Bathtub-type treatment device

Abstract

The present invention provides a bathtub-type processing device that minimizes inconvenience for bathers while improving the visibility of the display for bathers. [Solution] The processing device 1 comprises a device body 2, a processing unit C1 that performs predetermined processing while the device body 2 is floating in the stored water PW1, a display unit 10, and a power supply unit 40. With the device body 2 floating in the stored water PW1, the center of gravity CG1 is set so that the display direction D1 of the display unit 10 is tilted upward with respect to the water surface PW1A at a predetermined first display angle α1. The power supply unit 40 is charged with respect to a charging device 100 that is compatible with the processing device 1 while the device body 2 is positioned in a predetermined charging position. With the device body 2 positioned in the charging position, the display direction D1 of the display unit 10 is in a direction that intersects the horizontal direction at an angle different from the first display angle α1, or in a direction parallel to the horizontal direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an in-bathtub use type processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a bathtub electrocardiograph which is an example of a conventional in-bathtub use type processing apparatus. As shown in FIG. 1 of said document, in this bathtub electrocardiograph, a case body can float on stored water stored in a bathtub. As shown in FIG. 2 of said document, a processing unit is provided in the case body. The processing unit includes a plurality of electrodes, an electrocardiogram amplifier, a high-pass filter, a main amplifier, a low-pass filter, an A / D converter, a CPU, and the like. The processing unit executes processing for detecting an electrocardiographic waveform and a heart rate of a bather in the bathtub in a state where the case body floats on the stored water.

[0003] As shown in FIG. 1 of said document, an electrocardiogram monitor display unit and a heart rate display unit are provided on an upper surface of the case body. The electrocardiogram monitor display unit and the heart rate display unit notify the bather of the detected electrocardiographic waveform and heart rate by displaying them. A battery (not shown) is built into the case body and supplies electric power to the processing unit, the electrocardiogram monitor display unit, and the heart rate display unit.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Document

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, in the conventional bathtub electrocardiograph described above, the case floats in the water, and the electrocardiogram monitor display and heart rate display face vertically upwards. As a result, bathers need to look down at the electrocardiogram monitor display and heart rate display from vertically above, or hold the case and tilt it to adjust the display direction of the electrocardiogram monitor display and heart rate display. Consequently, this bathtub electrocardiograph has the problem that it is difficult to prevent bathers from feeling inconvenienced when trying to view the electrocardiogram monitor display and heart rate display.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional circumstances, and aims to solve the problem of providing a bathtub-type processing device that can improve the visibility of the display unit to the bather while suppressing the inconvenience felt by the bather. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides a bathtub-type treatment device comprising a device body capable of floating in the stored water in the bathtub, A processing unit is provided in the main body of the apparatus, and performs a predetermined process while the main body of the apparatus is floating in the stored water, The main body of the device includes a display unit that displays processing information related to the processing to the bather in the bathtub, A power supply unit provided in the main body of the device, which supplies power to the processing unit and the display unit, Equipped with, With the device body floating in the stored water, the center of gravity is set such that the display direction of the display unit is tilted upward with respect to the water surface at a predetermined first display angle. The power supply unit is charged by contact-type or contactless power supply from the charging device while the device body is positioned in a predetermined charging position relative to the charging device compatible with the processing device. With the device body positioned in the charging position, the display direction of the display unit is characterized by being in a direction that intersects the horizontal direction at an angle different from the first display angle, or in a direction parallel to the horizontal direction.

[0008] In the bathtub-type processing device of the present invention (hereinafter simply referred to as "processing device"), the charging position of the device body can be determined prioritizing the improvement of the charging efficiency of the power supply unit over the visibility of the display unit.

[0009] Furthermore, when the device floats in the stored water, it tilts from its charging position based on its center of gravity, causing the display to naturally face diagonally upwards, making it easier for bathers to see the display. Therefore, bathers do not need to hold the device and tilt it to adjust the direction of the display.

[0010] Therefore, the processing apparatus of the present invention can improve the visibility of the display unit for bathers while suppressing any inconvenience they may experience.

[0011] The present invention preferably includes a sub-display unit provided at a location away from the main display unit of the device body, which notifies bathers of processing information by display, wherein the display direction of the sub-display unit is different from the display direction of the main display unit, and a center of gravity changing means provided on the main device body, which changes the center of gravity so that, when the main device body is floating in the stored water, the display direction of the sub-display unit intersects the water surface upward at a predetermined second display angle. It is desirable that the power supply unit also supplies power to the sub-display unit and the center of gravity changing means. Furthermore, when the main device body is floating in the stored water, it is desirable that the center of gravity changing means changes the center of gravity when notification by the sub-display unit should take precedence over notification by the main display unit, and that the center of gravity changing means does not change the center of gravity when notification by the main display unit should take precedence over notification by the sub-display unit.

[0012] In this case, the center of gravity changing mechanism can change the center of gravity or not depending on the situation, allowing the display unit and sub-display unit to be used interchangeably, thereby improving user convenience.

[0013] The main body of the device is preferably a sphere that houses the processing unit, display unit, sub-display unit, power supply unit, and center of gravity changing mechanism.

[0014] In this case, even if the center of gravity changing mechanism changes the center of gravity, the visual state of the device floating in the stored water does not change. As a result, this processing device can prioritize notifications from the sub-display unit over notifications from the main display unit while suppressing any sense of incongruity regarding its design.

[0015] The processing apparatus of the present invention preferably includes a shooting unit provided in the main body of the apparatus for capturing images of bathers. The power supply unit preferably supplies power to the shooting unit as well. The processing unit preferably performs processing based on the images. The angle between the shooting direction of the shooting unit and the display direction of the display unit preferably is smaller than the angle between the shooting direction and the display direction of the sub-display unit. Furthermore, when the main body of the apparatus is floating in the stored water and the shooting unit is taking an image, it is preferable that the center of gravity changing means does not change the center of gravity, and that notification by the display unit takes priority over notification by the sub-display unit.

[0016] In this case, the camera unit takes pictures with the display unit facing a direction close to the direction of the camera unit's shooting taking priority over the display unit's display unit, so that the display unit can appropriately inform the bather of the progress and results of processing based on the image taken by the camera unit.

[0017] The processing apparatus of the present invention is preferably a processing apparatus that measures biological information, including at least the vital state of a bather. The processing apparatus of the present invention is preferably equipped with an imaging unit provided in the main body of the apparatus for capturing images of the bather. The power supply unit is preferably also supplied with power to the imaging unit. The processing unit is preferably a control unit that controls the imaging unit and executes a biological information generation process as a process, which generates biological information based on the images. The display unit is preferably controlled by the control unit and informs the bather of the biological information as processed information.

[0018] In this case, the processing device functions as a biological information measuring device. The vital signs of the bather measured by the processing device include, for example, pulse wave, heart rate, respiration, and core body temperature.

[0019] A bather using this processing apparatus can measure the bather's biological information simply by floating the apparatus main body on stored water and holding the apparatus main body with a hand to maintain a state where the imaging direction of the imaging unit faces the bather. That is, this processing apparatus does not require large-scale construction work on a bathroom or bathtub for installation thereof.

[0020] Further, in this processing apparatus, the imaging unit is provided on the apparatus main body floating on the stored water, and captures an image of the bather near the bather. Accordingly, compared with a case where an imaging unit installed on an inner wall surface of a bathroom or the like captures an image of the bather, the captured image of the present processing apparatus is less susceptible to the influence of noise caused by steam or the like. As a result, this processing apparatus can achieve higher accuracy of the biological information generated by the biological information generation processing.

[0021] Further, in this processing apparatus, the biological information generation processing for generating biological information based on an image can collect more types of biological information, such as pulse wave, respiratory rate, respiratory depth, skin color, heat distribution, and the like, than a configuration that detects electrocardiographic signals with electrodes to measure electrocardiographic waveforms, heart rates, and the like. As a result, this processing apparatus can achieve higher accuracy of the biological information generated by the biological information generation processing.

[0022] In addition, with the display unit having the above configuration, this processing apparatus can achieve improved visibility of the display unit that displays biological information while suppressing the bather from feeling bothered.

[0023] Therefore, this processing apparatus can improve the quality of services related to biological information provided to bathers while reducing installation costs.

Effects of the Invention

[0024] According to the in-bathtub type processing apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to improve the visibility of the display unit for the bather while suppressing the bather from feeling bothered.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1]Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a house in which the biometric information measuring device of the embodiment is used. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the biological information measurement device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the biological information measuring device of the embodiment, showing the front of the biological information measuring device viewed from slightly below. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the biological information measuring device of the embodiment, with the device body positioned in a predetermined charging position relative to the charging device. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a block diagram of the biological information measurement device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the upper frame, lower base, heat transfer unit, imaging unit, control unit, upper display unit, and operation unit. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the upper frame, lower base, heat transfer section, lower case, and heat dissipation promotion section. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a side view illustrating the shooting direction of the camera unit, the display direction of the intermediate display unit, and the display direction of the upper display unit when the device body is floating in the stored water. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart of the program executed by the biological information measurement device in the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart of the program executed by the biological information measurement device of the embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a side view similar to Figure 8, showing the state in which the center of gravity changing mechanism has changed the center of gravity. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] The following describes embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

[0027] (Examples) As shown in Figure 1, the biological information measuring device 1 of the embodiment is an example of a specific embodiment of the bathtub-type processing device of the present invention, and is applied to a house H1.

[0028] House H1 is equipped with a hot water supply system 90. House H1 also includes a bathroom R1, a dressing room R2, and a kitchen R3.

[0029] Bathroom R1 is equipped with a bathtub 3, a mixing faucet 5, a shower 5A, and a bathroom remote control 99. Adjacent to bathroom R1, dressing room R2 is equipped with an electrical outlet 96 connected to a household power supply (not shown). The power cord 100C of a charging device 100, which is compatible with the biometric information measuring device 1, is plugged into outlet 96. Kitchen R3 is equipped with a kitchen remote control 98.

[0030] <Hot water supply system> The hot water supply system 90 has a well-known configuration, so its explanation will be kept brief, but it includes a gas burner, heat exchanger, and circulation pump, etc. (not shown). The gas burner burns fuel gas such as city gas to generate high-temperature combustion gas. The hot water supply system 90 circulates water supplied from a water supply, etc., through a heat exchanger, and heat exchange occurs between the water and the combustion gas generated by the gas burner, thereby heating the water and dispensing hot water.

[0031] The hot water supply unit 90 supplies hot and cold water to the mixing faucet 5 and shower 5A via piping P5. The hot water supply unit 90 also supplies hot and cold water to the bathtub 3 via the bathtub supply piping P3A to create stored water PW1. Furthermore, the hot water supply unit 90 heats the stored water PW1 by a gas burner while circulating it between the bathtub 3, the bathtub return piping P3B, the heat exchanger, and the bathtub supply piping P3A using a circulation pump (not shown).

[0032] The hot water supply unit 90 is capable of performing the following functions: filling the bathtub, reheating, maintaining temperature, and adding hot and cold water. The filling function sets the amount and temperature of the stored water PW1 and supplies the stored water PW1 to the set amount and temperature. The reheating function heats the stored water PW1. The maintaining temperature function sets the temperature at which the stored water PW1 is maintained and maintains the stored water PW1 at the set temperature. The adding hot and cold water function supplies additional hot and cold water to the bathtub 3.

[0033] <Bathroom remote control> The bathroom remote control 99 is connected to the water heater 90 via a wired communication link. The bathroom remote control 99 is also connected to the kitchen remote control 98 via the water heater 90 via a wired communication link. The bathroom remote control 99 has an input unit 99B and a display unit 99D. Furthermore, the bathroom remote control 99 has a speaker and a wireless communication unit (not shown).

[0034] The bathroom remote control 99 transmits the operations performed by the bather P1 on the input unit 99B to the hot water heater 90, thereby remotely controlling the hot water heater 90. Specifically, the bathroom remote control 99 can transmit execution instructions for the bath filling function, reheating function, heat retention function, and hot water addition function to the hot water heater 90.

[0035] Furthermore, the bathroom remote control 99 displays various information such as operating status and setting information transmitted from the hot water supply unit 90 via the display unit 99D, and also outputs audio via a speaker (not shown).

[0036] The bathroom remote control 99 communicates wirelessly with a wireless router 7 installed in the house H1 via a wireless communication unit (not shown). Wireless communication between the bathroom remote control 99 and the wireless router 7 utilizes Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi®, or the like. The bathroom remote control 99 can connect to an external network NW1 via the wireless router 7, or communicate with an information processing terminal such as an external server 9 via the network NW1. The external server 9 is a server that supports the biological information measurement device 1.

[0037] <Kitchen remote control> The kitchen remote control 98 is connected to the water heater 90 via wired communication. The kitchen remote control 98 has an input unit 98B and a display unit 98D. The kitchen remote control 98 also has a speaker and a wireless communication unit (not shown).

[0038] The kitchen remote control 98 transmits operations performed by the resident of the house H1 to the input unit 98B to the hot water heater 90, thereby remotely controlling the hot water heater 90. Specifically, the kitchen remote control 98 can transmit execution instructions for the bath filling function and the reheating function to the hot water heater 90.

[0039] Furthermore, the kitchen remote control 98 displays various information such as operating status and setting information transmitted from the hot water heater 90 via the display unit 98D, and also outputs audio via a speaker (not shown).

[0040] The kitchen remote control 98 performs wireless communication with the wireless router 7 via a wireless communication unit (not shown). Similar to the bathroom remote control 99, the wireless communication between the kitchen remote control 98 and the wireless router 7 utilizes Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi®, or the like. Similar to the bathroom remote control 99, the kitchen remote control 98 can connect to the network NW1 via the wireless router 7, and can also perform network communication with an external server 9, etc., via the network NW1.

[0041] <Mobile devices> The residents of residence H1 are the bathers P1 in their daily lives. The mobile terminals 8 used by the residents of residence H1 are smartphones, tablet devices, etc. The mobile terminals 8 can connect to network NW1 directly or via wireless router 7, and can perform network communication with external servers 9 etc. via network NW1. The mobile terminals 8 can acquire, store, and analyze large amounts of information, and can display the stored information and analysis results on the touch panel 8T display or transmit them to external servers 9 etc.

[0042] <Biometric Information Measurement Device> The biological information measuring device 1 comprises a device body 2. The device body 2 is a sphere with a sealed internal space. The device body 2 is capable of floating in the stored water PW1 contained in the bathtub 3. The biological information measuring device 1 is used on a bather P1 while the device body 2 is floating in the stored water PW1.

[0043] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the main body of the device 2 has an upper unit 50, an intermediate unit 60, and a lower unit 70.

[0044] In this embodiment, for convenience, the direction in which the upper unit 50, intermediate unit 60, and lower unit 70 are aligned without inclination is defined as the vertical direction, and the shapes, relative positional relationships, etc., of the multiple components of the biological information measuring device 1 will be described.

[0045] As shown in Figure 4, the orientation of the device body 2 when the upper unit 50, intermediate unit 60, and lower unit 70 are aligned vertically without tilting is the "predetermined charging orientation" when the device body 2 is positioned relative to the charging device 100.

[0046] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the biological information measuring device 1 is equipped with two heat transfer units 80L and 80R. The heat transfer units 80L and 80R are located in the internal space of the device body 2.

[0047] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, in this embodiment, for convenience, the front-to-back direction is defined as the rear of the device body 2 where the heat transfer sections 80L and 80R are located, and the front of the device body 2 opposite to the heat transfer sections 80L and 80R. Based on this definition, the shapes and relative positional relationships of the multiple components of the biological information measuring device 1 will be explained.

[0048] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, in this embodiment, for convenience, the direction in which the heat transfer sections 80L and 80R in the main body of the device 2 are aligned is defined as the left-right direction, and the shapes, relative positional relationships, etc., of the multiple components of the biological information measuring device 1 will be described.

[0049] The lower unit 70 is located below the upper unit 50. The intermediate unit 60 is located between the upper unit 50 and the lower unit 70. In other words, the upper unit 50, the intermediate unit 60, and the lower unit 70 divide the spherical device body 2 into three parts in the vertical direction.

[0050] As shown in Figure 5, the biological information measuring device 1 includes an imaging unit 30, a control unit C1, an intermediate display unit 10, auxiliary intermediate display units 11L, 11R, 11B, an upper display unit 20, a speaker 29, an operation unit 18, a communication unit 19, a power supply unit 40, a non-contact power receiving unit 48, a light-emitting unit 27, and a center of gravity changing means 49.

[0051] The control unit C1 is an example of a "processing unit" of the present invention. The intermediate display unit 10 is an example of a "display unit" of the present invention. The upper display unit 20 is an example of a "sub-display unit" of the present invention.

[0052] The main body of the device 2 houses the imaging unit 30, control unit C1, intermediate display unit 10, auxiliary intermediate display units 11L, 11R, 11B, upper display unit 20, speaker 29, operation unit 18, communication unit 19, power supply unit 40, contactless power receiving unit 48, light-emitting unit 27, and center of gravity changing means 49 in a watertight state.

[0053] More specifically, the upper unit 50 houses the imaging unit 30, control unit C1, upper display unit 20, speaker 29, operation unit 18, and communication unit 19. The lower unit 70 houses the power supply unit 40, contactless power receiving unit 48, light-emitting unit 27, and center of gravity changing means 49.

[0054] The intermediate unit 60 houses the intermediate display unit 10 and the auxiliary intermediate display units 11L, 11R, and 11B. In this embodiment, the intermediate display unit 10 and the auxiliary intermediate display units 11L, 11R, and 11B are virtual images displayed by the 3D hologram LCD 12 and the 3D hologram virtual image display pyramid 13, which will be described later.

[0055] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the upper unit 50 has an upper cover 59. The shape of the outer surface of the upper cover 59 is the shape of the upper portion when a sphere is divided into three parts in the vertical direction.

[0056] The upper cover 59 is made of transparent resin. A half-mirror layer 59M is formed on the outer surface of the upper cover 59. The half-mirror layer 59M is, for example, a half-deposited layer of aluminum or silver. The half-mirror layer 59M transmits some light and reflects other light.

[0057] The half-mirror layer 59M transmits light toward the imaging unit 30 due to the difference in brightness between the outside and inside of the upper unit 50, or in other words, the difference in brightness between the outer surface and the back surface of the upper cover 59, while acting as a mirror for the bather P1, making it difficult to see inside the upper unit 50.

[0058] Figures 6 and 7 show the upper unit 50 with the upper cover 59 removed. The upper unit 50 has an upper frame 58. The upper frame 58 is located on the back side of the upper cover 59. The upper frame 58 is made of resin with high strength and rigidity.

[0059] As shown in Figure 7, the upper unit 50 has an upper base 57. The upper base 57 is disc-shaped and is assembled to the upper frame 58 from below. The upper base 57 is made of resin, which has high strength and rigidity.

[0060] As shown in Figure 6, the imaging unit 30 is supported by a portion of the upper frame 58 located in the center in the front and left-right directions. The imaging unit 30 is a digital camera capable of shooting video and has a light-receiving unit 31. The light-receiving unit 31 is an image sensor such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor.

[0061] A shielding member 32, which is roughly funnel-shaped, is positioned in front of the light-receiving unit 31. The shielding member 32 blocks light that has been diffusely reflected within the upper unit 50 after passing through the half-mirror layer 59M of the upper cover 59 from reaching the light-receiving unit 31.

[0062] As shown in Figure 5, the imaging unit 30 is connected to the control unit C1. The imaging unit 30 captures images via the light-receiving unit 31 and transmits the image data to the control unit C1. The images captured by the imaging unit 30 are composed of RGB format image information. The frame rate when the imaging unit 30 is shooting video is, for example, 10 to 60 (frames / second).

[0063] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the control unit C1 is located between the upper frame 58 and the upper base 57. As shown in Figure 5, the control unit C1 is an electronic circuit unit comprising a CPU (not shown), a storage unit C1M composed of memory elements such as ROM and RAM, and interface circuits (not shown).

[0064] The memory unit C1M stores various programs and setting information for operating the biological information measuring device 1. The memory unit C1M also appropriately stores various information acquired by the control unit C1 during the operation of the biological information measuring device 1. The programs stored in the memory unit C1M include, for example, programs executed according to the flowcharts shown in Figures 9 and 10.

[0065] The control unit C1 includes an image processing unit C1G, a biological information generation processing unit C1A, an autonomic nervous system state estimation processing unit C1B, and a respiratory guidance notification processing unit C1C. The image processing unit C1G, the biological information generation processing unit C1A, the autonomic nervous system state estimation processing unit C1B, and the respiratory guidance notification processing unit C1C function when the program is executed according to the flowcharts shown in Figures 9 and 10. The processing details of the image processing unit C1G, the biological information generation processing unit C1A, the autonomic nervous system state estimation processing unit C1B, and the respiratory guidance notification processing unit C1C will be described later.

[0066] The upper display unit 20 is an LED signage unit positioned on the upper surface of the upper frame 58. The upper display unit 20 is located above the intermediate display unit 10 in the main unit 2. The upper display unit 20 forms a 16x16 dot matrix by arranging multiple full-color LEDs in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions.

[0067] As shown in Figure 5, the upper display unit 20 is connected to the control unit C1. The upper display unit 20 is controlled by the control unit C1 and displays various information such as characters, figures, and patterns by emitting light. The half-mirror layer 59M of the upper cover 59 transmits the light display of the upper display unit 20, so the bather P1 can see the light display of the upper display unit 20.

[0068] Although not shown in the diagram, speaker 29 is positioned between the upper frame 58 and the upper base 57. Speaker 29 is connected to control unit C1. Speaker 29 is controlled by control unit C1 and notifies the bather P1 of various information by sound. The sounds emitted by speaker 29 include simple sounds, voice messages, music, etc.

[0069] As shown in Figure 6, two operating units 18 (18A, 18B) are supported by a portion of the upper frame 58 located in front of and to the left of the imaging unit 30. Three operating units 18 (18C, 18D, 18E) are supported by a portion of the upper frame 58 located in front of and to the right of the imaging unit 30. Each operating unit 18 receives input from the bather P1.

[0070] As shown in Figure 3, a "bathing / bathing" mark (not shown) is printed on the outer surface of the upper cover 59 at a position corresponding to the operation unit 18(18A). In other words, the operation unit 18(18A) receives an operation input to switch between the operating state and the sleep state of the biological information measuring device 1.

[0071] A "mode" mark (not shown) is printed on the outer surface of the upper cover 59 at a position corresponding to the operating section 18(18B). In other words, the operating section 18(18B) receives an input for switching modes.

[0072] A "<" mark (not shown) is printed on the outer surface of the upper cover 59 at the position corresponding to the operation unit 18 (18C). A "Confirm" mark (not shown) is printed on the outer surface of the upper cover 59 at the position corresponding to the operation unit 18 (18D). A ">" mark (not shown) is printed on the outer surface of the upper cover 59 at the position corresponding to the operation unit 18 (18E). In other words, the operation units 18 (18C, 18D, 18E) receive operational inputs such as increasing or decreasing numerical values, selecting items, and confirming.

[0073] In this embodiment, each operating unit 18 is an indirectly detectable capacitive proximity sensor. When the bather P1 places their fingertip on the position corresponding to each operating unit 18 on the outer surface of the upper cover 59, each operating unit 18 indirectly detects the fingertip.

[0074] As shown in Figure 5, each operation unit 18 is connected to the control unit C1. When each operation unit 18 receives an operation input from the bather P1, it transmits that operation input to the control unit C1.

[0075] Although not shown in the diagram, the communication unit 19 is located between the upper frame 58 and the upper base 57. The communication unit 19 incorporates electronic circuits that perform wireless communication using Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi®, etc.

[0076] The communication unit 19 is connected to the control unit C1. As shown in Figure 1, the communication unit 19 is controlled by the control unit C1 and can perform wireless communication with a bathroom remote control 99 which is wired to the water heater 90. The communication unit 19 is also controlled by the control unit C1 and can perform wireless communication with a kitchen remote control 98 which is wired to the water heater 90 via a wireless router 7. Furthermore, the communication unit 19 is controlled by the control unit C1 and can perform wireless communication with a mobile terminal 8.

[0077] As shown in Figure 2, the lower unit 70 includes a lower cover 79, a heat dissipation promotion section 78, and a lower base 77. The shape formed by the outer surface of the lower cover 79 and the outer surface of the heat dissipation promotion section 78 is the shape of the lower part when a sphere is divided into three parts in the vertical direction.

[0078] The outer peripheral edge of the lower cover 79 is connected to the lower outer peripheral edge of the annular heat dissipation promotion section 78. The lower cover 79 is made of transparent resin. A half-mirror layer 79M is formed on the outer surface of the lower cover 79. The half-mirror layer 79M is, for example, a half-deposited layer of aluminum or silver. The half-mirror layer 79M transmits some light and reflects other light.

[0079] The half-mirror layer 79M acts as a mirror for the bather P1, making it difficult to see inside the lower unit 70 due to the difference in brightness between the outside and inside of the lower unit 70, or in other words, the difference in brightness between the outer surface and the back surface of the lower cover 79.

[0080] As shown in Figure 7, the heat dissipation promotion section 78 has an annular shape in which the diameter of the upper outer peripheral edge is larger than the diameter of the lower outer peripheral edge. The heat dissipation promotion section 78 is made of metal, and in this embodiment it is made of aluminum alloy. The outer surface of the heat dissipation promotion section 78 is treated with a surface treatment to minimize the design difference with the half-mirror layer 79M of the lower cover 79.

[0081] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the lower base 77 is disc-shaped. The lower base 77 is made of a resin with high strength and rigidity.

[0082] As shown in Figure 7, the lower unit 70 has a lower case 76. The lower case 76 is roughly cup-shaped and fits inside the lower cover 79 and the heat dissipation promotion section 78. A circular opening 76A is formed at the lower end of the lower case 76 so as to penetrate vertically. Multiple small holes 76B are formed around the opening 76A in the lower case 76 so as to penetrate vertically.

[0083] The outer periphery of the lower case 76 is fastened to the outer periphery of the lower base 77 by multiple screws, with the lower case 76 in contact with the outer periphery of the lower base 77 from below. The upper outer periphery of the heat dissipation promotion section 78 is connected to the outer periphery of the lower case 76.

[0084] Although not shown in the diagram, the power supply unit 40 is located between the lower case 76 and the lower base 77. The power supply unit 40 is a rechargeable battery.

[0085] Although not shown in the diagram, the non-contact power receiving unit 48 is located within the opening 76A of the lower case 76 and is adjacent to the back surface of the lower end of the lower cover 79. The non-contact power receiving unit 48 has a power receiving coil and the like.

[0086] Although not shown in the diagram, multiple light-emitting units 27 are arranged within each small hole 76B and are adjacent to the back surface of the lower cover 79. Each light-emitting unit 27 is an LED that shines light toward the bottom of the bathtub 3.

[0087] Although not shown in the diagram, the center of gravity changing means 49 is located between the lower case 76 and the lower base 77. As shown in Figure 5, the center of gravity changing means 49 has a linear actuator 49A and ballast 49B. When the center of gravity changing means 49 is activated, the linear actuator 49A moves the ballast 49B to change the center of gravity CG1, which will be described later. When the center of gravity changing means 49 ceases operation, the linear actuator 49A moves the ballast 49B back to its original position, returning the center of gravity CG1 to its original state, which will be described later.

[0088] As shown in Figure 3, the intermediate unit 60 has a middle cover 69. The shape of the outer surface of the middle cover 69 is the shape of the middle portion when a sphere is divided into three parts in the vertical direction.

[0089] The upper outer edge of the middle cover 69 is connected to the outer edge of the upper cover 59. The lower outer edge of the middle cover 69 is connected to the upper outer edge of the heat dissipation promotion section 78. The middle cover 69 is made of transparent resin.

[0090] A 3D hologram LCD 12 is supported in the center of the underside of the upper base 57. The liquid crystal display surface of the 3D hologram LCD 12 faces downwards and is exposed to the intermediate unit 60.

[0091] As shown in Figure 5, the 3D hologram LCD 12 is connected to the control unit C1. The 3D hologram LCD 12 is controlled by the control unit C1 and displays four images corresponding to the intermediate display unit 10 and the auxiliary intermediate display units 11L, 11R, and 11B on the liquid crystal display surface.

[0092] As shown in Figure 2, the 3D hologram virtual image display pyramid 13 is a square pyramidal transparent resin molded product, and the surface of the resin is treated with a half-mirror coating. The 3D hologram virtual image display pyramid 13 is positioned in the center of the upper surface of the lower base 77 and protrudes upward. The four slopes of the 3D hologram virtual image display pyramid 13 correspond to the intermediate display section 10 and the auxiliary intermediate display sections 11L, 11R, and 11B.

[0093] The intermediate display unit 10 is a virtual image displayed by the 3D hologram LCD 12 and the front slope of the 3D hologram virtual image display pyramid 13. The auxiliary intermediate display unit 11L is a virtual image displayed by the 3D hologram LCD 12 and the left slope of the 3D hologram virtual image display pyramid 13. The auxiliary intermediate display unit 11R is a virtual image displayed by the 3D hologram LCD 12 and the right slope of the 3D hologram virtual image display pyramid 13. The auxiliary intermediate display unit 11B is a virtual image displayed by the 3D hologram LCD 12 and the rear slope of the 3D hologram virtual image display pyramid 13.

[0094] The intermediate display unit 10 and the auxiliary intermediate display units 11L, 11R, and 11B are located away from the outer surface of the middle cover 69 toward the center of the device body 2.

[0095] The intermediate display unit 10 and the auxiliary intermediate display units 11L, 11R, and 11B display various information such as characters, figures, and patterns as virtual images when the 3D hologram LCD 12 is controlled by the control unit C1. In this embodiment, the auxiliary intermediate display units 11L, 11R, and 11B display the same information as the intermediate display unit 10.

[0096] In other words, the intermediate display unit 10 and the auxiliary intermediate display units 11L, 11R, and 11B share the 3D hologram LCD 12 and the 3D hologram virtual image display pyramid 13.

[0097] As shown in Figure 7, the heat transfer sections 80L and 80R are rectangular tubular metal parts that extend vertically. In this embodiment, the heat transfer sections 80L and 80R are made up of a combination of an aluminum alloy molded material that extends vertically with a roughly "C" shaped cross-section, and an aluminum alloy plate material that extends vertically and closes the open portion of the roughly "C" shaped cross-section in the molded material.

[0098] The upper end of the heat transfer section 80L is fastened to the rear and left-side portion of the upper frame 58. The upper end of the heat transfer section 80R is fastened to the rear and right-side portion of the upper frame 58.

[0099] The lower end of the heat transfer section 80L penetrates the rear and left-side portion of the lower base 77. The lower end of the heat transfer section 80R penetrates the rear and right-side portion of the lower base 77. The lower ends of the heat transfer sections 80L and 80R are fastened to the lower base 77 on the back side of the lower base 77 and connected to the heat dissipation promotion section 78 with the lower base 77 and lower case 76 interposed between them.

[0100] In other words, the heat transfer sections 80L and 80R are connected to the upper unit 50 and the heat dissipation promotion section 78.

[0101] As shown in Figure 5, the electrical wiring WH1 passes through the heat transfer section 80L and electrically connects the power supply section 40 and the contactless power receiving section 48 with the control section C1. The electrical wiring WH1 has a power supply line and a signal line for the control section C1 to control the power supply section 40 and the contactless power receiving section 48.

[0102] The electrical wiring WH2 passes through the heat transfer section 80R and electrically connects each light-emitting section 27 and the center of gravity changing means 49 to the control unit C1.

[0103] The power supply unit 40 supplies power to the control unit C1. The power supply unit 40 also supplies power to the imaging unit 30, the upper display unit 20, the speaker 29, each operation unit 18, the communication unit 19, each light-emitting unit 27, and the center of gravity changing means 49 via the control unit C1. Furthermore, the power supply unit 40 supplies power to the 3D hologram LCD 12 shared by the intermediate display unit 10 and the auxiliary intermediate display units 11L, 11R, and 11B via the control unit C1.

[0104] <Charging device> As shown in Figure 5, the charging device 100 includes a charging control unit 101 and a contactless power supply unit 108. As shown in Figure 4, the charging device 100 has a recess 103 on which a support surface 102 is formed. The support surface 102 is an annular curved surface that matches the outer surface of the heat transfer promotion unit 78 of the lower unit 70. The contactless power supply unit 108 is located in the center of the bottom surface of the recess 103.

[0105] As shown by the dashed line in Figure 1, when not in use, the biological information measuring device 1 is carried to the changing room R2 and placed on the charging device 100. At this time, as shown in Figure 4, the device body 2 is positioned relative to the charging device 100 in a predetermined charging posture, with the heat transfer promotion section 78 of the lower unit 70 supported by the support surface 102 of the recess 103, that is, the upper unit 50, the intermediate unit 60, and the lower unit 70 are aligned vertically without tilting. In order to prevent the spherical device body 2 from being positioned misaligned with the predetermined charging posture relative to the charging device 100, protrusions, flat surfaces, legs, etc., may be formed on the outer surface of the lower unit 70 to determine its posture. In this case, it is desirable that the protrusions, flat surfaces, legs, etc., be small so as not to impair the spherical appearance of the device body 2.

[0106] In this state, the power supply unit 40 is charged by contactless power supply from the charging device 100 via a contactless power supply unit 108 controlled by the charging control unit 101 and a contactless power receiving unit 48 located directly above the contactless power supply unit 108. When the power supply unit 40 is fully charged, the charging device 100 stops contactless power supply.

[0107] With the device body 2 positioned in the charging position relative to the charging device 100, the center of gravity CG1 of the biological information measuring device 1 is located below and behind the center point CP1 of the spherical device body 2.

[0108] <The device itself is floating in the stored water.> As shown by the solid line in Figure 1, when the biometric information measuring device 1 is used, it is carried to the bathroom R1 and the device body 2 is set to float in the stored water PW1. As a result, as shown in Figure 8, the center of gravity CG1 of the biometric information measuring device 1 is located vertically downward from the center point CP1 of the device body 2. In other words, when the device body 2 floats in the stored water PW1, it tilts from its charging position based on the center of gravity CG1.

[0109] The position of the center of gravity CG1 shown in Figures 4 and 8 is the position that has not been changed by the stopped center of gravity changing means 49. The position of the center of gravity CG1 shown by the dashed line in Figure 11 is also the position that has not been changed by the stopped center of gravity changing means 49. The position of the center of gravity CG1 (CG1A) shown by the solid line in Figure 11 is the position that has been changed by the activated center of gravity changing means 49.

[0110] As shown in Figure 8, the lower unit 70 is positioned below the water surface PW1A of the stored water PW1, with the main body of the device 2 floating on the stored water PW1.

[0111] The heat dissipation promotion unit 78 is positioned so that, with the device body 2 floating in the stored water PW1, most of it is below the water surface PW1A of the stored water PW1, and its outer surface is in contact with the stored water PW1. Heat is generated within the upper unit 50, mainly by the calculation processing of the control unit C1, and the temperature may rise to about 60°C. The heat transfer units 80L and 80R, made of aluminum alloy, receive the heat generated within the upper unit 50 at their upper ends and transfer it to their lower ends, from which it is transferred to the stored water PW1 via the lower base 77, lower case 76 and heat dissipation promotion unit 78 of the lower unit 80. Since the heat dissipation promotion unit 78 is made of aluminum alloy, it can efficiently dissipate heat into the stored water PW1. As a result, this biological information measuring device 1 can suppress malfunctions caused by excessive temperature rise within the upper unit 50.

[0112] With the main body of the device 2 floating in the stored water PW1, the light-receiving unit 31 and the shielding member 32 of the imaging unit 30 are positioned above the water surface PW1A of the stored water PW1.

[0113] With the main body 2 floating in the stored water PW1, the shooting direction D3 of the shooting unit 30 is such that, in a side view, it is tilted upward with a predetermined shooting angle α3 relative to the water surface PW1A of the stored water PW1. In other words, the center of gravity CG1 of the biological information measuring device 1 is set such that, with the main body 2 floating in the stored water PW1, the shooting direction D3 of the shooting unit 30 is tilted upward with a predetermined shooting angle α3 relative to the water surface PW1A of the stored water PW1 in a side view.

[0114] In this embodiment, as an example, the predetermined shooting angle α3 is approximately 25° to 35°.

[0115] With the main body 2 floating in the stored water PW1, the display direction D1 of the intermediate display unit 10 is such that, in a side view, it is tilted upward with a predetermined first display angle α1 relative to the water surface PW1A of the stored water PW1. In other words, the center of gravity CG1 of the biological information measuring device 1 is set such that, with the main body 2 floating in the stored water PW1, in a side view, the display direction D1 of the intermediate display unit 10 is tilted upward with a predetermined first display angle α1 relative to the water surface PW1A of the stored water PW1.

[0116] In this embodiment, as an example, the predetermined first display angle α1 is approximately 25° to 35°.

[0117] The display direction D1 of the intermediate display unit 10 is perpendicular to the center point of the rectangular display surface of the intermediate display unit 10 and is the direction in which the intermediate display unit 10 faces.

[0118] With the main unit 2 floating in the stored water PW1, the display direction D2 of the upper display unit 20 is, in a side view, inclined upward at a display angle α2A with respect to the water surface PW1A of the stored water PW1. The display direction D2 of the upper display unit 20 is different from the display direction D1 of the intermediate display unit 10.

[0119] In this embodiment, as an example, the display angle α2A is approximately 70° to 80°.

[0120] The display direction D2 of the upper display unit 20 is perpendicular to the minute portion located in the center of the display surface of the upper display unit 20, which is a rectangular curved surface, and is the direction in which the upper display unit 20 faces.

[0121] The angle α31 formed by the shooting direction D3 of the shooting unit 30 and the display direction D1 of the intermediate display unit 10 is smaller than the angle α32 formed by the shooting direction D3 of the shooting unit 30 and the display direction D2 of the upper display unit 20.

[0122] For comparison, Figure 4 shows the shooting direction D3 of the shooting unit 30, the display direction D1 of the intermediate display unit 10, and the display direction D2 of the upper display unit 20 when the device body 2 is positioned in the charging position relative to the charging device 100.

[0123] With the device body 2 positioned in the charging position relative to the charging device 100, the shooting direction D3 of the shooting unit 30 is, in a side view, tilted upward at a slight shooting angle α3C relative to the horizontal, or parallel to the horizontal (shooting angle α3C = 0). In this embodiment, as an example, the display angle α3C is about a few degrees.

[0124] With the device body 2 positioned in the charging position relative to the charging device 100, the display direction D1 of the intermediate display unit 10 is, in a side view, either tilted upward at a slight display angle α1C with respect to the horizontal direction (a direction that intersects the horizontal direction at a different display angle α1C than the first display angle α1), or parallel to the horizontal direction (display angle α1C = 0°). In this embodiment, as an example, the display angle α1C is 0°.

[0125] With the main unit 2 positioned in the charging position relative to the charging device 100, the display direction D2 of the upper display unit 20 is, in a side view, inclined upward by a display angle α2C greater than the display angles α1C and α2A in the horizontal direction, or in an upward direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction (display angle α2C = 90°). Therefore, during charging of the power supply unit 40, the upper display unit 20 has higher visibility than the intermediate display unit 10, and it is preferable to notify the charging status etc. using the upper display unit 20. The reference point when measuring the display angles α2A and α2C is set so that the display angles α2A and α2C are 90° or less.

[0126] <Changing the center of gravity using a means of changing the center of gravity> As shown in Figure 11, the center of gravity changing means 49 is activated when the device body 2 is floating in the stored water PW1 and notification from the upper display unit 20 should take precedence over notification from the intermediate display unit 10. The center of gravity changing means 49 then changes the center of gravity CG1 to the center of gravity CG1(CG1A) such that the display direction D2 of the upper display unit 20 intersects upward with respect to the water surface PW1A of the stored water PW1 at a predetermined second display angle α2 when viewed from the side.

[0127] In this embodiment, as an example, the predetermined second display angle α2 is approximately 85° to 90°. As a result, when the shooting direction D3 of the shooting unit 30 faces the bather P1, the upper display unit 20, which is tilted to the opposite side of the bather P1, is changed to face almost directly upwards by the change in the center of gravity CG1 (CG1A), and its tilt is almost eliminated. Furthermore, when the bather P1 does not hold the device body 2 floating in the stored water PW1 with their hands and the device body 2 can rotate freely, the visibility of the upper display unit 20, which faces almost directly upwards, is less affected by changes in the rotational position of the device body 2. As a result, the bather P1 can easily see the upper display unit 20. Note that the base point when measuring the display angle α2 is also set so that the display angle α2 is 90° or less.

[0128] In this embodiment, the time when notification from the upper display unit 20 should take precedence over notification from the intermediate display unit 10 is when the respiratory guidance notification process described later is performed.

[0129] As shown in Figure 8, when the device body 2 is floating in the stored water PW1, and notification from the intermediate display unit 10 should take precedence over notification from the upper display unit 20, the center of gravity changing means 49 stops and does not change the center of gravity CG1.

[0130] When the main unit 2 is floating in the stored water PW1 and the imaging unit 30 is taking a picture, the center of gravity changing means 49 stops and does not change the center of gravity CG1, and the notification from the intermediate display unit 10 takes precedence over the notification from the upper display unit 20. In other words, when the imaging unit 30 is taking a picture, the notification from the intermediate display unit 10, whose display direction D1 is close to the imaging direction D3, should take precedence over the notification from the upper display unit 20.

[0131] <Measurement mode, remote control mode, and respiratory guidance mode> When the bather P1 carries the biometric information measuring device 1 to the bathroom R1 and the device body 2 floats in the stored water PW1, the bather P1 makes an operation input to the control unit 18 (18A), causing the biometric information measuring device 1 to switch from sleep mode to operating mode. As a result, the control unit C1 executes the program according to the flowchart shown in Figures 9 and 10. At this time, the center of gravity changing means 49 is stopped.

[0132] The bather P1 selects the measurement mode, remote control mode, or respiratory guidance mode by inputting an operation to the control unit 18 (18B).

[0133] The measurement mode measures the vital signs of the bather P1, estimates their autonomic nervous system state, and notifies the bather P1. The remote control mode allows for remote operation of the hot water supply system 90. The breathing guidance mode provides breathing guidance to the bather P1 to help them achieve a "relaxing effect."

[0134] First, in step S101 shown in Figure 9, the control unit C1 determines whether the bather P1 has selected the measurement mode. If the answer in step S101 is "Yes", the control unit C1 proceeds to step S111. The processing details from step S111 onwards will be described later. On the other hand, if the answer in step S101 is "No", the control unit C1 proceeds to step S102.

[0135] In step S102, the control unit C1 determines whether the bather P1 has selected remote control mode. If the answer in step S102 is "Yes", the control unit C1 proceeds to step S121. The processing details from step S121 onwards will be described later. On the other hand, if the answer in step S102 is "No", the control unit C1 proceeds to step S103 shown in Figure 10.

[0136] In step S103, the control unit C1 determines whether the bather P1 has selected the breathing guidance mode. If the answer in step S103 is "Yes", the control unit C1 proceeds to step S131. The processing details from step S131 onwards will be described later. On the other hand, if the answer in step S103 is "No", the control unit C1 proceeds to step S105 as shown in Figure 9.

[0137] In step S105, the control unit C1 determines whether or not it has received an input from the bather P1 to exit the bath. If the bather P1 who intends to exit the bath makes an input to the operation unit 18 (18A), the result is "Yes" in step S103, and the control unit C1 terminates this program. The biological information measuring device 1 then switches from the operating state to the sleep state. On the other hand, if the result is "No" in step S105, the control unit C1 returns to step S101.

[0138] When the system transitions from step S101 to step S111, the control unit C1 starts the measurement mode. In step S111, the control unit C1 starts taking images using the imaging unit 30. The imaging unit 30 takes an image via the light receiving unit 31 and transmits the image data to the control unit C1.

[0139] Next, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S112, where it displays the shooting direction D3 of the shooting unit 30 on the upper display unit 20. For example, the upper display unit 20 uses a 16x16 dot matrix to illuminate and display an arrow pointing to the shooting direction D3 of the shooting unit 30. More precisely, the shooting direction D3 of the shooting unit 30 displayed by the upper display unit 20 is the direction excluding the component that is inclined upward with respect to the water surface PW1A. In other words, the shooting direction D3 of the shooting unit 30 displayed by the upper display unit 20 is the direction pointed to by the center line when the field of view of the lens of the light-receiving unit 31 of the shooting unit 30 is viewed from a planar perspective.

[0140] Based on the illuminated display on the upper display unit 20, the bather P1 places their hand on the main body 2 so that the light-receiving unit 31 of the shooting unit 30 is facing the bather P1. As a result, the shooting unit 30, whose shooting direction D3 is tilted upward with respect to the water surface PW1A, captures an image of the bather P1 (especially an image of their face) via the light-receiving unit 31.

[0141] Next, the control unit C1 moves to step S113 and determines whether or not an image of the bather P1 has been captured for a predetermined time. The predetermined time is, for example, a few seconds to several tens of seconds. At this time, the control unit C1 makes a determination based on the results of image processing by the image processing unit C1G, which processes the image captured by the shooting unit 30 and extracts the body (especially the face) of the bather P1 from that image.

[0142] If the answer in step S113 is "No", the control unit C1 repeats steps S112 and S113. If the answer in step S113 is "Yes", the control unit C1 proceeds to step S114.

[0143] In step S114, the control unit C1 finishes taking images with the imaging unit 30 and finishes displaying the imaging direction D3 of the imaging unit 30 with the upper display unit 20, and then proceeds to step S115.

[0144] When the process moves to step S115, the biological information generation processing unit C1A functions and executes the biological information generation process. The biological information generation process is an example of the "predetermined process" of the present invention. Based on the image data transmitted from the imaging unit 30, and more specifically based on the physical condition of the bather P1 contained in the image captured by the imaging unit 30, the biological information generation processing unit C1A generates digitized biological information that includes at least the vital state of the bather P1.

[0145] The control unit C1 stores the biological information generated by the biological information generation processing unit C1A in the storage unit C1M for use as health management data for the bather P1, and also uses it to observe changes in the bather P1's physical condition and to determine whether there are any safety issues with the bather P1.

[0146] The physical condition of the bather P1 included in the image captured by the camera unit 30 includes the image of the bather P1's body (especially the image of the face) included in the image captured by the camera unit 30, and the temporal changes in the hue, brightness, and saturation of multiple pixels that make up that image.

[0147] The vital signs of the bather P1 are at least included in the biometric information, and the quantified biometric information includes pulse wave, heart rate, respiration, core body temperature, etc. The pulse wave is a wave of propagation of changes in arterial pressure (pulse pressure) associated with the heartbeat, and distortion occurs in the waveform as it is transmitted to the periphery.

[0148] In this embodiment, the image processing unit C1G processes the image captured by the imaging unit 30, and the biological information generation processing unit C1A detects pulse wave, heart rate, respiration, and core body temperature as numerical information based on the image processing results.

[0149] For example, pulse waves are detected by the temporal changes in brightness of the face. Respiratory rate and depth of breathing are detected by quantifying and processing fluctuations in the nostrils, mouth, chest, etc. The biological information generation processing unit C1A then processes the information extracted from the detected pulse waves and generates numerical information such as heart rate, electrocardiogram waveform, and heart rate variability analysis index (LF / HF, etc.). Core body temperature is detected, for example, by quantifying and processing the heat distribution and its changes based on infrared radiation emitted from the face, and the information extracted from the detected pulse waves, and then performing estimation based on machine learning.

[0150] Next, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S116. Then, the autonomic nervous system state estimation processing unit C1B functions and performs the autonomic nervous system state estimation process. The autonomic nervous system state estimation processing unit C1B estimates the autonomic nervous system state of the bather P1 based on the biological information generated in step S115. The autonomic nervous system state refers to, for example, a state in which the sympathetic nervous system is dominant, a state in which the parasympathetic nervous system is dominant, etc. For example, if the heart rate is high, it can be estimated that the sympathetic nervous system is dominant, and if the heart rate is low, it can be estimated that the parasympathetic nervous system is dominant.

[0151] Next, the control unit C1 moves to step S117 and controls the intermediate display unit 10, auxiliary intermediate display units 11L, 11R, 11B, and upper display unit 20 to inform the bather P1 of biological information and autonomic nervous system status by display. The control unit C1 also controls the speaker 29 to inform the bather P1 of biological information and autonomic nervous system status by voice message.

[0152] Next, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S105. The processing content of step S105 is as described above.

[0153] When the system transitions from step S102 to step S121, the control unit C1 starts remote control mode. In step S121, the control unit C1 receives operation inputs from the bather P1 for the bath filling function, reheating function, heat retention function, and water refilling function via the operation unit 18 (18C, 18D, 18E).

[0154] In this process, the control unit C1 controls the intermediate display unit 10 and the upper display unit 20 to display items for selecting the hot water filling function, reheating function, heat retention function, and hot water addition function, as well as numerical values ​​related to these functions. The control unit C1 also controls the speaker 29 to announce the items for selecting the hot water filling function, reheating function, heat retention function, and hot water addition function, as well as numerical values ​​related to these functions, via voice messages.

[0155] Next, the control unit C1 moves to step S122 and controls the communication unit 19 to send an execution instruction to the bathroom remote control 99 for the function for which an operation input has been received from among the bath filling function, reheating function, heat retention function, and hot water addition function. The bathroom remote control 99 transmits the received execution instruction to the hot water supply unit 90. In this way, the bio-information measuring device 1 remotely operates the hot water supply unit 90 in remote control mode.

[0156] Next, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S105. The processing content of step S105 is as described above.

[0157] When the system transitions from step S103 to step S131 shown in Figure 10, the control unit C1 starts the respiratory guidance mode. The control unit C1 executes the processes in steps S131 to S136. The processes in steps S131 to S136 are the same as those in steps S111 to S116 shown in Figure 9, so their explanation is omitted.

[0158] After completing steps S131 to S136 shown in Figure 10, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S137, activating the center of gravity changing means 49 to change the center of gravity CG1 to CG1(CG1A). As a result, the upper display unit 20, which is tilted to the opposite side of the bather P1 when the shooting direction D3 of the shooting unit 30 is facing the bather P1, becomes almost directly upward and its tilt almost disappears as the center of gravity is changed to CG1(CG1A). Furthermore, when the bather P1 does not hold the device body 2 floating in the stored water PW1 with their hands and the device body 2 can rotate freely, the visibility of the upper display unit 20, which is now facing almost directly upward, is less affected by changes in the rotational posture of the device body 2. As a result, the bather P1 can more easily see the upper display unit 20. In addition, each light-emitting unit 27 can more easily illuminate the bottom of the bathtub 3 evenly.

[0159] Next, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S138. Then, the respiratory guidance notification processing unit C1C functions and performs respiratory guidance notification processing. Specifically, the respiratory guidance notification processing unit C1C controls the intermediate display unit 10, auxiliary intermediate display units 11L, 11R, 11B, upper display unit 20, each light-emitting unit 27, and speaker 29 to notify the bather P1 of respiratory guidance through display and sound. In this case, the respiratory guidance notification processing unit C1C prioritizes notifying the bather P1 of respiratory guidance using the upper display unit 20, which is easier for the bather P1 to see.

[0160] Respiratory guidance refers to guidance that encourages the bather P1 to take deep breaths (abdominal breathing). Specific examples of respiratory guidance include flashing displays or intermittently emitting sounds according to the desired breathing frequency (breaths / minute). Another specific example of respiratory guidance is switching between displays of marks or colors corresponding to inhalation and exhalation, or switching between sounds or voice messages corresponding to inhalation and sounds or voice messages corresponding to exhalation, depending on the breathing pattern defined by the length of each inhalation and exhalation.

[0161] The respiratory guidance notification processing unit C1C changes the content of the guidance notified in the respiratory guidance notification process based on the autonomic nervous system state estimated in step S136. For example, if the respiratory guidance notification processing unit C1C estimates that the autonomic nervous system state is one in which the sympathetic nervous system is dominant, it will slow down the tempo of the respiratory guidance notification to reduce the breathing frequency (breaths / minute) or increase the time required for the respiratory guidance notification process, depending on the degree of dominance.

[0162] The respiratory guidance notification processing unit C1C terminates the respiratory guidance notification process once the required time for the respiratory guidance notification process has elapsed.

[0163] Next, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S139, stopping the center of gravity changing means 49 and returning the center of gravity CG1 to its original position.

[0164] Next, the control unit C1 executes the processes in steps S141 to S146. The processes in steps S141 to S146 are the same as those in steps S111 to S116 shown in Figure 9, so their explanation is omitted.

[0165] After completing steps S141 to S146 shown in Figure 10, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S148. The control unit C1 then controls the intermediate display unit 10, auxiliary intermediate display units 11L, 11R, 11B, and upper display unit 20 to inform the bather P1 of biological information and autonomic nervous system status through displays. The control unit C1 also controls the speaker 29 to inform the bather P1 of biological information and autonomic nervous system status through voice messages. As a result, the bather P1 can experience the relaxation effect of the breathing guidance.

[0166] Next, the control unit C1 proceeds to step S105 shown in Figure 9. The processing content of step S105 is as described above.

[0167] <Integration with mobile devices and external servers> The control unit C1 controls the communication unit 19 as appropriate and transmits the biometric information stored in the memory unit C1M to the mobile terminal 8 or external server 9. This allows the biometric information measuring device 1 to reduce the capacity of the memory unit C1M. Transmission to the mobile terminal 8 or external server 9 can be performed directly from the biometric information measuring device 1 or via the bathroom remote control 99, water heater 90, kitchen remote control 98, and wireless router 7.

[0168] After bathing, the bather P1 can use a mobile terminal 8 to analyze the biometric information measured by the biometric information measuring device 1, or receive advanced advice on health management and medical care based on the biometric information from an external server 9.

[0169] <Effects and Effects>

[0170] In the biological information measuring device 1 of the embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the charging position of the device body 2 can be determined by prioritizing the improvement of the charging efficiency of the power supply unit 40 over the visibility of the intermediate display unit 10.

[0171] As shown in Figure 8, when the device body 2 floats in the stored water PW1, it tilts from its charging position based on the center of gravity CG1, and the intermediate display unit 10 naturally faces diagonally upward, making it easier for the bather P1 to see the intermediate display unit 10. Therefore, the bather P1 does not need to hold the device body 2 and tilt it to adjust the display direction D1 of the intermediate display unit 10.

[0172] Therefore, the bio-information measuring device 1 of the embodiment can improve the visibility of the intermediate display unit 10 to the bather P1 while suppressing any inconvenience the bather P1 may feel.

[0173] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the upper display unit 20 of this biological information measuring device 1 is located above the intermediate display unit 10 on the device body 2. The display direction D2 of the upper display unit 20 is different from the display direction D1 of the intermediate display unit 10. When the device body 2 is floating in the stored water PW1 and notification from the upper display unit 20 should take precedence over notification from the intermediate display unit 10, in step S137 shown in Figure 10, the center of gravity changing means 49 changes the center of gravity CG1 to CG1(CG1A) as shown in Figure 11. When notification from the intermediate display unit 10 should take precedence over notification from the upper display unit 20, the center of gravity changing means 49 does not change the center of gravity CG1, as shown in Figure 8. In this way, by changing or not changing the center of gravity CG1 depending on the situation, the intermediate display unit 10 and the upper display unit 20 can be used interchangeably, thereby improving user convenience.

[0174] Furthermore, in this biological information measuring device 1, the device body 2 is a sphere that houses the imaging unit 30, control unit C1, intermediate display unit 10, auxiliary intermediate display units 11L, 11R, 11B, upper display unit 20, speaker 29, operation unit 18, communication unit 19, power supply unit 40, contactless power receiving unit 48, light-emitting unit 27, and center of gravity changing means 49. With this configuration, even if the center of gravity changing means 49 changes the center of gravity CG1, the state in which the device body 2 floats in the stored water PW1 does not visually change. As a result, this biological information measuring device 1 can prioritize notification from the upper display unit 20 over notification from the intermediate display unit 10 while suppressing any sense of incongruity regarding the design.

[0175] Furthermore, in this biological information measuring device 1, the angle α31 formed by the shooting direction D3 of the shooting unit 30 and the display direction D1 of the intermediate display unit 10 is smaller than the angle α32 formed by the shooting direction D3 of the shooting unit 30 and the display direction D2 of the upper display unit 20. When the shooting unit 30 takes a picture while the device body 2 is floating in the stored water PW1, the center of gravity changing means 49 does not change the center of gravity CG1, and the notification from the intermediate display unit 10 takes priority over the notification from the upper display unit 20. With this configuration, the shooting unit 30 takes a picture in a state where the notification from the intermediate display unit 10, which is facing a direction close to the shooting direction D3 of the shooting unit 30, takes priority over the notification from the upper display unit 20, so that the intermediate display unit 10 can suitably notify the bather P1 of the progress of processing and processing results based on the image taken by the shooting unit 30.

[0176] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, this bio-information measuring device 1 is a processing device that measures bio-information, including at least the vital signs of the bather P1. The control unit C1 controls the imaging unit 30 to perform bio-information generation processing, which generates bio-information based on the image. The intermediate display unit 10 is controlled by the control unit C1 and notifies the bather P1 of the bio-information. To use this bio-information measuring device 1, the bather P1 simply floats the device body 2 in the stored water PW1 and places their hand on the device body 2 so that the imaging direction D3 of the imaging unit 30 faces the bather P1, and their bio-information can be measured. In other words, this bio-information measuring device 1 does not require any major construction work on the bathroom R1 or bathtub 3 for installation.

[0177] In this bio-information measuring device 1, the imaging unit 30 is installed on the main body 2 of the device, which floats in the stored water PW1, and captures an image of the bather P1 near the bather P1. As a result, the image captured by this bio-information measuring device 1 is less susceptible to noise from steam, etc., compared to a case where the imaging unit 30 is installed on the inner wall surface of the bathroom R1 or the like and captures an image of the bather P1. Consequently, this bio-information measuring device 1 can achieve high accuracy in the bio-information generated by the bio-information generation process.

[0178] Furthermore, in this bio-information measuring device 1, the bio-information generation process, which generates bio-information based on images, can collect more bio-information, such as pulse wave, respiratory rate, respiratory depth, skin color, and heat distribution, than a configuration that detects electrocardiogram signals with electrodes and measures electrocardiogram waveforms, heart rate, etc. As a result, this bio-information measuring device 1 can achieve high accuracy in the bio-information generated by the bio-information generation process.

[0179] Furthermore, this biometric information measuring device 1, with the intermediate display unit 10 configured as described above, can improve the visibility of the intermediate display unit 10 that displays biometric information while suppressing any inconvenience felt by the bather P1.

[0180] Therefore, this biometric information measuring device 1 can reduce the introduction cost while improving the quality of biometric information services provided to bathers P1.

[0181] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to examples, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above examples and can be applied with appropriate modifications without departing from its spirit.

[0182] In this embodiment, the center of gravity changing means 49 changes the center of gravity using a linear actuator 49A and ballast 49B, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the center of gravity changing means may change the center of gravity by sucking in or discharging stored water with a syringe and plunger.

[0183] In this embodiment, the intermediate display unit 10 is a virtual image displayed by a 3D hologram LCD 12 and a 3D hologram virtual image display pyramid 13, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the intermediate display unit may be a liquid crystal display or the like.

[0184] In this embodiment, the lower unit 70 is positioned partially below the water surface PW1A of the stored water PW1 while the main body of the device 2 is floating on the stored water PW1. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the entire lower unit may be positioned below the water surface of the stored water while the main body of the device is floating on the stored water.

[0185] In this embodiment, the power supply unit 40 is charged by non-contact power supply from the charging device 100 via the non-contact power supply unit 108 and the non-contact power receiving unit 48. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the power supply unit may have a power receiving terminal that can contact the power supply terminal on the charging device side when the device body is mounted sideways to the charging device, and may be charged by contact power supply from the charging device.

[0186] In the embodiment, the in-bathtub type processing device is a biological information measuring device 1, and the predetermined process is a biological information generation process, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the in-bathtub type processing device may be a floating matter removal device, and the predetermined process may be a floating matter removal process. Alternatively, the in-bathtub type processing device may be a microbubble generating device, and the predetermined process may be a microbubble generating process. Furthermore, the in-bathtub type processing device may be a projection device, and the predetermined process may be a projection process. [Industrial applicability]

[0187] This invention can be used, for example, in houses and facilities that have bathrooms installed. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0188] 1…In-bathtub type processing device (biometric information measuring device) 3…Bathtub PW1...Storage water 2…Main unit of the device PW1A...Water level of the stored water C1…Processing Unit (Control Unit) P1... Bathers 10...Display section (intermediate display section) 40…Power supply section D1…Display direction of the display unit (display direction of the intermediate display unit) α1…Predetermined first display angle CG1…center of gravity 100…Charging device 20...Sub display section (upper display section) D2…Display direction of the sub-display (display direction of the upper display) 49...Means of changing the center of gravity α2…Predetermined second display angle 30…Photography Department D3... Shooting direction of the photography department α31…Angle between the shooting direction of the shooting unit and the display direction of the display unit (intermediate display unit) α32…Angle formed by the shooting direction of the shooting unit and the display direction of the sub-display unit (upper display unit).

Claims

1. A device body capable of floating in the water stored in the bathtub, A processing unit is provided in the main body of the apparatus, and performs a predetermined process while the main body of the apparatus is floating in the stored water, The main body of the device includes a display unit that displays processing information related to the processing to the bather in the bathtub, A power supply unit provided in the main body of the device, which supplies power to the processing unit and the display unit, Equipped with, With the device body floating in the stored water, the center of gravity is set such that the display direction of the display unit is inclined upward with respect to the water surface at a predetermined first display angle. The power supply unit is charged by contact-type or contactless power supply from the charging device while the device body is positioned in a predetermined charging position relative to the charging device compatible with the processing device. A bathtub-type processing apparatus characterized in that, when the main body of the apparatus is positioned in the charging position, the display direction of the display unit is in a direction that intersects the horizontal direction at an angle different from the first display angle, or in a direction parallel to the horizontal direction.

2. A sub-display unit is provided in the main body of the device at a position away from the display unit, and is used to inform the bather of the processing information by display, wherein the display direction of the sub-display unit is different from the display direction of the display unit. A center of gravity changing means provided on the main body of the device, wherein, while the main body of the device is floating in the stored water, the center of gravity is changed so that the display direction of the sub-display unit intersects the water surface upward at a predetermined second display angle, Equipped with, The power supply unit also supplies power to the sub-display unit and the center of gravity changing means. The in-bathtub type processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the apparatus body is floating in the stored water, the center of gravity changing means changes the center of gravity when the notification from the sub-display unit should take precedence over the notification from the display unit, and the center of gravity changing means does not change the center of gravity when the notification from the display unit should take precedence over the notification from the sub-display unit.

3. The apparatus for use in a bathtub according to claim 2, wherein the apparatus body is a sphere housing the processing unit, the display unit, the sub-display unit, the power supply unit, and the center of gravity changing means.

4. The device body is provided with a shooting unit for taking images of the bather, The power supply unit also supplies power to the imaging unit. The processing unit executes the processing based on the image, The angle between the shooting direction of the shooting unit and the display direction of the display unit is smaller than the angle between the shooting direction and the display direction of the sub-display unit. The in-bathtub type processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the main body of the apparatus is floating in the stored water and the imaging unit is taking a photograph, the center of gravity changing means does not change the center of gravity, and notification by the display unit takes precedence over notification by the sub-display unit.

5. The processing apparatus for measuring biological information, which includes at least the vital signs of the person bathing, The device body is provided with a shooting unit for taking images of the bather, The power supply unit also supplies power to the imaging unit. The processing unit is a control unit that controls the imaging unit and executes a biological information generation process as the process, which generates the biological information based on the image. The display unit is controlled by the control unit and notifies the bather of the biological information as processing information, as described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

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