Toilet system

Abstract

This toilet system provides a solution that allows for prompt action to resolve toilet malfunctions. [Solution] The toilet system 1 includes a measurement unit 22 that measures the state of the toilet as waveform information using a radio wave sensor, a control unit 50 that estimates the future state of the toilet based on the waveform information measured by the measurement unit 22, and a notification unit 54 that notifies the estimated information regarding the estimated future state of the toilet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a toilet system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in public toilets, there has been known a toilet system that detects a clogged state or the like and notifies an administrator of information for cleaning management.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a management device that calculates and notifies the workload of toilet cleaning by detecting the current clogged state or the like of a toilet.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, since cleaning measures are taken after notifying the current clogged state or the like of the toilet, it may take time until the abnormality of the toilet is resolved.

[0006] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a toilet system capable of promptly taking measures for resolving toilet abnormalities. "

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To solve the above problems, according to a first aspect of the present invention, the following toilet system is provided. This toilet system comprises a measurement unit that measures the state of the toilet as waveform information using a radio wave sensor, a control unit that estimates the future state of the toilet based on the waveform information measured by the measurement unit, and a notification unit that notifies the estimated information regarding the estimated future state of the toilet.

[0008] This configuration allows for earlier intervention to resolve toilet malfunctions compared to cases where the future condition of the toilet cannot be predicted.

[0009] Furthermore, in the toilet system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the control unit calculates the future cleaning time based on the estimated information.

[0010] This configuration allows for future cleaning planning and estimation of necessary personnel, compared to a scenario where future cleaning time is not calculated.

[0011] Furthermore, in the toilet system according to the third aspect of the present invention, the control unit estimates the future state of the multiple toilets.

[0012] This configuration allows for the planning of future cleaning and estimation of the required personnel for multiple toilets, compared to estimating the future state of only one toilet.

[0013] Furthermore, in the toilet system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the measurement unit further measures the state of the toilet space other than the toilet, and the control unit estimates the future state of the toilet based on the state of the toilet space other than the toilet.

[0014] This configuration makes it possible to estimate the future state of the toilet more accurately compared to estimating the future state of the toilet without considering the state of the toilet space other than the toilet itself.

[0015] Furthermore, in the toilet system according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, an acquisition unit is further provided to acquire user information, which is information of multiple users of the toilet, the control unit selects a user from the multiple users to whom to notify the estimated information based on the estimated information and the user information, and the notification unit notifies the selected user of the estimated information based on the user information.

[0016] This configuration makes it possible to notify users who need the estimated information, in accordance with the future state of the toilet, compared to selecting users to notify based on estimated information and user information.

[0017] Furthermore, in the toilet system according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, an acquisition unit is further provided to acquire user information, which is information of the toilet user. The control unit selects a notification method for the estimated information based on the estimated information and the user information, and the notification unit notifies the user of the estimated information based on the user information using the selected notification method.

[0018] This configuration allows for the notification of estimated information to be delivered to recipients using more appropriate means, in accordance with the future state of the toilet, compared to selecting a notification method for estimated information without relying on estimated information or user information.

[0019] Furthermore, in the toilet system according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the estimated information includes proposed information on the cause of the toilet blockage, the equipment or personnel necessary to deal with the toilet blockage, or methods for dealing with the toilet blockage.

[0020] This configuration makes it possible to provide information suggesting how to resolve a toilet clog, compared to cases where the estimated information does not include information such as the cause of the clog.

[0021] Furthermore, in the eighth aspect of the present invention, the estimated information includes suggested information relating to advertisements for products or services useful for dealing with blockages.

[0022] According to this configuration, it is possible to notify a more appropriate advertisement as compared with the case where an advertisement is notified without being based on measurement information.

[0023] Also, in the toilet system according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the control unit estimates the possibility of future clogging of the toilet based on the waveform information measured by the measurement unit, the acquisition unit acquires cleaning plans of a plurality of users as user information, and the notification unit notifies proposal information regarding the personnel necessary to deal with the clogging based on the possibility of clogging and the cleaning plans.

[0024] According to this configuration, it is possible to propose a more appropriate personnel arrangement as compared with the case where the possibility of future clogging is not estimated.

[0025] Also, the toilet system according to the tenth aspect of the present invention further includes a storage unit that stores the past state of the toilet, the control unit further estimates the current state of the toilet based on the waveform information measured by the measurement unit, the control unit selects which of the estimated information regarding the past, current or future state of the toilet to notify, and the notification unit notifies the estimated information regarding the selected past, current or future state of the toilet.

[0026] According to this configuration, it is possible to notify the user of information with a higher urgency among the information on the toilet in the past, present and future.

Effect of the Invention

[0027] According to the toilet system according to the present invention, it is possible to quickly take measures to eliminate an abnormality of the toilet.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1] It is a diagram schematically showing an example of the overall configuration of a toilet system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a diagram schematically showing an example of the hardware configuration of a toilet system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Block diagram showing an example of various functions in a toilet system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of user information stored in the memory unit. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the correspondence between the workplace of the recipient of the notification stored in the memory unit and the details of the toilet malfunction. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows the processing flow of the toilet system. [Figure 7] This is an example of toilet information, which is information about each toilet stored in the memory unit. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows the processing flow of the toilet system according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. To facilitate understanding of the description, the same reference numerals are used for identical components in each drawing whenever possible, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0030] ---First Embodiment--- First, let's describe the toilet system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0031] <Overall Structure> Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a toilet system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] As shown in Figure 1, the toilet system 1 comprises a toilet device 10, an information processing device 40, and a user terminal 70.

[0033] The toilet equipment 10 is installed in a toilet room TR within a toilet space TS. The toilet space TS is a toilet space in a public restroom that can be used by many people, such as in a train station, airport, commercial facility, or office building. One or more toilet rooms TR are provided in this toilet space TS. Toilet doors TD are provided in the toilet rooms TR for entry and exit.

[0034] The toilet system 10 is a device for processing the user's excrement. This toilet system 10 comprises a toilet bowl 11, an operating device 14, and a display device 16.

[0035] The toilet bowl 11 is, for example, a ceramic toilet bowl. A toilet seat is provided on the top surface of this toilet bowl 11.

[0036] The operating device 14 is a device for operating the toilet equipment 10 and is installed, for example, on the wall of the toilet room TR. The operating device 14 can communicate with the toilet equipment 10 etc. via wired or wireless means and can send and receive information. The operating device 14 receives various operations from the user via a touch panel or buttons and executes the processing.

[0037] The display device 16 is a device that displays various information and is installed, for example, on the wall of the toilet space TS. The display device 16 may be the same device as the operating device 14, or it may be provided as a different device. The display device 16 may be, for example, a digital signage, liquid crystal panel, or organic EL display.

[0038] The information processing device 40 is configured to communicate with the toilet device 10 and the user terminal 70 via a network such as the Internet or an intranet.

[0039] The user terminal 70 is, for example, a smartphone. The user terminal 70 may also be a PC (personal computer) or a digital signage device. The user terminal 70 may be, for example, the personal property of the user, or it may be attached to the toilet device 10. The user terminal 70 is configured to communicate with the toilet device 10.

[0040] <Hardware configuration of toilet system 1> Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the toilet system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] As shown in Figure 2, the toilet system 10 includes an operating device 14, a display device 16, and a communication device 18.

[0042] The communication device 18 consists of a communication interface for communicating with external devices. The communication device 18 can communicate with various devices, for example. In the case of wired communication, the communication device 18 may use connection standards such as a wired LAN network based on IEEE 802.3, USB, or Thunderbolt. In the case of wireless communication, the communication device 18 may use wireless communication standards such as Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi®, or the TCP / IP protocol used for these communications.

[0043] The information processing device 40 comprises a control device 42 and a communication device 48. The control device 42 mainly consists of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 44 and memory 46. The communication device 48 has substantially the same configuration as the communication device 18, so its description is omitted.

[0044] In the control device 42, the CPU 44 executes a predetermined program stored in the memory 46, thereby performing various functional configurations. The CPU 44 stores various programs and information necessary for executing processing in the control device 42, as well as information on processing results.

[0045] Furthermore, the information processing device 40 may be implemented using a dedicated or general-purpose computer or other information processing device. Also, the information processing device 40 may consist of a single information processing device or multiple information processing devices. Moreover, Figure 2 only shows a part of the main hardware configuration of the information processing device 40, and the information processing device 40 may have other configurations.

[0046] <Functional configuration of toilet system 1> Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of various functions in the toilet system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] As shown in Figure 3, the toilet device 10 mainly comprises a control unit 20, a measurement unit 22, a communication unit 24, and a storage unit 26.

[0048] The control unit 20 processes and controls the overall operation related to the toilet device 10. The control unit 20 realizes various functions related to the information processing device 40 by reading predetermined programs stored in the memory unit 28. Note that the control unit 20 is not limited to a single unit, and there may be multiple control units 20 for each function, or a combination thereof.

[0049] The measurement unit 22 is a functional unit that measures the state of the toilet. The measurement information measured by the measurement unit 22 is stored in the storage unit 26. The measurement information is also sent to the information processing device 40 via the communication unit 24. The measurement unit 22 is, for example, a radio wave sensor that measures the flow of flushing water flowing into the toilet device 10 as waveform information.

[0050] Specifically, the measurement unit 22 is a Doppler sensor that detects the distance between the flushing water wave and the Doppler sensor (flushing water level) and the flow velocity of the flushing water wave. The measurement information may include information such as the measurement time and the location of the toilet being measured, in addition to information measuring the state of the toilet space TS. Since radio waves easily penetrate resin and reflect water, if the measurement unit 22 is a radio wave sensor, the state of the flushing water can be measured with high accuracy. The measurement unit 22 is not limited to one sensor, but may consist of multiple sensors or sensors of different types, and the measurement unit 22 may also measure the state of toilet spaces TS other than toilets.

[0051] For example, the measurement unit 22 may be an entry / exit sensor that detects when a user enters or leaves the toilet space TS. Alternatively, the measurement unit 22 may be an open / close sensor installed on the toilet door, a sensor that detects the presence or absence of people in the toilet space TS, etc. The measurement unit 22 may also detect the presence or absence of users waiting outside the toilet room TR to use the toilet (waiting status). The measurement unit 22 may be an identification sensor that identifies each of multiple users in the toilet space TS. The identification method can be, for example, image recognition, and the specific method is not limited. The measurement unit 22 may be, for example, an infrared sensor, a camera, etc.

[0052] Furthermore, the measurement unit 22 may also detect the degree of wear and tear on supplies, including toilet paper, and whether or not there are spares. It may also detect the condition of the toilet space TS other than the toilet equipment 10, such as the degree of soiling of the toilet floor. In addition, the measurement unit 22 may be a fault sensor that detects malfunctions in the flushing mechanism of the toilet equipment 10 or in the measurement unit 22 itself.

[0053] The communication unit 24 transmits and receives signals to and from the outside of the toilet device 10, such as the information processing device 40 or the user terminal 70, via a network. The communication unit 24 transmits, for example, measurement information measured by the measurement unit 22. The communication unit 24 may be a wired communication means such as USB, IEEE1394, Thunderbolt, or wired LAN network communication, or a wireless communication means such as wireless LAN network communication, LTE / 5G or other mobile communication, or Bluetooth® communication, and may include both as needed. In other words, it may be implemented as a collection of these multiple communication means.

[0054] The storage unit 26 stores user information, toilet information, various setting information and parameters, etc. This can be implemented, for example, as a storage device such as a solid-state drive (SSD) that stores various programs related to the toilet device 10 executed by the control unit 20, or as memory such as random access memory (RAM) that stores temporarily necessary information (arguments, arrays, etc.) related to program calculations. A combination of these may also be used. In addition to the above, the storage unit 26 also stores various programs related to the toilet device 10 executed by the control unit 20.

[0055] The information processing device 40 mainly comprises a control unit 50, an acquisition unit 52, a notification unit 54, a communication unit 56, and a storage unit 58. The explanation of the control unit 50, communication unit 56, and storage unit 58 will be omitted as they are the same as those for the control unit 20, communication unit 24, and storage unit 26 in the toilet device 10.

[0056] The control unit 50 estimates the current or future state of the toilet based on the measurement information measured by the measurement unit 22. The control unit 50 also generates estimation information regarding the estimated current or future state of the toilet. Specifically, the control unit 50 compares the waveform information of the water level and flow velocity of the flushing water with predetermined thresholds to estimate the toilet's blockage state as completely blocked, normal, or partially blocked with paper making flushing difficult. If the control unit 50 estimates the toilet's blockage state as partially blocked with paper, it generates estimation information indicating that the toilet may become completely blocked in the future. Estimating the current or future state of the toilet based on waveform information makes it possible to estimate the state more accurately compared to when the state is estimated without waveform information.

[0057] Furthermore, the control unit 50 may perform frequency analysis on the waveform information and compare the spectral intensity in a predetermined frequency range with a predetermined threshold to estimate the current or future state of the toilet. In addition, the control unit 50 may apply machine learning processing based on past waveform information or estimated information stored in the memory unit 58 to estimate the current or future state of the toilet. For example, the control unit 50 may calculate the time until the toilet becomes completely clogged. The control unit 50 may also estimate the cause of current or future toilet abnormalities from the time of past abnormalities and the number of flushes. Furthermore, the control unit 50 may calculate the cleaning time for future users based on estimated information such as the possibility of the toilet becoming completely clogged in the future and the time until the toilet becomes completely clogged. The control unit 50 may also estimate the cause of toilet clogging based on measurement information. For example, the control unit 50 may estimate whether the object clogging the toilet is excrement, paper, a pen, a smartphone, etc., by comparing the measured waveform information with past waveform information stored in the memory unit 58.

[0058] Furthermore, the control unit 50 may estimate the current or future state of the toilet based on the state of the toilet space TS other than the toilet itself. For example, the control unit 50 estimates the current congestion rate of the toilet based on whether the number of people entering and exiting within a predetermined time period, as detected by the measurement unit 22 (which is an entry / exit sensor), exceeds a threshold. Furthermore, the control unit 50 may estimate the future congestion rate of the toilet based on the congestion rates of multiple time periods. In addition, the control unit 50 may estimate the current state of the toilet's equipment based on the degree of wear and tear of the equipment detected by the measurement unit 22. Furthermore, the control unit 50 may estimate the future state of the toilet's equipment based on the current and past equipment status.

[0059] The acquisition unit 52 acquires user information, which is information about the toilet user. User information may be information for one user or multiple users. The acquisition unit 52 may acquire user information from the storage unit 58 or from an external terminal including the user terminal 70. User information may include, for example, information indicating a "user ID" and "user name" that can identify the user. User information may also include information indicating a "password" used when using the toilet system 1, a "job area" indicating the user's duties, a "responsible area" which is the area the user is in charge of, a "notification method" which is the method of notifying the user, and a "cleaning plan" which records the toilets and time slots that the user is in charge of cleaning, etc. "Job area" may be information indicating the duties of a person in charge, such as a manager or a cleaning person, or it may be information indicating the duties of a business unit, such as a management company, a cleaning company, or a supplies company, or it may be information indicating that the user is a user. User information may also be current location information. Furthermore, user information may also be cleaning plan information including the scheduled cleaning time and the name of the toilet to be cleaned.

[0060] The notification unit 54 notifies the toilet user of estimated information regarding the estimated current or future state of the toilet via the communication unit 56. For example, the notification unit 54 may notify the user of estimated information that the toilet is currently partially clogged with paper and that there is a possibility that the toilet will become completely clogged in the future. The notification unit 54 may also notify the user of estimated information that the toilet is currently clogged. The notification unit 54 may also notify the user of the cause of the toilet clog. Furthermore, the notification unit 54 may notify the user of the current or future toilet congestion rate and the current or future equipment status of the toilet. The notification unit 54 may notify the user of the estimated information by any notification method. For example, the notification unit 54 may notify the user of the estimated information by email to the user terminal 70, by app notification, by display on the management screen, by telephone, etc. Alternatively, the notification unit 54 may notify the user of the estimated information by displaying it on the screen of a signage installed in the toilet space TS. The notification unit 54 may also select any user and notify them of the estimated information. The notification unit 54 may, for example, select one or more users from among the administrator, cleaning staff, management company, cleaning company, equipment supplier, or users and notify them of the estimated information.

[0061] Here, the control unit 50 may select a notification method for estimated information based on estimated information and user information. The notification unit 54 may then notify the user of the estimated information using the notification method selected by the control unit 50, based on the user information. For example, the notification unit 54 may notify the user via email of estimated information that the toilet may become completely clogged in the future, and via an app of estimated information that the toilet is currently clogged. Alternatively, the control unit 50 may select a notification method for estimated information based solely on user information. For example, the control unit 50 may estimate whether the cleaning staff member is cleaning or on standby based on their current location. If the control unit 50 estimates that the cleaning staff member is cleaning, it may select a notification method via an app, and if it estimates that the cleaning staff member is on standby, it may select a notification method via email. The notification unit 54 may then notify the cleaning staff member of the estimated information via an app if it estimates that the cleaning staff member is cleaning, and may notify the cleaning staff member of the estimated information via email if it estimates that the cleaning staff member is on standby.

[0062] Furthermore, the control unit 50 may select users from among multiple users to whom to notify the estimated information, based on the estimated information and user information. The notification unit 54 may then notify the selected users of the estimated information based on the user information. For example, the notification unit 54 may notify via email of the estimated information that the toilet may become completely clogged in the future, and notify via an app of the estimated information that the toilet is currently clogged.

[0063] Furthermore, the control unit 50 may select a method for notifying estimated information and a combination of users to whom the estimated information will be notified, based on the estimated information and user information. The notification unit 54 may then notify the selected notification method and selected users of the estimated information based on the user information acquired by the acquisition unit 52. For example, the control unit 50 may select to notify the cleaning staff and users that the toilet is currently clogged, and further, depending on the toilet waiting situation, may select a notification method via signage outside the toilet room if there are users waiting to use the toilet. The notification unit 54 may then notify the users of the estimated information via the selected notification method via signage outside the toilet room.

[0064] The memory unit 58 stores measurement information, estimation information, notification content, user information, various setting information and parameters, etc.

[0065] The user terminal 70 mainly comprises a control unit 72, a display unit 74, a communication unit 76, a storage unit 78, and an input unit 80. The descriptions of the control unit 72, communication unit 76, and storage unit 78 are the same as those for the control unit 20, communication unit 24, and storage unit 26 in the toilet device 10, so these points will be omitted.

[0066] The display unit 74 displays estimated information to be notified to the user. The display unit 74 also displays an operation screen for the user to operate the user terminal 70. The display unit 74 may be, for example, included in the casing of the user terminal 70, or it may be an external component. The display unit 74 displays a graphical user interface (GUI) screen that the user can operate. The display unit 74 may be a display device such as a CRT display, liquid crystal display, organic EL display, or plasma display.

[0067] The input unit 80 may be included in the casing of the user terminal 70 or it may be an external component. For example, the input unit 80 may be integrated with the display unit 74 and implemented as a touch panel. If it is a touch panel, the user can input tap operations, swipe operations, etc. Alternatively, a switch button, mouse, QWERTY keyboard, etc., may be used instead of a touch panel. In other words, the input unit 80 receives operation input made by the user. This input is transmitted as a command signal to the control unit 72, and the control unit 72 can perform predetermined controls and calculations as needed.

[0068] Furthermore, the software modules incorporated into the toilet device 10, the information processing device 40, and the user terminal 70 do not necessarily need to be divided into functional blocks as shown in Figure 3. In other words, the actual analog circuits and modules may be configured to perform the functions of multiple functional blocks as shown in Figure 3, or they may be further subdivided. The configuration of the toilet device 10, the information processing device 40, and the user terminal 70 can be modified as appropriate by a person skilled in the art, as long as they are configured to perform the processing described later.

[0069] Figure 4 shows an example of user information stored in the memory unit 58.

[0070] Specifically, user "A" with user ID "0001" has the password "A01" and is stored as "Administrator". This user is responsible for areas "a" and "b". User information for notifying toilet users may also be stored. Specifically, a user who uses area "a" may be user "F" with user ID "0006" and be stored as "User". Such user information is pre-stored in the storage unit 58 for all users of the toilet system 1. Each piece of data may be entered, for example, by the administrator of the information processing device 40, or by reading a card containing each piece of data.

[0071] Figure 5 shows an example of the correspondence between the workplace of the notification recipient and the details of the toilet malfunction stored in the memory unit 58.

[0072] Specifically, if there is a possibility (tendency) that the toilet will become completely clogged in the future, only the building manager will be notified of this estimated possibility. If the toilet is currently clogged, the building manager, cleaning staff, and users will be notified of this estimated possibility. Furthermore, if the toilet is currently dirty, the building manager and cleaning staff will be notified of this estimated possibility.

[0073] <Processing flow> Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of toilet system 1.

[0074] The following example of a series of processing steps for detecting the toilet's status and notifying the user of toilet information, including estimated information about the toilet's current or future status, is explained using Figure 6.

[0075] (Step SP10) The measurement unit 22 measures the status of the toilet. The measured information is sent to the information processing device 40 via the communication device 18. Then, the processing proceeds to step SP12.

[0076] (Step SP12) The memory unit 58 stores the measurement information sent to the information processing device 40. Then, the processing proceeds to step SP14.

[0077] (Step SP14) The control unit 50 analyzes and processes the measurement information. For example, based on the measurement information, the control unit 50 generates estimated information about the past or present state of the toilet. Then, the process moves on to step SP16.

[0078] (Step SP16) The control unit 50 determines whether or not an abnormality requiring attention has occurred in the toilet space TS. For example, the control unit 50 determines whether or not a toilet blockage has occurred based on estimated information.

[0079] Then, if the result in step SP16 is "YES," meaning that an abnormality requiring attention is currently occurring in the toilet space TS, the process proceeds to step SP22. On the other hand, if the result in step SP16 is "NO," meaning that no abnormality requiring attention is currently occurring in the toilet space TS, the process proceeds to step SP18.

[0080] (Step SP18) The control unit 50 further analyzes the measurement information and generates estimated information regarding the future state of the toilet. Then, the process moves on to step SP20.

[0081] (Step SP20) The control unit 50 determines whether there is a tendency for abnormalities requiring future attention to occur in the toilet space TS. For example, based on estimated information, the control unit 50 determines whether there is a tendency for blockages to occur in the future.

[0082] Then, if the result in step SP20 is "YES," meaning that there is a tendency for abnormalities requiring future attention to occur in the toilet space TS, the process proceeds to step SP22. On the other hand, if the result in step SP16 is "NO," meaning that there is no tendency for abnormalities requiring future attention to occur in the toilet space TS, the process proceeds to step SP10.

[0083] (Step SP22) The acquisition unit 52 acquires user information. Here, the acquisition unit 52 may acquire user information stored in the storage unit 58, or it may acquire user information from an external terminal, including the user terminal 70. Then, the process moves to step SP24.

[0084] (Step SP24) The control unit 50 selects the recipients of the estimated information based on the estimated information and user information. For example, if an abnormality requiring attention is currently occurring, the estimated information is notified to the cleaner and the administrator. Also, for example, if there is a tendency for an abnormality requiring attention to occur in the future, the estimated information is notified to the administrator. Then, the process proceeds to step SP26.

[0085] (Step SP26) The control unit 50 selects a notification method for estimated information based on estimated information and user information. For example, the control unit 50 determines whether the cleaner is cleaning or on standby based on the cleaner's current location information, and the notification unit 54 sends an audio notification to the cleaner via the app if the cleaner is cleaning, or an email notification to the cleaner if the cleaner is on standby. Then the process moves to step SP28.

[0086] (Step SP28) The notification unit 54 notifies the selected user of the estimated information using the selected notification method. Then, the process proceeds to step SP30.

[0087] (Step SP30) The memory unit 58 stores the estimated information and notification content. Then, the series of processes shown in Figure 6 is completed.

[0088] Steps SP12, SP16, SP22, SP24, SP26, or SP30 described above may be omitted. Also, step SP18 may be executed after step SP14. Also, step SP26 may be executed after step SP24.

[0089] <Effects and Effects> As described above, the toilet system 1 according to the first embodiment includes a measurement unit 22 that measures the state of the toilet as waveform information using a radio wave sensor, a control unit 50 that estimates the future state of the toilet based on the waveform information measured by the measurement unit 22, and a notification unit 54 that notifies the estimated information regarding the estimated future state of the toilet.

[0090] This configuration allows for earlier intervention to resolve toilet malfunctions compared to cases where the future condition of the toilet cannot be predicted.

[0091] Furthermore, in toilet system 1, the control unit 50 calculates future cleaning time based on estimated information.

[0092] This configuration allows for future cleaning planning and estimation of necessary personnel, compared to a scenario where future cleaning time is not calculated.

[0093] Furthermore, in toilet system 1, the measurement unit 22 also measures the state of the toilet space TS other than the toilet, and the control unit 50 estimates the future state of the toilet based on the state of the toilet space TS other than the toilet.

[0094] This configuration makes it possible to estimate the future state of the toilet more accurately compared to estimating the future state of the toilet without considering the state of the toilet space TS other than the toilet itself.

[0095] Furthermore, the toilet system 1 is further equipped with an acquisition unit 52 that acquires user information, which is information about multiple users of the toilet. The control unit 50 selects users from among the multiple users to whom to notify the estimated information based on the estimated information and user information, and the notification unit 54 notifies the selected users of the estimated information based on the user information.

[0096] This configuration makes it possible to notify users who need the estimated information, in accordance with the future state of the toilet, compared to selecting users to notify based on estimated information and user information.

[0097] Furthermore, the toilet system 1 is further equipped with an acquisition unit 52 that acquires user information, which is information about the toilet user. The control unit 50 selects a notification method for the estimated information based on the estimated information and the user information, and the notification unit 54 notifies the user of the estimated information based on the user information using the selected notification method.

[0098] This configuration allows for the notification of estimated information to be delivered to recipients using more appropriate means, in accordance with the future state of the toilet, compared to selecting a notification method for estimated information without relying on estimated information or user information.

[0099] ---Second Embodiment--- Next, the toilet system 1A according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 3, 7, and 8. In the toilet system 1A according to the second embodiment, the processing flow in the toilet system 1A differs from that of the first embodiment.

[0100] The control unit 50 shown in Figure 3 further generates estimated information, including suggested information, based on the estimated information and user information. The suggested information may include, for example, a report related to the estimated toilet abnormality, the cause of the toilet blockage, the equipment or personnel required to address the blockage, or information on how to address the toilet blockage. For example, the suggested information may include a report containing information on the cause of the toilet blockage, how to address it, the estimated time required for the response, and the equipment required for the response.

[0101] Furthermore, the control unit 50 may select advertisements or information for products or services corresponding to current or potential future problems with the toilet, and the notification unit 54 may notify the user of the selected advertisements or information. In addition, the control unit 50 may calculate the introduction cost or cost reduction effect if the product or service is adopted, and the notification unit 54 may notify the user of the introduction cost or cost reduction effect.

[0102] Furthermore, the control unit 50 not only estimates the current or future state of one toilet, but also estimates the current or future state of multiple toilets. For example, by estimating the current or future state of multiple toilets in area a, the control unit 50 may estimate the time or number of personnel required to clean area a during a predetermined time period in the future. In addition, for example, the control unit 50 may estimate time periods when there may be a shortage of personnel in the future, based on the possibility of multiple toilets becoming clogged in the future and the user's cleaning plan, and generate suggested information regarding the personnel or equipment necessary to deal with toilet clogs during those time periods. The notification unit 54 may then notify the person in charge of management of the generated suggested information. The control unit 50 may also estimate the future congestion rate of toilets from past toilet congestion rates stored in the storage unit 58. Furthermore, the control unit 50 may estimate time periods when there may be a shortage of personnel in the future, based on the possibility of multiple toilets becoming clogged in the future and the user's cleaning plan, as well as the future congestion rate of toilets.

[0103] Furthermore, the control unit 50 estimates that the toilet malfunction has been resolved. For example, after the control unit 50 notifies the user of the toilet malfunction via the notification unit 54, if it estimates the toilet's condition to be normal based on the measurement information measured by the measurement unit 22, it generates estimated information indicating that the toilet malfunction has been resolved. The notification unit 54 then notifies the user of this estimated information indicating that the toilet malfunction has been resolved. Alternatively, after the control unit 50 notifies the user of the toilet malfunction via the notification unit 54, if it estimates from the measurement information measured by the measurement unit 22 that the same condition as the reported toilet malfunction is continuing, it generates estimated information indicating that the toilet malfunction is continuing. The notification unit 54 then does not send any further notifications to the user.

[0104] Furthermore, the control unit 50 may select users to be notified of estimated information regarding the abnormality in each toilet based on the details of the abnormality currently occurring in the toilet on the 1st floor and the time required for cleaning, the details of the abnormality currently occurring in the toilet on the 2nd floor and the time required for cleaning, and user information. In addition, the control unit 50 may further estimate an efficient cleaning order based on the travel time between multiple toilets, select users to be in charge of cleaning, and notify them of the estimated information.

[0105] Figure 7 shows an example of toilet information, which is information about each toilet stored in the memory unit 58.

[0106] Toilet information includes an "ID" that identifies the toilet, the toilet's "name," and information indicating the toilet's "location." It also includes information indicating the "area" to which the toilet belongs, such as the facility to which the toilet belongs. Furthermore, toilet information also includes the toilet's occupancy rate and amenity information. The occupancy rate is information indicating whether each individual stall in the toilet is occupied or not, obtained at predetermined intervals. The amenity information indicates the remaining amount of amenities in each individual stall, such as the amount of toilet paper remaining. In addition, toilet information also includes estimated historical information about the toilet.

[0107] Specifically, the toilet with ID "001" will be stored in the toilet information as follows: name "1F Toilet (Women's)" and location "1F". The area to which the toilet belongs is set to "a".

[0108] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the toilet system 1A according to the second embodiment.

[0109] The information processing steps SP40, SP42, SP44, SP50, SP52, SP54, SP56, SP60, SP62, SP64, and SP66 shown in Figure 8 are substantially the same as steps SP10, SP12, SP14, SP16, SP18, SP20, SP22, SP24, SP26, SP28, and SP30 shown in Figure 6, so the explanation of these steps will be omitted.

[0110] (Step SP46) The control unit 50 determines whether a notification of an abnormality in the toilet space TS was previously issued and whether a notification was subsequently issued stating that the abnormality had been resolved. For example, based on the contents of past notifications stored in the memory unit 58, the control unit 50 determines whether a notification was issued stating that the toilet blockage had been resolved if a notification of a toilet blockage had been issued in the past.

[0111] Then, if the result in step SP46 is "YES," meaning that the notification unit 54 has previously notified of an abnormality in the toilet space TS but has not subsequently notified that the abnormality has been resolved, the process proceeds to step SP48. On the other hand, if the result in step SP46 is "NO," meaning that the notification unit 54 has previously notified of an abnormality in the toilet space TS but has subsequently notified that the abnormality has already been resolved, the process proceeds to step SP50.

[0112] (Step SP48) The control unit 50 determines whether the abnormality in the toilet space TS has been resolved. For example, the control unit 50 determines whether the toilet blockage has been resolved based on estimated information.

[0113] Then, if the result in step SP48 is "YES," meaning that the abnormality in the toilet space TS has been resolved, the process proceeds to step SP56. On the other hand, if the result in step SP46 is "NO," meaning that the abnormality in the toilet space TS has not been resolved, the process proceeds to step SP40.

[0114] (Step SP58) The control unit 50 generates suggested information based on the estimated information and user information. Then, the process proceeds to step SP60.

[0115] <Effects and Effects> In the toilet system 1A according to the second embodiment, the control unit 50 estimates the future state of multiple toilets.

[0116] This configuration allows for the planning of future cleaning and estimation of the required personnel for multiple toilets, compared to estimating the future state of only one toilet.

[0117] Furthermore, in toilet system 1A, the estimated information includes the cause of the toilet blockage, the equipment or personnel required to address the toilet blockage, or suggested information on past methods for dealing with toilet blockages.

[0118] This configuration makes it possible to provide information suggesting how to resolve a toilet clog, compared to cases where the estimated information does not include information such as the cause of the clog.

[0119] Furthermore, in toilet system 1A, the estimated information includes suggested information regarding advertisements for products or services useful for dealing with blockages.

[0120] This configuration allows for more relevant ad notifications compared to when ads are notified without being based on measurement data.

[0121] Furthermore, in toilet system 1A, the control unit 50 estimates the possibility of future toilet blockages based on waveform information measured by the measurement unit 22, the acquisition unit 52 acquires cleaning plans from multiple users as user information, and the notification unit 54 notifies the user of suggested personnel necessary to address the blockage based on the possibility of blockage and the cleaning plan.

[0122] This configuration allows for more appropriate staffing proposals compared to a scenario where the possibility of future congestion is not anticipated.

[0123] Furthermore, the toilet system 1A is equipped with a memory unit 58 that stores the past state of the toilet, the control unit 50 further estimates the current state of the toilet based on the waveform information measured by the measurement unit 22, the control unit 50 selects whether to notify the estimated information regarding the past, present, or future state of the toilet, and the notification unit 54 notifies the selected estimated information regarding the past, present, or future state of the toilet.

[0124] This configuration allows users to be notified of the most urgent information regarding toilets from the past, present, and future.

[0125] ---Variations--- It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. That is, any design modifications made to the embodiments described above by those skilled in the art are also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as they retain the features of the present invention. Furthermore, the elements of the above embodiments and the following modifications can be combined to the extent that it is technically possible, and any combination thereof is also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as it retains the features of the present invention.

[0126] For example, the measurement unit 22 may be a vibration sensor that detects vibration components based on the water flow of the flushing water, or a water flow sensor that detects the water flow of the flushing water from the amount of movement of a string-like member extending into the toilet drainpipe.

[0127] Furthermore, the control unit 50 may generate information on appropriate cleaning chemicals as suggested information for dealing with toilet blockages. For example, the control unit 50 may estimate an appropriate chemical depending on the estimated cause of the toilet blockage. Specifically, the control unit 50 may select an alkaline detergent for blockages caused by toilet paper or excrement, and an acidic detergent for blockages caused by uric acid. Also, if the toilet blockage is caused by a foreign object that does not dissolve in water, the control unit 50 may select a physical cleaning method using a plunger or a strong stream of water. The control unit 50 may also select a method that combines multiple solutions. For example, the control unit 50 may select cleaning with flushing water after a predetermined time has elapsed since the administration of the chemical.

[0128] Furthermore, the control unit 50 may estimate not only the degree of wear and tear on the equipment but also the degree of deterioration of the equipment. The notification unit 54 may then notify the management staff and the equipment supplier that equipment replacement is necessary according to the degree of deterioration.

[0129] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, one example of how the control unit 50 estimates the current or future state of multiple toilets is the estimation of the current or future state of multiple toilets in area a, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the state of multiple toilets in the women's restroom on the 1st floor may be estimated, or the state of multiple toilets in the women's and men's restrooms on the 1st floor may be estimated, or the state of multiple men's restrooms belonging to multiple areas may be estimated. Also, the state of multiple toilets in one or more areas may be estimated, or the state of multiple urinals may be estimated. Also, the state of only one toilet may be estimated. [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] 1, 1A: Toilet system, 22: Measurement unit, 50: Control unit, 54: Notification unit

Claims

1. A measurement unit that measures the toilet's status as waveform information using a radio wave sensor, A control unit that estimates the future state of the toilet based on the waveform information measured by the measurement unit, A notification unit that notifies the estimated information regarding the future state of the toilet, A toilet system equipped with [a specific feature / feature].

2. The control unit calculates the future cleaning time based on the estimated information. The toilet system according to claim 1.

3. The control unit estimates the future state of the multiple toilets. The toilet system according to claim 1.

4. The measurement unit further measures the condition of the toilet space other than the toilet, The control unit estimates the future state of the toilet based on the state of the toilet space other than the toilet. The toilet system according to claim 1.

5. The system further includes an acquisition unit that acquires user information, which is information of multiple users of the aforementioned toilet. Based on the estimated information and the user information, the control unit selects a user from the plurality of users to whom the estimated information will be notified. The notification unit notifies the selected user of the estimated information based on the user information. A toilet system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The system further includes an acquisition unit that acquires user information, which is information about the user of the aforementioned toilet. The control unit selects a method for notifying the estimated information based on the estimated information and the user information. The notification unit notifies the user of the estimated information using the selected notification method based on the user information. A toilet system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The aforementioned estimated information includes the cause of the toilet blockage, the equipment or personnel necessary to address the toilet blockage, or suggested information regarding methods for addressing the toilet blockage. The toilet system according to claim 1.

8. The aforementioned estimated information includes suggested information relating to advertisements for products or services useful for dealing with the aforementioned toilet blockage. The toilet system according to claim 1.

9. The control unit estimates the likelihood of future blockage of the toilet based on the waveform information measured by the measurement unit. The acquisition unit acquires cleaning plans of multiple users as user information. The notification unit notifies the relevant personnel, based on the possibility of the blockage and the cleaning plan, of the personnel required to address the blockage. The toilet system according to claim 5.

10. The toilet further comprises a memory unit that stores the past state of the toilet, The control unit further estimates the current state of the toilet based on the waveform information measured by the measurement unit. The control unit selects whether to notify the estimated information regarding the past, present, or future state of the toilet. The notification unit provides estimated information regarding the past, present, or future state of the selected toilet. The toilet system according to claim 1.

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