Toilet door opening / closing control unit, toilet automatic door system, and operation guidance method

Abstract

This invention provides a toilet door opening and closing control unit, an automatic toilet door system, and an operation guidance method that are equipped with non-contact operation parts such as non-contact sensors, allowing users to use them with peace of mind. [Solution] The toilet door opening and closing operation unit has a non-contact operation unit for opening, a non-contact operation unit for closing, and a voice guidance unit. Each of the opening and closing non-contact operation units has a light-up unit. The light-up unit of the opening and closing non-contact operation unit that is in a state to accept operation is turned on or blinks, and the light-up unit of the non-contact operation unit that is not in a state to accept operation is turned off. When the opening and closing non-contact operation unit that is in a state to accept operation detects a non-contact operation, the state of the lit or blinking light-up unit is changed, and the voice guidance unit emits a warning voice message to alert the user to be careful when opening and closing the door.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a toilet door opening / closing operation unit, an automatic toilet door system, and an operation guidance method.

Background Art

[0002] A toilet door opening / closing switch and an automatic toilet door system are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Specifically, Patent Document 1 discloses a multi-functional toilet door opening / closing switch in which a tactile symbol is formed on the surface of a push button, and a visually impaired person can easily identify whether the push button is for opening or closing by touching the tactile symbol with a finger.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the toilet door opening / closing switch described in Patent Document 1 does not meet the requirement of avoiding touching the button with a finger from a hygienic point of view. Specifically, all push button switches are used in the conventional multi-functional toilet door opening / closing operation unit, and from a hygienic point of view, at most, an antibacterial coating is applied to the surface of the push button switch or the like. If hygiene is pursued, there is an option to use a non-contact sensor (switch) instead of the push button switch, but the non-contact sensor has a drawback that it is difficult to know the feeling of operation. Furthermore, the door control unit for multi-functional toilets has buttons that are in a state where they can be operated and buttons that are not, depending on the toilet's usage status. For example, if the door does not move even when a hand is brought close to the non-contact control unit, it is unclear whether the unit is simply not accepting the operation, whether the operation was not performed correctly (e.g., the hand was not brought close enough), or whether it is simply taking some time for the door to move after the operation has been accepted. This can cause anxiety for the user, and for this reason, non-contact sensors have never actually been adopted for the control units of multi-functional toilets. In light of the above-mentioned conventional circumstances and the recent situation regarding the spread of the novel coronavirus, the present invention aims to provide a toilet door opening and closing operation unit, a toilet automatic door system, and an operation guidance method that are equipped with a non-contact operation part such as a non-contact sensor and can be used safely by the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The toilet door opening and closing operation unit of the present invention has a non-contact operation unit for opening, a non-contact operation unit for closing, and a voice guidance unit, and each of the opening and closing non-contact operation units has a light-up unit, and the light-up unit of the non-contact operation unit that is in a state to accept operation is turned on or blinked, and the light-up unit of the non-contact operation unit that is not in a state to accept operation is turned off, and when the non-contact operation unit that is in a state to accept operation detects a non-contact operation, the state of the lit or blinking light-up unit is changed, and the voice guidance unit emits a warning voice message to prompt caution when opening or closing the door. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a toilet door opening and closing operation unit, a toilet automatic door system, and an operation guidance method that employ non-contact operation from a hygienic standpoint, thereby enhancing safety and convenience for the user, and enabling easy and safe use. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a schematic plan view of a toilet equipped with an automatic door system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram illustrating an overview of an automatic toilet door system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a front view showing the main parts of a toilet door opening and closing operation unit (toilet door opening and closing switch) according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates the operation of the automatic toilet door system of Example 1. (a) is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the automatic toilet door system of Example 1. (b) is a diagram illustrating a modified example. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the automatic toilet door system in Example 1. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the automatic toilet door system in Example 1. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates an example of a toilet door opening / closing control unit (toilet door opening / closing switch) in Example 2. (a) and (b) show examples of the outdoor control unit, and (c) and (d) show examples of the indoor control unit. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates the operation of the automatic toilet door system of Example 2. (a) is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the automatic toilet door system. (b) is a diagram illustrating a modified example. [Figure 9] This diagram illustrates an example of a toilet door opening / closing control unit (toilet door opening / closing switch) according to Example 3. (a) and (b) show examples of the outdoor control unit, and (c) and (d) show examples of the indoor control unit. [Figure 10] This diagram illustrates the operation of the automatic toilet door system of Example 3. (a) is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the automatic toilet door system. (b) is a diagram illustrating a modified example. [Figure 11]This is a diagram illustrating an example of a door opening / closing operation unit (door opening / closing switch) in Embodiment 4. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of an office in a building that employs the door opening / closing switch of Example 4. [Figure 13] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the automatic toilet door system in Example 4. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] An overview of an embodiment of the automatic toilet door system of the present invention will be explained with reference to Figures 1 and 2. (Example 1) The toilet 21 has a sliding door 22 that can be opened and closed at its opening 21a. Above the opening 21a, within the transom, is a drive unit 23 equipped with a motor (not shown), a door position detection unit that detects the door's position using the output of the motor's Hall element or an encoder, and a power transmission mechanism such as a timing belt. A drive controller 24 is also provided to drive the drive unit 23 using an appropriate output signal. An electric lock 25 is connected to the drive controller 24 via an electric lock controller 26, and the lock is locked or unlocked in a timely manner in response to the opening and closing of the door 22. The toilet 21 is equipped with a toilet bowl 21b and a washbasin 21c, and an emergency call switch 34 is located near the toilet bowl 21b. In addition, although not shown in the diagram, interior lights and a ventilation fan are installed as appropriate. Although a detailed explanation is omitted, the interior lights are turned on and off, and the ventilation fan is operated and stopped in conjunction with the opening and closing of the door, thereby improving user convenience and achieving energy savings.

[0009] In addition, a toilet outdoor door opening / closing switch (also referred to as the outdoor operation unit 1) is disposed on the outdoor side of the toilet 21, and a toilet indoor door opening / closing switch (also referred to as the indoor operation unit 2) is disposed on the indoor side. The toilet outdoor door opening / closing switch (outdoor operation unit 1) and the toilet indoor door opening / closing switch (indoor operation unit 2) have substantially the same appearance, and are collectively referred to as the toilet door opening / closing switch. Each of them includes a non-contact operation unit 3 for opening, a non-contact operation unit 4 for closing, and a status display unit. Note that since the content displayed on the status display unit is different between the outdoor operation unit 1 and the indoor operation unit 2, the status display unit of the outdoor operation unit is referred to as 5A and the status display unit of the indoor operation unit is referred to as 5B as necessary.

[0010] The toilet outdoor door opening / closing switch (outdoor operation unit 1) and the toilet indoor door opening / closing switch (indoor operation unit 2) are connected to the drive controller 24 via an operation guidance controller 27 that controls their operations so as to be associated with the opening / closing operation of the door 22. That is, the door 22 is driven by the drive controller 24 to control the drive device 23 to open / close when an open signal or a close signal is transmitted by non-contact operation of the non-contact operation units 3 for opening and 4 for closing of the toilet outdoor door opening / closing switch (outdoor operation unit 1) and the toilet indoor door opening / closing switch (indoor operation unit 2).

[0011] Inside both non-contact operation units 3 and 4, non-contact operation detection units (non-contact sensors) 6a and 6b for opening and closing are disposed.

[0012] As the non-contact operation detection units (non-contact sensors) 6a and 6b for opening and closing, specifically, for example, non-contact type operation switches such as a near-infrared distance-limited reflection method, a microwave method (microwave Doppler radar), a laser light TOF (Time of Flight) distance measurement method, etc. can be adopted. For example, the laser light TOF distance measurement method measures the distance based on the time until the emitted photons are reflected, and can perform accurate distance measurement not affected by the surface characteristics of the object.

[0013] In addition, the outdoor toilet door opening / closing switch (outdoor operation unit 1) and the indoor toilet door opening / closing switch (indoor operation unit 2) each include a lighting unit, a sound generation unit, etc. The operation guidance controller 27 controls the lighting unit to light, blink, change the lighting color, turn off, or cause a predetermined sound to be generated from the sound generation unit according to the usage status of the toilet, the state of accepting operations, the state of not accepting operations, the detection of contactless operations, etc. Specifically, for example, the operation guidance controller 27 lights or blinks the lighting unit of the contactless operation unit in the state of accepting operations, and turns off the lighting unit of the contactless operation unit in the state of not accepting operations. In addition, when the contactless operation unit in the state of accepting operations detects a contactless operation, the operation guidance controller 27 controls to change the lighting state of the lighting unit and cause a predetermined sound to be generated from the sound generation unit. That is, depending on the usage status of the toilet, etc., there are a contactless operation unit in the state of accepting operations (state where operations can be accepted) and a contactless operation unit in the state of not accepting operations. Since the operation guidance controller 27 controls to turn off the lighting unit corresponding to the contactless operation unit in the state of not accepting operations (state where operations cannot be accepted), it can notify the user that the contactless operation unit is in the state of not accepting operations. In addition, since the operation guidance controller 27 controls to light or blink the lighting unit corresponding to the contactless operation unit in the state of accepting operations (state where operations can be accepted), it can notify the user that the contactless operation unit is in the state of accepting operations. In addition, when the contactless operation unit in the state of accepting operations detects a contactless operation, the operation guidance controller 27 changes the lighting state of the lighting unit corresponding to this contactless operation unit and causes a predetermined sound to be generated from the sound generation unit, thereby notifying the user that a contactless operation to the contactless operation unit has been detected. Examples of changing the lighting mode (changing the lighting state) of the indicator lights when non-contact operation is detected include changing the color of the indicator light, changing from continuous lighting to blinking, changing from blinking to continuous lighting, or changing from continuous lighting to blinking while simultaneously changing the color of the indicator light. For example, if the indicator lights use R (red light), G (green light), and B (blue light) emitters, and the color of the opening indicator light is blue and the color of the closing indicator light is red, then when non-contact operation is detected, both the opening and closing indicator lights can be changed to green, making it easier to intuitively recognize whether the possible non-contact operation is an opening or closing operation, and also making it easier for users to recognize the change in lighting mode (in this case, a change in lighting color) that indicates that a non-contact operation has been accepted. Note that the selection of colors is not limited to these, and any color may be used, but it is good to ensure that at least many users can recognize that a non-contact operation has been detected by changing the lighting mode of each indicator light. As described above, it is possible to provide a toilet door opening and closing operation unit that can reliably inform the user whether the non-contact operation unit is in a state where it can accept operations, and whether or not a non-contact operation has been detected on a non-contact operation unit that is capable of accepting operations. Furthermore, it would be even better if, when non-contact operation is detected, a detection sound is generated simultaneously with a change in the lighting mode of the illuminated part. Furthermore, operators can intuitively know that contactless operation has been detected through both visual and auditory means, allowing for comfortable and secure operation. Furthermore, visually impaired users can confirm that contactless operation has been detected by a detection sound, and hearing-impaired users can confirm that contactless operation has been detected by a change in the lighting mode. The toilet door open / close switch for the exterior (exterior operation unit 1) and the toilet door open / close switch for the interior (interior operation unit 2) may have their contactless operation units arranged horizontally, as shown in Figure 1, or vertically, as shown in Figure 2.

[0014] As shown in Figure 2, the voice guidance device 28 consists of a speaker 29, a memory unit (ROM) 30 that pre-records desired guidance messages and registers them as files (voice data), and a voice controller 31 that appropriately selects a predetermined message from the memory unit 30 and outputs it to the speaker 29. The voice controller 31 is connected to an operation guidance controller 27 that controls the lighting status of the indicator lights corresponding to the non-contact operation unit 3 for opening and the non-contact operation unit 4 for closing, and in conjunction with the operation of the non-contact operation units of the toilet exterior door opening / closing switch (exterior operation unit 1) and the toilet interior door opening / closing switch (interior operation unit 2), it emits guidance messages to the user from the speaker 29.

[0015] Furthermore, outside the toilet 21, an outdoor proximity sensor 32 is installed inside or around the toilet outdoor door opening / closing switch (outdoor operation unit 1) to detect users without contact, and this proximity sensor 32 is connected to the voice controller 31 via the operation guidance controller 27. As a result, when a user approaches the toilet outdoor door opening / closing switch (outdoor operation unit 1) and is detected by the proximity sensor 32, the voice controller 31 will emit a predetermined voice message from the speaker 29. The outdoor proximity sensor 32 may be a capacitive sensor or the like, but it may also be an optical sensor used for activation, which is commonly used in automatic doors and can subdivide the detection area to detect the position of passersby. This makes it possible to distinguish between when a passerby approaches the door 22 and when they approach the toilet outdoor door opening / closing switch (outdoor operation unit 1), allowing for the announcement of a more optimal voice message. Furthermore, an indoor proximity sensor 33 that detects users without contact may be placed inside or around the indoor door opening / closing switch (indoor operation unit 2) in the toilet room 21. This allows voice messages to be spoken to users inside the toilet at a more optimal timing.

[0016] As shown in Figure 1, speakers 29A and 29B may be installed one each inside or near the toilet door open / close switch (outdoor control unit 1) and the toilet door open / close switch (indoor control unit 2). Alternatively, one speaker may be installed inside the transom above the opening 21a of the toilet 21 so that guidance messages can be heard both inside and outside the toilet stall. Furthermore, the memory unit 30 contains pre-recorded files in multiple languages ​​for each type of voice, containing guidance messages corresponding to the open / closed state of the door 22, the operation status of the contactless operation parts of the toilet door open / close switch (outdoor operation unit 1, indoor operation unit 2), and guidance purposes.

[0017] Guidance messages are registered in multiple languages ​​according to the situation in the memory unit 30, and the voice controller 31 works in conjunction with the operation guidance controller 27 to select a guidance message from the memory unit 30 according to the open / closed status of the door 22, the operation status of the non-contact operation unit of the toilet door open / close switch (outdoor operation unit 1, indoor operation unit 2) and the emergency call switch 34, the detection status of the proximity sensors 32 and 33, etc., and then speaks the selected guidance message from the speakers (29A, 29B).

[0018] Next, the toilet door opening / closing switch (outdoor operation unit 1) of the present invention will be explained using Figure 3 as an example. The toilet door opening / closing switch (indoor operation unit 2) has a similar structure, and when referring to both together, they are called toilet door opening / closing switches. In Figure 3(a), the non-contact operation unit 3 for opening and the non-contact operation unit 4 for closing are arranged with the outdoor status display unit 5A in between. A thin frame is also arranged to surround the entire outer perimeter of the toilet interior door opening / closing switch, and both non-contact operation units 3 and 4 are arranged above and below the frame.

[0019] An opening operation indicator 8a is formed near the center of the opening non-contact operation unit 3, and a closing operation indicator 8b is formed near the center of the closing non-contact operation unit 4. The symbols for the opening operation indicator 8a and closing operation indicator 8b, which distinguish between opening and closing, are not limited to these symbols. For example, two entire arrows with shafts may be combined, or symbols such as two isosceles triangles commonly used for elevator door opening and closing switches may be used.

[0020] The non-contact operation section 3 for opening and the non-contact operation section 4 for closing have relatively large circular illuminated sections. The opening indicator light 7a is formed around the opening operation indicator 8a of the non-contact opening operation unit 3 so as to surround the opening operation indicator 8a. The closing indicator light 7b is formed around the closing operation indicator 8b of the closing non-contact operation unit 4 so as to surround the closing operation indicator 8b.

[0021] In Figure 3, both lighting units 7a and 7b are formed in a circular shape, but this is not limited to this. They may be formed in an elliptical, oblong, or rounded quadrilateral shape, etc., to match the shape of the non-contact operation units 3 and 4 and the operation display units 8a and 8b.

[0022] The two non-contact operating parts 3 and 4 for opening and closing the doors are located above and below the indoor and outdoor toilet door opening and closing switches 1 and 2, respectively. The indicator lights are formed in a circular shape, and for example, when non-contact operation is being accepted, the indicator light for opening illuminates in blue, and the indicator light for closing illuminates in red. Furthermore, when non-contact operation is detected, the indicator light is controlled to change to, for example, green. The printing color of the arrowhead-shaped symbols 8a and 8b (operation indicators) indicating open and closed, printed on the inner surface of the circumferentially lit indicators 7a and 7b provided on the non-contact operation units 3 and 4 for opening and closing, may be matched to the lighting color of the indicators 7a and 7b. For example, if the lighting color of indicator 7a when accepting non-contact operation is blue, printing the symbol indicating "open" in blue or a blue-ish color will make it easier for the user to visualize that the door will open when they bring their hand close to the non-contact operation unit 3 with the blue-lit indicator 7a, thus improving usability. Similarly, if the lighting color of indicator 7b when accepting non-contact operation is red, printing the symbol indicating "closed" in red or a red-ish color will make it easier for the user to visualize that the door will close when they bring their hand close to the non-contact operation unit 4 with the red-lit indicator 7b, thus improving usability. Furthermore, the circumferential opening and closing illumination sections 7a and 7b are illuminated by illuminating (emitting light from) LEDs (not shown) arranged inside the non-contact operation sections 3 and 4, and by transmitting light from these LEDs. The surface portion of the non-contact operation sections 3 and 4 is composed of an illumination section that transmits light and a non-illumination section that does not transmit light, but the method of realization is not limited. For example, the entire structure may be made of a translucent resin, and only the non-illumination section may be coated or printed to block light, or the non-illumination section may be formed of a non-translucent resin and the illumination section may be fitted with a translucent resin.

[0023] Alternatively, the arrowhead-shaped symbols 8a and 8b (operation indicators) may not be formed by printing or other means, but instead be configured to transmit light from an internal LED or the like, similar to the circumferential lighting section, and thus serve as the lighting section. By providing differently shaped indicator lights for the non-contact operation unit 3 for opening and the non-contact operation unit 4 for closing, and illuminating only the indicator light of the non-contact operation unit that can be operated depending on the situation, the shapes of the indicator lights that allow for easy visual and intuitive identification of the opening and closing units are displayed with high contrast, making it even easier for people with low vision (socially impaired individuals) to operate the device.

[0024] Next, Figure 3 will explain the status indicators for the toilet's outdoor door open / close switch (outdoor operation unit 1) and the toilet's indoor door open / close switch (indoor operation unit 2). Figures 3(a) and 3(b) illustrate the display of the toilet's outdoor door open / close switch (outdoor operation unit 1). Figure 3(a) shows the toilet in use with the door closed. The word "In Use" lights up on the outdoor status indicator unit 5A, indicating that the toilet is in use. At this time, the non-contact operation units 3 and 4 for opening and closing cannot be operated, so the indicators 7a and 7b on both non-contact operation units 3 and 4 are both off. Figure 3(b) shows the toilet door closed, but the room is vacant and usable. At this time, the non-contact operation unit 3 for opening can be operated to open the door, so the indicator 7a on the non-contact operation unit 3 for opening lights up, while the non-contact operation unit 4 for closing cannot be operated, so the indicator 7b on the non-contact operation unit 4 for closing lights is off. Thus, with the toilet door opening / closing switch (outdoor operation unit 1) of the present invention, when the toilet is available and vacant, the "In Use" text on the status display unit 5A is turned off, and the user can open the door by operating the illuminated non-contact opening operation unit 3 and use the toilet.

[0025] Figures 3(c) and 3(d) illustrate the display of the toilet door opening / closing switch (indoor operation unit 2). In Figure 3(c), the electric lock 25 of the door 22 is locked, and the "Locked" text on the status indicator unit 5B is lit, indicating that the door 22 is locked. At this time, the non-contact operation unit 3 for opening can be operated to unlock the electric lock 25 and open the door 22, so the indicator unit 7a on the non-contact operation unit 3 for opening is lit, while the non-contact operation unit 4 for closing cannot be operated, so the indicator unit 7b on the non-contact operation unit 4 for closing is off. Figure 3(d) shows the state before a toilet user enters the toilet and closes the door. Since the door is open, the "Locked" text on the status indicator unit 5B is off, indicating that the toilet is unlocked. At this time, the non-contact operation unit 3 for opening cannot be operated to open the door (the door is already open), so the indicator unit 7a on the non-contact operation unit 3 for opening is off. On the other hand, since the non-contact closing operation unit 4 can be operated to close and lock the door, the closing indicator light 7b on the non-contact closing operation unit 4 is lit. Thus, in the toilet room door opening and closing switch (indoor operation unit 2) of the present invention, the closing indicator light 7b on the non-contact closing operation unit 4 is lit before the door is closed, so the user can operate the lit non-contact closing operation unit 4 to close and lock the door without hesitation, and when locked, the word "locked" lights up on the indoor status display unit 5B, so the user can use the toilet with peace of mind.

[0026] Next, using flowcharts in Figures 4-6, we will explain the operation of the automatic toilet door system and the method of providing voice guidance. Initially, the door is in the closed position. The operation guidance controller 27 is described below. The drive controller 24 controls the drive mechanism 23 of the door 22 and the drive of the electric lock 25 by the electric lock controller 26 as appropriate. In Figure 4(a), first, it is determined whether the toilet 21 is in use (STEP 1). If the toilet 21 is in use, the operation guidance controller 27 turns off the opening indicator 7a of the outdoor operation unit 1, turns off the outdoor closing indicator 7b of the outdoor operation unit 1, turns off the indoor closing indicator 7b of the indoor operation unit 2, turns on the opening indicator 7a of the indoor operation unit 2, lights up the words "In Use" on the outdoor status display unit 5A of the outdoor operation unit 1, and lights up the words "Locked" on the indoor status display unit 5B of the indoor operation unit 2 (STEP 2). In other words, non-contact operation units whose indicator lights are off do not accept operation, and only non-contact operation units whose indicator lights are on accept operation. For example, in STEP 2, when the toilet is in use, the outdoor opening non-contact operation unit and closing non-contact operation unit do not accept operation. Then, the system determines whether the outdoor proximity sensor 32 turns ON when a user approaches the outdoor door opening / closing switch (outdoor operation unit 1) (STEP 3A). If the proximity sensor turns ON, it announces to the user a message indicating that the toilet is in use, such as voice (1) "The toilet is in use." (STEP 4). In an automatic toilet door system, for example, a visually impaired person can be notified that the toilet is in use before having to search for and operate the non-contact operation unit 3 for opening, significantly reducing their burden. In the above example, an audio message is played when the outdoor proximity sensor 32 detects a user approaching while the toilet is in use. However, instead of relying on the outdoor proximity sensor 32, an audio message indicating that the toilet is in use may be played repeatedly at predetermined time intervals when the toilet is in use. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 4(b), when the toilet is in use, an audio message indicating that the toilet is in use may be played when the non-contact operation detection unit 6a for opening the door detects a non-contact operation (STEP 3B) (STEP 4). Furthermore, in STEP 4, in addition to playing the audio message, the operation guidance controller 27 may also control the outdoor status display unit 5A of the outdoor operation unit 1 to blink the "In Use" display for a predetermined time. This visually emphasizes that the toilet is in use, making it easier for users with hearing impairments to understand that the toilet is in use even if they cannot hear the audio message. Furthermore, in areas where passersby other than toilet users pass near the toilet door open / close switch, the outdoor proximity sensor 32 may be configured to emit an audio message indicating that the toilet is in use after detecting a user and the detection continues for a predetermined period of time. This ensures that only those who genuinely want to use the toilet are informed that it is occupied, thus suppressing unnecessary announcements.

[0027] In addition, as a result of determining in STEP 1 whether or not toilet 21 is in use, if toilet 21 is vacant, the opening indicator light 7a of the outdoor control unit 1 is turned on and the closing indicator light 7b of the outdoor control unit 1 is turned off (STEP 5). In STEP 5, the non-contact operation unit 3 for opening, where the indicator light 7a of the outdoor operation unit 1 is lit, accepts operation, but the non-contact operation unit 4 for closing, where the indicator light 7b is off, does not accept operation. Therefore, user errors are less likely to occur, and even if a user accidentally brings their hand close to the non-contact operation unit 4 for closing, where the indicator light 7b is off, the operation will not be accepted, and no problem will occur. In STEP 5, since the door is closed, the indoor control unit 2 may illuminate the opening indicator light 7a and turn off the closing indicator light 7b. Alternatively, since the toilet is not in use and there is no one inside, both the opening and closing indicator lights may be turned off to save energy. Then, the system determines whether the outdoor proximity sensor 32 turns ON when a user approaches the outdoor door opening / closing switch (outdoor operation unit 1) (STEP 6). If the proximity sensor 32 turns ON, it speaks a guidance message prompting the user to operate the non-contact opening operation unit 3 of the outdoor operation unit 1, such as voice (2) "The door will open when you bring your hand close to the illuminated button on the top" (STEP 7). In the automatic toilet door system of the present invention, the example of voice (2) above can inform the user of the characteristics (illuminated), position, and direction (upper) of the button to be operated, thereby reducing the burden on visually impaired people, including those with low vision. The types of non-contact sensors installed inside the non-contact operation unit include, for example, a method that detects the movement of a person's hand (change in the distance between the non-contact sensor and the hand), and a method that detects the position of the hand (distance between the non-contact sensor and the hand). When using a non-contact sensor that detects hand movements, it is preferable to select voice messages for operation guidance that are tailored to the characteristics of the non-contact sensor. For example, when using a sensor that detects hand position, it is preferable to select voice messages that are tailored to the characteristics of the non-contact sensor. For example, when using a sensor that detects hand position, it is preferable to select voice messages that are tailored to the characteristics of the non-contact sensor. For example, when using a non-contact sensor that detects hand movement, it is preferable to select voice messages that are tailored to the characteristics of the non-contact sensor. Alternatively, instead of providing the outdoor proximity sensor 32, the operation guidance message (voice (2)) in STEP 7, "When you bring your hand close to the illuminated button, the door will open," may be repeatedly spoken at predetermined intervals. When voice (2), which is a guidance message prompting operation of the non-contact opening operation unit 3, is spoken (STEP 7), and the non-contact operation detection unit 6a for opening of the outdoor operation unit 1 detects the non-contact operation and turns ON (STEP 8), the lighting mode of the opening illumination unit 7a of the outdoor operation unit 1 is changed (changing the lighting color, making it blink, changing the blinking interval, or a combination thereof), and the outdoor non-contact operation detection sound generation unit 9A generates a detection sound (STEP 9). Furthermore, if, after the operation guidance message (voice (2)) is spoken in STEP 7, the non-contact operation detection unit 6a for opening the outdoor control unit 1 does not detect a non-contact operation even after a predetermined time has elapsed in STEP 8, it is possible that the user does not understand the operation method, and therefore the operation guidance message will be spoken again. Then, as a warning message, the voice guidance device 28 speaks, for example, voice (3) "The door is opening. Please be careful." (STEP 10), and the door 22 opens (STEP 11).

[0028] In Figure 5, after the door opens (STEP 11), a voice message (4) "The door has opened. Please enter through the door on the front right." is spoken (STEP 12) to prompt the user to move into the toilet. The automatic toilet door system of the present invention can inform the user of the position and direction of the opened door 22, as in the example of voice message (4), thereby reducing the burden on visually impaired people. Then, in STEP 13, the operation guidance controller 27 turns off the opening indicator light 7a of the indoor operation unit 2, turns on the closing indicator light 7b of the indoor operation unit 2, turns off the opening indicator light 7a of the outdoor operation unit 1, and turns on the closing indicator light 7b of the outdoor operation unit 1 (STEP 13). Subsequently, the user moves into the toilet and reaches the vicinity of the toilet door opening / closing switch (indoor operation unit 2) to determine whether the indoor proximity sensor 33 is ON or OFF (STEP 14). If the proximity sensor 33 is ON, the voice guidance device 28 speaks a guidance message prompting the user to operate the non-contact closing operation unit 4 of the indoor operation unit 2, such as voice (5) "The door will close when you bring your hand close to the illuminated button at the bottom" or "The door will close when you hold your hand over the illuminated button at the bottom" (STEP 15). These guidance messages, like voice (2), can reduce the burden on visually impaired and low-vision individuals. Then, when the non-contact closing operation unit 4 of the indoor operation unit 2 detects a non-contact operation (STEP 16), the operation guidance controller 27 changes the lighting mode of the closing illumination unit 7b of the indoor operation unit 2 and generates a detection sound using the indoor non-contact operation detection sound generation unit 9B (STEP 17). If, after the operation guidance message (voice (5)) is spoken in STEP 15, the non-contact closing operation unit 4 of the indoor operation unit 2 does not detect a non-contact operation even after the predetermined time has elapsed in STEP 16, it is possible that the user does not understand the operation method, so return to STEP 15 and speak the operation guidance message again. Then, the voice guidance device 28 speaks a warning message, for example, voice (6) "The door is closing. Please be careful." (STEP 18), the drive controller 24 moves the drive device 23 to close the door 22 (STEP 19), and once the closing operation of the door 22 is complete, the electric lock 25 is locked, and the voice guidance device 28 speaks a message, for example, voice (7) "The door is locked." (STEP 20) to indicate that the door 22 is locked. The operation guidance controller 27 then turns off the closing indicator light 7b of the indoor operation unit 2, turns on the opening indicator light 7a of the indoor operation unit 2, turns off the opening indicator light 7a of the outdoor operation unit 1, and turns off the closing indicator light 7b of the outdoor operation unit 1. The indoor status display unit 5B of the indoor operation unit 2 lights up the words "Locked" and the outdoor status display unit 5A of the outdoor operation unit 1 lights up the words "In Use" (STEP 21), and the toilet becomes in use (STEP 22). The indoor proximity sensor 33 can be omitted. In that case, the voice guidance (5) may be spoken after a predetermined time has elapsed from STEP 13, specifically the time from when the door opens until the user moves to the indoor control unit 2 (for example, about 5 to 10 seconds).

[0029] Next, as shown in Figure 6, when the toilet is in use (STEP 22), it is determined whether the indoor proximity sensor 33 has turned ON when the user has finished using the toilet and approaches the indoor door opening / closing switch (indoor operation unit 2) (STEP 23). If the proximity sensor 33 is turned ON, the voice guidance device 28 will speak a voice message, for example, (2) "The door will open when you bring your hand close to the illuminated button on top" or "The door will open when you hold your hand over the illuminated button on top" (STEP 24). Alternatively, instead of installing the indoor proximity sensor 33, the system may receive signals related to the flushing operation of the toilet bowl 21b or the use of the toilet sink 21c, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, it may emit an audio guidance voice (2) prompting contactless operation. Furthermore, the audio guidance voice (2) prompting contactless operation may be repeatedly emitted at predetermined time intervals without using the indoor proximity sensor 33 or the like. When a non-contact operation is detected by the non-contact operation unit 3 for opening the toilet door (indoor operation unit 2) (STEP 25), the operation guidance controller 27 changes the lighting mode of the opening indicator light 7a of the indoor operation unit 2 and generates a detection sound using the indoor non-contact operation detection sound generator 9B of the indoor operation unit 2 (STEP 26). Then, as a warning guidance message, for example, voice (3) "The door is opening. Please be careful." is spoken by the voice guidance device 28 (STEP 27), and the door 22 opens (STEP 28).

[0030] After door 22 opens (STEP 28), the voice guidance device 28 emits a message (8) "The door has opened. Please exit through the door on the right and close the door" as a guidance message to encourage the user to move outside the toilet (STEP 29). In an automatic toilet door system, the above example of voice (8) can inform the user of the position and direction of the opened door 22, thereby reducing the burden on visually impaired individuals.

[0031] Then, the operation guidance controller 27 turns off the opening indicator light 7a of the indoor operation unit 2, turns on the closing indicator light 7b of the indoor operation unit 2, and while keeping the opening indicator light 7a of the outdoor operation unit 1 off, turns on the closing indicator light 7b of the outdoor operation unit 1 (STEP 30). After STEP 30, it waits for a predetermined time (STEP 31), and at the timing when the user has left the toilet, the voice guidance device 28 speaks a guidance message prompting the user to operate the non-contact closing operation unit 4 of the toilet outdoor door opening / closing switch (outdoor operation unit 1), such as voice (5) "When you bring your hand close to the illuminated button on the bottom, the door will close," or "When you hold your hand over the illuminated button on the bottom, the door will close" (STEP 32). This guidance message may be spoken when the outdoor proximity sensor 32 detects a user who has gone outside. However, since users who have gone outside may forget to close the door and not approach the toilet's outdoor door open / close switch (outdoor operation unit 1), it is preferable to speak the voice (8) shown in Figure 6, wait for a predetermined time, and then speak the voice (5) shown in Figure 6. Alternatively, instead of voice (5), the voice guidance device 28 may speak a guidance message that more strongly urges the user to take action, such as "Please bring your hand close to the illuminated button at the bottom and close the door," or "Please hold your hand over the illuminated button at the bottom and close the door."

[0032] Then, the operation guidance controller 27 determines whether or not a non-contact operation has been detected by the non-contact operation detection unit 6a for closing the outdoor operation unit 1 (STEP 33). If no non-contact operation is detected, the process proceeds to STEP 32. If a non-contact operation is detected, the operation guidance controller 27 changes the lighting mode of the closing indicator light 7b of the outdoor operation unit 1, generates a detection sound with the outdoor non-contact operation detection sound generator 9A (STEP 34), and speaks a warning guidance message, for example, voice (6) "The door is closing. Please be careful.", using the voice guidance device 28 (STEP 35). Then, the door 22 moves to close (STEP 36), the closing indicator light 7b of the outdoor operation unit 1 is turned off, the opening indicator light 7a of the outdoor operation unit 1 is turned on, and the opening indicator light 7a of the indoor operation unit 2 remains off while the closing indicator light of the indoor operation unit 2 is turned off (STEP 37). Toilet 21 becomes vacant (STEP 38).

[0033] In the above explanation, the voice guidance system was described as generating guidance messages in one language, but it is not limited to this, and guidance messages in two or more languages ​​may be spoken sequentially. The number of languages ​​spoken may also be changed depending on the type of guidance message. Furthermore, the number of repetitions of the guidance message and the time interval between repetitions may be changed depending on the type of guidance message.

[0034] As described above, the toilet door opening and closing operation unit (door opening and closing switch (outdoor operation unit 1, indoor operation unit 2)) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention has a non-contact operation unit for opening (opening non-contact operation unit 3), a non-contact operation unit for closing (closing non-contact operation unit 4), and a sound generating unit (outdoor non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 9A, indoor non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 9B). Each of the opening and closing non-contact operation units (opening non-contact operation unit 3, closing non-contact operation unit 4) has a lighting unit (opening lighting unit 7a, closing lighting unit 7b). The lighting unit of the non-contact operation unit that is in a state to accept operation lights up or blinks, and the lighting unit of the non-contact operation unit that is not in a state to accept operation turns off. When a non-contact operation unit that is in a state to accept operation detects a non-contact operation, the lighting state of the lighting unit changes, and a predetermined sound is generated from the sound generating unit to notify that a non-contact operation has been detected. In detail, the operation guidance controller 27 illuminates or flashes the indicator light of the non-contact operation unit that is in a state to accept operation, among the non-contact operation units for opening and closing, and turns off the indicator light of the non-contact operation unit that is not in a state to accept operation. When a non-contact operation unit that is in a state to accept operation detects a non-contact operation, the controller changes the illumination state of the indicator light and generates a predetermined sound from the sound generating unit to notify that a non-contact operation has been detected. In other words, by adopting contactless operation from a hygienic standpoint, it is possible to provide a toilet door opening and closing operation unit that enhances safety and convenience for the user and can be used easily and with peace of mind. Furthermore, by turning off the lights on the non-contact operation parts that do not accept input, user-friendly operation can be achieved. In addition, depending on the status of the toilet and the opening / closing operation unit, the user can be notified in conjunction with operation guidance messages from the voice generator. Specifically, by informing the user that the toilet door opening / closing operation unit can be operated by non-contact operation through voice prompts such as "bring your hand close to the button" or "hold your hand over the button," and simultaneously informing the user of the location and status of the buttons (non-contact operation parts) that can be operated by non-contact operation through voice prompts such as "upper" or "lit up," a toilet door opening / closing operation unit that is easier for users to use can be provided. In other words, when a contactless operation is detected by the contactless operation unit, the detection can be notified visually and audibly, making it immediately clear to anyone that a contactless operation has been performed. This provides a toilet door opening and closing operation unit. It is even better when combined with guidance messages that encourage contactless operation.

[0035] Furthermore, in the toilet door opening and closing operation unit (door opening and closing switch (outdoor operation unit 1, indoor operation unit 2)) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the first illumination color of the illumination unit (opening illumination unit 7a) of the non-contact operation unit for opening (opening non-contact operation unit 3) when it is in a state to accept operation, and the second illumination color of the illumination unit (closed illumination unit 7b) of the non-contact operation unit for closing (closeing non-contact operation unit 4) when it is in a state to accept operation are different. For example, by illuminating the opening indicator light 7a in a specified color such as blue and the closing indicator light 7b in a specified color such as red when the operation is being accepted, it becomes easier to distinguish between opening and closing, enabling intuitive operation. Furthermore, by printing the opening operation indicator 8a in blue and the closing operation indicator 8b in red, or by matching the color of the operation indicator and the illuminated part to the same color, or using similar colors, it becomes even easier to distinguish between opening and closing. Alternatively, the majority of the non-contact operation section, excluding the illuminated part, may be white, and the opening and closing operation indicators may be black; or the majority of the non-contact operation section, excluding the illuminated part, may be black, and the operation indicators may be white. By increasing the contrast between the operation indicators and the surrounding area in this way, the operation indicators can be made easier for visually impaired people to see. The control display may be illuminated. This makes the control display even easier to see, and makes it easier for visually impaired people to distinguish between open and closed positions.

[0036] Furthermore, in the toilet door opening and closing operation unit (door opening and closing switch (outdoor operation unit 1, indoor operation unit 2)) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, when a non-contact operation unit for opening or closing that is in a state to accept operation detects a non-contact operation, the illumination color of the respective illumination units of the opening or closing non-contact operation unit changes to a third illumination color that is different from the first and second illumination colors. In detail, when the operation guidance controller 27 detects a non-contact operation by opening or closing the door, which is in a state to accept operation, it changes the illumination color of the respective indicator lights on the opening or closing non-contact operation door to a third illumination color that is different from the first and second illumination colors. The change in illumination color is an example of a change in illumination state. In other words, for example, the colors could change from blue for opening and red for closing before non-contact operation detection to green when detection occurs. Using the three primary colors (RGB) in this way makes it easier to recognize color changes.

[0037] Furthermore, the toilet door opening and closing operation unit (door opening and closing switch (outdoor operation unit 1, indoor operation unit 2)) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention continuously illuminates the indicator light (7a or 7b) of the non-contact operation unit (3 or 4) when it is in a state to accept operation, and when the non-contact operation unit (3 or 4) detects a non-contact operation, it flashes the indicator light (7a or 7b) of the non-contact operation unit (3 or 4). In detail, the operation guidance controller 27 continuously illuminates the indicator light (7a or 7b) of the non-contact operation unit (3 or 4) when it is in a state to accept operation, and when the non-contact operation unit (3 or 4) detects a non-contact operation, it controls the indicator light (7a or 7b) of the non-contact operation unit (3 or 4) to flash. Since the lights for opening and closing (7a, 7b) do not light up simultaneously, the lighting color should be the same, and the display may switch between (continuous) illumination and flashing when a non-contact operation is detected. Conversely, the lights may flash when accepting non-contact operations, and then switch to (continuous) illumination when a non-contact operation is detected. Furthermore, the change in lighting state may be a combination of changing the lighting color and switching between illumination and flashing.

[0038] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, the toilet door opening and closing operation unit (door opening and closing switch (outdoor operation unit 1, indoor operation unit 2)) generates different sounds from the outdoor non-contact operation detection sound generator 9A when the opening non-contact operation unit 3 detects a non-contact operation, and different sounds from the indoor non-contact operation detection sound generator 9B when the closing non-contact operation unit 4 detects a non-contact operation. In detail, the operation guidance controller 27 controls the sound generated from the outdoor non-contact operation detection sound generator 9A when the opening non-contact operation unit 3 detects a non-contact operation, and the sound generated from the indoor non-contact operation detection sound generator 9B when the closing non-contact operation unit 4 detects a non-contact operation, to be different. Specifically, while both are composed of multiple short notes, the elements that make up the sound pattern, such as rhythm and melody, should differ between the opening and closing versions, for example, the pitch (frequency), length, order, and timbre of each note. The system should consist of multiple short sounds differing in pitch (frequency), length, order, and timbre. The differences in sound patterns, such as rhythm and melody, should make the sounds for opening and closing the contactless operation easily distinguishable from each other, allowing users to quickly differentiate between the two. In particular, when detecting a non-contact operation to close the door, care must be taken to avoid colliding with the closing door, so a sound pattern that draws attention to this is recommended. To make it easier for the elderly to hear, it is even better to use a combination of multiple short tones, mainly below 3kHz. Furthermore, it is preferable that the sound generated from the non-contact operation detection sound generator be 2 seconds or less in total. If it is longer than this, it may be difficult to understand that the sound is an indication that a non-contact operation has been detected. Furthermore, it would be even easier to understand if, after generating a predetermined sound, the voice guidance device 28 were to announce a warning message via voice guidance, such as, "The door is closing. Please be careful."

[0039] The toilet door opening and closing operation unit (door opening and closing switch (outdoor operation unit 1, indoor operation unit 2)) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention stops the power supply to the non-contact operation units (3, 4) when it is not accepting an operation. More specifically, the operation guidance controller 27 controls the power supply to the non-contact operation unit 3 of the outdoor operation unit 1 when it is not accepting an operation. Furthermore, more specifically, the operation guidance controller 27 controls the power supply to the non-contact operation unit 4 of the indoor operation unit 2 when it is not accepting an operation. In other words, since the non-contact operation section, which does not accept input, does not illuminate the indicator light section, the power supply can be cut off, resulting in significant energy savings.

[0040] The toilet door opening and closing operation unit (door opening and closing switch (outdoor operation unit 1, indoor operation unit 2)) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention further includes a status indicator unit disposed between a non-contact operation unit 3 for opening and a non-contact operation unit 4 for closing. When installed outside the toilet, the status indicator unit lights up to indicate that the toilet is in use when the toilet is in use, and when a non-contact operation unit that is in a state where it does not accept operation detects a non-contact operation, the status indicator unit flashes for a predetermined time. In detail, the operation guidance controller 27 controls the operation so that when the outdoor operation unit 1 is installed outside the toilet, the status indicator unit lights up to indicate that the toilet is in use when the toilet is in use, and when a non-contact operation unit that is in a state where it does not accept operation detects a non-contact operation, the status indicator unit flashes for a predetermined time. In other words, it is possible to reliably notify anyone outside the toilet that the outdoor control unit is not accepting commands. In detail, the system may announce "In Use" via voice guidance or emit a predetermined buzzer sound from the sound-emitting unit to indicate that it is not accepting operations. However, to make it easily understandable for people with hearing impairments, the control unit, which does not accept contactless operations, can be made capable of detecting contactless operations. When a contactless operation is detected, a message such as "In Use" can be highlighted by flashing lights or other means, thereby reliably informing people outside the toilet that it is in use.

[0041] Furthermore, the toilet door opening and closing operation unit (door opening and closing switch (outdoor operation unit 1, indoor operation unit 2)) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention emits an audio message from the sound generating unit that provides operation guidance to encourage contactless operation and an audio message that warns of caution when opening and closing the door. Specifically, the operation guidance controller 27 emits an audio message from the sound generating unit that provides operation guidance to encourage contactless operation and an audio message that warns of caution when opening and closing the door.

[0042] Furthermore, the toilet automatic door system of Embodiment 1 of the present invention comprises a door 22 located at the entrance to the toilet, two door opening / closing operation units (outside operation unit 1, inside operation unit 2) located outside and inside the toilet respectively to operate the opening and closing of the door 22, and a drive controller 24 that controls a drive device 23 to open and close the door based on open and close signals from the two door opening / closing operation units, and also locks or unlocks the door in response to the opening and closing of the door 22. Preferably, the toilet automatic door system has an operation guidance controller 27. The door opening and closing operation unit (outdoor operation unit 1, indoor operation unit 2) includes a non-contact operation unit 3 for opening, a non-contact operation unit 4 for closing, and sound generating units (outdoor non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 9A, indoor non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 9B). Each of the non-contact operation units 3 and 4 for opening and closing has an illumination unit (open illumination unit 7a, closing illumination unit 7b). The operation guidance controller 27 illuminates or flashes the indicator light of the non-contact operation unit 3 or 4 for opening and closing that is in a state to accept operation, and turns off the indicator light of the non-contact operation unit that is not in a state to accept operation. When a non-contact operation unit 3 or 4 that is in a state to accept operation detects a non-contact operation, the controller changes the illumination state of the indicator light and generates a predetermined sound from the sound generating unit to notify that a non-contact operation has been detected. In other words, by adopting contactless operation from a hygienic standpoint, it is possible to provide an automatic toilet door system that enhances safety and convenience for users, making it easy and safe to use.

[0043] Furthermore, in the operation guidance method for the toilet door opening and closing operation unit (outdoor operation unit 1, indoor operation unit 2) of Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the toilet door opening and closing operation unit has a non-contact operation unit 3 for opening, a non-contact operation unit 4 for closing, and sound generating units (outdoor non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 9A, indoor non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 9B), and each of the non-contact operation units (3, 4) for opening and closing has a lighting unit (open lighting unit 7a, closing lighting unit 7b). In the operation guidance method of Embodiment 1, the operation guidance controller 27 illuminates or flashes the indicator light of the non-contact operation unit (3, 4) that is in a state to accept operation, and turns off the indicator light of the non-contact operation unit that is not in a state to accept operation. Furthermore, when the operation guidance controller 27 detects a non-contact operation by a non-contact operation unit that is in a state to accept operation, it changes the illumination state of the indicator light and generates a predetermined sound from the sound generating unit to notify that a non-contact operation has been detected. In other words, by adopting contactless operation from a hygienic standpoint, it is possible to provide a method for guiding users to operate a toilet door opening and closing control unit that is easy to use and safe to operate, while enhancing safety and convenience for the user.

[0044] (Example 2) Next, an automatic toilet door system employing the toilet door opening / closing switch (outdoor operation unit 11, indoor operation unit 12) according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. As shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(b), the outdoor control unit 11 includes a non-contact operation unit 13 for opening and closing, an illumination unit 14 (which also serves as an operation indicator for opening), an illumination unit 15 (which also serves as an operation indicator for closing), an outdoor status indicator unit 16A, a non-contact operation detection sound generator unit 18, and the like. As shown in Figures 7(c) and 7(d), the indoor operation unit 12 includes a non-contact operation unit 13 for opening and closing, an illumination unit 14 (which also serves as an operation indicator for opening), an illumination unit 15 (which also serves as an operation indicator for closing), an indoor status indicator unit 16B, a non-contact operation detection sound generator unit 18, and the like. The differences between Example 2 and Example 1 will be explained using Figure 7 (Example 2), which corresponds to Figure 3 (Example 1), as an example.

[0045] In detail, the outdoor control unit 1 in Example 1 has two non-contact detection units, one for opening and one for closing, while the outdoor control unit 11 in Example 2 has one non-contact operation detection unit (non-contact operation unit 13 for opening and closing) that serves both opening and closing purposes.

[0046] In Embodiment 2 shown in Figure 7, the opening indicator light 14 of the outdoor control unit 11 also serves as the opening operation indicator. The closing indicator light 15 of the outdoor control unit 11 also serves as the closing operation indicator. Furthermore, the opening indicator light 14 of the indoor control unit 12 also serves as the opening operation indicator. The closing indicator light 15 of the indoor control unit 12 also serves as the closing operation indicator.

[0047] The outdoor status display unit 16A of the outdoor control unit 11 in Example 2 corresponds to the outdoor status display unit 5A of the outdoor control unit 1 in Example 1. The indoor status display unit 16B of the indoor operation unit 12 in Example 2 corresponds to the indoor status display unit 5B of the indoor operation unit 2 in Example 1.

[0048] The non-contact operation detection unit 17 for opening and closing of the outdoor operation unit 11 in Embodiment 2 corresponds to both the opening and closing non-contact operation detection units 6a and 6b in Embodiment 1. The non-contact operation detection unit 17 for opening and closing of the indoor operation unit 12 in Embodiment 2 corresponds to both the opening and closing non-contact operation detection units 6a and 6b in Embodiment 1.

[0049] The non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 18 of the outdoor operation unit 11 in Example 2 corresponds to the outdoor non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 9A in Example 1. The non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 18 of the indoor operation unit 12 in Example 2 corresponds to the indoor non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 9B in Example 1.

[0050] Next, Figure 7 will explain the status indicators for the toilet's outdoor door open / close switch (outdoor operation unit 1) and the toilet's indoor door open / close switch (indoor operation unit 2). Figures 7(a) and 7(b) illustrate the display of the toilet's outdoor door open / close switch (outdoor operation unit 11). Figure 7(a) shows the toilet in use, with the word "In Use" lit (illuminated) on the outdoor status indicator unit 16A indicating that the toilet is occupied. At this time, the non-contact operation unit 13 for opening / closing cannot be operated, so both the opening indicator unit 14 and the closing indicator unit 15 of the non-contact operation unit 13 are off (not emitting light). Figure 7(b) shows that the toilet is vacant and available for use. The "In Use" text on the outdoor status indicator 16A is off, indicating that the toilet is vacant. At this time, the non-contact operation unit 13 for opening and closing can be operated to open the door, so the opening indicator 14 (which also serves as the opening operation indicator) lights up, while the closing indicator 15 (which also serves as the closing operation indicator) remains off. In other words, in the toilet outdoor door opening and closing switch (outdoor operation unit 11) of Embodiment 2, when the toilet is vacant and available for use, the "In Use" text on the outdoor status indicator 16A is turned off (non-illuminated), and the user can operate the non-contact operation unit 13 for opening and closing to open the door and use the toilet.

[0051] Figures 7(c) and 7(d) illustrate the display of the toilet door opening / closing switch (indoor operation unit 12). In Figure 7(c), the electric lock 25 of the door 22 is locked, and the word "locked" lights up on the indoor status display unit 16B to indicate that the door 22 is locked. At this time, the non-contact operation unit 13 for opening / closing can be operated to unlock the electric lock 25 and open the door 22, so the opening indicator light 14 (which also serves as the opening operation display unit) lights up, while the closing indicator light 15 (which also serves as the closing operation display unit) is off. Figure 7(d) shows the state of the toilet before a user enters the toilet and closes the door. Since the door is open and unlocked, the "Locked" text on the indoor status display unit 16B is off, indicating that the toilet is unlocked. At this time, the non-contact opening / closing operation unit 13 of the indoor operation unit 12 cannot be operated to open the door, so the opening indicator light 14 (which also serves as the opening operation indicator) is off. On the other hand, the closing indicator light 15 (which also serves as the closing operation indicator) is in a state where the door can be operated to close and lock it, so the closing indicator light 15 (which also serves as the closing operation indicator) is lit. As described above, in the toilet door opening / closing switch (indoor operation unit 12) of the present invention, the closing indicator light 15 of the non-contact opening / closing operation unit 13 lights up before the door is closed, so the user can close and lock the door by operating the illuminated non-contact opening / closing operation unit 13 without hesitation. When the door is locked, the words "Locked" light up on the indoor status display unit 16B, so the user can use the toilet with peace of mind. In addition, when the door is locked, a voice confirmation "The door has been locked" is also spoken, so the visually impaired and low-vision individuals can use the toilet with peace of mind.

[0052] Figures 8(a) and 8(b) show an example of the operation of an automatic toilet door system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. This section will explain the differences between Example 2 and Example 1, and will omit detailed explanations of the same configuration and operation as Example 1. Specifically, the "whether or not a non-contact operation was detected by the non-contact operation detection unit 6a for opening the outdoor operation unit 1" in STEP 3B and STEP 8 of Embodiment 1 shown in Figure 4 is replaced with the "whether or not a non-contact operation was detected by the non-contact operation unit 13 for opening and closing the outdoor operation unit 11" in STEP 43B and STEP 48 of Embodiment 2 shown in Figure 8. Furthermore, steps 41, 42, 43A, 44-47, and 49-51 in Example 2 shown in Figure 8 are substantially the same as steps 1, 2, 3A, 4-7, and 9-11 in Example 1 shown in Figure 4.

[0053] In Figure 8(a), first, it is determined whether the toilet 21 is in use (STEP 41). If the toilet 21 is in use, the operation guidance controller 27 turns off the opening indicator 14 of the outdoor operation unit 11, turns off the outdoor closing indicator 15 of the outdoor operation unit 11, turns off the indoor closing indicator 15 of the indoor operation unit 12, turns on the opening indicator 14 of the indoor operation unit 12, lights up the word "In Use" on the outdoor status display unit 16A of the outdoor operation unit 11, and lights up the word "Locked" on the indoor status display unit 16B of the indoor operation unit 12 (STEP 42). Then, the system determines whether the outdoor proximity sensor 32 turns ON when a user approaches the outdoor door open / close switch (outdoor operation unit 11) (STEP 43A). If the proximity sensor turns ON, the system announces a message to inform the user that the toilet is in use, such as voice (1) "The toilet is in use." (STEP 44). In the above example, an audio message is played when the outdoor proximity sensor 32 detects a user approaching while the toilet is in use. However, instead of using the outdoor proximity sensor 32, as shown in Figure 8(b), an audio message (1) indicating that the toilet is in use may be played when a non-contact operation is detected by the non-contact operation detection unit 17 for opening and closing the outdoor operation unit 11 (STEP 43B) (STEP 44). Alternatively, the outdoor proximity sensor 32 may be omitted, and when the toilet is in use, the non-contact operation detection unit 17 for opening and closing the outdoor control unit 11 may also be set to not detect non-contact operation. In this configuration, when the toilet is in use, an informational message informing the user that the toilet is in use may be repeatedly spoken at predetermined time intervals. In addition, in STEP 44, the operation guidance controller 27 may also control the outdoor status display unit 16A of the outdoor operation unit 11 to blink the "In Use" display for a predetermined period of time.

[0054] Furthermore, in STEP 41, it is determined whether or not the toilet 21 is in use. If the toilet 21 is vacant, the opening indicator light 14 of the outdoor control unit 11 is turned on, and the closing indicator light 15 of the outdoor control unit 11 is turned off (STEP 45). In STEP 45, the non-contact operation detection unit 17 for opening and closing of the outdoor operation unit 11 is capable of receiving a non-contact operation for opening. In STEP 45, since the door is closed, the operation guidance controller 27 may turn on the opening indicator light 14 of the indoor operation unit 12 and turn off the closing indicator light 15. Alternatively, since the toilet is not in use and there is no one inside, both the opening indicator light 14 and the closing indicator light 15 may be turned off to save energy. Then, the outdoor proximity sensor 32 determines whether or not a user has approached the vicinity of the toilet's outdoor door opening / closing switch (outdoor operation unit 11) (STEP 46). If the proximity sensor 32 detects a user's approach (ON), the voice guidance device 28 emits an operation guidance message prompting the user to operate the non-contact operation unit 13 for opening and closing the outdoor operation unit 11, depending on the detection method of the non-contact sensor. For example, voice (2) "Bring your hand close to the illuminated button on top to open the door," or voice (2) "Place your hand over the illuminated button on top to open the door," (STEP 47). Alternatively, the outdoor proximity sensor 32 may be omitted, and the operation guidance message "Bring your hand close to the illuminated button to open the door," (voice (2)) in STEP 47 may be repeatedly emitted by the voice guidance device 28 at predetermined intervals. Furthermore, if, after the operation guidance message (voice (2)) is spoken in STEP 47, the non-contact operation detection unit 17 for opening and closing the outdoor operation unit 11 does not detect a non-contact operation even after a predetermined time has elapsed in STEP 48, it is possible that the user does not understand the operation method, and therefore the operation guidance message will be spoken again. Then, when a non-contact operation is detected and turned ON by the non-contact operation detection unit 17 for opening and closing of the outdoor operation unit 11 (STEP 48), the lighting mode of the opening indicator light unit 14 of the outdoor operation unit 11 is changed (changing the lighting color, making it blink, changing the blinking interval, or a combination thereof), and a detection sound is generated by the non-contact operation detection sound generation unit 18 (STEP 49). Then, the voice guidance device 28 emits a warning message, for example, voice (3) "The door is opening. Please be careful." (STEP 50), and the door 22 opens (STEP 51). The explanation of the operations from STEP 51 onwards is omitted.

[0055] As described above, the toilet door opening and closing operation unit (outdoor operation unit 11, indoor operation unit 12) according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention has a single non-contact operation unit (non-contact operation unit 13 for opening and closing) that serves both opening and closing, and a sound generating unit (non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 18), etc. The non-contact operation unit (non-contact operation unit 13 for opening and closing) has separate illuminated units (14, 15) for opening and closing. The illuminated units corresponding to operations that the non-contact operation unit (non-contact operation unit 13 for opening and closing) is in a state to accept are illuminated or blinked, and the illuminated units corresponding to operations that are not in a state to accept are turned off. When the non-contact operation unit (non-contact operation unit 13 for opening and closing) detects a non-contact operation that it can accept, it changes the state of the illuminated units and generates a predetermined sound from the sound generating unit (non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 18) to notify that a non-contact operation has been detected. In detail, the operation guidance controller 27 lights up or flashes the lights corresponding to operations that the non-contact operation unit (non-contact operation unit for opening and closing 13) is accepting, and turns off the lights corresponding to operations that it is not accepting. When the non-contact operation unit (non-contact operation unit for opening and closing 13) detects a non-contact operation that it is accepting, it changes the state of the lights and generates a predetermined sound from the sound generating unit (non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 18) to notify that a non-contact operation has been detected.

[0056] In other words, in Embodiment 2, the outdoor operating unit 11 or indoor operating unit 12, which serves as the toilet door opening and closing operation unit, is equipped with one non-contact operating unit (non-contact operating unit 13 for opening and closing), thus enabling miniaturization and cost reduction of the door opening and closing operation unit. Furthermore, since the door opening and closing operation unit can only open the door when it is closed and close it when it is open, it can be implemented with just one operation unit. If the operation is performed when the door is open, it will perform the closing operation. If the operation is performed when the door is closed, it will perform the opening operation. However, if the operation unit is only one, the operation method will be difficult to understand for people who are used to conventional open and close buttons. In addition, unlike push buttons, non-contact sensors can be difficult to detect depending on how the hand is positioned, and there is a problem in distinguishing whether the operation was not detected or whether the sensor was not accepting operation in the first place. This invention can solve these problems.

[0057] Furthermore, the toilet door opening and closing operation unit (outdoor operation unit 11 or indoor operation unit 12) according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention has an outdoor status display unit 5A or an indoor status display unit 5B adjacent to the non-contact operation unit (non-contact operation unit 13 for opening and closing) as a status display unit.

[0058] Furthermore, the toilet automatic door system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention comprises a door 22 located at the entrance to the toilet, two door opening / closing operation units (outside operation unit 11, inside operation unit 12) located outside and inside the toilet respectively to operate the opening and closing of the door 22, and a drive controller 24 that controls a drive device 23 to open and close the door based on open and close signals from the two door opening / closing operation units, and also locks or unlocks the door in response to the opening and closing of the door. The door opening and closing operation unit (outdoor operation unit 11, indoor operation unit 12) has a single non-contact operation unit (non-contact operation unit for opening and closing 13) that serves both for opening and closing, and a sound generating unit (non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 18). The non-contact operation unit (non-contact operation unit for opening and closing 13) has separate illuminated units for opening and closing (illuminated unit for opening 14, illuminated unit for closing 15). The operation guidance controller 27 lights up or flashes the lights corresponding to operations that the non-contact operation unit (non-contact operation unit 13 for opening and closing) is accepting, and turns off the lights corresponding to operations that it is not accepting. When the non-contact operation unit detects a non-contact operation that it can accept, it changes the state of the lights and generates a predetermined sound from the sound generating unit to notify that a non-contact operation has been detected.

[0059] Furthermore, the operation guidance method of Embodiment 2 of the present invention is an operation guidance method for a toilet door opening and closing operation unit (outdoor operation unit 11, indoor operation unit 12) having one non-contact operation unit (opening / closing non-contact operation unit 13) that serves both for opening and closing, and a sound generating unit (non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 18), wherein the non-contact operation unit (opening / closing non-contact operation unit 13) has separate illuminated units for opening and closing, and the operation guidance method is performed in which the illuminated units (opening illuminated unit 14, closing illuminated unit 15) corresponding to operations that the non-contact operation unit (opening / closing non-contact operation unit 13) is in a state to accept illuminate or blink, and the illuminated units corresponding to operations that are not in a state to accept are turned off. When the non-contact operation unit (opening / closing non-contact operation unit 13) detects a non-contact operation that it can accept, the illumination state of the illuminated units (opening illuminated unit 14, closing illuminated unit 15) is changed, and a predetermined sound is generated from the sound generating unit to notify that a non-contact operation has been detected. In other words, a method for guiding the operation of a toilet door opening and closing control unit (outdoor control unit 11, indoor control unit 12) can be easily provided with simple operation.

[0060] (Example 3) Next, an automatic toilet door system employing the toilet door opening and closing operation unit (toilet door opening and closing switch (outdoor operation unit 121, indoor operation unit 122)) according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. The outdoor operation unit 121 of Embodiment 3 includes a non-contact operation unit 123 for opening and closing, an illumination unit 124 for opening and closing, an outdoor status display unit 126A, a non-contact operation detection unit 127 for opening and closing, a non-contact operation detection sound generation unit 128, and the like. The indoor operation unit 122 of Embodiment 3 includes a non-contact operation unit 123 for opening and closing, an illumination unit 124 for opening and closing, an indoor status display unit 126B, a non-contact operation detection unit 127 for opening and closing, a non-contact operation detection sound generation unit 128, and the like. In detail, the opening indicator light 14 and closing indicator light 15 of the outdoor control unit 11 in Example 2 correspond to a single opening / closing indicator light 124 in the outdoor control unit 121 of Example 3. In Example 2, the opening indicator light 14 and closing indicator light 15 of the indoor operating unit 12 correspond to a single opening / closing indicator light 124 in the indoor operating unit 122 of Example 3. In Example 2, the illumination of either the opening or closing indicator light corresponds to the illumination of one opening / closing indicator light 124 in Example 3. In Example 2, both the opening and closing indicator lights are turned off, which corresponds to turning off one of the opening / closing indicator lights 124 in Example 3.

[0061] OK In Example 3, only the parts that differ from Example 2 will be described, and detailed explanations of the parts that have the same configuration as Example 2 will be omitted. The opening and closing light unit 124 is formed in a circular shape, and a hand-shaped design is printed or otherwise displayed on its inner surface. The opening / closing indicator light 124 illuminates in a specified color, such as blue, when it is open, and illuminates in a specified color, such as red, when it is closed. The opening / closing indicator light 124 may also illuminate in a single color common to both the open and closed positions.

[0062] OK Furthermore, the position of the non-contact opening / closing operation unit 123 may be above or below the outdoor status display unit 126A (or indoor status display unit 126B) as shown in Figure 9 (vertical type), or it may be a horizontal type with both units arranged horizontally.

[0063] OK Figures 10(a) and 10(b) show an example of the operation of an automatic toilet door system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In Example 3 shown in Figure 10, STEP 62, "Turn off outdoor lighting" and "Turn on indoor lighting," corresponds to STEP 42 in Example 2 shown in Figure 8, STEP 65 in Example 3, "Turn on outdoor lighting," corresponds to STEP 45 in Example 2, and STEP 69 in Example 3, "Change outdoor lighting mode," corresponds to STEP 49 in Example 2. Furthermore, steps 61, 63A, 64, 66-68, and 70-71 in Example 3 shown in Figure 10 are substantially the same as steps 41, 43A, 44, 46-48, and 50-51 in Example 2 shown in Figure 8.

[0064] In Figure 10(a), first, it is determined whether the toilet 21 is in use (STEP 61). If the toilet 21 is in use, the operation guidance controller 27 turns off the opening / closing indicator light 124 of the outdoor operation unit 121, turns on the opening / closing indicator light 124 of the indoor operation unit 122, lights up the word "In Use" on the outdoor status display unit 26A of the outdoor operation unit 121, and lights up the word "Locked" on the indoor status display unit 126 of the indoor operation unit 122 (STEP 62). Then, it is determined whether the outdoor proximity sensor 32 turns ON when a user approaches the vicinity of the toilet door open / close switch (outdoor operation unit 121) (STEP 63A). If the proximity sensor 32 turns ON, the voice guidance device 28 may emit a guidance message to inform the user that the toilet is in use, for example, voice (1) "The toilet is in use." (STEP 64). In the above example, an audio message is played when the outdoor proximity sensor 32 detects a user approaching while the toilet is in use. However, instead of using the outdoor proximity sensor 32, as shown in Figure 10(b), an audio message (1) indicating that the toilet is in use may be played when the non-contact operation detection unit 127 for opening and closing, which is in a state where it does not accept opening and closing operations when the opening and closing indicator light 124 of the outdoor operation unit 121 is off (STEP 63B), detects a non-contact operation (STEP 64). Alternatively, without providing the outdoor proximity sensor 32, an audio guidance message (1) indicating that the toilet is in use may be played repeatedly at predetermined time intervals when the toilet is in use. In addition, in STEP 64, the operation guidance controller 27 may also control the outdoor status display unit 126A of the outdoor operation unit 121 to blink the "In Use" display for a predetermined period of time.

[0065] In addition, in STEP 61, it is determined whether the toilet 21 is in use or not. If the toilet 21 is vacant, the operation guidance controller 27 lights up the opening / closing indicator light 124 of the outdoor operation unit 121 (STEP 65). In STEP 65, the non-contact opening / closing operation detection unit 127 of the outdoor operation unit 121 is capable of receiving a non-contact operation for opening. In STEP 65, since the door is closed and the toilet is not in use, the operation guidance controller 27 saves energy by turning off the opening / closing indicator light 124 of the indoor operation unit 122. The operation guidance controller 27 then determines whether or not the outdoor proximity sensor 32 has detected that a user has approached the toilet's outdoor door opening / closing switch (outdoor operation unit 121). If the proximity sensor 32 detects the approach of a user (STEP 66), the voice guidance device 28 will emit a guidance message to encourage contactless operation of the non-contact operation unit 123 for opening and closing the outdoor operation unit 121, depending on the detection method of the contactless sensor used in the non-contact operation detection unit 127 for opening and closing, for example, voice (2) "Bring your hand close to the illuminated button on top to open the door." or "Place your hand over the illuminated button on top to open the door." (STEP 67). Alternatively, the outdoor proximity sensor 32 may be omitted, and the voice guidance device 28 may repeatedly emit the operation guidance message "Bring your hand close to the illuminated button on top to open the door." in STEP 67 at predetermined intervals. Furthermore, if, after the operation guidance message (voice (2)) is spoken in STEP 67, the non-contact operation detection unit 127 for opening and closing the outdoor operation unit 121 does not detect a non-contact operation even after a predetermined time has elapsed in STEP 68, it is possible that the user does not understand the operation method, and therefore the operation guidance message will be spoken again. Then, when a non-contact operation is detected and turned ON by the non-contact operation detection unit 127 for opening and closing of the outdoor operation unit 121 (STEP 68), the lighting mode of the opening and closing indicator light unit 124 of the outdoor operation unit 121 is changed (changing the lighting color, making it blink, changing the blinking interval, or a combination thereof), and a detection sound is generated by the non-contact operation detection sound generation unit 128 (STEP 69). Then, the voice guidance device 28 emits a warning message, for example, voice (3) "The door is opening. Please be careful." (STEP 70), and the door 22 opens (STEP 71). The explanation of the operations from STEP 71 onwards is omitted.

[0066] Furthermore, the toilet door opening and closing operation unit (outdoor operation unit 121, indoor operation unit 122) according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention has a single non-contact operation unit (non-contact operation unit for opening and closing 123) that serves both for opening and closing, a lighting unit (lighting unit for opening and closing 124), a sound generating unit (non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 128), etc. The operation guidance controller 27 lights up or flashes the lighting unit when the non-contact operation unit is in a state where it can accept either opening or closing operations, turns off the lighting unit when it is not in a state where it can accept either opening or closing operations, and when it detects a non-contact operation that the non-contact operation unit can accept, it changes the lighting state of the lighting unit and generates a predetermined sound from the sound generating unit to notify that a non-contact operation has been detected. In other words, in Embodiment 3, the outdoor operating unit 121 or the indoor operating unit 122 has one non-contact operating unit (non-contact operating unit for opening and closing 123) as well as one lighting unit (lighting unit for opening and closing 124), thus enabling further cost reduction. Furthermore, the operation guidance controller 27 may change the illumination color of the opening / closing indicator light 124 depending on whether it receives an opening operation or a closing operation via the non-contact operation unit (non-contact opening / closing operation unit 123). It would be even easier to understand if the illumination color when an opening or closing operation is received matches the color of the symbol or characters corresponding to the opening or closing operation. For example, the characters "OPEN" could be blue and "CLOSE" could be red, and the illumination color could be blue when an opening operation is received and red when a closing operation is received. The illumination color could also be changed to green when a non-contact operation is detected. These "OPEN" and "CLOSE" characters are a type of non-contact operation indicator.

[0067] Furthermore, the toilet door opening and closing operation unit (outdoor operation unit 121, indoor operation unit 122) according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention has a status display unit (outdoor status display unit 126A, indoor status display unit 126B) adjacent to the non-contact operation unit (non-contact operation unit for opening and closing 123).

[0068] Furthermore, the automatic toilet door system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention comprises a door 22 located at the entrance to the toilet, two door opening / closing operation units (outside operation unit 121, inside operation unit 122) located outside and inside the toilet respectively to operate the opening and closing of the door 22, and a drive controller 24 that controls a drive device 23 to open and close the door 22 based on open and close signals from the two door opening / closing operation units, and also locks or unlocks the door 22 in response to the opening and closing of the door 22. The door opening and closing operation unit has a single non-contact operation unit (non-contact operation unit 123 for opening and closing) that serves both for opening and closing, an illumination unit (illumination unit 124 for opening and closing), and a sound generation unit (non-contact operation detection sound generation unit 128). The operation guidance controller 27 illuminates or flashes the indicator light (opening / closing indicator light 124) when the non-contact operation unit (opening / closing non-contact operation unit 123) is in a state where it can accept either an opening or closing operation, and turns off the indicator light (opening / closing indicator light 124) when it is not in a state where it can accept either an opening or closing operation. When the non-contact operation unit detects a non-contact operation that it can accept, it changes the illumination state of the indicator light and generates a predetermined sound from the sound generating unit to notify that a non-contact operation has been detected. In other words, it is possible to provide an automatic toilet door system with a simple structure that notifies the detection of contactless operation, etc.

[0069] Furthermore, the operation guidance method according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention is an operation guidance method for a toilet door opening and closing operation unit having a single non-contact operation unit (opening / closing non-contact operation unit 123) that serves both for opening and closing, a lighting unit (opening / closing lighting unit 124), and a sound generating unit (non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 128), wherein the lighting unit is lit or flashes when the non-contact operation unit is in a state where it can accept either opening or closing operations, the lighting unit is turned off when it is in a state where it cannot accept either opening or closing operations, and when the non-contact operation unit detects a non-contact operation that it can accept, the lighting state of the lighting unit is changed and a predetermined sound is generated from the sound generating unit to notify that a non-contact operation has been detected.

[0070] (Example 4) Next, an automatic door system employing the door opening / closing operation unit 131 (door opening / closing operation section) according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 11, 12, and 13. As shown in Figure 11, the door opening and closing operation unit 131 (door opening and closing operation section) includes a non-contact operation section 133 for opening and closing, an illumination section 134 for opening and closing, a non-contact operation detection section 137 for opening and closing, a non-contact operation detection sound generation section 138, and the like. In the door opening / closing operation unit 131 of Example 4, since it is not exclusively for toilets, it does not have the status display unit (indicator for "in use" and "locked") as in Example 3. Furthermore, in Embodiment 4, instead of the operation guidance controller 27, drive controller 24, drive device 23, and door 22 shown in Figure 2, there is an automatic door 40, electric lock controller 26, electric lock 25, etc., but the outdoor proximity sensor 32, indoor proximity sensor 33, voice guidance device 28, emergency call switch 34, etc. do not need to be provided.

[0071] In Example 4, as shown in Figure 12, instead of a multi-functional toilet, a door opening and closing operation unit 131 is installed on the outside of an office 39 to open the automatic door 40 at the entrance of, for example, an office 39 within the building. The operation guidance controller 27 allows entry to the room via contactless operation of the door opening / closing operation unit 131 when entry is permitted, and disables contactless operation of the door opening / closing operation unit 131 to prevent entry when the office is temporarily unoccupied. Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 12, the door opening / closing operation unit 131 is used solely for opening the door. When a non-contact operation is detected by the door opening / closing operation unit 131, the automatic door 40 opens, and after a person passes through the entrance, the door closes automatically.

[0072] In detail, in STEP 81, the operation guidance controller 27 determines whether or not it is possible to enter the office 39 based on, for example, the conditions inside the office, indoor sensors (not shown), and entry setting information (not shown) from a setting operation unit (not shown) that allows or disallows entry. If entry is not possible, it turns off the opening / closing indicator light 134 (STEP 82), and if entry is possible, it turns on the opening / closing indicator light 134 (STEP 83). In other words, the user observes whether the opening / closing indicator light 134 of the non-contact opening / closing operation unit 133 is lit or extinguished to determine whether or not they can enter the office 39 by non-contact operation of the door opening / closing operation unit 131. When the light is lit, entry is possible by non-contact operation. Subsequently, when it is detected that a hand has been brought close to the non-contact operation unit 133 for opening and closing (non-contact operation) (STEP 84), the operation guidance controller 27 changes the lighting mode of the opening and closing indicator light unit 134 and emits a predetermined sound from the non-contact operation detection sound generator 138 to notify the user that a non-contact operation has been detected (STEP 85), then opens the door (STEP 86), and controls the door to close automatically after the user has entered the office (STEP 87), and the door closes (STEP 88).

[0073] As described above, the door opening and closing operation unit 131 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention includes a non-contact operation unit for opening and closing (non-contact operation unit for opening and closing 133), a lighting unit (lighting unit for opening and closing 134), a sound generating unit (non-contact operation detection sound generating unit), etc. The operation guidance controller 27 lights up or flashes the lighting unit when the non-contact operation unit is in a state where it can accept either opening or closing operations, and turns off the lighting unit when it is in a state where it cannot accept either opening or closing operations. When the non-contact operation unit detects a non-contact operation that it can accept, it changes the lighting state of the lighting unit and generates a predetermined sound from the sound generating unit to notify that a non-contact operation has been detected. In other words, a door opening / closing operation unit 131 can be provided that can perform contactless operations related to opening and closing doors with a simple configuration. Furthermore, the door opening / closing operation unit 131 may also be applied to automatic doors that only accept door opening operations and automatically close the door after it has been opened.

[0074] Furthermore, the operation guidance method according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention is an operation guidance method for a door opening and closing operation unit having a non-contact operation unit for opening and closing operations (non-contact operation unit 133 for opening and closing), a lighting unit (lighting unit 134 for opening and closing), and a sound generating unit (non-contact operation detection sound generating unit), wherein the lighting unit is lit or flashes when the non-contact operation unit is in a state where it can accept either opening or closing operations, and the lighting unit is turned off when it is in a state where it cannot accept either opening or closing operations, and when the non-contact operation unit detects a non-contact operation that can be accepted, the lighting state of the lighting unit is changed and a predetermined sound is generated from the sound generating unit to notify that a non-contact operation has been detected. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1: Outdoor control unit (door opening / closing switch for the toilet's exterior) 2: Indoor control unit (toilet door opening / closing switch) 3: Non-contact operation part for opening 4: Non-contact operation part for closing 5A: Outdoor status display unit 5B: Indoor status display unit 7a: Lighting unit for opening 7b: Lighting unit for closing 9A: Outdoor non-contact operation detection sound generation unit 9B: Indoor non-contact operation detection sound generation unit 11: Outdoor control unit (door opening / closing switch for the toilet's exterior) 12: Indoor control unit (toilet door opening / closing switch) 13: Non-contact operation part for opening and closing 14: Lighting unit for opening and operation display unit 15: Lighting unit for closing and operation display unit 16A: Outdoor status display unit 16B: Indoor status display unit 18: Non-contact operation detection sound generation unit 21: Toilet 22: Door 23: Drive unit 24: Drive controller 25: Electric lock 26: Electric lock controller 27: Operation guidance controller 28: Voice guidance system 29A, 29B: Speakers 30: Storage part 121: Outdoor control unit (door opening / closing switch for the toilet's exterior) 122: Indoor control unit (toilet door opening / closing switch) 123: Non-contact operation part for opening and closing 124: Lighting unit for opening and closing 128: Non-contact operation detection sound generation unit 131: Door opening / closing operation unit 133: Non-contact operation part for opening and closing 134: Lighting unit for opening and closing 138: Non-contact operation detection sound generation unit

Claims

1. It has a non-contact operation unit for opening, a non-contact operation unit for closing, and a voice guidance unit, and each of the non-contact operation units for opening and closing has an illumination unit. Of the non-contact operating parts for opening and closing, the indicator light of the non-contact operating part that is in a state to accept operation is turned on or blinked, and the indicator light of the non-contact operating part that is not in a state to accept operation is turned off. When one of the aforementioned non-contact operation units for opening and closing the door detects a non-contact operation that is in a state to accept operation, the illumination state of the illuminated or flashing illuminated unit changes, and the voice guidance unit emits a warning voice message to alert the user to the door opening and closing process. A toilet door opening and closing control unit characterized by the following features.

2. The voice guidance unit further emits at least one of the following voice messages: a voice message guiding users to perform contactless operations; a voice message indicating that the door is locked; a voice message prompting users to move from outside to inside or inside to outside the toilet; and a voice message indicating that the toilet is in use. The toilet door opening and closing operation unit according to feature 1.

3. When one of the non-contact operating parts for opening and closing, which is in a state that accepts operation, detects a non-contact operation, the change in the lighting state of the illuminated part is a change in the color of the light, a change from lighting to blinking, a change from blinking to lighting, a change in the blinking interval, or a combination thereof. A toilet door opening and closing operation unit according to claim 1 or 2.

4. It further includes a status indicator unit disposed between the non-contact operation unit for opening and the non-contact operation unit for closing, When installed outside the toilet, the status indicator light illuminates when the toilet is in use, and when the non-contact operation unit, which is in a state where it is not accepting operation, detects a non-contact operation, the status indicator light flashes for a predetermined time. A toilet door opening and closing operation unit according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The toilet comprises a door located at the entrance to the toilet, two door opening / closing operation units located outside and inside the toilet respectively to operate the opening and closing of the door, and a drive controller that controls a drive device to open and close the door based on open and close signals from the two door opening / closing operation units, and also locks or unlocks the door in response to the opening and closing of the door. The door opening and closing operation unit has a non-contact operation unit for opening, a non-contact operation unit for closing, and a voice guidance unit, Each of the aforementioned non-contact operation units for opening and closing has a lighting unit. Of the non-contact operating parts for opening and closing, the indicator light of the non-contact operating part that is in a state to accept operation is turned on or blinked, and the indicator light of the non-contact operating part that is not in a state to accept operation is turned off. When one of the aforementioned non-contact operation units for opening and closing the door detects a non-contact operation that is in a state to accept operation, the illumination state of the illuminated or flashing illuminated unit changes, and the voice guidance unit emits a warning voice message to alert the user to the door opening and closing process. An automatic toilet door system characterized by the following features.

6. An operation guidance method for a toilet door opening and closing operation unit having a non-contact operation unit for opening, a non-contact operation unit for closing, and a voice guidance unit, wherein each of the opening and closing non-contact operation units has an illuminated unit, Of the non-contact operating parts for opening and closing, the indicator light of the non-contact operating part that is in a state to accept operation is turned on or blinked, and the indicator light of the non-contact operating part that is not in a state to accept operation is turned off. When one of the aforementioned non-contact operation units for opening and closing the door detects a non-contact operation that is in a state to accept operation, the illumination state of the illuminated or flashing illuminated unit changes, and the voice guidance unit emits a warning voice message to alert the user to the door opening and closing process. A method for providing instructions for operation, characterized by the features described above.

7. It has a single non-contact operation unit that serves both for opening and closing, and a voice guidance unit, The aforementioned non-contact operation unit has separate indicator lights for opening and closing. Of the non-contact operations for opening and closing, the indicator light corresponding to the operation that the non-contact operation unit is accepting will be illuminated or blinked, and of the non-contact operations for opening and closing, the indicator light corresponding to the operation that the unit is not accepting will be turned off. When the non-contact operation unit detects a non-contact operation that it can accept, among the non-contact operations for opening and closing the door, it changes the state of the illuminated or flashing indicator light and simultaneously emits a warning voice message from the voice guidance unit to alert the user to the door opening and closing process. A toilet door opening and closing control unit characterized by the following features.

8. The toilet comprises a door located at the entrance to the toilet, two door opening / closing operation units located outside and inside the toilet respectively to operate the opening and closing of the door, and a drive controller that controls a drive device to open and close the door based on open and close signals from the two door opening / closing operation units, and also locks or unlocks the door in response to the opening and closing of the door. The aforementioned door opening and closing operation unit has a single non-contact operation unit that serves both for opening and closing, and a voice guidance unit, The aforementioned non-contact operation unit has separate indicator lights for opening and closing. Of the non-contact operations for opening and closing, the indicator light corresponding to the operation that the non-contact operation unit is accepting will be illuminated or blinked, and of the non-contact operations for opening and closing, the indicator light corresponding to the operation that the unit is not accepting will be turned off. When the non-contact operation unit detects a non-contact operation that it can accept, among the non-contact operations for opening and closing the door, it changes the state of the illuminated or flashing indicator light and simultaneously emits a warning voice message from the voice guidance unit to alert the user to the door opening and closing process. An automatic toilet door system characterized by the following features.

9. An operation guidance method for a toilet door opening and closing operation unit having a single non-contact operation unit that serves both for opening and closing, and a voice guidance unit, wherein the non-contact operation unit has separate indicator lights for opening and closing, Of the non-contact operations for opening and closing, the indicator light corresponding to the operation that the non-contact operation unit is accepting will be illuminated or blinked, and of the non-contact operations for opening and closing, the indicator light corresponding to the operation that the unit is not accepting will be turned off. When the non-contact operation unit detects a non-contact operation that it can accept, among the non-contact operations for opening and closing the door, it changes the state of the illuminated or flashing indicator light and simultaneously emits a warning voice message from the voice guidance unit to alert the user to the door opening and closing process. A method for providing instructions for operation, characterized by the features described above.

10. It has a single non-contact operation unit that serves both for opening and closing, an illumination unit, and a voice guidance unit. When the non-contact operation unit is in a state where it can accept either an open or closed operation, the indicator light unit will light up or blink. When the non-contact operation unit detects a non-contact operation that it can accept, among the non-contact operations for opening and closing the door, it changes the state of the illuminated or flashing indicator light and simultaneously emits a warning voice message from the voice guidance unit to alert the user to the door opening and closing process. A toilet door opening and closing control unit characterized by the following features.

11. The voice guidance unit further emits at least one of the following voice messages: a voice message guiding users to perform contactless operations; a voice message indicating that the door is locked; a voice message prompting users to move from outside to inside or inside to outside the toilet; and a voice message indicating that the toilet is in use. The toilet door opening and closing operation unit according to claim 10.

12. The aforementioned illuminated section is formed in a roughly circular shape when viewed from the front, and a hand-shaped figure is displayed inside the illuminated section. The toilet door opening and closing operation unit according to claim 10.

13. When the non-contact operation unit detects a non-contact operation that can be accepted, the change in the illumination state of the illumination unit is a change in illumination color, a change from illumination to blinking, a change from blinking to illumination, a change in blinking interval, or a combination thereof. A toilet door opening and closing operation unit according to any one of claims 10 to 12.

14. Adjacent to the aforementioned non-contact operation unit is a status display unit that indicates whether the toilet is in use or not. A toilet door opening and closing operation unit according to any one of claims 10 to 12.

15. When installed outside the toilet, the status indicator light illuminates when the toilet is in use, and when the non-contact operation unit, which is in a state where it is not accepting operation, detects a non-contact operation, the status indicator light flashes for a predetermined time. The toilet door opening and closing operation unit according to feature 14.

16. The toilet comprises a door located at the entrance to the toilet, two door opening / closing operation units located outside and inside the toilet respectively to operate the opening and closing of the door, and a drive controller that controls a drive device to open and close the door based on open and close signals from the two door opening / closing operation units, and also locks or unlocks the door in response to the opening and closing of the door. The aforementioned door opening and closing operation unit has a single non-contact operation unit that serves both for opening and closing, an illumination unit, and a voice guidance unit. When the non-contact operation unit is in a state where it can accept either an open or closed operation, the indicator light unit will light up or blink. When the non-contact operation unit detects a non-contact operation that it can accept, among the non-contact operations for opening and closing the door, it changes the state of the illuminated or flashing indicator light and simultaneously emits a warning voice message from the voice guidance unit to alert the user to the door opening and closing process. An automatic toilet door system characterized by the following features.

17. An operation guidance method for a toilet door opening and closing operation unit having a single non-contact operation unit that serves both for opening and closing, an illumination unit, and an audio guidance unit, When the non-contact operation unit is in a state where it can accept either an opening or closing operation, the indicator light unit will light up or blink. When the non-contact operation unit detects a non-contact operation that it can accept among the opening and closing operations, the lighting state of the indicator light unit, which is lit or blinking, will change, and the voice guidance unit will emit a warning voice message to alert the user to the door opening and closing process. A method for providing instructions for operation, characterized by the features described above.

Images