Bath system and program

Abstract

To provide a bath system and program that enables a user to have more effective sleep at a scheduled bedtime that is arbitrarily set by the user.SOLUTION: A control unit 304 of a portable terminal device 20 executes, according to a program stored in a storage unit 305, a function of a sleep time reception unit 304a for receiving an input of a scheduled bedtime, a function of a bathing time calculation unit 304b for calculating a recommended bathing time for the case of sleeping at the scheduled bedtime, a function of a recommended bathing notification unit 304c for urging a user to take a bath at the recommended bath time, and a function of an index information acquisition unit 304f for acquiring index information concerning a body temperature lowering state after the user who took a bath in response to the notification from the recommended bathing notification unit gets out of the bath. The bathing time calculation unit 304b corrects a time difference between the scheduled bedtime for calculation of the recommended bathing time and the recommended bath time on the basis of the index information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a bathing system and program that provides a user with a bath for effective sleep. [Background technology]

[0002] It has been said that warming the body by bathing before going to bed is effective for sleep, and the relationship between the rise in deep body temperature caused by bathing and sleep is well established. Patent Document 1 below describes a bath system that utilizes this relationship, notifying the bather of the optimal time to exit the bath and the optimal time to fall asleep in order to achieve good quality sleep.

[0003] This bath system estimates the amount of core body temperature rise during bathing based on the water temperature in the bathtub and core body temperatures estimated before and after bathing, and determines the recommended bathing time based on this amount of rise. When the elapsed time since bathing began matches the recommended bathing time, the bathroom remote control notifies the user that it is time to exit the bath. The system then determines the time to fall asleep, and when that time arrives, notifies the user via a mobile device or other device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-120604 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the bath system described above, the sleep time is determined based on the bath start time. However, users do not necessarily fall asleep at the notified sleep time. Rather, users want to fall asleep freely without being bound by the sleep time notified by the bath system.

[0006] Even if a user's sleep time is determined to be a predetermined time after the bathing start time, falling asleep at that time may not provide the user with a good night's sleep due to factors such as the ambient temperature. For example, in a low room temperature environment or when the user is not wearing many clothes, the user's body temperature drops quickly after bathing. Therefore, in such an environment, the user may feel cold at the sleep time determined based on the bathing start time. In this case, even if the user falls asleep at the determined sleep time, it may take time for the user to fall asleep, making it difficult for the user to achieve effective sleep.

[0007] In view of the above problem, the present invention aims to provide a bathing system and program that can provide a user with more effective sleep at a planned bedtime set by the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a program for causing a control unit of a device to execute predetermined functions. The program causes the control unit of the device to execute the following functions: a bedtime receiving unit that receives input of a planned bedtime, a bathing time calculation unit that calculates a recommended bathing time for going to bed at the planned bedtime, a recommended bathing notification unit that prompts a user to take a bath at the recommended bathing time, and an index information acquisition unit that acquires index information related to the state of body temperature drop after a user who took a bath in response to a notification from the recommended bathing notification unit exits the bath. The bathing time calculation unit corrects the time difference between the planned bedtime and the recommended bathing time based on the index information in order to calculate the recommended bathing time.

[0009] According to the bathing system of this embodiment, a recommended bathing time for achieving effective sleep is calculated based on the user's planned bedtime, and the user is encouraged to take a bath at the calculated recommended bathing time. Therefore, when going to bed according to the planned bedtime, the user's body temperature can be adjusted to a state suitable for falling asleep. Furthermore, based on index information regarding the body temperature after bathing, the time difference between the planned bedtime and the recommended bathing time used to calculate the recommended bathing time is corrected, so the recommended bathing time for the next bath can be set to a time that makes it easier to fall asleep. Therefore, the user can be provided with more effective sleep at the planned bedtime set by the user.

[0010] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a bathing system. This bathing system includes a bedtime receiving unit that receives input of a planned bedtime, a bathing time calculation unit that calculates a recommended bathing time for a user who goes to bed at the planned bedtime, a recommended bathing notification unit that encourages the user to take a bath at the recommended bathing time, and an index information acquisition unit that acquires index information related to the state of body temperature drop after the user exits the bath after taking a bath in response to the notification from the recommended bathing notification unit. The bathing time calculation unit corrects the time difference between the planned bedtime and the recommended bathing time based on the index information.

[0011] The bathing system according to this aspect has the same effects as the first aspect. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] As described above, the present invention can provide a bathing system and program that can provide a user with more effective sleep at a planned bedtime that the user has set arbitrarily.

[0013] The effects and significance of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the embodiments, however, the embodiments shown below are merely examples of how the present invention can be implemented, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a bathing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing circuit blocks of each device constituting the water heater according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a combustion system and piping of a water heater according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing circuit blocks of a mobile terminal device according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a bathing time determination table according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a human body thermal model according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a human body thermal model according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] 8A and 8B are flowcharts showing processing related to the function of the good-sleeping bathing mode, which is performed in the mobile terminal device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9(a) is a diagram showing an example of a bedtime reception screen according to the embodiment, and FIG. 9(b) is a diagram showing an example of a bath time notification screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10(a) is a diagram showing an example of a bedtime notification screen according to the embodiment, and FIG. 10(b) is a diagram showing an example of a cold / hot sensation reception screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing related to the function of the good sleep bathing mode, which is performed in the bathroom remote control according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12(a) is a diagram showing the bathroom remote control in an embodiment making an announcement informing the user that it is time to take a bath, and Figure 12(b) is a diagram showing the bathroom remote control in an embodiment making an announcement encouraging the user to leave the bath. [Figure 13]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of a bathing system according to the first modified example. [Figure 14] 14(a) and 14(b) are flowcharts showing the processing performed by the control unit of the mobile terminal device after taking a bath in the good-sleep bathing mode according to the first and second modifications, respectively. [Figure 15] Fig. 15(a) is a diagram showing an example of a cold / hot sensation reception screen according to another modified example, and Fig. 15(b) is a diagram showing an example of a drowsiness reception screen according to yet another modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a bathing system 1. As shown in FIG.

[0017] Bathing system 1 includes water heating apparatus 10 and mobile terminal device 20. Water heating apparatus 10 is capable of communicating with mobile terminal device 20 via router 30, external communication network 40, and server 50.

[0018] As a bath device, the hot water supply device 10 performs bath functions such as an automatic bath function, a reheating function, a hot water addition function, and a cold water addition function.

[0019] Water heater 10 includes water heater 11 and remote controllers 12 and 13. Water heater 11 is a gas water heater that uses gas as fuel to supply hot water. Hot water generated by water heater 11 is supplied to a kitchen faucet, a bathtub, a faucet, etc. through pipes connected to hot water outlet 11a. If water heater 11 has a floor heating function, a bathroom heating function, or a heating function using a panel heater, hot water is supplied from water heater 11 to the devices that realize these functions.

[0020] Remote controllers 12 and 13 are connected to water heater 11 and are used to make various settings for each function of water heater 10. Remote controller 12 has display unit 121 and input unit 122, and remote controller 13 has display / input unit 131 consisting of a touch panel and operation button 132. The operator can make any settings for filling the tub with hot water, adjusting the hot water temperature, etc. by operating input unit 122 according to the screen displayed on display unit 121. The operator can also make settings for filling the tub with hot water, etc. by operating display / input unit 131.

[0021] The remote controller 12 is installed in a bathroom, and the remote controller 13 is installed in a kitchen, etc. The remote controllers 12 and 13 are provided with audio windows 12a and 13a for inputting and outputting audio.

[0022] Hereinafter, the remote controller 12 installed in the bathroom will be referred to as the "bathroom remote control 12," and the remote controller 13 installed in the kitchen or the like will be referred to as the "kitchen remote control 13."

[0023] Input section 122 of bathroom remote control 12 includes operation button 122a. Operation buttons 122a and 132 are buttons for switching water heater 11 between an operation on state and an operation off state.

[0024] Furthermore, input unit 122 and display input unit 131 include buttons for changing the hot water temperature. The operator can change the set hot water temperature by operating these buttons. In addition, input unit 122 and display input unit 131 include buttons for controlling the operation of water heater 11, such as buttons for executing the automatic bath function, reheating function, hot water addition function, water addition function, etc.

[0025] The mobile terminal device 20 is, for example, a mobile phone (smartphone), but may also be another mobile terminal device such as a portable tablet terminal.

[0026] Router 30 is a communication repeater for connecting each device present in a building (here, home H10) to external communication network 40. External communication network 40 is, for example, the Internet. Server 50 is connected to external communication network 40 for managing the remote control of water heating apparatus 10.

[0027] Kitchen remote control 13 communicates with server 50 via router 30 and external communication network 40. When mobile terminal device 20 is present in home H10, mobile terminal device 20 communicates with server 50 via router 30 and external communication network 40. When mobile terminal device 20 is outside the home, mobile terminal device 20 is connected to external communication network 40 via externally installed router 60 or base station 70, and communicates with server 50.

[0028] A user of mobile terminal device 20 can use mobile terminal device 20 to remotely control water heating apparatus 10 whether inside home H10 or outside the home. That is, whether mobile terminal device 20 is inside home H10 or outside the home, a command based on an operation performed by the user on mobile terminal device 20 is first transmitted to server 50 via external communication network 40. In response to this, server 50 transmits the received command to water heating apparatus 10 that is pre-associated with mobile terminal device 20 that received the command. The command from server 50 is transmitted to kitchen remote control 13 of the corresponding water heating apparatus 10 via external communication network 40 and router 30. In this way, by remote operation from mobile terminal device 20, settings requested by the user are made in water heating apparatus 10, or a function requested by the user is started.

[0029] Additionally, status information of water heating apparatus 10 is periodically transmitted from kitchen remote control 13 to server 50 via router 30. The status information indicates the current setting and operating status of water heating apparatus 10. Mobile terminal device 20 can obtain and display the latest status information from server 50 using the application program of bathing system 1. This allows the user of mobile terminal device 20 to monitor the status of water heating apparatus 10 both inside home H10 and outside the home.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing circuit blocks of each device constituting water heater 10. As shown in FIG.

[0031] Water heater 11 includes control unit 111, storage unit 112, communication unit 113, and detection unit 114. Control unit 111 includes a microcomputer, and controls each unit within water heater 11 in accordance with a program stored in storage unit 112. Storage unit 112 includes a memory, and stores a predetermined control program.

[0032] Communication unit 113 communicates with bathroom remote control 12 and kitchen remote control 13 under the control of control unit 111. Communication unit 113 is connected to communication unit 125 of bathroom remote control 12 and communication unit 135 of kitchen remote control 13 via two-core communication lines L1 and L2. In addition, two-core communication lines L1 and L2 are connected to each other inside communication unit 113. Therefore, communication unit 125 of bathroom remote control 12 and communication unit 135 of kitchen remote control 13 are connected to each other by two-core communication lines L1 and L2. Therefore, a signal transmitted from any of communication units 113, 125, and 135 is simultaneously transmitted to the other communication units.

[0033] Detection unit 114 includes various sensors arranged in water heater 11. For example, detection unit 114 includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of hot water, a flow rate sensor for detecting the supply of hot water, and the like.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the combustion system and piping of water heater 11. As shown in FIG.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 3, in addition to the configuration shown in Fig. 2, water heater 11 includes hot water supply section 210, reheating section 220, and bypass section 230. Water heater 11 is installed outside bathroom 3 in which bathtub 2 is provided.

[0036] The hot water supply unit 210 includes a water supply pipe 211, a hot water heat exchanger 212, a hot water pipe 213, a hot water combustor 214, and an air supply fan 215. The water supply pipe 211 is connected to a water pipe and the hot water heat exchanger 212, and the hot water pipe 213 is connected to the hot water heat exchanger 212, the bathroom faucet 4, and the exterior faucet 5. A quantity of gas (fuel gas) corresponding to the opening degree of a proportional valve 216 is supplied to the hot water combustor 214 through a hot water gas pipe 217. When a gas solenoid valve (not shown) is opened, gas is supplied to the hot water gas pipe 217. The hot water combustor 214 burns the gas as fuel at an intensity corresponding to the amount of gas supplied. The air supply fan 215 supplies air for combustion to the hot water combustor 214.

[0037] The reheating unit 220 includes a return pipe 221, a bath heat exchanger 222, an outgoing pipe 223, a bath burner 224, and a circulation pump 225. The return pipe 221 is connected to the circulation adapter 2a of the bathtub 2 and the bath heat exchanger 222, and the outgoing pipe 223 is connected to the bath heat exchanger 222 and the circulation adapter 2a.

[0038] A quantity of gas (fuel gas) corresponding to the opening of proportional valve 226 is supplied to bath combustor 224 through bath gas pipe 227. When a gas solenoid valve (not shown) is opened, gas is supplied to bath gas pipe 227. Bath combustor 224 burns gas as fuel at an intensity corresponding to the amount of gas supplied. Air supply fan 215 is shared between hot water supply section 210 and reheating section 220, and air for combustion is supplied from air supply fan 215 to bath combustor 224. A circulation pump 225 and a water level sensor S1 are arranged in return pipe 221. Water level sensor S1 detects the water level in bathtub 2 based on the water pressure in return pipe 221.

[0039] The bypass unit 230 includes a bypass pipe 231 and a hot water supply electromagnetic valve 232. The bypass pipe 231 is connected to the hot water supply pipe 213 and the return pipe 221. The hot water supply electromagnetic valve 232 opens and closes the bypass pipe 231.

[0040] In addition to water level sensor S1, water heater 11 is equipped with a flow rate sensor S2 for detecting the flow rate of water supply pipe 211, a temperature sensor S3 for detecting the temperature of water introduced into water supply pipe 211, and a temperature sensor S4 for detecting the temperature of the hot water after being heated by hot water heat exchanger 212. Water heater 11 is also equipped with a temperature sensor S5 for detecting the temperature of the hot water stored in bathtub 2 by detecting the temperature of the hot water in return pipe 221. These sensors S1 to S5 are included in detection unit 114 in FIG. 2.

[0041] The control unit 111 controls the hot water combustor 214, the air supply fan 215 and the proportional valve 216 of the hot water supply unit 210, the bath combustor 224, the circulation pump 225 and the proportional valve 226 of the reheating unit 220, the hot water solenoid valve 232 of the bypass unit 230, and the like.

[0042] When bathroom faucet 4 or external faucet 5 is opened, the hot water supply function is executed. Water from the water pipe is introduced into hot water heat exchanger 212 through water supply pipe 211, and hot water combustor 214 combusts, heating hot water heat exchanger 212. The water introduced into hot water heat exchanger 212 is heated to become hot water, which is then supplied to bathroom faucet 4 or external faucet 5 through hot water pipe 213. When bathroom faucet 4 or external faucet 5 is closed, the water supply from the water pipe to water supply pipe 211 stops, and the combustion in hot water combustor 214 stops.

[0043] Control unit 111 also controls hot water supply unit 210 to execute a hot water filling function (automatic bath function). In this case, hot water solenoid valve 232 is opened, and water from a water pipe is introduced into hot water heat exchanger 212 through water supply pipe 211 and heated by hot water heat exchanger 212. Then, hot water from hot water heat exchanger 212 is introduced into return pipe 221 through hot water supply pipe 213 and bypass pipe 231.

[0044] A portion of the hot water introduced into the return pipe 221 flows through the return pipe 221 toward the circulation adapter 2a and is poured from the circulation adapter 2a into the bathtub 2. The remainder of the hot water introduced into the return pipe 221 flows through the return pipe 221 toward the bath heat exchanger 222, and then flows through the bath heat exchanger 222 and the outgoing pipe 223 before being poured into the bathtub 2 from the circulation adapter 2a.

[0045] When hot water is supplied and filled in bathtub 2, return pipe 221, bath heat exchanger 222, and supply pipe 223 are filled with hot water. This allows water level sensor S1 to detect the water level in bathtub 2. When water level sensor S1 detects that the water level in bathtub 2 has reached a preset level, hot water supply solenoid valve 232 is closed, stopping the water supply from the water pipe to water supply pipe 211 and stopping combustion in hot water supply combustor 214.

[0046] When the return pipe 221, the bath heat exchanger 222, and the supply pipe 223 are filled with hot water, the temperature of the hot water in the return pipe 221 becomes approximately equal to the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub 2. The temperature sensor S5 can detect the temperature of the hot water in the return pipe 221 as the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub 2. The temperature data detected by the temperature sensor S5 becomes hot water temperature data indicating the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub 2. The temperature sensor S5 outputs hot water temperature data as a hot water temperature data output unit. The hot water temperature data is input to the control unit 111.

[0047] In addition, control unit 111 controls reheating unit 220 to perform the reheating function. In this case, circulation pump 225 operates and bath combustor 224 starts combustion. The hot water in bathtub 2 circulates between bathtub 2 and a circulation path consisting of return pipe 221, bath heat exchanger 222, and forward pipe 223, and is heated by bath heat exchanger 222 during this circulating process. This causes the temperature of the hot water in bathtub 2 to rise.

[0048] Furthermore, the hot water addition function and the cold water addition function are executed by supplying hot water and cold water to bathtub 2 from hot water supply unit 210 under the control of control unit 111. In the cold water addition function, hot water supply combustor 214 does not combust.

[0049] The automatic bath function includes a filling function and a heat retention function that maintains the temperature of the water in bathtub 2 at a predetermined bath setting temperature after filling. In the heat retention function, control unit 111 performs reheating using reheating unit 220 based on water temperature data from temperature sensor S5 so that the temperature of the water in bathtub 2 becomes the bath setting temperature. The heat retention function makes the temperature of the water in bathtub 2 approximately equal to the bath setting temperature. The bath setting temperature can be set by operating the buttons on bathroom remote control 12.

[0050] Returning to Figure 2, bathroom remote control 12 includes, in addition to display unit 121 and input unit 122 described above, control unit 123, memory unit 124, communication unit 125, speaker 126, and temperature sensor 127. Display unit 121 is configured, for example, by a liquid crystal panel. Input unit 122 includes various operation buttons such as a temperature setting button. Display unit 121 may also be a touch panel.

[0051] The control unit 123 includes a microcomputer and performs predetermined control in accordance with a program stored in the storage unit 124. The storage unit 124 includes a memory and stores the predetermined control program.

[0052] Communication unit 125 communicates with water heater 11 and kitchen remote control 13 under the control of control unit 123. Speaker 126 outputs audio based on an audio signal generated by control unit 123. Control unit 123 reads audio information stored in storage unit 124 as needed to generate an audio signal. The audio output from speaker 126 is output from audio window 12a in FIG. 1.

[0053] Temperature sensor 127 detects the temperature in bathroom 3. Temperature sensor 127 serves as a temperature data output unit and outputs temperature data indicating the temperature in bathroom 3. The temperature data is input to control unit 123.

[0054] In addition to the above-mentioned display input unit 131 and operation button 132, kitchen remote control 13 also includes control unit 133, memory unit 134, communication unit 135, speaker 136, and wireless communication unit 137. Control unit 133 includes a microcomputer and performs predetermined control according to a program stored in memory unit 134. Memory unit 134 includes a memory and stores predetermined control programs.

[0055] Communication unit 135 communicates with water heater 11 and bathroom remote control 12 under the control of control unit 133. Speaker 136 outputs audio based on an audio signal generated by control unit 133. Control unit 133 reads audio information stored in memory unit 134 as needed to generate an audio signal. The audio output from speaker 136 is output from audio window 13a in FIG. 1.

[0056] Wireless communication unit 137 is a wireless communication module capable of wireless communication with router 30. In server 50, the address information and ID information of wireless communication unit 137 are registered as the address information and ID information of kitchen remote control 13 (water heating apparatus 10).

[0057] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing circuit blocks of the mobile terminal device 20. As shown in FIG.

[0058] The mobile terminal device 20 includes a display unit 301, an input unit 302, a speaker 303, a control unit 304, a storage unit 305, and a wireless communication unit 306. The display unit 301 is configured, for example, by a liquid crystal panel. The input unit 302 includes various operation buttons and a touch panel laminated on the display unit 301. The speaker 303 outputs sounds such as voice.

[0059] The control unit 304 includes a processing circuit such as a CPU, and performs predetermined control in accordance with a program stored in the storage unit 305. The storage unit 305 includes a storage medium such as a ROM or RAM, and stores the predetermined control program. The storage unit 305 is also used as a work area for the control unit 304.

[0060] When the mobile terminal device 20 is used inside the home H10, the wireless communication unit 306 communicates with the router 30 under control of the control unit 304. When the mobile terminal device 20 is used outside the home, the wireless communication unit 306 communicates with a communication system outside the home (router 60, base station 70). The wireless communication unit 306 is a wireless communication module capable of wireless communication with the router 30 and the like.

[0061] Bathing system 1 is equipped with a pleasant-sleep bathing mode function that helps the user sleep soundly. The pleasant-sleep bathing mode function is included in the bathing system application program installed in water heater 10 and mobile terminal device 20.

[0062] In the pleasant bathing mode, the mobile terminal device 20 accepts input of a planned bedtime from the user. When the user inputs the planned bedtime, the mobile terminal device 20 calculates a recommended bathing time that will lead the user to fall asleep more easily at the input planned bedtime, and notifies the user to take a bath when the calculated recommended bathing time arrives.

[0063] When the user then enters bathtub 2, bathroom remote control 12 executes the pleasant sleep bathing mode. Bathroom remote control 12 calculates the timing (bathing time) at which the user's core body temperature will rise by an appropriate amount based on the water temperature in bathtub 2 at the time of bathing. Then, bathroom remote control 12 issues a notification urging the user to exit the bath when the calculated timing arrives.

[0064] Thereafter, when the planned bedtime set by the user approaches, the mobile terminal device 20 notifies the user to go to bed, which encourages the user to go to bed, thereby causing the user to go to bed and fall into a comfortable sleep.

[0065] It is generally said that taking a bath 1.5 to 2 hours before going to bed is effective for getting a good night's sleep. This allows the deep body temperature that rises during the bath to drop over time after you get out of the bath, making it easier for you to fall asleep. In this way, the process of dropping body temperature can help you fall asleep, providing the user with a good night's sleep.

[0066] From this perspective, the recommended bathing time calculated by mobile terminal device 20 is set to a time approximately 1.5 to 2 hours before the planned bedtime. Mobile terminal device 20 calculates the recommended bathing time so that the time difference from the planned bedtime set by the user is a predetermined time within a range of 1.5 to 2 hours (for example, 2 hours). For example, if the planned bedtime is 11 PM and the time difference is 2 hours, mobile terminal device 20 sets the recommended bathing time to 9 PM.

[0067] However, the drop in body temperature after bathing can vary depending on the ambient temperature and the user's clothing. For example, in cold environments such as winter, or when the user is lightly dressed, the drop in body temperature after bathing can be rapid. Therefore, in such environments, the user may feel cold at the recommended bathing time, and even if they go to bed at the scheduled time, they may not be able to fall asleep smoothly. In such cases, the user may not be able to get a good night's sleep after going to bed.

[0068] Therefore, in this embodiment, in the pleasant-sleep bathing mode, the mobile terminal device 20 acquires index information relating to the state of decrease in the user's body temperature after leaving the bath, and corrects the calculation process of the recommended bathing time based on this index information.

[0069] For example, the mobile terminal device 20 accepts input of index information related to the sensation of coldness or warmth at bedtime from the user and corrects the calculation process for the recommended bathing time based on this index information. That is, if the index information related to the sensation of coldness or warmth at bedtime indicates a state colder than moderate, the user's body temperature drops too quickly after bathing, causing the user's body temperature to drop too low at bedtime. In this case, the mobile terminal device 20 corrects the time difference between the planned bedtime and the recommended bathing time by shortening it by a predetermined amount.

[0070] For example, if the time difference before correction is two hours, the mobile terminal device 20 shortens the time difference used in the next calculation process by five minutes to set it to one hour and 55 minutes. This delays the recommended bathing time by five minutes from before correction, making it easier to prevent the user from feeling cold at the next scheduled bedtime.

[0071] On the other hand, if the index information regarding the thermal sensation at bedtime indicates a state hotter than moderate, the mobile terminal device 20 extends the time difference used in the next calculation process by 5 minutes to set it to 2 hours and 5 minutes. This brings the recommended bathing time forward by 5 minutes, making it easier to prevent the user from feeling too hot at the next scheduled bedtime.

[0072] In the above example, the shortening time and the extension time of the time difference are each set to 5 minutes, but this is not limiting and these times may be other times such as 10 minutes. Also, the shortening time and the extension time do not necessarily have to be the same; for example, the shortening time may be longer than the extension time.

[0073] <Sleep bath mode> The function of the good sleep bathing mode will be explained in detail below.

[0074] 4, in order to execute the functions of the pleasant bathing mode, in mobile terminal device 20, the control program stored in memory 305 provides control unit 304 with the functions of bedtime reception unit 304a, bathing time calculation unit 304b, recommended bathing notification unit 304c, start operation reception unit 304d, bedtime notification unit 304e, and index information acquisition unit 304f. Control unit 304 also has a function of measuring time.

[0075] Bedtime receiving unit 304a receives a planned bedtime setting from the user. Bathing time calculation unit 304b calculates a recommended bathing time for when the user goes to bed at the planned bedtime set by the user. Recommended bathing notification unit 304c issues a notification urging the user to take a bath at the recommended bathing time calculated by bathing time calculation unit 304b. Start operation receiving unit 304d receives a start operation from the user indicating the start of bathing when the user takes a bath in response to the notification urging them to take a bath. Upon receiving the start operation, start operation receiving unit 304d transmits a start command to water heating apparatus 10 via server 50 to cause water heating apparatus 10 to start the pleasant sleep bathing mode.

[0076] The bedtime notification unit 304e notifies the user to go to bed when the planned bedtime set by the function of the bedtime receiving unit 304a arrives. The index information acquisition unit 304f acquires index information related to the state of the user's body temperature drop after getting out of the bath. In this embodiment, the cold / warm sensation level at the planned bedtime is acquired as index information. That is, the index information acquisition unit 304f accepts input from the user of the cold / warm sensation level of the hands and feet at the planned bedtime (for example, three levels: hot, moderate, and cold), and acquires the input cold / warm sensation level as index information.

[0077] As shown in Figure 2, in order to execute the function of the pleasant sleep bathing mode, in water heater 11, the function of bathing detection unit 111a is given to control unit 111 by a control program stored in memory unit 112. In addition, in bathroom remote control 12, the function of bathing exit notification unit 123a is given to control unit 123 by a control program stored in memory unit 124. Furthermore, control unit 123 has the function of measuring the passage of time.

[0078] When a person enters bathtub 2 filled with hot water, the water level in bathtub 2 rises. This change in water level due to a person entering bathtub 2 can be detected by water level sensor S1. Bathing detection unit 111a detects that a person has entered bathtub 2 based on the detection result of water level sensor S1, which is a bathing detection sensor. The bathing detection result is sent from control unit 111 to bathroom remote control 12 at any time.

[0079] In the good-sleep bathing mode, the bathing detection unit 111a starts detecting bathing when the start operation receiving unit 304d in FIG. 4 receives a start operation and receives the above-mentioned start command from the mobile terminal device 20.

[0080] When a person leaves bathtub 2 filled with hot water, the water level in bathtub 2 drops. Therefore, control unit 123 can detect that a person has left bathtub 2 by having water level sensor S1 detect a change in the water level based on the person leaving bathtub 2. Upon detecting that a person has left bathtub 2, bathing detection unit 111a transmits the detection result to bathroom remote control 12 and kitchen remote control 13.

[0081] After bathing is detected by the bathing detection unit 111a, the exit bathing notification unit 123a estimates the rise in the user's core body temperature based on the water temperature in the bathtub 2, and issues a notification urging the user to exit the bath based on the determination that the rise in core body temperature has reached or exceeded a temperature rise value (threshold value) set as effective for inducing sleep.

[0082] In this embodiment, the bathing time at which the rise in core body temperature exceeds a temperature rise value (threshold value) set as effective for inducing sleep is determined based on water temperature data from temperature sensor S5 and air temperature data from temperature sensor 127. After bathing detection unit 111a detects bathing, bathing exit notification unit 123a determines that the rise in core body temperature exceeds a temperature rise value (threshold value) set as effective for inducing sleep due to the passage of this bathing time, and issues a notification urging the user to exit the bath. In this notification, bathing exit notification unit 123a causes speaker 126 of bathroom remote control 12 to issue a notification urging the user to exit bathtub 2.

[0083] The following describes how the bathing time is determined by the bathing exit notification unit 123a.

[0084] People become sleepy when their core body temperature drops. Core body temperature tends to drop as it rises. Therefore, if a person's core body temperature rises significantly through bathing, the drop in core body temperature will be greater, making it easier for them to fall asleep. However, if the core body temperature rises excessively through bathing, it can easily lead to health problems such as heatstroke. Therefore, by conducting tests and taking the above points into consideration, an appropriate temperature rise (threshold) for smooth sleep induction can be selected. For example, the predetermined temperature rise is set to approximately +0.5°C. The predetermined temperature rise can be selected within the range of +0.1 to +1.0°C.

[0085] The bathroom remote controller 12's memory unit 124 stores a bathing time determination table that the bathing exit notification unit 123a references to determine the bathing time taking into account the rise in core body temperature. In this embodiment, when creating the bathing time determination table, the core body temperature is estimated using a human body heat model HM, which will be described later. That is, the core body temperature can be calculated based on a formula obtained by the human body heat model HM.

[0086] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the bathing time determination table 124a.

[0087] The bathing time determination table 124a stores the bathing time required for the rise in core body temperature to reach the above-mentioned temperature rise value (threshold) at the water temperature in the bathtub 2 and the air temperature in the bathroom 3, corresponding to these water temperatures and air temperatures.

[0088] Bathing time determination table 124a is created, for example, as follows: That is, deep body temperature is estimated (calculated using a formula) for each predetermined time period from the start of bathing, and multiple data (graphs) showing the relationship between the time elapsed since the start of bathing and deep body temperature are created while changing the water temperature in bathtub 2 and the air temperature in bathroom 3. Bathing time determination table 124a is created by extracting the time at which the deep body temperature rise reaches a predetermined temperature rise value from each of the created data (graphs). In bathing time determination table 124a, the bathing time becomes shorter the higher the water temperature in bathtub 2 and the higher the air temperature in bathroom 3.

[0089] Here, the human body heat model HM used to estimate the bather's core body temperature will be described. The human body thermal model HM is a physical model that divides the human body into multiple parts (layers) and calculates body temperature based on the heat balance in each part.

[0090] 6 and 7 are diagrams for explaining the human body heat model HM.

[0091] 6, in the human body thermal model HM of this embodiment, the human body is divided into a skin layer SK, a core layer CR that is closer to the center of the human body than the skin layer SK, and an intermediate layer MD between the skin layer SK and the core layer CR. The skin layer SK is further divided into a first skin layer SK1 that contacts the air in the bathroom 3 and a second skin layer SK2 that contacts the hot and cold water in the bathtub 2, and the intermediate layer MD is divided into a first intermediate layer MD1 that contacts the first skin layer SK1 and a second intermediate layer MD2 that contacts the second skin layer SK2.

[0092] As shown in Figure 7, in the first skin layer SK1, heat transfer occurs between the air in the bathroom 3 and the first skin layer SK1 through radiation and convection, and heat loss through evaporation. Heat transfer between the first skin layer SK1 and the first intermediate layer MD1 occurs through tissue transfer. Furthermore, heat transfer between the first skin layer SK1 and the core layer CR occurs through blood flow.

[0093] In the second skin layer SK2, heat transfer occurs due to convection between the hot and cold water in the bathtub 2 and the second skin layer SK2. Heat transfer between the second skin layer SK2 and the second intermediate layer MD2 occurs as heat transfer between tissues. Heat transfer due to blood flow occurs between the second skin layer SK2 and the core layer CR.

[0094] In the first intermediate layer MD1, heat transfer between the first skin layer SK1 and the first intermediate layer MD1 occurs as heat transfer between tissues, and heat transfer between the first intermediate layer MD1 and the core layer CR occurs as heat transfer between tissues and heat transfer due to blood flow.

[0095] In the second intermediate layer MD2, heat transfer between the second skin layer SK2 and the second intermediate layer MD2 occurs as heat transfer between tissues, and heat transfer due to blood flow occurs as heat transfer between the second intermediate layer MD2 and the core layer CR.

[0096] In the core layer CR, heat transfer between the first intermediate layer MD1 and the core layer CR occurs through tissue-to-tissue heat transfer and heat transfer due to blood flow. Heat transfer between the second intermediate layer MD2 and the core layer CR occurs through tissue-to-tissue heat transfer and heat transfer due to blood flow. Heat transfer between the first skin layer SK1 and the core layer CR occurs through blood flow. Heat transfer between the second skin layer SK2 and the core layer CR occurs through blood flow. Heat transfer also occurs through metabolic heat production, respiration heat loss, and external work.

[0097] The heat balance equations (heat balance relational equations) in the first intermediate layer MD1, the second intermediate layer MD2, the core layer CR, the first skin layer SK1 and the second skin layer SK2 obtained by the human body thermal model HM of this embodiment are expressed by the following equations 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively.

[0098]

number

[0099]

number

[0100]

number

[0101]

number

[0102]

number

[0103] The symbols in these formulas have the following meanings:

[0104] c md : Specific heat of the intermediate layer MD (first intermediate layer MD1, second intermediate layer MD2) [J / kg·℃] c cr : specific heat of core layer CR [J / kg·℃] c sk :Specific heat of skin layer SK (first skin layer SK1, second skin layer SK2) [J / kg·℃] c bl :Specific heat of blood flow [[J / kg·℃] m md_a : Mass of the first intermediate layer MD1 [kg] m md_b : Mass of the second intermediate layer MD2 [kg] m sk_a : Mass of the first skin layer SK1 [kg] m sk_b : Mass of the second skin layer SK2 [kg] m cr : Mass of core layer CR [kg] T md_a :Temperature of the first intermediate layer MD1 [℃] T md_b :Temperature of the second intermediate layer MD2 [℃] T sk_a :Temperature of the first skin layer SK1 [℃] T sk_b:Temperature of the second skin layer SK2 [℃] T cr : Temperature of core layer CR [℃] α: Body surface area in contact with hot water [%] K cm : Thermal conductance between the core layer CR and the intermediate layer MD [W / (m 2 ·℃)] K ms : Thermal conductance between the middle layer MD and the skin layer SK [W / (m 2 ·℃)] M: metabolic productivity [W / m 2 ] W: External work [W / m 2 ] E res : Heat loss to the outside due to respiration [W / m 2 ] E sk : Heat loss by evaporation on the skin surface [W / m 2 ] R a : Radiative heat transfer to air [W / m 2 ] C a : Convective heat transfer to air [W / m 2 ] C hw : Heat transfer by convection to hot water [W / m 2 ] V bl :Blood flow [m 2 / (m 2 ·S)] A: Body surface area [m 2 ]

[0105] c md , c cr , c sk , c bl , m md_a , m md_b , m sk_a , m sk_b , m cr , α, K cm , K. ms , M, W, and A are predetermined.

[0106] That is, since there is no significant difference in the specific heat of the middle layer MD, the core layer CR, and the skin layer SK, for example, c md , c cr , c sk The same value is used for the specific heat of the human body. For example, m md_a , m md_b , m sk_a , m sk_b , m cr is determined based on the mass ratio of each layer and the standard weight of a Japanese person, by determining the mass ratio of the first intermediate layer MD1, the second intermediate layer MD2, the core layer CR, the first skin layer SK1, and the second skin layer SK2. α is set to, for example, 70%, assuming that the lower part of the human body is in contact with hot water.

[0107] Also, K cm and K. ms For example, the thermal resistance of each layer can be calculated using height, weight, and the density, thermal conductivity, and mass ratio of each of the core layer CR, intermediate layer MD, and skin layer SK, and the reciprocal of these thermal resistances can be obtained from these thermal resistances.

[0108] Furthermore, for M, the standard basal metabolic rate for Japanese people is used. W is set to 0 because the bather hardly moves during the bath. For A, the standard body surface area for Japanese people is used.

[0109] E res and E sk can be calculated using the formula shown in the literature on human body temperature physiological models, "Gagge, AP, Stolwijk, JAJ and Nishi, Y.: An Effective Temperature Scale Based on a Simple Model of Human Physiological Regulatory Response, ASHRAE Trans., 77, 247-262, 1971." That is, E res is the temperature T in bathroom 3 a It can be calculated using the saturated water vapor pressure at the temperature, the relative humidity in the air, and metabolic productivity M. sk is the heat of diffusion of water vapor E diffand the heat of evaporation from sweating E rsw It is calculated by adding up the E diff is the heat transfer coefficient of air, and T is the temperature of the skin layer SK sk Saturated water vapor pressure at the temperature T in bathroom 3 a It can be calculated using the saturated water vapor pressure at the temperature, the relative humidity in the air, etc. rsw is the temperature of the skin layer SK, T sk , the temperature T of the core layer CR cr It can be found using the following:

[0110] R a is T sk_a and the temperature in bathroom 3, T a It is calculated by multiplying the difference between C and C by the radiation heat transfer coefficient. a is T sk_a and T a It is calculated by multiplying the difference between the two by the convective heat transfer coefficient. hw is T sk_b and the water temperature in bathtub 2, T b It is calculated by multiplying the difference between the two by the convective heat transfer coefficient.

[0111] V bl The value is calculated using the following equation 6.

[0112]

number

[0113] The symbols in this formula have the following meanings:

[0114] T sk : Temperature of the skin layer SK [℃] T sk_sp : Set point of skin layer SK [℃] T cr_sp : Core layer CR set point [℃]

[0115] T sk is T based on α sk_a and T sk_b is the weighted average of the temperature of the skin layer SK. sk_spis determined based on the average temperature of the skin layer SK.

[0116] The bather's core body temperature is calculated using the above-mentioned formula (heat balance formula) as follows:

[0117] First, the temperature T md_a , the temperature T of the second intermediate layer MD2 md_b , the temperature T of the first skin layer SK1 sk_a , the temperature T of the second skin layer SK2 sk_b , the temperature T of the core layer CR cr The initial values ​​are set. The initial values ​​are the temperatures of each layer before bathing.

[0118] Here, before bathing, md_a and T md_b (Initial value) is set to the same value, and T sk_a and T sk_b (Initial value) is set to the same value. For example, the average core body temperature of Japanese people is T cr The initial value of the average skin temperature of Japanese people is T sk_a , T sk_b Based on these average core body temperature and average skin temperature, T md_a , T md_b The initial value of is determined.

[0119] Next, the temperature gradient dT of the first intermediate layer MD1, the second intermediate layer MD2, the core layer CR, the first skin layer SK1, and the second skin layer SK2 after the time ΔT has elapsed since bathing. md_a / dt, dT md_b / dt, dT cr / dt, dT sk_a / dt, dT sk_b / dt is calculated based on the above formulas 1 to 5. Here, the temperature T of each layer just a time ΔT before the current timing is calculated. md_a , T md_b , T sk_a , T sk_b , T cr The temperature gradients of these layers are calculated by applying the above initial values ​​to the above equations 1 to 5. When the first time ΔT has elapsed after bathing, the temperature gradients of each layer are calculated by applying the above initial values ​​to the corresponding equations.

[0120] In this case, the heat transfer due to radiation to the air, R, included in Eq. a and convective heat transfer to air C a The temperature T used to calculate a The room temperature in the bathroom 3 at the start of bathing is applied to the equation. hw The water temperature T used to calculate b The water temperature in the bathtub 2 at the start of bathing is applied.

[0121] Therefore, the temperature dT of the core layer CR calculated by Equation 3 cr / dt r In other words, the water temperature and room temperature at the start of bathing are also used to calculate the temperature gradient of the core body temperature.

[0122] Next, the calculated temperature gradient of each layer is integrated over time ΔT to calculate the temperature rise value of each layer. Then, the calculated temperature rise value of each layer is multiplied by the temperature T of each layer from the current timing just before time ΔT. md_a , T md_b , T sk_a , T sk_b , T cr The temperature of each layer is calculated by adding the temperature rise value of each layer to the initial value. At the first time that time ΔT has elapsed since the start of bathing, the temperature of each layer at this time T md_a , T md_b , T sk_a , T sk_b , T cr is calculated.

[0123] In this way, the temperature of each layer when the room temperature and water temperature are at their respective predetermined temperatures is calculated every time ΔT has elapsed since the start of bathing. The bather's deep body temperature is the temperature of the core layer CR. Therefore, the temperature of the core layer CR calculated every time ΔT has elapsed since the start of bathing corresponds to the data (graph) showing the relationship between the elapsed time from the start of bathing and the deep body temperature.

[0124] 5, multiple pieces of data (graphs) are created using the calculation method described above while varying the water temperature in the bathtub 2 and the room temperature in the bathroom 3. Then, from each piece of data (graph) created, the time at which the rise in core body temperature reaches the temperature rise value (threshold value) considered effective for inducing sleep is extracted as the bathing time associated with the combination of water temperature and room temperature for each piece of data.

[0125] 8(a) and 8(b) are flowcharts showing the processing performed by the mobile terminal device 20 regarding the function of the pleasant bathing mode.

[0126] 8(a), the process of step S101 is performed by the function of bedtime reception unit 304a in control unit 304 of mobile terminal device 20, and the process of step S102 is performed by the function of bathing time calculation unit 304b. In addition, the processes of steps S103 and S104 are performed by the function of recommended bathing notification unit 304c, and the processes of steps S105 and S106 are performed by the function of start operation reception unit 304d.

[0127] In the flowchart of Figure 8(b), the processing of steps S201 and S202 is performed by the function of the bedtime notification unit 304e in the control unit 304 of the mobile terminal device 20, the processing of steps S203 and S204 is performed by the function of the index information acquisition unit 304f, and the processing of step S205 is performed by the function of the bathing time calculation unit 304b.

[0128] In the following description, it is assumed that the control unit 304 of the mobile terminal device 20 performs the processes in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b) using the corresponding functions.

[0129] When the user performs an operation to activate the function of the pleasant bathing mode on the mobile terminal device 20, the processing of FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b) starts.

[0130] Referring to FIG. 8(a), the control unit 304 causes the display unit 301 to display the bedtime reception screen 410, and receives a setting of a planned bedtime from the user (S101).

[0131] 9(a) is a diagram showing an example of a bedtime reception screen 410. The bedtime reception screen 410 includes a message 411 prompting the user to set a bedtime, a time input field 412, and a done button 413. The user inputs the desired planned bedtime in the time input field 412 and touches the done button 413.

[0132] For example, when the user touches the "hour" field in the time input field 412, a caption will appear with hourly selection options from midnight to 11pm, and when the user touches the "minute" field, a caption will appear with minute selection options from 0 to 55, with five-minute intervals. The user can select the desired hour and minute from the caption-displayed hour and minute selection options. However, the method for inputting the hour and minute is not limited to this.

[0133] Returning to FIG. 8(a), once the planned bedtime has been set, the control unit 304 calculates a recommended bathing time based on the set planned bedtime (S102).

[0134] Generally, the average bath time is about 30 minutes, and it is said that it takes about 90 minutes for the core body temperature to return to normal after rising during the bath. Therefore, by taking a bath that induces an appropriate rise in core body temperature about two hours before the intended bedtime, the core body temperature can return to the temperature before the bath as the body temperature drops by the time of bedtime. This allows the user to fall asleep smoothly and achieve effective sleep.

[0135] Therefore, the initial value of the time difference between the recommended bathing time and the planned bedtime for calculating the recommended bathing time is set to fall within the range of about one and a half to two hours. For example, the initial value of the time difference is set to two hours. The initial value of the time difference is included in the application program for executing the good-sleep bathing mode and is stored in storage unit 305 of mobile terminal device 20.

[0136] As will be described later, this time difference is appropriately corrected depending on the user's temperature drop state when going to bed. At the next time of bathing, the corrected time difference is used to calculate the recommended bathing time. Furthermore, the corrected time difference is appropriately corrected depending on the user's temperature drop state when going to bed next. In this way, the time difference is repeatedly corrected each time the user goes to bed. The control unit 304 of the mobile terminal device 20 stores the latest time difference thus repeatedly corrected in the memory unit 305, separately from the initial value of the time difference.

[0137] In step S102, control unit 304 calculates a recommended bathing time by subtracting a time difference (the most recent time difference stored in storage unit 305) from the planned bedtime set by the user, and stores the calculated recommended bathing time in storage unit 305. Control unit 304 then determines whether the current time has reached the recommended bathing time (S103). The determination in step S103 may be made based on whether the current time has reached a time slightly earlier than the recommended bathing time (for example, 5 to 10 minutes earlier).

[0138] When the recommended bathing time arrives (S103: YES), the control unit 304 causes the display unit 301 to make a notification urging the user to take a bath (S104). By this process, for example, the bathing time notification screen 420 shown in Fig. 9(b) is displayed on the display unit 301. At this time, an alarm sound may be output from the speaker 303.

[0139] Bathing time notification screen 420 includes, for example, message 421 informing that the recommended bathing start time is approaching and display item 422 of the recommended bathing time. By referring to these displays, the user can know that the recommended bathing time is approaching. Instead of message 421 of the content shown in FIG. 9(b), a message clearly urging the user to start bathing, such as "Please start bathing," may be displayed. Furthermore, control unit 304 may cause speaker 303 to output an audio message urging the user to start bathing.

[0140] Bathing time notification screen 420 further includes message 423 prompting the user to touch bathing start button 424 when proceeding to bathing, and bathing start button 424. By displaying these, control unit 304 accepts the start operation in step S105 of FIG. 8(a). The user checks the availability of the bathroom and determines whether or not to take a bath, and then touches bathing start button 424 when proceeding with bathing (entering bathroom 3). This accepts the bathing start operation.

[0141] Returning to FIG. 8(a), when control unit 304 receives a bath start operation (S105), it sends a start command to water heating apparatus 10 via server 50 to cause bathroom remote control 12 to start the bath timer function of the pleasant sleep bath mode (S106). The sent start command is then sent to bathroom remote control 12 via kitchen remote control 13. As a result, control unit 304 ends the processing of FIG. 8(a) and proceeds to the processing of FIG. 8(b).

[0142] Thereafter, the control unit 304 monitors whether the scheduled bedtime has arrived (S201). In this process, the control unit 304 determines whether the current time has reached the scheduled bedtime. Alternatively, in step S201, the control unit 304 may determine whether the current time has reached a time that is a predetermined time (for example, about 5 to 10 minutes) earlier than the scheduled bedtime.

[0143] When the bedtime notification time arrives (S201: YES), the control unit 304 causes the display unit 301 to issue a notification urging the user to go to bed (S202). By this process, for example, a bedtime notification screen 430 shown in FIG. 10(a) is displayed on the display unit 301. At this time, an alarm sound may be output from the speaker 303. Also, an audio notification message urging the user to go to bed may be output from the speaker 303.

[0144] 10(a), bedtime notification screen 430 includes message 431 informing that bedtime is approaching, display item 432 displaying the planned bedtime set by the user, message 433 urging the user to touch preparation complete button 434 when preparation for bed is complete, and bed preparation complete button 434. The user can see that their planned bedtime has arrived by referring to message 431 and display item 432. Instead of message 431 of the content in FIG. 10(a), a message clearly urging the user to go to bed, such as "Go to bed," may be displayed.

[0145] In this way, the user, who has realized that his or her planned bedtime has arrived, further refers to message 433 and proceeds with preparations for bed, such as changing clothes and brushing teeth. Then, after completing preparations for bed, the user touches preparation for bed complete button 434. This causes control unit 304 to determine that the user has completed preparations for bed.

[0146] Returning to Fig. 8(b), when the control unit 304 determines that the user has completed preparation for bedtime (S203: YES), it acquires index information relating to the user's body temperature drop state at bedtime (S204). Here, the index information acquired is the user's thermal sensation level at bedtime. To acquire the user's thermal sensation level at bedtime, the control unit 304 causes the display unit 301 to display the thermal sensation reception screen 440 of Fig. 10(b).

[0147] The cold / warm sensation reception screen 440 includes a message 441 inquiring of the user about the level of cold / warm sensation in the hands and feet at bedtime (currently), selection buttons 442a to 442c for replying to the inquiry, and a completion button 443 for completing the reply. Selection button 442a is a button selected when the cold / warm sensation in the hands and feet at bedtime (currently) is cold, selection button 442b is a button selected when the cold / warm sensation in the hands and feet at bedtime (currently) is neither cold nor hot (moderate), and selection button 442c is a button selected when the cold / warm sensation in the hands and feet at bedtime (currently) is hot.

[0148] The user touches one of the selection buttons 442a to 442c that corresponds to the cold / warm sensation of the user's hands and feet when going to bed (currently). This highlights the touched selection button. If the user accidentally touches a selection button that does not correspond to the cold / warm sensation when going to bed (currently), the user can simply touch the appropriate selection button. This allows the user to correct the cold / warm sensation when going to bed (currently) to an appropriate state. The user then touches the complete button 443 to confirm the state of their cold / warm sensation. This causes the control unit 304 to acquire the cold / warm sensation level (cold / moderate / hot) of the user when going to bed as index information related to the user's body temperature drop state when going to bed.

[0149] After acquiring the temperature sensation level at bedtime (S204), the control unit 304 corrects the time difference used to calculate the recommended input time for the next pleasant bathing mode execution based on the acquired temperature sensation level, i.e., the user's body temperature drop state at bedtime (S205). The control unit 304 corrects the time difference based on the user's temperature sensation level at bedtime (index information) so that the user's body temperature drop state at the planned bedtime is one that is conducive to falling asleep.

[0150] For example, if the cooling / warmth sensation level acquired from the user is "cold," the control unit 304 shortens the time difference by a predetermined time (e.g., 5 minutes), and if the cooling / warmth sensation level acquired from the user is "hot," the control unit 304 extends the time difference by a predetermined time (e.g., 5 minutes). If the cooling / warmth sensation level acquired from the user is "moderate," the control unit 304 maintains the time difference without correcting it.

[0151] If the time difference is shortened, the recommended bathing time calculated in step S102 of FIG. 8(a) when the next good-sleep bathing mode is executed will be closer to the planned bedtime by a predetermined time (e.g., 5 minutes) compared to when the current good-sleep bathing mode was executed. As a result, the time it takes for body temperature to drop after bathing will be shortened by the predetermined time in the next good-sleep bathing mode, and the body temperature will be less likely to drop after bathing. Therefore, in the next good-sleep bathing mode, when the user goes to bed around the planned bedtime, the user's body temperature will be less likely to drop to the point where their hands and feet feel cold. Therefore, in the next good-sleep bathing mode, the user will be more likely to fall asleep after going to bed and will be able to get more effective sleep.

[0152] On the other hand, if the time difference is extended, the recommended bathing time calculated in step S102 of FIG. 8(a) when the next bathing mode is executed will be a predetermined time (e.g., 5 minutes) away from the planned bedtime compared to when the current bathing mode was executed. As a result, in the next bathing mode, the time it takes for body temperature to drop after bathing will be longer by the predetermined time, making it easier for body temperature to drop after bathing. Therefore, in the next bathing mode, when the user goes to bed around the planned bedtime, the user's level of cold sensation will be less likely to be such that the hands and feet feel hot. Therefore, in the next bathing mode, the user will be more likely to fall asleep after going to bed and will be able to get more effective sleep.

[0153] The control unit 304 stores the corrected time difference in the storage unit 305. Then, the control unit 304 ends the process of FIG.

[0154] 10(a) without operating the "Ready to go to bed" button 434, if the planned bedtime or the time obtained by adding a predetermined time (e.g., 5 minutes) to the planned bedtime has passed, even if the "Ready to go to bed" button 434 is not pressed and the "Cooling sensation reception screen 440" is subsequently displayed and a cooling / cooling sensation level is received, the cooling / cooling sensation level at bedtime cannot be properly acquired, and the time difference cannot be properly corrected. Therefore, in such a case, the control unit 304 closes the bedtime notification screen 430, stops receiving the cooling / cooling sensation level, and skips steps S204 and S205 in FIG. 8(b). This prevents the time difference from being improperly corrected.

[0155] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by bathroom remote controller 12 regarding the function of the pleasant bathing mode.

[0156] In the flowchart of Figure 11, the processing of steps S303 to S308 is performed by control unit 123 of bathroom remote control 12 of Figure 2 using the function of exit-of-bath notification unit 123a. In the following, the explanation will be given assuming that control unit 123 of bathroom remote control 12 performs the processing of Figure 11 using the function of exit-of-bath notification unit 123a.

[0157] When the control unit 123 receives the start command transmitted from the mobile terminal device 20 in step S106 of FIG. 8(a) via the server 50 and the kitchen remote controller 13 (S301: YES), it starts the good-sleep bathing mode (S302).

[0158] If another user is bathing in the bathtub 2 at the time the start command is received, the control unit 123 does not start the pleasant sleep bathing mode, but instead sends a notification of this to the mobile terminal device 20 that sent the start command, and ends the processing of Figure 11.

[0159] In this case, the mobile terminal device 20 displays a screen on the display unit 301 informing the user that the good sleep input mode cannot be executed due to the presence of a previous bather, and then ends the good sleep input mode. In this case, the control unit 304 skips steps S204 and S205 in FIG. 8(b) and does not correct the time difference. However, even in this case, if the previous bather quickly exits the bath, the user can take a bath again quickly after the previous bather exits, thereby achieving more effective sleep by falling asleep at the scheduled bedtime.

[0160] After starting the good-sleep bathing mode, the control unit 123 monitors whether bathing in the bathtub 2 has been detected, i.e., whether a detection result of bathing in the bathtub 2 has been received from the water heater 11 (S203). If the control unit 123 does not detect bathing in the bathtub 2 within a predetermined time limit (e.g., 30 minutes) from the start of the good-sleep bathing mode (S303: NO, S307: YES), the control unit 123 ends the processing of Figure 11. On the other hand, if bathing in the bathtub 2 is detected within the time limit (S303: YES), the control unit 123 performs a process to determine the bathing time (S304).

[0161] In step S304, control unit 123 acquires water temperature data from temperature sensor S5 and air temperature data from temperature sensor 127. Then, control unit 123 references bathing time determination table 124a and determines the bathing time based on the acquired water temperature data and air temperature data. That is, control unit 123 extracts from bathing time determination table 124a the bathing time corresponding to the water temperature indicated by the acquired water temperature data and the air temperature indicated by the acquired air temperature data. Furthermore, control unit 123 notifies the user of the determined bathing time.

[0162] FIG. 12(a) is a diagram showing bathroom remote control 12 announcing bath time.

[0163] In step S304, control unit 123 causes speaker 126 to output a voice message informing the user that it is time to take a bath. As a result, as shown in Fig. 12(a), a voice informing the user that it is time to take a bath is output from voice window 12a of bathroom remote control 12. Control unit 123 may further cause display unit 121 to display information informing the user that it is time to take a bath.

[0164] Returning to Fig. 11, the control unit 123 measures the elapsed time from the time bathing was detected in step S303, and determines whether this elapsed time has reached the bathing time determined in step S304 (S305). If the determination is YES, the control unit 123 performs a notification process to urge the user to finish bathing (S306). In this notification process, the control unit 123 causes the speaker 126 to output an audio message urging the user to finish bathing. This causes the control unit 123 to end the process shown in Fig. 11.

[0165] FIG. 12(b) is a diagram showing bathroom remote control 12 issuing a notification urging the user to leave the bath.

[0166] 12(b), a voice informing the user that the bathing time has elapsed is output from voice window 12a of bathroom remote control 12. This lets the user know that the bathing time for effective sleep has elapsed, and the user can leave bathtub 2.

[0167] It is also possible to issue a notification that clearly urges the user to leave the bath, such as "Please leave the bath." As a notification to urge the user to leave the bath, the control unit 123 may cause the display unit 121 to display information indicating the elapsed time of the bathing.

[0168] Returning to Figure 11, if the user leaves bathtub 2 before the bathing time has elapsed (S305: NO) (S308: YES), control unit 123 ends the processing of Figure 11. In this case, control unit 123 may send a notification to mobile terminal device 20, the sender of the start command, indicating that the user has left bathing earlier than the determined bathing time. Upon receiving this notification, mobile terminal device 20 may omit steps S204 and S205 of Figure 8(b). This prevents the time difference used to calculate the recommended bathing time from being corrected due to an incomplete bath.

[0169] After issuing the notification in step S306, the control unit 123 may detect whether the person has left the bathtub 2, and may output a sound from the speaker 126 urging the person to leave the bath at predetermined intervals (for example, every minute) until the person has left the bath.

[0170] <Effects of the embodiment> According to this embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0171] 1 and 4, bathing system 1 includes: bedtime receiving unit 304a that receives input of a planned bedtime; bathing time calculation unit 304b that calculates a recommended bathing time for a user who goes to bed at the planned bedtime; recommended bathing notification unit 304c that prompts the user to take a bath at the recommended bathing time; and index information acquisition unit 304f that acquires index information related to the state of body temperature drop after a user who took a bath in response to a notification from recommended bathing notification unit 304c exits the bath. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8(b), bathing time calculation unit 304b corrects the time difference between the planned bedtime and the recommended bathing time for calculating the recommended bathing time based on the index information (thermal sensation level) (S204, S205). The application program of the bathing system 1 stored in the memory unit 305 causes the control unit 304 to execute the functions of a bedtime reception unit 304a, a bathing time calculation unit 304b, a recommended bathing notification unit 304c, and an index information acquisition unit 304f.

[0172] With this configuration, a recommended bathing time for achieving effective sleep is calculated based on the planned bedtime set by the user, and the user is encouraged to take a bath at the calculated recommended bathing time (see Figure 9(b)). Therefore, when going to bed according to the planned bedtime, the user's body temperature can be brought closer to a state suitable for falling asleep. In addition, the time difference between the planned bedtime used to calculate the recommended bathing time and the recommended bathing time is corrected based on index information regarding the body temperature drop state after bathing, so the recommended bathing time for the next bathing can be set to a time that makes it easier to fall asleep. Therefore, the user can be provided with more effective sleep at the planned bedtime set by the user.

[0173] 10(b), bathing time calculation unit 304b corrects the time difference based on the index information (level of cold / warm sensation) so that the user's body temperature will drop to a level that facilitates sleep at the planned bedtime. Specifically, when selection button 442a is touched, bathing time calculation unit 304b shortens the time difference used to calculate the next recommended bathing time by a predetermined time (e.g., 5 minutes), and when selection button 442c is touched, bathing time calculation unit 304b extends the time difference used to calculate the next recommended bathing time by a predetermined time (e.g., 5 minutes).

[0174] This configuration corrects the time difference so that the user's body temperature drops to a level that makes it easier to fall asleep at the scheduled bedtime, allowing the recommended bathing time for the next bath to be set to a time that makes it easier to fall asleep. This allows the user to get a more effective sleep at the scheduled bedtime they have set.

[0175] As shown in FIG. 10(b), the bathing time calculation unit 304b receives an input of a thermal sensation level for determining a body temperature drop state, and acquires the input thermal sensation level as index information.

[0176] With this configuration, the actual cold / warm sensation level (body temperature drop state) at bedtime (scheduled bedtime) can be obtained from the user as index information, so the time difference for calculating the recommended bathing time can be appropriately corrected.

[0177] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the bathing system 1 includes a mobile terminal device 20, which includes a bedtime reception unit 304a, a bathing time calculation unit 304b, a recommended bathing notification unit 304c, and an index information acquisition unit 304f.

[0178] With this configuration, the mobile terminal device 20 carried by the user accepts the planned bedtime, notifies the user of the recommended bathing time, and acquires index information. This allows the process from inputting the planned bedtime to being notified of the recommended bathing time to be carried out smoothly for each user. Furthermore, the user can smoothly set the planned bedtime on the mobile terminal device 20 carried by the user, and can reliably receive the notification of the recommended bathing time.

[0179] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, bathing system 1 includes water heater 10 (bath device), which includes bathing detection unit 111a that detects a user's bathing in bathtub 2, and exit notification unit 123a that, after bathing is detected, issues a notification urging the user to exit the bath based on the elapse of a bathing time that is effective for inducing sleep and is determined based on the water temperature in bathtub 2.

[0180] This configuration encourages the user to take a bath that is effective in inducing sleep, and provides the user with effective sleep.

[0181] <Change example 1> FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of a bathing system 1 according to the first modification.

[0182] In the bathing system 1 according to the first modified example, communication takes place between a wearable terminal 80 worn by the user and the mobile terminal device 20. This communication is performed, for example, by short-range wireless communication. This communication may also take place via a router 30 or the like. The wearable terminal 80 is worn, for example, on the user's wrist. The wearable terminal 80 acquires the user's body temperature through the user's skin that comes into contact with the wearable terminal 80 when worn. The control unit 304 of the mobile terminal device 20 acquires body temperature information indicating the user's body temperature from the wearable terminal 80 in order to determine the user's body temperature drop state after bathing.

[0183] FIG. 14(a) is a flowchart showing the process performed by the control unit 304 of the mobile terminal device 20 after taking a bath in the good-sleep bathing mode according to the first modification.

[0184] In the flowchart of Fig. 14(a), step S204 in the flowchart of Fig. 8(b) is replaced with step S211. When the control unit 304 detects an operation by the user indicating that preparation for bed is complete (touching the preparation for bed complete button 434 in Fig. 10(a)) (S203: YES), the control unit 304 acquires body temperature information from the wearable device 80 (S211). Then, the control unit 304 determines which thermal sensation level (cold / moderate / hot) of the selection buttons 442a to 442c in Fig. 10(b) corresponds to the acquired body temperature information, and corrects the time difference used to calculate the next recommended bathing time according to the determination result, as described above (S205).

[0185] Here, the thermal sensation level may be determined based on, for example, the difference between the user's normal body temperature and the body temperature acquired from the wearable device 80 when the user is ready to go to bed. For example, if this difference is within a predetermined threshold range (a predetermined positive and negative range centered at 0), the thermal sensation level is determined to be "moderate," if this difference is outside the threshold range in the negative direction, the thermal sensation level is determined to be "cold," and if this difference is outside the threshold range in the positive direction, the thermal sensation level is determined to be "hot."

[0186] In this determination, the normal body temperature may be, for example, the body temperature acquired by the mobile terminal device 20 from the wearable terminal 80 before bathing. In this case, the control unit 304 may acquire body temperature information from the wearable terminal 80 when the bathing time notification screen 420 in Fig. 9(b) is displayed, and use the body temperature indicated by the acquired body temperature information as the normal body temperature. Alternatively, body temperature information may be acquired from the wearable terminal 80 for a certain period before and after the bathing time notification screen 420 is displayed, and use the body temperature corresponding to a representative value (average, median, mode, etc.) of the acquired body temperature information as the normal body temperature.

[0187] In the above determination, the threshold range may be set, for example, by statistical verification based on actual measurements of the relationship between the difference and the warm / cold sensation level. The threshold range may vary depending on the normal body temperature. Furthermore, the threshold range does not necessarily have to be equal on both the positive and negative sides relative to 0.

[0188] In the flowchart of FIG. 14(a), the user's body temperature is acquired from the wearable device 80 when preparations for bed are completed. However, body temperature information for a period from the planned bedtime up to a certain time before (for example, one hour) may be acquired at predetermined intervals, and the user's body temperature drop trend during this period may be acquired. In this case, the user's temperature sensation at the planned bedtime may be determined from this temperature drop trend. For example, an approximate line may be calculated for the body temperature distribution during this period, and the temperature sensation level (cold / moderate / hot) may be determined from the relationship between the slope of this approximate line and a predetermined threshold range. In this case, the threshold range may also be set, for example, by statistical verification based on actual measurements of the relationship between the slope of the approximate line and the temperature sensation level.

[0189] Furthermore, the cold / warm sensation level does not necessarily have to be determined from the difference or the slope of the approximate line. A correction amount with a positive or negative sign (+5 minutes, -5 minutes, etc.) may be determined depending on whether the difference or the slope of the approximate line deviates from the respective threshold ranges, and the determined correction amount may be added to the time difference for calculating the recommended bathing time to correct the time difference.

[0190] According to the configuration of the first modification, body temperature information for determining the user's body temperature drop state is automatically acquired from the wearable device 80 worn by the user. This allows the time difference for calculating the recommended bathing time to be appropriately corrected without any effort on the part of the user.

[0191] <Change example 2> In the first modification, the user's body temperature information is acquired as index information regarding the state of body temperature decrease after bathing. In contrast, in the second modification, temperature information indicating the temperature of the room where the user stays after leaving the bath is acquired as index information regarding the state of body temperature decrease after bathing.

[0192] The degree of drop in a user's body temperature after leaving the bath is affected by the temperature of the room where the user will be staying after leaving the bath. In other words, the lower the temperature of the room where the user will be staying after leaving the bath, the faster the user's body temperature will drop after leaving the bath. Therefore, the degree of drop in the user's body temperature (level of cold sensation) at the planned bedtime can be estimated from the temperature of the room where the user will be staying after leaving the bath.

[0193] In this case, a temperature sensor for detecting the indoor temperature is placed indoors. The temperature sensor may be built into kitchen remote control 13, for example. Kitchen remote control 13 is usually installed in the living room or kitchen, so it can easily obtain the temperature of the space where the user is staying after leaving the bath. Mobile terminal device 20 can obtain temperature information from kitchen remote control 13 via server 50.

[0194] However, the temperature sensor is not limited to this and may be installed separately in a room where the user stays after bathing. In this case, the temperature sensor has a function for communicating with the mobile terminal device 20. The temperature sensor may transmit temperature information to the mobile terminal device 20 by short-range wireless communication with the mobile terminal device 20, or may transmit the temperature information to the mobile terminal device 20 via a router.

[0195] FIG. 14(b) is a flowchart showing the process performed by the control unit 304 of the mobile terminal device 20 after taking a bath in the good-sleep bathing mode according to the second modification.

[0196] In the flowchart of Fig. 14(b), step S204 in the flowchart of Fig. 8(b) is replaced with step S221. When the control unit 304 detects an operation by the user indicating that preparation for bed is complete (touching the preparation for bed complete button 434 in Fig. 10(a)) (S203: YES), the control unit 304 acquires temperature information from the kitchen remote control 13 (S221). Then, from the acquired temperature information, the control unit 304 determines which thermal sensation level (cold / moderate / hot) of the selection buttons 442a to 442c in Fig. 10(b) corresponds to the current state of drop in body temperature of the user, and corrects the time difference used to calculate the next recommended bathing time according to the determination result, as described above (S205).

[0197] Here, the temperature sensation level can be determined based on the difference between the standard room temperature (e.g., 20°) and the temperature acquired from the kitchen remote control 13 when preparations for bed are complete. For example, if this difference is within a predetermined threshold range (a predetermined positive and negative range centered at 0), the temperature sensation level is determined to be "moderate," if this difference is outside the threshold range in the negative direction, the temperature sensation level is determined to be "cold," and if this difference is outside the threshold range in the positive direction, the temperature sensation level is determined to be "hot."

[0198] In this determination, the threshold range may be set, for example, by statistical verification based on actual measurements of the relationship between the difference and the hot / cold sensation level.

[0199] 14(b), temperature information is acquired from kitchen remote control 13 when preparations for bed are completed, but temperature information for a period from the planned bedtime up to a certain time before (for example, one hour) may be acquired at predetermined intervals, and the average temperature value for this period may be acquired as index information. In this case, the user's sensation of cold or warmth at the planned bedtime is determined from the relationship between this average value and the threshold range.

[0200] Furthermore, the cold / warm sensation level does not necessarily have to be determined from the difference or average value. A correction amount with a positive or negative sign (+5 minutes, -5 minutes, etc.) may be determined depending on whether the difference or average value deviates from the respective threshold ranges, and the determined correction amount may be added to the time difference for calculating the recommended bathing time to correct the time difference.

[0201] According to the configuration of the second modification, temperature information for determining the user's body temperature drop is automatically acquired from a temperature sensor (a temperature sensor built into the kitchen remote control 13) that detects the temperature in the room where the user will be staying after leaving the bath. This allows the time difference for calculating the recommended bathing time to be corrected without any effort on the part of the user.

[0202] <Other change examples> In the above embodiment, the state of body temperature drop (cooling sensation level) at bedtime was acquired around the planned bedtime, but the timing of acquiring the state of body temperature drop (cooling sensation level) at bedtime is not limited to this. For example, the morning after going to bed, a cooling sensation reception screen 440 similar to that shown in FIG. 10(b) may be displayed on the mobile terminal device 20 to accept input of the state of body temperature drop (cooling sensation level) at bedtime last night. Alternatively, input of the state of body temperature drop (cooling sensation level) at bedtime last night may be accepted when the recommended bathing time for the next day after going to bed is calculated (when the planned bedtime is accepted) or a certain time before that (for example, several minutes to several tens of minutes before).

[0203] In the above embodiment, steps S203 to S205 in FIG. 8(b) were executed each time the good-sleep bathing mode was executed, and the time difference for calculating the recommended bathing time was corrected. However, the frequency of time difference correction is not limited to this. For example, steps S203 to S205 in FIG. 8(b) may be executed each time the good-sleep bathing mode is executed a predetermined number of times (two or more times), and the time difference may be corrected. This also applies to Modifications 1 and 2.

[0204] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the cooling / hotness sensation level received from the user was three levels (cold / moderate / hot), but the manner in which the cooling / hotness sensation level is received is not limited to this. For example, the cooling / hotness sensation level received from the user may be five levels (cold / slightly cold / moderate / slightly hot / hot), or may be divided into even more levels. When there are five levels of cooling / hotness sensation, the correction amount of the time difference may differ for each level. For example, for "cold," the correction amount may be set to -10 minutes, and for "slightly cold," the correction amount may be set to -5 minutes. Similarly, for "hot," the correction amount may be set to +10 minutes, and for "slightly hot," the correction amount may be set to +5 minutes. This also applies to Modifications 1 and 2.

[0205] Furthermore, the body temperature drop state (cooling sensation level) does not necessarily have to be divided into stages. For example, as shown in Fig. 15(a), the cool / warm sensation reception screen 440 may be configured so that the user can set the body temperature drop state (cooling sensation level) to any level.

[0206] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the level of cold / warm sensation of the hands and feet is acquired as index information, but the level of cold / warm sensation felt by the user, not limited to the hands and feet, may also be acquired as index information.

[0207] On the hot / cold sensation reception screen 440 in Fig. 15(a), the user can linearly set the hot / cold sensation level to any level by moving a slider 444, which can move left and right, on a scale. The user simply moves the slider 444 left and right to the position of their own hot / cold sensation level while still touching the slider 444. Fig. 15(a) shows a state in which the user has moved the slider 444 from the "moderate" position (position indicated by the dashed line) to a position to the right (position indicated by the solid line).

[0208] In this case, the correction amount of the time difference may be changed linearly in accordance with the change in the hot / cold sensation level. Similarly, in the first modification, the correction amount may be changed linearly in accordance with the difference between the user's body temperature and normal body temperature, and in the second modification, the correction amount may be changed linearly in accordance with the difference between the indoor temperature and standard temperature.

[0209] In the above embodiment, a notification was issued to encourage the user to take a bath at the recommended bath time when the recommended bath time was approaching, but the timing of this notification is not limited to this. For example, a notification to inform the user of the recommended bath time could be issued approximately three hours before the planned bedtime, or a notification to inform the user of the recommended bath time could be issued immediately after the planned bedtime has been entered. However, issuing a notification as the recommended bath time is approaching, as in the above embodiment, can more effectively encourage the user to take a bath.

[0210] Furthermore, the planned bedtime does not necessarily have to be entered every day; the user may be able to set the planned bedtime at any time. In this case, the previously set planned bedtime remains valid for the period from when the previous planned bedtime was set until the current planned bedtime is reset. Therefore, during this period, the user is notified of a recommended bathing time calculated from the previously set planned bedtime. That is, during this period, step S101 in FIG. 8(a) is omitted in each good-sleep bathing mode, and steps S102 to S106 encourage the user to take a bath at the recommended bathing time.

[0211] Furthermore, the index information regarding the state of body temperature decrease after bathing is not limited to the information shown in the above embodiment and modified examples 1 and 2. For example, if the mobile terminal device 20 has a thermography function, the user may obtain the temperature state of his or her own hands or feet using the thermography function, and the obtained information regarding the temperature state may be used as index information.

[0212] Alternatively, instead of the hot / cold sensation reception screen 440 of FIG. 10(b), a sleepiness reception screen 450 of FIG. 15(b) may be displayed, and the level of sleepiness at bedtime may be acquired from the user as index information.

[0213] Generally, after a user's core body temperature rises when they take a bath, it drops when they exit the bath. When the drop in body temperature reaches a moderate level, the user begins to feel sleepy. Before this point, the user's body temperature is in a state of low sleepiness, but after this point, the user's body temperature is in a state of low sleepiness. By going to bed in a state of low body temperature where sleepiness has occurred, the user can smoothly transition to sleep and achieve effective sleep.

[0214] 15(b), the user's sleepiness at bedtime is accepted by the user. The user may refer to message 451, select a selection button corresponding to the user's sleepiness from among selection buttons 452a to 452c, and touch completion button 453.

[0215] In this case, when selection button 452a is selected, control unit 304 (bathing time calculation unit 304b) shortens the time difference for calculating the recommended bathing time by a predetermined time (e.g., 5 minutes), and when selection button 452c is selected, it extends the time difference for calculating the recommended bathing time by a predetermined time (e.g., 5 minutes). When selection button 452b is selected, control unit 304 (bathing time calculation unit 304b) maintains the time difference without correcting it. In this case, as in the above embodiment, the drowsiness level does not have to be three levels. Also, as in the modified example of FIG. 15(b), the drowsiness level may be set linearly.

[0216] Furthermore, in the above-described second modification, the indoor temperature where the user is staying is acquired as index information, but the outdoor temperature (outdoor air temperature), which is likely to be linked to the indoor temperature, may also be acquired as index information. Furthermore, since the indoor temperature is likely to change depending on the season, information indicating the month or season (for example, calendar information) may also be used as index information. In these cases, as in the case where the indoor temperature is used as index information, the time difference may be corrected according to each piece of index information so that the user's body temperature drops to a state that is conducive to falling asleep at the scheduled bedtime.

[0217] In the above embodiment, the bathing time determination table 124a was created by estimating the deep body temperature of the bather soaking in the bathtub 2 using the human body heat model HM, but the bathing time determination table 124a may also be created by actually measuring the deep body temperature (for example, ear temperature) of the subject bathing in the bathtub 2 using a thermometer. In this case, the temperature data may not be used to determine the bathing time.

[0218] Alternatively, the bathing time for the pleasant sleep bathing mode may be calculated using a formula that uses the water temperature in the bathtub 2 and the air temperature in the bathroom 3 as parameters, rather than using the bathing time determination table 124a. In this case, the air temperature data may not be used to calculate the bathing time. Furthermore, the bath setting temperature may be used as the water temperature, rather than the output of the temperature sensor S5.

[0219] In the above embodiment, mobile terminal device 20 sets the planned bedtime, accepts the start operation, and issues notifications encouraging bathing and going to bed. However, these functions may be performed by a device other than mobile terminal device 20. For example, kitchen remote control 13 may be capable of executing these functions. In this case, control unit 133 of kitchen remote control 13 may execute the same processes as those shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b) using a program stored in storage unit 134, and input and notifications for each function may be performed via display / input unit 131 and speaker 136.

[0220] In this configuration, if multiple users reside in the home H10, the kitchen remote control 13 can accept input of a planned bedtime for each user and notify each user of a recommended bathing time. For example, the kitchen remote control 13 can accept a planned bedtime setting along with information identifying the user (such as the user's name) and notify the user of a recommended bathing time along with the information identifying the user. Similarly, the kitchen remote control 13 can accept index information (hot / cold sensation level) for each user, and correct the time difference based on the index information for each user.

[0221] Furthermore, the notification to exit the bath in the pleasant sleep bathing mode may be made not only by bathroom remote control 12 but also by kitchen remote control 13. This allows people other than the bather to understand the notification urging them to exit the bath, so that even if, for example, something abnormal occurs to a user in bathtub 2 or the user in bathtub 2 is wearing earphones or the like and therefore has difficulty noticing the notification from bathroom remote control 12, users other than the bather can still notice the notification urging them to exit the bath.

[0222] The function of the bathing exit notification unit 123a may also be included in the mobile terminal device 20. In this case, the bathing detection result by the bathing detection unit 111a is transmitted to the mobile terminal device 20 via the kitchen remote control 13 and the server 50. With this configuration, when the user brings the mobile terminal device 20 into the bathroom, the user can be prompted to exit the bath in the good sleep bathing mode.

[0223] In the above embodiment, bathing detection unit 111a detects a person bathing in bathtub 2 based on the detection result of water level sensor S1, but the bathing detection method is not limited to this. For example, a human presence sensor that detects the presence of a person in bathtub 2 may be provided as the bathing detection sensor, and the detection of a person by the human presence sensor may detect that a person has bathed in bathtub 2.

[0224] 4 may be transferred to server 50 or kitchen remote control 13. For example, if the function of bathing time calculation unit 304b is transferred to server 50 or kitchen remote control 13, mobile terminal device 20 may transmit the planned bedtime and index information set by the user to server 50 or kitchen remote control 13. In this case, server 50 or kitchen remote control 13 may calculate a recommended bathing time from the received planned bedtime and index information. The calculated recommended bathing time may be transmitted to mobile terminal device 20 and notified, or may be notified by kitchen remote control 13. The planned bedtime may also be notified by kitchen remote control 13.

[0225] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the mobile terminal device 20 is communicatively connected to the water heating apparatus 10 via the server 50, but the mobile terminal device 20 may also be communicatively connected to the water heating apparatus 10 via short-range wireless communication without going through the server 50.

[0226] Furthermore, the configuration of water heater 11 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figures 2 and 3, and may have other configurations. For example, water heater 11 may have only a configuration equivalent to hot water supply unit 210 and be able to fill or add hot water by supplying hot water to bathtub 2 but not be able to reheat water, or may have only a configuration equivalent to reheating unit 220 and circulate the water stored in bathtub 2 through a heat exchanger to heat it when filling the bathtub.

[0227] Furthermore, water heater 10 is not limited to one that uses gas fuel, and may be a water heater that uses oil as fuel. Water heater 10 may be a storage type that uses a storage tank, and may further include a power generation unit such as a fuel cell.

[0228] In addition, the embodiments of the present invention can be modified in various ways as appropriate within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0229] 1. Bathing System 2 bathtubs 3 bathroom 10 Hot water supply equipment (bath equipment) 20 Portable terminal device 111a Bathing detection unit 123a Bathing alarm unit 304a Bedtime Reception 304b Bath time calculation unit 304c Recommended bathing alarm unit 304d Start operation reception section 304e Bedtime notification section 304f Index information acquisition unit S5 Temperature Sensor

Claims

1. The control unit of the device a bedtime reception unit that receives input of a planned bedtime; A bathing time calculation unit functions to calculate a recommended bathing time if the user goes to bed at the scheduled bedtime; a recommended bathing notification function that prompts the user to take a bath at the recommended bathing time; and a function of an index information acquisition unit that acquires index information regarding the state of body temperature decrease after the user who took a bath in response to the notification by the recommended bathing notification unit has left the bath. The bathing time calculation unit corrects the time difference between the planned bedtime and the recommended bathing time for calculating the recommended bathing time based on the index information.

2. 2. The program according to claim 1, The bathing time calculation unit corrects the time difference based on the index information so that the user's body temperature will drop to a state that makes it easier for the user to fall asleep at the scheduled bedtime.

3. 3. The program according to claim 2, The bathing time calculation unit receives an input of a temperature sensation level for determining the body temperature drop state, and acquires the input temperature sensation level as the index information.

4. 3. The program according to claim 2, The index information acquisition unit acquires, as the index information, body temperature information of the user from a wearable device worn by the user, for determining the body temperature drop state.

5. 3. The program according to claim 2, The index information acquisition unit acquires, as the index information, temperature information for determining the body temperature drop state from a temperature sensor that detects the indoor temperature where the user will be staying after leaving the bath.

6. a bedtime reception unit that receives input of a planned bedtime; a bathing time calculation unit that calculates a recommended bathing time if the user goes to bed at the scheduled bedtime; a recommended bathing notification unit that prompts the user to take a bath at the recommended bathing time; an index information acquisition unit that acquires index information regarding a body temperature drop state after the user who took a bath in response to the notification by the recommended bathing notification unit has left the bath; the bathing time calculation unit corrects the time difference between the planned bedtime and the recommended bathing time for calculating the recommended bathing time based on the index information; A bathing system characterized by:

7. 7. The bathing system according to claim 6, Equipped with a bath device having a bath function, The bath device is a bathing detection unit that detects a user bathing in the bathtub; and a bathing-exit notification unit that, after the bathing is detected, notifies the user to exit the bath based on the elapse of a bathing time that is effective for inducing sleep and that is determined based on the water temperature in the bathtub. A bathing system characterized by:

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