Toilet guidance system, toilet guidance program, and toilet guidance method

Abstract

This toilet guidance system comprises: a portable terminal that is carried by a visually impaired person; and a notification device that is provided near a target position. The portable terminal is provided with a position detection unit for detecting the position of the portable terminal, a guidance generation unit for generating guidance information for allowing for the movement from the current position determined by the position detection unit toward the target position, a voice output unit for outputting the guidance information in the form of a voice message if the distance to the target position is equal to or longer than a prescribed distance, and a notification control unit for causing a sound for informing the position to be output from the notification device if the distance to the target position is shorter than the prescribed distance.

Description

Toilet guidance system, toilet guidance program, and toilet guidance method

[0001] The present invention relates to a toilet guidance system, a toilet guidance program, and a toilet guidance method.

[0002] Public facilities, commercial buildings, highway service areas, and other locations have public restrooms (toilet facilities) that are used by an unspecified number of people. Users of public restrooms include visually impaired people. When visually impaired people use public restrooms, they use Braille guide maps, which are often installed near the entrances to the restrooms. However, it is difficult for visually impaired people to understand the location of public restrooms using Braille guide maps, and there is a need for a system that makes it easier for visually impaired people to use public restrooms.

[0003] Furthermore, Patent Document 1 proposes a system in which a terminal device of a user (visually impaired person) identifies its location based on a beacon signal and notifies a server device, and the server device generates voice data based on the location and notifies the terminal device, thereby providing voice guidance to the user from the terminal device.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-152537

[0005] When providing audio guidance on the location of public restrooms based on the position of a terminal device as in Patent Document 1, it is limited to roughly providing guidance on the direction to the target restroom and the distance to the restroom, and it is difficult to provide detailed guidance. In particular, when measuring the position of the terminal device based on a beacon signal, this measurement error is large and the position of the terminal device used as the reference is inaccurate, making it difficult to provide accurate guidance.

[0006] The disclosed configuration aims to provide a technology that guides visually impaired people to use toilets easily.

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, the toilet guidance system of the present invention comprises a mobile terminal carried by a visually impaired person and a notification device installed near a destination location, wherein the mobile terminal comprises: a position detection unit that detects the position of the mobile terminal; a guidance generation unit that generates guidance information for heading to the destination location from the current position determined by the position detection unit; a voice output unit that outputs the guidance information as a voice message when the distance to the destination location is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance; and a notification control unit that causes the notification device to output a sound to notify the user of the location when the distance to the destination location is less than the predetermined distance.

[0008] In the toilet guidance system, the sound output from the notification device may be a voice message or notification sound related to the facility at the destination location.

[0009] The toilet guidance system may be configured such that a toilet bowl, a urinal, a flush button, a toilet booth entrance or a hand washing basin is provided at the destination position.

[0010] In order to solve the above problem, the toilet guidance method of the present invention is a method executed by a toilet guidance system that includes a mobile terminal carried by a visually impaired person and a notification device installed near a destination location, and the mobile terminal executes the following steps: detecting the location of the mobile terminal; generating guidance information for heading to the destination location from the current location determined in the above steps; outputting the guidance information as a voice message if the distance to the destination location is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance; and outputting a sound from the notification device to notify the user of the location if the distance to the destination location is less than the predetermined distance.

[0011] In order to solve the above problem, the restroom guidance program of the present invention causes a mobile terminal carried by a visually impaired person to execute the following steps: detecting the position of the mobile terminal; generating guidance information for heading to a destination position from the current position determined in the above step; outputting the guidance information as a voice message when the distance to the destination position is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance; and outputting a sound to notify the location from a notification device provided near the destination position when the distance to the destination position is less than the predetermined distance. The restroom guidance program may be recorded on a computer-readable storage medium.

[0012] Here, a computer-readable storage medium refers to a storage medium that stores information such as data and programs electrically, magnetically, optically, mechanically, or chemically and that can be read by a computer. Examples of such storage media that can be removed from a computer include flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, CD-R / Ws, DVDs (registered trademark), DAT, 8mm tapes, and memory cards. Also, examples of storage media that are fixed to a computer include hard disks and ROMs (read-only memories).

[0013] According to the present invention, a technique can be provided that guides visually impaired people to use toilets easily.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a toilet guidance system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a toilet booth. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a notification unit. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a management device. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a mobile terminal. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device. FIG. 7A is a diagram (part 1) showing an example of the operation flow of a mobile terminal in the toilet guidance system. FIG. 7B is a diagram (part 2) showing an example of the operation flow of a mobile terminal in the toilet guidance system. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing details of the process of providing guidance to a designated facility in step S170 when the designated facility is a toilet booth with a toilet bowl. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing details of the process of providing guidance to a designated facility in step S170 when the designated facility is a toilet booth with a urinal. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing details of the process of providing guidance to a hand washing basin in step S210 of FIG. 7B.

[0015] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the preferred embodiments are merely examples of the present invention, and the configuration of the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

[0016] <Embodiment> (Configuration Example) A toilet guidance system 10 of this embodiment is one form of a toilet guidance system that supports visually impaired people using toilet facilities by informing them of the locations of facilities, etc. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the toilet guidance system of this embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a toilet booth. The toilet guidance system 10 of this embodiment includes a toilet booth 100, a notification unit 200, a beacon unit 500, a management device 600, and a mobile terminal 700 carried by a user. The toilet facility includes multiple toilet booths 100. The toilet booth 100 is an example of equipment. The toilet booth 100 also includes equipment such as a toilet bowl 110, a paper holder 120, a door 130, a door control device 140, and a door open / close button 150. The notification unit 200 is an example of a notification device section.

[0017] The toilet booth 100 is a toilet booth installed in a public toilet (toilet facility) used by an unspecified number of users (public) in, for example, a public facility, a commercial building, etc. Here, the toilet booth 100 is a space (room) surrounded by a door, walls, etc., and is provided with toilet equipment such as a toilet bowl 110 and a toilet paper holder 120, which are normally used by one person at a time.

[0018] The toilet 110 is a piece of equipment used by a user to relieve themselves while sitting. The toilet 110 is installed in the toilet booth 100. The toilet 110 is equipped with a toilet seat device 111. The toilet seat device 111 has the functions of heating the seat on which the user sits, discharging warm water to clean the user's anus and private parts, and flushing the toilet 110 after use by flushing water into the toilet 110. The toilet seat device 111 also has a seat sensor that detects whether the user is seated, a discharge button, and a flush button. Based on the detection results of the seat sensor, the toilet seat device 111 controls whether or not to discharge hot water so that if the hot water discharge button is pressed while the user is seated, hot water is discharged, and if the hot water discharge button is pressed while the user is not seated, hot water is not discharged. Based on the detection results of the seat sensor, the toilet seat device 111 may also perform control such as lowering the temperature of the seat and switching to a power-saving mode when the user is not seated. The toilet seat device 111 controls the water flowing into the toilet bowl 110 based on the detection result of the seating sensor, so that when the flush button is pressed while the user is not seated, water to flush the toilet bowl 110 is flushed, and when the flush button is pressed while the user is seated, water to flush the toilet bowl 110 is not flushed. The toilet seat device 111 is communicably connected to the management device 600. The toilet seat device 111 may be connected to the management device 600 wirelessly or via a wire. When the seating sensor detects that the user is seated, the toilet seat device 111 transmits a seating signal indicating that the user is seated to the management device 600. When the toilet seat device 111 detects that the flush button has been pressed by the user, it transmits a flush signal indicating that the flush button has been pressed to the management device 600.

[0019] The paper holder 120 is a facility that holds toilet paper for use by a user of the toilet 110. The paper holder 120 is installed inside the toilet booth 100.

[0020] The door 130 is installed at an opening (entrance / exit) between the inside and outside of the toilet booth 100, and restricts users from coming and going between the inside and outside of the toilet booth 100. The door 130 is opened and closed by the management device 600. The door 130 may be a sliding door or a hinged door.

[0021] The door control device 140 performs operations such as opening and closing (opening and closing), locking, and unlocking the door 130 based on instructions (control) from the management device 600. The door control device 140 may be realized by a well-known door unlocking and locking device, or door opening and closing device. The door control device 140 is communicably connected to the management device 600. The door control device 140 may be connected to the management device 600 wirelessly or by wire.

[0022] The door open / close button 150 is a button that instructs opening or closing the door 130. When the door open / close button 150 is pressed, a notification is sent to the management device 600. When the management device 600 is notified that the door open / close button 150 has been pressed while the door 130 is open, it instructs the door control device 140 to close and lock the door 130. When the management device 600 is notified that the door open / close button 150 has been pressed while the door 130 is closed, it instructs the door control device 140 to unlock and open the door 130.

[0023] The notification unit 200 is a unit that notifies the user of the location of equipment, and is installed near equipment such as the toilet bowl 110, paper holder 120, flush button, door open / close button, etc.

[0024] 3 is a diagram showing an example configuration of the notification unit 200. The notification unit 200 includes a communication unit 210 and an output unit 220. The communication unit 210 communicates with other devices such as the management device 600 and the mobile terminal 700. In this case, the communication unit 210 may be connected to the other devices wirelessly or via a wire. The output unit 220 is a speaker that outputs sounds such as notification sounds or voices, or a display, indicator, or projector that displays the location, usage status, etc.

[0025] A plurality of beacon units 500 are installed in an area where users of the guidance system 1 walk. The beacon units 500 may be installed anywhere within the area, such as on a side wall, ceiling, or floor. Each of the plurality of beacon units 500 is located within the radio wave reach of at least one other beacon unit 500 and has the function of communicating with other beacons, i.e., the function of performing mesh communication, and together they form a multi-hop wireless network (mesh network). Note that a plurality of beacons that are capable of communicating with each other are also collectively referred to as a beacon mesh. The radio wave reach of the beacon unit 500 may be determined depending on the accuracy of determining the current location based on the beacon signal.

[0026] The beacon unit 500 transmits a beacon signal including identification information. This identification information is information that can uniquely identify each beacon unit 500. This identification information may be location information that indicates the installation location of the beacon unit 500. The beacon unit 500 transmits beacon signals and communicates with other devices (such as the beacon unit 500) in accordance with wireless communication standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), and wireless LAN. In this embodiment, the beacon unit 500 employs Bluetooth Low Energy as the wireless communication standard and transmits advertisement packets as beacon signals.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example configuration of the management device 600. The management device 600 is an information processing device (computer) including a communication unit 610, a control unit 620, and a storage unit 630. The communication unit 610 is communicatively connected to other devices, such as facilities such as the toilet seat device 111, the notification unit 200, and the mobile terminal 700. The communication unit 610 communicates with other devices in accordance with wireless communication standards such as Bluetooth, ZigBee, and wireless LAN. The communication unit 610 may also be connected to other devices via a wired connection. The control unit 620 controls the toilet guidance system 10. The storage unit 630 stores signals received from other devices.

[0028] The mobile terminal 700 is an information processing device (computer) such as a smartphone, tablet PC, smart watch, smart glasses, etc., carried by a visually impaired user. The mobile terminal 700 may be included in an object carried by the user (for example, a white cane, etc.).

[0029] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the mobile terminal 700. The mobile terminal 700 includes a communication unit 710, a control unit 720, and a storage unit 730. The communication unit 710 is communicatively connected to other devices, such as the toilet seat device 111, the management device 600, and the notification unit 200. The communication unit 710 transmits signals and communicates with other devices according to wireless communication standards, such as Bluetooth, ZigBee, and wireless LAN. The communication unit 710 constantly transmits signals that identify the user of the mobile terminal 700. The communication unit 710 transmits signals based on wireless communication standards, such as ZigBee. The storage unit 730 is a non-volatile memory, and is realized, for example, by an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), such as a flash memory included in a microprocessor. The storage unit 730 also stores predetermined identification information, etc.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device. The information processing device shown in FIG. 6 has the configuration of a general computer. The toilet seat device 111, the notification unit 200, the management device 600, or the mobile terminal 700 is realized by an information processing device 90 as shown in FIG. 6. The information processing device 90 in FIG. 6 has a processor 91, a memory 92, a storage unit 93, an input unit 94, an output unit 95, and a communication control unit 96. These components are connected to each other by a bus. The memory 92 and the storage unit 93 are computer-readable recording media. The hardware configuration of the computer is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 6, and components may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate.

[0031] The information processing device 90 has a processor 91 that loads a program stored on a recording medium into a working area of ​​a memory 92 and executes it, and each component is controlled through the execution of the program, thereby realizing functions that meet a specified purpose.

[0032] The processor 91 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor).

[0033] The memory 92 includes, for example, a random access memory (RAM) and a read only memory (ROM). The memory 92 is also called a main storage device.

[0034] The storage unit 93 is, for example, an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM) or a hard disk drive (HDD). The storage unit 93 may also include removable media, i.e., portable recording media. Examples of removable media include USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, or disk recording media such as CDs (Compact Discs) and DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs). The storage unit 93 is also called a secondary storage device.

[0035] The storage unit 93 stores various programs, various data, and various tables on a recording medium in a readable and writable manner. The storage unit 93 stores an operating system (OS), various programs, various tables, etc. The information stored in the storage unit 93 may be stored in the memory 92. Furthermore, the information stored in the memory 92 may be stored in the storage unit 93.

[0036] The operating system is software that mediates between software and hardware, manages memory space, manages files, and manages processes and tasks. The operating system also includes a communication interface. The communication interface is a program that exchanges data with other external devices connected via the communication control unit 96. Examples of external devices include other computers and external storage devices.

[0037] The input unit 94 includes a keyboard, a pointing device, a wireless remote control, a touch panel, etc. The input unit 94 may also include an input device for video or images such as a camera, and an input device for audio such as a microphone.

[0038] The output unit 95 includes a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an EL (Electroluminescence) panel, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, a PDP (Plasma Display Panel), a projector, a printer, etc. The output unit 95 may also include an audio output device such as a speaker.

[0039] The communication control unit 96 connects to other devices and controls communication between the information processing device 90 and the other devices. The communication control unit 96 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) interface board, a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication, or a communication circuit for wired communication. The LAN interface board and the wireless communication circuit are connected to a network such as the Internet.

[0040] The computer implementing the toilet seat device 111, the door control device 140, the notification unit 200, the management device 600, and the mobile terminal 700 realizes predetermined functions, including those described herein, by having a processor load programs stored in an auxiliary storage device into a main storage device and execute them. For example, the control unit 720 of the mobile terminal 700 functions as a position detection unit that detects the position of the mobile terminal 700 based on a beacon signal or the like. In addition to beacon signals, location information may be acquired by capturing images of the surroundings with a camera, acquiring known images captured at known positions in the guidance target area, and comparing the captured images with the known images to identify the shooting position. Furthermore, the location information of the mobile terminal 700 may be calculated using autonomous navigation based on the movement direction and movement speed detected by an acceleration sensor and a direction sensor, using the acquired position as a reference. The control unit 720 also functions as a guidance generation unit that generates guidance information for heading to a destination location from the current location determined by the position detection unit. The control unit 720 also functions as a voice output unit that outputs guidance information as a voice message when the distance to the destination location is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance. Furthermore, the control unit 720 functions as a notification control unit that causes the notification device to output a sound to notify the user of the location when the distance to the destination location is less than a predetermined distance.

[0041] <Operation Example> An operation example of the toilet guidance system 10 in this embodiment will be described.

[0042] 7A and 7B are diagrams showing an example of an operational flow of the mobile terminal 700 in the toilet guidance system 10. When a user operates the mobile terminal 700 to start an app (toilet guidance program) that provides guidance about the toilet facility 1000, the control unit of the mobile terminal 700 starts the processing shown in Figures 7A and 7B. Here, the operations of the mobile terminal 700 and other devices will also be described.

[0043] In step S10, the control unit 720 starts processing to acquire location information of the mobile terminal 700 based on the beacon signal from the beacon unit 500. This processing to acquire location information from the beacon signal is performed periodically in parallel with the processing of Figures 7A and 7B until the processing of Figures 7A and 7B is completed, and the location information is used in subsequent steps. Note that in this embodiment, the location information also includes the orientation (posture) of the mobile terminal 700.

[0044] In step S20, the control unit 720 accepts the user's designation of the facility to be used. The user inputs the facility to be used, such as a toilet booth with a toilet bowl, a toilet booth with a urinal, or a multi-purpose toilet booth, into the mobile terminal 700. In addition to accepting input from the user in this manner, the control unit 720 may accept the facility by reading pre-designated information from memory, such as a booth for men, a booth for women, or a booth for ostomates.

[0045] In step S30, the control unit 720 acquires information about the restroom facility 1000 from the management device 600. Here, the information about the restroom facility 1000 includes, for example, location information about the entrance and exit of the restroom facility 1000, the waiting area, the entrance and exit of the restroom booth, the washbasin, etc.

[0046] In step S40, the control unit 720 sets the position of the entrance / exit 191 in the toilet facility 1000 as the destination position and generates guidance information for heading to the entrance / exit 191 from the current position of the mobile terminal 700.

[0047] In step S50, the control unit 720 outputs guidance information. For example, the control unit 720 outputs the guidance information from a speaker as a voice message such as "Please walk 5 meters in the 2 o'clock direction to reach the entrance to the restroom facility." Furthermore, for a user with low vision who can see the display, the guidance information may be displayed on the display device of the mobile terminal 700.

[0048] In step S60, the control unit 720 determines whether or not the portable terminal 700 has reached the entrance / exit 191 based on the current position of the portable terminal 700. If the determination is negative, the control unit 720 returns to step S40, and if the determination is positive, the control unit 720 proceeds to step S70.

[0049] In step S70, control unit 720 obtains from management device 600 information (availability information) indicating whether the facility specified in step S20 is available for use.

[0050] In step S80, the control unit 720 determines whether the specified facility is available based on the information acquired in step S70. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S90, where the control unit 720 guides the user to the waiting position. In step S90, the control unit 720 generates guidance information for moving from the current position of the mobile terminal 700 to the waiting position, with the waiting position being set as the destination position. For example, the control unit 720 generates a message such as, "Please move 2 meters in the 4 o'clock direction and move to the waiting position." If the user is already at the waiting position, the control unit 720 may generate a message such as, "Please wait there," guiding the user to wait at that position. In step S100, the control unit 720 outputs the guidance message generated in step S90. The guidance information is output as audio or displayed in the same manner as in step S50.

[0051] On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in step S80, the control unit 720 proceeds to step S110. In step S110, the control unit 720 acquires information on available (vacant) facilities from the specified facilities (toilet booths) from the management device 600. The facility information acquired here may include location information of the entrance / exit and the address of the notification unit 200 installed at the entrance / exit.

[0052] In step S120, the control unit 720 transmits information indicating that guidance is being provided to the notification unit 200 installed at the entrance / exit of the facility, and causes the notification unit 200 to display a message such as "This booth is currently being provided. Please refrain from use by others." This message may be displayed on the display device of the notification unit 200, or may be displayed on the floor or the like using a projector. Note that, if the facility has a door control device 140, the control unit 720 may instruct the door 130 to be closed and locked instead of displaying the message that guidance is being provided. Furthermore, the display of guidance in step S120 and the instruction to close the door 130 in step S120 may be performed by the management device 600 instead of the mobile terminal 700.

[0053] In step S130, the control unit 720 sets the entrance / exit of the specified facility as the destination position and generates guidance information for heading to the entrance / exit from the current position of the mobile terminal 700. For example, the control unit 720 generates a message such as "Go 1 meter in the 11 o'clock direction, then go 5 meters in the 3 o'clock direction."

[0054] In step S140, control unit 720 outputs the guidance message generated in step S130. Note that the guidance information is output as voice or displayed in the same manner as in step S50.

[0055] In step S150, the control unit 720 determines whether the facility being introduced is available for use, and if the determination is negative because another person has started using the facility being introduced, the process returns to step S70.

[0056] In step S160, control unit 720 determines whether or not mobile terminal 700 has arrived within a predetermined distance from the entrance / exit of the facility based on the current position of mobile terminal 700. If the determination is negative, control unit 720 returns to step S130, and if the determination is positive, control unit 720 proceeds to step S170.

[0057] In step S170, control unit 720 provides guidance to the designated facility for relieving the user. Details of step S170 will be described later.

[0058] In step S180, control unit 720 sets the position of hand wash basin 1110 as the destination position and generates guidance information for heading from the current position of mobile device 700 to hand wash basin 1110. For example, control unit 720 generates a message such as "Please go 3 meters in the 4 o'clock direction."

[0059] In step S190, control unit 720 outputs the guidance message generated in step S180. Note that the guidance information is output as voice or displayed in the same manner as in step S50.

[0060] In step S200, control unit 720 determines whether or not mobile terminal 700 has arrived within a predetermined distance from the hand washing basin based on the current position of mobile terminal 700. If the determination is negative, control unit 720 returns to step S180, and if the determination is positive, control unit 720 proceeds to step S210.

[0061] In step S210, control unit 720 provides guidance for hand washing basin 1110. Details of step S210 will be described later.

[0062] In step S220, the control unit 720 generates guidance information for directing the user to the exit from the current position of the mobile terminal 700 to the entrance 191 of the toilet facility, setting the position of the entrance 191 as the destination position, in order to guide the user to the exit.

[0063] In step S230, control unit 720 outputs the guidance message generated in step S220. Note that the guidance information is output as voice or displayed in the same manner as in step S50.

[0064] In step S240, control unit 720 determines whether or not the position of entrance / exit 191 has been reached based on the current position of mobile terminal 700. If the determination is negative, control unit 720 returns to step S220, and if the determination is positive, ends the processing of Figures 7A and 7B.

[0065] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing details of the process of providing guidance to the designated facility in step S170 when the designated facility is a toilet booth 100 having a toilet bowl.

[0066] In step S310, the control unit 720 transmits a signal to the notification unit 200 provided in the toilet, instructing it to notify the user of the location of the toilet 110. In response, the notification unit 200 receives the instruction from the mobile terminal 700 via the communication unit 210. Upon receiving the instruction, the notification unit 200 outputs, via the output unit 220, a message notifying the user of the location of the toilet 110. The notification of the location of the toilet 110 is performed, for example, by outputting a voice saying "The toilet is this way" or a predetermined sound effect. The notification unit 200 is installed near the toilet 110. Therefore, a user who recognizes the notification can head toward the toilet 110 from the entrance / exit of the toilet booth 100.

[0067] In step S320, the control unit 720 determines whether or not the mobile terminal 700 has entered the toilet booth 100 based on the current position of the mobile terminal 700, and if the determination is negative, the control unit 720 returns to step S310.

[0068] In step S330, the control unit 720 transmits a signal to the notification unit 200 provided at the entrance via the communication unit 710, instructing the notification unit 200 to close the door 130. Upon receiving the signal, the notification unit 200 outputs, for example, a voice message such as "The door will be closing soon" or a predetermined sound effect. This allows the user to recognize that the door 130 of the toilet booth 100 is about to close.

[0069] In step S340, the control unit 720 transmits a signal to the door control device 140 via the communication unit 710 to instruct the door control device 140 to close and lock the door 130. Upon receiving the instruction from the management device 600, the door control device 140 closes and locks the door 130. This prevents people from entering the toilet booth 100 from the outside to the inside.

[0070] The user can start using (relieving himself / herself in) the toilet booth 100 once the door 130 of the toilet booth 100 is closed. The user sits on the toilet bowl 110 when using the toilet booth 100.

[0071] In S350, the control unit 720 determines whether or not a seated signal indicating that the user is seated has been received from the toilet seat device 111 via the communication unit 610. The toilet seat device 111 is equipped with a seated sensor that detects whether or not the user is seated on the toilet bowl 110. When the seated sensor detects that the user is seated, the toilet seat device 111 transmits the seated signal to the management device 600. If the control unit 720 has not received the seated signal (S350; NO), it repeats the processing of S350.

[0072] In step S360, the control unit 720 transmits a signal to the notification unit 200 provided in the paper holder via the communication unit 710, instructing the notification unit 200 to notify the user of the position of the paper holder 120. The notification unit 200 receives the instruction from the mobile terminal 700 via the communication unit 210. Upon receiving the instruction, the notification unit 200 outputs a signal notifying the user of the position of the paper holder 120 via the output unit 220. The notification of the position of the paper holder 120 is performed, for example, by outputting a voice message saying "The paper holder is here" or a predetermined sound effect. The notification unit 200 is installed near the paper holder 120. Thus, a user who recognizes the notification can recognize the position of the paper holder 120 in the toilet booth 100 while seated in the toilet bowl 110. Thus, the user can easily use the toilet paper held in the paper holder 120. The predetermined sound effect output by the notification unit 200 may be different from the sound effect output by the notification unit 200 provided in the toilet bowl.

[0073] In step S370, the control unit 720 determines whether or not the defecation has ended. For example, the control unit 720 receives a seated signal indicating that the user is seated from the toilet seat device 111 via the communication unit 710, and determines that the defecation has ended when the seated signal indicating that the user is seated is not received for a predetermined period of time or longer. Note that the user may input to the mobile terminal 700 that the defecation has ended, and the control unit 720 may determine that the defecation has ended based on this input.

[0074] At S380, the control unit 720 transmits a signal to the notification unit 200 attached to the flush button via the communication unit 710, instructing the notification unit 200 to notify the user of the location of the flush button. The notification unit 200 receives the instruction from the mobile device 700 via the communication unit 210. Upon receiving the instruction, the notification unit 200 outputs a signal notifying the user of the location of the flush button via the output unit 220. The notification of the location of the flush button is performed, for example, by outputting a voice message saying, "The flush button is here," a predetermined sound effect, or the like. The notification unit 200 is installed near the flush button. Therefore, a user who recognizes the notification can recognize the location of the flush button. This allows the user to easily use the flush button. The predetermined sound effect output by the notification unit 200 may be different from the sound effect output by the notification unit 200 attached to the toilet bowl or the paper holder.

[0075] In step S390, the control unit 720 determines whether the flush button has been operated. When the toilet seat device 111 detects that the flush button has been pressed, it transmits a flush signal to the mobile terminal 700. The control unit 720 receives the flush signal from the toilet seat device 111 via the communication unit 710. If the flush signal has been received (S390; YES), the process proceeds to S400; if the seated signal has not been received (S390; NO), the process returns to S380.

[0076] In step S400, the control unit 720 transmits a signal to the notification unit 200 attached to the door open / close button via the communication unit 710, instructing the notification unit 200 to notify the user of the location of the door open / close button. The notification unit 200 receives the instruction from the mobile terminal 700 via the communication unit 210. Upon receiving the instruction, the notification unit 200 outputs a signal notifying the user of the location of the door open / close button via the output unit 220. The notification of the location of the door open / close button is performed, for example, by outputting a voice message saying, "The door open / close button is here. Please press this button," or a predetermined sound effect. The notification unit 200 is installed near the door open / close button. Therefore, a user who recognizes the notification can recognize the location of the door open / close button. This allows the user to easily use the door open / close button. The predetermined sound effect output by the notification unit 200 may be different from the sound effect output by a notification unit 200 attached to a toilet bowl, toilet paper holder, or the like.

[0077] In step S410, the control unit 720 receives a signal from the management device 600 via the communication unit 710 indicating whether the door has been opened by operating the door open / close button 150, and determines whether the door has been opened. If the determination is negative, the control unit 720 returns to step S400, and if the determination is positive, the control unit 720 proceeds to step S420.

[0078] In step S420, the control unit 720 determines whether or not the user has left the toilet booth 100 based on the current location of the mobile terminal 700, and if the determination is affirmative, the process in Fig. 8 ends and the process proceeds to step S180 in Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing details of the process in step S170 for providing information about the designated facility when the designated facility is the toilet booth 100A having a urinal 1120.

[0079] In step S510, the control unit 720 transmits a signal to the notification unit 200 provided in the urinal 1120, instructing it to notify the user of the location of the urinal 1120. In response, the notification unit 200 receives the instruction from the mobile terminal 700 via the communication unit 210. Upon receiving the instruction, the notification unit 200 outputs a signal notifying the user of the location of the urinal 1120 via the output unit 220. The notification of the location of the urinal 1120 is performed, for example, by outputting a voice message saying "The urinal is this way" or a predetermined sound effect. The notification unit 200 is installed near the urinal 1120. Therefore, the user who recognizes the notification can recognize the direction of the urinal 1120 from the entrance of the toilet booth 100.

[0080] In step S520, the control unit 720 acquires the distance to the user from the sensor of the notification unit 200 or the urinal 1120 via the communication unit 710, determines whether or not this distance is within a predetermined range, and if the determination is negative, proceeds to step S530. The predetermined range is, for example, 50 to 300 mm.

[0081] In step S530, the control unit 720 generates guidance information according to the distance to the user. For example, the control unit 720 generates a message or a notification sound according to the distance, such as "The urinal is 50 cm ahead in the 12 o'clock direction," "Please take one more step forward," or "You are approaching the toilet. It is okay to step back 5 cm."

[0082] In step S540, control unit 720 outputs the message and notification sound generated in step S530 from the speaker.

[0083] In step S550, the control unit 720 determines whether or not defecation is complete. For example, the control unit 720 acquires information indicating the distance from the user from the notification unit 200 provided in the urinal 1120 via the communication unit 710, and determines that defecation is complete when the distance from the user is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Alternatively, the user may input to the mobile terminal 700 that defecation is complete, and the control unit 720 may determine that defecation is complete based on this input. If the determination in step S550 is positive, the control unit 720 ends the processing of FIG. 9 and proceeds to step S180 of FIG. 7B.

[0084] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing details of the process of guiding the user to the hand washing basin 1110 in step S210 of FIG. 7B.

[0085] In step S610, control unit 720 transmits a signal to notification unit 200 provided on hand wash basin 1110, instructing it to notify the user of the location of hand wash basin 1110. In response, notification unit 200 receives the instruction from mobile terminal 700 via communication unit 210. Upon receiving the instruction, notification unit 200 outputs a signal notifying the user of the location of hand wash basin 1110 via output unit 220. Notification of the location of hand wash basin 1110 is performed, for example, by outputting a voice message saying, "The hand wash basin faucet is this way," a predetermined sound effect, or the like. Notification unit 200 is installed near the faucet of hand wash basin 1110. Therefore, a user who recognizes the notification can recognize the location of hand wash basin 1110's faucet.

[0086] In step S620, control unit 720 acquires the distance to the user from the sensor of notification unit 200 via communication unit 710, and determines whether this distance is within a predetermined range. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S530. The predetermined range is, for example, 10 to 600 mm.

[0087] In step S630, the control unit 720 generates guidance information according to the distance to the user. For example, the control unit 720 generates a message or a notification sound according to the distance, such as "The hand washing basin is 30 cm ahead at the 12 o'clock direction" or "Please take two more steps forward." In step S640, the control unit 720 outputs the message or the notification sound generated in step S530 from the speaker.

[0088] In step S650, the control unit 720 determines whether hand washing is complete. For example, the control unit 720 acquires information indicating the distance from the user from the notification unit 200 provided in the hand washing basin 1110 via the communication unit 710, and determines that defecation is complete when the distance from the user reaches a predetermined value or greater. Alternatively, the user may input to the mobile terminal 700 that hand washing is complete, and the control unit 720 may determine that hand washing is complete based on this input. If the determination in step S650 is affirmative, the control unit 720 ends the processing of FIG. 10 and proceeds to step S220 in FIGS. 7A and 7B.

[0089] (Operations and Effects of the Embodiment) In the toilet guidance system 10 of the present embodiment, when a user carrying a mobile terminal 700 is far from a destination location, the mobile terminal 700 outputs guidance information for heading to the destination location as a voice message. When the distance to the destination location is less than a predetermined distance, a notification device provided near the destination location outputs a sound informing the user of the location. As a result, when the user is far from the destination location, the voice message allows the user to understand the direction and distance to head to. Since the voice message is output from the mobile terminal 700, the user can clearly hear the voice message. For example, when a voice message is output from a distant destination location, it becomes difficult to hear the direction and distance guidance provided by the voice message. Then, when the distance from the user to the destination location is less than the predetermined distance, a sound informing the user of the location is output from a notification device provided near the destination location. As a result, the user can recognize the destination location from the location from which the sound is output. In other words, the user can accurately determine the destination location regardless of the position detection accuracy of the mobile terminal 700. Therefore, appropriate guidance can be given whether the location is far from the destination or close to the destination, and visually impaired people can easily use the toilet.

[0090] <Others> The present invention is not limited to the above-described illustrated examples, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The above-described embodiments and modifications can be combined as much as possible.

[0091] 10: Toilet guidance system 90: Information processing device 91: Processor 92: Memory 93: Storage unit 94: Input unit 95: Output unit 96: Communication control unit 100: Toilet booth 110: Toilet bowl 111: Toilet seat device 120: Paper holder 130: Door 140: Door control device 150: Door opening / closing button 200: Notification unit 210: Communication unit 220: Output unit 500: Beacon unit 600: Management device 610: Communication unit 620: Control unit 630: Memory unit 700: Mobile terminal 710: Communication unit 711: Communication unit 712: Memory unit 1000: Toilet facility 1110: Hand washing basin 1120: Urinal

Claims

1. A toilet guidance system comprising a mobile terminal carried by a visually impaired person and a notification device installed near a destination location, wherein the mobile terminal comprises: a position detection unit that detects the position of the mobile terminal; a guidance generation unit that generates guidance information for heading to the destination location from the current location determined by the position detection unit; a voice output unit that outputs the guidance information as a voice message if the distance to the destination location is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance; and a notification control unit that causes the notification device to output a sound to notify the user of the location if the distance to the destination location is less than the predetermined distance.

2. The toilet guidance system according to claim 1, wherein the sound output from the notification device is a voice message or notification sound relating to the facilities at the destination location.

3. A toilet guidance system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the destination location is provided with a toilet bowl, a urinal, a flush button, a toilet booth entrance or a hand washing basin.

4. A toilet guidance method executed by a toilet guidance system equipped with a mobile terminal carried by a visually impaired person and a notification device installed near a destination location, wherein the mobile terminal executes the following steps: detecting the location of the mobile terminal; generating guidance information for heading to the destination location from the current location determined in the above step; outputting the guidance information as a voice message if the distance to the destination location is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance; and causing the notification device to output a sound to notify the user of the location if the distance to the destination location is less than the predetermined distance.

5. A toilet guidance program for causing a visually impaired person to execute the following steps: detecting the position of a mobile terminal carried by the visually impaired person; generating guidance information for heading to a destination position from the current position determined in the above step; outputting the guidance information as a voice message if the distance to the destination position is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance; and outputting a sound to notify the user of the location from a notification device provided near the destination position if the distance to the destination position is less than the predetermined distance.

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