Toilet system

Abstract

To enable an appropriate display about a private toilet.SOLUTION: A toilet system includes: display setting means for setting a plurality of display modes indicating states of each private toilet for a plurality of display devices respectively provided in the plurality of private toilets; and display control means for controlling the plurality of display modes on the basis of a setting condition of the display setting means. The plurality of display modes include: a first display mode and a second display mode indicating use propriety information on a private toilet or vacancy information on the private toilet; and at least one third display mode to be allocated to the first display mode or the second display mode, and the third display mode showing an individual state of the private toilet indicated by the first display mode or the second display mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a toilet system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, systems that display information about toilet stalls (private toilets) using a display device have been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). For example, the system described in Patent Document 1 determines whether a private toilet is vacant or in use, and displays the toilet's usage status on a display (display device). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7034597 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there is room for improvement in the above technology. For example, the above-mentioned conventional technology system only displays whether a private toilet is available or in use, i.e., whether it is full or empty. In some situations, this information may not be sufficient to inform people outside the private toilet, such as when there are multiple private toilets and you want users to use the private toilet of their choice, or when a toilet cleaner wants to know the status of a private toilet that is in use (full). Therefore, it is desirable to be able to display information about private toilets appropriately.

[0005] In view of the above, the challenge is to provide appropriate signage for private toilets.

[0006] The disclosed embodiments aim to provide a toilet system that can enable appropriate display for private toilets. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment comprises a display setting means for setting a plurality of display modes indicating the status of each of a plurality of private toilets for a plurality of display devices provided in each of a plurality of private toilets, and a display control means for controlling the plurality of display modes based on the setting conditions of the display setting means, wherein the plurality of display modes include a first display mode and a second display mode indicating availability information of the private toilet or occupancy information of the private toilet, and at least one third display mode assigned to the first display mode or the second display mode, and the third display mode indicating the individual status of the private toilet indicated by the first display mode or the second display mode.

[0008] According to one aspect of the embodiment, a toilet system controls the display of a display device based on three display modes, namely, a first display mode, a second display mode, and a third display mode, for a private toilet (also referred to as a "toilet booth"), thereby enabling a display according to the status of the private toilet. For example, the toilet system assigns displays indicating which private toilet can be entered, such as whether the private toilet is available (e.g., whether it is fully occupied), as in the first display mode and the second display mode, and further assigns displays corresponding to private toilets that require additional information, such as the third display mode. This allows the toilet system to ensure that the information desired by the toilet user (also referred to simply as "user") is displayed, while also adding and displaying information desired by the toilet manager (also referred to simply as "manager"). Therefore, the toilet system can enable appropriate displays regarding the private toilets.

[0009] In a toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the third display mode indicates an individual state of the private toilet defined based on a predetermined standard set by an administrator.

[0010] According to one aspect of the embodiment, even if the information that a manager wants to prioritize and provide to users differs, the manager can determine what information to display in the third display mode, which is the additional information, thereby making the system easy for the manager to use. Therefore, the toilet system can provide appropriate display regarding private toilets.

[0011] In a toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the third display mode is assigned to the second display mode, the first display mode indicates that the private toilet is available, the second display mode to which the third display mode is not assigned indicates that the private toilet is full, and the second display mode to which the third display mode is assigned indicates that the private toilet is unavailable or in an abnormal state.

[0012] According to one aspect of the embodiment, a toilet system can distinguishably present the unavailable state of a private toilet by displaying the unavailable state of a private toilet differently depending on whether the third display mode is assigned to the second display mode. Therefore, the toilet system can provide appropriate display information regarding the private toilet. For example, the first and second display modes indicate the availability of a private toilet. However, if there is an available private toilet that is not recommended for use (not recommended / unavailable), the toilet system can distinguish between an available (full) private toilet and an available but not recommended / unavailable private toilet by displaying the private toilet differently depending on whether the third display mode is assigned. This can reduce the possibility of confusion among users due to indistinguishable display. For example, by assigning the third display mode to a non-recommended toilet, the toilet system can display (provide) the reason for its unavailability (preparation in progress, Eco restriction in effect, etc.) to the user.

[0013] In a toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the third display mode indicates that the private toilet is in a state including at least one of the following: it has been used a predetermined number of times or more; the vacant time is less than a predetermined time; an abnormality has been detected; it is waiting for cleaning; and it is in power saving mode.

[0014] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet system can clearly indicate when a private toilet is unavailable by using the third display mode to indicate at least one of the following conditions: the private toilet has been used a predetermined number of times, the private toilet's unavailability time is less than a predetermined time, the private toilet has been determined to be abnormal, the private toilet is on standby for cleaning, and the private toilet is in power-saving mode. Therefore, the toilet system can provide appropriate display information regarding the private toilet. For example, the first and second display modes indicate whether the private toilet is available. However, if there is an available private toilet that is not recommended for use (not recommended / unavailable), the toilet system can distinguish between a private toilet that is in use (full) and a private toilet that is available but not recommended / unavailable by displaying it differently depending on whether the third display mode is assigned, thereby reducing the possibility of confusion among users due to indistinguishable display. For example, the toilet system can assign the third display mode to a non-recommended toilet to indicate (provide) the reason for its unavailability (preparation in progress, Eco-friendly restrictions in effect, etc.) to the user.

[0015] In a toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the third display mode is assigned to the first display mode, and the first display mode to which the third display mode is assigned indicates that the private toilet is in a recommended state for use, the first display mode to which the third display mode is not assigned indicates that the private toilet is vacant or in a non-recommended state for use, and the second display mode indicates that the private toilet is full.

[0016] According to one aspect of the embodiment, a toilet system can distinguishably indicate the availability of a private toilet by displaying the availability status of the private toilet differently depending on whether the third display mode is assigned to the first display mode. Therefore, the toilet system can provide appropriate display information regarding the private toilet. For example, the first and second display modes indicate whether the private toilet is available. However, if the manager has some vacant private toilets that the manager wants users to use and others that the manager wants users to avoid, for example, to equalize the number of times users use the toilets, the toilet system can distinguishably indicate the vacant private toilets that the manager wants users to use by displaying the information differently depending on whether the third display mode is assigned. By indicating that only the desired private toilets are available, the possibility of user confusion can be reduced. For example, the toilet system can indicate (provide) to users that the recommended status is displayed by assigning the third display mode to the vacant private toilets that the manager wants users to use.

[0017] In a toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the third display mode indicates that the private toilet is in a state including at least one of the following: it has been used less than a predetermined number of times, it has been vacant for a predetermined period of time or more, no abnormality has been determined, and it has just been cleaned.

[0018] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet system can clearly indicate the availability of a private toilet by indicating, in the third display mode, at least one of the following conditions: the private toilet has been used less than a predetermined number of times; the private toilet has been vacant for a predetermined period of time or more; the private toilet has not been determined to be abnormal; and the private toilet has just been cleaned. Therefore, the toilet system can provide appropriate indications of the availability of the private toilet. For example, the first and second display modes indicate whether the private toilet is available. However, if the manager has some vacant private toilets that the manager wants users to use and others that the manager wants users to use, for example, to standardize the number of times users use the private toilets, the toilet system can clearly indicate the vacant private toilets that the manager wants users to use by displaying them differently depending on whether the third display mode is assigned. By indicating only the vacant private toilets that the manager wants users to use, the possibility of user confusion can be reduced. For example, the toilet system can indicate (provide) to users that the vacant private toilets that the manager wants users to use are available by assigning the third display mode to the vacant private toilets that the manager wants users to use.

[0019] A toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment includes a sensor that detects entry into or exit from the private toilet or use of the private toilet, and the display mode assigned to the private toilet is switched depending on the detection result of the sensor.

[0020] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet system switches the display when it detects entry into or exit from a toilet stall or use of the toilet stall, thereby switching the display in real time at an appropriate time, thereby always presenting (providing) appropriate information. Therefore, the toilet system can display appropriate information regarding the toilet stall.

[0021] In a toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the display mode assigned to the toilet stall does not change until the usage status of the toilet stall changes.

[0022] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet system can switch the display at an appropriate time by not changing the display mode until the use status of the private toilet changes. Therefore, the toilet system can provide appropriate display for the private toilet. For example, if the display of other private toilets in the toilet space changes depending on the use of each private toilet, it may cause confusion for people who are about to enter the private toilet. Therefore, the toilet system prevents the display from switching just before entering the private toilet by not changing the display (current display state) once it has been turned on until the private toilet is used. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to one aspect of the embodiment, appropriate display can be made regarding private toilets. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a toilet space according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a toilet booth according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a toilet system according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a placement information storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display example in the toilet system. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the display in the first display mode and the third display mode. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the display in the second display mode and the third display mode. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of display settings. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of a process executed by the toilet system. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of a process executed by the toilet system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the toilet system disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0026] <1. Embodiment> <1-1. Example of toilet space configuration> Prior to describing the processing executed in the toilet system 1 (see FIG. 3) according to the embodiment, an example of the configuration of a toilet space (toilet room) will be described using FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the toilet space according to the embodiment. FIG. 1 conceptually shows the physical layout of the toilet space, etc.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, processing targets related to control by the toilet system 1 may include toilet space 21, toilet space 22, etc. When describing toilet spaces such as toilet space 21 and toilet space 22 without distinguishing between them, they may be referred to as "toilet space 2." For example, toilet space 21 and toilet space 22 may be toilet spaces 2 located on different floors of the same facility such as a building. Although FIG. 1 illustrates two toilet spaces 2, toilet space 21 and toilet space 22, there may be three or more toilet spaces 2. When there is only one toilet space 2 that is the processing target of the toilet system 1, for example, toilet space 2 may be only toilet space 21.

[0028] 1 has toilet booths TB1 to TB5, which are private toilets (toilet booths) that form private spaces, and a shared space CS1, which is a shared space other than the toilet booths (also simply referred to as "booths"). When describing the toilet booths provided in the toilet space 2 without distinguishing between them, such as toilet booth TB1, toilet booth TB2, toilet booth TB3, toilet booth TB4, and toilet booth TB5, they may be referred to as "toilet booth TB."

[0029] In FIG. 1, an example is described in which the toilet space 2 has five toilet booths TB, but the toilet space 2 may have four or fewer or six or more toilet booths TB. In other words, the toilet space 21 shown in FIG. 1 is merely one example of the toilet space 2, and any configuration can be adopted for the toilet space 2. For example, when the toilet system 1 executes processing on multiple toilet spaces 2, the multiple toilet spaces 2 may include a toilet space 2 having one toilet booth TB. For example, the toilet space 2 having one toilet booth TB may be a space in which the toilet space 2 itself is a toilet booth TB, a so-called barrier-free toilet.

[0030] A toilet booth TB is a space (private space) separated by a partition (divider). Each toilet booth TB is equipped with a toilet device 10 and functions as a place where people perform excretory activities. Each toilet booth TB also has an openable / closable door for entering the toilet booth TB. Note that the door of each toilet booth TB is similar to the doors provided in general toilet booths TB, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, a toilet booth TB does not have to be a space completely separated by a partition, and there may be portions at the top or bottom of the partition that are not separated from adjacent toilet booths TB or shared spaces.

[0031] Furthermore, when describing shared spaces provided in the toilet space 2 without distinction, such as the shared space CS1, they may be referred to as the "shared space CS." The shared space CS is a shared area within the toilet space 2 where multiple people can be present at the same time. For example, the shared space CS has an entrance to the toilet space 2, washroom facilities such as the vanity unit 50, and routes to each toilet booth TB. The shared space CS functions as a place for entering the toilet space 2, washing hands, etc., moving to each toilet booth TB, etc. Note that if the toilet space 2 functions as a men's toilet space 2, a urinal may be provided in the shared space CS. In other words, the shared space CS may also function as a place for people to defecate.

[0032] In this way, the toilet space 2 is provided in a space of a facility or the like, and is a space where users who use the toilet enter and exit. For example, the toilet space 2 has a toilet booth TB, a shared space CS, etc., and is a space where toilet-related structures are arranged. For example, the toilet space 21 shown in FIG. 1 is a space where a plurality of toilet devices 10 are installed. 11 , 10 12 , 10 13 , 10 14 , 10 15 and a shared space CS1 in which a bathroom vanity unit 50 is disposed. In this way, the toilet space 21 has a plurality of toilet booths TB in which toilet devices 10 are installed.

[0033] Next, the arrangement of each device in the toilet space 2 will be described with reference to the toilet space 2 shown in FIG. 11 is disposed in the toilet booth TB1. 12 is disposed in the toilet booth TB2. 13 is disposed in the toilet booth TB3. 14 is disposed in the toilet booth TB4. 15 The toilet device 10 is disposed in the toilet booth TB5. 11 , toilet device 10 12 , toilet device 10 13 , toilet device 1014 , and toilet device 10 15 When describing the toilet device without making a distinction between the above, it may be referred to as "toilet device 10."

[0034] FIG. 1 shows an example in which there are five toilet devices 10, but any number of toilet devices 10 can be used, and the number may be four or less or six or more. Details of the functions of the toilet devices 10 will be described later. Furthermore, descriptions describing the toilet devices 10 may be read as toilet booths TB in which the toilet devices 10 are placed. Furthermore, descriptions describing the toilet booths TB may be read as toilet devices 10 placed in the toilet booths TB. For example, 11 may be read as the toilet booth TB1, and the toilet booth TB1 is the toilet device 10 11 It can also be read as:

[0035] The vanity unit 50 is located in a shared space CS provided in the toilet space 2. The vanity unit 50 is an object of use in the toilet that has a washbasin that is used by users when washing their hands, washing their face, and looking in the mirror. In FIG. 1, the vanity unit 50 of the toilet space 21 is located in a shared space CS1.

[0036] <1-2. Toilet space layout> An example of the arrangement of the toilet space 2 will be briefly described. The toilet space 2 may be provided in any location as long as it is a space where the toilet space 2 can be physically arranged. In other words, the location where the toilet space 2 is provided can be any location. For example, the toilet space 2 may be provided in a commercial facility such as a department store. Furthermore, the location where the toilet space 2 is provided is not limited to a commercial facility such as a store, but may be various other facilities. For example, the location where the toilet space 2 is provided may be an amusement park, a stadium, an office building, etc. For example, the location where the toilet space 2 is provided may be a toilet provided in an area such as a tourist destination. For example, the location where the toilet space 2 is provided may be a park, a parking lot, etc. In other words, the toilet may be provided outdoors, such as in a park or a parking lot. In this way, the location where the toilet space 2 is provided may be any location as long as there is space where the toilet space 2 can be arranged.

[0037] <1-3. Example of toilet booth configuration> Next, an example of the configuration of a toilet booth TB that is the target of processing by the toilet system 1 (see FIG. 3) will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a toilet booth according to an embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 2 is a front view seen from the door (entrance) side, showing a state in which only the door of toilet booth TB4 in the toilet space 21 shown in FIG. 1 is closed and the doors of the other four toilet booths TB are open.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 2, the toilet booth TB1 includes a toilet device 10 11 is placed near the entrance of the toilet booth TB1. 11 and detection unit 101 11 In addition, a toilet device 10 is installed in the toilet booth TB2. 12 is placed near the entrance of the toilet booth TB2, and a display unit 20 12 and detection unit 101 12 In addition, a toilet device 10 is installed in the toilet booth TB3. 13 is placed near the entrance of the toilet booth TB3, and a display unit 20 13 and detection unit 101 13In addition, a toilet device 10 is installed in the toilet booth TB4. 14 is placed near the entrance of the toilet booth TB4. 14 and detection unit 101 14 In addition, a toilet device 10 is installed in the toilet booth TB5. 15 is placed near the entrance of the toilet booth TB5. 15 and detection unit 101 15 will be placed.

[0039] In the following, the display unit 20 11 , display section 20 12 , display section 20 13 , display section 20 14 , display section 20 15 When describing without distinguishing between the above, the display unit 20 may be referred to as the "display unit 20." In FIG. 2, the display unit 20 is a display device installed in each of the plurality of toilet booths TB. 11 is a display device that displays information about the toilet booth TB1. 12 ~20 15 Each of these is a display device that displays information relating to each of the toilet booths TB2 to TB5.

[0040] The display unit 20 displays either a first display mode or a second display mode that indicates availability information of the toilet booth TB or vacancy information of the toilet booth TB. The display unit 20 may also display at least one third display mode that is assigned to the first display mode or the second display mode. For example, the first display mode and the second display mode are each in a different color, and the third display mode is a visual symbol such as a pictogram, and specific examples of the first display mode, the second display mode, and the third display mode will be described later.

[0041] In FIG. 2, the toilet booth TB4 is in use, and the display unit 20 14 The display unit 20 displays the second display mode, and the other four toilet booths TB1 to TB3 and TB5 are vacant. 11 ~20 13 , 20 152 shows a case where the display unit 20 indicates that the corresponding toilet booth is in use. 14 The hatched area indicates that the display unit 20 indicates that the corresponding toilet booth is vacant. 11 ~20 13 , 20 15 The hatched area indicates that blue is displayed as an example of the first display mode.

[0042] Note that blue is merely an example of the first display mode, and any color, such as green or white, can be adopted as the first display mode as long as it is distinguishable from the second display mode. Red is merely an example of the second display mode, and any color, such as yellow or purple, can be adopted as the second display mode as long as it is distinguishable from the first display mode. Display examples including the third display mode will be described later. Display unit 20 may be in a non-display state at times when it is not necessary to display (for example, outside the business hours of the facility where the corresponding toilet booth TB is located).

[0043] 2 is merely an example, and the display unit 20 may be arranged in any manner as long as it can present desired information to toilet users. For example, the display unit 20 is not limited to being arranged within the toilet space 2, and may be arranged in any location. For example, the display unit 20 may be arranged at the entrance to the toilet space 2. In this case, a display device such as digital signage (a screen installed in front of the toilet space 2) may function as the display unit 20 that displays information corresponding to multiple toilet booths TB. In this case, the display unit 20 may display a plan view or the like of the corresponding toilet space 2, and may superimpose information corresponding to each toilet booth TB (first display mode, second display mode, third display mode, etc.) on an area of ​​the plan view corresponding to that toilet booth TB.

[0044] The display unit 20 is not limited to a device placed in the toilet space 2 or facility, but may also be a portable device such as a smartphone used by a toilet user. In this case, the toilet system 1 may transmit information to be displayed on the display unit 20 of the smartphone or the like used by the toilet user, and the display unit 20 used by the toilet user may display the received information. For example, the display unit 20 used by the toilet user may display the information received from the toilet system 1 using a display application or the like.

[0045] In addition, the detection unit 101 11 , detection unit 101 12 , detection unit 101 13 , detection unit 101 14 , detection unit 101 15 When describing the detection unit 101 without distinguishing between the above, they may be referred to as "detection unit 101." Note that the arrangement of the detection unit 101 shown in Fig. 2 is merely an example, and the detection unit 101 may be arranged in any manner as long as it can detect desired information.

[0046] The detection unit 101 is a detection device that performs detection related to the toilet booth TB. The detection unit 101 has a sensor that detects entry and exit to the toilet booth TB or use of the toilet booth TB. The detection unit 101 is a sensor (detection unit) that detects use of the toilet booth TB. The detection unit 101 detects information indicating use of the toilet booth TB. The detection unit 101 performs detection related to the toilet booth TB in which the toilet device 10 is arranged. The detection unit 101 functions as a detection unit that detects entry and exit of a person (user) to the toilet booth TB in which the toilet device 10 is arranged. The detection unit 101 may be realized by various sensors.

[0047] For example, the detection unit 101 may be various types of sensors such as a human body detection sensor, a behavior detection sensor, or a seat detection sensor. The detection unit 101 may be a door sensor provided on the door of the toilet booth TB or the like, which detects whether the door of the toilet booth TB is opened or closed. The detection unit 101 may be an image sensor which captures an image of the vicinity of the door of the toilet booth TB. The detection unit 101 may be a seat sensor which detects whether a user is seated on the toilet device 10. The detection unit 101 may be a sensor which detects whether a toilet flush is being performed or whether a toilet remote control has been operated. The detection unit 101 may also be a sensor (such as a human presence sensor) provided for the user's private parts cleaning.

[0048] Note that the above is just one example, and the detection unit 101 may be realized by any means that can detect information that can be used to estimate at least one of the user's entry / exit into the toilet booth TB and the user's use of the toilet apparatus 10. The toilet apparatus 10 and the detection unit 101 may be integrated. In this case, the toilet apparatus 10 having the detection unit 101 may be included in the toilet system 1. Note that the location of the detection unit 101 is not limited to being placed on the outer wall surface of the toilet booth TB shown in Figure 2, as long as it is possible to detect the use of the toilet apparatus 10, and it may also be installed on the ceiling, inner wall surface, floor, etc. of the toilet booth TB, or it may be mounted on the toilet seat of the toilet apparatus 10.

[0049] The detection unit 101 includes, for example, a communication unit (e.g., a communication circuit or the like) having a wireless communication function, and is connected to the control device 100 so as to be able to communicate wirelessly. For example, when the detection unit 101 detects a person entering or leaving a toilet booth TB in which the toilet device 10 is installed, it transmits detection information indicating the detection and the date and time of the detection to the control device 100 together with identification information (e.g., ID) that identifies the toilet booth TB or the toilet device 10 installed in the toilet booth TB. For example, the detection unit 101 may transmit detection information indicating the time (usage time) from when the person entered the toilet booth TB in which the toilet device 10 is installed until when they left the booth to the control device 100 together with identification information (e.g., ID) that identifies the toilet booth TB or the toilet booth TB in which the toilet device 10 installed in the toilet booth TB is installed. A specific example of the above-mentioned processing targeting the toilet booth TB will be described later.

[0050] <1-4. Toilet system configuration> Next, the configuration of the toilet system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a toilet system according to an embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 3 shows the configuration of the toilet system 1.

[0051] The toilet system 1 shown in FIG. 11 ~10 15 A plurality of toilet devices 10, a display unit 20, etc. 11 ~20 15 a plurality of display units 20 such as a plurality of detectors 101; 11 ~101 15 The system includes a plurality of detecting units 101 such as the above, an administrator terminal 200, and a control device 100.

[0052] The toilet device 10 is an object of use for a toilet that is used by a user when using the toilet to excrete feces, urinate, etc. The toilet device 10 is disposed in a toilet booth TB provided in a toilet space 2. For example, the toilet device 10 has a toilet seat device including a toilet seat on which a user sits, and an operating unit for operating a nozzle for discharging water for washing (the user's private parts, etc.). In addition to the toilet seat device, the toilet device 10 also has various components for realizing the function of a toilet, such as a toilet lid and a toilet bowl, but detailed explanations will be omitted. The display unit 20 displays information about the toilet booth TB. The detection unit 101 detects the use of the toilet booth TB.

[0053] The control device 100 is an information processing device (computer) that executes control processing to control the display of information related to toilets. The control device 100 controls the display of the display unit 20 based on a first display mode and a second display mode that indicate availability information of the toilet booth TB or vacancy information of the toilet booth TB, and at least one third display mode that is assigned to the first display mode or the second display mode.

[0054] For example, the control device 100 may be a cloud server or the like. The control device 100 is connected to the display unit 20, the detection unit 101, the administrator terminal 200, etc., so as to be able to communicate wirelessly or via a wired connection via a predetermined network N such as the Internet. Note that the control device 100 may be connected to the display unit 20, the detection unit 101, the administrator terminal 200, etc., in any manner as long as it is possible to send and receive information, and may be connected so as to be able to communicate wirelessly or via a wired connection.

[0055] The control device 100 acquires various types of information. The control device 100 acquires information from other devices. The control device 100 executes a control process to control the display on the display unit 20 using information input by the restroom manager. The control device 100 controls the display on the display unit 20 using information acquired from the manager terminal 200. The control device 100 executes a control process related to the display on the restroom using setting information received by the manager terminal 200.

[0056] The control device 100 executes a control process to determine whether or not a user is using the toilet booth TB, using the detection information received from the detection unit 101. The control device 100 uses the detection information to determine whether or not a user has entered the toilet booth TB. The control device 100 uses the detection information to determine whether or not a user is using the toilet booth TB. For example, the control device 100 may be a gateway device or the like. The control device 100 acquires detection information such as sensor data detected for each use object.

[0057] For example, the control device 100 transmits (provides information) information for the restroom manager to make settings related to display. The control device 100 transmits content for the restroom manager to make settings related to display to the administrator terminal 300. For example, the control device 100 transmits content CT1 for making settings such as those shown in FIG. 9 to the administrator terminal 300. The control device 100 receives information (setting information) indicating the display settings that the administrator terminal 200 has accepted from the administrator via the content CT1 from the administrator. The control device 100 stores the received setting information in the storage unit 120.

[0058] The control device 100 may be located outside the toilet space 2, or may be located inside the toilet space 2. For example, the control device 100 may be a server device located in a facility where the toilet space 2 is provided.

[0059] The administrator terminal 200 is a terminal device for management (also referred to as a "management terminal") used by the restroom manager. The administrator terminal 200 outputs various setting information related to the display of the restroom. For example, the administrator terminal 200 is a smartphone. Note that the administrator terminal 200 is not limited to a smartphone, and may also be a notebook PC, a mobile phone, a PDA, a tablet terminal, a desktop PC, etc. For example, the administrator terminal 200 is connected to the control device 100 via a network N so as to be able to communicate wirelessly or via a wired connection.

[0060] The administrator terminal 200 transmits and receives information to and from the control device 100. The administrator terminal 200 receives information about toilets from the control device 100 and performs output based on the received information. The administrator terminal 200 provides information to the administrator by outputting the information received from the control device 100. The administrator terminal 200 displays the content CT1 received from the control device 100 and accepts display settings by the administrator via the content CT1. For example, the administrator terminal 200 transmits information (setting information) indicating the display settings input by the administrator to the control device 100. The administrator terminal 200 transmits setting information indicating a state (also referred to as an "individual state") corresponding to a third display mode set by the administrator to the control device 100. The administrator terminal 200 transmits setting information about the third display mode indicating the individual state of the toilet booth TB defined based on predetermined criteria set by the administrator to the control device 100.

[0061] Note that the above is merely an example, and any device configuration and arrangement can be adopted for the toilet system 1. For example, the toilet system 1 may include an input device that accepts input related to cleaning. In this case, the input device is an information processing device (computer) that can accept input by a toilet cleaner, and is connected to the control device 100 via a predetermined network N such as the Internet so that they can communicate with each other wirelessly or via a wired connection.

[0062] For example, the input device functions as an input unit that allows a cleaner who cleans the toilet space 2, toilet booth TB, etc. to input information. Note that cleaning here is not limited to cleaning (such as sweeping) an object to be cleaned (also referred to as a "cleaning object") by a person who cleans a toilet (a cleaner), but also includes inspecting (checking) whether the object is in a normal condition and replenishing supplies such as toilet paper that are placed in the object. Furthermore, a cleaning object in this application refers to an object that a cleaner engages in cleaning-related tasks such as cleaning, checking, and replenishing supplies at the cleaning object for a certain period of time, and that is restricted from use by users during that time. Note that a cleaner may be read as a worker, cleaning by a cleaner may be read as work by a cleaner, and a cleaning object may be read as a work object. For example, the cleaning object is a toilet booth TB, but the cleaning object is not limited to a toilet booth TB and may be any object, such as another object for use, or the toilet space 2.

[0063] For example, the input device is a portable device such as a smartphone carried by the cleaner. The input device displays information for accepting input of information about cleaning by the cleaner. The input device displays content for accepting input of information about cleaning by the cleaner. Note that the input device is not limited to a portable device carried by the cleaner, and may be any device. For example, the input device may be a device (such as an operation panel) placed in the toilet space 2, or a remote control device placed in each toilet booth TB.

[0064] The input device accepts input of information about cleaning by a cleaner. For example, the input device accepts input of information about cleaning through displayed cleaning-related content. For example, the input device accepts input of the cleaner's start and completion of cleaning work. Note that the start of cleaning work here does not necessarily mean the actual start of cleaning work, but also includes the scheduled start of cleaning after that point. For example, the input device accepts input of the cleaner's start and completion of cleaning of a cleaning target. For example, the input device accepts input of the cleaner's reservation for cleaning of a cleaning target. The input device transmits information input by the cleaner (input information) to the control device 100. Note that the reservation for cleaning of a cleaning target is not limited to manual input by a cleaner or the like, and any mode can be adopted as long as the desired reservation is possible. For example, the reservation for cleaning of a cleaning target may be a periodic automatic reservation. In this case, the reservation for cleaning of a cleaning target may be automatically reserved at 9:00 a.m. every Tuesday using a calendar function. For example, any device included in the toilet system 1, such as the control device 100, may manage information about reservations (reservation management information) and make periodic automatic reservations using the reservation management information.

[0065] The toilet system 1 may also include a detection unit (shared equipment detection unit) that detects each shared equipment such as the bathroom vanity unit 50. The toilet system 1 may also include multiple control devices 100, multiple manager terminals 200, etc.

[0066] <1-5. Functional configuration of the control device> The functional configuration of the control device will be described below with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device according to the embodiment.

[0067] 4, the control device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130. The control device 100 may also include an input unit (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, etc.) that accepts various operations from an administrator of the control device 100, and a display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display, etc.) that displays various information.

[0068] The communication unit 110 is realized by, for example, a communication circuit or the like. The communication unit 110 is connected to a predetermined network N (see FIG. 3) by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from an external information processing device. For example, the communication unit 110 is connected to the predetermined network N (see FIG. 3) by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from other devices such as the display unit 20, the detection unit 101, and the administrator terminal 200.

[0069] The storage unit 120 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. For example, the storage unit 120 is a computer-readable recording medium that non-temporarily records data used by information processing programs such as control processing.

[0070] 4, the storage unit 120 according to the embodiment includes a placement information storage unit 121, a setting information storage unit 122, and a detection information storage unit 123. Note that the storage unit 120 stores not only the placement information storage unit 121, the setting information storage unit 122, and the detection information storage unit 123, but also various other pieces of information required for processing.

[0071] The layout information storage unit according to the embodiment stores various information related to the layout of various objects of use that are the detection targets of the toilet system 1. For example, the layout information storage unit stores information related to the layout of the toilet space 2, toilet booth TB, toilet device 10, and bathroom vanity unit 50. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the layout information storage unit according to the embodiment. The layout information storage unit shown in Fig. 5 includes items such as "facility," "toilet space," "layout location," and "layout elements."

[0072] "Facility" indicates the location where a toilet space (toilet room) is located. Note that "facility" is not limited to structures, and various locations where a toilet space is located can be registered. "Toilet space" indicates identification information for identifying each toilet space. In Figure 5, for the purpose of explanation, the "toilet space" is illustrated with reference numerals such as "21" and "22" assigned to each toilet space, but "toilet space" stores information that can identify the toilet space (for example, a toilet space ID, etc.).

[0073] "Location" indicates identification information for identifying each location. In Fig. 5, for the sake of explanation, "location" is shown with symbols such as "TB1", "TB2", "TB3", "TB4", "TB5", and "CS1" assigned to each component of the toilet space 2, but "location" stores information that can identify the location (for example, a location ID, etc.).

[0074] The "location element" indicates identification information for identifying the toilet use object that is located at the corresponding location. For example, the "location element" indicates identification information for identifying the toilet use object, such as the toilet device 10 and the bathroom vanity unit 50, that are located at the corresponding location. In FIG. 5, for the sake of explanation, the "location element" is labeled "10 11 "," "10 12 "," "10 13 "," "10 14 "," "10 15 Although the symbols attached to each component, such as "," "50," etc., are illustrated, any information may be registered in the "placement element" as long as it can identify each use object.

[0075] For example, the "placement element" stores information that can identify the toilet device to be placed at the corresponding placement location (e.g., toilet device ID, etc.), identification information for identifying a urinal (e.g., urinal ID, etc.), or identification information for identifying a washbasin (e.g., washbasin ID, etc.).

[0076] 5, the toilet space 21 identified by "21" includes, as its location, a toilet booth TB1 identified by "TB1," a toilet booth TB2 identified by "TB2," a toilet booth TB3 identified by "TB3," a toilet booth TB4 identified by "TB4," and a toilet booth TB5 identified by "TB5." The toilet space 21 also includes, as its location, a shared space CS1 identified by "CS1."

[0077] The toilet booth TB1, which is the location identified by "TB1", has a "10 11 " Toilet apparatus 10 identified by 11 In addition, the toilet booth TB2, which is the location identified by "TB2", has a "10 12 " Toilet apparatus 10 identified by 12 In addition, the toilet booth TB3, which is the location identified by "TB3", has a "10 13 " Toilet apparatus 10 identified by 13 In addition, the toilet booth TB4, which is the location identified by "TB4", has a "10 14 " Toilet apparatus 10 identified by 14 In addition, the toilet booth TB5, which is the location identified by "TB5", has a "10 15 " Toilet apparatus 10 identified by 15 indicates that the

[0078] The arrangement information storage unit 121 may store various information according to the purpose, without being limited to the above. For example, the arrangement information storage unit 121 may store information (such as a sensor ID) that can identify a sensor (detection unit) that detects sensor data (detection information) of each target of use to be detected, in association with the target of use detected by the sensor.

[0079] Information indicating the specific location of each toilet object (e.g., latitude and longitude information, etc.) may be stored in association with each toilet object. For example, information indicating the specific location of each toilet space 2 (e.g., latitude and longitude information, etc.) may be stored in association with each toilet space 2. For example, information indicating the specific location of each toilet apparatus 10 (e.g., latitude and longitude information, etc.) may be stored in association with each toilet apparatus 10. For example, the location information storage unit 121 may store information detected by the bathroom vanity unit 50 and information indicating the specific location of the bathroom vanity unit 50 (e.g., latitude and longitude information, etc.) in association with the bathroom vanity unit 50.

[0080] The setting information storage unit 122 stores various setting information related to the processes executed by the toilet system 1. The setting information storage unit 122 stores various information used in the control processes. For example, the setting information storage unit 122 stores information used to control the display of information. The setting information storage unit 122 stores information set related to the display of information (also referred to as "setting information"). The setting information storage unit 122 stores setting information set by an administrator. The setting information storage unit 122 stores setting information indicating a state (individual state) corresponding to a third display mode set by the administrator. The setting information storage unit 122 stores setting information indicating a third display mode defined based on predetermined criteria set by the administrator.

[0081] The setting information storage unit 122 stores setting information including information used in the determination process. For example, the setting information storage unit 122 stores setting information including information used to determine whether or not to display. For example, the setting information storage unit 122 stores setting information including information related to a threshold value used in the determination process. For example, the setting information storage unit 122 stores setting information including information used to determine in which display mode, such as the first display mode, the second display mode, or the third display mode, the display will be performed. For example, the setting information storage unit 122 stores setting information including information indicating a condition (setting condition) for which display mode, such as the first display mode, the second display mode, or the third display mode, the display will be performed for each toilet booth TB.

[0082] Note that the above is merely an example, and the setting information storage unit 122 stores various pieces of set information.

[0083] The detection information storage unit 123 stores various detected information. For example, the detection information storage unit 123 stores various information such as detection information such as sensor data collected about each toilet use object as history information. The detection information storage unit 123 stores information received from the detection unit 101 as history information. The detection information storage unit 123 stores detection information detected by various detection units such as the detection unit 101. For example, the detection information storage unit 123 stores the use history of each toilet use object in association with information identifying each toilet use object.

[0084] The detection information storage unit 123 stores history information indicating the use of each of a plurality of objects of use. For example, the detection information storage unit 123 includes items such as "date and time," "ID," and "content." "Date and time" indicates the time when information regarding the use of an object of use identified by an ID was detected. "ID" indicates the ID (identification information) for identifying the object of use from which the information was detected. "Content" indicates the use content of the object of use from which the information was detected. "Content" stores information indicating the use content, such as sensor data, detected while the object of use is being used.

[0085] Note that the above is merely an example, and the detection information storage unit 123 stores various detected (acquired) information. The detection information storage unit 123 may store information on the start and end of use detected for a use object identified by an ID. For example, the detection information storage unit 123 stores the date and time when the start or end of use of each toilet booth TB (toilet apparatus 10) was detected, in association with information identifying each toilet booth TB (toilet apparatus 10). For example, the detection information storage unit 123 may store information indicating the use time of each use object, in association with each use object.

[0086] 4, the explanation will be continued. The control unit 130 is realized, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or the like executing a program stored inside the control device 100 (for example, an information processing program for control processing and the like according to the present disclosure) using a RAM or the like as a work area. The control unit 130 is also realized, for example, by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0087] 4, the control unit 130 has an acquisition unit 131, a display setting unit 132, a display control unit 133, and a transmission unit 134, and realizes or executes the functions and actions of information processing described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 130 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 4, and may be any other configuration as long as it performs the information processing described below.

[0088] The acquisition unit 131 acquires various types of information. The acquisition unit 131 acquires various types of information from the storage unit 120. The acquisition unit 131 receives information from other devices. The acquisition unit 131 receives information from the display unit 20, the detection unit 101, the administrator terminal 200, etc.

[0089] The acquisition unit 131 receives information (input information) input to the administrator terminal 200 from the administrator terminal 200. The acquisition unit 131 receives input information input by the administrator of the restroom from the administrator terminal 200. The acquisition unit 131 receives setting information input to the administrator terminal 200 from the administrator terminal 200. The acquisition unit 131 receives information (setting information) from the administrator terminal 200 indicating display settings that the administrator terminal 200 has accepted from the administrator via the content CT1. The acquisition unit 131 receives setting information from the administrator terminal 200 indicating a state (individual state) corresponding to the third display mode set by the administrator.

[0090] Acquisition unit 131 receives information (detection information, etc.) detected by detection unit 101 from detection unit 101. Acquisition unit 131 receives detection information detected regarding an object used in the toilet from detection unit 101. Acquisition unit 131 receives detection information detected by a sensor or the like corresponding to an object used in the toilet from detection unit 101.

[0091] The acquisition unit 131 receives detection information detected by the detection unit 101 regarding the toilet booth TB from the detection unit 101. The acquisition unit 131 receives detection information detected by the detection unit 101 regarding the toilet booth TB in which the toilet device 10 is arranged from the detection unit 101. The acquisition unit 131 receives detection information detected by the shared equipment detection unit regarding each shared equipment such as the bathroom vanity unit 50 from the shared equipment detection unit.

[0092] The acquisition unit 131 acquires information to be used in the processing from the storage unit 120. The acquisition unit 131 acquires information to be used in the control processing from the setting information storage unit 122. The acquisition unit 131 acquires setting information indicating a third display mode defined based on predetermined criteria set by the administrator from the setting information storage unit 122. The acquisition unit 131 acquires information corresponding to the toilet booth TB to be determined from the setting information storage unit 122. The acquisition unit 131 acquires information to be used in the control processing from the detection information storage unit 123. The acquisition unit 131 acquires information corresponding to the toilet booth TB to be determined from the detection information storage unit 123.

[0093] The acquisition unit 131 may receive information (input information) input to the input device from the input device. The acquisition unit 131 receives input information input by a toilet cleaner from the input device. The acquisition unit 131 receives input information indicating the start, completion, etc. of cleaning work input to the input device from the input device. For example, the acquisition unit 131 receives input information indicating the start and completion of cleaning for each cleaning target input to the input device from the input device. For example, the acquisition unit 131 receives input information indicating a cleaning reservation for each cleaning target input to the input device from the input device.

[0094] The display setting unit 132 functions as a display setting means for setting a plurality of display modes indicating the state of each toilet booth TB for a plurality of display units 20 provided in each of a plurality of toilet booths TB. The display setting unit 132 executes a display setting process for registering setting information in the setting information storage unit 122. The display setting unit 132 registers the setting information acquired by the acquisition unit 131 in the setting information storage unit 122.

[0095] For example, the display setting unit 132 registers the setting information received by the acquisition unit 131 from the administrator terminal 200 in the setting information storage unit 122. For example, the display setting unit 132 registers the setting information indicating the display mode setting for each toilet booth TB in the setting information storage unit 122. The display setting unit 132 registers the setting information indicating the display setting input by the administrator via the content CT1 in the setting information storage unit 122.

[0096] The display control unit 133 executes control processing related to display control. The display control unit 133 functions as a display control means that controls a plurality of display modes based on the settings by the display setting unit 132. The display control unit 133 executes control to make the display unit 20 perform a display indicating the status of the toilet booth TB. The display control unit 133 controls the display of the display unit 20 based on a first display mode and a second display mode that indicate availability information of the toilet booth TB or vacancy information of the toilet booth TB, and at least one third display mode that is assigned to the first display mode or the second display mode.

[0097] The display control unit 133 performs a determination process. The display control unit 133 performs a determination process using various information stored in the storage unit 120. The display control unit 133 performs a determination process using various information acquired by the acquisition unit 131. The display control unit 133 performs a determination process using various calculated values ​​(information). The display control unit 133 performs a determination process using threshold values ​​stored in the setting information storage unit 122.

[0098] The display control unit 133 generates various types of information to be used for determination. The display control unit 133 performs a generation process. The display control unit 133 performs a generation process using various types of information stored in the storage unit 120. The display control unit 133 performs a generation process using various types of information acquired by the acquisition unit 131.

[0099] Display control unit 133 controls the display of display unit 20 by causing control information for controlling the display of display unit 20 to be transmitted to display unit 20 via transmission unit 134. Display control unit 133 controls the display of display unit 20 by causing transmission unit 134 to transmit the control information for controlling the display of display unit 20. When display control unit 133 determines that the display by display unit 20 should be ended, it generates control information for instructing not to display (non-display instruction information) and instructs transmission unit 134 to transmit the generated control information (non-display instruction information) to that display unit 20.

[0100] The display control unit 133 generates various types of control information such as a signal (display update signal) that updates the display of the display unit 20. The display control unit 133 generates control information that instructs the display unit 20 to display or not display. The display control unit 133 generates control information including information that specifies a display mode for the display unit 20. The display control unit 133 generates control information including information that specifies either a first display mode or a second display mode to be displayed on the display unit 20. For example, the display control unit 133 generates control information including information that specifies a color to be displayed on the display unit 20. For example, the display control unit 133 generates control information including information that specifies a color corresponding to either the first display mode or the second display mode.

[0101] The display control unit 133 generates control information including information specifying a third display mode to be displayed on the display unit 20. For example, the display control unit 133 generates control information including information specifying a visual symbol to be displayed on the display unit 20. The display control unit 133 generates control information including information specifying a pictogram to be displayed on the display unit 20.

[0102] For example, when the display control unit 133 determines that the first display mode should be displayed on the display unit 20, it generates control information (display instruction information) that instructs the display unit 20 to display in the first display mode, and instructs the transmission unit 134 to transmit the generated control information (display instruction information) to the display unit 20. For example, when the display control unit 133 determines that the first display mode and the third display mode should be displayed on the display unit 20, it generates control information (display instruction information) that instructs the display unit 20 to display in the first display mode and the third display mode, and instructs the transmission unit 134 to transmit the generated control information (display instruction information) to the display unit 20.

[0103] For example, when the display control unit 133 determines that the second display mode should be displayed on the display unit 20, it generates control information (display instruction information) that instructs the display unit 20 to display in the second display mode, and instructs the transmission unit 134 to transmit the generated control information (display instruction information) to the display unit 20. For example, when the display control unit 133 determines that the second display mode and the third display mode should be displayed on the display unit 20, it generates control information (display instruction information) that instructs the display unit 20 to display in the second display mode and the third display mode, and instructs the transmission unit 134 to transmit the generated control information (display instruction information) to the display unit 20.

[0104] When the display control unit 133 determines that the display by the display unit 20 should be terminated, it generates control information (non-display instruction information) that instructs the display unit 20 not to display, and instructs the transmission unit 134 to transmit the generated control information (non-display instruction information) to the display unit 20.

[0105] For example, the display control unit 133 instructs the display unit 20 to switch the display mode assigned to the toilet booth TB in accordance with the detection result of the detection unit 101. For example, the display control unit 133 instructs the display unit 20 to change the display mode assigned to the toilet booth TB by instructing the transmission unit 134 to transmit control information to the display unit 20 at the timing when the detection unit 101 detects an exit from the toilet booth TB. For example, the display control unit 133 instructs the display unit 20 to change the display mode assigned to the toilet booth TB by instructing the transmission unit 134 to transmit control information to the display unit 20 at the timing when the detection unit 101 detects an entry into the toilet booth TB.

[0106] The display control unit 133 determines that the display mode assigned to the toilet booth TB will not be changed until the usage status of the toilet booth TB changes. For example, the display control unit 133 instructs the transmission unit 134 to transmit control information to the display unit 20 at the timing when the usage status of the toilet booth TB changes from in use (full) to unused (vacant), thereby instructing the display unit 20 to change the display mode. For example, the display control unit 133 instructs the transmission unit 134 to transmit control information to the display unit 20 at the timing when the usage status of the toilet booth TB changes from unused (vacant) to in use (full), thereby instructing the display unit 20 to change the display mode.

[0107] The display control unit 133 executes a process for generating content related to the control of the toilet system 1. The display control unit 133 generates content to be provided to the display unit 20 and the manager's terminal 200. For example, the display control unit 133 generates content for accepting input of information related to cleaning by a cleaner. For example, the display control unit 133 generates content by appropriately using various technologies such as Java (registered trademark). Note that the display control unit 133 may generate content based on the format of CSS, JavaScript (registered trademark), or HTML. Also, for example, the display control unit 133 may generate content in various formats such as JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), GIF (Graphics Interchange Format), and PNG (Portable Network Graphics).

[0108] The transmitter 134 executes a transmission process to transmit various types of information. The transmitter 134 executes the transmission process by transmitting information to other devices. The transmitter 134 executes a control process to control the processing of other devices. The transmitter 134 executes a control process to control the processing of other devices at the destination by transmitting various types of information to other devices.

[0109] The transmitting unit 134 transmits information to be displayed on the display unit 20, the administrator terminal 200, etc. The transmitting unit 134 transmits control information to the display unit 20 that controls the display on the display unit 20. The transmitting unit 134 transmits control information to the display unit 20 that instructs updating of the display on the display unit 20. The transmitting unit 134 transmits the control information to the display unit 20 in response to an instruction from the display control unit 133. For example, the transmitting unit 134 transmits the control information to the display unit 20 at the timing instructed by the display control unit 133.

[0110] For example, when the display control unit 133 determines that the display unit 20 should display the first display mode, the transmission unit 134 transmits control information instructing the display unit 20 to display in the first display mode. For example, when the display control unit 133 determines that the display unit 20 should display the first display mode and the third display mode, the transmission unit 134 transmits control information instructing the display unit 20 to display in the first display mode and the third display mode.

[0111] For example, when the display control unit 133 determines that the display unit 20 should display the second display mode, the transmission unit 134 transmits control information instructing the display unit 20 to display in the second display mode to the display unit 20. When the display control unit 133 determines that the display unit 20 should display the second display mode and the third display mode, the transmission unit 134 transmits control information instructing the display unit 20 to display in the second display mode and the third display mode to the display unit 20.

[0112] When the display control unit 133 determines that the display by the display unit 20 is to be hidden, the transmission unit 134 transmits to the display unit 20 control information instructing the display unit 20 to hide the display.

[0113] The transmission unit 134 transmits information to the administrator terminal 300. The transmission unit 134 transmits content CT1 for making settings such as those shown in FIG. 9 to the administrator terminal 300. The transmission unit 134 notifies the administrator of information indicating the toilet booths TB that need cleaning. The transmission unit 134 transmits the information indicating the toilet booths TB that need cleaning to a device (administrator terminal 200) used by the administrator of the toilet system 1. For example, the transmission unit 134 may transmit the information indicating the toilet booths TB that need cleaning to the administrator device, which is a smartphone carried by the administrator of the toilet system 1.

[0114] <1-6. Processing Overview> Based on the above content, the outline of the processing will now be described in detail. In the following, the toilet system 1 will be described as the processing subject, but each process may be performed by any device, such as the control device 100, the display unit 20, the detection unit 101, or the administrator terminal 200, depending on the device configuration included in the toilet system 1. Note that explanations of points similar to those described above will be omitted as appropriate.

[0115] The toilet system 1 displays a display mode corresponding to the state of the toilet booth TB on the corresponding display unit 20. For example, when the state of the toilet booth TB is available, the toilet system 1 displays a first display mode on the corresponding display unit 20. For example, the first display mode is information on whether the toilet booth TB is available. For example, the first display mode is information indicating that the toilet booth TB is available. Also, for example, the first display mode is information on whether the toilet booth TB is available. For example, the first display mode is information indicating that the toilet booth TB is available.

[0116] Also, for example, when the state of the toilet booth TB is not available, the toilet system 1 causes the corresponding display unit 20 to display a second display mode. For example, the second display mode is information on whether the toilet booth TB is available. For example, the second display mode is information indicating whether the toilet booth TB is available. Also, for example, the second display mode is information on whether the toilet booth TB is available. For example, the second display mode is information indicating that the toilet booth TB is available.

[0117] Furthermore, for example, the toilet system 1 displays a third display mode on the corresponding display unit 20 in addition to the first and second display modes depending on the state of the toilet booth TB. For example, the third display mode indicates the individual state of the toilet booth TB indicated by the first or second display mode. For example, the third display mode indicates the individual state of the toilet booth TB defined based on predetermined criteria set by the administrator. Note that the display mode assigned to the toilet booth TB is switched according to the detection result of the detection unit 101 (sensor, etc.). Also, the display mode assigned to the toilet booth TB does not change until the usage state of the toilet booth TB changes.

[0118] <1-6-1. Display example> Here, an example of the display mode of the display unit 20 in the toilet system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. First, an overview of the processing will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of display in the toilet system. Note that in Fig. 6, different reference numerals are assigned depending on the display mode of the display unit 20, but when describing the display units 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, etc. without distinction, they will be referred to as "display unit 20".

[0119] The display unit 20a in FIG. 6 is the same as the display unit 20 in FIG. 11 ~20 13 , 20 15 6 corresponds to the display mode of the display unit 20 shown in FIG. 2, and the display unit 20b in FIG. 6 corresponds to the display mode of the display unit 20 shown in FIG. 2, and the display unit 20b in FIG. 6 corresponds to the display mode of the display unit 20 shown in FIG. 2. 14 10A, the case where the display unit 20 displays the second display mode SD in red is shown with hatching different from that of the display unit 20a.

[0120] Also, display unit 20c in Fig. 6 shows a case where display unit 20 displays a third display mode TD11, which is a pictogram indicating that the toilet booth TB is in a state suitable for use by a user, in addition to the first display mode FD of display unit 20a in Fig. 6. When describing the third display mode TD11, third display mode TD21, third display mode TD22, etc. without distinguishing between them, they will be referred to as "third display mode TD."

[0121] In this way, the first display mode FD assigned the third display mode TD11 is added to the first display mode FD to indicate that the individual state of the corresponding toilet booth TB is in a state suitable for use by a user. For example, the third display mode TD added to the first display mode FD such as the third display mode TD11 indicates at least one of the following states: the toilet booth TB has been used less than a predetermined number of times, the toilet booth TB has been vacant for a predetermined period of time or more, no abnormality has been determined for the toilet booth TB, and the toilet booth TB has just been cleaned. For example, the administrator can set whether the third display mode TD added to the first display mode FD such as the third display mode TD11 corresponds to the toilet booth TB having been used less than a predetermined number of times, the toilet booth TB having been vacant for a predetermined period of time or more, no abnormality has been determined for the toilet booth TB, or the toilet booth TB having just been cleaned.

[0122] In the case of display unit 20c, the third display mode TD11 is assigned to the first display mode FD. The first display mode FD to which the third display mode TD11 is assigned, i.e., a display mode such as display unit 20c, indicates that the toilet booth TB is in a recommended state for use. In other words, the toilet booth TB corresponding to display unit 20c is in a state where use is recommended. The first display mode FD to which the third display mode TD11 is not assigned, i.e., a display mode such as display unit 20a, indicates that the toilet booth TB is vacant or in a state where use is not recommended. Furthermore, the second display mode SD, i.e., a display mode such as display unit 20b, indicates that the toilet booth TB is fully booked.

[0123] Also, display unit 20d in Fig. 6 shows a case where display unit 20 adds a third display mode TD21, which is a pictogram indicating that the toilet booth TB is in an unavailable state, to the second display mode SD of display unit 20b in Fig. 6. Also, display unit 20e in Fig. 6 shows a case where display unit 20 adds a third display mode TD22, which is a pictogram indicating that the toilet booth TB is in an abnormal state, to the second display mode SD of display unit 20b in Fig. 6.

[0124] In this way, the second display mode SD to which the third display mode TD21, TD22 is assigned indicates that the individual status of the corresponding toilet booth TB is unavailable or in an abnormal state when added to the second display mode SD. For example, the third display mode TD added to the second display mode SD such as the third display mode TD21, TD22 indicates a status including at least one of the following: the toilet booth TB has been used a predetermined number of times or more; the toilet booth TB has been vacant for less than a predetermined time; the toilet booth TB has been determined to be abnormal; the toilet booth TB is on standby for cleaning; and the toilet booth TB is in a power-saving mode. For example, the administrator can set whether the third display mode TD added to the second display mode SD such as the third display mode TD21, TD22 corresponds to the toilet booth TB having been used a predetermined number of times or more; the toilet booth TB has been vacant for less than a predetermined time; the toilet booth TB has been determined to be abnormal; the toilet booth TB is on standby for cleaning; or the toilet booth TB is in a power-saving mode.

[0125] In the case of display units 20d and 20e, the third display modes TD21 and TD22 are assigned to the second display mode SD. The second display mode SD to which the third display modes TD21 and TD22 are assigned, i.e., display modes such as display units 20d and 20e, indicates that the toilet booth TB is unavailable or in an abnormal state. In other words, it indicates that the toilet booth TB corresponding to display units 20d and 20e is unavailable for use. The second display mode SD to which the third display modes TD21 and TD22 are not assigned, i.e., a display mode such as display unit 20b, indicates that the toilet booth TB is fully booked. Furthermore, the first display mode FD, i.e., a display mode such as display unit 20a, indicates that the toilet booth TB is available for use.

[0126] Here, a specific example of adding a third display mode to the first or second display mode will be described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the display in the first display mode and the third display mode. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the display in the second display mode and the third display mode.

[0127] Figure 7 shows the state in which display unit 20 arranged in toilet booth TB displays the display mode of display unit 20c in Figure 6. In this way, when display unit 20 arranged in toilet booth TB displays first display mode FD to which third display mode TD11 is assigned, the user can intuitively understand that the toilet booth TB is in a state suitable for use, thereby increasing the likelihood that the user will use the toilet booth TB.

[0128] Also, Figure 8 shows a state in which display unit 20 arranged in toilet booth TB displays the display mode of display unit 20d in Figure 6. In this way, when display unit 20 arranged in toilet booth TB displays second display mode SD to which third display mode TD21 is assigned, even if the door is open as in Figure 8, the user can intuitively understand that the toilet booth TB is not in a state suitable for use, thereby reducing the possibility that the user will use the toilet booth TB.

[0129] In the above example, a pictogram is shown as an example of the third display mode TD, but the third display mode TD may also be a change in the display mode, such as dimming or brightening a light. In this case, for example, the third display mode TD may be a mode in which the brightness of the first display mode FD is changed. For example, the third display mode TD may be a mode in which the first display mode FD is repeatedly displayed and hidden (flashing). For example, the third display mode TD may be a mode in which the brightness of the second display mode SD is changed. For example, the third display mode TD may be a mode in which the second display mode SD is repeatedly displayed and hidden (flashing).

[0130] <1-6-2. Setting example> Next, display settings will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of display settings. For example, the toilet system 1 acquires the administrator's settings using content CT1 in Fig. 9. Content CT1 includes an image of a display mode, usage information that is a condition for display in the corresponding display mode, values ​​(thresholds, etc.) used in the condition, and items that specify whether the condition is enabled or disabled.

[0131] For example, the administrator sets the content CT1 displayed on the administrator terminal 200 by inputting information. In this case, the administrator enables the condition that he / she wants to use by inputting a check mark in the check box corresponding to the condition. The administrator also disables the condition that he / she does not want to use by removing the check mark from the check box corresponding to the condition. The administrator also sets detailed values ​​(threshold values) of the conditions to be used by inputting setting values.

[0132] If the conditions corresponding to the items for which the administrator has entered check marks in the checkboxes are met, the toilet system 1 displays the corresponding display mode. Note that the settings shown in FIG. 9 are merely an example, and the toilet system 1 may perform settings in any mode as long as the desired settings are possible. For example, the toilet system 1 may perform processing based on a pre-set initial setting (default). In this case, if the administrator changes the initial setting, for example, the toilet system 1 performs processing based on the changed setting. The administrator terminal 200 transmits information indicating the settings made by the administrator to the control device 100.

[0133] <1-6-3. Processing flow example> From here, the flow of various processes will be explained based on each flowchart. First, the processing flow of the processes executed by the toilet system 1 shown in Fig. 10 will be explained. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the processes executed by the toilet system. Specifically, Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the setting update process executed by the toilet system 1.

[0134] In response to receiving a change in setting information from the management terminal, the toilet system 1 executes the process of step S101 in Fig. 10. For example, in response to receiving, from the manager terminal 200, setting information changed by the manager, the control device 100 executes the process of step S101 in Fig. 10.

[0135] The toilet system 1 updates the information in the setting information storage unit (step S101). For example, the control device 100 updates the information stored in the setting information storage unit 122 by registering the setting information received from the administrator terminal 200 in the setting information storage unit 122.

[0136] Next, a processing flow of the processing executed by the toilet system 1 shown in Fig. 11 will be described. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the processing executed by the toilet system. Specifically, Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the display processing executed by the toilet system 1.

[0137] In response to receiving data from the detection device, the toilet system 1 executes the processing of steps S201 to S206 in Fig. 11. For example, in response to receiving detection information from the detection unit 101 of the toilet booth TB, the control device 100 executes the processing of steps S201 to S206 in Fig. 11. Note that receiving data from the detection device is merely an example, and the toilet system 1 may execute the processing of steps S201 to S206 in Fig. 11 not only in response to receiving data from the detection device, but also in response to any timing such as instructions from a manager, cleaner, etc.

[0138] The toilet system 1 refers to the setting information storage unit 122 and determines which data to read (step S201). For example, the control device 100 refers to the setting information storage unit 122 and determines which toilet booth TB data to read.

[0139] The toilet system 1 acquires necessary data from the detection information storage unit 123 (step S202). For example, the control device 100 acquires data (of the toilet booth TB) to be used for processing from the detection information storage unit 123 based on the determination result in step S201.

[0140] The toilet system 1 determines whether the display mode is the first display mode or the second display mode (step S203). For example, the control device 100 determines whether the display mode is the first display mode or the second display mode to be displayed on the display unit 20 corresponding to the toilet booth TB based on the state of the toilet booth TB, the conditions indicated by the setting information stored in the setting information storage unit 122, etc.

[0141] The toilet system 1 determines whether to display the third display mode (step S204). For example, the control device 100 determines whether to display the third display mode on the display unit 20 corresponding to the toilet booth TB based on the state of the toilet booth TB, the conditions indicated by the setting information stored in the setting information storage unit 122, etc.

[0142] The toilet system 1 determines whether the state of the stall has changed (step S205). For example, the control device 100 determines whether the state of the toilet booth TB has changed.

[0143] The toilet system 1 transmits a display update signal to the display device (step S206). For example, when the control device 100 determines that the state of the toilet booth TB has changed, it transmits control information (display update signal) to the display unit 20 corresponding to the toilet booth TB to update the display of the display unit 20.

[0144] For example, in public restrooms and other restrooms used by an unspecified number of people, users often want to know whether a private restroom is available for use, and restroom managers want to provide users with information to equalize the number of times each restroom booth is used. Thus, there is a gap between the information users want and the information (e.g., the amount) managers want to provide. For example, if there is too much information, users may not be able to understand the information at a glance and may not be able to guide them. On the other hand, if the information is kept to a minimum, users may not be able to be guided properly. Therefore, the toilet system 1 assigns a display (display of information users want) indicating "which booths are available," such as availability and vacancy status, to each toilet booth TB, and then assigns a third display mode to some of the toilet booths TB as additional information. This allows the toilet system 1 to provide the information users want while simultaneously providing the information managers want to provide.

[0145] As described above, the toilet system 1 allows users to intuitively understand available private toilets (booths) by consolidating and appropriately displaying information with similar meanings, thereby reducing the likelihood of user confusion. For example, if there is too much information, users may not be able to understand the information at a glance and be unable to navigate properly. If there is only a minimum amount of information, users may not be able to prioritize booths and be unable to navigate properly. Therefore, by allocating additional status indicators, such as whether a toilet is available or not, to the display of whether it is full or empty, the toilet system 1 allows users to understand the information they want and also displays information desired by the administrator. Therefore, the toilet system 1 can provide appropriate displays regarding private toilets. For example, in a toilet space with multiple private toilets, the toilet system 1 can reduce the likelihood of user confusion by consolidating and appropriately displaying a variety of information.

[0146] The above-described embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate within the scope of not causing any contradiction in the processing content.

[0147] Further advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0148] The above-described embodiments and modifications may have the following configurations, but are not limited to these. (1) a display setting means for setting a plurality of display modes indicating the status of each of the plurality of toilet stalls to a plurality of display devices provided in each of the plurality of toilet stalls; a display control means for controlling the plurality of display modes based on the setting conditions of the display setting means; Equipped with the plurality of display modes include a first display mode and a second display mode that show availability information of the private toilet or vacancy information of the private toilet, and at least one third display mode that is assigned to the first display mode or the second display mode; The third display mode indicates the individual state of the private toilet room indicated by the first display mode or the second display mode. A toilet system characterized by: (2) The third display mode indicates the individual state of the private toilet defined based on a predetermined standard set by a manager. The toilet system according to (1) above. (3) the third display mode is assigned to the second display mode, the first display mode indicates that the private toilet is available, The second display mode to which the third display mode is not assigned indicates that the private toilet is full, The second display mode to which the third display mode is assigned indicates that the private toilet is unavailable or in an abnormal state. The toilet system according to (1) or (2) above. (4) The third display mode indicates that the private toilet room is in a state including at least one of the following: the private toilet room has been used a predetermined number of times or more; the vacant time is less than a predetermined time; an abnormality has been determined; the private toilet room is on standby for cleaning; and the private toilet room is in a power saving mode. The toilet system according to (3) above. (5) the third display mode is assigned to the first display mode, The first display mode to which the third display mode is assigned indicates a state in which use of the private toilet is recommended, The first display mode to which the third display mode is not assigned indicates that the private toilet is vacant or not recommended for use, The second display mode indicates that the private toilet is full. The toilet system according to any one of (1) to (4) above, characterized in that: (6) The third display mode indicates that the private toilet room has been used less than a predetermined number of times, that the vacant time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, that no abnormality has been determined, and that the private toilet room has just been cleaned. The toilet system according to (5) above. (7) a sensor that detects entry into or exit from the private toilet or use of the private toilet; Equipped with The display mode assigned to the private toilet is switched depending on the detection result of the sensor. The toilet system according to any one of (1) to (6) above, characterized in that: (8) The display mode assigned to the toilet stall will not change until the usage status of the toilet stall changes. The toilet system according to any one of (1) to (7) above, characterized in that: [Explanation of symbols]

[0149] 1. Toilet System 2 Toilet space (toilet room) 10 Toilet equipment 20 Display section (display device) 50 Bathroom vanity 100 Control device (information processing device) 101 Detection unit (detection device) 110 Communications Department 120 Storage section 121 Location information storage unit 122 Setting information storage unit 123 Detection information storage unit 130 control section 131 Acquisition Department 132 Display setting section (display setting means) 133 Display control unit (display control means) 134 Transmitter 200 Administrator terminal CS shared space TB Toilet Booth (Private Toilet)

Claims

1. a display setting means for setting a plurality of display modes indicating the status of each of the plurality of toilet stalls to a plurality of display devices provided in each of the plurality of toilet stalls; a display control means for controlling the plurality of display modes based on the setting conditions of the display setting means; Equipped with The plurality of display modes include a first display mode and a second display mode that indicate availability information of the private toilet or vacancy information of the private toilet, and at least one third display mode that is assigned to the first display mode or the second display mode, The third display mode indicates the individual state of the private toilet room indicated by the first display mode or the second display mode. A toilet system characterized by:

2. The third display mode indicates the individual state of the private toilet defined based on a predetermined standard set by a manager.

2. The toilet system of claim 1.

3. the third display mode is assigned to the second display mode, the first display mode indicates that the private toilet is available, The second display mode to which the third display mode is not assigned indicates that the private toilet is full, The second display mode to which the third display mode is assigned indicates that the private toilet is unavailable or in an abnormal state.

3. The toilet system according to claim 2.

4. The third display mode indicates that the private toilet room is in a state including at least one of the following: the private toilet room has been used a predetermined number of times or more; the vacant time is less than a predetermined time; an abnormality has been determined; the private toilet room is on standby for cleaning; and the private toilet room is in a power saving mode.

4. The toilet system according to claim 3.

5. the third display mode is assigned to the first display mode, The first display mode to which the third display mode is assigned indicates a state in which use of the private toilet is recommended, The first display mode to which the third display mode is not assigned indicates that the private toilet is vacant or not recommended for use, The second display mode indicates that the private toilet is full.

2. The toilet system of claim 1.

6. The third display mode indicates that the private toilet room has been used less than a predetermined number of times, that the vacant time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, that no abnormality has been determined, and that the private toilet room has just been cleaned.

6. The toilet system according to claim 5.

7. a sensor that detects entry into or exit from the private toilet or use of the private toilet; Equipped with The display mode assigned to the private toilet is switched depending on the detection result of the sensor.

2. The toilet system of claim 1.

8. The display mode assigned to the toilet stall will not change until the usage status of the toilet stall changes.

2. The toilet system of claim 1.

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