Device Management System

Abstract

To appropriately estimate whether maintenance is necessary for used or deteriorated products. [Solution] A device management system according to one embodiment comprises: a device management means for managing the usage status of at least one device to be managed, which is installed in a toilet space having a plurality of toilet booths; and a maintenance necessity estimation means for estimating the necessity of maintenance for components that constitute a part of the managed device and are detachably provided to the managed device, or for unmanaged devices installed in the toilet space other than the managed device, based on the usage status of the managed device. The device management means manages the usage status of the managed device based on output information output from one or more of the following: other components not attached to the components of the managed device, the managed device, and sensors attached to the managed device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a device management system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a deodorizing device for a toilet that determines the replacement timing of a deodorizing cartridge, which is a used and deteriorated product, based on the integrated value of the operating time or the number of operations of a deodorizing fan is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Also, a management system for managing toilet devices is known, such as predicting the lifespan of multiple toilet devices installed in a single facility and calculating an estimate of the cost required for replacement (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, there is room for improvement in the above-described conventional technologies. For example, the usage status of the deodorizing cartridge is also affected by use deterioration depending on the intensity of the odor of feces other than the operating time of the deodorizing fan. That is, in the conventional technology, it may not be possible to appropriately estimate the necessity of maintenance of the used and deteriorated product based only on the operating status of the part (for example, the deodorizing fan) in which the function of the used and deteriorated product to be replaced (for example, the deodorizing cartridge) is integrated.

[0005] An object of the disclosed embodiments is to provide a device management system that can appropriately estimate the necessity of maintenance of a used and deteriorated product.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A device management system according to one embodiment includes a device management means for managing the usage status of at least one device to be managed, which is installed in a toilet space having a plurality of toilet booths, and a maintenance necessity estimation means for estimating the necessity of maintenance for components that constitute a part of the managed device and are detachably provided to the managed device, or for non-managed devices installed in the toilet space other than the managed device, based on the usage status of the managed device, wherein the device management means manages the usage status of the managed device based on output information output from one or more of the components other than those attached to the components of the managed device, the managed device, and sensors attached to the managed device.

[0007] According to a device management system in one embodiment, it is possible to estimate whether maintenance is required for a used item to be replaced by using information on products not attached to the used item to be replaced, and information on other managed devices separate from the unmanaged devices including the used item to be replaced. In other words, the device management system can estimate the condition of a used item to be replaced with greater accuracy by using information other than items directly attached to the used item.

[0008] In a device management system according to one embodiment, the maintenance requirement estimation means estimates whether the components of the managed device require maintenance based on output information output from other components not attached to the components of the managed device.

[0009] According to a device management system in one embodiment, for example, with respect to a deodorizing cartridge that is a used and deteriorated item to be replaced, it is possible to estimate whether maintenance of the deodorizing cartridge is necessary by using not only the deodorizing motor attached to the deodorizing cartridge, but also the number of flushes of the toilet flushing function which is not attached to the deodorizing cartridge. In other words, the device management system can appropriately estimate the deterioration status using information on components that are not attached to the used and deteriorated item to be replaced.

[0010] In a device management system according to one embodiment, the maintenance requirement estimation means estimates whether the non-managed device requires maintenance based on either the managed device or a sensor attached to the managed device, or both.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the device management system, for example, the number of uses of a hand dryer, which is not subject to management, can be estimated from the number of uses of a conventionally managed heated toilet seat. By predicting the deterioration state of the removable filter, which is a replaceable part of the hand dryer, planned maintenance becomes possible even for deteriorated parts of devices not subject to management. In other words, the device management system can appropriately estimate the deterioration status of replaceable parts of devices not subject to management using output information of the managed devices.

[0012] In a device management system according to one embodiment, the maintenance necessity estimation means further includes a calculation unit that calculates the urgency of replacing the target component for which the maintenance necessity is estimated, based on the output information.

[0013] According to a device management system in one embodiment, maintenance can be managed with greater accuracy by calculating the importance of replacement parts and the urgency until failure time for parts that are subject to estimation of maintenance necessity.

[0014] A device management system according to one embodiment further includes a suggestion pattern determination unit that determines a suggested pattern for replacing the target component according to the urgency.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the device management system, it is user-friendly because it determines and provides an appropriate suggestion pattern for replacement according to the urgency. For example, the device management system provides a suggestion pattern that prioritizes notifying users of maintenance for high-urgency devices, allowing administrators to identify devices that require immediate maintenance.

[0016] In a device management system according to one embodiment, the proposed pattern determination unit determines the proposed pattern based on predetermined external information.

[0017] According to a device management system in one embodiment, maintenance can be managed with greater accuracy by considering not only information about used and deteriorated parts to be replaced, but also external information when making decisions.

[0018] In a device management system according to one embodiment, the calculation unit calculates the urgency based on at least one of the following conditions: delivery date, supply deadline, or previous replacement information.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the device management system, a proposed pattern is determined according to external information such as the delivery date and supply deadline of the used and deteriorated product to be replaced. This allows for more accurate maintenance management that takes into account the delivery date and other periods that need to be considered when actually replacing the product.

[0020] In a device management system according to one embodiment, the plurality of devices to be managed are heated toilet seat units, and the maintenance requirement estimation means determines whether maintenance is required based on the usage status of the plurality of heated toilet seat units.

[0021] According to the device management system according to one aspect of the embodiment, it is possible to grasp the necessity of maintenance by comparing with the estimated status of the necessity of maintenance of the combined warm water washing toilet seat unit.

Effect of the Invention

[0022] According to one aspect of the embodiment, it is possible to appropriately estimate the necessity of maintenance of used and deteriorated products.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a toilet space according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the device management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the processing content of the device management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the toilet management device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the output data according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the attached data of used and deteriorated products according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the attached data of the installation space according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the attached data of the building according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the process of estimating the necessity of maintenance of non-target devices according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the process of determining the necessity of maintenance in consideration of other devices according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the process of determining the urgency based on the attached information of used and deteriorated products according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12]Figure 12 shows an example of a proposed pattern according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows a specific example of the proposed pattern according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting the conditions for the proposed pattern according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for a device management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating the processing contents of a device management system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a toilet management device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating device exchange data according to the second embodiment. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for a device management system according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] The embodiments of the device management system 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.

[0025] [Introduction] (Example of toilet space configuration) Before describing the processes performed in the device management system 1 (see Figure 2) according to this embodiment, an example of the configuration of a toilet space (toilet room) will be described using Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a toilet space according to this embodiment. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a toilet space according to the first embodiment.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, the objects of processing related to control by the device management system 1 may include toilet space 2-1, toilet space 2-2, etc. When describing toilet spaces such as toilet space 2-1, toilet space 2-2, etc. without distinction, they may be referred to as "toilet space 2". For example, toilet space 2-1 and toilet space 2-2 may be toilet spaces 2 located on the same floor of the same facility such as a building, or they may be toilet spaces 2 located on different floors of the same facility such as a building. In Figure 1, toilet space 2 is shown as two toilet spaces 2-1 and toilet space 2-2, but there may be three or more toilet spaces 2. If the device management system 1 processes only one toilet space 2, for example, toilet space 2 may be only toilet space 2-1.

[0027] Furthermore, the toilet space 2-1 shown in Figure 1 includes toilet booths TB1 to TB5, which are individual toilets (toilet booths) that form individual spaces, and a shared space CS1, which is a shared space other than the toilet booths (also simply called "booths"). Note that when describing the toilet booths provided in toilet space 2 without distinguishing between them, such as toilet booth TB1, toilet booth TB2, toilet booth TB3, toilet booth TB4, toilet booth TB5, etc., they may be referred to as "toilet booth TB".

[0028] Figure 1 illustrates an example where toilet space 2 has five toilet booths TB, but toilet space 2 may have four or fewer, or six or more toilet booths TB. In other words, toilet space 2-1 shown in Figure 1 is merely one example of toilet space 2, and any configuration can be adopted for toilet space 2. For example, when the device management system 1 performs processing targeting multiple toilet spaces 2, the multiple toilet spaces 2 may include toilet space 2 having one toilet booth TB. For example, toilet space 2 having one toilet booth TB may be a space where toilet space 2 itself is a toilet booth TB, a so-called barrier-free toilet.

[0029] A toilet booth TB is a space (individual room) separated by a partition. Each toilet booth TB is equipped with a toilet 30 and functions as a place for a person to defecate. Each toilet booth TB is also equipped with an openable and closable door for entering the toilet booth TB. Since the doors of each toilet booth TB are similar to those of typical toilet booth TBs, 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 areas above or below the partition that are not separated from adjacent toilet booths TBs or common areas.

[0030] Furthermore, when describing shared spaces within toilet space 2, 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 2 where multiple people can stay simultaneously. For example, shared space CS includes an entrance to toilet space 2, washroom facilities such as a hand dryer 40 and a washbasin 50, and pathways to each toilet booth TB. Shared space CS functions as a place for entering toilet space 2, washing and drying hands, and moving to each toilet booth TB. If toilet space 2 functions as a men's toilet space 2, urinals may be placed in its shared space CS. In other words, shared space CS may also function as a place where people perform excretory acts.

[0031] Thus, toilet space 2 is a space provided within a facility or other space, where users enter and exit to use the toilet. For example, toilet space 2 has toilet booths TB, a shared space CS, etc., and is a space where toilet-related structures are arranged. For example, toilet space 2-1 shown in Figure 1 has toilet booths TB1 to TB5, each of which has multiple toilet units 30-1, 30-2, 30-3, 30-4, and 30-5, and a shared space CS1 where a hand dryer 40 and a washbasin vanity area 50 are arranged. Thus, toilet space 2-1 has multiple toilet booths TB in which toilet units 30 are installed.

[0032] Next, referring to the toilet space 2 shown in Figure 1, the arrangement of each device in the toilet space 2 will be explained. Toilet device 30-1 is located in toilet booth TB1. Toilet device 30-2 is located in toilet booth TB2. Toilet device 30-3 is located in toilet booth TB3. Toilet device 30-4 is located in toilet booth TB4. Toilet device 30-5 is located in toilet booth TB5. Note that when describing toilet devices 30-1, 30-2, 30-3, 30-4, and 30-5 without distinction, they may be referred to as "toilet device 30".

[0033] Figure 1 shows an example where there are five toilet units 30, but any number of toilet units 30 can be used, and the number of toilet units 30 may be four or fewer, or six or more. Details of the functions of the toilet units 30 will be described later. In addition, descriptions of toilet units 30 may be interpreted as toilet booths TB in which those toilet units 30 are located. Similarly, descriptions of toilet booths TB may be interpreted as toilet units 30 located in those toilet booths TB. For example, toilet unit 30-1 may be interpreted as toilet booth TB1, and toilet booth TB1 may be interpreted as toilet unit 30-1.

[0034] The hand dryer 40 is located in the shared space CS within the toilet space 2. The hand dryer 40 is a device used by users to dry their hands after washing them at the washbasin, which will be described later. In the embodiments described later, the hand dryer 40 is described as an example of a non-managed device installed in the toilet management device 100, but it is not limited to this, and the hand dryer 40 may also function as a managed device installed in the toilet management device 100. In Figure 1, the hand dryer 40 in toilet space 2-1 is located in the shared space CS1.

[0035] The vanity unit 50 is located in the shared space CS provided within the toilet space 2. The vanity unit 50 is a toilet-use unit that has a washbasin for use by toilet users to wash their hands, wash their face, and look in the mirror. In Figure 1, the vanity unit 50 of toilet space 2-1 is located in the shared space CS1.

[0036] (Toilet space layout) Let me briefly explain some examples of the placement of toilet space 2. Toilet space 2 can be installed in any location as long as there is space in which it can be physically placed. In other words, any location can be chosen for toilet space 2. For example, toilet space 2 may be installed in a commercial facility such as a department store. Furthermore, the location of toilet space 2 is not limited to commercial facilities such as shops, but can be various types of facilities. For example, toilet space 2 may be installed in an amusement park, a stadium, or an office building. For example, toilet space 2 may be installed in a toilet located in a tourist area. For example, toilet space 2 may be installed in a park or parking lot. In other words, toilets may be installed outdoors in parks, parking lots, etc. Thus, toilet space 2 can be installed in any location as long as there is space in which it can be installed.

[0037] (Device management system configuration) Next, the configuration of the device management system 1 will be described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example configuration of the device management system according to the first embodiment. Specifically, Figure 2 shows the configuration of the device management system 1. In this embodiment, a device refers to a toilet fixture installed in the toilet space 2, and is an item in the toilet space 2 used by the device management system 1 for estimating whether maintenance is required.

[0038] The device management system 1 shown in Figure 2 includes a toilet management device 100, a collection device 200, and heated toilet seats 300-1 to 300-5 installed on each toilet unit 30-1 to 30-5. Here, each heated toilet seat 300-1 to 300-5 corresponds to each toilet unit 30-1 to 30-5 shown in Figure 1. Specifically, heated toilet seat 300-1 is installed on toilet unit 30-1.

[0039] The toilet management device 100 is an information processing device (computer) that performs processing to manage the usage status of devices (toilet fixtures) installed in the toilet space 2. For example, the toilet management device 100 may be a cloud server or the like. The toilet management device 100 is connected to the collection device 200 wirelessly or wired via a predetermined network such as the Internet. The toilet management device 100 may be connected to the collection device 200, etc., in any way as long as it is capable of sending and receiving information, and may be connected wirelessly or wired.

[0040] The toilet management device 100 uses, for example, output information transmitted from the collection device 200, which indicates the usage status of devices to be managed installed in the toilet space 2, such as a heated toilet seat 300, to estimate whether maintenance is required for the devices in the toilet space 2.

[0041] The toilet management device 100 may be located outside the toilet space 2 or inside the toilet space 2. For example, the toilet management device 100 may be a server device located in a facility where the toilet space 2 is provided.

[0042] The data collection device 200 is an information processing device that performs the process of collecting output information indicating usage status from managed devices installed in the toilet space 2. For example, the data collection device 200 may be a cloud server or the like. The data collection device 200 is connected to the toilet management device 100 via a predetermined network such as the Internet. The data collection device 200 is also connected to managed devices such as the heated toilet seat 300 in a communicative manner. The data collection device 200 may be connected to the toilet management device 100 and the heated toilet seat 300, etc., in any way as long as it is capable of sending and receiving information, and may be connected wirelessly or via a wired connection.

[0043] The data collection device 200 collects output information from the heated toilet seat 300, for example, that indicates the usage status of the device, such as the operating time of the deodorizing motor (described later) and the number of times the toilet bowl flushing unit is flushed, and transmits it to the toilet management device 100. In addition to collecting measured values ​​of the operating time and number of operations for each device from the heated toilet seat 300, the data collection device 200 can also collect output information indicating the usage status of the device, such as the number of times the remote control for controlling the heated toilet seat 300 is operated.

[0044] The collection device 200 may be located outside the toilet space 2 or inside the toilet space 2. For example, the collection device 200 may be a server device located in a facility where the toilet space 2 is provided.

[0045] The heated toilet seat 300 is a toilet seat device that has a wide variety of functional parts, including a heated toilet seat function, and is installed on the toilet bowl device 30. For example, the heated toilet seat 300 is a managed device that has a communication function to generate output information indicating the usage status of each functional part, which will be described later, and transmit it to the collection device 200.

[0046] Here, "devices under management" refers to devices installed in the toilet space 2 that have a communication function to transmit output information indicating usage status to the outside, such as the heated toilet seat 300 and the hand dryer 40. On the other hand, "devices not under management" refers to devices installed in the toilet space 2 that do not have the aforementioned communication function, such as the toilet paper holder and handrails.

[0047] Note that managed devices and unmanaged devices are distinguished by whether or not they have a communication function that transmits output information indicating their usage status to an external source. For example, if the heated toilet seat 300 or the hand dryer 40 does not have a communication function, they will be processed as unmanaged devices. The following explanation describes the case where the heated toilet seat 300 is a managed device and the hand dryer 40 is an unmanaged device, but this is merely an example and the processing content is not limited.

[0048] As shown in Figure 2, the bidet toilet seat 300 includes, for example, a deodorizing cartridge 310, a deodorizing motor 320, a toilet bowl cleaning unit 330, a seat detection unit 340, a rear-facing cleaning unit 350, and a sound effect unit 360. In Figure 2, the bidet toilet seat 300-1 is shown as an example with each of the functional units from the deodorizing cartridge 310-1 to the sound effect unit 360-1, but the bidet toilet seats 300-2 to 300-5 will have the same functional units as the bidet toilet seat 300-1.

[0049] The deodorizing cartridge 310 is a device that absorbs and reduces odors by passing gases and other substances generated when the user uses the toilet unit 30 through a catalyst. The deodorizing cartridge 310 is a product that deteriorates with use, and its quality deteriorates each time the user uses the toilet unit 30. In the following explanation, the deodorizing cartridge 310, which is a product that deteriorates with use and whose deterioration status cannot be directly determined by sensing, etc., will be used as the target for estimating the necessity of maintenance, and each processing method will be described accordingly.

[0050] In this embodiment, "usage-deteriorated items" refer to devices whose quality deteriorates due to user use and require maintenance such as replacement, such as the deodorizing cartridge 310, the filter of a hand dryer, and handrails. In this embodiment, items that decrease in quantity or number due to user use and require replenishment, such as toilet paper and liquid soap, are defined as consumables, and thus usage-deteriorated items and consumables are distinguished and explained separately.

[0051] Furthermore, used-deteriorated items are defined as devices whose quality deteriorates each time the user uses the toilet space 2, and do not include devices that only deteriorate over time unrelated to user use. Thus, for example, used-deteriorated items include devices that deteriorate due to user use and have a relatively long replacement cycle. It should be noted that used-deteriorated items are not limited to components of devices under management, but may also include the device under management itself, components of unmanaged devices, or unmanaged devices themselves.

[0052] The deodorizing motor 320 is a device that rotates a fan to send air to the deodorizing cartridge 310 when the user uses the toilet unit 30. The deodorizing motor 320 is an accessory directly attached to the deodorizing cartridge 310 and is a functionally connected device. The deodorizing motor 320's operating time is measured by sensors attached to the heated toilet seat 300 and the deodorizing motor 320, and output information indicating the usage status is transmitted to the toilet management device 100 via the data collection device 200.

[0053] The toilet bowl flushing unit 330 is a processing unit that performs the function of dispensing flushing water to flush the toilet bowl when the user uses the toilet device 30. The seating detection unit 340 detects when the user sits on the toilet seat when the user uses the toilet device 30. The posterior washing unit 350 is a processing unit that performs the function of operating a nozzle for dispensing water to wash the user's private parts when the user uses the toilet device 30. The sound masking unit 360 is a processing unit that performs the function of operating a sound masking device that camouflages the sounds of the user defecating when the user uses the toilet device 30.

[0054] Here, the toilet bowl flushing unit 330, seat detection unit 340, posterior washing unit 350, and sound effect unit 360 are devices not attached to the deodorizing cartridge 310. In addition, the number of times water is dispensed, the number of times a seat is detected, and the number of times sound effects are used are measured by the heated toilet seat 300 and sensors attached thereto, and output information indicating the usage status is transmitted to the toilet management device 100 via the collection device 200.

[0055] The above is merely an example, and the device management system 1 can employ any device configuration and arrangement. For example, the device management system 1 may include an input device that accepts input regarding maintenance requirements. In this case, the input device is an information processing device (computer) that can be used by the administrator of the devices installed in the toilet space 2, and is connected to the toilet management device 100 wirelessly or via a wired connection via a predetermined network such as the Internet.

[0056] Furthermore, the device management system 1 may include a detection unit (shared equipment detection unit) that detects each shared piece of equipment, such as the washbasin vanity unit 50. The device management system 1 may also include multiple toilet management devices 100, multiple collection devices 200, heated toilet seats 300, etc.

[0057] [First Embodiment] (Problems with conventional technology) Next, we will explain the problems with the device management system related to the first embodiment. Consumables such as toilet paper and liquid soap are kept in stock and are easy to procure, so maintenance is carried out by replenishing them through daily cleaning, etc. In contrast, items that deteriorate with use, such as deodorizing cartridges, are specialized items that are not usually kept in stock, so it is necessary to appropriately estimate the degree of deterioration and create a long-term maintenance plan.

[0058] For example, under the above premise, it is necessary to estimate the deterioration status of used items such as deodorizing cartridges, but it is difficult to determine the deterioration status by directly attaching sensors or the like to the deodorizing cartridge. Therefore, as mentioned above, conventional technology includes toilet deodorizing devices that determine the replacement time of the deodorizing cartridge, which is a used item, based on the cumulative value of the operating time or number of operating times of the deodorizing fan.

[0059] However, the deterioration of the deodorizing cartridge, which is a used product, varies depending on the odor components and intensity. Therefore, the operating time and number of times the deodorizing motor in the deodorizing fan is used alone cannot take into account the odor components and intensity, and thus it may not be possible to accurately estimate the deterioration status of the deodorizing cartridge.

[0060] (Processing details of the device management system) The following describes the processing according to the first embodiment of the device management system 1 described above. The device management system 1 according to the first embodiment includes a device management means for managing the usage status of at least one device that is installed in a toilet space 2 having a plurality of toilet booths TB and is subject to management, and a maintenance necessity estimation means for estimating the necessity of maintenance for components that constitute a part of the device to be managed and are detachably provided to the device to be managed, or for non-managed devices installed in the toilet space 2 other than the device to be managed, based on the usage status of the device to be managed.

[0061] The device management means of the device management system 1 manages the usage status of the managed device based on output information output from one or more of the following: other components not attached to the components of the managed device, the managed device itself, and sensors attached to the managed device.

[0062] Here, we will explain the processing content of the device management system 1 according to the first embodiment with specific examples. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the processing content of the device management system according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 shows an example of processing for estimating whether the deodorizing cartridge 310, which is subject to maintenance requirements by the device management system 1, needs maintenance.

[0063] For example, the device management system 1 uses output information indicating the usage status of a bidet toilet seat 300, which is a managed device installed in a toilet space 2 having multiple toilet booths TB, to estimate whether maintenance is required for a deodorizing cartridge 310, which is a component that can be attached to the bidet toilet seat 300, or for a filter of a hand dryer, which is a non-managed device.

[0064] Here, the output information indicating the usage status of the heated toilet seat 300 includes output information indicating the usage status of the attached deodorizing motor 320, the usage status of other components such as the toilet bowl flushing unit 330, the usage status of the heated toilet seat 300, and the usage status of sensors attached to the heated toilet seat 300. Specific examples of the output information indicating the usage status of the heated toilet seat 300 will be described later.

[0065] As a result, the device management system 1 can estimate "the amount of feces related to the odor components and odor intensity," which cannot be determined by the usage status of the conventional deodorizing motor 320, by using the usage status of the toilet bowl flushing unit 330 of the heated toilet seat 300, the usage status of the toilet seat heater of the heated toilet seat 300, and the detection status of the entry sensor attached to the heated toilet seat 300. In other words, the device management system 1 estimates whether maintenance is necessary for the deteriorated part (deodorizing cartridge) by using the usage status of parts other than the attached parts (deodorizing motor) whose functions are integrated with the deteriorated part (deodorizing cartridge), so it can appropriately estimate whether maintenance is necessary for the deteriorated part.

[0066] (Functional configuration of the toilet management system) The functional configuration of the toilet management device 100A according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the toilet management device according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the toilet management device 100A according to the first embodiment includes a communication unit 110, a control unit 120, and a storage unit 140.

[0067] The communication unit 110 is implemented, for example, by a communication circuit. The communication unit 110 is connected to a predetermined network (see Figure 2) 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 a predetermined network by wire or wireless connection and transmits and receives information with other devices such as the data collection device 200.

[0068] The storage unit 140 is implemented by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or optical disc. For example, the storage unit 140 is a computer-readable recording medium that non-temporarily records data used by information processing programs such as control processing.

[0069] As shown in Figure 4, the storage unit 140 according to the first embodiment includes output data 141, data related to used and deteriorated items 142, data related to the installation space 143, and data related to the building 144. The storage unit 140 stores not only the output data 141, data related to used and deteriorated items 142, data related to the installation space 143, and data related to the building 144, but also various other information necessary for processing.

[0070] The output data 141 stores output information indicating the usage status of each device, which is output from the managed devices received from the collection device 200. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the output data according to the first embodiment. For example, the output data 141 stores data for "device," which stores the name of the device corresponding to the output information, and "operating time / operating count," which stores information such as the operating time and number of operating times of the device over a certain period. For example, the output data 141 stores that the deodorizing motor has operated for 5 hours over 7 days.

[0071] The used-and-deteriorated product ancillary data 142 stores ancillary information regarding the maintenance of used-and-deteriorated products that are the target of maintenance necessity estimation. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the used-and-deteriorated product ancillary data according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the used-and-deteriorated product ancillary data 142 stores data for items such as "device," "replacement time," "replacement cost," "delivery date," "supply deadline," and "previous replacement information."

[0072] "Replacement Time" stores the time required for the device replacement work. "Replacement Cost" stores the cost required for the device replacement work. "Delivery Date" stores the delivery date from the time the device is ordered until it is delivered. "Supply Deadline" stores the supply deadline set by the device manufacturer. "Last Replacement Information" stores information about when the device was last replaced.

[0073] For example, the used and deteriorated product data 142 records that, regarding the "deodorizing cartridge," the replacement work takes 1 hour and costs 10,000 yen, in addition to the delivery time being 14 days, the supply period is set at 3 years, and the last replacement was 3 years ago.

[0074] The installation space associated data 143 stores information linked to the toilet space 2 where the device for which maintenance needs are estimated is installed. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the installation space associated data according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 7, the installation space associated data 143 stores data for items such as "installation space," which stores information such as the name and location of the toilet space 2 where the device for which maintenance needs are estimated is installed, and "device," which stores the name of the device installed in the installation space.

[0075] For example, the installation space data 143 stores that, for commercial facility A-1, the following devices are installed: heated toilet seat A-1-1, heated toilet seat A-1-2, ... and heated toilet seat A-1-1 has the following devices installed: deodorizing cartridge A-1-1, deodorizing motor A-1-1, ...

[0076] The building-related data 144 stores information regarding the maintenance of worn-out items associated with the building having the aforementioned installation space. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the building-related data according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, the building-related data 144 stores data for the following items: "building information," "installation space," and "remarks."

[0077] "Building Information" stores information such as the name and location of the building that has the aforementioned installation space. "Remarks" stores information used to generate suggested maintenance patterns set up in conjunction with the building. For example, building-related data 144 stores that commercial facility A has installation spaces for commercial facility A-1, commercial facility A-2, ..., and that it is inactive on Mondays.

[0078] Returning to Figure 4, let's continue the explanation. The control unit 120 is implemented, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) executing a program stored inside the toilet management device 100 (for example, an information processing program such as the control processing related to this disclosure) using RAM or the like as a work area. Alternatively, the control unit 120 can be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0079] As shown in Figure 5, the control unit 120 includes a maintenance necessity estimation unit 121, a proposed pattern determination unit 122, and a transmission unit 123, and the maintenance necessity estimation unit 121 includes a calculation unit 121a. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 120 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 5, and other configurations are also acceptable as long as they perform the information processing described later.

[0080] The maintenance requirement estimation unit 121 estimates, based on the usage status of the managed device, whether maintenance is required for components that constitute part of the managed device and are detachably attached to the managed device, or for non-managed devices installed in the toilet space 2 other than the managed device.

[0081] For example, the maintenance requirement estimation unit 121 uses output information from the bidet toilet seat 300, which is a device under management, indicating the operating time and number of times devices installed in the toilet space 2 are operated, to estimate whether maintenance is required for the deodorizing cartridge 310, which is detachably attached to the bidet toilet seat 300, and for the filter 41 of the hand dryer 40, which is a non-managed device other than the bidet toilet seat 300.

[0082] Here, we will describe an example of the process in which the maintenance requirement estimation unit 121 estimates whether the deodorizing cartridge 310, which is a managed device, needs maintenance using information obtained from non-managed devices such as the deodorizing motor 320 and the toilet bowl flushing unit 330. As shown in Figure 3, the maintenance requirement estimation unit 121 estimates whether the deodorizing cartridge 310 needs maintenance based, for example, on output information output from other parts of the heated toilet seat 300 that are not attached to the deodorizing cartridge 310.

[0083] To explain with a specific example, the maintenance requirement estimation unit 121 acquires output information on the operating time of the deodorizing motor 320 attached to the deodorizing cartridge 310. In addition, the maintenance requirement estimation unit 121 acquires output information on the number of times the toilet is flushed by the toilet flushing unit 330, which is a separate component not attached to the deodorizing cartridge 310.

[0084] The maintenance requirement estimation unit 121 then calculates the estimated number of years of wear and tear from the deodorizing motor 320 by multiplying the acquired operating time of the deodorizing motor 320 by a predetermined coefficient a. The maintenance requirement estimation unit 121 also calculates the estimated number of years of wear and tear from the number of toilet flushes by multiplying the acquired number of toilet flushes of the toilet flushing unit 330 by a predetermined coefficient b. Here, the predetermined coefficients a and b mentioned above are arbitrary coefficients set in advance by an administrator or the like, and the optimal coefficients are determined, for example, by statistical information on past operating times, number of toilet flushes and the number of years of wear and tear of the deodorizing cartridge 310.

[0085] The maintenance requirement estimation unit 121 calculates the number of years of wear and tear of the deodorizing cartridge 310 as the sum or average of the years of wear and tear estimated from the operating time of the deodorizing motor 320 and the number of years of wear and tear estimated from the number of toilet flushing cycles of the toilet flushing unit 330. The maintenance requirement estimation unit 121 then determines that the deodorizing cartridge 310 requires maintenance when its years of wear and tear reach a preset threshold (for example, 7 years). The threshold for years of wear and tear may be set to any number of years less than or equal to the lifespan set for the wear and tear product.

[0086] Furthermore, the maintenance necessity estimation unit 121 can calculate the number of years of use deterioration of the deodorizing cartridge 310 by performing the same processing on output information such as the number of times the toilet bowl is flushed by the toilet bowl flushing unit 330, the number of times the seating unit 340 has detected seating, the number of times the rear wash unit 350 has performed rear washes, and the number of times the sound effect unit 360 has used sound effects, in addition to the number of times the toilet bowl is flushed by the toilet bowl flushing unit 330.

[0087] As a result, the maintenance requirement estimation unit 121 can accurately estimate whether the deodorizing cartridge 310 requires maintenance by using not only the usage status of the deodorizing motor 320 attached to the deodorizing cartridge 310, but also the usage status of the toilet bowl flushing unit 330 and other components not attached to the deodorizing cartridge 310.

[0088] Next, an example of the process used when the maintenance necessity estimation unit 121 estimates the maintenance necessity of the filter 41, which is a used and deteriorated component of the hand dryer 40, a device that is not subject to management, will be described. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of the process for estimating the maintenance necessity of a device that is not subject to management according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 9, the maintenance necessity estimation unit 121 estimates the maintenance necessity of the filter 41 of the hand dryer 40 based, for example, on either the heated toilet seat 300 or a sensor attached to the heated toilet seat 300, or both.

[0089] To explain with a specific example, the maintenance necessity estimation unit 121 acquires output information on the operating time of the toilet seat heater of the heated toilet seat 300. The maintenance necessity estimation unit 121 also acquires output information on the number of detections by the entry sensor attached to the heated toilet seat 300, which is installed to detect entry into the toilet booth TB.

[0090] The maintenance requirement estimation unit 121 then calculates the estimated number of years of wear and tear from the toilet seat heater by multiplying the acquired operating time of the toilet seat heater by a predetermined coefficient c. The maintenance requirement estimation unit 121 also calculates the estimated number of years of wear and tear from the number of detections by multiplying the acquired number of detections by the entry sensor by a predetermined coefficient d. Here, the predetermined coefficients c and d mentioned above are arbitrary coefficients set in advance by an administrator or the like, and the optimal coefficients are determined, for example, by statistical information on the past operating time of the toilet seat heater, the past number of detections by the entry sensor, and the number of years of wear and tear of the filter 41.

[0091] The maintenance requirement estimation unit 121 then calculates the number of years of use of the filter 41 as the total number of years of use or the average number of years of use of the filter 41, which is estimated from the operating time of the toilet seat heater and the number of times the entry sensor detects an entry. The maintenance requirement estimation unit 121 then determines that the filter 41 requires maintenance when the number of years of use of the filter 41 reaches a preset threshold (for example, 7 years).

[0092] As a result, the maintenance requirement estimation unit 121 estimates the number of years of wear and tear on the filter 41, which is a used part of the hand dryer 40 (a device not subject to management), using the output information of the heated toilet seat 300 (a device subject to management), thus enabling accurate estimation of whether the filter 41 requires maintenance.

[0093] Furthermore, the maintenance necessity estimation unit 121 determines the necessity of maintenance based on the usage status of the multiple heated toilet seats 300. Here, a specific example of the process of determining the necessity of maintenance using the output information of the multiple heated toilet seats 300 will be explained. Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the process of determining the necessity of maintenance considering other devices according to the first embodiment. Figure 10 shows an example of a process that estimates the necessity of maintenance for the deodorizing cartridge 310 of each heated toilet seat 300 using the usage status of the heated toilet seats 300 (1) to (5) installed in a specific installation space, the toilet space 2. Figure 10 also shows an example (A) showing the estimated maintenance necessity when only the usage status of each heated toilet seat 300 (1) to (5) is used, and an example (B) showing the estimated maintenance necessity when all usage statuses are used.

[0094] For example, the maintenance requirement estimation unit 121 estimates whether maintenance is required for the deodorizing cartridge 310 of each heated toilet seat 300, based on output information indicating the usage status of the heated toilet seats 300 (1) to (5) installed in the toilet space 2 (Figure 10 (A)). The maintenance requirement estimation unit 121 then aggregates the results of each maintenance requirement and detects that only the deodorizing cartridge 310 of heated toilet seat 300 (2) is judged to be "unnecessary" for maintenance. The maintenance requirement estimation unit 121 then determines that the estimation result for (2) is likely to be incorrect because only one out of five units is judged to be "unnecessary" for maintenance, and changes the maintenance requirement for the deodorizing cartridge 310 of (2) from "unnecessary" to "required" (Figure 10 (B)).

[0095] In other words, when the maintenance necessity estimation unit 121 estimates whether maintenance is necessary for a used or deteriorated item in a specific toilet space 2, it can more accurately estimate the maintenance necessity by referring to the aggregated results of the maintenance necessity estimations for other used or deteriorated items in the toilet space 2 that are presumed to be in the same state of deterioration.

[0096] The calculation unit 121a calculates the urgency of replacing the target parts that are being estimated to require maintenance, based on the output information. For example, the calculation unit 121a uses the number of years of wear and tear calculated for the deodorizing cartridge 310 and filter 41, which are used and deteriorated products that are being estimated for maintenance by the aforementioned maintenance necessity estimation unit 121, to calculate the urgency set according to the remaining period until the end of their lifespan.

[0097] To explain with a specific example, for a used product with a set lifespan of 7 years and a threshold for deterioration years of use of 6 years, the calculation unit 121a calculates the urgency as "low" if the calculated number of years of deterioration remaining until 7 years is 1 year or more (6 years or less). The calculation unit 121a also calculates the urgency as "medium" if the calculated number of years of deterioration remaining until 7 years is less than 1 year and 3 months or more (6 years to 6 years and 9 months). The calculation unit 121a also calculates the urgency as "high" if the calculated number of years of deterioration remaining until 7 years is less than 3 months (more than 6 years and 9 months).

[0098] Furthermore, the calculation unit 121a calculates the urgency based on at least one of the following conditions: delivery date, supply deadline, or previous replacement information. For example, the calculation unit 121a calculates the urgency according to the remaining time until the stored deadline for the delivery date, supply deadline, or previous replacement information. To explain with a specific example, for a deodorizing cartridge 310 that is a used and deteriorated product, if the delivery date, supply deadline, and previous replacement information stored in the used and deteriorated product data 142 meet the pre-set conditions, the calculation unit 121a calculates the urgency as "high" regardless of the number of years of use and deterioration.

[0099] Here, we will explain with further specific examples how the calculation unit 121a calculates the urgency using the associated data of the deteriorated product. Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the process of determining the urgency using the associated information of the deteriorated product according to the first embodiment. Figure 11 shows an example of processing when the delivery date of the deteriorated product is used (1), an example of processing when the supply deadline of the deteriorated product is used (2), and an example of processing when the previous replacement information of the deteriorated product is used (3).

[0100] As shown in Figure 11(1), the calculation unit 121a calculates the urgency as "high" regardless of the estimated number of years of use if the delivery date for the used-deteriorated product is "14 days," and the condition is met that the product has reached a point 14 days + α (for example, 1 month) before the end of its lifespan.

[0101] As shown in Figure 11(2), when the supply deadline is "3 years", the calculation unit 121a calculates the urgency as "high" regardless of the estimated number of years of use deterioration, if the condition is met that the supply deadline is reached with one year remaining.

[0102] As shown in Figure 11(3), if the previous replacement information is "3 years ago", the calculation unit 121a calculates the urgency as "high" regardless of the estimated number of years of wear and tear, provided that the condition is met that the replacement item has reached "3 years" of use.

[0103] The proposed pattern determination unit 122 determines a proposed pattern for replacing the target part according to the urgency. For example, if there are multiple used and deteriorated items installed in a specific toilet space 2 that are determined to have a urgency of "medium" or higher, the proposed pattern determination unit 122 determines a proposed pattern that proposes maintenance notifications for the used and deteriorated items with a urgency of "medium" or higher.

[0104] Here, we will explain the processing details of the proposed pattern determination unit 122 with specific examples. Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of a proposed pattern according to the first embodiment. Figure 12 shows an example of processing in which a proposed pattern is determined according to the urgency of wear and tear on each of the heated toilet seats 300-1 to 300-5 installed in a specific toilet space 2.

[0105] As shown in Figure 12, the proposed pattern determination unit 122 determines that the urgency level of wear and tear on the three bidet toilet seats 300-2, 300-4, and 300-5 is "medium" or higher. Since the condition that the urgency level of multiple wear and tear items is "medium" or higher is met, the proposed pattern determination unit 122 determines a proposed pattern that proposes a maintenance "required" notification for the wear and tear items with an urgency level of "medium" or higher.

[0106] Here, we will explain the proposed patterns determined by the proposed pattern determination unit 122 with specific examples. Figure 13 is a diagram showing specific examples of proposed patterns according to the first embodiment. Figure 13 shows an example (1) in which all specific used and deteriorated items installed in a specific building are targeted as proposed patterns, an example (2) in which all components of a specific device are targeted as proposed patterns, and an example (3) in which all of the multiple used and deteriorated items installed in a specific toilet space 2 are targeted as proposed patterns.

[0107] In the examples (1) to (3) shown in Figure 13, "device" indicates the name of the device to be evaluated for the proposed pattern. "Remaining days," "remaining operating time," and "remaining number of operations" indicate the remaining days, remaining operating time, and remaining number of operations until the end of life, calculated using the number of years of deterioration calculated by the maintenance necessity estimation unit 121 mentioned above, or using data output from the device under management. "Building" indicates the type of building that contains the toilet space 2, which is the installation space for the device. "Replacement time," "delivery date," and "replacement cost" indicate the replacement time, delivery date, and replacement cost stored as supplementary information for each device (see Figure 6).

[0108] Furthermore, "Installation Space" indicates the type of toilet space 2 in which the device is installed. "Urgency" indicates the urgency level calculated for each device by the calculation unit 121a mentioned above. Additionally, "Normal," "Cost Priority," "Delivery Time Priority," "Convenience," and "Workability" are pre-set suggestion patterns, and each suggests the device for which maintenance notifications will be issued in each suggestion pattern.

[0109] Here, "Normal" is a proposed pattern in which, for example, maintenance notifications are sent to all target devices if even one of them has a "High" urgency level. "Cost Priority" is a proposed pattern in which maintenance notifications are sent only to the target devices with a "High" urgency level. "Delivery Time Priority" is a proposed pattern in which maintenance notifications are sent to the number of target devices that can be delivered immediately. "Convenience" is a proposed pattern in which maintenance notifications are sent to the target devices in such a way that some devices can be used in the men's and women's restrooms where maintenance work is being performed. "Ease of Operation" is a proposed pattern in which maintenance notifications are sent to the target devices in such a way that maintenance work can be performed on them together, such as in the men's or women's restrooms.

[0110] As shown in Figure 13(1), the proposed pattern determination unit 122 selects the devices for which maintenance notifications will be sent for each of the following proposed patterns, from the five devices installed in the "office," from the "deodorizing cartridge for heated toilet seat_1" to the "deodorizing cartridge for heated toilet seat_5," as target devices for the proposed patterns.

[0111] The proposed pattern determination unit 122 determines that in the "normal" proposed pattern, the urgency of the "deodorizing cartridge for the bidet toilet seat 5" is "high," and therefore issues maintenance notifications to the five devices targeted by the proposed pattern, from the "deodorizing cartridge for the bidet toilet seat 1" to the "deodorizing cartridge for the bidet toilet seat 5."

[0112] Furthermore, the proposed pattern determination unit 122 determines that, in the "cost priority" proposed pattern, the urgency level for the "deodorizing cartridge for the heated toilet seat 5" is "high," and therefore issues a maintenance notification only for the "deodorizing cartridge for the heated toilet seat 5."

[0113] Furthermore, the proposed pattern determination unit 122, in the case of the "prioritizing delivery date" proposed pattern, determines that if there are two items that can be delivered immediately, the urgency of the "deodorizing cartridge for bidet toilet seat 5" is "high," and the urgency of the "deodorizing cartridge for bidet toilet seat 2" and the "deodorizing cartridge for bidet toilet seat 4" is "medium." The proposed pattern determination unit 122 then issues maintenance notifications to the two devices: the "deodorizing cartridge for bidet toilet seat 5" with a "high" urgency, and the "deodorizing cartridge for bidet toilet seat 4" which is randomly selected from the "deodorizing cartridge for bidet toilet seat 2" and the "deodorizing cartridge for bidet toilet seat 4."

[0114] Furthermore, the proposed pattern determination unit 122 acquires that, in the "convenience" proposed pattern, the deodorizing cartridges from "deodorizing cartridge for bidet toilet seat 1" to "deodorizing cartridge for bidet toilet seat 2" are installed in the men's restroom, and the deodorizing cartridges from "deodorizing cartridge for bidet toilet seat 3" to "deodorizing cartridge for bidet toilet seat 5" are installed in the women's restroom. The proposed pattern determination unit 122 then acquires that the urgency of the deodorizing cartridge for "deodorizing cartridge for bidet toilet seat 5" is "high," and the urgency of the deodorizing cartridges for "deodorizing cartridge for bidet toilet seat 2" and "deodorizing cartridge for bidet toilet seat 4" is "medium." The proposed pattern determination unit 122 then issues maintenance notifications to "deodorizing cartridge for bidet toilet seat 1" in the men's restroom, and to "deodorizing cartridge for bidet toilet seat 2," "deodorizing cartridge for bidet toilet seat 4," and "deodorizing cartridge for bidet toilet seat 5," excluding "deodorizing cartridge for bidet toilet seat 3," in the women's restroom. In other words, the proposed pattern determination unit 122 issues a maintenance notification to enable the use of the equipment related to "heated toilet seat 1" in the men's restroom and to enable the use of the equipment related to "heated toilet seat 3" in the women's restroom. To put it another way, the proposed pattern determination unit 122 issues a maintenance notification so that maintenance on other equipment with a higher priority can be performed while keeping some equipment in a usable state.

[0115] Furthermore, the proposed pattern determination unit 122 acquires that, in the "workability" proposed pattern, the deodorizing cartridges from "deodorizing cartridge for bidet toilet seat 1" to "deodorizing cartridge for bidet toilet seat 2" are installed in the men's restroom, and the deodorizing cartridges from "deodorizing cartridge for bidet toilet seat 3" to "deodorizing cartridge for bidet toilet seat 5" are installed in the women's restroom. The proposed pattern determination unit 122 then determines that the urgency of the "deodorizing cartridge for bidet toilet seat 5" installed in the women's restroom is "high," and therefore issues a maintenance notification to the devices from "deodorizing cartridge for bidet toilet seat 3" to "deodorizing cartridge for bidet toilet seat 5" installed in the women's restroom.

[0116] As shown in Figure 13(2), the proposed pattern determination unit 122 selects the devices for which maintenance notifications will be issued for each proposed pattern, using the five devices of the "warm water bidet toilet seat_1"—the "deodorizing cartridge," "deodorizing motor," "nozzle motor," "temperature control motor," and "toilet lid motor"—as target devices for the proposed pattern. In other words, the proposed pattern determination unit 122 targets all components of a particular device as targets for the proposed pattern. The process by which the proposed pattern determination unit 122 selects the devices for which maintenance notifications will be issued for each proposed pattern is the same as in the example in Figure 13(1) described above.

[0117] As shown in Figure 13(3), the proposed pattern determination unit 122 selects the devices for which maintenance notifications will be issued for each proposed pattern from four devices located in the specific installation space "women's restroom": the "deodorizing cartridge of the heated toilet seat_1", the "air filter of the hand dryer_1", the "solenoid valve of the automatic faucet_1", and the "soap pump of the automatic liquid soap dispenser_1". In other words, the proposed pattern determination unit 122 targets all of the multiple used and deteriorated items installed in the specific toilet space 2 as targets for the proposed patterns. The process by which the proposed pattern determination unit 122 selects the devices for which maintenance notifications will be issued for each proposed pattern is the same as in the example in Figure 13(1) described above. Furthermore, the target devices for the proposed patterns can be arbitrarily selected from the devices installed in the "women's restroom".

[0118] Furthermore, the proposed pattern determination unit 122 determines a proposed pattern based on predetermined external information. For example, the proposed pattern determination unit 122 uses data stored in the used and deteriorated product data 142, the installation space data 143, and the building data 144 to determine a proposed pattern that satisfies the conditions set by the administrator or the like.

[0119] Here, we will explain with specific examples the process by which the proposed pattern determination unit 122 determines a proposed pattern according to the condition settings. Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the condition settings for a proposed pattern according to the first embodiment. Figure 14 shows an example of the process by which the proposed pattern determination unit 122 generates a maintenance notification using a proposed pattern determined to satisfy the received condition settings.

[0120] As shown in Figure 14, the proposed pattern determination unit 122 receives condition settings from the administrator, etc., such as budget "100,000 yen or less", replacement time "within 8 hours", travel time "10 minutes", and schedule "non-working day, 1 day". Then, the proposed pattern determination unit 122 uses the attached data stored in the used and deteriorated product attached data 142, the installation space attached data 143, and the building attached data 144 to determine a proposed pattern that satisfies each of the conditions set.

[0121] For example, the proposed pattern determination unit 122 determines that maintenance can be performed on 10 devices if the budget is "less than 100,000 yen". The proposed pattern determination unit 122 also determines that maintenance can be performed on 8 devices if the replacement time is "within 8 hours". Furthermore, the proposed pattern determination unit 122 determines that maintenance can be performed only on the devices in the toilets on the same floor if the travel time is "10 minutes". Finally, the proposed pattern determination unit 122 determines that maintenance can be performed on a Monday when the target facility is not in operation if the schedule is "non-working day - 1 day". As a result, the proposed pattern determination unit 122 determines a proposed pattern for sending maintenance notifications for "5F men's toilet: 3 devices, women's toilet: 5 devices" and on the date "Monday".

[0122] The proposed pattern determination unit 122 then generates a maintenance notification specifying the cost as "80,000 yen", the number of units to be replaced as "8 units", the replacement locations as "3 units in the men's restroom on the 5th floor, and 5 units in the women's restroom", and the date as "2025 / 10 / 27", and notifies the transmission unit 123.

[0123] The transmission unit 123 obtains the maintenance necessity estimation result from the maintenance necessity estimation unit 121 and the maintenance notification generated by the proposed pattern determination unit 122, and transmits them to an external administrator terminal or the like.

[0124] (Example of processing flow) From here, the flow of various processes will be explained based on the flowchart. Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for a device management system according to the first embodiment. Note that each step in the flowchart shown in Figure 15 can be executed in a different order, and additional or omitted processes may be included.

[0125] The device management system 1 determines whether a maintenance requirement request has been generated (S101). If a maintenance requirement request has been generated (S101; Yes), the device management system 1 accepts the selection of the device to be maintained (S102). On the other hand, if no maintenance requirement request has been generated (S101; No), it waits until a maintenance requirement request is generated.

[0126] After processing in S102, the device management system 1 acquires various information to be used to calculate the lifespan and urgency of the target device (S103). Then, the device management system 1 calculates the lifespan of the target device (S104). Then, the device management system 1 calculates the urgency of the target device (S105). Then, the device management system 1 determines whether or not the selection of all devices subject to maintenance needs has been completed (S106).

[0127] If all devices have been selected (S106; Yes), the device management system 1 acquires various information, such as supplementary data, associated with the space or building where the target devices are installed (S107). On the other hand, if all devices have not been selected (S106; No), the device management system 1 returns to S102 and continues processing.

[0128] After processing in S107, the device management system 1 generates a suggested pattern for the target device (S108). Then, the device management system 1 notifies an external terminal operated by an administrator or the like of the generated suggested pattern (S109), and the process ends.

[0129] [Second Embodiment] Incidentally, in the first embodiment described above, a process was explained in which the maintenance requirements of a used and deteriorated product are estimated by also using the usage status of parts other than ancillary parts whose functions are integrated with the used and deteriorated product. However, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the device management system 1 according to the second embodiment described below can appropriately estimate the maintenance requirements of a used and deteriorated product by managing information on the usage status of ancillary parts before and after replacement. In the following description of the device management system according to the second embodiment, any content that overlaps with the description of the device management system according to the first embodiment described above will be omitted as appropriate.

[0130] (Problems with conventional technology) The problems with the device management system related to the second embodiment will now be described. As mentioned above, a conventional toilet deodorizing device is known that determines when to replace the deodorizing cartridge, which is a used and degraded product, based on the cumulative value of the operating time or number of operating times of the deodorizing fan.

[0131] However, with conventional technology, even if the lifespan of individual toilet fixtures can be managed, if the component that operates the product (deodorizing fan) is replaced for any reason, the number of previous operations is reset, which may make it impossible to predict whether maintenance is needed for the deteriorated parts, which were previously predicted based on the fan's operation. In particular, if the parts to be maintained are used over a long period of time, this can result in a significant error (on a yearly basis).

[0132] (Processing details of the device management system) The following describes the processing according to the second embodiment of the device management system 1 described above. The device management system 1 according to the second embodiment includes a device management means for managing the usage status of at least one device to be managed, which is installed in a toilet space 2 having a plurality of toilet booths TB, and a maintenance necessity estimation means for estimating whether maintenance is necessary for the device based on the usage status of the device. The device has a functional part that functions based on the use of the device by a user, and components constituting at least a part of the functional part are detachably attached to the device. The device management means manages the usage status of the device based on first output information output from the functional part or a sensor attached to the functional part, and also manages the usage status of the device before and after replacement in relation to each other when a component is replaced with a new component.

[0133] Here, we will explain the processing content of the device management system 1 according to the second embodiment with specific examples. Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating the processing content of the device management system according to the second embodiment. Figure 16 shows an example of processing that manages the usage status of the deodorizing motor 320, a component that realizes the deodorizing function of the heated toilet seat 300, by relating it to its usage status before and after replacement.

[0134] For example, the device management system 1 uses output information indicating the usage status of the bidet toilet seat 300, which is a managed device installed in a toilet space 2 having multiple toilet booths TB, to estimate whether maintenance is required for the deodorizing cartridge 310, a component of the bidet toilet seat 300. The device management system 1 then manages the usage status of the deodorizing motor 320, which provides the deodorizing function when the bidet toilet seat 300 is operated by the user, using data indicating the operating time output from a sensor attached to the deodorizing motor 320.

[0135] Furthermore, in managing the usage status of the deodorizing motor 320, when the deodorizing motor 320 is replaced with a new deodorizing motor 320, the device management system 1 manages the total operating time of the deodorizing motor 320 as "1400H", which is the sum of the operating time of the deodorizing motor 320 before replacement ("1000H") and the operating time of the deodorizing motor 320 after replacement ("400H").

[0136] As a result, when the device management system 1 estimates the maintenance timing of the deodorizing cartridge 310 using the usage status of the deodorizing motor 320, which is an accessory, it can manage the usage status appropriately, taking into account the operating time before and after replacement. In other words, even when an accessory is replaced, the device management system 1 estimates whether maintenance is necessary for the worn-out part by considering the usage status before and after replacement, so it can appropriately estimate whether maintenance is necessary for the worn-out part.

[0137] (Functional configuration of the toilet management system) The functional configuration of the toilet management device 100B according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 17. Figure 17 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the toilet management device according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 17, the toilet management device 100B differs from the toilet management device 100A according to the first embodiment described above in that it further has device exchange data 145.

[0138] The device replacement data 145 stores data regarding the usage status of the device before and after replacement. Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating the device replacement data according to the second embodiment. For example, the device replacement data 145 stores data for the following items: "Device," which stores the name of the device; "Replacement Date and Time," which stores the date and time the device was replaced; and "Operating Time / Number of Operated Counts," which stores output information of the operating time or number of operated counts of the device before replacement. For example, the device replacement data 145 stores that for the deodorizing motor A-1-1, the previous replacement date and time was 2024 / 10 / 1, and the operating time measured for the deodorizing motor 320 before replacement was 10000H.

[0139] As a result, the toilet management device 100B can store the usage status of all devices installed in the toilet space 2, including worn-out parts, accessories, managed devices, and non-managed devices, even if a device is replaced. Therefore, it can manage the usage status of devices before and after replacement in a correlated manner.

[0140] Next, a process that differs from the description of the first embodiment will be explained in the control unit 120 of the toilet management device 100B according to the second embodiment. The maintenance requirement estimation unit 121 estimates whether the device needs maintenance by relating the usage status of the device before and after replacement when a component is replaced with a new component, based on first output information output from a functional unit or a sensor attached to a functional unit that functions based on the user's use of the device.

[0141] For example, the maintenance requirement estimation unit 121 estimates whether maintenance is required for the deodorizing cartridge 310, which is a used and deteriorated product, by using data obtained by summing the drive time data of the deodorizing motor 320, which is output from a sensor attached to the deodorizing motor 320 that provides a deodorizing function when the user uses the heated toilet seat 300, with the drive time data before replacement stored in the device replacement data 145 and the drive time data after replacement stored in the output data 141.

[0142] To explain with a specific example, the maintenance requirement estimation unit 121 acquires output information of the operating time of the replacement deodorizing motor 320 currently in operation, which is attached to the deodorizing cartridge 310. The maintenance requirement estimation unit 121 also acquires the operating time of the deodorizing motor 320 before replacement, which is stored in the device replacement data 145.

[0143] The maintenance requirement estimation unit 121 then multiplies the acquired operating time of the deodorizing motor 320 before replacement by a predetermined coefficient a to calculate the estimated number of years of wear and tear from the operating time of the deodorizing motor 320 before replacement. The maintenance requirement estimation unit 121 also multiplies the acquired operating time of the deodorizing motor 320 after replacement by a predetermined coefficient a to calculate the estimated number of years of wear and tear from the operating time of the deodorizing motor 320 after replacement.

[0144] The maintenance requirement estimation unit 121 then calculates the lifespan of the deodorizing cartridge 310 by adding together the lifespan estimated from the operating time of the deodorizing motor 320 before replacement and the lifespan estimated from the operating time of the deodorizing motor 320 after replacement. The maintenance requirement estimation unit 121 then determines that the deodorizing cartridge 310 requires maintenance when its lifespan reaches a preset threshold (for example, 7 years).

[0145] Furthermore, the maintenance requirement estimation unit 121 estimates whether the device requires maintenance based on the first output information and the second output information output from other functional units that do not have components attached, or from sensors attached to other functional units.

[0146] For example, the maintenance requirement estimation unit 121 estimates whether maintenance is required for the deodorizing cartridge 310, which is a worn-out part, by using the output data of the operating time of the deodorizing motor before and after replacement, as well as the output data of the number of toilet flushes output from a sensor attached to the toilet flushing unit 330, which is a different component not attached to the deodorizing motor 320.

[0147] To explain with a specific example, the maintenance necessity estimation unit 121 acquires output information on the operating time of the deodorizing motor 320 attached to the deodorizing cartridge 310 before and after replacement. In addition, the maintenance necessity estimation unit 121 acquires output information on the number of times the toilet is flushed by the toilet flushing unit 330, which is a different component not attached to the deodorizing motor 320.

[0148] The maintenance necessity estimation unit 121 then multiplies the acquired operating time of the deodorizing motor 320 before and after replacement by a predetermined coefficient a, and sums the estimated years of wear and tear from the operating time of the deodorizing motor 320 before and after replacement to calculate the estimated years of wear and tear from the operating time of the deodorizing motor 320 before and after replacement. In addition, the maintenance necessity estimation unit 121 multiplies the acquired number of toilet flushes of the toilet flushing unit 330 by a predetermined coefficient b to calculate the estimated years of wear and tear from the number of toilet flushes.

[0149] The maintenance requirement estimation unit 121 then calculates the number of years of use of the deodorizing cartridge 310 as the number of years of use of the deodorizing motor 320 estimated from the operating time before and after replacement, and the number of years of use of the toilet flushing unit 330 estimated from the number of toilet flushes. The maintenance requirement estimation unit 121 then determines that the deodorizing cartridge 310 requires maintenance when the number of years of use of the deodorizing cartridge 310 reaches a preset threshold (for example, 7 years).

[0150] Furthermore, the maintenance necessity estimation unit 121 can calculate the number of years of use deterioration of the deodorizing cartridge 310 by performing the same processing on output information other than the number of times the toilet bowl is flushed, such as the number of times the seat is sat on detected by the seat detection unit 340, the number of times the rear wash is performed by the rear wash unit 350, and the number of times the sound effect is used by the sound effect unit 360.

[0151] Furthermore, the maintenance requirement estimation unit 121 estimates whether a device requires maintenance by correlating the usage status of the device before and after replacement when other functional units are replaced with new functional units.

[0152] For example, the maintenance requirement estimation unit 121 estimates whether the deodorizing cartridge 310, which is a used and deteriorated product, requires maintenance. This is done by using data obtained by summing the data on the number of toilet flushes before replacement, stored in the device replacement data 145, and the data on the number of toilet flushes after replacement, stored in the output data 141, from the output data of the number of toilet flushes output from the sensor attached to the toilet flushing unit 330, which is a different component not attached to the deodorizing motor 320 mentioned above.

[0153] To explain with a specific example, the maintenance necessity estimation unit 121 acquires output information on the operating time of the deodorizing motor 320 attached to the deodorizing cartridge 310 before and after replacement. In addition, the maintenance necessity estimation unit 121 also acquires output information on the number of toilet flushes before and after replacement of the toilet flushing unit 330, which is another component not attached to the deodorizing motor 320, using the information stored in the device replacement data 145.

[0154] The maintenance necessity estimation unit 121 then multiplies the acquired operating time of the deodorizing motor 320 before and after replacement by a predetermined coefficient a, and sums the estimated years of wear and tear from the operating time of the deodorizing motor 320 before and after replacement to calculate the estimated years of wear and tear from the operating time of the deodorizing motor 320 before and after replacement. In addition, the maintenance necessity estimation unit 121 multiplies the acquired number of toilet flushes before and after replacement of the toilet flushing unit 330 by a predetermined coefficient b, and sums the estimated years of wear and tear from the number of toilet flushes of the toilet flushing unit 330 before and after replacement to calculate the estimated years of wear and tear from the number of toilet flushes of the toilet flushing unit 330 before and after replacement.

[0155] The maintenance requirement estimation unit 121 then calculates the number of years of use of the deodorizing cartridge 310, which is the sum or average of the number of years of use of the deodorizing motor 320 estimated from the operating time before and after replacement, and the number of years of use of the toilet flushing unit 330 estimated from the number of toilet flushes before and after replacement. The maintenance requirement estimation unit 121 then determines that the deodorizing cartridge 310 requires maintenance when its number of years of use reaches a preset threshold (for example, 7 years).

[0156] Furthermore, the maintenance necessity estimation unit 121 can calculate the number of years of use deterioration of the deodorizing cartridge 310 by performing the same processing on output information other than the number of times the toilet bowl is flushed, such as the number of times the seat is sat on detected by the seat detection unit 340, the number of times the rear wash is performed by the rear wash unit 350, and the number of times the sound effect is used by the sound effect unit 360.

[0157] (Example of processing flow) From here, the flow of various processes will be explained based on the flowchart. Figure 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for a device management system according to the second embodiment. Note that each step in the flowchart shown in Figure 19 can be executed in a different order, and additional or omitted processes may be included.

[0158] The flowchart shown in Figure 19 illustrates an example of a part of the processing S103 in the flowchart shown in Figure 15, which is particularly related to the device management system 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0159] After processing S102 in the flowchart shown in Figure 15, the device management system 1 determines whether or not the accessory was replaced after the installation of the target device (S1031). If the accessory was replaced after the installation of the target device (S1031: Yes), the device management system 1 obtains the operating time and number of operating cycles of the accessory before replacement (S1032).

[0160] Then, if the accessories have not been replaced after the installation of the target device (S1031: No), or after the processing in S1032, the device management system 1 obtains the operating time and number of operating times of the currently operating accessories (S1033). The device management system 1 then aggregates the operating time and number of operating times of the accessories (S1034) and proceeds to S104 to continue the process.

[0161] [Other examples] The processes described above are merely examples, and the device management system 1 may perform a variety of processes not limited to those described above. For example, the device management system 1 may perform the processes described in other embodiments, regardless of the descriptions in each of the embodiments described above.

[0162] 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.

[0163] The embodiments and modifications described above may also have the following configurations, but are not limited to them. (1) A device management means installed in a toilet space having multiple toilet booths and for managing the usage status of at least one device that is subject to management, Maintenance necessity estimation means for estimating the necessity of maintenance for components that constitute a part of the managed device and are detachably attached to the managed device, or for non-managed devices installed in the toilet space other than the managed device, based on the usage status of the managed device, Equipped with, The device management means manages the usage status of the managed device based on output information output from one or more of the following: other components not attached to the components of the managed device, the managed device, and sensors attached to the managed device. A device management system characterized by the following features. (2) The maintenance requirement estimation means estimates whether the components of the managed device require maintenance based on output information output from other components not attached to the components of the managed device. The device management system according to (1), characterized in that (3) The maintenance requirement estimation means estimates whether the unmanaged device requires maintenance based on either the managed device or a sensor attached to the managed device, or both. The device management system according to (1), characterized in that (4) The aforementioned maintenance necessity estimation means is The system further includes a calculation unit that calculates the urgency of replacing the target part for which the necessity of maintenance is estimated, based on the output information. The device management system according to (1), characterized in that (5) The proposed pattern determination unit determines a proposed pattern for replacing the target part according to the degree of urgency, and further comprises: The device management system according to (4), characterized in that (6) The proposed pattern determination unit determines the proposed pattern based on predetermined external information. The device management system according to (5), characterized in that (7) The calculation unit calculates the urgency based on at least one of the following conditions: delivery date, supply deadline, or previous replacement information. The device management system according to (4), characterized in that (8) The multiple devices under management are heated toilet seat units, The maintenance necessity estimation means determines the necessity of maintenance based on the usage status of the multiple heated toilet seat units. The device management system according to (1), characterized in that [Explanation of Symbols]

[0164] 1. Device Management System 2. Toilet space (toilet room) 30 Toilet equipment 40 Hand dryers 41 filters 50 Bathroom vanity area 100 Toilet Management Device 110 Communications Department 120 Control Unit 121 Maintenance Requirement Estimation Unit 121a Calculation part 122 Proposed Pattern Determination Unit 123 Transmitter 140 Storage section 141 Output data 142 Data accompanying used and deteriorated items 143 Installation Space Related Data 144 Building-related data 145 Device Exchange Data 200 Collection device 300 Heated toilet seat 310 Deodorizing Cartridge 320 Deodorizing motor 330 Toilet flushing unit 340 Seating detection unit 350 Buttocks Washing Section 360 Onomatopoeia Department CS shared space TB toilet booth (private toilet)

Claims

1. A device management means installed in a toilet space having multiple toilet booths and for managing the usage status of at least one device that is subject to management, Maintenance necessity estimation means for estimating the necessity of maintenance for components that constitute a part of the managed device and are detachably attached to the managed device, or for unmanaged devices installed in the toilet space other than the managed device, based on the usage status of the managed device, Equipped with, The device management means manages the usage status of the managed device based on output information output from one or more of the following: other components not attached to the components of the managed device, the managed device, and sensors attached to the managed device. A device management system characterized by the following features.

2. The maintenance requirement estimation means estimates whether the components of the managed device require maintenance based on output information output from other components not attached to the components of the managed device. The device management system according to claim 1.

3. The maintenance requirement estimation means estimates whether the unmanaged device requires maintenance based on either the managed device or a sensor attached to the managed device, or both. The device management system according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned maintenance necessity estimation means is The system further includes a calculation unit that calculates the urgency of replacing the target part for which the necessity of maintenance is estimated, based on the output information. The device management system according to claim 1.

5. The proposed pattern determination unit determines a proposed pattern for replacing the target part according to the degree of urgency, and further comprises: The device management system according to feature 4.

6. The proposed pattern determination unit determines the proposed pattern based on predetermined external information. The device management system according to claim 5, characterized in that it is a device management system.

7. The calculation unit calculates the urgency based on at least one of the following conditions: delivery date, supply deadline, or previous replacement information. The device management system according to feature 4.

8. The multiple devices under management are heated toilet seat units, The maintenance necessity estimation means determines the necessity of maintenance based on the usage status of the multiple heated toilet seat units. The device management system according to claim 1.

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