JP2023126196A - Toilet seat device, toilet device, and control method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a toilet seat device capable of providing appropriate information to a user.SOLUTION: A toilet seat device in an embodiment is a toilet seat device that is placed on top of a toilet bowl formed with a bowl part for receiving excrement. The toilet seat device includes: a biological information detection unit that detects the biological information of a user; and a control unit that analyzes time-series output data from the biological information detection unit, estimates the information related to the biological information, and transmits the information related to the biological information to a display terminal. The control unit is configured to analyze output data corresponding to a part of biological information out of the biological information detected by the biological information detection unit, and after having transmitted first information as the estimated results are based on some biological information to the display terminal, and to transmit second information of the estimation result based on biological information other than the part out of the biological information, or an estimation result based on the biological information including in the part of the biological information to the display terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

The disclosed embodiments relate to a toilet seat device, a toilet device, and a control method.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, techniques for analyzing biological information, such as excrement such as feces (hereinafter simply referred to as "feces") excreted into a toilet bowl, are known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-187089

However, the above-mentioned conventional technology has room for improvement. For example, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, it is said that the determination result may be sent to the terminal of the user who performed the excretion behavior (the user of the toilet), but it is not clear how and when to send what information. There is no consideration given to transmission modes such as the above, and there is room for improvement in processing for appropriately providing information to users.

The disclosed embodiments aim to provide a toilet seat device, a toilet bowl device, and a control method that enable appropriate information to be provided to a user.

A toilet seat device according to one aspect of the embodiment is a toilet seat device that is placed on the top of a toilet bowl in which a bowl portion for receiving excrement is formed, and includes a biological information detection unit that detects biological information of a user; a control unit that estimates information related to the biological information by analyzing output data in each time series from the biological information detection unit, and enables the information to be transmitted to a display terminal; Analyzing output data corresponding to some of the biometric information detected by the biometric information detection unit, and transmitting first information that is an estimation result based on the part of the biometric information to the display terminal. After that, second information, which is an estimation result based on biometric information other than the part of the biometric information among the biometric information or an estimation result based on the biometric information including the part of the biometric information, is transmitted to the display terminal. It is characterized by being controlled so that it becomes possible.

According to the toilet seat device according to one aspect of the embodiment, after the first information based on the analysis of output data corresponding to some of the biometric information is transmitted to the display terminal, some of the biometric information is transmitted to the display terminal. Control is performed so that second information, which is an analysis result based on biometric information other than biometric information or an estimation result based on biometric information including a part of the biometric information, can be transmitted to the display terminal. For example, the toilet seat device first transmits an estimation result of information related to some of the biometric information to the outside. Thereby, the user can obtain estimation results related to his/her own biometric information as a flash report while staying in the restroom. After that, the toilet seat device can transmit estimation results based on the remaining biometric information, so the user can receive the information later and obtain more detailed estimation results if necessary. It becomes possible. Therefore, the toilet seat device can provide appropriate information to the user.

For example, if the specification is for analysis on the toilet device side, there is no need to provide a processing unit for analysis at the destination, but if the toilet device side performs the time-consuming analysis process of stool properties, it will not be possible to use the toilet normally. I end up leaving. However, the toilet seat device can cover the length of the analysis process by the above-described process without affecting the user's usability. For example, if the toilet seat device wants to receive a breaking news at the start of a time-consuming analysis process, it starts an interrupt and transmits the analysis results in the shortest possible time. For example, the toilet seat device effectively utilizes the processing executed before the interruption to perform a simple analysis for breaking news. Through such processing, the toilet seat device can instantly report information regarding the simply analyzed health condition to the user and those authorized to know the user's health condition.

In the toilet seat device according to one aspect of the embodiment, the biological information is a stool, and the part of the biological information is a first stool among the plurality of stools detected by the biological information detection section.

According to the toilet seat device according to one aspect of the embodiment, after transmitting the first information based on the analysis of output data corresponding to the first stool among the plurality of stools to the display terminal, Control is performed so that the second information based on the analysis taking into account the remaining flights other than the flight can be transmitted to the display terminal. For example, the toilet seat device first transmits to the outside an estimation result of information regarding the properties of the first stool among a plurality of stools. As a result, the user can obtain information regarding the condition of his/her own stool as a flash report while staying in the toilet. After that, the toilet seat device can transmit the estimated results of information regarding the properties of the remaining stools among the plurality of stools, so the user can receive this information later as needed to determine more detailed stool properties. It becomes possible to obtain the estimation result of . Therefore, the toilet seat device can provide appropriate information to the user. Note that the "first flight" is not limited to one flight, but may be multiple flights (flight group), for example, even if it is multiple flights (flight group) that were the targets of the first detection. good.

In the toilet seat device according to one aspect of the embodiment, the control unit automatically transmits the second information to the display terminal if a predetermined condition is met when the second information becomes transmittable. However, if the predetermined condition is not met, the second information is stored in the memory of the control unit for a predetermined period of time.

According to the toilet seat device according to one aspect of the embodiment, when the second information becomes transmittable, the second information is automatically transmitted if the predetermined condition is met, and if the predetermined condition is not met. , storing the second information in memory. In this way, the toilet seat device provides the second information based on the remaining biometric information among the plurality of biometric information when the user is ready to receive it, and stores it in the memory until then. , the second information can be provided to the user at the user's desired timing. Therefore, the toilet seat device can provide appropriate information to the user. Thereby, according to the toilet seat device, the user can receive information when the user is able to receive it, without having to wait for information regarding biometric information that can be received later.

In the toilet seat device according to one aspect of the embodiment, if the second information is stored in the memory in a situation where the second information cannot be received after the second information can be transmitted, the control unit transmits the second information. The second information is transmitted to the display terminal the next time the person uses the toilet seat device.

According to the toilet seat device according to one aspect of the embodiment, when the second information is stored in the memory, the second information is transmitted to the display terminal the next time the user uses the toilet seat device. In this way, if the user does not receive the second information based on the remaining biometric information and it is stored in the memory, the toilet seat device will receive the second information the next time the user uses the toilet seat device. 2. Provide information to the user. Thereby, the toilet seat device can provide the second information to the user at an appropriate timing when the user can receive it. Therefore, the toilet seat device can provide appropriate information to the user. Thereby, according to the toilet seat device, the user can securely receive the information at another timing without having to wait for information regarding the biometric information that can be received later.

In the toilet seat device according to one aspect of the embodiment, if the second information is stored in the memory in a situation where the second information cannot be received after the second information can be transmitted, the control unit transmits the second information. When a person approaches the toilet seat device, the second information is transmitted to the display terminal.

According to the toilet seat device according to one aspect of the embodiment, when the second information is stored in the memory, the second information is transmitted to the display terminal when the user approaches the toilet seat device. In this way, the toilet seat device does not allow the user to receive the second information based on the remaining biometric information among multiple pieces of biometric information, but if it is stored in the memory, when the user approaches the toilet seat device, the second information is not received by the user. The second information is then provided to the user. Thereby, the toilet seat device can provide the second information to the user at an appropriate timing when the user can receive it. Therefore, the toilet seat device can provide appropriate information to the user. Thereby, according to the toilet seat device, the user can securely receive the information at another timing without having to wait for information regarding the biometric information that can be received later.

In the toilet seat device according to one aspect of the embodiment, if the second information is stored in the memory in a situation where the second information cannot be received after the second information can be transmitted, the control unit transmits the second information. When receiving a transmission instruction from a person, the second information is transmitted to the display terminal.

According to the toilet seat device according to one aspect of the embodiment, when the second information is stored in the memory, the second information is transmitted to the display terminal upon receiving a transmission instruction from the user. In this way, the toilet seat device does not allow the user to receive the second information based on the remaining biometric information among the plurality of biometric information, but if it is stored in the memory, the toilet seat device will not be able to receive the second information based on the remaining biometric information among the plurality of biometric information. The second information is then provided to the user. Thereby, the toilet seat device can provide the second information to the user at an appropriate timing when the user can receive it. Therefore, the toilet seat device can provide appropriate information to the user. Thereby, according to the toilet seat device, the user can securely receive the information at another timing without having to wait for information regarding the biometric information that can be received later. Note that "transmission instructions by the user" are not limited to instructions requesting the transmission of information, but also include Bluetooth (registered trademark) pairing and Wi-Fi (registered trademark) environments where the toilet seat device can communicate. It also includes enabling communication between the toilet seat device and the display terminal, such as automatic connection of the display terminal.

In the toilet seat device according to one aspect of the embodiment, when transmitting the first information to the display terminal, the control unit may detect some of the biological information detected by the biological information detection unit. Analyzing the output data corresponding to the information, transmitting the information that the information is breaking information based on the part of the biological information to the display terminal, and transmitting the second information to the display terminal, the biological information is transmitted to the display terminal. The detailed information is transmitted in accordance with the display terminal, indicating that the information is an estimation result based on biometric information other than the part of the biometric information or detailed information based on the estimation result based on the biometric information including the part of the biometric information. .

According to the toilet seat device according to one aspect of the embodiment, when transmitting the first information to the display terminal, it transmits that it is a simple analysis result in accordance with the display terminal, and displays the second information. When transmitting to a terminal, the detailed analysis result is transmitted in accordance with the display terminal. Thereby, the display terminal can identify which information the received information is, and can switch processing depending on whether it is a simple analysis result or a detailed analysis result. For example, if the received information is a simple analysis result, the display terminal can also notify that the result may change when displayed. Thereby, the display terminal can provide appropriate information to the user. Therefore, the toilet seat device can provide appropriate information to the user.

A toilet device according to one aspect of the embodiment is a toilet device in which a toilet seat is placed on top of a toilet bowl formed with a bowl portion for receiving excrement, and the toilet device includes a biological information detection unit that detects biological information of a user. and a control unit capable of estimating information related to the biological information and transmitting it to a display terminal by analyzing output data in each time series from the biological information detection unit, the control unit analyzes output data corresponding to some of the biometric information detected by the biometric information detection unit, and outputs first information that is an estimation result based on the part of the biometric information to the display terminal. and then display the second information that is an estimation result based on biometric information other than the part of the biometric information among the biometric information or an estimation result based on the biometric information including the part of the biometric information. Control so that it can be sent to the terminal.

According to the toilet device according to one aspect of the embodiment, after the first information based on the analysis of output data corresponding to some of the biometric information is transmitted to the display terminal, some of the biometric information is transmitted to the display terminal. Control is performed so that second information, which is an analysis result based on biometric information other than biometric information or an estimation result based on biometric information including a part of the biometric information, can be transmitted to the display terminal. For example, the toilet device first transmits an estimation result of information related to some of the biometric information to the outside. Thereby, the user can obtain estimation results related to his/her own biometric information as a flash report while staying in the restroom. After that, the toilet device can transmit estimation results based on the remaining biometric information, so the user can receive the information later and obtain more detailed estimation results if necessary. It becomes possible. Therefore, the toilet device can provide appropriate information to the user.

A control method according to one aspect of the embodiment is a control method related to biometric information in a toilet seat device, in which biometric information of a user is detected by a biometric information detection unit, and the biometric information from the biometric information detection unit is By analyzing the output data, information related to the biometric information can be estimated and transmitted to a display terminal, and output data corresponding to some of the biometric information detected by the biometric information detection unit. and transmits the first information that is the estimation result based on the part of the biometric information to the display terminal, and then the estimation result based on the biometric information other than the part of the biometric information among the biometric information or the The present invention is characterized in that it includes controlling so that second information, which is an estimation result based on the biometric information including a part of the biometric information, can be transmitted to the display terminal.

According to the control method according to one aspect of the embodiment, after transmitting first information based on an analysis of output data corresponding to some of the biometric information to a display terminal, some of the biometric information is transmitted to the display terminal. Control is performed so that second information, which is an analysis result based on biometric information other than biometric information or an estimation result based on biometric information including a part of the biometric information, can be transmitted to the display terminal. For example, in the control method, first, an estimation result of information related to some of the biometric information is transmitted to the outside. Thereby, the user can obtain estimation results related to his/her own biometric information as a flash report while staying in the restroom. Thereafter, the control method can transmit estimation results based on the remaining biometric information, so the user can receive the information later and obtain more detailed estimation results if necessary. It becomes possible. Therefore, the control method can provide appropriate information to the user.

According to one aspect of the embodiment, it is possible to provide appropriate information to a user.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a toilet system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an information processing system according to an 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 illustrating an example of the relationship between the user and the operation of the device. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the flow of the measurement process. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a time chart in measurement processing. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data acquisition method. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data analysis method. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall overview of the flight check flow. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hypothetical usage scene for stool check. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure related to stool check. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure related to downloading analysis results. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for processing related to personal identification. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure according to a user's operation on the display terminal. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an interrupt processing procedure. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for processing related to personal identification. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for processing related to personal identification.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of a toilet seat device, a toilet bowl device, and a control method disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

Although defecation (feces) will be described below as an example of biological information, the biological information in the present application includes at least defecation, urination, excrement gas, and blood flow. That is, the biological information is not limited to stool (feces), and may be various information such as urination, excretory gas, and blood flow.

Defecation, which is an example of biological information, is, for example, feces (feces) excreted by a user. Further, urination, which is an example of biological information, is, for example, urine excreted by the user. If the biometric information is urination, for example, information based on the first urine corresponds to some biometric information, information based on urine other than the first urine corresponds to some biometric information other than the first urine, and the information based on the first urine corresponds to some biometric information. The information based on all the urine up to the completion of the measurement, including the urine of the patient, corresponds to the biological information including some biological information. Furthermore, when the biological information is urination, the estimated information includes the amount of urine, the color of urine, the flow rate of urine, and the temperature of urine.

Further, excrement gas, which is an example of biological information, is, for example, gas generated by the user's act of defecating, and includes gas from the excrement itself and gas released during defecation. If the biological information is excrement gas, for example, the information based on the first excrement gas corresponds to some biological information other than the biological information, and the information based on the excrement gas other than the first excrement gas corresponds to some biological information. This corresponds to biological information other than the biological information of , and the information based on all the excretory gases up to the completion of the measurement including the first excretory gas corresponds to the biological information including some biological information. Furthermore, when the biological information is excrement gas, the estimated information includes the odor component concentration of the excrement gas, the specific component of the excrement gas, and the like.

Further, blood flow, which is an example of biological information, is, for example, the user's blood flow. If the biological information is blood flow, for example, information based on the blood flow immediately after sitting corresponds to biological information other than some biological information, and information based on blood flow other than the blood flow immediately after sitting corresponds to some biological information. Corresponding to biological information other than information, information based on all blood flow up to the completion of measurement, including blood flow immediately after sitting, corresponds to biological information including some biological information. Furthermore, when the biological information is blood flow, the estimated information includes pulse waves, blood flow, heart rate, and the like.

Additionally, the toilet seat device may estimate health-related indicators from one or more of the above information. For example, the toilet seat device may estimate health-related indicators using information of multiple types (multiple types) of the above-mentioned biological information. For example, the toilet seat device may estimate health-related indicators using two types of biological information: defecation and urination.

Note that any known means can be used to detect urine and excrement gas. In addition, any known means can be used to detect blood flow. A laser sensor or the like that can measure the flow state may also be used.

Further, any combination of the first information and the second information can be adopted. The first information and the second information may be part, other than part, or all of each biological information (for example, in the case of defecation, the first information is based on a part of multiple feces). However, the second information is not limited to cases where the second information is based on all or part of the second information. For example, when detecting multiple types of biological information, the first information and the second information may straddle each type of biological information. In this case, for example, the first information may be based on all urine, and the second information may be based on all stool. Alternatively, the first information may be based on some of the urine and some of the defecation gas, and the second information may be based on all of the stool.

In the following, a process related to collecting information on feces by toilet room users and a configuration for performing the process will be described. First, various configurations such as an information processing system as a premise will be described.

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

First, an example of the configuration inside the toilet room R of the information processing system 1 will be described using 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 F. In addition, below, the direction facing into 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 ceramic, for example. A bowl part 8 is formed in the toilet bowl 7. The bowl part 8 has a downwardly recessed shape and is a part (toilet bowl) that receives the user's excrement. Note that the toilet bowl 7 is not limited to the floor-standing type as shown in the figure, but may be of any type as long as the toilet system TS is applicable, and may be of a wall-mounted type or the like. The toilet bowl 7 is provided with a rim part 9 around the entire circumference of the end of the opening where the bowl part 8 faces. For example, the toilet room R may be provided with a wash water tank for storing wash water near the toilet bowl 7, or may be of a so-called tankless type in which no wash water tank is installed.

For example, when a user operates a cleaning operation section (not shown) provided in the toilet room R, the toilet bowl is flushed by supplying flushing water to the bowl part 8 of the toilet bowl 7. The cleaning operation unit may be an operation lever or a touch operation on a toilet cleaning object displayed on the operation device 10. Note that the flushing operation unit is not limited to one that allows the user to flush the toilet manually, such as an operating lever, but may also be one that flushes the toilet based on the human body detection of a sensor that detects the user, such as a seat sensor. good.

The toilet seat device 2 is attached to the top of the toilet bowl 7 and includes a main body 3, a toilet lid 4, a toilet seat 5, and a cleaning nozzle 6. The toilet seat device 2 is placed on top of a toilet bowl 7 in which a bowl portion 8 for receiving excrement is formed. The toilet seat device 2 is placed on the top of the toilet bowl 7 so that the cleaning nozzle 6 advances into the bowl portion 8 before spraying cleaning water. Note that 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 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 only an example, and any configuration can be adopted as long as desired processing is possible.

As shown in FIG. 1, the toilet seat 5 is formed into an annular shape having 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 seating section that supports the buttocks of a seated user. Further, 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 the toilet lid 4 and the toilet seat 5 are attached to be rotatable (openable and closable) around the pivot of the main body 3. . Note that the toilet lid 4 is attached to the toilet seat device 2 as necessary, and the toilet seat device 2 does not need to have the toilet lid 4.

The cleaning nozzle 6 is a nozzle for spouting water for cleaning. The cleaning nozzle 6 can spray cleaning water. The cleaning nozzle 6 can spray cleaning water toward the user. The cleaning nozzle 6 is a nozzle for cleaning private parts. The cleaning nozzle 6 is configured to be able to move forward and backward relative to the main body cover 30, which is the casing of the main body 3, by driving a drive source such as an electric motor (such as the nozzle motor 61 in FIG. 4). Further, the cleaning nozzle 6 is connected to a water source such as a water pipe (not shown). As shown in FIG. 1, when the cleaning nozzle 6 is in an extended position (hereinafter also referred to as the "advanced position") with respect to the main body cover 30, which is the casing of the main body part 3, the cleaning nozzle 6 sprays water from the water source. It squirts onto the user's body to cleanse the user's private parts.

FIG. 1 shows a state in which the cleaning nozzle 6 is in 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 cleaning nozzle 6 may be used to be able to switch between a private part cleaning mode in which the user's private parts are cleaned and a toilet bowl cleaning mode in which water is sprinkled into the toilet bowl 7. For example, the cleaning nozzle 6 may be used to be able to switch between a private part cleaning mode and a toilet bowl cleaning mode according to control by the control unit 34 (see FIG. 4) of the toilet seat device 2.

The operating device 10 is provided in the toilet room R. The operating device 10 is provided at a position where the user can operate it. The operating device 10 is provided at a position where the user can operate it when sitting 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 when viewed from the user seated on the toilet seat 5. Note that the operating device 10 is not limited to the wall surface, and may be arranged in various ways as long as it can be used by a user seated on the toilet seat 5. For example, the operating device 10 may be provided integrally with the toilet seat device 2.

From here, the device configuration of the information processing system 1 and the functions of each device will be explained with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing system 1 includes a toilet system TS including a toilet seat device 2 and an operating device 10, a user terminal 200, and a server device 400. The information processing system 1 may include a plurality of toilet systems TS, a plurality of user terminals 200, and a server device 400. In the information processing system 1, the toilet seat device 2 performs various processes such as analysis regarding the properties of stool, and the server device 400 stores information regarding the analysis results by the toilet seat device 2.

The toilet seat device 2 is a device placed in the toilet room R. 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 able to communicate with the server device 400.

The toilet seat device 2 performs a process (personal identification) for acquiring information for identifying a user who uses the toilet bowl 7 in the toilet room R to defecate. For example, the toilet seat device 2 acquires information for identifying the user who uses the toilet bowl 7 to defecate through communication with the user terminal 200 owned by the user, the user's operation on the operating device 10, etc. and identify the user. For example, the toilet seat device 2 communicates with a user terminal 200 owned by the 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 use any method to identify the user as long as it is possible to identify the user who uses the toilet bowl 7 in the toilet room R to defecate.

Further, the toilet seat device 2 transmits excretion information regarding detected excretion to the user terminal 200. For example, the toilet seat device 2 executes various processes such as analysis regarding 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 identifying the 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 user identification information with the received excretion information and register it in the storage unit.

The operating device 10 is a computer (remote control) that receives operations related to the control of the toilet seat device 2 by the user. The operating device 10 is communicably connected to the toilet seat device 2 via a predetermined network, either by wire or wirelessly. For example, the operating device 10 may be communicably connected to the toilet seat device 2 using a predetermined wireless communication function such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Note that the toilet seat device 2 and the operating device 10 may be connected in any manner as long as they can transmit and receive information, and may be connected communicably by wire or may be communicably connected wirelessly. It's okay. For example, the operating device 10 may be communicably connected to the toilet seat device 2 via the network N by wire or wirelessly.

The operating device 10 receives various operations from the user via a display surface (eg, the display screen 11) using, for example, a touch panel function. Further, the operating device 10 may include switches and buttons, and may accept various operations using the switches and buttons. The display screen 11 is a display screen of a tablet terminal or the like realized by, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, and is a display device for displaying various information. That is, the operating device 10 receives 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 operating device 10 may function as a display terminal (display device) that displays various information provided from the toilet seat device 2.

The operating device 10 receives a user's operation to stop the control being executed by the toilet seat device 2. The operating device 10 receives a user's operation for starting the toilet seat device 2 to perform private part washing. The operating device 10 receives instructions to the cleaning nozzle 6 from the user. The operating device 10 receives a user's operation for causing the toilet seat device 2 to output a predetermined sound. The operating device 10 receives a user's operation for performing a sterilization process in which the cleaning nozzle 6 (see FIG. 1) of the toilet seat device 2 is sterilized with sterilized water. The operating device 10 accepts a user's operation for adjusting the force of water discharged when the toilet seat device 2 cleans 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 or audio outputting information regarding the use of the toilet on the operating device 10.

For example, the operating device 10 may display the above-described object that accepts the user's operation on the display screen 11, and may perform various processes in response to the user's contact with the displayed object. For example, the operating device 10 may include a switch, a button, etc. that accepts the user's operation described above, and may execute various processes in response to the user's touch with the switch, button, or the like. Note that the above is an example, and the operating device 10 may accept operations 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 smartphone, 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 using a predetermined wireless communication function such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Note that the user terminal 200 may be communicably connected to the toilet seat device 2 via the network N 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 the 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.

Further, the user terminal 200 requests information from the server device 400 and displays the information obtained from the server device 400. The user terminal 200 receives information regarding the user's excretion 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 information (excretion information) regarding the user's excretion, such as defecation data (excretion data). The user terminal 200 functions as a display terminal (display device) that displays various information provided from the toilet seat device 2. The user terminal 200 receives information indicating 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 defecation data in chronological order for each date and time of defecation.

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

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

The server device 400 is not limited to a cloud (server), and may be any device. That is, any configuration and arrangement of the server device 400 can be adopted as long as desired processing can be achieved. For example, the server device 400 may be a mobile terminal (device) such as a notebook computer that can be carried by an administrator of the information processing system 1 or the like. Further, the server device 400 may be placed inside the toilet room R. Note that the information processing system 1 does not need to include 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.

Note that the above is only an example, and the information processing system 1 can adopt any device configuration as long as it can realize desired processing. For example, the operating device 10 may function as a display unit that displays defecation data. Furthermore, both the operating 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 using various configurations and processes described below. The information processing system 1 is a toilet system that can acquire information about feces by detecting defecation of a user by an optical method using, for example, optical means. Note that the configuration using optical means is just one example, and the information processing system 1 may acquire stool information not only by optical means but also by various 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 explained with reference to FIG. 3. 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 viewed from the front. In addition, illustration of the toilet lid 4 and the lid part 103 is omitted in FIG.

Further, FIG. 3 shows a state in which the cleaning nozzle 6 (see FIG. 1) is in a position where it is stored in the main body cover 30 (also referred to as a "storage position"). In addition, in FIG. 3, illustration of the nozzle lid that hides the cleaning nozzle 6 in a state where 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 storage position, the nozzle lid 60 is closed, and the cleaning nozzle 6 is hidden behind the nozzle lid 60. When cleaning with the cleaning nozzle 6 is performed, the nozzle lid 60 opens and the cleaning nozzle 6 protrudes from the opening of the main body cover 30 (the opening that is closed by the nozzle lid 60 in the closed state in FIG. 3). moves to advance state.

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

Note that the opening 31 of the main body cover 30 is provided with a cover 103 (see FIG. 5) that can be opened and closed, and the cover 103 is in an open state (hereinafter referred to as an "open state") when the sensor unit 100 emits or receives light. ), and the light emitting section 120 and the light receiving section 130 of the sensor unit 100 are optically exposed from the opening 31. Furthermore, when the sensor unit 100 does not emit or receive light, the lid 103 is in a closed state (hereinafter also referred to as a "closed state"), the opening 31 is covered by the lid 103, and the lid 103 is placed in front of the sensor head 110. 103 is located. Note that the closed state here 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 a portion other than the front surface of the sensor head 110 is open.

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

The lid portion 103 is provided in front of the sensor head 110 and can be opened and closed. The lid 103 can be changed between an open state and a closed state by the lid opening/closing mechanism 102. For example, the lid part 103 is closed except during measurement, and is located in front of the sensor head 110. Moreover, the lid part 103 is in an open state during measurement and moves from the front of the sensor head 110 to another location. Thereby, the lid part 103 can suppress a decrease in detection accuracy by the light receiving part 130 of the sensor head 110 due to dirt. The lid portion 103 is preferably formed of a non-transparent material in order to reduce the possibility that the sensor unit 100 will be visually recognized and to provide a configuration that takes the privacy of the user into consideration. For example, the lid portion 103 may be colored so that it is not transparent. A non-transparent material (paint) may be applied to the surface of the lid portion 103.

As shown in FIG. 3, the toilet seat device 2 has a sensor unit 100 disposed adjacent to the cleaning nozzle 6. Note that the sensor unit 100 is not limited to the position adjacent to the cleaning nozzle 6, but may be placed at any position as long as the desired detection is possible. For example, the sensor unit 100 and the toilet seat device 2 may be placed separately. It may be.

<3. Functional configuration of toilet seat device>
Next, the functional configuration of the toilet seat device 2 will be explained with reference to FIG. 4. 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 control section 34, a solenoid valve 71, a nozzle motor 61, a cleaning nozzle 6, and a sensor unit 100. . Note that, in FIG. 4, illustration of a part of the configuration of the toilet seat device 2 described in FIG. 1 (the main body 3, the toilet seat 5, the toilet bowl 7, etc.) is omitted.

For example, the human body detection sensor 32, the seating detection sensor 33, and the control unit 34 are provided in the main body 3 of the toilet seat device 2. Although not shown, the toilet seat device 2 includes a communication unit that communicates with the user terminal 200 and the operating 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 operating device 10. Note that the sensor unit 100 may include the communication section.

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 using an infrared signal. For example, the human body detection sensor 32 may be realized by a μ (microwave) sensor or the like. Note that the above is an example, and the human body detection sensor 32 is not limited to the above, and may detect a human body by various means. 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 control section 34. Note that the toilet seat device 2 does not need to include 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 . The seating detection sensor 33 detects that the user is seated on the toilet seat 5. The seating detection sensor 33 is capable of detecting whether the user is sitting on the toilet seat 5. The seating detection sensor 33 also functions as a seating detection sensor that detects when the user leaves the toilet seat 5. The 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 "sitting sw") that is turned on and off depending on the load of the user sitting on the toilet seat 5. For example, the seating detection sensor 33 is an infrared light emitting/receiving distance measuring sensor, and may be used to detect a human body present near the toilet seat 5 immediately before a person (user) sits on the toilet seat 5, or a user sitting on the toilet seat 5. person may be detected. Note that the above is an example, and the seating detection sensor 33 is not limited to the above, and may detect the seating of a person on the toilet seat device 2 by various means. The seating detection sensor 33 outputs a seating detection signal to the control unit 34 .

The control unit 34 may be, for example, a control device that controls various configurations and processes. The control unit 34 controls the nozzle motor 61 and the solenoid valve 71. The control unit 34 controls the nozzle motor 61 and the solenoid valve 71 based on the signal transmitted from the operating device 10. The control unit 34 controls the nozzle motor 61 based on a control instruction signal regarding private part cleaning transmitted from the operating device 10 . The control unit 34 controls the nozzle motor 61 to move the cleaning nozzle 6 forward or 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 solenoid valve 71 via wire. Note that the control unit 34 may transmit control information to the nozzle motor 61 and the electromagnetic valve 71 wirelessly. Further, the control section 34 may control the sensor unit 100. The control unit 34 may transmit control information to the sensor unit 100 to control the sensor unit 100. In this case, the control unit 34 may be integrated with the controller 101.

Further, the control unit 34 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 a control instruction signal regarding opening and closing of the toilet lid transmitted from the operating device 10 . The control unit 34 controls the toilet seat 5 based on a control instruction signal regarding opening and closing of the toilet seat 5 transmitted from the operating 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 transmit control information to the toilet lid 4 and the toilet seat 5 wirelessly.

The control unit 34 determines whether the human body detection sensor 32 detects the entry of a user into the room. The control unit 34 determines whether the human body detection sensor 32 detects that the user has entered the toilet room R. The control unit 34 determines whether the seating detection sensor 33 detects that the user is seated. The control unit 34 determines whether the seating detection sensor 33 detects that the user is sitting on the toilet seat 5. The control unit 34 communicates with the sensor unit 100 and sends and receives information to and from the sensor unit 100. For example, the control unit 34 transmits a determination result based on detection by various sensors such as the human body detection sensor 32 or the seating detection sensor 33 to the sensor unit 100. 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 the information acquired from the control section 34.

The nozzle motor 61 is a drive source (motor) that drives the cleaning nozzle 6 forward and backward. The nozzle motor 61 executes control to move the cleaning nozzle 6 forward and backward relative to the main body cover 30 of the main body part 3 . The nozzle motor 61 executes control for moving the cleaning nozzle 6 forward or backward in response to instructions from the control unit 34 .

The electromagnetic valve 71 has the function of a valve that controls the flow of fluid by an electromagnetic method. The solenoid valve 71 switches between supplying and stopping tap water from a water supply pipe, for example. The solenoid valve 71 performs opening/closing control in response 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 (excrement measurement device). Note that the sensor unit 100 functioning as an excrement detection device may be configured independently of the toilet seat device 2. Further, the sensor unit 100 may include a communication section that communicates with the user terminal 200. For example, the communication section included in the sensor unit 100 is realized by a communication circuit or the like. For example, the communication section 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 a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an integrated circuit such as an 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 (actuator, etc.) 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 section 120 to the sensor head 110.

The controller 101 transmits control information for controlling the function of the electronic shutter of the light receiving section 130 to the sensor head 110. Note that the electronic shutter of the light receiving unit 130 is different from a mechanical shutter such as a so-called lens shutter, and is of a shutter type in which the light receiving element 132 (imaging element) is electronically controlled to read out exposure. That is, the electronic shutter of the light receiving section 130 is a so-called electronic shutter or electronically controlled shutter. Controller 101 transmits control information to sensor head 110 by wire or wirelessly.

The controller 101 controls light irradiation by the light emitting section 120 and light reception by the light receiving section 130. For example, the controller 101 controls the measurement process during a period when the seating detection sensor 33 detects that the user is sitting on the toilet seat 5 .

The controller 101 controls light irradiation 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 open the electronic shutter to the light-receiving element 132, and energizes the light-emitting element 121, thereby performing light-receiving control to enable reception of reflected light from stool. 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 to an arbitrary time (for example, 0.2 milliseconds or more) within the range that allows control processing. ). Note that the controller 101 controls light irradiation by the plurality of light emitting elements 121 in the measurement process, and this point will be explained with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

Further, the controller 101 determines the nature of the stool based on the light reception result by the light receiving unit 130. The controller 101 determines the nature of the user's stool by appropriately using various techniques for detecting the nature of the stool using optical methods. Based on the stool image, the controller 101 determines the properties of the stool, such as shape, amount, color, etc., corresponding to the stool image. For example, the controller 101 determines the nature of stool through data analysis based on arithmetic processing using four arithmetic operations. For example, the controller 101 determines the properties of stool through data analysis based on arithmetic processing using machine learning. For example, the controller 101 determines the nature of stool through data analysis based on arithmetic processing using image processing such as AI (artificial intelligence).

For example, the controller 101 determines the quality of stool using a program for determining the quality of stool 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 quality and the like. The storage unit stores various information used in the determination process regarding the stool, such as the properties of the stool. For example, the storage unit stores threshold values used in determination processing regarding stool. For example, various models (determination models) used for determination regarding stool are stored. For example, various determination models used to determine the shape, color, amount, etc. of stool are stored. The controller 101 determines the nature 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 in response to instructions from the controller 101. For example, the lid opening/closing mechanism 102 closes the lid 103 at a timing when the light receiving unit 130 does not need to receive light, such as when no measurement is performed.

The lid opening/closing mechanism 102 fixes the lid 103 in a position that does not intersect with the central axis of the light emitted by the light emitting part 120 when the lid 103 is in an open state. The lid opening/closing mechanism 102 fixes the lid 103 in a position outside the half-power angle region of the light emitted by the light emitting part 120 when the lid 103 is in an open state. The lid opening/closing mechanism 102 opens the lid 103 upward when it is placed on the toilet bowl 7. The lid opening/closing mechanism 102 closes the lid 103 when the cleaning nozzle 6 is operated. The lid opening/closing mechanism 102 closes the lid 103 when the cleaning nozzle 6 disposed on the toilet bowl 7 is operated.

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

The light emitting unit 120 emits light. The light emitting unit 120 includes 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 manner in which light is irradiated by the plurality of light emitting elements 121 using a lens 122 .

The light emitting section 120 emits light toward the inside of the bowl section 8. The light emitting section 120 irradiates light onto objects such as excrement (feces) falling within the bowl section 8 . For example, the light emitting unit 120 includes a light emitting element 121 that emits light. The light emitting unit 120 includes 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 each emit light of a different wavelength. Each light emitting element 121 emits light diagonally downward.

For example, one light emitting element 121 (also referred to as "first type light emitting element 121") among the three light emitting elements 121 shown in FIG. irradiate the light of For example, the first type light emitting element 121 emits light with a wavelength of 590 nm. Note that the light emitted by the first type light emitting element 121 is not limited to only 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 range may be a wavelength range (wavelength band) corresponding to yellow to orange.

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") Irradiates light with a long wavelength (also called "second wavelength"). For example, the second type light emitting element 121 emits light with a wavelength of 670 nm. Note that the light emitted by the second type of light emitting element 121 is not limited to only 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 range may be a wavelength range (wavelength band) corresponding to red.

For example, among 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. Note that the light emitted by the third type of light emitting element 121 is not limited to only 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).

Note that the specific numerical values of each of the first wavelength, second wavelength, and third wavelength described above are merely examples, and each wavelength is not limited to these. Furthermore, the specific numerical values of each of the first wavelength region, second wavelength region, and third wavelength region described above are merely examples, and each wavelength region is not limited thereto. 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 (i.e., the first wavelength < the second wavelength < the third wavelength). ), any wavelength can be used. In this way, among the first wavelength, second wavelength, and third wavelength, if the first wavelength is the shortest and the third wavelength is the longest, then the first wavelength, the second wavelength, and the third wavelength can be any arbitrary wavelength. Wavelengths are available. When describing the first type light emitting element 121, the second type light emitting element 121, and the third type light emitting element 121 without particularly distinguishing them, they may be referred to as a light emitting element 121.

In the above example, the case where there is one each of the first type of light emitting element 121, the second type of light emitting element 121, and the third type of light emitting element 121 is described as an example, but the first type of light emitting element 121 , the second type of light emitting element 121, and the third type of light emitting element 121 may be provided in plural numbers. For example, the light emitting unit 120 may include 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. It may have. In other words, the light emitting section 120 can have any number (for example, three or more) of each of the first type of light emitting element 121, the second type of light emitting element 121, and the third type of light emitting element 121. The light emitting element 121 may be provided.

The light receiving section 130 receives light. The light receiving section 130 includes a lens 131 as a light receiving lens and a light receiving element 132 that receives 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 (feces) or the like. Note that the light receiving unit 130 receives reflected light not only from stool but also from various objects.

For example, the light receiving element 132 is a line sensor. For example, the light receiving element 132 is a line sensor in which a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor is arranged in a row. 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 a calculation unit (for example, a calculation processing unit) that executes calculations related to control, a storage unit (for example, a memory described later), and the like. For example, the arithmetic processing device is realized by various means such as a processor such as a CPU, MPU, or ASIC, or an integrated circuit such as an FPGA. In the following, a case where the controller 101 includes an ADConverter, an arithmetic processing unit, a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a memory will be described 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. 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 into digital data by deleting data in a predetermined range from the analog data. For example, the ADConverter may leave only data corresponding to pixels in a preset range (for example, 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 whose number of pixels is set for excrement detection is used in 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 device is realized by various means such as a CPU or a microcomputer, and executes various processes. For example, the arithmetic processing device executes various processes using digital data converted by the ADConverter. The arithmetic processing device executes various processes using 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 device is realized by executing a program stored in a ROM using a temporarily used storage area or the like in the arithmetic processing device as a work area.

The processing unit analyzes the data. The arithmetic processing unit analyzes 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). Note that the memory is not limited to SRAM, and other RAMs (Random Access Memories) such as DRAMs (Dynamic Random Access Memory), and ROMs capable of high-speed processing such as PROMs (Programmable Read Only Memory) are used.

The memory stores data under the control of the arithmetic processing unit. For example, a storage device with a storage capacity of 96 kilobytes, 512 kilobytes, etc. is used as the memory. The data received by the light receiving unit 130 that is 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>
From here, various configurations of the sensor unit will be explained with reference to FIG. 5. Note that the various configurations of the sensor unit 100 including the light emitting section 120 and the light receiving section 130 are not limited to those shown in FIG. 5, and any configuration may be employed as long as the desired detection is possible. 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. Furthermore, the light emitting section 120 and the light receiving section 130 are supported by the housing section 111. The housing portion 111 is made of a non-transparent material. The housing section 111 may be formed of various materials as long as they can support the light emitting section 120 and the light receiving section 130.

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

The housing section 111 is a case that houses the light emitting section 120 and the light receiving section 130 in such a manner that the light emitting section 120 and the light receiving section 130 are exposed on the front side. The housing section 111 houses the light emitting section 120 with the light emitting surface of the light emitting section 120 facing toward the front side. The housing section 111 houses the light receiving section 130 with the light receiving surface of the light receiving section 130 facing toward the front side. The transparent window 112 is a transparent window provided on the front side of the housing section 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 (back surface) of the housing section 111, and are supplied with power.

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

Hereinafter, the light emitting elements 121-1, 121-2, 121-3, 121-4, etc. will be referred to as "light emitting elements 121" unless they are specifically explained separately. 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 an example, and the number of light emitting elements 121 is not limited to four as long as desired light can be irradiated. 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 element 121, and the light emitting element 121-4 is the third type light emitting element 121. The light emitting element 121 may also be used. Note that the above is just an example, and as long as there is at least one 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, any combination of numbers may be used. It's okay.

The light receiving section 130 includes 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 (backward) 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 explained using FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the user and the operation of the device. The lid 103 transitions between an open state and a closed state by driving the lid opening/closing mechanism 102 . In FIG. 6, the cover sections 103-1 to 103-6 will be described depending on the operation of the device, but unless specifically explained separately, the cover section 103 will simply be referred to as the "cover section 103."

First, in FIG. 6, when a user using the toilet room R sits on the toilet seat 5, the toilet seat device 2 detects that the person is sitting. Note that at this stage, the lid section 103 is in a closed state as shown by the lid section 103-1 in FIG. 6.

Thereafter, when the user of the toilet room R agrees to be photographed by performing personal authentication or the like, the toilet seat device 2 opens the lid 103 and starts waiting for the detection of falling stool. At this stage, the lid 103 transitions to the open state as shown in the lid 103-2 in FIG.

After that, when the user of the toilet room R defecates, the toilet seat device 2 detects the dropping of stool and starts measurement. The measurement lasts for example for 10 seconds. At this stage, that is, during the measurement period, the lid portion 103 maintains an open state as shown in the lid portion 103-3 in FIG. 6, and light is irradiated into the toilet bowl 7 (bowl portion 8). After measurement, the system resumes waiting for stool detection to fall. At this stage, the irradiation of light into the toilet bowl 7 (bowl portion 8) is stopped, and the lid portion 103 maintains the open state as shown in the lid portion 103-2 in FIG. 6.

Furthermore, when the user of the toilet room R starts washing his or her butt, the toilet seat device 2 closes the lid 103, puts the washing nozzle 6 in use, and starts washing using the washing nozzle 6. At this stage, that is, during the period when 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. 6.

Further, when the user of the toilet room R finishes washing his butt, the toilet seat device 2 opens the lid 103 and starts waiting for the detection of falling stool. At this stage, the lid section 103 transitions to the open state as shown in the lid section 103-5 in FIG.

Further, when the user who uses the toilet room R leaves the toilet seat 5, the toilet seat device 2 detects that the user leaves the toilet seat 5. Then, the toilet seat device 2 closes the lid portion 103 and ends waiting for detection of falling stool. At this stage, the lid 103 transitions to the closed state as shown in the lid 103-6 in FIG. The toilet seat device 2 then starts data transfer and analysis. Note that the process flow described above is only an example, and the relationship between the person (user) using the toilet room R and the operation of the equipment is not limited to the above. For example, in preparation for the case where the user of the toilet room R defecates several times (multiple defecations), the toilet seat device 2 is set to detect and measure falling stool a maximum of three times. For example, if three measurements are completed before the user of the toilet room R leaves the toilet seat 5, the lid 103 is closed at that point, the waiting period for detecting dropping stool is ended, and data transfer and Analysis may be performed.

In the example of FIG. 6, the lid part 103 performs opening/closing operations relative to the main body cover 30 centering on one end side adjacent to the upper end of the opening 31 of the main body cover 30, and performs opening/closing operations in the vertical direction. , the structure of the lid portion 103 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 6, and may have various configurations. For example, the lid portion 103 may be configured to be stored in a storage portion provided on the upper end side of the opening 31 of the main body cover 30. For example, the lid portion 103 may be configured like a shutter (shutter) made up of a number of elongated members connected together. Further, for example, the lid section 103 performs an opening/closing operation with respect to the main body cover 30 centering on one end side adjacent to the lateral end of the opening 31 of the main body cover 30, and performs an opening/closing operation in the lateral direction. Good too. Further, for example, the lid portion 103 can be separated into a plurality of parts, and may have a double-opening configuration instead of a single-opening configuration.

<6. Measurement processing>
Next, specific operations of the measurement process will be explained with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the flow of the measurement process. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a time chart in measurement processing. First, each element shown in FIG. 7 will be explained. Object OB1 schematically shows 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, for example.

Further, the light emitting device LE1 is a first type light emitting element 121, the light emitting device LE2 is a second type light emitting element 121, and the light emitting device LE3 is a third type light emitting element 121. For example, the light emitting device LE1 emits light with a wavelength of 590 nm as the first wavelength light. Further, the light emitting device LE2 emits light with a wavelength of 670 nm as the second wavelength light. Further, the light emitting device LE3 emits light with a wavelength of 870 nm as the third wavelength light. Note that the wavelength is only an example, and as long as the relationship between the first wavelength, the second wavelength, and the third wavelength is satisfied as described above, any wavelength can be adopted. In addition, hereinafter, when the light emitting devices LE1 to LE3 are described without particular distinction, they may be referred to as "light emitting device LE."

The example in FIG. 7 conceptually shows a measurement process in which the falling object OB1 is irradiated with light from the light emitting device LE and the results of light reception by the light receiving device PD are collected. 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 indicates the object that the light receiving device PD receives. Reflected light from OB1 is schematically shown. Further, a horizontal line overlapping the object OB1 schematically indicates a range (one-dimensional) of the object OB1 detected by corresponding light emission and light reception.

The flow of the measurement process will be described below with reference to FIG. The example in FIG. 7 conceptually shows a measurement process in which the falling object OB1 is irradiated with light from the light emitting device LE and the results of light reception by the light receiving device PD are collected.

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 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 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 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 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 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 reflected light from the object OB1. The toilet seat device 2 repeatedly performs steps S1 to S3 until a predetermined period (for example, 10 seconds, etc.) has elapsed.

Here, the flow of the above-mentioned processing will be explained using the time chart of FIG. 8. In FIG. 8, the process from time t11 to time t12, which is 3.3 ms (hereinafter also referred to as "scan unit process"), is performed until a predetermined period (for example, 10 seconds, etc.) has elapsed. The 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.

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

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

Waveform LN16 in FIG. 8 indicates whether or not data is saved. When waveform LN16 is rising, processing to save data to the internal memory is being performed, and when it is falling, it indicates that processing to save data to the internal memory is not being performed. show.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the measurement process, light of 590 nm, 670 nm, and 870 nm is emitted. 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 sequentially irradiates light. Note that FIG. 8 is only an example, and the order of light emission in the scan unit process is not limited to the case of FIG. 8 but may be any order.

Further, in response to light emission (irradiation of light by the light emitting device LE), exposure by the light receiving device PD is performed. For example, the light receiving device PD performs exposure by electronically controlling the light receiving element 132 (image sensor) using an electronic shutter. Note that the electronic shutter described above is only an example, and the light receiving device PD may perform exposure by any means as long as it can perform exposure 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 light receiving device PD, the analog data detected by the light receiving device PD is converted into digital data (A/D conversion). For example, after the light receiving device PD completes exposure, the toilet seat device 2 converts analog data into digital data using an ADConverter.

After the A/D conversion is completed, the toilet seat device 2 stores the data in the internal memory, which is the above-mentioned memory, for example. For example, after the conversion of analog data to digital data by the ADConverter is completed, the arithmetic processing unit of the controller 101 is controlled to start data transfer to the memory. Thereby, 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 scan unit process for 10 seconds and collects data.

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

After the 590 nm treatment, the toilet seat device 2 performs 870 nm emission and corresponding exposure. The toilet seat device 2 then converts analog data corresponding to the 870 nm light emission detected by the light receiving device PD into digital data (A/D conversion). After the A/D conversion is completed, the toilet seat device 2 stores the 870 nm digital data in its internal memory.

After the 670 nm treatment, the toilet seat device 2 performs 670 nm emission and corresponding exposure. The toilet seat device 2 then converts analog data corresponding to the 670 nm light emission detected by the light receiving device PD into digital data (A/D conversion). After the A/D conversion is completed, the toilet seat device 2 stores the 670 nm digital data in its internal memory. After that, if 10 seconds have not elapsed, 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 (for example, 590 nm), a second wavelength (for example, 670 nm), and a third wavelength (for example, 870 nm), Get data. That is, in the measurement process, the toilet seat device 2 includes a first type light emitting element 121 (light emitting device LE1), a second type light emitting element 121 (light emitting device LE2), and a third type light emitting element 121 (light emitting device LE3). ) to emit light in sequence and acquire data.

Note that the emission wavelengths in each of the above modes are merely examples, and any emission wavelength can be adopted, and the toilet seat device 2 may emit various types of light.

<7. How to obtain data for measurement processing>
Next, the specific operation of the data acquisition method for measurement processing will be explained with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data acquisition method. Note that descriptions of points similar to those described in FIGS. 7 and 8 will be omitted as appropriate.

First, since the object OB1 and the light receiving device PD are the same as those shown in FIG. 7, their description will be omitted. Further, the light emitting device LE is a light emitting element 121. In addition, in FIG. 9, in order to simplify the explanation, a case where one light emitting device LE (light emission is one wavelength) will be described as an example. In this manner, in FIG. 9, the light emission and light reception of any one of the light emitting devices LE1 to LE3, that is, the first type light emitting element 121, the second type light emitting element 121, and the third type light emitting element 121 is shown. The process of acquiring data of a monochrome image is schematically shown as an example.

In the example of FIG. 9, the scene SN1 conceptually shows light from the light emitting device LE irradiating the falling object OB1 at time _t1 , and processing of light reception by the light receiving device PD. The data acquired in the 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 emitting and receiving light in the scene SN1 (time t ₁ ).

Moreover, the data acquired at time _t2 corresponds to the one-dimensional image PI2 of the two-dimensional image EI. That is, by emitting and receiving light at time _t2 , the toilet seat device 2 acquires (detects) a one-dimensional image PI2. The data at time _t2 is the data acquired next to 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 the light by the light receiving device PD at time t _i . The data acquired in the scene SNi (time t _i ) corresponds 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 emitting and receiving light in the scene SNi (time t _i ).

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

The toilet seat device 2 generates a two-dimensional image (stool information) by arranging the one-dimensional images (light reception data) in the order of time when they were acquired. In FIG. 9, the toilet seat device 2 generates a two-dimensional image EI by arranging one-dimensional images PI1, PI2, . . . , PIi, . . . , PIj, .

In addition, in the example mentioned above, the case where the light emission is one wavelength was explained as an example, but when emitting light of multiple wavelengths, the toilet seat device 2 can generate data (one-dimensional data) acquired over time for each emitted wavelength. images) are arranged in chronological order to generate flight information (two-dimensional images). In this regard, 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 emit light and receive light will be described as an example.

In this case, the toilet seat device 2 corresponds to the first type of light emitting element 121 by arranging the received light data (one-dimensional image) obtained by causing the first type of light emitting element 121 to emit light in chronological order. Generate a two-dimensional image. For example, the toilet seat device 2 can generate stool information (first two-dimensional image) corresponding to the first wavelength by arranging received light data (one-dimensional image) obtained by emitting a first wavelength such as 590 nm in chronological order. generate.

Moreover, the toilet seat device 2 corresponds to the second type of light emitting element 121 by arranging the received light data (one-dimensional image) obtained by causing the second type of light emitting element 121 to emit light in chronological order. Generate a two-dimensional image. For example, the toilet seat device 2 generates stool information (second two-dimensional image) corresponding to the second wavelength by arranging received light data (one-dimensional image) obtained by emitting a second wavelength such as 670 nm in chronological order. generate.

Furthermore, the toilet seat device 2 corresponds to the third type of light emitting element 121 by arranging the received light data (one-dimensional image) obtained by causing the third type of light emitting element 121 to emit light in chronological order. Generate a two-dimensional image. For example, the toilet seat device 2 can generate stool information (third two-dimensional image) corresponding to the third wavelength by arranging received light data (one-dimensional image) obtained by emitting a third wavelength such as 870 nm in chronological order. generate.

In this way, the toilet seat device 2 generates two-dimensional images 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. , color images can be obtained. For example, the toilet seat device 2 may generate a color image by combining the above-described first two-dimensional image, second two-dimensional image, and third two-dimensional image.

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

The detected image P11 indicates a detected image acquired in the first (first) detection. Specifically, the detected image P11 includes two objects, an object OB11 and an object OB12, which correspond to feces discharged by the user's first defecation act.

Detection image P12 indicates a detection image acquired in the second detection. Specifically, the detected image P12 includes two objects: an object OB21 corresponding to feces discharged by the user's second defecation act, and an object OB22 corresponding to urine.

Detection image P13 indicates a detection image acquired in the last (third) detection. Specifically, the detected image P13 includes two objects: an object OB31 corresponding to feces discharged during the user's last defecation act, and an object OB32 corresponding to toilet paper. Note that when the detection is performed more than three times, the detection may be performed four or more times.

The toilet seat device 2 generates information regarding stool by analyzing detected images such as detected images P11, P12, and P13. For example, the toilet seat device 2 analyzes the detected images such as the detected images P11, P12, P13, etc., and detects the outer periphery (edge, outline) of the stool, thereby acquiring stool information. Thereby, the toilet seat device 2 generates a stool image by removing non-feces from the detected image. In FIG. 10, the toilet seat device 2 generates stool images P21, P22, and P23 by removing non-fecal matter from each of the detected images P11, P12, and P13.

The toilet seat device 2 generates a stool image P21 in which the outer peripheries of the object OB11 and the object OB12 corresponding to each of the two stools included in the detected image P11 are detected. In addition, the toilet seat device 2 generates a stool image P22 in which the outer circumference of the object OB21 corresponding to stool is detected, excluding the object OB22 other than stool among the two objects OB21 and OB22 included in the detected image P12. do. In addition, the toilet seat device 2 generates a stool image P23 in which the outer periphery of the object OB31 corresponding to stool is detected, excluding the object OB32 other than stool among the two objects OB31 and OB32 included in the detected image P13. do.

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

The toilet seat device 2 generates data indicating the properties of stool by calculation (operation) using the generated characteristic information. For example, the toilet seat device 2 generates information indicating stool properties such as the shape of the stool, the amount of the stool, the color of the stool, and blood adhesion (also referred to as "stool quality information"). In FIG. 10, the toilet seat device 2 shows, for example, the shape of the stool classified into 7 stages, the amount of stool classified into 3 stages, the color of the stool classified into 6 stages, and whether it looks red or not. Stool quality information DT indicating stool properties such as blood adhesion is generated. For example, stool shapes may be categorized into seven types based on the Bristol scale. For example, the shape of stool may be classified into seven types (levels): lumpy, crunchy, cracked, banana-shaped, soft, muddy, and watery. For example, the amount of stool may be classified into three types (levels): small (small), medium, and large (large). For example, the color of stool may be classified into six types (levels): yellow, light ocher, ocher, brown, dark brown, and deep dark brown.

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

The toilet seat device 2 may determine the nature of the stool by any process as long as it can generate the information indicating the nature of the stool described above. For example, the toilet seat device 2 may determine the nature 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 judgment model is trained in advance using teacher data indicating classification judgment. This teacher data includes a plurality of combinations of stool images and labels (correct information) indicating the properties (shape, amount, color, etc.) of the lumps (feces) included in the stool images. For example, a property determination model is a model that receives a stool image as input and outputs information indicating the properties (shape, amount, color, etc.) of a lump (feces) included in the input stool image. For example, when a stool image is input, the property determination model is trained to output information on a label (feces property) corresponding to the input stool image. Learning of the property determination model is performed using various methods related to so-called supervised learning as appropriate. In this case, the property determination model may be stored in the storage unit, and the toilet seat device 2 may determine the property of the stool using the property determination model stored in the storage unit. For example, the toilet seat device 2 may perform a learning process to generate a property determination model. Note that the above is just an example, and the toilet seat device 2 may determine the nature of stool by appropriately using various information.

<9. Flight check flow>
Below, various processes related to the flight check flow will be explained.

<9-1. Overall overview＞
First, an example of the overall outline of the flight check flow will be explained using FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall overview of the flight check flow. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hypothetical usage scene for stool check. FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 show an overview of the processing related to stool checking executed by the information processing system 1.

As shown in the hardware configuration column of FIG. 11, the information processing system 1 includes a configuration that performs personal identification (referred to as "personal identification unit"), a detection unit (sensor), a control unit (sensor controller), and a display terminal ( (smartphone), and cloud services. For example, in the information processing system 1, the toilet seat device 2 includes a personal identification section, a detection section, and a control section shown in FIG. For example, in the toilet seat device 2, the sensor head 110 of the sensor unit 100 corresponds to the detection section, and the controller 101 of the sensor unit 100 corresponds to the control section.

For example, in the toilet seat device 2, the function of the personal identification section is provided by the controller 101 or the control section 34. In the toilet seat device 2, when the controller 101 has the function of a personal identification section, the controller 101 also functions as an acquisition section that acquires user information of the user. For example, the controller 101 acquires user information by receiving the user information of the user from the user terminal 200 used by the user. For example, the controller 101 acquires a user ID that identifies the user as user information from the user terminal 200 used by the user via the communication unit.

Further, for example, in the information processing system 1, the user terminal 200 corresponds to the display terminal (smartphone) in FIG. For example, in the information processing system 1, the server device 400 corresponds to the cloud in FIG.

As shown in the process column of FIG. 11, the information processing system 1 executes processes related to personal identification information transmission, sensor value transmission, sensor value collection, analysis, display, communication to the cloud, and accumulation of analysis results. Further, the data details column of the process in FIG. 11 shows the format of data used in each process. In the information processing system 1, the user terminal 200 transmits personal identification information (user ID, etc.), which is an example of user information, to the toilet seat device 2 having the function of a personal identification section. For example, personal identification information is alphanumeric data, numeric data, or symbolic data.

In the information processing system 1, the sensor head 110 corresponding to the detection section transmits the detected sensor value to the controller 101. In the information processing system 1, a controller 101 corresponding to a control unit collects sensor values. For example, sensor values are sampling data. The toilet seat device 2 detects a falling object using a sensor unit 100 having a controller 101 and a sensor head 110. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8, the toilet seat device 2 acquires data for 10 seconds through measurement processing. For example, the toilet seat device 2 detects falling stool a maximum of three times and performs measurement processing for 10 seconds each time.

For example, the controller 101 analyzes the generated raw data. For example, the controller 101 temporarily stores the analysis results in memory. For example, the controller 101 transmits the analysis results to a user terminal 200 such as a smartphone. The analysis results indicate the results of stool quality analysis. For example, the controller 101 analyzes the stool image, generates an analysis result indicating the properties of the stool, such as the shape, color, and amount of the stool, and temporarily stores it in the memory. For example, the controller 101 associates the user's analysis result with the user's personal identification information (user ID) acquired through the personal identification process and stores it in the memory.

A user terminal 200 corresponding to a display terminal (smartphone) displays information. For example, the user terminal 200 communicates with the server device 400 that supports the cloud. For example, the user terminal 200 transmits the analysis result received from the toilet seat device 2 to the server device 400. For example, the user terminal 200 displays information received from the toilet seat device 2 or the server device 400. For example, the user terminal 200 displays analysis result data indicating the properties of the stool, such as the shape, color, and amount of the stool.

Server device 400 accumulates analysis results. For example, the server device 400 stores the analysis results received from the user terminal 200 in the storage unit. For example, the server device 400 accumulates analysis result data indicating the properties of the stool, such as the shape, color, and amount of the stool.

Next, using FIG. 12, an outline of each processing pattern for providing information to a user executed by the information processing system 1 will be shown.

As shown in FIG. 12, the information processing system 1 performs the process of identifying the user in response to the user's operation on a smartphone or the like (for example, the user terminal 200) or a remote control (for example, the operating device 10, etc.). For example, the toilet seat device 2 processes the user's personal identification using user information such as the user's personal identification information (user ID, etc.) acquired in response to the user's operation. Note that the toilet seat device 2 may process the user's personal identification based on information input by the user's operation.

Then, the user sits down and performs an act of excretion. Thereby, the information processing system 1 performs measurement processing regarding the user's excrement. For example, the toilet seat device 2 performs measurement processing using the sensor unit 100 and the like. Thereafter, the user leaves the seat, flushes away excrement, and gets ready.

The three processing patterns shown in FIG. 12, the first processing pattern PT1, the second processing pattern PT2, and the third processing pattern PT3, indicate three processing patterns related to information provision to the user terminal 200 used by the user.

The first processing pattern PT1 is a processing pattern that provides information indicating an analysis result (also referred to as "overall analysis result") using the user's entire stool measured by the measurement process. As shown in the first processing pattern PT1, the user leaves the restroom after receiving the overall analysis result. In the first processing pattern PT1, the user downloads the overall analysis result to the user terminal 200 and confirms its contents.

Here, when performing analysis using the entire user's stool measured by the measurement process as in the first processing pattern PT1, the analysis may require processing time. In such a case, the analysis may not be completed before the user leaves the restroom, and it may be difficult to provide information to the user.

Therefore, the information processing system 1 quickly reports the simple analysis results as shown in the second processing pattern PT2.

The second processing pattern PT2 indicates a processing pattern that provides information indicating an analysis result (also referred to as "partial analysis result") using a part of the user's stool measured by the measurement process. For example, the toilet seat device 2 transmits partial analysis results indicating the analysis results using some stools to the user terminal 200 used by the user as a simple flash result. As shown in the second processing pattern PT2, the user leaves the restroom after receiving the partial analysis results. In the second processing pattern PT2, the user downloads a partial analysis result to the user terminal 200 and confirms its contents.

Here, as in the second processing pattern PT2, when performing analysis using some of the stools of the users measured by the measurement process, the processing time can be shorter than analysis using the entire stool. Therefore, compared to providing the entire analysis result, it is possible to reduce the time required to provide information, and it is possible to complete the analysis and provide information to the user before the user leaves the restroom. can be increased.

In the case of the second processing pattern PT2, the toilet seat device 2 executes an analysis (also referred to as "simple analysis") of output data corresponding to some of the plurality of stools detected by the sensor head 110, and Information (also referred to as "first information") based on the estimation result of the properties of the stool is transmitted to the user terminal 200 used by the user. The first information is information indicating a simple preliminary report result (partial analysis result). For example, the first information is information indicating the properties of stool based on the result of analyzing a portion of the entire detected stool. For example, when the toilet seat device 2 receives an instruction to provide a simple bulletin from the user terminal 200 used by the user, the toilet seat device 2 performs processing (interrupt processing) that prioritizes analysis of output data (simple analysis) corresponding to some flights. and transmits the generated first information to the user terminal 200 used by the user as information indicating a simple report on the nature of the stool.

For example, the toilet seat device 2 uses the first stool among a plurality of stools as part of the stools in the simple analysis. In the example of FIG. 10, the toilet seat device 2 generates a partial analysis result using the detected image P11, which is the first detected image among the three detected images P11, P12, and P13. In this case, the toilet seat device 2 generates a partial analysis result for the object OB11 and the object OB12, which are two stools included in the detected image P11. In this way, the toilet seat device 2 generates partial analysis results for the two stools, the object OB11 and the object OB12. That is, the first stool here is a concept that includes a plurality of stools (flight group) detected by the first detection.

When providing the simple quick report results (partial analysis results) in this way, the toilet seat device 2 provides the simple quick report results and then provides the analysis results based on flights other than some flights. The toilet seat device 2 allows the user to use information (also referred to as "second information") based on the estimation results of the properties of stool other than some stools or the estimation results of the properties of multiple stools including some stools. The information is sent to the user terminal 200. For example, the information corresponding to the first flight may be the first information, and the information corresponding to flights other than the first flight (remaining flights) may be the second information remaining flights. For example, the toilet seat device 2 may transmit the first information and the second information to the user terminal 200. In this case, the user terminal 200 may hold two pieces of information, the first information and the second information, and calculate the overall analysis result within the user terminal 200. Further, the toilet seat device 2 may comprehensively interpret the first information and the second information and transmit the overall analysis result to the user terminal 200. In this case, the first information may be overwritten with the overall analysis result. For example, the toilet seat device 2 provides an analysis result using the user's entire stool (overall analysis result). The second information is information indicating the overall analysis result. For example, the second information is information indicating the characteristics of the stool based on the result of analyzing the entire detected stool as an analysis target. In the example of FIG. 10, the toilet seat device 2 generates the overall analysis result using three detected images P11, P12, and P13.

For example, if the user cannot provide the overall analysis result when using the toilet, the toilet seat device 2 will provide the overall analysis result if a predetermined condition is met when the overall analysis result can be transmitted. For example, when there is a transmission instruction from a user, the toilet seat device 2 provides the overall analysis result to the user terminal 200 used by the user. For example, when the toilet seat device 2 determines that the personally identified user is the previous user and receives a transmission instruction from the user terminal 200 used by that user, the toilet seat device 2 provides the overall analysis result to the user terminal 200. do. Note that the transmission instruction referred to here is not limited to an instruction to request the transmission of information, but also an instruction to enable communication (transmission and reception of information) with the toilet seat device 2, such as pairing with Bluetooth (registered trademark). Also included. Note that if the second information can be provided when the user uses the restroom, the second information may be provided immediately.

For example, the toilet seat device 2 provides the overall analysis result to the user terminal 200 with which communication with the toilet seat device 2 has been established through pairing or the like. For example, the toilet seat device 2 provides an overall analysis result the next time the user uses the toilet or when the user approaches the toilet seat device 2. For example, when using the toilet, there is a case where it is determined that the personally identified user is the previous user. Furthermore, for example, when using the toilet, it is determined that the personally identified user is the previous user, and the user terminal 200 and the toilet seat device 2 are in a connected state (communication state), etc. be. Further, the time of using the toilet may be a case where it is determined that the personally identified user is the previous user and the user is detected to be sitting on the toilet.

The third processing pattern PT3 indicates a processing pattern that provides information to the user after the user leaves the restroom. For example, the third processing pattern PT3 indicates a processing pattern that provides information to the user the next time the user stops by the restroom.

As shown in the third processing pattern PT3, when the user approaches the toilet seat device 2 after the user leaves the toilet, the overall analysis result is provided to the user. In the third processing pattern PT3, the user downloads the overall analysis result to the user terminal 200 and confirms its contents. When the user terminal 200 is located within a communicable range with the toilet seat device 2, the user operates the user terminal 200 to connect the user terminal 200 and the toilet seat device 2, and from the connected toilet seat device 2 to the user terminal 200. Perform the operation to download the overall analysis results.

As described above, the toilet seat device 2 transmits appropriate information to the user terminal 200 at an appropriate timing. This makes it possible to provide appropriate information to the user. For example, the toilet seat device 2 analyzes output data corresponding to some of the plurality of stools detected by the sensor unit 100, and transmits first information based on the estimation result of the properties of some of the stools to the user terminal. Send to 200. Thereafter, the toilet seat device 2 transmits second information to the user terminal 200 based on the estimation results of the properties of stools other than some of the plurality of stools or the estimation results of the properties of a plurality of stools including some of the stools. Send to.

For example, if the second information is stored in the memory of the controller 101 without being provided to the user after it becomes possible to transmit, the toilet seat device 2 will be able to transmit the second information when the user next uses the toilet seat device 2. The information is sent to the user terminal 200 of that user. Further, for example, if the second information is stored in the memory of the controller 101 without being provided to the user after the second information becomes transmittable, the toilet seat device 2 may approach the toilet seat device 2 and receive the second information. When the user terminal 200 and the toilet seat device 2 become communicable, the second information is transmitted to the user terminal 200 of the user.

Further, for example, if the second information is stored in the memory of the controller 101 without being provided to the user after the second information becomes transmittable, the user terminal 200 of the user can communicate with the toilet seat device 2. When located within the range of , the second information is transmitted to the user terminal 200 of the user upon receiving a transmission instruction from the user. Note that the information provision timing described above is only an example, and the toilet seat device 2 may provide the second information to the user at various timings. For example, when the generation of the second information is completed and transmission is possible when the user uses the toilet seat device 2, the toilet seat device 2 transmits the second information to the user's user terminal at the timing when the user leaves the seat. 200.

<9-2. Flow of each process＞
Next, the flow of each process will be explained. First, the entire processing flow regarding flight check will be explained with reference to FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure related to stool check. Note that the order of each process is not limited to the order of step numbers, and each step may be performed in any order as long as the process can be realized. For example, if personal identification in step S11 is performed after seating in step S12, It's okay to be hurt.

In the example of FIG. 13, the information processing system 1 performs individual identification (step S11). For example, the toilet seat device 2 performs individual identification of the user who uses the toilet room R. For example, the process of step S11 may be performed before the user is seated, for example, when the user enters the toilet room R or when the user is near the toilet room R.

The information processing system 1 also detects seating (step S12). For example, the toilet seat device 2 detects that a user who uses the toilet room R is seated.

Then, the information processing system 1 performs fall detection (step S13). For example, the toilet seat device 2 detects falling excrement of a user who uses the toilet room R.

The information processing system 1 also performs measurement (step S14). For example, the toilet seat device 2 performs measurement processing regarding the excretion of a user who uses the toilet room R.

Then, the information processing system 1 detects whether the user leaves the seat (step S15). For example, the toilet seat device 2 detects when a user who uses the toilet room R leaves the seat.

The information processing system 1 then performs analysis (step S16). For example, the toilet seat device 2 performs analysis processing regarding the excretion of a user who uses the toilet room R.

The information processing system 1 then downloads the analysis results (step S17). For example, the toilet seat device 2 transmits the analysis result of the user's excrement to the user terminal 200 used by the user. Thereby, the user terminal 200 used by the user receives the analysis result of the user's excrement from the toilet seat device 2.

The information processing system 1 then disconnects the WL-smartphone (step S18). For example, WL is the toilet seat device 2, and the smartphone is the user terminal 200. For example, the user terminal 200 used by the user disconnects from the toilet seat device 2.

Then, the information processing system 1 displays the analysis result on the smartphone (step S19). For example, the user terminal 200 used by the user displays the analysis results.

An example of each process will now be described. First, an example of a processing flow related to downloading analysis results will be described using FIG. 14. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure related to downloading analysis results. For example, FIG. 14 corresponds to the details of the process in step S17 in FIG. 13.

In the example of FIG. 14, the information processing system 1 determines the connection state between the WL and the smartphone (step S101). If there is no connection between the WL and the smartphone (step S101: no connection), the information processing system 1 stores the analysis result in the memory (step S102). For example, when the toilet seat device 2 is not connected to the user terminal 200 used by the user, the toilet seat device 2 stores the analysis result in the memory. For example, the toilet seat device 2 stores the analysis result in the memory in association with the user's personal identification information (user ID) obtained through personal identification processing.

Further, when the WL and the smartphone are connected (step S101: connected state), the information processing system 1 determines whether the connected smartphone user and the analysis result user are the same (step S103). For example, when the toilet seat device 2 is in a connected state with the user terminal 200, the toilet seat device 2 determines whether the user using the user terminal 200 and the user associated with the analysis result are the same.

If the connected smartphone user and the analysis result user are not the same (step S103: different), the information processing system 1 stores the analysis result in the memory (step S102). For example, when the user using the user terminal 200 and the user associated with the analysis result are different, the toilet seat device 2 stores the analysis result in the memory.

Further, if the connected smartphone user and the analysis result user are the same (step S103: same user), the information processing system 1 executes the download process (step S104). For example, when the user using the user terminal 200 and the user associated with the analysis result are the same, the toilet seat device 2 performs a process of transmitting the analysis result of the user's excrement to the user terminal 200 used by the user. Execute. Thereby, the user terminal 200 used by the user executes the process of receiving the analysis result of the user's excrement from the toilet seat device 2.

If the download process fails (step S105: failure), the information processing system 1 stores the analysis result in the memory (step S102). For example, when the toilet seat device 2 fails in the process of transmitting the analysis result of the user's excrement to the user terminal 200 used by the user, the toilet seat device 2 stores the analysis result in the memory.

Further, if the download process is successful (step S105: success), the information processing system 1 then determines the connection state between the WL and the smartphone (step S106).

If there is no connection between the WL and the smartphone (step S106: no connection), the information processing system 1 ends the process related to downloading the analysis results. For example, when the toilet seat device 2 is not connected to the user terminal 200 used by the user, the process related to downloading the analysis result ends.

Further, when the WL and the smartphone are connected (step S106: connected state), the information processing system 1 determines whether there is a past analysis result of the connected smartphone user (step S107). For example, when the toilet seat device 2 is in a connected state with the user terminal 200, the toilet seat device 2 determines whether or not the past analysis results of the user who uses the user terminal 200 are stored in the memory.

If there are no past analysis results for the connected smartphone user (step S107: none), the information processing system 1 ends the process related to downloading the analysis results. For example, if the past analysis results of the user using the user terminal 200 are not stored in the memory, the toilet seat device 2 ends the process related to downloading the analysis results.

Further, if there are past analysis results of the connected smartphone user (step S107: yes), the information processing system 1 executes a process of downloading the past analysis results (step S108). For example, if the toilet seat device 2 has past analysis results of the user using the user terminal 200 in its memory, it executes a process of transmitting the user's past analysis results to the user terminal 200 used by the user. Thereby, the user terminal 200 used by the user executes the process of receiving the user's past analysis results from the toilet seat device 2.

If the download process fails (step S109: failure), the information processing system 1 ends the process related to the analysis result download. For example, when the toilet seat device 2 fails in the process of transmitting the user's past analysis results to the user terminal 200 used by the user, it ends the process related to downloading the analysis results.

Further, if the download process is successful (step S109: success), the information processing system 1 deletes the past analysis result memory data (step S110). For example, when the toilet seat device 2 succeeds in the process of transmitting the user's past analysis results to the user terminal 200 used by the user, the toilet seat device 2 deletes the data of the user's past analysis results from the memory.

Next, an example of a processing flow related to personal identification will be described using FIG. 15. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for processing related to personal identification. For example, FIG. 15 corresponds to details of the process of step S11 in FIG. 13.

In the example of FIG. 15, the information processing system 1 determines the connection state between the WL and the smartphone (step S201). If there is no connection between the WL and the smartphone (step S201: no connection), the information processing system 1 performs the process of step S205. For example, when the toilet seat device 2 is not connected to the user terminal 200 used by the user, the toilet seat device 2 performs the process of step S205. The information processing system 1 determines whether personal identification is completed (step S205). When the personal identification is completed (step S205: Yes), the information processing system 1 ends the process related to personal identification. On the other hand, if the personal identification is not completed (step S205: No), the information processing system 1 returns to step S201 and repeats the process.

Furthermore, when the WL and smartphone are connected (step S201: connected state), the information processing system 1 acquires personal identification information (step S202). For example, when the toilet seat device 2 is connected to the user terminal 200, the toilet seat device 2 acquires the personal identification information of the user who uses the user terminal 200. For example, when the toilet seat device 2 is in a connected state with the user terminal 200, the toilet seat device 2 receives from the user terminal 200 a user ID that identifies the user who uses the user terminal 200.

Then, the information processing system 1 determines whether there is a past analysis result of the connected smartphone user (step S203). For example, when the toilet seat device 2 is in a connected state with the user terminal 200, the toilet seat device 2 determines whether or not the past analysis results of the user who uses the user terminal 200 are stored in the memory.

If there is no past analysis result of the connected smartphone user (step S203: none), the information processing system 1 performs the process of step S205. For example, if the past analysis results of the user using the user terminal 200 are not stored in the memory, the toilet seat device 2 performs the process of step S205.

Further, if there are past analysis results of the connected smartphone user (step S203: yes), the information processing system 1 starts accepting interruptions for downloading past analysis results (step S204). The information processing system 1 then performs the process of step S205. For example, if the past analysis results of the user using the user terminal 200 are stored in the memory, the toilet seat device 2 starts accepting an interrupt process for downloading the past analysis results.

For example, when the toilet seat device 2 receives an interrupt processing instruction for downloading past analysis results from the user terminal 200 used by the user, the toilet seat device 2 executes processing for transmitting the user's past analysis results to the user terminal 200 used by the user. Execute. Thereby, the user terminal 200 used by the user executes the process of receiving the user's past analysis results from the toilet seat device 2.

Next, an example of a processing flow according to a user's operation on a display terminal such as a smartphone will be described using FIG. 16. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure according to a user's operation on the display terminal.

The information processing system 1 receives an instruction to download the analysis results (step S301). For example, the user terminal 200 used by the user receives an instruction to download past analysis results in response to a user's operation. In this case, the user terminal 200 transmits information indicating an instruction to download past analysis results to the toilet seat device 2. Thereby, the toilet seat device 2 receives information indicating an instruction to download past analysis results from the user terminal 200.

The information processing system 1 moves to interrupt processing for downloading past analysis results (step S302). For example, if the toilet seat device 2 has past analysis results of the user who uses the user terminal 200 in its memory, it executes a process of transmitting the user's past analysis results to the user terminal 200 that the user uses.

The information processing system 1 transmits past analysis results, and the user terminal 200 downloads and receives the past analysis results (step S303). For example, the user terminal 200 used by the user downloads and receives the user's past analysis results from the toilet seat device 2.

Next, an example of an interrupt processing flow related to downloading analysis results will be described using FIG. 17. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an interrupt processing procedure. For example, when the toilet seat device 2 receives an interrupt as shown in FIG. 16, it performs the process shown in FIG. 17.

The information processing system 1 executes a process of downloading the analysis results (step S401). For example, if the toilet seat device 2 has past analysis results of the user who uses the user terminal 200 in its memory, it executes a process of transmitting the user's past analysis results to the user terminal 200 that the user uses. Thereby, the user terminal 200 used by the user executes the process of receiving the user's past analysis results from the toilet seat device 2. The information processing system 1 then determines whether there are any other past analysis results (step S402). The information processing system 1 checks the presence or absence of past analysis result data, and if there is no other past analysis result (step S402: Yes), ends the interrupt process regarding downloading of the analysis result. On the other hand, if there are other past analysis results (step S402: No), the information processing system 1 returns to step S401 and repeats the process.

<9-3. Processing example>
Note that the above-described processing is only an example, and the information processing system 1 may perform various processing using various information as appropriate. In this regard, an example will be given below. Note that the user terminal 200 will be described below as an example of a display terminal.

For example, the information processing system 1 may process the first information and the second information so that they can be distinguished. For example, when transmitting the first information to the user terminal 200, the toilet seat device 2 analyzes output data corresponding to some of the detected stools, and the first information is The information is sent to the user terminal 200 to indicate that the information is breaking news based on the estimation results of the properties of the stool. For example, the toilet seat device 2 transmits information indicating that the first information is a simple breaking news result, that is, breaking news information (also referred to as "breaking news specific information"), to the user terminal 200 together with the first information. For example, the toilet seat device 2 transmits information indicating that the type of information is a type corresponding to breaking news information (also referred to as "first type"), along with the first information, to the user terminal 200 as breaking news specific information. . For example, the toilet seat device 2 transmits information indicating that the toilet seat is of the first type (for example, a flag, etc.) together with the first information to the user terminal 200 as the breaking news specific information.

For example, when transmitting the second information to the user terminal 200, the toilet seat device 2 may transmit the estimation results of the properties of stools other than some of the plurality of stools, or the It also transmits to the user terminal 200 that the detailed information is based on the estimation result of the stool properties. For example, the toilet seat device 2 sends information indicating that the second information is a detailed analysis result such as an overall analysis result (also referred to as "detailed specific information") to the user terminal 200 together with the second information. Send. For example, the toilet seat device 2 transmits information indicating that the type of information is a type corresponding to detailed information (also referred to as a "second type") along with the second information to the user terminal 200 as detailed specific information. . For example, the toilet seat device 2 transmits information indicating that the toilet is of the second type (for example, a flag, etc.) together with the second information to the user terminal 200 as detailed identification information.

Note that the processing performed by the information processing system 1 is not limited to the above, as long as it is possible to distinguish between the first information and the second information. For example, only when the information to be transmitted is the first information, the toilet seat device 2 may transmit to the user terminal 200 that the information is breaking information. For example, the toilet seat device 2 transmits information indicating that the first information is a simple breaking news result, that is, breaking news information (breaking news specific information), to the user terminal 200 together with the first information. On the other hand, when the information to be transmitted is the second information, the toilet seat device 2 does not need to transmit information indicating that the information is detailed information (detailed specifying information) to the user terminal 200. In this case, when the user terminal 200 receives the breaking news specific information together with the information, it processes that information as the first information, and when it does not receive the breaking news specific information together with the information, it processes the information as the second information. do. In this way, in the information processing system 1, only when transmitting and receiving the first information, it is possible to identify the first information and the second information by transmitting and receiving information to specify the type of the information. may be processed.

<9-3-1. Other processing examples related to personal identification>
The process related to personal identification is not limited to the process shown in FIG. 15. An example of this point will be described below using FIGS. 18 and 19. 18 and 19 are flowcharts illustrating an example of a procedure for processing related to personal identification.

First, a first modification of the process flow related to personal identification will be described using FIG. 18. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for processing related to personal identification. For example, FIG. 18 corresponds to details of the process of step S11 in FIG. 13.

In the example of FIG. 18, the information processing system 1 determines the connection state between the WL and the smartphone (step S501). Furthermore, when the WL and smartphone are connected (step S501: connected state), the information processing system 1 acquires personal identification information (step S502). For example, when the toilet seat device 2 is connected to the user terminal 200, the toilet seat device 2 acquires the personal identification information of the user who uses the user terminal 200. For example, when the toilet seat device 2 is in a connected state with the user terminal 200, the toilet seat device 2 receives from the user terminal 200 a user ID that identifies the user who uses the user terminal 200.

Then, the information processing system 1 determines whether there is a past analysis result of the connected smartphone user (step S503). For example, when the toilet seat device 2 is in a connected state with the user terminal 200, the toilet seat device 2 determines whether or not the past analysis results of the user who uses the user terminal 200 are stored in the memory.

If there is no past analysis result of the connected smartphone user (step S503: none), the information processing system 1 performs the process of step S505. For example, if the past analysis results of the user using the user terminal 200 are not stored in the memory, the toilet seat device 2 performs the process of step S505.

Further, if there are past analysis results of the connected smartphone user (step S503: yes), the information processing system 1 starts accepting interruptions for downloading past analysis results (step S504). The information processing system 1 then performs the process of step S505. For example, if the past analysis results of the user using the user terminal 200 are stored in the memory, the toilet seat device 2 starts accepting an interrupt process for downloading the past analysis results.

For example, when the toilet seat device 2 receives an interrupt processing instruction for downloading past analysis results from the user terminal 200 used by the user, the toilet seat device 2 executes processing for transmitting the user's past analysis results to the user terminal 200 used by the user. Execute. Thereby, the user terminal 200 used by the user executes the process of receiving the user's past analysis results from the toilet seat device 2.

If there is no connection between the WL and the smartphone (step S501: no connection), the information processing system 1 determines the presence or absence of SW (switch) information (step S506). For example, the user of the toilet room R performs an input to designate (select) which user is the user of the toilet room R using a switch or the like provided on the operating device 10. For example, the information processing system 1 uses a switch or the like provided on the operating device 10 to determine the presence or absence of SW information indicating an operation for selecting which user is the user of the toilet room R.

If there is no SW information (step S506: absent), the information processing system 1 performs the process of step S505. For example, if the user of the toilet room R does not select which user the user is using the operating device 10, the toilet seat device 2 performs the process of step S505.

If the SW information is present (step S506: present), the information processing system 1 acquires personal identification information (step S507). For example, when a user of the toilet room R selects which user the user is using the operating device 10, the toilet seat device 2 acquires the personal identification information of the selected user. For example, the toilet seat device 2 acquires a user ID for identifying the selected user from the storage unit or the operating device 10. The information processing system 1 then performs the process of step S505.

The information processing system 1 determines whether personal identification is completed (step S505). When the personal identification is completed (step S505: Yes), the information processing system 1 ends the process related to personal identification. On the other hand, if personal identification is not completed (step S505: No), the information processing system 1 returns to step S501 and repeats the process.

Next, a second modification of the process flow related to personal identification will be described using FIG. 19. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for processing related to personal identification. For example, FIG. 19 corresponds to the details of the process in step S11 of FIG. 13.

In the example of FIG. 19, the information processing system 1 determines the presence or absence of SW (switch) information (step S601). For example, the user of the toilet room R performs an input to designate (select) which user is the user of the toilet room R using a switch or the like provided on the operating device 10. For example, the information processing system 1 uses a switch or the like provided on the operating device 10 to determine the presence or absence of SW information indicating an operation for selecting which user is the user of the toilet room R.

If there is no SW information (step S601: absent), the information processing system 1 performs the process of step S608. For example, if the user of the toilet room R does not select which user the user is using the operating device 10, the toilet seat device 2 performs the process of step S608.

If the SW information is present (step S601: present), the information processing system 1 acquires personal identification information (step S602). For example, when a user of the toilet room R selects which user the user is using the operating device 10, the toilet seat device 2 acquires the personal identification information of the selected user. For example, the toilet seat device 2 acquires a user ID for identifying the selected user from the storage unit or the operating device 10.

Then, the information processing system 1 determines the connection state between the WL and the smartphone (step S603). If there is no connection between the WL and the smartphone (step S603: no connection), the information processing system 1 performs the process of step S608.

Furthermore, when the WL and the smartphone are connected (step S603: connected state), the information processing system 1 acquires personal identification information (step S604). For example, when the toilet seat device 2 is connected to the user terminal 200, the toilet seat device 2 acquires the personal identification information of the user who uses the user terminal 200. For example, when the toilet seat device 2 is in a connected state with the user terminal 200, the toilet seat device 2 receives from the user terminal 200 a user ID that identifies the user who uses the user terminal 200.

Then, the information processing system 1 determines whether the SW information and the personal identification of the smartphone are the same (step S605). For example, the information processing system 1 determines whether the personal identification information acquired in step S602 and the personal identification information acquired in step S604 match. If the SW information and the personal identification of the smartphone are not the same (step S605: No), the information processing system 1 performs the process of step S608. For example, if the personal identification information acquired in step S602 and the personal identification information acquired in step S604 do not match, the toilet seat device 2 performs the process of step S608.

Further, if the SW information and the personal identification of the smartphone are the same (step S605: Yes), the information processing system 1 determines whether there is a past analysis result of the connected smartphone user (step S606). For example, if the personal identification information acquired in step S602 and the personal identification information acquired in step S604 match, the toilet seat device 2 determines whether past analysis results of the user using the user terminal 200 are stored in the memory. Determine.

If there is no past analysis result of the connected smartphone user (step S606: none), the information processing system 1 performs the process of step S608. For example, if the past analysis results of the user using the user terminal 200 are not stored in the memory, the toilet seat device 2 performs the process of step S608.

Further, if there are past analysis results of the connected smartphone user (step S606: yes), the information processing system 1 starts accepting interruptions for downloading past analysis results (step S607). The information processing system 1 then performs the process of step S608. For example, if the past analysis results of the user using the user terminal 200 are stored in the memory, the toilet seat device 2 starts accepting an interrupt process for downloading the past analysis results.

For example, when the toilet seat device 2 receives an interrupt processing instruction for downloading past analysis results from the user terminal 200 used by the user, the toilet seat device 2 executes processing for transmitting the user's past analysis results to the user terminal 200 used by the user. Execute. Thereby, the user terminal 200 used by the user executes the process of receiving the user's past analysis results from the toilet seat device 2.

The information processing system 1 determines whether personal identification is completed (step S608). When the personal identification is completed (step S608: Yes), the information processing system 1 ends the process related to personal identification. On the other hand, if the personal identification is not completed (step S608: No), the information processing system 1 returns to step S601 and repeats the process.

Note that the embodiments and modifications described above can be combined as appropriate within a range that does not conflict with the processing contents.

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

R Toilet room 1 Information processing system 2 Toilet seat device 3 Main unit 30 Main unit 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 Solenoid valve 8 Bowl part 9 Rim part 10 Operating device 11 Display screen 100 Sensor unit 101 Controller (control part)
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 unit)
400 Server device (cloud)

Claims (9)

A toilet seat device placed on top of a toilet bowl having a bowl portion for receiving excrement, the toilet seat device comprising:
a biometric information detection unit that detects biometric information of the user;
a control unit that estimates information related to the biological information by analyzing output data in each time series from the biological information detection unit, and enables transmission of the information to a display terminal;
has
The control unit analyzes output data corresponding to some of the biometric information detected by the biometric information detection unit, and generates first information that is an estimation result based on the part of the biometric information. After being transmitted to the display terminal, second information is an estimation result based on biometric information other than the part of the biometric information among the biometric information or an estimation result based on the biometric information including the part of the biometric information. A toilet seat device, characterized in that the toilet seat device is controlled to be able to transmit the information to the display terminal. The biological information is stool;
The toilet seat device according to claim 1, wherein the part of the biological information is the first stool among the plurality of stools detected by the biological information detection section. The control unit includes:
When the second information becomes transmittable, if a predetermined condition is met, the second information is automatically transmitted to the display terminal, and if the predetermined condition is not met, the second information is sent to the memory of the control unit. The toilet seat device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second information is stored for a predetermined period of time. The control unit includes:
After the second information can be transmitted, if the user is unable to receive it and it is stored in the memory, the second information is transmitted the next time the user uses the toilet seat device. The toilet seat device according to claim 3, wherein the toilet seat device transmits the following information to the display terminal. The control unit includes:
After the second information can be transmitted, if the user is unable to receive it and it is stored in the memory, the second information is transmitted when the user approaches the toilet seat device. The toilet seat device according to claim 3, wherein the toilet seat device transmits the following information to the display terminal. The control unit includes:
After the second information becomes transmittable, if the user is unable to receive it and the second information is stored in the memory, the second information is transmitted upon receiving a transmission instruction from the user. The toilet seat device according to claim 3, wherein the toilet seat device transmits the information to the display terminal. The control unit includes:
When transmitting the first information to the display terminal, output data corresponding to some of the biometric information detected by the biometric information detection unit is analyzed, and output data corresponding to some of the biometric information detected by the biometric information detection unit is analyzed. transmitting information to the display terminal that the information is breaking news based on
When transmitting the second information to the display terminal, an estimation result based on biometric information other than the part of the biometric information among the biometric information or an estimation based on the biometric information including the part of the biometric information. The toilet seat device according to claim 1, wherein information indicating that the detailed information is based on the result is transmitted to the display terminal. A toilet device in which a toilet seat is placed on top of a toilet bowl formed with a bowl portion for receiving excrement, the toilet device comprising:
a biometric information detection unit that detects biometric information of the user;
a control unit that estimates information related to the biological information by analyzing output data in each time series from the biological information detection unit, and enables transmission of the information to a display terminal;
has
The control unit analyzes output data corresponding to some of the biometric information detected by the biometric information detection unit, and generates first information that is an estimation result based on the part of the biometric information. After being transmitted to the display terminal, second information is an estimation result based on biometric information other than the part of the biometric information among the biometric information or an estimation result based on the biometric information including the part of the biometric information. A toilet device, characterized in that the toilet device is controlled to be able to transmit the information to the display terminal. A control method related to biological information in a toilet seat device, comprising:
The biometric information detection unit detects the user's biometric information,
By analyzing output data for each time series from the biological information detection unit, information related to the biological information can be estimated and transmitted to a display terminal,
Analyzing output data corresponding to some of the biometric information detected by the biometric information detection unit, and transmitting first information that is an estimation result based on the part of the biometric information to the display terminal. After that, second information that is an estimation result based on biometric information other than the part of the biometric information among the biometric information or an estimation result based on the biometric information including the part of the biometric information is sent to the display terminal. A control method characterized by comprising controlling so that transmission is possible.

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