother or sister and the person carrying the communication terminal is their younger brother or sister, the person carrying the communication terminal can similarly watch over the user.

[0009] In addition, in a second aspect of the present invention, the device further includes a judgment unit that judges whether the specified action received by the detection information receiving unit was performed within a specified range, a decision unit that determines output content based on the judgment result of the judgment unit, and an output unit that outputs the output content determined by the decision unit to the user.

[0010] This configuration allows the user to understand whether the predetermined action he or she performed was within the predetermined range based on the output content, i.e., whether or not the predetermined action was properly performed, thereby improving the user's awareness of properly performing the predetermined action and helping to maintain the user's health.

[0011] In addition, in a third aspect of the present invention, the determination unit determines the content to be transmitted based on the determination result of the judgment unit, and the transmission unit transmits the content to be transmitted determined by the determination unit to the communication terminal together with the information.

[0012] With this configuration, the owner of the communication terminal can check whether the predetermined action performed by the user was within a predetermined range based on the content of the transmission received by the communication terminal, i.e., whether the predetermined action was performed properly, and can therefore encourage the user to perform the predetermined action properly. This can therefore improve the user's awareness of performing the predetermined action properly and help maintain the user's health.

[0013] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, the predetermined action is hand washing or gargling.

[0014] This configuration can remove pathogens that have adhered to the user's hands or throat, thereby reducing the risk of the user contracting an infectious disease.

[0015] In addition, in a fifth aspect of the present invention, the communication terminal further includes a receiving unit that receives first communication content from the communication terminal, and when the detection information receiving unit receives the specified action, the output unit outputs the first communication content received by the receiving unit to the user.

[0016] According to this configuration, the owner of the communication terminal can leave a message to the user at the bathroom vanity that the user is likely to use (for washing hands or gargling after returning home, etc.), thereby effectively creating an opportunity for communication between the user and the owner of the communication terminal.

[0017] In addition, in a sixth aspect of the present invention, the device further includes an input information receiving unit that receives second communication content input by the user, and when the detection information receiving unit receives the specified action, the transmission unit transmits the second communication content received by the input information receiving unit to the communication terminal.

[0018] According to this configuration, a user can leave a message to the owner of the communication terminal at the bathroom vanity, which the user is likely to use to wash their hands or gargle after returning home, thereby effectively creating an opportunity for communication between the user and the owner of the communication terminal.

[0019] In order to solve the above problem, the program according to the seventh aspect of the present invention causes a computer to function as a detection information receiving unit that receives a specified action performed by a user at a bathroom vanity, and as a transmitting unit that, when the detection information receiving unit receives the specified action, transmits information about the received specified action to a communication terminal.

[0020] According to this configuration, if the owner of the communication terminal does not receive information that the communication terminal has accepted a specified action, the owner can determine that the user has not performed the specified action, and can prompt the user to perform the specified action. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] The bathroom vanity and the program according to the present invention can encourage users to perform predetermined actions at the bathroom vanity. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of the appearance of a bathroom vanity according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the bathroom vanity shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the bathroom vanity shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating basic processing by the bathroom vanity shown in FIG. [Figure 5] 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of details of the determination process in step SP3 shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6]5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of details of the communication processing in steps SP6 and SP7 shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating basic processing by a bathroom vanity according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. To facilitate understanding of the description, the same components in the drawings will be denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted where appropriate.

[0024] ===First Embodiment=== <Exterior configuration> FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the appearance of a bathroom vanity 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 1, the bathroom vanity 1 has a main body 2. The main body 2 includes a faucet 2A, a mirror 2B, and a bowl 2C.

[0026] Faucet 2A is configured to be able to dispense water when operated by the user. Mirror 2B is provided above faucet 2A to reflect the user. Bowl 2C is provided below faucet 2A to receive the water dispensed from faucet 2A.

[0027] <Hardware configuration> FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of bathroom vanity unit 1 shown in FIG.

[0028] The bathroom vanity 1 has a computer, and as shown in Figure 2, its hardware configuration includes a human body detection unit 3, an activity detection unit 4, an output device 5, an input device 6, a control device 7, a communication device 8, and a memory device 9 (auxiliary memory device).

[0029] The human body detection unit 3 is a device that detects a human body and / or the presence of a person. For example, it may be one or more of a human presence sensor, an IC information reader, a key information reader, or a fingerprint reader. Furthermore, if the human body detection unit 3 is a human presence sensor, it is preferable that it is installed facing the front of the main body unit 2. This allows it to detect when a user stands in front of the main body unit 2.

[0030] The human presence sensor may be an infrared sensor, a radio wave sensor, a sound sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, etc. The IC information reader is a device that reads information on an IC card such as a transportation IC card (or IC information of an IC card function provided in another communication terminal (not shown) such as a smartphone). The key information reader is a device that is installed on a front door and reads key information, and may be, for example, a so-called smart lock that can be unlocked with another communication terminal (not shown) such as a smartphone, and the key information may be information on the other communication terminal. The fingerprint reader is a device that reads fingerprints.

[0031] The IC information reader and fingerprint reader may be placed in a location separate from the bathroom vanity 1, such as in the entranceway.

[0032] The action detection unit 4 is a device that detects a predetermined action of the user. For example, it may be a faucet sensor that detects the open / close state of the faucet 2A, a camera (including an infrared camera) that detects the user's movement, a dispenser sensor that detects the discharge of a dispenser (each dispenser that discharges liquid such as liquid soap, disinfectant gel, or alcohol), or an on / off sensor that detects the on / off of a hair dryer. The action detection unit 4 includes one or more of these sensors or cameras.

[0033] The output device 5 is a device that outputs information to a user, such as a display and / or a speaker. In Fig. 1, as an example, the mirror 2B is a half mirror, and a display that can project images and text information is provided behind it as the output device 5.

[0034] The input device 6 is a device through which a user inputs information, such as a microphone, a keyboard, a touch sensor and / or a touch panel.

[0035] The control device 7 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 7A and a memory (main storage device) 7B. The CPU 7A executes predetermined programs stored in the storage device 9 or the memory 7B, thereby functioning as various functional means. Details of these functional means will be described later.

[0036] The communication device 8 is configured with a communication interface for communicating with an external device, etc. In the first embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, the communication device 8 is capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from a communication terminal 10 via a communication network NT such as the Internet.

[0037] The storage device 9 is configured with a hard disk, etc. This storage device 9 stores various programs and various information required for executing the processes in the control device 7, as well as information on the results of the processes.

[0038] 2 is a terminal equipped with an output device, an input device, a control device, a communication device, and a storage device (not shown). These have the same configuration as those in the bathroom vanity 1, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0039] ≪Functional configuration≫ FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an example of the functional configuration of bathroom vanity unit 1 shown in FIG.

[0040] As shown in Figure 3, the functional configuration of the bathroom vanity 1 includes a detection information receiving unit 11, an identification unit 12, a judgment unit 13, a decision unit 14, a transmission unit 15, an output unit 16, a reception unit 17, an input information receiving unit 18, and a memory unit 19.

[0041] The detection information receiving unit 11 receives information about the user detected by the human body detecting unit 3, and information about the predetermined actions performed by the user at the bathroom vanity 1 detected by the action detecting unit 4. The predetermined actions include at least one of the following actions: washing hands, gargling, brushing teeth, using a hair dryer, styling hair, putting on makeup, and washing face.

[0042] For example, if the human body detection unit 3 is a human sensor, it accepts reflection intensity. If the human body detection unit 3 is an IC information reading device, it accepts IC information. If the human body detection unit 3 is a key information reading device, it accepts key identification information. If the human body detection unit 3 is a fingerprint reading device, it accepts fingerprint information.

[0043] For example, if the behavior detection unit 4 is a faucet sensor, it receives information about the open / closed state of the faucet 2A. Furthermore, when the behavior detection unit 4 is a camera, it receives information about the user's behavior. Furthermore, if the action detection unit 4 is a dispenser sensor, it receives information about the liquid dispensing action of the soap dispenser. Furthermore, if the behavior detection unit 4 is an on / off sensor, it receives information about the on / off state of the dryer.

[0044] The identification unit 12 identifies the user based on the information received by the detection information receiving unit 11. For example, if the human body detection unit 3 is a human sensor, the user may be identified based on the reflection intensity and the association information received by the detection information receiving unit 11. The association information here refers to information that associates the reflection intensity with a person, and this information is stored in advance in the storage unit 19. This utilizes the fact that the reflection intensity differs depending on the size of the person.

[0045] Furthermore, if the human body detection unit 3 is an IC information reading device, the user may be identified based on the IC information and linking information received by the detection information receiving unit 11. Note that the linking information here refers to information linking the IC information with the holder of an IC card having the IC information (or IC information of an IC card function provided in another communication terminal (not shown) such as a smartphone), and this information is stored in advance in the storage unit 19.

[0046] Furthermore, if the human body detection unit 3 is a key information reading device, the user may be identified based on the key identification information and linking information received by the detection information receiving unit 11. Note that the linking information here refers to information that links the key identification information with the owner of the key that has the key identification information, and this information is stored in advance in the storage unit 19.

[0047] Furthermore, if the human body detection unit 3 is a fingerprint information reading device, the user may be identified based on the fingerprint information and linking information received by the detection information receiving unit 11. The linking information here refers to information that links fingerprint information with the person who has the fingerprint information, and this information is stored in advance in the storage unit 19.

[0048] The identification unit 12 may be configured to make a determination based on a combination of multiple pieces of the above-mentioned information. For example, the user may be identified based on the reflection intensity, IC information, and the associated information corresponding to these. In addition, when identifying a user based on a combination of multiple pieces of the above-mentioned information, multiple types of human body detection units 3 are provided in the bathroom vanity 1.

[0049] The identification unit 12 may also determine whether the identified user is a target person. The target person may be, for example, a child of the owner of the communication terminal 10. It is preferable that the target person is stored in the storage unit 19 in advance.

[0050] The determination unit 13 determines whether the predetermined action received by the detection information receiving unit 11 was performed within a predetermined range. Preferably, the predetermined range is stored in the storage unit 19 in advance.

[0051] For example, if the behavior detection unit 4 is a faucet sensor, the following determinations (1) and (2) may be made based on information relating to the open / closed state of the faucet 2A received by the detection information receiving unit 11. Note that the following first predetermined number range or first predetermined time range (as a predetermined range) is assumed to be stored in the storage unit 19 in advance. (1) Whether the number of times the faucet 2A was opened and closed was within a first predetermined number of times. For example, whether the faucet 2A was opened at least twice (at least twice, before applying soap and when rinsing the soap with water). (2) Whether the water discharge time and / or water stop time was within a first predetermined time range. For example, whether the water stop time between the first water discharge time and the second water discharge time (the time it takes to apply soap and massage your hands) was 30 seconds or more, and / or whether the second water discharge time (rinsing time) was 15 seconds or more.

[0052] Furthermore, when the behavior detection unit 4 is a camera, the following determinations (3) to (7) may be made based on information about the user's behavior received by the detection information receiving unit 11. Note that the following (predetermined ranges) of the predetermined behavior range, second predetermined time range, second predetermined number of times range, third predetermined time range, and fourth predetermined time range are assumed to be stored in the storage unit 19 in advance. (3) Whether the hand-washing action was within a predetermined range (spatial range). For example, whether the action of applying soap was performed, and whether the action of washing the fingers, palms, and backs of the hands was performed when massaging the hands after applying soap. Note that the predetermined range of hand-washing action may be determined based on the procedure recommended by the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare. (4) Whether the time spent washing hands was within a second predetermined time range. For example, whether the time spent washing hands with soap (hand massage time) was 30 seconds or more, and / or whether the time spent rinsing soap with water (rinse time) was 15 seconds or more. However, the hand massage time is defined as the time from when the faucet 2A is opened until it is closed again, and the rinse time is defined as the time from when the faucet 2A is opened until it is closed again. (5) Whether the number of times the gargling action was performed was within a second predetermined number of times range, for example, whether the gargling action was performed three or more times. (6) Whether the duration of the gargling action was within a third predetermined time range, for example, whether the duration of the gargling action was 5 seconds or more per gargling. (7) Whether the time spent brushing teeth was within a fourth predetermined time range, for example, whether the time spent brushing teeth was 3 minutes or more.

[0053] Furthermore, if the behavior detection unit 4 is a dispenser sensor, the following determination (8) may be made based on information regarding the liquid dispensing operation by the soap dispenser received by the detection information receiving unit 11. Note that the following fifth predetermined time range (as a predetermined range) is assumed to be stored in advance in the storage unit 19. (8) Whether the liquid dispensing time of the soap dispenser was within a fifth predetermined time range, for example, whether the dispensing time was 2 seconds or more.

[0054] Furthermore, if the behavior detection unit 4 is an on / off sensor, the following determination (9) may be made based on the information relating to the on / off of the dryer received by the detection information receiving unit 11. Note that the sixth predetermined time range (as a predetermined range) below is assumed to be stored in advance in the storage unit 19. (9) Whether the operation time of the hair dryer was within a sixth predetermined time range, for example, whether the operation time of the hair dryer was between 3 minutes and 10 minutes.

[0055] When making a determination regarding time such as in (2), (4), and (6) to (9) above, the determination unit 13 also measures the time.

[0056] The determination unit 13 may also determine whether the above (1)-(9) are combined. For example, when the above (1) and (2) are combined, the determination unit 13 determines whether the first predetermined number of times and the first predetermined time period are within the range. The bathroom vanity 1 may also be provided with multiple types of behavior detection units 4 according to these combinations.

[0057] The determination unit 14 determines the output content to be output by the output unit 16 based on the determination result of the determination unit 13. The output content is information stored in advance in the storage unit 19, and is at least one of audio information, image information, character information (text), and information related to sound (sound effects, melodies, etc.) and light effects.

[0058] For example, if the judgment result of the judgment unit 13 is a positive judgment, the output content determined by the determination unit 14 is content that praises the user. Also, if the judgment result of the judgment unit 13 is a negative judgment, the output content determined by the determination unit 14 is content that encourages the user to make an effort.

[0059] Furthermore, based on the determination result of the determination unit 13, the determination unit 14 determines the transmission content to be transmitted by the transmission unit 15 to the communication terminal 10. The transmission content is information related to the achievement level evaluation of the predetermined action, which is stored in advance in the storage unit 19, and is at least one of audio information, image information, and character information (text).

[0060] When detection information receiving unit 11 receives the start of a predetermined action, transmission unit 15 transmits information to communication terminal 10 that the user has started the predetermined action (or information that the user has returned home), and also transmits the transmission content determined by determination unit 14 to communication terminal 10. Furthermore, when detection information receiving unit 11 receives a predetermined action, transmission unit 15 transmits second transmission content received by input information receiving unit 18 to communication terminal 10. The second transmission content may be transmitted regardless of the timing of transmission of the information and the above transmission content, or may be transmitted collectively at the same timing.

[0061] When the detection information receiving unit 11 receives the predetermined action, the output unit 16 outputs to the user the first communication content received by the receiving unit 17 (or a response from the bathroom vanity 1, such as a hand-washing song or "Welcome home," stored in the memory unit 19 as initial setting information). Thereafter, the output unit 16 outputs to the user the output content determined by the determination unit 14 using the output device 5.

[0062] The receiving unit 17 receives the first communication content from the communication terminal 10. The first communication content is information input by the owner of the communication terminal 10 via the input device 6 (not shown) of the communication terminal 10, and is at least one of audio information, image information, and character information (text).

[0063] The input information receiving unit 18 receives second transmission content. The second transmission content is information input by the user via the input device 6, and is at least one of audio information, image information, and character information (text).

[0064] The storage unit 19 stores the above-mentioned information such as the linking information, the predetermined range, the output content, the transmission content, the initial setting information, the first transmission content, the second transmission content, and the target person.

[0065] However, the first transmission content may be stored in the storage unit 19 and then output by the output unit 16 at a predetermined timing, or may be output immediately in real time without being stored in the storage unit 19. Similarly, the second transmission content may be stored in the storage unit 19 and then transmitted by the transmission unit 15 at a predetermined timing, or may be transmitted immediately in real time without being stored in the storage unit 19.

[0066] <Basic Processing> The process performed by bathroom vanity 1 when a user washes their hands as an example of a predetermined action will be described in detail using the flowchart in Figure 4. Note that the following steps are an example, and the order and content of the steps can be changed as appropriate.

[0067] (Step SP1) The subsequent processing branches depending on whether or not the human body detection unit 3 detects a user (human body). If detected, the detection information receiving unit 11 receives information about the user detected by the human body detecting unit 3, and the process proceeds to step SP2. If not detected, the process ends.

[0068] (Step SP2) The identification unit 12 identifies the user based on the information received by the detection information receiving unit 11, determines whether the user is a target person, and the subsequent processing branches depending on the determination result. If the user is a target person, the process proceeds to step SP3, and if the user is not a target person, the process ends.

[0069] (Step SP3) A user washes their hands at bathroom vanity 1. At that time, determination unit 13 determines whether the hand-washing action (predetermined action) received by detection information receiving unit 11 was performed within a predetermined range, and subsequent processing branches depending on the determination result. If it is determined that the measurement was performed within the predetermined range, the process proceeds to step SP4, and if it is determined that the measurement was not performed within the predetermined range, the process proceeds to step SP5.

[0070] (Step SP4) The determining unit 14 determines the output content to be content that praises the user (first output content; for example, in the case of text information, words such as "Good job" or "You did a good job"). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step SP6.

[0071] (Step SP5) The determination unit 14 determines the output content to be content encouraging the user to make an effort (second output content; for example, if it is text information, it may be words such as "Let's do our best," "You didn't massage enough," or "You didn't rinse enough," or if it is information regarding light effects, it may be emitting red light or flashing light, etc.). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step SP6.

[0072] (Step SP6) Subsequent processing branches depending on whether the receiving unit 17 has received the first communication content (or whether it has already been received and stored in the memory unit 19) and / or whether the input information receiving unit 18 has received the second communication content (or whether it has already been received and stored in the memory unit 19). If the first transmission content is received and / or the second transmission content is accepted, the process proceeds to step SP7, and if the first transmission content is not received and the second transmission content is not accepted, the process ends.

[0073] (Step SP7) Communication is carried out between the user and the owner of communication terminal 10. That is, output unit 16 outputs the first communication content to the user, and / or transmission unit 15 transmits the second communication content to communication terminal 10. Then, the process ends. The above is an example of the basic process performed by the bathroom vanity 1.

[0074] <Determination process> Next, the determination process in step SP3 in Fig. 4 will be described in detail using the flowchart in Fig. 5. Note that the following steps are an example, and the order and content of the steps can be changed as appropriate.

[0075] (Step SP31) When a user starts washing their hands, they open the faucet 2A and let water flow to wet their hands. At this time, the action detection unit 4 detects that the faucet 2A is open (first water discharge), and the detection information receiving unit 11 receives this as the start of a predetermined action. Here, as an example, the action detection unit 4 is assumed to be a faucet sensor that detects the open / closed state of the faucet 2A. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step SP32.

[0076] (Step SP32) The transmitting unit 15 transmits information that the user has started washing their hands or information that the user has returned home to the communication terminal 10 (return home notification). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step SP33.

[0077] (Step SP33) The user applies soap to the water faucet 2A and stops the water flow in order to massage their hands. At this time, the action detection unit 4 detects that the water faucet 2A has been switched to the closed state (first water stop), and the detection information receiving unit 11 receives this information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step SP34.

[0078] (Step SP34) When a user opens faucet 2A to discharge water to rinse off soap, action detection unit 4 detects that faucet 2A has switched to the open state (second discharge of water), and detection information receiving unit 11 receives this information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step SP35.

[0079] (Step SP35) The determination unit 13 determines whether the time from the first water stop in step SP33 to the second water discharge in step SP34, ie, the water stop time, is within a second predetermined time range (for example, 30 seconds or more). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step SP36.

[0080] (Step SP36) The user turns off the water faucet 2A to close it in order to perform hand massage. At this time, the action detection unit 4 detects that the water faucet 2A has been switched to the closed state (second water stop), and the detection information receiving unit 11 receives this information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step SP37.

[0081] (Step SP37) The determination unit 13 determines whether or not the time from the second water discharge in step SP34 to the second water stop in step SP36, ie, the water discharge time, is within a second predetermined time range (for example, 15 seconds or more). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step SP38.

[0082] (Step SP38) The determination unit 14 determines the content to be transmitted, which is an evaluation of the degree of achievement of the predetermined action, according to the determination result of the determination unit 13. For example, if the two determination results of step SP35 and step SP37 are both positive, a high evaluation may be given, and if not, a low evaluation may be given. Then, the transmission unit 15 transmits the content to the communication terminal 10. If the results of the two determinations in steps SP35 and SP37 are both positive, the process proceeds to step SP4; otherwise, the process proceeds to step SP5. The above is an example of the determination process performed by the bathroom vanity unit 1.

[0083] Communication Processing Next, the communication processing in steps SP6 and SP7 in Fig. 4 will be described in detail using the flowchart in Fig. 6. Note that the following steps are an example, and the order and content of the steps can be changed as appropriate.

[0084] (Step SP61) Depending on whether or not the receiving unit 17 has received the first transmission content from the communication terminal 10, the subsequent processing branches. If it has been received, the process proceeds to step SP62, and if it has not been received, the process ends.

[0085] (Step SP62) The output unit 16 outputs the first communication content received by the receiving unit 17 and stored in the memory unit 19 to the user. This output is, for example, a screen display on a display or a voice from a speaker. For example, if the owner of the communication terminal 10 is a parent and the user is a child, the first communication content may be a message from the parent to the child, such as "I'll be home at XX today," "There are snacks at XX," or "Go to cram school." Thereafter, the process proceeds to step SP63.

[0086] (Step SP63) Depending on whether the input information receiving unit 18 has received the second message input by the user via the input device 6, the subsequent processing branches. If it has been accepted, the process proceeds to step SP64; if it has not been accepted, the process ends.

[0087] (Step SP64) The transmitting unit 15 transmits the second communication content received by the input information receiving unit 18 and stored in the memory unit 19 to the communication terminal 10. The owner of the communication terminal 10 can confirm the second communication content by the output of the communication terminal 10. For example, if the owner of the communication terminal 10 is a parent and the user is a child, the second communication content may be a message from the child to the parent, such as "I'm going to play with XX-chan," "Open House tomorrow," or "Please buy XX," etc. The process then ends.

[0088] The above is an example of the communication process by the bathroom vanity 1.

[0089] <Action and effect> The bathroom vanity 1 of the first embodiment includes a detection information receiving unit 11 that receives a specific action performed by a user at the bathroom vanity, and a transmission unit 15 that, when the detection information receiving unit 11 receives the specific action, transmits information about the received specific action to the communication terminal 10. In this way, in the first embodiment, the owner of the communication terminal 10 (for example, a family member of the user) can determine that the user has not performed the specified action if the communication terminal 10 does not receive information that the specified action has been accepted, and can urge the user to perform the specified action. For example, if the user is a child such as a preschooler or elementary school student, and the parent owns communication terminal 10, communication terminal 10 can receive information when the child performs a predetermined action such as washing their hands at bathroom vanity 1, allowing the parent to keep an eye on the child even when the parent is not nearby. This can provide a sense of security to parents who are worried about whether their child has removed the virus. In addition to this sense of security, this can also lead to education and discipline to encourage the child to perform predetermined actions as a rule, allowing parents to keep an eye on the child's growth. In addition, when the user is an elderly person and the person carrying the communication terminal 10 is their child, or when the user is an older brother or sister and the person carrying the communication terminal 10 is their younger brother or sister, the person carrying the communication terminal 10 can keep an eye on the user.

[0090] In addition, the first embodiment further includes a judgment unit 13 that judges whether the specified action received by the detection information receiving unit 11 was performed within a specified range, a decision unit 14 that decides the output content based on the judgment result of the judgment unit 13, and an output unit 16 that outputs the output content decided by the decision unit 14 to the user. In this way, in the first embodiment, the user can understand whether the predetermined action he or she performed was within a predetermined range based on the output content (i.e., whether the predetermined action was performed properly). Therefore, the user's awareness of performing the predetermined action within a predetermined range (i.e., performing the predetermined action properly) can be improved, and the user's health can be maintained.

[0091] Also, in the first embodiment, the determination unit 14 determines the transmission content based on the determination result of the judgment unit 13, and the transmission unit 15 transmits the transmission content determined by the determination unit 14 to the communication terminal 10 together with information that the specified action has been accepted. In this way, in the first embodiment, the owner of the communication terminal 10 can check whether the predetermined action performed by the user was within the predetermined range based on the transmission content received by the communication terminal 10, and if it was not within the predetermined range, can urge the user to perform the predetermined action within the predetermined range. Therefore, it is possible to improve the user's awareness of performing the predetermined action within the predetermined range and maintain the user's health.

[0092] In the first embodiment, the predetermined action is hand washing or gargling. In this way, in the first embodiment, pathogens attached to the hands or throat can be removed, thereby reducing the risk of the user contracting an infectious disease.

[0093] In addition, the first embodiment further includes a receiving unit 17 that receives the first communication content from the communication terminal 10, and when the detection information receiving unit 11 receives a specified action, the output unit 16 outputs the first communication content received by the receiving unit 17 to the user. In this way, in the first embodiment, a message can be sent from the owner of the communication terminal 10 to the user at the bathroom vanity, which is likely to be used by the user (to wash hands or gargle after returning home, etc.), thereby effectively providing an opportunity for communication between the user and the owner of the communication terminal 10.

[0094] In addition, the first embodiment further includes an input information receiving unit 18 that receives second communication content input by the user, and when the detection information receiving unit 11 receives a specified action, the transmitting unit 15 transmits the second communication content received by the input information receiving unit 18 to the communication terminal 10. In this way, in the first embodiment, a user can leave a message to the owner of communication terminal 10 at the bathroom vanity, which the user is likely to use to wash their hands or gargle after returning home, thereby effectively creating an opportunity for communication between the user and the owner of communication terminal 10.

[0095] In addition, in the first embodiment, the computer functions as a detection information receiving unit 11 that receives a specified action performed by a user at the bathroom vanity, and a transmission unit 15 that, when the detection information receiving unit 11 receives the specified action, transmits information about the received specified action to the communication terminal 10. In this way, in the first embodiment, the owner of the communication terminal 10 (for example, a family member of the user) can determine that the user has not performed the specified action if the communication terminal 10 does not receive information that the specified action has been accepted, and can urge the user to perform the specified action.

[0096] === Second Embodiment === Next, a bathroom vanity according to a second embodiment will be described.

[0097] The bathroom vanity according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a reward is given to a user who performs a predetermined action. The bathroom vanity according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as the first embodiment.

[0098] The basic processing performed by the bathroom vanity according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail using the flowchart in Figure 7. Note that the following steps are an example, and the order and content of the steps can be changed as appropriate.

[0099] (Step SP100) Subsequent processing branches depending on whether or not the human body detection unit 3 detects a user (human body). If detected, the detection information receiving unit 11 receives information about the user detected by the human body detecting unit 3, and the process proceeds to step SP2. If not detected, the process ends.

[0100] (Step SP101) The process branches depending on whether the detection information receiving unit 11 has received a predetermined action. If the predetermined action has been received, the process proceeds to step SP103, and if the predetermined action has not been received, the process proceeds to step SP102.

[0101] (Step SP102) The decision unit 14 decides the output content that encourages the user to take a predetermined action, and the output unit 16 outputs this to the user. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step SP107.

[0102] (Step SP103) If the number of times a predetermined action has been performed is x, the number of times x has been performed is incremented (x+1) and stored in the storage unit 19. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step SP104.

[0103] (Step SP104) The determination unit 13 determines whether the number of behaviors x has reached a threshold value. If the threshold value has been reached, the process proceeds to step SP105, and if the threshold value has not been reached, the process proceeds to step SP107.

[0104] (Step SP105) Rewards are given to users. Rewards may include the output of words praising the user, light and sound effects, items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, and cosmetics, tickets to be exchanged for the items, points to be exchanged for the items, etc. When awarding items or tickets to the user, bathroom vanity 1 may connect to a server device (not shown) and instruct it to mail the items or tickets to the user. Alternatively, bathroom vanity 1 may be provided with a safe containing the items or tickets, and the items or tickets may be awarded by automatically unlocking the safe. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step SP106.

[0105] (Step SP106) The number of times of behavior x stored in the memory unit 19 is reset. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step SP107.

[0106] (Step SP107) The determining unit 14 determines the content to be transmitted to the effect that the predetermined action has been performed, and the transmitting unit 15 transmits this content to the communication terminal 10. The process then ends.

[0107] As described above, according to the bathroom vanity of the second embodiment, a reward is awarded when the number of times a predetermined action is performed reaches a threshold value, thereby encouraging the user to perform the predetermined action.

[0108] === Variations === The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. In other words, designs that are produced by those skilled in the art with appropriate design modifications to the above-described specific examples are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention. Furthermore, the elements of the above-described embodiments and the following modifications can be combined to the extent technically possible, and such combinations are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention.

[0109] For example, the bathroom vanity 1 may be provided with a light (not shown) as the output device 5. When the human body detection unit 3 described in the first embodiment detects a human body and the detection information receiving unit 11 receives the detection information, the light is automatically turned on, and when the output content determined by the determination unit 14 is a light-based effect, the effect may be output by the light.

[0110] In addition, in the second embodiment, the case where the bathroom vanity 1 grants a reward is described, but the bathroom vanity 1 may also send an instruction to grant a reward to a server device or communication terminal 10 (not shown), and these devices may grant a reward to the user.

[0111] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, the bathroom vanity 1 is given as an example, but the present invention is not limited to the bathroom vanity 1, and may instead be applied to, for example, a bathroom or a kitchen.

[0112] In the second embodiment, step SP107 may be omitted because the provision of the reward in step SP105 can encourage the user to perform a predetermined action on bathroom vanity 1. In other words, the transmission of information indicating that the predetermined action has been accepted by transmitter 15 to the communication terminal may be omitted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 1: bathroom vanity, 10: communication terminal, 11: detection information receiving unit, 13: judgment unit, 14: decision unit, 15: transmission unit, 16: output unit, 17: reception unit, 18: input information receiving unit

Claims

1. a detection information receiving unit that receives a predetermined action performed by a user at the bathroom vanity; a transmitting unit that transmits information about the predetermined behavior to a communication terminal when the detection information receiving unit receives the predetermined behavior; A bathroom vanity equipped with:

2. a determination unit that determines whether the predetermined action received by the detection information receiving unit was performed within a predetermined range; a determination unit that determines output content based on a determination result of the determination unit; an output unit that outputs the output content determined by the determination unit to the user; The bathroom vanity of claim 1 further comprising:

3. The determination unit determines the content to be transmitted based on the determination result of the determination unit; the transmitting unit transmits the transmission content determined by the determining unit to the communication terminal together with the information. The bathroom vanity according to claim 1.

4. The predetermined action is hand washing or gargling. The vanity unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. Further, a receiving unit is provided to receive the first communication content from the communication terminal, When the detection information receiving unit receives the predetermined action, the output unit outputs the first communication content received by the receiving unit to the user. The vanity unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. further comprising an input information receiving unit that receives second communication content input by the user; When the detection information receiving unit receives the predetermined action, the transmission unit transmits the second communication content received by the input information receiving unit to the communication terminal. The vanity unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. Computer, a detection information receiving unit that receives a predetermined action performed by a user at the bathroom vanity; a transmission unit that transmits information about the predetermined behavior to a communication terminal when the detection information reception unit receives the predetermined behavior; A program that functions as a

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