Door opening and closing system

Abstract

To provide a door opening / closing system with excellent sanitation and operability.SOLUTION: A door opening / closing system 50 comprises: a first operation part 10 that detects an approach or a motion of an object in a non-contact manner outside a private room; a second operation part 20 that detects the approach or the motion of the object in the non-contact manner inside the private room; and a control part 30 that controls opening / closing of a door device 40. When the door device 40 is in a second closed state and the first operation part 10 detects the approach or the motion of the object, the control part 30 puts the door device 40 in a first open state. When the door device 40 is in the first open state and the second operation part 20 detects the approach or the motion of the object, the control part puts the door device 40 in a first closed state. When the door device 40 is in the first closed state and the second operation part 20 detects the approach or the motion of the object, the control part puts the door device 40 in a second open state. When the door device 40 is in the second open state and the first operation part 10 detects the approach or the motion of the object, the control part places the door device 40 in the second closed state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a door opening and closing system. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, door opening and closing systems have been proposed that open and close the door of a private room such as a toilet by operating switches provided outside and inside the room (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-23915 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2013-44096 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The switches in the door opening and closing systems described above are all contact switches, so in private rooms used by an unspecified number of users, users may feel uneasy about the switches becoming contaminated by viruses, bacteria, etc. In addition, since there are multiple buttons on both the outside and inside of the private room, users may be confused about how to operate them.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a door opening and closing system which is hygienic and has excellent operability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention relates to a door opening / closing system for controlling the opening and closing of a door device provided in a private room, the door opening / closing system comprising a first operation unit that detects the approach or movement of an object in a non-contact manner outside the private room, a second operation unit that detects the approach or movement of an object in a non-contact manner inside the private room, and a control unit that controls the opening and closing of the door device based on the approach or movement of an object detected in the first operation unit and the second operation unit, wherein the control unit sets the door device to a first open state when the first operation unit detects the approach or movement of an object when the door device is in a second closed state, sets the door device to a first closed state when the second operation unit detects the approach or movement of an object when the door device is in the first open state, sets the door device to a second open state when the second operation unit detects the approach or movement of an object when the door device is in the first closed state, and sets the door device to a second closed state when the first operation unit detects the approach or movement of an object when the door device is in the second open state. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, a door opening and closing system that is excellent in terms of hygiene and operability can be provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an automatic door system 1. [Diagram 2] 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the entire multi-function toilet 2 equipped with an automatic door device 1. [Diagram 3] 2 is an external view of an outer switch 10 and an inner switch 20. FIG. [Figure 4] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a specific example of door opening and closing by the control unit 30. [Diagram 5] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a specific example of door opening and closing by the control unit 30. [Figure 6] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a specific example of door opening and closing by the control unit 30. [Figure 7] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a specific example of door opening and closing by the control unit 30. [Figure 8] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a specific example of door opening and closing by the control unit 30. [Figure 9] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a specific example of door opening and closing by the control unit 30. [Figure 10] 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a main part of a door opening / closing program executed by a control unit 30 of the door device 40. [Figure 11] 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a main part of a door opening / closing program executed by a control unit 30 of the door device 40. [Figure 12] 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a main part of a door opening / closing program executed by a control unit 30 of the door device 40. [Figure 13] 13 is an external view (front view) of the outer switch 10 in a modified embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the door opening / closing system according to the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, an example in which the door opening / closing system according to the present invention is applied to an automatic door device of a multi-function toilet will be described. Note that all drawings attached to this specification are schematic diagrams, and the shape, scale, aspect ratio, etc. of each part are modified or exaggerated from the actual ones in consideration of ease of understanding, etc.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the automatic door system 1. Fig. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing the entire multi-function toilet 2 equipped with the automatic door system 1. Fig. 3 is an external view of the exterior switch 10 and the interior switch 20. As shown in Fig. 1, the automatic door system 1 of this embodiment includes an exterior switch 10, an interior switch 20, a control unit 30, and a door system 40. The exterior switch 10, the interior switch 20, and the door system 40 are connected to the control unit 30 through electrical wiring (not shown). In addition, power is supplied to the exterior switch 10, the interior switch 20, the control unit 30, and the door system 40 from a power supply unit (not shown). In the automatic door system 1 shown in Fig. 1, the exterior switch 10, the interior switch 20, and the control unit 30 constitute a door opening and closing system 50.

[0011] The multi-function toilet (private room) 2 to which the automatic door device 1 is applied is a toilet facility that can be used by a variety of users, including able-bodied people, wheelchair users, the elderly, people with disabilities, and people with children. As shown in Figure 2, in the multi-function toilet 2, an exterior switch 10 (described later) is installed on the exterior wall surface 4 next to the entrance / exit 3. In addition, an interior switch 20 (described later) is installed on the interior wall surface 5 of the multi-function toilet 2.

[0012] In the multi-function toilet 2, the location where the exterior switch 10 and the interior switch 20 are installed is preferably near the entrance 3 as shown in Figure 1, but they may be installed anywhere as long as it is suitable for user operation. Furthermore, the exterior switches 10 may be provided at multiple locations on the exterior wall surface 4 of the multi-function toilet 2, and the interior switches 20 may be provided at multiple locations on the interior wall surface 5 of the multi-function toilet 2.

[0013] The outside switch (first operation unit) 10 is a terminal device that detects a user's operation in a non-contact manner outside the multi-function toilet 2. As shown in Fig. 1, the outside switch 10 includes an operation detection unit 11, an image display unit 12, an audio output unit 13, and a main body case 14 (see Fig. 3). In the outside switch 10, the operation detection unit 11, the image display unit 12, and the audio output unit 13 are electrically connected to the control unit 30.

[0014] The operation detection unit 11 is a sensor that detects the approach of a user's hand in a non-contact manner. When the user brings his / her hand close to the position of the operation detection unit 11, the operation detection unit 11 detects the user's operation. When the operation detection unit 11 detects the user's operation, a detection signal is transmitted from the operation detection unit 11 to the control unit 30. As shown in FIG. 3, a picture of a hand is drawn at the position of the operation detection unit 11 on the main body case 14 of the external switch 10. As the operation detection unit 11, for example, a temperature sensor, an optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an inductive proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, a magnetic proximity sensor, or the like can be used.

[0015] In this embodiment, an example in which the operation detection unit 11 detects the approach of a user's hand in a non-contact manner will be described, but the part that the user brings close to the operation detection unit 11 is not limited to the hand, and may be, for example, the face, arm, or other parts. In other words, any part of the human body may be brought close to the operation detection unit 11 as long as it is a part that the operation detection unit 11 can detect. Also, depending on the sensor that constitutes the operation detection unit 11, it may be possible to detect the approach of an object such as a white cane in a non-contact manner. Also, as will be described later, if a device that detects the user's gestures is used, the user can open and close the door by an action other than bringing his or her hand close.

[0016] The image display unit 12 is a device that displays images such as messages and patterns (hereinafter also referred to as "guide images") that provide guidance on how to use the multi-function toilet 2. The image display unit 12 is configured, for example, by a flat display device such as a liquid crystal display device or an LED display device. The audio output unit is a device that outputs audio (hereinafter also referred to as "guidance audio") that provides guidance on how to use the multi-function toilet 2. The audio output unit is configured, for example, with audio equipment such as a speaker. The main body case 14 is a box-frame shaped housing in which the above-mentioned components are housed. The main body case 14 is attached to the outer wall surface 4 and the inner wall surface 5 of the multi-function toilet 2 with bolts or the like.

[0017] The internal switch (second operation unit) 20 is a terminal device that detects a user's operation in a non-contact manner inside the multi-function toilet 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the internal switch 20 includes an operation detection unit 21, an image display unit 22, and an audio output unit 23. In this embodiment, the external switch 10 and the internal switch 20 have substantially the same configuration, so a duplicated description will be omitted. That is, the operation detection unit 21, the image display unit 22, the audio output unit 23, and the main body case 24 (see FIG. 3) of the internal switch 20 correspond to the operation detection unit 11, the image display unit 12, the audio output unit 13, and the main body case 14 of the external switch 10. In the internal switch 20, the operation detection unit 21, the image display unit 22, and the audio output unit 23 are electrically connected to the control unit 30.

[0018] The control unit 30 is a device that controls the opening and closing of a door device 40 (described later) based on user operations detected by the exterior switch 10 and the interior switch 20. The control unit 30 is provided, for example, above the entrance 3 of the multi-function toilet 2. The control unit 30 is composed of a processor (CPU), ROM, RAM, an I / O unit, etc. (none of which are shown). The control unit 30 reads out and executes application programs such as a door opening and closing program stored in the ROM, thereby cooperating with each piece of hardware to control the opening and closing of the door device 40 and also controls image display and audio output in the exterior switch 10 and the interior switch 20. Next, a description will be given of basic control regarding the opening and closing of the door device 40 by the control unit 30. In the following description, the door 41 (described later) of the door device 40 will also be simply referred to as the "door".

[0019] When the control unit 30 detects a user's operation on the external switch 10 while the door is in the second closed state, it sets the door to the first open state. Here, the "second closed state" refers to a state in which a user who has used the multi-function toilet 2 closes the door by bringing their hand close to the external switch 10 outside the room after leaving the room. By setting the door to the second closed state, the multi-function toilet 2 enters a standby state. In addition, the "first open state" refers to a state in which a user uses the multi-function toilet 2 and opens the door by bringing their hand close to the external switch 10 outside the room.

[0020] When the control unit 30 detects a user's operation on the internal switch 20 while the door is in the first open state, it sets the door to the first closed state. Here, the "first closed state" refers to a state in which a user of the multi-function toilet 2 enters the room, then brings their hand close to the internal switch 20 inside the room to close the door.

[0021] When the control unit 30 detects a user's operation of the internal switch 20 while the door is in the first closed state, it sets the door device to the second open state. Here, the "second open state" refers to a state in which a user of the multi-function toilet 2 brings their hand close to the internal switch 20 inside the room to open the door in order to leave the room. When the control unit 30 detects an operation by the user on the exterior switch 10 while the door is in the second open state, the control unit 30 sets the door to the second closed state (standby state).

[0022] The control unit 30 locks the door when the door is changed from a first open state to a first closed state, and unlocks the door when the door is changed from the first closed state to a second open state. The control unit 30 locks and unlocks the door by controlling an electronic lock 43 (described later) of the door device 40.

[0023] The control unit 30 disables detection of a user's operation on the outside switch 10 during the period from when the door is set to the first closed state to when it is set to the second open state. In other words, even if the control unit 30 detects an operation by another user on the outside switch 10 while the user is using the multi-function toilet 2, the control unit 30 disables the detection of the operation and does not execute control to set the door to the open state.

[0024] The control unit 30 controls the door opening and closing as described above, as well as image display and audio output of the exterior switch 10 and interior switch 20, as will be described later. A specific example of door opening and closing by the control unit 30 will be described in detail later.

[0025] The door device 40 is a device that opens and closes between the indoor and outdoor spaces of the multi-function toilet 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the door device 40 includes a door 41, a door drive unit 42, and an electronic lock 43. The door drive unit 42 and the electronic lock 43 are electrically connected to the control unit 30. As the door device 40, for example, an existing door device can be used. In this way, the door opening and closing system 50 of this embodiment is applicable to existing door devices, and is therefore easy to install.

[0026] The door 41 is a partition plate provided at the entrance 3 (see FIG. 2). The door 41 in this embodiment is configured as a sliding door that moves left and right along a rail (not shown) provided at the entrance 3. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the opening and closing direction (left and right direction) of the door 41 will be described as the X direction. In the X direction, the X1 direction is the closing direction, and the X2 direction is the opening direction.

[0027] The door drive unit 42 is a device that generates a drive force for opening and closing the door 41. The drive force generated by the door drive unit 42 is transmitted to the door 41 via a gear mechanism or the like (not shown). The door 41 moves in the opening or closing direction by the drive force generated by the door drive unit 42. The operation of the door drive unit 42 to generate a drive force or stop generating the drive force is controlled by the control unit 30. The electronic lock 43 (not shown in FIG. 3) is a device that locks or unlocks the closed door 41. The locking / unlocking of the electronic lock 43 is controlled by the control unit 30.

[0028] Next, a specific example of door opening and closing by the control unit 30 of the door opening and closing system 50 will be described. Figs. 4 to 9 are diagrams for explaining a specific example of door opening and closing by the control unit 30. Fig. 4 shows the standby state of the multi-function toilet 2. In the standby state shown in Fig. 4, the door 41 is in the second closed state. In the standby state, the image display unit 12 of the external switch 10 and the image display unit 22 of the internal switch 20 display guide images such as "Vacant" or "Please move your hand closer to the switch". Note that the display of guide images in the standby state may be limited to the image display unit 22 of the external switch 10.

[0029] Fig. 5 shows a state in which a user U enters the multi-function toilet 2. As shown in Fig. 5, when the user U brings his / her hand close to the exterior switch 10 outside the room, the operation detection unit 11 detects the operation of the user U, and a detection signal is transmitted to the control unit 30 (see Fig. 1). When the control unit 30 detects the operation of the user U on the exterior switch 10 while the door 41 is in the second closed state, it controls the door drive unit 42 (see Fig. 1) so that the door 41 is in the open state. This control causes the door 41 to move in the opening direction (X2 direction) and to the first open state.

[0030] When the door 41 is put into the first open state, the control unit 30 controls the image display unit 12 of the external switch 10 and the image display unit 22 of the internal switch 20 to display a guidance image such as a message "The door is opening" and an arrow indicating the direction in which the door opens. At the same time, the control unit 30 controls the voice output unit 13 of the external switch 10 to output a guidance voice such as "The door is opening". With the door 41 in the first open state, the user U can enter the multi-function toilet 2.

[0031] Fig. 6 shows a state in which a user U inside the room closes the door 41 of the multi-function toilet 2. As shown in Fig. 6, when the user U approaches the interior switch 20 inside the room, the operation of the user U is detected by the operation detection unit 21 (see Fig. 1), and a detection signal is transmitted to the control unit 30. When the control unit 30 detects the operation of the user U on the interior switch 20 while the door 41 is in the first open state, it controls the door drive unit 42 so that the door 41 is in the closed state. Through this control, the door 41 moves in the closing direction (X1 direction) and becomes in the first closed state.

[0032] When the door 41 is put into the first closed state, the control unit 30 controls the image display unit 12 of the external switch 10 and the image display unit 22 of the internal switch 20 to display a guide image such as a message "The door is closing" and an arrow indicating the closing direction of the door. At the same time, the control unit 30 controls the voice output unit 13 of the external switch 10 and the voice output unit 23 of the internal switch 20 to output a guide voice such as "The door is closing". Furthermore, the control unit 30 controls the electronic lock 43 (see FIG. 1) to lock the door 41 after the door 41 is put into the first closed state.

[0033] Fig. 7 shows the state in which the multi-function toilet 2 is in use. As shown in Fig. 7, when the door 41 is closed and further locked, the control unit 30 controls the image display unit 12 of the exterior switch 10 to display, for example, a message "in use" to inform people outside the multi-function toilet 2 that the multi-function toilet 2 is in use. At the same time, the control unit 30 controls the image display unit 22 of the interior switch 20 to display, for example, a guide image such as "locked" or "please bring your hand close to the switch when leaving. The door will open" to the user U.

[0034] Furthermore, the control unit 30 disables detection of an operation by a user on the external switch 10 from when the door 41 is set to the first closed state until when it is set to the second open state (see FIG. 8). In other words, even if the control unit 30 detects an operation by another user on the external switch 10 while the user U is using the multi-function toilet 2, the control unit 30 disables the operation and does not execute control to set the door 41 to the open state. For example, when the user U brings his / her hand close to the internal switch 20 inside the room and the door 41 is set to the second open state, the control unit 30 enables detection of the operation by the user U on the external switch 10.

[0035] Fig. 8 shows a state in which a user U leaves the multi-function toilet 2. As shown in Fig. 8, when the user U brings his / her hand close to the interior switch 20 inside the room, the operation detection unit 11 detects the operation of the user, and a detection signal is sent to the control unit 30. When the control unit 30 detects the operation of the user U on the interior switch 20 while the door 41 is in the first closed state, it controls the door drive unit 42 (see Fig. 1) so that the door 41 is in the open state. Through this control, the door 41 moves in the opening direction (X2 direction) and becomes in the second open state.

[0036] When the door 41 is set to the second open state, the control unit 30 controls the image display unit 12 of the external switch 10 and the image display unit 22 of the internal switch 20 to display a guidance image such as a message "The door is opening" and an arrow indicating the door opening direction. At the same time, the control unit 30 controls the voice output unit 13 of the external switch 10 and the internal switch 20 to output a guidance voice such as "The door is opening". Furthermore, when the door 41 is set to the second open state, the control unit 30 controls the electronic lock 43 (see FIG. 1) to unlock the door 41. When the door 41 is set to the second open state, the user U can leave the multi-function toilet 2.

[0037] Fig. 9 shows a state in which an outside user U closes the door 41 of the multi-function toilet 2. As shown in Fig. 9, when the user U approaches the outside switch 10 outside the room, the operation of the user U is detected by the operation detection unit 11 (see Fig. 1), and a detection signal is transmitted to the control unit 30. When the control unit 30 detects the operation of the user U on the outside switch 10 while the door 41 is in the second open state, it controls the door drive unit 42 so that the door 41 is in the closed state. Through this control, the door 41 moves in the closing direction (X1 direction) and enters the second closed state (standby state).

[0038] When the door 41 is put into the second closed state, the control unit 30 controls the image display unit 12 of the external switch 10 and the image display unit 22 of the internal switch 20 to display a guide image such as a message "The door is closing" and an arrow indicating the direction in which the door is closing. At the same time, the control unit 30 controls the voice output unit 13 of the external switch 10 to output a guide voice such as "The door is closing". After putting the door 41 into the second closed state (standby state), the control unit 30 controls the image display unit 12 of the external switch 10 and the image display unit 22 of the internal switch 20 to display a guide image (available notification) such as "Vacant room" or "Please move your hand closer to the switch" as shown in FIG. 4.

[0039] Next, a description will be given of the door opening and closing process performed by the control unit 30 of the door device 40. Figures 10 to 12 are flowcharts showing the processing steps of the main parts of the door opening and closing program executed by the control unit 30 of the door device 40. The door opening and closing program described below starts with the multi-function toilet 2 in a standby state (see Figure 4).

[0040] 10, the control unit 30 determines whether or not a user operation is detected by the operation detection unit 11 of the external switch 10. The control unit 30 determines whether or not a user operation is detected by the operation detection unit 11 of the external switch 10, depending on whether or not a detection signal has been received from the operation detection unit 11. If the determination in step S101 is YES, the process proceeds to step S102. If the determination in step S101 is NO, the process returns to step S101.

[0041] In step S102, the control unit 30 controls the door drive unit 42 to open the door 41. This places the door 41 in a first open state. The control unit 30 also controls the image display unit 12 of the exterior switch 10 and the image display unit 22 of the interior switch 20 to display a guide image (open notification) notifying that the door 41 will open. At the same time, the control unit 30 controls the audio output unit 13 of the exterior switch 10 to output a guide audio (open notification) notifying that the door 41 will open.

[0042] In step S103, the control unit 30 determines whether or not a user operation is detected by the operation detection unit 21 of the internal switch 20. The control unit 30 determines whether or not a user operation is detected by the operation detection unit 21 of the internal switch 20, depending on whether or not a detection signal has been received from the operation detection unit 21. If the determination in step S103 is YES, the process proceeds to step S104. If the determination in step S103 is NO, the process returns to step S103. Note that if the control unit 30 does not detect a user operation by the operation detection unit 21 of the internal switch 20 for a certain period of time in step S103, it executes a preset cancellation process and ends (returns) the process of this flowchart.

[0043] In step S104, the control unit 30 controls the door drive unit 42 so that the door 41 is in the closed state. This causes the door 41 to be in the first closed state. The control unit 30 also controls the image display unit 12 of the exterior switch 10 and the image display unit 22 of the interior switch 20 so as to display a guide image (closed notice) notifying the user that the door 41 is to be closed. At the same time, the control unit 30 controls the voice output unit 13 of the exterior switch 10 so as to output a guide voice (closed notice) notifying the user that the door 41 is to be closed. Furthermore, the control unit 30 controls the electronic lock 43 (see FIG. 1) so that the door 41 is locked.

[0044] In step S105, the control unit 30 controls the image display unit 12 of the exterior switch 10 to display an information image (in-use notification) notifying that the multi-function toilet 2 is in use. At the same time, the control unit 30 controls the image display unit 22 of the interior switch 20 to display an information image (locked notification) notifying that the door 41 is locked, etc.

[0045] 11, the control unit 30 disables detection of an operation by a user in the operation detection unit 21 of the external switch 10. Note that the process of step S106 may be performed before or simultaneously with step S105.

[0046] In step S107, the control unit 30 determines whether or not a user operation is detected by the operation detection unit 21 of the internal switch 20. If the determination in step S107 is YES, the process proceeds to step S108. If the determination in step S107 is NO, the process returns to step S107. Although not shown, if the control unit 30 determines in step S107 that a user operation is not detected by the operation detection unit 21 of the internal switch 20 for a certain period of time, the control unit 30 executes a preset abnormality confirmation process and ends (returns) the process of this flowchart.

[0047] In the abnormality confirmation process, for example, the door 41 may be forced to be opened in consideration of the possibility of an accident. In this case, it is desirable to display an information image notifying the user that the door will be opened on the image display unit 22 of the internal switch 20, and output an information voice notifying the user that the door will be opened from the voice output unit 23 of the internal switch 20. For example, an information image including a message such as "It will soon be 30 minutes since the start of use, so we will open the door with safety in mind" may be displayed on the image display unit 22 of the internal switch 20, and an information voice of the above message may be output from the voice output unit 23 of the internal switch 20. At the same time, an information image including a message such as "The door will open soon" may be displayed on the image display unit 12 of the external switch 10, and an information voice of the above message may be output from the voice output unit 13 of the external switch 10.

[0048] In step S108, the control unit 30 controls the door drive unit 42 so that the door 41 is in the open state. This causes the door 41 to be in the second open state. The control unit 30 also controls the image display unit 12 of the exterior switch 10 and the image display unit 22 of the interior switch 20 so as to display a guide image (open notification) notifying the user that the door 41 will be opened. At the same time, the control unit 30 controls the voice output unit 13 of the exterior switch 10 so as to output a guide voice (open notification) notifying the user that the door 41 will be opened. Furthermore, the control unit 30 controls the electronic lock 43 so as to unlock the door 41.

[0049] In step S109, the control unit 30 enables the detection of the operation by the user in the operation detection unit 21 of the external switch 10. Note that the process of step S109 may be performed before or simultaneously with step S108.

[0050] In step S110, the control unit 30 determines whether or not a user operation is detected by the operation detection unit 11 of the external switch 10. If the determination in step S110 is YES, the process proceeds to step S111. If the determination in step S110 is NO, the process returns to step S110. Note that in step S110, if the control unit 30 does not detect a user operation by the operation detection unit 11 of the external switch 10 even after a certain period of time has elapsed, the control unit 30 executes a preset cancellation process and ends (returns) the process of this flowchart.

[0051] As the cancellation process, for example, it is conceivable to automatically close the door 41 after a certain time has elapsed. In that case, it is desirable to display a guide image notifying the user that the door will be closed on the image display unit 12 of the external switch 10, and to output a guide voice notifying the user that the door will be closed from the voice output unit 13 of the external switch 10. For example, it is conceivable to display a guide image including a message such as "The door will be closed shortly" on the image display unit 12 of the external switch 10, and to output a guide voice of the above message from the voice output unit 13 of the external switch 10.

[0052] 12, the control unit 30 controls the door drive unit 42 to close the door 41. This places the door 41 in a second closed state. The control unit 30 also controls the image display unit 12 of the exterior switch 10 and the image display unit 22 of the interior switch 20 to display a guide image (close notification) notifying the user that the door 41 will be closed. At the same time, the control unit 30 controls the audio output unit 13 of the exterior switch 10 to output a guide audio (close notification) notifying the user that the door 41 will be closed.

[0053] In step S112, the control unit 30 controls the image display unit 12 of the external switch 10 and the image display unit 22 of the internal switch 20 to display a guide image (availability notification) notifying that the multi-function toilet 2 is available for use. After completing the process of step S112, the control unit 30 ends (returns) the process of this flowchart.

[0054] According to the door opening and closing system 50 of the present embodiment described above, for example, the following effects are obtained. According to the door opening / closing system 50 of this embodiment, the user can operate both the external switch 10 and the internal switch 20 without contact, which is excellent in terms of hygiene. Furthermore, according to the door opening / closing system 50, the user can open and close the door in the general usage order of opening, closing, opening, and closing the door by operating the switch installed where the user is (outdoors or indoors). This eliminates the need for the user to operate multiple switches at the location where the operation should be performed or to operate one switch multiple times, so the user will not be confused about the operation to open and close the door. Therefore, the door opening / closing system 50 of this embodiment is not only excellent in terms of hygiene, but also excellent in operability.

[0055] In the door opening / closing system 50 of this embodiment, the external switch 10 and the internal switch 20 each have an image display unit (see FIG. 1). Therefore, for example, by displaying a guide image on the image display unit, it is possible to more clearly convey to the user how to operate the multi-function toilet 2 (for example, the next operation to be performed). The configuration in which the external switch 10 and the internal switch 20 each have an image display unit, as in this embodiment, is particularly effective when the multi-function toilet 2 is used by a hearing-impaired person.

[0056] In the door opening / closing system 50 of this embodiment, the external switch 10 and the internal switch 20 each include a voice output unit (see FIG. 1). Therefore, for example, by outputting a guide voice from the voice output unit, it is possible to more clearly inform the user of how to operate the multi-function toilet 2 (for example, the next operation to be performed). The configuration in which the external switch 10 and the internal switch 20 each include a voice output unit, as in this embodiment, is particularly effective when a visually impaired person uses the multi-function toilet 2.

[0057] In the case where the door device 40 is provided with the electronic lock 43 as in the multi-function toilet 2 of the present embodiment, the control unit 30 can control the electronic lock 43 so that the door 41 is automatically locked when the door 41 is changed from the first open state to the first closed state, i.e., when the user enters the multi-function toilet 2 and closes the door 41 (see FIG. 7). According to this control, the door 41 will not be opened inadvertently until the user has completed his / her business in the multi-function toilet 2, so that the user who is in the room can use the multi-function toilet 2 with peace of mind. In addition, the control unit 30 can control the electronic lock 43 so that the door 41 is automatically unlocked when the door 41 is changed from the first closed state to the second open state, i.e., when the user has completed his / her business in the multi-function toilet 2 and opens the door 41 (see FIG. 8). According to this control, the user can quickly leave the multi-function toilet 2 after completing his / her business without having to perform the unlocking operation himself / herself.

[0058] In the door opening / closing system 50 of this embodiment, the control unit 30 disables the detection of the operation by the user in the operation detection unit 21 of the outside switch 10 from the time the door 41 is set to the first closed state to the time it is set to the second open state, that is, from the time the user enters the multi-function toilet 2 to the time he or she leaves. According to this control, the door 41 will not be opened by the operation of another user outside the room until the user has finished their business in the multi-function toilet 2 and opens the door 41, so that the user who is inside the room can use the multi-function toilet 2 with peace of mind. This control is not only effective when the door device 40 does not have an electronic lock 43, but also can more reliably prevent the door 41 from accidentally opening even when the door device 40 has an electronic lock 43.

[0059] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications and changes are possible, such as the modified forms described below, which are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the effects described in the embodiment are merely a list of the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and are not limited to those described in the embodiment. The above-mentioned embodiment and the modified forms described below can be used in appropriate combination, but detailed description will be omitted.

[0060] (Variations) The external switch 10 of the embodiment may be provided with a human sensor (infrared type, ultrasonic type, visible light type, etc.). In this configuration, when the human sensor detects that a user is approaching the external switch 10 while the door 41 is in the second closed state, for example, a guidance voice such as "This is a multi-function toilet. Bring your hand close to the switch and the door will open" may be output from the voice output unit 13. Such guidance voice may be output repeatedly while the human sensor of the external switch 10 detects that a user is approaching, or may be output a preset number of times when the human sensor of the external switch 10 detects that a user is approaching.

[0061] In the door opening / closing system 50 of the embodiment, a human sensor may be provided near the door 41. According to this configuration, when a human body is detected by the human sensor near the door 41, the control unit 30 can be configured not to perform control to close the door 41 device. According to this, for example, when a user brings his / her hand close to the operation detection unit 21 of the internal switch 20 and then leaves the room before the door 41 closes, the door 41 may be closed while the user is unattended, and it is possible to prevent a malfunction such as the door 41 continuing to be in use despite the user being unattended.

[0062] In the outer switch 10 and the inner switch 20 of the embodiment, an operation detection unit that detects an operation to open the door 41 and an operation detection unit that detects an operation to close the door 41 may be provided separately. In the case of this configuration, it is preferable that the function of each operation detection unit is displayed by a guide image on the image display unit, for example.

[0063] Fig. 13 is an external view of the external switch 10 in a modified embodiment. As shown in Fig. 13, in the external switch 10, two operation detection units 11a, 11b may be provided above and below with the image display unit 12 sandwiched therebetween. In this configuration, the control unit 30 controls the door device 40 so that, for example, when a user brings his / her hand close to the upper operation detection unit 11a and then brings his / her hand close to the lower operation detection unit 11b, the door device 40 is opened, and when a user brings his / her hand close to the lower operation detection unit 11b and then brings his / her hand close to the upper operation detection unit 11a, the door device 40 is closed.

[0064] The order of the above operations may be reversed. That is, the control unit 30 may control the door device 40 so that the door is opened when the user brings his / her hand closer to the lower operation detection unit 11b and then brings his / her hand closer to the upper operation detection unit 11a, and the door is opened when the user brings his / her hand closer to the upper operation detection unit 11a and then brings his / her hand closer to the lower operation detection unit 11b.

[0065] The positions where the two operation detectors 11a, 11b are provided are not limited to the example in FIG. 13, and for example, they may be provided on the left and right sides with the image display unit 12 therebetween, or on a diagonal line of the image display unit 12. Also, a guide image (e.g., an arrow indicating the operation direction) showing the order of operations for opening and closing the door may be displayed on the image display unit 12. Furthermore, the two operation detectors 11a, 11b may be provided at separate positions on the main body case 14 so as not to sandwich the image display unit 12 therebetween. The configuration of this modified embodiment can also be applied to the internal switch 20.

[0066] A gesture sensor may be provided in the exterior switch 10 and the interior switch 20 of the embodiment. The gesture sensor is a device that detects a user's gesture as an operation input. With this configuration, for example, the door opening / closing operation by the user can be detected not only by bringing the user's hand close to the gesture sensor, but also by moving the hand up and down.

[0067] In the exterior switch 10 of the embodiment, the operation detection unit 11 may be provided in the image display unit 12. For example, a part of the liquid crystal display device may be hollowed out and the operation detection unit 11 may be embedded therein. In this configuration, by displaying a guide image showing the operation for opening and closing the door on the image display unit 12, the user can open or close the door simply by bringing his or her hand close to the guide image. The configuration of this modified embodiment can also be applied to the interior switch 20.

[0068] In the external switch 10 and the internal switch 20 of the embodiment, the guidance image displayed on the image display unit is not limited to Japanese, and may be an image expressed in, for example, English, Chinese, Korean, etc. Similarly, in the external switch 10 and the internal switch 20 of the embodiment, the guidance voice output from the voice output unit is not limited to Japanese, and may be a voice in, for example, English, Chinese, Korean, etc. In the outer switch 10 and the inner switch 20 of the embodiment, the guide image displayed on the image display unit can be a color image to enhance visibility, but is not limited to this. For example, the image may be a monotone color image in consideration of color-blind people.

[0069] In the door opening / closing system 50 of the embodiment, the image display units (12, 22) do not need to be provided in both the exterior switch 10 and the interior switch 20, and may be provided in only one of the exterior switch 10 and the interior switch 20. Similarly, the audio output units (13, 23) do not need to be provided in both the exterior switch 10 and the interior switch 20, and may be provided in only one of the exterior switch 10 and the interior switch 20. In addition, either one or both of the exterior switch 10 and the interior switch 20 may not be provided with the image display units (12, 22) and the audio output units (13, 23).

[0070] In the door opening / closing system 50 of the embodiment (see FIG. 1), the control unit 30 may be installed in a management office of a building in which the multi-function toilet 2 is installed. The control unit 30 may be connected to an external server device via a network, or the control unit 30 may exist in an external server device connected via a network. Furthermore, some of the functions of the control unit 30 described above may be executed by the exterior switch 10 and the interior switch 20.

[0071] In the multi-function toilet 2 of the embodiment, if an emergency call button is provided inside the room, the emergency signal output when the button is operated may be configured to be received by the control unit 30. In that case, when the control unit 30 receives the emergency signal, it may notify the management room that the emergency call button has been pressed, and may cause, for example, a guide image including a message "User emergency call in progress" to be displayed on the image display unit 12 of the external switch 10, or a guide voice for the above message to be output from the voice output unit 13 of the external switch 10.

[0072] In addition to the embodiment, a camera sensor may be provided in the switch 10, and the control unit 30 may analyze image data captured by the camera sensor with an image analysis program to detect the characteristics of the user. In this configuration, for example, when a user carrying a white cane is detected from image data captured by the camera sensor, the content of the guidance voice may be switched to a voice for visually impaired people. Specifically, when a user who is thought to be visually impaired is detected, the user's movement line (path of movement), body movements, etc. are analyzed, and an appropriate guidance voice is output, so that the user can be guided more smoothly to the switch position. For example, a guidance voice such as "The switch is just below where the voice is being heard" or "It is a non-contact switch, so please move your hand closer" may be output. In addition, if there is no operation on the switch for a certain period of time after the output of the guidance voice, a guidance voice such as "Please move your hand closer" may be output.

[0073] When the control unit 30 detects a wheelchair user from the image data captured by the camera sensor, the content of the information image may be switched to that for wheelchair users. Specifically, when a wheelchair user is detected, the image display unit 12 of the external switch 10 displays the interior space and available facilities of the multi-function toilet 2, thereby encouraging the user to use the multi-function toilet and further improving convenience for users.

[0074] In the control unit 30, when a person accompanied by an infant or a user of a stroller (hereinafter also referred to as "person accompanied by an infant") is detected from the image data captured by the camera sensor, the content of the guide image may be switched to that for a person accompanied by an infant. Specifically, when a person accompanied by an infant is detected, the image display unit 12 of the external switch 10 may display facilities such as a stroller parking area, a baby bed, a diaper changing station, and a toilet for infants, thereby encouraging the use of the multi-purpose toilet and further improving convenience for users.

[0075] The control unit 30 may determine the gender, age group, physical characteristics, etc. of the user from the image data captured by the camera sensor, and switch the guidance image and guidance voice to the content appropriate for the user. The door may also be operated at a speed and time appropriate for the user. For example, when a user with a white cane or a wheelchair user is detected, the speed at which the door opens and closes may be slowed down, or the time the door is open may be extended. Furthermore, a configuration may be conceived in which only guidance voice is output for a visually impaired person, and only guidance images are displayed for a hearing impaired person.

[0076] In the door opening / closing system 50 of the embodiment, the external switch 10 and the white cane or wheelchair may each be provided with a communication unit for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data. For example, the external switch 10 and the white cane may each be provided with a communication unit compatible with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard, and pairing may be set up. According to this embodiment, when a user carrying a white cane approaches the communication range of the external switch 10, data is transmitted and received between the external switch 10 and the white cane, and the control unit 30 can obtain information about the user via the external switch 10. This makes it possible to not only switch the content of the voice guidance to that for visually impaired people, but also to switch to a voice guidance specialized for the user, or to switch to guidance for other facilities, etc.

[0077] In addition, by providing similar communication units in other equipment (for example, automatic doors, elevators, escalator entrances, etc.), the movement of users using a white cane or wheelchair equipped with a communication unit can be detected, and the operation of each equipment can be put on standby in advance. This allows users to use each equipment more smoothly without waiting. In addition, by analyzing the movement of users using a white cane or wheelchair, it can be useful for considering improvements to the specifications of each equipment and expansion. In addition, in the control using the above wireless communication, it is also possible to use the function of individual authentication using an IOT system using a tag system, smartphone, etc. As a result, for example, it is possible to display a guide image suitable for the user or output a guide voice.

[0078] In the embodiment, a multi-function toilet has been described as an example of a private room to which the door opening / closing system 50 is applied, but the private room to which the door opening / closing system 50 is applicable may be, for example, a changing room, a conference room, a study room, a room for teleworking, etc. In other words, the private room to which the door opening / closing system according to the present invention is applicable may be in any form as long as it is a space that is used as a space isolated from the outside for one or more users. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1 Automatic door device 2. Multipurpose toilets 3 Entrance / Exit 10 External switch 11 (11a, 11b), 21 Operation detection unit 12,22 Image display section 13,23 Audio output section 20 Internal switch 30 Control section 40 Door device 41 Door 42 Door drive unit 43 Electronic Lock 50 Door opening and closing system

Claims

1. A door opening / closing system for controlling the opening and closing of a door device provided in a private room, a first operation unit provided outside the private room and configured to detect the approach or movement of an object in a non-contact manner; a second operation unit provided inside the private room and configured to detect the approach or movement of an object in a non-contact manner; a control unit that controls opening and closing of the door device based on the approach or movement of an object detected by the first operation unit and the second operation unit; Equipped with The control unit is When the first operation unit detects an approach or a motion of an object while the door device is in a second closed state, the door device is set to a first open state; When the second operation unit detects an approach or a motion of an object while the door device is in the first open state, the door device is put into a first closed state; When the door device is in the first closed state, if the second operation unit detects an approach or a movement of an object, the door device is put in a second open state; When the door device is in the second open state, the first operation unit detects the approach or movement of an object. When the operation is detected, the door device is put into a second closed state, when the second operation unit does not detect an approach or a movement of an object for a certain period of time while the door device is in the first closed state, the door device is forcibly changed to the second open state. Door opening and closing system.

2. The door opening and closing system according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first operation unit and the second operation unit includes an image display unit.

3. The door opening and closing system according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first operation unit and the second operation unit includes a voice output unit.

4. The door opening and closing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit locks the door device when the door device is changed from the first open state to the first closed state, and unlocks the door device when the door device is changed from the first closed state to the second open state.

5. The door opening and closing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit disables detection of the approach or movement of an object in the first operating unit during a period from when the door device is in the first closed state to when it is in the second open state.

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