JP7507551B2 - Remote Control System - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a remote control system that wirelessly connects a bath operating device to an information terminal, allowing the user to indirectly operate the information terminal in the bathroom.

Traditionally, systems have been used that have a voice call function that allows calls to be made between a bathroom remote control installed in the bathroom and a kitchen remote control installed in the kitchen. In recent years, systems have also become known that allow the bathroom remote control to be connected to a user's terminal device, allowing the functions of the terminal device to be used.

For example, the water heater system in Patent Document 1 below is composed of a water heater main unit, a bathroom remote control, and a kitchen remote control for remotely controlling the water heater main unit. The bathroom remote control and the kitchen remote control are connected for communication via the water heater main unit.

The bathroom remote control is installed in the bathroom and has the functions of remotely controlling the water heater unit, a voice call function that allows calls to be made with the kitchen remote control, and a background music function that uses this voice call function to output audio signals from a music terminal communicatively connected to the bathroom remote control through the bathroom remote control's speaker. This allows bathers to play content such as music files and audio files stored on the music terminal in the bathroom (paragraphs 0016-0020, Figure 1).

JP 2017-026253 A

However, in Patent Document 1, when wireless communication is performed between the bath remote control and the bather's information terminal, if the bath remote control is placed in a standby state so that it will connect immediately when the bather takes a bath, power is consumed by the wireless communication circuit even in standby mode. There is also a problem that the bath remote control and the information terminal may connect when there is no need for connection.

The present invention was made in light of this background, and aims to provide a remote control system that can wirelessly connect a bath remote control (bath control device) and an information terminal when necessary while reducing power consumption.

The present invention relates to a remote control system that includes a water heater and a bath operation device equipped with a remote control installed in a bathroom, and that is wirelessly connected to an information terminal outside the bathroom that is paired with the bath operation device so as to be able to communicate with the bath operation device.
The bath operating device includes a wireless communication unit capable of communicating with the information terminal, a power cutoff unit that cuts off the power supply to the wireless communication unit, a power supply unit connected to the power cutoff unit, and an operating device control unit that controls at least the power cutoff unit.
The water heater includes a water heater communication unit that communicates with the bath operating device, a water filling control unit that controls filling the bathtub with water, and a water heater control unit that controls the water heater communication unit and the water filling control unit,
The bath operating device further includes an operating device communication unit that communicates with the water heater, a time memory unit that stores a predetermined period, and a timer unit that times the predetermined period.
The operation device control unit includes:
The condition for estimating that a bath is being prepared or started is a period from when a water filling operation notification signal is received from the water heater until when the predetermined period stored in the time memory unit has elapsed;
before receiving a water filling operation notification signal from the water heater, the power cut-off unit is controlled to cut off the power supply to the wireless communication unit, and after receiving a water filling operation notification signal from the water heater, if the information terminal is not recognized before the predetermined period stored in the time memory unit has elapsed, the power cut-off unit is also controlled to cut off the power supply to the wireless communication unit;
A remote control system characterized by controlling the power cut-off unit so as not to cut off the power supply to the wireless communication unit if an information terminal is recognized before the specified period stored in the time memory unit has elapsed after receiving a water filling operation alarm signal from the water heater.

In the remote control system of the present invention, communication is possible between the water heater communication unit of the water heater and the operation device communication unit of the bath operation device, and the information terminal is wirelessly connected to the bath operation device for communication. In addition, the bath operation device is provided with a power cutoff unit because power consumption increases if the wireless communication unit is always waiting for a connection to the information terminal.

The control unit of the bath control device controls the power supply to the wireless communication unit so that it is not cut off (it is in a connection standby state) when the conditions that are presumed to indicate preparation for bathing (such as completion of filling the water with water) or the start of bathing (such as entering the bathroom) are met. This allows the bath control device to connect to the information terminal when necessary, reducing power consumption.

Another aspect of the present invention is a remote control system that includes a water heater and a bath operation device with a remote control installed in a bathroom, and that is wirelessly connected to an information terminal outside the bathroom that is paired with the bath operation device so as to be able to communicate with the water heater,
The bath operating device includes a wireless communication unit capable of communicating with the information terminal, a power cutoff unit that cuts off the power supply to the wireless communication unit, a power supply unit connected to the power cutoff unit, and an operating device control unit that controls at least the power cutoff unit.
The water heater includes a water heater communication unit that communicates with the bath operating device, and a water heater control unit that controls the water heater communication unit ,
The bath operating device further includes an operating device communication unit that communicates with the water heater, a time memory unit that stores a predetermined period of time, and a timer unit that times the predetermined period of time.
a bather detection unit connected to at least one of the water heater and the bath operation device for detecting a bather;
The operation device control unit includes:
The condition for estimating that a bath is being prepared or started is a period from when a water filling operation notification signal is received from the water heater until when the predetermined period stored in the time memory unit has elapsed;
before the bather detection unit detects the bather, the power cut-off unit is controlled to cut off the power supply to the wireless communication unit, and after the bather detection unit detects the bather, if the information terminal is not recognized before the predetermined period stored in the time memory unit has elapsed, the power cut-off unit is also controlled to cut off the power supply to the wireless communication unit;
After the bather detection unit detects the bather, if the information terminal is recognized before the specified period stored in the time memory unit has elapsed, the power supply cut-off unit is controlled so as not to cut off the power supply to the wireless communication unit .

According to this configuration, the water heater's filling control unit is controlled by the water heater control unit and transmits a water filling operation notification signal. After receiving the notification signal, the operation device control unit of the bath operation device uses the timer unit to time a specified period (e.g., 30 minutes), and controls the power supply to the wireless communication unit so as not to be cut off during this period. This ensures a connection between the bath operation device and the information terminal.

On the other hand, during other periods, the power supply to the wireless communication unit is controlled to be cut off (it is in a non-standby state, but it is not actively disconnected if there is an information terminal in a connected state. The same applies below). This makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of the bath operating device. Note that the filling operation notification signal refers to a signal that notifies the state related to filling the water, including the start and completion of filling the water.

According to this configuration, a bather detection unit is connected to at least one of the water heater and the bath operation device, and detects a bather entering the bathroom. After a bather is detected, the operation device control unit controls so that the power supply to the wireless communication unit is not cut off for a predetermined period (e.g., 5 minutes), thereby ensuring a connection between the bath operation device and the information terminal. In addition, by controlling so that the power supply to the wireless communication unit is cut off for other periods, the power consumption of the bath operation device can be reduced.

It is preferable that the bather detection unit is one or more selected from an illuminance sensor that detects the brightness in the bathroom, a sound sensor that detects sound in the bathroom, a vibration sensor that detects vibrations in the bathroom, and a water level detection unit that detects the water level in the bathtub.

For example, a bather detection unit may be provided in the bathroom with an illuminance sensor, which can detect when a bather starts bathing and transition to a connection standby state for the information terminal. Also, a water level detection unit (water level detection circuit or water level sensor) may be provided in the bathtub, and transition to a connection standby state may be made when a predetermined water level is detected.

A remote control system comprising a water heater and a bath operation device having a remote control installed in a bathroom, the bath operation device and an information terminal outside the bathroom paired with the bath operation device are wirelessly connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other,
The bath operating device includes a wireless communication unit capable of communicating with the information terminal, a power cutoff unit that cuts off the power supply to the wireless communication unit, a power supply unit connected to the power cutoff unit, and an operating device control unit that controls at least the power cutoff unit.
The operation device control unit controls the power cut-off unit so as not to cut off the power supply to the wireless communication unit when a condition that is estimated to be preparation for or start of bathing is satisfied,
The water heater includes a water heater communication unit that communicates with the bath operating device, and a water heater control unit that controls the water heater communication unit,
The bath operating device further includes an operating device communication unit that communicates with the water heater, a time memory unit that stores a predetermined time period, and a timer unit that measures time,
The operating device control unit adopts the specified time period stored in the time memory unit as a condition that is presumed to be preparation for or start of bathing, controls the power supply cut-off unit so as not to cut off the power supply to the wireless communication unit during the specified time period stored in the time memory unit , and controls the power supply cut-off unit to cut off the power supply to the wireless communication unit during periods other than the specified time period.

According to this configuration, the operation device control unit controls so as not to cut off the power supply to the wireless communication unit during the time period stored in the time memory unit (e.g., from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.). In other words, by putting the information terminal into a connection standby state during that time period, the bath operation device and the information terminal are reliably connected. On the other hand, by controlling so as to cut off the power supply to the wireless communication unit during other time periods, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the bath operation device.

1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration of a remote control system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart of the remote control system according to the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart of the remote control system according to the first embodiment (modified form). 4 is a time chart illustrating a standby state and a non-standby state. 11 is a time chart illustrating a standby state and a non-standby state (modified form). FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the system configuration of a remote control system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart of a remote control system according to a second embodiment.

[First embodiment]
A first embodiment of a remote control system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

First, the system configuration of the remote control system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. As shown in the figure, the remote control system 1 is composed of a water heater 10, a bathroom remote control 20, and an information terminal 30.

The water heater 10 is a device that performs hot water supply operation. The water heater 10 has a combustion-type heat source unit that has a built-in burner and heat exchanger, and introduces hot water such as tap water into the heat source unit. The hot water (hot water) is heated by the combustion heat of the burner inside the heat source unit and supplied to each hot water supply target part including the hot water tap.

In particular, the water heater 10 of this embodiment is composed of a CPU, memory, various interface circuits, etc., and has a water heater control unit 11 that controls the overall operation of the water heater 10, a remote control communication circuit 12 (corresponding to the "water heater communication unit" of the present invention) that communicates with the bathroom remote control 20 via a remote control cable, and a water filling control unit 13 that controls the water level, temperature, etc. of the bathtub when it is filled with water.

For example, when the bathroom remote control 20 sends a command to fill the water, the command is received by the remote control communication circuit 12 and transmitted to the water heater control unit 11, and the water heater control unit 11 controls the water filling control unit 13 so that filling is completed at the set temperature, amount of water, time, etc.

The bathroom remote control 20 (corresponding to the "bathroom operating device" of the present invention) is a remote control device that is installed in the bathroom and can communicate with the water heater 10 via wired or wireless communication. By operating the panel of the bathroom remote control 20 (fill button, reheat button, etc.), the user can command the water heater 10 to start or stop operation, and set the target value for the temperature of the hot water (hot water supply temperature) supplied from the heat source unit to each hot water supply target part including the hot water tap.

In particular, the bathroom remote control 20 of this embodiment is composed of a CPU, memory, various interface circuits, etc., and has a bathroom remote control control unit 21 (corresponding to the "operation device control unit" of the present invention) that controls the overall operation of the bathroom remote control 20, a remote control communication circuit 22 (corresponding to the "operation device communication unit" of the present invention) that communicates with the water heater 10 via a remote control cable, a wireless communication circuit 23, a power supply cut-off circuit 24, a power supply unit 25, a set time recording unit 26, and a timing unit 27, which will be described in detail below.

The wireless communication circuit 23 has the function of connecting to the user's information terminal 30 (smartphone, mobile phone, tablet terminal, etc.) via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The information terminal 30 is a terminal device owned by the bather and equipped with a wireless communication circuit 31, and connects one-to-one with the bathroom remote control 20. Note that the information terminal 30 needs to be recognized by the bathroom remote control 20 in advance by carrying out pairing (mutual recognition between terminals) so that it can be connected immediately.

When taking a bath, if there are no other connected information terminals, the bather can bring their own information terminal 30 into the communication range, and the information terminal 30 will automatically connect to the bathroom remote control 20. The connection may be initiated by placing the information terminal 30 in a dedicated cradle capable of NFC (Near Field Communication) communication, installed in a changing room or the like. Also, a remote control for a bathroom heating device that is connected to the water heater 10 and performs heating and other functions in the bathroom may be installed in the changing room, and a connection button may be provided on that remote control.

By connecting the information terminal 30 to the bathroom remote control 20 in this way, the bather can play music data stored in the information terminal 30 through the bathroom remote control 20's speaker and check incoming phone calls and e-mails while bathing. In addition, if the bathroom remote control 20 has a microphone function, it is also possible to listen to the news and weather forecasts using the AI speaker function of the information terminal 30, reply to standard e-mail messages, and turn on the living room lights via the information terminal 30.

In addition, when the wireless communication circuit 23 (corresponding to the "wireless communication unit" of the present invention) is in a connection standby state where it is constantly transmitting radio waves, the power consumption of the bathroom remote control 20 increases, so for example, it is necessary to set the connection standby state only during times when family members are taking a bath. For this reason, a power supply cutoff circuit 24 (corresponding to the "power supply cutoff unit" of the present invention) that cuts off the power supply from the power supply unit 25 as appropriate is connected to the wireless communication circuit 23. When a predetermined condition is met, the power supply cutoff circuit 24 cuts off the power supply to the wireless communication circuit 23, making it a low-power consumption device.

The set time recording unit 26 (corresponding to the "time memory unit" of the present invention) has a function of setting and storing the time for turning on and off the power supply to the wireless communication circuit 23. For example, it can be set so that the connection standby state for supplying power to the wireless communication circuit 23 is from 18:00 to 22:00, which is the time period when the family is taking a bath. It may also be set by a period or time, such as 30 minutes after the completion or start of filling the water with water, or until 23:00 when all the family members have finished bathing.

The timing unit 27 has a clock function and a timer function. The clock function is used when the bathroom remote control control unit 21 recognizes the above-mentioned specified time period. The timer function starts timing, for example, when a specified signal is received from the water heater 10. Then, when the time or period set in the set time recording unit 26 is reached, or when the period has elapsed, a message to that effect is transmitted to the bathroom remote control control unit 21.

Next, referring to FIG. 2, a flowchart regarding the connection between the bathroom remote control 20 and the information terminal 30 of the remote control system 1 will be described. Note that this flowchart assumes that pairing between the information terminal 30 and the bathroom remote control 20 has already been completed.

First, the user operates the bathroom remote control 20 to set the power supply time for supplying power to the wireless communication circuit 23 after the water has been filled (STEP 11). If the same set time is used every day, there is no need to reset the time, and this step can be omitted. Then, proceed to STEP 12.

Next, the power to the wireless communication circuit 23 of the bathroom remote control 20 is turned off (STEP 12). If the bathroom is not in use and the power to the bathroom remote control 20 itself is turned off, the power to the wireless communication circuit 23 is also turned off, so it is sufficient to confirm that the power is turned off. Then, proceed to STEP 13.

Next, the user operates the bathroom remote control 20 to start filling the bathtub with water (STEP 13). At this time, the user can set the amount of water, temperature, and the time when filling is to be completed. Then, proceed to STEP 14.

Next, it is determined whether or not the water filling is complete (STEP 14). Specifically, when the water filling is complete, a notification signal is sent from the water heater 10 to the bathroom remote control 20, and the bathroom remote control control unit 21 recognizes that the water filling is complete. If the water filling is complete, proceed to STEP 15, and if it is not yet complete, loop until it is complete.

When the water filling is complete ("YES" in STEP 14), the wireless communication circuit 23 is powered on (STEP 15). Since the completion of the water filling means that preparations for bathing are presumed to be complete, the bathroom remote control 20 transitions to a standby state for connection to the information terminal 30. From this point, the timer unit 27 also starts the timer for the power supply time set in STEP 11. Then, proceed to STEP 16.

Next, it is determined whether the set time has been reached (STEP 16). The set time here is the power supply time set and stored in STEP 11. If the set time has been reached (the set time has elapsed), proceed to STEP 19, and if the set time has not yet been reached, proceed to STEP 17.

If the set time has not been reached ("NO" in STEP 16), it is determined whether the information terminal 30 has been recognized (STEP 17). If the bathroom remote control 20 recognizes the paired information terminal 30, it proceeds to STEP 18, and if it cannot be recognized, it returns to STEP 16.

If the bathroom remote control 20 recognizes the information terminal 30 ("YES" in STEP 17), the information terminal 30 is connected to the bathroom remote control 20 (STEP 18). This allows the bather to indirectly operate the information terminal 30 from the bathroom, for example, by playing music data stored in the information terminal 30 through the speaker of the bathroom remote control 20. The series of processes then ends.

On the other hand, if the set time is reached without the bathroom remote control 20 recognizing the information terminal 30 ("YES" in STEP 16), the power to the wireless communication circuit 23 of the bathroom remote control 20 is turned off (STEP 19). Specifically, this is the case when a person planning to take a bath is unable to start bathing within the set time for some reason, and the connection standby state is temporarily interrupted. This completes the series of processes related to the connection between the bathroom remote control 20 and the information terminal 30.

Note that this flowchart does not mention the case where the information terminal 30 is disconnected (disconnected), but the connection can be disconnected when the information terminal 30 is taken out of the range of wireless communication, or when a human presence sensor or the like is installed in the bathroom and detects that the bather has left the bathroom. Also, if the set time is relatively long (for example, 60 minutes or more), the connection can be automatically disconnected after the set time has elapsed.

When the series of processes has been completed through STEP 19, i.e., in case the person who was scheduled to take a bath does not actually take a bath, the information terminal 30 may be made to be connectable and disconnectable by a specified operation of the bathroom remote control 20 or by operating a connection button installed in the changing room.

In addition, the water filling control unit 13 (see Figure 1) of the water heater 10 is not a required component, and the power supply to the wireless communication circuit 23 of the bathroom remote control 20 can also be controlled under other conditions. Below, we will explain an example of setting a specific time period in the set time recording unit 26 of the bathroom remote control 20.

Figure 3 shows a flowchart (modified form) regarding the connection between the bathroom remote control 20 and the information terminal 30 of the remote control system 1. Note that, again, it is assumed that pairing between the information terminal 30 and the bathroom remote control 20 has already been completed.

First, the user operates the bathroom remote control 20 to set the time period for supplying power to the wireless communication circuit 23 (STEP 21). If the same time period as usual is acceptable, there is no need to reset the time period and this step can be omitted. Then, proceed to STEP 22.

Next, turn off the power to the wireless communication circuit 23 of the bathroom remote control 20 (STEP 22). Then, proceed to STEP 23.

Next, it is determined whether or not the time is within the set time zone (STEP 23). The time zone here is the time zone set and stored in STEP 21. If the time is currently within the time zone, the process proceeds to STEP 24. If the time is not within the time zone, the process loops until the time zone is reached.

If it is currently within the set time period ("YES" in STEP 23), the wireless communication circuit 23 is powered on (STEP 24). Since it is within the set time period, it is assumed that preparations for bathing are complete, and the bathroom remote control 20 transitions to a state of waiting for connection to the information terminal 30. Then, proceed to STEP 25.

Next, connect the information terminal 30 to the bathroom remote control 20 (STEP 25). This allows the bather to indirectly operate the information terminal 30 from the bathroom. Then, proceed to STEP 26.

Next, it is determined again whether or not it is within the set time period (STEP 26). If it is currently within that time period, the process loops until it is within that time period, and if it is no longer within that time period, the process proceeds to STEP 27.

Finally, the power supply to the wireless communication circuit 23 of the bathroom remote control 20 is turned off (STEP 27). This means that the connection standby state is ended because the set time period has elapsed. After that, the series of processes is terminated.

Even in the above modified embodiment, the connection can be disconnected when the information terminal 30 is taken out of the range of wireless communication or when it is detected that the bather has left the bathroom. By automatically disconnecting the information terminal 30 after the bath is finished, the information terminal of the next bather will be reliably connected when brought within the range of wireless communication (starting from STEP 25).

In addition, if the set time period is from 18:00 to 22:00, a person may be taking a bath at 22:00. In such a case, there is no need to actively disconnect the connected information terminal 30 when the time period ends, and power can be supplied to the wireless communication circuit 23 so that the connection continues until it is detected that the person has left the bath.

The system may combine the mode of turning on the wireless communication circuit 23 when the water filling is completed (condition 1) shown in FIG. 2 with the mode of turning on the wireless communication circuit 23 during a specific time period (condition 2) shown in FIG. 3. By estimating preparation for bathing based on multiple conditions, it is possible to wirelessly connect the bathroom remote control 20 and the information terminal 30 while more reliably reducing power consumption.

Next, referring to Figures 4A and 4B, we will explain the time charts for the standby and non-standby states of wireless communication.

Figure 4A is a time chart for supplying power to the wireless communication circuit 23 after the water heater is filled (corresponding to Figure 2). In this example, the water heater is filled at 18:00 and the power supply is set to 30 minutes.

As shown in the figure, the power supply to the wireless communication circuit 23 is cut off from 0:00 to 18:00, which is a "non-standby state." The period from the time the water filling starts (for example, 17:30) until the water filling is completed is also considered to be a "non-standby state" since bathing is essentially not possible. As a result, during this period the bathroom remote control 20 does not consume power by communicating with the information terminal 30. However, since a person may start taking a bath between the time the water filling starts and the time the water filling is completed, the "standby state" may be set from the start of the water filling.

When the water filling is completed at 18:00, the bathroom remote control unit 21 transitions to a "standby state" to start supplying power to the wireless communication circuit 23. At the same time, the timer of the timing unit 27 mentioned above starts, and measures the set time of 30 minutes.

In the "standby state," bathers can connect their information terminal 30 to the bathroom remote control 20 and enjoy music and the like while bathing. Then, when 30 minutes have elapsed according to the timer function of the timing unit 27 (at 18:30), the bathroom remote control control unit 21 will cut off the power supply to the wireless communication circuit 23, and the bathroom remote control will transition to a "non-standby state." In this way, by setting the bathroom remote control 20 to the "standby state" while the bather is bathing, the power consumption of the bathroom remote control 20 can be reduced.

As shown in the figure, there may be cases where the bather begins bathing after 18:30. In such a case, there is no need to immediately transition to a "non-standby state" and disconnect the information terminal 30, so for example, if the human sensor does not detect the person leaving the bathroom, the "standby state" may be maintained.

Here, the set time is 30 minutes, but it may be set to, for example, 3 to 4 hours. This allows multiple bathers to operate their own information terminals while bathing, without having to go through the process of connecting and disconnecting.

Figure 4B is a time chart (corresponding to Figure 3) showing how power is supplied to the wireless communication circuit 23 during a specific time period. In this example, the specific time period is from 18:00 to 22:00.

As shown in the figure, the power supply to the wireless communication circuit 23 is cut off from 0:00 to 18:00, resulting in a "non-standby state." During this period, the bathroom remote control 20 does not consume power by communicating with the information terminal 30.

The bathroom remote control unit 21 receives the time information of 18:00 from the clock unit 27 and starts supplying power to the wireless communication circuit 23, transitioning to a "standby state." The "standby time" here is long at four hours, during which time bather A (information terminal 30a), bather B (information terminal 30b), and bather C (information terminal 30c) connect and disconnect.

In this embodiment, the "standby time" is longer than in the example of Figure 4A, and power consumption is therefore greater, but multiple bathers can operate their own information terminals 30a to 30c while bathing without having to go through the process of connecting and disconnecting.

In addition, the bathroom remote control unit 21 receives the time information of 22:00 from the clock unit 27 and cuts off the power supply to the wireless communication circuit 23, transitioning to a "non-standby state." Note that the timer in the clock unit 27 starts at 18:00, and when it has timed four hours, a signal to that effect may be sent to the bathroom remote control unit 21. In this way, by switching to a "standby state" during the hours when all family members are taking a bath, the power consumption of the bathroom remote control 20 can be reduced.

It is preferable that the water filling is completed by the start time of the time period, but there may be cases where the water filling is not completed in time for the start time. In such cases, the water conditioner may transition to a "standby state" from the time when the water filling is completed as described above. In other words, the start of the "standby state" may be adjusted based on the conditions of the "time when the water filling is completed" and the conditions of the "time period".

[Second embodiment]
A second embodiment of the remote control system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

Figure 5 shows the system configuration of the remote control system 50 according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the remote control system 50 is composed of a water heater 10', a bathroom remote control 20', and an information terminal 30.

In particular, the water heater 10' of this embodiment has a water heater control unit 11, a remote control communication circuit 12, and a water level detection circuit 14 that detects the water level in the bathtub. Because the bathtub and the water heater 10' are connected by piping, the water level detection circuit 14 can detect changes in the water level in the bathtub.

In this embodiment, the detection signal from the water level detection circuit 14 is sent to the bathroom remote control 20' via the remote control communication circuit 12 and is used as bather detection information.

The bathroom remote control 20' also has a bathroom remote control control unit 21, a remote control communication circuit 22, a wireless communication circuit 23, a power supply cutoff circuit 24, a power supply unit 25, a set time recording unit 26, a timer unit 27, and a bather detection circuit 28.

The bather detection circuit 28 (corresponding to the "bather detection unit" of the present invention) is, for example, an illuminance sensor and its circuit board installed in the bathroom, and the detection signal is sent to the bathroom remote control control unit 21. By using the illuminance sensor, it is possible to know that the bather has started bathing when it becomes bright in the bathroom, and that the bather has finished bathing and left the bathroom when it becomes dark.

The bather detection circuit 28 may be a sound sensor and its circuit board installed in the bathroom to detect voice, or a vibration sensor to detect vibration. Also, instead of the water level detection circuit 14, a water level sensor can be attached to the bathtub so that a detection signal is sent to the bathroom remote control control unit 21. Of course, two or more sensors may be combined to detect bathers.

Next, referring to FIG. 6, a flowchart regarding the connection between the bathroom remote control 20' and the information terminal 30 of the remote control system 50 will be described. Note that this flowchart also assumes that pairing between the information terminal 30 and the bathroom remote control 20' has already been completed.

First, the user operates the bathroom remote control 20' to set the time for supplying power to the wireless communication circuit 23 after detecting a bather (STEP 31). If the same set time is used every day, there is no need to reset the time, and this step can be omitted. Then, proceed to STEP 32.

Next, turn off the power to the wireless communication circuit 23 of the bathroom remote control 20' (STEP 32). Then, proceed to STEP 33.

Next, it is determined whether a change in the illuminance in the bathroom has been detected (STEP 33). This is performed by the illuminance sensor (bather detection circuit 28) described above, and if the illuminance in the bathroom has changed, it is assumed that a bather has been detected and that a bath has begun, so the process proceeds to STEP 36. On the other hand, if the illuminance in the bathroom has not changed, it is assumed that no one is bathing, and the process proceeds to STEP 34.

If the illuminance in the bathroom has not changed ("NO" in STEP 33), it is determined whether a change in the water level in the bathtub has been detected (STEP 34). This is performed by the water level detection circuit 14 or water level sensor (bather detection circuit 28) described above, and if the water level in the bathtub has changed (risen), it is assumed that a bather has been detected and bathing has begun, so the process proceeds to STEP 36. On the other hand, if the water level in the bathtub has not changed, it is assumed that no one is bathing, and the process proceeds to STEP 35.

If the water level in the bathtub has not changed ("NO" in STEP 34), it is determined whether or not a sound from the bathroom has been detected (STEP 35). This is performed using the sound sensor (bather detection circuit 28) described above, and if a sound from the bathroom is detected, it is assumed that a bather has been detected and bathing has begun, so the process proceeds to STEP 36. On the other hand, if no sound from the bathroom is detected, it is assumed that no one is bathing and the process returns to STEP 33. In this way, in this embodiment, multiple sensors are combined to perform combined bather detection.

If a bather is detected in STEPs 33 to 35, the wireless communication circuit 23 is powered on (STEP 36). This causes the bathroom remote control 20' to transition to a standby state for connection to the information terminal 30. From this point on, the timer unit 27 also starts the timer for the power supply time set in STEP 31. Then, proceed to STEP 37.

Next, it is determined whether the set time has been reached (STEP 37). The set time here is the time set and stored in STEP 31, and if the set time has been reached (the set time has elapsed) ("YES" in STEP 37), proceed to STEP 40. In STEP 40, the power to the wireless communication circuit 23 of the bathroom remote control 20' is turned off. Specifically, this may occur if a person planning to take a bath enters the bathroom but leaves the information terminal 30 outside the range of wireless communication, and the connection standby state is temporarily interrupted. After that, the series of processes ends.

On the other hand, if the set time has not yet been reached ("NO" in STEP 37), it is determined whether or not the information terminal 30 has been recognized (STEP 38). If the bathroom remote control 20' recognizes the paired information terminal 30, the process proceeds to STEP 39, and if it does not recognize the information terminal 30, the process returns to STEP 37.

If the bathroom remote control 20' recognizes the information terminal 30 ("YES" in STEP 38), the information terminal 30 is connected to the bathroom remote control 20' (STEP 39). This allows the bather to indirectly operate the information terminal 30 from the bathroom. The series of processes then ends.

In this flowchart, if the set time is reached ("YES" in STEP 37), the process may be configured to return to STEP 32. For example, if the bather leaves the information terminal 30 outside the range of wireless communication, the connection standby state is temporarily interrupted (STEP 32), but if the bather returns to retrieve it, the bather will be detected again due to a change in the water level in the bathtub, etc. After that, the power to the wireless communication circuit 23 can be turned on (STEP 36).

In the above embodiment, the information terminal 30 may be disconnected when it is taken out of the range of wireless communication or when it detects that the bather has left the bathroom. Illuminance sensors, sound sensors, vibration sensors, water level sensors, etc. may also be used to detect the bather's exit. Furthermore, by disconnecting the information terminal 30 after the bath is finished, the information terminal of the next bather will be reliably connected when brought within the range of wireless communication.

The above description is only a part of the embodiment of the present invention, and various other embodiments are possible. The wireless communication method is not limited to Bluetooth (registered trademark), but a method with a communication range of about 10 m and one-to-one connection with the bathroom remote control 20 is preferable. If multiple information terminals can be connected at the same time, it is possible that the information terminal of a person other than the bather will be connected, and privacy will not be protected.

Even if the bather has two information terminals, a smartphone and a tablet terminal, only one of them can be connected to the bathroom remote control 20. If there are multiple information terminals within the range of wireless communication, processing is required such as selecting the information terminal placed in close proximity to the bathroom remote control 20 as the connection target.

The system may combine the mode of turning on the wireless communication circuit 23 when the human presence sensor detects a bather (condition 3) shown in FIG. 6 with the mode of condition 1 (see FIG. 2) or condition 2 (see FIG. 3) described above, or may include all of conditions 1 to 3. By estimating preparation for bathing or the start of bathing based on multiple conditions, it is possible to wirelessly connect the bathroom remote control 20 and the information terminal 30 while more reliably reducing power consumption.

In the above explanation, the bathroom remote control 20 is exemplified as a remote control to be connected to the information terminal 30, but this is not limited to this. For example, the information terminal 30 can be wirelessly connected to a kitchen remote control or a living room remote control. This allows the user to check whether there is an incoming call on the smartphone in their room and use the AI speaker function while in the kitchen.

1, 50...remote control system, 10, 10'...water heater, 11...water heater control unit, 12...remote control communication circuit (water heater), 13...water filling control unit, 14...water level detection circuit, 20, 20'...bathroom remote control, 21...bathroom remote control control unit, 22...remote control communication circuit (bathroom remote control), 23...wireless communication circuit (bathroom remote control), 24...power supply cut-off circuit, 25...power supply unit, 26...set time recording unit, 27...timekeeping unit, 28...bather detection circuit, 30, 30a-30c...information terminal, 31...wireless communication circuit (information terminal).

Claims (4)

A remote control system includes a water heater and a bath operation device having a remote control installed in a bathroom, and the bath operation device is wirelessly connected to an information terminal outside the bathroom that is paired with the bath operation device so as to be able to communicate with the bath operation device.
The bath operating device includes a wireless communication unit capable of communicating with the information terminal, a power cutoff unit that cuts off the power supply to the wireless communication unit, a power supply unit connected to the power cutoff unit, and an operating device control unit that controls at least the power cutoff unit.
The water heater includes a water heater communication unit that communicates with the bath operating device, a water filling control unit that controls filling the bathtub with water, and a water heater control unit that controls the water heater communication unit and the water filling control unit,
The bath operating device further includes an operating device communication unit that communicates with the water heater, a time memory unit that stores a predetermined period of time, and a timer unit that times the predetermined period of time.
The operation device control unit includes:
The condition for estimating that a bath is being prepared or started is a period from when a water filling operation notification signal is received from the water heater until when the predetermined period stored in the time memory unit has elapsed;
before receiving a water filling operation notification signal from the water heater, the power cut-off unit is controlled to cut off the power supply to the wireless communication unit, and after receiving a water filling operation notification signal from the water heater, if the information terminal is not recognized before the predetermined period stored in the time memory unit has elapsed, the power cut-off unit is also controlled to cut off the power supply to the wireless communication unit;
A remote control system characterized by controlling the power cut-off unit so as not to cut off the power supply to the wireless communication unit if an information terminal is recognized before the specified period stored in the time memory unit has elapsed after receiving a water filling operation alarm signal from the water heater. A remote control system includes a water heater and a bath operation device having a remote control installed in a bathroom, and the bath operation device is wirelessly connected to an information terminal outside the bathroom that is paired with the bath operation device so as to be able to communicate with the bath operation device.
The bath operating device includes a wireless communication unit capable of communicating with the information terminal, a power cutoff unit that cuts off the power supply to the wireless communication unit, a power supply unit connected to the power cutoff unit, and an operating device control unit that controls at least the power cutoff unit.
The water heater includes a water heater communication unit that communicates with the bath operating device, and a water heater control unit that controls the water heater communication unit,
The bath operating device further includes an operating device communication unit that communicates with the water heater, a time memory unit that stores a predetermined period, and a timer unit that times the predetermined period.
a bather detection unit connected to at least one of the water heater and the bath operation device for detecting a person taking a bath;
The operation device control unit includes:
A condition for estimating that a bather is preparing to take a bath or has started taking a bath is a period from when the bather is detected by the bather detection unit until when the predetermined period stored in the time memory unit has elapsed;
before the bather detection unit detects the bather, the power cut-off unit is controlled to cut off the power supply to the wireless communication unit, and after the bather detection unit detects the bather, if the information terminal is not recognized before the predetermined period stored in the time memory unit has elapsed, the power cut-off unit is also controlled to cut off the power supply to the wireless communication unit;
A remote control system characterized by controlling the power supply cut-off unit so as not to cut off the power supply to the wireless communication unit if an information terminal is recognized before the specified period stored in the time memory unit has elapsed after the bather detection unit detects the bather . The remote control system described in claim 2, characterized in that the bather detection unit is one or more selected from an illuminance sensor that detects the brightness in the bathroom, a sound sensor that detects sound in the bathroom, a vibration sensor that detects vibrations in the bathroom, and a water level detection unit that detects the water level in the bathtub. A remote control system comprising a water heater and a bath operation device having a remote control installed in a bathroom, the bath operation device and an information terminal outside the bathroom paired with the bath operation device are wirelessly connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other,
The bath operating device includes a wireless communication unit capable of communicating with the information terminal, a power cutoff unit that cuts off the power supply to the wireless communication unit, a power supply unit connected to the power cutoff unit, and an operating device control unit that controls at least the power cutoff unit.
The operation device control unit controls the power cut-off unit so as not to cut off the power supply to the wireless communication unit when a condition that is estimated to be preparation for or start of bathing is satisfied,
The water heater includes a water heater communication unit that communicates with the bath operating device, and a water heater control unit that controls the water heater communication unit,
The bath operating device further includes an operating device communication unit that communicates with the water heater, a time memory unit that stores a predetermined time period, and a timer unit that measures time,
A remote control system characterized in that the operating device control unit adopts the specified time period stored in the time memory unit as a condition that is presumed to be preparation for or start of bathing, controls the power supply cut-off unit so as not to cut off the power supply to the wireless communication unit during the specified time period stored in the time memory unit, and controls the power supply cut-off unit to cut off the power supply to the wireless communication unit during periods other than the specified time period.

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