JP2022147796A - Excretion information management system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an excretion information management system capable of displaying information on excretion so as to be comparable with the information of other people.SOLUTION: An excretion information management system according to an embodiment that collects and manages information on human excretion comprises: a storage part that stores at least one of a time of defecation, a shape of a stool, a color of the stool, an amount of the stool, the time required for the defecation, a predetermined parameter based on a smell during the defecation, and a time interval between defecation actions, as individual defecation data; and a display part that displays defecation data, wherein the individual defecation data stored in the storage part is collected for a plurality of persons, and at least two or more of the defecation data of the plurality of persons, the defecation data of an individual, and the information shown in a manner of comparing the defecation data of the plurality of persons and the defecation data of the individual are displayed together on the display part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

The disclosed embodiments relate to an excretion information management system.

Conventionally, in order to be useful for health management, there has been known a technique for automatically detecting the properties and volume of stool (hereinafter also referred to as "stool") and blood adhesion to stool, and displaying the detection results (for example, patent documents 1). There is also a health information management system that grasps the health condition of a group from the obtained data of stool properties (see Patent Document 2, for example).

JP 2018-146244 A Japanese Patent No. 6689501

However, the conventional technology described above has room for improvement in terms of displaying information on excretion. For example, in the above-described conventional technology, the detection result of the person to whom the display is provided is displayed, but the person who sees the display cannot compare it with other people. unable to comprehend whether is common or different compared to others. Therefore, there is room for improvement in displaying information appropriate for the user.

An object of the disclosed embodiments is to provide an excretion information management system that displays information on excretion in a manner that allows comparison with other people.

An excretion information management system according to an aspect of an embodiment is an excretion information management system that collects and manages information related to human excretion, and includes personal excretion data such as the time of defecation, the shape of stool, the color of stool, the color of stool, and the like. a storage unit for storing at least one of the amount of stool, the time required for excretion, a predetermined parameter based on the odor at the time of excretion, and the time interval between excretion acts; and a display unit for displaying the defecation data, A mode in which individual defecation data stored in a storage unit is collected for a plurality of persons, and the display unit compares the defecation data of a plurality of persons with the individual defecation data and the defecation data of a plurality of persons with the individual defecation data. At least two or more of the information shown in are displayed together.

According to the excretion information management system according to one aspect of the embodiment, by displaying together the defecation data of a plurality of people and the defecation data of an individual, a person who sees the display can share his/her own personal data with other people's data. data can be compared. Thereby, the excretion information management system can display the information about excretion so that it can be compared with other people. According to the excretion information management system, it is possible to compare the properties of stool and defecation behavior (parameters and time based on odor) with others, which is difficult to compare by oneself without knowing the conventional standards. There are indicators of ideal stool texture, such as banana-like stools and brighter stools. I didn't know if I should. Generally, stool properties differ depending on age and gender, so I wasn't sure if I would be good if I just aimed for an ideal state, and I felt uneasy about my health. It is useful for health management because you can see where you stand in relation to multiple people. For example, people who are better than others can keep themselves motivated to stay in good shape. People to the same degree as others can get a sense of security. Also, those who are inferior to others can raise their awareness of health improvement.

In addition, many people pay attention to the intestinal environment, but they do not have the opportunity to compare the properties of their stools, which is an indicator of the quality of the intestinal environment, with others. Stool conditions differ according to age and gender. Women have weaker abdominal muscles, so they have less power to excrete. Similarly, the older you get, the weaker your ability to defecate, the more likely you are to be constipated and have more hard stools. As we age, good bacteria such as bifidobacteria decrease and bad bacteria increase, resulting in a worsening of the intestinal environment. It is generally said that hard stools increase or become darker in color. However, in general, almost no one sees other people's stools. Due to their high privacy, they do not actively share their excrement with others. For that reason, I sometimes worry about whether my excrement is normal. Excreta data do not have general values (reference values), such as height and weight. Therefore, I don't know if my stool is different from other people's. However, according to the excretion information management system, the defecation data of a plurality of people and the defecation data of the individual are displayed together, so that the person who sees the display compares his or her personal data with the data of other people. can be used for health management.

The excretion information management system according to one aspect of the embodiment associates the individual's defecation data with the individual's attribute information and stores the information shown in a manner of comparing the individual's defecation data with the individual's defecation data. The data stored and collected in the unit are tabulated for each attribute and displayed on the display unit in a mode in which the defecation data of a plurality of persons matching the attribute of the individual is compared with the individual's defecation data.

According to the excretion information management system according to one aspect of the embodiment, by aggregating for each attribute and displaying in a manner in which the defecation data of a plurality of persons matching the attribute of the individual is compared with the defecation data of the individual, for example, information can be displayed in a comparative manner targeting other persons corresponding to the attributes of the person to whom the information is provided. As a result, the excretion information management system can display the information on excretion so that it can be compared with other people who correspond to the attribute of itself. For example, stool conditions differ depending on age and sex. Therefore, the excretion information management system can more accurately grasp the person's own condition by making comparisons by age and sex.

An excretion information management system according to an aspect of an embodiment displays information obtained by processing individual defecation data in a predetermined period into representative values on the display section in a manner of comparison.

The state of stool is easily affected by food, and specific data can be obtained from a single bowel movement. Therefore, according to the excretion information management system according to one aspect of the embodiment, by displaying information obtained by processing individual defecation data into representative values for a predetermined period such as several days on the display unit, It is possible to compare the average flight conditions of Note that the representative value referred to here may be any value, such as an average value, mode value, median value, etc., as long as it is a value representative of the target data group. Information processed into representative values is, for example, information that appeared most frequently in a predetermined period, information in the middle of the range that appeared in a predetermined period, information averaged over a predetermined period, and outliers within a predetermined period. It may be various information such as information averaged by That is, the averaged information processed to the representative value may be any information as long as it represents the target data group.

An excretion information management system according to an aspect of an embodiment saves individual defecation data in an anonymized state in the storage unit.

According to the excretion information management system according to one aspect of the embodiment, by storing individual defecation data in an anonymized state, the collected defecation data, which is private information, can be converted to information that can identify an individual (for example, name, address, etc.). As a result, the excretion information management system can appropriately provide services in consideration of private information.

The excretion information management system according to one aspect of the embodiment includes information such as the time of defecation, the shape of the stool, the color of the stool, the amount of stool, the time required for excretion, a predetermined parameter based on the odor at the time of excretion, and the time interval between excretion actions. and a detection unit that detects at least one of them, and automatically stores the defecation data detected by the detection unit in the storage unit.

According to the excretion information management system according to one aspect of the embodiment, since data can be automatically acquired, input is simplified, there is no input variation among individuals, and data can be recorded with high reliability.

According to one aspect of the embodiment, information regarding excretion can be displayed so as to be comparable with other people.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration inside a toilet room. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of arrangement of sensors according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the excretion information management system according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the toilet seat device according to the embodiment; FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a server device according to the embodiment; FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a defecation information database according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a timing chart showing a detection relationship. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of defecation data. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of information display. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an excretion information management system according to a modification. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of arrangement of sensors according to a modification. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data acquisition method. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a timing chart showing a detection relationship. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of display regarding the shape of stool. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of display regarding the shape of stool. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of display regarding the color of stool. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of display regarding the color of stool. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of display regarding the amount of stool. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of display regarding the amount of feces. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of display regarding the time required for excretion. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of display regarding the time required for excretion. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a display regarding fecal odors. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a display regarding fecal odors. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a display regarding excretion intervals. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of a display regarding excretion intervals.

An embodiment of the excretion information management system disclosed by the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by embodiment shown below.

<1. embodiment>
The excretion information management system according to each embodiment described below manages excretion information related to the user's excretion based on the information detected by the sensor. In the following example, a case in which a camera 302 (two-dimensional image sensor) and a gas sensor unit 350 are used as detection units (sensors) will be described. Note that the excretion information management system 1 includes at least one of the time of defecation, the shape of the stool, the color of the stool, the amount of stool, the time required for excretion, a predetermined parameter based on the odor at the time of excretion, and the time interval between excretion actions. Any sensor other than the camera 302 or the like may be used as long as it can detect one, but this point will be described later.

<1-1. Configuration of excretion information management system>
A configuration of an excretion information management system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration inside a toilet room. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of arrangement of sensors according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the excretion information management system according to the embodiment.

First, of the excretion information management system 1, a configuration example in the toilet room R common to each embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Hereinafter, the configuration inside the toilet room R shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 may be collectively referred to as a toilet system TS. As shown in FIG. 1, in the toilet room R, a Western-style toilet bowl (hereinafter referred to as "toilet bowl") 7 is installed on the floor surface F. As shown in FIG. In addition, below, the direction which faces the space of the toilet room R from the floor surface F is described as the top. The toilet seat device 2 is provided above the toilet bowl 7 .

The toilet bowl 7 is made of ceramics, for example. A bowl portion 8 is formed in the toilet bowl 7 . The bowl portion 8 has a downwardly recessed shape and is a portion that receives the excrement of the user. The toilet bowl 7 is not limited to the floor-mounted type as shown in the drawing, and may be of any type, such as a wall-mounted type, as long as the toilet system TS is applicable. The toilet bowl 7 is provided with a rim portion 9 over the entire circumference of the end of the opening facing the bowl portion 8 . In the toilet room R, for example, a flush water tank that stores flush water may be installed near the toilet 7, or a so-called tankless type in which a flush water tank is not installed may be used.

For example, when a user operates a cleaning operation unit (not shown) for cleaning provided in the toilet room R, the toilet bowl is cleaned by supplying cleaning water to the bowl portion 8 of the toilet bowl 7 . The cleaning operation part may be an operation lever or a touch operation on the toilet bowl cleaning object displayed on the operation device 10 . Note that the cleaning operation unit is not limited to the operation lever or the like that allows the user to manually clean the toilet bowl. It's okay.

The toilet seat device 2 is attached to the upper portion of the toilet bowl 7 and includes a body portion 3 , a toilet lid 4 , a toilet seat 5 and a washing nozzle 6 . The toilet seat device 2 is placed on top of a toilet bowl 7 having a bowl portion 8 for receiving excrement. The toilet seat device 2 is placed on the upper portion of the toilet bowl 7 so that the washing nozzle 6 advances into the bowl portion 8 before spraying washing water. The toilet seat device 2 may be detachably attached to the toilet bowl 7 or may be attached so as to be integrated with the toilet bowl 7 .

As shown in FIG. 1 , the toilet seat 5 is formed in an annular shape with an opening 50 in the center, and is arranged along the rim portion 9 at a position overlapping the opening of the toilet bowl 7 . A user sits on the toilet seat 5 . The toilet seat 5 functions as a seat that supports the buttocks of a seated user. As shown in FIG. 1, one end of each of the toilet lid 4 and the toilet seat 5 is pivotally supported by the main body 3, and attached so as to be rotatable (openable and closable) about the pivotal support of the main body 3. . The toilet lid 4 may be attached to the toilet seat device 2 as necessary, and the toilet seat device 2 may not have the toilet lid 4 .

The washing nozzle 6 is a nozzle for spraying washing water. The washing nozzle 6 can jet washing water. The washing nozzle 6 can jet washing water toward the user. The washing nozzle 6 is a nozzle for washing private parts. The cleaning nozzle 6 is configured to be movable forward and backward with respect to a main body cover 30 that is a housing of the main body 3 by being driven by a driving source such as an electric motor (such as the nozzle motor 61 in FIG. 4). Also, the washing nozzle 6 is connected to a water source such as a water pipe (not shown). As shown in FIG. 1, the washing nozzle 6 is at a position (hereinafter also referred to as "advancing position") with respect to the main body cover 30, which is the housing of the main body 3, and removes water from the water source. It is sprayed onto the user's body to wash the private parts.

FIG. 1 shows a state in which the cleaning nozzle 6 is at the advanced position. Note that the cleaning nozzle 6 may also be used for cleaning the inside of the toilet bowl 7 (bowl portion 8, etc.). The washing nozzle 6 may be used so as to be switchable between a private parts washing mode for washing the user's private parts and a toilet bowl washing mode for spraying water in the toilet bowl 7 . For example, the washing nozzle 6 may be used so as to be switchable between the private parts washing mode and the toilet bowl washing mode according to the control by the controller 23 (see FIG. 4) of the toilet seat device 2 .

The operating device 10 is provided in the toilet room R. As shown in FIG. The operating device 10 is provided at a position where it can be operated by the user. The operating device 10 is provided at an operable position when the user is seated on the toilet seat 5 . In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the operating device 10 is arranged on the wall surface W on the right side as seen from the user sitting on the toilet seat 5 . Note that the operating device 10 may be arranged in various ways other than on the wall surface as long as the user sitting on the toilet seat 5 can use the operating device 10 . For example, the operating device 10 may be provided integrally with the toilet seat device 2 .

Here, an example of sensor arrangement will be described with reference to FIG. 2 removes the toilet lid 4 to show the placement of the sensors and lifts the toilet seat 5 to illustrate the back surface 51, which is the opposite surface of the toilet seat 5 to the surface on which the user sits (seating surface). FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the

FIG. 2 shows a state in which the cleaning nozzle 6 (see FIG. 1) is in a position (hereinafter also referred to as "storage position") in which it is housed inside the main body cover 30. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2 , when the cleaning nozzle 6 is in the retracted position, the nozzle cover 60 is closed and the cleaning nozzle 6 is hidden behind the nozzle cover 60 . When cleaning is performed by the cleaning nozzle 6, the nozzle cover 60 is opened, and the cleaning nozzle 6 protrudes from the opening of the main body cover 30 (opening closed by the nozzle cover 60 in the closed state in FIG. 2). transitions to the advance state.

As shown in FIG. 2, a seating sensor 301 and a camera 302, which are sensors used in the excretion information management system 1, are arranged on the back surface 51 side of the toilet seat 5. As shown in FIG. The seating sensor 301 may be detachable from the back surface 51 of the toilet seat 5 or fixed to the back surface 51 of the toilet seat 5 . The seating sensor 301 may be included in the configuration of the toilet seat device 2 . Moreover, the camera 302 may be detachable from the back surface 51 of the toilet seat 5 or may be fixed to the back surface 51 of the toilet seat 5 . A camera 302 may be included in the configuration of the toilet seat device 2 .

The seating sensor 301 may employ any detection method and may be placed at any location as long as it can detect that the user is seated on the toilet seat 5 . For example, if the seating sensor 301 is an infrared or μ (microwave) ranging sensor that detects seating based on a distance, the seating sensor 301 may be positioned to detect a person's feet from the side of the toilet bowl 7 or attached to the toilet bowl 7 . It may be placed in a position to detect a person's back from the tank that is being held. For example, when the seat sensor 301 detects a person's foot from the side of the toilet bowl 7, the seat sensor 301 may be arranged near the outer periphery of the toilet bowl 7 shown in FIG. For example, when the seat sensor 301 detects a person's back from the tank attached to the toilet 7, the seat sensor 301 may be arranged on the outer periphery of the tank provided at the rear of the toilet 7 shown in FIG. For example, if the seating sensor 301 is a distance measuring sensor and detects seating by distance, the seating sensor 301 may be arranged around the toilet bowl 7 . For example, when the seating sensor 301 detects seating by distance, it may be placed on the ceiling of the toilet room R. Further, for example, if the seat sensor 301 is a contact switch and detects sinking of the toilet seat due to being seated, the seat sensor 301 may be arranged at the pivotal portion of the toilet seat 5 . Further, for example, if the seating sensor 301 is a load sensor that detects seating based on the weight applied to the toilet seat, the seating sensor 301 may be arranged on the back surface of the toilet seat 5, which is in contact with the toilet bowl 7. Moreover, the camera 302 may be placed at any place as long as it is possible to detect feces excreted in the toilet bowl 7 .

Further, as shown in FIG. 2 , the gas sensor unit 350 is arranged inside the opening 31 of the main body 3 . For example, the gas sensor unit 350 is arranged in an internal space that communicates with the opening 31 of the main body 3 . Note that the gas sensor unit 350 may be arranged in any manner as long as it can detect parameters based on the odor of feces in the toilet bowl 7 . The gas sensor unit 350 may be included in the configuration of the toilet seat device 2 . Also, the gas sensor unit 350 may be a device that can be arranged separately from the toilet seat device 2 . For example, the gas sensor unit 350 may be arranged outside the toilet seat device 2 . For example, the gas sensor unit 350 may be attached to a tank or the like attached to the toilet bowl 7 . The gas sensor unit 350 detects the presence and concentration of odor components such as hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, and ammonia as parameters based on odor.

As shown in FIG. 3, the excretion information management system 1 has a toilet system TS including a toilet seat device 2, an operating device 10, a seating sensor 301, a camera 302 and a gas sensor unit 350, a user terminal 200, and a server device 400. . The excretion information management system 1 may include a plurality of toilet systems TS, a plurality of user terminals 200 and server devices 400 . A case where a plurality of toilet systems TS are included will be described later.

The toilet seat device 2 is a device arranged in the toilet room R. As shown in FIG. The toilet seat device 2 communicates with each device of the toilet system TS (the operation device 10 , the seating sensor 301 , the camera 302 and the gas sensor unit 350 ), the user terminal 200 and the server device 400 .

The toilet seat device 2 performs a process (individual identification) of acquiring information for specifying a user who uses the toilet bowl 7 in the toilet room R to excrete. For example, the toilet seat device 2 acquires information for identifying the user who uses the toilet bowl 7 to excrete through communication with the user terminal 200 owned by the user or the operation of the operation device 10 by the user. and perform personal identification of the user. For example, the toilet seat device 2 communicates with a user terminal 200 owned by a user, and receives a user ID (also simply referred to as "ID"), which is user identification information for identifying the user, from the user terminal 200. . Note that the toilet seat device 2 may identify the user by any method as long as it is possible to identify the user who uses the toilet bowl 7 in the toilet room R to defecate.

Further, the toilet seat device 2 associates and manages the acquired user identification information and excretion information (excretion information) related to the detected excretion (excretion). For example, the toilet seat device 2 associates the acquired user identification information with the excretion information (excretion information) and transmits them to the server device 400 . Server device 400 associates the received excretion information with the received user identification information and registers them in storage unit 420 . Further, the toilet seat device 2 may associate the toilet seat identification information (toilet seat identification information) for identifying the toilet seat device 2 with the user identification information and the excretion information (defecation information) and transmit the same to the server device 400 . In this case, server device 400 associates the received user identification information with information indicating the location (for example, home or school) corresponding to the received excretion information and toilet seat identification information and registers them in storage unit 420 . Further, the toilet seat device 2 may associate user identification information and excretion information (defecation information) with information (position information) indicating the arrangement position of the toilet seat device 2 and transmit the information to the server device 400 . In this case, server device 400 associates the received excretion information and position information with the received user identification information and registers them in storage unit 420 . Details such as the configuration of the toilet seat device 2 will be described later.

The operating device 10 is communicably connected to the toilet seat device 2 via a predetermined network by wire or wirelessly. For example, the operation device 10 may be communicably connected to the toilet seat device 2 by a predetermined wireless communication function such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The toilet seat device 2 and the operation device 10 may be connected in any way as long as information can be transmitted and received. may For example, the operation device 10 may be communicatively connected to the toilet seat device 2 via the network N by wire or wirelessly.

The operation device 10 receives various operations from the user via a display surface (for example, the display screen 11) by, for example, a touch panel function. Further, the operation device 10 may include switches and buttons, and receive various operations through the switches, buttons, and the like. The display screen 11 is, for example, a display screen of a tablet terminal realized by a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or the like, and is a display device for displaying various information. That is, the operating device 10 accepts input from the user through the display screen 11 and also outputs to the user. The display screen 11 is a display device that displays various information.

The operation device 10 receives a user's operation for stopping the control being executed by the toilet seat device 2 . The operating device 10 receives a user's operation for starting the execution of washing the private parts by the toilet seat device 2 . The operating device 10 receives instructions to the cleaning nozzle 6 from the user. The operation device 10 receives a user's operation for causing the toilet seat device 2 to output a predetermined sound. The operation device 10 receives a user's operation for performing a sterilization process of sterilizing the washing nozzle 6 (see FIG. 1) of the toilet seat device 2 with sterilized water. The operation device 10 receives a user's operation for adjusting the momentum of the water spouted by the toilet seat device 2 when washing the private parts. The operating device 10 receives a user's operation for adjusting the volume of the sound output by the toilet seat device 2 . The operating device 10 accepts a user's operation for selecting a language for displaying information regarding the use of the restroom on the operating device 10 or outputting the information by voice.

For example, the operation device 10 may display on the display screen 11 the above-described object that accepts the user's operation, and execute various processes according to the user's contact with the displayed object. For example, the operating device 10 may have switches, buttons, and the like for receiving the user's operations described above, and may execute various processes according to the user's contact with the switches, buttons, and the like. Note that the above is just an example, and the operation device 10 may receive an operation by a user who executes various processes.

The seating sensor 301 has a function of detecting a person sitting on the toilet seat device 2 . The seating sensor 301 detects that the user has sat down on the toilet bowl 7 . The seating sensor 301 can detect the seating of the user on the toilet seat 5 . The seat sensor 301 also functions as a seat separation detection sensor that detects the user's separation from the toilet seat 5 . A seating sensor 301 detects the seating state of the user on the toilet seat 5 .

The seating sensor 301 is a switch that switches between ON and OFF according to the load of the user sitting on the toilet seat 5, for example. The seating sensor 301 detects that the user has sat on the toilet bowl 7 by switching on when the user sits down and the toilet seat 5 sinks.

The above is just an example, and the seating sensor 301 may detect the seating of a person on the toilet seat device 2 by various means, not limited to the above. The seating sensor 301 transmits a seating detection signal to the toilet seat device 2 .

The seating sensor 301 is communicably connected to the toilet seat device 2 via a predetermined network, either by wire or wirelessly. For example, the seating sensor 301 may be communicably connected to the toilet seat device 2 by a predetermined wireless communication function such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The toilet seat device 2 and the seating sensor 301 may be connected in any way as long as information can be transmitted and received. may For example, the seating sensor 301 may be communicatively connected to the toilet seat device 2 via the network N by wire or wirelessly.

The camera 302 functions as a detection unit that detects defecation by capturing an image of the inside of the toilet bowl 7 . A camera 302 is a camera that captures an image and generates a two-dimensional image. For example, the camera 302 has an area sensor (two-dimensional image sensor) in which CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensors or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensors are arranged in a plane (two-dimensional).

The camera 302 photographs the water sealing portion of the toilet bowl 7 (for example, the portion of the bowl portion 8 where sealing water is accumulated). The camera 302 is arranged on the back surface 51 of the toilet seat 5 at a position and in an orientation capable of detecting (imaging) the water sealing portion of the toilet bowl 7 . For example, the camera 302 is provided on the toilet seat 5 so as to direct its directivity toward the water-sealing portion of the toilet bowl 7 when the toilet seat 5 is lowered (a state in which the user sits on the toilet seat 5 and can defecate). Note that the camera 302 may be arranged in any manner as long as it can detect (image) the water sealing portion of the toilet bowl 7 . Note that the camera 302 may be placed at any location as long as the water sealing portion of the toilet bowl 7 can be photographed. Also, the camera 302 may capture a still image or may capture a moving image. Note that the camera 302 may be arranged to photograph (detect) falling stool. In addition, when the user sits on the toilet seat, the inside of the toilet becomes dark, and if the image cannot be captured with sufficient brightness, a light source (light emitting unit) may be provided.

The camera 302 is communicably connected to the toilet seat device 2 via a predetermined network, wired or wirelessly. For example, the camera 302 may be communicably connected to the toilet seat device 2 by a predetermined wireless communication function such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Note that the toilet seat device 2 and the camera 302 may be connected in any way as long as information can be transmitted and received. good too. For example, the camera 302 may be communicatively connected to the toilet seat device 2 via the network N by wire or wirelessly.

The gas sensor unit 350 has a fan 351, an odor sensor 352, etc., and functions as a sensor that detects odors. Note that the gas sensor unit 350 is not limited to the fan 351 and the odor sensor 352, and has a configuration necessary for performing desired processing, such as a communication circuit, for example.

The fan 351 is used to suck gas in the toilet bowl 7 (bowl portion 8). The fan 351 sucks the gas in the toilet bowl 7 (bowl portion 8) from the opening 31 into the internal space of the body portion 3 where the odor sensor 352 is arranged.

The odor sensor 352 is arranged in the internal space of the main body 3 and detects gas sucked by the fan 351 from the opening 31 (toilet 7 side). A semiconductor gas sensor, an electrochemical sensor, or the like is used for the odor sensor 352 . For example, the odor sensor 352 detects the presence and concentration of odor components such as hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, and ammonia as parameters.

A plurality of odor sensors 352 may be provided. For example, the plurality of odor sensors 352 may include sensors that measure odorless gas. Odorless gas components include hydrogen, methane, carbon dioxide, and the like. The plurality of odor sensors 352 may include a semiconductor gas sensor, an optical sensor such as an NDIR gas sensor that performs detection by a non-dispersive infrared absorption method, or the like, as a sensor for measuring odorless gas. The above is merely an example, and the odor sensor 352 may include sensors that detect various components depending on the components (parameters) to be detected.

The gas sensor unit 350 is communicably connected to the toilet seat device 2 via a predetermined network, wired or wirelessly. For example, the gas sensor unit 350 may be communicably connected to the toilet seat device 2 by a predetermined wireless communication function such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The toilet seat device 2 and the gas sensor unit 350 may be connected in any manner as long as information can be transmitted and received. may For example, the gas sensor unit 350 may be communicatively connected to the toilet seat device 2 via the network N by wire or wirelessly. The gas sensor unit 350 has a communication function realized by a communication circuit or the like, and transmits information regarding the detected odor to the toilet seat device 2 . For example, the gas sensor unit 350 transmits to the toilet seat device 2 an output value output in response to detection of gas as information related to the detected odor.

If it is possible to detect at least one of the time of defecation, the shape of the stool, the color of the stool, the amount of stool, the time required for excretion, the predetermined parameter based on the smell at the time of excretion, and the time interval between excretion actions. , the camera 302 and the gas sensor unit 350, and various sensors may be used. For example, a water level sensor may be used. In this case, the water level sensor detects defecation by detecting a change in the water level of the water sealing portion of the toilet bowl 7 . A radiation thermometer may also be used. In this case, the radiation thermometer detects the defecation by receiving the infrared rays emitted from the defecation and detecting the radiation temperature.

Also, for example, a line sensor that captures a one-dimensional image may be used, but this point will be described later. An ultrasonic sensor may also be used. In this case, the ultrasonic sensor detects defecation by transmitting ultrasonic waves to defecation and receiving waves (ultrasonic waves) reflected from defecation. Note that the above is only an example, and at least one of the time of defecation, the shape of the stool, the color of the stool, the amount of stool, the time required for excretion, the predetermined parameter based on the smell at the time of excretion, and the time interval between excretion actions Any sensor can be used as long as it can detect

The user terminal 200 functions as a display unit (display device) that displays various types of information (excretion information) related to the user's excretion, such as defecation data (excretion data). The user terminal 200 receives the information indicating the defecation data from the toilet seat device 2 and displays the information indicating the received defecation data. For example, the user terminal 200 displays the defecation data in chronological order for each date and time of excretion.

For example, the user terminal 200 is a user terminal (computer) used by a user (user). The user terminal 200 is realized by, for example, a smart phone, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a tablet terminal, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), or the like. For example, the user terminal 200 is communicably connected to the toilet seat device 2 via the network N by wire or wirelessly. For example, the user terminal 200 may be communicably connected to the toilet seat device 2 by a predetermined wireless communication function such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

The user terminal 200 transmits and receives information to and from the toilet seat device 2 and the server device 400 . For example, the user terminal 200 receives information about excretion of the user from the server device 400 and displays the received information. For example, the user terminal 200 receives content indicating the user's defecation data from the server device 400 and displays the received content.

Also, a sensor (position sensor) that detects the position of the user terminal 200 may be provided. For example, the user terminal 200 may have a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor to detect the position of the user terminal 200 (user). For example, the user terminal 200 acquires excretion site information using the GPS function. In addition, the user terminal 200 acquires location information of the base station with which it is communicating and location information of the user terminal 200 (user) estimated using WiFi (registered trademark) (Wireless Fidelity) radio waves. good too.

The user terminal 200 displays the defecation data. The user terminal 200 displays the defecation data of a plurality of persons together with the defecation data of the individual. The user terminal 200 displays the defecation data of a plurality of persons matching the attributes of the individual and the defecation data of the individual in a manner of comparison. The user terminal 200 displays information obtained by processing individual defecation data into representative values in a manner for comparison. For example, the user terminal 200 displays information obtained by averaging individual defecation data for a predetermined period in a manner for comparison. In addition, the user terminal 200 displays at least two or more of the defecation data of multiple people, the individual defecation data, and the results of comparison between the defecation data of the multiple people and the individual defecation data.

The server device 400 is communicably connected to the toilet seat device 2 and the user terminal 200 via a predetermined network (network N) such as the Internet by wire or wirelessly. The server device 400 may be connected to the toilet seat device 2 and the user terminal 200 in any way as long as it is capable of transmitting and receiving information. may be connected.

The server device 400 collects individual defecation data stored in the storage unit 420 for a plurality of persons. The server device 400 associates the individual's defecation data with the information of the individual's attribute, stores the information in the storage unit 420, and aggregates the collected data for each attribute. The server device 400 saves the individual defecation data in the storage unit 420 in an anonymized state. The server device 400 automatically stores the defecation data detected by the detection unit (sensor) in the storage unit 420 .

Any configuration and arrangement of the server device 400 can be adopted as long as it can communicate with the toilet seat device 2 and the user terminal 200 and implement processing. For example, the server device 400 may be a portable terminal (device) such as a notebook computer that can be carried by the administrator of the excretion information management system 1 or the like. Also, the server device 400 may be arranged in the toilet room R. FIG.

It should be noted that the above is merely an example, and the excretion information management system 1 can adopt any device configuration as long as the desired processing can be realized. For example, the operating device 10 may function as a display unit that displays defecation data. Moreover, both the operation device 10 and the user terminal 200 may be included in the excretion information management system 1 as devices that function as display units. Moreover, the toilet seat device 2 may have a sensor (detection unit) such as the camera 302 included in the excretion information management system 1 . The above system configuration is merely an example, and the excretion information management system 1 may have any system configuration as long as desired processing is possible.

The excretion information management system 1 may also include sensors other than the seating sensor 301 , the camera 302 and the gas sensor unit 350 . For example, the excretion information management system 1 may include a human body detection sensor. The human body detection sensor has a function of detecting a human body. For example, the human body detection sensor is implemented by a pyroelectric sensor or the like using infrared signals. For example, the human body detection sensor may be realized by a μ (micro) wave sensor or the like. The above is just an example, and the human body detection sensor is not limited to the above, and may detect a human body by various means. For example, the human body detection sensor detects a person (such as a user) who has entered the toilet room R (see FIG. 1). The human body detection sensor transmits a detection signal to the toilet seat device 2 .

<1-2. Functional Configuration of Toilet Seat Device>
Next, the functional configuration of the toilet seat device 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the toilet seat device according to the embodiment; As shown in FIG. 4 , the toilet seat device 2 includes a communication section 21 , a storage section 22 , a control section 23 , an electromagnetic valve 71 , a nozzle motor 61 and a washing nozzle 6 . For example, the communication section 21 , storage section 22 and control section 23 are provided in the body section 3 of the toilet seat device 2 . 4, illustration of a part of the configuration of the toilet seat device 2 described in FIG. 1 (main body 3, toilet seat 5, toilet bowl 7, etc.) is omitted.

The communication unit 21 is realized by, for example, a communication device, a communication circuit, and the like. The communication unit 21 is connected to the network N (see FIG. 3) by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from an external information processing device. For example, the communication unit 21 transmits and receives information to and from the operating device 10, the seating sensor 301, the camera 302, the gas sensor unit 350, the user terminal 200, the server device 400, and the like.

The communication unit 21 communicates with the server device 400 under the control of the control unit 23 . The communication unit 21 transmits excretion information acquired by detection by the camera 302 to the server device 400 . The communication unit 21 transmits excretion information acquired by detection by the gas sensor unit 350 to the server device 400 . The communication unit 21 also receives operation information indicating user's operation from the operation device 10 .

The storage unit 22 is realized by, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a semiconductor memory device such as a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. For example, the storage unit 22 is a computer-readable recording medium that non-temporarily records data used by a program for determining stool properties and the like. The storage unit 22 stores various information such as information detected by the detection unit. The storage unit 22 stores various information used for determination processing.

The storage unit 420 stores various types of information used for determination processing regarding stool, such as properties of stool. For example, the storage unit 420 stores a threshold used for determination processing regarding flights. For example, it stores various models (determination models) used for determination regarding flights. For example, it stores various determination models used to determine the shape, color, amount, etc. of stool. The storage unit 22 stores information about the measured time. The storage unit 22 stores information indicating the time required for defecation. Note that the above is only an example, and the storage unit 22 stores various information regarding flights.

The control unit 23 may be, for example, a control device that controls various configurations and processes. The control unit 23, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or the like, a program stored inside the toilet seat device 2 (for example, a determination program such as toilet properties in the present disclosure) is stored in the RAM or the like. is executed as a work area. Also, the control unit 23 is implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 23 has an acquisition unit 231, a clock unit 232, and a request unit 233, and realizes or executes information processing functions and actions described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 23 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 4, and may be another configuration as long as it performs the information processing described later.

Acquisition unit 231 acquires information. The acquisition unit 231 acquires various types of information from the storage unit 22 . The acquisition unit 231 acquires detection information from a detection unit (sensor). Acquisition unit 231 receives information indicating detection by seating sensor 301 from seating sensor 301 . Acquisition unit 231 receives information indicating detection by camera 302 from camera 302 . Acquisition unit 231 receives information indicating detection by gas sensor unit 350 from gas sensor unit 350 . The acquisition unit 231 receives various information indicating user's operations and the like from the operation device 10 . The acquisition unit 231 stores the received various information in the storage unit 22 .

The clock unit 232 acquires the time related to defecation. The clock unit 232 acquires the date and time when the excretion action was performed. The clock unit 232 acquires information (date and time information) indicating the date and time of excretion. The clock unit 232 generates excretion information based on information detected by the sensor. Clock unit 232 transmits information to server device 400 via communication unit 21 . For example, the clock unit 232 transmits the excretion information of the user using the toilet seat device 2 to the server device 400 . The clock unit 232 measures the time required for the user to defecate based on the information detected by the sensor. The clock unit 232 measures the time required for defecation.

Clock unit 232 detects the time. The clock unit 232 measures the time when the seating sensor 301 detects that the user is seated. The clock unit 232 measures the time when stool acquired by the camera 302 is first detected. The clock unit 232 acquires the time required for excretion, which is the difference between the time when the seating sensor 301 detects that the user is seated and the time when the camera 302 first detects stool. For example, the clock unit 232 may measure the time required for excretion in chronological order for each act of defecation. The clock unit 232 measures defecation over time based on detection by the camera 302 .

The clock unit 232 functions as a determination unit that performs various determination processes. The clock unit 232 performs determination processing using information detected by the camera 302 . The clock unit 232 uses information stored in the storage unit 22 to perform determination processing. The clock unit 232 determines whether the image captured by the camera 302 includes stool. The clock unit 232 uses technology related to image recognition to determine whether the image contains stool.

For example, the clock unit 232 receives an image as an input and uses a model (stool determination model) that outputs information (score) indicating whether or not the input image contains stool. determine whether the In this case, the clock unit 232 compares the score output by the stool determination model to which the image is input with a threshold (first threshold), and if the score is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the image contains stool. I judge. In addition, the clock unit 232 compares the score output by the stool determination model to which the image is input with the first threshold, and if the score is less than the first threshold, determines that the image does not contain stool. . Note that the above is just an example, and the clock unit 232 may use various information as appropriate to determine whether or not the image includes stool.

Also, the clock unit 232 determines the amount of stool based on the image captured by the camera 302 . For example, the clock unit 232 determines the amount of stool based on the ratio of stool in the image. For example, the clock unit 232 may determine the amount of stool using the score output by the stool determination model. The clock unit 232 may determine that the amount of stool is "very small" when the score output by the stool determination model to which the image is input is greater than or equal to the first threshold and less than the second threshold. It is assumed that the second threshold is a value greater than the first threshold. Further, the clock unit 232 may determine that the amount of stool is “small” when the score output by the stool determination model to which the image is input is equal to or greater than the second threshold and less than the third threshold. It is assumed that the third threshold is a value greater than the second threshold.

Further, the clock unit 232 may determine that the amount of stool is "medium" when the score output by the stool determination model to which the image is input is equal to or greater than the third threshold and less than the fourth threshold. It is assumed that the fourth threshold is a value greater than the third threshold. Further, the clock unit 232 may determine that the amount of stool is “large” when the score output by the stool determination model to which the image is input is equal to or greater than the fourth threshold and less than the fifth threshold. It is assumed that the fifth threshold is a value greater than the fourth threshold. Further, the clock unit 232 may determine that the amount of stool is "very large" when the score output by the stool determination model to which the image is input is equal to or greater than the fifth threshold. It should be noted that the five-level determination described above is merely an example, and the clock unit 232 may determine the amount of stool by appropriately using various types of information.

The clock unit 232 determines the nature of the stool from the detection result of the sensor. The clock unit 232 determines the properties of the user's feces by appropriately using various techniques for detecting the properties of feces by an optical method. The clock unit 232 determines the properties of the stool corresponding to the stool image based on the stool image. For example, the clock unit 232 uses the stool image to determine the shape of the stool corresponding to the stool image (also simply referred to as “shape”). Using the stool image, the clock unit 232 determines whether the shape of the stool corresponding to the stool image is one of multiple levels based on the shape. For example, using the stool image, the clock unit 232 determines whether the shape of the stool corresponding to the stool image is rolled, hard, cracked, banana-like, soft (semi-kneaded), mud-like, or water-like. Determine if there is

The clock unit 232 determines the shape of the stool based on the results of detection by the camera 302 . The clock unit 232 determines the shape of the user's stool by appropriately using various techniques for detecting the shape of stool by an optical method. The clock unit 232 appropriately uses various techniques for classifying the shape of stool to determine whether the shape of the stool is one of: rolly, hard, cracked, banana-like, soft, muddy, and watery. . For example, the clock unit 232 may determine (judgment) the shape of stool based on various information (feature amounts) such as the length of the stool image in the falling direction and the number of stools (lumps).

The clock unit 232 may determine the shape of stool using technology related to AI (artificial intelligence). For example, the clock unit 232 may determine the shape of stool using a learning model (shape determination model) generated by machine learning. In this case, the shape determination model is learned in advance using teacher data indicating classification determination. This training data includes stool images and labels (correct information ) and multiple combinations. For example, the shape determination model is a model that receives a stool image as input and outputs information indicating the shape of a lump (stool) included in the input stool image. For example, the shape determination model is learned to output label (shape of stool) information corresponding to the input stool image when the stool image is input. Learning of the shape determination model is performed by appropriately using various techniques related to so-called supervised learning. In this case, the shape determination model is stored in the storage unit 22, and the clock unit 232 may use the shape determination model stored in the storage unit 22 to determine the shape of the stool. For example, the toilet seat device 2 may perform learning processing to generate a shape determination model. Note that the above is just an example, and the clock unit 232 may use various information as appropriate to determine the shape of the stool. In addition, the above-described seven stages of rolling, ticking, cracking, banana-like, soft, mud-like, and water-like are merely examples of shapes, and the clock unit 232 may determine other shapes. You may judge below the stage. In addition, although an example of determining whether the shape of stool is one of multiple levels is shown here, it is not limited to this. A plurality of stool shapes may be determined.

Also, for example, the clock unit 232 uses the stool image to determine the color of the stool corresponding to the stool image. Using the stool image, the clock unit 232 determines whether the color of the stool corresponding to the stool image is one of a plurality of color-based levels. For example, the clock unit 232 uses the stool image to determine whether the color of the stool corresponding to the stool image is yellow, light ocher, ocher, brown, dark brown, or dark dark brown.

The clock unit 232 determines the color of stool from the result of detection by the camera 302 . The clock unit 232 determines the color of the user's feces by appropriately using various techniques for detecting the color of feces by an optical method. The clock unit 232 uses various techniques for classifying stool color as appropriate to determine whether the color of the stool is yellow, light ocher, ocher, brown, dark brown, or dark dark brown. For example, the clock unit 232 determines (determines) the color of the stool based on various information (feature amounts) such as luminance and lightness of the color image (RGB).

The clock unit 232 may determine the color of stool using technology related to AI (artificial intelligence). For example, the clock unit 232 may determine the color of stool using a learning model (color determination model) generated by machine learning. In this case, the color determination model is learned in advance using teacher data indicating classification determination. This training data includes a stool image and a label (correct information) indicating the color of the mass (stool) included in the stool image (yellow, light ocher, ocher, brown, dark brown, or dark dark brown). Includes multiple combinations of For example, the color determination model is a model that receives a stool image as input and outputs information indicating the color of lumps (feces) included in the input stool image. For example, the color determination model is learned to output label (color of stool) information corresponding to the input stool image when the stool image is input. The learning of the color determination model is performed by appropriately using various techniques related to so-called supervised learning. In this case, the color determination model is stored in the storage unit 22, and the clock unit 232 may use the color determination model stored in the storage unit 22 to determine the color of the stool. For example, the toilet seat device 2 may perform learning processing to generate a color determination model. Note that the above is just an example, and the clock unit 232 may use various information as appropriate to determine the color of stool. In addition, the six stages of yellow, light ocher, ocher, brown, dark brown, and deep dark brown are merely examples of colors, and the clock unit 232 may determine other shapes, or five stages. You can judge below. In addition, although an example of determining whether the color of stool is one of multiple stages is shown here, it is not limited to this. Stool color may be determined.

The clock unit 232 uses information detected by the gas sensor unit 350 to perform determination processing. The clock unit 232 determines the smell when the user excretes. The clock unit 232 uses the information detected by the gas sensor unit 350 at the date and time when it is determined that there is feces based on the detection result of the camera 302, and determines the odor during excretion. The clock unit 232 uses the odor information detected by the gas sensor unit 350 to determine the odor of the user's excrement (stool). The clock unit 232 determines the odor of feces from the detection result by the gas sensor unit 350 . Based on the presence or absence and concentration of odorous components detected by the gas sensor unit 350 as a predetermined parameter of the odor, or the ratio of the concentration of the odorous component to the odorless (odorless gas) component, the clock unit 232 Determine the odor of the user's stool. The clock unit 232 uses various techniques for classifying odors as appropriate to determine whether the stool odor is odorless, not odorous, slightly odorous, odorous, or very odorous. It should be noted that the odor may be determined at times other than the date and time when it is determined that there is feces based on the detection result of the camera 302, that is, when only gas is emitted from the body (in the case of farting).

The clock unit 232 may determine the smell of feces using technology related to AI (artificial intelligence). For example, the clock unit 232 may determine the odor of feces using a learning model (smell determination model) generated by machine learning. In this case, the odor determination model is learned in advance using teacher data indicating classification determination. This training data includes the output value of the gas sensor unit 350 and the label (correct information) indicating the odor corresponding to the output value of the gas sensor unit 350 (no odor, no odor, slightly odor, odor, or very odor). ) and multiple combinations. For example, the odor determination model is a model that receives the output value of the gas sensor unit 350 and outputs information indicating the gas odor corresponding to the input output value of the gas sensor unit 350 . For example, the odor determination model is learned to output label (gas odor) information corresponding to the input output value of the gas sensor unit 350 when the output value of the gas sensor unit 350 is input. The learning of the odor determination model is performed by appropriately using various techniques related to so-called supervised learning. In this case, the odor determination model is stored in the storage unit 22, and the clock unit 232 may use the odor determination model stored in the storage unit 22 to determine the odor of feces. For example, the toilet seat device 2 may perform learning processing to generate an odor determination model.

Note that the above is just an example, and the clock unit 232 may use various information as appropriate to determine the smell of feces. In addition, the five levels of no smell, no smell, little smell, smell, and very smell are just examples of smell, and the clock unit 232 may determine the type of smell (strongly smelling component). You may judge below the stage. It should be noted that the clock unit 232 may perform odor determination (classification) by various processes other than the above, as long as desired odor classification is possible. Moreover, the server device 400 may perform the various determination processes described above. In this case, the server device 400 has the information used in the determination process and the function of the determination process, and the toilet seat device 2 transmits information detected by the camera 302 and the gas sensor unit 350 to the server device 400 .

The request unit 233 requests the server device 400 to register the excretion information of the detected user. The request unit 233 requests the server device 400 to register the excretion information by transmitting the excretion information to the server device 400 via the communication unit 21 . The request unit 233 transmits the excretion information together with the user identification information to the server device 400, thereby requesting the server device 400 to register the excretion information as the information of the user specified by the user identification information. demand.

Also, the control unit 23 controls the nozzle motor 61 and the electromagnetic valve 71 . The control unit 23 controls the nozzle motor 61 and the electromagnetic valve 71 based on signals transmitted from the operating device 10 . The control unit 23 controls the nozzle motor 61 based on the control instruction signal regarding the washing of the private parts transmitted from the operating device 10 . The controller 23 controls the nozzle motor 61 to move the cleaning nozzle 6 forward and backward. The control unit 23 controls opening and closing of the solenoid valve 71 . The control unit 23 transmits control information for controlling the camera 302 to the camera 302 . The controller 23 transmits control information for controlling the gas sensor unit 350 to the gas sensor unit 350 .

The control unit 23 also controls the toilet lid 4 and the toilet seat 5 as shown in FIG. The control unit 23 controls the toilet lid 4 and the toilet seat 5 based on signals transmitted from the operating device 10 . The control unit 23 controls the toilet lid 4 based on the control instruction signal regarding the opening and closing of the toilet lid transmitted from the operating device 10 . The control unit 23 controls the toilet seat 5 based on the control instruction signal regarding the opening and closing of the seating portion transmitted from the operation device 10 . The control unit 23 transmits control information to the toilet lid 4 and the toilet seat 5 by wire. Note that the control unit 23 may wirelessly transmit the control information to the toilet lid 4 and the toilet seat 5 .

The control unit 23 determines whether or not the seating sensor 301 has detected that the user is seated. The control unit 23 determines whether or not the seating sensor 301 detects that the user is seated on the toilet seat 5 . The control unit 23 has various configurations such as a calculation unit and a storage unit that perform calculations related to the control described above.

The solenoid valve 71 has the function of a valve that electromagnetically controls the flow of fluid. The electromagnetic valve 71 switches between supply and stop of tap water from a water supply pipe, for example. The solenoid valve 71 performs opening/closing control according to instructions from the control unit 23 .

The nozzle motor 61 is a drive source (motor) that drives the cleaning nozzle 6 to move forward and backward. The nozzle motor 61 performs control to move the cleaning nozzle 6 forward and backward with respect to the body cover 30 of the body portion 3 . The nozzle motor 61 performs control to move the cleaning nozzle 6 forward and backward according to instructions from the control unit 23 .

<1-3. Functional Configuration of Server Device>
Next, the functional configuration of the server device will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a server device according to the embodiment; Specifically, FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a server device 400, which is an example of a server device.

As shown in FIG. 5 , the server device 400 has a communication section 410 , a storage section 420 and a control section 430 . The server device 400 has an input unit (for example, a keyboard, a mouse, etc.) for receiving various operations from the administrator of the server device 400, and a display unit (for example, a liquid crystal display, etc.) for displaying various information. may

The communication unit 410 is realized by, for example, a communication circuit or the like. The communication unit 410 is connected to the network N (see FIG. 3) by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from an external information processing device. For example, the communication unit 410 transmits and receives information to and from the toilet seat device 2, the user terminal 200, and the like. For example, the communication unit 410 transmits information (content) indicating defecation data to the user terminal 200 .

The storage unit 420 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory device such as a RAM or flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. For example, the storage unit 420 is a computer-readable recording medium that non-temporarily records data used by a management program that manages excretion information and a generation program that generates information such as content to be provided. The memory|storage part 420 which concerns on embodiment has the defecation information database 421, as shown in FIG. As shown in the defecation information database 421, the storage unit 420 stores, as individual defecation data, predetermined parameters based on defecation time, stool shape, stool color, stool amount, time required for defecation, and odor at the time of defecation. , at least one of the time intervals of defecation behavior. Note that the storage unit 420 stores various information other than the defecation information database 421 .

A defecation information database according to the embodiment stores various types of information related to the user's defecation. For example, the defecation information database stores the user's defecation history. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a defecation information database according to the embodiment. The defecation information database shown in FIG. , and "interval".

“ID” indicates identification information for identifying a user. Thus, in the excretion information management system 1, each user is managed by an anonymized ID instead of a real name.

"Gender" indicates the gender of the user identified by the ID. "Age" indicates the age of the user identified by the ID. The "age" may be information indicating age, such as 20's or 30's. Also, the year of birth may be managed in the defecation information database 421 and converted into an “age” by the server device 400 .

"Date" indicates the date (day) when the excretion act was performed. "Time" indicates the time (time) when the excretion act was performed.

"Shape" indicates the shape of the acquired stool. As for "shape", results of classification into a plurality of shapes such as "rolly", "tick", "crack", "banana", "soft", "muddy", and "watery" are registered. Note that the above is only an example, and the "shape" is not limited to the above, and information indicating various shapes may be registered.

"Color" indicates the color of the obtained stool. For example, for "color", results of classification into a plurality of colors such as "yellow", "light ocher", "ocher", "brown", "dark brown", and "dark dark brown" are registered. For example, "yellow", "light ocher", "ocher", "brown", "dark brown", and "dark dark brown" are darker in order, with "dark dark brown" being the darkest stool color. . Note that the above is only an example, and the "color" is not limited to the above, and information indicating various colors may be registered.

"Amount" indicates the amount of stool obtained. For example, for "quantity", results of classification into a plurality of quantities such as "very large", "large", "medium", "small", and "very small" are registered. For example, "very much", "a lot", "normal", "little", and "very little" decrease in order, with "very little" being the smallest flight. The above is only an example, and the "amount" is not limited to the above, and information indicating various amounts may be registered.

"Excretion time" indicates the time required for excretion. For example, "excretion time" indicates the time from when the user sits down to when defecation is performed.

"Odor" indicates the amount of stool obtained. For example, for "smell", classification results are registered into a plurality of odor strengths such as "no smell", "no smell", "slight smell", "smell", and "very bad smell". For example, "no smell", "no smell", "slight smell", "smell", and "very bad smell" indicate the strongest smell, with "very bad smell" indicating the strongest smell. Note that the above is only an example, and the "smell" is not limited to the above, and information indicating various smells may be registered.

"Interval" indicates the interval (time) between excretion. For example, "excretion time" indicates the time interval from the previous (immediately before) excretion date and time.

In the example of FIG. 6, the attributes of the user identified by the ID "AAA" (hereinafter also referred to as "user AAA") are "female" in sex and "52 years old" in age. In addition, for the user identified by the ID "AAA" (user AAA), the excretion information of the excretion act performed at 7:15 on January 5th and the excretion information at 7:30 on January 7th It shows the state in which the excretion information of the performed excretion act is registered.

For example, regarding the defecation act performed at 7:30 on January 7, the shape was banana-like, the color was dark brown, the amount was small, the defecation time was 35 seconds, the smell was slight, and the interval was 48 hours15. Minutes (2 days and 15 minutes). For example, the interval "48 hours 15 minutes" indicates the difference between the previous excretion date and time "January 5, 7:15" and the current excretion date and time "January 7, 7:30". Server device 400 calculates the difference between the previous excretion date and time “January 5, 7:15” and the current excretion date and time, “January 7, 7:30”, and calculates the interval “48 hours and 15 minutes”. Calculate

For example, regarding the defecation act performed at 7:15 on January 5, the shape was banana-like, the color was ocher, the amount was large, the defecation time was 20 seconds, there was no smell, and the interval was 23 hours and 52 minutes. indicates that

In addition, the defecation information database 421 may store various kinds of information depending on the purpose, not limited to the above. As described above, the excretion information database 421 in FIG. 6 stores excretion information of a plurality of users. For example, the excretion information database 421 may store a stool image as excretion information. The defecation information database 421 stores information about feces corresponding to the feces image in association with the feces image. The defecation information database 421 stores the judgment results (shape, color, amount, smell, etc.) of the feces corresponding to the feces image in association with the feces image. The stool information database 421 stores information such as the properties of stool corresponding to the stool image and the amount of stool corresponding to the stool image. Further, the excretion information database 421 may store the date and time when the stool image was acquired, information identifying the user who excreted the stool corresponding to the stool image, etc., in association with the stool image. Moreover, the defecation information database 421 may store the area of residence and body weight as personal attributes. The defecation information database 421 may store information on the place of defecation as defecation data.

The control unit 430 is realized by, for example, executing a program stored inside the server device 400 (eg, a management program, a generation program, etc. according to the present disclosure) using a RAM or the like as a work area by a CPU, GPU, or the like. be. Also, the control unit 430 is implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA, for example.

As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 430 includes a reception unit 431, a registration unit 432, and a provision unit 433, and implements or executes the information processing functions and actions described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 430 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 5, and may be another configuration as long as it performs information processing described later.

Reception unit 431 receives information. Accepting unit 431 accepts information to be stored in storage unit 420 . The accepting unit 431 accepts information manually input by the user. The reception unit 431 receives information input by the user by operating the user terminal 200 . The reception unit 431 receives input of defecation data to be additionally registered in the defecation information database 421 . The receiving unit 431 receives an input of defecation data of excretion in a toilet bowl other than the toilet bowl 7 of the toilet system TS. The receiving unit 431 receives from the user terminal 200 an input of defecation data manually input to the user terminal 200 by the user. The reception unit 431 receives manual input of defecation data of the user's excretion on a toilet bowl other than the toilet bowl 7 of the toilet system TS. Further, all the information received by the receiving unit 431 may be manually input by the user.

The reception unit 431 also functions as an acquisition unit that acquires information. The reception unit 431 acquires various types of information from the storage unit 420 . The reception unit 431 receives various information from the toilet seat device 2 and the user terminal 200 . The reception unit 431 receives information about stool from the toilet seat device 2 . The reception unit 431 receives defecation data from the toilet seat device 2 . The reception unit 431 receives the user's defecation data together with the ID that identifies the user from the toilet seat device 2 . The reception unit 431 receives a stool image (data) from the toilet seat device 2 . The reception unit 431 is provided in the toilet seat device 2 placed on the upper part of the toilet bowl 7 in which the bowl portion 8 for receiving excrement is formed, and acquires a feces image based on information from the camera 302 in order to detect feces. . The reception unit 431 stores the acquired feces image in the defecation information database 421 .

The registration unit 432 performs processing for registering various types of information. The registration unit 432 registers the excretion information (excretion data) acquired from the toilet seat device 2 . The registration unit 432 causes the storage unit 420 to store the excretion information. For example, the registration unit 432 registers the excretion information in the excretion information database 421 in association with the user identification information.

The registration unit 432 registers the information received by the reception unit 431 in the storage unit 420 . The registration unit 432 stores in the excretion information database 421 manual excretion data (excretion record) of manual excretion on a toilet other than the toilet bowl 7 received by the reception unit 431 . The registration unit 432 automatically stores in the excretion information database 421 defecation data including excretion information detected by various sensors (detection units) and excretion date and time information acquired by the clock unit 232 . The registration unit 432 stores information on the position of the toilet in the defecation information database 421 together with the defecation data.

The providing unit 433 provides information. The providing unit 433 transmits information to an external information processing device via the communication unit 410 . For example, the providing unit 433 transmits various information to the user terminal 200 and the toilet seat device 2 . The providing unit 433 transmits the defecation data stored in the storage unit 420 to the user terminal 200 or the like.

The providing unit 433 functions as a generating unit that generates various types of information. The providing unit 433 generates content indicating defecation data to be displayed on the user terminal 200 . The providing unit 433 generates a screen (content) showing the defecation data. For example, the providing unit 433 generates content (image information) to be provided to the user terminal 200 by appropriately using various techniques related to image generation, image processing, and the like. For example, the providing unit 433 appropriately uses various techniques such as Java (registered trademark) to generate a screen (image information) to be provided to the user terminal 200 . Note that the providing unit 433 may generate content (image information) to be provided to the user terminal 200 based on CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), JavaScript (registered trademark), or HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) formats. . Also, for example, the providing unit 433 may generate content in various formats such as JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), GIF (Graphics Interchange Format), and PNG (Portable Network Graphics).

The providing unit 433 generates information indicating both the defecation data of a plurality of persons and the defecation data of the individual. The providing unit 433 generates information shown in a manner of comparing the defecation data of a plurality of persons matching the attribute of the individual and the defecation data of the individual. The providing unit 433 generates information in a form of comparing information obtained by processing individual defecation data into representative values. For example, the providing unit 433 generates information shown in a manner of comparing information obtained by averaging individual defecation data for a predetermined period. The providing unit 433 transmits the generated content to the user terminal 200 or the like. For example, the providing unit 433 generates content including graphs as shown in FIGS. 14 to 25 and transmits the generated content to the user terminal 200. FIG.

<1-4. Control flow example>
An example of a sensor-based control flow will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a timing chart showing a detection relationship.

A waveform LN1 in FIG. 7 indicates the result of detection of the user sitting on the toilet seat 5 by the seating detection sensor (seating sensor 301). A waveform LN2 in FIG. 7 indicates the detection result of the amount of stool based on the image captured by the camera 302. In FIG. Eight rectangles arranged in chronological order in FIG. 7 are images (images) of the water sealing portion in the toilet bowl 7 photographed at corresponding points in time.

In the example of FIG. 7, the seating sensor 301 detects that the user is seated on the toilet seat 5 at time t1, as shown by the waveform LN1. For example, at time t1, the detection result of the seating sensor 301 is changed from "OFF" indicating that no seating on the toilet seat 5 has been detected to "ON" indicating that seating on the toilet seat 5 has been detected. be.

Further, as indicated by the waveform LN1, the seating sensor 301 detects that the user leaves the toilet seat 5 at time t4. For example, at time t4, the detection result of the seating sensor 301 is changed from "ON" indicating that the person is seated on the toilet seat 5 to "OFF" indicating that the person is no longer being seated on the toilet seat 5. be done. That is, in the example of FIG. 7, the user leaves the toilet (for example, toilet room R) after time t4. A detection MD indicating a falling point in the waveform LN1 indicates a case where the seating sensor 301 is turned off due to the user adjusting the sitting position of the toilet seat 5 (chattering). The toilet seat device 2 determines that the user continues to sit on the seat when it is switched from ON to OFF and vice versa in a short time (for example, about 1 to 5 seconds) like the detection MD.

Waveform LN2 shows an example in which the amount of stool detected is detected in four stages: "none", "small", "medium", and "large". Note that the four stages shown in FIG. 7 are merely an example, and may be three stages or less, or may be five stages or more. For example, the waveform LN2 may have two stages of "absence" indicating that no stool has been detected and "yes" indicating that stool has been detected. For example, there are three stages: "none" indicating that stool is not detected, "after excretion" that indicates that stool is detected but the image does not change, and "during excretion". good too.

As shown by waveform LN2, immediately after time t2, the image detected by camera 302 includes one feces, and the user's defecation is detected. As a result, the toilet seat device 2 detects that the amount of stool is "small" and determines that the user first defecated at time t2.

Further, as shown by waveform LN2, from time t2 to t3, a new stool is added to the image detected by camera 302, two stools are included, and the user's stool is detected. As a result, the toilet seat device 2 detects that the amount of stool is "large" and determines that the user has performed the second bowel movement. After that, there is no change in the amount of stool. As a result, the toilet seat device 2 determines that time t3 is the timing of the user's last defecation, and determines that the user has finished defecation at time t3.

The toilet seat device 2 acquires the time from when the user sits until the first flight comes out. The toilet seat device 2 acquires the time required for excretion from the difference between the time t1 and the time t2. That is, the toilet seat device 2 acquires the period TM1 from time t1 to time t2 as the time required for the user to excrete. Also, the toilet seat device 2 acquires a period TM2 from time t2 to time t3 as the time from the start to the end of excretion. Further, the toilet seat device 2 acquires a period TM3 from time t3 to time t4 as the time from the end of excretion until the user leaves the toilet.

<1-5. Defecation data example>
An example of the user's defecation data will now be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of defecation data. The defecation data shown in FIG. 8 indicates defecation data related to one defecation action of the user AAA. Regarding the excretion act performed by the user (user AAA) identified by the personal ID "AAA" at 7:30 on January 7, the shape is normal (banana-like), the color is dark brown, and the amount is small. , indicating an excretion time of 35 seconds, a slight odor, and an interval of 48 hours and 15 minutes.

<1-6. Information display example>
Here, an example of information display will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of information display. Specifically, FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a display showing the percentage of users for each excretion time. In the following display example, the display on the user terminal 200 used by the user AAA is described as an example, with the user AAA as the information provider ("you" in the figure).

For example, the server device 400 acquires each user's excretion time from the excretion information database 421 . The server device 400 divides the excretion time at predetermined time intervals (for example, 30 minutes). etc.) may be determined as the user's excretion time. For example, the server device 400 stores the most frequent excretion time in the excretion data stored in the excretion information database 421 for the user AAA for a predetermined period (for example, the most recent one week or one month). is from 8:00 to 8:29, the excretion time of the user AAA is determined to be "8:00 (to 8:29)". The server device 400 determines excretion times for all users whose excretion data is stored in the excretion information database 421 . Then, server device 400 divides the number of users whose excretion time is at each time by the total number of users, thereby calculating the percentage of users at each time.

Then, server device 400 generates graph GR1 shown in FIG. 9 using the calculated proportion of users at each time. The horizontal axis of the graph GR1 indicates excretion time, and the vertical axis indicates the ratio (%) of users. Curve RT1 in graph GR1 indicates the ratio of users at each time. A bar BR1 indicated by an arrow indicating "you" in the graph GR1 indicates the ratio of users at time 8 o'clock to which user AAA, who is you, belongs. The server device 400 transmits the graph GR1 to the user terminal 200 used by the user AAA.

The user terminal 200 of the user AAA that has received the graph GR1 displays the graph GR1. This allows the user AAA to recognize the percentage of users who excrete at each time. Further, in the excretion information management system 1, the user AAA, who is the information provider, is made to recognize that he or she belongs to the user at 8:00 indicated by the bar BR1 by means of an arrow indicating "you" pointing to the bar BR1. be able to.

The excretion time may be displayed at arbitrary time intervals, and may be displayed in units of 1 minute or 5 minutes. Numerical data (continuous values) may be used instead of dividing into intervals. A method of determining the excretion time in a predetermined period may be an average value, a trimmed average value, or a median value within the predetermined period.

<2. Variation>
Although the above-described example uses the camera 302 (two-dimensional image sensor), the sensor (detection unit) is not limited to the two-dimensional image sensor, and various sensors may be used. For example, the sensor (detection unit) may be a licensor (one-dimensional image sensor), and the detection unit may perform detection based on one-dimensional images captured over time of falling feces. This point will be described below. In addition, in the excretion information management system 1A according to the modified example, description of the same points as the excretion information management system 1 according to the embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

<2-1. Configuration of excretion information management system>
A configuration of an excretion information management system according to a modification will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an excretion information management system according to a modification. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of arrangement of sensors according to a modification.

As shown in FIG. 15, the excretion information management system 1A includes a toilet system TS including a toilet seat device 2, an operating device 10, a seating sensor 301, an optical unit 100 and a gas sensor unit 350, a user terminal 200, and a server device 400. have. Thus, the excretion information management system 1A is different from the excretion information management system 1 in that the optical unit 100 is included instead of the camera 302 .

An example of sensor arrangement will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 removes the toilet lid 4 to show the placement of the sensors, and lifts the toilet seat 5 to illustrate the back surface 51, which is the opposite surface of the toilet seat 5 to the surface on which the user sits (seating surface). FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the

As shown in FIG. 11, an optical unit 100, which is a sensor used in the excretion information management system 1A, is arranged in the body cover 30 at a position and orientation that allows detection of stool falling inside the toilet bowl 7. As shown in FIG. For example, the optical unit 100 is provided at a position exposed from the opening 32 with directivity inside the toilet bowl 7 . Note that the optical unit 100 may be arranged in any manner as long as it can detect stool dropping in the toilet bowl 7 . The optical unit 100 may be included in the configuration of the toilet seat device 2 . For example, the optical unit 100 may be arranged on the back surface 51 of the toilet seat 5 or the like in the same manner as the camera 302 shown in FIG.

The optical unit 100 functions as a detection section that detects defecation over time by irradiating stool with light from the light emitting section 120 and receiving the light reflected from the stool with the light receiving section 130 . The light emitting portion 120 and the light receiving portion 130 of the optical unit 100 are exposed through the opening 32 of the body cover 30 . The light emitting unit 120 can irradiate the excrement in the toilet 7 with light, and the light receiving unit 130 can receive reflected light from the excrement in the toilet 7 .

The optical unit 100 is communicably connected to the toilet seat device 2 via a predetermined network, either by wire or wirelessly. For example, the optical unit 100 may be communicably connected to the toilet seat device 2 by a predetermined wireless communication function such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The toilet seat device 2 and the optical unit 100 may be connected in any way as long as information can be transmitted and received. may For example, the optical unit 100 may be communicatively connected to the toilet seat device 2 via the network N by wire or wirelessly. Details of the optical unit 100 will be described later.

The toilet seat device 2 according to the modified example determines the properties of stool from the stool image in the same manner as the toilet seat device 2 according to the embodiment. The toilet seat device 2 has an opening 32 for arranging the optical unit 100 in the body cover 30 . When the optical unit 100 is arranged on the toilet seat 5 or the like, the toilet seat device 2 does not have to have the opening 32 .

The toilet seat device 2 according to the modification acquires an image of the stool excreted by the user (stool image) by photographing the stool falling in the toilet bowl 7 . The communication unit 21 according to the modification, like the communication unit 21 according to the embodiment, transmits the user's defecation data to the server device 400 together with identification information (ID) for identifying the user. The storage unit 22 according to the modification stores various types of information in the same manner as the storage unit 22 according to the embodiment.

The control unit 23 according to the modification performs various processes based on detection by the optical unit 100 . The clock unit 232 according to the modification measures defecation over time based on detection by the optical unit 100 . The clock unit 232 performs various determination processes. The clock unit 232 generates a two-dimensional image (feces image) from the one-dimensional image detected by the optical unit 100, and performs determination processing using the generated feces image.

For example, the clock section 232 generates a stool image based on information detected by the optical unit 100 . The clock unit 232 receives one-dimensional data (line-shaped still images) obtained over time at predetermined time intervals by the light-receiving unit 130 having a line sensor (light-receiving element) in which a plurality of elements are linearly arranged. ) are arranged in chronological order to generate one two-dimensional image. For example, the clock unit 232 generates a two-dimensional image of stool based on the one-dimensional image detected by the optical unit 100, which will be explained with reference to FIG. Note that the processing using the two-dimensional feces image is the same as the processing in the toilet seat device 2 according to the embodiment, so detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The control section 23 controls the optical unit 100 . The control section 23 controls the optical unit 100 based on the signal transmitted from the operating device 10 . The control unit 23 transmits control information for controlling lighting and extinguishing of the light emitting unit 120 to the optical unit 100 .

The control unit 23 transmits control information for controlling the electronic shutter function of the light receiving unit 130 to the optical unit 100 . Note that the electronic shutter of the light receiving unit 130 is a shutter system that electronically controls a light receiving element (imaging element) to read exposure, unlike a mechanical shutter such as a so-called lens shutter. That is, the electronic shutter of the light receiving section 130 is a so-called electronic shutter or electronically controlled shutter. The control unit 23 transmits control information to the nozzle motor 61, the electromagnetic valve 71, and the optical unit 100 by wire. Note that the control section 23 may wirelessly transmit the control information to the optical unit 100 .

The controller 23 causes the optical unit 100 to emit light and receive light. The control unit 23 controls the optical unit 100 to cause the light emitting unit 120 to emit light and the light receiving unit 130 to receive light. The control unit 23 causes the optical unit 100 to emit and receive light while the seating sensor 301 detects that the user is seated on the toilet seat 5 .

The control unit 23 controls light emission by the light emitting unit 120 . The control unit 23 controls energization to the light emitting element of the light emitting unit 120 and application of voltage to the light receiving element. The control unit 23 sends a control instruction to the light receiving element to open the electronic shutter, and energizes the light emitting element of the light emitting unit 120 to perform light receiving control so that reflected light from stool can be received. The control unit 23 sets the interval from the start of execution of one light reception control to the execution of the next light reception control of one light reception control to an arbitrary time (for example, 0.2 milliseconds or more) within a range in which control processing is possible. etc.). Note that the above is merely an example, and the control mode by the control unit 23 may be any mode as long as the optical unit 100 can emit and receive light as desired. Further, when the light emitted from the light emitting unit 120 is in one wavelength band, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 120 does not have to blink in accordance with the light receiving control, and may be emitted continuously. Further, when using a color-type light receiving element as described later, even when the light emitted from the light emitting unit 120 is in a plurality of wavelength bands, the light may be emitted continuously.

Here, an example of the configuration of the control unit 23 will be described. The control unit 23 has an ADConverter, an arithmetic processing unit, a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a first memory.

The ADConverter is a so-called A/D converter (analog-digital conversion circuit) and has an A/D conversion function of converting an analog signal into a digital signal. The ADConverter may be an analog-to-digital conversion circuit. For example, the ADConverter converts analog data received (detected) by the light receiving unit 130 into digital data. The ADConverter may convert analog data obtained by deleting data within a predetermined range from the analog data into digital data. For example, the ADConverter may leave only data corresponding to pixels in a preset range (eg, a predetermined range in the center) and delete data corresponding to pixels in the remaining range. Note that when a dedicated sensor such as a line sensor with the number of pixels set for excrement detection is used as the light receiving element, the ADConverter converts the entire analog data into digital data without deleting data in a predetermined range. Convert to

The arithmetic processing unit is realized by various means such as a CPU and a microcomputer, and executes various processes. For example, the arithmetic processing unit executes various processes using digital data converted by the ADConverter. The arithmetic processing unit executes various processes according to programs stored in the ROM (for example, various programs related to detection processing such as a stool detection program and a stool quality determination program). For example, an arithmetic processing unit is realized by executing a program stored in a ROM using a temporarily used storage area or the like in the arithmetic processing unit as a work area.

The processor analyzes the data. The arithmetic processing unit analyzes data temporarily stored in the first memory. The arithmetic processing unit transfers the data received by the light receiving unit 130 to the first memory, and analyzes and deletes the data stored in the first memory.

The ROM stores various programs related to stool detection processing, such as a stool detection program.

The first memory is an internal memory (storage device) that temporarily stores various data. The first memory stores data received by the light receiving section 130 . The first memory stores digital data converted by the ADConverter. For example, the first memory is SRAM (Static Random Access Memory). The first memory is not limited to the SRAM, and may be a RAM (Random Access Memory) such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or a ROM capable of high-speed processing such as a PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory).

The first memory stores data under control of the arithmetic processing unit. For example, the first memory uses a storage device with a storage capacity of 96 kilobytes, 512 kilobytes, or the like. The data received by the light receiving unit 130 temporarily stored in the first memory includes raw data (analog data) detected by the light receiving unit 130 and data processed by A/D conversion (digital data). data).

The configuration of the control unit 23 described above is merely an example, and the control unit 23 may have any configuration as long as it is configured to perform desired processing. The toilet seat device 2 also has a second memory. The toilet seat device 2 stores the data acquired by the control section 23 in the second memory.

For example, the second memory is an external memory (storage device) that stores various data. The second memory stores digital data acquired from the control section 23 . For example, the second memory may be EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) or the like. The second memory may be an SD (Secure Digital) card memory, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, or any other storage device (memory).

The second memory is capable of transferring data stored in the first memory. The second memory has a larger storage area than the first memory. For example, the second memory uses a storage device with a larger storage capacity than the first memory, such as 4 gigabytes. Data stored in the second memory may be transmitted to an external device. The excretion information management system 1 may wirelessly transmit the data stored in the second memory to an external device such as a terminal device used by the user, using the communication device or the like of the toilet seat device 2 .

The second memory may be provided inside the toilet seat device 2 or outside the toilet seat device 2 or the like. For example, the second memory may be a MicroSD inside the toilet seat device 2, or may be an external memory located outside the toilet seat device 2 and communicating with the toilet seat device 2 via Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or the like. . In this case, the processing unit transfers the data temporarily stored in the first memory to the second memory by communicating with the second memory, which is an external memory having a larger storage area than the first memory. transfer to The communication between the second memory and the toilet seat device 2 is not limited to Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and may be communication using various communication standards such as ZigBee (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). good.

The optical unit 100 includes a light emitter 120 and a light receiver 130 . The optical unit 100 functions as a detection section (detection device) having a light-receiving element in which a plurality of elements are linearly arranged to detect falling stool.

The light emitting unit 120 emits light. The light emitting unit 120 has a light emitting element that emits light. The light emitting unit 120 emits light to the excrement excreted by the user. The light emitting unit 120 irradiates light to stool excreted by the user. The light emitting unit 120 irradiates the falling stool with light.

The light emitting unit 120 is provided with a light emitting element that emits light. The light emitting unit 120 is provided with a light emitting element that emits light forward. The light emitting unit 120 is provided with a light emitting element that emits light forward toward excrement excreted by the user. For example, the light emitting element is an LED (Light Emitting Diode). In addition, the light-emitting element is not limited to the LED, and various elements may be used.

The light emitting unit 120 emits light forward. The light emitting unit 120 emits light forward toward the stool excreted by the user. Light emitting unit 120 includes a plurality of light emitting elements. The light emitting unit 120 includes a plurality of light emitting elements that emit light. The light emitting unit 120 irradiates light onto falling stool excreted by the user. The light emitting unit 120 includes a plurality of light emitting elements for emitting light with different wavelengths. It should be noted that the above is only an example, and as for the light emitting elements of the light emitting section 120, any configuration can be adopted as long as the desired light emission is possible with respect to the number and wavelength of light emitted.

The light receiving section 130 receives light. The light receiving unit 130 has a lens 131 and a light receiving element that receives light. The light receiving unit 130 receives the light emitted by the light emitting unit 120 and reflected from the excrement. The light receiving unit 130 receives the reflected light from the stool with respect to the light emitted by the light emitting unit 120 . The light receiving unit 130 receives the reflected light from the falling stool with respect to the light emitted by the light emitting unit 120 .

The light receiving unit 130 is provided with a light receiving element that receives light. The light-receiving unit 130 has a light-receiving element in which a plurality of elements are linearly arranged to detect falling stool. For example, the light receiving element is a line sensor. For example, the light receiving element is a line sensor in which CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensors or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensors are arranged in a row. The light receiving element is not limited to a line sensor (one-dimensional image sensor), and various sensors such as an area sensor (two-dimensional image sensor) may be used.

The light receiving section 130 includes a lens 131 for condensing light in front of the light receiving element. A case, which is a cover for suppressing incidence of light from other than the front of the light-receiving element, is provided around the light-receiving element. A case serving as a cover is provided around the light-receiving element to prevent light other than light passing through the lens 131 arranged in front from entering the light-receiving element. A case, which is a cover for suppressing incidence of light from the lateral direction of the light receiving element, is provided around the light receiving element.

The case functions as an incident suppression cover that blocks or attenuates light from other than the front of the light receiving element. The case is colored in a color such as black that does not easily reflect light, thereby suppressing light reflected from the case itself from entering the light receiving element. Various materials such as resin may be used for the case as long as it can be formed into a desired shape. The light receiving unit 130 receives the reflected light from the stool with respect to the light emitted by the light emitting unit 120 . The light receiving unit 130 receives the reflected light from the falling stool with respect to the light emitted by the light emitting unit 120 . The light receiving unit 130 receives the reflected light from the stool with respect to the light emitted by the light emitting unit 120 .

<2-2. How to acquire flight image data>
Here, a specific operation of the method for acquiring the stool image (data) will be described with reference to FIG. 12 . FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data acquisition method. Description of points similar to those described above will be omitted as appropriate.

Each element shown in FIG. 12 will be described. An object OB1 schematically shows stool (excretion) to be detected (measured). Further, the light receiving device PD is a light receiving section 130 having a light receiving element such as a line sensor, for example.

Also, the light emitting device LE is a light emitting section 120 having a light emitting element. In FIG. 12, for the sake of simplicity, the case where the light emitting device LE emits light of one wavelength will be described as an example, but the light emitting device LE may emit light of different wavelengths.

In the example of FIG. 12, the falling object OB1 is irradiated with light from the light emitting device LE, and a process of obtaining (generating) a flight image (two-dimensional image) based on the result of light reception by the light receiving device PD is performed. shown conceptually. A dotted line extending from the light emitting device LE to the object OB1 schematically shows the irradiation of light from the light emitting device LE to the object OB1, and a dotted line extending from the object OB1 to the light receiving device PD represents the object received by the light receiving device PD. Reflected light from OB1 is shown schematically. A rectangular frame overlapping the object OB1 schematically shows the range (one-dimensional) of the object OB1 detected by corresponding light emission and light reception.

In the example of FIG. ₁₂ , the scene SN1 conceptually shows the process of irradiating the falling object OB1 with light from the light emitting device LE and receiving light by the light receiving device PD at time t1. Data acquired in scene SN1 (time t ₁ ) corresponds to one-dimensional image PI1 of two-dimensional image EI. That is, the toilet seat device 2 acquires (detects) the one-dimensional image PI1 by light emission and light reception in scene SN1 (time t ₁ ).

Also, the data acquired at time t2 corresponds to the one-dimensional image PI2 of the _two -dimensional image EI. That is, the toilet seat device ₂ acquires (detects) the one-dimensional image PI2 by light emission and light reception at time t2. _The data at time _t2 is the data acquired after the data at time t1. Therefore, the toilet seat device 2 generates the two-dimensional image EI by arranging the one-dimensional image PI2 next to the one-dimensional image PI1.

Further, the scene SNi conceptually shows the process of irradiating the falling object OB1 with light from the light emitting device LE and receiving light by the light receiving device PD at time t _i . The data acquired in the scene SNi (time t _i ) correspond to the one-dimensional image PIi of the two-dimensional image EI. That is, the toilet seat device 2 acquires (detects) the one-dimensional image PIi by light emission and light reception in the scene SNi (time t _i ).

A scene _SNj conceptually shows the process of irradiating the falling object OB1 with light from the light emitting device LE and receiving light by the light receiving device PD at time tj. Data acquired at scene SNj (time t _j ) corresponds to one-dimensional image PIj of two-dimensional image EI. That is, the toilet seat device 2 obtains (detects) the one-dimensional image PIj by light emission and light reception at the scene SNj (time _tj ).

The toilet seat device 2 generates a two-dimensional image (stool information) by arranging the one-dimensional images side by side in the order of the time when the one-dimensional images (light receiving data) were acquired. 12, the toilet seat device 2 generates a two-dimensional image EI by arranging one-dimensional images PI1, PI2, . . . , PIi, .

In the above-described example, the case where light emission is of one wavelength has been described as an example. images) are arranged in chronological order to generate flight information (two-dimensional images). Regarding this point, a case in which three light-emitting elements that emit light of three different wavelengths emit light and receive light will be described as an example.

In this case, the toilet seat device 2 arranges light reception data (one-dimensional image) obtained by causing a light emitting element (also referred to as a “first light emitting element”) that emits light of a first wavelength to emit light, in chronological order. The placement produces a two-dimensional image corresponding to the first light emitting element. For example, the toilet seat device 2 arranges light reception data (one-dimensional image) obtained by emitting light of a first wavelength such as 590 nm in time series to obtain fecal information (first two-dimensional image) corresponding to the first wavelength. to generate

In addition, the toilet seat device 2 arranges light reception data (one-dimensional image) obtained by emitting light from a light emitting element that emits light of a second wavelength (also referred to as a “second light emitting element”) in chronological order. By doing so, a two-dimensional image corresponding to the second light emitting element is generated. For example, the toilet seat device 2 arranges the received light data (one-dimensional image) obtained by emitting light of a second wavelength such as 670 nm in chronological order to obtain fecal information (second two-dimensional image) corresponding to the second wavelength. to generate

In addition, the toilet seat device 2 arranges light reception data (one-dimensional image) obtained by emitting light from a light emitting element that emits light of a third wavelength (also referred to as a “third light emitting element”) in chronological order. By doing so, a two-dimensional image corresponding to the third light emitting element is generated. For example, the toilet seat device 2 arranges the received light data (one-dimensional image) obtained by emitting light of a third wavelength such as 870 nm in time series to obtain fecal information (third two-dimensional image) corresponding to the third wavelength. to generate

Thus, the toilet seat device 2 acquires a color image by generating a two-dimensional image for each of three wavelengths corresponding to each of the first light emitting element, the second light emitting element and the third light emitting element. be able to. For example, the toilet seat device 2 may generate a color image by synthesizing the above-described first two-dimensional image, second two-dimensional image, and third two-dimensional image. Alternatively, the light receiving element such as a line sensor of the light receiving section 130 may be a color light receiving element, the light emitting elements of a plurality of colors may be irradiated at the same time, and the color of the reflected light may be detected by the light receiving section to generate a color image. .

<2-3. Control flow example>
An example of a sensor-based control flow will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a timing chart showing a detection relationship. Note that description of the same points as in FIG. 7 will be omitted as appropriate.

A waveform LN11 in FIG. 13 indicates the result of detection of the user sitting on the toilet seat 5 by the seating detection sensor (seating sensor 301). A waveform LN12 in FIG. 13 indicates the detection result of the image captured by the optical unit 100. In FIG.

In the example of FIG. 13, as shown by waveform LN11, seating sensor 301 detects that the user is seated on toilet seat 5 at time t11. For example, at time t11, the detection result of the seating sensor 301 is changed from "OFF" indicating that no seating on the toilet seat 5 has been detected to "ON" indicating that seating on the toilet seat 5 has been detected. be.

Further, as indicated by the waveform LN11, the seating sensor 301 detects that the user leaves the toilet seat 5 at time t14. For example, at time t14, the detection result of the seating sensor 301 is changed from "ON" indicating that the person is seated on the toilet seat 5 to "OFF" indicating that the person is no longer being seated on the toilet seat 5. be done. That is, in the example of FIG. 13, the user leaves the toilet (for example, toilet room R) after time t14.

In the waveform LN12, detection based on the image (line data) captured by the optical unit 100 in two stages: "no stool" indicating that no stool has been detected and "with stool" indicating that stool has been detected. Show the results.

As shown by waveform LN12, at time t12, "no stool" indicating that no stool has been detected changes to "with stool" indicating that stool has been detected, and the user's defecation is detected. Thereby, the toilet seat device 2 determines that the first defecation was performed by the user at time t12.

Further, as indicated by waveform LN12, the state of "no stool" indicating that stool is not detected continues after time t13. As a result, the toilet seat device 2 determines that time t13 is the timing of the user's final defecation, and determines that the user has finished defecation at time t13. In the example of FIG. 13, the toilet seat device 2 determines that three bowel movements have been performed from time t12 to time t33. In this example, the number of times of defecation is three times in one defecation action, but the toilet seat device 2 determines the timing of the last defecation of the user and It is possible to determine whether it is performed once or multiple times.

The toilet seat device 2 acquires the time from when the user sits until the first flight comes out. The toilet seat device 2 acquires the time required for excretion from the difference between time t11 and time t12. That is, the toilet seat device 2 acquires the period TM1 from time t11 to time t12 as the time required for the user to excrete. Further, the toilet seat device 2 acquires a period TM2 from time t12 to time t13 as the time from the start to the end of excretion. The toilet seat device 2 also acquires a period TM3 from time t13 to time t14 as the time from the end of excretion until the user leaves the toilet.

<3. Display example>
An example of display of defecation data by the user terminal 200 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 25. FIG. 14 to 25 show display examples of defecation data for each type such as feces shape, color, amount, time, smell, and excretion interval (interval from the previous time). FIGS. 14 to 25 show bar graphs as an example of the display mode of the defecation data. The display format of the defecation data is not limited to bar graphs, but may be graphs in other formats such as line graphs, pie charts, radar charts, bubble charts showing the count number of each shape with the size of a circle, or character information. Alternatively, a display mode in which a plurality of these items are displayed may be used. Graphs GR11 to GR22 shown in FIGS. 14 to 25 are collectively referred to as “graph GR” when described without distinction.

In the display examples of FIGS. 14 to 25, the display on the user terminal 200 used by the user AAA is explained as an example, with the user AAA as the information provider ("you" in the drawings). Each graph GR is generated by the server device 400 and displayed by the user terminal 200 . For example, the server device 400 uses the user's bowel movements data stored in the bowel movements information database 421 to generate the graph GR11 shown in FIG. Then, the server device 400 transmits information (content) including the graph GR11 shown in FIG. The user terminal 200 receives information (content) including the graph GR11 shown in FIG. Then, the user terminal 200 displays information (content) including the graph GR11 shown in FIG.

<3-1. Display example of stool shape>
First, a display example of the shape (shape) of stool will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. FIG. 14 and 15 are diagrams showing an example of display regarding the shape of stool. Specifically, FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a display showing the proportion of each flight shape for all users. Also, FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a display showing the ratio of the shape of each flight for users corresponding to the user attribute to which the user to be displayed belongs.

First, with reference to FIG. 14, an example of processing for all users will be described. For example, the server device 400 acquires the shape of each user's stool from the bowel movement information database 421 . The server device 400 selects the shape of the most frequent stool among the stool data stored in the stool information database 421 for a certain user for a predetermined period (for example, the most recent one week or one month). , may be determined as the shape of the user's stool. For example, the server device 400 selects the most frequent defecation data of the defecation data stored in the defecation information database 421 for the user AAA for a predetermined period (for example, the most recent one week or one month). If the shape is tick-tack, the user AAA's stool shape is determined to be "tick-tack". The server device 400 determines the form of feces with the highest frequency among the defecation data of each individual for a predetermined period for all users whose defecation data is stored in the defecation information database 421, and aggregates the results for all users. . Then, the server device 400 divides the counted number of flight patterns of all users by the number of all users to calculate the ratio of users corresponding to each flight pattern.

Then, the server device 400 generates a graph GR11 shown in FIG. 14 using the calculated ratio of users corresponding to the form of each flight. The horizontal axis of the graph GR11 indicates the shape of stool, and the vertical axis indicates the ratio (%) of users. A plurality of bar graphs (bars) in the graph GR11 show the ratio of users corresponding to each flight type. A bar BR11 indicated by an arrow labeled "You" in the graph GR11 indicates the percentage of users of the flight type "Kachikachi" to which the user AAA, who is you, belongs. The server device 400 transmits the graph GR11 to the user terminal 200 used by the user AAA.

The user terminal 200 of the user AAA that has received the graph GR11 displays the graph GR11. This allows the user AAA to recognize the percentage of users in the form of stool. In addition, in the excretion information management system 1, an arrow pointing to the bar BR11 indicated as "you" indicates to the user AAA who is the information providing destination that he or she belongs to the user of the stool shape "tick" indicated by the bar BR11. can be recognized.

The information shown in the graph GR is not limited to the information shown in the graph GR11, and may include various information. For example, among a plurality of bar graphs (bars), a bar corresponding to a desirable mode (ideal) may be marked and displayed. In this case, the server device 400 stores, in the storage unit 420, information indicating the ideal for each type of stool, such as predetermined parameters based on the shape, color, amount, time, and smell of stool, and excretion intervals (intervals from the previous time). The stored ideal information is used to identify each type of ideal. For example, the server device 400 may attach a mark such as "ideal" to a banana shape, which is an ideal shape, among the plurality of bar graphs (bars) in the graph GR11. Then, the user terminal 200 may display a graph GR11 in which a bar (central bar) corresponding to an ideal banana shape is marked among the plurality of bar graphs (bars). This allows the user AAA to recognize what kind of stool shape is ideal. Alternatively, for example, the user may set a target mode in advance, and mark a bar corresponding to the target among a plurality of bar graphs (bars) for display. This allows the user AAA to be aware of their distribution across users, their goals, and their current behavior.

Next, with reference to FIG. 15, an example of processing in the case where only users corresponding to the user attribute "female in 50s" to which user AAA belongs (hereinafter also referred to as "attribute-applicable users") will be described. . For example, the server device 400 acquires the shape of the attribute corresponding user's stool from the bowel movement information database 421 . The server device 400 identifies, among the defecation data stored in the defecation information database 421, a user whose age corresponds to "50's" and whose sex corresponds to "female" as an attribute applicable user, and the identified attribute applicable user. Get the shape of the user's stool.

The server device 400 determines, for the user AAA, the type of stool with the highest frequency among the stool data stored in the stool information database 421 for a predetermined period (for example, the most recent one week or one month). If it is tick-tack, the stool shape of the user AAA is determined to be "tick-tack". The server device 400 determines the form of feces with the highest frequency among the defecation data of each individual for a predetermined period for the corresponding attribute user whose defecation data is stored in the defecation information database 421, and Aggregate about Then, the server device 400 divides the counted number of flight patterns of all applicable users by the number of all applicable users, thereby calculating the percentage of users corresponding to each flight pattern.

Then, the server device 400 generates a graph GR12 shown in FIG. 15 using the calculated ratio of users corresponding to the shape of each flight. The horizontal axis of the graph GR12 indicates the shape of stool, and the vertical axis indicates the ratio (%) of users. A plurality of bar graphs (bars) in graph GR12 show the percentage of users who fall under each flight type. Also, a bar BR12 indicated by an arrow labeled "You" in the graph GR12 indicates the ratio of users of the flight type "Kachi Kachi" to which the user AAA, who is you, belongs. The server device 400 transmits the graph GR12 to the user terminal 200 used by the user AAA.

The user terminal 200 of the user AAA that has received the graph GR12 displays the graph GR12. This allows the user AAA to recognize the percentage of users who have the same user attribute as the user AAA, and who use the stool form. In addition, in the excretion information management system 1, an arrow pointing to the bar BR12 indicated as "you" indicates to the user AAA who is the information providing destination that he or she belongs to the user of the stool shape "tick" indicated by the bar BR12. can be recognized.

<3-2. Display example of stool color>
Next, a display example of the color of stool will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. FIG. 16 and 17 are diagrams showing an example of display regarding the color of stool. Specifically, FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a display showing the color ratio of each flight for all users. Also, FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a display showing the ratio of colors of each flight for users corresponding to the user attribute to which the user to be displayed belongs. 14 and 15 described above will not be described.

First, with reference to FIG. 16, an example of processing for all users will be described. For example, the server device 400 acquires the color of each user's feces from the defecation information database 421 . The server device 400 selects the color of the most frequent stool among the stool data stored in the stool information database 421 for the user AAA for a predetermined period (for example, the most recent one week or one month). If it is dark brown, determine the color of user AAA's stool as "dark brown". Similarly, server device 400 determines the color of feces for each user whose defecation data is stored in defecation information database 421 .

Server device 400 generates graph GR13 shown in FIG. 16 using the ratio of users corresponding to the color of each flight. The horizontal axis of the graph GR13 indicates the color of feces, and the vertical axis indicates the ratio (%) of users. A plurality of bar graphs (bars) in graph GR13 show the ratio of users corresponding to each flight color. A bar BR13 indicated by an arrow labeled "You" in the graph GR13 indicates the ratio of users whose flight color is "dark brown" to which the user AAA, who is you, belongs. The server device 400 transmits the graph GR13 to the user terminal 200 used by the user AAA.

The user terminal 200 of the user AAA that has received the graph GR13 displays the graph GR13. This allows the user AAA to recognize the proportion of the user of the color of the stool. In addition, in the excretion information management system 1, an arrow pointing to the bar BR13 indicated as "you" indicates to the user AAA, who is the information provider, that he or she belongs to the user whose stool color is "dark brown" indicated by the bar BR13. can be recognized.

Next, with reference to FIG. 17, an example of processing when only users (attribute-appropriate users) corresponding to the user attribute "female in 50s" to which user AAA belongs will be described. For example, the server device 400 acquires the feces color of the attribute-applicable user from the defecation information database 421 . The server device 400 identifies, among the defecation data stored in the defecation information database 421, a user whose age corresponds to "50's" and whose sex corresponds to "female" as an attribute applicable user, and the identified attribute applicable user. Gets the user's stool color.

The server device 400 determines and tabulates the color of feces for the attribute-applicable user whose defecation data is stored in the defecation information database 421 . Then, the server device 400 divides the counted number of stool colors of all applicable users by the number of all applicable users to calculate the percentage of users corresponding to each stool color.

Then, server device 400 generates graph GR14 shown in FIG. 17 using the calculated percentage of users corresponding to the color of each flight. The horizontal axis of the graph GR14 indicates the color of feces, and the vertical axis indicates the ratio (%) of users. A plurality of bar graphs (bars) in graph GR14 show the ratio of users corresponding to each flight color. A bar BR14 indicated by an arrow labeled "you" in the graph GR14 indicates the ratio of users whose stool color "dark brown" belongs to the user AAA who is you. The server device 400 transmits the graph GR14 to the user terminal 200 used by the user AAA.

The user terminal 200 of the user AAA that has received the graph GR14 displays the graph GR14. This allows the user AAA to recognize the percentage of users of the color of stool among users who have the same user attributes as the user AAA. In addition, in the excretion information management system 1, an arrow pointing to the bar BR14 indicated as "you" indicates to the user AAA who is the information provider that he or she belongs to the user whose stool color is "dark brown" indicated by the bar BR14. can be recognized.

<3-3. Display example of stool volume>
Next, a display example of the amount of stool will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19. FIG. 18 and 19 are diagrams showing an example of display regarding the amount of stool. Specifically, FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a display showing the ratio of the amount of each flight for all users. Also, FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a display showing the ratio of the volume of each flight for users who correspond to the user attribute to which the user to be displayed belongs. 14 to 17 described above will not be described.

First, with reference to FIG. 18, an example of processing for all users will be described. For example, the server device 400 acquires the amount of feces of each user from the defecation information database 421 . The server device 400 calculates the average amount of feces per day in the defecation data stored in the defecation information database 421 for the user AAA for a predetermined period (for example, the most recent one week or one month). If the value is small, then determine the stool volume for user AAA to be "small". Similarly, the server device 400 determines the amount of feces for each user whose defecation data is stored in the feces information database 421 .

Server device 400 generates graph GR15 shown in FIG. 18 using the ratio of users corresponding to the volume of each flight. The horizontal axis of graph GR15 indicates the amount of stool, and the vertical axis indicates the ratio (%) of users. A plurality of bar graphs (bars) in graph GR15 show the percentage of users corresponding to the volume of each flight. A bar BR15 indicated by an arrow labeled "You" in the graph GR15 indicates the proportion of users with a "small" flight volume to which the user AAA, who is you, belongs. The server device 400 transmits the graph GR15 to the user terminal 200 used by the user AAA.

The user terminal 200 of the user AAA that has received the graph GR15 displays the graph GR15. This allows the user AAA to recognize the ratio of the user to the amount of stool. In addition, in the excretion information management system 1, an arrow indicating "you" pointing to the bar BR15 indicates to the user AAA, who is the information provider, that he or she belongs to the user whose fecal volume is "small" indicated by the bar BR15. can be recognized.

Next, with reference to FIG. 19, an example of processing when only users (attribute-appropriate users) corresponding to the user attribute "female in 50s" to which user AAA belongs will be described. For example, the server device 400 acquires the amount of feces of the attribute-applicable user from the defecation information database 421 . The server device 400 identifies, among the defecation data stored in the defecation information database 421, a user whose age corresponds to "50's" and whose sex corresponds to "female" as an attribute applicable user, and the identified attribute applicable user. Get the amount of user's stool.

The server device 400 determines and tallies the amount of stool for the attribute-applicable user whose stool data is stored in the stool information database 421 . Then, the server device 400 divides the total number of flights of all applicable users by the number of all applicable users to calculate the proportion of users corresponding to each flight quantity.

Then, server device 400 generates graph GR16 shown in FIG. 19 using the ratio of users corresponding to the calculated amount of each flight. The horizontal axis of graph GR16 indicates the amount of stool, and the vertical axis indicates the ratio (%) of users. A plurality of bar graphs (bars) in graph GR16 show the percentage of users corresponding to the volume of each flight. Also, a bar BR16 indicated by an arrow labeled "You" in the graph GR16 indicates the proportion of users with a "low" volume of flights to which the user AAA, who is you, belongs. The server device 400 transmits the graph GR16 to the user terminal 200 used by the user AAA.

The user terminal 200 of the user AAA that has received the graph GR16 displays the graph GR16. Thereby, the user AAA can recognize the ratio of the users of the stool volume with respect to the users who have the same user attributes as the user AAA. In addition, in the excretion information management system 1, an arrow indicating "you" pointing to the bar BR16 indicates to the user AAA, who is the information provider, that he or she belongs to the user whose fecal volume is "small" indicated by the bar BR16. can be recognized.

<3-4. Display example of excretion time>
Next, a display example of the time required for excretion (also referred to as “excretion time”) will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21. FIG. FIG.20 and FIG.21 is a figure which shows an example of the display regarding the time required for excretion. Specifically, FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a display showing ratios of time required for each excretion for all users. Moreover, FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a display showing the ratio of the time required for each excretion for users corresponding to the user attribute to which the user to be displayed belongs. In FIGS. 20 and 21, server device 400 aggregates the excretion time based on time ranges separated by a predetermined length (eg, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, etc.), but the time range can be set arbitrarily (eg, 1 second intervals, five second intervals, etc.) are possible. 14 to 19 described above will not be described.

First, with reference to FIG. 20, an example of processing for all users will be described. For example, the server device 400 acquires each user's excretion time from the excretion information database 421 . The server device 400 determines that the average value of the excretion time in the excretion data stored in the excretion information database 421 for the user AAA during a predetermined period (for example, the most recent one week or one month) is in the range of 40 seconds. , the excretion time of the user AAA is determined to be "40 seconds". Similarly, server device 400 determines the excretion time for each user whose excretion data is stored in excretion information database 421 .

Server device 400 generates graph GR17 shown in FIG. 20 using the ratio of users corresponding to each excretion time. The horizontal axis of the graph GR17 indicates excretion time, and the vertical axis indicates the ratio (%) of users. A plurality of bar graphs (bars) in graph GR17 show the percentage of users corresponding to each excretion time. A bar BR17 indicated by an arrow indicating "you" in the graph GR17 indicates the ratio of users whose excretion time is "40 seconds" to which user AAA, who is you, belongs. The server device 400 transmits the graph GR17 to the user terminal 200 used by the user AAA.

The user terminal 200 of the user AAA that has received the graph GR17 displays the graph GR17. This allows the user AAA to recognize the user's proportion of excretion time. In addition, in the excretion information management system 1, an arrow indicated as "you" pointing to the bar BR17 informs the user AAA, who is the information provider, that he or she belongs to the user whose excretion time is "40 seconds" indicated by the bar BR17. can be recognized.

Next, with reference to FIG. 21, an example of processing when only users (attribute-appropriate users) corresponding to the user attribute "female in 50s" to which user AAA belongs will be described. For example, the server device 400 acquires the attribute corresponding user's excretion time from the excretion information database 421 . The server device 400 identifies, among the defecation data stored in the defecation information database 421, a user whose age corresponds to "50's" and whose sex corresponds to "female" as an attribute applicable user, and the identified attribute applicable user. Acquire the excretion time of the user.

The server device 400 determines and tallies the excretion time for the attribute-applicable user whose excretion data is stored in the excretion information database 421 . Then, the server device 400 calculates the percentage of users corresponding to each excretion time by dividing the total number of excretion times of all applicable users by the number of all applicable users.

Then, server device 400 generates graph GR18 shown in FIG. 21 using the calculated ratio of users corresponding to each excretion time. The horizontal axis of the graph GR18 indicates excretion time, and the vertical axis indicates the ratio (%) of users. A plurality of bar graphs (bars) in graph GR18 show the percentage of users corresponding to each excretion time. A bar BR18 indicated by an arrow labeled "you" in the graph GR18 indicates the ratio of users whose excretion time is "40 seconds" to which user AAA, who is you, belongs. The server device 400 transmits the graph GR18 to the user terminal 200 used by the user AAA.

The user terminal 200 of the user AAA that has received the graph GR18 displays the graph GR18. This allows the user AAA to recognize the percentage of users who have the same user attribute as the user AAA and who use excretion time. In addition, in the excretion information management system 1, an arrow pointing to the bar BR18 indicating "you" indicates to the user AAA who is the information providing destination that he or she belongs to the user whose excretion time is "40 seconds" indicated by the bar BR18. can be recognized.

<3-5. Display example of stool odor>
Next, a display example of fecal odor will be described with reference to FIGS. 22 and 23. FIG. 22 and 23 are diagrams showing an example of a display relating to the odor of feces. Specifically, FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a display showing the ratio of odors in each flight for all users. Also, FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a display showing the ratio of odors of each flight for users corresponding to the user attribute to which the user to be displayed belongs. 14 to 21 described above will not be described.

First, with reference to FIG. 22, an example of processing for all users will be described. For example, the server device 400 acquires the feces odor of each user from the defecation information database 421 . The server device 400 selects the most frequent feces odor among the defecation data stored in the defecation information database 421 for the user AAA during a predetermined period (for example, the most recent one week or one month). If not, determine the odor of user AAA's stool as "not smelly". Server device 400 similarly determines the odor of feces for each user whose defecation data is stored in feces information database 421 .

Server device 400 generates graph GR19 shown in FIG. 22 using the ratio of users corresponding to the smell of each flight. The horizontal axis of the graph GR19 indicates fecal odor, and the vertical axis indicates the ratio (%) of users. A plurality of bar graphs (bars) in graph GR19 show the ratio of users corresponding to each flight smell. A bar BR19 indicated by an arrow labeled "You" in the graph GR19 indicates the ratio of users to whom the stool odor to which user AAA belongs is "no smell". The server device 400 transmits the graph GR19 to the user terminal 200 used by the user AAA.

The user terminal 200 of the user AAA that has received the graph GR19 displays the graph GR19. This allows the user AAA to recognize the ratio of the user to the stool odor. In addition, in the excretion information management system 1, an arrow pointing to the bar BR19 indicated as "you" indicates to the user AAA, who is the information provider, that the user himself/herself belongs to the user whose faecal odor indicated by the bar BR19 is "not stinky". can be recognized.

Next, with reference to FIG. 23, an example of processing when only users (attribute-appropriate users) corresponding to the user attribute "female in 50s" to which user AAA belongs will be described. For example, the server device 400 acquires the fecal odor of the attribute-applicable user from the defecation information database 421 . The server device 400 identifies, among the defecation data stored in the defecation information database 421, a user whose age corresponds to "50's" and whose sex corresponds to "female" as an attribute applicable user, and the identified attribute applicable user. Acquire the odor of the user's stool.

The server device 400 determines and aggregates fecal odors for attribute-applicable users whose defecation data are stored in the feces information database 421 . Then, the server device 400 divides the counted number of flight odors of all applicable users by the number of all applicable users to calculate the ratio of users corresponding to each flight odor.

Then, server device 400 generates graph GR20 shown in FIG. 23 using the calculated ratio of users corresponding to the smell of each flight. The horizontal axis of the graph GR20 indicates fecal odor, and the vertical axis indicates the ratio (%) of users. A plurality of bar graphs (bars) in graph GR20 indicate the ratio of users corresponding to each flight smell. Also, the bar BR20 indicated by the arrow labeled "You" in the graph GR20 indicates the percentage of users who feel that the stool odor to which user AAA belongs is "no smell". Server device 400 transmits graph GR20 to user terminal 200 used by user AAA.

The user terminal 200 of the user AAA that has received the graph GR20 displays the graph GR20. This allows the user AAA to recognize the percentage of users who have the same user attribute as the user AAA and who are stool odor users. In addition, in the excretion information management system 1, an arrow pointing to the bar BR20 indicated as "you" indicates to the user AAA who is the information providing destination that the user himself/herself belongs to the user whose faecal odor "does not smell" indicated by the bar BR20. can be recognized.

<3-6. Display example of excretion intervals>
Next, a display example of an excretion interval (an interval from the previous time) will be described with reference to FIGS. 24 and 25. FIG. FIG.24 and FIG.25 is a figure which shows an example of the display regarding an excretion interval. Specifically, FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a display showing the ratio of each excretion interval for all users. Moreover, FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of a display showing the ratio of each excretion interval for users corresponding to the user attribute to which the user to be displayed belongs. In FIGS. 24 and 25, the server device 400 aggregates excretion intervals based on time ranges separated by predetermined intervals (for example, 3 or more times a day, 2 times a day, etc.), but the intervals can be set arbitrarily. (eg, every 12 hours, once every 1.5 days, etc.). 14 to 23 described above will not be described.

First, with reference to FIG. 24, an example of processing for all users will be described. For example, the server device 400 acquires the excretion interval of each user from the excretion information database 421 . For user AAA, the server device 400 provides a trimmed average (eg, top 5% and the average after excluding the lower 5%) is greater than 24 hours and less than or equal to 48 hours, the excretion interval of the user AAA is determined to be "every 2 days." Similarly, server device 400 determines an excretion interval for each user whose excretion data is stored in excretion information database 421 .

Server device 400 generates graph GR21 shown in FIG. 24 using the ratio of users corresponding to each excretion interval. The horizontal axis of the graph GR21 indicates the excretion interval, and the vertical axis indicates the ratio (%) of users. A plurality of bar graphs (bars) in graph GR21 show the percentage of users who fall into each excretion interval. A bar BR21 indicated by an arrow indicating "you" in the graph GR21 indicates the ratio of users whose excretion interval is "every two days" to which the user AAA, who is you, belongs. The server device 400 transmits the graph GR21 to the user terminal 200 used by the user AAA.

The user terminal 200 of the user AAA that has received the graph GR21 displays the graph GR21. This allows the user AAA to recognize the user's proportion of the excretion interval. In addition, in the excretion information management system 1, an arrow indicating "you" pointing to the bar BR21 indicates to the user AAA who is the information providing destination that he/she belongs to the user whose excretion interval is "every two days" indicated by the bar BR21. can be recognized.

Next, with reference to FIG. 25, an example of processing when only users (attribute-appropriate users) corresponding to the user attribute "female in 50s" to which user AAA belongs will be described. For example, the server device 400 acquires the excretion intervals of the attribute-applicable user from the excretion information database 421 . The server device 400 identifies, among the defecation data stored in the defecation information database 421, a user whose age corresponds to "50's" and whose sex corresponds to "female" as an attribute applicable user, and the identified attribute applicable user. Get the user's excretion interval.

The server device 400 determines and tabulates excretion intervals for attribute-applicable users whose excrement data is stored in the excretion information database 421 . Then, the server device 400 calculates the percentage of users corresponding to each excretion interval by dividing the counted number of excretion intervals of all applicable users by the number of all attribute applicable users.

Then, server device 400 generates graph GR22 shown in FIG. 25 using the calculated ratio of users corresponding to each excretion interval. The horizontal axis of the graph GR22 indicates the excretion interval, and the vertical axis indicates the ratio (%) of users. A plurality of bar graphs (bars) in graph GR22 show the proportion of users who fall within each excretion interval. A bar BR22 indicated by an arrow indicating "you" in the graph GR22 indicates the ratio of users whose excretion interval is "every two days" to which the user AAA, who is you, belongs. The server device 400 transmits the graph GR22 to the user terminal 200 used by the user AAA.

The user terminal 200 of the user AAA that has received the graph GR22 displays the graph GR22. This allows the user AAA to recognize the percentage of users having excretion intervals among users having the same user attributes as the user AAA. In addition, in the excretion information management system 1, an arrow indicating "you" pointing to the bar BR22 indicates to the user AAA that the information is provided that the user belongs to the user whose excretion interval is "every two days" indicated by the bar BR22. can be recognized.

It should be noted that the above-described embodiments and modifications can be appropriately combined within a range that does not contradict the processing content.

A user's attribute may be a residential area or weight. For example, if the living area is greatly different, the food culture will be different, so the properties of the stool will also be different. Therefore, the defecation data may be displayed for each residential area. For example, very different weights eat differently. In addition, since the intestinal microflora differ between obese and lean individuals, their stool properties also differ. Therefore, defecation data may be displayed for each body weight.

The attribute information of the user may be registered together as the user information when the user ID, which is the user identification information, is registered in the defecation information database 421 .

Although the predetermined period for aggregating the defecation data stored in the defecation information database 421 is one week, one month, or the like immediately preceding the measurement date and time, it is not limited to this, and may be one defecation, one day, or one year. good. In addition, it is also possible for the user to change the display period by operating the user terminal 200 to switch the predetermined period for counting.

The range of users to be aggregated in the excretion information database 421 is not limited, and all users of the excretion information management system may be targeted, or a range may be set. For example, it may be a database for employees of one company. In this case, the user himself/herself can know his own standing position among the employees in one company. Alternatively, for example, the database may target users in a specific residential area.

In each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, an example of automatically inputting defecation data was described, but the user may manually input all defecation records. In this case, after the user has excreted, the user can visually or olfactoryly confirm the stool, and operate the user terminal 200 himself/herself to input the defecation data.

Further effects and modifications can be easily derived by those skilled in the art. Therefore, the broader aspects of the invention are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments so shown and described. Accordingly, various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

R Toilet room 1 Excretion information management system 2 Toilet seat device 21 Communication unit 22 Storage unit 23 Control unit 231 Acquisition unit 232 Clock unit 233 Request unit 3 Main unit 30 Main unit cover 31 Opening 4 Toilet lid 5 Toilet seat 6 Cleaning nozzle 60 Nozzle lid 7 Western-style toilet (toilet bowl)
71 Solenoid valve 8 Bowl portion 9 Rim portion 10 Operation device 11 Display screen 200 User terminal 301 Seat sensor 302 Camera 350 Gas sensor unit 351 Fan 352 Odor sensor 400 Server device 410 Communication unit 420 Storage unit 421 Defecation information database 430 Control unit 431 Receiving unit 432 registration unit 433 provision unit

Claims (5)

An excretion information management system that collects and manages information about human excretion,
As personal defecation data, at least one of defecation time, stool shape, stool color, stool amount, time required for defecation, predetermined parameters based on odor during defecation, and time interval between defecation acts is stored. a storage unit for
a display unit for displaying defecation data; and
The individual defecation data stored in the storage unit is collected for a plurality of persons, and the display unit compares the defecation data of the plurality of persons with the individual defecation data and the defecation data of the plurality of persons with the individual defecation data. An excretion information management system characterized by displaying at least two or more of the information shown in the form together. Regarding the information shown by comparing the defecation data of the plurality of persons and the individual defecation data, the individual defecation data is linked to the individual attribute information and stored in the storage unit, and the collected data is stored for each attribute. 2. The excretion information management system according to claim 1, wherein the data is displayed on the display unit in a form in which the defecation data of a plurality of persons matching the attributes of the individual is compared with the defecation data of the individual. 3. The excretion information management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the information obtained by processing individual defecation data for a predetermined period into representative values is displayed on the display unit in a manner for comparison. 4. The excretion information management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein individual defecation data is stored in said storage unit in an anonymized state. a detection unit that detects at least one of the time of defecation, the shape of the stool, the color of the stool, the amount of stool, the time required for excretion, the predetermined parameter based on the smell at the time of excretion, and the time interval between excretion actions;
has
The excretion information management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the defecation data detected by the detection unit is automatically stored in the storage unit.

Images