Information provision system and information provision program

Abstract

To enable the provision of appropriate information. [Solution] The information provision system according to the embodiment is an information provision system that outputs the congestion status of a plurality of restrooms provided in a facility to a display terminal, comprising: a usage status acquisition unit that acquires the usage status of a user provided in each of the plurality of restrooms; and a congestion status acquisition unit that acquires congestion information of the plurality of restrooms based on the usage status of the user acquired by the usage status acquisition unit, and displays restroom information including congestion information on the display terminal, and the display of the restroom information can be switched for each user category relating to the user using the restroom.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The embodiments of the disclosure relate to information provision systems and information provision programs. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, information-providing devices and programs have been known that visualize the usage status of toilets in facilities such as commercial facilities, thereby promoting smooth toilet use (e.g., Patent Document 1). For example, Patent Document 1 displays the usage status (full, vacant, being cleaned) of toilet spaces corresponding to each gender, such as women's and men's restrooms on each floor of a facility, as well as the number of toilets available for use in each toilet space, making it possible to grasp the congestion status of the toilet spaces in a facility. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-197011 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] However, there is room for improvement in the above technology. For example, while the conventional system described above allows users to check whether each toilet space is occupied or being cleaned, it displays women's and men's restrooms together in the list, including information that is unnecessary for the user. Therefore, there is room for improvement in terms of providing information to the user. For this reason, it is desirable to enable the provision of appropriate information regarding restrooms and other toilets.

[0005] Considering the points mentioned above, the challenge lies in enabling the provision of appropriate information.

[0006] The embodiments of the disclosure aim to provide an information provision system and information provision program that can enable the provision of appropriate information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An information provision system according to one embodiment is an information provision system that outputs the congestion status of a plurality of restrooms provided in a facility to a display terminal, comprising: a usage status acquisition unit that acquires the usage status of a user provided in each of the plurality of restrooms; and a congestion status acquisition unit that acquires congestion information of the plurality of restrooms based on the usage status of the user acquired by the usage status acquisition unit, wherein the display terminal displays restroom information including congestion information, and the display of the restroom information can be switched for each user category relating to the user using the restroom.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the information provision system, the system is configured to allow switching between different user categories for users of restrooms. This eliminates the need to search for a restroom among all user categories, allowing the system to provide restroom information that matches the user's needs and improving usability. Therefore, the information provision system can provide appropriate information. Examples of the objects of use will be described later, but while toilets are one example, the objects of use are not limited to toilets; they may also include urinals, washbasins, and various other devices (objects) placed in restrooms.

[0009] In an information provision system according to one embodiment, the user categories are characterized by including at least four categories: male, female, barrier-free toilet user, and all-gender.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the information provision system, even genderless individuals who find it difficult to use restrooms simply categorized as men's restrooms, women's restrooms, or barrier-free restrooms based on gender or function, can use the system more easily and with improved usability. Therefore, the information provision system can enable the provision of appropriate information.

[0011] In an information provision system according to one embodiment, the display mode on the display terminal includes a first display mode and a second display mode that displays information different from the first display mode, and at least one of the first display mode and the second display mode can be switched for each user category.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the information provision system, it is possible to switch between output information appropriate for displaying information on multiple restrooms and output information appropriate for displaying information on a specific restroom. This allows for the provision of restroom information that meets the user's needs, improving usability. Therefore, the information provision system can provide appropriate information.

[0013] In an information provision system according to one embodiment, the first display mode includes first restroom information of the plurality of restrooms, and the second display mode includes second restroom information of a specific restroom among the plurality of restrooms.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the information provision system, a screen is provided that makes it easy to find a specific restroom from among multiple restrooms, and the information for that specific restroom can be switched according to user category. Therefore, in various situations, such as when a user selects a specific restroom and then suddenly needs restroom information for a different user category, the system can provide restroom information that meets the user's needs, thereby improving usability. Consequently, the information provision system can provide appropriate information.

[0015] In an information provision system according to one embodiment, the second display mode is characterized in that it includes second restroom information for the specific restroom selected in the first display mode.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the information provision system, a screen is provided that makes it easy to find a specific restroom from among multiple restrooms, and the information for that specific restroom can be switched according to user category. Therefore, in various situations, such as when a user selects a specific restroom and then suddenly needs restroom information for a different user category, the system can provide restroom information that meets the user's needs, thereby improving usability. Consequently, the information provision system can provide appropriate information.

[0017] In an information provision system according to one embodiment, the second display mode is characterized by including information relating to the configuration of the specific restroom.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the information provision system, detailed information for a specific restroom can be switched, allowing the system to provide restroom information that meets the user's needs and improving usability. Therefore, the information provision system can enable the provision of appropriate information.

[0019] In an information provision system according to one embodiment, the display of the restroom information can be switched by selecting a tab corresponding to each user category, and the tab displays information indicating the corresponding user category.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the information provision system, the tabs can be switched to allow for immediate confirmation, and information indicating the user category corresponding to the tab is displayed, allowing the user to appropriately select the information for the user category they wish to view, thus improving usability. Therefore, the information provision system can provide appropriate information.

[0021] In an information provision system according to one embodiment, the display terminal is characterized in that it can display facilities within a predetermined area that have restrooms for the user category to be used, based on the user category to be used.

[0022] According to an information provision system in one embodiment, users can find out which facility has a restroom for their desired user category. This allows them to locate the restroom without entering the facility, thus improving usability. Therefore, the information provision system can provide appropriate information.

[0023] An information provision system according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by comprising, as a display mode for the display terminal, at least one display mode that displays all of the user classifications assigned to a plurality of restrooms provided in the facility as selectable operation buttons, and another display mode that displays the congestion status of one or more of the restrooms to which the selected user classification information is assigned, based on the user classification information selected by the operation buttons.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the information provision system, the display mode on the display terminal includes a first display mode in which operation buttons are arranged for the user to select the user category they wish to use, and a second display mode in which the congestion status of the restrooms is displayed. This allows for a simple screen configuration, improves operability, and enhances usability. Therefore, the information provision system can provide appropriate information.

[0025] An information provision system according to one embodiment of the system is characterized in that, in the first display embodiment, the size of the operation buttons is adjusted and displayed according to the number of user classification information assigned to the multiple restrooms provided in the facility.

[0026] According to an information provision system in one embodiment, the number and width of the operation buttons displayed on the display terminal change according to the number of user categories, resulting in a visually appealing display screen and improved usability. Therefore, the information provision system can provide appropriate information.

[0027] An information provision system according to one embodiment of the embodiment is characterized in that, in the other display embodiment, the user classification information is displayed in the form of selectable tabs for each user classification information, and the size of the tabs is adjusted and displayed according to the number of user classification information assigned to the multiple restrooms provided in the facility.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the information provision system, the number and width of the tab buttons displayed on the display terminal change according to the number of user categories, resulting in a visually appealing display screen and improved usability. Therefore, the information provision system can provide appropriate information.

[0029] An information provision program according to one embodiment is an information provision program executed by a computer that outputs the congestion status of multiple restrooms provided in a facility, and is characterized in that it causes the computer to execute a congestion status acquisition procedure for acquiring congestion information of the multiple restrooms estimated based on the usage status of the users provided in each of the multiple restrooms, and a display procedure for displaying restroom information including congestion information, and the display of the restroom information can be switched according to the user category of the user who uses the restroom.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the information provision program, since it is configured to be switchable by user category, there is no need to search for a toilet among all user categories, and the program can provide restroom information that matches the user's needs, improving usability. Therefore, the information provision program can provide appropriate information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0031] According to one embodiment, it is possible to provide appropriate information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0032] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of an information provision system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2]Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of a toilet space according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of an information provision system according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a gateway device according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a restroom information storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a user terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing steps performed by the information provision system. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of information provision according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of information provision according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of information provision according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of information provision according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of information provision according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows an example of information provision according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows an example of information provision according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows an example of information provision according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing steps performed by the information provision system. [Figure 17] Figure 17 shows an example of information provision according to the embodiment. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing steps performed by the information provision system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0033] The embodiments of the information provision system, information provision method, and information provision program disclosed herein will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0034] In this application, a restroom is defined as a functional area (space) that includes a toilet, such as those installed in commercial facilities. Furthermore, so-called women's restrooms, men's restrooms, and barrier-free restrooms may be referred to as restroom spaces. For example, a women's restroom is a restroom space intended for use by women, and a men's restroom is a restroom space intended for use by men. Similarly, a barrier-free restroom may be a restroom space intended for use by wheelchair users, ostomates, or those with infants (also referred to as "barrier-free users"). The three types of restroom spaces described above are merely examples; a restroom space may be of any type. For example, a restroom space may be an all-gender restroom intended for use by people of all genders. Alternatively, a restroom space may be intended for use by all user categories. Thus, a restroom space can be any type of restroom space as long as it is intended for use by a specific user category.

[0035] Furthermore, various configurations are conceivable for restrooms depending on their arrangement. For example, in a facility such as a commercial building, if women's restrooms, men's restrooms, and barrier-free restrooms are all located in a designated area, the restroom located in that area will have three restroom spaces: a women's restroom, a men's restroom, and a barrier-free restroom. Also, for example, if women's restrooms and men's restrooms are all located in a designated area, the restroom located in that area will have two restroom spaces: a women's restroom and a men's restroom. Also, for example, if women's restrooms and barrier-free restrooms are all located in a designated area, the restroom located in that area will have two restroom spaces: a women's restroom and a barrier-free restroom.

[0036] Furthermore, for example, if only men's restrooms are located in a designated area, the restrooms located in that area will be restrooms that have one toilet space, similar to a men's restroom. Also, for example, if only barrier-free restrooms are located in a designated area, the restrooms located in that area will be restrooms that have one toilet space, similar to a barrier-free restroom. Furthermore, for example, if only all-gender restrooms are located in a designated area, the restrooms located in that area will be restrooms that have one toilet space, similar to an all-gender restroom. In other words, a single restroom may consist of multiple toilet spaces or only one toilet space. That is to say, any configuration is acceptable for a restroom as long as it has one or more toilet spaces.

[0037] <1. Example of an information provision system> Before describing the processes performed in the information provision system 1 according to this embodiment, we will first describe an example of the configuration of the information provision system 1. First, we will use Figure 1 to describe an example of the physical configuration and applicable target of the information provision system 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information provision system according to this embodiment. In Figure 1, we show an overview of the configuration, etc., as an example of when the information provision system 1 is applied to providing information about facility FC1.

[0038] In the following, when describing restrooms 21 to 28 etc. without distinction, they may be referred to as "Restroom 2". Also, Toilet Space 3 11 , toilet space 3 12 , toilet space 3 13 When describing toilet spaces without distinguishing between them, they may be referred to as "Toilet Space 3."

[0039] Facility FC1 in Figure 1 is a four-story building and is an installation subject to information provision by Information Provision System 1. For example, Facility FC1 is a commercial facility. Note that the facility where Restroom 2 is installed may be any facility. For example, the facility where Restroom 2 is installed is not limited to commercial facilities such as department stores, but may also be any facility such as an amusement park, stadium, office building, park, or parking lot. Thus, the location where Restroom 2 is installed may be any location as long as there is space where Restroom 2 can be installed.

[0040] Facility FC1 in Figure 1 has a total of eight restrooms 2, two on each of the 1st to 4th floors. For example, on the 1st floor of facility FC1, there are two restrooms 2: restroom 21, indicated as restroom A (restroom #1) in Figure 1, and restroom 22, indicated as restroom B (restroom #2). For example, restroom 21 is a men's restroom, restroom space 3 11 , women's restroom, toilet space 3 12 , a barrier-free toilet space 3 13 It has three toilet spaces 3. Details about the powder room 21 will be described later. For example, powder room 22 has two toilet spaces 3: a women's toilet and a barrier-free toilet. For example, powder room 21 is located in the south area of ​​the first floor of facility FC1, and powder room 22 is located in the north area of ​​the first floor of facility FC1.

[0041] For example, on the second floor of the facility FC1, there are two restrooms 2, namely restroom 23 shown as restroom C (powder room #3) in Fig. 1 and restroom 24 shown as restroom D (powder room #4). For example, restroom 23 has three toilet spaces 3, namely a women's toilet, a men's toilet, and a barrier-free toilet. For example, restroom 24 has one toilet space 3 for women. For example, restroom 23 is provided in the southern area of the second floor of the facility FC1, and restroom 24 is provided in the northern area of the second floor of the facility FC1.

[0042] For example, on the third floor of the facility FC1, there are two restrooms 2, namely restroom 25 shown as restroom E (powder room #5) in Fig. 1 and restroom 26 shown as restroom F (powder room #6). For example, restroom 25 has three toilet spaces 3, namely a women's toilet, a men's toilet, and a barrier-free toilet. For example, restroom 26 has three toilet spaces 3, namely a women's toilet, a men's toilet, and a barrier-free toilet. For example, restroom 25 is provided in the southern area of the third floor of the facility FC1, and restroom 26 is provided in the northern area of the third floor of the facility FC1.

[0043] For example, on the fourth floor of the facility FC1, there are two restrooms 2, namely restroom 27 shown as restroom G (powder room #7) in Fig. 1 and restroom 28 shown as restroom H (powder room #8). For example, restroom 27 has three toilet spaces 3, namely a women's toilet, a men's toilet, and a barrier-free toilet. For example, restroom 28 has three toilet spaces 3, namely a women's toilet, a men's toilet, and a barrier-free toilet. For example, restroom 27 is provided in the southern area of the fourth floor of the facility FC1, and restroom 28 is provided in the northern area of the fourth floor of the facility FC1.

[0044] Here, taking the restroom 21 in Fig. 1 as an example, a configuration example of the toilet space 3 included in the restroom 21 will be described. As described above, the restroom 21 has the toilet space 3 11 , the toilet space 3 12 , and the toilet space 3 13 . Thus, the restroom 21 provided in the southern area of the first floor of the facility FC1 is the toilet space 3 which is a men's toilet 11, women's restroom, toilet space 3 12 , and a barrier-free toilet space 3 13 Includes.

[0045] Below is the men's restroom space 3 shown in Figure 2. 11 As an example, we will explain an example of the configuration of a toilet space (toilet room). Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a toilet space according to the embodiment. Figure 2 conceptually shows an example of the physical arrangement of one toilet space.

[0046] Toilet space 3, an example of a men's restroom shown in Figure 2. 11 The toilet space 3 comprises toilet booths TB1 to TB4, which form individual toilet spaces, and a shared space CS1, which is a shared space other than the toilet booths. Note that when describing the toilet booths provided in toilet space 3 without distinguishing between them, they may be referred to simply as "toilet booth TB," such as toilet booth TB1, toilet booth TB2, toilet booth TB3, toilet booth TB4, etc. Figure 2 illustrates an example where toilet space 3 has four toilet booths TB, but toilet space 3 may have three or fewer, or five or more toilet booths TB.

[0047] That is, the toilet space 3 shown in Figure 2 11 This is merely one example of a toilet space 3, and any configuration can be adopted for toilet space 3. For example, toilet space 3 may have a configuration having one toilet booth TB. Toilet space 3 may have any configuration as long as it includes at least one of the toilet items that can be used by a user. For example, toilet space 3 may have any configuration as long as it has at least one of the items that can be used, such as a toilet bowl 10, a urinal 20, and a washbasin 30.

[0048] A toilet booth TB is a space (individual room) separated by a partition. Each toilet booth TB is equipped with a toilet 10 and functions as a place for a person to defecate. Each toilet booth TB is also equipped with an openable and closable door (not shown in the illustration) for entering the toilet booth TB. Note that the doors of each toilet booth TB are the same as those provided in a typical toilet booth TB, so a detailed explanation is omitted. Furthermore, a toilet booth TB does not have to be a space completely separated by a partition; there may be parts above or below the partition that are not separated from adjacent toilet booths TB or the common space.

[0049] Furthermore, when describing shared spaces within toilet space 3, such as shared space CS1, without distinguishing between them, they may be referred to simply as "shared space CS." Shared space CS is a shared area within toilet space 3 where multiple people can stay simultaneously. For example, shared space CS includes an entrance to toilet space 3, facilities that function as handwashing areas such as washbasins 30, and pathways to each toilet booth TB. Shared space CS functions as a place for entering toilet space 3, washing hands, and moving to each toilet booth TB. Note that toilet space 3 is toilet space 3 11 As shown above, when the shared space CS functions as a men's toilet space 3, urinals 20 are placed in it. In other words, the shared space CS may also function as a place where people perform excretory acts.

[0050] Next, the toilet space 3 shown in Figure 2 11 Using this as an example, the arrangement of each device in toilet space 3 will be explained. Toilet bowl 10 11 It will be placed in toilet booth TB1. Also, toilet bowl 10 12 It will be placed in toilet booth TB2. Also, toilet bowl 10 13 It will be placed in toilet booth TB3. Also, toilet bowl 10 14 It will be placed in toilet booth TB4. 11 , urinal 10 12 , urinal 10 13 , urinal 10 14When describing toilets without distinguishing between them, they may be written as "Toilet 10".

[0051] Figure 2 shows an example where there are four toilets 10, but any number of toilets 10 can be used as long as the desired processing is possible, and the number of toilets 10 may be three or fewer, or five or more. Details of the functions of the toilets 10 will be described later. In addition, descriptions of toilets 10 as the target of information collection and judgment processing may be read as toilet booths TB in which the toilets 10 are located.

[0052] The toilet bowl 10 is the object of use in the toilet, used by users to excrete feces or urine. The toilet bowl 10 is located in a toilet booth TB provided within the toilet space 3. For example, the toilet bowl 10 has a toilet seat device that includes a toilet seat on which the user sits, and an operating unit for operating a nozzle for dispensing water for flushing. In addition to the toilet seat device, the toilet bowl 10 has various components such as a toilet lid and a toilet bowl to realize the functions of a toilet, but a detailed explanation is omitted. Note that the toilet bowl 10 does not necessarily have to be included in the information provision system 1.

[0053] In Figure 2, toilet bowl 10 11 ~10 14 Of the toilet booths TB1 to TB4, each of which is located, toilet booth TB4 contains a toilet bowl 10 14 In addition, a baby seat 41 (also called a "baby chair") and a diaper changing table 42 are provided. The baby seat 41 is intended for use by users with children, for example, and is a dedicated chair (equipment) for temporarily holding (keeping) a child while the user is using the toilet or urinating. The diaper changing table 42 is also intended for use by users with children, for example, and is a table (equipment) used when changing a child's diaper. Thus, toilet booths TB may be equipped with facilities other than the toilet 10.

[0054] Furthermore, the description of the toilet booth TB as the subject of information collection and judgment processing may be interpreted as the toilet bowl 10 located in that toilet booth TB. For example, toilet bowl 10 11 This can also be read as toilet booth TB1, and toilet booth TB1 is a toilet bowl 10 11 It can also be interpreted as follows.

[0055] urinal 20 11 , urinal 20 12 , urinal 20 13 , urinal 20 14 It will be placed in the shared space CS1. Urinal 20 11 , urinal 20 12 , urinal 20 13 , urinal 20 14 When describing urinals placed in toilet space 3 without distinguishing between them, they may be referred to as "urinal 20". Figure 2 shows an example where there are four urinals 20, but any number of urinals 20 can be used as long as the desired treatment is possible, and the number of urinals 20 may be three or less, or five or more.

[0056] The urinal 20 is installed in the men's toilet space 3 and is intended for use by users of the toilet when they need to urinate. Thus, the urinal 20 is a toilet specifically designed for male urination. The urinal 20 is located in the shared space CS within the toilet space 3.

[0057] washbasin 30 11 , basin 30 12 It will be placed in the shared space CS1. Washbasin 30 11 , basin 30 12 When describing washbasins placed in toilet space 3 without distinguishing between them, they may be referred to as "washbasin 30". Figure 2 shows an example where there are two washbasins 30, but any number of washbasins 30 can be used as long as the desired treatment is possible, and the number of washbasins 30 may be one or three or more.

[0058] The washbasin 30 is a toilet-use item used by toilet users for washing their hands, washing their faces, and looking in a mirror. The washbasin 30 is located in a shared space CS within the toilet space 3. For example, the washbasin 30 has a faucet with an automatic faucet function and a bowl that receives water from the faucet. In addition, equipment that provides functions needed after the user of the washbasin 30, such as a hand dryer, may be placed near the washbasin 30.

[0059] Returning to Figure 1, toilet space 3 11 Other restrooms 21 toilet space 3 12 , 3 13 This will be explained. Toilet space 3 11 Points that are the same as those explained earlier will be omitted as appropriate.

[0060] Toilet space 3, an example of a women's restroom shown in Figure 1. 12 It has four toilet booths TB and a shared space CS2. Toilet space 3 12 The shared space CS2 is equipped with two washbasins 30 and two powder rooms 40. The powder rooms 40 are powder corners, for example, located in a corner of the shared space CS of the women's toilet space 3, and are intended for use in activities such as applying makeup and skincare, and are equipped with mirrors, chairs, and other amenities. Thus, the women's toilet space 3 and the men's toilet space 3 may each be equipped with different facilities.

[0061] Also, toilet space 3 12 Each of the four toilet booths TB is equipped with a toilet 10. In Figure 1, the toilet space 3 12 Of the four toilet booths TB, one toilet booth TB is equipped with a baby seat 41 and a diaper changing table 42 in addition to the toilet 10.

[0062] Toilet space 3, an example of a barrier-free toilet shown in Figure 1. 13 Various facilities are installed within that space. Toilet space 3 13The toilet space 3 is equipped with a toilet 10, a washbasin 30, a baby seat 41, a diaper changing table 42, a changing table 43, and an ostomy facility 44. The changing table 43 is for use by users, for example, those who have had an artificial anus or artificial bladder created, and is a dedicated table (equipment) on which users remove their shoes and other footwear and stand to change clothes. The ostomy facility 44 is for use by users, for example, those who have had an artificial anus or artificial bladder created, and is equipped with a water tap and other equipment for washing stoma appliances and waste. In addition to the toilet 10 and washbasin 30, the toilet space 3 of the barrier-free toilet is equipped with various other facilities.

[0063] Information regarding facility FC1 in Figure 1 is collected by the gateway device 100 and provided from the gateway device 100 to devices such as the user terminal 200 and the administrator terminal 300. Details about the gateway device 100, the user terminal 200, and the administrator terminal 300 will be described later, but the processing at each device is briefly explained below.

[0064] For example, the gateway device 100 provides, for example, facility management support services. For example, the gateway device 100 collects location information related to facility FC1, such as floor maps of each floor of facility FC1. For example, the gateway device 100 obtains location information related to facility FC1 from the operator who manages facility FC1. The gateway device 100 may obtain location information related to facility FC1 in any manner, for example, it may obtain location information related to facility FC1, such as floor maps of each floor of facility FC1, from the website of facility FC1.

[0065] Furthermore, for example, the gateway device 100 collects information indicating the congestion status of each toilet space 3 in facility FC1 (also referred to as "congestion information"). For example, the gateway device 100 estimates the congestion status of each toilet space 3 based on information indicating the usage status of the toilets 10 (also referred to as "usage status information") obtained from seating sensors (detection unit 11 in Figure 3) of each toilet 10 in toilet space 3. Note that the gateway device 100 may acquire usage status information and congestion information in any manner, for example, it may acquire usage status information from equipment used by the operator of facility FC1.

[0066] Furthermore, for example, the gateway device 100 collects information (also called "equipment information") indicating the installation status of equipment in each toilet space 3 of facility FC1. For example, the gateway device 100 acquires equipment information for each toilet space 3, such as powder rooms 40, baby seats 41, diaper changing tables 42, changing tables 43, and ostomy facilities 44. As mentioned above, powder rooms 40, baby seats 41, diaper changing tables 42, changing tables 43, and ostomy facilities 44 may also be included as targets for use. For example, the gateway device 100 acquires equipment information including information indicating each piece of equipment installed in the toilet space 3, and images of the installed equipment.

[0067] Furthermore, the gateway device 100 may acquire facility information including information on the arrangement of toilets 10, urinals 20, washbasins 30, etc., and information indicating whether or not there is a hand dryer corresponding to the washbasin 30 which functions as a handwashing area. For example, the gateway device 100 acquires facility information including information indicating the toilets 10, urinals 20, washbasins 30, etc. arranged in the toilet space 3, and images of the arranged toilets 10, urinals 20, washbasins 30, etc. Note that the gateway device 100 may acquire facility information in any manner, for example, by acquiring facility information from a device used by the operator who operates facility FC1.

[0068] The gateway device 100 provides information to the user terminal 200 and receives various types of information from the user terminal 200. While details of this will be described later, for example, the gateway device 100 provides the user terminal 200 with content based on the aforementioned congestion information, equipment information, location information, etc. The gateway device 100 then receives information such as cleaning requests, malfunction reports, and satisfaction ratings in response to the user's actions using the user terminal 200.

[0069] Furthermore, the gateway device 100 provides information to the administrator terminal 300. For example, the gateway device 100 transmits information such as cleaning requests, malfunction reports, and satisfaction ratings received from the user terminal 200 to the administrator terminal 300 as user information. The administrator terminal 300 displays the user information received from the gateway device 100. Also, for example, the gateway device 100 transmits collected equipment information (also called "equipment installation information"), usage status information (also called "usage information"), congestion information, etc., to the administrator terminal 300 as property information. The administrator terminal 300 displays the property information received from the gateway device 100. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the administrator terminal 300 displays user information and property information using an application related to property management (property management application).

[0070] <2. Configuration of the Information Provision System> Next, the configuration of the information provision system 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example configuration of the information provision system according to the embodiment. Specifically, Figure 3 shows the configuration of the information provision system 1. Note that Figure 3 only shows the configuration necessary for explaining information communication etc. in the information provision system 1, but the information provision system 1 has various configurations other than those shown in Figure 3. For example, Figure 3 shows only one restroom 2, one toilet space 3, one toilet 10, and one detection unit 11 for explanatory purposes, but the information provision system 1 has multiple restrooms 2, multiple toilet spaces 3, multiple toilets 10, and multiple detection units 11.

[0071] The information provision system 1 includes an information processing device (gateway device 100 in Figure 3) that collects information used for processing information provision and executes the information provision processing. The information provision system 1 shown in Figure 3 includes a gateway device 100, a user terminal 200, an administrator terminal 300, and a detection unit 11. Although only one detection unit 11 is shown in Figure 3, the information provision system 1 has a number of detection units 11 corresponding to the number of congestion statuses to be managed (for example, the number of toilets 10). Furthermore, the information provision system 1 may include multiple gateway devices 100, multiple user terminals 200, multiple administrator terminals 300, etc.

[0072] The gateway device 100 is an information processing device (computer) that collects and provides information related to toilets. The gateway device 100 may be located outside the toilet space 3 or inside the toilet space 3. For example, the gateway device 100 may be a server device located in a facility where the toilet space 3 is provided. For example, the gateway device 100 may be a cloud server. In this case, the gateway device 100 is a cloud server that collects and provides information related to toilets, and the information provision system 1 may include a device that functions as a gateway separately from the gateway device 100.

[0073] The gateway device 100 collects various types of information. For example, the gateway device 100 may also function as a gateway device. The gateway device 100 is a device that collects detection information, such as sensor data detected for each target of use. The gateway device 100 collects information from other devices. The gateway device 100 collects detection information, which is information detected about the toilet space 3, toilet bowl 10, urinal 20, and washbasin 30, etc. The gateway device 100 receives detection information from devices that detect information about the toilet space 3, toilet bowl 10, urinal 20, and washbasin 30, etc.

[0074] The gateway device 100 receives detection information from the detection unit 11 of the toilet 10. The gateway device 100 is wirelessly connected to the detection unit 11 of the toilet 10 for communication. The gateway device 100 may be connected in any way to devices that detect information such as the toilet space 3, toilet 10, urinal 20, and washbasin 30, as long as it is capable of transmitting and receiving information, and may also be connected via wired communication.

[0075] Furthermore, the gateway device 100 is connected to the user terminal 200 and the administrator terminal 300 via a predetermined communication network (network N), such as the Internet, either wirelessly or via a wired connection. The gateway device 100 may be connected to the user terminal 200 and the administrator terminal 300 in any way as long as it is capable of sending and receiving information; it may be connected wirelessly or via a wired connection.

[0076] The user terminal 200 is a display terminal (computer) used by a user (such as a toilet user). The user terminal 200 displays various information related to the toilet. For example, the user terminal 200 is a portable terminal carried by a user of the toilet. For example, the user terminal 200 is a smartphone. However, the user terminal 200 is not limited to a smartphone and may be a mobile phone, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), tablet terminal, notebook PC (Personal Computer), etc. For example, the user terminal 200 is connected to the gateway device 100 via network N, either wirelessly or via a wired connection.

[0077] The user terminal 200 sends and receives information to and from the gateway device 100. The user terminal 200 receives information about toilets from the gateway device 100 and displays information based on the received information. For example, the user terminal 200 displays toilet-related content received from the gateway device 100. The user terminal 200 transmits information to the gateway device 100 in response to the user's operation (input).

[0078] The administrator terminal 300 is an information processing device (computer) used by the administrator (for example, the administrator of the information provision system 1). The administrator terminal 300 displays various information related to toilets. For example, the administrator terminal 300 is a desktop PC. However, the administrator terminal 300 is not limited to a desktop PC; it may also be a notebook PC, mobile phone, PDA, tablet device, smartphone, etc. For example, the administrator terminal 300 is connected to the gateway device 100 via network N, either wirelessly or via a wired connection.

[0079] The administrator terminal 300 sends and receives information to and from the gateway device 100. The administrator terminal 300 receives information about toilets from the gateway device 100 and displays information based on the received information. For example, the administrator terminal 300 displays toilet-related content received from the gateway device 100. The administrator terminal 300 transmits information to the gateway device 100 in response to the administrator's operation (input).

[0080] The detection unit 11 is a detection unit that performs detections related to the toilet 10. For example, the detection unit 11 functions as a detection unit that detects the use of the toilet 10. The detection unit 11 has a seating detection sensor installed on the toilet 10 and detects when a user sits on the toilet seat of the toilet 10. In this case, the detection unit 11 detects when a user sits on the toilet 10 using the seating sensor. The detection unit 11 may use any sensor, not limited to the seating detection sensor, as long as it can detect the usage status of the toilet 10. For example, the detection unit 11 may use any sensor as long as it can detect the occupancy status of the space in which the toilet 10 is located (e.g., toilet booth TB or barrier-free toilet space 3). For example, the detection unit 11 may detect when a person (user) enters or leaves the toilet booth TB in which the toilet 10 is located. For example, the detection unit 11 may be various sensors such as a human body detection sensor or an action detection sensor.

[0081] For example, the detection unit 11 may have a door sensor installed on the door of the toilet booth TB to detect the opening and closing of the door. The detection unit 11 may also have an image sensor that captures images of the area around the door of the toilet booth TB. In this case, the detection unit 11 does not need to have a seat detection sensor. The above is just an example, and the detection unit 11 may be implemented by any means. The toilet bowl 10 and the detection unit 11 may be integrated. In this case, the toilet bowl 10 having the detection unit 11 may be included in the information provision system 1. The placement of the detection unit 11 is not particularly limited and may be installed on the ceiling, wall, floor, etc. of the toilet booth TB, or mounted on the toilet seat of the toilet bowl 10. Thus, the detection unit 11 may have, for example, a sensor installed in the toilet (a seat sensor or other sensor that detects a user), or a door sensor. In other words, any sensor can be used as long as it can detect the user's usage status.

[0082] Furthermore, the detection unit 11 has, for example, a communication unit (e.g., a communication circuit) with wireless communication capabilities and is wirelessly connected to the gateway device 100. For example, when the detection unit 11 detects the use of the toilet 10, it transmits detection information, such as the date and time of the detection, to the gateway device 100 along with identification information (such as an ID) that identifies the toilet 10 or the toilet booth TB in which the toilet 10 is located. For example, the detection unit 11 transmits detection information indicating the usage time of the toilet 10 to the gateway device 100 along with identification information (such as an ID) that identifies the toilet 10 or the toilet booth TB in which the toilet 10 is located.

[0083] The above is merely an example, and the information provision system 1 can employ any device configuration as long as it can achieve the desired processing. For example, the information provision system 1 may provide information on the congestion status of various other users besides toilets 10. Several examples of this are given below.

[0084] For example, if the urinal 20 is the target (target for use) for providing information on congestion status, the information provision system 1 may have a detection unit (also called a "urinal detection unit") that detects when a person (user) is using the urinal 20. For example, the urinal detection unit may be implemented by various sensors, such as a human body detection sensor, an action detection sensor, or a presence detection sensor. The urinal detection unit may also be a proximity sensor that detects when a person is close to the urinal 20. Note that the above is just an example, and the urinal detection unit may be implemented by any means that can detect when a user is using the urinal 20. Note that the urinal 20 and the urinal detection unit may be integrated. In this case, the urinal 20 having the urinal detection unit may be included in the information provision system 1. For example, the urinal detection unit may be provided on the front of the urinal 20 and detect a person located in front of the urinal 20. The placement of the urinal detection unit is not particularly limited and may be installed on the ceiling, walls, floor, etc., of the shared space CS.

[0085] The urinal detection unit of the urinal 20 has, for example, a communication unit (e.g., a communication circuit) with wireless communication capabilities and is wirelessly connected to the gateway device 100. For example, when the urinal detection unit detects that a person is using the urinal 20, it transmits detection information, such as the date and time of the detection, to the gateway device 100 along with identification information (such as an ID) that identifies the urinal 20. For example, the urinal detection unit transmits detection information, such as the time (usage time) while a person is using the urinal (e.g., from when a person approaches the urinal 20 until they leave), to the gateway device 100 along with identification information (such as an ID) that identifies the urinal 20.

[0086] In this case, the gateway device 100 may receive detection information for the urinal 20 from the urinal detection unit of the urinal 20 and provide information on the congestion status of the urinal 20 in the same way as for the toilet 10. That is, although the above example displays information for the toilet 10, the information provision system 1 may, for example, display the congestion status of the urinal 20. Note that the urinal 20 does not necessarily have to be included in the information provision system 1.

[0087] Furthermore, for example, if the washbasin 30 is to be used as the target for providing information on congestion status (target for use), the information provision system 1 may have a detection unit (also called a "washbasin detection unit") that detects when a person (user) uses the washbasin 30. For example, the washbasin detection unit functions as a detection unit that detects when a person (user) uses the washbasin 30. The washbasin detection unit may be implemented by various sensors; for example, the washbasin detection unit may be various sensors such as a human body detection sensor, an action detection sensor, or a presence detection sensor. The washbasin detection unit may also be a proximity sensor that detects the proximity of a person's body to the washbasin 30. Note that the above is just an example, and the washbasin detection unit may be implemented by any means that can detect when a user uses the washbasin 30. Note that the washbasin 30 and the washbasin detection unit may be integrated. In this case, the washbasin 30 having the washbasin detection unit may be included in the information provision system 1. For example, the washbasin detection unit is installed near the faucet of the washbasin 30 and detects when a person's hand approaches the faucet of the washbasin 30. The placement of the washbasin detection unit is not particularly limited and may be installed on the ceiling, wall, floor, etc., of the shared space CS.

[0088] The washbasin detection unit of the washbasin 30 has, for example, a communication unit (e.g., a communication circuit) with wireless communication capabilities and is wirelessly connected to the gateway device 100. For example, when the washbasin detection unit detects that a person is using the washbasin 30, it transmits detection information, such as the date and time of the detection, to the gateway device 100 along with identification information (ID, etc.) that identifies the washbasin 30. For example, the washbasin detection unit transmits detection information, such as the time (usage time) while a person is using the washbasin (e.g., while the faucet of the washbasin 30 is dispensing water), to the gateway device 100 along with identification information (ID, etc.) that identifies the washbasin 30.

[0089] In this case, the gateway device 100 may receive detection information for the washbasin 30 from the washbasin detection unit of the washbasin 30 and provide information on the congestion status of the washbasin 30 in the same way as for the toilet 10. That is, although the above example displays information for the toilet 10, the information provision system 1 may, for example, display the congestion status of the washbasin 30. Note that the washbasin 30 does not necessarily have to be included in the information provision system 1.

[0090] Furthermore, the information provision system 1 may also be equipped with sensors on facilities such as the powder room 40, baby seat 41, diaper changing table 42, changing table 43, and ostomate 44, and display the usage status of the facilities. In this case, the information provision system 1 may have a detection unit (also called a "facility detection unit") that detects the use of the facilities by a person (user). For example, the equipment detection unit may be implemented by various sensors, such as a human body detection sensor, an action detection sensor, or a presence detection sensor. Note that the above is just an example, and the equipment detection unit may be implemented by any means that can detect the use of the facilities by a user.

[0091] The equipment detection unit has, for example, a communication unit (e.g., a communication circuit) with wireless communication capabilities and is wirelessly connected to the gateway device 100. For example, when the equipment detection unit detects human use of equipment, it transmits detection information, such as the date and time of the detection, along with identification information (ID, etc.) that identifies the equipment, to the gateway device 100. For example, the equipment detection unit transmits detection information, such as the time a person is using the equipment (usage time), along with identification information (ID, etc.) that identifies the equipment, to the gateway device 100.

[0092] In this case, the gateway device 100 may receive detection information from the equipment detection unit of the equipment and provide information on the congestion status of the equipment in the same way as the toilet 10. That is, although the above example displays information on the toilet 10, the information provision system 1 may, for example, display the congestion status of the equipment. Note that the equipment does not necessarily have to be included in the information provision system 1.

[0093] <3. Functional Configuration of Gateway Devices> The functional configuration of the gateway device will be described below with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the gateway device according to this embodiment.

[0094] As shown in Figure 4, the gateway device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130. The gateway device 100 may also include an input unit (e.g., a keyboard or mouse) for receiving various operations from the gateway device 100's administrator, and a display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display) for displaying various information.

[0095] The communication unit 110 is implemented, for example, by a communication circuit. The communication unit 110 is connected to the network N (see Figure 3) by wire or wireless connection and transmits and receives information with an external information processing device. For example, the communication unit 110 is connected to the network N by wire or wireless connection and transmits and receives information with other devices such as a user terminal 200 and an administrator terminal 300. Alternatively, the communication unit 110 may transmit and receive information with the detection unit 11 via the network N.

[0096] The storage unit 120 is implemented by, for example, semiconductor memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and flash memory, or by storage devices such as hard disks and optical discs. For example, the storage unit 120 is a computer-readable recording medium that non-temporarily stores data used by various information processing programs such as information provision programs.

[0097] The storage unit 120 according to this embodiment stores restroom information for each of the restrooms 2. As shown in Figure 4, the storage unit 120 has a restroom information storage unit 121 and a collected information storage unit 122. The storage unit 120 stores various information necessary for processing, not limited to the restroom information storage unit 121 and the collected information storage unit 122. For example, the storage unit 120 stores various information used in information provision processing (e.g., pictograms, icon images, etc.). For example, the storage unit 120 stores information used to generate content.

[0098] The restroom information storage unit 121 according to this embodiment stores various information about the restroom. For example, the restroom information storage unit 121 stores information regarding the arrangement of the toilet space 3, toilet bowl 10, urinal 20, and washbasin 30. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the restroom information storage unit 121 according to this embodiment. The restroom information storage unit 121 shown in Figure 5 includes items such as "facility," "restroom," "toilet space," "location," and "location elements."

[0099] "Facility" indicates the location where a restroom is located. Note that "Facility" can be any location where a restroom is located, not just structures. "Restroom" indicates identification information for each restroom. In Figure 5, for illustrative purposes, codes such as "21" and "22" are shown for each restroom, as well as strings such as "Restroom #1." However, "Restroom" stores information that identifies the restroom (e.g., restroom ID).

[0100] "Toilet space" indicates identification information to distinguish each toilet space. In Figure 5, for explanatory purposes, "3" is written in "Toilet space". 11 "3 12 The diagram illustrates codes assigned to each toilet space, such as "Toilet," and strings indicating the type of toilet space, such as "Men's Toilet." However, each "Toilet Space" stores information that allows it to be identified (e.g., a toilet space ID).

[0101] The "location" field indicates identification information for identifying each location. In Figure 5, for illustrative purposes, the "location" field is shown with codes such as "TB1," "TB2," "TB3," "TB4," and "CS1" assigned to each component of toilet space 3. However, the "location" field stores information that allows for the identification of the location (e.g., location ID). Furthermore, if the "location" field is "-" (hyphen), it indicates that the corresponding toilet space is configured as a single space, such as a barrier-free toilet.

[0102] The "placement elements" include items such as "identification information" and "equipment." "Identification information" refers to identification information used to identify the user of the toilet placed at the corresponding location. In Figure 5, the "identification information" shows a case where one of the following is registered: toilet bowl 10, urinal 20, or washbasin 30. However, the "identification information" is not limited to toilet bowl 10, urinal 20, or washbasin 30; any identification information used to identify the user of the toilet may be registered.

[0103] For example, "identification information" refers to identification information for identifying the toilets, such as toilets 10, urinals 20, and washbasins 30, that are placed in their corresponding locations. In Figure 5, for illustrative purposes, "10" is shown in "identification information". 11 "10 12 "10 13 "20 11 "20 12 "20 13 "20 14 "30 11 "30 12 The symbols attached to each component, such as those shown, are illustrated, but any information may be registered in the "identification information" as long as it is possible to identify each target of use.

[0104] For example, the "identification information" stores information that can identify a toilet placed in a corresponding location (e.g., toilet ID), identification information for identifying a urinal (e.g., urinal ID), or identification information for identifying a washbasin (e.g., washbasin ID).

[0105] Furthermore, "equipment" refers to equipment other than the equipment registered with identification information that is placed in the corresponding location. In Figure 5, the case in which any of the following is registered as "equipment": baby seat 41, diaper changing table 42, changing table 43, and ostomy facility 44. However, "equipment" is not limited to the baby seat 41, diaper changing table 42, changing table 43, and ostomy facility 44; information indicating any equipment (for example, a hand dryer) may also be registered.

[0106] Figure 5 shows that facility FC1 is equipped with multiple restrooms 2, such as restroom 21, restroom 22, and restroom 23. Also, Figure 5 shows that restroom 21, which is restroom #1, is a men's restroom 3. 11 , women's restroom, toilet space 3 12 , a barrier-free toilet space 3 13 This indicates that it includes three toilet spaces.

[0107] Also, the men's restroom is toilet space 3 11 This indicates that the location includes toilet booth TB1, identified by "TB1", toilet booth TB2, identified by "TB2", toilet booth TB3, identified by "TB3", and toilet booth TB4, identified by "TB4". Also, toilet space 3 11 This indicates that the shared space CS1, identified by "CS1", is included as a location.

[0108] The toilet booth TB1, which is identified by "TB1", has "10 11 Toilet 10 identified by " 11 This indicates that it will be located. Also, the toilet booth TB2, which is the location identified by "TB2", will have "10 12 Toilet 10 identified by " 12 This indicates that it will be located. Also, the toilet booth TB3, which is the location identified by "TB3", will have "10 13 Toilet 10 identified by " 13 This indicates that it will be placed.

[0109] Furthermore, the toilet booth TB4, which is identified by "TB4", has "10 14 Toilet 10 identified by " 14 This indicates that the following will be placed. Also, toilet booth TB4 will have a toilet bowl 10 14 In addition, it indicates that a baby seat 41 and a diaper changing table 42 will be placed. Also, in the shared space CS1, which is the location identified by "CS1", "20 11 Urinal 20 identified by " 11 "30 11 Washbasin 30 identified by " 11 This indicates that the following will be placed.

[0110] In addition, there is a barrier-free toilet space 3 13 It is one space, and "10 31 Toilet 10 identified by " 31 This indicates that a baby seat 41, a diaper changing table 42, a changing table 43, and an ostomy room 44 will be provided.

[0111] The restroom information storage unit 121 is not limited to the above and may store various types of information depending on the purpose. For example, the restroom information storage unit 121 stores information indicating the user category corresponding to each toilet space 3. For example, the restroom information storage unit 121 stores information indicating the user category corresponding to each toilet space 3 11 It stores information indicating the user category "male" in association with this. For example, the restroom information storage unit 121 stores information indicating the toilet space 3 12 It stores information indicating the user category "female" in association with this. For example, the restroom information storage unit 121 stores information indicating the toilet space 3 13 The information indicating the user category "barrier-free target person" is associated and stored in the corresponding location. In addition, the restroom information storage unit 121 may store information that can identify the sensor (detection unit) that detects the sensor data (detection information) of each target user to be detected (for example, a sensor ID, etc.), associated with the target user detected by that sensor.

[0112] The restroom information storage unit 121 may store information indicating the specific location of each toilet's user (e.g., latitude and longitude information) associated with each toilet's user. For example, information indicating the specific location of each toilet space 3 (e.g., latitude and longitude information) may be stored associated with each toilet space 3. For example, information indicating the specific location of each toilet bowl 10 (e.g., latitude and longitude information) may be stored associated with each toilet bowl 10.

[0113] The information collection unit 122 stores detection information, such as sensor data, collected for each toilet user. The information collection unit 122 also stores information received from other devices. The information collection unit 122 stores detection information detected by the detection unit 11. For example, the information collection unit 122 stores the usage history of each toilet user, associating it with information that identifies each toilet user.

[0114] For example, the collected information storage unit 122 stores the date and time each toilet was used, associating it with information that identifies each toilet. The collected information storage unit 122 stores the date and time each toilet bowl 10 was used, associating it with information that identifies each toilet bowl 10 or information that identifies the toilet booth TB corresponding to each toilet bowl 10. For example, the collected information storage unit 122 stores the date and time each toilet was used, and the duration of use, associating it with information that identifies each toilet. The collected information storage unit 122 stores the date and time each toilet bowl 10 was used, and the duration of use, associating it with information that identifies each toilet bowl 10 or information that identifies the toilet booth TB corresponding to each toilet bowl 10.

[0115] The above is merely one example; the collected information storage unit 122 stores various types of collected information.

[0116] Returning to Figure 4, let's continue the explanation. The control unit 130 is realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), for example, executing a program stored inside the gateway device 100 (for example, various information processing programs such as the information provision program related to this disclosure) using RAM or the like as a working area. The control unit 130 is also a controller and is realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0117] As shown in Figure 4, the control unit 130 includes a usage status acquisition unit 131, a congestion status acquisition unit 132, a processing unit 133, and a transmission unit 134, and realizes or executes the information processing functions and operations described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 130 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 4, and other configurations are also acceptable as long as they perform the information processing described later.

[0118] The usage status acquisition unit 131 acquires various information. The usage status acquisition unit 131 acquires the usage status of the target items provided in each of the multiple restrooms 2. The usage status acquisition unit 131 acquires various information from the storage unit 120. The usage status acquisition unit 131 receives information from other devices via the communication unit 110. The usage status acquisition unit 131 receives information (detection information, etc.) collected by other devices from other devices. The usage status acquisition unit 131 receives detection information detected regarding the target items of the toilets from other devices.

[0119] The usage status acquisition unit 131 receives detection information from sensors that are detected by sensors corresponding to the object being used in the toilet. The usage status acquisition unit 131 receives detection information from the detection unit 11 that is detected by the detection unit 11 regarding the toilet bowl 10. The usage status acquisition unit 131 receives detection information from the detection unit 11 that is detected by the detection unit 11 regarding the toilet booth TB in which the toilet bowl 10 is located.

[0120] Furthermore, the usage status acquisition unit 131 acquires input information about the toilet from the toilet user. The usage status acquisition unit 131 receives input information from the user terminal 200 used by the toilet user. The usage status acquisition unit 131 receives information indicating a cleaning request in response to the user's operation using the user terminal 200. For example, the usage status acquisition unit 131 receives information indicating a user's cleaning request for a specific toilet space 3.

[0121] The usage status acquisition unit 131 receives information indicating a user's fault report request in response to an operation by a user using the user terminal 200. For example, the usage status acquisition unit 131 receives information indicating a user's fault report request for a specific toilet space 3.

[0122] The usage status acquisition unit 131 receives information indicating a user satisfaction evaluation request in response to the user's operation using the user terminal 200. For example, the usage status acquisition unit 131 receives information indicating a user satisfaction evaluation request for a specific toilet space 3.

[0123] The congestion status acquisition unit 132 performs processing to acquire congestion status (congestion status acquisition processing). The congestion status acquisition unit 132 acquires (estimates) congestion information for multiple restrooms 2 based on the usage status of the target used acquired by the usage status acquisition unit 131. The congestion status acquisition unit 132 performs processing to estimate congestion status using various information stored in the storage unit 120 (congestion status acquisition processing). The congestion status acquisition unit 132 performs congestion status acquisition processing to estimate congestion status using various information stored in the restroom information storage unit 121. The congestion status acquisition unit 132 performs congestion status acquisition processing using various information acquired by the usage status acquisition unit 131.

[0124] The congestion status acquisition unit 132 estimates the congestion status based on the number of toilets 10 stored in the toilet information storage unit 121 (also referred to as the "number of installed toilets") and the number of toilets 10 for which the information acquired by the usage status acquisition unit 131 indicates being in use (also referred to as the "number of toilets in use"). For one toilet space 3, the congestion status acquisition unit 132 acquires the number of installed toilets from the toilet information storage unit 121, and estimates the congestion status of one toilet space 3 based on the comparison between the number of installed toilets and the number of toilets in use indicated by the information acquired by the usage status acquisition unit 131. For example, for the toilet space 3 11 regarding the toilet space 3 11 's number of installed toilets and the toilet space 3 11 's number of toilets in use, estimates the congestion status of the toilet space 3 11 based on the comparison.

[0125] The congestion status acquisition unit 132 calculates a value indicating the congestion status (also referred to as the "congestion degree") using the number of installed toilets and the number of toilets in use. For example, the congestion status acquisition unit 132 calculates the value obtained by dividing the number of toilets in use by the number of installed toilets as the congestion degree. Note that the above calculation of the congestion degree is only an example, and the congestion status acquisition unit 132 may calculate the congestion degree using an arbitrary function or the like as appropriate. The congestion status acquisition unit 132 estimates the congestion status of one toilet space 3 based on the congestion degree calculated by dividing the number of toilets in use by the number of installed toilets. For example, for the toilet space 3 11 regarding the toilet space 3 11 's number of installed toilets and divides it by the toilet space 3 11 's number of toilets in use, and estimates the congestion status of the toilet space 3 11 based on the calculated congestion degree.

[0126] For example, the congestion status acquisition unit 132 estimates that if a toilet space 3 has "4" toilets installed and "0" toilets in use, the congestion level of the toilet space 3 is "0" (=0 / 4), meaning the toilet is empty. For example, if a toilet space 3 has "4" toilets installed and "4" toilets in use, the congestion level of the toilet space 3 is "1" (=4 / 4), meaning the toilet is crowded (full).

[0127] Furthermore, the congestion status acquisition unit 132 may perform estimations at three or more levels, not limited to the two levels of vacant and crowded. For example, if the congestion level is 0.6 or higher and less than 1, the congestion status acquisition unit 132 may estimate the congestion level as "slightly crowded". For example, if the number of toilets installed in one toilet space 3 is "4" and the number of toilets in use is "3", the congestion status acquisition unit 132 will estimate the congestion level of one toilet space 3 to be "0.75" (=3 / 4), that is, the congestion level is "slightly crowded".

[0128] The processing unit 133 performs information provision processing. The processing unit 133 performs information provision processing using various information stored in the storage unit 120. The processing unit 133 performs information provision processing using various information acquired by the usage status acquisition unit 131. The processing unit 133 performs information provision processing using various values ​​(information) calculated by the congestion status acquisition unit 132.

[0129] The processing unit 133 performs information provision processing using the congestion status estimated by the congestion status acquisition unit 132. The processing unit 133 generates content including the congestion status information estimated by the congestion status acquisition unit 132. The processing unit 133 generates content based on congestion information, equipment information, location information, etc.

[0130] The processing unit 133 executes the process of generating content. The processing unit 133 generates content to be displayed on the user terminal 200. For example, the processing unit 133 generates content such as content CT11 using various technologies such as Java (registered trademark) as appropriate. The processing unit 133 may also generate content such as content CT11 based on CSS, JavaScript (registered trademark), or HTML format. Furthermore, for example, the processing unit 133 may generate content such as content CT11 in various formats such as JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), GIF (Graphics Interchange Format), or PNG (Portable Network Graphics). If the user terminal 200 generates content based on information received from the gateway device 100, the processing unit 133 does not need to generate content.

[0131] The processing unit 133 provides information to the user terminal 200 or the administrator terminal 300 by instructing the transmission unit 134. The processing unit 133 instructs the transmission unit 134 to transmit information to the administrator terminal 300.

[0132] The transmitting unit 134 functions as an output unit that outputs information. The transmitting unit 134 transmits information to an external information processing device. The transmitting unit 134 transmits to the user terminal 200 or administrator terminal 300 according to instructions from the processing unit 133. The transmitting unit 134 transmits the information generated by the processing unit 133 to the user terminal 200 or administrator terminal 300. The transmitting unit 134 transmits the content generated by the processing unit 133 to the user terminal 200. The transmitting unit 134 transmits content based on congestion information, equipment information, location information, etc., to the user terminal 200.

[0133] The transmission unit 134 transmits user information such as cleaning requests, malfunction reports, and satisfaction ratings obtained from the user terminal 200 to the administrator terminal 300 as user information. The transmission unit 134 also transmits property information such as equipment information (equipment installation information), usage status information (usage information), and congestion information to the administrator terminal 300 as property information.

[0134] <4. Example of User Terminal Configuration> Next, an example of the configuration of the user terminal 200 will be described with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a user terminal according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the user terminal 200 includes a communication unit 211, an input unit 212, a display unit 213, a storage unit 214, a control unit 215, and an audio output unit 216.

[0135] The communication unit 211 is implemented, for example, by a communication circuit. The communication unit 211 is connected to the network N (see Figure 3) by wire or wireless connection and transmits and receives information with an external information processing device. The communication unit 211 is connected to the network N by wire or wireless connection and transmits and receives information with the information provision system 1. For example, the communication unit 211 transmits and receives information with other devices such as the gateway device 100.

[0136] The input unit 212 receives various operations from the user. The input unit 212 accepts various operations from the user via a display surface (e.g., display unit 213) using a touch panel function. The input unit 212 accepts various operations from the user via a display (display surface, display screen) of a smartphone or the like using a touch panel function. In other words, the input unit 212 accepts various operations from the user via the display unit 213 of the user terminal 200.

[0137] While smartphones primarily employ a capacitive touchscreen method for detecting user operations via the input unit 212, any other detection method that can detect user operations and realize the functionality of a touch panel may be used, including resistive touchscreens, surface acoustic wave methods, infrared methods, and electromagnetic induction methods.

[0138] The display unit 213 is a display screen for a smartphone or the like, implemented by, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and is a display device for displaying various information. In other words, the user terminal 200 receives user input through the display screen of the display unit 213 and also outputs to the user. The display unit 213 displays various information. The display unit 213 displays various information in accordance with the display control of the display control unit 253. For example, the display unit 213 switches the display mode in accordance with the display control of the display control unit 253.

[0139] The display unit 213 displays information provided by the gateway device 100. For example, the display unit 213 displays content provided by the gateway device 100. The display unit 213 displays various types of information as shown in Figures 8 to 13, which will be discussed later.

[0140] The memory unit 214 is implemented by, for example, semiconductor memory elements such as RAM and flash memory, or storage devices such as hard disks and optical discs. The memory unit 214 stores information related to applications installed on the user terminal 200 (e.g., toilet information display applications), such as programs. The memory unit 214 stores information used for displaying information. The memory unit 214 stores content displayed on the display unit 213.

[0141] The control unit 250 is implemented by a CPU or MPU, etc., which executes programs stored in the memory unit 214 using RAM as the working area. For example, these various programs include programs for applications that perform various information processing such as display processing (e.g., toilet information display applications). The control unit 250 is also implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA.

[0142] As shown in Figure 6, the control unit 250 includes an acquisition unit 251, a reception unit 252, a display control unit 2503, and a transmission unit 254, and realizes or executes the functions and operations of the display processing described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 250 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 6, and other configurations are also acceptable as long as they perform the display processing described later.

[0143] The acquisition unit 251 acquires various types of information. For example, the acquisition unit 251 acquires various types of information from an external information processing device. The acquisition unit 251 acquires various types of information from the information provision system 1. For example, the acquisition unit 251 acquires various types of information from other devices such as the gateway device 100. For example, the acquisition unit 251 acquires various types of information from the storage unit 214.

[0144] The acquisition unit 251 receives information provided by the gateway device 100. For example, the acquisition unit 251 receives content from the gateway device 100. The acquisition unit 251 receives content based on congestion information, equipment information, location information, etc.

[0145] The reception unit 252 receives input from a user using the user terminal 200. For example, the reception unit 252 receives operations from a user using the user terminal 200. For example, the reception unit 252 receives user operations (input) via the input unit 212.

[0146] The reception unit 252 receives cleaning requests from users in response to operations performed by users using the user terminal 200. For example, the reception unit 252 receives cleaning requests from users for a specific toilet space 3.

[0147] The reception unit 252 receives user requests to report malfunctions in response to user operations using the user terminal 200. For example, the reception unit 252 receives user requests to report malfunctions regarding a specific toilet space 3.

[0148] The reception unit 252 receives requests for user satisfaction ratings in response to operations performed by users using the user terminal 200. For example, the reception unit 252 receives requests for user satisfaction ratings regarding a specific toilet space 3.

[0149] The display control unit 253 controls the display of various information. The display control unit 253 controls the display of the display unit 213. The display control unit 253 controls the display of the display unit 213 based on the information received by the acquisition unit 251. The display control unit 253 controls the display of the display unit 213 in accordance with the user operation received by the reception unit 252.

[0150] The display control unit 253 controls the display of the display unit 213 so that various information such as content is displayed. For example, the display control unit 253 controls the display of the display unit 213 so that content CT11 is displayed. For example, the display control unit 253 controls the display of the display unit 213 so that content CT12 is displayed. For example, the display control unit 253 controls the display of the display unit 213 so that content CT13 is displayed. For example, the display control unit 253 controls the display of the display unit 213 so that content CT14 is displayed.

[0151] The display control unit 253 switches the display mode in response to user operations. The display control unit 253 switches the display mode from list display (also called "first display mode") to individual display (also called "second display mode") in response to user operations. The display control unit 253 switches the display mode to display information of the user category corresponding to the selected tab in response to the user's tab selection operation.

[0152] For example, if the detail display button DB11 in content CT11 is selected, the display control unit 253 switches the display mode from content CT11 to content CT13. For example, if the detail display button DB31 in content CT12 is selected, the display control unit 253 switches the display mode from content CT12 to content CT14.

[0153] For example, the display control unit 253 switches the display mode from content CT11 to content CT12 when the selected tab is changed from tab TU1 to tab TU3. For example, the display control unit 253 switches the display mode from content CT11 to displaying restroom information corresponding to the user category "female" when the selected tab is changed from tab TU1 to tab TU2.

[0154] The display control unit 253 may also generate information to be displayed. The display control unit 253 executes a process to generate content to be displayed. The display control unit 253 generates content to be displayed on the screen (display unit 213). For example, the display control unit 253 generates content such as content CT11 using various technologies such as Java as appropriate. The display control unit 253 may also generate content such as content CT11 based on CSS, JavaScript, or HTML formats. Alternatively, the display control unit 253 may generate content such as content CT11 in various formats such as JPEG, GIF, or PNG. If the gateway device 100 generates content, the display control unit 253 may not generate content and may only control the display of content obtained from the gateway device 100.

[0155] The transmitting unit 254 transmits various types of information. For example, the transmitting unit 254 transmits various types of information by controlling the communication unit 211. The transmitting unit 254 transmits various types of information to other devices via the communication unit 211. The transmitting unit 254 transmits various types of information stored in the storage unit 214 to other devices.

[0156] The transmitting unit 254 transmits various information to the information provision system 1. For example, the transmitting unit 254 transmits various information to other devices such as the gateway device 100. The transmitting unit 254 transmits various information acquired by the acquisition unit 251 to other devices. The transmitting unit 254 transmits various information corresponding to user operations received by the reception unit 252 to other devices. The transmitting unit 254 transmits various information generated by the display control unit 253 to other devices.

[0157] The transmission unit 254 transmits the information entered by the user to other devices such as the gateway device 100. For example, the transmission unit 254 transmits the information entered by the user to the gateway device 100. For example, the transmission unit 254 transmits requests corresponding to user operations to the gateway device 100 as user input information.

[0158] The transmitting unit 254 transmits the user's cleaning request received by the receiving unit 252 to the gateway device 100. For example, the transmitting unit 254 transmits the user's cleaning request for a specific toilet space 3 to the gateway device 100 as user input information.

[0159] The transmitting unit 254 transmits the user's fault report request, received by the receiving unit 252, to the gateway device 100. For example, the transmitting unit 254 transmits the user's fault report request for a specific toilet space 3 to the gateway device 100 as user input information.

[0160] The transmitting unit 254 transmits the user satisfaction evaluation request received by the receiving unit 252 to the gateway device 100. For example, the transmitting unit 254 transmits the user satisfaction evaluation request for a specific toilet space 3 to the gateway device 100 as user input information.

[0161] Furthermore, if the various processes performed by the control unit 250 described above are carried out by a predetermined application (for example, a toilet information display application), then each part of the control unit 250 may be implemented by, for example, a predetermined application (for example, a toilet information display application). For example, the various processes performed by the control unit 250 may be implemented by control information received from an external information processing device.

[0162] The audio output unit 216 outputs sound. For example, the audio output unit 216 is a speaker. The audio output unit 216 outputs various sounds according to the control. The audio output unit 216 outputs various sounds according to the user's operation.

[0163] <5. Processing Flow> From here, we will explain the processing flow of the information provision process using Figure 7. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the steps of the processing performed by the information provision system.

[0164] The information provision system 1 stores restroom information for each of the restrooms 2 (step S101). For example, the gateway device 100 of the information provision system 1 stores restroom information for each of the restrooms 2 in the restroom information storage unit 121.

[0165] The information provision system 1 acquires the usage status of the items provided in each of the multiple restrooms 2 (step S102). For example, the gateway device 100 of the information provision system 1 acquires the usage status of the toilets 10 provided in each of the multiple restrooms 2.

[0166] The information provision system 1 acquires congestion information for the multiple restrooms based on the usage status of the target (step S103). For example, the gateway device 100 of the information provision system 1 acquires congestion information for the multiple restrooms 2 based on the usage status of the toilets 10.

[0167] The information provision system 1 outputs the congestion status of multiple restrooms located in the facility to a display terminal (step S104). For example, the gateway device 100 of the information provision system 1 transmits information indicating the congestion status of multiple restrooms 2 located in facility FC1 to the user terminal 200. The user terminal 200 then displays the information received from the gateway device 100.

[0168] <6. Information provision example> From here, assuming the aforementioned Information Provision System 1, we will explain the content of the information provided by Information Provision System 1, referring to the respective diagrams. Note that explanations of points similar to those described above will be omitted as appropriate.

[0169] <6-1. Example of the first display method> First, using Figures 8 and 9, we will explain an example of a first display mode that displays information for multiple restrooms in a list. Figures 8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating an example of information provision according to the embodiment. For example, Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first display mode that displays information for restrooms corresponding to male users in a list. Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first display mode that displays information for restrooms corresponding to barrier-free users in a list.

[0170] First, using Figure 8, we will explain the first display mode, which displays a list of restroom information corresponding to the user category being male. In Figure 8, we show an example where the user terminal 200 used to display information about toilets is a smartphone carried by the user.

[0171] It should be noted that the smartphone shown in Figure 8 is merely an example, and as mentioned above, the user terminal 200 is not limited to a smartphone; any device used by the user can be used.

[0172] Before explaining the display shown in Figure 8, we will describe the configuration of the user terminal 200 related to the display shown in Figure 8. In Figure 8, it is assumed that the user terminal 200 has a toilet information display application (hereinafter also referred to as the "toilet information display app") installed that displays toilet information. For example, the user terminal 200 uses the toilet information display app to perform processing such as displaying the information shown in Figure 8 and receiving user operations.

[0173] The display shown in Figure 8 will now be explained. The user terminal 200 in Figure 8 shows the state in which content CT11 in a first display mode, which displays a list of restroom information corresponding to the user category "male," is displayed on the display unit 213 in response to the user's operation. For example, content CT11 is a men's restroom list content that displays restroom information for multiple toilet spaces 3 (also called "men's restrooms") corresponding to the user category "male" in the first display mode.

[0174] Content CT11 includes an area AR11 that displays information corresponding to the selected tab TU1 from tabs TU1 to TU3. In the following, when tabs such as TU1 to TU3 are not distinguished, they may be referred to simply as "tab TU". Also, Figure 8 shows an example where the content CT11 includes a survey response button BT1 for the user to answer the survey, but the content CT11 does not necessarily have to include the survey response button BT1. For example, if the user selects the survey response button BT1, the user terminal 200 displays the information of the survey to which the user should answer.

[0175] In Figure 8, the user terminal 200 displays three tabs TU: tab TU1 corresponding to user category "male," tab TU2 corresponding to user category "female," and tab TU3 corresponding to user category "barrier-free user." The image shows that tab TU1 is selected. In Figure 8, tabs TU2 and TU3 are hatched to indicate that tab TU1 is selected, while tabs TU2 and TU3 are not selected.

[0176] As shown above, in the user terminal 200 in Figure 8, tab TU1 is selected, and restroom information corresponding to the user category "male" is displayed in area AR11 of content CT11. In Figure 8, area AR11 of content CT11 displays a list of restroom information (also called "first restroom information") for multiple restrooms 2, such as the south restroom on the 3rd floor of facility FC1 (corresponding to restroom 25), the north restroom on the 3rd floor of facility FC1 (corresponding to restroom 26), and the south restroom on the 2nd floor of facility FC1 (corresponding to restroom 23).

[0177] Furthermore, the user terminal 200 may display information about other restrooms 2 in area AR11 of content CT11 in response to user operations. For example, the user terminal 200 may display information about restroom 2 on the 4th floor of facility FC1 in response to a scroll operation such as the user moving their finger up and down on area AR11 of content CT11. 7、The toilet information corresponding to 28), the toilet information of toilet 2 on the first floor of facility FC1 (toilet 2 1、 It may display toilet information etc. corresponding to 22).

[0178] For example, when the user terminal 200 starts the toilet information display application, it may display according to the selection of the pictograms AT1 to AT3 corresponding to each of the three user categories included in the top screen (for example, the third display mode such as the content CT23 in FIG. 13) displayed first. For example, when the user selects the pictogram AT1 among the pictograms AT1 to AT3 displayed on the top screen, the user terminal 200 displays the content CT11 which is a list of men's toilets corresponding to the pictogram AT1 (that is, men). In this way, on the top screen of the toilet information display application, the pictograms AT1 to AT3 corresponding to each of the tabs TU1 to TU3 are displayed, and the display switches to the state where the tab TU corresponding to the pictogram AT selected by the user from them is selected. Note that the display switching from the above top screen is just an example, and the user terminal 200 may switch the display in any manner.

[0179] As shown in FIG. 8, the first toilet information corresponding to the user category "men" includes the information of the toilet space 3 (men's toilet) corresponding to the user category "men" included in toilet 2. In FIG. 8, the user terminal 200 displays the first toilet information INF11 of the men's toilet among the south toilets on the third floor of the facility FC1, the first toilet information INF12 of the men's toilet among the north toilets on the third floor of the facility FC1, and the first toilet information INF of the men's toilet among the south toilets on the second floor of the facility FC1 in the area AR11 of the content CT11. Hereinafter, when explaining the first toilet information INF11 to INF33 etc. without distinguishing the first toilet information, it may be described as "the first toilet information INF".

[0180] The first toilet information INF11 includes the congestion information CG11 indicating the congestion status of the men's toilet (hereinafter also referred to as "the men's toilet on the south side of the third floor") among the south toilets on the third floor of the facility FC1, and the equipment information PG11 indicating the facilities of the men's toilet on the south side of the third floor.

[0181] In Figure 8, the congestion information CG11 indicates that the men's restroom on the south side of the 3rd floor is available. In the diagram, the difference in color is shown by hatching, but the congestion information CG11 is displayed in cooler colors (blue, etc.) as the level of congestion decreases, and in warmer colors (red, etc.) as the level of congestion increases. Also, in Figure 8, the congestion status is shown as an example using a bar indicator, the word "empty," and color, but the congestion information CG11 is not limited to a bar indicator, text, and color format, and may use any display format, such as a bar indicator only, or a numerical display of the level of congestion.

[0182] Furthermore, in Figure 8, the facility information PG11 includes pictograms corresponding to the baby seat 41 and the diaper changing table 42. That is, facility information PG11 indicates that the men's restroom on the south side of the 3rd floor is equipped with a baby seat 41 and a diaper changing table 42. Note that the above is merely an example, and facility information PG11 may also indicate that the men's restroom on the south side of the 3rd floor is equipped with a baby seat 41 and a diaper changing table 42 in any format such as text (e.g., "baby seat available", "diaper changing table available"). In the following, when congestion information such as congestion information CG11 to CG13 is explained without distinction, it may be referred to as "congestion information CG", and when congestion information such as facility information PG11 to PG35 is explained without distinction, it may be referred to as "facility information PG".

[0183] Furthermore, the first restroom information INF11 includes a cleaning request button RB11 for requesting cleaning of the men's restroom on the south side of the 3rd floor, and a restroom evaluation button EB11 for evaluating the men's restroom on the south side of the 3rd floor.

[0184] For example, if a user selects the cleaning request button RB11, the user terminal 200 displays information to the user for requesting cleaning of the men's restroom on the south side of the third floor. In this case, the user terminal 200 displays information (also called "request content") that allows the user to submit the necessary information to the administrator for requesting cleaning of the men's restroom on the south side of the third floor. For example, the user terminal 200 may display request content that includes a list allowing the user to select what kind of cleaning (floor, sink, urinal, individual stalls, etc.) to request from the administrator for the men's restroom on the south side of the third floor. The request content may also include information for requesting toilet paper replenishment, and information for reporting malfunctions of sinks, urinals, individual stalls, etc. When the user terminal 200 receives a selection from the user, it transmits information indicating the cleaning content selected by the user, along with information indicating that the men's restroom on the south side of the third floor is the target of cleaning, to the gateway device 100. The above is merely an example, and the user terminal 200 may accept cleaning requests from users in any manner.

[0185] For example, if the user selects the toilet evaluation button EB11, the user terminal 200 displays information for the user to evaluate the men's toilet on the south side of the third floor. In this case, the user terminal 200 displays information for receiving evaluation input from the user regarding the men's toilet on the south side of the third floor. For example, the user terminal 200 may display a list that allows the user to select an overall evaluation, good points, areas for improvement, etc., for the men's toilet on the south side of the third floor. Then, when the user terminal 200 receives a selection from the user, it transmits information indicating the content of the evaluation selected by the user, along with information indicating that the men's toilet on the south side of the third floor is the subject of evaluation, to the gateway device 100. Note that the above is merely an example, and the user terminal 200 may accept evaluations from the user in any manner.

[0186] The first restroom information INF11 includes a display switching button DB11 to display only the restroom information for the men's restroom on the south side of the third floor, and a map display button IC11 to display map information including the men's restroom on the south side of the third floor. For example, if the user selects the display switching button DB11, the user terminal 200 will display only the restroom information for the men's restroom on the south side of the third floor, as explained in Figure 10. Also, if the user selects the map display button IC11, the user terminal 200 will display a floor map including the men's restroom on the south side of the third floor, as explained in Figure 12.

[0187] The first restroom information INF12 includes congestion information CG12, which shows the congestion status of the men's restroom on the north side of the 3rd floor of facility FC1 (hereinafter also referred to as "the men's restroom on the north side of the 3rd floor"), and equipment information PG12, which shows the facilities of the men's restroom on the north side of the 3rd floor. Regarding the first restroom information INF12, explanations will be omitted as appropriate for points that are the same as those for the first restroom information INF11.

[0188] In Figure 8, the congestion information CG12 indicates that the men's restroom on the north side of the 3rd floor is crowded. Also in Figure 8, the equipment information PG12 includes pictograms corresponding to the baby changing station 41 and the diaper changing table 42. In other words, the equipment information PG12 indicates that the men's restroom on the north side of the 3rd floor is equipped with a baby changing station 41 and a diaper changing table 42.

[0189] Furthermore, the first restroom information INF12 includes a cleaning request button RB12 for requesting cleaning of the men's restroom on the north side of the third floor, and a restroom evaluation button EB12 for evaluating the men's restroom on the north side of the third floor.

[0190] For example, if the user selects the cleaning request button RB12, the user terminal 200 displays information for the user to request cleaning of the men's restroom on the north side of the third floor. For example, if the user selects the restroom rating button EB12, the user terminal 200 displays information for the user to rate the men's restroom on the north side of the third floor.

[0191] The first restroom information INF12 includes a display switching button DB12 to display only the restroom information for the men's restroom on the north side of the third floor, and a map display button IC12 to display map information including the men's restroom on the north side of the third floor. For example, if the user selects the display switching button DB12, the user terminal 200 will display only the restroom information for the men's restroom on the north side of the third floor. Also, if the user selects the map display button IC12, the user terminal 200 will display a floor map including the men's restroom on the north side of the third floor.

[0192] The first restroom information INF13 includes congestion information CG13, which shows the congestion status of the men's restroom on the south side of the second floor of facility FC1 (hereinafter also referred to as "the men's restroom on the south side of the second floor"), and equipment information PG13, which shows the facilities of the men's restroom on the south side of the second floor. Regarding the first restroom information INF13, explanations will be omitted as appropriate for points that are the same as those for the first restroom information INF11 and INF12.

[0193] In Figure 8, the congestion information CG13 indicates that the men's restroom on the south side of the second floor is somewhat crowded. Also in Figure 8, the facilities information PG13 includes a pictogram corresponding to a baby changing station 41. That is, facilities information PG13 indicates that a baby changing station 41 is installed in the men's restroom on the south side of the second floor.

[0194] Furthermore, the first restroom information INF13 includes a cleaning request button RB13 for requesting cleaning of the men's restroom on the south side of the second floor, and a restroom evaluation button EB13 for evaluating the men's restroom on the south side of the second floor.

[0195] For example, if the user selects the cleaning request button RB13, the user terminal 200 displays information to allow the user to request cleaning of the men's restroom on the south side of the second floor. For example, if the user selects the restroom rating button EB13, the user terminal 200 displays information to allow the user to rate the men's restroom on the south side of the second floor.

[0196] The first restroom information INF13 includes a display switching button DB13 to display only the restroom information for the men's restroom on the south side of the second floor, and a map display button IC13 to display map information including the men's restroom on the south side of the second floor. For example, if the user selects the display switching button DB13, the user terminal 200 will display only the restroom information for the men's restroom on the south side of the second floor. Also, if the user selects the map display button IC13, the user terminal 200 will display a floor map including the men's restroom on the south side of the second floor.

[0197] As described above, Information System 1 uses congestion information CG to display the congestion status of toilets within the facility for each floor and toilet space 3, allowing users to see at a glance which toilets are available and which are crowded. Furthermore, it is rare for facilities to have diaper changing stations, for example, in all restrooms (toilet spaces). Therefore, it is preferable for users to be able to see detailed information such as the amenities in each restroom for convenience. In this way, Information System 1 uses equipment information PG to allow users to see the equipment in each toilet space 3, enabling users with small children, for example, to find and use toilets with peace of mind. This allows users to quickly find the toilet facilities they need. Thus, Information System 1 can provide appropriate information. Therefore, Information System 1 can improve the convenience of toilet users.

[0198] Furthermore, Information Provision System 1 allows users to easily contact administrators if they find dirt or equipment malfunctions in the restrooms, thereby helping to keep the facilities clean. Information Provision System 1 also allows administrators to utilize contact information and satisfaction ratings to improve the efficiency of cleaning and equipment management. In this way, Information Provision System 1 enables users to easily report dirt and malfunctions to administrators, and allows administrators to use user information to improve the efficiency of cleaning and equipment management. Thus, Information Provision System 1 enables the provision of appropriate information. Therefore, Information Provision System 1 can improve convenience for both restroom users and administrators.

[0199] Furthermore, in Figure 8, if a user selects tab TU2 by, for example, touching (contacting) the area where tab TU2 is displayed on the user terminal 200, the user terminal 200 displays content in a first display mode that lists restroom information corresponding to the selected tab TU2, i.e., the user category "female". For example, the content in the first display mode that lists restroom information corresponding to the user category "female" is a women's restroom list content in which restroom information for multiple women's restrooms is displayed in the first display mode. Note that the women's restroom list content is the same as content CT11 except that the congestion information CG and equipment information PG differ depending on the congestion status and equipment of each restroom space 3, so the explanation is omitted.

[0200] Furthermore, when the user terminal 200 is displaying the women's restroom list content, if the user selects tab TU1, the user terminal 200 will display the men's restroom list content (content CT11, etc.) corresponding to the selected tab TU1, i.e., the user category "male". In this way, the user terminal 200 switches and displays the content of the first display mode corresponding to each user category according to the user's selection of tab TU.

[0201] For example, when considering the usability of restrooms for families, it may be desirable to compare the user categories of restroom users in a specific restroom 2 on a particular floor. Specifically, if a family uses restroom 2, and it is possible to check whether the baby changing station 41 is on the women's side or the men's side, it is possible to assign which user category (male or female) will be responsible for looking after the child without actually entering restroom 2. Therefore, the information provision system 1 can switch and display information for each user category according to the selection of tab TU, allowing users to check the facilities provided in the restroom space 3 for each user category, thereby providing information that improves user convenience.

[0202] Furthermore, in Figure 8, when the user selects tab TU3, the user terminal 200 displays content in the first display mode, which lists restroom information corresponding to the selected tab TU3, i.e., the user category "Barrier-Free Person". For example, the content in the first display mode that lists restroom information corresponding to the user category "Barrier-Free Person" is a barrier-free toilet list content in which restroom information for multiple barrier-free toilets is displayed in the first display mode. An example of the barrier-free toilet list content will be explained using Figure 9. Note that explanations of points similar to those in Figure 8 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0203] Figure 9 shows the user terminal 200 with content CT12 displayed on the display unit 213 in a first display mode, which displays a list of restroom information corresponding to users classified as "barrier-free persons" in response to user operations. For example, content CT12 is a barrier-free toilet list content that displays restroom information for multiple toilet spaces 3 (also called "barrier-free toilets") corresponding to the user classification "barrier-free persons" in the first display mode.

[0204] Here, content CT12 includes area AR31 which displays information corresponding to the selected tab TU3 among tabs TU1 to TU3. Also, Figure 9 shows an example where content CT12 includes a survey response button BT1 for the user to answer the survey, but content CT12 does not necessarily have to include the survey response button BT1. In Figure 9, the user terminal 200 shows three tabs TU, with tab TU3 selected.

[0205] As shown above, in the user terminal 200 in Figure 9, tab TU3 is selected, and restroom information corresponding to the user category "Barrier-Free User" is displayed in area AR31 of content CT12. In Figure 9, area AR31 of content CT12 displays a list of restroom information (first restroom information) for multiple restrooms 2, such as the south restroom on the 3rd floor of facility FC1 (corresponding to restroom 25), the north restroom on the 3rd floor of facility FC1 (corresponding to restroom 26), and the south restroom on the 2nd floor of facility FC1 (corresponding to restroom 23). The user terminal 200 may also display restroom information for other restrooms 2 in area AR31 of content CT12 depending on the user's operation.

[0206] As shown in Figure 9, the first restroom information corresponding to the user category "Barrier-Free Users" includes information on toilet space 3 (barrier-free toilet) in restroom 2 that corresponds to the user category "Barrier-Free Users". In Figure 9, the user terminal 200 displays the first restroom information INF31 of the barrier-free toilet in the south side toilet on the 3rd floor of facility FC1, the first restroom information INF32 of the barrier-free toilet in the north side toilet on the 3rd floor of facility FC1, and the first restroom information INF33 of the barrier-free toilet in the south side toilet on the 2nd floor of facility FC1 in area AR31 of content CT12. Note that explanations of the first restroom information INF31 to INF33 are omitted as appropriate, as they are the same as those for the first restroom information INF11 to INF13 etc. explained in Figure 8.

[0207] The first restroom information INF31 includes equipment information PG31 indicating the facilities of the barrier-free restroom (hereinafter also referred to as the "south-side barrier-free restroom on the 3rd floor") among the restrooms on the south side of the 3rd floor of facility FC1. Thus, the first restroom information INF for the barrier-free restroom differs from the first restroom information INF for the men's or women's restroom in that it does not include congestion information indicating the level of congestion. However, the first restroom information INF for the barrier-free restroom may also include congestion information indicating the level of congestion.

[0208] In Figure 9, the equipment information PG31 includes pictograms corresponding to the baby seat 41, the diaper changing table 42, the changing table 43, and the ostomy facility 44. In other words, the equipment information PG31 indicates that the barrier-free toilet on the south side of the 3rd floor is equipped with a baby seat 41, a diaper changing table 42, a changing table 43, and an ostomy facility 44.

[0209] Furthermore, the first restroom information INF31 includes a cleaning request button RB31 for requesting cleaning of the barrier-free restroom on the south side of the 3rd floor, and a restroom evaluation button EB31 for evaluating the barrier-free restroom on the south side of the 3rd floor.

[0210] For example, if the user selects the cleaning request button RB31, the user terminal 200 displays information to the user for requesting cleaning of the accessible toilet on the south side of the third floor. For example, if the user selects the toilet evaluation button EB31, the user terminal 200 displays information to the user for evaluating the accessible toilet on the south side of the third floor.

[0211] The first restroom information display INF31 includes a display switching button DB31 to display only the restroom information for the south-side barrier-free restroom on the 3rd floor, and a map display button IC31 to display map information including the south-side barrier-free restroom on the 3rd floor. For example, if the user selects the display switching button DB31, the user terminal 200 will display only the restroom information for the south-side barrier-free restroom on the 3rd floor, as explained in Figure 11. Also, if the user selects the map display button IC31, the user terminal 200 will display a floor map including the south-side barrier-free restroom on the 3rd floor.

[0212] The first restroom information INF32 includes equipment information PG32, which shows the facilities of the barrier-free restroom on the north side of the third floor of facility FC1 (hereinafter also referred to as the "third-floor north-side barrier-free restroom"). In Figure 9, equipment information PG32 includes pictograms corresponding to the baby seat 41, the diaper changing table 42, the changing table 43, and the ostomy facility 44. In other words, equipment information PG32 indicates that the third-floor north-side barrier-free restroom is equipped with a baby seat 41, a diaper changing table 42, a changing table 43, and an ostomy facility 44.

[0213] Furthermore, the first restroom information INF32 includes a cleaning request button RB32 for requesting cleaning of the barrier-free restroom on the north side of the 3rd floor, and a restroom evaluation button EB32 for evaluating the barrier-free restroom on the north side of the 3rd floor.

[0214] For example, if the user selects the cleaning request button RB32, the user terminal 200 displays information to the user for requesting cleaning of the barrier-free toilet on the north side of the third floor. For example, if the user selects the toilet evaluation button EB32, the user terminal 200 displays information to the user for evaluating the barrier-free toilet on the north side of the third floor.

[0215] The first restroom information INF32 includes a display switching button DB32 to display only the restroom information for the barrier-free restroom on the north side of the third floor, and a map display button IC32 to display map information including the barrier-free restroom on the north side of the third floor. For example, if the user selects the display switching button DB32, the user terminal 200 will display only the restroom information for the barrier-free restroom on the north side of the third floor. Also, if the user selects the map display button IC32, the user terminal 200 will display a floor map including the barrier-free restroom on the north side of the third floor.

[0216] The first restroom information INF33 includes equipment information PG33, which shows the facilities of the barrier-free restroom on the south side of the second floor of facility FC1 (hereinafter also referred to as the "second floor south side barrier-free restroom"). In Figure 9, equipment information PG33 also includes pictograms corresponding to the baby seat 41, the diaper changing table 42, the changing table 43, and the ostomy facility 44. In other words, equipment information PG33 indicates that the second floor south side barrier-free restroom is equipped with a baby seat 41, a diaper changing table 42, a changing table 43, and an ostomy facility 44.

[0217] Furthermore, the first restroom information INF33 includes a cleaning request button RB33 for requesting cleaning of the barrier-free toilet on the south side of the second floor, and a toilet evaluation button EB33 for evaluating the barrier-free toilet on the south side of the second floor.

[0218] For example, if the user selects the cleaning request button RB33, the user terminal 200 displays information to the user for requesting cleaning of the accessible toilet on the south side of the second floor. For example, if the user selects the toilet evaluation button EB33, the user terminal 200 displays information to the user for evaluating the accessible toilet on the south side of the second floor.

[0219] The first restroom information display (INF33) includes a display switching button (DB33) to display only the restroom information for the south-side barrier-free restroom on the second floor, and a map display button (IC33) to display map information including the south-side barrier-free restroom on the second floor. For example, if the user selects the display switching button (DB33), the user terminal 200 will display only the restroom information for the south-side barrier-free restroom on the second floor. Also, if the user selects the map display button (IC33), the user terminal 200 will display a floor map including the south-side barrier-free restroom on the second floor.

[0220] In Figure 9, for example, if the user selects tab TU2, the user terminal 200 displays the women's restroom list content corresponding to the user category "female" in the selected tab TU2. In Figure 9, for example, if the user selects tab TU1, the user terminal 200 displays the men's restroom list content (content CT11, etc.) corresponding to the user category "male" in the selected tab TU1.

[0221] <6-2. Examples of second display methods> Next, using Figures 10 and 11, we will describe an example of a second display mode for displaying information about a specific restroom. Figures 10 and 11 are diagrams illustrating an example of information provision according to the embodiment. For example, Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second display mode for displaying restroom information for a specific restroom corresponding to a user category of male. Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second display mode for displaying restroom information for a specific restroom corresponding to a user category of barrier-free access. Note that explanations of points similar to those described above will be omitted as appropriate.

[0222] First, using Figure 10, we will explain a second display method that shows restroom information for a specific restroom where the user category corresponds to male.

[0223] Figure 10 shows the user terminal 200 with content CT13 displayed on the display unit 213 in a second display mode, which displays only the restroom information for a specific restroom corresponding to the user category "male" in response to user operation. For example, content CT13 is a specific men's restroom information content that displays restroom information for one toilet space 3 (men's restroom) corresponding to the user category "male" in the second display mode.

[0224] For example, if the user selects the display switching button DB11 in the content CT11 shown in Figure 8, the user terminal 200 will display content CT13, which contains only the restroom information for the men's restroom on the south side of the third floor, as shown in Figure 10. Content CT13 includes an area AR12 that displays information corresponding to the selected tab TU1 from tabs TU1 to TU3. Also, Figure 10 shows an example where the content CT13 includes a survey response button BT1 for the user to answer a questionnaire, but the content CT13 does not have to include the survey response button BT1. In Figure 10, the user terminal 200 displays three tabs TU, and tab TU1 is selected.

[0225] As shown above, in the user terminal 200 in Figure 10, tab TU1 is selected, and the area AR12 of content CT13 displays detailed restroom information (also called "second restroom information") for a specific restroom 2, which is at least a part of the first restroom information. In Figure 10, the area AR12 of content CT13 displays only the second restroom information for the men's restroom on the south side of the third floor.

[0226] As shown in Figure 10, the second restroom information for a specific restroom 2 corresponding to the user category "male" includes information about the toilet space 3 (men's toilet) within that specific restroom 2 that corresponds to the user category "male". In Figure 10, the user terminal 200 displays the second restroom information SNF11 for the men's toilet (south men's toilet on the 3rd floor) among the south side restrooms on the 3rd floor of facility FC1 in area AR12 of content CT13. Hereafter, when describing the second restroom information such as SNF11, SNF12, etc. without distinction, it may be referred to as "second restroom information SNF".

[0227] The second restroom information SNF11 includes congestion information CR11, which shows the congestion status of the men's restroom (south men's restroom on the 3rd floor) among the south side restrooms on the 3rd floor of facility FC1, and equipment information PG15, which shows the facilities of the south side men's restroom on the 3rd floor.

[0228] In Figure 10, the congestion information CR11 indicates that the men's restroom on the south side of the third floor is available. In Figure 10, the congestion information CR11 includes textual information indicating that the men's restroom on the south side of the third floor is available, such as "This restroom is available." Thus, the second restroom information SNF11 includes more detailed information about the men's restroom on the south side of the third floor, as found in the first restroom information INF11. This allows the user to clearly understand that the men's restroom on the south side of the third floor is available.

[0229] Furthermore, in Figure 10, the equipment information PG15 includes pictograms corresponding to the baby seat 41 and the diaper changing table 42. In other words, the equipment information PG15 indicates that the men's restroom on the south side of the third floor is equipped with a baby seat 41 and a diaper changing table 42.

[0230] Furthermore, the second restroom information SNF11 includes image information IG15 showing the condition of the men's restroom on the south side of the third floor. In Figure 10, the second restroom information SNF11 includes image information IG15 showing a specific image of the interior of the men's restroom on the south side of the third floor. Thus, the second restroom information SNF11 includes more detailed information about the men's restroom on the south side of the third floor than the first restroom information INF11. This allows the user to understand the condition of the men's restroom on the south side of the third floor in more detail.

[0231] Additionally, the second restroom information SNF11 includes a cleaning request button RB15 for requesting cleaning of the men's restroom on the south side of the third floor, and a restroom evaluation button EB15 for evaluating the men's restroom on the south side of the third floor.

[0232] For example, if the user selects the cleaning request button RB15, the user terminal 200 displays information to allow the user to request cleaning of the men's restroom on the south side of the third floor. For example, if the user selects the restroom rating button EB15, the user terminal 200 displays information to allow the user to rate the men's restroom on the south side of the third floor.

[0233] Furthermore, the second restroom information SNF11 includes a map display button IC15 for displaying map information including the men's restroom on the south side of the third floor. If the user selects the map display button IC15, the user terminal 200 will display a floor map including the men's restroom on the south side of the third floor, similar to when the map display button IC11 is selected. This point is explained in Figure 12.

[0234] In Figure 10, for example, if the user selects to go back by touching the area labeled "Back" in the upper left corner of the user terminal 200, the user terminal 200 switches the display from content CT13 to content CT11. In this way, the user terminal 200 can switch the display from the second display mode to the first display mode in response to user operations.

[0235] In Figure 10, for example, if the user selects tab TU2, the user terminal 200 displays the second powder room information SNF for the selected toilet space 3 (south-side women's toilet on the 3rd floor) of the south-side toilets on the 3rd floor of facility FC1, which corresponds to the selected tab TU2, i.e., the user category "female". Note that if toilet space 3 corresponding to the user category "female" is not included in the south-side toilets on the 3rd floor of facility FC1, tab TU2 may be unavailable in Figure 10.

[0236] In Figure 10, for example, if the user selects tab TU3, the user terminal 200 displays the second restroom information SNF for restroom space 3 (the barrier-free restroom on the south side of the 3rd floor) of the south side restrooms on the 3rd floor of facility FC1, which corresponds to the selected tab TU3, i.e., the user category "barrier-free user". Note that if restroom space 3 corresponding to the user category "barrier-free user" is not included in the south side restrooms on the 3rd floor of facility FC1, tab TU3 may be unavailable in Figure 10.

[0237] Next, using Figure 11, we will explain a second display method that shows restroom information for a specific restroom corresponding to a user category that is eligible for barrier-free access.

[0238] Figure 11 shows the user terminal 200 with content CT14 displayed on the display unit 213 in a second display mode, which displays only the restroom information for a specific restroom corresponding to a user category of "barrier-free person," in response to user operation. For example, content CT14 is a specific barrier-free restroom information content that displays restroom information for one toilet space 3 (barrier-free restroom) corresponding to the user category "barrier-free person" in the second display mode.

[0239] For example, if the user selects the display switching button DB31 in the content CT12 shown in Figure 9, the user terminal 200 will display content CT14, which contains only the restroom information for the barrier-free toilet on the south side of the third floor, as shown in Figure 11. Content CT14 includes an area AR32 that displays information corresponding to the selected tab TU3 among tabs TU1 to TU3. Also, Figure 11 shows an example where the content CT14 includes a survey response button BT1 for the user to answer a questionnaire, but the content CT14 does not have to include the survey response button BT1. The user terminal 200 in Figure 11 shows three tabs TU, with tab TU3 selected.

[0240] As shown above, in the user terminal 200 in Figure 11, tab TU3 is selected, and the area AR32 of content CT14 displays detailed restroom information (second restroom information) for a specific restroom 2, which is at least a part of the first restroom information. In Figure 11, the area AR32 of content CT14 displays only the second restroom information for the south-side barrier-free restroom on the 3rd floor.

[0241] As shown in Figure 11, the second restroom information for a specific restroom 2 corresponding to the user category "barrier-free users" includes information on the toilet space 3 (barrier-free toilet) within that specific restroom 2 that corresponds to the user category "barrier-free users". In Figure 11, the user terminal 200 displays the second restroom information SNF12 for the barrier-free toilet (south side barrier-free toilet on the 3rd floor) among the south side restrooms on the 3rd floor of facility FC1 in area AR32 of content CT14.

[0242] The second toilet information SNF12 includes facility information PG35 indicating the facilities of the barrier-free toilet (the barrier-free toilet on the south side of the third floor) among the toilets on the south side of the third floor of the facility FC1. Thus, the second toilet information SNF regarding the barrier-free toilet differs from the second toilet information SNF regarding the men's toilet or women's toilet in that it does not include congestion information indicating the congestion situation. Note that the second toilet information SNF regarding the barrier-free toilet may also include congestion information indicating the congestion situation.

[0243] Also, in FIG. 11, the facility information PG35 includes pictograms corresponding to the baby seat 41, the diaper changing table 42, the dressing table 43, and the ostomate 44. That is, the facility information PG35 indicates that the baby seat 41, the diaper changing table 42, the dressing table 43, and the ostomate 44 are installed in the barrier-free toilet on the south side of the third floor.

[0244] The second toilet information SNF12 also includes image information IG35 indicating the situation of the barrier-free toilet on the south side of the third floor. In FIG. 11, the second toilet information SNF112 includes the image information IG35 showing a specific image of the internal situation of the barrier-free toilet on the south side of the third floor. Thus, the second toilet information SNF12 includes information that further details the information on the barrier-free toilet on the south side of the third floor in the first toilet information INF11. As a result, the user can grasp the state of the barrier-free toilet on the south side of the third floor in more detail.

[0245] The second toilet information SNF12 also includes a cleaning request button RB35 for requesting cleaning of the barrier-free toilet on the south side of the third floor and a toilet evaluation button EB35 for evaluating the barrier-free toilet on the south side of the third floor.

[0246] For example, when the user selects the cleaning request button RB35, the user terminal 200 displays information for requesting the cleaning of the barrier-free toilet on the south side of the third floor to the user. For example, when the user selects the toilet evaluation button EB35, the user terminal 200 displays information for the user to evaluate the barrier-free toilet on the south side of the third floor.

[0247] In addition, the second toilet information SNF12 includes a map display button IC35 for displaying map information including the barrier-free toilet on the south side of the third floor. When the user selects the map display button IC35, similar to the case when the map display button IC31 is selected, the user terminal 200 displays a floor map including the barrier-free toilet on the south side of the third floor.

[0248] In FIG. 11, for example, when the user selects the return process by touching (contacting) the area displayed as "Return" in the upper left of the user terminal 200, the user terminal 200 switches the display from the content CT14 to the content CT12. In this way, the user terminal 200 can switch the display from the second display mode to the first display mode according to the user's operation.

[0249] In FIG. 10, for example, when the user selects the tab TU1, the user terminal 200 displays the second toilet information SNF11 of the toilet space 3 (the male toilet on the south side of the third floor) corresponding to the selected tab TU1, that is, the user classification "male" among the toilets on the south side of the third floor of the facility FC1. If the toilet space 3 corresponding to the user classification "male" is not included in the toilets on the south side of the third floor of the facility FC1, in FIG. 10, the tab TU1 may be unselectable.

[0250] In Figure 10, for example, if the user selects tab TU2, the user terminal 200 displays the second powder room information SNF for the selected toilet space 3 (south-side women's toilet on the 3rd floor) of the south-side toilets on the 3rd floor of facility FC1, which corresponds to the selected tab TU2, i.e., the user category "female". Note that if toilet space 3 corresponding to the user category "female" is not included in the south-side toilets on the 3rd floor of facility FC1, tab TU2 may be unavailable in Figure 10.

[0251] As described above, the information provision system 1 outputs the congestion status of multiple restrooms 2 installed in the facility to the user terminal 200. When the information provision system 1 receives a selection of restroom 2 from multiple restrooms 2 in the first display mode, it transitions from the first display mode to a second display mode that displays the second restroom information of the selected restroom 2 on the user terminal 200.

[0252] Information provision system 1 displays restroom information, including congestion information, on the user terminal 200, and the display of restroom information can be switched according to the user category of the person expected to use restroom 2. Information provision system 1 can switch the display of restroom information by selecting the tab TU corresponding to the user category. The tab TU displays information indicating the corresponding user category. This allows the user to appropriately select the information for the user category they wish to see.

[0253] Furthermore, the display modes on the user terminal 200 include a first display mode and a second display mode that displays information different from that of the first display mode. The display modes on the user terminal 200 include a first display mode that displays first restroom information for multiple restrooms 2 based on congestion information and restroom information for multiple restrooms 2 on the user terminal 200, and a second display mode that displays second restroom information for a specific restroom 2 among the multiple restrooms 2, which is a detailed version of at least a part of the first restroom information.

[0254] The first display mode can be switched for each user category. The first display mode includes information for the first restroom of multiple restrooms 2. For example, the first display mode includes information for the first restroom of each restroom 2 on each floor of the facility. The first display mode displays location information for the corresponding restroom 2 in response to user operations. When the first display mode receives a selection from the user, it outputs user input information for the restroom 2 corresponding to the selection to a predetermined output destination. For example, if the user terminal 200 selects a button such as cleaning request, fault report, or satisfaction rating while the first display mode is displayed, and information is entered, it transmits that input to the gateway device 100 as user input information.

[0255] The second display mode includes information about a specific restroom 2 among a group of restrooms 2. The second display mode includes information about the specific restroom 2 selected in the first display mode. The second display mode includes information about the configuration within the specific restroom 2. The second display mode displays location information for the corresponding restroom 2 in response to user operations. When the second display mode receives a user selection, it outputs user input information for the restroom 2 corresponding to the selection to a predetermined output destination. For example, if the user terminal 200 selects a button such as cleaning request, fault report, or satisfaction rating while the second display mode is displayed, and information is entered, it transmits that input to the gateway device 100 as user input information. The second display mode may be switchable for each user category.

[0256] Thus, the information provision system 1 allows switching between displaying a list of information for multiple restrooms 2 (first display mode) and displaying only the information for an individual restroom 2 (second display mode). This enables the information provision system 1 to provide information in a way that can be switched according to the user's situation when they are looking for a restroom, thus enabling the provision of appropriate information. Therefore, the information provision system 1 can improve the convenience of restroom users.

[0257] Furthermore, as described above, the information provision system 1 allows users to view photographs of the interior of each toilet space 3 using image information IG15, IG35, etc., enabling users to find and use toilets with peace of mind. In this way, the information provision system 1 can provide appropriate information. Therefore, the information provision system 1 can improve the convenience of toilet users.

[0258] <6-3. Examples of facility maps and other displays> The information provision described above is merely an example, and the information provision system 1 may provide various types of information. Examples of this are described below. For example, as shown in Figure 12, the information provision system 1 may provide information such as a map of a facility where restrooms 2, etc., are installed. Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of information provision according to the embodiment. In Figure 12, the case in which the map display button IC11 in the content CT11 shown in Figure 8 is selected is shown as an example.

[0259] For example, if the user selects the map display button IC11 in the content CT11 shown in Figure 8, or the map display button IC15 in the content CT13 shown in Figure 10, the user terminal 200 displays map information MP11 as shown in Figure 12. In Figure 12, the user terminal 200 overlays the map information MP11 on the content CT11. In Figure 12, the map information MP11 includes a marker MK11 indicating the location of the south-side men's restroom on the third floor on a floor map of the entire third floor where the south-side men's restroom is located. This allows the user to properly understand where the south-side men's restroom on the third floor is located.

[0260] The map information output may, for example, display congestion status superimposed on the map. In Figure 12, the user terminal 200 may display map information MP11 superimposed on information showing the congestion status of the men's restroom on the south side of the 3rd floor (for example, congestion information CG11 in Figure 8). This allows the information provision system 1 to enable users to understand congestion status on the map, thereby improving user convenience.

[0261] Furthermore, the information provision system 1 may detect the toilet status based on the user's stay time, and, for example, in the second display mode, notify the user of information based on the detection results. For example, when the information provision system 1 displays the second display mode on the user terminal 200, it may also display information based on the detection results.

[0262] For example, the information provision system 1 may detect abnormal conditions such as blockages based on the user's stay time and notify the user of information indicating the abnormality based on the detection result. For example, if the information provision system 1 detects an abnormal condition in a toilet, it may display information indicating the abnormality when displaying information corresponding to the toilet in which the abnormal condition was detected. For example, if the information provision system 1 detects an abnormal condition in the south-side men's toilet on the 3rd floor, it may display information indicating that the south-side men's toilet on the 3rd floor is in an abnormal condition when displaying information corresponding to the south-side men's toilet on the 3rd floor.

[0263] Furthermore, even if the door is open, the system may detect the cleaning status by detecting a human body for a predetermined period of time, and notify information indicating that cleaning has been performed based on the detection results. For example, if the information provision system 1 detects the cleaning status of a toilet, it may display information indicating that cleaning has been performed when displaying information corresponding to the toilet in which the cleaning status was detected. For example, if the information provision system 1 detects the cleaning status of the south-side men's toilet on the 3rd floor, it may display information indicating that the south-side men's toilet on the 3rd floor is in a clean state when displaying information corresponding to the south-side men's toilet on the 3rd floor. Note that the above notifications are merely examples, and the information provision system 1 may notify various types of information.

[0264] <6-4. Examples of displays based on the number of user categories> Furthermore, for example, the information provision system 1 may change its display according to the number of user categories, as shown in Figure 13. Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of information provision according to the embodiment. For example, Figure 13 shows an example of one display mode (also called the "third display mode") in which all of the user categories assigned to multiple restrooms installed in the facility are displayed as selectable operation buttons. Note that explanations equivalent to those described above will be omitted as appropriate.

[0265] The content CT21 in Figure 13 corresponds to a display mode (third display mode) that displays all user classifications assigned to multiple restrooms in the facility "XX Shopping Center" as selectable operation buttons BT21 to BT24. The user terminal 200 displays content CT21, which displays all user classifications assigned to multiple restrooms in the facility "XX Shopping Center" as selectable operation buttons BT21 to BT24. The third display mode (content) such as content CT21 is a display format that displays the user classifications of all restrooms installed in the facility as selectable operation buttons. For example, the third display mode (content) such as content CT21 is displayed on the user terminal 200 when the user terminal 200 reads a QR code (registered trademark) displayed (placed) in the facility in response to the user's operation of the user terminal 200.

[0266] In content CT21 of Figure 13, the operation button BT21, which has a pictogram AT1 corresponding to the user category "male" positioned in the center, is a button for selecting the user category "male". For example, when the user selects operation button BT21, the user terminal 200 displays information about restrooms corresponding to the user category "male" located in the facility "XX Shopping Center". For example, when the user selects operation button BT21, the user terminal 200 displays information about restrooms corresponding to the user category "male" as shown in Figure 8.

[0267] In this way, when the user selects the operation button BT21 of the content CT21 in the third display mode on the user terminal 200, the display is switched from the third display mode to the first display mode. For example, based on the user category "male", which is the user category information selected by the operation button BT21, the user terminal 200 displays the content in the first display mode, which is another display mode for showing the congestion status of the dressing room assigned with the user category "male". For example, the content in the first display mode displays the congestion information of the dressing room (such as toilet space 3) of the user category specified (selected) by the user.

[0268] Also, in the content CT21 of FIG. 13, the operation button BT22 with the pictogram AT2 corresponding to the user category "female" arranged in the central part is a button for selecting the user category "female". For example, when the user selects the operation button BT22 on the user terminal 200, the user terminal 200 displays the dressing room information corresponding to the user category "female" provided in the facility "XX Shopping Center".

[0269] In this way, when the user selects the operation button BT22 of the content CT21 in the third display mode on the user terminal 200, the display is switched from the third display mode to the first display mode. For example, based on the user category "female", which is the user category information selected by the operation button BT22, the user terminal 200 displays the content in the first display mode, which is another display mode for showing the congestion status of the dressing room (such as toilet space 3) assigned with the user category "female".

[0270] Furthermore, in content CT21 of Figure 13, the operation button BT23, which has a pictogram AT3 corresponding to the user category "barrier-free user" positioned in the center, is a button for selecting the user category "barrier-free user". For example, when the user selects operation button BT23, the user terminal 200 displays information about restrooms in the facility "XX Shopping Center" that correspond to the user category "barrier-free user". For example, when the user selects operation button BT23, the user terminal 200 displays information about restrooms corresponding to the user category "barrier-free user" as shown in Figure 9.

[0271] Thus, when the user selects the operation button BT23 for the content CT21, which is the third display mode, the user terminal 200 switches the display from the third display mode to the first display mode. For example, based on the user classification information selected by the operation button BT23, which is the user classification "barrier-free user", the user terminal 200 displays the content of the first display mode, which is another display mode that shows the congestion status of the restroom (toilet space 3, etc.) to which the user classification "barrier-free user" has been assigned.

[0272] Furthermore, in content CT21 of Figure 13, the operation button BT24, which has the pictogram AT4 corresponding to the user category "all gender" positioned in the center, is a button for selecting the user category "all gender". For example, when the user selects operation button BT24, the user terminal 200 displays information about restrooms in the facility "XX Shopping Center" that correspond to the user category "all gender".

[0273] Thus, when the user selects the operation button BT24 for the content CT21, which is the third display mode, the user terminal 200 switches the display from the third display mode to the first display mode. For example, based on the user classification information, user classification "all gender," selected by the operation button BT24, the user terminal 200 displays the content of the first display mode, which is another display mode that shows the congestion status of the restroom (toilet space 3, etc.) to which the user classification "all gender" has been assigned.

[0274] For example, the information provision system 1 displays content CT21 when the user selects the facility "XX Shopping Center" in the toilet information display application, etc. For example, the user terminal 200 performs the various information processing described above by a program such as the toilet information display application. For example, the user terminal 200 on which the toilet information display application is installed performs the various information processing described above. The toilet information display application (program) installed on the user terminal 200 acquires the usage status of the target users provided in each of the multiple restrooms and acquires (estimates) congestion information for the multiple restrooms based on the usage status of the target users. The toilet information display application (program) installed on the user terminal 200 then displays restroom information including congestion information. Furthermore, the toilet information display application (program) installed on the user terminal 200 displays restroom information in a switchable manner for each user category related to the user using the restroom.

[0275] The information provided by the toilet information display application described above may also be provided via a web browser. In this case, the information provision system 1 may have a server device, which generates content CT21 and provides content CT21 from the server device to the user terminal 200. For example, in the information provision system 1, the gateway device 100 may function as the server device.

[0276] The content CT22 in Figure 13 corresponds to one display mode (third display mode) that displays all user classifications assigned to multiple restrooms in the facility "AA Shopping Center" as selectable operation buttons BT25 and BT26. The user terminal 200 displays content CT22, which displays all user classifications assigned to multiple restrooms in the facility "AA Shopping Center" as selectable operation buttons BT25 and BT26.

[0277] In content CT22 of Figure 13, the operation button BT25, which has the pictogram AT1 corresponding to the user category "male" positioned in the center, is a button for selecting the user category "male". For example, when the user selects operation button BT25, the user terminal 200 displays information about the restrooms in the facility "AA Shopping Center" that correspond to the user category "male".

[0278] Furthermore, in content CT22 of Figure 13, the operation button BT26, which has the pictogram AT2 corresponding to the user category "female" positioned in the center, is a button for selecting the user category "female". For example, when the user selects the operation button BT26, the user terminal 200 displays information about the restrooms corresponding to the user category "female" located in the facility "AA Shopping Center".

[0279] Thus, when the user terminal 200 selects either of the operation buttons BT25 or BT26 for the content CT22, which is the third display mode, the display switches from the third display mode to the first display mode. For example, the information provision system 1 displays content CT22 when the user selects the facility "AA Shopping Center" in the toilet information display application, etc. For example, the user terminal 200 displays content in the first display mode, which is another display mode that displays the congestion status of the restroom to which user classification information selected by either of the operation buttons BT25 or BT26 for content CT22 has been assigned.

[0280] The content CT23 in Figure 13 corresponds to one display mode (third display mode) that displays all user classifications assigned to multiple restrooms in the facility "BB Shopping Center" as selectable operation buttons BT27 to BT29. The user terminal 200 displays content CT23, which displays all user classifications assigned to multiple restrooms in the facility "BB Shopping Center" as selectable operation buttons BT27 to BT29.

[0281] In content CT23 of Figure 13, the operation button BT27, which has pictogram AT1 corresponding to user category "male" positioned in the center, is a button for selecting user category "male". For example, when the user selects operation button BT27, the user terminal 200 displays information about restrooms corresponding to user category "male" located in the facility "BB Shopping Center". For example, when the user selects operation button BT27, the user terminal 200 displays restroom information corresponding to user category "male" as shown in Figure 14. Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of information provision according to the embodiment. In content CT15 in Figure 14, the case where the tab corresponding to pictogram AT1 (user category "male") is selected from the tabs corresponding to pictograms AT1 to AT3 is indicated by a thick line bar BR1 attached below the tab.

[0282] Furthermore, in content CT23 of Figure 13, the operation button BT28, which has the pictogram AT2 corresponding to the user category "female" positioned in the center, is a button for selecting the user category "female". For example, when the user selects the operation button BT28, the user terminal 200 displays information about the restrooms in the facility "BB Shopping Center" that correspond to the user category "female".

[0283] Furthermore, in content CT23 of Figure 13, the operation button BT29, which has a pictogram AT3 corresponding to the user category "Barrier-Free Person" positioned in the center, is a button for selecting the user category "Barrier-Free Person". For example, when the user selects the operation button BT29, the user terminal 200 displays information about restrooms in the facility "BB Shopping Center" that correspond to the user category "Barrier-Free Person".

[0284] Thus, when the user terminal 200 selects one of the operation buttons BT27 to BT29 for the content CT23, which is the third display mode, the display switches from the third display mode to the first display mode. For example, the information provision system 1 displays content CT23 when the user selects the facility "BB Shopping Center" in the toilet information display application, etc. For example, the user terminal 200 displays content in the first display mode, which is another display mode that displays the congestion status of the restroom to which user classification information selected by one of the operation buttons BT27 to BT29 for content CT23 has been assigned.

[0285] As shown in Figure 13, the operation buttons BT21 to BT29 are displayed in a size that changes depending on the number of operation buttons being displayed. For example, among the contents CT21 to CT23, the operation buttons BT21 to BT24 for content CT21 are displayed in the smallest size. For example, when user terminal 200 displays content CT21, since the facility "XX Shopping Center" has restrooms corresponding to four user categories, it displays operation buttons BT21 to BT24 in a size that allows all four operation buttons to be displayed side by side.

[0286] Furthermore, for example, among the contents CT21 to CT23, the operation buttons BT25 and BT26 for content CT22 are displayed in the largest size. For example, when user terminal 200 displays content CT22, since the facility "AA Shopping Center" has restrooms corresponding to two user categories, the operation buttons BT25 and BT26 are displayed in a size that allows the two operation buttons to be displayed side by side. In this way, in the third display embodiment, the information provision system 1 adjusts and displays the size of the operation buttons according to the number of user category information assigned to the multiple restrooms provided in the facility.

[0287] In Figure 13, the size of the operation buttons is shown to be changed according to the number of operation buttons, i.e., the number of user categories, in the third display embodiment. However, in the first display embodiment, which is another display embodiment that shows the congestion status of the restroom, the size may also be changed according to the number of user categories. In this case, the information provision system 1 may change the width of the tabs in the first display embodiment according to the number of tabs to be displayed, i.e., the number of user categories.

[0288] For example, when user terminal 200 displays content in the first display mode, if the display target includes restrooms corresponding to four user categories, it will display four tabs in a size that allows for the display of four tabs side by side. Also, for example, when user terminal 200 displays content in the first display mode, if the display target includes restrooms corresponding to three user categories, it will display three tabs in a size that allows for the display of three tabs side by side. For example, when user terminal 200 displays content in the first display mode, if the display target includes restrooms corresponding to two user categories, it will display two tabs in a size that allows for the display of two tabs side by side.

[0289] In the example above, when the user terminal 200 displays content in the first display mode, it displays four tabs with the smallest width, and when it displays two tabs, it displays them with the largest width. In this way, the information provision system 1 adjusts the size of the tabs according to the number of user category information items to be displayed in the first display mode. Furthermore, for example, in the second display mode, the information provision system 1 also adjusts the size of the tabs according to the number of user category information items to be displayed, similar to the first display mode.

[0290] <6-5. Examples of display depending on the area> Furthermore, the information provision system 1 may provide information according to the area (also called "region"). For example, the information provision system 1 may display facilities within a predetermined region that have restrooms for the user category the user wishes to use, based on the user category the user wishes to use. For example, the user terminal 200 may display facilities within a predetermined region that have restrooms for the user category specified by the user, based on the user category specified by the user. Several examples of this are given below.

[0291] For example, as shown in Figure 15, the information provision system 1 may display content CT31 which includes a map showing facilities within a predetermined area that have restrooms for a user category specified by the user. Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of information provision according to the embodiment. Note that explanations equivalent to those described above will be omitted as appropriate.

[0292] In Figure 15, content CT31 shows the state where the user has selected button BT32, one of the buttons BT31 which specifies the user category "Barrier-Free Users" and button BT32 which specifies the user category "All Genders". For example, map MP31 in content CT31 shows a map of a predetermined area (hereinafter also referred to as the "specified area") specified by the user. Map MP31 in content CT31 may be a map of the specified area (region) that includes the user's current location, or it may be a map of the specified area that does not include the user's current location.

[0293] The user terminal 200 executes a search process to find facilities within the specified range that have restrooms for the specified user category, "All Gender," based on the user category "All Gender" and the specified range specified by the user. As a result, the user terminal 200 extracts facilities within the specified range that have restrooms for the specified user category, "All Gender," based on the user category "All Gender" and the specified range specified by the user. In Figure 15, the user terminal 200 extracts three facilities within the specified range that have restrooms for the user category "All Gender." The user terminal 200 then overlays three pin icons, icons PN31 to PN33, corresponding to each of the three facilities within the specified range that have restrooms for the user category "All Gender," onto the map MP31. Note that the icons overlaid on the map are not limited to pin shapes; they can be any shape as long as they indicate a location on the map.

[0294] Figure 15 shows the state in which icon PN31 is highlighted among icons PN31 to PN33. For example, when the user selects icon PN31, icon PN31 is highlighted. For example, icon PN31 selected by the user is displayed larger and darker in color than the other icons PN32 and PN33. In this way, icon PN31 selected by the user is displayed in a different manner from the other icons PN32 and PN33. The content CT31 in Figure 15 includes summary information AB31 and summary information AB32, etc., along with the map MP31. In Figure 15, since the user has selected icon PN31, the user terminal 200 displays the summary information AB31 of the facility corresponding to icon PN31. Note that the user terminal 200 may display the icon corresponding to the selected summary information in a different manner from the other icons, depending on the user's selection of summary information.

[0295] In the following, when describing summary information such as summary information AB31 and summary information AB32 without distinction, it may be referred to as "summary information AB". Summary information AB may be the same information as the first restroom information INF. For example, summary information AB may include at least a part of the first restroom information INF. For example, summary information AB includes congestion information and equipment information indicating the congestion status of the corresponding toilet space 3. For example, summary information AB31 includes congestion information and equipment information for toilet space 3 of the "All Gender" user category at the north entrance on the first floor of the facility "XX Mall".

[0296] Here, we will use Figure 16 to explain an example of the processing flow related to information provision shown in Figure 15. Figure 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing steps performed by the information provision system.

[0297] Information provision system 1 accepts input of the user category of the toilet to be used (step S201). For example, user terminal 200 accepts input of the user category specified by the user.

[0298] The information provision system 1 acquires current location information (step S202). For example, the user terminal 200 acquires information indicating the user's (device's) location using an arbitrary location estimation method such as a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor.

[0299] The information provision system 1 searches the database for toilets of the entered user category that are within a predetermined distance from the acquired current location information (step S203). For example, the user terminal 200 searches the database for facilities that have restrooms of the user category specified by the user, among facilities that are within a predetermined distance from the user's (device's) location. For example, the user terminal 200 may send a search query indicating the user category and specified range to the gateway device 100, and the gateway device 100, upon receiving the search query, may search the database (restroom information storage unit 121, etc.) and send the search results to the user terminal 200.

[0300] The information provision system 1 acquires toilet location, facilities, and usage data from the search results (step S204). For example, the user terminal 200 acquires information indicating the search results (for example, content CT31 in Figure 15). For example, the user terminal 200 may receive search results from the gateway device 100 and generate information to display using the received search results (for example, content CT31 in Figure 15). In this case, the user terminal 200 receives congestion information and facility information for the restroom (toilet space 3, etc.) corresponding to the search query from the gateway device 100 and generates information to display using the received congestion information and facility information (for example, content CT31 in Figure 15).

[0301] The information provision system 1 displays the locations of toilets on a map and displays the facilities and usage status outside the map (step S205). For example, the user terminal 200 displays content that superimposes information indicating the location of toilets (e.g., pins PN31~PN33, etc.) onto a map (e.g., map MP31), as shown in content CT31 in Figure 15. The user terminal 200 also displays content that places information indicating the facilities and usage status (e.g., summary information AB31, AB32, etc.) outside the map (e.g., map MP31), as shown in content CT31 in Figure 15. Through the above processing, the information provision system 1 can provide the user with information indicating which facilities have restrooms for the user category the user wishes to use. This allows the user to find the location of the restroom for the user category they wish to use without entering the facility.

[0302] In Figure 15, information is provided using a map showing facilities with restrooms for the user category specified by the user. However, the information provision system 1 is not limited to map display (also called "map display") and may provide information using various display methods. For example, the information provision system 1 may provide information by displaying a list of information.

[0303] In this case, for example, the information provision system 1 may display content CT32, which includes a list of facilities within a predetermined area that have restrooms for a user category specified by the user, as shown in Figure 17. Figure 17 is a diagram showing an example of information provision according to the embodiment. Except for changing the display from a map to a list, the content is the same as that described in Figures 15 and 16, and explanations of the same points as those described in Figures 15 and 16 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0304] In Figure 17, content CT32 shows the state where the user has selected button BT32, which is one of two buttons that specify the user category "All Gender": button BT31 which specifies the user category "Barrier-Free Users" and button BT32 which specifies the user category "All Gender".

[0305] The user terminal 200 searches for and extracts facilities within the specified range that have restrooms designated for the user category "all gender" that the user wishes to use, based on the user category "all gender" and the specified range specified by the user. The user terminal 200 then displays a list of summary information AB35 to AB38 corresponding to each of the four facilities within the specified range that have restrooms designated for the user category "all gender".

[0306] Here, we will use Figure 18 to explain an example of the processing flow related to information provision shown in Figure 17. Figure 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing steps performed by the information provision system. Steps S301 to S304 in Figure 18 are the same as steps S201 to S204 in Figure 16, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0307] The information provision system 1 accepts input of the user category of the toilet to be used (step S301). The information provision system 1 acquires the current location information (step S302). The information provision system 1 searches the database for toilets of the entered user category that are within a predetermined distance from the acquired current location information (step S303). The information provision system 1 acquires location, equipment, and usage status data for the toilets in the search results (step S304). For example, the user terminal 200 acquires information indicating the search results (for example, content CT32 in Figure 17). For example, the user terminal 200 may receive the search results from the gateway device 100, generate information to be displayed using the received search results (for example, content CT32 in Figure 17), and display the generated information.

[0308] The information provision system 1 displays the locations of toilets on a map and displays the facilities and usage status of the toilets in a list in order of proximity to the user's current location (step S305). In Figure 17, the user terminal 200 displays content CT32, which lists information indicating the facilities and usage status of toilets (e.g., summary information AB35~AB38, etc.) in order of proximity to the user's current location. Although Figure 17 shows the case where proximity order is specified, the user terminal 200 may display the summary information AB in any order specified by the user, not limited to proximity order. For example, if the user specifies availability order, the user terminal 200 may display the summary information AB in a list in order from least crowded to most crowded. Through the above process, the information provision system 1 can provide the user with information indicating which facilities have restrooms for the user category the user wishes to use. This allows the user to find the location of the restroom for the user category they wish to use without entering the facility.

[0309] Further effects and modifications can be readily derived by those skilled in the art. Therefore, broader aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments expressed and described above. Accordingly, various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the overall concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0310] The embodiments and modifications described above may also have the following configurations, but are not limited to them. (1) An information provision system that displays the congestion status of multiple restrooms installed in a facility on a display terminal, A usage status acquisition unit is provided in each of the aforementioned multiple restrooms to acquire the usage status of the object to be used, A congestion status acquisition unit acquires congestion information for the multiple restrooms based on the usage status of the target of use acquired by the usage status acquisition unit, Equipped with, The display terminal can display restroom information, including congestion information, and the display of the restroom information can be switched according to the user category of the user using the restroom. An information provision system characterized by the following features. (2) The user categories include at least four categories: male, female, barrier-free toilet user, and all-gender. The information provision system according to (1), characterized in that (3) The display modes in the aforementioned display terminal include a first display mode and a second display mode that displays information different from that of the first display mode. At least one of the first and second display modes can be switched for each user category. The information provision system according to (1) or (2), characterized in that it is the same as described in (1) or (2). (4) The first display format includes information on the first restroom of the plurality of restrooms, The second display format includes second restroom information for a specific restroom among the plurality of restrooms. The information provision system described in (3), characterized by the features of the information provision system described in (3). (5) The second display mode includes the second restroom information of the specific restroom selected in the first display mode. The information provision system described in (4), characterized by the features described herein. (6) The second display format includes information regarding the configuration of the specific restroom. The information provision system according to (4) or (5), characterized in that (7) The display of the restroom information can be switched by selecting a tab corresponding to each user category, and each tab displays information indicating the corresponding user category. An information provision system according to any one of (1) to (6), characterized by the above. (8) The display terminal is an information provision system described in any one of (1) to (7) that can display facilities within a predetermined area that have restrooms for the user category to be used, based on the user category to be used. (9) As for the display mode on the aforementioned display terminal, One display mode displays all of the user classifications assigned to the multiple restrooms in the aforementioned facility as selectable operation buttons, Based on the user category information selected by the aforementioned operation button, another display mode displays the congestion status of one or more of the restrooms to which the selected user category information is assigned, An information provision system according to any one of (1) to (8), comprising at least the following: (10) The information provision system according to (9), in the first display embodiment, which adjusts and displays the size of the operation buttons according to the number of user classification information assigned to the multiple restrooms provided in the facility. (11) In the aforementioned other display embodiment, the user classification information is displayed in the form of selectable tabs for each user classification information. The information provision system according to (9) or (10), which adjusts and displays the size of the tabs according to the number of user classification information assigned to multiple restrooms provided in the facility. (12) An information provision program executed by a computer that outputs the congestion status of multiple restrooms installed in a facility, A procedure for obtaining congestion information for the plurality of restrooms, which is estimated based on the usage status of the items provided for use in each of the plurality of restrooms, Display procedure for displaying restroom information, including congestion information, Have the computer run it, A program characterized in that the display of the restroom information can be switched according to the user category of the user using the restroom. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0311] 1. Information Provision System 2. Restroom 3 Toilet space 10 Toilet bowl 20 Urinal 30 wash basin 100 Gateway devices 110 Communications Department 120 Storage section 121 Restroom Information Storage Unit 122 Information Collection and Storage Unit 130 Control Unit 131 Usage Status Acquisition Unit 132 Congestion Status Acquisition Unit 133 Processing Unit 134 Transmitter (Output Unit) 200 User terminals (display terminals) 211 Communications Department 212 Input section 213 Display section 214 Storage section 215 Control Unit 251 Acquisition Department 252 Reception Department 253 Display Control Unit 254 Transmitter 216 Audio output section 300 Administrator terminals CS shared space TB toilet booth

Claims

1. An information provision system that displays the congestion status of multiple restrooms installed in a facility on a display terminal, A usage status acquisition unit is provided in each of the aforementioned multiple restrooms to acquire the usage status of the object to be used, A congestion status acquisition unit acquires congestion information for the multiple restrooms based on the usage status of the target of use acquired by the usage status acquisition unit, Equipped with, The display terminal can display restroom information, including congestion information, and the display of the restroom information can be switched according to the user category of the user using the restroom. An information provision system characterized by the following features.

2. The user categories include at least four categories: male, female, barrier-free toilet user, and all-gender. The information provision system according to feature 1.

3. The display modes in the aforementioned display terminal include a first display mode and a second display mode that displays information different from that of the first display mode. At least one of the first and second display modes can be switched for each user category. The information provision system according to feature 1.

4. The first display format includes information on the first restroom of the plurality of restrooms, The second display format includes second restroom information for a specific restroom among the plurality of restrooms. The information provision system according to feature 3.

5. The second display mode includes the second restroom information of the specific restroom selected in the first display mode. The information provision system according to feature 4.

6. The second display format includes information regarding the configuration of the specific restroom. The information provision system according to feature 4.

7. The display of the restroom information can be switched by selecting a tab corresponding to each user category, and each tab displays information indicating the corresponding user category. The information provision system according to feature 1.

8. The information provision system according to claim 1, wherein the display terminal is capable of displaying facilities within a predetermined area that have restrooms for the user category to be used, based on the user category to be used.

9. As for the display mode on the aforementioned display terminal, One display mode displays all of the user classifications assigned to the multiple restrooms in the aforementioned facility as selectable operation buttons, Based on the user category information selected by the aforementioned operation button, another display mode displays the congestion status of one or more restrooms to which the selected user category information is assigned, The information provision system according to claim 1, comprising at least the following:

10. The information provision system according to claim 9, wherein, in the first display embodiment, the size of the operation button is adjusted and displayed according to the number of user classification information assigned to the multiple restrooms provided in the facility.

11. In the aforementioned other display embodiment, the user classification information is displayed in the form of selectable tabs for each user classification information. The information provision system according to claim 9, which adjusts and displays the size of the tabs according to the number of user classification information assigned to multiple restrooms provided in the facility.

12. An information provision program executed by a computer that outputs the congestion status of multiple restrooms installed in a facility, A procedure for obtaining congestion information for the plurality of restrooms, which is estimated based on the usage status of the items provided for use in each of the plurality of restrooms, Display procedure for displaying restroom information, including congestion information, Have the computer run it, A program characterized in that the display of the restroom information can be switched according to the user category of the user using the restroom.

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