Bathroom control device and bathroom control system

Abstract

To complete operation of a plurality of bathroom-related apparatuses at the time in which a user wants to take a bath.SOLUTION: A bathroom control device includes a reception section and a storage section and comprises a calculation section and an apparatus control section. The reception section receives from a terminal device bathing preparation reservation information indicating that a bathing preparation in a bathroom is completed at a completion time. The storage section stores the bathing preparation reservation information and apparatus information relating to bathing preparations of a plurality of bathroom-related apparatuses relating to the bathroom. The calculation section calculates operation start times of the plurality of bathroom-related apparatuses so as to complete the bathing preparations at the completion time based on the bathing preparation reservation information and the apparatus information stored in the storage section. The apparatus control section controls operation of the plurality of bathroom-related apparatuses in accordance with the operation start times. The apparatus information includes information indicating a required time that is necessary from operation start to operation end, and simultaneous operation disable information in which bathroom-related apparatuses which cannot be operated simultaneously in the plurality of bathroom-related apparatuses are set.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a bathroom control device and a bathroom control system. [Background technology]

[0002] Various techniques have been proposed in the past for controlling a water heater installed in a bathroom to fill the bathtub with water (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the conventional techniques, the operation of the water heater is controlled so that the bathtub is filled with water by the time reserved by the user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-115816 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In addition to the water heater, a bathroom is provided with multiple bathroom-related devices (e.g., a bathroom heater, a cleaning device for cleaning the bathtub and the bathroom, etc.) In the prior art, the multiple bathroom-related devices are individually controlled by the user.

[0005] As a result, it is difficult for a user to start the operations of multiple bathroom-related devices at the appropriate times and complete the operations at the time the user wants to take a bath, leaving room for improvement.

[0006] One aspect of the embodiment aims to provide a bathroom control device and bathroom control system that can complete the operation of multiple bathroom-related devices at the time a user wishes to take a bath. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A bathroom control device according to an aspect of the embodiment is connected to a terminal device via a communication network. The bathroom control device includes a reception unit that receives, from the terminal device, bath preparation reservation information indicating to complete bath preparation in a bathroom at a completion time, and a storage unit that stores the bath preparation reservation information received by the reception unit and device information regarding bath preparation of a plurality of bathroom-related devices related to the bathroom. Based on the bath preparation reservation information and the device information stored in the storage unit, a calculation unit calculates an operation start time of the plurality of bathroom-related devices so that the bath preparation is completed at the completion time, and a device control unit controls the operations of the plurality of bathroom-related devices according to the operation start time calculated by the calculation unit. The device information includes information indicating a required time required from the start of operation to the end of operation, and simultaneous operation prohibition information in which the bathroom-related devices that cannot be operated simultaneously among the plurality of bathroom-related devices are set.

[0008] Thereby, the operations of a plurality of bathroom-related devices in bath preparation can be completed at the completion time desired by the user for taking a bath.

[0009] Also, for example, the user can complete the bath preparation at the completion time desired for the bath preparation not only inside the house but also while being outside the house, and can take a bath at an appropriate timing desired.

[0010] Further, the reception unit receives, from the user, a selection of the bathroom-related devices to be operated during the bath preparation as the bath preparation reservation information from among the plurality of bathroom-related devices. The calculation unit calculates a required time required until the bath preparation for operating the selected bathroom-related devices is completed at the completion time, calculates the operation start time based on the calculated required time, and the device control unit controls the operations of the selected bathroom-related devices according to the operation start time.

[0011] Thereby, the operations of the bathroom-related devices selected by the user can be completed at the completion time desired by the user for taking a bath.

[0012] Further, when the calculated operation start time is earlier than the reception time at which the reception unit receives the bathing preparation reservation information, the device control unit controls the operation of the bathroom-related devices in a control mode according to the operation start time.

[0013] Thereby, even when the first calculated operation start time is earlier than the reception time, it is possible to complete the bathing preparation at the completion time by changing the control mode.

[0014] Further, when the calculated operation start time is earlier than the reception time at which the reception unit receives the bathing preparation reservation information, the device control unit executes control to operate at least a part of the plurality of bathroom-related devices simultaneously according to the operation start time.

[0015] Thereby, even when the first calculated operation start time is earlier than the reception time, it is possible to complete the bathing preparation at the completion time by executing control to operate at least a part of the plurality of bathroom-related devices simultaneously.

[0016] Further, a bathroom control system according to an aspect of the embodiment includes the above-described bathroom control device and a plurality of bathroom-related devices related to the bathroom controlled by the bathroom control device.

[0017] Thereby, in the bathroom control system, the operations of the plurality of bathroom-related devices in the bathing preparation can be completed at the completion time desired by the user for bathing.

Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to an aspect of the embodiment, the operations of the plurality of bathroom-related devices can be completed at the time desired by the user for bathing.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the bathroom control device and the bathroom control system disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited by the embodiments shown below.

[0021] First, the configuration of a bathroom control system including a bathroom control device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a bathroom control system including a bathroom control device according to an embodiment.

[0022] In the block diagrams such as FIG. 1, only the constituent elements necessary for explaining the features of the present embodiment are represented by functional blocks, and the description of general constituent elements is omitted.

[0023] In other words, each component illustrated in the block diagram such as FIG. 1 is a functional concept and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure. For example, the specific form of the 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 situations, etc.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the bathroom control system 1 includes bathroom-related devices 10, a bathroom control device 20, a terminal device 30, a wireless router 40, a communication device 50, a communication hub 60, a remote control 70, and a power source 80. Further, the bathroom control device 20, the terminal device 30, and the wireless router 40 are communicably connected via a communication network N such as the Internet network.

[0025] The bathroom-related devices 10 are devices related to the bathroom not shown in the figure. In the example of FIG. 1, there are a plurality of bathroom-related devices 10, including a bathroom drying and heating device 11, a washroom heating device 12, a bathtub cleaning device 13, a bathroom cleaning device 14, a bathroom floor heating device 15, an automatic drain plug 16, a water heater 17, and the like. Note that the various bathroom-related devices 10 specifically shown above are merely examples and are not limiting.

[0026] The bathroom drying and heating device 11 is an air-conditioning device, and has, for example, a heating function of blowing warm air to warm the bathroom, a drying function of blowing air such as warm air to dry clothes and the like hung in the bathroom, and a ventilation function of ventilating the bathroom. Note that the bathroom drying and heating device 11 may have a configuration having any one of the above-described functions.

[0027] The washroom heating device 12 is an air-conditioning device for the washroom adjacent to the bathroom. The washroom heating device 12 has, for example, a heating function of blowing warm air to warm the washroom.

[0028] The bathtub cleaning device 13 is provided in the bathtub of the bathroom and has a cleaning function of cleaning the bathtub. For example, the bathtub cleaning device 13 can clean the bathtub by spraying a detergent and water (or hot water) into the bathtub.

[0029] The bathroom cleaning device 14 has a cleaning function for cleaning the bathroom. For example, the bathroom cleaning device 14 can clean the bathroom by spraying antibacterial water or water (or hot water) on the floor of the bathroom.

[0030] The bathroom floor heater 15 is provided in the bathroom and has a heating function for heating the floor of the bathroom. For example, the bathroom floor heater 15 can heat the floor of the bathroom by operating a heater embedded in the floor of the bathroom.

[0031] The automatic drain plug 16 is provided in the bathtub. By opening the automatic drain plug 16, the water (or hot water) in the bathtub can be drained, and by closing it, for example, in the bathtub, it is possible to start filling the bathtub with hot water.

[0032] The water heater 17 is provided outside the bathroom. The water heater 17 supplies hot water to the bathtub and the shower faucet. For example, the water heater 17 can fill the bathtub with hot water.

[0033] The bathroom control device 20 is a server device that can control the operation of the bathroom-related equipment 10. For example, the bathroom control device 20 is a cloud server composed of cloud computing consisting of one or more information processing devices, but is not limited thereto.

[0034] The terminal device 30 is a terminal device used by the user. As the terminal device 30, a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone can be used, but it is not limited thereto, and for example, other terminal devices such as a tablet terminal, a wearable terminal, and a personal computer may also be used.

[0035] The terminal device 30 can transmit a control signal for controlling the bathroom-related equipment 10 to the bathroom control device 20. For example, when an application for controlling the bathroom-related equipment 10 is launched by the operation of the user, the terminal device 30 transmits a control signal for controlling the bathroom-related equipment 10.

[0036] Specifically, when the user desires that the bath preparation in the bathroom be completed at a predetermined completion time, the terminal device 30 transmits, as a control signal, bath preparation reservation information indicating that the bath preparation is to be completed at the completion time to the bathroom control device 20 according to the user's operation.

[0037] Here, the bath preparation means preparing the state of the bathroom so that the user can start taking a bath. Such bath preparation is performed by the operation of the bathroom-related devices 10. Also, the bath preparation is performed by the operation of a plurality of bathroom-related devices 10, but is not limited thereto.

[0038] As an example, the order in which the bathroom-related devices 10 operate in bath preparation is first the bathtub cleaning device 13, the bathroom cleaning device 14, the water heater 17 (filling with hot water), the bathroom drying and heating device 11, the washroom heating device 12, and the bathroom floor heating device 15, but is not limited to this. Also, as will be described later, in bath preparation, a plurality of bathroom-related devices 10 may be operated simultaneously.

[0039] In the present embodiment, it is not necessary to operate all of the plurality of bathroom-related devices 10 during bath preparation. That is, for example, the user may select the bathroom-related devices 10 to be operated during bath preparation from among the plurality of bathroom-related devices 10 by operating the user's terminal device 30. When a bathroom-related device 10 is selected by the user, the terminal device 30 may include information on the selected bathroom-related device 10 in the bath preparation reservation information and transmit it to the bathroom control device 20.

[0040] There are a plurality (for example, two) of terminal devices 30. That is, the plurality of terminal devices 30 are each used by a different user and can each output a control signal for a plurality of bathroom-related devices 10. Note that the number of terminal devices 30 is not limited to a plurality and may be one.

[0041] When the bathroom control device 20 receives the bathing preparation reservation information transmitted from the terminal device 30, it controls the operations of a plurality of bathroom-related devices 10 based on the bathing preparation reservation information. This will be described later with reference to FIG. 2. Note that the bathroom control device 20 transmits a control signal for controlling the operations of the plurality of bathroom-related devices 10 to the wireless router 40.

[0042] The wireless router 40 receives the control signal transmitted from the bathroom control device 20 and transmits the received control signal to the communication device 50 by wireless communication. As the wireless communication in the wireless router 40, for example, WiFi (registered trademark) or the like can be used, but it is not limited thereto, and other types of wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) may be used.

[0043] The communication device 50 receives the control signal from the wireless router 40 via wireless communication and transmits the received control signal to the bathroom-related device 10 (specifically, the communication hub 60) via wired communication. As the communication device 50, for example, a gateway device can be used.

[0044] The communication hub 60 functions as a hub that connects the communication device 50 and various bathroom-related devices 10. For example, the communication hub 60 is wired-connected to the communication device 50 and various bathroom-related devices 10. The communication hub 60 transmits the control signal transmitted by wired communication from the communication device 50 to the bathroom-related device 10 corresponding to the control signal.

[0045] The remote controller 70 is a device that controls various bathroom-related devices 10. The remote controller 70 transmits a control signal for controlling the bathroom-related device 10 according to the user's operation. The control signal transmitted from the remote controller 70 is output to the corresponding bathroom-related device 10 via the communication hub 60.

[0046] The power supply 80 is a common power supply. For example, the power supply 80 supplies power to various bathroom-related devices 10, the communication device 50, the communication hub 60, the remote controller 70, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0047] Next, the configuration of the bathroom control device 20 will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the bathroom control device 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the bathroom control device 20 includes a control unit 21 and a storage unit 22. The control unit 21 includes a reception unit 21a, a calculation unit 21b, and a device control unit 21c.

[0048] Here, the control unit 21 includes, for example, a computer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disk drive, input / output ports, etc., and various circuits.

[0049] The CPU of the computer functions as the reception unit 21a, the calculation unit 21b, and the device control unit 21c of the control unit 21 by, for example, reading and executing a program stored in the ROM.

[0050] Also, at least a part or all of the reception unit 21a, the calculation unit 21b, and the device control unit 21c of the control unit 21 can be configured by hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0051] The storage unit 22 is a storage unit configured by a storage device such as a non-volatile memory or a hard disk drive. In such a storage unit 22, bath preparation reservation information 22a, device information 22b, various programs, etc. are stored.

[0052] The bath preparation reservation information 22a is information on a reservation to complete the bath preparation in the bathroom at a completion time. Here, the bath preparation reservation information 22a will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the bath preparation reservation information 22a.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 3, the bathing preparation reservation information 22a includes items such as "reservation information ID", "selected device information", and "reservation information", and the information of these items is associated with each other.

[0054] The "reservation information ID" is identification information for identifying the bathing preparation reservation information. The "selected device information" is information indicating the bathroom-related device 10 selected by the user. Specifically, when the user selects the bathroom-related device 10 to be operated during bathing preparation from among a plurality of bathroom-related devices 10, the "selected device information" includes information indicating the selected bathroom-related device 10. In the example shown in FIG. 3, for the sake of convenience, the "selected device information" is described abstractly as "device information B1", but it is assumed that specific information is stored in the "device information B1".

[0055] The "reservation information" is information indicating the completion time for completing the bathing preparation in the bathroom. For example, when the user desires that the bathing preparation in the bathroom be completed at a predetermined completion time, the "reservation information" includes information indicating the predetermined completion time. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the data identified by the reservation information ID "A1" indicates that the selected device information is "device information B1" and the reservation information is "December 1, 2019 19:00".

[0056] Returning to the description of FIG. 2, the device information 22b includes information regarding the bathing preparation in each bathroom-related device 10. The device information 22b is preset in the storage unit 22, but is not limited thereto. Here, the device information 22b will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the device information 22b.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 4, the device information 22b includes information indicating the required time from the start of operation to the end of operation when each bathroom-related device 10 operates during bathing preparation. Also, for each bathroom-related device 10, the required time may be different depending on the switching of the mode control.

[0058] Here, regarding mode control, as an example, there are a "standard mode" and a "short-time mode". The "standard mode" is a control mode in which, for example, the bathroom-related device 10 performs normal operation. The "short-time mode" is a control mode in which, for example, the bathroom-related device 10 increases the output compared to normal operation or simplifies the operation content to shorten the required time.

[0059] Also, in the device information 22b, the required time may vary depending on the bathroom environment. Specifically, the required time may vary depending on the season.

[0060] For example, in the case of the bathroom drying and heating device 11, when the season is spring or autumn and in the "standard mode", the required time for bath preparation (in other words, the required time until the room temperature in the bathroom reaches a temperature suitable for bathing by the heating operation) is "10 minutes". In the case of the "short-time mode", the required time for performing strong operation is "5 minutes". Also, in the case of the bathroom drying and heating device 11, when the season is summer, since the heating operation becomes unnecessary, the required time is set to "0 minutes", and the "short-time mode" is not set either. Further, in the case of the bathroom drying and heating device 11, when the season is winter with low temperature and in the "standard mode", the required time for bath preparation is "15 minutes", which is longer than that in spring or autumn. In the case of the "short-time mode", the required time for performing strong operation is "8 minutes".

[0061] Note that in the device information 22b, since it is difficult to shorten the required time for filling the bathtub by the water heater 17, it is set to the same time in the "standard mode" and the "short-time mode".

[0062] Also, the "eco cleaning" in the device information 22b is an operation in which, for example, in the bathtub cleaning device 13 or the bathroom cleaning device 14, the amount of detergent or disinfectant water, the number of sprays, etc. are reduced to simplify the operation content.

[0063] The machine information 22b may include information indicating that simultaneous operation is not possible. The information indicating that simultaneous operation is not possible is information regarding the bathroom-related devices 10 such that if they are operated simultaneously, the function of one or both of them will be impaired due to the relationship between the functions of the bathroom-related devices 10. For example, bathtub cleaning by the bathtub cleaning device 13 and filling the bathtub with hot water by the water heater 17 cannot be performed simultaneously, so the functions of each other are set as information indicating that simultaneous operation is not possible.

[0064] Returning to the description of FIG. 2, the reception unit 21a of the control unit 21 receives, from the user, bath preparation reservation information indicating that the bath preparation in the bathroom is to be completed at the completion time. For example, the reception unit 21a receives the bath preparation reservation information transmitted from the terminal device 30 used by the user, and stores the received bath preparation reservation information in the storage unit 22.

[0065] In addition, the reception unit 21a can receive, from the user, as bath preparation reservation information, the selection of the bathroom-related device 10 to be operated during bath preparation from among the plurality of bathroom-related devices 10. For example, when there is a selection of the bathroom-related device 10 to be operated during bath preparation by the user, the reception unit 21a receives the information of the selected bathroom-related device 10 as bath preparation reservation information. Then, the reception unit 21a stores the bath preparation reservation information including the information of the selected bathroom-related device 10 in the storage unit 22.

[0066] The calculation unit 21b calculates the operation start times of the plurality of bathroom-related devices 10. For example, the calculation unit 21b calculates the operation start times of the bathroom-related devices so that the bath preparation is completed at the completion time based on the bath preparation reservation information 22a and the device information 22b stored in the storage unit 22.

[0067] Also, for example, when a bathroom-related device 10 is selected, the calculation unit 21b calculates the required time until the bath preparation for operating the selected bathroom-related device 10 is completed at the completion time, and calculates the operation start time based on the calculated required time. The calculation unit 21b outputs information indicating the calculated operation start time to the device control unit 21c.

[0068] The machine control unit 21c controls the operations of a plurality of bathroom-related devices 10 according to the calculated operation start time. For example, the machine control unit 21c controls the operation of the selected bathroom-related device 10 according to the operation start time.

[0069] Here, with reference to FIG. 5, the processing from the calculation of the above-described operation start time to the operation control of the bathroom-related device 10 will be specifically described. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the processing of the control unit 21, and is also a diagram showing an example of the operation of the bathroom-related device 10 in bath preparation.

[0070] Here, for the sake of convenience of understanding, an example will be described using the case where the bathroom-related devices 10 selected by the user are the bathroom drying and heating device 11, the bathtub cleaning device 13, and the water heater 17. Specifically, an example will be used where the user desires bathtub cleaning by the bathtub cleaning device 13, filling the bathtub with hot water by the water heater 17, and heating the bathroom by the bathroom drying and heating device 11 as bath preparation. Also, here, it is assumed that the season when bath preparation is performed is winter.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 5, for example, at time T11, a bath preparation reservation is made by the terminal device 30, and the reception unit 21a receives the bath preparation reservation information. It is assumed that time T13 is set as the completion time in the bath preparation reservation information.

[0072] First, the calculation unit 21b calculates the required time necessary until the bath preparation is completed at the completion time (here, time T13). For example, as shown in the device information 22b of FIG. 4, the required time for bathtub cleaning is "7 minutes", the required time for filling the bathtub with hot water by the water heater 17 is "25 minutes", and the required time for bathroom heating is "15 minutes". Therefore, the calculation unit 21b adds up the respective required times and calculates the required time "47 minutes".

[0073] Subsequently, the calculation unit 21b calculates time T12, which is 47 minutes before the completion time (time T13), as the operation start time of the bathroom-related device 10 (specifically, the operation start time of the bathtub cleaning device 13 that is operated first).

[0074] When the calculated time T12 arrives, the device control unit 21c starts the operation of the bathroom-related device 10 (bathtub cleaning device 13), and then starts the operations of the water heater 17 and the bathroom drying and heating device 11 in this order, so that the bath preparation is completed at the completion time (time T13).

[0075] Accordingly, in this embodiment, the operations of the plurality of bathroom-related devices 10 can be completed at the time when the user desires to take a bath. That is, in this embodiment, the operations of the plurality of bathroom-related devices 10 can be started at appropriate timings respectively, and the operations can be completed in accordance with the completion time when the user desires to take a bath.

[0076] In FIG. 5, an example in which the calculated operation start time (time T12) is after the reception time (time T11) when the bath preparation reservation information is received is shown. However, depending on the timing of receiving the bath preparation reservation information, the calculated operation start time may be before the reception time, and the bath preparation may not be completed by the completion time.

[0077] Even in such a case, in this embodiment, the bath preparation can be completed at the completion time. This will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the processing of the control unit 21.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 6, for example, at time T22, a bath preparation reservation is made by the terminal device 30, and the reception unit 21a receives the bath preparation reservation information. It is assumed that time T24 is set as the completion time in the bath preparation reservation information.

[0079] First, the calculation unit 21b calculates the required time necessary until the bath preparation is completed at the completion time (here, time T24), and calculates the operation start time based on the calculated required time. Here, it is assumed that time T21 is calculated as the operation start time.

[0080] In this way, there may be a case where the calculated operation start time (time T21) is earlier than the reception time (time T22). In such a case, the device control unit 21c controls the operation of the bathroom-related device 10 in a control mode according to the operation start time. In other words, the device control unit 21c controls the operation of the bathroom-related device 10 in a control mode changed according to the operation start time. Specifically, the device control unit 21c controls the operation of the bathroom-related device 10 in the short-time mode so that the operation start time is after the reception time.

[0081] For example, as shown in the device information 22b of FIG. 4, in the short-time mode, the required time for bathtub cleaning is "4 minutes", the required time for filling the hot water supply device 17 with water is "25 minutes", and the required time for bathroom heating is "8 minutes". Therefore, the calculation unit 21b adds up the required times for each item and calculates the required time "37 minutes" required. That is, the required time in the short-time mode is 10 minutes shorter than the required time in the standard mode.

[0082] Subsequently, the calculation unit 21b calculates the time T23, which is 37 minutes before the completion time (time T24), as the new operation start time of the bathroom-related device 10 (specifically, the operation start time of the bathtub cleaning device 13 that is first operated).

[0083] Then, when the newly calculated time T23 arrives, the device control unit 21c starts the operation of the bathroom-related device 10 (bathtub cleaning device 13) in the short-time mode, and then starts the operations of the hot water supply device 17 and the bathroom drying and heating machine 11 in the order of the short-time mode, so that the bath preparation is completed at the completion time (time T24).

[0084] Thereby, in the present embodiment, even when the initially calculated operation start time is earlier than the reception time, by changing the control mode, the bath preparation can be completed at the completion time.

[0085] Incidentally, in the above description, the bath preparation is performed by operating the bathroom-related device 10 selected by the user. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be performed by operating a plurality of preset bathroom-related devices 10.

[0086] Also, in the above description, all of the bathroom-related devices 10 having the short-time mode are operated in the short-time mode. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, for example, a part of the bathroom-related devices 10 having the short-time mode may be operated in the short-time mode so that the operation start time is after the reception time.

[0087] Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the bath preparation process executed by the control unit 21 of the bathroom control device 20 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the bath preparation process procedure executed by the control unit 21.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 21 receives bath preparation reservation information from the terminal device 30 (step S10). Based on the bath preparation reservation information, the control unit 21 calculates the operation start times of the plurality of bathroom-related devices 10 so that the bath preparation is completed at the completion time (step S11).

[0089] Next, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the calculated operation start time is before the reception time when the bath preparation reservation information was received (step S12). When it is determined that the operation start time is not before the reception time (step S12, No), conversely, when it is determined that the operation start time is after the reception time, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the calculated operation start time has arrived (step S13).

[0090] When it is determined that the calculated operation start time has not arrived (step S13, No), the control unit 21 repeats the process of step S13. When it is determined that the calculated operation start time has arrived (step S13, Yes), the control unit 21 starts the operation of the bathroom-related device 10 in the standard mode (step S14). As a result, the bath preparation is completed at the completion time.

[0091] On the other hand, when it is determined that the operation start time is before the reception time (step S12, Yes), the control unit 21 calculates the operation start times of the plurality of bathroom-related devices 10 when operating in the short-time mode (step S15).

[0092] Next, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the operation start time newly calculated in step S15 is before the reception time (step S16). When it is determined that the newly calculated operation start time is not before the reception time (step S16, No), conversely, when it is determined that the newly calculated operation start time is after the reception time, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the calculated operation start time has arrived (step S17).

[0093] When it is determined that the newly calculated operation start time has not arrived (step S17, No), the control unit 21 repeats the process of step S17. When it is determined that the newly calculated operation start time has arrived (step S17, Yes), the control unit 21 starts the operation of the bathroom-related devices 10 in the short-time mode (step S18). As a result, the bath preparation will be completed at the completion time.

[0094] Also, when it is determined that the operation start time newly calculated is before the reception time (step S16, Yes), that is, when the bath preparation will not be completed at the completion time even if the operation of the bathroom-related devices 10 is started in the short-time mode, the control unit 21 ends the process as it is and does not perform the bath preparation. At this time, the device control unit 21c of the control unit 21 may notify the user that the bath preparation will not be performed. Further, the device control unit 21c may notify the user of a message prompting re-selection of the bathroom-related devices 10 or a message proposing the content of the bath preparation that can be completed at the completion time (for example, the combination of the bathroom-related devices 10, etc.).

[0095] As described above, the bathroom control device 20 according to the embodiment includes a reception unit 21a, a calculation unit 21b, and a device control unit 21c. The reception unit 21a receives, from a user, bath preparation reservation information indicating that the bath preparation in the bathroom is to be completed at a completion time. The calculation unit 21b calculates, based on the bath preparation reservation information received by the reception unit 21a, the operation start times of a plurality of bathroom-related devices 10 related to the bathroom so that the bath preparation is completed at the completion time. The device control unit 21c controls the operations of the plurality of bathroom-related devices 10 according to the operation start times calculated by the calculation unit. Thereby, the operations of the plurality of bathroom-related devices 10 in the bath preparation can be completed at the completion time when the user desires to take a bath.

[0096] Note that in the above, when the first calculated operation start time is after the reception time, the bathroom control device 20 operates the bathroom-related device 10 in the standard mode, but it is not limited to this. That is, for example, the bathroom-related device 10 may have a "low consumption mode" in which the required time is longer than in the standard mode, but the energy consumption such as weak operation is lower. At this time, when the first operation start time calculated in the standard mode is after the reception time, specifically, when the margin time from the reception time to the calculated operation start time is equal to or more than a predetermined value and there is relatively enough time, the bathroom control device 20 calculates the operation start time in the low consumption mode, and when the calculated operation start time is after the reception time, the bathroom-related device 10 may be operated in the low consumption mode to prepare for bathing. Thereby, it is possible to complete the bath preparation at the completion time when the user desires to take a bath while reducing the energy consumption.

[0097] (Modification example) Next, a modification example will be described. In the following description, parts that are the same as those already described are denoted by the same reference numerals as those already described, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0098] In the above-described embodiment, when the calculated operation start time is earlier than the reception time, the control mode is changed so that the bath preparation is completed at the completion time. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0099] For example, when the calculated operation start time is earlier than the reception time, the bathroom control device 20 according to the modification executes control to operate at least a part of the plurality of bathroom-related devices 10 simultaneously, so that the bath preparation is completed at the completion time.

[0100] This will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the processing of the control unit 21 according to the modification.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 8, for example, at time T32, a bath preparation reservation is made by the terminal device 30, and the reception unit 21a receives the bath preparation reservation information. It is assumed that time T35 is set as the completion time in the bath preparation reservation information.

[0102] First, the calculation unit 21b calculates the required time necessary until the bath preparation is completed at the completion time (here, time T35), and calculates the operation start time based on the calculated required time. Here, it is assumed that time T31 is calculated as the operation start time.

[0103] In this way, the calculated operation start time (time T31) may be earlier than the reception time (time T32). In such a case, the device control unit 21c according to the modification executes control to operate at least a part of the plurality of bathroom-related devices 10 simultaneously. Specifically, the device control unit 21c operates a part of the plurality of bathroom-related devices 10 simultaneously so that the operation start time is after the reception time.

[0104] Note that the device control unit 21c prevents the bathroom control devices 20 included in the non-simultaneous operation information from operating simultaneously based on the non-simultaneous operation information in the device information 22b. For example, the device control unit 21c prevents the bathtub cleaning by the bathtub cleaning device 13 and the filling of hot water in the bathtub by the water heater 17 from being executed simultaneously. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the bathtub cleaning by the bathtub cleaning device 13 and the filling of hot water in the bathtub by the water heater 17 from being performed simultaneously and to prevent the impairment of one or both functions.

[0105] Here, as shown in FIG. 8, the filling of hot water in the bathtub by the water heater 17 and the bathroom heating by the bathroom drying and heating device 11 are executed simultaneously.

[0106] Therefore, as shown in the device information 22b of FIG. 4, the required time for bathtub cleaning is "7 minutes", and the required time for filling hot water by the water heater 17 is "25 minutes". Since the bathroom heating is executed simultaneously with the filling of hot water and the required time is shorter than that of the filling of hot water, the calculation unit 21b only needs to add the required times for bathtub cleaning and filling of hot water, and calculates the required time "32 minutes". That is, the required time when a plurality of bathroom-related devices 10 are operated simultaneously is 15 minutes shorter than the required time when they are continuously operated in the standard mode (see FIG. 5).

[0107] Subsequently, the calculation unit 21b calculates the time T33, which is 32 minutes before the completion time (time T35), as the operation start time of the new bathroom-related device 10 (specifically, the operation start time of the bathtub cleaning device 13 that is operated first).

[0108] Then, when the newly calculated time T33 arrives, the device control unit 21c starts the operation of the bathroom-related device 10 (bathtub cleaning device 13), then starts the operation of the water heater 17, and starts the operation of the bathroom drying and heating device 11 at time T34, and executes the filling of hot water and the bathroom heating simultaneously. Thereby, in the modified example, the bath preparation is completed at the completion time (time T35).

[0109] Thus, in the modified example, even when the initially calculated operation start time is earlier than the reception time, by executing control to simultaneously operate at least a part of the plurality of bathroom-related devices 10, the bath preparation can be completed at the completion time.

[0110] Next, referring to FIG. 9, the process of bath preparation executed by the control unit 21 of the bathroom control device 20 according to the modified example will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the process procedure of bath preparation executed by the control unit 21 according to the modified example. Since steps S10 to S14 are the same processes as those in the embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 9, when it is determined that the operation start time is earlier than the reception time (step S12, Yes), the control unit 21 calculates the operation start times of the plurality of bathroom-related devices 10 when the plurality of bathroom-related devices 10 are operated simultaneously (step S15a).

[0112] Next, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the operation start time newly calculated in step S15a is earlier than the reception time (step S16a). When it is determined that the newly calculated operation start time is not earlier than the reception time (step S16a, No), conversely, when it is determined that the newly calculated operation start time is after the reception time, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the calculated operation start time has arrived (step S17a).

[0113] When it is determined that the newly calculated operation start time has not arrived (step S17a, No), the control unit 21 repeats the process of step S17a. When it is determined that the newly calculated operation start time has arrived (step S17a, Yes), the control unit 21 starts control to simultaneously operate the plurality of bathroom control devices 20 (step S18a). Thereby, the bath preparation will be completed at the completion time.

[0114] Further, when it is determined that the newly calculated operation start time is before the reception time (step S16a, Yes), that is, when the bathing preparation cannot be completed by the completion time even if the control to operate the bathroom-related devices 10 simultaneously is performed, the control unit 21 ends the process as it is and does not perform the bathing preparation.

[0115] Note that the above-described embodiments and modification examples may be appropriately combined. That is, when the calculated operation start time is before the reception time, the control unit 21 may change the control mode to the short-time mode and execute control to operate at least a part of the plurality of bathroom-related devices 10 simultaneously.

[0116] Further effects and modification examples can be easily derived by those skilled in the art. Therefore, a broader aspect of the present invention is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments described and represented as above. Accordingly, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0117] 1 Bathroom control system 10 Bathroom-related devices 20 Bathroom control device 21 Control unit 21a Reception unit 21b Calculation unit 21c Device control unit

Claims

1. a reception unit that receives bath preparation reservation information from a user, the reservation information indicating that bath preparation in the bathroom is to be completed at a completion time; a calculation unit that calculates the start times of operation of a water heater and a bathroom dryer / heater or a bathtub cleaning device, which are multiple bathroom-related devices related to the bathroom, based on the bath preparation reservation information received by the reception unit so that the bath preparation will be completed at the completion time; a device control unit that controls the operations of the bathroom-related devices in accordance with the operation start time calculated by the calculation unit; Equipped with The device control unit includes: a control mode for controlling the operation of the plurality of bathroom-related devices in accordance with the operation start time so that the bath preparation is completed at the completion time when the calculated operation start time is earlier than the reception time at which the reception unit receives the bath preparation reservation information, When the calculated operation start time is before the reception time at which the reception unit receives the bath preparation reservation information, the control mode shortens the operation time of the bathroom dryer / heater or the bathtub cleaning device according to the operation start time, so that the bath preparation is completed at the completion time, compared to when the calculated operation start time is after the reception time at which the reception unit receives the bath preparation reservation information, or performs the operation of the bathroom dryer / heater while filling the bathtub with water. A bathroom control device comprising:

2. a storage unit that stores the bath preparation reservation information received by the reception unit and equipment information related to bath preparation for a plurality of bathroom-related devices related to the bathroom; having The calculation unit is Calculating the operation start time based on the bath preparation reservation information and the device information stored in the storage unit; The device information includes information indicating a time required from the start of an operation to the end of the operation, and simultaneous operation prohibition information that specifies which of the multiple bathroom-related devices cannot be operated simultaneously. The bathroom control device according to claim 1 .

3. The reception unit is receiving, from the user, a selection of a bathroom-related device to be operated when preparing for bathing from among the plurality of bathroom-related devices as the bath preparation reservation information; The calculation unit is Calculating a required time required for the bath preparation to be completed at the completion time by operating the selected bathroom-related device, and calculating the operation start time based on the calculated required time; The device control unit includes: Controlling the operation of the selected bathroom-related device according to the operation start time. The bathroom control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that

4. The device control unit includes: When the calculated operation start time is before the reception time at which the reception unit receives the bath preparation reservation information, control is executed to simultaneously operate at least some of the bathroom-related devices according to the operation start time. The bathroom control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that

5. A bathroom control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a terminal device connected to the bathroom control device via a communication network; A plurality of bathroom-related devices related to a bathroom, which are controlled by the bathroom control device; A bathroom control system comprising:

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