JP2023117524A - Toilet seat device and toilet bowl device - Google Patents

Abstract

To determine adhesion of soil to a window part appropriately.SOLUTION: A toilet seat device is a toilet seat device placed on a toilet bowl where a bowl part for receiving excrement is formed, and includes: a toilet seat on which a user sits; a light emitting part having a light emitting element for radiating light; a light receiving part having a light receiving element for receiving light; a transparent window part provided in front of at least one of the light emitting element and the light receiving element; a control part for controlling electrification to the light emitting element and application of a voltage to the light receiving element; and a lid part provided in front of the window part, which is freely opened or closed, the opening and closing being controlled by the control part. The toilet seat device radiates light from the light emitting part in a state that the lid part is closed, and executes determination processing for determining presence or absence of adhesion of soil to the window part according to whether output of the light receiving part satisfies a condition for soil detection.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

The disclosed embodiments relate to toilet seat devices and toilet bowl devices.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, techniques for analyzing excrement such as stool excreted in a toilet bowl (hereinafter also simply referred to as “stool”) are known. For example, there is known a judgment device for judging judgment items related to excretion (see, for example, Patent Literature 1). For example, the determination device in the prior art includes an image information acquisition unit that acquires image information of a target image that captures the internal space of a toilet bowl during excretion, and a learned model that inputs image information to the target image. An estimating unit that performs estimation, and a determination unit that determines a determination item for the target image based on the estimation result of the estimating unit. Feces excreted into the toilet bowl are detected by such a determination device, and a determination regarding the feces is made.

JP 2020-187089 A

However, the prior art described above has room for improvement. For example, in the conventional technology described above, it is determined whether or not dirt caused by the imaging environment is captured. It is difficult to determine whether it is For example, if it can be determined that dirt is attached to the window, it is possible to prevent erroneous identification due to dirt attached to the sensor side, and to notify the user of the cleaning timing. Therefore, it is desired to appropriately determine whether or not dirt adheres to the window.

An object of the disclosed embodiments is to provide a toilet seat device and a toilet bowl device that can appropriately determine the adhesion of dirt to the window.

A toilet seat device according to one aspect of an embodiment is a toilet seat device placed on top of a toilet having a bowl portion for receiving excrement. a light-receiving part having a light-receiving element for receiving light, a transparent window provided in front of at least one of the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element, and energizing the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element and an openable/closable cover provided in front of the window and whose opening and closing is controlled by the control. Light is emitted from the light emitting unit, and determination processing for determining whether or not dirt adheres to the window is executed according to whether or not the output of the light receiving unit satisfies dirt detection conditions. .

According to the toilet seat device according to one aspect of the embodiment, when the cover provided in front of at least one of the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element and provided in front of the transparent window is closed, the light is emitted from the light-emitting section. is emitted, and determination processing is performed to determine whether or not dirt adheres to the window according to whether or not the output of the light receiving section satisfies the conditions for dirt detection. The window portion includes a transparent plate portion as a transparent window, a lens included in the light emitting portion, a lens included in the light receiving portion, and the like. For example, the toilet seat device executes the determination process in a state in which the lid provided in front of the transparent plate portion, which is a transparent window, is closed. Further, for example, the toilet seat device executes the determination process in a state in which the lid provided in front of the lens corresponding to the light emitting element is closed. Also, for example, the toilet seat device executes the determination process in a state in which the lid provided in front of the lens corresponding to the light receiving element is closed. As a result, the toilet seat device can appropriately determine whether dirt has adhered to the window.

For example, if the window is dirty, it affects the ability to distinguish the shape and color of stool. For example, when there is no object to be measured such as feces or urine, there is a large difference in the output of the light-receiving unit depending on whether the window or lens is dirty. Therefore, for example, the toilet seat device compares the change in the output of the light-receiving unit with a reference value, and if there is a change greater than a certain value, it determines that the window, lens, or the like is dirty. For example, the toilet seat device judges from the output change in the state where the opening/closing window is closed, which is the most stable state of the output of the light-receiving unit. In this manner, the toilet seat device can prevent erroneous identification by determining whether or not the window is dirty, and can prompt the user to clean by notifying the user. In addition, when the lid is closed, the light emitted from the light emitting unit is reflected only by the window or the lid, and has little effect on light reception. can be determined accurately.

In the toilet seat device according to one aspect of the embodiment, the determination process is not executed while the user is seated on the toilet seat.

According to the toilet seat device according to one aspect of the embodiment, by not executing the determination process while the user is seated, the determination process is not performed at the timing at which the user's excretion can be detected, and the determination process related to excretion detection is not performed. Give priority to processing. In this way, the toilet seat device does not execute the judgment process while the user is using it, so the user can concentrate on feces detection control. Therefore, the toilet seat device can appropriately determine whether dirt adheres to the window.

In the toilet seat device according to an aspect of the embodiment, at least a surface of the lid facing the window has a reflectance of less than half.

According to the toilet seat device according to one aspect of the embodiment, by setting the reflectance of the surface of the lid facing the window to less than half, i.e., less than 50%, light is reflected from the lid as little as possible. Therefore, it becomes easier to distinguish the reflection due to dirt on the window. Thereby, the toilet seat device can improve the accuracy of the determination process. Therefore, the toilet seat device can appropriately determine whether dirt adheres to the window.

A toilet device according to one aspect of an embodiment is a toilet device in which a toilet seat is placed on top of a toilet having a bowl portion for receiving excrement, the toilet seat on which a user sits, and a light emitting device. a light-receiving part having a light-receiving element for receiving light; a transparent window provided in front of at least one of the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element; a controller for controlling application of a voltage to the light receiving element; and a cover provided in front of the window and capable of being opened and closed and controlled to open and close by the controller, wherein the cover is closed. In this state, light is emitted from the light emitting unit, and determination processing is performed to determine whether or not dirt is attached to the window according to whether or not the output of the light receiving unit satisfies dirt detection conditions.

According to the toilet bowl device according to one aspect of the embodiment, the light is emitted from the light emitting unit in a state in which the lid provided in front of at least one of the light emitting element and the light receiving element and in front of the transparent window is closed. is emitted, and determination processing is performed to determine whether or not dirt adheres to the window according to whether or not the output of the light receiving section satisfies the conditions for dirt detection. The window portion includes a transparent plate portion as a transparent window, a lens included in the light emitting portion, a lens included in the light receiving portion, and the like. For example, the toilet device executes the determination process in a state in which the lid provided in front of the transparent plate portion, which is a transparent window, is closed. Also, for example, the toilet device executes the determination process in a state in which the lid provided in front of the lens corresponding to the light emitting element is closed. Further, for example, the toilet bowl device executes the determination process in a state where the lid provided in front of the lens corresponding to the light receiving element is closed. As a result, the toilet device can appropriately determine whether the window is dirty.

According to one aspect of the embodiment, it is possible to appropriately determine whether dirt adheres to the window.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the toilet system according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an information processing system according to the embodiment; FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the toilet seat device 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 diagram showing an example of the configuration of the sensor unit. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the actions of the user and the device. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the flow of processing in the measurement processing. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a time chart in the measurement process. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data acquisition method. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a data analysis method. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the essential parts of the toilet seat device. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing essential parts of the sensor unit. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between the lid portion and the sensor unit. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the relationship between the lid portion and the sensor unit. FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the relationship between light emission and light reception. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of output according to the presence or absence of contamination.

Hereinafter, embodiments of a toilet seat device and a toilet bowl device disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by embodiment shown below. In the following, processing related to collection of feces information by the user of the toilet room and the configuration for performing the processing will be described.

<1. Configuration of information processing system>
A configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the toilet system according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an information processing system according to the embodiment;

First, an example of the configuration of the toilet room R in the information processing system 1 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 part 8 has a shape recessed downward, and is a part (toilet bowl) 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 . The flushing operation unit is not limited to the operation lever or the like that allows the user to manually flush the toilet bowl. good.

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 . That is, for example, the toilet seat device 2 and the toilet bowl 7 may be an integrated toilet bowl device. In this case, the toilet system TS includes a toilet device in which the toilet seat device 2 and the toilet bowl 7 are integrated. Note that the configuration of the toilet system TS described above is merely an example, and any configuration can be employed as long as desired processing can be performed.

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 34 (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 .

From now on, the device configuration of the information processing system 1 and the function of each device will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing system 1 has a toilet system TS including a toilet seat device 2 and an operation device 10, a user terminal 200, and a server device 400. As shown in FIG. The information processing system 1 may include a plurality of toilet systems TS, a plurality of user terminals 200 and server devices 400 . In the information processing system 1 , the toilet seat device 2 performs various types of processing such as analysis of fecal properties, and the server device 400 stores information about the analysis results of the toilet seat device 2 .

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 the operating device 10, the user terminal 200, and the like. Note that the toilet seat device 2 may be capable of communicating with 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.

The toilet seat device 2 also transmits excretion information regarding the detected excretion to the user terminal 200 . For example, the toilet seat device 2 executes various processes such as analysis of the properties of stool, and transmits excretion information based on the analysis results to the user terminal 200 . The user terminal 200 transmits excretion information and user identification information for specifying a user (user) who uses the user terminal 200 to the server device 400 . Server device 400 stores the received information as history information. The server device 400 may associate the received excretion information with the received user identification information and register them in the storage unit.

The operation device 10 is a computer (remote controller) that receives user's operations related to control of the toilet seat device 2 . 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. For example, the operation device 10 may function as a display terminal (display) that displays various information provided from the toilet seat device 2 .

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

The user terminal 200 is a terminal device (computer) used by a 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 by a predetermined wireless communication function such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Note that the user terminal 200 may be connected to the toilet seat device 2 via the network N so as to be communicable by wire or wirelessly.

The user terminal 200 transmits and receives information to and from the toilet seat device 2 and the server device 400 . The user terminal 200 receives excretion information regarding excretion from the toilet seat device 2 . The user terminal 200 transmits excretion information acquired from the toilet seat device 2 to the server device 400 . For example, the user terminal 200 associates the excretion information acquired from the toilet seat device 2 with the user identification information of the user who uses the user terminal 200 and transmits the information to the server device 400 .

Also, the user terminal 200 requests information from the server device 400 and displays the information acquired from the server device 400 . 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.

The user terminal 200 has a display (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 functions as a display terminal (display) that displays various information provided from the toilet seat device 2 . The user terminal 200 receives information indicating the defecation data from the toilet seat device 2 or the server device 400, 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.

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

The server device 400 stores the information received from the user terminal 200 in the storage unit. The server device 400 associates the excretion information and the user identification information acquired from the user terminal 200 and stores them in the storage unit.

The server device 400 is not limited to the cloud (server), and may be any device. That is, the device configuration and arrangement of the server device 400 can adopt any form as long as the desired processing can be realized. For example, the server device 400 may be a portable terminal (device) such as a notebook computer that can be carried by an administrator of the information processing system 1 or the like. Also, the server device 400 may be arranged in the toilet room R. FIG. Note that the information processing system 1 may not have the server device 400 . In this case, the information processing system 1 may not include the server device 400 and the toilet seat device 2 or the user terminal 200 may have the functions of the server device 400 .

It should be noted that the above is merely an example, and the information processing system 1 can employ any device configuration as long as desired processing can be achieved. For example, the operating device 10 may function as a display unit that displays defecation data. Further, both the operation device 10 and the user terminal 200 may be included in the information processing system 1 as devices that function as display units.

The information processing system 1 detects various properties such as the shape, size, quality, and color of the user's stool by various configurations and processes described later. The information processing system 1 is, for example, a toilet system capable of acquiring feces information by detecting the defecation of a user by an optical method using optical means. Note that the configuration using optical means is an example, and the information processing system 1 may acquire fecal information by various means other than the optical means as long as desired information can be acquired.

<2. Configuration of toilet seat device>
Next, the configuration of the toilet seat device 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the toilet seat device according to the embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the toilet seat device 2 as seen from the front. 3, illustration of the toilet lid 4 and the lid portion 103 is omitted.

3 shows a state in which the cleaning nozzle 6 (see FIG. 1) is in a position (also referred to as a "storage position") in which it is housed inside the main body cover 30. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, illustration of a nozzle lid that hides the cleaning nozzle 6 when the cleaning nozzle 6 is housed in the main body cover 30 is omitted. As shown in FIG. 3 , 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. 3). transitions to the advance state.

A sensor head 110 (see FIG. 5) having a light emitting portion 120 and a light receiving portion 130 is optically exposed through the opening 31 of the body cover 30 . For example, the light emitting unit 120 can emit light from the opening 31 toward the excrement in the toilet 7 , and the light receiving unit 130 can receive reflected light from the excrement in the toilet 7 .

The opening 31 of the body cover 30 is provided with a lid portion 103 (see FIG. 5) that can be freely opened and closed. ), and the light-emitting portion 120 and the light-receiving portion 130 of the sensor unit 100 are optically exposed from the opening 31 . When the sensor unit 100 does not emit light or receive light, the lid portion 103 is closed (hereinafter also referred to as “closed state”), and the opening 31 is covered with the lid portion 103 . 103 is located. The term "closed state" as used herein refers to a state in which the front side of the sensor head 110 is covered by the lid portion 103, and includes a configuration in which portions other than the front surface of the sensor head 110 are open.

For example, the lid portion 103 can be positioned in front of the sensor head 110 having the light emitting portion 120 and the light receiving portion 130 and functions as a lid. The lid portion 103 can be positioned on the side (front) facing the light emitting surface of the light emitting portion 120 of the sensor head 110 . The lid portion 103 can be positioned on the side (front) facing the light receiving surface of the light receiving portion 130 of the sensor head 110 . For example, when the lid portion 103 is open, the lid portion 103 is not positioned in front of the sensor head 110 . As a result, the sensor head 110 is exposed when the lid 103 is open. When the lid portion 103 is open, the light emitting portion 120 of the sensor head 110 can emit light toward the excrement in the toilet bowl 7 , and the light receiving portion 130 of the sensor head 110 emits light from the excrement in the toilet bowl 7 . of reflected light can be received. As described above, the cover 103 covers the front of the sensor head 110 by being positioned in front of the sensor head 110 in the closed state, and covers the sensor head 110 in the open state by not being positioned in front of the sensor head 110 . Open the front.

The lid portion 103 is provided in front of the sensor head 110 and can be opened and closed. The lid portion 103 can be switched between an open state and a closed state by a lid opening/closing mechanism 102 . For example, the cover part 103 is in a closed state and positioned in front of the sensor head 110 except during measurement. Also, the lid portion 103 is in an open state during measurement and moves from the front of the sensor head 110 to another location. As a result, the cover 103 can suppress deterioration in the detection accuracy of the light receiving unit 130 of the sensor head 110 due to contamination. Lid portion 103 is preferably made of a material that is not transparent in order to reduce the possibility that sensor unit 100 is visible and to have a configuration that takes user privacy into consideration. For example, the lid portion 103 may be formed in a non-transparent state by coloring. A non-transparent material (paint) may be applied to the surface of the lid 103 .

As shown in FIG. 3 , the toilet seat device 2 has a configuration in which a sensor unit 100 is arranged adjacent to the cleaning nozzle 6 . The sensor unit 100 is not limited to the position adjacent to the cleaning nozzle 6, and may be placed at any position as long as desired detection is possible. may be

<3. 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 human body detection sensor 32, a seating detection sensor 33, a controller 34, an electromagnetic valve 71, a nozzle motor 61, a washing nozzle 6, and a sensor unit 100. . 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.

For example, the human body detection sensor 32 , the seating detection sensor 33 and the control section 34 are provided in the body section 3 of the toilet seat device 2 . Although illustration is omitted, the toilet seat device 2 has a communication unit that communicates with the user terminal 200 and the operation device 10 . For example, the communication unit is realized by a communication circuit or the like. For example, the communication unit is connected to a predetermined network by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from information processing devices such as the user terminal 200 and the operation device 10 . Note that the communication unit may be included in the sensor unit 100 .

The human body detection sensor 32 has a function of detecting a human body. For example, the human body detection sensor 32 is realized by a pyroelectric sensor or the like using an infrared signal. For example, the human body detection sensor 32 may be realized by a μ (micro) wave sensor or the like. In addition, the above is an example, and the human body detection sensor 32 may detect a human body by various means without being limited to the above. For example, the human body detection sensor 32 detects a person (such as a user) who has entered the toilet room R (see FIG. 1). The human body detection sensor 32 outputs a detection signal to the controller 34 . Note that the toilet seat device 2 may not have the human body detection sensor 32 .

The seating detection sensor 33 has a function of detecting a person sitting on the toilet seat device 2 . A seating detection sensor 33 detects that the user has sat down on the toilet seat 5 . The seating detection sensor 33 can detect that the user is seated on the toilet seat 5 . The seat detection sensor 33 also functions as a seat separation detection sensor that detects that the user leaves the toilet seat 5 . A seating detection sensor 33 detects the seating state of the user on the toilet seat 5 .

For example, the seating detection sensor 33 detects that the user is seated on the toilet seat 5 using a load sensor. The seating detection sensor 33 is, for example, a switch (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “seat sw”) that switches between ON and OFF depending on the load of the user sitting on the toilet seat 5 . In addition, for example, the seating detection sensor 33 is an infrared light emitting/receiving type distance measuring sensor, and detects a human body present near the toilet seat 5 immediately before the person (user) sits on the toilet seat 5, or a user sitting on the toilet seat 5. person can be detected. The above is just an example, and the seating detection sensor 33 may detect the seating of a person on the toilet seat device 2 by various means, not limited to the above. The seating detection sensor 33 outputs a seating detection signal to the controller 34 .

The control unit 34 may be, for example, a control device that controls various configurations and processes. The controller 34 controls the nozzle motor 61 and the solenoid valve 71 . The control unit 34 controls the nozzle motor 61 and the electromagnetic valve 71 based on signals transmitted from the operating device 10 . The control unit 34 controls the nozzle motor 61 based on a control instruction signal related to washing the private parts transmitted from the operating device 10 . The controller 34 controls the nozzle motor 61 to move the cleaning nozzle 6 forward and backward. The control unit 34 controls opening and closing of the solenoid valve 71 .

The control unit 34 transmits control information to the nozzle motor 61 and the electromagnetic valve 71 by wire. Note that the control unit 34 may transmit control information to the nozzle motor 61 and the electromagnetic valve 71 wirelessly. Also, the controller 34 may control the sensor unit 100 . The control section 34 may transmit control information to the sensor unit 100 to control the sensor unit 100 . In this case, the controller 34 may be integrated with the controller 101 .

The control unit 34 also controls the toilet lid 4 and the toilet seat 5 as shown in FIG. The control unit 34 controls the toilet lid 4 and the toilet seat 5 based on signals transmitted from the operating device 10 . The control unit 34 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 34 controls the toilet seat 5 based on the control instruction signal regarding the opening and closing of the toilet seat 5 transmitted from the operation device 10 . The control unit 34 transmits control information to the toilet lid 4 and the toilet seat 5 by wire. Note that the control unit 34 may wirelessly transmit the control information to the toilet lid 4 and the toilet seat 5 .

The control unit 34 determines whether or not the human body detection sensor 32 has detected that the user has entered the room. The control unit 34 determines whether or not the human body detection sensor 32 has detected that the user has entered the toilet room R. The control unit 34 determines whether or not the seating detection sensor 33 has detected that the user is seated. The control unit 34 determines whether or not the seating detection sensor 33 has detected that the user is seated on the toilet seat 5 . The control unit 34 communicates with the sensor unit 100 and transmits and receives information to and from the sensor unit 100 . For example, the control unit 34 transmits to the sensor unit 100 determination results based on detection by various sensors such as the human body detection sensor 32 or the seating detection sensor 33 . In this case, the controller 101 of the sensor unit 100 controls the lid opening/closing mechanism 102 and the sensor head 110 based on information acquired from the control section 34 .

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 34 .

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 34 .

The sensor unit 100 includes a controller 101 , a lid opening/closing mechanism 102 and a sensor head 110 . The sensor unit 100 functions as an excrement detection device (excretion measurement device). Note that the sensor unit 100 functioning as an excrement detection device may be configured independently of the toilet seat device 2 . Moreover, the sensor unit 100 may have a communication section that communicates with the user terminal 200 . For example, the communication section of the sensor unit 100 is implemented by a communication circuit or the like. For example, the communication unit of the sensor unit 100 is connected to a predetermined network by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from the user terminal 200 .

The controller 101 functions as a control unit that controls the lid opening/closing mechanism 102 and the sensor head 110 . For example, the controller 101 is realized by various means such as processors such as CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and integrated circuits such as FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). be done.

The controller 101 may perform control for opening and closing the lid portion 103 . The controller 101 transmits control information for opening the lid 103 to the lid opening/closing mechanism 102 (such as an actuator) that opens and closes the lid 103 . The controller 101 transmits control information for closing the lid 103 to the lid opening/closing mechanism 102 . The controller 101 transmits control information for controlling lighting and extinguishing of the light emitting unit 120 to the sensor head 110 .

The controller 101 transmits control information for controlling the electronic shutter function of the light receiving section 130 to the sensor head 110 . Note that the electronic shutter of the light receiving unit 130 is a shutter system that electronically controls the light receiving element 132 (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 controller 101 transmits control information to the sensor head 110 by wire or wirelessly.

The controller 101 controls light irradiation by the light emitting unit 120 and light reception by the light receiving unit 130 . For example, the controller 101 controls the measurement process while the seating detection sensor 33 detects that the user is seated on the toilet seat 5 .

The controller 101 controls light emission by the light emitting unit 120 . The controller 101 controls energization to the light emitting element 121 and application of voltage to the light receiving element 132 . The controller 101 sends a control instruction to the light receiving element 132 to open the electronic shutter, and energizes the light emitting element 121 to perform light receiving control that enables the light reflected from the stool to be received. The controller 101 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, etc.) within a range in which control processing is possible. ). Note that the controller 101 controls light irradiation by the plurality of light emitting elements 121 in the measurement process, which will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG.

Also, the controller 101 determines the nature of the stool from the result of the light received by the light receiving unit 130 . The controller 101 determines the properties of the user's feces by appropriately using various techniques for detecting the properties of feces by an optical method. Based on the stool image, the controller 101 determines the properties of the stool, such as shape, quantity, and color, corresponding to the stool image. For example, the controller 101 determines the properties of stool by data analysis based on arithmetic processing using the four arithmetic operations. For example, the controller 101 determines the properties of stool by data analysis based on arithmetic processing using machine learning. For example, the controller 101 determines the properties of stool by data analysis based on arithmetic processing using image processing such as AI (artificial intelligence).

For example, the controller 101 determines stool properties using a stool quality determination program stored in the storage unit. For example, the storage unit 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 stores various types of information used for judgment processing regarding stool, such as properties of stool. For example, the storage unit stores a threshold value 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 controller 101 determines the properties of stool using various information stored in the storage unit.

The lid opening/closing mechanism 102 is a drive source (motor) that opens and closes the lid 103 . The lid opening/closing mechanism 102 executes control to open or close the lid 103 according to instructions from the controller 101 . For example, the cover opening/closing mechanism 102 closes the cover 103 at timings when light reception by the light receiving unit 130 is not required, such as when measurement is not performed.

The lid opening/closing mechanism 102 positions and fixes the lid 103 at a position that does not intersect the central axis of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 120 when the lid 103 is open. The lid opening/closing mechanism 102 positions and fixes the lid 103 outside the area of the half-value angle of the light emitted by the light emitting unit 120 in the open state of the lid 103 . The lid opening/closing mechanism 102 opens the lid 103 upward when placed on the toilet bowl 7 . The cover opening/closing mechanism 102 closes the cover 103 when the washing nozzle 6 is operated. The lid opening/closing mechanism 102 closes the lid 103 when the washing nozzle 6 provided on the toilet bowl 7 is operated.

The sensor head 110 includes a housing portion 111 (see FIG. 5) which is a sensor case, a transparent window 112 (see FIG. 5) which is a transparent window, a substrate 113 (see FIG. 5) which is a sensor substrate, and a light emitting portion 120. and a light receiving unit 130 . The sensor head 110 functions as a detection section (excretion detection section) that detects excrement information with the light receiving section 130 . For example, the sensor head 110 is a detection unit that detects information about falling stools. The housing part 111 is a case in which the light emitting part 120 and the light receiving part 130 are housed in a state in which the front is open. Also, the transparent window 112 covers the front surface of the housing portion 111 . The arrangement configuration of the sensor unit 100 including the details of the configuration of the sensor head 110 will be described with reference to FIG.

The light emitting unit 120 emits light. The light emitting unit 120 has a plurality of light emitting elements 121 that emit light in different wavelength bands and a lens 122 as a light emitting lens. The light emitting unit 120 controls the light irradiation mode of the plurality of light emitting elements 121 using the lens 122 .

The light emitting section 120 emits light toward the inside of the bowl section 8 . The light emitting unit 120 irradiates an object such as excrement (stool) falling in the bowl unit 8 with light. For example, the light emitting section 120 has a light emitting element 121 that emits light. The light emitting unit 120 has a light emitting element 121 arranged to emit light downward. In the example of FIG. 4 , the light emitting section 120 has at least three light emitting elements 121 . For example, the three light emitting elements 121 shown in FIG. 4 emit light of different wavelengths. Each light emitting element 121 emits light obliquely downward.

For example, one of the three light emitting elements 121 shown in FIG. ) is irradiated. For example, the first type light emitting element 121 emits light with a wavelength of 590 nm. The light emitted by the first type light emitting element 121 is not limited to the first wavelength, and may include light in a wavelength region around the first wavelength (also referred to as “first wavelength region”). The first wavelength region may be a wavelength region (wavelength band) corresponding to yellow to orange.

Further, for example, among the three light emitting elements 121 shown in FIG. 4, one light emitting element 121 other than the first type light emitting element 121 (also referred to as “second type light emitting element 121”) has a wavelength higher than the first wavelength. Light with a long wavelength (also referred to as “second wavelength”) is applied. For example, the second type light emitting element 121 emits light with a wavelength of 670 nm. The light emitted by the second type light emitting element 121 is not limited to the second wavelength, and may include light in a wavelength region around the second wavelength (also referred to as “second wavelength region”). The second wavelength region may be a wavelength region (wavelength band) corresponding to red.

Further, for example, one of the three light emitting elements 121 shown in FIG. ) emits light of the longest wavelength (also referred to as “third wavelength”) among the three light emitting elements 121 . For example, the third type light emitting element 121 emits light with a wavelength of 870 nm. The light emitted by the third type light emitting element 121 is not limited to the third wavelength, and may include light in a wavelength region around the third wavelength (also referred to as “third wavelength region”). The third wavelength region may be a wavelength region (wavelength band) corresponding to infrared rays (for example, near-infrared rays).

The specific numerical values of each of the first wavelength, second wavelength, and third wavelength described above are examples, and each wavelength is not limited to this. Moreover, the specific numerical values of each of the first wavelength region, the second wavelength region, and the third wavelength region described above are examples, and each wavelength region is not limited to this. For example, the first wavelength, the second wavelength, and the third wavelength have the relationship that the first wavelength is the shortest and the third wavelength is the longest as described above (that is, the first wavelength < the second wavelength < the third wavelength). ), any wavelength can be adopted. Thus, if the first wavelength is the shortest and the third wavelength is the longest among the first wavelength, the second wavelength, and the third wavelength, the first wavelength, the second wavelength, and the third wavelength are arbitrary. wavelength can be employed. When the first-type light-emitting element 121, the second-type light-emitting element 121, and the third-type light-emitting element 121 are described without particular distinction, they may be referred to as the light-emitting element 121 in some cases.

In the above-described example, the case where each of the first type light emitting element 121, the second type light emitting element 121, and the third type light emitting element 121 is one has been described as an example. , the second type light emitting element 121, and the third type light emitting element 121 may be provided in plurality. For example, the light emitting section 120 may have a plurality of first type light emitting elements 121, a plurality of second type light emitting elements 121, or a plurality of third type light emitting elements 121. may have That is, the light-emitting unit 120 may have any number (for example, three or more) of each of the first type light emitting element 121, the second type light emitting element 121, and the third type light emitting element 121. of light-emitting elements 121 .

The light receiving section 130 receives light. The light receiving section 130 has a lens 131 as a light receiving lens and a light receiving element 132 for receiving light. For example, the light receiving unit 130 receives reflected light from an object with respect to the light emitted by the light emitting unit 120 . For example, the light receiving unit 130 receives reflected light from falling excrement (stool) or the like. Note that the light receiving unit 130 receives reflected light from various objects other than stool.

For example, the light receiving element 132 is a line sensor. For example, the light receiving element 132 is a line sensor in which CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensors or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensors are arranged in a line. Note that the light receiving element 132 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.

Here, an example of the configuration of the controller 101 will be described. For example, the controller 101 may have various configurations such as an arithmetic unit (for example, an arithmetic processing unit) that executes arithmetic operations related to control and a storage unit (for example, a memory to be described later). For example, the arithmetic processing unit is implemented by various means such as processors such as CPU, MPU, and ASIC, and integrated circuits such as FPGA. A case where the controller 101 has an ADConverter, an arithmetic processing unit, a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a memory will be described below as an example.

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 132, the ADConverter converts the entire analog data into digital data without deleting data in a predetermined range. Convert to data.

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 an object determination program and an excrement 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 processor analyzes the data temporarily stored in memory. The arithmetic processing unit transfers the data received by the light receiving unit 130 to the memory, and analyzes and deletes the data stored in the memory.

The ROM stores various programs related to detection processing, such as an object determination program and an excrement determination program.

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

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

<4. Configuration example of sensor unit>
Various configurations of the sensor unit will now be described with reference to FIG. Various configurations of the sensor unit 100 including the light emitting unit 120 and the light receiving unit 130 are not limited to those shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the sensor unit.

A lid opening/closing mechanism 102 and a sensor head 110 are arranged on the front side of the sensor unit 100 . In the example of FIG. 5, the lid opening/closing mechanism 102 and the sensor head 110 are arranged in front of the controller 101 . Also, the light emitting unit 120 and the light receiving unit 130 are supported by the housing unit 111 . The housing part 111 is made of a material that is not transparent. The housing part 111 may be made of various materials as long as it can support the light emitting part 120 and the light receiving part 130 .

In the example shown in FIG. 5, the housing unit 111 is configured such that the light emitting unit 120 and the light receiving unit 130 are optically exposed on one surface (hereinafter also referred to as “front surface”) of the housing unit 111 . Supports the portion 130 . For example, the housing unit 111 supports the light emitting unit 120 and the light receiving unit 130 so that the lens 122 of the light emitting unit 120 and the lens 131 of the light receiving unit 130 are optically exposed.

The housing unit 111 is a case that houses the light emitting unit 120 and the light receiving unit 130 in such a manner that the light emitting unit 120 and the light receiving unit 130 are exposed on the front side. The housing part 111 accommodates the light emitting part 120 with the light emitting surface of the light emitting part 120 facing the front side. The housing part 111 accommodates the light receiving part 130 so that the light receiving surface of the light receiving part 130 faces the front side. The transparent window 112 is a transparent window provided on the front side of the housing portion 111 .

Each light emitting element 121 of the light emitting section 120 emits light to the front side of the housing section 111 , and the light receiving section 130 receives light from the front side of the housing section 111 . For example, the light-emitting unit 120 and the light-receiving unit 130 are connected to a power supply device (not shown) on the side opposite to the front surface (rear surface) of the housing unit 111 and supplied with power.

In the example of FIG. 5, the light emitting section 120 has four light emitting elements 121-1, 121-2, 121-3, 121-4 and a lens 122. In the example of FIG. In FIG. 5, the lens 122 is a cylindrical lens provided in front of the multiple light emitting elements 121 . Note that the lens 122 shown in FIG. 5 is merely an example, and the lens 122 may be any optical member as long as it can collect light as desired.

Hereinafter, the light-emitting elements 121-1, 121-2, 121-3, 121-4, etc. are referred to as "light-emitting elements 121" unless otherwise distinguished. For example, the light emitting element 121 is an LED (Light Emitting Diode). Note that the light-emitting element 121 is not limited to an LED, and various elements may be used. Note that the four light emitting elements 121 are merely examples, and the number of the light emitting elements 121 is not limited to four as long as desired light can be emitted. In FIG. 5, four light emitting elements 121 are arranged on the substrate 113 .

For example, the light emitting element 121-1 is the first type light emitting element 121, the light emitting elements 121-2 and 121-3 are the second type light emitting elements 121, and the light emitting element 121-4 is the third type light emitting element 121. It may be the light emitting element 121 . It should be noted that the above is only an example, and any combination of the first type light emitting element 121, the second type light emitting element 121, and the third type light emitting element 121 is possible as long as there is at least one each. may

The light receiving section 130 has a lens 131 and a light receiving element 132 which is a line sensor. When viewed from the front side, the light-receiving element 132 is located at the back (rear) of the lens 131 . For example, the light receiving element 132 and the light emitting element 121 may be arranged on the common substrate 113 .

<5. Relationship between User and Device Operation>
Here, an example of the relationship between the person (user) who uses the toilet room R and the operation of the equipment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the actions of the user and the device. The lid portion 103 transitions between an open state and a closed state by driving the lid portion opening/closing mechanism 102 . In FIG. 6, lid sections 103-1 to 103-6 are described according to the operation of the device, but they are simply referred to as "lid section 103" unless otherwise distinguished.

First, in FIG. 6, when a user of the toilet room R sits down on the toilet seat 5, the toilet seat device 2 detects that a person is seated. At this stage, the lid portion 103 is in a closed state as shown by the lid portion 103-1 in FIG.

After that, when the user of the toilet room R performs personal authentication and agrees to the photographing, the toilet seat device 2 opens the lid portion 103 and starts waiting for feces dropping detection. At this stage, the lid portion 103 transitions to the open state as shown by the lid portion 103-2 in FIG.

Thereafter, when the user of the toilet room R defecates, the toilet seat device 2 detects dropping of feces and starts measurement. The measurement lasts, for example, 10 seconds. At this stage, that is, during the measurement period, the lid portion 103 is kept open as shown by the lid portion 103-3 in FIG. After the measurement, the fecal drop detection wait is restarted. At this stage, the irradiation of light to the inside of the toilet bowl 7 (bowl portion 8) is stopped, and the lid portion 103 maintains an open state as shown in the lid portion 103-2 of FIG.

Further, when the user of the toilet room R starts the bottom washing, the toilet seat device 2 closes the lid portion 103, puts the washing nozzle 6 into use, and starts washing with the washing nozzle 6. At this stage, that is, while the cleaning nozzle 6 is in use, the lid portion 103 is in a closed state as shown by the lid portion 103-4 in FIG.

Further, when the user of the toilet room R has finished washing his buttocks, the toilet seat device 2 opens the lid portion 103 and starts waiting for detection of dropping of feces. At this stage, the lid portion 103 transitions to the open state as shown by the lid portion 103-5 in FIG.

Also, when a user using the toilet room R leaves the toilet seat 5, the toilet seat device 2 detects that a person leaves the seat. Then, the toilet seat device 2 closes the lid portion 103 and ends waiting for detection of dropping of stool. At this stage, lid portion 103 transitions to the closed state as shown by lid portion 103-6 in FIG. Then, the toilet seat device 2 starts data transfer and analysis. The flow of processing described above is merely an example, and the relationship between the person (user) who uses the toilet room R and the operation of the device is not limited to the above. For example, in preparation for the case where the user of the toilet room R has several bowel movements (multiple bowel movements), the toilet seat device 2 is set to detect and measure dropping of feces up to three times. For example, when the measurement is completed three times before the user using the toilet room R leaves the toilet seat 5, the lid part 103 is closed at that time, the waiting for fecal drop detection is terminated, and data transfer and Analysis may be performed.

In the example of FIG. 6, the lid portion 103 opens and closes the main body cover 30 about the one end adjacent to the upper end of the opening 31 of the main body cover 30, and performs the opening and closing motion in the vertical direction. , the configuration of the lid portion 103 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. For example, the lid portion 103 may be stored in a storage portion provided on the upper end side of the opening 31 of the body cover 30 . For example, the lid portion 103 may be configured like a shutter (shroud) in which a number of elongated members are connected. Further, for example, the lid portion 103 opens and closes the main body cover 30 around the one end adjacent to the lateral end of the opening 31 of the main body cover 30 as an axis, and performs the opening and closing motion in the lateral direction. good too. Further, for example, the lid portion 103 can be separated into a plurality of parts, and the lid portion 103 is not limited to a single-opening configuration, and may be a double-opening configuration.

<6. Measurement processing>
Next, specific operations of the measurement process will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the flow of processing in the measurement processing. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a time chart in the measurement process. First, each element shown in FIG. 7 will be described. An object OB1 schematically indicates fecal excrement to be detected (measured). Further, the light receiving device PD is a light receiving section 130 having a light receiving element 132 such as a line sensor.

The light emitting device LE1 is the first type light emitting element 121, the light emitting device LE2 is the second type light emitting element 121, and the light emitting device LE3 is the third type light emitting element 121. FIG. For example, the light emitting device LE1 emits light with a wavelength of 590 nm as light with the first wavelength. In addition, the light emitting device LE2 irradiates light with a wavelength of 670 nm as light with a second wavelength. Further, the light emitting device LE3 emits light with a wavelength of 870 nm as light with the third wavelength. Note that the wavelength is only an example, and any wavelength can be adopted as long as the relationship among the first, second, and third wavelengths is satisfied as described above. Further, hereinafter, when the light emitting devices LE1 to LE3 are not particularly distinguished, they may be referred to as "light emitting device LE".

The example of FIG. 7 conceptually shows the measurement process of irradiating the falling object OB1 with light from the light emitting device LE and collecting the results of the light received by the light receiving device PD. 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 horizontal line overlapping the object OB1 schematically indicates the range (one-dimensional) of the object OB1 detected by corresponding light emission and light reception.

The flow of measurement processing will be described below with reference to FIG. The example of FIG. 7 conceptually shows the measurement process of irradiating the falling object OB1 with light from the light emitting device LE and collecting the results of the light received by the light receiving device PD.

First, steps S1 to S3 in FIG. 7 show light emission by the light emitting device LE and light reception by the light receiving device PD in the measurement process. In step S1, the light emitting device LE1 emits light of the first wavelength, and the light receiving device PD receives the reflected light from the object OB1. In the example of FIG. 7, the light emitting device LE1 emits light with a wavelength of 590 nm, and the light receiving device PD receives the reflected light from the object OB1.

Then, in step S2, the light emitting device LE3 emits light of the third wavelength, and the light receiving device PD receives the reflected light from the object OB1. In the example of FIG. 7, the light emitting device LE3 emits light with a wavelength of 870 nm, and the light receiving device PD receives the reflected light from the object OB1.

Then, in step S3, the light emitting device LE2 emits light of the second wavelength, and the light receiving device PD receives the reflected light from the object OB1. In the example of FIG. 7, the light emitting device LE2 emits light with a wavelength of 670 nm, and the light receiving device PD receives the reflected light from the object OB1. The toilet seat device 2 repeats steps S1 to S3 until a predetermined period (for example, 10 seconds) elapses.

Here, the flow of the processing described above will be described using the time chart of FIG. In FIG. 8, processing from time t11, which is 3.3 ms, to time t12 (hereinafter also referred to as “scan unit processing”) is performed until a predetermined period (for example, 10 seconds) elapses. Scan unit processing in FIG. 8 corresponds to steps S1 to S3 in FIG. In this way, the toilet seat device 2 sequentially turns on the light emitting devices LE, and sequentially acquires reflection luminance data for each light source wavelength.

A waveform LN11 in FIG. 8 indicates whether or not light of 590 nm is emitted. When the waveform LN11 is ON (i.e., in the rising state), light of 590 nm is emitted, and when it is OFF (i.e., in the falling state), light of 590 nm is not emitted. indicates that A waveform LN12 in FIG. 8 indicates whether or not light of 870 nm is emitted. Waveform LN12 indicates that light of 870 nm is emitted when it is ON, and light of 870 nm is not emitted when it is OFF. A waveform LN13 in FIG. 8 indicates whether or not light of 670 nm is emitted. Waveform LN13 indicates that light of 670 nm is emitted when it is ON, and light of 670 nm is not emitted when it is OFF.

A waveform LN14 in FIG. 8 indicates the presence or absence of exposure. Waveform LN14 indicates that exposure is being performed when it is rising, and that exposure is not being performed when it is falling. A waveform LN15 in FIG. 8 indicates the presence or absence of A/D conversion. Waveform LN15 indicates that A/D conversion is being performed when it is rising, and that A/D conversion is not being performed when it is falling.

A waveform LN16 in FIG. 8 indicates whether or not data is saved. The waveform LN16 indicates that the processing for storing data in the internal memory is being performed when it is rising, and the processing for storing data in the internal memory is not being performed when it is falling. show.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the measurement process, light is emitted for each of 590 nm, 670 nm, and 870 nm. In the scan unit process, light emission is performed once for each of 590 nm, 670 nm, and 870 nm. That is, in the measurement process, each of the light emitting devices LE1, LE2, and LE3 emits light in order. Note that FIG. 8 is merely an example, and the order of light emission in the scan unit process is not limited to the case of FIG. 8, and may be any order.

Further, exposure is performed by the light receiving device PD according to light emission (irradiation of light by the light emitting device LE). For example, the photodetector PD performs exposure by electronically controlling the photodetector 132 (imaging device) with an electronic shutter. Note that the electronic shutter is merely an example, and the light receiving device PD may perform exposure by any means as long as exposure can be performed at desired intervals.

In the example of FIG. 8, light emission and corresponding exposure are performed in the order of 590 nm, 870 nm and 670 nm. After exposure by the photodetector PD, analog data detected by the photodetector PD is converted into digital data (A/D conversion). For example, the toilet seat device 2 converts analog data into digital data by an ADConverter after exposure by the light receiving device PD is completed.

Then, after the A/D conversion is completed, the toilet seat device 2 stores the data in the internal memory, which is the memory described above, for example. For example, the arithmetic processing unit of the controller 101 is controlled so as to start data transfer to the memory after the conversion of analog data into digital data by the ADConverter is completed. As a result, digital data corresponding to the light emitted by the light emitting device LE3 is stored in the memory. Then, the toilet seat device 2 repeats the scanning unit process for 10 seconds and collects data.

An example of scan unit processing will be described. In the example of FIG. 8, the toilet seat device 2 first performs 590 nm emission and corresponding exposure. The toilet seat device 2 then converts (A/D conversion) the analog data corresponding to the light emission of 590 nm detected by the light receiving device PD into digital data. After the A/D conversion is completed, the toilet seat device 2 stores the digital data of 590 nm in internal memory.

After processing at 590 nm, the toilet seat device 2 emits at 870 nm and a corresponding exposure. The toilet seat device 2 then converts (A/D conversion) the analog data corresponding to the light emission of 870 nm detected by the light receiving device PD into digital data. After the A/D conversion is completed, the toilet seat device 2 saves the 870 nm digital data in internal memory.

After 670 nm processing, the toilet seat device 2 performs 670 nm emission and corresponding exposure. The toilet seat device 2 then converts (A/D conversion) the analog data corresponding to the light emission of 670 nm detected by the light receiving device PD into digital data. After the A/D conversion is completed, the toilet seat device 2 stores the digital data of 670 nm in internal memory. After that, if 10 seconds have not passed, the toilet seat device 2 repeats the scan unit process again.

As described above, in the measurement process, the toilet seat device 2 sequentially irradiates light with three wavelengths: a first wavelength (eg, 590 nm), a second wavelength (eg, 670 nm), and a third wavelength (eg, 870 nm), Get data. That is, in the measurement process, the toilet seat device 2 uses the first type light emitting element 121 (light emitting device LE1), the second type light emitting element 121 (light emitting device LE2), and the third type light emitting element 121 (light emitting device LE3 ) in order to acquire data.

It should be noted that the emission wavelengths in each of the modes described above are merely examples, and arbitrary emission wavelengths can be employed, and the toilet seat device 2 may irradiate various kinds of light.

<7. Data Acquisition Method for Measurement Processing>
Next, specific operations of the data acquisition method for the measurement process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data acquisition method. Note that description of the same points as those described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 will be omitted as appropriate.

First, the object OB1 and the light receiving device PD are the same as in FIG. 7, so the description is omitted. Also, the light emitting device LE is the light emitting element 121 . In addition, in FIG. 9, in order to simplify the explanation, the case of one light emitting device LE (light emission of one wavelength) will be explained as an example. Thus, in FIG. 9, the light emitting devices LE1 to LE3, that is, any one of the first light emitting element 121, the second light emitting element 121, and the third light emitting element 121 emit light and receive light. is schematically shown as an example of a process of obtaining data of a monochrome image by .

In the example of FIG. 9, 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 . The data acquired in scene SN1 (time t ₁ ) corresponds to the one-dimensional image PI1 of the 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. 9, 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 the 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 where each of the first type light emitting element 121, the second type light emitting element 121, and the third type light emitting element 121 performs light emission and light reception will be described as an example.

In this case, the toilet seat device 2 corresponds to the first type light emitting element 121 by arranging the received light data (one-dimensional image) obtained by causing the first type light emitting element 121 to emit light in order of time. generates a 2D image that 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 corresponds to the second type light emitting element 121 by arranging the received light data (one-dimensional image) obtained by causing the second type light emitting element 121 to emit light and arranging them in chronological order. Generate a two-dimensional image. 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 corresponds to the third type light emitting element 121 by arranging the received light data (one-dimensional image) obtained by causing the third type light emitting element 121 to emit light and arranging them in chronological order. Generate a two-dimensional image. 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

In this way, the toilet seat device 2 generates a two-dimensional image for each of the three wavelengths corresponding to each of the first type light emitting element 121, the second type light emitting element 121, and the third type light emitting element 121. , a color image can be obtained. 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.

<8. Data analysis method>
An example of the data analysis method will now be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a data analysis method. FIG. 10 shows a case where a plurality of detection images are acquired in time series. Although FIG. 10 shows three images of detection images P11, P12, and P13, the number of detection images may correspond to the number of times of detection.

A detected image P11 indicates a detected image acquired in the initial (first) detection. Specifically, the detection image P11 includes two objects, an object OB11 and an object OB12 corresponding to the stool discharged by the user's first defecation action.

A detected image P12 indicates a detected image acquired in the second detection. Specifically, the detection image P12 includes two objects, an object OB21 corresponding to feces excreted in the user's second defecation action and an object OB22 corresponding to urine.

A detected image P13 indicates a detected image acquired in the last (third) detection. Specifically, the detection image P13 includes two objects, an object OB31 corresponding to feces excreted by the user's last defecation action, and an object OB32 corresponding to toilet paper. It should be noted that when the detection is performed more than three times, the detection may be performed four times or more.

The toilet seat device 2 generates information about stool by analyzing the detection images such as the detection images P11, P12, and P13. For example, the toilet seat device 2 acquires stool information by analyzing the detection images such as the detection images P11, P12, and P13 and detecting the outer peripheral portion (edge, outline) of the stool. As a result, the toilet seat device 2 generates a stool image by excluding non-stool from the detected image. In FIG. 10, the toilet seat device 2 generates stool images P21, P22, and P23 by excluding non-stool from each of the detected images P11, P12, and P13.

The toilet seat device 2 generates a stool image P21 by detecting the outer peripheries of the object OB11 and the object OB12 corresponding to each of the two stools included in the detected image P11. Further, the toilet seat device 2 generates a feces image P22 by detecting the outer peripheral portion of the object OB21 corresponding to feces, excluding the object OB22 other than feces among the two objects OB21 and OB22 included in the detection image P12. do. Further, the toilet seat device 2 generates a feces image P23 by detecting the outer periphery of the object OB31 corresponding to feces, excluding the object OB32 other than feces among the two objects OB31 and OB32 included in the detection image P13. do.

The toilet seat device 2 generates various types of information by analyzing stool images such as the stool images P21, P22, and P23. For example, the toilet seat device 2 uses images of stool included in the stool image such as the stool images P21, P22, and P23 to digitize the features. In FIG. 10, the toilet seat device 2 includes information ("feature information ”). For example, the toilet seat device 2 generates feature information including the length and width of each stool of object OB11, object OB12, object OB21, and object OB31. For example, the toilet seat device 2 generates feature information including the length and width of each stool using the information of the object OB11, the object OB12, and pixels corresponding to each stool. Further, in FIG. 10, the toilet seat device 2 generates feature information indicating that the number of flights is four because the objects OB11, OB12, OB21, and OB31 are flights.

The toilet seat device 2 generates data indicating the properties of stool by calculation (computation) using the generated feature information. For example, the toilet seat device 2 generates information indicating stool properties such as the shape of stool, the amount of stool, the color of stool, and the presence of blood (also referred to as "stool properties information"). In FIG. 10, the toilet seat device 2 indicates, for example, the shape of stool classified into 7 levels, the amount of stool classified into 3 levels, the color of stool classified into 6 levels, and whether or not it looks red. Stool properties information DT indicating stool properties such as blood adhesion is generated. For example, the stool form may be one of the seven classifications based on the Bristol scale. For example, the shape of stool may be classified into 7 types (stages) of coarse, hard, cracked, banana-like, soft, muddy, and watery. For example, the amount of stool may be classified into three types (stages) of small (small), medium, and large (large). For example, the color of stool may be classified into six types (steps) of yellow, pale yellow, yellow, brown, dark brown, and dark dark brown.

The toilet seat device 2 determines the properties of the stool from the detection result of the sensor. The toilet seat device 2 determines the properties of the user's stool by appropriately using various techniques for detecting the properties of stool by an optical method. The toilet seat device 2 determines the properties of the stool corresponding to the stool image based on the stool image. For example, the toilet seat device 2 uses a stool image to determine the properties of the stool, such as shape, quantity, and color, corresponding to the stool image. For example, the toilet seat device 2 uses various features extracted from the stool image to determine the properties of the stool, such as shape, quantity, and color, corresponding to the stool image. For example, the toilet seat device 2 determines the properties of feces by data analysis based on arithmetic processing using the four arithmetic operations. For example, the toilet seat device 2 classifies the shape, volume, color, blood adhesion, etc. corresponding to the feces image according to the result of comparison between the values indicating various characteristics extracted from the feces image and the threshold values.

The toilet seat device 2 may determine the properties of stool by any process as long as the information indicating the properties of stool can be generated. For example, the toilet seat device 2 may determine the properties of stool using technology related to AI (artificial intelligence). For example, the toilet seat device 2 may determine the properties of stool using a learning model (property determination model) generated by machine learning. In this case, the property determination model is learned in advance using teacher data indicating classification determination. This teacher data includes a plurality of combinations of stool images and labels (correct information) indicating properties (shape, amount, color, etc.) of lumps (stool) included in the stool images. For example, the property determination model is a model that receives a stool image as an input and outputs information indicating the properties (shape, amount, color, etc.) of lumps (stool) included in the input stool image. For example, the property determination model is learned to output label (property of stool) information corresponding to the input stool image when the stool image is input. Learning of the property determination model is performed using various techniques related to so-called supervised learning as appropriate. In this case, the property determination model is stored in the storage unit, and the toilet seat device 2 may use the property determination model stored in the storage unit to determine the property of stool. For example, the toilet seat device 2 may perform learning processing to generate a property determination model. It should be noted that the above is only an example, and the toilet seat device 2 may appropriately use various information to determine the properties of stool.

<9. Dirt on windows>
In the following, various configurations and processes relating to soiling of the window will be described.

<9-1. Configuration Overview>
First, with reference to FIGS. 11 to 14, an example of the outline of the configuration regarding dirt on the window will be described. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the essential parts of the toilet seat device. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing essential parts of the sensor unit. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between the lid portion and the sensor unit. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the relationship between the lid portion and the sensor unit. 11 to 14 is the same as the configuration of the toilet seat device 2 described above, the same points are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted. described in

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the toilet seat device 2 has a transparent window 112 as a transparent window portion provided in front of the sensor head 110 including the light emitting element 121 and the light receiving element 132 . The toilet seat device 2 also has a controller 101 that is a control unit that controls energization to the light emitting element 121 and application of voltage to the light receiving element 132 . The toilet seat device 2 also has an openable/closable lid portion 103 which is provided in front of the transparent window 112 and whose opening/closing is controlled by the controller 101 . Note that the window portion is not limited to the transparent window 112, and may be other structures such as the lens 122 and the lens 131, which will be described later.

<9-1-1. Structure of Lid Part, etc., and Processing Depending on State of Lid Part>
Here, main parts of the lid portion 103 and the sensor unit 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. FIG. 13 shows the relationship between the lid portion 103, the sensor head 110, and the transparent window 112 when the lid portion 103 is closed (closed state). FIG. 14 shows the relationship between the lid portion 103, the sensor head 110, and the transparent window 112 when the lid portion 103 is opened (open state).

Of the lid portion 103, at least the surface 103a facing the window portion has a reflectance of less than half, that is, less than 50%. As shown in FIG. 13, when the lid portion 103 is closed, the surface 103a of the lid portion 103 facing the transparent window 112 has a reflectance of less than half (50%). For example, by processing the surface 103a of the lid portion 103, the reflectance of the surface 103a is configured to be less than half.

For example, the surface 103a of the lid portion 103 may be colored with a color that reduces the reflectance to less than half, thereby reducing the reflectance of the surface 103a to less than half. For example, the surface 103a of the lid portion 103 may be painted black so that the reflectance of the surface 103a is less than half.

Further, for example, the reflectance of the surface 103a may be set to less than half by arranging a sheet member having a color whose reflectance is less than half on the surface 103a. For example, the reflectance of the surface 103a may be reduced to less than half by attaching a sheet member having a color that reduces the reflectance to less than half to the surface 103a. Note that the above is merely an example, and any configuration may be employed as long as the reflectance of the surface 103a of the lid portion 103 is less than half. For example, the entire surface of the lid portion 103 may be processed, or only a portion of the surface of the lid portion 103 may be processed.

In addition, the toilet seat device 2 executes determination processing (also referred to as “dirt determination processing”) for determining whether dirt adheres to the window when the lid 103 is closed (closed state). Dirt determination processing is not executed in the open state (open state). That is, the toilet seat device 2 executes the stain determination process when the lid portion 103 is in the closed state shown in FIG. 13, and does not perform the stain determination process when the lid portion 103 is in the open state shown in FIG.

Note that the toilet seat device 2 does not have to perform the dirt determination process even when the lid portion 103 is closed (closed state). For example, even when the lid 103 is closed (closed state), the toilet seat device 2 does not need to perform the dirt determination process while the toilet seat device 2 is being used by the user. For example, even when the lid 103 is closed (closed state), the toilet seat device 2 does not need to perform the stain determination process while the user is seated on the toilet seat device 2 .

<9-1-2. Configuration of Sensor Head>
Here, the configuration of the sensor head 110 will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. For example, the housing portion 111, which is the sensor case, and the transparent window 112, which is the window portion, are sealed with a sealing member (not shown). Thus, in the toilet seat device 2, the front side of the sensor head 110, that is, the side of the sensor head 110 facing the bowl portion 8 is sealed by the sealing member.

For example, when the lid portion 103 is closed, washing water splashes from the washing nozzle 6 or urine splashes on the transparent window 112, which is a window portion, and the inside of the housing portion 111 enters the housing portion 111 through the gap between the transparent window 112 and the housing portion 111. There is a possibility that it will get in, and the part that cannot be cleaned will become dirty, and the sensor may malfunction. Therefore, in the toilet seat device 2, by sealing the housing portion 111, which is the sensor case, and the transparent window 112, which is the window portion, with a sealing member (not shown), the parts that cannot be cleaned by the user become dirty, and the sensor becomes dirty. failure can be suppressed.

Moreover, the toilet seat device 2 has a ventilation part through which the air FC1 and FC2 pass without sealing between the housing part 111 which is a sensor case and the substrate 113 . In this way, in the toilet seat device 2, the rear side of the sensor head 110, that is, the side of the substrate 113 is not sealed to ensure ventilation.

For example, dew condensation may occur on the outside of the window due to a sudden difference in temperature between early morning when the temperature is low and daytime when the temperature is high. In addition, since the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part are in the same housing, the lighting time of the light-emitting part is long, so the inside of the sensor expands due to the heat generated by the light-emitting part, causing malfunction. may occur. As described above, the toilet seat device 2 seals the window portion and the sensor case to prevent contamination, but does not seal the substrate side. Since the toilet seat device 2 has vents through which the air FC1 and FC2 pass, it is possible to suppress dew condensation due to temperature differences while preventing stains and sensor failure due to water exposure.

<9-2. Relationship between light emission and light reception>
Next, the relationship between light emission and light reception will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the relationship between light emission and light reception. FIG. 15 is a side view of the light emitting section 120 and the light receiving section 130. FIG. Specifically, FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram of the light-receiving unit 130 viewed from a direction (lateral direction) intersecting the thickness direction of the lens 131 . It should be noted that the same reference numerals are given to the same points as those of the various configurations and processes described above, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

As shown in FIG. 15, light RD1 emitted from light emitting portion 120 passes through transparent window 112 and is emitted into bowl portion 8 as light TL1. Then, when there is stool VF in the bowl portion 8, the light TL1 irradiated to the stool VF is reflected by the stool VF, and the light TL1 irradiated to the bowl portion 8 is combined with the reflected light reflected by the bowl portion 8, It is detected by the light receiving unit 130 as the reflected light RL1. Further, when there is no stool VF in the bowl portion 8, the light TL1 irradiated to the bowl portion 8 is reflected by the bowl portion 8 and detected by the light receiving portion 130 as reflected light RL2.

If the transparent window 112 is dirty, the light RD1 that irradiates the dirt on the transparent window 112 is reflected by the dirt on the transparent window 112 and detected by the light receiving unit 130 as reflected light RL3. Therefore, when dirt adheres to the transparent window 112, the light receiving unit 130 also receives the reflected light RL3 from the dirt on the transparent window 112, which may reduce the detection accuracy of the stool VF.

In order to detect dirt on the window such as the transparent window 112 as described above, it is desired to determine whether dirt adheres to the window. On the other hand, when determining whether or not dirt adheres to the window portion with the lid portion 103 open (open state), it is affected by the reflected light RL2 from the bowl portion 8 and the reflected light RL1 from the stool VF. , it is difficult for the toilet seat device 2 to appropriately determine whether or not dirt adheres to the window.

Therefore, the toilet seat device 2 executes dirt determination processing for determining whether or not dirt adheres to the window when the lid 103 is closed (closed state). That is, the toilet seat device 2 performs dirt determination processing in a state where the lid 103 is closed, so that light reflected from the dirt on the transparent window 112 and the surface 103 a of the lid 103 facing the transparent window 112 are detected. The reflected light from is detected by the light receiving unit 130 . As described above, the surface 103a of the lid portion 103 is configured to have a reflectance of less than half. By executing the stain determination process for determining the presence or absence of the stain, it is possible to appropriately determine whether the stain adheres to the window.

<9-3. Overview of Dirt Judgment Processing>
Next, with reference to FIG. 16, an example of the output of the light receiving unit 130 according to the presence or absence of dirt adhering to the window will be described. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of output according to the presence or absence of contamination. The toilet seat device 2 emits light from the light emitting part 120 with the lid part closed, and depending on the output of the light receiving part 130 as shown in FIG. Dirt determination processing for determining is executed. A case where the window portion is the transparent window 112 will be described below as an example.

16 indicates the state and the output of the light receiving unit 130 when the transparent window 112 is stained. 16 indicates the state and the output of the light receiving unit 130 when the transparent window 112 is not stained. 16 schematically shows contamination on the transparent window 112 in the row of "dirt on window". In addition, the row of "output of light receiving section" in FIG. 16 shows the output value of light receiving section 130 corresponding to each wavelength.

As shown in FIG. 16, the output value is larger when the transparent window 112 is stained than when the transparent window 112 is not stained. For example, many of the stains adhering to the transparent window 112 are bright-colored stains such as limescale and urine. In addition, since it receives reflected light from the transparent window 112 which is closer than the stool and the toilet bowl 7 in the background, the output is often increased. Also, for example, if the entire surface of the transparent window 112 is stained, the output of all pixels will be uniformly high. becomes higher. Therefore, the toilet seat device 2 determines that dirt is attached to the transparent window 112 when the output of the light receiving unit 130 satisfies the conditions for dirt detection.

For example, the dirt detection condition may be that the output value of the light receiving unit 130 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. In this case, the toilet seat device 2 determines that the transparent window 112 is stained when the output value of the light receiving unit 130 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. Moreover, the toilet seat device 2 determines that the transparent window 112 is not stained when the output value of the light receiving unit 130 is less than the predetermined threshold value. Any value (for example, 0.5, 1.5, etc.) can be adopted as the threshold depending on what kind of information is used.

For example, the toilet seat device 2 determines that the transparent window 112 is dirty when there is a wavelength having an output value equal to or greater than a threshold among the wavelengths in the predetermined wavelength range. In FIG. 16, the toilet seat device 2 determines that the transparent window 112 is dirty when there is a wavelength with an output value equal to or greater than the threshold among the wavelengths in the wavelength range of 500 to 1000 nm, for example.

Further, for example, the toilet seat device 2 determines that the transparent window 112 is dirty when the sum of the output values of the wavelengths in the predetermined wavelength range is equal to or greater than the threshold value. In FIG. 16, the toilet seat device 2 determines that the transparent window 112 is dirty when the sum of the output values of the wavelengths in the wavelength range of 500 to 1000 nm, for example, is equal to or greater than the threshold value. Further, for example, the toilet seat device 2 may determine that the transparent window 112 is stained when the average of the sum of the output values of the wavelengths in the predetermined wavelength range is equal to or greater than the threshold.

For example, the output value of the light receiving unit 130 when dirt is not attached may be used. In this case, the toilet seat device 2 compares the output value of the light receiving unit 130 when dirt is not adhered (also referred to as a “reference output value”) and the output value of the light receiving unit 130 during dirt determination processing (“determination output value ”), it is determined whether or not dirt adheres to the window portion such as the transparent window 112 or the like. For example, the toilet seat device 2 may determine whether dirt adheres to the window such as the transparent window 112 according to the difference between the reference output value and the determination output value. For example, the toilet seat device 2 may determine whether dirt adheres to the window such as the transparent window 112 according to the ratio of the determination time output value to the reference output value.

For example, the toilet seat device 2 detects that the transparent window 112 is dirty when there is a wavelength at which the value (difference) obtained by subtracting the reference output value from the output value at the time of judgment is equal to or greater than a threshold value. determine that there is In FIG. 16, the toilet seat device 2, for example, among the wavelengths in the wavelength range of 500 to 1000 nm, if there is a wavelength at which the value (difference) obtained by subtracting the reference output value from the output value at the time of determination is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the transparent window 112 It is determined that dirt is attached.

Further, for example, the toilet seat device 2 may include a total value of reference output values of wavelengths in a predetermined wavelength range (also referred to as a “reference total value”) and a total value of output values at determination of wavelengths in a predetermined wavelength range (“determination If the difference between the difference from the time total value" is equal to or greater than the threshold value, it is determined that the transparent window 112 is stained. In FIG. 16, when the difference between the reference total value of the wavelengths in the wavelength range of 500 to 1000 nm and the judgment time total value of the wavelengths in the wavelength range of 500 to 1000 nm, for example, the transparent window 112 is determined to be contaminated.

For example, the toilet seat device 2 determines that the transparent window 112 is dirty when there is a wavelength at which the ratio of the determination time output value to the reference output value is equal to or greater than a threshold value among the wavelengths in the predetermined wavelength range. In FIG. 16, the toilet seat device 2 detects that dirt adheres to the transparent window 112 when there is a wavelength in the wavelength range of 500 to 1000 nm, for example, when the ratio of the output value at the time of determination to the reference output value is equal to or greater than the threshold value. determine that there is

Further, for example, if there is a wavelength at which the ratio of the judgment time total value of the wavelengths in the predetermined wavelength range to the reference total value of the wavelengths in the predetermined wavelength range is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the toilet seat device 2 is configured such that dirt adheres to the transparent window 112. It is determined that In FIG. 16, the toilet seat device 2, for example, when there is a wavelength at which the ratio of the total value of the wavelength in the wavelength range of 500 to 1000 nm to the reference total value of the wavelength in the wavelength range of 500 to 1000 nm is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the transparent window It is determined that 112 is dirty.

Further, for example, the toilet seat device 2 detects that the transparent window 112 is dirty when there is a wavelength at which the variation (for example, standard deviation, dispersion, etc.) of the total value at the time of judgment between pixels in a predetermined wavelength range is equal to or greater than a threshold value. Determine that it is attached. In FIG. 16, the toilet seat device 2 determines that the transparent window 112 is dirty when the variation in the sum value at determination between pixels in the wavelength range of, for example, 500 to 1000 nm is greater than or equal to the threshold. Further, for example, the toilet seat device 2 may determine that the transparent window 112 is stained when the standard deviation of the determination-time summation values of pixels with wavelengths in a predetermined wavelength range is equal to or greater than a threshold. Further, for example, the toilet seat device 2 may determine whether or not dirt adheres to the transparent window 112 based on the variation in the total value at the time of determination between wavelengths in the same pixel.

The determination described above is merely an example, and the toilet seat device 2 may be equipped with a degree-of-dirt determination means capable of determining not only "dirt" and "no dirt" but also the degree of dirt. For example, the toilet seat device 2 may determine the level of soiling in three stages: slightly soiled, soiled, and very soiled. Thus, the toilet seat device 2 may determine the level of soiling. Further, the toilet seat device 2 may determine the presence or absence of dirt for each pixel to determine the position of the dirt on the window.

It should be noted that the above-described determination of the presence or absence of dirt is merely an example, and the toilet seat device 2 may determine the presence or absence of dirt by appropriately using various types of information.

<9-4. Other examples of windows>
In the above example, the case where the transparent window 112, which is a transparent window, is the window has been described as an example, but the window is not limited to the transparent window 112. FIG. That is, the window portion is not limited to the transparent window 112, and may be various components of the toilet seat device 2. For example, among the components of the toilet seat device 2, a configuration that can be a target for determining whether or not dirt adheres. Any component may be used as long as it is an element. For example, the window may be lens 122 as a light emitting lens or lens 131 as a light receiving lens shown in FIG. In this case, the toilet seat device 2 does not have the transparent window 112, and the toilet seat device 2 determines whether the lens 122 or the lens 131 is stained. Both the lens 122 and the lens 131 may be windows, or only one of the lenses 122 and 131 may be the window. Moreover, the transparent window 112 is not limited to a window with a transmittance of 100%, and may be a translucent window such as a window with a transmittance of 80%.

For example, when the lens 122 is a window, the toilet seat device 2 has the lens 122 provided in front of the light emitting element 121 as a transparent window. In this case, the toilet seat device 2 emits light from the light emitting unit 120 with the lid unit 103 closed, and the light emitting element 121 emits light depending on whether or not the output of the light receiving unit 130 satisfies the dirt detection condition. Determination processing is executed to determine whether or not dirt adheres to the lens 122 provided in front. Note that the determination process is the same as in the case where the transparent window 112 is the window portion, so detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Further, for example, when the lens 131 is a window, the toilet seat device 2 has the lens 131 provided in front of the light receiving element 132 as a transparent window. In this case, the toilet seat device 2 emits light from the light emitting section 120 with the lid section 103 closed, and the light receiving element 132 is activated depending on whether or not the output of the light receiving section 130 satisfies the dirt detection condition. Determination processing is executed to determine whether or not dirt adheres to the lens 131 provided in front. Note that the determination process is the same as in the case where the transparent window 112 is the window portion, so detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Further, for example, when both the lens 122 and the lens 131 are windows, the toilet seat device 2 replaces the lens 122 provided in front of the light emitting element 121 and the lens 131 provided in front of the light receiving element 132 with a transparent lens. It has a window. In this case, the toilet seat device 2 emits light from the light emitting unit 120 with the lid unit 103 closed, and the light emitting element 121 emits light depending on whether or not the output of the light receiving unit 130 satisfies the dirt detection condition. Determination processing is executed to determine whether or not dirt adheres to the lens 122 provided in front and the lens 131 provided in front of the light receiving element 132 . In this case, the toilet seat device 2 emits light from the light emitting unit 120 with the lid unit 103 closed, and if the output of the light receiving unit 130 satisfies the dirt detection condition, the light is directed to at least one of the lens 122 and the lens 131 . It is judged that there is adhesion of dirt. Note that the determination process is the same as in the case where the transparent window 112 is the window portion, so detailed description thereof will be omitted.

For example, when the toilet seat device 2 determines that the window is "dirty", the information processing system 1 may display a message prompting the user to clean the window. For example, in the information processing system 1, when the toilet seat device 2 determines that the window is "dirty", the user terminal 200 or the operation device 10, which is a display device, may display information prompting the user to clean. In addition, if the toilet seat device 2 has an automatic cleaning function that automatically removes dirt from the window with water or air, the toilet seat device 2 automatically activates the cleaning function when it determines that the window is dirty. You can drive. Alternatively, when the toilet seat device 2 determines that the window is "dirty", the information processing system 1 may display on the user terminal 200 a display prompting the user to clean the window together with the analysis result of the stool properties. For example, the information processing system 1 may display on the user terminal 200 information such as "The result was obtained when the object was slightly dirty". Alternatively, the toilet seat device 2 of the information processing system 1 lowers the reliability of the analysis result and saves it in a server (server device 400 or the like). For example, the toilet seat device 2 of the information processing system 1 analyzes stool properties in consideration of the degree of soiling. For example, the toilet seat device 2 of the information processing system 1 corrects the analysis result using the degree of contamination.

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.

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 information processing system 2 toilet seat device 3 main body 30 main body cover 31 opening 32 human body detection sensor 33 seating detection sensor 34 control unit (control device)
4 Toilet lid 5 Toilet seat 6 Cleaning nozzle 60 Nozzle lid 7 Western-style toilet bowl (toilet bowl)
71 electromagnetic valve 8 bowl portion 9 rim portion 10 operating device 11 display screen 100 sensor unit 101 controller (control portion)
102 lid opening/closing mechanism 103 lid 110 sensor head (detection unit)
120 light emitting section 121 light emitting element 122 lens 130 light receiving section 131 lens 132 light receiving element (line sensor)
200 user terminal (display)
400 server device (cloud)

Claims (4)

A toilet seat device placed on the upper part of a toilet having a bowl portion for receiving excrement,
a toilet seat on which the user sits;
a light-emitting unit having a light-emitting element that emits light;
a light receiving portion having a light receiving element for receiving light;
a transparent window provided in front of at least one of the light emitting element and the light receiving element;
a control unit that controls energization to the light-emitting element and application of voltage to the light-receiving element;
a freely openable and closable lid provided in front of the window, the opening and closing of which is controlled by the control unit;
has
With the lid closed, light is emitted from the light emitting unit, and the presence or absence of dirt adhering to the window is determined according to whether the output of the light receiving unit satisfies dirt detection conditions. A toilet seat device characterized by executing determination processing. The toilet seat device according to claim 1, wherein the determination process is not executed while the user is seated on the toilet seat. The toilet seat device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reflectance of at least the surface of the lid facing the window is less than half. A toilet device in which a toilet seat is placed on top of a toilet having a bowl portion for receiving excrement,
the toilet seat on which the user sits;
a light-emitting unit having a light-emitting element that emits light;
a light receiving portion having a light receiving element for receiving light;
a transparent window provided in front of at least one of the light emitting element and the light receiving element;
a control unit that controls energization to the light-emitting element and application of voltage to the light-receiving element;
a freely openable and closable lid provided in front of the window, the opening and closing of which is controlled by the control unit;
has
With the lid closed, light is emitted from the light emitting unit, and the presence or absence of dirt adhering to the window is determined according to whether the output of the light receiving unit satisfies dirt detection conditions. A toilet device characterized by executing determination processing.

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