Toilet system

Abstract

To prevent further damage until toilets are restored. [Solution] The toilet system 1 includes a measuring unit 22 that measures the state of the toilet, and a control unit 50 that prohibits the use of the toilet based on the information measured by the measuring unit 22.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a toilet system for detecting clogging of a toilet has been known.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for detecting clogging of a toilet and stopping the supply of washing water to the 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, even when the supply of washing water is stopped, there may be cases where recovery measures cannot be taken immediately, so that users may use the clogged toilet, and damage may spread until the toilet is restored.

[0006] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a toilet system capable of suppressing the spread of damage until the toilet is restored.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, a toilet system according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a measurement unit that measures the state of a toilet, and a control unit that prohibits the use of the toilet based on the information measured by the measurement unit.

[0008] This configuration makes it possible to mitigate the spread of damage until the toilets are restored, compared to not prohibiting their use.

[0009] Furthermore, the toilet system according to the second aspect of the present invention further includes a notification unit that notifies the user of the toilet that the use of the toilet is prohibited.

[0010] This configuration allows for a greater reduction in the extent of damage until the toilets are restored compared to a scenario where users are not notified that toilet use is prohibited.

[0011] Furthermore, in the toilet system according to the third aspect of the present invention, the control unit prohibits the use of the toilet by locking the toilet door.

[0012] This configuration makes it possible to more reliably suppress the spread of damage until the toilet is restored, compared to when the toilet door is not locked.

[0013] Furthermore, the toilet system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention further includes an authentication unit that performs personal authentication, and the control unit lifts the prohibition on the use of the toilet once the personal authentication is completed.

[0014] With this configuration, compared to a situation where the ban on toilet use is not lifted by personal authentication, toilet use can be resumed sooner after the staff member resolves the toilet malfunction.

[0015] Furthermore, in the toilet system according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the toilet is cleaned after its use has been prohibited.

[0016] This configuration allows for the resolution of toilet malfunctions without the need for human intervention.

[0017] In the toilet system according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, after the use of the toilet is prohibited, the measurement unit further measures the state of the toilet, and the control unit releases the prohibition of the use of the toilet based on the information measured by the measurement unit.

[0018] According to this configuration, it is possible to resume the use of the toilet without manual operation.

[0019] In the toilet system according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the control unit estimates the clogged state of the toilet and prohibits the use of the toilet based on the clogged state.

[0020] According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress the expansion of damage until the clogging of the toilet is resolved as compared with the case where the use of the toilet is not prohibited.

Effect of the Invention

[0021] According to the toilet system according to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the expansion of damage until the toilet is restored.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] It is a diagram schematically showing an example of the overall configuration of the toilet system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a diagram schematically showing an example of the hardware configuration of the toilet system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing an example of various functions in the toilet system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the toilet system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the toilet system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] 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.

[0024] ---First Embodiment--- First, a description will be given of the toilet system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] <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.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, the toilet system 1 comprises a toilet device 10, an information processing device 40, and a user terminal 70.

[0027] 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.

[0028] The toilet system 10 is a device for processing the user's excrement. This toilet system 10 comprises a toilet bowl 11, a toilet lid 12, an operating device 14, and a display device 16.

[0029] The toilet bowl 11 is, for example, a ceramic toilet bowl. A toilet seat and a toilet lid 12 are provided on the top surface of the toilet bowl 11. The toilet lid 12 is designed to open and close between a closed state that covers the toilet bowl 11 and an open state that leaves the toilet bowl 11 open. The toilet lid 12 may be set to open and close automatically. For example, the toilet lid 12 may be controlled to open automatically when a user enters the toilet room TR.

[0030] 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 by wire or wireless connection 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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, owned by an individual user, or it may be attached to the toilet device 10. The user terminal 70 is configured to communicate with the toilet device 10. Here, the user may be a toilet user, a toilet management staff member, a cleaning staff member, or a business such as a management company, a cleaning company, or a supplies company.

[0034] <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.

[0035] As shown in Figure 2, the toilet system 10 is configured to include an operating device 14, a display device 16, and a communication device 18.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] <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.

[0041] As shown in Figure 3, the toilet device 10 mainly comprises a control unit 20, a measurement unit 22, a communication unit 24, a storage unit 26, and an authentication unit 28.

[0042] 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 26. 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.

[0043] The measurement unit 22 is a functional unit that measures the state of the toilet space TS. The measurement information regarding the state of the toilet space TS 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 capable of measuring the state of the toilet space TS as waveform information.

[0044] Specifically, the measurement unit 22 measures the flow of flushing water in the toilet device 10 as waveform information. More 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 measuring the state of the toilet space TS, as well as the measurement time and the location of the measured toilet. Since radio waves easily penetrate resin and reflect water, if the measurement unit 22 is a radio wave sensor, it is possible to measure the state of the flushing water with high accuracy. The measurement unit 22 is not limited to one sensor, but may be multiple sensors or sensors of different types.

[0045] 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 TD. Furthermore, the measurement unit 22 may be a sensor that detects whether or not a person is in the toilet room TR, or it may detect whether or not there are users waiting outside the toilet room TR to use the toilet (waiting status). The measurement unit 22 may also 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] The memory unit 26 stores measurement information, user information (which is information about the user of the toilet system 1), 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 memory unit 26 also stores various programs related to the toilet device 10 executed by the control unit 20.

[0049] User information may include not only information for one user, but also information for multiple users. User information may include, for example, information indicating a "User ID" and "Username" that can identify a user. User information may also include information indicating a "Password" used when using toilet system 1, a "Job Title" 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 Title" may include, for example, information indicating the duties of a person in charge such as a manager or cleaning person, or information indicating the duties of a business unit such as a management company, cleaning company, or equipment supplier, or it may also be information indicating that the user is a user. User information may also include current location information. Furthermore, user information may include cleaning plan information including the scheduled cleaning time and the name of the toilet to be cleaned. User information may also include attribute information such as a facial photograph, fingerprint information, name, age, and address for personal authentication.

[0050] The authentication unit 28 receives a request for personal authentication from a user of the toilet system 1 and performs personal authentication. Personal authentication is performed as follows, for example: First, the user pairs the user terminal 70 with the toilet device 10. Next, the user enters a password using the input unit 80 of the user terminal 70 and transmits the user ID and password to the authentication unit 28 via the communication unit 76. The authentication unit 28 determines whether personal authentication is successful or not based on whether the received user ID and password match the user information stored in the storage unit 26. If the above information matches, it is determined that personal authentication is successful and personal authentication is completed. Alternatively, the success or failure of personal authentication may be determined by the information processing device 40. For example, the user ID and password may be transmitted to the information processing device 40, and the control unit 50 may determine whether personal authentication is successful or not based on whether the received user ID and password match the user information stored in the storage unit 58. Alternatively, personal authentication may be performed by inputting the user ID into the authentication unit 28 by reading an ID card. Furthermore, the authentication unit 28 may read the user's fingerprint and determine whether or not it matches pre-registered fingerprint information to determine whether or not personal authentication is successful. Alternatively, the authentication unit 28 may identify the user's face and determine whether or not it matches pre-registered facial photographs to determine whether or not personal authentication is successful. Personal authentication may also be performed by the operating device 14 or by a reader located outside the toilet room TR.

[0051] 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.

[0052] The control unit 50 estimates the state of the toilet space TS based on the measurement information measured by the measurement unit 22. The control unit 50 also generates estimation information regarding the estimated state of the toilet space TS. 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 state of the toilet blockage as a completely blocked toilet, a normal state, or a state where some paper is stuck and flushing is difficult. If the control unit 50 estimates the state of the toilet blockage as a completely blocked toilet, it generates estimation information indicating that the toilet is completely blocked.

[0053] 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 state of the toilet space TS. In addition, the control unit 50 may apply machine learning processing based on past estimation information stored in the memory unit 58 to estimate the 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 the abnormality in the toilet space TS from the time of the abnormality that occurred in the past and the number of flushes. Furthermore, the control unit 50 may estimate that the toilet may become completely clogged in the future because some paper is clogged and it is difficult to flush, and estimate the time until the toilet becomes completely clogged, and generate this as estimated information. Based on the estimated information, the control unit 50 may calculate the cleaning time for future users. The control unit 50 may also estimate the cause of the toilet clog based on the 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 storage unit 58.

[0054] Furthermore, the control unit 50 may estimate the state of the toilet space TS 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. The congestion rate may be estimated for each toilet room TR provided in the toilet space TS, or it may be estimated for the toilet space TS as a whole. In addition, the control unit 50 may estimate the current equipment status of the toilet space TS based on the degree of wear and tear of the equipment detected by the measurement unit 22.

[0055] Furthermore, the control unit 50 may prohibit the use of the toilet and change the state from the normal state to a prohibited state. For example, if the control unit 50 determines, based on estimated information, that a toilet blockage has occurred, it will prohibit the use of the toilet. Specifically, the control unit 50 will lock the toilet door TD of the toilet room TR. The control unit 50 may also set the toilet lid 12 inside the toilet room TR to a state where it is difficult to open. Specifically, the control unit 50 will control the toilet lid 12 to close it when a user tries to open it, making it difficult to open. The control unit 50 may also close the entrance and exit to the toilet space TS. For example, the control unit 50 may close the entrance and exit to the toilet space TS with a shutter provided at the entrance and exit. The control unit 50 may also turn off the lighting in the toilet space TS, or the hot water function or heating function provided in the toilet device 10. Here, the control unit 50 may prohibit the flushing of the toilet. Here, the control unit 50 may store the time when the use of the toilet was prohibited in the storage unit 58, which will be described later. Furthermore, control to prohibit the use or flushing of the toilet may be performed by the control unit 20 of the toilet device 10.

[0056] Furthermore, the control unit 50 may lift the prohibition on toilet use and change the state from prohibited to normal. For example, the control unit 50 may lift the prohibition state when personal authentication of the user responsible for resolving the abnormality in the toilet space TS is completed. Also, for example, the control unit 50 may lift the prohibition on toilet use if it determines, based on estimated information, that the toilet blockage has been resolved. Specifically, the control unit 50 may unlock the toilet door TD and change the toilet lid 12 to the normal state. The control unit 50 may also partially lift the prohibition state. For example, if personal authentication is successful, the control unit 50 may unlock the toilet door TD and turn on the lighting in the toilet space TS, but leave the hot water function or heating function provided in the toilet device 10 OFF. Also, for example, if the control unit 50 determines, based on estimated information, that the toilet blockage has been resolved, it may unlock the toilet door TD, turn on the lighting in the toilet space TS, and further turn on the hot water function or heating function provided in the toilet device 10. Furthermore, the control unit 50 may release the prohibition on toilet flushing. Alternatively, the control to release the prohibition on toilet use or flushing may be performed by the control unit 20 of the toilet device 10.

[0057] Furthermore, the control unit 50 may flush the toilet after prohibiting its use. For example, the control unit 50 may flush the toilet after a predetermined time has elapsed since prohibiting its use. Specifically, the control unit 50 clears the toilet blockage by flushing the toilet bowl 11 with a strong stream of water. However, the control unit 50 does not have to flush the toilet based on estimated information. For example, if the control unit 50 estimates that the toilet is completely blocked, it does not have to perform the above flushing operation in order to prevent water from overflowing.

[0058] The acquisition unit 52 acquires user information, which is information about the user of the toilet space TS. The acquisition unit 52 may acquire user information from the storage unit 58, or from an external terminal including the user terminal 70.

[0059] The notification unit 54 notifies toilet users via the communication unit 56 that toilet use is prohibited. For example, the notification unit 54 may display that toilet use is prohibited on the display device 16 inside the toilet room TR. Alternatively, the notification unit 54 may display that toilet use is prohibited on the screen of a signage installed inside or outside the toilet space TS. The notification unit 54 may also change the color of the lighting in the toilet space TS. For example, the notification unit 54 may notify that toilet use is prohibited by changing the color of the lighting to red. The notification unit 54 may also announce that toilet use is prohibited by voice, or notify users that toilet use is prohibited by a warning sound.

[0060] Furthermore, the notification unit 54 notifies toilet users that the ban on toilet use has been lifted. For example, the notification unit 54 may switch the display that toilet use is prohibited, which is displayed on the display device 16 in the toilet room TR or on the screen of a signage installed in or outside the toilet space TS, to a different display. The notification unit 54 may also change the color of the lighting in the toilet space TS back to the normal color. The notification unit 54 may also announce that the ban on toilet use has been lifted by voice.

[0061] Furthermore, the notification unit 54 may notify the user of a function that remains in a prohibited state when the control unit 50 partially releases the prohibited state. For example, if the control unit 50 partially releases the prohibited state but leaves the toilet door TD locked, the notification unit 54 may notify the user that the toilet malfunction has been resolved and the prohibited state has been released, but the toilet door TD remains locked. This allows, for example, a cleaning staff member to resume using the toilet soon after confirming that the malfunction has been resolved.

[0062] The notification unit 54 may notify the user of estimated information. For example, the notification unit 54 may notify the user that the toilet is clogged, as well as the estimated cause of the toilet clog, the recommended course of action, and the time required for such action. Furthermore, the notification unit 54 may notify the user of the toilet congestion rate and the status of toilet supplies. The notification unit 54 may notify the user of estimated information by any notification method. For example, the notification unit 54 may notify the user of estimated information by email to the user terminal 70, by app notification, by display on the management screen, by telephone, or by other notification methods.

[0063] Furthermore, the notification unit 54 may select any user and notify them of the estimated information. For example, the notification unit 54 may 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. Furthermore, the notification unit 54 may notify estimated information for multiple toilet spaces TS.

[0064] 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 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 an app if it estimates that the toilet is clogged, and via email if it estimates that the toilet is partially 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 also notify the cleaning staff member of the estimated information via email if it estimates that the cleaning staff member is on standby.

[0065] Furthermore, the control unit 50 may select users from among multiple 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 users of the estimated information based on the user information.

[0066] The memory unit 58 stores measurement information, estimation information, notification content, prohibited content, user information, toilet information (information for each toilet), various setting information and parameters, etc.

[0067] 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.

[0068] The display unit 74 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, for example, a display device such as a CRT display, liquid crystal display, organic EL display, or plasma display.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] <Processing flow> Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the toilet system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] The following example of a series of procedures for prohibiting the use of a toilet when a toilet malfunction is detected, and for having a staff member resolve the toilet malfunction, is explained using Figure 4.

[0073] (Step SP10) The measurement unit 22 measures the state of the toilet space TS. The measured information is sent to the information processing device 40 via the communication unit 24. Then, the processing proceeds to step SP12.

[0074] (Step SP12) The memory unit 58 stores the measurement information sent to the information processing device 40. Then, the processing proceeds to step SP14.

[0075] (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 regarding the state of the toilet space TS. Then, the process moves on to step SP16.

[0076] (Step SP16) Based on the estimated information, the control unit 50 determines whether or not an abnormality requiring attention has occurred in the toilet space TS. For example, based on the estimated information, the control unit 50 determines whether or not a toilet blockage has occurred.

[0077] Then, if the result in step SP16 is "YES," meaning that an abnormality requiring attention has occurred in the toilet space TS, the process proceeds to step SP18. On the other hand, if the result in step SP16 is "NO," meaning that no abnormality requiring attention has occurred in the toilet space TS, the process proceeds to step SP10.

[0078] (Step SP18) The notification unit 54 notifies the toilet user that toilet use is prohibited. Then, the process proceeds to step SP20.

[0079] (Step SP20) The control unit 50 prohibits the use of the toilet. For example, the control unit 50 prohibits the use of the toilet by locking the toilet door TD. Then, the process proceeds to step SP22.

[0080] (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.

[0081] (Step SP24) The control unit 50 selects a recipient for notification of the estimated information based on the estimated information and user information. Then, the process proceeds to step SP26.

[0082] (Step SP26) The control unit 50 selects a method for notifying the estimated information based on the estimated information and user information. Then, the process proceeds to step SP28.

[0083] (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.

[0084] (Step SP30) The memory unit 58 stores the estimated information and notification content. Then, the process proceeds to step SP32.

[0085] (Step SP32) The authentication unit 28 receives personal authentication information. Then, the process proceeds to step SP34.

[0086] (Step SP34) The authentication unit 28 determines whether personal authentication is successful or not.

[0087] Then, if the answer in step SP34 is "YES," meaning that personal authentication is successful, the process proceeds to step SP36. On the other hand, if the answer in step SP34 is "NO," meaning that personal authentication fails, the process proceeds to step SP32.

[0088] (Step SP36) The control unit 50 lifts the ban on toilet use in order to restore functionality. Then, the series of processes shown in Figure 4 are completed.

[0089] Steps SP12, SP18, and SP22-SP30 described above may be omitted. Also, step SP18 may be executed after step SP20. Also, step SP26 may be executed after step SP24.

[0090] <Effects and Effects> As described above, the toilet system 1 according to this embodiment includes a measuring unit 22 that measures the state of the toilet, and a control unit 50 that prohibits the use of the toilet based on the information measured by the measuring unit 22.

[0091] This configuration makes it possible to mitigate the spread of damage until the toilets are restored, compared to not prohibiting their use.

[0092] Furthermore, the toilet system 1 is further equipped with a notification unit 54 that notifies toilet users that toilet use is prohibited.

[0093] This configuration allows for a greater reduction in the extent of damage until the toilets are restored compared to a scenario where users are not notified that toilet use is prohibited.

[0094] In addition, in toilet system 1, the control unit 50 prohibits the use of the toilet by locking the toilet door TD.

[0095] This configuration makes it possible to more reliably suppress the spread of damage until the toilet is restored, compared to the case where the toilet door TD is not locked.

[0096] Furthermore, the toilet system 1 is further equipped with an authentication unit 28 that performs personal authentication, and the control unit 50 lifts the ban on toilet use once personal authentication is complete.

[0097] With this configuration, compared to a situation where the ban on toilet use is not lifted by personal authentication, toilet use can be resumed sooner after the staff member resolves the toilet malfunction.

[0098] Furthermore, in toilet system 1, the control unit 50 estimates the blockage status of the toilet and prohibits the use of the toilet based on the blockage status.

[0099] This configuration makes it possible to suppress the spread of damage until the toilet blockage is resolved, compared to not prohibiting toilet use.

[0100] ---Second Embodiment--- Next, the toilet system 1A according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 5. 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.

[0101] <Processing flow> Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the toilet system 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] Below, using Figure 5, we will explain an example of a series of processes that automatically resolve a toilet malfunction by prohibiting its use when a malfunction is detected. Here, the flow up to the point where toilet use is prohibited is almost identical to the flow from step SP10 to step SP30 shown in Figure 4, so we will omit the explanation. Then, following step SP30 shown in Figure 4, the process moves on to step SP40.

[0103] (Step SP40) The measurement unit 22 measures the state of the toilet space TS and detects whether or not a person is in the toilet room TR. Then, the process proceeds to step SP42.

[0104] (Step SP42) The control unit 50 determines whether or not there is a person inside the toilet room TR.

[0105] Then, if the result in step SP42 is "YES," meaning that there is a person in toilet room TR, the process proceeds to step SP40. On the other hand, if the result in step SP42 is "NO," meaning that there is no person in toilet room TR, the process proceeds to step SP44.

[0106] (Step SP44) The control unit 50 suspends processing until a predetermined time has elapsed since the toilet use was prohibited in step SP20. During the suspension of processing, the occupancy detection and determination in steps SP40 to SP42 may be repeated at regular intervals. Then, the processing proceeds to step SP46.

[0107] (Step SP46) The control unit 50 performs toilet flushing. For example, the control unit 50 controls the toilet device 10 and flushes the toilet bowl 11. Then the process moves on to step SP48.

[0108] (Step SP48) The measurement unit 22 measures the state of the toilet space TS. The measured information is sent to the information processing device 40 via the communication unit 24. Then, the processing proceeds to step SP50.

[0109] (Step SP50) The memory unit 58 stores the measurement information sent to the information processing device 40. Then, the processing proceeds to step SP52.

[0110] (Step SP52) The control unit 50 analyzes and processes the measurement information. For example, based on the measurement information, the control unit 50 generates estimated information regarding the state of the toilet space TS. Then, the process moves on to step SP54.

[0111] (Step SP54) 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.

[0112] Then, if the result in step SP54 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 SP54 is "NO," meaning that the abnormality in the toilet space TS has not been resolved, the process proceeds to step SP40.

[0113] (Step SP56) The control unit 50 controls the toilet device 10 and releases the restriction on toilet use. Then, the process proceeds to step SP58.

[0114] (Step SP58) The notification unit 54 notifies the toilet user that the ban on toilet use has been lifted. Then, the series of processes shown in Figure 5 are completed.

[0115] Steps SP40, SP42, SP50, and SP58 described above may be omitted. Also, step SP56 may be executed after step SP58. Furthermore, after step SP58, steps SP22 to SP30 may be executed to notify users other than the user that the ban on toilet use has been lifted.

[0116] <Effects and Effects> In summary, the toilet system 1A according to the second embodiment cleans the toilet after its use has been prohibited.

[0117] This configuration allows for the resolution of toilet malfunctions without the need for human intervention.

[0118] Furthermore, in toilet system 1A, the measurement unit 22 measures the toilet status after toilet use has been prohibited, and the control unit 50 lifts the prohibition on toilet use based on the information measured by the measurement unit 22.

[0119] This configuration allows for the resumption of toilet use without human intervention.

[0120] ---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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] Furthermore, the control unit 50 may select one or more means to prohibit the use of the toilet. For example, it may only lock the toilet door TD of the toilet room TR where the toilet device 10 that has malfunctioned is located, or it may turn off the lights in the toilet room TR and lock the toilet door TD.

[0123] Furthermore, the control unit 50 may implement means to suppress the use of the toilet. For example, if a malfunction occurs in the toilet, the sound of flushing water may be repeatedly played.

[0124] Furthermore, the control unit 50 may, after prohibiting the use of the toilet, perform toilet flushing by administering chemicals. The control unit 50 may also select the chemicals to administer depending on the suspected cause of the toilet blockage. For example, the control unit 50 may administer an alkaline detergent for blockages caused by toilet paper or excrement, and an acidic detergent for blockages caused by uric acid. In addition, if the blockage is caused by a foreign object that does not dissolve in water, the control unit 50 may perform flushing with flushing water without administering any chemicals. Furthermore, the control unit 50 may combine and execute multiple toilet flushing methods. For example, the control unit 50 may perform flushing with flushing water after a predetermined time has elapsed since the administration of chemicals.

[0125] Furthermore, in step SP44 of the second embodiment, a mode was described in which processing is suspended until a predetermined time has elapsed after the use of the toilet is prohibited in step SP20. However, the timing of the start of the elapsed time is not limited to the above. For example, in step SP44, processing may be suspended until a predetermined time has elapsed after automatic flushing is performed in step SP46. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0126] 1, 1A: Toilet system, 22: Measurement unit, 50: Control unit

Claims

1. A measuring unit that measures the condition of the toilet, Based on the information measured by the aforementioned measurement unit, a control unit prohibits the use of the toilet, A toilet system equipped with [a specific feature / feature].

2. The system further includes a notification unit that notifies users of the toilet that the use of the toilet is prohibited. The toilet system according to claim 1.

3. The control unit prohibits the use of the toilet by locking the toilet door. The toilet system according to claim 1.

4. It further includes an authentication unit that performs personal authentication, The control unit lifts the ban on using the toilet once the personal authentication is complete. The toilet system according to claim 1.

5. The control unit cleans the toilet after its use has been prohibited. The toilet system according to claim 1.

6. The measuring unit further measures the condition of the toilet after its use has been prohibited. The control unit, based on the information measured by the measurement unit, lifts the ban on the prohibited use of the toilet. The toilet system according to claim 1.

7. The control unit estimates the blockage state of the toilet and, based on the blockage state, prohibits the use of the toilet. A toilet system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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