Automatic door system, automatic door system control method, and automatic door system control program

Abstract

To provide a technology of an automatic door device which can reduce the burden of a user.SOLUTION: An automatic door device 100 includes: an open instruction output unit which is disposed outside a compartment and outputs an open instruction when a user of the compartment performs an operation to open a door 20 of the compartment; a door drive control unit 50 which controls opening operation of the door 20 on the basis of the open instruction of the open instruction output unit; a presence detection unit 28 which detects a person in the compartment; and a determination unit which determines whether the person is acting in the compartment. When the door 20 is completely closed and when the determination unit determines that a person detected by the presence detection unit 28 is acting, the door drive control unit 50 prohibits opening of the door 20 based on an open instruction from the open instruction output unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic door system, a control method for an automatic door system, and a control program for an automatic door system. [Background technology]

[0002] Automatic door systems installed in restrooms are known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes an automatic door installed in a relatively large public restroom booth that is wheelchair accessible and serves as a restroom for disabled and elderly people. This automatic door is equipped with a human body detection sensor that detects the presence of a person inside the public restroom booth, and controls the automatic door and other auxiliary equipment of the toilet booth based on the output of this sensor. This automatic door locks the automatic door in response to a detection signal from the human body detection sensor, prohibiting it from being opened from the outside. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-188204 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The inventor has come to the following realization regarding automatic door systems: For automatic door systems in restrooms, in order to limit the time the restroom can be used, it is conceivable to prohibit opening operations via an operation from outside the booth during the time limit, and then allow opening operations via an operation from outside the booth once the human body detection time exceeds the time limit.

[0005] For example, in a multi-purpose restroom, a user may take a long time to clean their stoma with an ostomate. If the door could be opened simply by an external operation once the time limit had been reached, the user would feel a sense of urgency and be unable to cleanse thoroughly as the time remaining until the limit became short. While it would be possible to provide an extension button to extend the usage time, this operation would be a significant burden for wheelchair users and users with reduced mobility. The automatic door described in Patent Document 1 does not provide sufficient measures to reduce the burden on users during use.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and one of its objects is to provide technology for an automatic door system that can reduce the burden on users during use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention is an automatic door system that includes an open instruction output unit that is located outside a private room and outputs an open instruction to the door of the private room, a door drive control unit that controls the opening operation of the door based on the open instruction from the open instruction output unit, a presence detection unit that detects a person in the private room, and a determination unit that determines whether a person is active in the private room. When the determination unit determines that a person is active when the door is in a fully closed state and the presence detection unit is in a detecting state, the door drive control unit prohibits the door from opening based on the open instruction from the open instruction output unit.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is an automatic door system. This system includes a door provided in a private room, an instruction output unit provided outside the private room and outputting an open or close instruction for the door, a control unit controlling the opening and closing of the door based on the open or close instruction from the instruction output unit, a presence detection unit detecting a person in the private room, a user detection unit having a detection area within a predetermined range from the outer edge of the private room equipment and detecting people, and a determination unit determining whether the person is active in the private room based on the detection result from the user detection unit. The determination unit determines that the person is active in the private room when there is a change in the detection result from the user detection unit within a predetermined time period, and the control unit prohibits the door from opening based on the open instruction from the instruction output unit when the presence detection unit is in a detection state and the determination unit determines that the person is active when the door is in a fully closed state.

[0009] Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling an automatic door system, comprising the steps of detecting whether a person is present in a compartment, determining whether a person is moving in the compartment, determining whether a door of the compartment is fully closed, and prohibiting the door from opening based on an instruction from an open instruction output unit that outputs an open instruction for the door while it is determined that a person is moving in the compartment when the door is fully closed and the presence of a person is detected in the compartment.

[0010] Yet another aspect of the present invention is a control program for an automatic door system, which causes a computer to execute the following steps: detecting whether a person is present in a compartment; determining whether a person is moving in the compartment; determining whether a door to the compartment is fully closed; and prohibiting the door from opening based on an instruction from an open instruction output unit that outputs an open instruction to the door while it is determined that a person is moving in the compartment when the door is fully closed and the presence of a person is detected in the compartment.

[0011] Yet another aspect of the present invention is an automatic door system comprising: an open instruction output unit provided outside a private room and outputting an open instruction for a door of the private room; a door drive control unit that controls the opening operation of the door based on the open instruction from the open instruction output unit; an estimation unit that estimates the purpose of use of a person in the private room; and a time determination unit that determines a usage limit time based on the estimated purpose of use, wherein the door drive control unit prohibits the opening operation of the door based on the open instruction from the open instruction output unit from the time the door is fully closed until the determined usage limit time has elapsed.

[0012] Another aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling an automatic door system, which includes the steps of estimating the purpose of use of a person in a private room, determining a usage limit time based on the estimated purpose of use, and prohibiting the door from opening based on an open command from an open command output unit from the time the door of the private room is fully closed until the determined usage limit time has elapsed.

[0013] Another aspect of the present invention is a control program for an automatic door system, which includes the steps of: estimating the purpose of use of a person in a private room; determining a usage time limit based on the estimated purpose of use; and prohibiting the door from opening based on an open command from an open command output unit from the time the door of the private room is fully closed until the determined usage time limit has elapsed.

[0014] Any combination of the above, or mutual substitution of the components or expressions of the present invention among methods, devices, programs, temporary or non-temporary storage media on which programs are recorded, systems, etc., are also valid aspects of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technology for an automatic door system that can reduce the burden on users during use. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1]1 is a plan view showing a room equipped with an automatic door system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a room equipped with the automatic door system of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the automatic door system of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing a second operation example of the automatic door system of FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing a third operation example of the automatic door system of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of a detection area of ​​the automatic door system of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an automatic door system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing the processing of the automatic door system of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of an infrared detection area of ​​an automatic door device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The present invention will be described below based on preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments and modifications, identical or equivalent components and members are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted where appropriate. The dimensions of the members in the drawings are enlarged or reduced as appropriate to facilitate understanding. Some members that are not important for explaining the embodiments will be omitted from the drawings.

[0018] Furthermore, separate components that share something in common are distinguished by prefixing their names with "first," "second," etc., and these are omitted when referring to them collectively. Furthermore, terms including ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, but these terms are used only to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components.

[0019] [First embodiment] An automatic door system 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1, 2, and 3. Figure 1 is a plan view schematically illustrating a room 10 equipped with the automatic door system 100. Figure 2 is a front view of the room 10 equipped with the automatic door system 100. Figure 2 shows a cutaway view of a portion of the front wall 101 of the room 10. For ease of explanation, as illustrated, a horizontal direction is referred to as the X direction, a horizontal direction perpendicular to the X direction is referred to as the Y direction, and a vertical direction perpendicular to both directions is referred to as the Z direction. The X direction is sometimes referred to as the left-right direction, the Y direction as the front-back direction, and the Z direction as the up-down direction. These directional notations do not limit the orientation of the automatic door system 100, and the automatic door system 100 can be used in any orientation. The room 10 is an example of a private room.

[0020] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the automatic door system 100. Each block shown in Figure 3 can be realized in hardware terms using elements such as a computer processor, CPU, and memory, as well as electronic circuits and mechanical devices, and in software terms using computer programs, etc. However, the functional blocks shown here are realized by the cooperation of these elements. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that these functional blocks can be realized in various ways by combining hardware and software.

[0021] The automatic door system 100 is a device that opens and closes a door to open and close an entrance. The automatic door system 100 can be applied to the entrances of various partitioning means, such as walls that divide spaces. The automatic door system 100 of this embodiment opens and closes an opening 102 provided in a front wall 101 of a room 10 using a door 20. The opening 102 in FIG. 2 is provided closer to the right end of the front wall 101 than the center in the left-right direction. The door 20 in this example is a sliding door that slides left and right. The room 10 can be installed in various facilities, such as train stations, hotels, department stores, hospitals, and elderly care facilities.

[0022] Although there is no limitation on the type of room 10, the room 10 in this example is a toilet room used as a multi-function toilet. A multi-function toilet is a toilet that is expected to be used by not only able-bodied people, but also wheelchair users and users with internal disabilities. Users with internal disabilities are, for example, users of stomas such as artificial anus or artificial bladder. As an example, the room 10 is provided with a toilet bowl 11, an ostomate 12, a sink 13, a bed 14, a high-child chair 17, and a changing table 18. The ostomate 12 is a washstand that allows the user to clean their stoma. In addition, handrails 15 are provided around the toilet bowl 11 and the ostomate 12.

[0023] Also, a call operation unit 16 is provided in the room 10 near the toilet 11. The call operation unit 16 detects a user operation by a user who wishes to request assistance from others due to poor health or the like, to notify the outside world of this fact, and provides the detection result as a call signal to the door drive control unit 50. The call operation unit 16 of this embodiment provides the detection result, consisting of a detection state in which a user operation is detected and a non-detection state in which no user operation is detected, to the door drive control unit 50 as a call signal. The call signal is turned on in the detection state and turned off in the non-detection state. The call operation unit 16 of this example is a push button switch that turns on the call signal when pressed and turns off the call signal when released. The call operation unit 16 is sometimes referred to as a call switch. The door drive control unit 50 performs a predetermined emergency operation when the call signal of the call operation unit 16 is on. This emergency operation includes notifying the manager of the room 10 of the detection result, displaying the detection result on the outdoor alarm unit 46, and releasing the restriction on movement of the door 20 by the door lock unit 48. The call operation unit 16 also functions as an emergency button.

[0024] Additionally, an indoor alarm unit 30 and an extension operation unit 31 are provided in the room 10 near the ostomate 12. The indoor alarm unit 30 is a device that notifies the user of predetermined events via the room 10 manager or the door drive control unit 50. The indoor alarm unit 30 can notify the user of predetermined events, for example, through a speaker or a display such as an LCD display. If a usage time limit (e.g., 30 minutes) is set for the room 10, the door drive control unit 50 executes predetermined indoor notification operations via the indoor alarm unit 30 according to the elapsed time since the user entered the room. These indoor notification operations include notification of the remaining time until the usage time limit, notification that the usage time limit has been exceeded, and release of the door lock unit 48's restriction on door movement. Furthermore, if the usage time limit has been exceeded, the door drive control unit 50 notifies the outdoor alarm unit 46 and the room 10 manager that the usage time limit has been exceeded.

[0025] The extension operation unit 31 detects a user operation to extend the usage time limit and provides the detection result to the door drive control unit 50 as an extension signal. In this embodiment, the extension operation unit 31 provides the detection result, consisting of a detection state in which a user operation is detected and a non-detection state in which a user operation is not detected, to the door drive control unit 50 as an extension signal. The extension signal is turned on in the detection state and turned off in the non-detection state. The extension operation unit 31 in this example is a push button switch that turns on the extension signal when pressed and turns off the extension signal when released. Hereinafter, the extension operation unit 31 may be referred to as an extension switch. When the extension signal of the extension operation unit 31 is on, the door drive control unit 50 extends the usage time limit by a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes).

[0026] The automatic door system 100 drives a door 20 to open and close an opening 102 that is rectangular when viewed from the front. The door 20 is a movable body that is horizontally slidable on a movement path 22 that extends from a fully closed position on the right side to a fully open position on the left side. The movement path 22 is the movement trajectory of the door 20 projected onto the floor. The automatic door system 100 includes operation detection units 24 and 26 and a door drive control unit 50.

[0027] The operation detection units 24, 26 detect the user's opening / closing operation, and provide a door open activation signal or a door close activation signal (hereinafter, sometimes collectively referred to as "activation signal") to the door drive control unit 50 based on the detection result. The door drive control unit 50 opens and closes the door 20 based on the activation signals from the operation detection units 24, 26. The operation detection units 24, 26 exemplify an open instruction output unit that outputs an open instruction in response to an operation instructing the door 20 to open, and a close instruction output unit that outputs a close instruction in response to an operation instructing the door 20 to close. The open instruction output unit and the close instruction output unit are collectively referred to as instruction output units. Furthermore, the open instruction and the close instruction are sometimes collectively referred to simply as instructions.

[0028] In this embodiment, the operation detection units 24, 26 include an outer operation detection unit 24 that can be operated from outside the room 10, and an inner operation detection unit 26 that can be operated from inside the room 10. In the example of FIG. 2, the outer operation detection unit 24 is provided on the outer side of the front wall 101, and the inner operation detection unit 26 is provided on the inner side of the front wall 101. The operation detection units 24, 26 may also be provided on the door 20.

[0029] The outside operation detection unit 24 includes an outside opening operation unit 241 that detects an opening operation for opening the door 20, and an outside closing operation unit 242 that detects a closing operation for closing the door 20. The inside operation detection unit 26 includes an inside opening operation unit 261 that detects an opening operation for opening the door 20, and an inside closing operation unit 262 that detects a closing operation for closing the door 20.

[0030] The outer opening operation unit 241, the outer closing operation unit 242, the inner opening operation unit 261, and the inner closing operation unit 262 can be devices based on various principles that can detect user operations. In this embodiment, the operation units 241, 242, 261, and 262 are push button switches that turn on an activation signal when pressed and turn off the activation signal when released. Hereinafter, the outer opening operation unit 241 and the inner opening operation unit 261 may be referred to as open switches, and the outer closing operation unit 242 and the inner closing operation unit 262 may be referred to as close switches.

[0031] In this embodiment, the door drive control unit 50 includes a control unit 52 and a drive unit 56. The control unit 52 controls the opening and closing operation of the door 20 based on the detection results of the operation detection units 24 and 26. The control unit 52 will be described later. The drive unit 56 slides the door 20 based on the control of the control unit 52. The drive unit 56 is sometimes called a door engine. For example, the drive unit 56 can be configured with a loop-shaped belt (not shown) to which the door 20 is connected, and a drive motor 562 that drives the belt. The rotation of the drive motor 562 is controlled by the control unit 52 via a drive circuit 561. The door drive control unit 50 may be provided in a recess of the front wall 101.

[0032] In this embodiment, the drive unit 56 includes a resistance detection unit 36 ​​and a position detection unit 38. The resistance detection unit 36 ​​and the position detection unit 38 provide the detection results to the door drive control unit 50. The resistance detection unit 36 ​​detects the movement resistance of the door 20 during movement. The movement resistance of the door 20 is a resistance force in the opposite direction to the movement direction that the door 20 experiences while moving, and is sometimes referred to as running resistance or slide resistance. The movement resistance becomes larger than usual when there is something in contact with the moving body. As an example, the resistance detection unit 36 ​​is a current sensor that detects the drive current of the drive motor 562 and transmits the result to the door drive control unit 50. The door drive control unit 50 can identify the movement resistance based on the detection result of the resistance detection unit 36.

[0033] The position detection unit 38 detects the position of the door 20 from the fully closed position to the fully open position. As an example, the position detection unit 38 is an incremental encoder that transmits a position signal, which is a pulse signal with a number of pulses proportional to the rotation angle of the drive motor 562, to the door drive control unit 50. When the automatic door device 100 is started, the door drive control unit 50 moves the door 20 to the fully closed position, and with this fully closed position as a reference position, can identify the position of the door 20 by counting the number of pulses of the position signal from the position detection unit 38.

[0034] The automatic door system 100 of this embodiment includes a warning output unit 44 that issues a warning to the user under the control of the door drive control unit 50. The warning output unit 44 in this example includes a sound output unit 441 that emits a warning sound and a light output unit 442 that emits a warning light under the control of the door drive control unit 50. The sound output unit 441 can be configured to include, for example, a speaker. The light output unit 442 can be configured to include, for example, a light-emitting element such as an LED. The warning output unit 44 may be provided on the front wall 101 as shown in the figure.

[0035] In this embodiment, the automatic door system 100 is equipped with a side detection unit 34 capable of detecting the presence of an object on the side of the door 20. Objects detected by the side detection unit 34 include a user's body parts, such as hands and feet, and luggage. The side detection unit 34 in this example provides the door drive control unit 50 with a detection result consisting of a detection state in which the presence of an object is detected and a non-detection state in which the presence of an object is not detected as a side detection signal. The side detection signal is turned on in the detection state and turned off in the non-detection state. The door drive control unit 50 restricts the closing operation of the door 20 when the side detection unit 34 is in the detection state. The side detection unit 34 in this embodiment detects the presence of an object on the outer side 201 and the inner side 202 of the door 20. The side detection unit 34 in this embodiment is configured with a light-receiving element that receives reflected infrared light projected along the side surfaces 201 and 202 of the door 20. As an example, the side detection unit 34 is installed in the periphery of the front wall 101.

[0036] In this embodiment, the automatic door system 100 includes an opening detection unit 32 capable of detecting an object present in the path of the door 20 through the open opening 102. The opening detection unit 32 is sometimes referred to as an auxiliary sensor. The opening detection unit 32 in this example provides the door drive control unit 50 with a detection result consisting of a detection state in which the presence of an object is detected and a non-detection state in which the object is not detected as an opening detection signal. The opening detection signal is turned on in the detection state and turned off in the non-detection state. The door drive control unit 50 restricts the closing operation of the door 20 when the opening detection unit 32 is in the detection state. Examples of objects detected by the opening detection unit 32 include a user's body and luggage. As an example, the opening detection unit 32 can be configured to include a set of a light emitter and a light receiver installed on the front wall 101 at positions spaced apart on the left and right sides of the opening 102.

[0037] The opening detection unit 32 of this embodiment includes a first detection unit 321 capable of detecting an object present on the movement path 22 of the door 20 at a predetermined first height H1, and a second detection unit 322 capable of detecting an object present on the movement path of the door 20 at a second height H2 lower than the first height H1. The first height H1 is set to a height at which the first detection unit 321 can detect a user crossing the opening 102 on foot or in a wheelchair. As an example, the first height H1 can be set in a range of 200 mm to 700 mm. The second height H2 is set to a height at which the second detection unit 322 can detect a user who has fallen on the movement path 22. As an example, the second height H2 can be set in a range of 100 mm to 300 mm.

[0038] In this embodiment, room 10 is provided with an activity determination unit 27 that determines whether a person is active in room 10. Activity determination unit 27 includes an object detection sensor having a detection area consisting of a plurality of detection spots. The detection principle of the object detection sensor is not particularly limited, but activity determination unit 27 in this embodiment is configured to include a plurality of light-receiving elements that receive reflected infrared light projected onto each detection spot in the detection area. Activity determination unit 27 determines whether a person is active based on the difference between a plurality of detection results obtained at different times.

[0039] In this embodiment, the room 10 is provided with a presence detection unit 28 that detects whether or not a person is present in the room 10. The detection principle of the presence detection unit 28 is not particularly limited, but the presence detection unit 28 in this embodiment is a human sensor including a pyroelectric element that can detect changes in infrared rays emitted by a person. In this example, the presence detection unit 28 provides the door drive control unit 50 with a detection result consisting of a detection state in which a person is detected and a non-detection state in which no person is detected, in response to a signal from the pyroelectric element. The human detection signal is turned on in the detection state and turned off in the non-detection state.

[0040] In this embodiment, the room 10 is provided with an outdoor notification unit 46 that notifies the outside of the room 10 of indoor conditions such as the occupancy status and abnormal conditions. As an example, the outdoor notification unit 46 in FIG. 2 is a display that displays the words "in use" under the control of the door drive control unit 50. The outdoor notification unit 46 may be provided invisibly on the front wall 101 as shown in the figure. For example, the door drive control unit 50 causes the outdoor notification unit 46 to display "in use" when the occupancy detection unit 28 is in a detecting state, and stops this display when the occupancy detection unit 28 is in a non-detecting state.

[0041] The room 10 of this embodiment is provided with a door lock unit 48 that restricts the movement of the door 20 in a closed state based on the control of the door drive control unit 50. The door lock unit 48 may be an electric lock or other device that locks the door 20 using electromagnetic force to mechanically restrict the movement of the door 20, or it may be a device that disables the door-open activation signal of the outward-opening operation unit 241 to controllably restrict the opening operation caused by the operation of the outward-opening operation unit 241, or a combination of these. For example, the door drive control unit 50 can turn on the door lock unit 48 to restrict the movement of the door 20 when the room 10 is in use.

[0042] Next, a description will be given of the control unit 52. As shown in Fig. 3, the control unit 52 of this embodiment includes an information acquisition unit 521, an information output unit 522, a door operation control unit 523, a warning operation control unit 524, a storage unit 526, a time determination unit 527, a time management unit 528, and a transmission unit 529, and functions as an information processing unit.

[0043] The information acquisition unit 521 functions as an input port that acquires activation signals, detection signals, etc. from the outer opening operation unit 241, the outer closing operation unit 242, the inner opening operation unit 261, the inner closing operation unit 262, the first detection unit 321, the second detection unit 322, the side detection unit 34, the activity determination unit 27, the presence detection unit 28, the call operation unit 16, the extension operation unit 31, the resistance detection unit 36, and the position detection unit 38.

[0044] The information output unit 522 outputs control signals to the sound output unit 441, the light output unit 442, the indoor alarm unit 30, the outdoor alarm unit 46, and the door lock unit 48 to control them. The information output unit 522 functions as an output port. The door operation control unit 523 outputs a control signal to the drive circuit 561 of the drive unit 56 to control the operation of the door 20. The warning operation control unit 524 controls the operation of the door 20 via the door operation control unit 523 to execute a warning operation (described later). The memory unit 526 temporarily stores information signals from each detection unit acquired by the information acquisition unit 521. The memory unit 526 stores a control program P100 (described later). The time management unit 528 functions as a time counter that counts the elapsed time since the user entered the room. The time determination unit 527 determines whether the elapsed time counted by the time management unit 528 exceeds the usage time limit. The transmission unit 529 transmits predetermined information to be output to an external party, such as the manager of the room 10. This predetermined information includes information that the call operation unit 16 has been operated and that the usage time limit has been exceeded.

[0045] Next, the operation of the automatic door system 100 will be described. First, a first operation example that does not include any special operations will be described. In the first operation example, the automatic door system 100 operates as follows. (1) When entering the room 10, the user operates the outer-open operation unit 241 (open switch). When the outer-open operation unit 241 is operated, the door-open activation signal is turned on, and the door drive control unit 50 performs an opening operation. Due to the opening operation, the door 20 moves to the fully open position and stops.

[0046] (2) After entering the room 10, the user operates the inside close operation unit 262 (close switch). When the inside close operation unit 262 is operated, the door close activation signal is turned on, and the door drive control unit 50 performs the closing operation. Due to the closing operation, the door 20 moves to the fully closed position and stops. (3) In this state, the user uses the equipment in room 10.

[0047] (4) When exiting the room 10, the user operates the inside-open operation unit 261 (open switch). When the inside-open operation unit 261 is operated, the door-open activation signal is turned on, and the door drive control unit 50 performs an opening operation. Due to the opening operation, the door 20 moves to the fully open position and stops. (5) After leaving the room 10, the user operates the outer close operation unit 242 (close switch). When the outer close operation unit 242 is operated, the door close activation signal is turned on, and the door drive control unit 50 performs the closing operation. Due to the closing operation, the door 20 moves to the fully closed position and stops.

[0048] (Second operation example) Next, a second operation example of this embodiment will be described. The second operation example includes a door-opening operation prohibition process. In the first operation example, an opening operation based on operation of the outer-opening operation unit 241 from outside the room 10 is not prohibited, so there is a possibility that the door may be opened from outside during use. Therefore, in the second operation example, when the door 20 is in a fully closed state and the presence detection unit 28 is in a detection state, the door drive control unit 50 prohibits a door-opening operation based on an operation of the operation detection unit 24 outside the room (operation of the outer-opening operation unit 241) while the activity determination unit 27 determines that the activity is active.

[0049] Process S110 of the second operation example will be described with reference to Figure 4. In this description, the detecting state of each detection unit will be referred to as "on" and the non-detecting state of each detection unit will be referred to as "off." Figure 4 is a flowchart showing process S110 of the second operation example of the automatic door system 100. Process S110 starts when a user enters the room by performing the operations described in (1) and (2) of the first operation example.

[0050] When process S110 starts, the door drive control unit 50 determines whether the presence detection unit 28 is on or not (step S111). If the presence detection unit 28 is off (N in step S111), the door 20 was closed while the room was vacant for some reason, so the door drive control unit 50 ends process S110.

[0051] If the presence detection unit 28 is on (Y in step S111), the door drive control unit 50 prohibits the door from being opened based on the operation of the outward-opening operation unit 241 (step S112). This prevents the door from being opened from the outside during use. After executing step S112, the door drive control unit 50 waits for a predetermined waiting time (step S113). The predetermined waiting time in step S113 may be set to 1 to 10 minutes, or may not be required.

[0052] After executing step S113, the door drive control unit 50 determines whether the activity determination unit 27 is on or not (step S114). If the activity determination unit 27 is on (Y in step S114), the door drive control unit 50 returns the process to the beginning of step S112 and repeats steps S112 to S114. In other words, the door drive control unit 50 continues to prohibit the door opening operation based on the operation of the outward-opening operation unit 241 while it is determined that the activity determination unit 27 is active.

[0053] In this way, the door cannot be opened from the outside while the device is in use, so even if the user takes a long time to clean the stoma with an ostomate, the door can be prevented from being opened from the outside while the device is in use. Also, since there is no time limit, the user can clean the stoma sufficiently without feeling any sense of urgency. Furthermore, the burden on the user, such as operating the extension button, can be reduced.

[0054] If the activity determination unit 27 is off (N in step S114), the door drive control unit 50 cancels the prohibition on the door opening operation based on the operation of the outside-open operation unit 241 (step S115). In other words, if it is determined that there is no activity inside the room 10, there is a possibility that the user is in an abnormal state inside, such as losing consciousness. In this case, by canceling the prohibition on the door opening operation, the door 20 can be opened by an operation from outside, facilitating rescue response.

[0055] After executing step S115, the door drive control unit 50 executes an abnormality notification process (step S116). The abnormality notification process in this example includes a process of transmitting a message to an outside party, such as a manager of the room 10, that there has been no internal activity during use, and a process of displaying text or an image on the outside notification unit 46 indicating that there has been no internal activity during use.

[0056] After executing step S116, the door drive control unit 50 ends process S110. Process S110 is merely an example, and other steps may be added, some steps may be changed or deleted, or the order of the steps may be changed.

[0057] (Third operation example) Next, a third operation example of this embodiment will be described. The third operation example includes an automatic time limit extension process in addition to the door-opening operation prohibition process. As in the second operation example, in the third operation example, when the door 20 is in a fully closed state and the presence detection unit 28 is in a detection state, the door drive control unit 50 prohibits the door-opening operation based on an operation outside the room of the operation detection unit 24 (operation of the outer-opening operation unit 241) while the activity determination unit 27 determines that the door is active.

[0058] Process S120 of the third operation example will be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing process S120 of the third operation example of the automatic door system 100. In this description, the detecting state of each detection unit will be referred to as "on," and the non-detecting state of each detection unit will be referred to as "off."

[0059] Process S120 manages the first time limit and the second time limit. The second time limit is the final time limit. The first time limit is a time before the second time limit and is intended to notify that the final time limit will soon be reached. In this example, the first time limit is set to 20 minutes and the second time limit is set to 30 minutes.

[0060] Process S120 is started when a user enters the room by performing the operations described in (1) to (2) of the first operation example. When process S120 is started, the door drive control unit 50 determines whether the presence detection unit 28 is on or not (step S121). If the presence detection unit 28 is off (N in step S121), the door 20 was closed while the room was vacant for some reason, and the door drive control unit 50 ends process S120.

[0061] If the presence detection unit 28 is on (Y in step S121), the door drive control unit 50 prohibits the door opening operation based on the operation of the outside-opening operation unit 241 (step S122). This makes it possible to prevent the door from being opened from the outside when in use.

[0062] After executing step S122, the door drive control unit 50 starts counting the elapsed time (step S123). In this step, the time management unit 528 acts as a time counter, resets the elapsed time, and starts counting up.

[0063] After executing step S123, the door drive control unit 50 determines whether the elapsed time has reached the first time limit (step S124). If the elapsed time has not reached the first time limit (N in step S124), the door drive control unit 50 returns the process to the beginning of step S124 and repeats step S124.

[0064] If the elapsed time reaches the first time limit (Y in step S124), the door drive control unit 50 determines whether the activity determination unit 27 is on or not (step S125). If the activity determination unit 27 is on (Y in step S125), the door drive control unit 50 reduces the elapsed time by a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) (step S130), returns the process to the beginning of step S124, and repeats steps S124 to S130. That is, the elapsed time at this point is 20 minutes, the same as the first time limit, and is reduced by 10 minutes to 10 minutes, and the process returns to step S124 in this state. Therefore, while the activity determination unit 27 is on, the elapsed time does not exceed the first time limit.

[0065] If the activity determination unit 27 is off (N in step S125), the door drive control unit 50 announces how to extend the usage time (step S126). In this example, the door drive control unit 50 notifies, through audio, images, etc. of the indoor notification unit 30, that the usage time can be extended by operating the extension operation unit 31 (pressing the extension switch).

[0066] After executing step S126, the door drive control unit 50 determines whether the extension operation unit 31 is on (step S127). If the extension operation unit 31 is on (Y in step S127), the door drive control unit 50 proceeds to step S130, reduces the elapsed time by a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes), and returns to the loop of step S124.

[0067] If the extension operation unit 31 is off (N in step S127), the door drive control unit 50 determines whether the elapsed time has reached the second time limit (step S128). If the elapsed time has not reached the second time limit (N in step S128), the door drive control unit 50 returns the process to the beginning of step S127 and repeats steps S127 to S128.

[0068] If the elapsed time reaches the second time limit (Y in step S128), the door drive control unit 50 executes a time limit end process (step S129). In this example, the time limit end process includes a process of canceling the prohibition on the door opening operation based on the operation of the outward-opening operation unit 241, a process of sending a message to an outside party such as a manager of the room 10 that there has been no more internal activity during use, and a process of displaying text or video on the outside alarm unit 46 indicating that there has been no more internal activity during use. This process allows the door 20 to be opened by an operation from outside, facilitating rescue response.

[0069] After executing step S129, the door drive control unit 50 ends process S120. Process S120 is merely an example, and other steps may be added, some steps may be changed or deleted, or the order of steps may be changed.

[0070] In the description of process S120, an example was given in which, when the activity determination unit 27 is on (Y in step S125), the elapsed time is reduced and the process returns to the beginning of step S124, forming a loop. However, this is not limiting. For example, when the activity determination unit 27 is on (Y in step S125), the counting of the elapsed time may be stopped, the process may return to the beginning of step S125, and step S125 may be repeated. As a result, the counting of the elapsed time remains stopped while the activity determination unit 27 is on, so the first time limit is not exceeded. Therefore, since opening the door from the outside is prohibited during activity, even if the user takes a long time to clean the stoma with the ostomate 12, the door can be prevented from being opened from the outside during use. Furthermore, since the user is not bound by a time limit, the user can perform sufficient cleaning without feeling a sense of urgency. Furthermore, the burden on the user, such as operating the extension button, can be reduced.

[0071] The activity determination unit 27 will be further described. The activity determination unit 27 may be any unit capable of determining whether a person is active, and may be configured based on various principles. The activity determination unit 27 in this example provides the door drive control unit 50 with a determination result consisting of an active state in which it is determined that a person is active, and an inactive state in which it is determined that a person is not active, as an activity determination signal. The activity determination signal is turned on in the active state in which it is determined that a person is active, and is turned off in the inactive state in which it is determined that a person is not active.

[0072] It is desirable that the activity determination unit 27 has a simple configuration. Therefore, the activity determination unit 27 of this embodiment determines whether a person is active based on at least one of the person's position, the person's movement, the change in load on the indoor equipment caused by the person, the operation of the indoor equipment caused by the person, and the flow of water in the indoor equipment. In this case, the simple configuration is advantageous in terms of manufacturing costs.

[0073] Examples of load changes that indoor equipment receives from a person include load changes on indoor equipment that bears the person's weight, such as the toilet 11, ostomate 12, sink 13, bed 14, high chair 17, and handrail 15. These pieces of equipment are equipped with load sensors (not shown) that can detect load based on the person's weight, and the load changes can be acquired from these load sensors. The activity determination unit 27 may turn on an activity determination signal when the load change acquired by the load sensor exceeds a threshold, and may turn off the activity determination signal when the load change is equal to or less than the threshold. Note that while the magnitude of the load may be used for determination, this method may erroneously determine that a state in which the person is sitting on the toilet and not moving is an active state, so the determination is made based on the load change.

[0074] Examples of operations that the indoor equipment receives include operating the door of the toilet 11, operating the flushing of the toilet 11, operating the faucets of the ostomate 12 and the sink 13, and unfolding the bed 14. An operation sensor (not shown) that can detect operations is provided in these pieces of equipment, and the presence or absence of an operation can be obtained from the operation sensor. The activity determination unit 27 may turn on the activity determination signal when any of these pieces of equipment is operated, and may turn off the activity determination signal when no operation is performed.

[0075] Examples of water flows in indoor facilities include the water flows upstream and downstream of the toilet 11, ostomate 12, and sink 13. These facilities are provided with water flow sensors (not shown) capable of detecting water flow, and the water flow can be acquired from these water flow sensors. The activity determination unit 27 may turn on the activity determination signal when the water flow rate acquired by the water flow sensor exceeds a threshold, and turn off the activity determination signal when the water flow rate is equal to or less than the threshold. Alternatively, the activity determination unit 27 may turn on the activity determination signal when a change in the water flow rate of any of these indoor facilities exceeds a threshold, and turn off the activity determination signal when the change is equal to or less than the threshold.

[0076] The object detection sensor 272 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an example of the detection area 29. It is desirable to be able to detect the position of a person in detail. Therefore, the activity determination unit 27 of this embodiment includes an object detection sensor 272 having a detection area 29 made up of a plurality of detection spots 276, and determines whether a person is active based on the position of a detection spot 276-A in a detected state among the plurality of detection spots 276. The object detection sensor 272 functions as a user detection unit. In FIG. 6, each detection spot 276 is shown as a rectangle, and a detection spot 276-A in a detected state that is detecting a user 8 (person) is shown as a hatched rectangle.

[0077] The object detection sensor 272 is an infrared reflection sensor and includes a projector that projects infrared light onto the detection area 29 and a photoreceiver that receives the light reflected from a person or object. Fig. 6 shows the detection area 29 and detection spot 276 of the object detection sensor 272 on the floor surface. The detection area 29 has a three-dimensional range extending from the floor surface to the ceiling of the room 10.

[0078] The detection area 29 of the object detection sensor 272 is set within a predetermined range from the outer edge of the predetermined facility. In this embodiment, the predetermined facility is at least one of the toilet 11, the ostomate 12 (washing table), the sink 13, the bed 14, the handrail 15, the high chair 17, and the changing table 18. In the example of Fig. 6, the detection area 29 includes a first detection area 291, a second detection area 292, a third detection area 293, a fourth detection area 294, a fifth detection area 295, a sixth detection area 296, and a seventh detection area 297, which are set within a predetermined range from the outer edges of the toilet 11, the ostomate 12 (washing table), the sink 13, the bed 14, the handrail 15, the high chair 17, and the changing table 18. The width W of the detection area 29 may be set within a range of 500 mm to 700 mm.

[0079] If the user is in a position related to a predetermined piece of equipment, such as sitting on the toilet 11 or leaning on the ostomate 12 or handrail 15, it is possible that the user's consciousness is reduced and the user is not active. For this reason, the position where the person is in the room 10 can be detected, and it can be determined whether the person is active based on the detection result. For example, the activity determination unit 27 may determine that the person is active when the user 8 is detected at a detection spot in any of the detection areas 291 to 297, or may determine that the person is active when the user 8 is not detected.

[0080] If the user's movements are minimal, it is possible that their consciousness is reduced and they are not active. Therefore, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of human movement and determine whether the person is active based on the person's movements. For example, the activity determination unit 27 may detect the user 8 at a detection spot in any of the detection areas 291 to 297, and when the spot position of the detection state changes over time, determine that the user is active if the frequency of the change exceeds a predetermined frequency, and determine that the user is not active if the frequency is equal to or less than the predetermined frequency. Furthermore, for example, the activity determination unit 27 may determine that the person in the private room is active if there is a change in the detection result of the object detection sensor 272 within a predetermined time period.

[0081] The features of the automatic door system 100 of this embodiment configured as described above will now be described. The automatic door system 100 is provided outside the private room and includes an open instruction output unit (operation detection units 24, 26) that outputs an open instruction to the door of the private room, a door drive control unit 50 that controls the opening operation of the door 20 based on the open instruction from the open instruction output unit, a presence detection unit 28 that detects people inside the private room, and a determination unit (activity determination unit 27) that determines whether people are active inside the private room. If the determination unit determines that people are active when the door 20 is fully closed and the presence detection unit 28 is in a detection state, the door drive control unit 50 prohibits the opening operation of the door 20 based on the open instruction from the open instruction output unit.

[0082] With this configuration, the door cannot be opened from the outside while it is determined that the user is active in the room, so the user can use the room without being bound by a time limit, thereby reducing the mental and physical burden on the user while using the room.

[0083] In this embodiment, the activity determination unit 27 determines whether a person is active based on at least one of the person's position, the person's movement, a change in the load on the indoor equipment from the person, an operation on the indoor equipment from the person, and the flow of water in the indoor equipment. In this case, the activity determination unit 27 can be simply configured without using any special equipment to detect activity, which is advantageous for reducing the size and cost of the activity determination unit 27.

[0084] In this embodiment, the activity determination unit 27 includes an object detection sensor 272 having a detection area 29 consisting of a plurality of detection spots 276, and determines whether a person is active based on the position of a detection spot 276-A in a detected state among the plurality of detection spots 276. In this case, since detection is performed for each of the plurality of detection spots 276, the position and movement of the person can be detected in detail, and the determination accuracy can be improved.

[0085] In this embodiment, the detection area 29 is set within a predetermined range from the outer edge of the predetermined equipment. In this case, it is easier to protect the original purpose of use and to prevent unintended use, compared to when the entire room is set as the detection area.

[0086] In this embodiment, the predetermined facilities are at least one of a toilet 11, an ostomate 12 (washing table), a sink 13, a bed 14, a handrail 15, a high chair 17, and a changing table 18. In this case, since users who use the facility for its intended purpose are often present or active near these predetermined facilities, it is easy to protect the facility from being used for its intended purpose.

[0087] Second to sixth embodiments of the present invention will be described below. In the drawings and descriptions of the second to sixth embodiments, the same or equivalent components and members as those of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Explanations that overlap with the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate, and the description will focus on the configurations that differ from the first embodiment.

[0088] [Second embodiment] The second embodiment of the present invention is a control method for an automatic door system. This control method includes the steps of detecting whether a person is present in a private room (room 10), determining whether a person is moving around in the private room, determining whether door 20 of the private room is fully closed, and prohibiting the opening operation of door 20 based on an instruction from an open instruction output unit (operation detection units 24, 26) that outputs an instruction to open the door while it is determined that a person is moving around in the private room when door 20 is fully closed and the presence of a person in the private room is detected.

[0089] This control provides the same effects and advantages as the first embodiment.

[0090] [Third embodiment] A third embodiment of the present invention is a control program P100 (computer program) for an automatic door system. The control program P100 of the present invention causes a computer to execute the following steps: detecting whether a person is present in a private room (room 10), determining whether a person is moving around in the private room, determining whether door 20 is fully closed, and prohibiting the opening operation of door 20 based on an instruction from an open instruction output unit (operation detection units 24, 26) that outputs an instruction to open the door while it is determined that a person is moving around in the private room when door 20 is fully closed and the presence of a person in the private room is detected.

[0091] The control program P100 may be installed in the storage (e.g., memory unit 526) of the automatic door system 100 as an application program in which multiple modules corresponding to the function blocks of the automatic door system 100 are implemented. The control program P100 may be read into the main memory of a processor (e.g., CPU) of a computer that constitutes the control unit 52 of the automatic door system 100 and executed.

[0092] According to this control program P100, the same actions and effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved.

[0093] [Fourth embodiment] 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an automatic door system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The automatic door system 100 of the fourth embodiment has an estimation unit 62 and a time determination unit 530. In addition, although the fourth embodiment shows an example in which the automatic door system 100 does not have an activity determination unit 27, the automatic door system 100 may have the activity determination unit 27.

[0094] The estimation unit 62 estimates the purpose of use of the person in the private room. The estimation unit 62 of this embodiment includes a user detection unit 62a that detects the position of the person in the private room (see FIG. 9), and estimates the purpose of use of the person in the private room based on the position of the person detected by the user detection unit 62a. The user detection unit 62a includes an infrared detection sensor 62b having an infrared detection area 621 consisting of multiple infrared detection spots 622 (see FIG. 9). The detection principle of the infrared detection sensor 62b is not particularly limited, but the user detection unit 62a of this embodiment is configured to include multiple light-receiving elements that receive reflected infrared light emitted to each infrared detection spot 622 in the infrared detection area 621. The user detection unit 62a of this embodiment detects the position of the person in the private room based on the position of an infrared detection spot 622 in a detected state among the multiple infrared detection spots 622. A known method can be used to detect the position of the person based on the position of the infrared detection spot 622 in a detected state.

[0095] The information acquisition unit 521 of the fourth embodiment functions as an input port that acquires activation signals, detection signals, etc. from the outer opening operation unit 241, the outer closing operation unit 242, the inner opening operation unit 261, the inner closing operation unit 262, the first detection unit 321, the second detection unit 322, the side detection unit 34, the estimation unit 62, the presence detection unit 28, the call operation unit 16, the extension operation unit 31, the resistance detection unit 36 ​​and the position detection unit 38.

[0096] The storage unit 526 of the fourth embodiment stores a plurality of usage time limits set in advance for each purpose of use. The usage time limits are set to different times for each purpose of use.

[0097] Process S200 of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing process S200 of the fourth embodiment. Process S200 starts when a user enters the room by performing the operations described in (1) and (2) of the first operation example. Steps S201 to S203 of Fig. 8 are basically the same as steps S121 to S123 of Fig. 5 except where specifically mentioned, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0098] In process S200, the purpose of use of the person in the private room is estimated, and the final usage time limit is set according to the estimated purpose of use.

[0099] After steps S201 to S203, the door drive control unit 50 determines whether the elapsed time has reached a predetermined time (step S204). Here, the predetermined time in step S204 is a time before the usage time limit, and is set to, for example, 5 minutes. If the elapsed time has not reached the predetermined time (N in step S204), the door drive control unit 50 returns the process to the beginning of step S204 and repeats step S204.

[0100] When the elapsed time reaches a predetermined time (Y in step S204), the estimation unit 62 acquires the detection result of the position of the person in the private room from the user detection unit 62a (step S205). For example, the estimation unit 62 acquires from the user detection unit 62a the position of the person when a predetermined time has elapsed since the door was fully closed.

[0101] After executing step S205, the estimation unit 62 determines whether the location where the person is staying in the private room is near the sink 13 based on the detection result of the person's position (step S206). For example, if the facility closest to the detected location of the person is the sink 13, the estimation unit 62 determines that the user's location is near the sink 13.

[0102] If the user is staying near the sink 13 (Y in step S206), the estimation unit 62 estimates that the user is using the room for a purpose other than the original purpose of the room, such as changing clothes or taking a break (step S207).

[0103] After step S207 is executed, the time determination unit 530 sets the usage time limit to a short time limit (for example, about 10 minutes) based on the estimated purpose of use (step S208). Thereafter, the process S200 proceeds to step S215. Step S212 will be described later.

[0104] Returning to step S206, if the user's location is not near the sink 13 (N in step S206), the estimation unit 62 determines whether the user's location in the room is near the toilet 11 based on the detection result of the person's position (step S209).

[0105] If the user's staying location is near the toilet 11 (Y in step S209), the estimation unit 62 estimates that the user's purpose of use is a normal purpose of use in a private room, such as using the toilet 11 (step S210).

[0106] After step S210 is executed, the time determination unit 530 sets the usage time limit to a medium time limit (for example, about 30 minutes) based on the estimated purpose of use (step S211). After that, the process S200 proceeds to step S215.

[0107] Returning to step S209, if the user's location is not near the toilet 11 (N in step S209), the estimation unit 62 determines whether the user's location in the room is near the ostomate 12 based on the detection result of the person's position (step S212).

[0108] If the user is not staying near the ostomate 12 (N in step S212), the process proceeds to step S207, where the estimation unit 62 estimates that the user's purpose of use is other than the intended purpose of the private room. Then, the process proceeds to step S208.

[0109] If the user is staying near the ostomate 12 (Y in step S212), the estimation unit 62 estimates that the user's purpose of use is a long-term use such as use of the ostomate 12 (step S213).

[0110] After executing step S213, the time determination unit 530 sets the usage time limit to a long time limit (for example, about 30 minutes) based on the estimated purpose of use (step S214). Thereafter, the process S200 proceeds to step S215.

[0111] After executing step S208, S211, or S214, the door drive control unit 50 determines whether a predetermined timing before the usage time limit has elapsed (for example, 5 minutes before the usage time limit) has elapsed (step S215). The usage time limit here is the time limit set in step S208, S211, or S214. If the predetermined timing before the usage time limit has not been reached (N in step S215), the door drive control unit 50 returns the process to the beginning of step S215 and repeats step S215.

[0112] When a predetermined timing is reached before the usage time limit elapses (Y in step S215), the door drive control unit 50 notifies that the usage time limit has elapsed (step S216). In this example, the door drive control unit 50 notifies, through audio, images, etc. from the indoor notification unit 30, that the usage time limit has elapsed and that the prohibition process of the door opening operation based on the operation of the outer-opening operation unit 241 described above will be released when the usage time limit has elapsed.

[0113] After executing step S216, the door drive control unit 50 determines whether the usage time limit has elapsed (step S217). If the usage time limit has not elapsed (N in step S217), the door drive control unit 50 returns the process to the beginning of step S217 and repeats step S217.

[0114] If the elapsed time reaches the usage time limit (Y in step S217), the door drive control unit 50 executes the time limit end process (step S218). The time limit end process in this example includes a process of canceling the prohibition of the door opening operation based on the operation of the outer-opening operation unit 241.

[0115] After executing step S218, process S200 ends. Process S200 is merely an example, and other steps may be added, some steps may be changed or deleted, or the order of the steps may be changed. For example, when a predetermined timing is reached before the usage time limit elapses (Y in step S215), the door drive control unit 50 may notify the user that the usage time limit will elapse (step S216), determine whether the available usage time has elapsed (step S217), announce how to extend the usage time (step S126), and execute steps S127 to S128 and S130. Furthermore, when a predetermined timing is reached before the usage time limit elapses (Y in step S215), the door drive control unit 50 may determine whether the activity determination unit 27 is on, and if the activity determination unit 27 is on (Y in step S125), reduce the elapsed time by a predetermined time (step S130).

[0116] According to the fourth embodiment, the usage time limit is determined based on the purpose of use by the person in the private room, which prevents the private room from being occupied for long periods of time by people using the private room for purposes other than its intended use, making it possible to provide a private room that is easy to use for those who need it. For example, in the case of long-term use, such as use with an ostomate 12, a long-term usage time limit is set, so the user is less likely to be restricted by the usage time limit, which reduces the sense of urgency and allows for thorough cleaning. In addition, since the long-term usage time limit is set according to the purpose of long-term use, the burden on the user, such as operating the extension button, can be reduced.

[0117] According to the fourth embodiment, the user detection unit 62a includes an infrared detection sensor 62b having an infrared detection area 621 made up of a plurality of infrared detection spots 622, and detects the position of a person in a private room based on the position of an infrared detection spot 622 that is in a detected state among the plurality of infrared detection spots 622. According to this configuration, the position of a person can be obtained with one infrared detection sensor 62b, and the user's privacy can be protected because the detection method uses infrared rays.

[0118] In the fourth embodiment, the position of a person in a cubicle when a predetermined time has elapsed since the door was fully closed was acquired as the detection result of the user detection unit 62a, but this is not limited to this. For example, the position of a person in a cubicle when a predetermined time has elapsed since any point in time after the door was fully closed may be acquired as the detection result of the user detection unit 62a. Alternatively, the position where a person in a cubicle stayed the longest between the point in time after the door was fully closed and the predetermined time has elapsed may be acquired as the detection result of the user detection unit 62a.

[0119] As shown in the example of FIG. 9, depending on how the infrared detection area 621 is set, the infrared detection area 621 may not include a portion of the area that includes the toilet bowl 11. Therefore, if a user is sitting on the toilet bowl 11, a method of simply detecting the position of a detection target in the infrared detection area 621 may not be able to detect that the detection target is near the toilet bowl 11. Therefore, if the presence detection unit 28 detects a person in the stall but does not detect a detection target within the infrared detection area 621, the user detection unit 62a may output a detection result that a person is outside the infrared detection area 621. In this case, the estimation unit 62 may estimate that the purpose of use is the use of the toilet bowl 11, which is equipment outside the infrared detection area 621. Furthermore, the user detection unit 62a may detect the position of a person based on the movement of the person within the stall from the time when the door is fully closed until a predetermined time has elapsed. For example, the user detection unit 62a may use the history of the infrared detection spot 622 in the detection state when the detection target passes through the infrared detection area 621 as a flow line, and if the detection target appears in the infrared detection area 621 while the flow line faces the toilet seat 11 to the rear left from the opening 20, output as a detection result that a person is near the toilet seat 11. Furthermore, if the detection target appears in the infrared detection area 621 while the flow line faces the changing table 18 to the rear from the opening 20, the user detection unit 62a may output as a detection result that a person is near the changing table 18. By detecting the position of a person based on the flow line of the person within the stall, the position of the person within the stall can be identified with greater accuracy. Therefore, for example, when multiple pieces of equipment are located outside the infrared detection area 621, it becomes possible to more accurately estimate the purpose of use.

[0120] In the fourth embodiment, the purpose of use is estimated based on the position of the person in the private room, but this is not limiting. For example, the purpose of use may be estimated based on at least one of the person's position, the person's movement, the load change on the indoor equipment caused by the person, the operation of the indoor equipment caused by the person, and the water flow in the indoor equipment. In this case, the estimation unit 62 can be simply configured without using special equipment to estimate the purpose of use, which is advantageous for reducing the size and cost of the estimation unit 62.

[0121] Examples of human movements include moving a hand around the face, keeping a hand at a certain distance from the face, and moving a hand around the lower abdomen. These movements can be acquired, for example, by installing an image sensor in the private room and performing image recognition on the image data. For example, when the estimation unit 62 detects a movement of moving a hand around the face or keeping a hand at a certain distance from the face, it may infer that the purpose of use is other than the intended purpose of the private room, such as applying makeup or using a mobile device. Furthermore, for example, when the estimation unit 62 detects a movement of moving a hand around the lower abdomen, it may infer that the purpose of use is for a long period of time, such as using the ostomate 12.

[0122] The load changes that the indoor equipment receives from people, the operations that the indoor equipment receives, and the water flow in the indoor equipment are the same as the examples given in the first embodiment. When the load change acquired by the load sensor exceeds a threshold, the estimation unit 62 may estimate that the intended use is to utilize the indoor equipment whose load change exceeds the threshold. When the estimation unit 62 detects an operation of the indoor equipment, the estimation unit 62 may estimate that the intended use is to utilize the operated indoor equipment. When the estimation unit 62 detects a water flow, the estimation unit 62 may estimate that the intended use is to utilize the detected indoor equipment.

[0123] [Fifth embodiment] The fifth embodiment of the present invention is a control method for an automatic door system. This control method includes the steps of estimating the purpose of use of a person in a private room (room 10), determining a usage time limit based on the estimated purpose of use, and prohibiting the opening operation of door 20 based on an open command from an open command output unit (operation detection units 24, 26) from the time when private room door 20 is fully closed until the determined usage time limit has elapsed.

[0124] This control provides the same effects and advantages as the fourth embodiment.

[0125] [Sixth embodiment] The sixth embodiment of the present invention is a control program P100 (computer program) for an automatic door system. The control program P100 of the present invention causes a computer to execute the following steps: estimating the purpose of use of a person in a private room (room 10), determining a usage time limit based on the estimated purpose of use, and prohibiting the opening operation of door 20 based on an open command from the open command output unit (operation detection units 24, 26) from the time when private room door 20 is fully closed until the determined usage time limit has elapsed.

[0126] The control program P100 may be installed in the storage (e.g., memory unit 526) of the automatic door system 100 as an application program in which multiple modules corresponding to the function blocks of the automatic door system 100 are implemented. The control program P100 may be read into the main memory of a processor (e.g., CPU) of a computer that constitutes the control unit 52 of the automatic door system 100 and executed.

[0127] According to this control program P100, the same actions and effects as those of the fourth embodiment are achieved.

[0128] The above describes in detail examples of embodiments of the present invention. The above-described embodiments merely illustrate specific examples of implementing the present invention. The contents of the embodiments do not limit the technical scope of the present invention, and many design changes, such as changes, additions, and deletions of components, are possible within the scope of the inventive concept defined in the claims. In the above-described embodiments, content that allows such design changes is described using notations such as "in the embodiment" or "in the embodiment," but this does not mean that design changes are not permitted in content that does not have such notations.

[0129] [Variations] The following describes the modified examples. In the drawings and descriptions of the modified examples, the same components and members as those in the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. Explanations that overlap with the embodiment will be omitted as appropriate, and the description will focus on the configurations that differ from the first embodiment.

[0130] In the description of the embodiment, in the third operation example, the time limit is controlled by continuously counting the elapsed time and reducing the elapsed time in predetermined cases, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the time limit may be controlled by stopping and restarting counting the elapsed time in predetermined cases, or by continuously counting the elapsed time and extending the time limit in predetermined cases.

[0131] In the description of the embodiment, an example was shown in which the process S110 is terminated when the presence detection unit 28 is off in steps S111 and S121, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the presence detection unit 28 is off, the process may be returned to the beginning of steps S111 and S121.

[0132] In the description of the embodiment, an example has been shown in which the path 22 does not have guide means such as rails or grooves, but the path 22 may have guide means such as rails or grooves.

[0133] In the description of the embodiment, an example has been shown in which the side detection unit 34 is provided in the lattice of the front wall 101, but the side detection unit 34 may also be provided in the door 20, for example.

[0134] In the description of the embodiment, an example was shown in which the outer operation detection unit 24 and the inner operation detection unit 26 are push button switches, but for example, the outer operation detection unit 24 and the inner operation detection unit 26 may be configured to receive operations input via wireless communication from a wireless device such as a smartphone or an IC card.

[0135] The above-described modified example provides the same functions and effects as the first embodiment.

[0136] Any combination of the above-described embodiments and modifications is also useful as an embodiment of the present invention. A new embodiment resulting from the combination has the combined effects of the combined embodiments and modifications. [Explanation of symbols]

[0137] 10 room, 11 toilet, 12 ostomate (washing station), 13 sink, 14 bed, 17 high chair, 18 changing table, 20 door, 24 outside operation detection unit, 26 inside operation detection unit, 27 activity determination unit, 28 presence detection unit, 29 detection area, 30 indoor alarm unit, 31 extension operation unit, 50 door drive control unit, 52 control unit, 56 drive unit, 62 estimation unit, 62a user detection unit, 100 automatic door device, 241 outside opening operation unit, 242 outside closing operation unit, 261 inside opening operation unit, 262 inside closing operation unit, 272 object detection sensor, 276 detection spot, 526 memory unit, 528 time management unit, Infrared detection area 621, infrared detection spot 622.

Claims

1. an open instruction output unit that is provided outside the private room and outputs an instruction to open the door of the private room; a door drive control unit that controls the opening operation of the door based on an open command from the open command output unit; a presence detection unit that detects a person in the private room; a determination unit that determines whether a person is active in the private room; Equipped with the door drive control unit prohibits an opening operation of the door based on an open instruction from the open instruction output unit when the determination unit determines that a person is active while the door is in a fully closed state and the presence detection unit is in a detection state; The determination unit includes an object detection sensor having a detection area made up of a plurality of detection spots, and determines whether a person is active based on the position of a detection spot in a detection state among the plurality of detection spots. Automatic door device.

2. The determination unit determines whether a person is active based on at least one of a position of the person, a movement of the person, a change in load on the indoor equipment of the private room from the person, an operation on the indoor equipment from the person, and a flow of water in the indoor equipment. The automatic door system according to claim 1.

3. The detection area is set within a predetermined range from the outer edge of the predetermined facility. The automatic door system according to claim 1.

4. The predetermined equipment is at least one of a toilet, a washing table, a sink, a changing table, a handrail, a high chair, and a bed. The automatic door system according to claim 3.

5. The door to the private room, an instruction output unit that is provided outside the private room and outputs an instruction to open or close the door of the private room; a control unit that controls the opening and closing drive of the door based on an open instruction or a close instruction from the instruction output unit; a presence detection unit that detects a person in the private room; a user detection unit that has a detection area within a predetermined range from the outer edge of the equipment in the private room and detects a person; a determination unit that determines whether a person in the private room is active based on the detection result of the user detection unit; Equipped with The determination unit determines that a person is active in the private room when there is a change in the detection result of the user detection unit within a predetermined time period, When the door is in a fully closed state, if the presence detection unit is in a detection state and the determination unit determines that a person is active, the control unit prohibits the door from opening based on an open instruction from the instruction output unit. Automatic door device.

6. A step in which a presence detection unit including a human presence sensor detects whether a person is present in the private room; an activity determination unit including an object detection sensor having a detection area consisting of a plurality of detection spots, determining whether a person is active in the private room based on the positions of detection spots in a detected state among the plurality of detection spots; a step in which a door drive control unit that controls an opening operation of a door of the private room based on an open instruction output from an open instruction output unit provided outside the private room prohibits the opening operation of the door based on the open instruction while the door is in a fully closed state and a person is detected to be present in the private room and it is determined that a person is active in the private room; An automatic door control method comprising:

7. A step in which a presence detection unit including a human presence sensor detects whether a person is present in the private room; an activity determination unit including an object detection sensor having a detection area consisting of a plurality of detection spots, determining whether a person is active in the private room based on the positions of detection spots in a detected state among the plurality of detection spots; a step in which a door drive control unit that controls an opening operation of a door of the private room based on an open instruction output from an open instruction output unit provided outside the private room prohibits the opening operation of the door based on the open instruction while the door is in a fully closed state and a person is detected to be present in the private room and it is determined that a person is active in the private room; A control program for an automatic door device that causes a computer to execute the above.

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