Hot water supply system and learning device

Abstract

To provide a hot water supply system capable of easily providing a bather with a warm bath effect of air bubbles and inhibiting a skin of a bather from drying due to generation of the air bubbles, and a learning device.SOLUTION: A hot water supply system includes: hot water supply means for filling hot water in a bathtub; air bubble generation means for supplying fine air bubbles to hot water filled in the bathtub; input means for receiving input of an answer indicating a subjective skin dry state from a perspective bather in the bathtub; and control means for changing the amount of air bubbles to be generated by the air bubble generation means in accordance with the answer indicating the subjective skin dry state received by the input means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a hot water supply system and a learning device that generate fine bubbles. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a bathtub device that generates fine bubbles in the bathwater in the bathtub, providing a bath with an enhanced warming effect. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-181290 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It has long been known that bathing itself can easily dry out the skin. Furthermore, it has been discovered that while fine bubbles in bath water can improve the warming effect of bathing, they also make the bather's skin even more prone to dryness. The bathtub device described in Patent Document 1 supplies oxygen-enriched air to the bath water, increasing the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water and thereby enhancing the moisturizing effect of bathing. However, it is not easy to construct a means for supplying oxygen-enriched air to the bath water.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a hot water supply system and a learning device that can easily provide a bather with a warm bathing effect by air bubbles and prevent the bather's skin from drying out due to the generation of air bubbles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The hot water supply system according to the present disclosure includes a hot water supply means for filling a bathtub with hot water, a bubble generating means for supplying fine bubbles to the hot water in the bathtub, an input means for receiving input from a person who plans to bathe in the bathtub about a subjective dryness state of their skin, and a control means for changing the amount of bubbles generated by the bubble generating means depending on the result of the response about the subjective dryness state of the skin received by the input means.

[0007] The hot water supply system of the present disclosure comprises a hot water supply means for filling a bathtub with hot water, a bubble generating means for supplying fine bubbles to the hot water filled in the bathtub, an acquisition means for acquiring environmental measurement values ​​that measure physical quantities of the environment in which a person planning to bathe in the bathtub spends time that affect the dryness of the person's skin, and a control means for changing the amount of bubbles generated by the bubble generating means based on the result of comparing an index value calculated from the environmental measurement values ​​acquired by the acquisition means with a specified bubble threshold.

[0008] The hot water supply system of the present disclosure comprises a hot water supply means for filling a bathtub with hot water, a bubble generating means for supplying fine bubbles to the hot water filled in the bathtub, an input means for accepting input from a person planning to bathe in the bathtub indicating the subjective dryness of their skin, an acquisition means for acquiring environmental measurement values ​​that measure the physical quantities of the environment in which the person planning to bathe spends time that affect the dryness of their skin, and a control means for changing the amount of bubbles generated by the bubble generating means, and the control means uses a control model for outputting the amount of bubbles to be generated by the bubble generating means from the environmental measurement values ​​acquired by the acquisition means and the answer received by the input means to infer the amount of bubbles from the environmental measurement values ​​and the answer received by the input means, and controls the bubble generating means to achieve the inferred amount of bubbles.

[0009] The learning device according to the present disclosure includes a data acquisition unit that acquires learning data that includes environmental measurement values ​​that measure physical quantities of the environment in which the person intending to take a bath spends time that affect the dryness of the person's skin, responses indicating the subjective dryness of the skin received from the person intending to take a bath, and the amount of bubbles supplied by a bubble generating means that supplies fine bubbles to the water in the bathtub, all of which are associated with each other; and a generation unit that uses the learning data to generate by learning a control model for outputting the amount of bubbles generated by the bubble generating means from the environmental measurement values ​​and the responses indicating the subjective dryness of the skin. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, the amount of bubbles is changed based on the conditions that are expected to dry the skin, which allows the warming effect of bubbles to be easily provided while preventing the bather's skin from drying out due to the generation of bubbles. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram showing an overview of a hot water supply system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the air bubble generation device in embodiment 1. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 shows the results of a test in which the amount of fine bubbles was changed during bathing. [Figure 4] 1 is a functional block diagram of a hot water supply system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a diagram of an interface screen displayed in the hot water supply system in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an operation of a control unit in the first embodiment to generate an air bubble threshold value as an initial value. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart of a control operation performed in the hot water supply system in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a condition when the bubble threshold value is updated in the hot water supply system in the first embodiment. [Figure 9]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a condition when the bubble threshold value is updated in the hot water supply system in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart of a control operation performed in the hot water supply system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] 11 is an interface screen for accepting input of an answer in the hot water supply system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] 11 is a flowchart of a control operation performed in the hot water supply system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of a hot water supply system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a neural network model. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of a learning process performed by a learning device in a fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart of a control operation performed in the hot water supply system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a control device of the hot water supply system according to the first to fourth embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals. Duplicate descriptions of these parts will be appropriately simplified or omitted.

[0013] Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an overview of a hot water supply system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a bubble generating device of the hot water supply system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the results of a verification in which the amount of fine bubbles during bathing was changed. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the hot water supply system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an interface screen displayed by the hot water supply system according to the first embodiment.

[0014] 1, hot water supply system 1 is a system for heating a bath in a residence (not shown). Hot water supply system 1 includes a bathtub 2, a hot water heater 3, an air bubble generator 4, a remote control 5, an acquirer 6, and a control device 10. Hot water supply system 1 may also include a mobile terminal 7.

[0015] Bathtub 2 is installed in the bathroom. Water heater 3, which serves as water supply means 101, fills bathtub 2 with hot water at a specified temperature and volume through pipe 2a. Water heater 3 heats the bath water while circulating it between bathtub 2 and the water heater, thereby maintaining the temperature or reheating the bath water.

[0016] For example, the bubble generator 4 is installed midway along the pipe 2a. The bubble generator 4 serves as bubble generating means 102 and generates fine bubbles in the bath water supplied from the water heater 3 to the bathtub 2. For example, the fine bubbles are microbubbles, whose diameters are on the order of micrometers. The bubble generator 4 can change the amount of bubbles supplied to the bathtub 2.

[0017] The remote control 5 is installed in at least one of the bathroom and a room outside the bathroom, such as the living room. The remote control 5 has a screen 5a that displays information and buttons 5b that accept operations. The remote control 5 serves as input means 103 and accepts information input via the buttons 5b.

[0018] Acquirer 6 acquires environmental measurement values ​​as acquisition means 104. The environmental measurement values ​​are physical quantities in the environment in which the person planning to bathe in bathtub 2 spent that day, and are values ​​measured by sensors of environmental physical quantities such as humidity, temperature, and ultraviolet rays. Humidity and temperature may be values ​​of outdoor air or values ​​of indoor air within a residence.

[0019] The acquirer 6 may have a sensor for measuring the environmental measurement values. In this case, the acquirer 6 has at least one of a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, and an ultraviolet sensor. If the person planning to take a bath is mainly out and the environmental measurement values ​​are treated as those for an outdoor environment, the acquirer 6 having the sensor is installed outdoors. If the person planning to take a bath mainly spends time at home and the environmental measurement values ​​are treated as those for an indoor environment, the acquirer 6 having the sensor is installed indoors.

[0020] The acquirer 6 may be an interface that acquires environmental measurement values ​​from an external device via a network. In this case, for example, the acquirer 6 may acquire meteorological data such as humidity, temperature, and ultraviolet radiation level as environmental measurement values ​​from an external server that distributes meteorological data.

[0021] The mobile terminal 7 is a device carried by a person who plans to take a bath in the hot water supply system 1. For example, the mobile terminal 7 is a device such as a smartphone, a tablet, or a wearable device. A dedicated application used in the hot water supply system 1 is installed on the mobile terminal 7. Hereinafter, the functions of the mobile terminal 7 may be realized by the application.

[0022] The mobile terminal 7 may serve as an input means 103 to accept input of information in the same manner as the remote controller 5. The mobile terminal 7 may serve as an acquisition means 104 to acquire environmental measurement values ​​in the same manner as the acquirer 6.

[0023] Control device 10 controls the operation of hot water supply device 101 and bubble generation device 102 as control means 105 based on set values, information input by input means 103, values ​​acquired by acquisition means 104, etc. For example, control device 10 controls hot water supply device 3 to fill bathtub 2 with hot water at the set temperature received by remote control 5.

[0024] FIG. 2 shows an example of a bubble generator 4, which is a mechanism for generating bubbles by a swirling flow. The bubble generator 4 includes a re-reducing diameter section 4a, an inlet section 4b, and a swirler 4c. The re-reducing diameter section 4a is a section of the pipe 2a where the diameter reduces from upstream to downstream and then expands again. The inlet section 4b is a pipe that connects to the portion of the re-reducing diameter section 4a where the diameter is reduced. The inlet section 4b connects to the atmosphere on the opposite side of the re-reducing diameter section 4a. The swirler 4c is a wing-shaped protrusion provided upstream of the re-reducing diameter section 4a. Although not shown in FIG. 2, the swirler 4c is shaped to swirl the fluid passing through it.

[0025] When water current P flows in the direction of the arrow inside pipe 2a, it first passes through swirler impeller 4c. At this time, swirling current Q is generated in water current P by swirler impeller 4c. When swirling current Q passes through re-constricted diameter section 4a, negative pressure is generated in the part where the diameter is reduced. This negative pressure causes air R to flow into inlet section 4b, and the swirling current Q and air R come into contact with each other at re-constricted diameter section 4a. The contact between the swirling current Q and air R generates fine bubbles S. Water current P containing fine bubbles S is supplied to bathtub 2, which is not shown in FIG. 2.

[0026] For example, when the temperature is maintained, the bubble generator 4 may continue to supply bubbles to the bath water flowing into the bathtub 2. The bubble generator 4 can control the density of the fine bubbles S in the water flow P, i.e., the amount of fine bubbles S supplied to the bathtub 2, by performing control such as changing the amount of air R flowing into the inlet 4b.

[0027] Figure 3 shows graphs (A) and (B) illustrating the effects of bathing with microbubbles, discovered by the inventors through experiments conducted as basic verification. In the basic verification, the skin condition of subjects was measured when the amount of microbubbles in the bath water was varied between a normal amount and a reduced amount less than the normal amount as a difference in bathing conditions. Graph L1, shown by the solid line, shows the verification results when the amount of microbubbles was the normal amount. Graph L2, shown by the dashed line, shows the verification results when the amount of microbubbles was the reduced amount. Note that graphs (A) and (B) are not based on actual measurement data, but are drawn using qualitative values ​​based on actual measurement data.

[0028] In graph (A), the vertical axis represents the moisture content of a person's skin. The horizontal axis represents time. In the basic verification, the subject started bathing at time t0. The subject then finished bathing at time t1. Time t2 was 60 minutes after time t1.

[0029] The moisture content of the skin increases during bathing, and then decreases after bathing due to the loss of oil from the skin. It was found that subjects with a lower amount of microbubbles in the bath water had a higher moisture content during and after bathing than those with a higher amount of microbubbles.

[0030] In graph (B), the vertical axis is the person's body temperature. The horizontal axis, like graph (A), is time. Body temperature rises during bathing and then decreases after bathing. It was found that subjects with a smaller amount of microbubbles in the bath water had a lower thermal effect and their body temperature did not rise as much during and after bathing compared to subjects with a larger amount of microbubbles.

[0031] As shown in graphs (A) and (B), basic testing revealed that while microscopic bubbles in bath water improve the hot bath effect, they also reduce the moisture content of the skin. Based on the results of this basic testing, hot water supply system 1 controls the bath water to reduce the microscopic bubbles when it is assumed that the person's skin is dry.

[0032] 4, control device 10, which is control means 105, has as its functions hot water supply control unit 11, acquisition unit 12, calculation unit 13, air bubble control unit 14, and update unit 15. Hot water supply control unit 11 controls the overall operation of hot water supply means 101.

[0033] The acquisition unit 12 acquires information from various devices. Specifically, the acquisition unit 12 acquires information that has been input from the input means 103. The acquisition unit 12 acquires environmental measurement values ​​from the acquisition means 104.

[0034] The calculation unit 13 calculates an index value from the environmental measurement values ​​acquired by the acquisition unit 12. The index value is an index of whether a person is in an environment that tends to dry out their skin. The smaller the index value, the more likely the person is in an environment that tends to dry out their skin. For example, if the environmental measurement value is only humidity, the index value may be the same as the measured humidity value. In other words, the higher the humidity of the air that a person was in contact with that day, the less likely their skin is to dry out, and the larger the index value.

[0035] If the environmental measurements include a measurement value other than humidity, the calculation unit 13 may calculate the index value based on a function that uses the environmental measurement value as an input, a correction value determined for each environmental measurement value, or the like. If the environmental measurements include temperature, the higher the measured temperature, the smaller the index value. If the environmental measurements include ultraviolet light, the greater the measured ultraviolet light, the smaller the index value. If the environmental measurements include multiple environmental measurements, the index value is calculated taking into account the degree of influence of each environmental measurement value on dryness. The following describes the case where the environmental measurement value is only humidity and the measured humidity value is equal. However, the influence of the index value on the control means 105 remains the same as described below even if the environmental measurements include additional values.

[0036] The bubble control unit 14 controls the operation of the bubble generation device 4, which is the bubble generation means 102. The bubble control unit 14 controls the timing at which the bubble generation device 4 generates bubbles and the amount of bubbles generated. In the following explanation, the bubble generation device 4 has two set values ​​for the amount of bubbles to be generated: a normal amount and a decreasing amount. The decreasing amount is a smaller amount of bubbles than the normal amount. The bubble control unit 14 changes the amount of bubbles to be generated by the bubble generation device 4 depending on at least one of the content input by the input means 103, the environmental measurement value acquired by the acquisition means 104, and the index value calculated by the calculation unit 13.

[0037] The update unit 15 generates or updates the bubble threshold value using at least one of the environmental measurement value, the index value, and the information input to the input means 103. If the bubble threshold value has not yet been set or has been reset, the update unit 15 generates the bubble threshold value as an initial value. If the bubble threshold value has already been set, the update unit 15 can update the bubble threshold value to a new value. For example, the update unit 15 compares the index value with the bubble threshold value and updates the bubble threshold value to a new value.

[0038] Each component of the control means 105 is associated with each of the multiple candidates, receives information input from the input means 103, acquires information from the acquisition means 104, calculates an index value, and generates or updates an air bubble threshold. In other words, if multiple candidates reside in a residence, the control means 105 calculates various values ​​for each of the multiple candidates as a prospective bather and controls bathing.

[0039] 5 shows an example of an interface screen that displays answers input by the input means 103. For example, the interface screen is displayed on the screen 5a of the remote control 5.

[0040] The interface screen displays options regarding the subjective dryness of the skin. Specifically, the options displayed in descending order of dryness are "dry," "slightly dry," "neither," "slightly sticky," and "sticky." Before bathing or immediately after starting to input, the person planning to take a bath selects from these options the option that most closely matches their subjective assessment of the dryness of the skin. For example, the person planning to take a bath inputs an answer to that option by operating button 5b on remote control 5. In this way, by selecting one of the options with button 5b, remote control 5, which is input means 103, accepts input of the answer indicated in the option from the person planning to take a bath.

[0041] In the following examples, the results of selecting the above options are used as answers regarding the subjective dryness of a person's skin. Control means 105 presets whether each option indicates that the skin is dry or not dry. For example, if "dry" or "slightly dry" is selected, hot water supply system 1 considers that an answer indicating that the skin is dry has been input via input means 103. For example, if any of "neither," "slightly sticky," and "sticky" is selected, hot water supply system 1 considers that an answer indicating that the skin is not dry has been input via input means 103. The answer regarding the subjective dryness of the skin does not have to be the same as the example shown in FIG. 5, as long as the person planning to bathe subjectively answers whether or not their skin is dry.

[0042] Next, an example of the operation performed by the control means 105 will be described with reference to FIGS. Fig. 6 is a flowchart of the operation of the control means in embodiment 1 to generate an air bubble threshold value as an initial value. Fig. 7 is a flowchart of the control operation performed in the hot water supply system in embodiment 1. Figs. 8 and 9 are diagrams showing examples of conditions when the air bubble threshold value is updated in the hot water supply system in embodiment 1.

[0043] The flowchart in Fig. 6 is executed when the bubble threshold associated with the candidate who is scheduled to take a bath has not been set. For example, the operation of the flowchart starts when the candidate inputs a request to set the initial value of the bubble threshold into the input means 103. Note that the environmental measurement values ​​may have been measured before the flowchart starts.

[0044] In step S001, the input means 103 receives an answer regarding the subjective dryness state of the skin. At this time, the input means 103 may receive an answer regarding the subjective dryness state of the skin over the past few days, or may receive an answer regarding the current dryness state.

[0045] Then, in step S002, the acquisition means 104 acquires environmental measurement values ​​of the environment in which the person who will take the bath spent time during a specified initial period from the time the response was received. The initial period may be several days, the same day, or the same time. The calculation unit 13 calculates an index value from the acquired environmental measurement values. In the example of this flowchart, the value of the environmental measurement value is used as the index value as is.

[0046] Then, in step S003, the update unit 15 calculates a value by correcting the index value calculated in step S002 so that the drier the subjective dryness state of the skin in the response received in step S001, the smaller the value. The update unit 15 associates the calculated value with the person planning to take a bath and sets it as the initial value of the air bubble threshold. Then, the operation of the flowchart ends.

[0047] Here, in step S003, for example, the update unit 15 performs correction as shown in the following Table 1. In this example, the measured value of humidity, which is an environmental measurement value, is 60%. That is, the index value is 60%.

[0048] [Table 1]

[0049] In Table 1, the first line shows the answer entered. The second line shows the amount of correction applied according to the answer entered. For example, if the answer entered is "slightly dry," the index value is corrected by subtracting 10%. The third line shows the bubble threshold value corresponding to the answer after correction in this example. For example, if the answer entered is "slightly dry," the initial bubble threshold value is 50%.

[0050] The flowchart of FIG. 7 is executed when a bubble threshold value associated with a candidate who is a prospective bather is set. For example, the operation of the flowchart begins when the candidate begins bathing or begins preparing to bathe. Specifically, the operation of the flowchart may begin when a prospective bather fills the bathtub using the remote control 5, or when it is detected that the prospective bather has entered the bathtub 2. Note that environmental measurements may be taken before the flowchart begins.

[0051] In step S101, the acquisition means 104 acquires the environmental measurement values ​​of the environment in which the person scheduled to take a bath spent that day. The calculation unit 13 calculates an index value from the acquired environmental measurement values.

[0052] Then, in step S102, the bubble control unit 14 determines whether or not a response regarding the subjective dryness state of the skin on that day has been input to the input means 103. For example, an interface screen for accepting responses may be displayed on the remote control 5 before the operation of step S102.

[0053] If no answer is input in step S102, the operation of step S103 is performed. In step S103, the bubble control unit 14 determines whether the currently calculated index value is smaller than the current bubble threshold value.

[0054] If the index value is greater than the bubble threshold in step S103, the bubble control unit 14 sets the amount of bubbles to the normal amount when the person taking a bath to be the normal amount in step S104. Thereafter, while the person taking a bath is taking a bath, the bubble generation means 102 is controlled by the bubble control unit 14 to generate the normal amount of bubbles. Then, the operation of the flowchart ends.

[0055] If the index value is equal to or less than the bubble threshold value in step S103, the bubble control unit 14 sets the amount of bubbles to be generated when the person taking a bath to the decreasing amount in step S105. Thereafter, while the person taking a bath is taking a bath, the bubble generation means 102 is controlled by the bubble control unit 14 to generate a decreasing amount of bubbles that is less than the normal amount. Then, the operation of the flowchart ends.

[0056] If an answer is input in step S102, in step S106, the bubble control unit 14 determines whether the input answer indicates that the skin is dry.

[0057] If it is determined in step S106 that the answer indicates that the skin is dry, then in step S107, the update unit 15 determines whether or not the currently calculated index value is greater than the air bubble threshold value.

[0058] If the index value is greater than the air bubble threshold in step S107, the update unit 15 updates the air bubble threshold to a value greater than the current value in step S108. For example, the update unit 15 updates the air bubble threshold to the same value as the currently calculated index value.

[0059] After the operation of step S108, or if the index value is equal to or less than the bubble threshold value in step S107, in step S109, the bubble control unit 14 sets the amount of bubbles to be generated when the person taking a bath to the decreasing amount. Thereafter, while the person taking a bath is bathing, the bubble generation means 102 is controlled to generate bubbles at the decreasing amount. In other words, if a response indicating that the person's skin is dry is input, control is executed to reduce the amount of bubbles. Then, the operation of the flowchart ends.

[0060] If it is determined in step S106 that the answer indicates that the skin is not dry, then in step S110, the update unit 15 determines whether or not the currently calculated index value is smaller than the air bubble threshold value.

[0061] If the index value is smaller than the air bubble threshold in step S110, the update unit 15 updates the air bubble threshold to a value smaller than the current value in step S111. For example, the update unit 15 updates the air bubble threshold to the same value as the currently calculated index value.

[0062] After the operation of step S111, or if the index value is equal to or greater than the bubble threshold value in step S110, in step S112, the bubble control unit 14 sets the amount of bubbles to the normal amount when the person taking a bath. Thereafter, while the person taking a bath is taking a bath, the bubble generation means 102 is controlled to generate the normal amount of bubbles. That is, when a response indicating that the person's skin is not dry is input, control is executed so that the amount of bubbles is greater than when a response indicating that the person's skin is dry is input. Then, the operation of the flowchart ends.

[0063] 8 and 9 show graphs showing how the amount of bubbles changes as the bubble threshold is changed. In both figures, the vertical axis represents the amount of bubbles generated, and the horizontal axis represents humidity as an index value.

[0064] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of updating the bubble threshold in step S108 of the flowchart in FIG. 7. Step S108 is the operation performed in a case where the index value is greater than the initial bubble threshold, but the user has responded that their skin is dry. In this case, the bubble threshold must be equal to or greater than the index value in order for the bubble threshold to reflect the dryness of the user's skin. Therefore, the update unit 15 updates the bubble threshold to a value greater than the current value. In this case, the update unit 15 may update the bubble threshold to a value greater by a specified update amount, or may update it to the same value as the index value.

[0065] By doing this, from the next time onwards, even if the same index value is used and the person planning to bathe does not respond with a subjective response about the dryness of their skin, the process proceeds from step S103 to step S105 and control is performed to reduce the amount of bubbles. Note that the same update is also performed even if the updated bubble threshold is used instead of the initial bubble threshold.

[0066] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of updating the bubble threshold in step S111 of the flowchart in FIG. 7. Step S111 is the operation performed in the case where the index value is smaller than the initial bubble threshold, but the user has responded that their skin is not dry. In this case, the bubble threshold must be equal to or smaller than the index value in order for the bubble threshold to reflect the dryness of the user's skin. Therefore, the update unit 15 updates the bubble threshold to a value smaller than the current value. In this case, the update unit 15 may update the bubble threshold to a value smaller by a specified update width, or may update it to the same value as the index value.

[0067] By doing this, from next time onwards, even if the index value is about the same as this time and the person planning to bathe does not respond with a subjective response about the dryness of their skin, the process will proceed from step S103 to step S104 and the amount of bubbles will be controlled to the normal amount.

[0068] According to the first embodiment described above, the hot water supply system 1 includes a hot water supply unit 101, a bubble generating unit 102, an input unit 103, and a control unit 105. It has been found that a greater amount of fine bubbles enhances the warming effect of bathing, but also increases the likelihood of skin dryness during bathing. Depending on the bather's skin condition, preventing skin dryness may be prioritized over achieving the warming effect. The hot water supply system 1 adjusts the amount of bubbles depending on the bather's subjective skin dryness response. That is, the hot water supply system 1 operates to balance the warming effect and skin dryness depending on the bather's skin condition. As described above, no prior art measures have been implemented to prevent skin dryness caused by fine bubbles during bathing, rather than the bathing itself. Furthermore, this operation can be performed without the need for additional, large-scale equipment such as a generator of oxygen-enriched air. This allows for the warming effect of bubbles to be easily achieved during bathing, while preventing the bather's skin from drying out due to the generation of bubbles.

[0069] Furthermore, if an answer that the skin is dry is input to the input means 103, the bubble generating means 102 is controlled to reduce the amount of bubbles. This makes it easy to perform control that prioritizes preventing the bather's skin from drying out over providing a warm bath effect.

[0070] The hot water supply system 1 also includes an acquisition means 104. The control means 105 has functions of a calculation unit 13 and an air bubble control unit 14. The index value is calculated by the calculation unit 13 from the environmental measurement value. The index value becomes smaller as the environmental measurement value becomes more irritating to the skin. When no response is input to the input means, the air bubble control unit 14 compares the index value with the air bubble threshold, and controls the amount of bubbles to be reduced if the index value is smaller than the air bubble threshold. Therefore, even if there is no response from the person planning to take a bath, the hot water supply system 1 can predict the dryness state of the skin based on objective indicators and prevent the generation of air bubbles from drying out the bather's skin.

[0071] The control means 105 also has an update unit 15 as a function. When the bubble threshold is deemed too small based on the response regarding the skin dryness state, the update unit 15 updates the bubble threshold to a larger value. As an example, in this case, the update unit 15 updates the bubble threshold to the same value as the current index value. This makes it possible to control the amount of bubbles under more appropriate conditions. Furthermore, the threshold for this purpose can be adjusted frequently.

[0072] Furthermore, if the bubble threshold is deemed too high based on the response regarding the skin dryness state, the update unit 15 updates the bubble threshold to a smaller value. As an example, in this case, the update unit 15 updates the bubble threshold to the same value as the current index value. This allows the amount of bubbles to be controlled under more appropriate conditions. Furthermore, the threshold for this purpose can be adjusted frequently.

[0073] Furthermore, if the air bubble threshold has not yet been set, control means 105 having update unit 15 calculates an initial air bubble threshold by correcting the index value based on the response regarding the subjective dryness of the skin. At this time, the drier the skin, the smaller the initial air bubble threshold is corrected relative to the index value. This allows hot water supply system 1 to appropriately set the air bubble threshold.

[0074] The acquiring means 104 may also acquire environmental measurement values ​​including a measurement value of the humidity of the air in which the planned bather spent the day. In this case, the higher the humidity, the larger the index value. The acquiring means 104 may also acquire environmental measurement values ​​including a measurement value of the temperature of the air in which the planned bather spent the day. In this case, the higher the temperature, the smaller the index value. The acquiring means 104 may also acquire environmental measurement values ​​including a measurement value of the amount of ultraviolet light in which the planned bather spent the day. In this case, the larger the amount of ultraviolet light, the smaller the index value. In this way, the index value is calculated based on at least one of humidity, temperature, and amount of ultraviolet light. Therefore, the hot water supply system 1 can control the amount of bubbles depending on the environment in which the planned bather spent the day.

[0075] Furthermore, the control means 105 handles values ​​such as environmental measurement values, index values, and bubble threshold values ​​in association with each of multiple candidates. For example, the control means 105 calculates index values ​​and bubble threshold values ​​in association with the corresponding candidate bathers. Therefore, even in a home where multiple residents take baths individually, the hot water supply system 1 can perform optimal control for each resident.

[0076] The configuration of the bubble generator 4 does not have to be the one shown in FIG. 2, as long as it is a configuration that can generate fine bubbles.

[0077] When the amount of bubbles is determined by bubble control unit 14, if the index value and the bubble threshold are equal, the amount of bubbles may be controlled to the normal amount rather than the decreasing amount. That is, in hot water supply system 1, the amount of bubbles may or may not be decreased when the index value and the bubble threshold are equal.

[0078] Embodiment 2 10 is a flowchart of the control operation performed in the hot water supply system according to the second embodiment. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate parts that are the same as or correspond to parts in the first embodiment, and a description of these parts will be omitted.

[0079] As shown in Fig. 10, the control for determining the amount of bubbles in the second embodiment differs from that in the flowchart shown in Fig. 7 of the first embodiment. The flowchart in Fig. 10 starts under the same conditions as the flowchart in Fig. 7.

[0080] In step S201, similarly to step S101, the acquisition means 104 acquires the environmental measurement values ​​of the environment in which the person scheduled to take a bath spent that day. The calculation unit 13 calculates an index value from the acquired environmental measurement values.

[0081] Thereafter, in step S202, similar to step S102, the air bubble control unit 14 determines whether or not a response regarding the subjective dryness state of the skin on that day has been input to the input means 103.

[0082] If no answer is entered in step S202, the same operations as steps S103 to S105 in FIG. 7 are performed.

[0083] If an answer has been input in step S202, the bubble control unit 14 determines in step S203 whether the index value is greater than the bubble threshold value.

[0084] If the index value is greater than the bubble threshold in step S203, the bubble control unit 14 determines in step S204 whether the input answer indicates that the skin is dry.

[0085] If it is determined in step S204 that the input answer indicates dryness, then in step S205, the update unit 15 updates the bubble threshold to a value greater than the current value. This is because, if the answer regarding the subjective dryness state of the skin is correct, it is considered that the skin is dry and it is desirable that the bubble threshold be equal to or greater than the index value. For example, the update unit 15 updates the bubble threshold to the same value as the currently calculated index value.

[0086] After the operation of step S205, or if it is determined in step S204 that the answer entered indicates that the water is not dry, in step S206, the bubble control unit 14 sets the amount of bubbles to the normal amount when the person is bathing. Thereafter, while the person is bathing, the bubble generation means 102 is controlled to generate the normal amount of bubbles. That is, if the index value is greater than the bubble threshold, control is executed so that the amount of bubbles is the normal amount, which is greater than the amount when the amount is reduced. Then, the operation of the flowchart ends.

[0087] If the index value is equal to or less than the air bubble threshold value in step S203, the air bubble control unit 14 determines in step S207 whether the input answer indicates that the skin is dry.

[0088] If it is determined in step S207 that the input answer indicates that the skin is not dry, then in step S208, the update unit 15 updates the air bubble threshold to a smaller value than the current value. This is because, if the answer regarding the subjective dryness state of the skin is correct, it is considered that the skin is not dry and it is desirable that the air bubble threshold be equal to or less than the index value. For example, the update unit 15 updates the air bubble threshold to the same value as the currently calculated index value.

[0089] After the operation of step S208, or if it is determined in step S207 that the answer entered indicates dryness, in step S209, the bubble control unit 14 sets the amount of bubbles to be generated when the person taking a bath to a decreasing amount. Thereafter, while the person taking a bath is taking a bath, the bubble generation means 102 is controlled to generate a decreasing amount of bubbles. That is, if the index value is equal to or less than the bubble threshold, control is executed so that the amount of bubbles is a decreasing amount that is less than the normal amount. Then, the operation of the flowchart ends.

[0090] In this way, in the second embodiment, the amount of bubbles is determined by comparing the index value with the bubble threshold value, regardless of the answer received by the input means 103. However, the bubble threshold value may be updated so that the current answer result is reflected in subsequent controls.

[0091] According to the second embodiment described above, the hot water supply system 1 includes a hot water supply unit 101, a bubble generating unit 102, an acquisition unit 104, and a control unit 105. The hot water supply system 1 changes the amount of bubbles depending on the result of comparing an index value calculated from environmental measurements with a bubble threshold. That is, the hot water supply system 1 changes the amount of bubbles depending on factors that affect the skin condition of the person scheduled to take a bath. Furthermore, this operation can be performed without adding any large-scale equipment such as one that generates oxygen-enriched air. Therefore, the warm bathing effect of bubbles can be easily provided during bathing, and the generation of bubbles can be prevented from drying out the bather's skin.

[0092] Control means 105 also includes calculation unit 13. Calculation unit 13 calculates an index value such that the more the environmental measurement value is likely to dry out the skin, the smaller the index value will be. In hot water supply system 1, when the index value is smaller than the bubble threshold, bubble generation means 102 is controlled to reduce the amount of bubbles. This makes it easy to perform control that prioritizes preventing the bather's skin from drying out over providing a warm bathing effect.

[0093] Hot water supply system 1 further includes input means 103. Control means 105 includes update unit 15. Control means 105 updates the bubble threshold based on the received answer and the index value. In particular, update unit 15 updates the bubble threshold to a larger value if the bubble threshold is deemed too small based on the answer regarding the skin dryness state. Also, update unit 15 updates the bubble threshold to a smaller value if the bubble threshold is deemed too large based on the answer regarding the skin dryness state. This allows hot water supply system 1 to control the amount of bubbles under more appropriate conditions. Furthermore, the threshold for this purpose can be adjusted frequently.

[0094] Embodiment 3 Fig. 11 is an interface screen for accepting answer input in the hot water supply system according to embodiment 3. Fig. 12 is a flowchart of the control operation performed in the hot water supply system according to embodiment 3. Note that parts that are the same as or equivalent to parts in embodiments 1 or 2 are given the same reference numerals, and explanations of these parts will be omitted.

[0095] In the third embodiment, the input means 103 accepts input of various information that affects the dryness of the skin of the person scheduled to take a bath. For example, the input means 103 accepts input of responses regarding the skin type of the person scheduled to take a bath, the person's activity history for that day, etc. Furthermore, for example, the acquisition means 104 acquires information regarding whether the person scheduled to take a bath has gone out and the time of going out as the person's activity history for that day. When updating the bubble threshold, the update unit 15 calculates the bubble threshold by further using not only the index value but also at least one of the person's activity history for that day, the person's skin type, etc.

[0096] 11 shows an example of an interface screen for receiving an answer. The input unit 103 receives an answer regarding "skin type" as skin quality. For example, options for skin type may be set as "dry skin," "combined dry / oily skin," or "oily skin."

[0097] The input means 103 receives, as today's behavior history, responses regarding whether or not the user went out, the approximate time spent outside, and whether or not the user feels sunburned. Options for whether or not the user went out are set to "yes" or "no." Options for the approximate time spent outside are set to "up to 3 hours" indicating less than 3 hours, "up to 6 hours" indicating less than 6 hours, and "more than 8 hours" indicating more than 8 hours. Options for whether or not the user feels sunburned are set to "yes," "slightly," and "no."

[0098] For example, when the answer is that the skin type is dry, the update unit 15 calculates a larger air bubble threshold value than when the answer is that the skin type is oily. In this case, the drier the skin type, the more likely it is that the amount of air bubbles will be set to a reduced amount.

[0099] For example, when there is a behavior history of going out, the update unit 15 calculates the bubble threshold to be larger than when there is no behavior history of going out. In this case, when there is a behavior history of going out, the amount of bubbles is more likely to be set to a decrease amount. For example, the update unit 15 calculates the bubble threshold to be larger the longer the time spent outside. In this case, the longer the time spent outside, the more likely the amount of bubbles is set to a decrease amount. For example, when there is a response that the user feels sunburned, the update unit 15 calculates the bubble threshold to be larger than when there is a response that the user does not feel sunburned. In this case, when there is a response that the user feels sunburned, the amount of bubbles is more likely to be set to a decrease amount. As an example, the bubble threshold can be corrected as shown in Table 2 below depending on the response that the user feels sunburned. In this example, a measured humidity value is used as the index value.

[0100] [Table 2]

[0101] As shown in Table 2, the skin of the respondent bather is assumed to be damaged by sunburn. Therefore, the more severe the sunburn in the response, the more the bubble threshold is adjusted by +10% and +5%, respectively.

[0102] The flowchart in Fig. 12 is executed, for example, at the same timing as the flowchart in Fig. 7 in embodiment 1. After that, the same operations are performed in steps with the same reference numerals as the steps in the flowchart in Fig. 7.

[0103] Steps S101 to S105 are performed in the same manner as in the flowchart of Fig. 7. In step S102, an interface screen for accepting a response as shown in Fig. 11 may be displayed.

[0104] If an answer has been input in step S102, the update unit 15 updates the bubble threshold based on the answer regarding today's behavior history and the like in step S301.

[0105] After step S301, the operations of steps S106 to S107 or step S110 are performed. If the index value is greater than the bubble threshold in step S107, the update unit 15 updates the bubble threshold to a value greater than the current value in step S302. For example, the update unit 15 changes the bubble threshold to a value greater than the current value by the update width.

[0106] After step S302, the operation of step S109 is performed.

[0107] If the index value is smaller than the bubble threshold in step S110, the update unit 15 updates the bubble threshold to a value smaller than the current value in step S303. For example, the update unit 15 changes the bubble threshold to a value smaller than the current value by the update width.

[0108] After step S303, the operation of step S112 is performed.

[0109] According to the third embodiment described above, the input unit 103 accepts input of information such as the skin type of the person scheduled to take a bath and their behavioral history for that day. The update unit 15 updates the bubble threshold based on the skin type of the person scheduled to take a bath and their behavioral history for that day. This allows for the calculation of a bubble threshold that more accurately estimates the dryness of the person's skin. As a result, it is possible to more accurately prevent the bather's skin from drying out due to the generation of bubbles.

[0110] Embodiment 4 Fig. 13 is a functional block diagram of a hot water supply system according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an outline of a neural network model. Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing an outline of the learning process performed by the learning device according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 16 is a flowchart of the control operation performed by the hot water supply system according to the fourth embodiment. Note that parts that are the same as or equivalent to parts in the first, second or third embodiment are given the same reference numerals. Explanation of these parts will be omitted.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 13 , in the fourth embodiment, the hot water supply system 1 further includes a learning device 20, which is a learning means. For example, the learning device 20 is installed in a building (not shown) of the manufacturer of the hot water supply system 1. The learning device 20 is capable of communicating with the control device 10. The learning device 20 generates a trained control model using a machine learning technique based on the past control history performed by the control of the first, second, or third embodiment. The learning device 20 has a data acquisition unit 21, a generation unit 22, and a model storage unit 23 as functions.

[0112] The data acquisition unit 21 acquires learning data. The learning data is data that associates environmental measurement values ​​for a certain day corresponding to a certain planned bather, a bubble threshold, a response received from the planned bather, and a determined amount of bubbles. For example, the learning data is extracted from historical information of each value acquired, input, and calculated when a certain planned bather took a bath in the past in the hot water supply system 1. Note that instead of environmental measurement values, index values ​​calculated from the environmental measurement values ​​may be included in the learning data. The learning data may also include the planned bather's skin type and daytime behavior history.

[0113] For example, the input means 103 may accept input of a questionnaire regarding the state of dry skin after bathing. In this case, a correct answer label is attached to the history information for a day on which the person answered that their skin was not dry in the questionnaire. In other words, a combination of various values ​​in a bath in which fine bubbles were supplied and which prevented the skin from drying out is considered to be correct answer data to be learned. The data acquisition unit 21 may acquire, from the history information, the combination of information to which the correct answer label is attached as learning data.

[0114] The generation unit 22 performs machine learning using the learning data acquired by the data acquisition unit 21 to generate a control model corresponding to the person scheduled to take a bath. The control model is a model for outputting the amount of bubbles to be controlled based at least on the environmental measurement values ​​and the person's response regarding the subjective dryness of their skin. For example, the generation unit 22 performs machine learning using a supervised learning method.

[0115] The generator 22 stores the generated control model in the model storage unit 23. Alternatively, the generator 22 updates the control model stored in the model storage unit 23 to a newly generated control model.

[0116] The control device 10, which is the control means 105, further includes a memory unit 30 and an inference unit 31 as functions. The memory unit 30 stores a plurality of control models corresponding to a plurality of candidates. The control models stored in the memory unit 30 are the latest control models that have been learned. For example, the control device 10 acquires the latest control model from the learning device 20 at any timing and stores it in the memory unit 30.

[0117] When determining the amount of bubbles for a person scheduled to take a bath, the inference unit 31 infers the amount of bubbles using a control model from at least the environmental measurement values ​​acquired by the acquisition unit 104 and the response received by the input unit 103. The inference unit 31 outputs the inferred amount of bubbles. Note that the inference unit 31 may infer the amount of bubbles by inputting at least one of the skin type and daytime behavior history of the person scheduled to take a bath into the control model.

[0118] The bubble control unit 14 controls the bubble generating means 102 so that the amount of bubbles generated is the amount inferred by the inference unit 31 when the person taking a bath takes a bath.

[0119] Figure 14 shows a three-layer neural network as an overview of a neural network model. The neural network is composed of input layers X1-X3 consisting of multiple neurons, intermediate layers Y1-Y2 consisting of multiple neurons, and output layers Z1-Z3 consisting of multiple neurons. The intermediate layers are also called hidden layers and may have one or more layers. In a three-layer neural network with one intermediate layer, when multiple inputs are input to the input layers X1-X3, the values ​​are multiplied by weights W1 (w11-w16) and then input to the intermediate layers Y1-Y2. The outputs from the intermediate layers Y1-Y2 resulting from these inputs are multiplied by weights W2 (w21-w26) and output from the output layers Z1-Z3. The final output result depends on the values ​​of the weights W1 and W2.

[0120] The neural network in the generation unit 22 learns the "determined amount of bubbles" by so-called supervised learning in accordance with learning data acquired by the data acquisition unit 21 and created based on a combination of the "environmental measurement values," the "answer regarding the subjective dryness state of the skin," and the "determined amount of bubbles." That is, the neural network learns by inputting the "environmental measurement values" and the "answer regarding the subjective dryness state of the skin" into the input layer and adjusting the weights W1 and W2 so that the result output from the output layer approaches the correct data (result), the "determined amount of bubbles." The generation unit 22 generates and outputs a trained model by executing the above-mentioned learning.

[0121] In this example, supervised learning is applied to the learning algorithm in the generation unit 22, but the learning algorithm is not limited to this. For example, methods such as reinforcement learning, unsupervised learning, and semi-supervised learning may be applied to the learning algorithm. Furthermore, deep learning, which learns to extract features themselves, may be applied as the learning algorithm. Furthermore, the generation unit 22 may perform machine learning according to other known methods, such as genetic programming, functional logic programming, and support vector machines.

[0122] The flowchart shown in FIG. 15 starts at an arbitrary timing, such as when a specified period has elapsed since the previous learning, or when a command to perform learning is given.

[0123] In step S401, the data acquisition unit 21 collects learning data corresponding to a certain person who plans to take a bath. Then, in step S402, the generation unit 22 generates a control model corresponding to the person who plans to take a bath. Then, in step S403, the generation unit 22 updates the control model stored in the model storage unit 23 to the latest control model generated in step S402. Then, the operation of the flowchart ends.

[0124] The flowchart shown in FIG. 16 starts, for example, when the input means 103 receives a response regarding the dryness state of the skin from a person who is planning to take a bath that day.

[0125] In step S501, the acquisition unit 12 acquires the environmental measurement values ​​corresponding to the person who will take a bath via the acquisition means 104. The acquisition unit 12 acquires the answer received from the input means 103.

[0126] Thereafter, in step S502, the inference unit 31 uses the control model from the information acquired by the acquisition unit 12 to infer the conditions for the amount of bubbles that the person planning to take a bath should have when bathing that day.

[0127] Then, in step S503, when the person taking a bath takes a bath, the bubble control unit 14 causes the bubble generating means 102 to operate with the amount of bubbles inferred by the inference unit 31. The inferred amount of bubbles may be displayed on the remote control 5. Then, the operation of the flowchart ends.

[0128] According to the fourth embodiment described above, the hot water supply system 1 includes a hot water supply unit 101, a bubble generating unit 102, an input unit 103, an acquisition unit 104, and a control unit 105. The learning device 20 also includes a data acquisition unit 21 and a generation unit 22 as functions. The generation unit 22 generates a control model from the learning data. The control unit 105 uses the control model to infer the amount of bubbles from information including the received answers and environmental measurement values. The hot water supply system 1 operates to balance the warm bath effect and dry skin in accordance with various information. This operation can be performed without adding any large-scale equipment, such as one that generates oxygen-enriched air. This allows the warm bath effect of bubbles to be easily provided during bathing, while preventing the bather's skin from drying out due to the generation of bubbles.

[0129] Next, an example of hardware constituting the control device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a hardware configuration diagram of the control device of the hot water supply system according to the first to fourth embodiments.

[0130] Each function of the control device 10 may be realized by a processing circuit. For example, the processing circuit may include at least one processor 100a and at least one memory 100b. For example, the processing circuit may include at least one dedicated hardware 200.

[0131] When the processing circuit includes at least one processor 100a and at least one memory 100b, each function of the control device 10 is implemented by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. At least one of the software and firmware is written as a program. At least one of the software and firmware is stored in the at least one memory 100b. The at least one processor 100a implements each function of the control device 10 by reading and executing the program stored in the at least one memory 100b. The at least one processor 100a is also referred to as a central processing unit, processing device, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP. For example, the at least one memory 100b may be a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, or EEPROM, a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a minidisk, or a DVD.

[0132] When the processing circuit includes at least one dedicated hardware 200, the processing circuit may be realized, for example, as a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof. For example, each function of the control device 10 may be realized by a processing circuit. For example, each function of the control device 10 may be realized collectively by a processing circuit.

[0133] Some of the functions of the control device 10 may be implemented by dedicated hardware 200, and other functions may be implemented by software or firmware. For example, the function of the bubble control unit 14 may be implemented by a processing circuit as dedicated hardware 200, and functions other than the function of the bubble control unit 14 may be implemented by at least one processor 100a reading and executing a program stored in at least one memory 100b.

[0134] Thus, the processing circuitry implements the functions of the control device 10 in hardware 200, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0135] Although not shown, each function of the acquirer 6, the mobile terminal 7, or the learning device 20 is also realized by a processing circuit equivalent to the processing circuit that realizes each function of the control device 10.

[0136] At least some of the functions of control device 10 may be implemented on a cloud server. In this case, the processing circuit is composed of multiple partial circuits. The multiple partial processing circuits are provided in each of the multiple devices that make up the cloud server. The multiple devices that make up the cloud server may each be provided in a different building. In this case, the functions of control device 10 implemented on the cloud server are involved in the control of hot water supply system 1 by communicating with hot water supply device 3 and bubble generator 4 via a network.

[0137] To summarize the above explanation, possible configurations of the technology according to the present disclosure include the configurations listed below as appendices. (Appendix 1) A hot water supply means for filling the bathtub with hot water; a bubble generating means for supplying fine bubbles to the hot water in the bathtub; an input means for receiving an answer indicating a subjective dryness state of skin from a person who plans to take a bath in the bathtub; a control means for changing the amount of bubbles generated by the bubble generating means in accordance with the answer indicating the subjective dryness state of the skin received by the input means; A hot water system equipped with (Appendix 2) When an answer to the effect that the skin is dry is input to the input means, the bubble generating means is controlled so that the amount of bubbles generated is smaller than when an answer to the effect that the skin is not dry is input to the input means. 10. The hot water system of claim 1. (Appendix 3) An acquisition means for acquiring environmental measurement values ​​that measure physical quantities indicating the environment in which the person who will be bathing spends time, which affect the dryness state of the person's skin; Further provided with The control means a calculation unit that calculates an index value from the environmental measurement values; a bubble control unit for controlling the bubble generating means; and the calculation unit calculates the index value so that the index value becomes smaller as the environmental measurement value becomes more likely to dry out the skin, When no answer is input to the input means and the index value calculated from the environmental measurement values ​​measured on that day is smaller than the bubble threshold value, the bubble control unit controls the bubble generating means to generate a smaller amount of bubbles than usual. 1. A hot water system according to claim 1 or 2. (Appendix 4) The control means an updating unit that, when an answer is input to the input means, compares the index value with the bubble threshold value and updates the bubble threshold value to a new value; and the updating unit updates the air bubble threshold to a value greater than the current value when a response indicating that the skin is dry is input by the input means and the index value is greater than the air bubble threshold; 10. The hot water system of claim 3. (Appendix 5) when a response indicating that the skin is dry is input by the input means and the index value is greater than the air bubble threshold value, the update unit updates the air bubble threshold value to the same value as the index value. 10. The hot water system of claim 4. (Appendix 6) The control means an updating unit that, when an answer is input to the input means, compares the index value with the bubble threshold value and updates the bubble threshold value to a new value; and when a response indicating that the skin is not dry is input by the input means and the index value is smaller than the air bubble threshold value, the update unit updates the air bubble threshold value to a value smaller than the current value; 6. The hot water supply system according to any one of claims 3 to 5. (Appendix 7) when a response indicating that the skin is not dry is input by the input means and the index value is smaller than the air bubble threshold value, the update unit updates the air bubble threshold value to the same value as the index value; 6. A hot water system as described in Appendix 6. (Appendix 8) the control means, in a state where the air bubble threshold has not yet been set, corrects the index value calculated from the environmental measurement value so that the drier the subjective dryness state of the skin in the answer received by the input means, the smaller the corrected value becomes, and calculates the initial value of the air bubble threshold. 8. The hot water supply system according to any one of claims 3 to 7. (Appendix 9) A hot water supply means for filling the bathtub with hot water; a bubble generating means for supplying fine bubbles to the hot water in the bathtub; An acquisition means for acquiring environmental measurement values ​​that measure physical quantities of the environment that affect the dryness state of the person's skin in the environment where the person who will be bathing in the bathtub spends time; a control means for changing the amount of bubbles generated by the bubble generating means in accordance with a result of comparing an index value calculated from the environmental measurement values ​​acquired by the acquisition means with a specified bubble threshold; A hot water system equipped with (Appendix 10) The control means a calculation unit that calculates an index value from the environmental measurement values; and the calculation unit calculates the index value so that the index value becomes smaller as the environmental measurement value becomes more likely to dry out the skin, When the index value is smaller than the bubble threshold value, the bubble generating means is controlled so that the amount of bubbles is smaller than when the index value is equal to or greater than the bubble threshold value. 9. The hot water system of claim 9. (Appendix 11) an input means for receiving an answer indicating a subjective dryness state of the skin from the person who plans to take a bath; Further provided with The control means an updating unit that updates the bubble threshold value to a new value based on the response received by the input means and the index value; 11. The hot water supply system according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising: (Appendix 12) the updating unit updates the air bubble threshold to a value greater than the current value when a response indicating that the skin is dry is input by the input means and the index value is greater than the air bubble threshold; 12. The hot water system of claim 11. (Appendix 13) when a response indicating that the skin is not dry is input by the input means and the index value is smaller than the air bubble threshold value, the update unit updates the air bubble threshold value to a value smaller than the current value; 13. The hot water system of claim 11 or 12. (Appendix 14) the control means, in a state where the air bubble threshold has not yet been set, corrects the index value calculated from the environmental measurement value so that the drier the subjective dryness state of the skin in the answer received by the input means, the smaller the corrected value becomes, and calculates the initial value of the air bubble threshold. 14. The hot water supply system according to any one of claims 11 to 13. (Appendix 15) The acquisition means acquires the environmental measurement values ​​including the measurement values ​​of the humidity of the air in which the person who will take the bath spent that day, The index value increases as the humidity acquired by the acquisition means increases. 15. The hot water supply system according to any one of claims 3 to 14. (Appendix 16) The acquisition means acquires the environmental measurement values ​​including the measurement values ​​of the air temperature that the person who will take the bath has spent that day; The higher the temperature acquired by the acquisition means, the smaller the index value. 16. The hot water supply system according to any one of claims 3 to 15. (Appendix 17) The acquisition means acquires the environmental measurement values ​​including the measurement values ​​of the amount of ultraviolet light in the environment in which the person who will take the bath spent that day, The index value becomes smaller as the amount of ultraviolet light acquired by the acquisition means increases. 17. The hot water supply system according to any one of claims 3 to 16. (Appendix 18) The control means updates the bubble threshold based on the skin type of the person scheduled to take the bath, the behavior history of that day, and the environmental measurement values ​​acquired by the acquisition means on that day. 18. The hot water supply system according to any one of claims 3 to 17. (Appendix 19) The control means is configured to set a plurality of candidates including the person who will take a bath, The index value and the bubble threshold value are calculated for each of the plurality of candidates as the scheduled bather. 19. The hot water supply system according to any one of claims 3 to 18. (Appendix 20) A hot water supply means for filling the bathtub with hot water; a bubble generating means for supplying fine bubbles to the hot water in the bathtub; an input means for receiving an answer indicating a subjective dryness state of skin from a person who plans to take a bath in the bathtub; An acquisition means for acquiring environmental measurement values ​​that measure physical quantities of the environment in which the person who will be bathing spends time that affect the dryness state of the person's skin; a control means for changing the amount of bubbles generated by the bubble generating means; Equipped with the control means uses a control model for outputting the amount of bubbles to be generated by the bubble generating means from the environmental measurement values ​​acquired by the acquisition means and the response received by the input means to infer the amount of bubbles from the environmental measurement values ​​and the response received by the input means, and controls the bubble generating means to achieve the inferred amount of bubbles. Hot water system. (Appendix 21) a data acquisition unit that acquires learning data that includes, in association with one another, environmental measurement values ​​that measure the physical quantities of the environment in which the person intending to take a bath spends that affect the dryness of the person's skin, responses received from the person intending to take a bath indicating the subjective dryness of the skin, and the amount of bubbles supplied by a bubble generating means that supplies fine bubbles to the hot water in the bathtub; a generation unit that uses the learning data to generate, by learning, a control model for outputting the amount of bubbles to be generated by the bubble generation means from the environmental measurement values ​​and a response indicating a subjective dryness state of the skin; A learning device equipped with [Explanation of symbols]

[0138] 1 hot water supply system, 2 bathtub, 2a piping, 3 hot water supply device, 4 bubble generator, 4a re-diameter reduction section, 4b inlet section, 4c swirler, 5 remote control, 5a screen, 5b button, 6 acquirer, 7 mobile terminal, 10 control device, 11 hot water supply control section, 12 acquisition section, 13 calculation section, 14 bubble control section, 15 update section, 20 learning device, 21 data acquisition section, 22 generation section, 23 model memory section, 30 memory section, 31 inference section, 101 hot water supply means, 102 bubble generation means, 103 input means, 104 acquisition means, 105 control means, 100a processor, 100b memory, 200 hardware, P water flow, Q swirling flow, R Air, S Fine bubbles

Claims

1. A hot water supply means for filling the bathtub with hot water; a bubble generating means for supplying fine bubbles to the hot water in the bathtub; an input means for receiving an answer indicating a subjective dryness state of skin from a person who plans to take a bath in the bathtub; a control means for changing the amount of bubbles generated by the bubble generating means in accordance with the answer indicating the subjective dryness state of the skin received by the input means; A hot water system equipped with

2. When an answer to the effect that the skin is dry is input to the input means, the bubble generating means is controlled so that the amount of bubbles generated is smaller than when an answer to the effect that the skin is not dry is input to the input means. The hot water system according to claim 1 .

3. An acquisition means for acquiring environmental measurement values ​​that measure physical quantities indicating the environment in which the person who will be bathing spends time, which affect the dryness state of the person's skin; Further provided with The control means a calculation unit that calculates an index value from the environmental measurement values; a bubble control unit for controlling the bubble generating means; and the calculation unit calculates the index value so that the index value becomes smaller as the environmental measurement value becomes more likely to dry out the skin, When no answer is input to the input means and the index value calculated from the environmental measurement values ​​measured on that day is smaller than the bubble threshold value, the bubble control unit controls the bubble generating means to generate a smaller amount of bubbles than usual. The hot water system according to claim 1 .

4. The control means an updating unit that, when an answer is input to the input means, compares the index value with the bubble threshold value and updates the bubble threshold value to a new value; and the updating unit updates the air bubble threshold to a value greater than the current value when a response indicating that the skin is dry is input by the input means and the index value is greater than the air bubble threshold; The hot water supply system according to claim 3 .

5. when a response indicating that the skin is dry is input by the input means and the index value is greater than the air bubble threshold value, the update unit updates the air bubble threshold value to the same value as the index value. The hot water supply system according to claim 4.

6. The control means an updating unit that, when an answer is input to the input means, compares the index value with the bubble threshold value and updates the bubble threshold value to a new value; and the updating unit updates the air bubble threshold to a value smaller than the current value when the input means inputs a response indicating that the skin is not dry and the index value is smaller than the air bubble threshold; The hot water supply system according to claim 3 .

7. when a response indicating that the skin is not dry is input by the input means and the index value is smaller than the air bubble threshold value, the update unit updates the air bubble threshold value to the same value as the index value; The hot water supply system according to claim 6.

8. the control means, in a state where the air bubble threshold has not yet been set, corrects the index value calculated from the environmental measurement value so that the drier the subjective dryness state of the skin in the answer received by the input means, the smaller the corrected value becomes, and calculates the initial value of the air bubble threshold. The hot water supply system according to claim 3 .

9. A hot water supply means for filling the bathtub with hot water; a bubble generating means for supplying fine bubbles to the hot water in the bathtub; An acquisition means for acquiring environmental measurement values ​​that measure physical quantities of the environment that affect the dryness state of the person's skin in the environment where the person who will be bathing in the bathtub spends time; a control means for changing the amount of bubbles generated by the bubble generating means in accordance with a result of comparing an index value calculated from the environmental measurement values ​​acquired by the acquisition means with a specified bubble threshold; A hot water system equipped with

10. The control means a calculation unit that calculates an index value from the environmental measurement values; and the calculation unit calculates the index value so that the index value becomes smaller as the environmental measurement value becomes more likely to dry out the skin, When the index value is smaller than the bubble threshold value, the bubble generating means is controlled so that the amount of bubbles is smaller than when the index value is equal to or greater than the bubble threshold value. The hot water system according to claim 9.

11. an input means for receiving an answer indicating a subjective dryness state of the skin from the person who plans to take a bath; Further provided with The control means an updating unit that updates the bubble threshold value to a new value based on the response received by the input means and the index value; The hot water system of claim 9, further comprising:

12. the updating unit updates the air bubble threshold to a value greater than the current value when a response indicating that the skin is dry is input by the input means and the index value is greater than the air bubble threshold; The hot water system according to claim 11.

13. the updating unit updates the air bubble threshold to a value smaller than the current value when the input means inputs a response indicating that the skin is not dry and the index value is smaller than the air bubble threshold; The hot water system according to claim 11.

14. the control means, in a state where the air bubble threshold has not yet been set, corrects the index value calculated from the environmental measurement value so that the drier the subjective dryness state of the skin in the answer received by the input means, the smaller the corrected value becomes, and calculates the initial value of the air bubble threshold. The hot water system according to claim 11.

15. The acquisition means acquires the environmental measurement values ​​including the measurement values ​​of the humidity of the air in which the person who will take the bath spent that day, The index value increases as the humidity acquired by the acquisition means increases. The hot water supply system according to any one of claims 3 to 14.

16. The acquisition means acquires the environmental measurement values ​​including the measurement values ​​of the air temperature that the person who will take the bath has spent that day; The higher the temperature acquired by the acquisition means, the smaller the index value. The hot water supply system according to any one of claims 3 to 14.

17. The acquisition means acquires the environmental measurement values ​​including the measurement values ​​of the amount of ultraviolet light in the environment in which the person who will take the bath spent that day, The index value becomes smaller as the amount of ultraviolet light acquired by the acquisition means increases. The hot water supply system according to any one of claims 3 to 14.

18. The control means updates the bubble threshold based on the skin type of the person scheduled to take the bath, the behavior history of that day, and the environmental measurement values ​​acquired by the acquisition means on that day. The hot water supply system according to any one of claims 3 to 14.

19. The control means is configured to set a plurality of candidates including the person who will take a bath, The index value and the bubble threshold value are calculated for each of the plurality of candidates as the scheduled bather. The hot water supply system according to any one of claims 3 to 14.

20. A hot water supply means for filling the bathtub with hot water; a bubble generating means for supplying fine bubbles to the hot water in the bathtub; an input means for receiving an answer indicating a subjective dryness state of skin from a person who plans to take a bath in the bathtub; An acquisition means for acquiring environmental measurement values ​​that measure physical quantities of the environment in which the person who will be bathing spends time that affect the dryness state of the person's skin; a control means for changing the amount of bubbles generated by the bubble generating means; Equipped with the control means uses a control model for outputting the amount of bubbles to be generated by the bubble generating means from the environmental measurement values ​​acquired by the acquisition means and the response received by the input means to infer the amount of bubbles from the environmental measurement values ​​and the response received by the input means, and controls the bubble generating means to achieve the inferred amount of bubbles. Hot water system.

21. a data acquisition unit that acquires learning data that includes, in association with one another, environmental measurement values ​​that measure the physical quantities of the environment in which the person intending to take a bath spends that affect the dryness of the person's skin, responses received from the person intending to take a bath indicating the subjective dryness of the skin, and the amount of bubbles supplied by a bubble generating means that supplies fine bubbles to the hot water in the bathtub; a generation unit that uses the learning data to generate, by learning, a control model for outputting the amount of bubbles to be generated by the bubble generation means from the environmental measurement values ​​and a response indicating a subjective dryness state of the skin; A learning device equipped with

Images