JP2024049973A - Toilet System - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To properly distinguish whether excrement is feces or urine. [Solution] A toilet system according to an embodiment includes a sensor that detects load, and a control unit that distinguishes between feces and urine based on the fluctuation pattern of the load on the toilet seat detected by the sensor, and the control unit distinguishes between the amount of feces and the amount of urine excreted by the user in the toilet based on the difference in weight of the user of the toilet within a predetermined period estimated based on detection by the sensor, and the fluctuation pattern of the weight within the predetermined period. [Selected Figure] Figure 6

Description

The disclosed embodiment relates to a toilet system.

Conventionally, there have been technologies provided for obtaining various information about users of toilets. For example, there is known technology for measuring the amount of urine excreted in the toilet bowl (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

JP 2021-122398 A JP 2018-109285 A

However, the above-mentioned conventional technology does not take into consideration the case where the user excretes feces (also simply called "stool") along with urine, and there is room for improvement. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to properly distinguish whether the excrement excreted by the user is feces or urine.

The disclosed embodiment aims to provide a toilet system that can properly distinguish whether excrement is feces or urine.

The toilet system according to one embodiment includes a sensor that detects load, and a control unit that distinguishes between feces and urine based on the fluctuation pattern of the load on the toilet seat detected by the sensor, and the control unit distinguishes between the amount of feces and urine excreted by the user in the toilet based on the difference in weight of the user of the toilet within a predetermined period estimated based on detection by the sensor and the fluctuation pattern of the weight within the predetermined period.

The user's load changes with the amount of excrement. Furthermore, the pattern of change differs depending on whether the excrement is feces or urine. Thus, according to a toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the amount of excrement can be obtained by obtaining the difference in the user's load before and after excretion when the user uses the toilet bowl, and further, the type of excrement can be estimated from the load change pattern during excretion. Therefore, the toilet system can appropriately identify whether the excrement is feces or urine.

In one embodiment of the toilet system, the control unit determines that a decrease in weight of a predetermined value or more is not related to either the stool volume or the urine volume.

The load on the toilet seat also changes due to body movement. Therefore, according to a toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the load reduction pattern due to body movement decreases more rapidly than the load reduction pattern due to excretion, so by determining the load reduction due to body movement and not taking it into account as the amount of excrement, the accuracy of estimating the amount of excrement can be improved. Therefore, the toilet system can appropriately distinguish whether the excrement is feces or urine.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet system is characterized in that the control unit determines that a fluctuation pattern in which the weight decreases and increases over a predetermined period of time is neither the stool volume nor the urine volume.

Changes in load due to body movement can be either a decrease or an increase. Therefore, according to a toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, if the load suddenly decreases and then increases, it is determined that this is an effect of body movement and is not taken into account as part of the amount of excrement, thereby improving the accuracy of estimating the amount of excrement. Therefore, the toilet system can appropriately distinguish whether the excrement is feces or urine.

In one embodiment of the toilet system, the control unit determines the amount of weight loss, which has a small change per unit time, as the amount of urine.

According to a toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, since the load change per unit time for urination is smaller than that for defecation, the amount of urination can be estimated independently without the need for input. Therefore, the toilet system can appropriately distinguish whether the excrement is feces or urine.

In one embodiment of the toilet system, the control unit determines the amount of weight loss that has a large change per unit time as the amount of stool.

According to a toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, since defecation has a larger load change per unit time than urination, it is possible to independently estimate the amount of defecation without the need for input. Therefore, the toilet system can appropriately distinguish whether the excrement is feces or urine.

In one embodiment of the toilet system, the control unit determines that the weight increase is not due to either the stool volume or the urine volume if the weight increase occurs within a predetermined time.

The load change associated with excretion is only a decrease. According to the toilet system of one embodiment, if the load increases in a given period of time, this is due to factors other than excretion, and by identifying and eliminating these factors, the accuracy of estimating the amount of excretion can be improved. Therefore, the toilet system can properly identify whether the excretion is feces or urine.

The toilet system according to one embodiment includes a footrest on which the user places their feet, and the sensor detects the load on the toilet seat and the footrest.

When using a toilet, the user generally assumes a posture with the feet on the floor, distributing the weight to areas other than the toilet seat. The proportion of the weight distributed varies depending on the user's posture. Therefore, according to a toilet system according to one embodiment, a footrest is provided to measure the weight, and the sum of the weights on the toilet seat and footrest is used, making it possible to accurately measure the weight of the user and improve the accuracy of estimating the amount of waste. Therefore, the toilet system can appropriately distinguish whether the waste is feces or urine.

According to one aspect of the embodiment, it is possible to properly identify whether excrement is feces or urine.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a configuration of a toilet system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the toilet seat device according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a toilet seat device according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the control device according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a load change. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of a process executed by the toilet system. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of calculation of urination time. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of calculation of urination time. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of a process executed by the toilet system. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a load change. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration and processing of the toilet system. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration having a footrest. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration having a footrest. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration having a footrest. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a toilet seat apparatus according to a modified example.

Below, an embodiment of the toilet system disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below. Below, the process related to the calculation of the time during which the user urinates (also called "urination time") performed by the toilet system 1 and the configuration for performing this process will be described, but first various configurations of the toilet system and other components that are the premise of the process will be described.

<1. Configuration of the toilet system>
First, the configuration of a toilet system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a toilet system according to an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the toilet system 1 includes a toilet seat device 2 and an operating device 10. As shown in FIG. 1, a toilet bowl 7 is installed on a floor surface F in a toilet room R. In the following description, the direction facing the space of the toilet room R from the floor surface F is described as "up."

The toilet bowl 7 is, for example, a ceramic toilet bowl. The toilet bowl 7 is formed with a bowl portion 8. The bowl portion 8 is concave downwards and is the portion that receives the user's waste. The toilet bowl 7 is not limited to a floor-standing type as shown in the figure, and may be of any type as long as the toilet system 1 is applicable, such as a wall-mounted type. The toilet bowl 7 is provided with a rim portion 9 around the entire edge of the opening facing the bowl portion 8. For example, a flush water tank that stores flush water may be installed near the toilet bowl 7 in the toilet room R, or a so-called tankless type in which no flush water tank is installed may be used.

For example, when a user operates a flushing operation unit (not shown) provided in the toilet room R, a toilet flush is performed by supplying flush water to the bowl portion 8 of the toilet 7. The flushing operation unit may be an operation lever or a touch operation on a toilet flushing object displayed on the operation device 10. Note that the flushing operation unit is not limited to an operation lever or the like that allows the toilet to be flushed manually by the user, but may also be one that allows the toilet to be flushed by a sensor that detects the user, such as a seating sensor.

The toilet seat device 2 is attached to the top of the toilet bowl 7, and comprises 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 the toilet bowl 7, which is formed with a bowl portion 8 that receives excrement. The toilet seat device 2 is placed on top of the toilet bowl 7 so that the cleaning nozzle 6 advances into the bowl portion 8 before spraying cleaning water. The toilet seat device 2 may be attached removably to the toilet bowl 7, or may be attached so as to be integrated with the toilet bowl 7.

As shown in FIG. 1, the toilet seat 5 is formed in a ring shape with an opening 50 in the center, and is positioned along the rim portion 9 so that it overlaps with the opening of the toilet bowl 7. A user sits on the toilet seat 5. The toilet seat 5 functions as a seating portion that supports the buttocks of the seated user. Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the toilet lid 4 and toilet seat 5 are each pivotally supported at one end by the main body portion 3, and are attached so that they can rotate (be opened and closed) around the pivot portion of the main body portion 3. The toilet lid 4 is attached to the toilet seat device 2 as necessary, and the toilet seat device 2 does not have to have a toilet lid 4.

The cleaning nozzle 6 is a nozzle for discharging water for cleaning. The cleaning nozzle 6 is capable of spraying cleaning water. The cleaning nozzle 6 is capable of spraying cleaning water toward the user. The cleaning nozzle 6 is a nozzle for cleaning the private parts. The cleaning nozzle 6 is configured to be movable forward and backward relative to the main body cover 30, which is the housing of the main body 3, by driving a driving source such as an electric motor (such as the nozzle motor 61 in FIG. 3). The cleaning nozzle 6 is also connected to a water source such as a water pipe (not shown). Then, when the cleaning nozzle 6 is in an advanced position (also called the "advanced position") relative to the main body cover 30, which is the housing of the main body 3, as shown in FIG. 1, it sprays water from the water source onto the user's body to clean the private parts.

In FIG. 1, the cleaning nozzle 6 is shown in the advanced position. The cleaning nozzle 6 may also be used to clean the inside of the toilet bowl 7 (bowl portion 8, etc.). The cleaning nozzle 6 may be used to be switchable between a private parts cleaning mode for cleaning the private parts of the user and a toilet bowl cleaning mode for spraying water inside the toilet bowl 7. For example, the cleaning nozzle 6 may be used to be switchable between the private parts cleaning mode and the toilet bowl cleaning mode according to the control by the toilet seat device 2.

The operating device 10 is provided in the toilet room R. The operating device 10 is provided in a position where it can be operated by a user. The operating device 10 is provided in a position where it can be operated when the user is seated on the toilet seat 5. In FIG. 1, the operating device 10 is provided on a wall surface W on the right side as seen from a user seated on the toilet seat 5. Note that the operating device 10 may be provided in various ways, not limited to a wall surface, as long as it is available to a user seated on the toilet seat 5. For example, the operating device 10 may be provided integrally with the toilet seat device 2.

The operating device 10 is connected to the toilet seat device 2 via a predetermined network so as to be able to communicate with each other via a wired or wireless connection. For example, the toilet seat device 2 and the operating device 10 may be connected in any manner as long as they are able to send and receive information, and may be connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a wired connection or a wireless connection.

The operation device 10 accepts various operations from the user via a display surface (e.g., display screen 11) using, for example, a touch panel function. The operation device 10 may also be equipped with switches and buttons, and accept various operations via the switches and buttons. The display screen 11 is, for example, a display screen of a tablet terminal or the like realized by a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, and is a display device for displaying various information. In other words, the operation device 10 accepts input from the user via the display screen 11, and also outputs to the user. The display screen 11 is a display device that displays various information.

The operation device 10 accepts a user's operation to stop control being performed by the toilet seat device 2. The operation device 10 accepts a user's operation to start the execution of local washing by the toilet seat device 2. The operation device 10 accepts an instruction from the user to the washing nozzle 6. The operation device 10 accepts a user's operation to cause the toilet seat device 2 to output a predetermined sound. The operation device 10 accepts a user's operation to perform a sterilization process to sterilize the washing nozzle 6 (see FIG. 1) of the toilet seat device 2 with disinfectant water. The operation device 10 accepts a user's operation to adjust the force of the water discharged during local washing by the toilet seat device 2. The operation device 10 accepts a user's operation to adjust the volume of the sound output by the toilet seat device 2. The operation device 10 accepts a user's operation to select a language when information regarding toilet use is displayed on the operation device 10 or output as audio.

For example, the operation device 10 may display an object that accepts the above-mentioned user's operation on the display screen 11, and execute various processes in response to the user's touch on the displayed object. For example, the operation device 10 may have a switch, button, etc. that accepts the above-mentioned user's operation, and execute various processes in response to the user's touch on the switch, button, etc. Note that the above is an example, and the operation device 10 may accept a user's operation to execute various processes.

The toilet system 1 calculates the time the user is urinating (urination time) using various configurations and processes described below. The toilet system 1 then calculates the amount of urine excreted by the user (also called "urine volume") using the calculated urination time. The toilet system 1 may provide information to a terminal device such as the user's smartphone based on the calculated information. The toilet system 1 may also provide information to an operating device 10 (or a display screen 11) of the toilet room R based on the calculated information.

2. Configuration of the toilet seat device
Next, the configuration of the toilet seat device 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the toilet seat device according to the embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 2 is a view showing the configuration of the bottom surface 51 side of the toilet seat 5 when the toilet seat 5 of the toilet seat device 2 is rotated.

As shown in FIG. 2, the load detection sensors 34 are disposed on the bottom surface 51 of the toilet seat 5, which is the surface opposite to the surface on which a user sits. In FIG. 2, four load detection sensors 34 are disposed on the bottom surface 51 of the toilet seat 5. Note that the number of load detection sensors 34 is not limited to four, and may be any number, such as 1 to 3, or 5 or more.

Also, FIG. 2 shows the cleaning nozzle 6 (see FIG. 1) in a position (also called the "storage position") where it is stored inside the main body cover 30. As shown in FIG. 2, 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 is performed using the cleaning nozzle 6, the nozzle lid 60 opens and the cleaning nozzle 6 protrudes from the opening for the cleaning nozzle 6 in the main body cover 30, and the cleaning nozzle 6 transitions to an advanced state.

In FIG. 2, the toilet seat device 2 is shown as an example of a configuration in which the load detection sensor 34 is disposed on the bottom surface 51 of the toilet seat 5, but the load detection sensor 34 may be disposed in various positions as long as the desired detection is possible. For example, the load detection sensor 34 may be disposed on a structure other than the toilet seat, such as a footrest, and an example of such a placement will be described later.

3. Functional configuration of the toilet seat device
Next, the functional configuration of the toilet seat device 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the toilet seat device according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the toilet seat device 2 includes a human body detection sensor 32, a seating detection sensor 33, a load detection sensor 34, a control device 100, a nozzle motor 61, a cleaning nozzle 6, and a solenoid valve 71. Note that Fig. 3 omits illustration of some of the configuration of the toilet seat device 2 described in Fig. 1 (such as the main body 3, the toilet seat 5, and the toilet bowl 7).

The configuration of the toilet seat device 2 shown in FIG. 3 is merely an example, and the toilet seat device 2 can have any configuration. The human body detection sensor 32, seating detection sensor 33, load detection sensor 34, control device 100, etc. are arranged in any location. For example, the load detection sensor 34 is provided in the main body 3 of the toilet seat device 2. The toilet seat device 2 transmits and receives information to and from an information processing device such as the operating device 10 via a predetermined network (such as the Internet) in a wired or wireless manner using a communication device (such as the communication unit 101 of the control device 100 in FIG. 4).

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 (micro) wave sensor. Note that the above is just an example, and the human body detection sensor 32 is not limited to the above, and may detect the 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 device 100.

The seating detection sensor 33 has the function of detecting a person sitting on the toilet seat device 2. The seating detection sensor 33 detects when a user sits on the toilet seat 5. The seating detection sensor 33 can detect when the user sits on the toilet seat 5. The seating detection sensor 33 also functions as a leaving detection sensor that detects when the user leaves the toilet seat 5. The seating detection sensor 33 detects when the user is sitting on the toilet seat 5.

For example, the seating detection sensor 33 detects that a user has sat on the toilet seat 5 using a load sensor. For example, the seating detection sensor 33 may be an infrared light emitting/receiving distance sensor, and may detect a human body near the toilet seat 5 immediately before the person (user) sits on the toilet seat 5, or the user sitting on the toilet seat 5. Note that the above is just one example, and the seating detection sensor 33 is not limited to the above, and may detect a person sitting on the toilet seat device 2 by various means. The seating detection sensor 33 outputs a seating detection signal to the control device 100. Note that the seating detection sensor 33 may be shared with the load detection sensor 34. In this case, the toilet system 1 does not need to have the seating detection sensor 33.

The load detection sensor 34 is a sensor that detects a load. The load detection sensor 34 is a load sensor. The load detection sensor 34 detects the weight of a user seated on the toilet bowl 7. The load detection sensor 34 detects changes (fluctuations) in the load. The load detection sensor 34 can have any configuration as long as it can detect the desired load.

The above is merely an example, and any sensor may be used as the load detection sensor 34 as long as it is capable of detecting the desired load. For example, the load detection sensor 34 may function as a seating sensor that detects when a user sits on the toilet seat 5. In this case, the load detection sensor 34 may be integrated with the seating detection sensor 33.

In addition, when the toilet system 1 detects the presence or absence of defecation, the toilet system 1 may have a stool detection means for detecting the presence or absence of defecation. For example, the toilet system 1 may have an imaging means for imaging the inside of the bowl portion 8 as the stool detection means for detecting the presence or absence of defecation. For example, the stool detection means may be a line sensor arranged facing the inside of the bowl portion 8, and may detect fallen objects such as excrement falling inside the bowl portion 8. In addition, the stool detection means may be a camera arranged facing the sealed water inside the bowl portion 8, and may detect fallen objects such as excrement that land on the sealed water. The load detection sensor 34 may function as the stool detection means.

The control device 100 controls various configurations and processes. The control device 100 is a computer (information processing device) that executes various information processing such as calculating urination time and urine volume. The control device 100 distinguishes between the amount of feces and urine excreted by the user on the toilet bowl 7 based on the load on the seat 5 of the toilet bowl 7 that receives the excrement. The control device 100 calculates the urination time based on the load on the seat 5 of the toilet bowl 7. For example, the control device 100 calculates the urination time based on the fluctuation pattern of the load on the seat 5 of the toilet bowl 7. The control device 100 calculates the total urine volume based on the calculated urination time and the urine volume per unit time (also called "unit urine volume") stored in the memory unit.

The control device 100 also controls various components of the toilet system 1. The control device 100 controls the nozzle motor 61 and the solenoid valve 71. The control device 100 controls the nozzle motor 61 and the solenoid valve 71 based on a signal transmitted from the operating device 10.

The control device 100 controls the nozzle motor 61 based on a control instruction signal for local cleaning sent from the operation device 10. The control device 100 controls the nozzle motor 61 to advance and retract the cleaning nozzle 6. The control device 100 controls the opening and closing of the solenoid valve 71.

The control device 100 transmits control information to the nozzle motor 61 and the solenoid valve 71 via a wired connection. The control device 100 may also transmit control information to the nozzle motor 61 and the solenoid valve 71 wirelessly. For example, when the control device 100 is configured as a separate device from the toilet seat device 2, it may transmit control information for the nozzle motor 61 and the solenoid valve 71 to the toilet seat device 2 wirelessly. In this case, the control device of the toilet seat device 2 may control the nozzle motor 61 and the solenoid valve 71 based on the control information received.

The control device 100 may also control the load detection sensor 34. In this case, the load detection sensor 34 starts or stops detection according to the control of the control device 100. The control device 100 transmits control information to the load detection sensor 34 for controlling the start or end of detection by the load detection sensor 34. For example, when the human body detection sensor 32 or the seating detection sensor 33 detects that the user has started using the toilet 7, the control device 100 transmits control information to the load detection sensor 34 for causing the load detection sensor 34 to start detection. For example, when the human body detection sensor 32 or the seating detection sensor 33 detects that the user has stopped using the toilet 7, the control device 100 transmits control information to the load detection sensor 34 for causing the load detection sensor 34 to end detection.

The control device 100 also controls the toilet lid 4 and toilet seat 5 as shown in FIG. 1. The control device 100 controls the toilet lid 4 and toilet seat 5 based on a signal transmitted from the operation device 10. The control device 100 controls the toilet lid 4 based on a control instruction signal transmitted from the operation device 10 regarding opening and closing of the toilet lid. The control device 100 controls the toilet seat 5 based on a control instruction signal transmitted from the operation device 10 regarding opening and closing of the seat. The control device 100 transmits control information to the toilet lid 4 and toilet seat 5 via a wired connection. The control device 100 may also transmit control information to the toilet lid 4 and toilet seat 5 wirelessly.

The control device 100 determines whether the human body detection sensor 32 detects the entry of a user into the toilet room R. The control device 100 determines whether the human body detection sensor 32 detects the entry of a user into the toilet room R. The control device 100 determines whether the seating detection sensor 33 detects the user sitting down. The control device 100 determines whether the seating detection sensor 33 detects the user sitting down on the toilet seat 5.

The solenoid valve 71 functions as a valve that controls the flow of a fluid by electromagnetic means. The solenoid valve 71 switches between supplying and stopping tap water from a water supply pipe, for example. The solenoid valve 71 controls opening and closing in response to instructions from the control device 100.

The nozzle motor 61 is a drive source (motor) that drives the cleaning nozzle 6 to move forward and backward. The nozzle motor 61 controls the cleaning nozzle 6 to move forward and backward relative to the body cover 30 of the main body 3. The nozzle motor 61 controls the cleaning nozzle 6 to move forward and backward in response to instructions from the control device 100.

3 shows an example of a configuration in which the toilet seat device 2 includes the control device 100, but the control device 100, the human body detection sensor 32, the seating detection sensor 33, the load detection sensor 34, and the like may be configured as devices separate from the toilet seat device 2. For example, the control device 100 may be configured as a device separate from the toilet seat device 2. For example, the control device 100 may be a server device and may be located at a position away from the toilet seat device 2. In this case, the control device 100 communicates with each device, such as the toilet seat device 2, the human body detection sensor 32, the seating detection sensor 33, and the load detection sensor 34, and receives information necessary for calculating the urination time and urine volume from each device. In addition, in this case, the toilet seat device 2 may have a configuration (control circuit, etc.) for controlling various components of the toilet seat device 2, such as the nozzle motor 61 and the solenoid valve 71. Note that the above is only an example, and the toilet system 1 can adopt any device configuration as long as it is capable of performing the desired processing.

4. Functional configuration of the control device
The functional configuration of the control device will be described below with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 4, the control device 100 has a communication unit 101, a memory unit 120, and a control unit 130. The control device 100 may also have an input unit (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, etc.) that accepts various operations from an administrator of the control device 100, and a display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display, etc.) that displays various information.

The communication unit 101 is realized, for example, by a communication circuit or the like. The communication unit 101 is connected to a predetermined network by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from an external information processing device. For example, the communication unit 101 is connected to a predetermined network by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from other devices such as the operating device 10. Note that the communication unit 101 may be configured as a device (communication device) separate from the control device 100, and may be included in the toilet seat device 2.

The storage unit 120 is realized, for example, by a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. For example, the storage unit 120 is a computer-readable recording medium that non-temporarily records data used by various information processing programs, etc.

The memory unit 120 according to the embodiment stores various information necessary for processing. The memory unit 120 stores various information acquired from other devices such as various sensors. For example, the memory unit 120 stores information related to a learning model (also simply referred to as a "model") used in processing. For example, the memory unit 120 stores a model used in the calculation process of the urination time. For example, the memory unit 120 stores various information (for example, information related to thresholds) used in various information processing. The memory unit 120 stores information used to determine the time when the user starts urination (also referred to as the "urination start time") and the time when the user stops urination (also referred to as the "urination end time"). It stores various numerical values (thresholds) such as a first predetermined value, a second predetermined value, a third predetermined value, and a fourth predetermined value. The memory unit 120 stores various numerical values (thresholds) such as a first predetermined value, a second predetermined value, a third predetermined value, and a fourth predetermined value used to determine the urination start time and the urination end time. In addition, various numerical values such as the first predetermined value, the second predetermined value, the third predetermined value, and the fourth predetermined value can be set to any value.

Returning to FIG. 4, the explanation will be continued. The control unit 130 is realized, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) executing a program (for example, various information processing programs related to the present disclosure) stored inside the control device 100 using a RAM or the like as a working area. The control unit 130 is also a controller, and is realized, for example, by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 130 has an acquisition unit 131, a measurement unit 132, a determination unit 133, a calculation unit 134, and an output unit 135, and realizes or executes the functions and actions of the information processing described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 130 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 4, and may be other configurations as long as they perform the information processing described below.

The acquisition unit 131 acquires various information. The acquisition unit 131 acquires various information from the storage unit 120. The acquisition unit 131 receives information from other devices. The acquisition unit 131 receives information (detection information, etc.) detected by various sensors from various sensors. The acquisition unit 131 receives information (detection information, etc.) detected by each of the human body detection sensor 32, the seating detection sensor 33, and the load detection sensor 34 from each sensor. For example, the acquisition unit 131 receives information related to the load detected by the load detection sensor 34 from the load detection sensor 34. The acquisition unit 131 acquires information to be used for processing from the storage unit 120.

The measurement unit 132 performs various measurements. The measurement unit 132 performs various measurements using information stored in the memory unit 120. The measurement unit 132 measures the detection time by the sensor. The measurement unit 132 uses information detected by the load detection sensor 34 to measure the time during which detection is performed by the load detection sensor 34 (detection time).

The measurement unit 132 measures the load on the toilet seat 5 of the toilet bowl 7 using the information detected by the load detection sensor 34. The measurement unit 132 measures the change in load using the information detected by the load detection sensor 34. The measurement unit 132 measures the change in weight of the user sitting on the toilet seat 5 using the information detected by the load detection sensor 34. The measurement unit 132 measures the time during which detection is performed by the load detection sensor 34 (detection time) using the information of the change in load detected by the load detection sensor 34.

The determination unit 133 performs a determination process. The determination unit 133 performs a determination process using various information stored in the storage unit 120. The determination unit 133 performs a determination process using various information acquired by the acquisition unit 131.

The determination unit 133 determines whether the substance is feces or urine based on the fluctuation pattern of the load on the seat 5 of the toilet bowl 7 detected by the load detection sensor 34. The determination unit 133 determines whether the substance is urine if a first condition is satisfied in which the magnitude of the slope of the amount of change in the load over time (also simply referred to as the "amount of change") is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value and equal to or less than a second predetermined value that is greater than the first predetermined value. The determination unit 133 determines whether the substance is feces if a condition (second condition) is satisfied in which the magnitude of the slope of the amount of change in the load over time is greater than a second predetermined value.

The determination unit 133 determines whether the toilet is feces or urine based on the fluctuation pattern of the load on the toilet seat detected by the sensor. The determination unit 133 distinguishes between the amount of feces and the amount of urine excreted by the user in the toilet based on the difference in weight of the toilet user within a specified period estimated based on detection by the sensor and the fluctuation pattern of weight within the specified period.

The determination unit 133 determines that a decrease in weight of a predetermined value or more is not a stool volume or a urine volume. The determination unit 133 determines that a fluctuation pattern in which weight is decreased and then increased within a predetermined time is not a stool volume or a urine volume. If weight is increased within a predetermined time, the determination unit 133 determines that the weight increase is not a stool volume or a urine volume.

The determination unit 133 may determine the cause of the load change based on the detection result by the load detection sensor 34. The determination unit 133 classifies the cause of the load change based on the detection result by the load detection sensor 34. The determination unit 133 determines which object caused the load change based on the detection result by the load detection sensor 34. The determination unit 133 determines the user's excrement based on the detection result by the load detection sensor 34.

For example, the determination unit 133 classifies multiple types of load changes, including a first type of load change that is a load change due to stool, a second type of load change that is a load change due to urine, a third type of load change that is a load change due to stool and urine, and a fourth type of load change that is a load change due to the user's body movement. For example, the determination unit 133 classifies the load detected by the load detection sensor 34 as a load due to stool, a load due to urine, or a load due to the user's body movement.

The determination unit 133 may perform the load change determination using any method. For example, the determination unit 133 may perform the load change determination based on whether a signal level threshold is exceeded or by AI (artificial intelligence). The determination unit 133 may perform the load change determination based on frequency analysis, image processing, machine learning, deep learning, etc.

For example, the determination unit 133 determines the load using AI technology. For example, the determination unit 133 may determine the load using a model (also called a "load change determination model") generated by machine learning. In this case, the load change determination model is trained in advance using teacher data indicating a classification judgment. This teacher data includes multiple combinations of load information on the seat 5 of the toilet bowl 7 and a label (correct answer information) indicating the type of load corresponding to the load information. The type here indicates the object that caused the load change, such as feces, urine, both feces and urine, or the user's body movement.

The load change judgment model is a model that receives load information as input and outputs information indicating the type of load corresponding to the input load information. For example, the load change judgment model is trained to output label (type of load) information corresponding to the input load information when load information is input. The load change judgment model is trained using various methods related to so-called supervised learning as appropriate. In this case, the load change judgment model is stored in the memory unit 120, and the judgment unit 133 may judge the load using the load change judgment model stored in the memory unit 120. For example, the control device 100 may perform a learning process and generate the load change judgment model. Note that the above is merely an example, and the judgment unit 133 may judge the load using various information as appropriate.

The determination unit 133 may also determine whether or not a defecation (feces) has occurred based on information detected by the stool detection means. The determination unit 133 may determine whether or not the user has excreted feces using information detected by the stool detection means such as the load detection sensor 34. The determination unit 133 determines whether or not a defecation has occurred based on an image captured by the stool detection means. Note that the above determination of whether or not a defecation has occurred is merely one example, and when determining whether or not a defecation has occurred, the determination unit 133 may determine whether or not a defecation has occurred by appropriately using various information.

The calculation unit 134 performs a calculation process. The calculation unit 134 performs a calculation process using various information stored in the storage unit 120. The calculation unit 134 performs a calculation process using various information acquired by the acquisition unit 131. The calculation unit 134 calculates the urination time based on the determination result by the determination unit 133.

The calculation unit 134 calculates the urination time based on the load on the toilet seat 5 of the toilet 7. The calculation unit 134 calculates the urination time based on the fluctuation pattern of the weight of the user of the toilet 7 estimated based on detection by the load detection sensor 34.

The calculation unit 134 determines the time during which the first condition is satisfied, that is, the magnitude of the slope of the load change is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value and equal to or less than a second predetermined value that is greater than the first predetermined value, as the urination time. If the magnitude of the slope of the load change satisfies the first condition, and then satisfies the first condition again after a second predetermined time that is shorter than the first predetermined time has elapsed since the first condition was no longer satisfied, the calculation unit 134 also determines the second predetermined time as the urination time. If the magnitude of the slope of the load change satisfies the first condition, and then satisfies the first condition again after a third predetermined time has elapsed since the magnitude of the slope of the load change is equal to or greater than a third predetermined value that is greater than the second predetermined value, the calculation unit 134 also determines the third predetermined time as the urination time.

The calculation unit 134 calculates the amount of urine based on the change in the user's weight detected by the load detection sensor 34. The calculation unit 134 regards the amount of weight loss with a small amount of change per unit time as the amount of urine. The calculation unit 134 regards the amount of weight loss with a large amount of change per unit time as the amount of stool.

The calculation unit 134 classifies the calculated total urine volume into one of a plurality of levels. The calculation unit 134 categorizes the total urine volume into one of the levels of "large," "medium," and "small." For example, if the total urine volume is less than a first threshold, the calculation unit 134 classifies the total urine volume into the level "small." For example, if the total urine volume is equal to or greater than the first threshold and less than a second threshold that is greater than the first threshold, the calculation unit 134 classifies the total urine volume into the level "medium." For example, if the total urine volume is equal to or greater than the second threshold, the calculation unit 134 classifies the total urine volume into the level "large."

The calculation unit 134 calculates the time corresponding to the load change corresponding to the second type load change or the third type load change as the urination time. When a load change occurs that is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the calculation unit 134 calculates the urination time by excluding the load at the time when the large load change occurred. When defecation is detected by a stool detection means capable of detecting the presence or absence of defecation, the calculation unit 134 calculates the urination time by excluding the load change assumed to be due to defecation.

The output unit 135 executes an output process that outputs various information. The output unit 135 functions as a transmission unit that transmits various information. The output unit 135 executes the output process by transmitting information to an external information processing device. The output unit 135 transmits information to an external information processing device. For example, the output unit 135 transmits various information to an administrator device such as a personal computer or smartphone used by the administrator. The output unit 135 may also execute the output process by transmitting information to the operation device 10 (or the display screen 11).

The output unit 135 transmits information indicating the urination time calculated by the calculation unit 134. The output unit 135 transmits information indicating the urine volume calculated by the calculation unit 134. The output unit 135 outputs information indicating either "large", "medium", or "small" indicating the total urine volume (level) categorized by the calculation unit 134. The output unit 135 transmits information indicating the level of the total urine volume.

<5. Example of load change>
An example of the change in load on the seat 5 of the toilet bowl 7 that is the detection target will now be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the load change. Chart GR1 in Fig. 5 shows an example of a timing chart of the change over time in the load on the seat 5 of the toilet bowl 7 after urination has occurred. In Fig. 5, the vertical axis represents the load, and the horizontal axis represents the time.

In Fig. 5, as shown in chart GR1, an increase in the load on the seat 5 of the toilet bowl 7 is detected in the period before time _t1 and the period after time _t4 . In this manner, when there is an increase in the load, the toilet system 1 determines that the cause of the load change is body movement. Also, even if there is a decrease in the load, when there is an increase in the load within a predetermined time after the decrease, the toilet system 1 determines that the cause of the load change is body movement. Therefore, in Fig. 5, the toilet system 1 determines that the cause of the load change in the period before time _t1 and the period after time _t4 is body movement.

On the other hand, as shown in chart GR1 in Fig. 5, a decrease of _ΔW1 is detected in the load on the seat 5 of the toilet bowl 7 between times _t1 and _t2 . When there is a decrease in load with a small rate of change like this, the toilet system 1 determines that the cause of the load change is urine. Since the amount of weight change per unit time is small during the period in which the decrease of _ΔW1 is detected, the toilet system 1 calculates the amount of change during this period as the amount of urination. In Fig. 5, the toilet system 1 calculates the amount of change between times _t1 and _t2 as the amount of urination.

Also, in Figure 5, as shown in chart GR1, a decrease of _ΔW2 is detected in the load on the seat 5 of the toilet bowl 7 between times _t3 and _t4 . In this way, when there is a decrease in load with a moderate rate of change, the toilet system 1 determines that the cause of the load change is stool. Since the amount of weight change per unit time during the period in which the decrease of _ΔW2 is detected is a moderate amount, the toilet system 1 calculates the amount of change during this period as the amount of stool. In Figure 5, the toilet system 1 calculates the amount of change between times _t3 and _t4 as the amount of stool.

<6. Processing flow>
From here, the processing flow executed by the toilet system will be described. The toilet system 1 executes the following first processing. In the following, the toilet system 1 will be described as the processing subject, but the first processing may be executed by any device, such as the control device 100 or various sensors such as the load detection sensor 34, depending on the device configuration included in the toilet system 1.

The processing example shown in FIG. 6 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure executed by the toilet system. Specifically, FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the first processing procedure for calculating urination time and urine volume.

In FIG. 6, the toilet system 1 determines whether or not a measurement start trigger has been generated (step S101). For example, the toilet system 1 determines that a measurement start trigger has been generated when it detects that a user has started using the toilet 7. If the toilet system 1 determines that a measurement start trigger has not been generated (step S101: No), it repeats the processing of step S101.

The toilet system 1 starts measurement (step S102). For example, the toilet system 1 starts measuring the load on the seat 5 of the toilet bowl 7 using the load detection sensor 34. The toilet system 1 then calculates the difference from the previous load (step S103). For example, the toilet system 1 calculates the difference between the load on the seat 5 of the toilet bowl 7 measured in step S102 and the load on the seat 5 of the toilet bowl 7 measured immediately before.

The toilet system 1 determines whether or not there has been a decrease in ΔW (step S104). For example, if the toilet system 1 detects a decrease in ΔW, it determines that there has been a decrease in ΔW. If the toilet system 1 determines that there has not been a decrease in ΔW (step S104: No), it performs the process of step S106.

When the toilet system 1 determines that there has been a decrease in ΔW (step S104: Yes), it acquires decrease information, which is load fluctuation information when the load decreases (step S105). For example, the toilet system 1 acquires difference information as decrease information when it determines that there has been a decrease in ΔW.

Then, the toilet system 1 determines whether or not a measurement end trigger has been generated (step S106). For example, the toilet system 1 determines that a measurement end trigger has been generated when it detects that the user has finished using the toilet 7. If the toilet system 1 determines that a measurement end trigger has not been generated (step S106: No), it returns to step S103 and repeats the process.

When the toilet system 1 determines that a measurement end trigger has occurred (step S106: Yes), it ends the measurement (step S107). Then, the toilet system 1 executes reduction information processing (step S108). For example, when the toilet system 1 detects that the user has finished using the toilet 7 and determines that a measurement end trigger has occurred, it executes reduction information processing. For example, the toilet system 1 identifies reduction information corresponding to feces (also referred to as "feces reduction information") from the reduction information based on the fluctuation pattern indicated by each reduction information. For example, the toilet system 1 identifies reduction information in which the rate of change in load or the amount of displacement is equal to or greater than a predetermined value as feces reduction information.

Furthermore, for example, the toilet system 1 identifies, from among the reduction information, reduction information corresponding to urine (also referred to as "urine reduction information") based on the fluctuation pattern indicated by each reduction information. For example, the toilet system 1 identifies reduction information in which the rate of change in load or the amount of displacement is less than a predetermined value as amount reduction information. Note that the reduction information processing described above is merely one example, and the toilet system 1 may use various information to identify stool reduction information and urine reduction information.

Then, the toilet system 1 estimates the amount of stool and urine (step S109). The toilet system 1 calculates the amount of each of the stool and urine based on the reduction amount corresponding to each of the stool and urine. The toilet system 1 calculates the reduction amount corresponding to the stool identified based on the reduction information as the stool amount. For example, the toilet system 1 calculates the reduction amount indicated by the stool reduction information corresponding to the stool from the reduction information as the stool amount. The toilet system 1 also calculates the reduction amount corresponding to the urine identified based on the reduction information as the urine amount. For example, the toilet system 1 calculates the reduction amount indicated by the urine reduction information corresponding to the urine from the reduction information as the urine amount. Note that the above is only one example, and the toilet system 1 may identify (calculate) the amount of stool and urine using various information.

7. Second Processing Example
In the above example, the toilet system 1 calculates the urine volume from the load, but the toilet system 1 may calculate the urination time and calculate the urine volume based on the urination time. This point will be described below. Note that the same points as those described above will not be described as appropriate.

<7-1. Example of calculation of urination time>
First, an example of calculation of urination time will be described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 are diagrams showing an example of calculation of urination time. Specifically, Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of calculation of urination time when only urination is detected. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of calculation of urination time when there is a change due to defecation or body movement during urination.

First, the example shown in Figure 7 will be described. Chart GR2 in Figure 7 shows an example of a timing chart of the change over time in the load on the toilet seat 5 of the toilet bowl 7 after urination has occurred. In Figure 7, the vertical axis represents the load, and the horizontal axis represents the time. Note that explanations of points similar to those in Figure 5 will be omitted where appropriate.

7, as shown in chart GR2, a decrease is detected in the load applied to the seat 5 of the toilet bowl 7 between times _t11 and _t12 , where the slope of the change is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value and equal to or greater than a second predetermined value. Note that the first predetermined value can be set to any value. Also, the second predetermined value can be set to any value, so long as it is greater than the first predetermined value.

In this way, when the magnitude of the slope of the decrease is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value and equal to or greater than the second predetermined value, the toilet system 1 determines that the cause of the load change is urine. During a period in which the magnitude of the slope of the change is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value and equal to or greater than the second predetermined value, the amount of weight change per unit time is small, so the toilet system 1 calculates the amount of change during this period as the amount of urination. In FIG. 7, the toilet system 1 calculates the amount of change between times _t11 and _t12 as the amount of urination. In this way, when the condition (also referred to as the "first condition") that the magnitude of the slope of the load change is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value and equal to or less than the first predetermined value is satisfied, the toilet system 1 determines the period during which the first condition is satisfied as the urination time.

Next, the example shown in Figure 8 will be described. Chart GR3 in Figure 8 shows an example of a timing chart of the change over time in the load on the toilet seat 5 of the toilet bowl 7 after urination has occurred. In Figure 8, the vertical axis represents the load, and the horizontal axis represents the time. Note that explanations of points similar to Figures 5 and 7 will be omitted as appropriate.

As shown in chart GR3 in Fig. 8, a decrease in the load applied to the seat 5 of the toilet bowl 7 is detected between times _t21 and _t22 , where the slope of the change is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value and equal to or greater than the second predetermined value. Meanwhile, as shown in chart GR3 in Fig. 8, a load change greater than the second predetermined value temporarily occurs between times _t21 and _t22 , as shown in chart GR3. Even in such a case, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the toilet system 1 determines the time between times _t21 and _t22 , including the period during which a load change greater than the second predetermined value temporarily occurred (also called the "spike period"), as the urination urine time. In other words, if there is a period during which the user is urinating and there is a change due to defecation or body movement, the toilet system 1 calculates the excretion time including that period.

For example, if the magnitude of the gradient of the load change amount satisfies the first condition, and then satisfies the first condition again after a second predetermined time that is shorter than the first predetermined time has elapsed since the first condition was no longer satisfied, the toilet system 1 determines that the second predetermined time is also the urination time. In Fig. 8, if the spike period between times _t21 and _t22 is shorter than the first predetermined time, the toilet system 1 determines that the time between times _t21 and _t22 , including the spike period, is the urination urine time.

For example, if the magnitude of the gradient of the load change amount satisfies the first condition, and then the magnitude of the gradient of the load change amount becomes equal to or greater than a third predetermined value that is greater than the second predetermined value, the toilet system 1 determines that the third predetermined time is also the urination time. In Fig. 8, the toilet system 1 determines _that the time between times _t21 and _t22 , including the spike period during which the magnitude of the gradient of the load change amount becomes equal to or greater than the _third predetermined value, is the urination time.

In this way, even if a load change caused by a factor other than urination is detected while the user is urinating, if it is estimated that the user is also urinating during that period, the toilet system 1 can include that period in the excretion time, allowing it to properly calculate the urination time.

<7-2. Processing flow>
From here, the processing flow for calculating the urination time and the urine volume executed by the toilet system will be described. The toilet system 1 executes the following second process. In the following, the toilet system 1 will be described as the processing subject, but the second process may be executed by any device, such as the control device 100 or various sensors such as the load detection sensor 34, depending on the device configuration included in the toilet system 1.

From here, the processing example shown in FIG. 9 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure executed by the toilet system. Specifically, FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the second processing procedure for calculating the urination time and urine volume. Note that explanations of the same points as in FIG. 6 will be omitted as appropriate.

In FIG. 9, the toilet system 1 determines whether or not a measurement start trigger has been generated (step S201). For example, the toilet system 1 determines that a measurement start trigger has been generated when it detects that a user has started using the toilet 7. If the toilet system 1 determines that a measurement start trigger has not been generated (step S201: No), it repeats the processing of step S201.

When the toilet system 1 determines that a measurement start trigger has occurred (step S201: Yes), it sets "t = 0" (step S202). For example, when the toilet system 1 detects that the user has started using the toilet 7 and determines that a measurement start trigger has occurred, it initializes the value of the urination score t, which counts the urination time, to 0.

The toilet system 1 starts measurement (step S203). For example, the toilet system 1 starts measuring the load on the seat 5 of the toilet bowl 7 using the load detection sensor 34. The toilet system 1 then calculates the difference from the previous load (step S204). For example, the toilet system 1 calculates the difference between the load on the seat 5 of the toilet bowl 7 measured in step S203 and the load on the seat 5 of the toilet bowl 7 measured immediately before.

The toilet system 1 determines whether or not there has been a decrease in ΔW (step S205). For example, if the toilet system 1 detects a decrease in ΔW, it determines that there has been a decrease in ΔW. For example, if the toilet system 1 detects that there has been a decrease in ΔW, it determines that there has been a decrease in ΔW if the slope of the decrease in ΔW is within a predetermined range. If the toilet system 1 determines that there has not been a decrease in ΔW (step S205: No), it performs the process of step S211.

When the toilet system 1 determines that a decrease in ΔW has occurred (step S205: Yes), it sets "ts = _t1 " (step S206). For example, when the toilet system 1 determines that a decrease in ΔW has occurred, it sets the time _t1 at which the increase was detected as the urination start time ts.

Then, the toilet system 1 calculates the difference from the immediately previous load (step S207). For example, the toilet system 1 calculates the difference between the load on the seat 5 of the toilet bowl 7 measured in step S207 and the load on the seat 5 of the toilet bowl 7 measured immediately before that.

The toilet system 1 determines whether or not a displacement of ΔW has occurred (step S208). For example, if the toilet system 1 detects a displacement of ΔW, it determines that a displacement of ΔW has occurred. If the toilet system 1 determines that a displacement of ΔW has not occurred (step S208: No), it returns to step S207 and repeats the process.

When the toilet system 1 determines that a displacement of ΔW has occurred (step S208: Yes), it sets "te = _t2 " (step S209). For example, when the toilet system 1 determines that a displacement of ΔW has occurred, it sets the time _t2 at which the decrease was detected as the urination end time te.

Then, the toilet system 1 sets "t = t + (te - ts)" (step S210). For example, the toilet system 1 adds the value obtained by subtracting the urination start time ts from the urination end time te to the urination score t.

Then, the toilet system 1 determines whether or not a measurement end trigger has been generated (step S211). For example, the toilet system 1 determines that a measurement end trigger has been generated when it detects that the user has finished using the toilet 7. If the toilet system 1 determines that a measurement end trigger has not been generated (step S211: No), it returns to step S204 and repeats the process.

When the toilet system 1 determines that a measurement end trigger has been generated (step S211: Yes), it ends the measurement (step S212). Then, the toilet system 1 calculates the total urination time (step S213). For example, the toilet system 1 calculates the total urination time based on the value of the urination score t, which is the counted urination time. For example, when the unit of the urination score t corresponds to seconds, the toilet system 1 calculates the number of seconds of the value of the urination score t as the total urination time. In this case, when the urination score t is "5", the toilet system 1 calculates that the total urination time is 5 seconds. The toilet system 1 calculates the total urination time using a function (urination time calculation function) that inputs the urination score t and outputs the total urination time. In this case, when the urination score t is "5", the toilet system 1 may input "5" into the urination time calculation function and determine the value output by the urination time calculation function as the total urination time.

Then, the toilet system 1 estimates the urine volume (step S214). For example, the toilet system 1 calculates the urine volume using the total urination time calculated in step S213. The toilet system 1 calculates the urine volume by multiplying the calculated urination time by the urine volume per unit time (unit urine volume) stored in the memory unit 120. For example, the unit urine volume may be set to any value within the range of, for example, 20 to 30 (ml/sec). The unit urine volume may be set for each gender. For example, the unit urine volume may be set to any value within the range of, for example, 10 to 50 (ml/sec) for women. Furthermore, the unit urine volume may be set to any value within the range of, for example, 10 to 30 (ml/sec) for men. Note that the above is merely an example, and the unit urine volume may be set to any value other than the above.

<8. Example of load change>
An example of the load change will now be described. Specifically, the load change on the toilet seat 5 of the toilet system 1 and the relationship between the load change and its cause will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the load change. Fig. 10 shows information on three types of load change corresponding to feces only, urine only, and body movement.

Figure 10 shows four classification plans, #1 to #4, for identifying the type of load change as examples. Classification plan #1 in Figure 10 corresponds to the case where the rate of change is used for classification. Classification plan #2 in Figure 10 corresponds to the case where the amount of displacement and the rate of change are used for classification. Classification plan #3 in Figure 10 corresponds to the case where the direction of displacement and the rate of change are used for classification. Classification plan #4 in Figure 10 corresponds to the case where body movement is not taken into account.

The load change information SW1 to SW3 shown in FIG. 10 indicates load change information corresponding to each of the three types. The load change information SW1 to SW3 indicates an image of the load fluctuation corresponding to each of the three types. For example, the load change information SW1 to SW3 shown in FIG. 10 indicates load change information corresponding to the difference from the immediately preceding load.

For example, the load change information SW1 corresponds to the difference from the previous load for the load change of the first type (feces only), and indicates the load change information of the load change of the seal water caused only by feces, with the load change caused by factors other than feces removed. As shown in FIG. 10, the first type (feces only) has a medium rate of change in identification plan #1. Furthermore, the first type (feces only) has a small amount of displacement and a large rate of change in identification plan #2. Furthermore, the first type (feces only) has a decreasing displacement direction and a large rate of change in identification plan #3. Furthermore, the first type (feces only) has a large change in identification plan #4.

For example, the load change information SW2 corresponds to the difference from the previous load for the load change of the second type (urine only), and indicates the load change information of the load change of the sealing water caused by urine only, with the load change caused by factors other than urine removed. As shown in FIG. 10, the second type (urine only) has a small change rate in classification plan #1. Furthermore, the second type (urine only) has a small displacement amount and a small change rate in classification plan #2. Furthermore, the second type (urine only) has a decreasing displacement direction and a small change rate in classification plan #3. Furthermore, the second type (urine only) has a small change in classification plan #4.

For example, the load change information SW3 corresponds to the difference from the previous load for the load change of the fourth type (user's body movement), and indicates the load change information of the load change of the sealing water caused by both stool and urine, removing the load changes caused by anything other than stool and urine. As shown in FIG. 10, the fourth type (user's body movement) has a large change rate in classification plan #1. Furthermore, the fourth type (user's body movement) may have a large displacement amount and an arbitrary change rate in classification plan #2. Furthermore, the fourth type (user's body movement) may have a displacement direction of decrease/increase and an arbitrary change rate in classification plan #3. Furthermore, the fourth type (user's body movement) is not taken into consideration in classification plan #4.

Note that although not explained in FIG. 10, load change types corresponding to both feces and urine may also be included in the identification target. For example, load change information corresponding to both feces and urine is load change information that is a combination of load change information SW1 and load change information SW2.

<9. Overall Overview＞
From here, the configuration and processing of the above-mentioned toilet system 1 will be described in general outline with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration and processing of the toilet system. For example, a load sensor may be used as the load detection sensor 34, and the footrest may be integrated with the toilet seat device 2. More on this later.

As shown in FIG. 11, in the toilet system 1, the start trigger for the operation control may be the start of sitting, operation of the measurement start button, etc. Also, in the toilet system 1, the end trigger for the operation control may be operation of the flush button, the passage of a predetermined time in a no-load state, detection of paper falling, the measurement end button, etc.

The toilet system 1 may also output an alarm sound when the load is measured. This may allow the toilet system 1 to prompt the user to increase their body movement.

In addition, in the toilet system 1, if the load on the seat 5 of the toilet bowl 7 is high, the toilet system 1 may cool the seat 5 by a flushing operation or the like before starting measurement. As described above, the toilet system 1 outputs the total urine volume by categorizing it into "large," "medium," and "small."

<9-1. Examples of footrests>
Here, an example of a toilet seat device 2 having a footrest will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 14. Figures 12 to 14 are diagrams showing an example of a configuration having a footrest. In Figures 12 to 14, reference numerals other than those for the toilet seat device and the footrest are omitted.

First, the example shown in FIG. 12 will be described. FIG. 12 shows a first configuration example of a toilet seat device provided with a footrest. Specifically, FIG. 12 shows a toilet seat device 2A having a footrest 52A. In the toilet seat device 2A in FIG. 12, the footrest 52A is supported by a pivotal support portion of the main body 3, and has a pair of arms extending from both pivotal support portions toward the front side of the toilet bowl 7, and a footrest portion attached between the pair of arms on which the feet of a user seated on the toilet seat 5 are placed.

First, the example shown in Figure 13 will be described. Figure 13 shows a second configuration example of a toilet seat device provided with a footrest. Specifically, Figure 13 shows a toilet seat device 2B having a footrest 52B. In the toilet seat device 2B of Figure 13, the footrest 52B is formed integrally with the toilet seat 5 and has an extension portion that extends downward from the front end of the toilet seat 5 along the toilet bowl 7, and a footrest portion that extends from the front end of the extension portion toward the front side of the toilet bowl 7 and on which the feet of a user seated on the toilet seat 5 are placed.

First, the example shown in FIG. 14 will be described. FIG. 14 shows a third configuration example of a toilet seat device provided with a footrest. Specifically, FIG. 14 shows a toilet seat device 2C having a footrest 52C. In the third configuration example of FIG. 14, a structure in which the footrest 52C is separately placed and a load detection sensor 34 is separately provided on the footrest 52C is shown. In the toilet seat device 2C of FIG. 14, the footrest 52C is placed in front of the toilet bowl 7 along the floor on which the toilet bowl 7 is placed. The footrest 52C is provided with a load detection sensor 34. For example, the footrest 52C is provided with a load detection sensor 34 at a position where the user's feet are placed. In FIG. 14, the footrest 52C is provided with two load detection sensors 34 corresponding to the positions where the user's feet are placed. For example, the load detection sensor 34 arranged on the footrest 52C transmits information indicating the detected load to the control device 100.

The above footrest is merely an example, and the toilet system 1 may have a footrest in any configuration, not limited to the first to third configuration examples.

<9-2. Example using stool characteristics>
The toilet system 1 may estimate the amount of stool from the length and properties of the stool, and estimate the amount of urine from the difference between the amount of weight loss and the estimated amount of stool. For example, the toilet system 1 may estimate the amount of stool from the length and properties of the stool, and estimate the urine amount by subtracting the estimated amount of stool from the amount of weight loss. For example, the toilet system 1 according to the modified example estimates the amount of stool from the length and properties of the stool, and estimates the urine amount by subtracting the estimated amount of stool from the amount of weight loss using the control device 100 of the toilet seat device 2A.

Below, an example of the configuration and processing of the toilet system 1 when estimating the stool volume from the length and properties of the stool will be described with reference to FIG. 15. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a toilet seat device having a stool detection sensor. When estimating the stool volume from the length and properties of the stool, the toilet system 1 has a modified toilet seat device 2A instead of the toilet seat device 2. Note that the toilet seat device 2A is similar to the toilet seat device 2 except that it has a stool detection sensor 35 and is provided with an opening 31 for exposing the stool detection sensor 35. Therefore, a description of the configuration other than the stool detection sensor 35 and the opening 31 will be omitted.

In the toilet system 1 that estimates the amount of stool from the length and properties of the stool, the toilet seat device 2A has a stool detection sensor 35 that detects information for estimating the amount of stool from the length and properties of the stool (also called "information for stool estimation"). The stool detection sensor 35 is exposed from an opening 31 in the main body cover 30 of the toilet seat device 2A. In FIG. 15, the stool detection sensor 35 is shown as an example being placed in an opening 31 that is arranged next to the nozzle cover 60, but the stool detection sensor 35 may be placed in any position as long as it is capable of detecting the desired amount.

The control device 100 of the toilet system 1 estimates the amount of stool from the length and characteristics of the stool based on the stool estimation information detected by the stool detection sensor 35. For example, the determination unit 133 of the control device 100 estimates the length and characteristics of the stool using the stool information detected by the stool detection sensor 35. The calculation unit 134 of the control device 100 then calculates the amount of urine by subtracting the estimated amount of stool from the amount of weight loss.

The stool detection sensor 35 detects information used to estimate the properties of stool excreted in the toilet bowl 7. The stool detection sensor 35 detects the user's stool. The stool detection sensor 35 is an imaging device that images the inside of the bowl portion 8 of the toilet bowl 7. The stool detection sensor 35 detects the captured image as information for stool estimation. For example, the stool detection sensor 35 is disposed lower than the toilet seat 5 of the toilet bowl 7 and images the inside of the bowl portion 8. The stool detection sensor 35 detects information (images) related to the stool excreted by the user. Note that the stool detection sensor 35 may be disposed in any position as long as it is capable of imaging the inside of the bowl portion 8 of the toilet bowl 7 and capturing an image of the excrement of the user of the toilet bowl 7.

For example, the feces detection sensor 35 may be a line sensor (one-dimensional image sensor) that captures one-dimensional images by receiving light, or an area sensor (two-dimensional image sensor) that captures two-dimensional images. For example, if it is a line sensor, the feces detection sensor 35 is positioned in a direction that captures the area between the toilet seat 5 and the water seal part of the toilet bowl 7 (the part where the water seals). In this way, the feces detection sensor 35 may be positioned to capture images of the feces falling after the user defecates until they hit the water seal part of the toilet bowl 7 (the part where the water seals).

For example, in the case of an area sensor, the feces detection sensor 35 is positioned in a direction that photographs the water seal part of the toilet bowl 7. In this way, the feces detection sensor 35 may be positioned so as to photograph the water seal part of the toilet bowl 7. The feces detection sensor 35 may be positioned in any manner as long as it is capable of detecting (imaging) feces. The feces detection sensor 35 may also capture still images or moving images. If the inside of the toilet bowl becomes dark when a user sits on the toilet seat 5 and it is not possible to photograph the toilet bowl with sufficient brightness, a light source (light emitting unit) may be provided. The wavelength of the light source may be visible light or invisible light such as infrared light.

The control device 100 estimates the length of the stool based on the image captured by the stool detection sensor 35. For example, the control device 100 estimates the length of the stool based on the longitudinal distance (length) of the stool in the image. The control device 100 estimates the length of the stool based on the number of pixels in the image that correspond to the longitudinal direction of the stool. For example, the control device 100 estimates the length of the stool based on the number of pixels in the image that correspond to the falling direction of the stool (direction of gravity).

The control device 100 also estimates the type of stool corresponding to the stool image based on the image captured by the stool detection sensor 35. The control device 100 uses the stool image to determine whether the type of stool corresponding to the stool image is one of multiple types based on shape. The control device 100 may classify stool types into seven types based on the Bristol scale. For example, the control device 100 uses the stool image to determine whether the type of stool corresponding to the stool image is one of types 1 to 7 based on the Bristol scale. For example, type 1 is rolling, type 2 is hard (hard), type 3 is cracked (slightly hard), type 4 is normal (banana-shaped), type 5 is slightly soft, type 6 is muddy, and type 7 is liquid (watery). The control device 100 determines the type (shape) of the user's stool by appropriately using various technologies that detect the shape of the stool using optical methods.

The control device 100 may determine the type of stool using AI (artificial intelligence) technology. For example, the control device 100 may determine the type of stool using a learning model (type determination model) generated by machine learning. In this case, the type determination model is trained in advance using teacher data indicating classification judgment. This teacher data includes multiple combinations of a stool image and a label (correct answer information) indicating the type of mass (stool) contained in the stool image (any of types 1 to 7). For example, the type determination model is a model that inputs a stool image and outputs information indicating the type of mass (stool) contained in the input stool image. For example, the type determination model is trained to output information of a label (type of stool) corresponding to the input stool image when a stool image is input. The type determination model is trained appropriately using various methods related to so-called supervised learning. In this case, the type determination model is stored in the memory unit 120, and the control device 100 may determine the type of stool using the type determination model stored in the memory unit 120. For example, the control device 100 may perform a learning process to generate the type determination model. Note that the above is merely an example, and the control device 100 may estimate the type of stool using various information as appropriate.

The control device 100 estimates the amount of stool using the estimated length and type (characteristics) of the stool. For example, the control device 100 uses information indicating the length and characteristics of the stool as input and calculates the amount of stool using a function (stool amount calculation function) that outputs the amount of stool. For example, the control device 100 calculates the amount of stool using a function (stool amount calculation function) that outputs the amount of stool by multiplying the length of the stool by a parameter (coefficient) corresponding to the stool characteristics. For example, if the length of the stool is 10 cm and the stool characteristics are type 5, the control device 100 calculates the amount of stool by multiplying the value "10" corresponding to the length by the coefficient (fifth parameter) corresponding to the stool characteristics "type 5". Note that the above-mentioned process is merely an example, and the control device 100 may estimate the amount of stool from the length and characteristics of the stool using various information, and estimate the amount of urine from the difference between the amount of weight loss and the estimated amount of stool.

By performing the above-described processing, the toilet system 1 can appropriately estimate the amount of urine. For example, when both stool and urine are excreted, the toilet system 1 can estimate the amount of stool from the length and properties of the stool, and independently estimate only the amount of urination by calculating the difference from the total amount of excretion.

The above-described embodiments and variations can be combined as appropriate to the extent that they do not cause any inconsistencies in the processing content.

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

The above-described embodiments and modifications may have the following configurations, but are not limited to these.
(1)
A sensor for detecting a load;
a control unit that distinguishes between feces and urine based on a fluctuation pattern of the load applied to the toilet seat detected by the sensor;
Equipped with
The control unit is
A toilet system characterized by identifying the amount of feces and urine excreted by the user in the toilet bowl based on the difference in weight of the user of the toilet bowl within a specified period estimated based on detection by the sensor and the pattern of fluctuation in the weight within the specified period.
(2)
The control unit is
The toilet system according to claim 1, wherein a decrease in body weight of a predetermined value or more is determined to be neither the amount of feces nor the amount of urine.
(3)
The control unit is
The toilet system according to (1) or (2), characterized in that a fluctuation pattern in which the body weight is decreased and then increased over a predetermined period of time is determined to be neither the stool volume nor the urine volume.
(4)
The control unit is
The toilet system according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the amount of urine is determined as the amount of weight loss, which is a small change per unit time.
(5)
The control unit is
The toilet system according to any one of (1) to (4), characterized in that the amount of stool is determined as the weight loss amount that is the greater change per unit time.
(6)
The control unit is
The toilet system according to any one of (1) to (5), characterized in that, if the weight increases within a predetermined time period, the weight increase is determined to be neither the stool volume nor the urine volume.
(7)
A footrest on which the user places their feet;
Equipped with
The sensor includes:
The toilet system according to any one of (1) to (6), further comprising a step of detecting a load on the toilet seat and the footrest.

Reference Signs List 1 Toilet system 2 Toilet seat device 32 Human body detection sensor 33 Sitting detection sensor 34 Load detection sensor 100 Control device 101 Communication unit 120 Memory unit 130 Control unit 131 Acquisition unit 132 Measurement unit 133 Determination unit 134 Calculation unit 135 Output unit R Toilet room

Claims (7)

A sensor for detecting a load;
a control unit that distinguishes between feces and urine based on a fluctuation pattern of the load applied to the toilet seat detected by the sensor;
Equipped with
The control unit is
A toilet system characterized by identifying the amount of feces and urine excreted by the user in the toilet bowl based on the difference in weight of the user of the toilet bowl within a specified period estimated based on detection by the sensor and the pattern of fluctuation in the weight within the specified period. The control unit is
2. The toilet system according to claim 1, wherein the decrease in body weight of the subject equal to or greater than a predetermined value is determined to be neither the fecal volume nor the urinary volume. The control unit is
2. The toilet system according to claim 1, wherein a fluctuation pattern in which the body weight is decreased and then increased within a predetermined period of time is determined to be neither the stool volume nor the urine volume. The control unit is
The toilet system according to claim 1, wherein the amount of urine is determined as the amount of weight loss, the amount of change being small per unit time. The control unit is
The toilet system according to claim 1, wherein the amount of weight loss, which is a large change per unit time, is regarded as the amount of stool. The control unit is
6. The toilet system according to claim 4, wherein, when the body weight has increased within a predetermined period of time, the increase in body weight is determined to be neither the increase in feces volume nor the increase in urine volume. A footrest on which the user places their feet;
Equipped with
The sensor includes:
The toilet system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a load on the toilet seat and the footrest is detected.

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