Bathroom system

Abstract

To provide a bathroom system capable of smoothly operating equipment in a bathroom.SOLUTION: A bathroom system in which a plurality of devices provided in a bathroom can be operated by voice, the bathroom system comprising: a voice collection unit configured to collect a voice uttered by a user; and a control unit configured to control operations of the plurality of devices based on the voice collected by the voice collection unit, wherein the plurality of devices include a first device and a second device different from the first device, and at least one operation of the first device and at least one operation of the second device can be operated by the same voice word.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION Aspects of the present invention relate generally to bathroom systems. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART A bathroom system that allows devices in the bathroom to be operated by voice is known (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-118857 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A bathroom is generally equipped with a number of devices, and if the user wishes to operate each of the devices by voice, he or she may be required to memorize a large number of voice commands.

[0005] The present invention has been made based on the recognition of such a problem, and aims to enable smooth operation of devices in a bathroom. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The first invention is a bathroom system that allows multiple devices installed in a bathroom to be operated by voice, and is equipped with a voice collection unit that collects voices uttered by a user, and a control unit that controls the operation of the multiple devices based on the voice collected by the voice collection unit, wherein the multiple devices include a first device and a second device that is different from the first device, and at least one operation of the first device and the second device can be operated using the same voice word.

[0007] This bathroom system eliminates the need for users to memorize a large number of voice commands to activate devices, making bathroom system 100 easy to use and allowing users to smoothly operate the devices in the bathroom.

[0008] The second invention is a bathroom system in which, in the first invention, the bathroom system further includes an area detection unit that detects the area in which a user is present within the bathroom, and the control unit controls the equipment corresponding to the area in which the user is detected by the area detection unit.

[0009] This bathroom system allows the equipment to be operated according to the area where the user is present.

[0010] The third invention is a bathroom system according to the second invention, characterized in that the area detection unit detects whether the user is in the bathtub area or the washing area.

[0011] This bathroom system can detect whether the user is in the bathtub area or the washing area, and activate the equipment corresponding to that area.

[0012] The fourth invention is a bathroom system according to the second invention, characterized in that the control unit disables the operation of the device by voice when the area detection unit detects that a user is present in multiple areas at the same time, or when the area detection unit does not detect the presence of a user.

[0013] If the area detection unit detects the presence of users in multiple areas, it is assumed that two or more people are bathing at the same time. In such cases, since it is expected that users will be conversing with each other, voice control is disabled to prevent malfunctions. Also, for example, if a device malfunctions when no users are present in the bathroom, it would be difficult to stop the device. Therefore, voice control is disabled when no users are present in the bathroom. This bathroom system can prevent malfunctions of devices.

[0014] A fifth invention is a bathroom system according to any one of the first to fourth inventions, further comprising a display unit that can identify whether operation of the device by voice is valid or invalid.

[0015] This bathroom system can recognize whether voice operation is valid or invalid.

[0016] The sixth invention is a bathroom system characterized in that, in any one of the first to fourth inventions, the first device is a bathtub water discharge device that discharges water toward the inside of a bathtub installed in the bathroom, and the second device is a washing area water discharge device installed in a washing area.

[0017] This bathroom system makes it easy to use by allowing the bathtub water discharge device and the washing area water discharge device, which have the same basic operation to activate their functions, to be operated using the same voice words. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to an aspect of the present invention, a bathroom system is provided that allows smooth operation of devices in the bathroom. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a bathroom equipped with a bathroom system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the bathroom system. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the voice operation unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a voice word for operating a device. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing a voice operation control process executed by a control unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of voice words for operating a device according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, like components are designated by like reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a bathroom equipped with a bathroom system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the control system of the bathroom system. 1, bathroom 50 has a ceiling 51, a floor 52, and first to fourth side walls 53a to 53d. First to fourth side walls 53a to 53d are elevational portions provided between ceiling 51 and floor 52.

[0021] A bathtub 60 is provided in the bathroom 50. When viewed from above, the bathtub 60 is roughly rectangular. The floor 52 is the lower part of the bathroom 50 where the bathtub 60 is not provided. Within the bathroom 50, the area inside the bathtub 60 is the bathtub area 50a, and the area of ​​the floor 52 is the washing area 50b. The area detection unit 47, which will be described later, detects in which of these areas the user is present.

[0022] First side wall 53a is provided with, for example, a door for entering and exiting bathroom 50. Third side wall 53c is provided with a mirror 70 and two counters 72, 73. Bathroom 50 is also provided with multiple devices. These multiple devices include a washing area water discharger 10, a bathtub water discharger 20, and other devices 30. The operation of these devices 10, 20, and 30 is controlled electrically, for example.

[0023] The washing area water discharge device 10 is, for example, a hand shower 11. The washing area water discharge device 10 may be, for example, an overhead shower 13, a pillar 14, or a faucet 15. The hand shower 11 is hung on the third side wall 53c. The hand shower 11 is designed to be handheld by the user. The overhead shower 13 has, for example, a larger head than the hand shower 11 and is mounted on the ceiling 51. The overhead shower 13 has a shower function with a wide water discharge. The pillar 14 is, for example, mounted in the center of the head of the overhead shower 13 and has a waterfall function. The overhead shower 13 and pillar 14 can shower the user's entire body or massage the body with their pillar function. The head of the hand shower 11 may also have a pillar function.

[0024] Faucet 15 is provided on counter 72. Faucet 15 is a water discharge device that discharges hot and cold water toward counter 73. For example, faucet 15 discharges hot and cold water toward a bathtub (not shown) placed on counter 73.

[0025] The bathtub water discharger 20 has a shoulder-friendly bathtub (registered trademark) 21 and a waist-friendly bathtub (registered trademark) 23. The shoulder-friendly bathtub 21 is located above the backrest surface of the bathtub 60 and discharges hot water toward the neck and shoulders of the user in the bathtub 60. Two waist-friendly bathtubs 23 are provided spaced apart on the backrest surface of the bathtub 60 and discharge hot water toward the waists of the user in the bathtub 60. In this example, the bathtub water discharger 20 has both the shoulder-friendly bathtub 21 and the waist-friendly bathtub 23. The bathtub water discharger 20 can operate either the shoulder-friendly bathtub 21 or the waist-friendly bathtub 23, or both. The bathtub water discharger 20 allows the user to relax while bathing.

[0026] Other devices 30 are, for example, lights 31a and 31b. Other devices 30 may also be television 33, bathroom dryer heater / dryer 35, and audio equipment 37. Light 31a is provided on ceiling 51. Light 31b is provided on the underside of counters 72 and 73. Television 33 is provided on third side wall 53c. Bathroom dryer heater / dryer 35 is provided on ceiling 51. Bathroom dryer heater / dryer 35 may also have a cooling air function or a ventilation function. Audio equipment 37 is provided on ceiling 51. Other devices 30 are provided as needed. Note that the devices provided in bathroom 50 are not limited to devices 10, 20, and 30 and may also be, for example, an air sprayer or a mist sprayer.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 2, bathroom system 100 includes voice operation unit 40 and control unit 45. Voice operation unit 40 includes voice collection unit 41 and display unit 43. Bathroom system 100 allows multiple devices (devices 10, 20, 30) installed in bathroom 50 to be operated by voice.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a front view showing the voice operation unit. 1, the voice operation unit 40 is provided in the bathroom 50. In this example, the voice operation unit 40 is provided on the third side wall 53c. The voice operation unit 40 has a voice collection unit 41, a voice operation changeover switch 42a, a setting switch 42b, and a display unit 43.

[0029] The voice collecting unit 41 is provided behind the voice intake hole 40a of the voice operation unit 40. The voice collecting unit 41 collects voice uttered by the user. The voice collecting unit 41 is a voice input device that can input voice, such as a microphone.

[0030] In this example, two voice collection units 41 are provided in the voice operation unit 40. The number of voice collection units 41 may be one, or three or more. The voice collection units 41 are connected to the control unit 45, and transmit data on the collected (input) voice to the control unit 45. The voice collection units 41 and the control unit 45 may be connected by wire or wirelessly.

[0031] The voice operation selector switch 42a enables or disables voice operation of devices in the bathroom 50. By operating the voice operation selector switch 42a, the user can select whether or not to operate multiple devices by voice. The setting switch 42b is used to configure various voice operation settings. For example, the setting switch 42b can be used to switch between languages ​​such as Japanese and English, and to configure devices that can be voice operated.

[0032] The display unit 43 is, for example, an LED provided in the voice operation unit 40. In this example, two display units 43 (LEDs) are provided in the voice operation unit 40. The display unit 43 may be a screen that displays characters, etc. The display unit 43 may be provided separately from the voice operation unit 40. The display unit 43 makes it possible to identify whether the operation of multiple devices by the voice collection unit 41 is valid or invalid.

[0033] As an example, one of the two display units 43 displays whether voice operation is enabled or disabled. The other display unit 43 displays the voice operation acceptance status. For example, one display unit 43 lights up in blue when voice operation is enabled and turns off when voice operation is disabled. In other words, one display unit 43 turns off or lights up in blue when the user operates the voice operation selector switch 42a.

[0034] The other display unit 43 changes from off to lit blue when it receives a wake word, which will be described later. The other display unit 43 changes from lit blue to lit green when it receives an operation word, which will be described later. By checking the display unit 43, the user can confirm whether voice operation is enabled or disabled. Furthermore, by checking the display unit 43, the user can confirm whether the voice collection unit 41 properly received the voice when uttering a voice word (wake word, operation word) to operate the device.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1, the manual operation unit 44a is provided on the second side wall 53b. The manual operation unit 44a is provided in a position within reach of a user bathing in the bathtub 60. On the other hand, the manual operation unit 44b is provided on the fourth side wall 53d. The manual operation unit 44b is provided in a position within reach of a user in front of the counters 72 and 73. The manual operation units 44a and 44b each have a plurality of switches 44c. When the switch 44c is operated, the manual operation units 44a and 44b send a manual operation signal to the control unit 45.

[0036] The manual operation unit 44a is a remote control for manually operating the bathtub water discharger 20. By operating the switch 44c of the manual operation unit 44a, the user can start and stop the shoulder bath 21 and the waist bath 23, adjust the water discharge volume, and switch between the shoulder bath 21 and the waist bath 23.

[0037] For example, when the start switch of the Kata Rakuyu 21 is operated, a water discharge signal (manual operation signal) for the Kata Rakuyu 21 is sent to the control unit 45. When the control unit 45 receives this water discharge signal, it activates the pump (not shown) of the bathtub water discharger 20. This causes the Kata Rakuyu 21 to start discharging water.

[0038] Manual operation unit 44b is a remote control for manually operating washing area water discharge device 10. By operating switch 44c of manual operation unit 44b, the user can start or stop the operation of hand shower 11, overhead shower 13, pillar 14, and faucet 15, adjust the strength of the water discharge, and adjust the temperature of the water discharge.

[0039] For example, when the start switch of the faucet 15 is operated, a water discharge signal (manual operation signal) for the faucet 15 is sent to the control unit 45. When the control unit 45 receives the water discharge signal, it opens a solenoid valve (not shown) of the faucet 15. This causes the faucet 15 to start discharging water. Note that the manual operation units 44a, 44b may also have switches for operating other devices 30.

[0040] Control unit 45 controls the operation of multiple devices 10, 20, and 30 installed in bathroom 50 based on the voice collected by voice collection unit 41. Each device 10, 20, and 30 is connected to control unit 45 and operates based on a control signal from control unit 45.

[0041] In this embodiment, it is sufficient that at least two of the devices installed in bathroom 50 can be operated by voice. In other words, some of the devices installed in bathroom 50 may not be operable by voice.

[0042] Based on the user's voice operation (i.e., the voice collected by the voice collecting unit 41), the control unit 45 controls, for example, the water discharge, water stop, water temperature, and flow rate of the hand shower 11, the overhead shower 13, the pillar 14, the faucet 15, and the bathtub water discharger 20. Based on the user's voice operation, the control unit 45 controls, for example, the start / stop, temperature, and air volume of the bathroom dryer / heater 35. Based on the user's voice operation, the control unit 45 controls, for example, the on / off, brightness, and color tone of the lights 31a and 31b. Based on the user's voice operation, the control unit 45 controls, for example, the start / stop, volume, and other settings of the television 33 and the audio equipment 37. The control unit 45 also controls the operation of multiple devices 10, 20, and 30 provided in the bathroom 50 based on manual operation signals transmitted from the manual operation units 44a and 44b.

[0043] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of voice words for operating a device. Control unit 45 controls the operation of devices 10, 20, and 30 installed in bathroom 50 based on the voice words collected by voice collection unit 41. The voice words include a wake word and an operation word. The wake word is a specific word for starting a voice operation. The operation word is a word that provides a specific instruction for operating devices 10, 20, and 30.

[0044] The control unit 45 has a state in which it can accept an operation word and a state in which it cannot accept an operation word. The control unit 45 maintains the state in which it cannot accept an operation word until the sound collection unit 41 detects a wake word uttered by the user. When the sound collection unit 41 detects a wake word uttered by the user, the control unit 45 enters a state in which it can accept an operation word. In other words, the wake word is a voice command for switching the control unit 45 from a state in which it cannot accept an operation word to a state in which it can accept an operation word.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 4, in this example, "Shinra Onegai" (Shinra: registered trademark) is the wake word. When control unit 45 receives "Shinra Onegai" uttered by the user in bathroom 50, it enters a state in which it is able to accept an operation word. Control unit 45 maintains this state in which it is able to accept an operation word for a predetermined time (for example, a dozen seconds). If control unit 45 receives an operation word within this predetermined time or if this predetermined time has elapsed, it returns to a state in which it does not accept an operation word.

[0046] When the control unit 45 is in a state where it can accept an operation word and detects an operation word uttered by the user using the voice collection unit 41, it controls the operation of the device based on the content of the operation word. In other words, the operation word is a voice command that instructs the device to be operated and the content of that operation.

[0047] As shown in Figure 4, the operation words are used to activate the functions of the devices, such as "Turn on the hot water," "Stop the hot water," "Turn up," "Turn down," and "Switch." The operation words are written in as simple and straightforward language as possible, allowing the user to easily control the operation of devices 10, 20, and 30 in bathroom 50 by voice.

[0048] In this example, when multiple devices have the same function, the same voice words can be used to operate each device. For example, when hot water is dispensed from the shoulder bath 21 and when hot water is dispensed from the hand shower 11, the same voice words are used: "Please, turn on the hot water." This allows the voice words to be short and standardized, minimizing the number of voice words the user must memorize.

[0049] As shown in Figure 4, in this example, the voice words for operating the washing area water discharger 10 and the bathtub water discharger 20 for the operations of discharging water, stopping water, adjusting flow, and switching are the same. Note that the same voice words may be used for at least one of the operations of discharging water, stopping water, adjusting flow, and switching. The operation of each device by voice will be described in detail later.

[0050] Note that the voice word recognition control and the operation control of each device 10, 20, 30 may be executed by separate control units. For example, the voice word recognition control may be executed by a control unit provided in the voice operation unit 40.

[0051] Control unit 45 is installed, for example, behind ceiling 51 of bathroom 50. Devices 10, 20, and 30 may be connected to control unit 45 via a wired or wireless connection. Bathroom system 100 controls the operation of multiple devices 10, 20, and 30 offline, for example, without being connected to the Internet.

[0052] This eliminates the need for an internet environment and its initial setup within bathroom 50. Furthermore, because there is no effect from internet communication conditions, the response speed of voice recognition is faster, resulting in a stable bathroom system 100. Furthermore, because the number of voice words is small and short, the capacity of the memory unit (not shown) of control unit 45 can be reduced. Furthermore, it becomes possible to incorporate into control unit 45 learning of noises (such as operating sounds and splashing water sounds) that accompany the operation of devices installed in each bathroom 50. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent others from accessing bathroom system 100 via the internet.

[0053] Bathroom system 100 may be connected to the Internet. That is, the wake word and operation word may be determined (by voice recognition) by a control unit on the cloud. Alternatively, some of the wake word and operation word may be determined by a control unit provided in bathroom 50, and the rest may be determined by a control unit on the cloud. This allows bathroom system 100 to be updated from a location away from bathroom 50.

[0054] The area detection unit 47 is provided in the bathroom 50. In this example, the area detection unit 47 is provided on the ceiling 51 of the bathroom 50. The area detection unit 47 detects the area (position) in the bathroom 50 where the user is present. The area detection unit 47 is a human presence sensor such as a pyroelectric sensor, an infrared sensor, a laser sensor (invisible light), a microwave sensor, or a millimeter wave sensor. The area detection unit 47 may be, for example, a deflection sensor provided on the floor 52 and the bathtub 60, or a camera capable of detecting the position of the user in the bathroom 50. The area detection unit 47 may be any device that can identify the area in the bathroom 50 where the user is present.

[0055] 1, the area detection unit 47 detects whether the user is in the bathtub area 50a or the washing area 50b. The area detection unit 47 transmits the detection result of the area in which the user is present to the control unit 45. The control unit 45 operates the devices 10, 20, and 30 based on the detection result of the area detection unit 47 and the voice words uttered by the user.

[0056] In bathroom system 100, at least two of multiple devices 10, 20, and 30 installed in bathroom 50 can be operated by voice. The multiple devices 10, 20, and 30 include a first device and a second device different from the first device. That is, the first device is one of the devices installed in bathroom 50, and the second device is a device installed in bathroom 50 that is different from the first device. At least one operation of the first device and the second device can be operated using the same voice word. In this case, control unit 45 selects the device to be activated based on the area in which the user is located.

[0057] Hereinafter, the first device will be described as a bathtub water discharger 20 that discharges water toward the inside of a bathtub 60 installed in a bathroom 50, and the second device will be described as a washing area water discharger 10 installed in a washing area.

[0058] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the voice operation control process executed by the control unit. The program for the voice operation control process shown in Fig. 5 is stored in advance in a storage unit (not shown) of the control unit 45. This voice operation control process is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle when voice operation is enabled by the voice operation changeover switch 42a. In the control process of Fig. 5, each step is indicated by "S."

[0059] In S1, it is determined whether a voice word has been received. That is, the control unit 45 determines whether the voice collection unit 41 has collected a voice word uttered by the user. For example, the control unit 45 determines whether the user uttered "Shinra please, turn on the hot water." If the determination in S1 is "YES," that is, the voice word has been received, the process proceeds to S2. On the other hand, if the determination in S1 is "NO," that is, the voice word has not been received, the process ends and the reception of the voice word is monitored.

[0060] In S2, it is determined whether or not a user is present in the washing area area. That is, the control unit 45 determines whether or not the area detection unit 47 has detected that a user is present in the washing area area 50b. If the determination in S2 is "YES", that is, if it is determined that a user is present in the washing area area 50b, the process proceeds to S3. On the other hand, if the determination in S2 is "NO", that is, if it is determined that a user is not present in the washing area area 50b, the process proceeds to S6.

[0061] In S3, it is determined whether the user is present in the bathtub area. That is, the control unit 45 determines whether the area detection unit 47 has detected that the user is present in the bathtub area 50a. If the result in S3 is "YES," that is, if it is determined that the user is present in the bathtub area 50a, the process proceeds to S4. On the other hand, if the result in S3 is "NO," that is, if it is determined that the user is not present in the bathtub area 50a, the process proceeds to S5.

[0062] In S4, the voice word is invalidated. That is, when a user is present in both the bathtub area 50a and the washing area 50b ("YES" in S2 and S3), the control unit 45 invalidates the voice word received in S1 and ends the process.

[0063] That is, when the area detection unit 47 detects that users are simultaneously present in multiple areas (bathtub area 50a and washing area 50b), the control unit 45 disables voice-activated device operation. This makes it possible to prevent malfunction of devices due to voice-activated operation when, for example, multiple users are having a conversation in the bathroom 50.

[0064] In S5, the washing area water discharger is controlled based on the voice word. That is, the control unit 45 determines that a user in the washing area area 50b has uttered the voice word, and controls the operation of the washing area water discharger 10 (e.g., hand shower 11). For example, if the user utters "Please, turn on the hot water" in S1, hot water is discharged from the hand shower 11, and the process ends.

[0065] In this example, the operation of the hand shower 11, the overhead shower 13, the pillar 14, and the faucet 15 can be controlled by voice by a user in the washing area 50b. As shown in Figure 4, the operation of the washing area water discharger 10 can be switched in order between the operation of the hand shower 11, the pillar 14, the overhead shower 13, and the faucet 15.

[0066] The user can change the activated device in order by saying "Please, switch" in the washing area 50b. The device activated by the voice word is displayed on the display (not shown) of the voice operation unit 40 or the manual operation units 44a and 44b, for example. This switching operation can be performed even if any of the devices in the washing area water discharge device 10 is operating (discharging water).

[0067] The order of switching operations may also be predetermined. For example, if the initial setting for switching operations is to operate the hand shower 11, the pillar 14, the overhead shower 13, and the faucet 15 in that order, when the water flow from the overhead shower 13 is stopped, the next voice operation may automatically return to operating the hand shower 11.

[0068] In S6, it is determined whether or not the user is present in the bathtub area. In S6, the same control process as in S3 is executed. If S6 returns "YES," that is, if it is determined that the user is present in the bathtub area 50a, the process proceeds to S7. On the other hand, if S6 returns "NO," that is, if it is determined that the user is not present in the bathtub area 50a, the process proceeds to S8.

[0069] In S7, the bathtub water discharger is controlled based on the voice word. That is, the control unit 45 determines that a user in the bathtub area 50a has uttered the voice word and controls the operation of the bathtub water discharger 20 (e.g., the shoulder bath 21). For example, if the user utters "Please, turn on the hot water" in S1, hot water is discharged from the shoulder bath 21, and the process ends.

[0070] In this example, the shoulder bath 21 and the waist bath 23 can be operated by voice by a user in the bathtub area 50a. As shown in Figure 4, the operation of the bathtub water discharger 20 can be switched in sequence between the operation of the shoulder bath 21, the operation of the waist bath 23, and the operation of both the shoulder bath 21 and the waist bath 23.

[0071] The user can change the device to be activated in order by saying "Please, switch" in the bathtub area 50a. The device activated by the voice word is displayed, for example, on the display (not shown) of the voice operation unit 40 or the manual operation units 44a and 44b. This switching operation can be performed even if any of the devices on the bathtub water discharger 20 is in operation (discharge water).

[0072] Furthermore, the bathtub water discharger 20 may have a predetermined order of switching operations, similar to the washing area water discharger 10. For example, if the initial setting for switching operations is to activate the shoulder bath 21, the waist bath 23, and then activate both the shoulder bath 21 and the waist bath 23, when the water flow to the waist bath 23 is stopped, the next voice operation may automatically return to activating the shoulder bath 21.

[0073] In S8, the voice word is invalidated. That is, when a user is present in both the bathtub area 50a and the washing area 50b ("YES" in S2 and S3), the control unit 45 invalidates the voice word received in S1 and ends the process.

[0074] That is, the control unit 45 disables voice-activated device operation when the area detection unit 47 does not detect the presence of a user. The control unit 45 determines that the received voice word is an error because the area detection unit 47 detects that no user is present in either the bathtub area 50a or the washing area 50b. This makes it possible to prevent malfunctions of devices due to voice activation, for example.

[0075] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of voice words for operating a device according to a modified example. In the above-described embodiment, the bathtub water discharger 20 is described as being equipped with both the shoulder bath 21 and the waist bath 23. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the bathtub water discharger 20 may be equipped with only the shoulder bath 21 or only the waist bath 23. In other words, the bathtub 60 may be equipped with only one of the shoulder bath 21 or the waist bath 23. Even in such a case, as shown in FIG. 6, the voice words for the washing area water discharger 10 and the shoulder bath 21 or the waist bath 23 can be the same. The waist bath 23 may be a jet bath that discharges a water flow containing bubbles, or it may be a type that discharges a water flow that does not contain bubbles.

[0076] In the above-described embodiment, the area detection unit 47 detects whether a user is present in two areas, the bathtub area 50a and the washing area 50b. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the area detection unit may detect the location of a user by dividing the area into three or more areas. For example, the washing area 50b may be divided into multiple areas, and devices corresponding to each area may be set.

[0077] For example, if a user in the area around the door of bathroom 50 says, "Shinra please, turn on the light," light 31a on ceiling 51 will light up. On the other hand, if a user in front of counters 72 and 73 says, "Shinra please, turn on the light," light 31b on counters 72 and 73 will light up.

[0078] In the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which the same voice words were used for the washing area water discharger 10 and the bathtub water discharger 20. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the voice words may be the same for both the washing area water discharger 10, for example.

[0079] For example, the area around where hand shower 11 is hung can be considered one area, and the area below overhead shower 13 can be considered another area. For example, if a user touches hand shower 11 hung on third side wall 53c and says, "Please, turn on the hot water," hot water will be sprayed from hand shower 11. On the other hand, if a user located below overhead shower 13 says, "Please, turn on the hot water," hot water will be sprayed from overhead shower 13.

[0080] Thus, according to the embodiment, the same voice words are used for multiple voice-operable devices. This eliminates the need for users to memorize numerous voice words to activate the devices. As a result, the devices in bathroom 50 can be smoothly operated, resulting in a user-friendly bathroom system 100.

[0081] The control unit 45 selects the device to be activated based on the user's location in the bathroom 50 and the voice words. This allows the user to activate a device simply by uttering a function, without having to vocalize the device name. Furthermore, because the voice words are shorter, the control processing time of the control unit 45 can be shortened. As a result, the bathroom system 100 can be provided with a responsive feel and quick response.

[0082] Additionally, the area detection unit 47 can detect whether the user is in the bathtub area 50a or the washing area 50b. The control unit 45 automatically determines the device corresponding to the area where the user is present as the device to be operated, which allows for the use of common voice words.

[0083] Furthermore, if the area detection unit 47 detects the presence of users in multiple areas, it is assumed that two or more people are bathing at the same time. In such cases, since it is expected that users will be conversing with each other, voice control is disabled to prevent malfunctions of voice control. Furthermore, for example, if a device malfunctions when no user is present in the bathroom 50, it can be difficult to stop the device. According to this embodiment, malfunctions of devices such as the hand shower 11 can be prevented when no one is present in the bathroom 50.

[0084] Furthermore, whether voice operation is enabled or disabled is displayed on display unit 43. This improves the usability of bathroom system 100.

[0085] Furthermore, the bathtub water discharger 20 and the washing area water discharger 10 have the same basic operations for activating their functions, such as "discharge," "stop," "adjust flow rate," and "switch." For these same basic operations, it is possible to standardize the voice words.

[0086] Embodiments may include the following features. (Configuration 1) A bathroom system that allows multiple devices installed in a bathroom to be operated by voice, a voice collecting unit that collects voices uttered by a user; a control unit that controls operations of the plurality of devices based on the voice collected by the voice collecting unit; Equipped with the plurality of devices includes a first device and a second device different from the first device; A bathroom system characterized in that at least one operation of the first device and the second device can be operated using the same voice word. (Configuration 2) Further, an area detection unit is provided to detect an area in the bathroom where a user is present, The bathroom system according to configuration 1, wherein the control unit controls the device corresponding to the area in which the user is detected by the area detection unit. (Configuration 3) The bathroom system according to configuration 2, wherein the area detection unit detects whether the user is in the bathtub area or the washing area. (Configuration 4) The bathroom system described in configuration 2 or 3 is characterized in that the control unit disables the voice operation of the device when the area detection unit detects that the user is present in multiple areas at the same time, or when the area detection unit does not detect the presence of a user. (Configuration 5) 5. The bathroom system according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, further comprising a display unit that can identify whether the operation of the device by voice is valid or invalid. (Configuration 6) the first device is a bathtub water discharge device that discharges water toward the inside of a bathtub provided in the bathroom, 6. The bathroom system according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the second device is a washing area water discharge device provided in a washing area.

[0087] The above describes embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. Design modifications made by a person skilled in the art to the above-described embodiments are also within the scope of the present invention as long as they incorporate the features of the present invention. For example, the shape, dimensions, materials, and arrangement of each element of a bathroom system are not limited to those illustrated and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, the elements of the above-described embodiments can be combined to the extent technically possible, and such combinations are also within the scope of the present invention as long as they incorporate the features of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 10 Washing area water discharge equipment 11 Hand shower 13 Overhead shower 14 Pillar 15 Karan 20 Bathtub water outlet equipment 21 Shoulderakuyu 23 Koshirakuyu 30 Other equipment 31a, 31b lighting 33 Television 35 Bathroom dryer / heater 37 Audio 40 Voice control section 40a Audio input port 41 Audio Collection Unit 42a Voice-operated switch 42b Setting switch 43 Display section 44a, 44b Manual operation section 44c switch 45 Control Unit 47 Area detection unit 50 bathroom 50a Bathtub area 50b Washing area 51 Ceiling 52 beds 53a~53d 1st~4th side wall 60 Bathtub 70 mirror 72, 73 Counter 100 Bathroom System

Claims

1. A bathroom system that allows multiple devices installed in a bathroom to be operated by voice, a voice collecting unit that collects voices uttered by a user; a control unit that controls operations of the plurality of devices based on the voice collected by the voice collecting unit; Equipped with the plurality of devices include a first device and a second device different from the first device; A bathroom system characterized in that at least one operation of the first device and the second device can be operated using the same voice word.

2. Further, an area detection unit is provided to detect an area in the bathroom where a user is present, The bathroom system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the device corresponding to the area in which the user is detected by the area detection unit.

3. The bathroom system according to claim 2, wherein the area detection unit detects whether the user is in the bathtub area or the washing area.

4. The bathroom system described in claim 2, characterized in that the control unit disables the voice operation of the device when the area detection unit detects that the user is present in multiple areas at the same time, or when the area detection unit does not detect the presence of a user.

5. The bathroom system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a display unit capable of identifying whether the operation of the device by voice is valid or invalid.

6. the first device is a bathtub water discharge device that discharges water toward the inside of a bathtub provided in the bathroom, The bathroom system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the second device is a washing area water discharge device installed in the washing area.

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