Device Control Unit

Abstract

The objective is to provide a device control system that enables more appropriate management of the condition of toilet spaces. [Solution] A device control device is provided, which includes a work operation means that receives input operations from a worker performing a predetermined task in a toilet space where a device is installed, and controls at least one function of the device based on the input operations, and the operation information related to the input operations is transmitted to a management device that manages the device by a transmission means separate from the device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects of the present invention generally relate to a device control apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] There is provided a system that uses a cloud server to distribute information on the usage status and cleaning information of a public toilet space 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 a conventional system, it is possible to acquire the usage status of a toilet space (entry and exit by a door sensor, number of uses by a cleaning operation) with sensors provided in the equipment. However, it has 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 device control apparatus that enables more appropriate management of the state of a toilet space.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The first invention is a device control device comprising work operation means for receiving input operations from an operator performing a predetermined task in a toilet space where a device is installed, and controlling at least one function of the device based on the input operations, wherein operation information relating to the input operations is transmitted to a management device that manages the device by a transmission means separate from the device.

[0007] According to this device control device, operation information regarding input operations in the work operation means is transmitted to the management device by the transmission means, allowing for more appropriate management of the toilet space. For example, it can suppress discrepancies between the state of the device managed by the management device and the actual state of the device.

[0008] The second invention is a device control device characterized in that, in the first invention, the work operation means is held by the worker, and a plurality of the device equipment can be remotely controlled individually or collectively.

[0009] This device control device allows for the control of individual or multiple devices simultaneously, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0010] The third invention is a device control device characterized in that, in the second invention, the work operation means is provided in a first housing having an operation unit in which the operator performs the input operation, and the transmission means is provided in a second housing that is separate from the first housing and connected to the first housing by a connecting means.

[0011] According to this device control device, by connecting the first enclosure to the second enclosure, the operations performed on the first enclosure can be transmitted from the second enclosure to the management device.

[0012] The fourth invention is a device control device in which, in the first invention, the work operation means is provided in a toilet booth having the toilet device which is the device equipment, and receives an operation from a user using the toilet device and controls at least one function of the toilet device based on the operation.

[0013] According to this device control system, a device that allows the user to control the functions of a toilet system installed inside a toilet booth can be used as a means of operation.

[0014] The fifth invention is a device control device in which, in the fourth invention, the work operation means is provided in a first housing having an operation unit in which the operator performs the input operation, and the transmission means is provided in a second housing that is separate from the first housing and connected to the first housing by a connecting means.

[0015] According to this device control device, by connecting the first enclosure to the second enclosure, the operations performed on the first enclosure can be transmitted from the second enclosure to the management device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to an aspect of the present invention, a device control device is provided that enables more appropriate management of the state of the toilet space. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view illustrating a toilet space managed by the toilet management system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a toilet management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figures 3(a) and 3(b) are schematic diagrams illustrating a device control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 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 showing another example of the device control apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram exemplifying the toilet management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) are schematic diagrams showing another example of the device control apparatus according to the embodiment.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each of the drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted as appropriate. FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view exemplifying a toilet space managed by the toilet management system according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of toilet booths TB are partitioned in the toilet space TR. The toilet space TR is, for example, a public toilet room. A plurality of device apparatuses are installed in the toilet space TR. Examples of the device apparatuses include a first apparatus installed in the toilet booth TB and a second apparatus installed outside the toilet booth TB. The first apparatus is, for example, a toilet apparatus 10 (toilet device). The second apparatus is, for example, a faucet apparatus 12, a urinal apparatus 14, an electric water heater 16, or a hand dryer 18.

[0019] In such a toilet space TR, an operator performs a predetermined operation. The operator, for example, performs a predetermined operation on each device apparatus. The predetermined operation performed by the operator is, for example, a cleaning operation. The predetermined operation may be a maintenance operation such as inspection, repair, component replacement, or replenishment. That is, the operator is, for example, a cleaner or a 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 operator.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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).

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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).

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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, the content of the control of the device equipment by the input operation, that is, information indicating 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, or 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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).

[0073] 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).

[0074] 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).

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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).

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] As described above, in the embodiment, for example, operation information related to input operations in the work operation means 41 is transmitted to the management device 30 by the transmission means (communication means 42). This allows for more appropriate management of the toilet space. For example, the management device 30 can recognize the state of the device operated by the input operation based on the transmitted operation information. For example, it is possible to suppress discrepancies between the data indicating the state of the device managed by the management device 30 and the actual state of the device.

[0083] For example, the detection results of the door sensor 20 can be used to manage whether the toilet booth TB on which the door sensor 20 is installed is "available" or "unavailable." However, a worker may clean the toilet booth TB with the door open. In this case, the toilet booth TB is actually "unavailable" because it cannot be used while being cleaned, but the detection results of the door sensor 20 may mistakenly recognize it as "available" because the door is open. In contrast, in this embodiment, for example, when a worker starts cleaning, if they operate the "off" switch (input operation) on the work operation means 41, operation information related to that input operation is transmitted to the management device 30. Based on the transmitted operation information, the management device 30 can recognize that the toilet booth TB on which the toilet equipment that has been controlled to "off" by the input operation is installed is "being cleaned," that is, "unavailable." The cleaning status can be appropriately managed.

[0084] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the toilet unit 10's status ("available" or "unavailable") could be managed based on device information transmitted from the toilet unit 10. For example, when a worker starts cleaning, if they operate the "off" switch (input operation) on the operation operation means 41, the toilet unit 10 controlled by that input operation transmits its device information to the management device 30. For example, the management device 30 can recognize the status of the toilet unit 10 based on the device information from the toilet unit 10. Here, if a communication failure occurs between the controlled toilet device 10 and the management device 30 due to, for example, noise, device information may not be accurately transmitted to the management device 30. As a result, the management device 30 may not be able to accurately recognize the status of the toilet device 10. For example, it may be mistakenly recognized as "usable" when it is actually "unusable". In contrast, in this embodiment, as described above, the management device 30 can recognize that the toilet device 10 is "being cleaned," that is, "unusable," based on operation information related to input operations in the work operation means 41. In this way, by transmitting information not only from the device equipment but also from the device control device 40, the possibility of misrecognition can be reduced. The state of the toilet space can be managed more appropriately.

[0085] As described above, the work operation means 41 is, for example, a worker terminal 50. The worker terminal 50 can remotely control multiple devices collectively or individually. This can improve work efficiency.

[0086] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a device control device according to the embodiment. As already mentioned, the device control device 40 includes a work operation means 41 and a communication means 42. In the examples of Figures 3(a) and 3(b), the work operation means 41 and the communication means 42 were housed in a single housing, i.e., the housing of the worker terminal 50. In the example of Figure 5, the work operation means 41 and the communication means 42 that constitute a single device control device 40 are housed in separate housings.

[0087] In this example as well, the worker terminal 50 is used as the work operation means 41. That is, the work operation means 41 is provided in a housing (first housing 41H) that has an operation unit 51 on which the worker performs input operations. The communication means 42 is provided in a second housing 42H, which is separate from the first housing 41H. In this example, the second housing 42H is a smartphone housing separate from the worker terminal 50. Note that the second housing 42H is not limited to a smartphone, and can be any housing provided separately from the housing on which the work operation means 41 is provided.

[0088] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating a toilet management system according to the embodiment. The first housing 41H and the second housing 42H are connected by a connecting means 44. The connection between the first housing 41H and the second housing 42H by the connecting means 44 means that signals transmitted from the first housing 41H can be received in the second housing 42H. In other words, the state in which they are connected by the connecting means 44 is a state in which the work operation means 41 and the communication means 42, which are provided in separate housings, can communicate with each other. Communication between the work operation means 41 (first housing 41H) and the communication means 42 (second housing 42H) via the connecting means 44 can use any communication method, such as wired, wireless, or a combination of wired and wireless. For example, the connecting means 44 (connecting part) is a circuit or device that enables communication.

[0089] For example, the first housing 41H and the second housing 42H may be connected via a wired connection using a communication cable or connector, such as a USB cable, in the connection means 44. Alternatively, the first housing 41H and the second housing 42H may be connected wirelessly using a wireless communication module in the connection means 44. The communication standard can be, for example, BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy), but is not particularly limited. In Figure 6, for convenience, the connection means 44 is shown separately from the first housing 41H and the second housing 42H. The connection means 44 may be located outside the first housing 41H and the second housing 42H, or it may be located inside the first housing 41H and the second housing 42H as appropriate. For example, the connection means 44 may be a wireless communication module built into the first housing 41H and the second housing 42H.

[0090] The operator controls a device such as a toilet unit 10 by performing input operations on the operation operation means 41. Operation information related to the input operation is transmitted to the communication means 42 by the connection means 44. The communication means 42 transmits the operation information to the acquisition means 32 of the management device 30. In this way, for example, by connecting the first housing 41H to the second housing 42H, the operator can transmit the operation details from the first housing 41H to the management device 30 from the second housing 42H.

[0091] In the case of the device control device 40 illustrated in Figure 5, for example, by using the communication module of a smartphone for the communication means 42, it is not necessary to provide a communication unit with the management device 30 in the first housing 41H. This can, for example, reduce costs. If the second housing 42H is the housing of a smartphone and the first housing 41H is a worker terminal 50 carried by a worker, the first housing 41H may take the form of an adapter attached to the second housing 42H.

[0092] If the device control device 40 includes a device having communication means 42 (e.g., a smartphone) and an adapter attached to the device, the adapter may or may not be provided with an operation unit 51 for controlling the device. If the adapter is not provided with an operation unit 51, for example, the device to which the adapter is attached may be provided with an operation unit 51. In this case, the device provided with the operation unit 51 is a device that receives input operations from an operator (work operation means 41), and for example, by operating the operation unit 51 of the device, the adapter may transmit control signals such as infrared to the device.

[0093] If the first housing 41H is the worker terminal 50 and the second housing 42H is a separate housing from the worker terminal 50, the first housing 41H may be able to receive power from the second housing 42H. For example, in the case of the device control device 40 illustrated in Figure 5, the worker terminal 50 may be able to operate using power supplied from a smartphone via a cable. Conversely, the second housing 42H may be able to receive power from the first housing 41H.

[0094] The timing of communication between the management device 30 and the device control device 40 may be freely configurable. For example, the device control device 40 transmits operation information related to an input operation to the management device 30 each time it receives an input operation from the work operation means 41 and controls a device. For example, the status of each device can always be managed in real time by the management device 30. Alternatively, the device control device 40 may transmit operation information to the management device 30 at a predetermined timing after controlling a device in response to an input operation. For example, the device control device 40 may periodically transmit operation information to the management device 30. Or, for example, the device control device 40 may transmit multiple pieces of operation information related to multiple input operations to the management device 30 after performing multiple controls in response to multiple input operations. The device control device 40 may autonomously determine the communication timing when predetermined conditions are met. For example, the device control device 40 may automatically transmit operation information related to an input operation to the management device 30 even if the operator does not perform an operation to input the operation content or transmit operation information separately from the input operation to control the device.

[0095] Figures 7(a) and 7(b) are schematic diagrams showing another example of the device control device according to the embodiment. In the examples shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(b), the device control device 40 is a device that includes a user terminal 60 as an operation means 41 and a communication means 42. The user terminal 60 is, for example, a built-in remote control installed in a toilet booth TB, and is a device that controls a toilet unit 10 in the same toilet booth TB. When the operation means 41 is a built-in remote control, one operation means 41 may control one toilet unit 10, and may not control multiple toilet units 10.

[0096] The operator can control the device by performing input operations on the user terminal 60. Operation information related to the input operations on the user terminal 60 is transmitted to the management device 30 by the communication means 42 (transmission means). This allows for more appropriate management of the toilet space.

[0097] In this way, the user terminal 60 can be used as the work operation means 41. That is, a device that allows the user to control the functions of the toilet equipment installed in the toilet booth TB can be used as the work operation means 41. For example, when a worker operates the user terminal 60, the worker's operation details are transmitted to the management device 30, which can then be used to notify the management device 30 of the start or end of work on the toilet equipment being worked on.

[0098] Although not shown in the illustration, in the example of Figure 7(a), the communication means 42 is located inside the housing of the user terminal 60. In other words, the work operation means 41 and the communication means 42 are located in a single housing as a single terminal.

[0099] In the example shown in Figure 7(b), the work operation means 41 is provided in a housing (first housing 41H) having an operation unit 61 on which the user (and worker) performs input operations. The communication means 42 is provided in a second housing 42H, which is separate from the first housing 41H. In this example, the second housing 42H is a housing for a wireless communication module, separate from the user terminal 60. The first housing 41H and the second housing 42H are connected by a connection means 44. For example, by connecting the first housing 41H to the second housing 42H, the worker can transmit the operation details from the first housing 41H to the management device 30 via the second housing 42H.

[0100] For example, the operator may perform the work with the first enclosure 41H and the second enclosure 42H connected, and operation information may be transmitted from the second enclosure 42H each time an input operation is performed on the first enclosure 41H. Alternatively, for example, the operator may perform the work by operating the first enclosure 41H, and then connect the first enclosure 41H to the second enclosure 42H to transmit operation information.

[0101] The device control device 40 may have a mechanism for acquiring location information when control is performed. The device control device 40 may transmit location information in addition to operation information to the management device 30. The device control device 40 may acquire location information using external communication means. The device control device 40 may also have a mechanism for generating location information.

[0102] 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.

[0103] The embodiment may include the following configurations. (Composition 1) The device is installed in a toilet space and includes a work operation means that receives input operations from an operator performing a predetermined task and controls at least one function of the device based on the input operations. A device control device characterized in that the operation information relating to the input operation is transmitted to a management device that manages the device by a transmission means separate from the device. (Configuration 2) The aforementioned work operation means is The worker holds this, The device control device according to configuration 1, characterized in that multiple devices can be remotely controlled individually or collectively. (Composition 3) The aforementioned work operation means is provided in a first housing having an operation unit in which the worker performs the input operation, The device control device according to configuration 2, characterized in that the transmitting means is separate from the first housing and is provided in a second housing connected to the first housing by a connecting means. (Composition 4) The aforementioned work operation means is The device is installed inside a toilet booth having a toilet system, The device control device according to configuration 1, characterized in that it receives an operation from a user using the toilet device and controls at least one function of the toilet device based on the operation. (Composition 5) The aforementioned work operation means is provided in a first housing having an operation unit in which the worker performs the input operation, The device control device according to configuration 4, characterized in that the transmitting means is separate from the first housing and is provided in a second housing connected to the first housing by a connecting means.

[0104] 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]

[0105] 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, 41H: First housing, 42: Communication means, 42H: Second enclosure, 44: Connection means, 50: Worker terminal, 51: Operation unit, 52: Display unit, 60: User terminal, 61: Operation unit, A1: Individual toilet area, A2: Urinal area, A3: Handwashing area, GW: Repeater, S1~S6: Signal, S101~S110: Step, TB: Toilet booth, TR: Toilet space

Claims

1. The device is installed in a toilet space and includes a work operation means that receives input operations from an operator performing a predetermined task, and controls at least one function of the device based on the input operations. A device control device characterized in that the operation information relating to the input operation is transmitted to a management device that manages the device by a transmission means separate from the device.

2. The aforementioned work operation means is The worker holds this, The device control device according to claim 1, characterized in that it can remotely control multiple devices individually or collectively.

3. The aforementioned work operation means is provided in a first housing having an operation unit in which the worker performs the input operation, The device control device according to claim 2, characterized in that the transmitting means is separate from the first housing and is provided in a second housing connected to the first housing by a connecting means.

4. The aforementioned work operation means is The device is installed inside a toilet booth having a toilet system, The device control device according to claim 1, characterized in that it receives an operation from a user using the toilet device and controls at least one function of the toilet device based on the operation.

5. The aforementioned work operation means is provided in a first housing having an operation unit in which the worker performs the input operation, The device control device according to claim 4, characterized in that the transmitting means is separate from the first housing and is provided in a second housing connected to the first housing by a connecting means.

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