Usage status display device

Abstract

We provide a booth usage status display device that offers high visibility, minimal false detection, a structure that can be easily retrofitted to existing booths, can be used in any location, and can be used at any time of day or night. [Solution] The fitting booth 5 comprises a mat sensor 2a laid on the floor surface of the fitting booth 5, an indicator lamp 3a attached to the fitting booth 5 so that its illuminated section 31a is positioned to be visible from outside the fitting booth 5, and a control unit 4a that controls the display of the indicator lamp 3a based on a detection signal from the mat sensor 2a. The mat sensor 2a is a pressure-type sensor that detects the user's weight and outputs a detection signal to the control unit 4a, and the indicator lamp 3a displays the usage status by turning on or off the illuminated section 31a.

Description

Technical Field

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[0003]

[0001] The present invention relates to a usage status display device that displays the usage status of a booth outside the booth.

Background Art

[0002] In airport lounges, trains, stores, etc., booths for purposes such as telephone answering, work, fitting, and smoking are installed. Also, in various events and exhibitions, fitting booths and private rooms for toilets are installed. In this type of booth, conventionally, when the user locks the door, a display window that switches from "vacant" to "in use" is provided, and the usage status of the booth can be visually recognized. However, since this usage status display is only shown on a small display window at the doorknob part, it is difficult to see from a distance. Also, there was a problem that it was difficult to confirm the usage status (low visibility) at night or when the installation location was dark.

[0003] Regarding this point, for example, technologies such as a technology that determines the usage status of a private room toilet using an infrared sensor and lights up an external lamp (Patent Document 1), and a technology that lights up an external display lamp in conjunction with a lock mechanism (locking) of a temporary toilet (Patent Document 2) have been developed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 had the problem that when using an infrared sensor to determine the usage status of a private toilet stall, false detections frequently occurred due to environmental influences such as direct sunlight. Furthermore, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 2 had the problem that it was difficult to "retrofit" the lock mechanism and indicator lamp of a private toilet stall using an existing booth. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The usage status display device according to the present invention, provided to solve the above problems, is a usage status display device for displaying the usage status of a booth, comprising: a mat sensor which is a pressure type sensor that detects the load of the booth user and outputs a detection signal; an indicator lamp attached to the booth so that the illuminated part is positioned to be visible from outside the booth; and a control unit which controls the display of the indicator lamp based on the detection signal output from the mat sensor, wherein the mat sensor is laid on the floor surface of the booth in a user load area according to the usage mode of the booth, and the indicator lamp displays the usage status by turning on or off the illuminated part.

[0007] Furthermore, the usage status display device according to the present invention is characterized in that the indicator lamp has a cover. Furthermore, the usage status display device according to the present invention is characterized in that the control unit has a time lag control function that maintains the display state of the indicator lamp until a predetermined waiting time has elapsed when the detection signal from the mat sensor is temporarily interrupted.

[0008] Furthermore, the usage status display device according to the present invention is characterized in that the mat sensor, the indicator lamp, and the control unit are in a removable form and can be retrofitted to the booth.

[0009] In this specification, the term "booth" includes those enclosed on all four sides, i.e., front, back, left, and right; those with one side open and enclosed on three sides; those with the top covered by a ceiling; those without a ceiling; and private room-type booths enclosed on all four sides and with a ceiling.

[0010] In this specification, "user load area" means one or more areas on the floor surface where, when a user uses the booth, a load is expected to be applied directly or indirectly from the user to the floor surface by the user's feet, or through a support such as a chair, stool, workbench, or seat. The user load area includes, for example, the central area of ​​the booth floor surface, the area in front of a mirror or hook, the area around a toilet, the area in front of and below an ashtray or workbench, the area below a chair or seat, the area where the legs or base of a chair make contact, or the area at the user's feet.

[0011] The booth on which the usage status display device according to the present invention is installed may be permanent or temporary. Examples of booths on which the usage status display device according to the present invention is installed include private workspaces, lounge spaces, or smoking booths installed in airports, train stations, large commercial facilities, Shinkansen or express trains, or fitting booths, smoking booths, or private toilets installed in stores, or fitting booths, smoking booths, or private toilets that are temporarily installed at various outdoor or indoor events and exhibitions. The usage status display device according to this invention can be installed in the booth during the manufacturing or assembly stage of the booth unit, or retrofitted after the booth has been set up.

[0012] The mat sensor used in the usage status display device according to the present invention is a pressure-type sensor that detects the load applied directly or indirectly from the user to the floor surface by the user's feet or through a support such as a chair placed inside the booth, and outputs a detection signal. Pressure-type sensors are preferable for the usage status display device according to the present invention because their detection results are less affected by environmental factors such as weather and light, and they have fewer false detections. The mat sensor outputs a detection signal while the user is using the private room or booth, that is, while the user's load is acting on the mat, and stops outputting the detection signal when the user leaves the private room or booth. In the usage status display device according to the present invention, since the mat sensor is laid in the user load area according to the manner in which the booth is used, the presence of the user can be detected not only in booths where the user is standing, such as fitting booths and smoking booths, but also in booths where the user is sitting, such as private workspaces and individual booths.

[0013] The indicator lamp used in the usage status display device according to the present invention is, for example, a light bulb or an LED, preferably an LED, and more preferably a high-brightness LED. The indicator lamp displays the usage status by turning on or off the illuminated part. The size of the indicator lamp may be selected to be such that, for example, it does not interfere with the display of goods in the store when installed in a fitting room in a store, or it may be selected to be such that the usage status can be easily seen from a distance when installed in a temporary private toilet at an event venue.

[0014] The color of the indicator lamp is not particularly limited, but white, red, blue, green, yellow, and orange are preferred. If there are multiple indicator lamps, they may all light up or turn off at the same time or at different times. Also, if there are multiple indicator lamps, they may all be the same color or different colors. For example, the indicator lamp showing "in use" may be a red LED, and the indicator lamp showing "vacant" may be a blue LED. That is, when a user is using the booth, the red LED lights up and the blue LED turns off, and when the booth is vacant, the red LED turns off and the blue LED lights up.

[0015] If the booth on which the usage status display device according to this invention is installed is located in a brightly lit store or outdoors on a sunny day, it may be difficult to distinguish whether the indicator light is on or off. Partially shielding the indicator lamp with a cover improves the visibility of whether the indicator light is on or off, even if the installation location is very bright. Therefore, the indicator lamp used in the usage status display device according to this invention may have a cover. The cover may be translucent or open at the front, and opaque at the other parts. The front cover may be translucent only in part, for example, only in the part with the words "In Use" or "Vacant". That is, the words "In Use" may light up when a user is using the booth, and / or the words "Vacant" may light up when the booth is vacant.

[0016] In the usage status display device according to the present invention, the illuminated unit is positioned in a location visible from outside the booth. A position visible from the outside means, for example, when installed in a booth without a top panel, it is installed on the entrance door or the side wall of the entrance opening, preferably above the center of the height of the entrance door or above the center of the height of the upper wall or side wall of the entrance opening. For example, when installed in a private room type booth with a roof, it is positioned on the top surface of the roof, the entrance door or the side wall or top wall of the entrance opening, preferably on the top surface of the roof, above the center of the height of the upper wall of the entrance opening or the entrance door, or above the center of the height of the side wall.

[0017] The control unit of the usage status display device according to this invention receives a detection signal from the mat sensor and transmits a control signal to the indicator lamp. The control unit controls the display by turning the indicator lamp on or off based on the detection signal from the mat sensor. The mat sensor outputs a detection signal while the user is using the private room or booth, that is, while the user's weight is acting on the mat, and stops outputting the detection signal when the user leaves the private room or booth. The transmission and reception of the detection signal between the control unit and the mat sensor may be wired or wireless. Similarly, the transmission and reception of the control signal between the control unit and the indicator lamp may be wired or wireless. If wired, the outer wall of the booth has a small hole for wiring connecting the mat sensor to the control unit.

[0018] Furthermore, the control unit may include a time lag control circuit. The time lag control circuit provides a time lag control function that maintains the "in use" display state until a predetermined waiting time has elapsed when the detection signal from the mat sensor is temporarily interrupted. The predetermined waiting time is set to a sufficient amount of time to prevent the "in use" display from frequently switching between the "in use" and "vacant" displays each time the user moves or lifts their feet inside the booth, and to maintain a stable "in use" display.

[0019] Furthermore, the usage status display device according to the present invention may have a mat sensor, indicator lamp, and control unit that are removable. When the mat sensor, indicator lamp, and control unit are removable, the usage status display device according to the present invention can be easily retrofitted to an existing booth. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the usage status display device of the present invention, since the usage status is displayed by the display lamp, the usage status can be displayed with good visibility even if the installation location of the booth is not bright. When the display lamp of the usage status display device according to the present invention has a cover, the usage status can be displayed with good discrimination even in a very bright place such as outdoors during daytime. Therefore, the usage status display device according to the present invention can be used regardless of the installation location. Further, the usage status display device according to the present invention can be used regardless of time, whether it is daytime or nighttime.

[0021] In addition, in the usage status display device according to the present invention, a mat sensor which is a pressure sensor is used. The pressure sensor is less likely to be affected by the environment for detection results and has few false detections.

[0022] Moreover, the usage status display device according to the present invention can be retrofitted and installed by directly using an existing booth. When the control unit storing the control part and the display lamp are in a removable form, it can be installed more easily and simply, so the usage status display device can be easily introduced.

[0023] Also, according to the usage status display device of the present invention, the mat sensor may be laid in an area where a load is directly or indirectly applied from the user to the floor by the user's foot or via a support such as a chair, that is, in the user load area, rather than on the entire floor surface. Therefore, it is possible to accurately display the usage status of the booth while suppressing the device cost and the burden of installation work compared to laying the mat sensor on the entire floor surface.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] It is a figure which shows the fitting booth 5 provided with the usage status display device 1a which is one Embodiment which concerns on this invention. [Figure 2] It is a figure which shows the private room type toilet 6 provided with the usage status display device 1b which is one Embodiment which concerns on this invention. [Figure 3] It is a figure which shows the private room type workspace 7 provided with the usage status display device 1c which is one Embodiment which concerns on this invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows an individual booth 8 equipped with a usage status display device 1d, which is one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows a smoking booth 9 equipped with a usage status display device 1e, which is one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This block diagram shows the electrical configuration of the usage status display device 1b. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0026] Figures 1 to 5 show the usage status display device according to the present invention. In this embodiment, examples include fitting booths installed in indoor event venues and stores, private toilets installed in outdoor event venues, private workspaces installed in airports and train stations, individual booths installed in restaurants, and smoking booths installed outdoors.

[0027] Figure 1 shows a fitting booth 5 equipped with a usage status display device 1a. The usage status display device 1a is installed in the fitting booth 5 and detects the user's weight to display the usage status to users waiting outside. The usage status display device 1a comprises a mat sensor 2a, an indicator lamp 3a, and a control unit 4a. The mat sensor 2a is laid in the central area of ​​the floor surface 51 of the fitting booth 5. The mat sensor 2a is electrically connected to the control unit 4a by wiring 21a. The wiring 41a connected to the control unit 4a extends upward along the inner wall 52 and, beyond the inner wall 52, connects to an indicator lamp 3a installed on the outer wall 53 along the outer wall 53. The control unit 4a is electrically connected to the indicator lamp 3a by this wiring 41a. The indicator lamp 3a is equipped with a red LED 31a. As shown in Figure 1, the indicator lamp 3a is located above the outer wall 53 next to the entrance opening of the fitting booth 5.

[0028] When a user enters the fitting booth 5 through the fitting booth entrance door 54 and stands in front of the mirror 55 or hook 56, the mat sensor 2a detects the user's weight inside the fitting booth 5 and sends a detection signal to the control unit 4a via the wiring 21a. When the control unit 4a receives the detection signal, it sends a control signal to the indicator lamp 3a via the wiring 41a. Upon receiving the control signal, the red LED 31a lights up. When the user leaves the fitting booth 5 and the mat sensor 2a stops outputting the detection signal, the red LED 31a is turned off by control of the control unit 4a.

[0029] Figure 2 shows a private toilet stall 6 equipped with a usage status display device 1b. The usage status display device 1b is installed in the private toilet stall 6 and detects the user's weight to display the usage status to users waiting outside. The usage status display device 1b comprises a mat sensor 2b, an indicator lamp 3b, and a control unit 4b. The mat sensor 2b is laid on the floor 61 of the private toilet stall 6 around the toilet bowl 65. Wiring 21b connected to the mat sensor 2b inside the private toilet stall 6 is pulled out of the private toilet stall 6 through a small hole 63 in the outer wall 62, extends along the outer wall 62 of the private toilet stall 6, and is connected to the control unit 4b. Through this wiring 21b, the mat sensor 2b is electrically connected to the control unit 4b. The control unit 4b is installed on the outer wall 62 of the private toilet stall 6. The control unit 4b is electrically connected to the indicator lamp 3b by wiring 41b. The indicator lamp 3b comprises a red LED 31b and a blue LED 32b. As shown in Figure 2, the indicator lamp 3b is located on the roof 64 above the entrance of the individual toilet stall 6.

[0030] When a user is not using the individual toilet stall 6, the blue LED 32b is lit. When a user stands around the toilet bowl 65 of the individual toilet stall 6, the mat sensor 2b detects the user's weight inside the individual toilet stall 6 and sends a detection signal to the control unit 4b via the wiring 21b. When the control unit 4b receives the detection signal, it sends a control signal to the indicator lamp 3b via the wiring 41b. Upon receiving the control signal, the blue LED 32b turns off and the red LED 31b turns on. When the user leaves the individual toilet stall 6 and the mat sensor 2b stops outputting the detection signal, the control unit 4b controls the red LED 31b to turn off and the blue LED 32b to turn on.

[0031] In the usage status display device 1b shown in Figure 2, the control unit 4b and indicator lamp 3b are installed and fixed by magnets, and the mat sensor 2b, control unit 4b, and indicator lamp 3b are all removable. The usage status display device 1b is retrofitted and fixed to the individual toilet 6. It is preferable that the control unit and indicator lamp can be fixed without drilling holes such as with magnets, as this prevents rain from entering the individual toilet through the holes. Furthermore, since the small holes 63 in the outer wall 62 are sufficiently small, it is difficult for rain to enter the individual toilet 6 through the small holes 63, and repairs after removal of the usage status display device 1b are also easy.

[0032] Figure 3 shows a private workspace 7 equipped with a usage status display device 1c. The usage status display device 1c is installed in the private workspace 7 and detects the user's weight to display the usage status to users waiting outside. The usage status display device 1c comprises a mat sensor 2c, an indicator lamp 3c, and a control unit 4c. The mat sensor 2c is laid under the chair 75 in the private workspace 7, i.e., at the feet of the user 74. The mat sensor 2c is electrically connected to the control unit 4c by wiring 21c. The control unit 4c is electrically connected to the indicator lamp 3c by wiring 41c. The indicator lamp 3c is equipped with a red LED 31c. As shown in Figure 3, the indicator lamp 3c is located above the side wall 72 of the entrance opening of the private workspace 7.

[0033] When user 74 sits in chair 75 in private workspace 7, mat sensor 2c detects the user's weight in private workspace 7 and sends a detection signal to control unit 4c via wiring 21c. When control unit 4c receives the detection signal, it sends a control signal to indicator lamp 3c via wiring 41c. Upon receiving the control signal, red LED 31c lights up. When user 74 leaves private workspace 7 and mat sensor 2c stops outputting the detection signal, control unit 4c controls the red LED 31c to turn off.

[0034] Figure 4 shows an individual booth 8 equipped with a usage status display device 1d. The usage status display device 1d is installed in the individual booth 8 and detects the user's weight to display the usage status of the booth to staff and other customers. The usage status display device 1d comprises a mat sensor 2d, an indicator lamp 3d, and a control unit 4d. The mat sensor 2d is laid on the floor surface 81 under the chair 84 installed in the individual booth 8. The mat sensor 2d transmits a detection signal wirelessly to the control unit 4d. The control unit 4d is electrically connected to the indicator lamp 3d by wiring 41d. The indicator lamp 3d is equipped with a yellow LED 33d. As shown in Figure 4, the indicator lamp 3d is located on the upper wall 82 of the individual booth 8.

[0035] When a customer sits in the chair 84 of the individual booth 8, the mat sensor 2d detects the customer's weight inside the individual booth 8 and wirelessly transmits a detection signal to the control unit 4d. When the control unit 4d receives the detection signal, it transmits a control signal to the indicator lamp 3d via the wiring 41d. Upon receiving the control signal, the yellow LED 33d turns off. When the customer leaves the individual booth 8 and the mat sensor 2d stops outputting the detection signal, the yellow LED 33d lights up under the control of the control unit 4d.

[0036] Figure 5 shows a smoking booth 9 equipped with a usage status display device 1e. The usage status display device 1e is installed in the smoking booth 9 and detects the user's weight to display the usage status to users waiting outside. The usage status display device 1e comprises a mat sensor 2e, an indicator lamp 3e, and a control unit 4e. The mat sensor 2e is laid on the floor surface 91 of the smoking booth 9. The mat sensor 2e is electrically connected to the control unit 4e by wiring 21e. The control unit 4e is electrically connected to the indicator lamp 3e by wiring 41e. The indicator lamp 3e is equipped with a red LED 31e. As shown in Figure 5, the indicator lamp 3e is positioned above the side wall 92 of the entrance opening of the smoking booth 9.

[0037] When user 95 enters smoking booth 9 through the smoking booth entrance door 93, the mat sensor 2e detects the user's weight inside smoking booth 9 and sends a detection signal to the control unit 4e via wiring 21e. While user 95 is smoking inside smoking booth 9, such as using the ashtray 96, smoke is exhausted from the smoke exhaust vent 94. When the control unit 4e receives the detection signal, it sends a control signal to the indicator lamp 3e via wiring 41e. Upon receiving the control signal, the red LED 31e lights up. When user 95 leaves smoking booth 9 and the mat sensor 2e stops outputting the detection signal, the red LED 31e is turned off by control of the control unit 4e.

[0038] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the usage status display device 1b. The control unit 4b includes a time lag control circuit 42b, which maintains a display state in which the blue LED 32b is off and the red LED 31b is lit until a predetermined waiting time has elapsed, in the event that the detection signal from the mat sensor 2b is temporarily interrupted. Although the usage status display device 1b is used as an example here, the usage status display devices 1a, 1c, 1d, and 1e have a similar electrical configuration. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0039] 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e Usage status display device 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e Mat Sensor 21a, 21b, 21c, 21e wiring 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e indicator lamp 31a, 31b, 31c, 31e Red LED 32b blue LED 33d yellow LED 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e control section 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d, 41e Wiring 42b Time lag control circuit 5. Fitting booths 51 Fitting booth floor 52 Interior wall of fitting booth 53 Fitting booth exterior wall 54. Entrance door to fitting room booth 55 Mirror in the fitting room booth 56. Hooks in fitting booths 6 individual toilet stalls 61. Floor surface of individual toilet stalls 62 Exterior walls of individual toilet stalls 63 Small holes in the exterior wall of individual toilet stalls 64 Individual toilet roof 65 toilet bowl 7 Private workspaces 71 Private workspace floor 72 Private workspace side wall 73 Private workspace entrance door 74 users of private workspaces 75 Chairs in private workspaces 8 individual booths 81 Individual booth floor 82 Individual booth upper wall 83 Individual booth partitions 84 chairs in individual booths 9 Smoking Booths 91 Smoking booth floor 92 Smoking booth side wall 93 Smoking booth entrance door 94 Smoking booth smoke exhaust vent 95 Smoking booth users 96 Ashtray

Claims

1. A usage status display device that shows the usage status of a booth, A mat sensor, which is a pressure-type sensor that detects the load of the booth user and outputs a detection signal, An indicator lamp is installed in the booth so that the illuminated part is positioned in a location visible from outside the booth, The system comprises a control unit that controls the display of the indicator lamp based on the detection signal output from the mat sensor, The mat sensor is laid on the floor surface of the booth in a user load area corresponding to the usage mode of the booth. The indicator lamp indicates the usage status by lighting or extinguishing the illuminated part. A usage status display device characterized by the following features.

2. The usage status display device according to claim 1, characterized in that the indicator lamp has a cover.

3. The usage status display device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit includes a time lag control function that maintains the display state of the indicator lamp until a predetermined waiting time has elapsed when the detection signal from the mat sensor is temporarily interrupted.

4. The usage status display device according to claim 1, characterized in that the mat sensor, the indicator lamp, and the control unit are in a removable form and can be retrofitted to the booth.

Images