Toilet management device

Abstract

The objective is to provide a toilet management device that can more appropriately manage the condition of the toilet space. [Solution] A toilet management device is provided, comprising: an acquisition means that acquires device information relating to the device equipment that is the target of the operation of an operation means based on the operation of an operation means that receives operations from an operator performing a predetermined task in a toilet space where multiple toilet booths are provided and device equipment is installed; and a management means that manages the usage status of the toilet space based on the device information, wherein the management means updates the usage status of the toilet space based on the operation of the operation means.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects of the present invention generally relate to toilet management devices.

Background Art

[0002] There is provided a system that uses a cloud server to distribute information on the usage status and cleaning information of public toilet spaces to cleaning staff and toilet users. For example, there is known a toilet management system in which the usage status of a toilet space is managed based on information acquired by sensors installed in a plurality of toilet seat devices or their installation locations (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In conventional systems, it is possible to obtain the usage status of a toilet space (entry and exit by a door sensor, number of uses by a cleaning operation) using sensors provided in the equipment. However, it has sometimes been difficult to sufficiently manage the state of the toilet space according to the actions of workers performing predetermined tasks such as cleaning.

[0005] The present invention has been made based on the recognition of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a toilet management device that can more appropriately manage the state of a toilet space.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The first invention is a toilet management device comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring device information relating to the device equipment that has been operated by the operation means based on an operation of an operator performing a predetermined task in a toilet space provided with a plurality of toilet booths and equipped with device equipment; and a management means for managing the usage status of the toilet space based on the device information, wherein the management means updates the usage status of the toilet space based on an operation of the operation means.

[0007] This toilet management device allows the usage status of the toilet space managed by the management device to be updated based on the operator's operation of the control device, thus enabling more reliable updates of the toilet space usage status. This allows for more appropriate management of the toilet space's condition.

[0008] The second invention is a toilet management device characterized in that, in the first invention, the operating means has an operating unit not provided in the device, and the management means updates the usage status of the toilet space based on the operation of the operating unit.

[0009] This toilet management system prevents accidental updates to the usage status of the toilet space, such as the cleaning status, when a user operates the control panel on the device.

[0010] The third invention is a toilet management device characterized in that, in the first or second invention, the usage status of the toilet space includes the cleaning status of the device equipment.

[0011] This toilet management system allows for updating the cleaning status based on the operator's actions.

[0012] The fourth invention is a toilet management device characterized in that, in the third invention, the operating means has an operating unit that limits at least some of the functions of the device, and the management means updates the usage status of the toilet space based on the operation of the operating unit.

[0013] This toilet management system allows for updating the usage status of the toilet space based on operations performed by workers to restrict certain functions of the device during cleaning.

[0014] The fifth invention is a toilet management device in which, in the third invention, the management means updates the cleaning status of the device equipment after a certain period of time has elapsed since the operation of the operating means.

[0015] This toilet management device allows for the automatic monitoring of the cleaning status a certain period of time after an operator operates the control device.

[0016] The sixth invention is a toilet management device in which, in the third invention, the device has a detection unit for detecting a human body, and the management means updates the cleaning status of the device if the detection unit does not detect a human body for a certain period of time after the operation of the operating means.

[0017] According to this toilet management device, if the detection unit does not detect a human body for a certain period of time after an operator has operated the control device, the cleaning status can be automatically updated.

[0018] The seventh invention is a toilet management device in which, in the third invention, the management means updates the cleaning plan for the toilet space based on the cleaning status of the updated device equipment.

[0019] This toilet management system allows the cleaning status of updated, state-of-the-art devices to be reflected in the cleaning plan. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to an aspect of the present invention, a toilet management device is provided that can more appropriately manage the condition of the toilet space. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view illustrating a toilet space managed by a toilet management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a toilet management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) are schematic diagrams illustrating a device control apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a toilet management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining a first example of the operation of a toilet management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining a second example of the operation of a toilet management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining a third example of the operation of a toilet management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining a fourth example of the operation of a toilet management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining a fifth example of the operation of a toilet management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a sixth example of the operation of a toilet management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a table illustrating a cleaning plan created and updated by a management apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a toilet management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a toilet management system according to an embodiment.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted as appropriate. Figure 1 is a schematic plan view illustrating a toilet space managed by the toilet management system according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the toilet space TR is partitioned into multiple toilet booths TB. The toilet space TR is, for example, a public toilet room. Multiple devices are installed in the toilet space TR. These devices include, for example, a first device installed inside the toilet booth TB and a second device installed outside the toilet booth TB. The first device is, for example, a toilet unit 10 (toilet equipment). The second device is, for example, a faucet unit 12, a urinal unit 14, an electric water heater 16, or a hand dryer 18.

[0023] In such a toilet space TR, a worker performs a predetermined task. The worker performs a predetermined task on each device or equipment, for example. The predetermined task performed by the worker is, for example, cleaning. The predetermined task may also be maintenance work such as inspection, repair, replacement of parts, or replenishment. In other words, the worker is, for example, a cleaner or manager of the toilet space TR. In the description of the embodiment, the user refers to a general user of the toilet space TR other than the worker.

[0024] Multiple toilet booths TB are arranged in a row in the designated area (individual toilet area A1). Each of the multiple toilet equipment units 10 is installed inside each toilet booth TB. The toilet equipment unit 10 includes, for example, a toilet bowl 10a and a toilet seat unit 10b installed above the toilet bowl. The toilet seat unit 10b has a seat on which the user sits. The toilet equipment unit 10 has a toilet flushing function that cleans the inside of the toilet bowl 10a. The toilet flushing function is a function that performs a toilet flushing operation by flowing flushing water into the bowl of the toilet bowl 10a and discharging waste from the bowl. The toilet seat unit 10b may also have, for example, a sanitary washing function, a local drying function, and a toilet seat heating function. The sanitary washing function is a function that performs a washing operation by discharging water from a washing nozzle to wash the local area, such as the "buttocks," of the user sitting on the toilet seat. The localized drying function blows warm air onto the user's buttocks and other areas while they are sitting on the toilet seat, drying the wet areas after hygienic washing. The toilet seat heating function uses a seat heater to warm the seating surface to a comfortable temperature.

[0025] For example, the toilet unit 10 has a detection unit 11, such as a seating detection sensor that detects a user seated on the toilet seat. The toilet seat unit 10b can control its functions based on the detection result of the detection unit 11. For example, when the detection unit 11 detects a user (for example, when a user is seated), the toilet seat unit 10b will perform a local drying function or a sanitary washing function in response to the operation of an operation button, etc., but will not perform a local drying function or a sanitary washing function even if an operation button is operated when no user is detected. Note that the detection unit 11 is not limited to a seating detection sensor, but may also be a human body detection sensor that detects a person inside the toilet booth TB. For example, the toilet seat unit 10b opens and closes the toilet lid based on the detection result of the detection unit 11 (human body detection sensor). The toilet seat unit 10b has a detection unit 11 which is at least one of a seating detection sensor and a human body detection sensor, and operates based on the detection result of the detection unit 11.

[0026] Multiple urinal units 14 are arranged in a row in a designated area (urinal area A2) outside the toilet booth TB. Each urinal unit 14 includes a urinal 14a and a urinal flushing unit 14b that flushes the urinal by discharging water onto the surface of the urinal bowl. Each urinal unit 14 has a detection unit 15, such as a human body detection sensor, that detects a user standing in front of the urinal 14a. Based on the detection results of the detection unit 15, the urinal unit 14 controls the operation of the urinal flushing unit 14b. For example, when the detection unit 15 detects that a user has moved away from the urinal unit 14, the urinal flushing unit 14b starts flushing.

[0027] Multiple faucet devices 12 are arranged in a row in the area outside the toilet booth TB (handwashing area A3). Each faucet device 12 has a water outlet 12a that discharges water towards the bowl of the washbasin, and a detection unit 13, such as a human body detection sensor, that detects the user's hand extended towards the water outlet 12a. The faucet device 12 controls the operation of the water outlet 12a based on the detection result of the detection unit 13. For example, when the detection unit 13 detects the user's hand extended towards the water outlet 12a, the water outlet 12a starts discharging water, and when the detection unit 13 detects that the user's hand has moved away from the water outlet 12a, the water outlet 12a stops discharging water.

[0028] The electric water heater 16 is installed, for example, around the faucet device 12 in the handwashing area A3. The electric water heater 16 supplies hot water to the faucet device 12. The water outlet 12a of the faucet device 12 can discharge the hot water supplied from the electric water heater 16.

[0029] Multiple hand dryers 18 are installed around the washbasin in the handwashing area A3. Each hand dryer 18 has a blower unit 18a, which has a fan or the like, that blows warm air toward the user's hands, and a detection unit 19, such as a human body detection sensor, that detects the user's hand extended toward the blower unit 18a. The hand dryer 18 controls the operation of the blower unit 18a based on the detection result of the detection unit 19. For example, when the detection unit 19 detects the user's hand extended toward the blower unit 18a, the blower unit 18a starts blowing air, and when the detection unit 19 detects that the user's hand has moved away from the blower unit 18a, the blower unit 18a stops blowing air.

[0030] Other devices installed in the toilet space TR include door sensors 20, motion sensors 21 (see Figure 2), automatic soap dispensers, and occupancy / occupancy indicators, all installed in each toilet booth TB. The door sensor 20 detects the opening and closing of the toilet booth door TB. The term "door sensor 20" includes a key sensor that detects the unlocking / locking of the lock on the door. The motion sensor 21 is a human body detection sensor that detects a person inside the toilet booth TB. The occupancy / occupancy indicator is installed, for example, near the door of each toilet booth. The occupancy / occupancy indicator informs users outside the toilet booth TB whether the toilet booth TB is in use ("full") or not ("empty"). Liquid crystal displays or LEDs can be used for the occupancy / occupancy indicator.

[0031] Each human body detection sensor (for example, detection unit 11, detection unit 13, detection unit 15, detection unit 19, human presence sensor 21, etc.) can use, for example, an infrared light-emitting and receiving distance sensor, a microwave sensor, or a pyroelectric sensor. For the seating detection sensor of the toilet device 10, for example, a mechanical switch such as a tact switch, a capacitive sensor, or a piezoelectric sensor can be used. An infrared light-emitting and receiving distance sensor, a microwave sensor, or a pyroelectric sensor may also be used for the seating detection sensor. For the door sensor 20, for example, an infrared light-emitting and receiving distance sensor, a microwave sensor, or a pyroelectric sensor can be used. A mechanical switch or a magnetic sensor may also be used for the door sensor 20.

[0032] Each device installed in the toilet space TR may be provided with an operating unit 61 for operating (controlling) the device. The operating unit 61 is, for example, an input device such as a button for the user. However, an operating unit 61 that can be operated by the user may also be operated by workers performing cleaning, etc. When the user (or worker) operates the operating unit 61, a control signal corresponding to the operated operating unit 61 is transmitted to the control unit (control circuit) of the device. When the control unit receives the control signal, the device performs an operation (function) corresponding to the operated operating unit 61 under the control of the control unit.

[0033] Specifically, for example, the toilet device 10 may be provided with multiple operating units 61, such as an operating unit 61 for executing the toilet flushing function (toilet flush switch, "flush" switch), an operating unit 61 for executing the local washing function (buttocks switch), an operating unit 61 for executing the local drying function (drying switch), an operating unit 61 for turning the toilet seat heating function on and off (toilet seat heating switch), an operating unit 61 for stopping the execution of a function (stop switch), and an operating unit 61 for making various settings such as the airflow setting for the local drying function and the toilet seat temperature setting for the toilet seat heating function. Also, for example, the faucet device 12 may be provided with an operating unit 61 (discharge / stop switch) that allows the user to manually start or stop the water discharge from the water discharge unit 12a.

[0034] A user terminal 60 having an operating unit 61 may be provided in the toilet space TR. The user terminal 60 is, for example, a device such as a remote control for the user. In the example in Figure 1, the user terminal 60 is installed in each toilet booth TB and is a means of controlling the toilet equipment 10 in the same toilet booth. The user terminal 60 receives operations from a user (or worker) using a device such as the toilet equipment 10 and controls at least one function of the device equipment based on those operations. That is, for example, the user terminal 60 has the aforementioned operating unit 61 (buttock switch, drying switch, etc.), and when a user (or worker) operates the operating unit 61 of the user terminal 60, a control signal corresponding to that operation is transmitted to the toilet equipment 10 in the same toilet booth TB. Communication between the user terminal 60 and the device equipment can use any communication method, such as wired, wireless, or a combination of wired and wireless.

[0035] In this example, the user terminal 60 is mounted on the wall of the toilet booth TB. Alternatively, the user terminal 60 may be, for example, a sleeve-mounted remote control, and may be mounted on the toilet unit 10, or may be provided integrally with the toilet unit 10.

[0036] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a toilet management system according to the embodiment. The toilet management system according to this embodiment includes a management device 30 (toilet management device) and a plurality of device control devices 40.

[0037] The management device 30 includes, for example, a computer device, and in this example, is a cloud server. The management device 30 can communicate with each device installed in the toilet space TR via a repeater GW (gateway) and network 22. Network 22 is, for example, the internet or a LAN (Local Area Network). Each device may have a communication module for communicating with other devices such as the management device 30. Communication between the management device 30 and each device can use any communication method, such as wired, wireless, or a combination of wired and wireless.

[0038] Each device transmits operation information to the management device 30 when performing an operation (function). The operation information includes at least one of the following: the execution of the device's operation (that it is operating, that it has operated, or that it is operating), the content of the operation, and the settings of the operation. The operation information may also include the detection results of a detection unit provided on the device. For example, when the toilet device 10 performs a toilet flushing operation, it transmits information to the management device 30 such as that it is performing a toilet flushing operation and the flow rate of water to be flushed during that operation. Also, for example, the toilet device 10 transmits the detection results of the detection unit 11 to the management device 30.

[0039] The device control device 40 includes work operation means 41 that receive input operations from an operator and control at least one function of the device based on those input operations. For example, the work operation means 41 is a device (work operation unit) on which the operator performs input operations. An example of the work operation means 41 is an operator terminal 50 equipped with an operation unit 51. The operator terminal 50 is, for example, an operation means for an operator to operate a device by performing input operations on the operation unit 51. The operator terminal 50 is, for example, a terminal exclusively for an operator. The operator terminal 50 is, for example, a device such as a remote control for an administrator.

[0040] As shown in Figure 2, the worker terminal 50 has at least one of the following: an operation unit 51 for the worker to operate (control) the device equipment, and a display unit 52 for informing the worker of information such as the cleaning plan. The display unit 52 can use an appropriate display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The operation unit 51 is an input device such as a button for the worker, and accepts the worker's input. The operation unit 51 may be an operation unit for operating worker functions, rather than user functions such as a localized cleaning function or a localized drying function. Worker functions are, for example, functions for the worker to perform a predetermined task such as cleaning. For example, the operation unit 51 is an operation unit exclusively for the worker that is not operated by the user.

[0041] When an operator operates the control unit 51, a control signal corresponding to the operated control unit 51 is transmitted to the control unit (control circuit) of the device. Upon receiving the control signal, the device performs an operation (function) corresponding to the operated control unit 51, under the control of the control unit.

[0042] The worker terminal 50 may communicate with the device equipment via the network 22 or the repeater GW, or it may communicate directly with the device equipment without going through the network 22 or the repeater GW. Any communication method can be used for communication between the worker terminal 50 and the device equipment, such as wired, wireless, or a combination of wired and wireless.

[0043] Figures 3(a) and 3(b) are schematic diagrams illustrating a device control device according to an embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 3(a), the worker terminal 50 is an administrator remote control for controlling the toilet device 10. As shown in Figure 3(a), the worker terminal 50 has multiple operating units 51. Specifically, for example, the operator terminal 50 is equipped with multiple operation units 51, such as an operation unit 51 to start operation (operation "on" switch), an operation unit 51 to stop operation (operation "off" switch), an operation unit 51 to extend the cleaning nozzle from inside the toilet seat casing into the toilet bowl for nozzle cleaning (nozzle cleaning "on" switch), an operation unit 51 to retract the cleaning nozzle that has been extended for nozzle cleaning back into the casing (nozzle cleaning "off" switch), an operation unit 51 to set the toilet seat temperature for the toilet seat heating function ("high" switch, "medium" switch, "low" switch), an operation unit 51 to turn off the toilet seat heating function ("off" switch), an operation unit 51 to set the temperature of the water discharged for the local washing function ("high" switch, "medium" switch, "low" switch), and an operation unit 51 to turn off the hot water generation function ("off" switch).

[0044] For example, operations such as the "off" switch, "on" switch, "on" switch for nozzle cleaning, and "off" switch for nozzle cleaning are functions for the operator to perform cleaning. The operation unit 51 provided on the operator terminal 50 is not limited to the above, and may also be provided as an operation unit 51 (power switch) for turning the power of the toilet unit 10 on and off.

[0045] In the example shown in Figure 3(b), the worker terminal 50 has multiple operation units 51 and a display unit 52. In this example, the operation units 51 and the display unit 52 are touch panels. The worker terminal 50 can be, for example, a smartphone or a tablet. The worker terminal 50 may also be implemented by installing an application (program) on a general-purpose device such as a smartphone.

[0046] For example, multiple workers perform tasks such as cleaning in multiple toilet spaces TR. Each worker carries one or more worker terminals 50. One worker terminal 50 can operate (control) multiple devices within the toilet space TR.

[0047] The operator terminal 50 is capable of at least one of two methods: batch control, which controls multiple devices collectively, and individual control, which controls each of the multiple devices individually. In individual control, the function of each device is controlled one by one. For example, one operation can stop the operation of one toilet unit 10. On the other hand, batch control controls the functions of multiple devices collectively. For example, one operation can stop the operation of multiple toilet units 10. The multiple devices controlled collectively may be some of the multiple devices installed in the toilet space, for example, a group of several devices. The operator terminal 50 may have an operation unit 51 for controlling multiple devices collectively, and an operation unit 51 for controlling one device individually.

[0048] The control of the device equipment using the worker terminal 50 may be remotely controlled from directly in front of the device equipment (for example, from a distance of several tens of centimeters to several meters), or remotely controlled from a distance where the device equipment cannot be directly seen (outside the booth or outside the toilet area).

[0049] For example, the operator terminal 50 may have an operating section 51 that is not provided on the device equipment such as the toilet unit 10 or the user terminal 60 (e.g., a remote control for the user). Specifically, the "on" switch and "off" switch do not need to be provided on the device equipment or the user terminal 60. The "on" switch and "off" switch for nozzle cleaning do not need to be provided on the device equipment or the user terminal 60.

[0050] For example, an operation unit 51 not provided on the device or user terminal 60 has a function different from that of buttons, switches, and other operation units provided on the device or user terminal 60. For example, an operation unit 51 not provided on the device or user terminal 60 is an operation unit for performing control different from that performed by any operation unit provided on the device or user terminal 60. The control performed when an operation unit 51 not provided on the device or user terminal 60 is operated alone once is different from the control performed when any operation unit provided on the device or user terminal 60 is operated alone once. For example, the device or user terminal 60 does not have an "off" switch, and when the "off" switch on the worker terminal 50 is operated, the toilet unit 10 performs an operation different from that performed when any operation unit provided on the toilet unit 10 or user terminal 60 is operated.

[0051] In addition, the above examples illustrate cases where the device equipment or user terminal 60 is not equipped with an "off" switch, an "on" switch, a "on" switch for nozzle cleaning, a "off" switch for nozzle cleaning, etc. However, the operating parts 51 that are not equipped on the device equipment or user terminal 60 are not necessarily limited to those described above. In the embodiment, the device equipment or user terminal 60 may be equipped with an "off" switch, an "on" switch for operation, a "on" switch for nozzle cleaning, a "off" switch for nozzle cleaning, etc., as needed. Furthermore, the device equipment or user terminal 60 may be equipped with a power switch to turn the power of the device equipment on and off.

[0052] The "Off" switch is an operation unit 51 that restricts at least some of the functions of the toilet unit 10. The "On" switch is a switch that releases the restriction of functions by the "Off" switch. When the operation is stopped by the "Off" switch, for example, the execution of functions of devices used by general users is restricted. That is, when the operation is stopped, even if the operation unit 61 that executes functions such as the user's local washing function or local drying function is operated, the operation corresponding to that operation will not be performed. Also, when the operation is stopped, for example, some functions (such as automatic toilet lid opening and closing or hot water preparation) may not be executed based on the detection results of the detection unit 11, or the detection results of the detection unit 11 may not be acquired. Even when the operation is stopped, the toilet unit 10 may operate in response to some control signals from the operator terminal 50. When the operation is stopped, the toilet unit may operate in response to operations by an "On" switch that is not provided on the device equipment, or by operations by a nozzle cleaning switch.

[0053] The worker terminal 50 may be able to control the functions of the device equipment used by the user (e.g., local washing function, local drying function, toilet seat heating function, settings for each function, etc.). For example, the worker terminal 50 may be able to control the same operations as those controlled by buttons on the user's device. For example, the worker terminal 50 may have an operation unit 51 that has the same functions as the user's operation unit 61.

[0054] As shown in Figure 2, the management device 30 includes a management means 31, an acquisition means 32, a storage means 33, and an output means 38. The management device 30 may also include a toilet booth determination means 34 and a worker determination means 35. The management means 31 includes a cleaning management unit 36 ​​and an equipment management unit 37.

[0055] The management means 31 manages the devices installed in the toilet space TR. The management means 31 manages the status of each device, such as the operating status of each device. The operating status includes at least one of the following information: operation history, whether or not it is operating, the content of the operation, and the settings of the operation.

[0056] The management means 31 manages the usage status of the toilet space TR. Specifically, the management means 31 acquires information regarding the usage status of the toilet space TR using the acquisition means 32. The management means 31 also acquires information regarding the status of device equipment, such as operating information of device equipment, using the acquisition means 32. In addition, the management means 31 may acquire information regarding detection results from sensors (detection units 11, 13, 15, 19) provided on the device equipment.

[0057] The management means 31 may process the acquired information as appropriate. For example, the management means 31 may store data indicating the usage status of the toilet space TR and data indicating the status of the device equipment in the storage means 33 or the like based on the acquired information. The management means 31 may update the data indicating the usage status of the toilet space TR and the data indicating the status of the device equipment as appropriate based on the acquired information.

[0058] The management means 31 may store or notify the acquired information or the results of processing the acquired information as appropriate. That is, the management means 31 notifies the worker terminal 50 by transmitting information via the output means 38. For example, the management means 31 may determine the status of a device equipment failure or malfunction from the acquired information and transmit the determined status of the device equipment to the worker terminal 50. Also, for example, the management means 31 (cleaning plan creation unit) creates or updates a cleaning plan for the toilet space based on the acquired information. For example, the management means 31 creates a cleaning plan in which the device equipment is cleaned in order of the number of uses since the last cleaning. The management means 31 may transmit the cleaning plan to the worker terminal 50. The toilet booth determination means 34 determines the cleaning order of the toilet booths TB. The worker determination means 35 determines which worker is responsible for cleaning which toilet booth TB.

[0059] The usage status of the toilet space TR managed by the management means 31 includes, for example, the cleaning status of the devices and the usage status of the devices. The cleaning status of the devices includes the cleaning history and the cleaning status. The cleaning history includes the time when cleaning was performed in the past (e.g., the start or completion time). The cleaning history may also include the number of times cleaning has been performed in the past. The cleaning status indicates whether the devices are currently being cleaned (work in progress), not cleaned (needs cleaning, work scheduled), or cleaned. Not cleaned is a state in which the devices are assumed to be dirty due to the passage of a predetermined amount of time or use exceeding a predetermined number of times after cleaning is completed. The cleaning management unit 36 ​​manages the cleaning status of each device in the toilet space TR. For example, the management means 31 manages the cleaning status of each toilet unit 10, each faucet unit 12, and each urinal unit 14.

[0060] The usage status of a device includes its usage history and usage status. The usage history includes at least one of the following: the time of past use (e.g., start or completion time) and the number of times it has been used. The usage status indicates whether the device is currently "in use" or "not in use". The usage status of the device managed by the management means 31 may also include the operating status of the device. The device management unit 37 manages the usage status of each device in the toilet space TR. For example, the management means 31 manages the usage status of each toilet unit 10, each faucet unit 12, and each urinal unit 14.

[0061] Furthermore, if the device is installed in a toilet booth TB such as a toilet bowl 10, "cleaning (or using) the device" and "cleaning (or using) the toilet booth TB in which the device is installed" may be used interchangeably. If the device is installed in a handwashing area such as a faucet 12, "cleaning (or using) the device" and "cleaning (or using) the handwashing area" may be used interchangeably.

[0062] The management means 31 acquires information regarding the usage status of the toilet space TR by acquiring information from at least one of each device and each device control device 40 using the acquisition means 32. The information regarding the usage status of the toilet space TR includes information regarding the device (device information). The device information is information regarding the status of the device, such as operation information of the device. More specifically, the device information includes information regarding the content controlled by the device by input operations to the operation unit 51 or the operation unit 61. The device information may also include information indicating whether the device is in operation or cleaning.

[0063] Furthermore, for example, the information regarding the usage status of the toilet space TR acquired by the management means 31 includes information on the use of the device. That is, when the device is used, the management means 31 acquires that the device has been used (for example, that it is in use). Specifically, for example, when a detection unit provided on the device detects a human body, the management means 31 acquires the detection result. Based on the detection result, the status of the use of the device can be determined. The usage information may also include information on the operation of the device.

[0064] For example, if the device is a sensor such as a door sensor 20 or a motion sensor 21, the device information or device usage information acquired by the management means 31 may be output information indicating the detection result of the sensor. By determining whether the door is open or closed from the output information of the door sensor 20, the usage status of the toilet booth TB to which that door is installed can be determined. For example, when the door is closed (or locked), the toilet booth TB is in use, and when the door is open (or unlocked), the toilet booth TB is not in use. The usage status of the toilet booth TB to which the motion sensor 21 is installed can be determined from the output information of the motion sensor 21. For example, if the detection result of the motion sensor 21 indicates the presence of a person, the booth is in use, and if there is no person, the booth is not in use.

[0065] The management means 31 (management unit) uses a computing device including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory. The storage means 33 (storage unit) can appropriately use various storage devices such as HD (hard disk), flash memory, SSD (solid state drive), ROM, RAM, etc. The acquisition means 32 acquires information related to the usage status of the toilet space TR, such as device information, from at least one of the device equipment and the device control device 40. For example, the storage means 33 stores the information acquired by the acquisition means 32, and the management means 31 manages the usage status of the toilet space based on the information stored in the storage means 33.

[0066] The output means 38 is a transmission means (notification means) that notifies the worker of information by transmitting information to the worker terminal 50. The acquisition means 32 (acquisition unit) and the output means 38 (output unit) can use circuits or devices such as a communication module, communication interface, or external communication terminal for transmitting and receiving.

[0067] For example, the device control device 40 has a communication means 42, which communicates with the management device 30. For example, the worker terminal 50 obtains information such as a cleaning plan transmitted from the management device 30 via the communication means 42.

[0068] Operation information relating to input operations to the work operation means 41 (e.g., worker terminal 50) may be transmitted to the management device 30 by the communication means 42 (transmission means). This operation information is information relating to the content of the operation input to the work operation means 41, and includes, for example, information indicating the content of the control of the device equipment by the input operation, i.e., the operation or processing performed by the device equipment by the input operation. For example, if the "off" switch is operated as an input operation, the fact that the "off" switch has been operated, that is, that control to stop operation has been performed, is transmitted from the worker terminal 50 to the management device 30 via the communication means 42. For example, if the "off" switch is operated as an input operation, the fact that the toilet equipment 10 controlled by that operation is "cleaning" may also be transmitted to the management device 30.

[0069] As schematically shown in Figure 3(b), in this example, the communication means 42 is located within the housing of the worker terminal 50. In other words, the work operation means 41 and the communication means 42 are located in a single housing as a single terminal. The communication means 42 is located separately from the device equipment such as the toilet unit 10 and is different from the communication module included in the device equipment.

[0070] The communication means 42 (communication unit) may appropriately utilize circuits and devices such as a communication module for transmitting and receiving, a communication interface, or an external communication terminal. Communication between the device control device 40 and the management device 30 via the communication means 42 can use any communication method, such as wired, wireless, or a combination of wired and wireless. Communication via the communication means 42 may also be communication via the network 22.

[0071] Furthermore, any communication standard can be used for communication between the device control unit 40 and the management device 30, and between the device control unit 40 and the device equipment. For example, Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, Thread®, ZigBee®, and various LPWA standards (LoRa®, Sigfox®, Wi-SUN, Wi-Fi HaLow®) can be used. However, the system is not limited to the above, and a proprietary communication standard may be used instead of a standardized communication standard within the telecommunications industry.

[0072] The work operation means 41 of the device control device 40 is not necessarily limited to the worker terminal 50, but may be the user terminal 60 described above. That is, the device control device 40 may be a device that includes a user terminal 60 instead of the worker terminal 50. The user terminal 60 may be provided with an operation unit 61 (user buttons) operated by the user, as well as an operation unit 51 (worker buttons) operated by the worker. For example, a user terminal 60 installed as a remote control in a toilet booth TB may have an operation unit 51 for the worker, such as an "off" switch, or it may be possible to control worker functions such as "off" operation by special input. Special input is, for example, an operation in which a predetermined number of times are operated on a predetermined operation unit of the user terminal 60 in a predetermined order.

[0073] In this embodiment, the content that each device control device 40 can control may include content that is available to general users, or it may include content that is not available to general users (content that is available to workers). The content that the device control device 40 can control may be changed later by means of software rewriting or other means.

[0074] The device control device 40 may be a remote control device specifically designed for controlling a device, or it may be implemented in a general-purpose electronic device such as a smartphone or tablet. The device control device 40 may also be implemented by installing a program on the electronic device to execute the processing of the device control device 40. The input units for inputting control content for device devices such as the operation unit 51 and operation unit 61 may be physical buttons, or they may be touch panels utilizing technologies such as pressure sensitivity or electrostatic technology. The device control device 40 may also be provided with a display unit in the form of liquid crystal or electronic paper, and an input unit in the form of physical buttons necessary for selecting control content. The association between the input unit and the control content of the device device obtained by operating the input unit may be changeable later by means of software rewriting or other means.

[0075] Note that while Figure 2 shows one toilet space TR, multiple toilet spaces TR may be provided. The management device 30 can manage the usage status of multiple toilet spaces TR.

[0076] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a toilet management system according to an embodiment. The devices in the toilet space TR perform operations in accordance with control signals (signal S1 or signal S2) from the device control device 40, or in accordance with the detection results of the detection unit provided on the devices (step S101).

[0077] The device transmits a signal S3 to the management device 30, which includes device information including operation information for the operation in step S101 and usage information (step S102).

[0078] The worker terminal 50 acquires information (signal S4) from the management device 30, including the cleaning plan which includes the cleaning order of the devices and the cleaning status of each device, and displays the acquired information on the display unit 52 to inform the worker (step S103).

[0079] The worker performing the cleaning of the toilet space TR carries out the cleaning work based on the cleaning plan displayed on the display unit 52. The worker cleans the device equipment according to a predetermined procedure. For example, during cleaning, the worker controls the device equipment by performing a predetermined input operation on the work operation means 41 of the device control device control device 40 (worker terminal 50 in this example). The communication means 42 of the device control device control device 40 (see Figure 2) transmits a control signal (signal S1 or signal S2) to the device equipment in response to the input operation to the worker terminal 50. As described in step S101 above, the device equipment operates according to the control signal. When transmitting the control signal, the device control device 40 may also transmit operation information (signal S5 or signal S6) related to the input operation to the worker terminal 50 directly to the management device 30 without going through the device equipment.

[0080] Specifically, if the device is a toilet unit 10 and the worker terminal 50 illustrated in Figure 3(a) is used, the worker operates the "off" switch when starting cleaning. This allows the worker to perform cleaning with some functions of the toilet unit 10 restricted. For example, it is possible to prevent unintentional activation of functions such as local cleaning during cleaning, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0081] When the "off" switch is operated, the device control device 40 transmits a control signal (signal S1) to the toilet unit 10 to stop operation (step S104). The device control device 40 may also transmit operation information (signal S5) to the management device 30 indicating that it has instructed the toilet unit to stop operation.

[0082] Then, when the worker has finished cleaning, they operate the "on" switch. The device control device 40 transmits a control signal (signal S2) to the toilet unit 10 to start operation (step S105). The device control device 40 may also transmit operation information (signal S6) to the management device 30 indicating that it has instructed the start of operation. Alternatively, instead of operating the "on" switch and the "off" switch, the operation of turning the power on and off the toilet unit 10 using the power switch may be used.

[0083] The acquisition means 32 of the management device 30 (see Figure 2) acquires information (signal S3) transmitted from the device equipment and information (signal S5 or signal S6) transmitted from the device control device 40 (step S106). The device management unit 37 of the management means 31 updates the data based on the information acquired in step S106 (step S107).

[0084] When the cleaning management unit 36 ​​(see Figure 2) of the management device 30 acquires information in step S106, it updates data indicating the cleaning status and usage status of the device equipment based on that information (step S108). When the cleaning plan creation unit (see Figure 2) of the cleaning management unit 36 ​​updates the data in step S108, it determines whether or not the device equipment needs to be cleaned based on the updated data (step S109), and creates or updates a cleaning plan (step S110). The output means 38 (see Figure 2) of the management device 30 transmits the cleaning plan information (signal S4) created or updated in step S110 to the worker terminal 50.

[0085] In this way, the management means 31 manages the usage status of the toilet space and manages the cleaning plan based on at least one of the following: device information including the operation information of the device equipment, usage information, and operation information related to input operations to the work operation means 41. The management means 31 creates a cleaning plan for the toilet space TR or updates the cleaning plan stored in the storage means based on the updated cleaning status of the device equipment. For example, the cleaning plan can reflect the cleaning status of the latest updated device equipment.

[0086] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first example of the operation of a toilet management system according to an embodiment. In this example, the device controlled by operations on the worker terminal 50 is the toilet unit 10. When worker A starts cleaning the toilet unit 10 (first toilet unit WL1), he operates the "off" switch on the worker terminal 50 to stop the operation of the first toilet unit WL1.

[0087] When the "off" switch is operated, the first toilet device WL1 is considered to be "cleaning". For example, based on the "off" control signal, the first toilet device WL1 determines that it is "cleaning". Then, using a communication means such as a wireless module, it transmits device information indicating that the first toilet device WL1 is "cleaning" to the management device 30 via the repeater GW.

[0088] The acquisition means 32 of the management device 30 acquires device information transmitted from the first toilet device WL1 indicating that the first toilet device WL1 is "being cleaned". Based on the device information acquired by the acquisition means 32, the management means 31 updates the cleaning status data of the first toilet device WL1 stored in the storage means 33 to "being cleaned" and updates the cleaning plan as necessary.

[0089] The output means 38 of the management device 30 transmits the information updated by the management means 31 to each worker terminal 50 carried by each worker (worker A and worker B). As a result, a screen containing the updated information is displayed on the display unit 52 of each worker terminal 50. Since the screen displayed on the display unit 52 of each worker terminal 50 is the same, each worker can understand the situation.

[0090] Similarly, when worker A has finished cleaning the first toilet unit WL1, worker A operates the "on" switch on the worker terminal 50 to start the operation of the first toilet unit WL1. When the "on" switch is operated, the first toilet unit WL1 is considered "cleaning complete". That is, the first toilet unit WL1 determines that it is "cleaning complete" based on the "on" control signal. The first toilet unit WL1 then transmits device information to the management device 30 indicating that it is "cleaning complete". The acquisition means 32 of the management device 30 acquires the device information transmitted from the first toilet unit WL1 indicating that it is "cleaning complete". Based on the device information acquired by the acquisition means 32, the management means 31 updates the cleaning status data of the first toilet unit WL1 stored in the storage means 33 to "cleaning complete" and updates the cleaning plan as necessary.

[0091] In this way, the acquisition means 32 of the management device 30 acquires device information relating to the device equipment that was operated based on the operation of the operation means (worker terminal 50) that accepts the worker's operation. For example, as described above, when a worker controls the first toilet device WL1 by inputting an operation to the worker terminal 50, the acquisition means 32 acquires device information relating to the first toilet device WL1 that was controlled by that input operation.

[0092] The management means 31 then updates the usage status of the toilet space TR based on the operation of the operating means. For example, as described above, based on the control of the first toilet device WL1 by input operations to the worker terminal 50, the cleaning status of the first toilet device WL1 stored in the storage means 33 is updated, or the cleaning plan is updated. By updating the usage status of the toilet space TR, the state of the toilet space TR can be managed more appropriately.

[0093] As an example, a device could be considered in which a server device acquires information indicating the cleaning status from a cleaner's terminal to manage the cleaning status of a toilet space. In this example, the information indicating the cleaning status is manually entered into the cleaner's terminal by the cleaner. In this example, if the cleaner forgets to enter the cleaning status, the cleaning status will not be updated, and users and managers may not be able to obtain accurate information about the toilet's usage status. In contrast, in this embodiment, the usage status of the toilet space managed by the management means 31 can be updated based on the operation of the operator's operating means, so the usage status of the toilet space TR can be updated more reliably. For example, the usage status of the toilet space TR can be updated even if the operator does not input information related to the usage status of the toilet space TR (such as cleaning status) separately from the operation of the operating means. Therefore, the state of the toilet space TR can be managed more appropriately.

[0094] In the example shown in Figure 5, the management means 31 updates the cleaning status based on the operation of the "off" switch. In other words, the management means 31 updates the usage status of the toilet space TR based on the operation of an operation unit 51 that is not provided on the device. The management means 31 does not need to update the cleaning status to "cleaning in progress" or "cleaning completed" when an operation unit 61 (and an operation unit 51 on the worker terminal 50 for performing the same control as the operation unit 61) provided on the device or user terminal 60 is operated. For example, it is possible to prevent the usage status of the toilet space TR, such as the cleaning status, from being accidentally updated when a user operates an operation unit 61 provided on the device or user terminal 60. Furthermore, the cleaning status can be updated to "cleaning in progress" or "cleaning completed" based on a specific action by the worker, such as the operation of an operation unit 51 that is not provided on the device. This makes it easier to manage the usage status of the toilet space TR.

[0095] Furthermore, the management means 31 updates the usage status of the toilet space TR based on the operation of the "off" switch, that is, an operation in which an operator restricts some functions of the device equipment during cleaning. This allows the cleaning status of the toilet space to be updated based on input to the operating means that is normally performed during cleaning. For example, the cleaning status of the toilet space can be automatically updated based on input to the operating means that is defined as part of the cleaning procedure.

[0096] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second example of the operation of the toilet management system according to the embodiment. In the example in Figure 5, the cleaning status was determined by a device, but in this example, it is done by the management device 30. When worker A stops the first toilet unit WL1 by operating the "off" switch, the first toilet unit WL1 transmits device information to the management device 30 indicating that the "off" operation has been performed on the first toilet unit WL1. Based on this device information, the management means 31 determines that the first toilet unit WL1 is "cleaning in progress" and updates the data.

[0097] When worker A restarts the operation of the first toilet unit WL1 by operating the "on" switch, the first toilet unit WL1 transmits device information to the management device 30 indicating that the "on" operation has been performed on the first toilet unit WL1. Based on this device information, the management means 31 determines that the first toilet unit WL1 is "cleaning complete" and updates the data.

[0098] Alternatively, the first toilet device WL1 may automatically restart operation after a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed since the operator terminal 50 has operated the "off" switch. This reduces the effort required for the operator to operate the "on" switch. Accordingly, the management means 31 updates the cleaning status of the first toilet device WL1 to "cleaning complete" after a predetermined time has elapsed since the operator terminal 50 has operated the "off" switch.

[0099] Thus, the management means 31 may update the cleaning status of the device equipment after a certain period of time has elapsed since the operation of the operating means. The cleaning status can be automatically updated after a certain period of time has elapsed since the operator operated the operating means.

[0100] Alternatively, if the detection unit 11 (or motion sensor 21) does not detect a human body for a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) after the operator terminal 50 has operated the "off" switch, the first toilet device WL1 may automatically restart operation. This reduces the effort required for the operator to operate the "on" switch. Accordingly, if the detection unit 11 (or motion sensor 21) does not detect a human body for a predetermined time after the operator terminal 50 has operated the "off" switch, the management means 31 updates the cleaning status of the first toilet device WL1 to "cleaning complete".

[0101] Thus, the management means 31 may update the cleaning status of the device equipment if the detection unit 11 does not detect a human body for a certain period of time after the operation of the operating means. If the detection unit 11 does not detect a human body for a certain period of time or longer after the operator operates the operating means, the cleaning status can be automatically updated.

[0102] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a third example of the operation of the toilet management system according to the embodiment. In this example, the device controlled by operations on the operator terminal 50 is the door sensor 20. The operator terminal 50 is equipped with an operation unit 51 for controlling the door sensor 20. For example, there is an operation unit 51 for starting the special mode of the door sensor 20 (special mode "on" switch) and an operation unit 51 for ending the special mode of the door sensor 20 (special mode "off" switch). These are operation units 51 that are not provided on the device or the user terminal 60 (for example, the user's remote control). In special mode, the door sensor 20 detects special operations. An example of a special operation is opening and closing the door a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time (for example, opening and closing it three times within 5 seconds).

[0103] When worker A starts cleaning the first toilet unit WL1, they operate the special mode "on" switch on the worker terminal to put the door sensor 20 into special mode. When worker A performs a special operation on the door, the door sensor 20 detects the special operation. Upon detecting the special operation, the door sensor 20 determines that the toilet booth TB on which the door sensor 20 is installed is "being cleaned" (the first toilet unit WL1 is "being cleaned"). The door sensor 20 then sends information indicating that the toilet booth TB on which the door sensor 20 is installed is "being cleaned" to the acquisition means 32 of the management device 30 as device information related to the door sensor 20.

[0104] Alternatively, when the door sensor 20 detects a special operation, it may send information indicating that a special operation has been detected to the acquisition means 32 of the management device 30 as device information related to the door sensor 20. Based on the device information acquired by the acquisition means 32, the management means 31 updates the cleaning status data of the first toilet device WL1 to "cleaning in progress" and notifies the worker terminal 50 of the updated information.

[0105] In this manner, the acquisition means 32 acquires device information relating to the door sensor 20 that was operated based on the operation of the special mode "on" switch on the worker terminal 50. If the device being operated is a sensor, the device information may include information including the sensor's detection result, such as the sensor's output signal. Based on the device information thus acquired, the management means 31 updates the usage status of the toilet space TR. Similarly, the door sensor 20 or the management device 30 may determine that "cleaning is complete" in response to the detection of a special operation, and the management device 30 may update the usage status of the toilet space TR based on that determination.

[0106] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a fourth example of the operation of the toilet management system according to the embodiment. In this example, the device controlled by operations on the worker terminal 50 is the toilet unit 10. For example, worker A operates the "off" switch on the worker terminal 50 when starting cleaning. Based on the "off" control signal, the first toilet unit WL1 enters a stopped state. When the "off" switch is operated, the worker terminal 50 transmits device information indicating that the first toilet unit WL1 is "cleaning" to the acquisition means 32 of the management device 30. Based on the device information acquired by the acquisition means 32, the management means 31 updates the cleaning status data of the first toilet unit WL1 to "cleaning" and notifies the worker terminal 50 of the updated information.

[0107] Alternatively, when the "off" switch is operated, the operator terminal 50 may transmit operation information indicating that the "off" switch has been operated to the acquisition means 32 of the management device 30. Based on this operation information, the management device 30 may determine that the first toilet device WL1 is "being cleaned" and update the cleaning status data of the first toilet device WL1 to "being cleaned".

[0108] In this way, the acquisition means 32 acquires device information relating to the first toilet device WL1 that was operated by the operation of the "off" switch on the worker terminal 50. At this time, the device information may be sent from the worker terminal 50 to the acquisition means 32 without going through the first toilet device WL1, as shown in Figure 8. Based on the device information acquired in this way, the management means 31 updates the usage status of the toilet space TR. Similarly, in response to the operation of the "on" switch, the operator terminal 50 or the management device 30 may determine that "cleaning is complete," and based on that determination, the management device 30 may update the usage status of the toilet space TR.

[0109] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a fifth example of the operation of the toilet management system according to the embodiment. When worker A operates an operation unit 51, such as an "off" switch on the worker terminal 50 (for example, a smartphone), which controls the first toilet unit WL1, a control signal corresponding to the operated operation unit 51 is transmitted from the worker terminal 50 to the management device 30. The management device 30 transmits a control signal to the first toilet unit WL1 in response to the control signal from the worker terminal 50. The first toilet unit WL1 performs an action, such as stopping operation, in response to the control signal from the management device 30.

[0110] Based on the "off" control signal from the worker terminal 50, the control device 30 determines that the first toilet unit WL1 is "cleaning in progress," updates the cleaning status data of the first toilet unit WL1 to "cleaning in progress," and notifies the worker terminal 50 of the updated information. The first toilet unit WL1 may also send a signal to the control device 30 indicating "cleaning in progress" when it stops operating.

[0111] In this way, the acquisition means 32 acquires device information relating to the first toilet device WL1 that was operated by the operation of the "off" switch on the worker terminal 50, that is, a control signal that instructs the operation of the first toilet device WL1 to be "off". Based on the device information thus acquired, the management means 31 updates the usage status of the toilet space TR.

[0112] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a sixth example of the operation of the toilet management system according to the embodiment. In this example, the worker unplugs the power cord of the first toilet unit WL1 before starting to clean it. Consequently, the first toilet unit WL1 transmits information to the management device 30 indicating that its power cord has been unplugged. Based on the information that the power cord has been unplugged, the management device 30 determines that the first toilet unit WL1 is "being cleaned." As a result, the management device 30 updates the cleaning status data of the first toilet unit WL1 to "being cleaned" and notifies the worker terminal 50 of the updated information.

[0113] Figure 11 is a table illustrating a cleaning plan created and updated by the management device according to the embodiment. The cleaning management unit 36 ​​of the management device 30 creates and updates a cleaning plan, which includes the information exemplified in the table in Figure 11, based on information regarding the usage status of the toilet space TR, such as device information. For example, when the cleaning management unit 36 ​​acquires information regarding the usage status of the toilet space TR, it updates the cleaning plan table in real time and notifies the worker terminal 50.

[0114] For example, the cleaning plan includes information such as the date of cleaning, the location of each toilet space TR to be cleaned, the worker responsible for each toilet space TR, the time of cleaning, and the cleaning status of the devices to be cleaned. The devices to be cleaned include, for example, multiple toilet booths TB (first toilet device WL1, second toilet device WL2, third toilet device WL3, fourth toilet device WL4), multiple urinal devices 14 (first urinal device U1, second urinal device U2, third urinal device U3), and handwashing areas (faucet devices 12, etc.).

[0115] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a toilet management system according to an embodiment. When the worker starts cleaning the first toilet unit WL1, the worker performs an "off" operation on the worker terminal 50 (administrator remote control) to stop the operation of the first toilet unit WL1. As a result, the worker terminal 50 transmits an "off" control signal (signal S11) to the first toilet unit WL1. Upon receiving this control signal (signal S11), the first toilet unit WL1 changes from an operating state to an off state. At this time, the first toilet unit WL1 transmits a signal (signal S12) indicating the "off" state to the management device 30.

[0116] When the control device 30 receives a signal (signal S12) from the first toilet unit WL1 indicating that it is "off," it updates the cleaning status data of the first toilet unit WL1 from "not cleaned" to "cleaning in progress." In this way, the cleaning status is updated to "cleaning in progress" triggered by the operation of the worker terminal 50 to "off." Once the status is updated, the updated status is reported to each worker terminal 50.

[0117] After the cleaning of the first toilet unit WL1 is complete, the worker performs an "on" operation on the worker terminal 50 to start the operation of the first toilet unit WL1. As a result, the worker terminal 50 transmits an "on" control signal (signal S13) to the first toilet unit WL1. Upon receiving this control signal (signal S13), the first toilet unit WL1 resumes operation from its stopped state. At this time, the first toilet unit WL1 transmits a signal (signal S14) indicating the "on" state to the management device 30.

[0118] When the control device 30 receives a signal (signal S14) from the first toilet unit WL1 indicating that it is "on," it updates the cleaning status data of the first toilet unit WL1 from "cleaning in progress" to "cleaning completed," and updates the cleaning schedule to "completed." In this way, the cleaning status is updated to "cleaning completed" triggered by the "on" operation of the worker terminal 50. Once the status is updated, the updated status is reflected in the cleaning schedule, and the cleaning schedule is updated.

[0119] Subsequently, when predetermined judgment conditions are met, the management device 30 updates the cleaning status data of the first toilet unit WL1 from "cleaning completed" to "not cleaned". The judgment conditions can include the passage of time or the number of uses. For example, if a predetermined time (e.g., 24 hours) has passed since the last update to "cleaning completed", if the date has changed since the last update to "cleaning completed", or if the first toilet unit WL1 has been used a predetermined number of times (e.g., 20 times) or more since the last update to "cleaning completed", the management device 30 updates the cleaning status to "not cleaned". The judgment conditions, such as the threshold values ​​for time and number of uses, can be freely set in the management device 30.

[0120] In this example, the cleaning status is determined by the "off" and "on" operation signals, but it is also possible to determine the cleaning status using data other than the "off" and "on" operation signals from the operator terminal 50. For example, the cleaning status could be updated to "cleaning in progress" when the nozzle cleaning "on" operation is triggered on the operator terminal 50, and updated to "cleaning completed" when the nozzle cleaning "off" operation is triggered on the operator terminal 50. Alternatively, the operator terminal 50 could be provided with a cleaning status update button, and the cleaning status could be updated when the cleaning status update button is pressed.

[0121] Furthermore, in this example, the cleaning status of the first toilet unit WL1 is determined by the management device 30, but it may also be determined by the first toilet unit WL1. That is, for example, if the first toilet unit WL1 receives a "off" signal from the worker terminal 50, it transmits to the management device 30 that the cleaning status of the first toilet unit WL1 is "cleaning in progress," and if it receives a "on" signal from the worker terminal 50, it transmits to the management device 30 that the cleaning status of the first toilet unit WL1 is "cleaning completed."

[0122] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a toilet management system according to an embodiment. When the worker completes cleaning the first toilet unit WL1 and performs the "on" operation on the worker terminal 50, an "on" control signal (signal S20) is transmitted. In response, the management device 30 sets the cleaning status of the first toilet unit WL1 to "cleaning completed" and reflects this in the cleaning plan.

[0123] After cleaning of the first toilet unit WL1 is completed, if use of the first toilet unit WL1 is detected, the first toilet unit WL1 transmits usage information to the management device 30. The acquisition means 32 of the management device 30 acquires usage information (signal S21) each time the first toilet unit WL1 is used. As a result, the management device 30 counts the number of times the first toilet unit WL1 has been used since cleaning was completed.

[0124] The above example illustrates the process for the first toilet unit WL1, but the cleaning status is updated and usage information is acquired similarly for each toilet unit. The management device 30 counts the number of times each toilet unit has been used after cleaning is completed. The cleaning schedule may also include information on the number of times each toilet unit has been used after cleaning is completed.

[0125] The management unit 31 determines the cleaning priority of multiple toilet units so that the more frequently a toilet unit has been used since cleaning is completed, the higher its priority. The management unit 31 updates the cleaning plan based on the cleaning priority of the multiple toilet units.

[0126] Specifically, in this example, when the time reaches midnight, the management means 31 determines the cleaning order of multiple toilets so that it prioritizes cleaning the toilets that have been used the most since the last cleaning was completed. For example, if the first toilet WL1 has been used 20 times, the second toilet WL2 has been used 10 times, and the third toilet WL3 has been used 15 times, the cleaning order in the cleaning plan will be the first toilet WL1, the third toilet WL3, and the second toilet WL2, in order of frequency of use.

[0127] Prioritizing the cleaning of multiple devices may be based on comparing the time elapsed since the completion of cleaning for each device, comparing the usage time of each device, or comparing weighted values ​​based on data such as the volume of water used in toilet flushing. Alternatively, the cleaning plan may be updated based on the usage status of each device, such as postponing the cleaning of toilets currently in use. Cleaning priorities may also be determined by a combination of the above methods, allowing for the proposal of a more efficient cleaning plan.

[0128] Regarding the decision to update the cleaning status to "requires cleaning," for example, a threshold may be set for the number of uses, and devices used more than the threshold may be judged as "requires cleaning." In addition, devices that have been cleaned for a certain period of time or more may be judged as "requires cleaning." Alternatively, devices whose weighted values, such as the volume of water used in the toilet flushing operation, exceed a threshold may be judged as "requires cleaning." The number of times to clean per day may be set, and the cleaning timing may be determined based on the number of uses. The decision to update the cleaning status may also be made by combining the above.

[0129] In this embodiment, each component, such as the functional blocks shown in the block diagram, is a functional concept and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. For example, the management device 30 may, as appropriate, consolidate some or all of the multiple functional blocks, or it may distribute each functional block to multiple devices connected to communicate via a network. Each component of the embodiment may be distributed or integrated as appropriate, functionally or physically. The management device 30 may be implemented by installing a toilet management program on a computer device to execute the processing of the management device 30.

[0130] The embodiment may include the following configurations. (Composition 1) In a toilet space equipped with multiple toilet booths and device equipment, an acquisition means acquires device information relating to the device equipment that was the target of the operation by the operation means based on the operation of an operator performing a predetermined task, A management means for managing the usage status of the toilet space based on the device information, Equipped with, The toilet management device is characterized in that the management means updates the usage status of the toilet space based on the operation of the operating means. (Configuration 2) The aforementioned operating means has an operating section not provided in the device equipment, The toilet management device according to configuration 1, wherein the management means updates the usage status of the toilet space based on the operation of the control unit. (Composition 3) The toilet management device according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the usage status of the toilet space includes the cleaning status of the device equipment. (Composition 4) The operating means includes an operating section that limits at least some of the functions of the device, The toilet management device according to configuration 3, characterized in that the management means updates the usage status of the toilet space based on the operation of the control unit. (Composition 5) The toilet management device according to configuration 3, characterized in that the management means updates the cleaning status of the device equipment after a certain period of time has elapsed since the operation of the operating means. (Composition 6) The aforementioned device has a detection unit for detecting a human body, The toilet management device according to configuration 3, characterized in that the management means updates the cleaning status of the device equipment if the detection unit does not detect a human body for a certain period of time after the operation of the operating means. (Composition 7) The toilet management device according to configuration 3, characterized in that the management means updates the cleaning plan for the toilet space based on the cleaning status of the updated device equipment.

[0131] Embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. Modifications made by those skilled in the art to the above-described embodiments are also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as they retain the features of the present invention. For example, the shape, dimensions, arrangement, and installation configuration of each element are not limited to those exemplified and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, the elements of each of the embodiments described above can be combined to the extent technically possible, and these combinations are also included within the scope of the present invention insofar as they include the features of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 10: Toilet device, 10a: Toilet, 10b: Toilet seat device, 11: Detection unit, 12: Faucet device, 12a: Water discharge unit, 13: Detection unit, 14: Urinal device, 14a: Urinal, 14b: Urinal flushing unit, 15: Detection unit, 16: Electric water heater, 18: Hand dryer, 18a: Air blower, 19: Detection unit, 20: Door sensor, 21: Human presence sensor, 22: Network, 30: Management device, 31: Management means, 32: Acquisition means, 33: Memory means, 34: Toilet booth determination means, 35: Worker determination means, 36: Cleaning management unit, 37: Equipment management unit, 38: Output means, 40: Device control device, 41: Work operation means, 42: Communication means, 50: Worker terminal, 51: Control unit, 52: Display unit, 60: User terminal, 61: Control unit, A1: Individual toilet area, A2: Urinal area, A3: Handwashing area, GW: Repeater, S1~S6, S11~S14, S20, S21: Signal, S101~S110: Step, TB: Toilet booth, TR: Toilet space, U1~U3: First to third urinal devices, WL1~WL4: First to fourth toilet devices

Claims

1. In a toilet space equipped with multiple toilet booths and device equipment, an acquisition means acquires device information relating to the device equipment that was the target of the operation by the operation means based on the operation of an operator performing a predetermined task, A management means for managing the usage status of the toilet space based on the device information, Equipped with, The toilet management device is characterized in that the management means updates the usage status of the toilet space based on the operation of the operating means.

2. The aforementioned operating means has an operating section not provided in the device equipment, The toilet management device according to claim 1, characterized in that the management means updates the usage status of the toilet space based on the operation of the control unit.

3. The toilet management device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the usage status of the toilet space includes the cleaning status of the device equipment.

4. The operating means includes an operating section that limits at least some of the functions of the device, The toilet management device according to claim 3, characterized in that the management means updates the usage status of the toilet space based on the operation of the control unit.

5. The toilet management device according to claim 3, characterized in that the management means updates the cleaning status of the device equipment after a certain period of time has elapsed since the operation of the operating means.

6. The aforementioned device has a detection unit for detecting a human body, The toilet management device according to claim 3, characterized in that the management means updates the cleaning status of the device equipment if the detection unit does not detect a human body for a certain period of time after the operation of the operating means.

7. The toilet management device according to claim 3, characterized in that the management means updates the cleaning plan for the toilet space based on the cleaning status of the updated device equipment.

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