Bathroom cleaning system and bathroom cleaning method

Abstract

To suppress scattering of washing water outside a bathroom when a bathroom washing device is remotely operated. [Solution] The bathroom cleaning system of the embodiment comprises a remote control installed in the home, a bathroom cleaning device that is operated by a mobile terminal or remote control capable of communicating via a network and performs a bathroom cleaning operation by spraying cleaning water into the bathroom washing area, a detection unit that detects the open / closed state of the bathroom door, and a control unit that executes a splash prevention process to prevent the splashing of cleaning water outside the bathroom based on the detection results by the detection unit.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a bathroom cleaning system and a bathroom cleaning method. [Background technology]

[0002] In the washing area of ​​a bathroom, dirt such as residues of soap or shampoo used to wash the human body, and grime generated by the human body (protein-based, carbohydrate-based, oil-based, salt-based, etc.) adheres to the washing area. In order to remove such dirt, a bathroom cleaning device is known that cleans the washing area by spraying cleaning water such as water or sterilized water onto the washing area (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Meanwhile, in recent years, with the widespread use of communication technologies such as the Internet, technologies have been proposed that allow electrical appliances installed in the home to be remotely controlled from outside the home using a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3339351 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When a bathroom cleaning device is used with the bathroom door open, cleaning water sprayed from the bathroom cleaning device may splash outside the bathroom. When the bathroom cleaning device is operated directly from inside the home, the user may notice that the bathroom door is open. However, when the bathroom cleaning device is operated remotely, a user who is outside the home cannot notice that the bathroom door is open.

[0006] One aspect of the embodiment has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a bathroom cleaning system and a bathroom cleaning method that can prevent cleaning water from splashing outside the bathroom when the bathroom cleaning device is remotely operated. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A bathroom cleaning system according to one aspect of the embodiment includes a remote control installed in the home, a bathroom cleaning device that is operated by a mobile device capable of communicating via a network or the remote control and performs a bathroom cleaning operation to spray cleaning water onto a bathroom washing area, a detection unit that detects whether the bathroom door is open or closed, and a control unit that executes a splash prevention process to prevent the cleaning water from splashing outside the bathroom based on the detection result by the detection unit.

[0008] According to this configuration, by executing a splash prevention process to prevent cleaning water from splashing outside the bathroom based on the detection results by the detection unit, it is possible to prevent cleaning water from splashing outside the bathroom when the bathroom cleaning device is remotely operated.

[0009] In addition, the above bathroom cleaning system is provided with a judgment unit that judges whether or not the bathroom cleaning operation can be started when a request to start the bathroom cleaning operation is received from the mobile terminal and the detection unit detects that the door is open, and the control unit executes the splash prevention process when the judgment unit determines that the bathroom cleaning operation cannot be started.

[0010] With this configuration, when the bathroom door is open, which is more likely to cause cleaning water to splash outside the bathroom than when the bathroom door is closed, it is possible to prevent cleaning water from splashing outside the bathroom by determining whether or not to start the bathroom cleaning operation.

[0011] In addition, in the above bathroom cleaning system, the judgment unit determines whether or not to start the bathroom cleaning operation based on information indicating the selection result of whether or not to start the bathroom cleaning operation, which is sent from the mobile terminal that received information that the door is open.

[0012] With this configuration, even if a user of a mobile terminal is out, for example, and is unable to directly check whether the bathroom door is open or closed, the user can check whether the bathroom door is open or closed and then select whether or not to start the bathroom cleaning operation.

[0013] In addition, in the above bathroom cleaning system, when the first judgment unit, which is the judgment unit, judges that the bathroom cleaning operation can be started, a second judgment unit is provided which re-judges whether or not the bathroom cleaning operation can be started based on the detection result by the detection unit, and the control unit executes the splash prevention process when the second judgment unit judges that the bathroom cleaning operation cannot be started.

[0014] For example, when the first determination unit is installed outside the house, the first determination unit performs communication via an external network such as the Internet, and therefore there is a risk of a time lag occurring compared to communication only within the house without using an external network. That is, when the open / closed state of the bathroom door is notified to the first determination unit, the open / closed state notified to the first determination unit may differ from the actual open / closed state. In this case, the first determination unit may erroneously determine the open / closed state of the bathroom door. In response to this, the open / closed state of the bathroom door is determined again by the second determination unit immediately before starting the bathroom cleaning operation, thereby suppressing the above-mentioned erroneous determination. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably suppress the splashing of cleaning water outside the bathroom.

[0015] In addition, in the bathroom cleaning system described above, the control unit prohibits the execution of the bathroom cleaning operation as the scattering prevention process.

[0016] According to this configuration, by preventing the bathroom cleaning operation from starting when the bathroom door is open, it is possible to prevent cleaning water from splashing outside the bathroom.

[0017] In addition, in the above-mentioned bathroom cleaning system, when a request to start the bathroom cleaning operation is made from the mobile terminal, the control unit prohibits the execution of the bathroom cleaning operation as the splash prevention process, whereas when a request to start the bathroom cleaning operation is made from the remote control, the control unit causes the bathroom cleaning device to execute the bathroom cleaning operation regardless of the detection result by the detection unit.

[0018] With this configuration, the bathroom cleaning operation is not started in response to a request from a mobile device that may not be able to respond immediately if cleaning water splashes outside the bathroom, while the bathroom cleaning operation can be started in response to a request from a remote control that is likely to be able to respond immediately even if cleaning water splashes outside the bathroom, regardless of the detection result by the detection unit. This makes it possible to appropriately suppress the splashing of cleaning water outside the bathroom.

[0019] In addition, in the above bathroom cleaning system, the control unit causes the bathroom cleaning device to perform a second bathroom cleaning operation as the scattering prevention process, which is different from a first bathroom cleaning operation performed in accordance with a request from the remote control.

[0020] According to this configuration, when the bathroom door is open, a second bathroom cleaning operation different from the first bathroom cleaning operation, which is the normal bathroom cleaning operation, is performed, thereby preventing cleaning water from splashing outside the bathroom.

[0021] In addition, in the above bathroom cleaning system, the control unit causes the bathroom cleaning device to perform the second bathroom cleaning operation, an operation of spraying the cleaning water over a narrower area than the spraying range of the cleaning water in the first bathroom cleaning operation.

[0022] According to this configuration, by performing an operation of spraying cleaning water over a narrower area than the range of spraying cleaning water in the first bathroom cleaning operation as the second bathroom cleaning operation, it is possible to prevent cleaning water from splashing outside the bathroom while performing the bathroom cleaning operation.

[0023] In addition, in the above bathroom cleaning system, when the detection unit detects that the door has been opened while the bathroom cleaning operation is being performed, the control unit temporarily suspends the bathroom cleaning operation as the scattering prevention process.

[0024] With this configuration, even if the bathroom door is opened during the bathroom cleaning operation, splashing of cleaning water outside the bathroom can be prevented.

[0025] Furthermore, in the bathroom cleaning system described above, the control unit temporarily halts the bathroom cleaning operation, and then resumes the bathroom cleaning operation when the detection unit detects that the door has been closed.

[0026] With this configuration, it is possible to minimize interruptions to the bathroom cleaning operation while preventing cleaning water from splashing outside the bathroom.

[0027] Furthermore, in the above bathroom cleaning system, when the control unit resumes the bathroom cleaning operation, it ends the bathroom cleaning operation in a time shorter than the remaining time of the paused bathroom cleaning operation.

[0028] With this configuration, even if the bathroom door is opened while the bathroom cleaning operation is in progress and the bathroom cleaning operation is temporarily stopped, the time until the bathroom cleaning operation is completed can be prevented from becoming long. Effect of the Invention

[0029] According to one aspect of the embodiment, when the bathroom cleaning device is remotely operated, splashing of cleaning water outside the bathroom can be suppressed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a bathroom cleaning system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a bathroom according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a washing area in a bathroom according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the server device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the home control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a process executed by the server device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a process executed by the home control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a process executed by the home control device according to the first modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the second bathroom cleaning operation. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the second bathroom cleaning operation. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a process executed by the home control device according to the second modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a process executed by the home control device according to the third modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG.

[0032] First, the configuration of a bathroom cleaning system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a bathroom cleaning system according to an embodiment.

[0033] In the block diagrams such as FIG. 1, only components necessary for explaining the features of this embodiment are shown as functional blocks, and descriptions of general components are omitted.

[0034] In other words, each component shown in a block diagram such as Figure 1 is a functional concept, and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. For example, the specific form of distribution and integration of each functional block is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of it can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0035] As shown in Figure 1, bathroom cleaning system 1 comprises bathroom cleaning device 10, home control device 20, remote control 30, detection unit 40, communications hub 50, gateway device 60, communications device 70, and server device 80. Bathroom cleaning system 1 may further include a mobile terminal 90.

[0036] Bathroom cleaning device 10, home control device 20, remote control 30, detection unit 40, communication hub 50, gateway device 60 and communication device 70 are installed inside (inside) a building 100 such as a house. Meanwhile, server device 80 is installed outside the building 100 and is connected to be able to communicate with communication device 70 and mobile terminal 90 via a network N such as the Internet.

[0037] The mobile terminal 90 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal carried by a user who is a resident of the building 100, and is communicatively connected to the communication device 70 and the server device 80 via the network N. The mobile terminal 90 may be located outside the building 100 or may be located inside the home. FIG. 1 shows an example in which the mobile terminal 90 is located outside the building 100.

[0038] Bathroom cleaning device 10 is a device that is installed in a home and automatically cleans a bathroom. Specifically, bathroom cleaning device 10 performs a bathroom cleaning operation by spraying cleaning water into the washing area of ​​the bathroom. The configuration of bathroom cleaning device 10 will be described later.

[0039] Home control device 20 controls the operation of bathroom cleaning apparatus 10 based on operations on remote control 30 or mobile terminal 90. The configuration of home control device 20 will be described later. Note that while an example is shown here in which home control device 20 is installed in the home as an independent device, home control device 20 may also be provided in, for example, any of bathroom cleaning apparatus 10, remote control 30, communications hub 50, or gateway device 60.

[0040] Remote control 30 has, for example, buttons that can be operated by the user, and in response to operation of such buttons, sends a signal requesting that bathroom cleaning device 10 start a bathroom cleaning operation (hereinafter referred to as a "start request") to home control device 20 via communication hub 50. Remote control 30 is installed, for example, in a washroom adjacent to the bathroom. Remote control 30 may also be installed in a place other than the washroom, such as the living room.

[0041] The detector 40 detects whether the bathroom door is open or closed. The detector 40 will be described later.

[0042] The communication hub 50 is connected to the home control device 20, the remote control 30, the detection unit 40, and the gateway device 60 by wires, and functions as a hub that relays communication between them. For example, the communication hub 50 relays communication between the remote control 30 and the home control device 20, between the detection unit 40 and the home control device 20, between the detection unit 40 and the gateway device 60, and between the gateway device 60 and the home control device 20. The communication hub 50 may be wirelessly connected to the home control device 20, the remote control 30, the detection unit 40, and the gateway device 60. For example, Wifi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) may be used as the wireless communication by the communication hub 50.

[0043] The gateway device 60 is connected to the communication device 70 so as to be able to communicate wirelessly. The gateway device 60 receives various signals from the communication device 70 via wireless communication, and transmits the received signals to the communication hub 50 via wired communication. The gateway device 60 also receives various signals from the communication hub 50 via wired communication, and transmits the received signals to the communication device 70 via wireless communication.

[0044] The communication device 70 includes, for example, a wireless router and a modem. The communication device 70 may also include a wireless router and an optical line terminal, etc. The communication device 70 receives various signals from the server device 80 via the network N, and transmits the received signals to the gateway device 60 via wireless communication. The communication device 70 also receives various signals from the gateway device 60 via wireless communication, and transmits the received signals to the server device 80 via the network N.

[0045] For example, WiFi (registered trademark) or the like can be used as wireless communication by the communication device 70, but the present invention is not limited to this and other types of wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) may also be used.

[0046] Server device 80 stores various types of information required for remotely operating bathroom cleaning device 10. Server device 80 also performs various types of information processing in response to requests from mobile terminal 90, and transmits the processing results to mobile terminal 90 or communication device 70 via network N. Note that server device 80 is assumed to be a cloud server configured by cloud computing consisting of one or more information processing devices, but is not limited to this. The configuration of server device 80 will be described later.

[0047] The mobile terminal 90 is a terminal device that can be carried by a user, such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wearable terminal, or a notebook PC (Personal Computer).

[0048] In the embodiment, it is assumed that the mobile terminal 90 is outside the home (i.e., the user of the mobile terminal 90 is out), but the mobile terminal 90 may be inside the home. That is, the operation of the mobile terminal 90 can be performed not only outside the home but also inside the home. Furthermore, the operation is not limited to the operation by the mobile terminal 90, and it is also possible to operate by voice using a smart speaker or the like.

[0049] Mobile terminal 90 transmits a start request to server device 80 via network N. For example, an application for controlling bathroom cleaning device 10 (hereinafter referred to as the "bathroom cleaning app") is installed on mobile terminal 90. When mobile terminal 90 receives a prescribed operation from the user with the bathroom cleaning app running, it transmits a start request to server device 80 via network N.

[0050] Although not shown here, bathroom-related devices other than bathroom cleaning device 10 may also be installed in the home. For example, bathroom-related devices may include a bath filling device that fills the bathtub with water, a bathroom dryer / heater that blows warm air into the bathroom to warm and dry the bathroom, a washroom heater that blows warm air into the washroom to warm the washroom, and a bathroom floor heater that heats the floor of the bathroom's washing area.

[0051] When remotely operating bathroom cleaning device 10, a user operates mobile device 90 to send a start request from mobile device 90 to server device 80 via network N. The start request is sent from server device 80 to communications device 70 via network N, and then sent from communications device 70 to gateway device 60 via wireless communication, and then from gateway device 60 to communications hub 50 via wired communication. The start request is then once sent from communications hub 50 to remote control 30, and then sent again to communications hub 50, and then sent from communications hub 50 to home control device 20. Note that the start request from mobile device 90 may be sent from communications hub 50 to home control device 20 without passing through remote control 30.

[0052] On the other hand, when operating bathroom cleaning device 10 from inside the home, the user operates remote control 30. As a result, a start request is transmitted from remote control 30 to home control device 20 via communication hub 50.

[0053] Next, the configuration of the bathroom cleaning device 10 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a bathroom according to an embodiment, and Figure 3 is a plan view of a washing area in the bathroom according to an embodiment.

[0054] 2, bathroom 500 in which bathroom cleaning device 10 is installed is roughly a rectangular parallelepiped and has four side walls, specifically, a first side wall 541, a second side wall 542, a third side wall 543, and a fourth side wall 544. Second side wall 542 faces first side wall 541, and fourth side wall 544 faces third side wall 543.

[0055] In bathroom 500, a bathtub 510 is provided close to fourth side wall 544, and a washing area 520 is provided between bathtub 510 and third side wall 543. Washing area 520 contacts third side wall 543, part of first side wall 541, and part of second side wall 542.

[0056] Washing area 520 is provided with drain outlet 521. Drain outlet 521 is provided, for example, near the center of washing area 520, close to bathtub 510. Although not shown here, washing area 520 is provided with a gentle drainage gradient (for example, about 1 to 5°) leading to drain outlet 521.

[0057] A counter 530 is provided on a part of the second side wall 542 that is adjacent to the washing area 520. Above the counter 530, a mirror, a water faucet, a shower hose, and the like are appropriately provided.

[0058] In addition, a bathroom door 550 for entering and exiting the bathroom 500 is provided on the third side wall 543. Note that the bathroom door 550 may be provided on the first side wall 541 depending on the layout of the building 100.

[0059] Bathroom cleaning device 10 is provided, for example, under counter 530, and cleans washing area 520 by spraying cleaning water onto washing area 520.

[0060] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 3, bathroom cleaning device 10 includes nozzle 11 that protrudes below counter 530, and a drive unit (not shown) that rotates nozzle 11 around a vertical axis. Nozzle 11 is provided at a position spaced apart from the floor surface of washing area 520. Bathroom cleaning device 10 sprays cleaning water over substantially the entire floor surface of washing area 520 by ejecting cleaning water from nozzle 11 and rotating nozzle 11 using a drive unit (not shown). For example, bathroom cleaning device 10 sprays cleaning water so that keratin remaining in washing area 520 is discharged into drain 521, and then sprays sterilizing water containing hypochlorous acid and the like generated by electrolyzing tap water over washing area 520.

[0061] In this way, bathroom cleaning device 10 sprays cleaning water over almost the entire floor surface of washing area 520. For this reason, if bathroom door 550 is open, there is a risk that cleaning water sprayed by bathroom cleaning device 10 will splash outside bathroom 500 (in the washroom). When bathroom cleaning device 10 is operated directly from inside the home using remote control 30, the user may notice that bathroom door 550 is open. However, when bathroom cleaning device 10 is remotely operated using mobile terminal 90, a user outside the home cannot notice that bathroom door 550 is open.

[0062] Therefore, in the bathroom cleaning system 1 of the embodiment, a detection unit 40 is provided to detect the open / closed state of the bathroom door 550, and based on the detection result by the detection unit 40, a splash prevention process is executed to prevent the cleaning water from splashing outside the bathroom 500.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 2, the detection unit 40 is provided, for example, near the bathroom door 550 (in the illustrated example, to the side of the bathroom door 550). The detection unit 40 is, for example, a magnetic proximity sensor. A magnetic proximity sensor uses a magnet to operate the reed of a switch, thereby turning on the switch and outputting a signal. For example, one of the magnet and the switch is provided on the door frame of the bathroom door 550, and the other is provided on the bathroom door 550. When the distance between the bathroom door 550 and the door frame is equal to or less than a threshold value, the switch is turned on by the magnet, and the detection unit 40 can detect that the bathroom door 550 is closed. On the other hand, when the distance between the bathroom door 550 and the door frame exceeds the threshold value, the detection unit 40 detects that the bathroom door 550 is open.

[0064] The detection unit 40 is not limited to a magnetic proximity sensor. For example, the detection unit 40 may be an infrared sensor. The infrared sensor has a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit, and detects, for example, the distance from the door frame of the bathroom door 550 to the bathroom door 550 by receiving light reflected from the bathroom door 550 with the light-receiving unit. The detection unit 40 as an infrared sensor detects, for example, that the bathroom door 550 is closed when the distance to the bathroom door 550 is equal to or less than a set threshold, and detects that the bathroom door 550 is open when the distance exceeds the threshold.

[0065] Detection unit 40 may also be a variety of proximity sensors, such as a capacitance type. Detection unit 40 may also be a pressure sensor that detects the pressure applied to the door frame when bathroom door 550 comes into contact with the door frame. Detection unit 40 may also be a camera. In this case, detection unit 40 can determine whether bathroom door 550 is open or closed by image recognition processing.

[0066] The detection unit 40 transmits the detection result to the communication hub 50. The communication hub 50 transmits the received detection result to the server device 80 via the gateway device 60, the communication device 70, and the network N. The detection unit 40 may transmit the detection result to the server device 80 when the open / closed state of the bathroom door 550 changes, that is, when the bathroom door 550 changes from an open state to a closed state or from a closed state to an open state. The detection unit 40 may also transmit the detection result in response to a request from the server device 80 or the home control device 20.

[0067] Next, the configuration of the server device 80 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server device 80 according to the embodiment.

[0068] 4, the server device 80 includes a control unit 81 and a storage unit 82. The control unit 81 includes a reception unit 81a, a first determination unit 81b, a confirmation processing unit 81c, and a start request unit 81d. The storage unit 82 stores opening / closing information 82a and a start request 82b.

[0069] Here, the control unit 81 includes, for example, a computer and various circuits having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disk drive, an input / output port, etc. The CPU of the computer functions as the reception unit 81a, the first determination unit 81b, the confirmation processing unit 81c, and the start request unit 81d of the control unit 81, for example, by reading and executing a program stored in the ROM.

[0070] In addition, at least some or all of the reception unit 81a, first judgment unit 81b, confirmation processing unit 81c and start request unit 81d of the control unit 81 can be configured using hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0071] The storage unit 82 is configured with a storage device such as a non-volatile memory, a hard disk drive, etc. The storage unit 82 stores opening / closing information 82a, a start request 82b, various programs (not shown), and the like.

[0072] Receiving unit 81a acquires the detection result of detection unit 40 on the open / closed state of bathroom door 550 via network N. Receiving unit 81a stores the acquired detection result as open / closed information 82a in memory unit 82. Open / closed information 82a may include, in addition to the open / closed state of bathroom door 550, i.e., information indicating whether bathroom door 550 is open or closed, identification information (bathroom ID) that identifies bathroom cleaning device 10 or bathroom 500.

[0073] Furthermore, the reception unit 81a receives a start request from the mobile terminal 90 via the network N. The reception unit 81a stores the received start request 82b in the storage unit 82. The start request 82b may include information (user ID) that identifies the mobile terminal 90 that is the sender. Although not shown in the figure, it is assumed that the server device 80 has stored information linking the user ID and the bathroom ID in the storage unit 82 in advance.

[0074] When a start request is accepted from the mobile terminal 90, the first determination unit 81b determines whether or not the bathroom door 550 is open, based on the open / close information 82a.

[0075] Furthermore, first determination unit 81b determines whether or not to start the bathroom cleaning operation based on the selection result received from mobile terminal 90 in response to a selection request sent by confirmation processing unit 81c, which will be described later. Specifically, when first determination unit 81b receives a selection result from mobile terminal 90 to permit the start of the bathroom cleaning operation, it determines that the bathroom cleaning operation can be started. On the other hand, when first determination unit 81b receives a selection result from mobile terminal 90 to deny the start of the bathroom cleaning operation, it determines that the bathroom cleaning operation cannot be started.

[0076] When the first judgment unit 81b judges that the bathroom door 550 is open, the confirmation processing unit 81c sends a selection request via the network N to the corresponding mobile terminal 90 to select whether or not to start the bathroom cleaning operation.

[0077] For example, the confirmation processing unit 81c displays a message "The bathroom door is open. Do you want to start the bathroom cleaning operation?" along with an allow button (e.g., a button marked "Yes") and a deny button (e.g., a button marked "No") on the screen of the mobile terminal 90 via a bathroom cleaning app installed on the mobile terminal 90. The user of the mobile terminal 90 selects the allow button if he or she wishes to allow the start of the bathroom cleaning operation, and selects the deny button if he or she wishes to deny the start of the bathroom cleaning operation. The mobile terminal 90 then transmits information corresponding to the selected button (selection result) to the server device 80 via the network N.

[0078] When first determination unit 81b determines that the bathroom cleaning operation can be started, start request unit 81d transmits start request 82b received by reception unit 81a to communication device 70 (see FIG. 1) via network N. Start request 82b is transmitted to home control device 20 via gateway device 60, communication hub 50, remote control 30, etc.

[0079] Next, the configuration of the home control device 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the home control device 20 according to the embodiment.

[0080] 5, the home control device 20 includes a control unit 21 and a storage unit 22. The control unit 21 includes a reception unit 21a, a second determination unit 21b, and an operation control unit 21c. The storage unit 22 stores opening / closing information 22a and a start request 82b.

[0081] Here, the control unit 21 includes, for example, a computer and various circuits having a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk drive, an input / output port, etc. The CPU of the computer functions as the reception unit 21a, the second determination unit 21b, and the operation control unit 21c of the control unit 21, for example, by reading and executing a program stored in the ROM.

[0082] At least some or all of the reception unit 21a, the second determination unit 21b, and the operation control unit 21c of the control unit 21 can be configured with hardware such as ASIC or FPGA.

[0083] The storage unit 22 is configured with a storage device such as a non-volatile memory, a hard disk drive, etc. The storage unit 22 stores opening / closing information 22a, a start request 82b, various programs (not shown), and the like.

[0084] Reception unit 21a acquires the detection result by detection unit 40 via communication hub 50. Reception unit 21a stores the acquired detection result as opening / closing information 22a in memory unit 22. Opening / closing information 22a includes at least information indicating the opening / closing state of bathroom door 550, i.e., whether bathroom door 550 is in an open state or a closed state.

[0085] Furthermore, the reception unit 21a receives a start request 82b from a start request unit 81d of the server device 80 via the network N, the communication hub 50, etc. The reception unit 21a causes the storage unit 22 to store the received start request 82b.

[0086] When a start request 82b is accepted from the server device 80, the second determination unit 21b determines whether the bathroom door 550 is open or closed based on the open / close information 22a.

[0087] Operation control unit 21c instructs bathroom cleaning device 10 to perform a bathroom cleaning operation. Operation control unit 21c also performs a splash prevention process to prevent cleaning water from splashing outside bathroom 500. Specifically, when second determination unit 21b determines that bathroom door 550 is closed, operation control unit 21c causes bathroom cleaning device 10 to start the bathroom cleaning operation. On the other hand, when second determination unit 21b determines that bathroom door 550 is open, operation control unit 21c prohibits the execution of the bathroom cleaning operation, contrary to a request from mobile terminal 90.

[0088] Thus, according to the bathroom cleaning system 1 of the embodiment, the bathroom cleaning operation is prohibited from being performed when the bathroom door 550 is open, so that even if the bathroom cleaning device 10 is remotely operated by the mobile terminal 90, splashing of cleaning water outside the bathroom 500 can be effectively prevented.

[0089] The server device 80 is connected to home devices such as the detection unit 40 and the home control device 20 via a network N such as the Internet. For this reason, there is a risk of a time lag occurring in communication between the server device 80 and the home devices compared to communication only within the home.

[0090] For example, server device 80 acquires opening / closing information 82a via network N such as the Internet. Therefore, when server device 80 receives opening / closing information 82a, the opening / closing state indicated by opening / closing information 82a may differ from the actual opening / closing state. In this case, first determination unit 81b included in server device 80 may erroneously determine the opening / closing state of bathroom door 550. That is, server device 80 may transmit a start request to home control device 20 even though bathroom door 550 is actually open. In addition, the actual opening / closing state of bathroom door 550 may change between the time when server device 80 transmits the start request and the time when home control device 20 accepts the start request.

[0091] Therefore, in bathroom cleaning system 1 according to the embodiment, the open / closed state of bathroom door 550 is determined not only by server device 80 but also by home control device 20. Both detection unit 40 and home control device 20 are installed in the home and do not require communication via network N such as the Internet, so time lag is unlikely to occur. Therefore, home control device 20 can determine whether or not the bathroom cleaning operation can be started based on opening / closing information 22a, which is closer to real time than server device 80. Therefore, bathroom cleaning system 1 according to the embodiment can more reliably prevent cleaning water from splashing outside bathroom 500.

[0092] When a user in the home operates remote control 30, reception unit 21a of home control device 20 receives a start request from remote control 30 via communication hub 50. In this case, operation control unit 21c instructs bathroom cleaning device 10 to execute the bathroom cleaning operation regardless of whether bathroom door 550 is open or closed, that is, even if bathroom door 550 is open. However, this is not limited to this, and home control device 20 may notify the user of a message such as "The bathroom door is open. Do you want to start the bathroom cleaning operation?" to allow the user to select whether or not to start the bathroom cleaning operation. Home control device 20 may display the above message on remote control 30, for example, or may output the message as a voice from remote control 30. Home control device 20 may also display a button on remote control 30 for selecting whether or not to start the bathroom cleaning operation.

[0093] Next, specific operations of server device 80 and home control device 20 will be described. First, the operation of server device 80 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of processing executed by server device 80 according to the embodiment. Note that the series of processing shown in FIG. 6 is started, for example, when a bathroom cleaning app is launched on mobile terminal 90.

[0094] 6, the control unit 81 of the server device 80 determines whether or not a start request has been received from the mobile terminal 90 (step S101). This process is repeated, for example, until a start request is received from the mobile terminal 90 (step S101, No).

[0095] In step S101, if a start request is received from the mobile terminal 90 (step S101, Yes), the control unit 81 determines whether the bathroom door 550 is open or not based on the opening / closing information 82a stored in the memory unit 82 (step S102).

[0096] In step S102, when it is determined that bathroom door 550 is open (step S102, Yes), control unit 81 transmits to mobile terminal 90 a selection request for selecting whether or not to start the bathroom cleaning operation (step S103).

[0097] Next, control unit 81 determines whether or not a selection result indicating that the bathroom cleaning operation can be started has been received from mobile terminal 90 (step S104). In this process, if a selection result indicating that the bathroom cleaning operation can be started has not been received (step S104, No), control unit 81 returns the process to step S101.

[0098] On the other hand, if the control unit 81 receives a selection result indicating that the bathroom cleaning operation can be started (step S104, Yes), or if it determines in step S102 that the bathroom door 550 is closed (step S102, No), the control unit 81 sends a start request to the home control device 20 (step S105) and terminates the processing.

[0099] Next, the operation of the home control device 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of processing executed by the home control device 20 according to the embodiment.

[0100] 7, the control unit 21 of the home control device 20 determines whether a start request has been received (step S201). This process is repeated, for example, until a start request is received (step S201, No).

[0101] In step S201, when a start request is accepted (step S201, Yes), the control unit 21 judges whether or not the start request is accepted from the mobile terminal 90 (step S202). Specifically, when the start request is received from the server device 80 via the network N, the control unit 21 judges that the start request is accepted from the mobile terminal 90.

[0102] In step S202, if it is determined that a start request has been accepted from the mobile terminal 90 (step S202, Yes), the control unit 21 determines whether the bathroom door 550 is open or not based on the opening / closing information 22a stored in the memory unit 22 (step S203).

[0103] If it is determined in step S203 that bathroom door 550 is open (step S203, Yes), control unit 21 prohibits the bathroom cleaning operation from being performed (step S204). That is, control unit 21 does not instruct bathroom cleaning device 10 to start the bathroom cleaning operation. In this case, control unit 21 may notify server device 80 of information that the bathroom cleaning operation has been prohibited from being performed. Furthermore, when server device 80 receives information from bathroom cleaning device 10 that the bathroom cleaning operation has been prohibited from being performed, it may send information to mobile terminal 90 that the bathroom cleaning operation has been prohibited from being performed (for example, a message such as "The bathroom cleaning operation has not started because the bathroom door is open").

[0104] On the other hand, if a start request has not been received from mobile terminal 90 in step S202 (step S202, No), i.e., if a start request has been received from remote control 30, or if bathroom door 550 is closed in step S203 (step S203, No), control unit 21 causes bathroom cleaning device 10 to start the bathroom cleaning operation (step S205). After completing the process of step S204 or step S205, control unit 21 ends the series of processes.

[0105] Here, after determining in step S202 whether or not a start request has been received from the mobile terminal 90, it is determined in step S203 whether or not the bathroom door 550 is open, but the order of the determination process in step S203 and the determination process in step S202 may be reversed.

[0106] (First Modification) In the above-described embodiment, when home control device 20 determines that bathroom door 550 is open (Yes in step S203), it does not perform the bathroom cleaning operation, thereby preventing cleaning water from splashing outside bathroom 500. Without being limited to this, when home control device 20 determines that bathroom door 550 is open, it may cause bathroom cleaning device 10 to perform a second bathroom cleaning operation in which splashing of cleaning water is reduced compared to the normal bathroom cleaning operation (first bathroom cleaning operation).

[0107] This point will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 10. Figure 8 is a flow chart showing the procedure of processing executed by home control device 20 according to the first modified example. Also, Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of the second bathroom washing operation, and Figure 10 is a diagram showing another example of the second bathroom washing operation.

[0108] The processing of steps S301 to S303 shown in Fig. 8 is the same as the processing of steps S201 to S203 shown in Fig. 7 described above. If no start request has been received from mobile terminal 90 in step S302 (step S302, No), or if bathroom door 550 is closed in step S303 (step S303, No), control unit 21 causes bathroom cleaning device 10 to start a first bathroom cleaning operation (step S305). The first bathroom cleaning operation is a normal bathroom cleaning operation in which cleaning water is sprayed over substantially the entire floor surface of washing area 520.

[0109] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S303 that bathroom door 550 is open (Yes in step S303), controller 21 causes bathroom cleaning device 10 to start a second bathroom cleaning operation (step S304).

[0110] The second bathroom cleaning operation is a bathroom cleaning operation in which cleaning water is sprayed over a narrower area than the area sprayed by the first bathroom cleaning operation. For example, as shown in Figure 9, bathroom cleaning device 10 may perform the second bathroom cleaning operation by ejecting cleaning water from nozzle 11 with a weaker water force than the water force of the cleaning water in the first bathroom cleaning operation.

[0111] Bathroom cleaning device 10 may also narrow the range over which cleaning water is sprayed by narrowing the rotation range of nozzle 11. In this case, as shown in Figure 10, bathroom cleaning device 10 may rotate nozzle 11 so that cleaning water is sprayed in a direction other than the direction toward bathroom door 550, for example, onto the half of the floor surface of washing area 520 facing bathtub 510.

[0112] In addition, the bathroom cleaning device 10 may narrow the range over which the cleaning water is sprayed by increasing the nozzle diameter of nozzle 11 or by increasing the angle (depression angle) of the cleaning water sprayed from nozzle 11 relative to the horizontal (spraying the cleaning water more downward).

[0113] (Second Modification) Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the process executed by the home control device 20 according to the second modified example. The series of processes shown in Fig. 11 are carried out while the bathroom cleaning operation is being performed.

[0114] 11, control unit 21 (second determination unit 21b) of home control device 20 determines whether bathroom door 550 is open during the bathroom cleaning operation (step S401). Specifically, when control unit 21 receives opening / closing information 22a indicating that bathroom door 550 is open from detection unit 40 via communication hub 50 during the bathroom cleaning operation, control unit 21 determines that bathroom door 550 is open during the bathroom cleaning operation.

[0115] If it is determined in step S401 that bathroom door 550 has opened during the bathroom cleaning operation (step S401, Yes), control unit 21 (operation control unit 21c) controls bathroom cleaning device 10 to temporarily suspend the bathroom cleaning operation (step S402). This makes it possible to prevent cleaning water from splashing outside bathroom 500, even if bathroom door 550 is opened during the bathroom cleaning operation.

[0116] Next, control unit 21 (second determination unit 21b) determines whether bathroom door 550 is closed (step S403). Specifically, when control unit 21 receives opening / closing information 22a indicating that bathroom door 550 is closed from detection unit 40 via communication hub 50, control unit 21 determines that bathroom door 550 is closed.

[0117] If it is determined in step S403 that bathroom door 550 is closed (step S403, Yes), control unit 21 (operation control unit 21c) resumes the bathroom cleaning operation (step S404). For example, control unit 21 resumes the bathroom cleaning operation from the point where it was paused. Control unit 21 may also re-execute the bathroom cleaning operation from the beginning.

[0118] In this way, when the bathroom door 550 changes from an open state to a closed state, the bathroom cleaning operation that was paused is resumed, so that the bathroom cleaning operation can be completed while preventing cleaning water from splashing outside the bathroom 500.

[0119] On the other hand, if bathroom door 550 is not closed in step S403 (step S403, No), control unit 21 (second judgment unit 21b) judges whether the time has expired (step S405). For example, control unit 21 may determine that the time has expired if a certain amount of time has passed since the bathroom cleaning operation was temporarily stopped in step S402. Control unit 21 may also determine that the time has expired if the time scheduled as the end time of the bathroom cleaning operation has passed. If the time has not expired (step S405, No), control unit 21 returns the process to step S403.

[0120] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S405 that the time has expired (step S405, Yes), the control unit 21 (operation control unit 21c) stops the bathroom cleaning operation that was temporarily stopped (step S406). That is, the bathtub cleaning device 10 ends the bathroom cleaning operation without resuming it.

[0121] (Third Modification) Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the process executed by the home control device 20 according to the third modified example. The series of processes shown in Fig. 12 are carried out while the bathroom cleaning operation is being performed. Moreover, among the processes of steps S501 to S506 shown in Fig. 12, the processes other than S504 are the same as the processes of steps S401 to S403, S504, and S506 shown in Fig. 11.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 12, if control unit 21 (operation control unit 21c) determines in step S503 that bathroom door 550 is closed (step S503, Yes), it may resume the bathroom cleaning operation in the time-saving mode (step S504).

[0123] Here, the time-saving mode refers to a mode in which the bathroom cleaning operation is ended in a time shorter than the time remaining until the bathroom cleaning operation that was paused is completed. For example, control unit 21 (operation control unit 21c) may end the bathroom cleaning operation after restart by the time that was scheduled as the end time of the bathroom cleaning operation. Also, if the bathroom cleaning operation includes multiple steps (for example, a first step of spraying tap water and a second step of spraying sterilizing water), and the bathroom cleaning operation is paused in the middle of the first step, control unit 21 may resume the bathroom cleaning operation from the second step. In this way, by resuming the bathroom cleaning operation in the time-saving mode, it is possible to prevent the time until the bathroom cleaning operation is completed from becoming longer.

[0124] (Other variations) The start request is not limited to a request to immediately start the bathroom cleaning operation, but may be a request to start the bathroom cleaning operation at a specified time (hereinafter, referred to as a "start reservation request"). In this case, the determination process of step S102 shown in FIG. 6 may be performed, for example, when the reserved time arrives or a predetermined time before the reserved time.

[0125] In the embodiment described above, the determination processes of steps S101 and S102 shown in Fig. 6 are performed by server device 80, but the determination processes of steps S101 and S102 may be performed, for example, by mobile terminal 90. In this case, mobile terminal 90 may obtain open / close information from detection unit 40 or server device 80 in step S102, and then determine whether bathroom door 550 is open or not. Furthermore, the processes of steps S104 and S105 may be performed by mobile terminal 90.

[0126] 7 is performed by the home control device 20, the determination process of steps S201 to S203 may be performed by the server device 80 or the mobile terminal 90. The processes of steps S204 and S205 may be performed by the server device 80 or the mobile terminal 90. Similarly, the processes of steps S401 to S405 shown in FIG. 11 may be performed by the server device 80 or the mobile terminal 90.

[0127] Also, in the above-described embodiment, examples of the scattering prevention process include a process for prohibiting the execution of the bathroom cleaning operation (step S204 in FIG. 7) and a process for starting the second bathroom cleaning operation (step S304 in FIG. 8), but the scattering prevention process is not limited to the above examples. For example, bathroom 500 may be provided with an opening / closing mechanism (not shown) that automatically opens and closes bathroom door 550. In this case, control unit 21 (operation control unit 21c) may execute a process for controlling the opening / closing mechanism to close bathroom door 550 as the scattering prevention process.

[0128] As described above, the bathroom cleaning system 1 of the embodiment comprises a remote control 30 installed in the home, a bathroom cleaning device 10 which is operated by a mobile terminal 90 or the remote control 30 capable of communicating via a network N and performs a bathroom cleaning operation of spraying cleaning water into the washing area 520 of the bathroom 500, a detection unit 40 which detects the open / closed state of the door of the bathroom 500 (bathroom door 550), and a control unit 21 which executes a splash prevention process to prevent the splashing of cleaning water outside the bathroom 500 based on the detection result by the detection unit 40.

[0129] Therefore, according to the bathroom cleaning system 1 according to this embodiment, splashing of cleaning water outside the bathroom 500 can be suppressed when the bathroom cleaning device 10 is remotely operated.

[0130] Further advantages and modifications may readily occur to those skilled in the art. Thus, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 1: Bathroom cleaning system 10: Bathroom cleaning device 20: Home control device 21: Control section 21a: Reception 21b: Second judgment section 21c: Operation control section 22: Storage section 22a: Opening and closing information 30: Remote control 40: Detection unit 50: Communication hub 60: Gateway device 70: Communication equipment 80: Server device 81: Control section 81a: Reception 81b: First judgment section 81c: Verification processing section 81d: Start request part 82: Storage section 82a: Opening and closing information 82b :Start request 90: Mobile devices 100: Building 500: Bathroom 510: Bathtub 520: Washing area 521:Drain port 530: Counter 541: First side wall 542: Second side wall 543: 3rd side wall 544: 4th side wall 550: Bathroom door

Claims

1. A remote control installed in the home, a bathroom cleaning device that is operated by a mobile terminal capable of communicating via a network or the remote control and performs a bathroom cleaning operation of spraying cleaning water onto a washing area in the bathroom; A detection unit that detects whether the bathroom door is open or closed; a control unit that executes a scattering prevention process to prevent the washing water from scattering outside the bathroom based on a detection result by the detection unit; The control unit, when a request to start the bathroom cleaning operation is received, determines whether the start request is received from the mobile terminal or the remote control, and if it is determined that the start request is received from the mobile terminal, executes a splash prevention process to prevent the cleaning water from splashing outside the bathroom based on the detection result by the detection unit. Bathroom cleaning system.

2. a determination unit that determines whether or not to start the bathroom cleaning operation when the start of the bathroom cleaning operation is requested from the mobile terminal and the detection unit detects that the door is open; Equipped with The bathroom cleaning system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit executes the splash prevention process when the determination unit determines that the bathroom cleaning operation cannot be started.

3. The bathroom cleaning system of claim 2, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not to start the bathroom cleaning operation based on information indicating a selection result of whether or not to start the bathroom cleaning operation, which is sent from the mobile terminal that received information that the door is open.

4. A remote control installed in a home; a bathroom cleaning device that is operated by a mobile terminal capable of communicating via a network or the remote control and performs a bathroom cleaning operation of spraying cleaning water onto a washing area in the bathroom; A detection unit that detects whether the bathroom door is open or closed; a control unit that executes a scattering prevention process to prevent the washing water from scattering outside the bathroom based on a detection result by the detection unit; a determination unit that determines whether or not to start the bathroom cleaning operation when the mobile device requests that the bathroom cleaning operation be started and the detection unit detects that the door is open; and Equipped with The control unit executes the scattering prevention process when a first determination unit, which is the determination unit, determines that the bathroom cleaning operation cannot be started, If the first determination unit determines that the bathroom cleaning operation can be started, a second determination unit installed in the home re-determines whether or not the bathroom cleaning operation can be started based on the detection result by the detection unit installed in the home; The control unit executes the scattering prevention process when the second determination unit determines that the bathroom cleaning operation cannot be started. Bathroom cleaning system.

5. The bathroom cleaning system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit prohibits execution of the bathroom cleaning operation as the scattering prevention process.

6. A remote control installed in a home; a bathroom cleaning device that is operated by a mobile terminal capable of communicating via a network or the remote control and performs a bathroom cleaning operation of spraying cleaning water onto a washing area in the bathroom; A detection unit that detects whether the bathroom door is open or closed; a control unit that executes a scattering prevention process to prevent the washing water from scattering outside the bathroom based on a detection result by the detection unit; The control unit prohibits the execution of the bathroom cleaning operation as the scattering prevention process, The control unit is characterized in that, when a request to start the bathroom cleaning operation is received from the mobile terminal, the control unit prohibits the execution of the bathroom cleaning operation as the scattering prevention process, while, when a request to start the bathroom cleaning operation is received from the remote control, the control unit causes the bathroom cleaning device to execute the bathroom cleaning operation regardless of the detection result by the detection unit. Bathroom cleaning system.

7. A bathroom cleaning system as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit causes the bathroom cleaning device to perform a second bathroom cleaning operation as the scattering prevention process, which is different from a first bathroom cleaning operation performed in accordance with a request from the remote control.

8. The bathroom cleaning system of claim 7, wherein the control unit causes the bathroom cleaning device to perform the second bathroom cleaning operation by spraying the cleaning water over a narrower area than the spraying range of the cleaning water in the first bathroom cleaning operation.

9. A bathroom cleaning system as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit temporarily suspends the bathroom cleaning operation as the splash prevention process when the detection unit detects that the door has been opened while the bathroom cleaning operation is being performed.

10. The bathroom cleaning system according to claim 9 , wherein the control unit resumes the bathroom cleaning operation when the detection unit detects that the door has been closed after temporarily suspending the bathroom cleaning operation.

11. A remote control installed in a home; a bathroom cleaning device that is operated by a mobile terminal capable of communicating via a network or the remote control and performs a bathroom cleaning operation of spraying cleaning water onto a washing area in the bathroom; A detection unit that detects whether the bathroom door is open or closed; a control unit that executes a scattering prevention process to prevent the washing water from scattering outside the bathroom based on a detection result by the detection unit; The control unit temporarily stops the bathroom cleaning operation as the scattering prevention process when the detection unit detects that the door is opened during the bathroom cleaning operation, after the bathroom cleaning operation is temporarily stopped, when the detection unit detects that the door is closed, the bathroom cleaning operation is resumed; When the bathroom cleaning operation is resumed, the bathroom cleaning operation is ended in a time shorter than the remaining time of the bathroom cleaning operation that was paused. Bathroom cleaning system.

12. an operating step of operating the bathroom cleaning device that performs a bathroom cleaning operation of spraying cleaning water into the bathroom washing area by using a mobile terminal capable of communicating via a network or a remote control installed in the home; a detection step of detecting an open / close state of the bathroom door; a control step of executing a scattering prevention process for suppressing scattering of the cleaning water outside the bathroom based on the detection result in the detection step; a determination step of, when a request is made to the bathroom cleaning device to start a bathroom cleaning operation of spraying cleaning water onto a bathroom washing area, determining whether the request is received from a mobile terminal capable of communicating via a network or from a remote control installed in the home; a detection step of detecting an open / closed state of the bathroom door when it is determined based on a result of the determination step that the start request has been received from the mobile terminal; a control step of executing a splash prevention process for preventing the washing water from splashing outside the bathroom based on the detection result in the detection step; A bathroom cleaning method comprising:

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