System to prevent long-term stay in toilet space

Abstract

To prevent a risk of a long stay of a user in a toilet booth while suppressing a reduction in comfort of the user in the toilet booth.SOLUTION: A long-stay prevention system in a toilet space according to the embodiment includes: a lighting device which can change illumination or a color temperature in a toilet booth; an acoustic device which is provided in the toilet booth and can play music in the toilet booth; a control device for controlling the lighting device and the acoustic device; and a staying time detection means which can detect staying time of a user in the toilet booth. The control device controls the lighting device so that the illumination or the color temperature in the toilet booth increases and controls the acoustic device so as to play music in the toilet booth when the staying time detection means detects a stay of a first set time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to an overstay prevention system for a toilet space. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a device for preventing a user from staying in a toilet booth for an extended period of time (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The device described in Patent Document 1 prevents users from staying in the toilet booth for long periods of time by emitting a warning sound (buzzer sound) into the toilet booth based on the time after it is detected that the user has entered the booth. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6647536 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when using sound to warn users who spend a long time in the toilet booth, as in the device described in Patent Document 1, a loud or unpleasant buzzer is required to effectively prevent overstaying, resulting in a loss of comfort. On the other hand, if the volume of the buzzer sound is reduced or made less unpleasant in order to prevent a decrease in comfort, the essential effect of preventing overstaying will be weakened.

[0005] The disclosed embodiment has been made to improve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a system for preventing overstaying in a toilet space that is capable of properly alerting only users who spend a long time in the toilet booth, while preventing a decrease in comfort for users in the toilet booth. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One embodiment of the toilet space long-term stay prevention system is a toilet space long-term stay prevention system, in which a plurality of toilet booths each with a toilet bowl installed are arranged in the toilet space, and the system comprises a lighting device installed in the toilet booth and capable of changing the illuminance or color temperature within the toilet booth, an audio device installed in the toilet booth and capable of playing sound within the toilet booth, a control device that controls the lighting device and the audio device, and a stay time detection means that is capable of detecting the stay time of a user in the toilet booth, and when the stay time detection means detects a stay of a first set time, the control device controls the lighting device to increase the illuminance or color temperature within the toilet booth, and controls the audio device to play sound within the toilet booth.

[0007] In developing the present invention, the inventors focused on using visual stimuli using light as a configuration for encouraging early exit only for users in toilet booths where long-term stay was detected. Then, multiple subjects were asked to use toilet booths set under different lighting conditions, and the effect of the time spent in the toilet booth under each lighting condition was measured. As a result, it was found that users who used a bright toilet booth (a toilet booth set under lighting conditions with high illuminance or color temperature) tended to stay in the toilet booth for a shorter time than users who used a dark toilet booth (a toilet booth set under lighting conditions with low illuminance or color temperature).

[0008] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet space long-term stay prevention system includes a lighting device capable of changing the illuminance or color temperature in the toilet booth, and a stay time detection means capable of detecting the stay time of a user in the toilet booth. When the stay time detection means detects a stay of a user in the toilet booth that exceeds a first set time, the control device controls not only the sound device but also the lighting device to not only play music in the toilet booth but also increase the illuminance or color temperature in the toilet booth. In other words, when it is detected that a user has stayed in the toilet booth for a long time, the control device controls the toilet booth so that music plays and the toilet booth becomes bright. This makes it possible to prevent users from staying in the toilet booth for a long time, and since users who have not stayed for a long time are not stimulated by music and light, it is possible to provide a toilet space long-term stay prevention system while suppressing a decrease in the comfort of users in the toilet booth.

[0009] Here, in the present invention, a toilet booth is a private space formed mainly by door materials and wall materials for entering and exiting the booth. Although a gap may be provided between the door materials or wall materials and the ceiling or floor from the viewpoint of firefighting and crime prevention, the private space does not need to completely block light from inside and outside. In addition, in the present invention, music refers to a collection of sounds that have, for example, changes in sound pressure, pitch, and intonation. Furthermore, music also includes natural sounds (such as the sound of a flowing river and the chirping of birds). On the other hand, music does not include single sounds such as buzzer sounds. However, when a sound that is not included in music (a single sound) is played together with music (such as natural sounds), it is considered to be included in music.

[0010] In the present invention, at least one lighting device is installed in each toilet booth, and can change the illuminance and color temperature in the toilet booth. The lighting device can be installed anywhere, such as on the ceiling, wall, door, floor, or on the dressing table installed in the toilet booth. It is particularly preferable to install the lighting device on the ceiling or upper wall, which has a high visual effect on the user in the toilet booth. In addition, when a light source such as an LED with high directivity of light irradiation is used as the lighting device, the influence on the adjacent toilet booth can be suppressed even if the lighting device is installed in the gap between the door material or wall material and the ceiling or floor.

[0011] In one aspect of the embodiment, in a toilet space long-term stay prevention system, the control device preferably has a composite awakening control that, when a stay of a first set time is detected by the stay time detection means, executes lighting awakening control in which the illuminance or color temperature in the toilet booth from the lighting device is increased, and executes audio awakening control in which music is played in the toilet booth from the audio device, and overlaps at least a portion of the period during which the lighting awakening control is executed and the period during which the audio awakening control is executed.

[0012] According to one aspect of the embodiment of the toilet space long-term stay prevention system, the system has a composite awakening control that overlaps at least a portion of the period during which lighting awakening control is executed and the period during which sound awakening control is executed, thereby enabling the lighting awakening effect and the sound awakening effect to be synergistically enhanced, making it more possible to prevent users from staying in the toilet booth for long periods of time.

[0013] In one aspect of the embodiment, in the toilet space long-term stay prevention system, when the control device determines that the toilet space is not crowded, preferably, even if the stay time detection means detects a stay of a first set time, the control device controls the sound device not to play music and controls the lighting device to increase the illuminance or color temperature in the toilet booth.

[0014] According to the toilet space long-term stay prevention system according to one aspect of the embodiment, even if the stay time detection means detects a stay of the first set time, if it is determined that the toilet space is not crowded, the system does not require such a strong effect of preventing long-term stay, so it controls the audio device not to play music and controls the lighting device to increase the illuminance or color temperature in the toilet booth. Therefore, when the toilet space is not crowded, it is possible to prevent noise without playing music.

[0015] In one aspect of the embodiment, in a toilet space long-term stay prevention system, a lighting device installed in the toilet booth is preferably set to incandescent light or warm white before a stay of a first set time is detected by the stay time detection means, and is controlled by the control device to change to white, natural white or daylight light after a stay of the first set time is detected by the stay time detection means.

[0016] According to the toilet space long-term stay prevention system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the lighting device installed in the toilet booth is controlled to change the color temperature from a warm white color or a warm white color to a white color, a neutral white color or a daylight color according to the stay time detected by the stay time detection means. This makes it possible to further prevent the user from staying in the toilet booth for a long time.

[0017] In a toilet space long-term stay prevention system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the stay time detection means preferably includes an entry detection sensor which detects a user's entry into the toilet booth, and a seating detection sensor which detects the user sitting on a toilet seat device provided on the toilet bowl, and the control device controls the lighting device to increase the illuminance or color temperature in the toilet booth when a stay of a second set time shorter than the first set time is detected after entry is detected by the entry detection sensor without the user being seated by the seating detection sensor.

[0018] According to the toilet space long-term stay prevention system according to one aspect of the embodiment, when the entry detection sensor detects the user's entry and then the seating detection sensor detects the user's stay for a second set time shorter than the first set time without the user sitting, the control device controls the lighting device to increase the illuminance or color temperature in the toilet booth. In other words, when it is detected that the user is staying in the toilet booth for a long time without sitting on the toilet seat device provided on the toilet bowl, the control device controls the toilet booth to become brighter at an earlier timing than usual. This makes it possible to prevent users who use the toilet booth for purposes other than using the toilet bowl from staying in the toilet booth for a long time.

[0019] A toilet space over-term stay prevention system according to one aspect of the embodiment is a toilet space over-term stay prevention system, in which a plurality of toilet booths each equipped with a toilet bowl and a vanity unit are arranged in the toilet space, a lighting device installed in the toilet booth and capable of changing the illuminance or color temperature within the toilet booth, a sound device installed in the toilet booth and capable of playing music within the toilet booth, a control device that controls the lighting device and the sound device, and a seating detection sensor that detects a user sitting down and leaving a toilet seat device equipped on the toilet bowl, wherein when the seating detection sensor detects that the user has left the seat, the control device controls the lighting device to increase the illuminance or color temperature within the toilet booth, and controls the sound device to play music within the toilet booth.

[0020] In the above-mentioned effectiveness measurement, the inventors found that when a toilet booth is equipped with not only a toilet bowl but also a vanity unit, the proportion of users staying in the toilet booth for a long period of time increases. According to one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet space long-term stay prevention system controls the lighting device to increase the illuminance or color temperature in the toilet booth when a seating detection sensor detects that a user has left the seat in a toilet booth in which a toilet bowl and a vanity unit are installed. In other words, when the end of use of the toilet bowl due to leaving the seat is detected, the toilet booth is controlled to become bright. This makes it possible to prevent users from staying in the toilet booth for a long time depending on the duration of use of the vanity unit.

[0021] In one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet space long-term stay prevention system preferably has a composite awakening control that, when a seating detection sensor detects leaving the seat, executes a lighting awakening control in which the illuminance or color temperature in the toilet booth from a lighting device is increased, and executes an audio awakening control in which music is played in the toilet booth from an audio device, and overlaps at least a portion of the period during which the lighting awakening control is executed and the period during which the audio awakening control is executed.

[0022] According to one aspect of the embodiment of the toilet space long-term stay prevention system, the system has a composite awakening control that overlaps at least a portion of the period during which lighting awakening control is executed and the period during which sound awakening control is executed, thereby enabling the lighting awakening effect and the sound awakening effect to be synergistically enhanced, making it more possible to prevent users from staying in the toilet booth for long periods of time.

[0023] In one aspect of the embodiment of the toilet space long-term stay prevention system, the control device preferably controls the sound device not to play music and controls the lighting device to increase the illuminance or color temperature in the toilet booth when it determines that the toilet space is not crowded, even if the seating detection sensor detects leaving the seat.

[0024] According to the toilet space long-term stay prevention system according to one aspect of the embodiment, even if the seat detection sensor detects leaving the seat, if it is determined that the toilet space is not crowded, the system does not require a strong long-term stay prevention effect, so it controls the audio device not to play music and controls the lighting device to increase the illuminance or color temperature in the toilet booth. Therefore, when the toilet space is not crowded, noise prevention can be achieved without playing music. Effect of the Invention

[0025] According to one aspect of the embodiment, it is possible to prevent the user from staying in the toilet booth for a long period of time while suppressing a decrease in the comfort of the user in the toilet booth. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a top view showing an example of the configuration of a toilet space according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the toilet booth according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the toilet space long-term stay prevention system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a process executed by the toilet space long-term stay prevention system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a process executed by the toilet space long-term stay prevention system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a time chart relating to control of the lighting device and the audio device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a top view showing an example of the configuration of the toilet booth according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a process executed by the toilet space long-term stay prevention system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a process executed by the toilet space long-term stay prevention system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of a process executed by the toilet space long-term stay prevention system according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the toilet space long-term stay prevention system disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below. Below, the control for preventing a user from staying in the toilet booth for a long period of time will be described, but first, various configurations provided in the toilet space, which is the premise of the system, will be described.

[0028] <1. Configuration of toilet space and toilet booth> First, the configuration of the toilet space according to the first embodiment and the toilet booth provided in the toilet space will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 1 is a top view showing an example of the configuration of the toilet space according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the toilet booth according to the first embodiment.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 1, a plurality of toilet booths 3 are arranged in a toilet space 1. As shown in Fig. 2, in the toilet booth 3, a Western-style toilet bowl (hereinafter referred to as "toilet bowl") 5 is installed on a floor surface F. In the following, the direction facing the space of the toilet booth 3 from the floor surface F is described as "up." A toilet seat device 7 on which a user sits is provided above the toilet bowl 5.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, a lighting device 9 and an audio device 10 are installed above the toilet booth 3. The lighting device 9 is a light that can change the illuminance or color temperature in the toilet booth 3. For this reason, the lighting device 9 is configured with an LED that can be dimmed to different illuminance or color temperature. The lighting device 9 is not limited to a light bulb shape, but may be a panel shape or a rod shape. The audio device 10 is a speaker that can play music. The lighting device 9 and the audio device 10 may be configured to be installed in a plurality of units in the toilet booth 3. The installation position of the lighting device 9 is not limited to the ceiling of the toilet booth 3, and may be installed on the wall surface of the toilet booth 3 as long as it is above the toilet booth 3. The installation position of the audio device 10 is not limited to the above the toilet booth 3, and may be installed anywhere.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 2, the toilet booths 3 installed in the toilet space 1 are partitioned by the wall surface W constituting the toilet booths 3 so that the light from the lighting device 9 installed in the toilet booth 3 does not affect the illuminance and color temperature in the adjacent toilet booth 3. Even if a notch is formed in a part of the upper or lower part of the wall surface W, the light leaking into the adjacent toilet booth 3 is small, so there is little risk of impairing usability for the user. In order to further reduce the light leaking into the adjacent toilet booth 3, it is preferable that the lighting device 9 be a downward-facing LED with a narrow light spread.

[0032] <2. Functional configuration of the long-term stay prevention system> Next, a functional configuration of the long-term stay prevention system will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the long-term stay prevention system for the toilet space according to the embodiment.

[0033] 3, the long-term stay prevention system includes a lighting device 9, an audio device 10, a stay time detection means 11, and a control device 13. It is preferable that the system further includes an alarm device 15. Note that the audio device 10 and the alarm device 15 may be the same device.

[0034] The staying time detection means 11 detects the staying time of the user in the toilet booth 3. For example, it is composed of an entry detection sensor 11a provided at the door which is the entrance of the toilet booth 3 and capable of detecting the entry and exit of the user by detecting the opening and closing of the door, a seating detection sensor 11b provided at the toilet seat device 7 and capable of detecting the user sitting on and leaving the toilet seat device 7, a human detection sensor provided near the entrance of the toilet booth 3, etc. Note that the staying time detection means 11 may be provided outside the toilet booth 3.

[0035] As the entrance detection sensor 11a, for example, a detection means such as a magnet sensor, a displacement sensor, or a vibration sensor can be used on the door of the toilet booth 3. As the seating detection sensor 11b, for example, a detection means such as a strain sensor, a pressure sensor, or an infrared sensor can be used. As the human detection sensor, for example, a detection means such as an infrared line sensor or a microwave sensor can be used.

[0036] The control device 13 is a device that controls the illuminance or color temperature of the lighting device 9 based on the time spent by the user in the toilet booth 3 detected by the stay time detection means 11. The control device 13 is also a device that controls the sound device 10 to play music in the toilet booth based on the time spent by the user in the toilet booth 3 detected by the stay time detection means 11. For this purpose, the control device 13 can use various means such as a CPU or a microcomputer.

[0037] Furthermore, the control device 13 may be provided in each toilet booth 3 and execute control within a specific toilet booth 3, or may be provided outside the toilet space 1 and execute control within multiple toilet booths 3 collectively. For this purpose, the control device 13 is connected to the lighting device 9, the audio device 10, and the dwell time detection means 11 by wire or wirelessly, and is configured to be able to send and receive control signals.

[0038] The alarm device 15 is a device for notifying people outside the toilet booth 3 of the occurrence of an abnormal situation when an abnormally long stay by a user is detected based on the stay time by the user in the toilet booth 3 detected by the stay time detection means 11. For this purpose, the alarm device 15 may be, for example, a display device such as an LCD (liquid crystal display device) or an OLED (organic electroluminescence display), or an audio output device that outputs an alarm sound.

[0039] <3. Control flow executed by the long-term stay prevention system> Next, a control flow by the long-term stay prevention system will be described with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure executed by the long-term stay prevention system for toilet spaces according to the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the processing procedure executed by the long-term stay prevention system for toilet spaces according to the first embodiment.

[0040] First, the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 will be described. In step S41, the staying time detection means 11 detects the entry of a user into the toilet booth 3. When it is detected that the user has entered the toilet booth 3, the process proceeds to the next step S42. As described above, the staying time detection means 11 that detects the entry of a user into the toilet booth 3 is composed of the entry detection sensor 11a, the human detection sensor, etc.

[0041] In step S42, it is determined whether the time spent by the user in the toilet booth 3 exceeds a predetermined first predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes). Here, the determination of the time spent by the user in step S42 continues until the time spent by the user is detected as leaving the toilet booth 3 by the time spent detecting means 11 in step S44. Then, in step S42, when the time spent by the user in the toilet booth 3 reaches or exceeds a first predetermined time (step S42, No), the process proceeds to step S43.

[0042] In step S43, control device 13 controls lighting device 9 to increase the illuminance or color temperature in toilet booth 3. Specifically, starting from a control signal received from stay time detection means 11 indicating that the stay time by the user has reached or exceeded the first predetermined time, control device 13 transmits a control signal to lighting device 9 to change the lighting conditions related to the illuminance or color temperature of lighting device 9. In other words, when it is detected that the user has stayed in toilet booth 3 for a long period of time, control is performed to make the toilet booth brighter. This makes it possible to prevent the user from staying in toilet booth 3 for a long period of time.

[0043] Furthermore, in step S43, control device 13 controls audio device 10 to play music in the toilet booth. Specifically, starting from a control signal received from stay time detection means 11 indicating that the stay time of the user has reached or exceeded a first predetermined time, control device 13 transmits a control signal to play sound in the toilet booth to audio device 10. That is, when it is detected that the user has stayed in toilet booth 3 for a long period of time, control device 13 controls so that music is played in the toilet booth. This makes it possible to prevent the user from staying in toilet booth 3 for a long period of time. From the above, when the stay time detection means 11 detects a stay of a predetermined time, the control device 13 executes a lighting awakening control in which the illuminance or color temperature in the toilet booth from the lighting device 9 is increased, executes an audio awakening control in which music is played in the toilet booth from the audio device 10, and has a composite awakening control that overlaps the period in which the lighting awakening control is executed and the period in which the audio awakening control is executed. This makes it possible to synergize the lighting awakening effect and the audio awakening effect, and further prevents the user from staying in the toilet booth for a long time.

[0044] Finally, in step S44, the user's exit from the toilet booth 3 is detected, and control by the control device 13 associated with the user's single use of the toilet booth 3 is terminated. If the user's exit from the toilet booth 3 is detected in step S44 (step S44, Yes), the control device 13 transmits a control signal to the lighting device 9 and the audio device 10 to return the lighting conditions and audio conditions to the conditions before the user entered the booth, and also transmits a control signal to the stay time detection means 11 to reset the stay time count, thereby returning the long stay prevention system to its initial state (step S45). This makes it possible to prevent the usability of the toilet booth 3 from being impaired for the next user who enters the booth.

[0045] Next, the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 will be described. In step S51, the staying time detection means 11 detects the entry of a user into the toilet booth 3. When it is detected that the user has entered the toilet booth 3, the process proceeds to the next step S52. As described above, the staying time detection means 11 that detects the entry of a user into the toilet booth 3 is composed of the entry detection sensor 11a, the human detection sensor, etc.

[0046] In step S52, it is determined whether the time spent by the user in the toilet booth 3 exceeds a second predetermined time (e.g., 5 minutes) that is shorter than a predetermined first predetermined time. Here, the determination of the time spent by step S52 continues until the time spent by the user is detected in step S53 by the time spent by the detection means 11 as having sat on the toilet seat device 7 provided in the toilet bowl 5. Note that the time spent by the user detection means 11, which detects the user sitting on the toilet seat device 7, is composed of the seating detection sensor 11b and the like, as described above. Then, in step S52, when the time spent by the user in the toilet booth 3 reaches or exceeds a second predetermined time (step S52, No), the process proceeds to step S54.

[0047] In step S54, the control device 13 controls the lighting device 9 to increase the illuminance or color temperature in the toilet booth 3. Specifically, starting from a control signal received from the stay time detection means 11 indicating that the stay time by the user has reached or exceeded the second predetermined time, the control device 13 transmits a control signal to the lighting device 9 to change the lighting conditions related to the illuminance or color temperature of the lighting device 9. In other words, when it is detected that the user is staying in the toilet booth 3 for a long time without sitting on the toilet seat device 7, the toilet booth is controlled to become brighter at an earlier timing than the determination of a long stay when the user is sitting on the toilet seat device 7. This makes it possible to prevent a user who uses the toilet booth 3 for purposes other than using the toilet bowl 5 from staying in the toilet booth 3 for a long time.

[0048] Furthermore, in step S54, the control device 13 controls the sound device 10 to play music in the toilet booth. Specifically, starting from a control signal received from the stay time detection means 11 indicating that the stay time by the user has reached or exceeded the second predetermined time, a control signal to play music in the toilet booth is transmitted to the sound device 10. In other words, when it is detected that the user is staying in the toilet booth 3 for a long period of time without sitting on the toilet seat device 7, the control device 13 controls to play music in the toilet booth at an earlier timing than the determination of a long stay when the user sits on the toilet seat device 7. This makes it possible to prevent a user who uses the toilet booth 3 for a purpose other than using the toilet bowl 5 from staying in the toilet booth 3 for a long period of time. From the above, when the stay time detection means 11 detects a stay of a predetermined time, the control device 13 executes a lighting awakening control in which the illuminance or color temperature in the toilet booth from the lighting device 9 is increased, executes an audio awakening control in which music is played in the toilet booth from the audio device 10, and has a composite awakening control that overlaps the period in which the lighting awakening control is executed and the period in which the audio awakening control is executed. This makes it possible to synergize the lighting awakening effect and the audio awakening effect, and makes it possible to prevent the user from staying in the toilet booth for a long time.

[0049] In step S55, it is determined whether the time spent by the user in the toilet booth 3 exceeds a third predetermined time (e.g., 20 minutes) that is longer than a first predetermined time. Here, the determination of the time spent by the user in step S55 continues until the time spent by the user is detected to have left the toilet booth 3 by the time spent detecting means 11 in step S56. Note that the process performed when the time spent by the user is detected to have left the toilet booth 3 (step S56, Yes) overlaps with the explanation given in FIG. 4 and will not be described here.

[0050] Then, in step S55, when the time spent by the user in the toilet booth 3 reaches or exceeds a third predetermined time (step S55, No), the process proceeds to step S58.

[0051] In step S58, control device 13 uses notification device 15 provided outside toilet booth 3 to notify that an abnormal situation may be occurring in toilet booth 3 in which a long stay by a user has been detected. If control device 13 has not controlled lighting device 9 and audio device 10 until the stay time is determined in step S55, steps S42 and S43 shown in Fig. 4 are executed. As a result, when an abnormally long stay by a user is detected despite control by control device 13 to play music and make the toilet booth bright, it is possible to notify people outside toilet booth 3 of the occurrence of an abnormal situation.

[0052] <4. Lighting and acoustic conditions in the toilet booth> Next, the lighting and sound conditions in the toilet booth that are changed by the long-term stay prevention system will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a time chart relating to the control of the lighting device and the sound device.

[0053] 6, the entry detection sensor 11a is turned ON at time t1. That is, the stay time detection means 11 detects that the user has entered the toilet booth 3 at time t1.

[0054] Then, the seating detection sensor 11b turns ON after time t1. That is, the stay time detection means 11 detects that a user who entered the toilet booth 3 after time t1 has sat down on the toilet seat device 7. In the example of Fig. 6, the seating detection sensor 11b turns ON at time t2.

[0055] Then, the lighting device 9 is controlled at time t3. The lighting conditions of the lighting device 9, which were set to 2600-3250K (Kelvin) as incandescent light before time t3, are changed to 4600-5500K (Kelvin) as neutral white after time t3. Here, the lighting conditions of the lighting device 9 set before time t3 may be set to 3250-3800K (Kelvin) as warm white. The lighting conditions of the lighting device 9 set after time t3 may be set to 3800-4500K (Kelvin) as white or 5700-7100K (Kelvin) as daylight, but are preferably neutral white or higher. The classification of lighting conditions is set based on the JIS standard (Z9112). In the embodiment of the present invention, the lighting conditions in the toilet booth are defined as the measurement results when an illuminometer (Konica Minolta, CL-500A) is placed on the floor surface vertically below the lighting device 9 and the light receiving part of the illuminometer is directed toward the lighting device 9. However, the method of defining the lighting conditions in the toilet booth is not limited to the above-mentioned method.

[0056] Also, the sound device 10 is controlled at time t3. The sound device 10 is changed from a state in which music was not played before time t3 to a state in which music is played after time t3. That is, when the stay time detection means 11 detects a stay for a predetermined time, the control device 13 executes a lighting awakening control in which the illuminance or color temperature in the toilet booth from the lighting device 9 is increased, executes an audio awakening control in which sound is played in the toilet booth from the audio device 10, and has a composite awakening control in which the period in which the lighting awakening control is executed and the period in which the audio awakening control is executed overlap. This allows the lighting awakening effect and the audio awakening effect to be synergistically enhanced, making it possible to prevent the user from staying in the toilet booth for a long time.

[0057] The time t3 is set in advance as a predetermined time by the manager of the toilet space 1. For example, it is set as the time 15 minutes elapsed from the time t1 when it is detected that the user has entered the toilet booth 3. Note that the time t3 may be set as the elapsed time calculated from the time t2 when it is detected that the user has sat on the toilet seat device 7.

[0058] Then, the entry detection sensor 11a is turned OFF at time t4. That is, the stay time detection means 11 detects that the user has left the toilet booth 3 at time t4. Here, the lighting device 9 is changed to the lighting conditions that were set before time t1. Also, the audio device 10 stops playing music.

[0059] Then, the entry detection sensor 11a turns ON at time t5. That is, the stay time detection means 11 detects that the next user has entered the toilet booth 3 at time t5. The long-term stay prevention system then repeats the same process for the next user who has entered the toilet booth 3.

[0060] <5. Other device configurations and other control flow examples> The configuration of the toilet space 1 and the control flow executed by the long-term stay prevention system are not limited to those described above, and various configurations and control flows may be used. For example, as shown in Fig. 7, a plurality of toilet booths 3 arranged in the toilet space 1 may be provided with not only a toilet bowl 5 but also a vanity unit 6. The control flow executed by the long-term stay prevention system in such a configuration will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of processing executed by the long-term stay prevention system for a toilet space according to the second embodiment.

[0061] In step 81, the seating detection sensor 11b detects the user leaving the toilet seat device 7 provided on the toilet bowl.

[0062] Next, in step S82, control device 13 controls lighting device 9 so as to increase the illuminance or color temperature in toilet booth 3. Here, control of lighting device 9 in step S82 continues until staying time detection means 11 detects in step S83 that the user has left the toilet booth 3. Note that the process (step S83, Yes) when it is detected that the user has left the toilet booth 3 overlaps with the explanation given in FIG. 4, and will therefore be omitted.

[0063] Furthermore, in step S82, the control device 13 controls the sound device 10 to play music in the toilet booth. Here, the control of the sound device 10 in step S82 continues until the stay time detection means 11 detects in step S83 that the user has left the toilet booth 3. Note that the process (step S83, Yes) when it is detected that the user has left the toilet booth 3 overlaps with the explanation given in FIG. 4, and therefore will not be described here.

[0064] In step S82, a control signal for changing the lighting conditions related to the illuminance or color temperature of the lighting device 9 is sent to the lighting device 9 based on a control signal from the seating detection sensor 11b indicating that the user has left the toilet seat device 7. In other words, when the end of use of the toilet bowl 5 due to leaving the seat is detected, the toilet booth is controlled to be bright. This makes it possible to prevent the user from staying in the toilet booth 3 for a long period of time depending on the duration of use of the vanity unit 6.

[0065] Also, in step S82, a control signal to play music in the toilet booth is sent to the audio device 10 when a control signal is received from the seating detection sensor 11b indicating that the user has left the toilet seat device 7. That is, when the end of use of the toilet bowl 5 due to leaving the seat is detected, music is controlled to play in the toilet booth. This makes it possible to prevent the user from staying in the toilet booth 3 for a long period of time depending on the duration of use of the vanity unit 6. From the above, when the seat detection sensor 11b detects the end of use of the toilet bowl 5 due to leaving the seat, the control device 13 executes a lighting awakening control in which the illuminance or color temperature in the toilet booth from the lighting device 9 is increased, executes an audio awakening control in which music is played in the toilet booth from the audio device 10, and has a composite awakening control that overlaps the period in which the lighting awakening control is executed and the period in which the audio awakening control is executed. This makes it possible to synergize the lighting awakening effect and the audio awakening effect, and to prevent the user from staying in the toilet booth for a long time.

[0066] Next, a flow chart shown in FIG. 9 will be described as a third embodiment. In step S91, the stay time detection means 11 detects the entry of a user into the toilet booth 3. When it is detected that a user has entered the toilet booth 3, the process proceeds to the next step S92.

[0067] In step S92, it is determined whether the time spent by the user in the toilet booth 3 exceeds a predetermined first predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes). Here, the determination of the time spent by the user in step S92 continues until the time spent by the user is detected as leaving the toilet booth 3 by the time spent detecting means 11 in step S95. Then, in step S92, when the time spent by the user in the toilet booth 3 reaches or exceeds a first predetermined time (step S92, No), the process proceeds to step S93.

[0068] In step S93, the control device 13 controls the lighting device 9 to increase the illuminance or color temperature in the toilet booth 3. Specifically, starting from a control signal received from the stay time detection means 11 indicating that the stay time by the user has reached or exceeded the first predetermined time, the control device 13 transmits a control signal to the lighting device 9 to change the lighting conditions related to the illuminance or color temperature of the lighting device 9. In other words, when it is detected that the user has stayed in the toilet booth 3 for a long period of time, the lighting device 9 is controlled to make the toilet booth brighter. This makes it possible to prevent the user from staying in the toilet booth 3 for a long period of time.

[0069] Next, in step S94, when the control device 13 determines that the toilet space is crowded (step S94, Yes), the process proceeds to step S97. Also, in step S94, when the control device 13 determines that the toilet space is not crowded (step S94, No), the process proceeds to step S95 without controlling the sound device 10. The following is an example of a means for determining congestion in the toilet space in the control device 13. For example, when the number of entry detection sensors 11a and seating detection sensors 11b in the detection state in other toilet booths is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the control device 13 determines that the toilet space is crowded. Also, for example, the control device 13 determines that the toilet space is crowded during a time period when the toilet space or toilet booth is estimated to be used frequently based on the past usage history of the toilet space or toilet booth.

[0070] In step S97, the control device 13 controls the sound device 10 to play music in the toilet booth. Specifically, starting from a control signal received from the stay time detection means 11 indicating that the stay time by the user has reached or exceeded the first predetermined time and a control signal indicating that the toilet space is crowded, the control device 13 transmits a control signal to play music in the toilet booth to the sound device 10. That is, when it is detected that the user has stayed in the toilet booth 3 for a long period of time and the toilet space is crowded, the control device 13 controls the sound device 10 to play music in the toilet booth. This makes it possible to strongly prevent the user from staying in the toilet booth 3 for a long period of time.

[0071] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In step 101, the seating detection sensor 11b detects the user leaving the toilet seat device 7 provided on the toilet bowl.

[0072] Next, in step S102, control device 13 controls lighting device 9 so as to increase the illuminance or color temperature in toilet booth 3. Here, control of lighting device 9 in step S102 continues until staying time detection means 11 detects in step S104 that the user has left the toilet booth 3. Note that the process when it is detected that the user has left the toilet booth 3 (step S104, Yes) overlaps with the explanation given in FIG. 4, and will therefore be omitted.

[0073] Next, in step S103, when the control device 13 determines that the toilet space is crowded (step S103, Yes), the process proceeds to step S106. Also, in step S103, when the control device 13 determines that the toilet space is not crowded (step S94, No), the process proceeds to step S104 without controlling the sound device 10. The following is an example of a means for determining congestion in the toilet space in the control device 13. For example, when the number of entry detection sensors 11a and seating detection sensors 11b in the detection state in other toilet booths is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the control device 13 determines that the toilet space is crowded. Also, for example, the control device 13 determines that the toilet space is crowded during a time period when the toilet space or toilet booth is estimated to be used frequently based on the past usage history of the toilet space or toilet booth.

[0074] In step S106, control device 13 controls audio device 10 to play music in the toilet booth. Here, control of audio device 10 in step S106 continues until stay time detection means 11 detects in step S104 that the user has left the toilet booth 3. Note that the process (step S104, Yes) when it is detected that the user has left the toilet booth 3 overlaps with the explanation given in FIG. 4, and will therefore be omitted.

[0075] In step S104, a control signal for changing the lighting conditions related to the illuminance or color temperature of the lighting device 9 is sent to the lighting device 9 based on a control signal from the seating detection sensor 11b indicating that the user has left the toilet seat device 7. In other words, when the end of use of the toilet bowl 5 due to leaving the seat is detected, the toilet booth is controlled to be bright. This makes it possible to prevent the user from staying in the toilet booth 3 for a long period of time depending on the duration of use of the vanity unit 6.

[0076] In step S106, a control signal to play music in the toilet booth is sent to the audio device 10 based on a control signal from the seating detection sensor 11b indicating that the user has left the toilet seat device 7 and a control signal indicating that the toilet space is crowded. That is, when the end of use of the toilet bowl 5 due to leaving the seat is detected and the toilet space is crowded, control is performed so that music is played in the toilet booth. This makes it possible to strongly prevent the user from staying in the toilet booth 3 for a long period of time depending on the usage time of the vanity unit 6. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1. Toilet space 3. Toilet booth 5. Toilet 6. Vanity unit 7...Toilet seat device 9. Lighting equipment 11. Stay time detection method 11a Entry detection sensor 11b Seating detection sensor 13. Control device 15. Notification device

Claims

1. A system for preventing long-term stays in a toilet space, comprising: A toilet booth having a toilet bowl installed therein is arranged in the toilet space, A lighting device that is installed in the toilet booth and is capable of changing the illuminance or color temperature in the toilet booth; an audio device installed in the toilet booth and capable of playing music in the toilet booth; A control device that controls the lighting device and the audio device; a staying time detection means capable of detecting a staying time of a user in the toilet booth, The control device controls the lighting device so as to increase the illuminance or color temperature in the toilet booth when the dwell time detection means detects a stay of a first set time, and controls the audio device so as to play music in the toilet booth.

2. The toilet space long-term stay prevention system described in claim 1, characterized in that when the stay time detection means detects a stay of the first set time, the control device executes lighting awakening control in which the illuminance or color temperature in the toilet booth from the lighting device is increased, and executes audio awakening control in which music is played in the toilet booth from the audio device, and has a composite awakening control that overlaps at least a portion of the period during which the lighting awakening control is executed and the period during which the audio awakening control is executed.

3. The toilet space long-term stay prevention system described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the control device determines that the toilet space is not crowded, even if the stay time detection means detects a stay of a first set time, it controls the audio device not to play music and controls the lighting device to increase the illuminance or color temperature in the toilet booth.

4. The toilet space long-term stay prevention system described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lighting device installed in the toilet booth is set to incandescent light or warm white before the stay time detection means detects a stay of the first set time, and is controlled by the control device to change to white, natural white or daylight light after the stay time detection means detects a stay of the first set time.

5. The staying time detection means includes an entry detection sensor that detects a user's entry into the toilet booth, and a seating detection sensor that detects a user's sitting on a toilet seat device provided in the toilet bowl, The control device controls the lighting device to increase the illuminance or color temperature within the toilet booth when a stay for a second set time shorter than the first set time is detected after entry is detected by the entry detection sensor without any sitting being detected by the seating detection sensor.

6. A system for preventing long-term stays in a toilet space, comprising: The toilet space includes a plurality of toilet booths each having a toilet bowl and a washstand installed therein; A lighting device that is installed in the toilet booth and is capable of changing the illuminance or color temperature in the toilet booth; an audio device installed in the toilet booth and capable of playing music in the toilet booth; A control device that controls the lighting device and the audio device; a seating detection sensor that detects a user sitting on and leaving a toilet seat device provided in the toilet bowl, The control device, when the seating detection sensor detects leaving the seat, controls the lighting device to increase the illuminance or color temperature in the toilet booth, and controls the audio device to play music in the toilet booth.

7. The toilet space long-term stay prevention system described in claim 6, characterized in that the control device, when the seating detection sensor detects leaving the seat, executes lighting awakening control in which the illuminance or color temperature in the toilet booth from the lighting device is increased, and executes audio awakening control in which music is played in the toilet booth from the audio device, and has a composite awakening control that overlaps at least a portion of the period during which the lighting awakening control is executed and the period during which the audio awakening control is executed.

8. The toilet space long-term stay prevention system described in claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the control device controls the audio device not to play music and controls the lighting device to increase the illuminance or color temperature in the toilet booth when it determines that the toilet space is not crowded, even if the seating detection sensor detects leaving the seat.

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