Toilet system

Abstract

To prevent a user from forgetting to operate personal authentication.SOLUTION: A toilet system according to an embodiment includes a human body detection unit configured to detect a user using a toilet device, a personal authentication unit configured to specify the user by a manual operation, an information acquisition unit configured to acquire biological information of the user, a storage unit configured to store user information on the user specified by the personal authentication unit and the biological information in association with each other, a notification unit configured to notify the user, and a control unit configured to control the personal authentication unit, the information acquisition unit, and the notification unit. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the control means causes the notification means to execute notification for prompting the user to manually operate the personal authentication means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] There is a known system that can easily authenticate individuals by identifying the person whose information is collected from measurement data detected when a user uses a toilet (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such a system, the measurement data is stored in a state linked to the identified user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-168443 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there is room for improvement in the above-mentioned conventional technology. For example, in the conventional technology, personal authentication is performed by operating a remote control to operate the toilet flush, etc., but this is an unfamiliar and unique personal authentication operation, and situations arise in which the toilet is used without personal authentication. In such cases, user information essential for managing biometric information is lost, and measurement data cannot be saved. For this reason, it is desirable to prompt the user to perform personal authentication when the user has not performed the personal authentication operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment comprises a toilet device, a human body detection means for detecting a user using the toilet device, a personal authentication means for identifying the user by manual operation, an information acquisition means for acquiring biometric information of the user, a memory unit for storing user information about the user identified by the personal authentication means in association with the biometric information, a notification means for notifying the user, and a control means for controlling the personal authentication means, the information acquisition means, and the notification means, wherein the control means, when a predetermined condition is met, causes the notification means to execute a notification urging the user to manually operate the personal authentication means.

[0006] According to one aspect of the embodiment, a system notifies a user to manually perform personal authentication when a predetermined condition is met, thereby preventing the user from forgetting to perform the personal authentication operation. This prevents the loss of user information essential for managing biometric information and prevents gaps in the biometric information, making it possible to appropriately provide the user with the biometric information management function of the toilet system.

[0007] In the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the predetermined condition is that a user is detected by the human body detection means.

[0008] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet system sends a notification prompting a user to perform personal authentication when the toilet device is detected, thereby preventing the user from forgetting to perform personal authentication.

[0009] The toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment further includes a determination unit that determines whether or not the user has been identified by the personal authentication means, and the predetermined condition is that the determination unit has determined that the user has not been identified.

[0010] According to one aspect of the embodiment, when personal authentication is performed, no notification is sent to prompt the user to perform personal authentication. This prevents users who have performed personal authentication from feeling inconvenienced, and only sends notifications to users who have not performed personal authentication, thereby preventing users from forgetting to perform personal authentication.

[0011] The toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment further includes a determination means for determining whether or not the user has been identified by the personal authentication means, and the predetermined condition is that the determination means determines that the user has not been identified after a predetermined time has elapsed since the human body detection means detected the user.

[0012] According to one aspect of the embodiment, a toilet system issues a notification prompting a user to perform personal authentication if a predetermined time has elapsed since the user was detected and personal authentication has not been performed. For example, if the user performs personal authentication after sitting on the toilet seat, the notification prompting the user to perform personal authentication is not issued. Therefore, the notification prompting the user to perform personal authentication is issued only to users who have forgotten to perform personal authentication, which prevents the user from forgetting to perform the personal authentication without causing any inconvenience to the user.

[0013] In a toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the personal authentication means is provided in a remote controller that transmits an operation signal to the toilet device.

[0014] According to a toilet system relating to one aspect of the embodiment, personal authentication of the user is performed by operating the toilet system's remote control, so that a user who is prompted to perform personal authentication operations can easily perform the operations.

[0015] In a toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the notification means notifies a terminal carried by the user when it is determined that the user has not been identified by the personal authentication means.

[0016] According to one aspect of the embodiment of the toilet system, notifications prompting the user to perform personal authentication operations are sent not only to the toilet device or a remote control connected to the toilet device, but also to a mobile information terminal such as a mobile phone held by the user, making it possible to prompt the user to perform personal authentication operations via the mobile information terminal without providing a notification means in the toilet device.

[0017] In a toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the notification means includes the notification in an advertising signal emitted by the toilet device and transmits the signal.

[0018] According to one aspect of the embodiment of the toilet system, the advertising signal emitted by the toilet device includes a notification prompting the user to perform personal authentication, so that the notification can be reliably sent to the terminal that the user brings into the toilet.

[0019] In a toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the notification means transmits an advertising signal within a range in which the advertising signal can be received within a toilet room in which the toilet device is installed.

[0020] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet system transmits the advertising signal only within the range of the toilet room in which the toilet device is installed, so that the advertising signal can be transmitted only to users who use the toilet.

[0021] In the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the notification means transmits the notification by including it in a signal transmitted from the toilet device to the terminal.

[0022] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet system includes a notification prompting the user to perform personal authentication operations in the signal sent from the toilet device to the terminal carried by the user, thereby ensuring that the notification is sent to the terminal the user brings into the toilet. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to one aspect of the embodiment, it is possible to prevent a user from forgetting to perform personal authentication. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overall picture of processing by a toilet system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data flow in the toilet system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining data management by personal authentication according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing a toilet system including a toilet device according to an embodiment; [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view showing a toilet system including a toilet device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a remote control for the toilet device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flow for setting information in an advertising signal according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating examples of advertising signals for each use stage of the toilet device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a relationship between the toilet device and a mobile information terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the toilet device and the mobile information terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a relationship between the toilet device and a mobile information terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the toilet device and the mobile information terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation during personal authentication using a remote control of the toilet device according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation during personal authentication using a portable information terminal according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention 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.

[0026] [1. Background] First, an overview of the processing by a toilet system 500 according to an embodiment will be described using Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of the processing by the toilet system according to an embodiment. The toilet system 500 is a system that measures biometric information of a user who uses a toilet device 100, stores the biometric information in association with the user, and displays the measurement results of the biometric information on a mobile information terminal 200 carried by the user. The toilet system 500 includes the toilet device 100 and the mobile information terminal 200.

[0027] The toilet device 100 is an information processing device integrated with a toilet. The toilet device 100 is equipped with various sensors, measures biological information, such as defecation information, of the user, and transmits the measured biological information to the mobile information terminal 200.

[0028] The mobile information terminal 200 is, for example, a smartphone or tablet terminal owned by the user. However, the mobile information terminal 200 is not limited to these and may be any terminal that the user can carry. An application for analyzing the biological information transmitted from the toilet apparatus 100 and displaying the analyzed measurement results is pre-installed in the mobile information terminal 200.

[0029] The toilet system 500 measures biological information and displays the measurement results through a series of processes, as exemplified below. First, a user who uses the toilet device 100 enters the toilet room (step S1). At this time, the user brings a mobile information terminal 200, such as a smartphone, into the toilet room. Next, the user pairs the mobile information terminal 200 brought into the toilet room with the toilet device 100 (step S2).

[0030] The pairing operation between the mobile information terminal 200 and the toilet device 100 only needs to be performed once, and if the pairing operation has already been performed, the processing of step S2 is not necessary. Next, the user performs a personal authentication operation (step S3). For example, the user performs personal authentication by operating the remote control of the toilet device 100. Here, personal authentication refers to identifying the user using the toilet device 100 by, for example, the user number of the user.

[0031] Next, the toilet device 100 measures the user's biological information when the user uses the toilet device 100 (step S4). For example, the toilet device 100 measures biological information including defecation information such as the state of the user's stool. Next, the toilet device 100 completes the measurement of the user's biological information, and the user, having finished using the toilet device 100, leaves the toilet device 100 (step S5).

[0032] Next, the toilet apparatus 100 transmits the measured biological information to the user's mobile information terminal 200 (step S6). At this time, the mobile information terminal 200 transmits the measured biological information to the cloud 300, and the cloud 300 stores the measured biological information as display data. Next, the user leaves the toilet room (step S7). Then, the mobile information terminal 200 displays the measurement results of the biological information on the display (step S8).

[0033] Note that, in FIG. 1, an example is shown in which the toilet device 100 measures the user's biometric information after the user performs a personal authentication operation, but the user may perform a personal authentication operation after the toilet device 100 measures the user's biometric information.

[0034] Next, an example of the flow of data in the toilet system 500 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the flow of data in the toilet system according to the embodiment.

[0035] First, the toilet apparatus 100 measures the user's biological information using various sensors provided in the apparatus itself. The toilet apparatus 100 measures the biological information using various sensors, examples of which include a line sensor used to measure defecation information, a laser sensor used to measure pulsation information, and a gas sensor used to measure gas components. Details of the sensors provided in the toilet apparatus 100 will be described later. The toilet apparatus 100 transmits the measured biological information to a mobile information terminal 200 connected via a controller and a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) module.

[0036] The mobile information terminal 200 then acquires biometric information measured using various sensors provided in the toilet apparatus 100, analyzes the biometric information on an application installed on the mobile information terminal 200, and creates display data based on the biometric information, which is then displayed on a display. For example, the mobile information terminal 200 generates, for the data of the measurement results, a sentence explaining the condition, highlights items that require attention, recommendations for the user, and the like. Additionally, the mobile information terminal 200 performs data analysis by performing arithmetic processing on the measured biometric information, and creates display data to be displayed on the mobile information terminal 200. At this time, the mobile information terminal 200 stores the measurement results of the biometric information.

[0037] The mobile information terminal 200 then displays the screen based on the created display data. The screen display includes, for example, screen transitions, which are screen movements, and action processes such as pop-ups and animations when displaying items or data.

[0038] Cloud 300 stores and accumulates display data such as measurement results of biometric information and usage status such as operation logs of applications installed on mobile information terminal 200. Cloud 300 also transmits OTA (Over The Air) files to mobile information terminal 200 to update FW (Firmware) of applications installed on mobile information terminal 200, add biometric information indicators, and so on.

[0039] 1 and 2, the toilet system 500 measures the user's biological information and displays the measurement results. In the following embodiments, personal authentication by the toilet system 500 will be described.

[0040] Next, data management by personal authentication will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining data management by personal authentication according to an embodiment. For example, when a plurality of people use one toilet device 100, such as a toilet device 100 installed in a family home, personal authentication is required to store biometric information in a state where it is appropriately linked to the user.

[0041] For example, as shown in Fig. 3(1), when user A uses the toilet device 100 after personal authentication, which is used by a family of four consisting of users A to D, the biometric information is stored in association with user A, and user A can check the biometric information using the mobile information terminal 200 that he or she possesses. Also, as shown in Fig. 3(2), when user B uses the toilet device 100 after personal authentication, the biometric information is stored in association with user B, and user B can check the biometric information using the mobile information terminal 200 that he or she possesses. On the other hand, user A, who is not user B, cannot check user B's biometric information.

[0042] In this way, the toilet system 500 can appropriately associate and store measured biometric information with the user, thereby presenting the user with health status indicators based on the biometric information measured while using the toilet apparatus 100 and supporting the user's health management. However, personal authentication operations are unfamiliar and unique, and situations may arise in which a user uses the toilet apparatus 100 without being personally authenticated. In such cases, the user information essential for managing biometric information is missing, making it impossible to save the measurement data. For this reason, it is desirable to prompt the user to perform personal authentication operations when the user has not performed the personal authentication operations.

[0043] One way to prevent users from forgetting to perform personal authentication is to send a notification to prompt them to perform the personal authentication operation. However, because the information that the toilet device 100 is being used and the biometric information measured when using the toilet device 100 are sensitive information, it is desirable to send the notification appropriately only to the user of the toilet device 100.

[0044] Therefore, the toilet system 500 according to the embodiment detects a user using the toilet device 100, identifies the user through manual operation, acquires the user's biometric information, associates the user information and biometric information about the identified user and stores them, and notifies the user under specified conditions to prompt them to manually perform personal authentication.

[0045] As a result, when a predetermined condition is met, the toilet system 500 issues a notification urging the user to manually perform personal authentication, thereby reducing the likelihood of the user forgetting to perform the personal authentication operation. Therefore, the toilet system 500 reduces the loss of user information that is essential for managing biometric information and can prevent gaps in the biometric information, thereby enabling the toilet system 500 to appropriately provide the user with a biometric information management function.

[0046] [2. Toilet system configuration] Next, a detailed example of the configuration of the toilet system 500 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 4 to 6. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a toilet system including a toilet device according to the embodiment. Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the toilet system according to the embodiment. Fig. 6 is a front view showing a remote control for the toilet device according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the toilet system 500 according to the embodiment has a toilet device 100 and a mobile information terminal 200. Each component of the toilet system 500 will be described below.

[0047] 4, the toilet device 100 includes a toilet unit 10, a biological information measurement sensor 20, a control unit 30, a wireless communication unit 40, a storage unit 50, a human body detection sensor 60, a notification unit 70, and a remote control 80. The toilet device 100 is provided inside a toilet room TR.

[0048] As shown in Figure 5, the toilet unit 10 shown in Figure 4 includes a toilet bowl 11, a toilet seat 12, a toilet lid 13, and a casing 14. The toilet bowl 11 is a Western-style seated toilet. The toilet bowl 11 includes a concave bowl portion 11a that is recessed downward. The bowl portion 11a receives waste, urine, and the like excreted by the user.

[0049] The toilet seat 12 and the toilet lid 13 are each pivotally supported on a casing 14 so that they can be opened and closed. Figure 5 shows the toilet seat 12 closed and the toilet lid 13 open. When closed, the toilet lid 13 covers the top of the toilet seat 12. The toilet lid 13 is provided as needed and can be omitted.

[0050] In this specification, the above, below, front, rear, right side, and left side as seen from a user sitting on the toilet seat 12 with their back to the toilet lid 13 will be referred to as "above," "below," "front," "rear," "right side," and "left side," respectively.

[0051] The casing 14 houses various functional units. The interior of the casing 14 houses, for example, an automatic opening / closing unit that automatically opens and closes the toilet seat 12 and toilet lid 13, a private parts washing unit including a nozzle for washing the user's private parts, a private parts drying unit for drying the user's private parts, and a deodorizing unit for deodorizing. These various functional units are provided as needed and can be omitted. The interior of the casing 14 also houses a control unit 30, a wireless communication unit 40, a memory unit 50, and the like.

[0052] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 4, the biological information measurement sensor 20 measures the biological information of the user. The biological information includes, for example, information about the user's pulse and the state of excrement. The biological information measurement sensor 20 is electrically connected to the control unit 30. The biological information measurement sensor 20 outputs the measured biological information to the control unit 30.

[0053] The biological information measurement sensor 20 includes, for example, at least one of a pulsation sensor, an image sensor, and a gas sensor. The pulsation sensor is provided, for example, on the toilet seat 12. The pulsation sensor includes, for example, a laser sensor. The pulsation sensor measures the pulse of a user sitting on the toilet seat 12, for example, using hemoglobin infrared reflection. The image sensor is provided, for example, inside the casing 14. The image sensor includes, for example, at least one of an area camera and a line sensor in which multiple pixels are arranged in a line.

[0054] The gas sensor, for example, utilizes the infrared absorption bands unique to each gas molecule to measure gas components when a user sitting on the toilet seat 12 uses the toilet device 100. In addition to the above examples, the gas sensor may measure gas components using known methods such as a semiconductor method, which is a detection method in which gas is adsorbed onto a metal oxide surface, or an electrochemical method, which is a detection method in which a sensing electrode gas undergoes an oxidation-reduction reaction.

[0055] The control unit 30 is electrically connected to the biological information measurement sensor 20, the wireless communication unit 40, the storage unit 50, and the human body detection sensor 60. The control unit 30 acquires the measurement results (biological information) of the biological information measurement sensor 20 and the detection results of the human body detection sensor 60. The control unit 30 controls the biological information measurement sensor 20, the wireless communication unit 40, and the storage unit 50. The control unit 30 controls, for example, the start and stop of measurement of biological information by the biological information measurement sensor 20. The control unit 30 is, for example, a control circuit including an IC element. There may be one or more control units 30. Furthermore, when multiple control units 30 are provided, the control units 30 may be provided collectively or distributed. The control unit 30 includes, for example, a main body control unit (DC controller), a sensor control unit (processor unit), and a wireless control unit. The start and stop of measurement by the biological information measurement sensor 20 is controlled, for example, by the main body control unit and / or the sensor control unit.

[0056] The control unit 30 acquires analytical information by analyzing the biological information acquired from the biological information measurement sensor 20. For example, the control unit 30 can acquire (estimate) information about the user's vascular age, lower limb blood circulation status, fitness level, basal metabolism, body water level, biological clock, and normal heart rate by analyzing information about the user's pulse (biological information) acquired from a pulsation sensor. The control unit 30 can also acquire (estimate) information about the state of the intestinal environment by analyzing the state of excrement (shape, color, amount, etc.) using image data acquired from an image sensor, and further analyzing the information about the state of the excrement (biological information). The control unit 30 can also acquire (estimate) information about the intestinal environment by analyzing composition data of gas components acquired from a gas sensor, for example. The analysis of the biological information is performed by, for example, the main body control unit and / or the sensor control unit.

[0057] The control unit 30 receives authentication information via the wireless communication unit 40. For example, when an authentication switch 81 of a remote control 80 connected via the wireless communication unit 40 is operated, the control unit 30 receives an authentication signal transmitted from the remote control 80. Furthermore, when the mobile information terminal 200 connected via the wireless communication unit 40 is operated, the control unit 30 receives an authentication signal transmitted from the mobile information terminal 200. The authentication signal includes user information that identifies the user. Furthermore, the authentication information may include identification information that identifies the mobile information terminal 200.

[0058] The control unit 30 determines whether the user has been identified. For example, the control unit 30 determines that the user has been identified when it receives an authentication signal transmitted from the remote control 80 or the mobile information terminal 200 via the wireless communication unit 40. On the other hand, the control unit 30 determines that the user has not been identified when it does not receive an authentication signal transmitted from the remote control 80 or the mobile information terminal 200 via the wireless communication unit 40.

[0059] The control unit 30 controls the notification unit 70 or the portable information terminal 200 to notify the user. For example, the control unit 30 controls the notification unit 70 to notify the user to prompt the user to perform personal authentication. The notification prompting the user to perform personal authentication is performed by various methods, such as sound, light, or vibration. For example, the control unit 30 controls the notification unit 70 or the portable information terminal 200 to execute a notification prompting the user to perform personal authentication. More specifically, when the control unit 30 determines that the user has not been identified, the control unit 30 controls the portable information terminal 200 carried by the user. That is, when personal authentication has not been performed, the control unit 30 sends a notification to the portable information terminal 200 and causes the portable information terminal 200 to execute a notification to the user, thereby prompting the user to perform personal authentication.

[0060] Furthermore, notifications controlled by the control unit 30 are expected to include various notifications such as a notification prompting the user to perform personal authentication operations, a notification of the start of biometric information measurement, a notification of the completion of biometric information measurement, and a notification of the completion of personal authentication, but notifications prompting the user to perform personal authentication operations can be distinguished from other notifications. For example, notifications prompting the user to perform personal authentication operations are performed using sound, light, or vibration that is different from other notifications. Note that notifications controlled by the control unit 30 may be performed using a combination of various methods such as sound, light, and vibration.

[0061] The notification by sound urging the user to perform the personal authentication operation is made by, for example, reproducing from the speaker a beep such as "beep beep" or a predetermined melody. The notification by voice urging the user to perform the personal authentication operation is made by, for example, reproducing from the speaker a voice urging the user to perform the personal authentication operation such as "Personal authentication has not been completed" or "Please operate the authentication switch."

[0062] The notification prompting the user to perform the personal authentication operation may be made not only by sound but also by light, vibration, etc. For example, the notification prompting the user to perform the personal authentication operation may be made by flashing a lamp in a specific pattern or by vibration. The notification prompting the user to perform the personal authentication operation may also be made by turning on a lamp located near a display indicating that the personal authentication has not been completed. The notification prompting the user to perform the personal authentication operation may also be made by displaying a message on the display prompting the user to perform the personal authentication operation, such as "Personal authentication has not been completed" or "Please operate the authentication switch." When the message prompting the user to perform the personal authentication operation is displayed on the display, an illustration showing the steps of the personal authentication operation may also be displayed.

[0063] The control unit 30 controls the toilet apparatus 100 or the mobile information terminal 200 to notify the user to prompt them to perform personal authentication when a predetermined condition is met. Here, the predetermined condition is that a user is detected by the human body detection sensor 60. Also, the predetermined condition is that a user is detected by the human body detection sensor 60 and that the user is seated. Also, the predetermined condition is that the control unit 30 determines that the user has not been identified. Also, the predetermined condition is that the control unit 30 determines that the user has not been identified after a predetermined time has elapsed since the user was detected by the human body detection sensor 60. Note that the predetermined time can be freely set according to the purpose, such as excluding false detections.

[0064] The control unit 30 transmits the analytical information to the user's mobile information terminal 200 via the wireless communication unit 40. The control unit 30 also stores the analytical information in the storage unit 50. The control unit 30 also erases the analytical information stored in the storage unit 50 from the storage unit 50. The control unit 30 may also transmit the biometric information acquired from the biometric information measurement sensor 20 to the user's mobile information terminal 200 via the wireless communication unit 40. In this case, analysis of part or all of the biometric information may be performed in the mobile information terminal 200, or may be performed in the cloud 300 via the mobile information terminal 200. The control unit 30 may also transmit the analytical information or biometric information to the mobile information terminal 200 via the cloud 300.

[0065] The control unit 30 transmits a signal that defines the range of the toilet room TR as the range in which signals transmitted from the wireless communication unit 40 can be received. For example, the control unit 30 transmits an advertising signal that defines the range of the toilet room TR as the range in which signals transmitted from the wireless communication unit 40 can be received. At this time, the control unit 30 sets the communication range of the wireless communication unit 40 to the range of the toilet room TR. As a result, for example, the connection between the control unit 30 and the mobile information terminal 200 is disconnected when the mobile information terminal 200 is outside the toilet room TR.

[0066] The range of the toilet room TR is, for example, a range that includes the entire toilet room TR. Also, the range of the toilet room TR is, for example, a range that includes a part of the toilet room TR. The range of the toilet room TR is arbitrarily determined depending on the purpose, such as allowing only the mobile information terminal 200 carried by the user to receive the advertising signal transmitted from the toilet device 100.

[0067] The wireless communication unit 40 connects the control unit 30 to other devices via wireless communication. For example, the wireless communication unit 40 connects the control unit 30 to a remote control 80 and / or a mobile information terminal 200 via wireless communication. The wireless communication unit 40 is electrically connected to the control unit 30. The wireless communication unit 40 is, for example, a communication module that enables communication according to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard, such as BLE. The wireless communication unit 40 can connect, for example, the control unit 30 to a remote control 80 and / or a mobile information terminal 200 located inside the toilet room TR via wireless communication.

[0068] The receivable range of the signal transmitted from the wireless communication unit 40 may be changed depending on conditions. For example, when a user is detected by the human body detection sensor 60, the control unit 30 sets the receivable range of the signal transmitted from the wireless communication unit 40 to the range of the toilet room TR. At this time, the control unit 30 changes the radio wave intensity of the signal transmitted from the wireless communication unit 40 to change the receivable range of the signal transmitted from the wireless communication unit 40.

[0069] Furthermore, the connection between the control unit 30 and the mobile information terminal 200 via the wireless communication unit 40 is disconnected, for example, when a disconnection request signal is transmitted from the mobile information terminal 200. The connection between the toilet apparatus 100 (control unit 30) and the mobile information terminal 200 will be described later.

[0070] The storage unit 50 can store information output from the control unit 30. The storage unit 50 is electrically connected to the control unit 30. There may be one storage unit 50 or multiple storage units 50. Furthermore, if multiple storage units 50 are provided, the storage units 50 may be provided collectively or distributed. The storage unit 50 includes, for example, a main body storage unit, a sensor storage unit, and a wireless storage unit. The main body storage unit is electrically connected to the main body control unit. The sensor storage unit is electrically connected to the sensor control unit. The wireless storage unit is electrically connected to the wireless control unit. The storage unit 50 stores, for example, analysis information. For example, when user authentication is performed, the storage unit 50 stores the analysis information and user information that identifies the user in association with each other. More specifically, the information linking the analysis information and user information is stored, for example, in the sensor storage unit. User authentication will be described later.

[0071] Furthermore, the storage unit 50 stores identification information that identifies the mobile information terminal 200 and user information that identifies the user, in association with each other. More specifically, the information in which the identification information and user information are associated with each other is stored in, for example, the wireless storage unit. A registration mode in which the identification information and user information are associated and stored will be described later. The identification information includes, for example, at least one of an ID number, a BD address, a MAC address, and pairing information (encryption information shared by the control programs of the toilet device 100 and the mobile information terminal 200 at the time of pairing). It is preferable that the identification information includes the pairing information. For example, the mobile information terminal 200 that has received an advertising signal from the toilet device 100 issues a wireless communication request to the toilet device 100, and the toilet device 100 that has received the signal permits wireless communication, thereby establishing communication. For example, when communicating with the mobile information terminal 200 of user 1, if pairing information and a user number are transmitted at the time of a wireless communication request, the toilet apparatus 100 can determine that the connection request is from the mobile information terminal 200 of user 1 since the user is already paired with user 1. Details of the advertisement signal will be described later.

[0072] The human body detection sensor 60 detects the state of the user. The human body detection sensor 60 includes, for example, at least one of a seat sensor 61 and a proximity sensor 62. The seat sensor 61 is provided, for example, on the toilet seat 12. The seat sensor 61 includes, for example, a capacitance sensor. The seat sensor 61 detects, for example, a user sitting on the toilet seat 12 and a user leaving the toilet seat 12. The proximity sensor 62 is provided, for example, inside the casing 14. The proximity sensor 62 includes, for example, at least one of a radio wave sensor and an infrared sensor. The proximity sensor 62 detects, for example, a user approaching the toilet unit 10 and a user leaving the toilet unit 10. The proximity sensor 62 detects, for example, a user entering the toilet room TR and a user leaving the toilet room TR. The proximity sensor 62 may be provided outside the casing 14.

[0073] The notification unit 70 is a component for notifying the user. For example, the notification unit 70 is a speaker, lamp, display, vibrator, etc. provided in the toilet device 100. The notification unit 70 may be any component capable of transmitting information to the user, and is not limited to the above examples. The notification unit 70 may be provided on the wall surface WL of the toilet room TR, like the remote control 80.

[0074] The remote control 80 is an operation unit for remotely operating the various functional units housed inside the casing 14. The remote control 80 has various buttons including an authentication switch 81, for example, as shown in FIG. 6. The remote control 80 is provided, for example, on the wall WL of the toilet room TR, as shown in FIG. 5. The remote control 80 transmits signals to the control unit 30 for activating the various functional units, for example, based on an operation input to the remote control 80 by a user. Upon receiving a signal from the remote control 80, the control unit 30 controls the various functional units based on the signal. The remote control 80 is connected to the control unit 30, for example, by wireless communication.

[0075] The remote control 80 identifies the user of the toilet device 100 through manual operation. For example, the remote control 80 has various switches for performing operations such as washing the user's private parts, and an authentication switch 81 for receiving a personal authentication operation from the user, and identifies a registered user in response to the user's operation of the authentication switch 81. More specifically, when the authentication switch 81 is pressed once, the remote control 80 identifies the user as the user with user number 1. When the authentication switch 81 is pressed twice, the remote control 80 identifies the user as the user with user number 2. The remote control 80 then transmits an authentication signal including information about the identified user to the control unit 30.

[0076] The mobile information terminal 200 is equipped with a speaker, a lamp, a display, a vibrator, etc. A control program (application software) for performing various processes is pre-installed in the mobile information terminal 200. The processes performed by the control program include connecting to the toilet device 100, displaying analysis information transmitted from the toilet device 100, notifying the user in response to an advertising signal transmitted from the toilet device 100, accepting operation input from the user, transmitting information to the toilet device 100, etc.

[0077] The mobile information terminal 200 identifies the user of the toilet apparatus 100 through manual operation. For example, the mobile information terminal 200 displays a button, such as an authentication switch, on an application for receiving a personal authentication operation from the user, and identifies a registered user in response to the user's operation of the button. More specifically, when the authentication switch corresponding to user number 1 displayed on the application is pressed, the mobile information terminal 200 identifies the user as the user with user number 1. Then, the mobile information terminal 200 transmits an authentication signal including information about the identified user to the control unit 30.

[0078] [3. Advertising Signal] Next, an advertising signal will be described. The advertising signal is a signal that a peripheral device transmits to a central device to notify the central device of information about the peripheral device. For example, information about the toilet device 100 is transmitted from the toilet device 100 to the mobile information terminal 200 as an advertising signal.

[0079] The advertising signal includes, for example, information about an authentication notification flag indicating that the toilet apparatus 100 is currently accepting personal authentication. The information about the authentication notification flag is set, for example, in an unused area in the data transmitted as the advertising signal. The authentication notification flag may further include information about the content of the notification to be made by the mobile information terminal 200. More specifically, the authentication notification flag includes information indicating "authentication notification method: voice, authentication notification message: 'Personal authentication not completed'".

[0080] In this way, by including an authentication notification flag in the advertising signal transmitted from the toilet device 100, which indicates that personal authentication is being accepted, the toilet system 500 can cause the user's mobile information terminal 200 to issue a notification prompting the user to perform personal authentication operations without identifying which user's mobile information terminal 200 belongs to that terminal.

[0081] Next, a flow of setting information in an advertising signal will be described. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of setting information in an advertising signal according to an embodiment. Note that the following steps may be executed in a different order, and some processing may be omitted.

[0082] If the proximity sensor 62 detects a human body or the seating sensor 61 detects that the person is seated (step S11: Yes), and the control unit 30 determines that the person has not been authenticated (step S12: Yes), the control unit 30 sets an authentication notification flag in the advertisement signal (step S13).

[0083] Next, the control unit 30 changes the radio wave intensity of the advertising signal transmitted by the wireless communication unit 40 (step S14). For example, the control unit 30 changes the radio wave intensity of the advertising signal transmitted by the wireless communication unit 40 so that the advertising signal can be received only in the toilet room TR.

[0084] Then, the control unit 30 sets information such as "advertisement signal Ver." indicating the version information of the advertisement signal, "user authentication information" indicating the authentication information of each user and the measurement status information, "presence or absence of stored data" indicating the presence or absence of data stored in various sensors, and "status information" indicating the status of the toilet device 100 used in measuring biometric information in the advertisement signal (step S15), in addition to the information set in steps S13 and S14.

[0085] On the other hand, if the proximity sensor 62 does not detect a human body, or the seating sensor 61 does not detect a person sitting (step S11: No), or if the control unit 30 determines that the person has been authenticated (step S12: No), the control unit 30 performs processing of step S15.

[0086] In this way, when a user is present in the toilet room TR, the toilet system 500 causes the toilet device 100 to transmit an advertising signal including an authentication notification flag, thereby prompting the user to perform personal authentication operations via the user's mobile information terminal 200 without identifying which user's mobile information terminal 200 is present in the toilet room.

[0087] Next, the advertising signal for each use stage of the toilet device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an advertising signal for each use stage of the toilet device according to the embodiment. Fig. 8 shows whether or not an authentication notification flag is included in the advertising signal and the range in which the advertising signal can be received, at each stage from before entry / exit, when the user has not entered the toilet room TR, to when the user exits. In Fig. 8, outside the toilet, which is shown as the range in which the advertising signal can be received, means outside the range of the toilet room TR. Also, inside the toilet means within the range of the toilet room TR.

[0088] 8 also shows whether or not an authentication notification, which is a notification prompting a personal authentication operation, is given at each stage, and whether the personal authentication operation is performed by the remote control 80 or the mobile information terminal 200. Note that the example in FIG. 8 will be described assuming that personal authentication has not been performed by the user.

[0089] Before entering the toilet room TR, since there is no user present, the proximity sensor 62 does not detect a human body, and the seating sensor 61 does not detect that the user is seated, as explained in Fig. 7. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 8, the advertising signal does not include information about the authentication notification flag, and the radio waves of the advertising signal reach outside the toilet room TR.

[0090] On the other hand, at the stages of entering, sitting, and during measurement, as described in Fig. 7, a human body is detected by the proximity sensor 62, or sitting is detected by the seating sensor 61, and personal authentication has not been performed, so an authentication notification flag is set in the advertising signal. That is, at the stages of entering, sitting, and during measurement, an advertising signal including an authentication notification flag is transmitted from the toilet device 100.

[0091] At this time, during the stages of entering the toilet, sitting down, and measuring biometric information, a human body is detected by the proximity sensor 62, or sitting down is detected by the seating sensor 61, and personal authentication has not been performed, so the strength of the advertising signal is changed. That is, during the stages of entering the toilet, sitting down, and measuring, an advertising signal is transmitted with its radio wave strength changed so that it can only be received in the toilet room TR.

[0092] Subsequently, at the stage of leaving or exiting the toilet room TR, as explained in Fig. 7, the proximity sensor 62 does not detect a human body, and the seating sensor 61 does not detect that the person is seated. Therefore, at the stage of leaving or exiting the toilet room TR, the advertising signal does not include information on the authentication notification flag, as shown in Fig. 8, and therefore the radio waves of the advertising signal reach outside the toilet room TR.

[0093] That is, before entering, leaving, and leaving the room, the advertising signal does not include information about the authentication notification flag, so even if the mobile information terminal 200 receives an advertising signal, it does not issue an authentication notification that prompts the user to perform personal authentication. At this stage, personal authentication is performed by operating the remote control 80.

[0094] On the other hand, during the stages of entering, sitting, and measuring biometric information, the advertising signal contains information about the authentication notification flag, and therefore the mobile information terminal 200 issues an authentication notification, which is a notification that prompts a personal authentication operation, when it receives the advertising signal. At this stage, personal authentication is performed by operating the mobile information terminal 200 in addition to operating the remote control 80. For example, the mobile information terminal 200 that receives the advertising signal containing information about the authentication flag during the stages of entering, sitting, and measuring displays on the display a message saying "Would you like to authenticate the toilet user?" and identifies the user of the toilet device 100 by accepting an operation from the user.

[0095] Therefore, the toilet system 500 includes an authentication notification flag in the advertisement signal depending on the stage of use of the toilet device 100, and changes the radio wave range within which the advertisement signal reaches, thereby transmitting the advertisement signal only to users present in the toilet room TR where the toilet device 100 is located, thereby prompting the user to perform personal authentication operations.

[0096] [4. Method of sending authentication notification flag to mobile information terminal] Next, a method will be described in which the toilet device 100 transmits the authentication notification flag to the mobile information terminal 200. As examples of a method in which the toilet device 100 transmits the authentication notification flag to the mobile information terminal 200, a method in which the authentication notification flag is included in an advertising signal and a method in which the flag is transmitted after connection is completed will be described.

[0097] [4-1. Method of including authentication notification flag in advertisement signal] First, a method of including an authentication notification flag in an advertising signal will be described with reference to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between a toilet device and a mobile information terminal according to an embodiment. In the example of Fig. 9, the toilet device 100 is a peripheral slave device, and smartphones A to C, which are examples of mobile information terminals 200, are central master devices. When a connection is made between the toilet device 100 and the smartphone A, an advertising signal is transmitted from the toilet device 100, and the smartphone A receives the advertising signal, thereby starting a communication connection between the toilet device 100 and the smartphone A.

[0098] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the toilet device 100 and the mobile information terminal 200 in the example of Fig. 9. First, the process performed by the toilet device 100 will be described. The toilet device 100 transmits an activation signal to the mobile information terminal 200 (step S101). The activation signal is a signal for putting the mobile information terminal 200 into a background activation state. The background activation state is a state in which an advertising signal can be received.

[0099] When the activation signal is transmitted (step S101), the toilet device 100 transmits an advertising signal including information of the authentication notification flag to the mobile information terminal 200 (step S102). In the examples of Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, the advertising signal is a signal for causing the mobile information terminal 200 to start a connection with the toilet device 100.

[0100] When the advertising signal is transmitted (step S102), the toilet device 100 determines whether or not a connection request signal has been received (step S103). In the examples of Figures 9 and 10, the connection request signal is a signal that causes the toilet device 100 to start a connection with the mobile information terminal 200.

[0101] If the connection request signal is received (step S103: Yes), the toilet device 100 starts a connection with the mobile information terminal 200 (step S104). If the connection request signal is not received (step S103: No), the toilet device 100 does not perform step S504. In other words, if the connection request signal is not received (step S103: No), the toilet device 100 does not start a connection with the mobile information terminal 200.

[0102] Next, a description will be given of the processing performed by the mobile information terminal 200. The mobile information terminal 200 determines whether or not it has received a wake-up signal (step S201). The mobile information terminal 200 repeats step S201 until it receives a wake-up signal (step S201: No).

[0103] When the activation signal is received (step S201: Yes), the mobile information terminal 200 enters a background activation state (step S202).

[0104] When the mobile information terminal 200 enters the background running state (step S202), the mobile information terminal 200 determines whether or not an advertising signal has been received (step S203). The mobile information terminal 200 repeats step S203 until an advertising signal is received (step S203: No).

[0105] When the mobile information terminal 200 receives an advertising signal (step S203: Yes), it notifies the user to prompt the user to perform personal authentication (step S204). For example, the mobile information terminal 200 notifies the user to prompt the user to perform personal authentication in accordance with the authentication notification flag set in the received advertising signal. More specifically, when the mobile information terminal 200 receives an advertising signal in which the authentication notification flag is set, it displays the message "Please perform personal authentication" on the display, which is a notification method preset by the application.

[0106] Then, the mobile information terminal 200 transmits a connection request signal to the toilet device 100 (step S205) and starts a connection with the toilet device 100 (step S205).

[0107] As described above, when the toilet device 100 and the mobile information terminal 200 operate, an advertising signal including an authentication notification flag is transmitted to notify the user. As a result, even if the toilet device 100 and the mobile information terminal 200 are not paired, notification information prompting the user to perform personal authentication is transmitted, thereby preventing the user from forgetting to perform the personal authentication operation.

[0108] [4-2. Method of sending authentication notification flag after connection completion] Next, a method for transmitting an authentication notification flag after connection is completed will be described with reference to Fig. 11 and Fig. 12. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between a toilet device and a mobile information terminal according to an embodiment. In the example of Fig. 11, the toilet device 100 is a central parent device, and a smartphone, which is an example of a mobile information terminal 200, is a peripheral child device. That is, in the example of Fig. 11, an advertising signal is transmitted from the smartphone, and the toilet device 100 receives the advertising signal, thereby starting a communication connection between the smartphone and the toilet device.

[0109] The mobile information terminal 200 transmits an activation signal to the toilet apparatus 100 (step S301). The activation signal is a signal for putting the mobile information terminal 200 into a background activation state. The background activation state is a state in which an advertising signal can be received.

[0110] When the activation signal is transmitted (step S301), the mobile information terminal 200 transmits an advertising signal to the toilet device 100 (step S302). In the examples of Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, the advertising signal is a signal for causing the toilet device 100 to start a connection with the mobile information terminal 200.

[0111] When the advertising signal is transmitted (step S302), the mobile information terminal 200 determines whether or not a connection request signal has been received (step S303). In the examples of Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, the connection request signal is a signal that causes the mobile information terminal 200 to start a connection with the toilet device 100.

[0112] If the connection request signal is received (step S303: Yes), the mobile information terminal 200 starts a connection with the toilet device 100 (step S304). If the connection request signal is not received (step S303: No), the mobile information terminal 200 does not perform the processes from step S304 onwards. In other words, if the connection request signal is not received (step S303: No), the mobile information terminal 200 does not start a connection with the toilet device 100.

[0113] When the connection is initiated (step S304), mobile information terminal 200 determines whether or not it has received information about an authentication notification flag (step S305). Mobile information terminal 200 repeats step S305 until it receives information about the authentication notification flag (step S305: No). When it receives information about the authentication notification flag (step S305: Yes), mobile information terminal 200 issues a notification to prompt the user to perform personal authentication (step S306). For example, mobile information terminal 200 issues a notification to prompt the user to perform personal authentication in accordance with the received authentication notification flag. More specifically, mobile information terminal 200 receives the authentication notification flag and plays back a voice message saying "Please perform personal authentication operation" from the speaker, which is a notification method preset by the application.

[0114] Next, a description will be given of the processing performed by the mobile information terminal 200. The toilet device 100 determines whether or not an activation signal has been received (step S401). The toilet device 100 repeats step S401 until an activation signal is received (step S401: No).

[0115] When the activation signal is received (step S401: Yes), the toilet apparatus 100 enters a background activation state (step S402). Subsequently, the toilet apparatus 100 determines whether or not an advertising signal has been received (step S403). The toilet apparatus 100 repeats step S403 until an advertising signal is received (step S403: No).

[0116] When receiving the advertising signal (step S403: Yes), the toilet apparatus 100 A connection request signal is transmitted (step S404), and a connection with the mobile information terminal 200 is initiated (step S405). Then, the toilet apparatus 100 transmits information of the authentication notification flag to the mobile information terminal 200 (step S406).

[0117] As described above, when the toilet apparatus 100 and the mobile information terminal 200 operate, an authentication notification flag is sent after connection is completed, and a notification is sent to the user. This allows notification information prompting the user to perform personal authentication to be sent to the mobile information terminal 200 that the user has brought into the toilet room TR, thereby preventing the user from forgetting to perform personal authentication.

[0118] [5. Personal authentication] Next, personal authentication will be described. Personal authentication is the identification of a user using the toilet apparatus 100, such as by using the user number of the user. By performing personal authentication, for example, analysis information can be linked to user information and stored in the storage unit 50. Furthermore, by performing personal authentication, for example, the toilet apparatus 100 and a mobile information terminal 200 identified by the personal authentication can be selectively connected. The user's personal authentication is performed using the remote control 80 or the mobile information terminal 200.

[0119] [5-1. Personal authentication by remote control] First, personal authentication using the remote control 80 will be described. For example, personal authentication is performed by receiving an operation input from the user via the authentication switch 81 of the remote control 80, such as selection of a user number. The remote control 80 then transmits an authentication signal including the identified user information to the toilet device 100. After that, when the toilet device 100 receives the authentication signal, it determines that the user indicated by the user information included in the authentication signal is using the toilet device 100. This makes it possible to identify the user using the toilet device 100.

[0120] A method for personal authentication by remote control operation will be described in detail using Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the remote control of the toilet device according to the embodiment during user authentication. As shown in Fig. 13, when an operation input is made on the authentication switch 81 (step S501), the remote control 80 selects user information (step S502). More specifically, when an operation input is made the first time, the remote control 80 selects user number 1, for example.

[0121] When the user information is selected (step S502), the remote control 80 determines whether or not further operational input has been made to the authentication switch 81 (step S503). When further operational input has been made to the authentication switch 81 (step S503: Yes), the remote control 80 updates the user information (step S504). More specifically, when a second operational input has been made, the remote control 80 selects, for example, user number 2. When a third operational input has been made, the remote control 80 selects, for example, user number 3. When an Nth operational input has been made (N is a natural number), the remote control 80 selects, for example, user number N. In other words, when an operational input is made, the remote control 80 adds 1 to the numeric value of the user number, for example. When a further operational input is made after the numeric value of the user number has reached the upper limit, the remote control 80 selects, for example, user number 1.

[0122] After updating the user information (step S504), the remote control 80 determines whether a predetermined time has passed since the previous operation input (step S505). If the predetermined time has not passed since the previous operation input (step S505: No), the remote control 80 returns to step S503.

[0123] If no further operation input is made (step S503: No), the remote control 80 skips step S504 and goes to step S505. The remote control 80 repeats steps S503, S504, and S505 until a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous operation input.

[0124] When a predetermined time has passed since the previous operation input (step S505: Yes), the remote control 80 determines the user information to be included in the authentication signal and transmits the authentication signal to the control unit 30 (step S506). More specifically, the remote control 80 transmits the authentication signal including the last selected user number.

[0125] In this way, by providing a remote control 80 that transmits an authentication signal, it is possible to transmit the authentication signal (personal authentication) in a manner closer to normal use than, for example, operating an operating unit provided in a location other than the remote control 80 (such as the toilet unit 10) to transmit the authentication signal, which is easy to use.

[0126] Furthermore, the user information specified by the authentication signal is selected based on the number of times the authentication switch 81 is operated before a predetermined time has elapsed, and the authentication signal is transmitted after the predetermined time has elapsed, thereby switching the user information to be authenticated by the number of times one authentication switch 81 is operated, thereby reducing erroneous authentication.

[0127] [5-2. Personal authentication using mobile information terminals] Next, personal authentication using the mobile information terminal 200 will be described. For example, personal authentication is performed when the toilet device 100 and the mobile information terminal 200 are connected. In this case, the mobile information terminal 200 connected to the toilet device 100 transmits an authentication signal including user information registered in the mobile information terminal 200 to the toilet device 100. When the toilet device 100 receives the authentication signal, it determines that the user indicated by the user information included in the authentication signal is using the toilet device 100. This makes it possible to identify the user using the toilet device 100.

[0128] Personal authentication using the mobile information terminal 200 will be described using Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the toilet device and the mobile information terminal according to the embodiment during user authentication. As shown in Fig. 14, when connection with the mobile information terminal 200 is started (step S601), the toilet device 100 determines whether an authentication signal has been received (step S602). The toilet device 100 repeats step S602 until an authentication signal is received (step S602: No). The authentication signal is, for example, a signal including user information.

[0129] When receiving the authentication signal (step S602: Yes), the toilet apparatus 100 identifies user information based on the authentication signal (step S603). At this time, the toilet apparatus 100 may identify the user information and the identification information. For example, the toilet apparatus 100 identifies the user information included in the authentication signal and identifies the mobile information terminal 200 having the identification information linked to the user information included in the authentication signal.

[0130] When the user information and the identification information are specified (step S603), the toilet apparatus 100 transmits an authentication completion signal to the mobile information terminal 200 (step S604). The authentication completion signal is a signal indicating that user authentication has been completed.

[0131] When the authentication completion signal is transmitted (step S604), the toilet device 100 determines whether or not a disconnection request signal has been received (step S605). The toilet device 100 repeats step S605 until the disconnection request signal is received (step S605: No). The disconnection request signal is a signal that causes the toilet device 100 to disconnect the connection with the mobile information terminal 200.

[0132] When the disconnection request signal is received (step S605: Yes), the toilet apparatus 100 disconnects the connection with the mobile information terminal 200 (step S606).

[0133] When connection with the toilet device 100 is initiated (step S701), the mobile information terminal 200 transmits an authentication signal (step S702). At this time, the mobile information terminal 200 may transmit the authentication signal to the toilet device 100 after accepting an operation from the user. Accepting an operation from the user is, for example, an operation for identifying a user, such as accepting the pressing of a button indicating each user displayed on the display of the mobile information terminal 200.

[0134] After transmitting the authentication signal (step S702), the mobile information terminal 200 determines whether or not an authentication completion signal has been received (step S703). The mobile information terminal 200 repeats step S703 until the authentication completion signal is received (step S703: No).

[0135] When the authentication completion signal is received (step S703: Yes), the mobile information terminal 200 transmits a disconnection request signal (step S704) and disconnects the connection with the toilet apparatus 100 (step S705).

[0136] In this way, when the toilet apparatus 100 receives the authentication signal, it can perform user authentication to identify user information.

[0137] [6. Modifications] 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 included 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 the toilet system 5, toilet device 100, mobile information terminal 200, etc. 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 included within the scope of the present invention as long as they incorporate the features of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0138] 10 Toilet Unit 11 Toilet 11a Bowl section 12 toilet seats 13 Toilet lid 14 Casing 20 Biological information measurement sensor 30 Control Unit 40 Radio Communication Department 50 Storage section 60 Human body detection sensor 61 Seat sensor 62 Proximity Sensor 70 Notification Department 80 Remote Control 100 Toilet equipment 200 Mobile Information Terminals 300 Cloud 500 Toilet System TR Toilet Room WL wall

Claims

1. A toilet device; a human body detection means for detecting a user using the toilet device; a personal authentication means for manually identifying the user; an information acquisition means for acquiring biometric information of the user; a storage unit that stores user information about the user identified by the personal authentication means and the biometric information in association with each other; a notification means for notifying the user; a control means for controlling the personal authentication means, the information acquisition means, and the notification means; Equipped with The control means When a predetermined condition is met, the notification means executes a notification to prompt the user to manually operate the personal authentication means. A toilet system characterized by:

2. 2. The toilet system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is that a user is detected by the human body detection means.

3. a determination means for determining whether or not the user has been identified by the personal authentication means, 2. The toilet system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is that the determining means determines that the user has not been identified.

4. a determination means for determining whether or not the user has been identified by the personal authentication means, The predetermined condition is: The determination means determines that the user has not been identified after a predetermined time has elapsed since the human body detection means detected the user.

2. The toilet system of claim 1.

5. 5. The toilet system according to claim 1, wherein the personal authentication means is provided in a remote controller that transmits an operation signal to the toilet device.

6. The notification means A toilet system as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that if the personal authentication means determines that the user has not been identified, a notification is sent to a terminal carried by the user.

7. The toilet system according to claim 6, wherein the notification means transmits the notification by including it in an advertising signal transmitted by the toilet device.

8. The toilet system according to claim 7, wherein the notification means transmits the advertising signal within a range in which the advertising signal can be received within a toilet room in which the toilet device is installed.

9. 7. The toilet system according to claim 6, wherein the notification means transmits the notification by including it in a signal transmitted from the toilet device to the terminal.

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