Position guidance system and urinal device

Abstract

The present invention makes it possible to easily determine whether a user is in a proper position with respect to a urinal. A position guidance system (1) comprises: a detection unit (3) that detects the distance to a user with reference to a urinal (2); a notification unit (4); and a control unit (5) that switches the notification state of the notification unit (4). When the user approaches the urinal (2), the control unit (5) causes the notification unit (4) to give notification that the user is in a predetermined area as soon as the distance detected by the detection unit (3) becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold for approach. When the user leaves the urinal (2), the control unit (5) causes the notification unit (4) to give notification that the user is not in the predetermined area as soon as the distance detected by the detection unit (3) becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold for separation. The predetermined threshold for separation is set larger than the predetermined threshold for approach.

Description

Position guidance system and urinal device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a position guidance system and a urinal device.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system that guides a user to an appropriate position relative to a urinal. The system includes a detector that detects the distance between the urinal and the user, and multiple lamps. The system selects which of the multiple lamps to turn on based on the magnitude relationship between the distance detected by the detector and a preset threshold.

[0003] JP 2017-145650 A

[0004] In the conventional technology described above, the first lamp lights up when the distance between the urinal and the user is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and the second lamp lights up when the distance between the urinal and the user falls below the predetermined threshold. Therefore, depending on the user's standing position, the lamp may frequently switch on and off in response to the user's movements.

[0005] In other words, with the conventional technology, it may be difficult for the user to determine from the lighting of the lamp whether or not the user is in the correct position.

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide a position guidance system and a urinal apparatus that allow a user to easily determine whether or not they are in an appropriate position relative to a urinal.

[0007] A position guidance system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a system for guiding the position of a user relative to a urinal, and includes: a detection unit that detects a distance to the user relative to the urinal; a notification unit that notifies the user of the user's position; and a control unit that switches the notification state of the notification unit depending on the distance detected by the detection unit. The control unit is configured to: when the user approaches the urinal, cause the notification unit to notify the user that the user is in a predetermined area when the distance detected by the detection unit becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold for approach; and when the user leaves the urinal, cause the notification unit to notify the user that the user is not in the predetermined area when the distance detected by the detection unit becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold for separation. The predetermined threshold for separation is set to be greater than the predetermined threshold for approach.

[0008] A position guidance system according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a system for guiding a user's position relative to a urinal, comprising: a detection unit that detects a distance to the user relative to the urinal; a notification unit that notifies the user of the user's position; and a control unit that switches a notification state of the notification unit depending on the distance detected by the detection unit. The control unit is configured to: when the user approaches the urinal, switch the notification state of the notification unit to a guidance state that guides the user to approach the urinal when the distance detected by the detection unit becomes equal to or less than a first threshold; when the distance detected by the detection unit becomes equal to or less than a second threshold that is smaller than the first threshold, switch the notification state of the notification unit to another notification state that notifies the user that the user is in an appropriate position; and when the user leaves the urinal, switch the notification state of the notification unit from the other notification state to the guidance state when the distance detected by the detection unit becomes equal to or greater than a third threshold that is larger than the second threshold.

[0009] A urinal apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the position guidance system according to the one aspect or another aspect, and the urinal.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a front view of a urinal device of one embodiment. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a plan view of the main parts of the same. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the lower part of the same urinal device as seen from behind. Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the same urinal device and a user.

[0011] 1. One embodiment (urinal device) A urinal device 9 according to one embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0012] A urinal device 9 in one embodiment includes a urinal 2 and a position guidance system 1 that guides the position of a user relative to the urinal 2 (see Figures 1 and 6, etc.). A user relieves himself / herself by standing in front of the urinal 2, and the position guidance system 1 is configured to guide the user standing in front of the urinal 2 to an appropriate area in front of the urinal 2. The appropriate area here is an area where urine splashing around the urinal 2 can be effectively prevented.

[0013] (Urinal) In one embodiment, the urinal 2 is a wall-mounted urinal. The front-to-rear direction D1, the left-to-right direction D2, and the up-to-down direction D3 used in the following description are based on a state in which the urinal 2 is fixed to the surface of a vertical wall 81, as shown in Figure 2 etc.

[0014] The front-to-rear direction D1 is the horizontal direction in which the vertical wall 81 and the urinal 2 are aligned. The left-to-right direction D2 is a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction D3 and the front-to-rear direction D1. The front-to-rear direction D1, the left-to-right direction D2, and the up-to-down direction D3 are perpendicular to one another. In the front-to-rear direction D1, the direction in which the urinal 2 is positioned relative to the vertical wall 81 is the front, and the opposite direction is the rear.

[0015] The urinal 2 is molded using synthetic resin, but may also be molded using other materials such as ceramic.

[0016] The urinal 2 has a bowl portion 21 that is formed in a concave shape to receive urine discharged by a user, a water discharge portion 24 that is configured to discharge water for cleaning into the bowl portion 21, and a drainage portion 25 that is configured to drain water that has flowed down the bowl portion 21. The bowl portion 21 is formed to be long in the vertical direction as a whole. The water discharge portion 24 is provided above the bowl portion 21. The drainage portion 25 is provided at the bottom end of the bowl portion 21. In one embodiment, the urinal 2 is provided with two water discharge portions 24 spaced apart in the left-right direction D2.

[0017] The bowl portion 21 has a curved shape that is concave toward the rear (i.e., in the direction in which the wall 81 is positioned relative to the urinal 2) so as to receive the urine discharged by the user and smoothly flow it toward the drain portion 25.

[0018] In addition, the urinal 2 has left and right side walls 22 extending rearward from both edge portions of the bowl portion 21 in the left-right direction D2, and a front wall 23 provided to hide the lower end portion of the bowl portion 21. The urinal 2 has the left and right side walls 22 and the front wall 23 integrally formed. The left and right side walls 22 and the front wall 23 are continuous with each other.

[0019] The upper part of the urinal 2 houses a device 27 for discharging water from the water outlet 24 (see Figure 2). The device 27 includes a water supply path 241 that supplies water supplied through a stop valve 83 fixed to the wall 81 to the water outlet 24, and an electromagnetic valve and the like provided in the water supply path 241.

[0020] A drain trap 28 is connected to the bottom of the urinal 2. The drain trap 28 is made of, for example, synthetic resin. A drain pipe 85 is provided in the wall 81. The drain pipe 85 is located above the floor 87. The drain pipe 85 is connected to the urinal 2 via the drain trap 28 and the intermediate unit 29.

[0021] The drain trap 28 has a U-shaped pipe section 281 that is connected to the drain section 25 of the bowl section 21 from below, and a straight pipe section 282 that extends rearward from the downstream end of the U-shaped pipe section 281. The drain trap 28 integrally includes the U-shaped pipe section 281 and the straight pipe section 282. When the drain trap 28 is connected to the drain section 25, the straight pipe section 282 slopes downward downstream.

[0022] As shown in Figure 5, the straight pipe section 282 that constitutes the downstream section of the drain trap 28 is supported by the reinforcing member 26. The reinforcing member 26 is a member that reinforces the urinal 2 and is formed using a resin sheet. The reinforcing member 26 supports the straight pipe section 282 of the drain trap 28 while being fixed to the lower parts of the left and right side walls 22 of the urinal 2. The left and right ends of the reinforcing member 26 are fixed to the inner surfaces of the left and right side walls 22 of the urinal 2, for example, using an adhesive.

[0023] (Position Guidance System) As shown in Figure 6 etc., a position guidance system 1 of one embodiment includes a detection unit 3, a notification unit 4, and a control unit 5. The detection unit 3, the notification unit 4, and the control unit 5 may each be incorporated into the urinal 2, or may be installed separately from the urinal 2. In the position guidance system 1 of one embodiment, the detection unit 3 is installed separately from the urinal 2, and the notification unit 4 and the control unit 5 are incorporated into the urinal 2.

[0024] (Detection Unit) The detection unit 3 is configured to detect the distance to the user based on the urinal 2. In one embodiment of the position guidance system 1, the detection unit 3 is configured to detect the distance from the wall 81 on which the urinal 2 is hung to the user. That is, in one embodiment of the position guidance system 1, the distance from the wall 81 on which the urinal 2 is hung to the user is the distance to the user based on the urinal 2.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 6, the detector 3 is embedded in a portion of the wall 81 above the urinal 2 so as to detect the distance to a user positioned in front of the detector 3.

[0026] It should be noted that the distance to the user relative to the urinal 2 can be detected not from the wall 81 on which the urinal 2 is hung but from the urinal 2 itself. In this case, the detection unit 3 may be incorporated into the urinal 2 or may be installed separately from the urinal 2. There are no particular restrictions on the location where the detection unit 3 is installed, as long as it is possible to detect the distance to the user relative to the urinal 2.

[0027] In one embodiment of the urinal device 9, a radio wave sensor 31 is used in the detection unit 3. The radio wave sensor 31 is configured to detect the distance to the user using millimeter waves, which have a high degree of directivity. The frequency of the millimeter waves used by the radio wave sensor 31 is, for example, 60 GHz, but may have an appropriate frequency within the range of 30 GHz to 300 GHz.

[0028] The sensor used in the detection unit 3 is not limited to the radio wave sensor 31. For example, the detection unit 3 may include an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a laser sensor.

[0029] (Notification unit) The notification unit 4 is configured to notify the user of the user's relative position with respect to the urinal 2. The notification from the notification unit 4 allows the user to know where he or she is with respect to the urinal 2.

[0030] In the position guidance system 1 according to one embodiment, the notification unit 4 includes a light emitting unit 41 and a light source unit 45 (see FIG. 4).

[0031] The light emitting unit 41 is provided in a portion of the urinal 2 above the bowl portion 21 of the urinal 2. More specifically, the light emitting unit 41 is provided at the upper end of the urinal 2.

[0032] The upper end of the urinal 2 has a flat upper surface 201 facing upward, a front surface 202 located above the bowl portion 21, and a corner 204 (see Figures 1 and 3) connecting the upper surface 201 and the front surface 202. The corner 204 has a convex curved surface that smoothly connects the upper surface 201 and the front surface 202. A vertical cross section of the surface of the corner 204 is an arc-shaped cross section that bulges diagonally upward and forward. The vertical cross section of the surface of the corner 204 is a cross section that is perpendicular to the left-right direction D2.

[0033] The light-emitting unit 41 is provided at the corner 204 at the top end of the urinal 2. A window hole 205 is formed through the corner 204 at the top end of the urinal 2. The light-emitting unit 41 is made up of a light-transmitting member 415 inserted into the window hole 205. The surface of the member 415 is visible to the user through the window hole 205. In other words, the surface of the member 415 is the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting unit 41, which is provided so as to be visible to the user.

[0034] The light emitting unit 41 provided at the corner 204 at the top end of the urinal 2 is visible when the urinal 2 is viewed from the front, and also when the urinal 2 is viewed from above. Here, the front view means when the urinal 2 is viewed from the front. The plan view means when the urinal 2 is viewed from above.

[0035] The light source unit 45 is configured to emit light to cause the light emitting unit 41 to emit light. As shown in FIG. 4 , the light source unit 45 is housed in the upper end of the urinal 2.

[0036] The light source unit 45 includes a light source 451 configured as, for example, a light-emitting diode, a substrate 453 on which the light source 451 is mounted, and a cover 455 that covers the light source 451 and the substrate 453. The light source 451 is configured to emit light diagonally upward and forward. The cover 455 is provided with a light-transmitting portion 457. The light-transmitting portion 457 is configured as a through-hole provided in the cover 455, but the light-transmitting portion 457 may also be configured from a transparent member. The light-transmitting portion 457 is located diagonally upward and forward of the light source 451. Instead of the cover 455 being provided with the light-transmitting portion 457, the entire cover 455 may be transparent.

[0037] A columnar light-guiding member 46 is disposed diagonally above and in front of the light source unit 45. The light-guiding member 46 is located between the light source unit 45 and the light-emitting unit 41, and is configured to guide light emitted from the light source unit 45 to the light-emitting unit 41. An end face 461 of the light-guiding member 46 faces the light-transmitting portion 457 of the cover 455. It is preferable that the diameter of the end face 461 of the light-guiding member 46 is larger than the diameter of the light-transmitting portion 457 of the cover 455. The light-guiding member 46 is formed integrally with a member 415 that constitutes the light-emitting unit 41, but the light-guiding member 46 may also be formed separately from the member 415.

[0038] In one embodiment of the urinal 2, light emitted from the light source unit 45 is transmitted to the light-emitting unit 41 through a light-guiding member 46 arranged diagonally above and in front of the light source unit 45, causing the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting unit 41, which is visible when viewed from above and from the front, to emit light.

[0039] (Control Unit) The control unit 5 includes a control circuit configured to switch the notification state of the notification unit 4 depending on the distance detected by the detection unit 3. The control unit 5 can be realized, for example, by a computer system including one or more processors and one or more memories. That is, the one or more processors execute one or more programs stored in one or more memories to function as the control unit 5. The one or more programs may be pre-recorded in the memory of the control unit 5, may be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet, or may be recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card and provided.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 6 and other figures, the control unit 5 is housed in the upper end of the urinal 2.

[0041] The control unit 5 is configured to control the power supply to the light source unit 45 according to the distance to the user detected by the detection unit 3, switch the state in which light is emitted from the light source unit 45, and ultimately switch the light emission state of the light emitting unit 41.

[0042] The control unit 5 has a plurality of threshold values ​​used for determining whether to switch the light emitting state of the light emitting unit 41 (i.e., whether to switch the notification state of the notification unit 4). These threshold values ​​may be pre-recorded in the memory of the control unit 5, may be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet, or may be provided by being recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card.

[0043] The plurality of thresholds include a first threshold T1, a second threshold T2, a third threshold T3, and a fourth threshold T4, which are different from one another.

[0044] The first threshold T1 and the second threshold T2 are thresholds used when a user approaches the urinal 2, in other words, they are approach thresholds. The second approach threshold T2 is set to be smaller than the first approach threshold T1. For example, the first threshold T1 is 44 cm, while the second threshold T2 is 22 cm.

[0045] The third threshold value T3 and the fourth threshold value T4 are threshold values ​​used when the user moves away from the urinal 2, in other words, they are threshold values ​​for distance. The fourth threshold value T4 for distance is set to be larger than the third threshold value T3 for distance. For example, the third threshold value T3 is 37 cm, while the fourth threshold value T4 is 60 cm.

[0046] In the following, control when a user approaches the urinal 2 from an area far away from the urinal 2 will be described.

[0047] When a user approaches the urinal 2 from an area far away from the urinal 2, the control unit 5 keeps the light source unit 45 from emitting light and keeps the light-emitting unit 41 in an extinguished state until the distance detected by the detection unit 3 gradually decreases and reaches the first threshold value T1 (see arrow A1). The extinguished state of the light-emitting unit 41 is the alarm state of the alarm unit 4 (hereinafter referred to as the "non-proximity alarm state"), which is intended to indicate that the user is not near the urinal 2. The non-proximity alarm state of the alarm unit 4 is a state in which the light-emitting unit 41 is extinguished.

[0048] When the distance detected by the detector 3 becomes equal to or less than the first threshold T1, the controller 5 causes the light source 45 to intermittently irradiate light and causes the light emitting unit 41 to blink.

[0049] The control unit 5 causes the light-emitting unit 41 to blink until the distance detected by the detection unit 3 reaches the second threshold T2 (see arrow A2) after it has fallen below the first threshold T1. The blinking state of the light-emitting unit 41 is the notification state of the notification unit 4 (hereinafter referred to as the "guidance state"), which is intended to guide the user to move closer to the urinal 2. The guidance state of the notification unit 4 is the state in which the light-emitting unit 41 is lit.

[0050] Next, when the distance detected by the detection unit 3 becomes equal to or less than the second threshold value T2 (see arrow A3), the control unit 5 causes the light source unit 45 to continuously emit light, turning on the light-emitting unit 41. The turned-on state of the light-emitting unit 41 is the notification state of the notification unit 4 (hereinafter referred to as the "proper notification state"), which is intended to notify the user that they are in the proper position with respect to the urinal 2. The proper notification state of the notification unit 4 is the state in which the light-emitting unit 41 is turned on.

[0051] As described above, in one embodiment of the position guidance system 1, as the user approaches the urinal 2, the control unit 5 transitions the light-emitting unit 41, which was in an off state, to a flashing state, and then transitions the light-emitting unit 41 from the flashing state to a lit state.

[0052] That is, when the user approaches the urinal 2 and the distance detected by the detection unit 3 becomes equal to or less than the first threshold value T1, the control unit 5 switches the notification state of the notification unit 4 from the non-proximity notification state to the guidance state. Furthermore, when the distance detected by the detection unit 3 becomes equal to or less than the second threshold value T2, the control unit 5 switches the notification state of the notification unit 4 from the guidance state to the appropriate notification state.

[0053] Next, the control when the user moves away from the area close to the urinal 2 will be described.

[0054] When a user moves away from the area close to the urinal 2, the control unit 5 keeps the light-emitting unit 41 lit until the distance detected by the detection unit 3 gradually increases and reaches a third threshold value T3 (see arrow B1). When the distance detected by the detection unit 3 becomes equal to or greater than the third threshold value T3, the control unit 5 causes the light source unit 45 to intermittently emit light, causing the light-emitting unit 41 to blink. After the distance detected by the detection unit 3 becomes equal to or greater than the third threshold value T3, the control unit 5 causes the light-emitting unit 41 to blink until the distance reaches a fourth threshold value T4 (see arrow B2).

[0055] Next, when the distance detected by the detection unit 3 becomes equal to or greater than the fourth threshold T4 (see arrow B3), the control unit 5 stops emitting light from the light source unit 45 and turns off the light-emitting unit 41.

[0056] As described above, in one embodiment of the position guidance system 1, as the user moves away from the urinal 2, the control unit 5 transitions the light-emitting unit 41, which was in a lit state, to a flashing state, and then transitions the light-emitting unit 41 from the flashing state to an off state.

[0057] That is, when the user moves away from the position close to the urinal 2 and the distance detected by the detection unit 3 becomes equal to or greater than the third threshold value T3, the control unit 5 switches the notification state of the notification unit 4 from the appropriate notification state that has been maintained until then to the guidance state. Furthermore, when the distance detected by the detection unit 3 becomes equal to or greater than the fourth threshold value T4, the control unit 5 switches the notification state of the notification unit 4 from the guidance state that has been maintained until then to the non-proximity notification state.

[0058] Here, the third threshold T3 used to switch the alarm unit 4 from the appropriate alarm state to the guidance state when the user moves away from the urinal 2 is set to be, for example, 15 cm larger than the second threshold T2 used to switch the alarm unit 4 from the guidance state to the appropriate alarm state when the user approaches the urinal 2.

[0059] Therefore, in one embodiment of the position guidance system 1, even if a user approaches a urinal 2, and the notification unit 4 switches from the guidance state to the appropriate notification state, and then the user moves their upper body on the spot, the notification unit 4 is prevented from frequently switching between the guidance state and the appropriate notification state in response to this.

[0060] In other words, if the third threshold T3 and the second threshold T2 were set to the same value, for example, if a user approaches the urinal 2 and the light-emitting unit 41 switches from a flashing state to a lit state, and then the user moves their upper body in place, the light-emitting unit 41 may frequently switch between flashing and lit depending on their standing position. In contrast, in one embodiment of the position guidance system 1, the third threshold T3 is set 15 cm larger than the second threshold T2, thereby preventing the light-emitting unit 41 from frequently switching between flashing and lit. The difference between the third threshold T3 and the second threshold T2 is not limited to 15 cm. For example, it is also preferable that the difference between the third threshold T3 and the second threshold T2 be set within a range of 10 cm to 30 cm, or within a range of 12 cm to 25 cm. It is also preferable that the difference between the third threshold T3 and the second threshold T2 be set within a range of 13 cm to 20 cm, or within a range of 14 cm to 16 cm.

[0061] Similarly, the fourth threshold T4 used to switch the alarm unit 4 from the guidance state to the non-proximity alarm state when the user moves away from the urinal 2 is set to be, for example, 16 cm larger than the first threshold T1 used to switch the alarm unit 4 from the non-proximity alarm state to the guidance state when the user approaches the urinal 2.

[0062] Therefore, in one embodiment of the position guidance system 1, even if a user approaches a urinal 2, and the notification unit 4 switches from a non-proximity notification state to a guidance state, and then the user moves their upper body on the spot, the notification unit 4 is prevented from frequently switching between the non-proximity notification state and the guidance state in response to this.

[0063] In other words, if the fourth threshold T4 and the first threshold T1 were set to the same value, for example, if a user approaches the urinal 2 and the light-emitting unit 41 switches from an off state to a flashing state, and then the user moves their upper body in place, the light-emitting unit 41 may frequently switch between off and flashing depending on their standing position. In contrast, in one embodiment of the position guidance system 1, the fourth threshold T4 is set 16 cm larger than the first threshold T1, thereby preventing the light-emitting unit 41 from frequently switching between off and flashing. The difference between the fourth threshold T4 and the first threshold T1 is not limited to 16 cm. It is also preferable that the difference between the fourth threshold T4 and the first threshold T1 be set within a range of 10 cm to 30 cm or 12 cm to 25 cm, for example. It is also preferable that the difference between the fourth threshold T4 and the first threshold T1 be set within a range of 13 cm to 20 cm or 15 cm to 17 cm.

[0064] (Operation and Effect) As described above, in one embodiment of the position guidance system 1, when a user approaches the urinal 2, the control unit 5 causes the notification unit 4 to notify that the user is in a predetermined area when the distance to the user detected by the detection unit 3 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold for approach. The predetermined threshold for approach is the first threshold T1 or the second threshold T2.

[0065] When the predetermined threshold for approach is the first threshold T1, when the distance to the user detected by the detection unit 3 becomes less than the first threshold T1, the control unit 5 flashes the light-emitting unit 41 included in the notification unit 4 to notify the user that the user is in the guidance area.

[0066] When the predetermined threshold for approach is the second threshold T2, when the distance to the user detected by the detection unit 3 becomes less than the second threshold T2, the control unit 5 lights up the light-emitting unit 41 included in the alarm unit 4 to notify that the user is in the appropriate area.

[0067] When the user moves away from the urinal 2, the control unit 5 causes the notification unit 4 to notify that the user is no longer in the predetermined area when the distance to the user detected by the detection unit 3 reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold for distance. The predetermined threshold for distance is the third threshold T3 or the fourth threshold T4.

[0068] When the specified threshold for distance is the third threshold T3, when the distance to the user detected by the detection unit 3 becomes equal to or greater than the third threshold T3, the control unit 5 flashes the light-emitting unit 41 included in the alarm unit 4 to notify the user that the user is not in the appropriate area but in the guidance area.

[0069] When the predetermined threshold for approach is the fourth threshold T4, when the distance to the user detected by the detection unit 3 becomes equal to or greater than the fourth threshold T4, the control unit 5 turns off the light-emitting unit 41 included in the notification unit 4, thereby notifying the user that the user is not in the guidance area but in a non-proximity area.

[0070] Moreover, in the position guidance system 1 of the embodiment, the predetermined threshold value for separation is set to be larger than the predetermined threshold value for approach.

[0071] When the predetermined area is the guidance area, the corresponding threshold for separation is the fourth threshold T4, and the corresponding threshold for approach is the first threshold T1, with the fourth threshold T4 being set to be larger than the first threshold T1.

[0072] When the specified area is an appropriate area, the corresponding threshold for separation is the third threshold T3, and the corresponding threshold for approach is the second threshold T2, with the third threshold T3 being set to be greater than the second threshold T2.

[0073] Therefore, in one embodiment of the position guidance system 1, even if a user approaches the urinal 2, reaches a predetermined area (i.e., the guidance area or the appropriate area), and then moves their upper body on the spot, frequent switching of the light-emitting state of the light-emitting unit 41 included in the notification unit 4 in response to this is suppressed. The user can easily determine whether they are in the appropriate position relative to the urinal 2 by checking the notification unit 4, which is configured to stably switch its light-emitting state.

[0074] 2. Modifications The above embodiment is merely one embodiment of the position guidance system 1 and urinal device 9 of the present disclosure, and appropriate design modifications can be made within the scope of achieving similar effects. In the modifications listed below, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same components as in the above embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0075] For example, in one embodiment of the position guidance system 1, the area set based on the urinal 2 is divided into an appropriate area, a guidance area, and a non-proximity area, but the form of division is not limited to this. The area set based on the urinal 2 may be divided into areas different from the above areas.

[0076] In one embodiment of the position guidance system 1, the notification unit 4 is configured to notify the user that he or she is in a predetermined area by emitting light, but the notification means is not limited to this. The notification unit 4 may be configured to notify the user that he or she is in a predetermined area by outputting at least one of sound, vibration, image, and text instead of or in addition to emitting light.

[0077] In the position guidance system 1 according to one embodiment, the light-emitting unit 41 is switched between off, blinking, and on to notify the user of a change in position, but the switching of the light-emitting mode of the light-emitting unit 41 is not limited to this. For example, the light-emitting unit 41 may switch its light color to notify the user of a change in position, or may switch the brightness of the light-emitting unit 41 to notify the user of a change in position, or may switch the timing at which the light-emitting unit 41 blinks to notify the user of a change in position.

[0078] In one embodiment of the position guidance system 1, the urinal 2 is a wall-mounted urinal, but this is not limited to this, and other types of urinals such as floor-standing urinals, low-lip urinals, and cylindrical urinals can also be used as the urinal 2.

[0079] 3. Summary As described above based on the embodiments and various modifications, the position guidance system (1) of the first aspect is a system for guiding the position of a user relative to a urinal (2), and includes a detection unit (3) that detects the distance to the user relative to the urinal (2), a notification unit (4) that notifies the user of the user's position, and a control unit (5) that switches the notification state of the notification unit (4) depending on the distance detected by the detection unit (3). When the user approaches the urinal (2), the control unit (5) is configured to cause the notification unit (4) to notify the user that the user is in a predetermined area when the distance detected by the detection unit (3) becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold (T1; T2) for approach, and to cause the notification unit (4) to notify the user that the user is not in the predetermined area when the distance detected by the detection unit (3) becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (T4; T3) for separation, when the user leaves the urinal (2). The predetermined thresholds for separation (T4; T3) are set to be greater than the predetermined thresholds for approach (T1; T2).

[0080] According to this aspect, even if a user approaches the urinal (2), reaches a predetermined area, and then moves their upper body, frequent switching of the alarm state of the alarm unit (4) in response to this movement is suppressed, so that the user can easily determine whether they are in the correct position relative to the urinal (2).

[0081] The second aspect of the position guidance system (1) is a system for guiding the position of a user relative to a urinal (2), and includes a detection unit (3) that detects the distance to the user based on the urinal (2), an alarm unit (4) that notifies the user of the user's position, and a control unit (5) that switches the alarm state of the alarm unit (4) depending on the distance detected by the detection unit (3). The control unit (5) is configured to switch the alarm state of the alarm unit (4) to a guidance state that guides the user toward the urinal (2) when the distance detected by the detection unit (3) becomes equal to or less than a first threshold value (T1), when the distance detected by the detection unit (3) becomes equal to or less than a second threshold value (T2) that is smaller than the first threshold value (T1), and to switch the alarm state of the alarm unit (4) to another alarm state that notifies the user that the user is in an appropriate position, and when the user moves away from the urinal (2), when the distance detected by the detection unit (3) becomes equal to or greater than a third threshold value (T3) that is larger than the second threshold value (T2), to switch the alarm state of the alarm unit (4) from the other alarm state to a guidance state.

[0082] According to this aspect, even if a user approaches the urinal (2) and moves their upper body after the notification state of the notification unit (4) has switched from the guidance state to another notification state, the notification state of the notification unit (4) is prevented from frequently switching in response to this, so the user can easily determine whether they are in the correct position relative to the urinal (2).

[0083] In the position guidance system (1) of the third aspect, in the second aspect, the difference between the third threshold (T3) and the second threshold (T2) is set within a range of 10 cm to 30 cm.

[0084] According to this aspect, the user can properly determine whether or not he or she is in the correct position relative to the urinal (2).

[0085] In the position guidance system (1) of the fourth aspect, in the second or third aspect, the control unit (5) is configured to terminate the notification in the guidance state when the distance detected by the detection unit (3) becomes equal to or greater than a fourth threshold (T4) that is greater than the third threshold (T3) when the user moves away from the urinal (2). The fourth threshold (T4) is set to be greater than the first threshold (T1).

[0086] According to this aspect, even if a user approaches the urinal (2) and moves their upper body after the alarm state of the alarm unit (4) has switched to the guidance state, the alarm state of the alarm unit (4) is prevented from frequently switching in response to this, so that the user can easily determine whether they are in the correct position relative to the urinal (2).

[0087] In the position guidance system (1) of the fifth aspect, in the fourth aspect, the difference between the fourth threshold (T4) and the first threshold (T1) is set within a range of 10 cm to 30 cm.

[0088] According to this aspect, the user can properly determine whether or not he or she is in the correct position relative to the urinal (2).

[0089] In the position guidance system (1) of the sixth aspect, in any one of the second to fifth aspects, the notification unit (4) includes a light-emitting unit (41). The light-emitting form of the light-emitting unit (41) differs between the guidance state of the notification unit (4) and the other notification state of the notification unit (4).

[0090] According to this aspect, the user can easily determine whether or not he or she is in the correct position relative to the urinal (2) by visually checking the light emission form of the light emitting part (41).

[0091] In the position guidance system (1) of the seventh aspect, in any one of the second to fifth aspects, the notification unit (4) includes a light-emitting unit (41). The guidance state of the notification unit (4) is a state in which the light-emitting unit (41) flashes, and another notification state of the notification unit (4) is a state in which the light-emitting unit (41) is lit.

[0092] According to this aspect, the user can easily determine whether or not he or she is in the correct position relative to the urinal (2) by visually checking whether the light emitting part (41) is flashing or lit.

[0093] In the position guidance system (1) of an eighth aspect, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the detection unit (3) includes a radio wave sensor (31).

[0094] According to this aspect, the user can be detected stably using the radio wave sensor (31).

[0095] A urinal device (9) of a ninth aspect comprises the position guidance system (1) of any one of the first to eighth aspects and a urinal (2).

[0096] According to this aspect, even if a user approaches the urinal (2), reaches a predetermined area, and then moves their upper body, frequent switching of the alarm state of the alarm unit (4) in response to this movement is suppressed, so that the user can easily determine whether they are in the correct position relative to the urinal (2).

[0097] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Position guidance system 2 Urinal 3 Detection unit 31 Radio wave sensor 4 Notification unit 41 Light-emitting unit 5 Control unit 9 Urinal device T1 First threshold T2 Second threshold T3 Third threshold T4 Fourth threshold

Claims

1. A system for guiding a user's position relative to a urinal, comprising: a detection unit which detects the distance to the user based on the urinal; a notification unit which notifies the user of the user's position; and a control unit which switches the notification state of the notification unit depending on the distance detected by the detection unit, wherein the control unit is configured to: when the user approaches the urinal, cause the notification unit to notify the user that the user is in a specified area when the distance detected by the detection unit becomes equal to or less than a specified threshold for approach; and when the user moves away from the urinal, cause the notification unit to notify the user that the user is not in the specified area when the distance detected by the detection unit becomes equal to or greater than a specified threshold for separation, and the specified threshold for separation is set greater than the specified threshold for approach.

2. A system for guiding a user's position relative to a urinal, comprising: a detection unit that detects the distance to the user based on the urinal; an alarm unit that notifies the user of the user's position; and a control unit that switches the alarm state of the alarm unit depending on the distance detected by the detection unit, wherein the control unit is configured to: when the user approaches the urinal, when the distance detected by the detection unit becomes equal to or less than a first threshold, switch the alarm state of the alarm unit to a guidance state that guides the user to approach the urinal, when the distance detected by the detection unit becomes equal to or less than a second threshold that is smaller than the first threshold, switch the alarm state of the alarm unit to another alarm state that notifies the user that the user is in an appropriate position; and when the user moves away from the urinal, when the distance detected by the detection unit becomes equal to or greater than a third threshold that is larger than the second threshold, switch the alarm state of the alarm unit from the another alarm state to the guidance state.

3. The position guidance system according to claim 2, wherein the difference between the third threshold value and the second threshold value is set within a range of 10 cm to 30 cm.

4. The position guidance system of claim 2 or 3, wherein the control unit is configured to terminate the notification in the guidance state when the user moves away from the urinal and the distance detected by the detection unit becomes equal to or greater than a fourth threshold value that is greater than the third threshold value, and the fourth threshold value is set greater than the first threshold value.

5. The position guidance system according to claim 4, wherein the difference between the fourth threshold value and the first threshold value is set within a range of 10 cm to 30 cm.

6. A position guidance system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the notification unit includes a light-emitting unit, and the light-emitting form of the light-emitting unit differs between the guidance state of the notification unit and the other notification state of the notification unit.

7. A position guidance system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the alarm unit includes a light-emitting unit, the guidance state of the alarm unit is a state in which the light-emitting unit blinks, and the other alarm state of the alarm unit is a state in which the light-emitting unit is turned on.

8. The position guidance system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the detection unit includes a radio wave sensor.

9. A urinal device comprising: a position guidance system according to any one of claims 1 to 8; and a urinal.

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