Reporting system

Abstract

This system provides a notification system that contributes to the safer use of toilet facilities by visually impaired individuals. [Solution] The control unit 150 causes the first beacon 111 to send a first guidance notification signal to the terminal device T of user U that has entered the detection range A1 of the first beacon 111, which will output a guidance notification to guide the terminal device T to the toilet seat 20. The control unit 150 causes the second beacon 112 to send a notification screen signal to the terminal device T of user U that has entered the detection range A2 of the second beacon 112, which will display a notification screen T1 that guides the terminal device T of user U to make an emergency call regarding the toilet facilities 1.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] This disclosure relates to a notification system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a toilet guidance system for guiding toilet facilities to visually impaired persons.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There is room for further improvement to enable visually impaired persons to use the toilet safely.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a notification system that contributes to safer use of toilet facilities by visually impaired visitors.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above object, the notification system of the present disclosure includes a first wireless communication terminal installed at the entrance of the toilet facility and capable of communicating with a terminal device owned by a user, a second wireless communication terminal installed near the toilet seat inside the toilet facility and capable of communicating with the terminal device, and a control unit that controls the operations of the first wireless communication terminal and the second wireless communication terminal. The control unit transmits a first guidance notification signal from the first wireless communication terminal to the terminal device to cause the terminal device of the user who has entered the detection range of the first wireless communication terminal to output a guidance notification for guiding the user to the toilet seat, The second wireless communication terminal transmits a notification screen signal to the terminal device of the user that has entered the detection range of the second wireless communication terminal, causing the terminal device to display a notification screen that guides the user to make an emergency call regarding the toilet facilities.

[0007] According to the above configuration, the first wireless communication terminal transmits a guidance notification signal to the terminal device, making it easier for visually impaired users to approach the toilet seat. The second wireless communication terminal transmits a notification screen signal to the terminal device, causing the terminal device to display a notification screen guiding users to make an emergency call regarding the toilet facilities. When a user needs to make an emergency call, such as when they feel unwell, they can receive information for making an emergency call on their terminal device, thus enabling the safe use of toilet facilities even for visually impaired users. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, a notification system can be provided that contributes to the safer use of toilet facilities by visually impaired persons. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating toilet facilities and the notification system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of the notification system of this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the notification system. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the reporting screen. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a notification system that automatically detects user anomalies. [Figure 6] Figure 6 illustrates the operation of the notification system when a user leaves a restroom. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, the notification system 100 according to the embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The notification system 100 provides information about the toilet facilities 1 to visually impaired persons and is configured to make an emergency notification to a person outside the toilet facilities 1, such as a control room, if an abnormality occurs with a visually impaired person in the toilet facilities 1. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the toilet facilities 1 and the notification system 100 according to this embodiment. As illustrated in Figure 1, the toilet facilities 1 are equipped with a door 10 that can separate the entrance to the toilet facilities 1, a toilet seat 20 that can be used by user U, and a housing 30. The housing 30 is configured to receive operations related to the functions of the toilet seat 20, such as spraying cleaning fluid for buttock washing and warming the toilet seat 20. Furthermore, the various parts of the notification system 100 are arranged in the toilet facilities 1.

[0011] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of the notification system 100 of this embodiment. As illustrated in Figure 2, the notification system 100 includes a terminal communication unit 110, a usage status acquisition unit 120, an emergency notification input unit 130, a notification unit 140, and a control unit 150.

[0012] The terminal communication unit 110 is configured to communicate with a terminal device T owned by user U. The terminal communication unit 110 includes a first beacon 111 and a second beacon 112. The first beacon 111 is installed at the entrance of the toilet facility 1. The detection range A1 of the first beacon 111 includes the door 10 separating the entrance of the toilet facility 1. The first beacon 111 is an example of a first wireless communication terminal.

[0013] The second beacon 112 is installed near the toilet seat 20 inside the toilet facility 1. The detection range A2 of the second beacon 112 includes the toilet seat 20. The second beacon 112 is an example of a second wireless communication terminal.

[0014] The usage status acquisition unit 120 is configured to be able to acquire data for determining whether or not the user U is using the toilet seat 20. The usage status acquisition unit 120 may be, for example, a pressure sensor provided on the toilet seat 20 and configured to acquire a pressure value for determining whether or not the user U is sitting on the toilet seat 20. The usage status acquisition unit 120 may be configured to be able to acquire data for determining whether or not the user U is using the toilet seat 20 by other methods.

[0015] The emergency notification input unit 130 is configured to be able to receive an operation by the user U for emergency notification. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the emergency notification input unit 130 may be provided suspended from the housing 30. An emergency notification may be executed by the user U pulling the emergency notification input unit 130 downward.

[0016] The notification unit 140 is configured to notify a person outside the toilet facility 1, such as a manager, of an abnormality inside the toilet facility 1. The notification unit 140 includes a speaker 141 and a notification communication unit 142.

[0017] The speaker 141 is configured to be able to output an alarm sound when an emergency notification is executed. The speaker 141 may be provided on the housing 30 or may be provided outside the door 10 of the toilet facility 1.

[0018] The notification communication unit 142 is configured to communicate with an emergency notification destination, such as a facility outside the toilet facility 1 or a manager, during an emergency notification.

[0019] The control unit 150 is configured to be able to control the operations of the terminal communication unit 110, the usage status acquisition unit 120, the emergency notification input unit 130, the speaker 141, and the notification communication unit 142. The control unit 150 can transmit a signal to the terminal device T possessed by the user U or receive a signal from the terminal device T possessed by the user U via the first beacon 111 and the second beacon 112.

[0020] Next, the operation of the notification system 100 will be explained. Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the notification system 100.

[0021] First, when the first beacon 111 detects a terminal device T possessed by user U within the detection range A1 of the first beacon 111 (step S11), the control unit 150 generates a first guidance notification signal (step S12). The control unit 150 causes the first beacon 111 to transmit the first guidance notification signal to the terminal device T (step S13). Upon receiving the first guidance notification signal, the terminal device T outputs a guidance notification to guide it to the toilet seat 20 (step S14). The guidance notification may be, for example, a voice guidance.

[0022] The guidance notification is expected to cause user U to move out of the detection range A1 of the first beacon 111 and enter the detection range A2 of the second beacon 112. When the second beacon 112 detects the terminal device T held by user U within the detection range A2 of the second beacon 112 (step S15), the control unit 150 generates a notification screen signal (step S16). The control unit 150 causes the second beacon 112 to transmit the notification screen signal to the terminal device T (step S17). Upon receiving the notification screen signal, the terminal device T displays a notification screen T1 that guides the user to make an emergency call regarding the toilet facility 1 (step S18). The terminal device T may also perform voice guidance regarding the notification screen T1 along with displaying the notification screen T1.

[0023] Figure 4 illustrates the notification screen T1. As illustrated in Figure 4, the notification screen T1 displays instructions on how to make an emergency call and includes an emergency call operation unit T11. When the emergency call operation unit T11 is operated, the second beacon 112 receives a signal requesting an emergency call, and the control unit 150, based on this signal, causes the notification communication unit 142 of the notification unit 140 to execute the emergency call. The emergency call operation unit T11 is an example of a unit that is operated.

[0024] Thus, the notification system 100 is configured to make an emergency call based on the user U's actions, but it may also be configured to automatically make an emergency call when the user U is unable to perform any actions. Figure 5 is a flowchart of the operation of the notification system 100, showing an example of automatically detecting an abnormality in the user U. While the user U is using the toilet seat 20, the control unit 150 receives acceleration data from the terminal device T over time.

[0025] First, the control unit 150 determines whether or not abnormal acceleration data has been detected by the acceleration sensor built into the terminal device T (step S21). For example, if the acceleration sensor detects an acceleration such that the terminal device T is falling, it is determined that there is an abnormality. If no abnormality occurs in the acceleration sensor (No in step S21), step S21 is repeated.

[0026] If an abnormality occurs in the acceleration sensor (Yes in step S21), the control unit 150 detects whether or not there has been any change in the acceleration sensor of terminal device T within a predetermined time period since the abnormality (step S22). Specifically, the control unit 150 determines whether acceleration data indicating an increase in the terminal device T has been obtained within the predetermined time period. If there has been a change in the acceleration sensor of terminal device T (Yes in step S22), the control unit 150 may determine that user U has picked up the terminal device T that it dropped and return to step S21.

[0027] If there is no change in the acceleration sensor of terminal device T (No in step S22), it is assumed that user U is not in a state to operate terminal device T. The control unit 150 generates an alarm signal based on the acceleration data received via the second beacon 112 (step S23).

[0028] The control unit 150 may transmit the alarm signal to the speaker 141 and the notification communication unit 142 of the notification unit 140. When the speaker 141 receives the alarm signal, it outputs an alarm sound (step S24). When the notification communication unit 142 receives the alarm signal, it notifies the emergency notification destination (step S25).

[0029] The control unit 150 may also cause the emergency notification signal to be transmitted from the second beacon 112 to the terminal device T (step S26). When the terminal device T receives the alarm signal, it outputs an alarm sound (step S27).

[0030] In this way, the notification system 100 can automatically make emergency calls without relying on user U's actions.

[0031] Next, we will explain the operation of the notification system 100 when user U leaves the toilet facility 1. Figure 6 illustrates the operation of the notification system 100 when user U leaves the toilet facility 1.

[0032] When the control unit 150 determines, based on the usage status acquisition unit 120, that user U has finished using the toilet (toilet seat 20) (step S31), the control unit 150 generates a second guidance notification signal (step S32). The control unit 150 causes the second guidance notification signal to be transmitted from the second beacon 112 to the terminal device T (step S33). The terminal device T, having received the second guidance notification signal, outputs a guidance notification to guide user U toward the detection range A1 of the first beacon 111 (step S34). The guidance notification may be, for example, a voice guidance.

[0033] The guidance notification is expected to cause user U to move out of the detection range A2 of the second beacon 112 and enter the detection range A1 of the first beacon 111. In this case, the second beacon 112 will no longer be able to detect terminal device T (step S35), and the first beacon 111 will be able to detect terminal device T within the detection range A1 of the first beacon 111 (step S36).

[0034] When the first beacon 111 can detect terminal device T, the control unit 150 generates a notification screen stop signal (step S37). The control unit 150 causes the first beacon 111 to transmit the notification screen stop signal to terminal device T (step S38). Upon receiving the notification screen stop signal, terminal device T stops displaying the notification screen T1 (step S39).

[0035] Thus, the display of the notification screen T1 is automatically stopped even without any action from user U.

[0036] According to the notification system 100 of this embodiment, the first beacon 111 transmits a guidance notification signal to the terminal device T, causing the terminal device T to issue a guidance notification to the user U, making it easier for the user U, even if visually impaired, to approach the toilet seat 20. The second beacon 112 transmits a notification screen signal to the terminal device T, causing the terminal device T to display a notification screen T1 that guides the user to make an emergency call regarding the toilet facility 1. When the user U needs to make a call, such as when feeling unwell, they can receive information for making an emergency call on the terminal device T they have on hand, thus enabling safer use of the toilet facility 1 even if the user U is visually impaired.

[0037] According to the notification system 100 of this embodiment, an emergency notification is made when user U operates the emergency notification operation unit T11. Therefore, when user U needs to make a notification, such as when feeling unwell, they can make an emergency notification by operating the terminal device T on their hand. This makes it possible for user U to use the toilet facilities 1 more safely, even if user U is visually impaired.

[0038] According to the notification system 100 of this embodiment, the notification communication unit 142 of the notification unit 140 makes an emergency notification based on an abnormality in acceleration data. Therefore, even if user U is unable to operate terminal equipment T, for example, if user U loses consciousness in the toilet facility 1, an emergency notification will be made.

[0039] According to the notification system 100 of this embodiment, the speaker 141 of the notification unit 140 outputs an alarm sound based on an abnormality in acceleration data. Therefore, even if user U is unable to operate the terminal device T, for example, if user U loses consciousness inside the toilet facility 1, the system can notify the user of an anomaly inside the toilet facility 1.

[0040] According to the notification system 100 of this embodiment, the terminal device T outputs an alarm sound based on an anomaly in acceleration data. Therefore, even if user U is unable to operate the terminal device T, for example, if user U loses consciousness inside the toilet facility 1, the system can still notify the user of an anomaly inside the toilet facility 1.

[0041] According to the notification system 100 of this embodiment, the notification communication unit 142 of the notification unit 140 makes an emergency notification based on acceleration data. Therefore, even if user U is unable to operate terminal device T, for example, if user U loses consciousness inside the toilet facility 1, an emergency notification will be made. Here, an emergency notification is made if terminal device T does not rise within a predetermined time after it falls. For example, if user U accidentally drops terminal device T, it becomes less likely that an emergency notification will be made.

[0042] According to the notification system 100 of this embodiment, when user U finishes using the toilet facilities 1, such as the toilet seat 20, they are guided to the vicinity of the entrance to the toilet facilities 1, making it easy for them to leave the toilet facilities 1 and improving the convenience of the toilet facilities 1 for user U.

[0043] According to the notification system 100 of this embodiment, even if user U does not operate the terminal device T to end the display of the notification screen T1 after using the toilet facilities 1, the display of the notification screen T1 will automatically end if user U enters the detection range A1 of the first beacon 111 while still holding the terminal device T. This improves the convenience of the notification system 100 for user U.

[0044] Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be freely modified, improved, etc. as appropriate. In addition, the material, shape, dimensions, numerical values, form, number, placement location, etc. of each component in the embodiments described above are arbitrary and not limited as long as they can achieve this disclosure.

[0045] The configurations listed below also constitute part of this disclosure. (1): Installed at the entrance to the toilet facilities, the first wireless communication terminal is capable of communicating with user-owned devices, A second wireless communication terminal is installed near the toilet seat inside the aforementioned toilet facility and is capable of communicating with the aforementioned terminal equipment, The system comprises a control unit that controls the operation of the first wireless communication terminal and the second wireless communication terminal, The control unit, The first wireless communication terminal transmits a first guidance notification signal to the terminal device of the user that has entered the detection range of the first wireless communication terminal, causing the terminal device to output a guidance notification to guide the user to the toilet seat. The second wireless communication terminal transmits a notification screen signal to the terminal device of the user that has entered the detection range of the second wireless communication terminal, causing the terminal device to display a notification screen that guides the user to make an emergency call regarding the toilet facilities. A reporting system. (2): The aforementioned toilet facility is equipped with a notification unit for making emergency calls, The notification screen includes an operable unit that, when operated, triggers an emergency notification from the notification unit. The control unit causes the notification unit to execute an emergency notification when the operated unit is operated. (1) The reporting system described above. (3): The aforementioned toilet facility is equipped with a notification unit for making emergency calls, The second wireless communication terminal is configured to receive acceleration data associated with the measurement results of the acceleration sensor of the terminal device. When the control unit determines that the terminal device has fallen based on the acceleration data received by the second wireless communication terminal, it causes the notification unit to execute an emergency notification. The reporting system described in (1) or (2). (4): The aforementioned toilet facility is equipped with a notification unit capable of outputting an alarm sound, The second wireless communication terminal is configured to receive acceleration data associated with the measurement results of the acceleration sensor of the terminal device. When the control unit determines that the terminal device has fallen based on the acceleration data received by the second wireless communication terminal, it causes the notification unit to output an alarm sound. The reporting system described in (1) or (2). (5): The second wireless communication terminal is configured to receive acceleration data associated with the measurement results of the acceleration sensor of the terminal device. When the control unit determines that the terminal device has fallen based on the acceleration data received by the second wireless communication terminal, it causes the second wireless communication terminal to transmit an alarm signal to the terminal device, which causes the terminal device to output an alarm sound. The reporting system described in (1) or (2). (6): The aforementioned toilet facility is equipped with a notification unit for making emergency calls, The second wireless communication terminal is configured to receive acceleration data associated with the measurement results of the acceleration sensor of the terminal device. If the control unit determines, based on the acceleration data received by the second wireless communication terminal, that the terminal device has not risen for a predetermined time since it fell, it will cause the notification unit to execute an emergency notification. The reporting system described in (1) or (2). (7): The control unit causes the second wireless communication terminal to transmit a second guidance notification signal to the terminal device of the user who has finished using the toilet facilities, which will output a guidance notification to guide the terminal device toward the detection range of the first wireless communication terminal. A reporting system as described in any of (1) through (6). (8): When the terminal device displaying the notification screen moves out of the detection range of the second wireless communication terminal, the control unit causes the second wireless communication terminal to transmit a notification screen stop signal to the terminal device to stop displaying the notification screen. A reporting system as described in any of (1) through (7). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0046] 1. Toilet facilities 10 Doors 20 toilet seats 30 cabinets 100 notification system 110 Terminal Communications Unit 111 First Beacon 112 Second Beacon 120 Usage Status Acquisition Unit 130 Emergency Call Input Section 140 Reporting Department 141 speakers 142 Communication Department 150 Control Unit A1, A2 Detection range T terminal equipment T1 Reporting Screen T11 Emergency call operation section U User

Claims

1. Installed at the entrance to the toilet facilities, the first wireless communication terminal is capable of communicating with user-owned devices, A second wireless communication terminal is installed near the toilet seat inside the aforementioned toilet facility and is capable of communicating with the aforementioned terminal equipment, The system comprises a control unit that controls the operation of the first wireless communication terminal and the second wireless communication terminal, The control unit, The first wireless communication terminal transmits a first guidance notification signal to the terminal device of the user that has entered the detection range of the first wireless communication terminal, causing the terminal device to output a guidance notification to guide the user to the toilet seat. The second wireless communication terminal transmits a notification screen signal to the terminal device of the user that has entered the detection range of the second wireless communication terminal, causing the terminal device to display a notification screen that guides the user to make an emergency call regarding the toilet facilities. A reporting system.

2. The aforementioned toilet facility is equipped with a notification unit for making emergency calls, The notification screen includes an operable unit that, when operated, triggers an emergency notification from the notification unit. The control unit causes the notification unit to execute an emergency notification when the operated unit is operated. The notification system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned toilet facility is equipped with a notification unit for making emergency calls, The second wireless communication terminal is configured to receive acceleration data associated with the measurement results of the acceleration sensor of the terminal device. When the control unit determines that the terminal device has fallen based on the acceleration data received by the second wireless communication terminal, it causes the notification unit to execute an emergency notification. The notification system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The aforementioned toilet facility is equipped with a notification unit capable of outputting an alarm sound, The second wireless communication terminal is configured to receive acceleration data associated with the measurement results of the acceleration sensor of the terminal device. When the control unit determines that the terminal device has fallen based on the acceleration data received by the second wireless communication terminal, it causes the notification unit to output an alarm sound. The notification system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The second wireless communication terminal is configured to receive acceleration data associated with the measurement results of the acceleration sensor of the terminal device. When the control unit determines that the terminal device has fallen based on the acceleration data received by the second wireless communication terminal, it causes the second wireless communication terminal to transmit an alarm signal to the terminal device, which causes the terminal device to output an alarm sound. The notification system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The aforementioned toilet facility is equipped with a notification unit for making emergency calls, The second wireless communication terminal is configured to receive acceleration data associated with the measurement results of the acceleration sensor of the terminal device. If the control unit determines, based on the acceleration data received by the second wireless communication terminal, that the terminal device has not risen for a predetermined time since it fell, it will cause the notification unit to execute an emergency notification. The notification system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The control unit causes the second wireless communication terminal to transmit a second guidance notification signal to the terminal device of the user who has finished using the toilet facilities, which will output a guidance notification to guide the terminal device toward the detection range of the first wireless communication terminal. The notification system according to claim 1 or 2.

8. When the terminal device displaying the notification screen moves out of the detection range of the second wireless communication terminal, the control unit causes the second wireless communication terminal to transmit a notification screen stop signal to the terminal device to stop displaying the notification screen. The notification system according to claim 1 or 2.

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