Sound output control device

Abstract

To provide a sound output control device that can control the communication between a remote controller and a mobile terminal.SOLUTION: A sound output control device 1 includes a remote controller 10 provided in a bathroom and capable of setting the operating state of a water heater, a connection condition storage unit 20 that stores a connection condition that enables connection between the remote controller 10 and a mobile terminal, a disconnection condition storage unit 30 that stores a disconnection condition for canceling the connection between the remote controller 10 and the mobile terminal, a connection unit 28 that connects the remote controller 10 to the mobile terminal when the connection condition is satisfied, a sound data acquisition unit 40 that acquires sound data from the mobile terminal while the remote controller 10 is connected to the mobile terminal, a cutting condition determination unit 35 that determines whether a disconnection condition is satisfied, a disconnection unit 29 that cancels the connection between the remote controller 10 and the mobile terminal when it is determined that the disconnection condition is satisfied, and a speaker 50 that outputs sound based on the sound data acquired by the sound data acquisition unit 40.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sound output control device that controls the connection between a mobile terminal and a remote control provided in a bathroom that outputs sound data from the mobile terminal as sound.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a house, a housing equipment system having a water heater connected via a communication cable to each other and a remote control capable of remotely operating the water heater has been used. On the other hand, in a house, a speaker that reproduces sound data stored in a mobile terminal using short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) has become popular. As a technique related to the connection between such a mobile terminal and a speaker, for example, there is one described in Patent Document 1 cited below.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes processing related to connection and disconnection between a terminal device and an external connection device. In the technique described in Patent Document 1, in order to improve the convenience of the user, when the terminal device approaches the external connection device, the terminal device automatically connects to the external connection device, and when the terminal device moves far away from the external connection device, the terminal device is automatically configured to disconnect from the external connection device.

[0004] In addition, such a connection by wireless communication can also be seen in, for example, an audio system mounted on an automobile. Specifically, in an audio system mounted on an automobile, music data is acquired from a mobile terminal by Bluetooth and output as sound by a speaker.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In the terminal device described in Patent Document 1 and the above-described audio system, if there is an external connection device or a mobile terminal nearby, it is automatically connected, and if it is far away, the connection is released. Further, the terminal device described in Patent Document 1 and the above-described audio system are configured such that the connection is also released when the power supply is stopped. However, considering a configuration in which sound is output from a speaker provided in the bathroom, there is room for improvement because the user may unintentionally output sound just by entering the dressing room. In addition, since the bathroom remote control is always powered on, there is also room for improvement regarding the release of the connection with the mobile terminal due to the power supply stop.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a sound output control device that can appropriately control the communication between the remote control provided in the bathroom and the mobile terminal.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The characteristic configuration of the sound output control device according to the present invention includes a remote controller provided in a bathroom and capable of setting an operation state of a water heater, a connection condition storage unit that stores in advance connection conditions enabling connection of a mobile terminal by short-range wireless communication with the remote controller, a disconnection condition storage unit that stores in advance disconnection conditions for terminating the connection of the mobile terminal by the short-range wireless communication with the remote controller, a connection condition determination unit that determines whether a user state or an operation status of the remote controller satisfies the connection conditions when the remote controller is not connected to the mobile terminal by the short-range wireless communication, a connection unit that connects the remote controller to the mobile terminal by the short-range wireless communication when it is determined by the connection condition determination unit that the connection conditions are satisfied, a sound data acquisition unit that acquires sound data from the mobile terminal during the connection between the remote controller and the mobile terminal, a disconnection condition determination unit that determines whether the user state or the operation status of the remote controller satisfies the disconnection conditions when the remote controller is connected to the mobile terminal by the short-range wireless communication, a disconnection unit that terminates the connection between the remote controller and the mobile terminal by the short-range wireless communication when it is determined by the disconnection condition determination unit that the disconnection conditions are satisfied, and a speaker provided in the remote controller and outputting a sound based on the sound data acquired by the sound data acquisition unit. The connection condition storage unit stores in advance at least one connection condition among a first connection condition that a user is in a bathtub in the bathroom, a second connection condition that a user has entered the bathroom, and a third connection condition that an operation preset by the remote controller has been performed as the connection conditions. The disconnection condition storage unit stores in advance at least one disconnection condition among a first disconnection condition that a user has exited a bathtub in the bathroom, a second disconnection condition that a user has left the bathroom, and a third disconnection condition that an operation preset by the remote controller has been performed as the disconnection conditions The connection condition storage unit further stores, as the connection condition, a fourth connection condition that the mobile terminal enters the communication range of the remote controller. The connection condition setting unit sets, as the connection conditions used by the connection condition determination unit for determination, at least any one of the first connection condition, the second connection condition, and the third connection condition and the fourth connection condition. in this regard.

[0009] With such a characteristic configuration, when the pre-stored connection conditions are met, the sound related to the sound data obtained by connecting the remote control provided in the bathroom and the mobile terminal is output from the speaker, and when the pre-stored disconnection conditions are met, the connection between the remote control provided in the bathroom and the mobile terminal is terminated and the output of the sound from the speaker is ended. Thus, according to this sound output control device, it is possible to appropriately control the communication between the remote control provided in the bathroom and the mobile terminal.

[0013] Also, With such a configuration, while making it an essential condition that the mobile terminal enters the communication range of the remote control, the user can set the connection conditions according to their own preferences. Therefore, it is possible to output sound from the speaker according to the user's own state.

[0014] Furthermore, it is preferable to further include a bathing detection sensor for detecting that the user is in the bathtub, a human presence sensor for detecting that the user has entered the bathroom, an outdoor remote control provided outside the bathroom and capable of setting the operating state, and a notification unit for notifying the mobile terminal and the outdoor remote control that the remote control and the mobile terminal are connected when the fourth connection condition is set as the connection condition and the remote control is connected to the mobile terminal while the bathing detection sensor and the human presence sensor are in the off state.

[0015] With such a configuration, in a state where the mobile terminal is connected with the condition that it has entered the communication range of the remote control, when the bathing detection sensor and the human presence sensor are in the off state, by notifying the mobile terminal and the outdoor remote control that the remote control and the mobile terminal are connected, it is possible to let the user know that the remote control and the mobile terminal are unnecessarily connected when no one is in the bathroom and no one is taking a bath. Therefore, it is possible to make the user aware of an unintended connection.

[0016] In addition, a bathing detection sensor that detects that the user is in the bathtub, an information storage unit that stores the mobile terminal information indicating the mobile terminal and the user information indicating the user of the mobile terminal in an associated manner, and when the first connection condition is set as the connection condition, a user estimation unit that estimates the user in the bathtub based on the detection result of the bathing detection sensor, an information acquisition unit that acquires, from the information storage unit, the mobile terminal information associated with the user information indicating the user estimated by the user estimation unit, and a mobile terminal determination unit that determines whether or not a mobile terminal within the communication range of the remote controller is the mobile terminal of the estimated user based on the mobile terminal information acquired by the information acquisition unit. The connection unit is preferably configured to connect to the remote controller when a mobile terminal within the communication range of the remote controller is the mobile terminal of the estimated user.

[0017] With such a configuration, when there is a mobile terminal within the communication range of the remote controller, if the mobile terminal is the mobile terminal of the user in the bathtub, it can be connected to the remote controller. Therefore, it becomes possible to output from the speaker the sound preferred by the user in the bathtub.

[0018] In addition, other characteristic configurations of the sound output control device according to the present invention include a remote controller provided in a bathroom and capable of setting an operating state of a water heater, a connection condition storage unit that stores in advance a connection condition enabling connection of a mobile terminal by short-range wireless communication to the remote controller, a disconnection condition storage unit that stores in advance a disconnection condition for terminating the connection of the mobile terminal to the remote controller by the short-range wireless communication, a connection condition determination unit that determines whether a user state or an operation status of the remote controller satisfies the connection condition when the remote controller is not connected to the mobile terminal by the short-range wireless communication, a connection unit that connects the remote controller to the mobile terminal by the short-range wireless communication when it is determined by the connection condition determination unit that the connection condition is satisfied, a sound data acquisition unit that acquires sound data from the mobile terminal during the connection between the remote controller and the mobile terminal, a disconnection condition determination unit that determines whether the user state or the operation status of the remote controller satisfies the disconnection condition when the remote controller is connected to the mobile terminal by the short-range wireless communication, a disconnection unit that terminates the connection between the remote controller and the mobile terminal by the short-range wireless communication when it is determined by the disconnection condition determination unit that the disconnection condition is satisfied, and a speaker provided in the remote controller that outputs sound based on the sound data acquired by the sound data acquisition unit. The connection condition storage unit stores in advance at least one connection condition among a first connection condition that the user is in the bathtub in the bathroom, a second connection condition that the user has entered the bathroom, and a third connection condition that an operation preset by the remote controller has been performed as the connection condition. The disconnection condition storage unit stores in advance at least one disconnection condition among a first disconnection condition that the user has exited the bathtub in the bathroom, a second disconnection condition that the user has left the bathroom, and a third disconnection condition that an operation preset by the remote controller has been performed as the disconnection condition. A bathing detection sensor that detects that the user is in the bathtub, an information storage unit that stores the mobile terminal information indicating the mobile terminal and the user information indicating the user of the mobile terminal in association with each other, and when the first connection condition is set as the connection condition,A user estimation unit that estimates the user in the bathtub based on the detection result of the bathing detection sensor; an information acquisition unit that acquires the mobile terminal information associated with the user information indicating the user estimated by the user estimation unit from the information storage unit; and a mobile terminal determination unit that determines whether a mobile terminal within the communication range of the remote control is the mobile terminal of the estimated user based on the mobile terminal information acquired by the information acquisition unit. The connection unit is configured to connect to the remote control when a mobile terminal within the communication range of the remote control is the mobile terminal of the estimated user.

[0019] With such a characteristic configuration, when the pre-stored connection conditions are satisfied, the sound related to the sound data acquired by connecting the remote controller provided in the bathroom and the mobile terminal is output from the speaker, and when the pre-stored disconnection conditions are satisfied, the connection between the remote controller provided in the bathroom and the mobile terminal is terminated and the output of the sound from the speaker is ended. Thus, according to this sound output control device, it is possible to appropriately control the communication between the remote controller provided in the bathroom and the mobile terminal. In addition, with such a configuration, when there is a mobile terminal within the communication range of the remote controller, if the mobile terminal is the mobile terminal of the user in the bathtub, it can be connected to the remote controller. Therefore, it is possible to output the sound preferred by the user in the bathtub from the speaker.

[0020] Pre The disconnection unit may be configured to terminate the connection when the mobile terminal goes out of the communication range of the remote controller even when at least one of the first disconnection condition, the second disconnection condition, and the third disconnection condition is set as the disconnection condition.

[0021] With such a configuration, while the user can set their preferred disconnection conditions, when the mobile terminal goes out of the communication range of the remote control, it becomes possible to end the sound output from the speaker. Therefore, when the bathroom has predetermined disconnection conditions, the sound output from the speaker can be ended, and it also becomes possible to end the sound output from the speaker when the mobile terminal goes out of the communication range of the remote control.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] The sound output control device according to the present invention is configured to be able to output the sound related to the sound data acquired from the mobile terminal from the speaker provided in the remote control in the bathroom. Hereinafter, the sound output control device 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a bathroom 2 where the sound output control device 1 of the present embodiment is used. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the sound output control device 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the sound output control device 1 includes a remote control 10, a connection condition storage unit 20, a connection condition setting unit 23, a connection condition determination unit 25, a connection unit 28, a disconnection condition storage unit 30, a disconnection condition setting unit 33, a disconnection condition determination unit 35, a sound data acquisition unit 40, a disconnection unit 29, a speaker 50, a notification unit 55, an information storage unit 60, a user estimation unit 61, an information acquisition unit 62, a mobile terminal determination unit 63, a bathing detection sensor 71, a human presence sensor 72, and a remote control outside the bathroom 73. Each functional unit is constructed by hardware or software or both with a CPU as the core member in order to perform processing related to the output of sound based on the sound data.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the remote controller 10 is provided in the bathroom 2 and can set the hot water supply temperature (an example of the "operating state") of the water heater 4. FIG. 3 shows an example of the remote controller 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the remote controller 10 is provided with a display screen 11, a switch 12, a speaker 50, and a human presence sensor 72 (described later). On the display screen 11, information indicating the temperature of the hot water supplied by the water heater 4 provided outside the bathroom 2 (outside the house), the temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub 3, and the current time is displayed. Further, as the switch 12, for example, an operation switch 12A for operating when supplying hot water by the water heater 4, a hot water draining switch 12B for storing hot water in the bathtub 3, a calling switch 12C for calling a person outside the bathroom 2, a priority switch 12D to be pressed when changing the hot water supply temperature with the remote controller 10, a menu switch 12E for performing menu display on the display screen 11, and a bathtub temperature setting switch 12F are provided. For example, by pressing the priority switch 12D and operating the bathtub temperature setting switch 12F, it becomes possible to set the hot water supply temperature of the water heater 4 with the remote controller 10.

[0026] Returning to FIG. 2, the connection condition storage unit 20 stores in advance connection conditions that enable connection of the mobile terminal 100 by short-range wireless communication with respect to the remote controller 10. Short-range wireless communication is wireless communication performed within a predetermined distance. Specific examples of such short-range wireless communication include, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) and Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The mobile terminal 100 corresponds to a smartphone, a tablet PC, or the like. In the present embodiment, the remote controller 10 can be connected to the mobile terminal 100 by short-range wireless communication, and this connection is possible when the pre-stored connection conditions are satisfied.

[0027] In this embodiment, the connection condition storage unit 20 stores at least two connection conditions out of the first connection condition, the second connection condition, the third connection condition, and the fourth connection condition as connection conditions. The first connection condition is conditioned on the user being in the bathtub 3 in the bathroom 2. The second connection condition is conditioned on the user entering the bathroom 2. The third connection condition is conditioned on an operation preset on the remote control 10 being performed. The fourth connection condition is conditioned on the mobile terminal 100 entering the communication range of the remote control 10. In this embodiment, the connection condition storage unit 20 stores four connection conditions: the first connection condition, the second connection condition, the third connection condition, and the fourth connection condition. The connection condition storage unit 20 may store connection conditions other than the above-mentioned first connection condition, second connection condition, third connection condition, and fourth connection condition.

[0028] Regarding the first connection condition, the user being in the bathtub 3 in the bathroom 2 means that the user is in a state of being immersed in the hot water stored in the bathtub 3. Regarding the second connection condition, the user entering the bathroom 2 means that it includes not only the state where the user is immersed in the hot water stored in the bathtub 3 but also the state where the user is in the washroom. Regarding the third connection condition, an operation preset on the remote control 10 being performed means that an operation preset to be performed when there is an intention to connect to the mobile terminal 100 is performed. Regarding the fourth connection condition, the mobile terminal 100 entering the communication range of the remote control 10 means that the mobile terminal 100 exists within a range where short-range wireless communication can be performed from the remote control 10.

[0029] The disconnection condition storage unit 30 stores in advance a disconnection condition for terminating the connection of the mobile terminal 100 by short-range wireless communication to the remote control 10. Terminating the connection of the mobile terminal 100 by short-range wireless communication to the remote control 10 means ending the connection between the remote control 10 and the mobile terminal 100 connected by short-range wireless communication. Therefore, the disconnection condition storage unit 30 stores in advance a disconnection condition for ending the connection between the remote control 10 and the mobile terminal 100 connected by short-range wireless communication.

[0030] In this embodiment, the cutting condition storage unit 30 stores at least two cutting conditions out of the first cutting condition, the second cutting condition, the third cutting condition, and the fourth cutting condition as cutting conditions. The first cutting condition is conditional on the user getting out of the bathtub 3 in the bathroom 2. The second cutting condition is conditional on the user leaving the bathroom 2. The third cutting condition is conditional on an operation preset with the remote controller 10 being performed. The fourth cutting condition is conditional on the mobile terminal 100 going out of the communication range of the remote controller 10. In this embodiment, the cutting condition storage unit 30 stores four cutting conditions: the first cutting condition, the second cutting condition, the third cutting condition, and the fourth cutting condition.

[0031] The user getting out of the bathtub 3 in the bathroom 2 according to the first cutting condition means that the user who was immersed in the hot water stored in the bathtub 3 is in a state of getting out of the bathtub 3. The user leaving the bathroom 2 according to the second cutting condition means that the user is neither immersed in the hot water stored in the bathtub 3 nor in the washroom. The operation preset with the remote controller 10 being performed according to the third cutting condition means that an operation preset to be performed when there is an intention to end the connection with the mobile terminal 100 is performed. The mobile terminal 100 going out of the communication range of the remote controller 10 according to the fourth cutting condition means that the mobile terminal 100 exists outside the range where short-range wireless communication can be performed from the remote controller 10.

[0032] The connection condition setting unit 23 sets at least one of at least two connection conditions (four connection conditions in this embodiment) as the connection condition used by the connection condition determination unit 25 for determination. When the remote controller 10 is not connected to the mobile terminal 100 by short-range wireless communication, the connection condition determination unit 25 determines whether the connection condition is satisfied. The case where the remote controller 10 is not connected to the mobile terminal 100 by short-range wireless communication means a state where information cannot be transmitted between the remote controller 10 and the mobile terminal 100 by short-range wireless communication. The connection condition is the connection condition stored in advance in the above-described connection condition storage unit 20. Here, in this embodiment, four connection conditions described above are stored in the connection condition storage unit 20. The connection condition setting unit 23 sets at least one of these four connection conditions as the connection condition used by the connection condition determination unit 25 for determination. Such setting of the connection condition can be performed, for example, by the user using the remote controller 10. Also, one of the four connection conditions can be set in advance, and when the mobile terminal 100 is connected to the remote controller 10, it can be changed using the mobile terminal 100.

[0033] Therefore, when the remote controller 10 is not connected to the mobile terminal 100 by short-range wireless communication, the connection condition determination unit 25 determines whether the connection condition set by the connection condition setting unit 23 is satisfied. That is, when the first connection condition is set as the connection condition, the connection condition determination unit 25 determines whether the user is in a state of soaking in the hot water stored in the bathtub 3. When the second connection condition is set as the connection condition, the connection condition determination unit 25 determines whether the user is in a state of soaking in the hot water stored in the bathtub 3 and whether the user is in the washroom. When the third connection condition is set as the connection condition, the connection condition determination unit 25 determines whether an operation preset to be performed when the user intends to connect to the mobile terminal 100 has been performed. When the fourth connection condition is set as the connection condition, the connection condition determination unit 25 determines whether the mobile terminal 100 exists within a range where short-range wireless communication can be performed from the remote controller 10.

[0034] Whether the user is in a state of soaking in the hot water stored in the bathtub 3 can be determined based on the detection result of the bathing detection sensor 71 that detects the presence of the user in the bathtub 3. The bathing detection sensor 71 is provided, for example, in the pipe through which the bathtub 3 and the water heater 4 communicate. In such a case, it is possible to detect whether the user is in the bathtub 3 by detecting the pressure of the hot water in the pipe.

[0035] Whether the user is in a state of soaking in the hot water stored in the bathtub 3 or whether the user is in the washroom can be determined based on the detection result of the human presence sensor 72 that detects the entry of the user into the bathroom 2. The human presence sensor 72 is provided, for example, in the remote control 10. In such a case, it is possible to determine by detecting a moving object with the signal (sound wave) sent from the human presence sensor 72.

[0036] Whether an operation preset to be performed when the user intends to connect to the mobile terminal 100 has been carried out can be determined based on the operation on the remote control 10. Also, whether the mobile terminal 100 exists within a range where short-range wireless communication can be performed from the remote control 10 can be determined based on the radio wave intensity for short-range wireless communication of the mobile terminal 100 reaching the remote control 10.

[0037] When it is determined by the connection condition determination unit 25 that the connection conditions are met, the connection unit 28 connects the remote control 10 to the mobile terminal 100 by short-range wireless communication. The determination result of the connection condition determination unit 25 is transmitted to the connection unit 28. When this determination result indicates that the connection conditions are met, the connection unit 28 connects the remote control 10 to the mobile terminal 100 by short-range wireless communication.

[0038] During the connection between the remote controller 10 and the mobile terminal 100, the audio data acquisition unit 40 acquires audio data from the mobile terminal 100. The state of the connection between the remote controller 10 and the mobile terminal 100 means that the remote controller 10 is connected to the mobile terminal 100 by short-range wireless communication. When acquiring audio data from the mobile terminal 100, it is preferable that the audio data acquisition unit 40 refers to the storage unit of the mobile terminal 100 and configures the remote controller 10 to have the authority to acquire the audio data.

[0039] The speaker 50 is provided in the remote controller 10 and outputs sound based on the audio data acquired by the audio data acquisition unit 40. The speaker 50 can be used in combination with what the remote controller 10 uses when emitting sound or melody. The audio data acquired by the audio data acquisition unit 40 is the audio data stored in the mobile terminal 100 connected by short-range wireless communication and acquired by the audio data acquisition unit 40. The speaker 50 reproduces such audio data and outputs sound.

[0040] The cutting condition setting unit 33 sets at least one of at least two cutting conditions (four cutting conditions in this embodiment) as the cutting condition used by the cutting condition determination unit 35 for determination. When the remote controller 10 is connected to the mobile terminal 100 by short-range wireless communication, the cutting condition determination unit 35 determines whether the cutting condition is satisfied. The case where the remote controller 10 is connected to the mobile terminal 100 by short-range wireless communication means a state in which information can be transmitted between the remote controller 10 and the mobile terminal 100 by short-range wireless communication. That is, it is a state in which the sound data acquisition unit 40 can acquire sound data from the mobile terminal 100 as described above. The cutting condition is the cutting condition previously stored in the cutting condition storage unit 30 described above. Here, in this embodiment, four cutting conditions described above are stored in the cutting condition storage unit 30 as cutting conditions. The cutting condition setting unit 33 sets at least one of these four cutting conditions as the cutting condition used by the cutting condition determination unit 35 for determination. Such setting of the cutting condition can be set by the user using the remote controller 10, similar to the connection condition. Also, one of the four cutting conditions can be set in advance, and it is also possible to change it using the mobile terminal 100 when the mobile terminal 100 is connected to the remote controller 10.

[0041] Therefore, when the remote controller 10 is connected to the mobile terminal 100 by short-range wireless communication, the disconnection condition determination unit 35 determines whether or not the disconnection condition set by the disconnection condition setting unit 33 is satisfied. That is, when the first disconnection condition is set as the disconnection condition, the disconnection condition determination unit 35 determines whether or not the user is not immersed in the hot water stored in the bathtub 3. When the second disconnection condition is set as the disconnection condition, the disconnection condition determination unit 35 determines whether or not the user is not immersed in the hot water stored in the bathtub 3 and the user is not in the washroom. When the third disconnection condition is set as the disconnection condition, the disconnection condition determination unit 35 determines whether or not an operation preset to be performed when the user intends to terminate the connection with the mobile terminal 100 has been performed. When the fourth disconnection condition is set as the disconnection condition, the disconnection condition determination unit 35 determines whether or not the mobile terminal 100 does not exist within a range where short-range wireless communication can be performed from the remote controller 10.

[0042] Whether or not the user is not immersed in the hot water stored in the bathtub 3 can be determined based on the detection result of the bathing detection sensor 71 described above. Whether or not the user is not immersed in the hot water stored in the bathtub 3 and the user is not in the washroom can be determined based on the detection result of the human presence sensor 72 described above. Whether or not an operation preset to be performed when the user intends to terminate the connection with the mobile terminal 100 has been performed can be determined based on the operation on the remote controller 10. Also, whether or not the mobile terminal 100 does not exist within a range where short-range wireless communication can be performed from the remote controller 10 can be determined based on the radio wave intensity for short-range wireless communication of the mobile terminal 100 reaching the remote controller 10.

[0043] When the cutting unit 29 is determined by the cutting condition determination unit 35 to satisfy the cutting conditions, it terminates the connection between the remote controller 10 and the mobile terminal 100 by short-range wireless communication. The determination result of the cutting condition determination unit 35 is transmitted to the cutting unit 29. When this determination result indicates that the cutting conditions are satisfied, the cutting unit 29 ends the short-range wireless communication connection between the remote controller 10 and the mobile terminal 100.

[0044] Further, even when at least one of the first cutting condition, the second cutting condition, and the third cutting condition is set as the cutting condition, it is preferable that the cutting unit 29 terminates the connection when the mobile terminal 100 goes out of the communication range of the remote controller 10. This makes it possible to eliminate unnecessary communication in which the remote controller 10 searches for the mobile terminal 100 outside the communication range.

[0045] As described above, according to the sound output control device 1, when the predetermined connection conditions are satisfied, the remote controller 10 and the mobile terminal 100 are connected by short-range wireless communication, and it becomes possible to listen to music or the like in the bathroom 2. Also, when the predetermined cutting conditions are satisfied, the connection by short-range wireless communication between the remote controller 10 and the mobile terminal 100 is terminated, and it becomes possible to suppress unnecessary connections and information transmission.

[0046] In this embodiment, a remote controller 73 outside the bathroom that can set the hot water supply temperature (an example of the "operating state") is provided outside the bathroom. The remote controller 73 outside the bathroom is provided, for example, in the kitchen and can set the temperature of the hot water supplied by the water heater 4 in the same manner as the remote controller 10. Although not shown, the remote controller 73 outside the bathroom is also provided with a display screen, setting switches, speakers, etc. in the same manner as the remote controller 10.

[0047] For example, when the remote controller 10 is connected to the mobile terminal 100 while the fourth connection condition is set as the connection condition, and when the bath detection sensor 71 and the human presence sensor 72 are in the off state, the notification unit 55 causes the mobile terminal 100 and the remote controller 73 outside the bathroom to be notified that the remote controller 10 and the mobile terminal 100 are connected. The state where the fourth connection condition is set as the connection condition means a state where the connection condition setting unit 23 has set, as the connection condition, that the mobile terminal 100 has entered the communication range of the remote controller 10. When the remote controller 10 is connected to the mobile terminal 100 means that the connection condition determination unit 25 determines that the mobile terminal 100 exists within a range where short-range wireless communication can be performed from the remote controller 10, and the connection unit 28 connects the remote controller 10 to the mobile terminal 100 by short-range wireless communication. The case where the bath detection sensor 71 and the human presence sensor 72 are in the off state means a case where neither the bath detection sensor 71 nor the human presence sensor 72 is in a detection state.

[0048] In such a case, the notification unit 55 causes the mobile terminal 100 and the remote controller 73 outside the bathroom to be notified that the remote controller 10 and the mobile terminal 100 are connected. The notification unit 55 may preferably transmit the information to be notified to the mobile terminal 100 via short-range wireless communication, and may preferably transmit the information to the remote controller 73 outside the bathroom via a cable connected in advance. Thereby, when such information is transmitted, the mobile terminal 100 and the remote controller 73 outside the bathroom may each display a connection between the remote controller 10 and the mobile terminal 100 on their respective display screens for notification, or may each output a sound indicating that the remote controller 10 and the mobile terminal 100 are connected from their respective speakers for notification. This makes it possible to alert the user to an unintended connection.

[0049] In addition, it is preferable to store in the information storage unit 60 the mobile terminal information indicating the mobile terminal 100 and the user information indicating the user of the mobile terminal 100 in an associated manner. The mobile information terminal indicating the mobile terminal 100 is information capable of identifying the mobile terminal 100, which may be a unique identification number assigned to the mobile terminal 100 or a unique address assigned in the network. The user information indicating the user of the mobile terminal 100 is information capable of identifying the user, specifically, information indicating the owner of the mobile terminal 100. Such user information may be a number assigned to each user or a name indicating the user. Therefore, in the information storage unit 60, the information capable of identifying the mobile terminal 100 and the information indicating the owner of the mobile terminal 100 are stored in advance in an associated manner with each other.

[0050] When the first connection condition is set as the connection condition, the user estimation unit 61 estimates the user in the bathtub 3 based on the detection result of the bathing detection sensor 71. The case where the first connection condition is set as the connection condition means the case where the connection condition setting unit 23 sets that a user is in the bathtub 3 in the bathroom 2 as the connection condition. The detection result of the bathing detection sensor 71 is the detection result of the hot water pressure in the pipe through which the bathtub 3 and the water heater 4 communicate. Since such hot water pressure varies depending on the volume of the person entering the bathtub 3, it is possible to estimate the user in the bathtub 3 based on this detection result. In order to perform such estimation, it is preferable to store in advance the detection results of the bathing detection sensor 71 for each user. Thereby, when the connection condition setting unit 23 sets that a user is in the bathtub 3 in the bathroom 2 as the connection condition, the user estimation unit 61 can estimate the user in the bathtub 3 based on the detection result of the bathing detection sensor 71. The estimation result of the user estimation unit 61 is transmitted to the information acquisition unit 62 described later.

[0051] The information acquisition unit 62 acquires, from the information storage unit 60, the mobile terminal information associated with the user information indicating the user estimated by the user estimation unit 61. The user information indicating the user estimated by the user estimation unit 61 is information that can identify the user who has entered the bathtub 3 in the bathroom 2 estimated by the user estimation unit 61. The information acquisition unit 62 acquires, from among the user information stored in the information storage unit 60, the mobile terminal information associated with the user information indicating the user estimated by the user estimation unit 61. The mobile terminal information acquired by the information acquisition unit 62 is transmitted to the mobile terminal determination unit 63 described later.

[0052] The mobile terminal determination unit 63 determines whether or not the mobile terminal 100 within the communication range of the remote controller 10 is the mobile terminal 100 of the user estimated based on the mobile terminal information acquired by the information acquisition unit 62. From the mobile terminal 100 within the communication range of the remote controller 10, before performing connection by short-range wireless communication, the radio wave emitted from the mobile terminal 100 contains identification information that can identify the mobile terminal 100. Therefore, the mobile terminal determination unit 63 determines whether or not the identification information that can identify the mobile terminal 100 contained in the radio wave emitted from the mobile terminal 100 matches the mobile terminal information acquired by the information acquisition unit 62. Thereby, it becomes possible to appropriately determine whether or not the mobile terminal 100 within the communication range of the remote controller 10 is the mobile terminal 100 used by the user who has entered the bathtub 3 in the bathroom 2.

[0053] When the mobile terminal 100 within the communication range of such a remote controller 10 is the mobile terminal of the estimated user, the connection unit 28 may connect to the remote controller 10. Thereby, even when radio waves of short-range wireless communication are emitted from a mobile terminal 100 that does not belong to the bather, it is possible to connect to the mobile terminal 100 associated with the bather and not to connect to the mobile terminal 100 not associated with the bather.

[0054] 〔Other Embodiments〕 In the above embodiment, the connection condition storage unit 20 stores, as connection conditions, at least two connection conditions among the first connection condition, the second connection condition, the third connection condition, and the fourth connection condition, and the connection condition setting unit 23 was described as setting, as the connection condition used by the connection condition determination unit 25 for determination, at least one of the at least two connection conditions. For example, the connection condition storage unit 20 may be configured to store, as connection conditions, at least one of the first connection condition, the second connection condition, and the third connection condition and the fourth connection condition. In such a case, the connection condition setting unit 23 may set, as the connection condition used by the connection condition determination unit 25 for determination, at least one of the first connection condition, the second connection condition, and the third connection condition and the fourth connection condition. Thereby, when the mobile terminal 100 enters the communication range of the remote controller 10, since it has at least one of the first connection condition, the second connection condition, and the third connection condition and also has the fourth connection condition, it becomes possible to automatically connect the remote controller 10 and the mobile terminal 100 and perform communication.

[0055] In the above-described embodiment, the cutting condition storage unit 30 stores, as cutting conditions, at least two cutting conditions among the first cutting condition, the second cutting condition, the third cutting condition, and the fourth cutting condition. The cutting condition setting unit 33 was described as setting, as the cutting condition used by the cutting condition determination unit 35 for determination, at least one of the at least two cutting conditions. In this case, the cutting unit 29 was described as aborting the connection when the mobile terminal 100 goes out of the communication range of the remote controller 10 even if at least one of the first cutting condition, the second cutting condition, and the third cutting condition is set as the cutting condition. For example, the cutting condition storage unit 30 stores, as cutting conditions, at least one of the first cutting condition, the second cutting condition, and the third cutting condition. The cutting condition setting unit 33 may be configured to set, as the cutting condition used by the cutting condition determination unit 35 for determination, at least one of the first cutting condition, the second cutting condition, and the third cutting condition. In such a case, the cutting unit 29 may abort the connection when the mobile terminal 100 goes out of the communication range of the remote controller 10 even if at least one of the first cutting condition, the second cutting condition, and the third cutting condition is set. Thereby, when the mobile terminal 100 goes out of the communication range of the remote controller 10, since the fourth cutting condition is provided, it becomes possible to automatically end the connection between the remote controller 10 and the mobile terminal 100.

[0056] In the above-described embodiment, when the remote controller 10 is connected to the mobile terminal 100 in a state where the fourth connection condition is set as the connection condition, and the bath detection sensor 71 and the human presence sensor 72 are in the off state, it was described that the notification unit 55 causes the mobile terminal 100 and the remote controller 73 outside the bathroom to be notified that the remote controller 10 and the mobile terminal 100 are connected. It is also possible to configure to include either the bath detection sensor 71 or the human presence sensor 72. Also, when one of the bath detection sensor 71 and the human presence sensor 72 is in the off state, the notification unit 55 may be configured to notify one of the mobile terminal 100 and the remote controller 73 outside the bathroom. Further, it is also possible to configure without including the notification unit 55.

[0057] In the above embodiment, it has been described that the bathing detection sensor 71, the information storage unit 60, the user estimation unit 61, the information acquisition unit 62, and the mobile terminal determination unit 63 are provided, and the connection unit 28 connects to the remote controller 10 when the mobile terminal 100 within the communication range of the remote controller 10 is the estimated user's mobile terminal 100. However, it is also possible to configure it without including the bathing detection sensor 71, the information storage unit 60, the user estimation unit 61, the information acquisition unit 62, and the mobile terminal determination unit 63.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the hot water supply temperature has been described as an example of the operable state that can be set by the remote controller 10 and the remote controller 73 outside the bathroom. However, the remote controller 10 and the remote controller 73 outside the bathroom may be such that they can set, for example, the amount of hot water or the setting for discharging only water as the operable state.

[0059] Note that the configurations disclosed in the above embodiments (including other alternative embodiments, the same hereinafter) can be applied in combination with the configurations disclosed in other embodiments as long as there is no contradiction. Also, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are illustrative, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to these, and can be appropriately modified within the scope not departing from the object of the present invention.

Industrial Applicability

[0060] The present invention can be used for a sound output control device that controls the connection between a mobile terminal and a remote controller provided in a bathroom that outputs sound data from the mobile terminal as sound.

Explanation of Signs

[0061] 1: Sound output control device 2: Bathroom 4: Water heater 10: Remote controller 20: Connection condition storage unit 23: Connection condition setting unit 25: Connection condition determination unit 28: Connection unit 29: Disconnection unit 30: Cutting condition memory unit 33: Cutting condition setting unit 35: Cutting condition determination unit 40: Sound data acquisition unit 50: Speaker 55: Notification unit 60: Information memory unit 61: User estimation unit 62: Information acquisition unit 63: Mobile terminal determination unit 71: Bath detection sensor 72: Presence sensor 73: Remote control outside the bathroom 100: Mobile terminal

Claims

Claim 1: A remote controller provided in a bathroom and capable of setting an operating state of a water heater, a connection condition storage unit that stores in advance a connection condition that enables connection of a mobile terminal by short-range wireless communication to the remote controller, a disconnection condition storage unit that stores in advance a disconnection condition that terminates the connection of the mobile terminal to the remote controller by the short-range wireless communication, a connection condition determination unit that determines whether a user state or an operation status of the remote controller satisfies the connection condition when the remote controller is not connected to the mobile terminal by the short-range wireless communication, a connection unit that connects the remote controller to the mobile terminal by the short-range wireless communication when it is determined by the connection condition determination unit that the connection condition is satisfied, a sound data acquisition unit that acquires sound data from the mobile terminal during connection between the remote controller and the mobile terminal, a disconnection condition determination unit that determines whether a user state or an operation status of the remote controller satisfies the disconnection condition when the remote controller is connected to the mobile terminal by the short-range wireless communication, a disconnection unit that terminates the connection between the remote controller and the mobile terminal by the short-range wireless communication when it is determined by the disconnection condition determination unit that the disconnection condition is satisfied, a speaker provided in the remote controller that outputs a sound based on the sound data acquired by the sound data acquisition unit, and comprising the connection condition storage unit stores in advance at least one connection condition among a first connection condition that the user is in the bathtub in the bathroom, a second connection condition that the user has entered the bathroom, and a third connection condition that an operation preset by the remote controller has been performed, as the connection condition, the disconnection condition storage unit stores in advance at least one disconnection condition among a first disconnection condition that the user has exited the bathtub in the bathroom, a second disconnection condition that the user has left the bathroom, and a third disconnection condition that an operation preset by the remote controller has been performed, as the disconnection condition, the connection condition storage unit further stores, as the connection condition, a fourth connection condition that the mobile terminal has entered the communication range of the remote controller, a connection condition setting unit that sets at least one of the first connection condition, the second connection condition, and the third connection condition, and the fourth connection condition, as connection conditions used by the connection condition determination unit for determination.

2. a bathing detection sensor that detects that the user is in the bathtub; a human presence sensor that detects the user entering the bathroom; an outside-bathroom remote control that is provided outside the bathroom and that can set the operating state; The sound output control device according to claim 1, further comprising an alarm unit that, when the remote control is connected to the mobile terminal while the fourth connection condition is set as the connection condition, and the bathing detection sensor and the human presence sensor are in an off state, notifies the mobile terminal and the outside bathroom remote control that the remote control and the mobile terminal are connected.

3. a bathing detection sensor that detects that the user is in the bathtub; an information storage unit in which mobile terminal information indicating the mobile terminal and user information indicating a user of the mobile terminal are stored in association with each other; a user estimation unit that estimates the user who is in the bathtub based on a detection result of the bathing detection sensor when the first connection condition is set as the connection condition; and an information acquisition unit that acquires, from the information storage unit, the mobile device information associated with the user information indicating the user estimated by the user estimation unit; a mobile terminal determination unit that determines whether or not a mobile terminal within a communication range of the remote controller is the estimated mobile terminal of the user based on the mobile terminal information acquired by the information acquisition unit, 3 . The sound output control device according to claim 1 , wherein the connection unit connects to the remote control when a mobile terminal within a communication range of the remote control is a mobile terminal of the estimated user.

4. A remote control installed in a bathroom and capable of setting the operation state of a water heater; a connection condition storage unit in which connection conditions that enable connection of a mobile terminal to the remote control by short-range wireless communication are stored in advance; a disconnection condition storage unit in which a disconnection condition for terminating the connection of the portable terminal to the remote control via the short-range wireless communication is stored in advance; A connection condition determination unit that determines whether the state of the user or the operation status of the remote control satisfies the connection condition when the remote control is not connected to the mobile terminal by the short-range wireless communication; A connection unit that connects the remote control to the mobile terminal by the short-range wireless communication when it is determined by the connection condition determination unit that the connection condition is satisfied; A sound data acquisition unit that acquires sound data from the mobile terminal during the connection between the remote control and the mobile terminal; A disconnection condition determination unit that determines whether the state of the user or the operation status of the remote control satisfies the disconnection condition when the remote control is connected to the mobile terminal by the short-range wireless communication; A disconnection unit that terminates the connection between the remote control and the mobile terminal by the short-range wireless communication when it is determined by the disconnection condition determination unit that the disconnection condition is satisfied; A speaker provided in the remote control that outputs sound based on the sound data acquired by the sound data acquisition unit; Comprising; The connection condition storage unit stores in advance at least one connection condition among a first connection condition that the user is in the bathtub in the bathroom as the connection condition, a second connection condition that the user has entered the bathroom, and a third connection condition that a preset operation has been performed with the remote control; The disconnection condition storage unit stores in advance at least one disconnection condition among a first disconnection condition that the user has exited the bathtub in the bathroom as the disconnection condition, a second disconnection condition that the user has left the bathroom, and a third disconnection condition that a preset operation has been performed with the remote control; A bathing detection sensor that detects that the user is in the bathtub; An information storage unit that stores the mobile terminal information indicating the mobile terminal and the user information indicating the user of the mobile terminal in association with each other; A user estimation unit that estimates the user in the bathtub based on the detection result of the bathing detection sensor when the first connection condition is set as the connection condition; An information acquisition unit that acquires the mobile terminal information associated with the user information indicating the user estimated by the user estimation unit from the information storage unit; A mobile terminal determination unit that determines whether or not a mobile terminal within the communication range of the remote controller is the estimated user's mobile terminal based on the mobile terminal information acquired by the information acquisition unit, and further includes: The connection unit is a sound output control device that connects to the remote controller when a mobile terminal within the communication range of the remote controller is the estimated user's mobile terminal.

5. The disconnection unit, as the disconnection condition, even when at least one of the first disconnection condition, the second disconnection condition, and the third disconnection condition is set, when the mobile terminal goes out of the communication range of the remote controller, the sound output control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 that terminates the connection.

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