JPH07236593A - Toilet seat device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To detect a human body from a picture and to automatically control the opening and closing of a toilet seat based on the information on the detected human body. CONSTITUTION:This device is provided with a human body detecting means 8 which detects a human body 9 from the signal obtained from a picture input means 7, behavior recognizing means 10 which recognizes the behavior and the figure of the human body, storage means 11 which stores the rule of the behavior and the figure when performing the excretion, and an action recognizing means 14 recognizing the manner of the excretion by a comparison means 13 comparison the information recognized by the behavior recognizing means 10 with the behavior and the figure stored in the storage means 11. Based on the information recognized by the means 14, the opening and closing of a toilet seat 4 is controlled by a toilet seat driving means 15.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a toilet seat device for detecting a human body in an image and controlling opening / closing of a toilet seat of the toilet based on the detected information of the human body.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In the conventional toilet seat of this type, the toilet seat is manually opened / closed in accordance with excretion. Further, in the case of opening and closing the toilet seat only, there has been a method of driving the toilet seat drive section by button operation and pressing the button to open and close the toilet seat.

On the other hand, as the human body detecting means, there are a method of detecting the human body by detecting the temperature of the human body by a pyroelectric infrared sensor and a method of using an ultrasonic sensor.

Further, as a method of detecting a human body by using an image, as shown in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-120432, a background screen A
There is a human body detecting means by a background subtracting means for taking a difference screen C of the current screen B and extracting only a moving part while correcting the background screen.

[0005]

However, in the structure of the above-mentioned conventional example, it is necessary to touch the toilet seat or the button, which is a portion to be touched by various people, not only when manually opening and closing but also when opening and closing by button operation. I had to. Especially in public restrooms, I had to do what I touched by others.
In addition, since men and women use the same toilet when using it at home, it was troublesome to open and close the toilet seat frequently.

Further, there is a pain that cannot be imagined by a healthy person, such as an elderly person, a sick person, an injured person, etc., who must bend their hips to raise the toilet seat.

On the other hand, in the method of detecting the temperature of the human body by detecting the temperature of the human body by the pyroelectric infrared sensor, there is a problem that the moving direction of the human body and the posture of the human body cannot be determined because it is a point sensor. Similarly, since the ultrasonic sensor is also a point sensor, there is a problem that the moving direction of the human body and the posture of the human body cannot be discriminated.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems by detecting a motion from an image, determining which direction the human body is facing from the moving direction, and recognizing the direction and the posture with respect to the toilet bowl. The first purpose is to open and close the toilet seat according to excretion.

A second object is to allow the toilet seat cover to be automatically opened and closed depending on the presence or absence of a human body.

A third object is to detect and notify an abnormality when the orientation and posture of the human body is not an excretion action by an image.

A fourth object is to recognize the opening and closing of the toilet door by the image and immediately improve the capacity of the toilet seat heater.

[0012]

In order to achieve the first object, the present invention provides an image input means for inputting an image from a position overlooking the toilet space, and a space from a signal obtained by the image input means. A human body detecting means for detecting a human body existing in the body, a behavior recognizing means for recognizing the detected behavior and posture of the human body, a storing means for storing a rule of a behavior and a posture when performing excretion, and a behavior recognizing means. Comparing means for comparing the information recognized in 1. with the behavior and posture stored in the storage means, an action recognizing means for recognizing the way of excretion by the human body by the comparing means, and a toilet seat in the toilet by the information recognized by the action recognizing means. Toilet seat drive means for controlling the opening and closing of the seat is provided.

Further, in order to achieve the second object, the present invention is provided with cover driving means for closing the toilet seat cover when the human body is not detected by the human body detecting means.

Further, in order to achieve the third object, the present invention is provided with an informing means for informing of an abnormality by an abnormality detecting means for detecting an action other than the excretion action by the human body.

In order to achieve the fourth object, the present invention is an opening / closing detection means for detecting opening / closing of a door for entering / leaving a toilet by an image, and a heater provided on a toilet seat by the output of the opening / closing detection means. A heater control means for controlling the output is provided.

[0016]

The toilet seat device of the present invention has the above-mentioned first structure.
The human body detecting means detects the human body from the image input by the image inputting means, the action recognizing means recognizes the human body's movement, direction, and posture, and the comparing means compares the human body direction and posture rules stored in the storing means. Then, the action recognizing means recognizes the way of excretion by the human body, and the toilet seat driving means controls the opening / closing of the toilet seat according to the information recognized by the action recognizing means.

According to the second construction, the toilet seat cover driving means closes the toilet seat cover when the human body detecting means does not detect the human body.

Further, according to the third configuration, the abnormality detecting means detects an action other than the excretion action by the human body, and the notifying means notifies the abnormality.

According to the fourth construction, the opening / closing detection means detects the opening / closing of the door for entering / leaving the toilet, and the heater control means controls the heater output provided on the toilet seat.

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In FIG. 1, 1 is a toilet space, 2 is a door, 3 is a toilet bowl, and a toilet seat 4 and a toilet seat cover 5 are mounted on the toilet bowl 3. 6 is a water tank. 7 is a toilet space 1
Image input means for detecting the inside. This image input means 7
Is a non-contact two-dimensional sensor such as a visible image sensor such as a CCD camera or an infrared image sensor, or a two-dimensional infrared temperature sensor or a two-dimensional ultrasonic sensor. Further, the image input means 7 referred to here is used for the recognition portion of the toilet seat device and is so constructed that it cannot be output to the outside by a monitor. Reference numeral 8 is a human body detecting means for detecting a human body 9 from the image obtained by the image input means 7, and 10 is a human body detecting means 8
Action recognition means for recognizing the moving direction, direction and posture of the human body 9 based on the information of the human body 9 detected in step 11, and the action recognition means 10
The storage unit is configured to store the action and posture information of the human body 9 which is the determination criterion of the posture recognized in 1. via the storage setting unit 12, and 13 is the information recognized by the action recognition unit 10 and the storage unit 11. Comparing means for comparing with a given behavior and posture, 14 is an action recognizing means for recognizing how to excrete the human body 9 by the comparing means 13, and 15 is an action recognizing means 1.
The toilet seat drive means controls opening / closing of the toilet seat 4 based on the information recognized in FIG.

The human body detecting means 8 calculates a difference between the images of the background image memory 16, the current image memory 17, and the images of the current image memory 17 and performs a difference operation to binarize the image of the background image memory 16 with a predetermined threshold value. And a background rewriting unit 19 that updates the background image according to the output change of the difference binarization unit 18, and a human body extraction unit 20 that labels the human body as a block by the output of the difference binarization unit 18.

Further, the action recognition means 10 includes a center of gravity extraction unit 21 for calculating the center of gravity of the labeled human body 9, a center of gravity locus extraction unit 22 for calculating the moving direction of the center of gravity, an extraction unit 23 for extracting the direction of the human body 9, and a center of gravity locus. The direction calculation unit 24 calculates the movement direction of the human body with respect to the trajectory extracted by the extraction unit 22.

Next, the operation of the configuration of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing this operation.
In step 101, the background image in which no moving body exists is input to the background image memory unit 16 by the image input means 7.
Next, in step 102, the current image is input to the current image memory 17 by the image input means 7. In step 103, the difference binarization unit 18 calculates a difference between the stored pixels of the background image and the pixel of the same position in the current image, binarizes the pixels with a predetermined threshold, and extracts the motion. Step 10
Of the binarized portion in 4, the portion below the threshold value is rewritten to the current image, and the process goes to step 101 to update the background. On the other hand, from the binary image extracted in step 103, the motion is detected in step 105. If there is no motion, the process returns to step 102, and the next image input is performed by the image input means 7. If a motion is detected, the moving part is labeled in step 106 to capture the human body 9 as a mass.
Next, in step 107, the gravity center position O of the labeled human body 9 is calculated by the gravity center extraction unit 21. Step 108
Then, the center-of-gravity locus extraction unit 22 recognizes as a direction moving on a straight line connecting the calculated center-of-gravity position O and the center-of-gravity position O ′ calculated in the previous image. If there is no previous image, the moving direction of the center of gravity is determined as the moving direction by obtaining the direction with the current image. That is, since it is at the same place, it is recognized as not moving. Therefore, in step 108, the vector which the human body 9 advances is calculated. In step 109, the end of the human body on the straight line connecting the center of gravity position OO ′ is obtained by the extraction unit 23, and the traveling direction of the human body front F is calculated by the direction calculation unit 24.
Ask in. The human body front part F is determined when the human body 9 enters through the door 2, and thereafter, the human body front part F is used to determine the direction of the human body 9 based on the determined human body front part F and the advancing direction of the human body 9.

In step 110, the comparison means 13 compares the rules regarding the direction and posture in the excretion action of the human body set in advance in the memory setting section 12 of the storage means 11 with the direction and position of the front part F of the human body obtained in step 109. , Step 1
At 11, the action recognition means 14 determines the type of human body excretion action. In step 112, the toilet seat 4 is opened and closed according to the action. That is, the toilet seat 4 is opened for men's small use, and the toilet seat 4 is closed for men's defecation and for women.

Here, a method of determining the action by the action recognition means 14 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing how the human body 9 moves to determine the front part F of the human body, and is a combination of two screens. The center of gravity O (current image) of the human body 9 and the center of gravity O ′ (previous image) are connected by a straight line, and the human body end portion of the current image on this straight line is determined as the human body front part F. This decision is made when entering through the door, and thereafter this direction is recognized as the front part of the human body 9.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing the relationship between the human body 9 moving direction and the human body front part F, and is a combination of two screens. The center of gravity O (current image) of the human body and the center of gravity O ′ (previous image) are connected by a straight line, and the O′O line direction is the traveling direction of the human body. In this case, the front part F of the human body faces the opposite side to the traveling direction, which means that it is moving backward.

FIG. 5 is a view of the toilet space 1 seen from above,
It shows a man taking an errand. Reference numeral 25 shows a locus when the human body 9 enters the toilet space through the door. Since the trajectory of the traveling direction and the direction of the front part F of the human body are the same, it can be seen that this is for male use.

FIG. 6 is a view of the toilet space 1 seen from above,
It shows the appearance of male defecation or female defecation. Reference numeral 26 also shows a locus when the human body 9 enters the toilet space through the door. It can be seen that the direction of the front part of the human body F is opposite from the middle of the trajectory of the traveling direction, and therefore the body part is moving backward, and since the part is facing backward with respect to the toilet bowl 3, it is understood that it is a male defecation or a woman.

In this way, the excretion action of the human body 9 can be identified from the moving direction of the center of gravity of the human body 9 and the recognition of the front part of the human body. In addition, here, the forward direction of the human body is characterized as the human body front part F, and the feature is extracted.
It may be another feature.

An example of the second configuration will be described with reference to the drawings. In FIG. 7, the following configuration is added to the first configuration. 27 is a toilet seat cover driving means for opening and closing the toilet seat cover 5 by the output of the human body detecting means 8. The operation will be described. When the human body detecting means 8 detects a human body or the user forgets to close the toilet seat cover 5, the toilet seat cover driving means 27 closes the toilet seat cover 5. Also, when the door 2 is opened and a human body enters, the toilet seat cover 5
Is opened by the toilet seat cover driving means 27. This prevents evaporation of water in the toilet bowl 3 when not in use. In addition, it is possible to prevent dust from accumulating in the toilet bowl 3.

An embodiment of the third structure will be described with reference to the drawings. In FIG. 8, the following configuration is added to the first configuration. Reference numeral 28 is an abnormality detecting means for detecting an abnormal state other than the excretion act as a result of comparison by the comparing means, and 29 is an informing means for informing the abnormal state by the abnormality detecting means 28. The memory setting unit 12 of the storage unit 11 stores the direction and posture of the human body during excretion, changes in the position and size of the human body between standing and sitting, and rules regarding the time required for excretion. is there.

Next, the operation of the structure of this embodiment will be described. Toilet seat 4 according to the type of excretion by detecting the human body
The method of opening and closing is the same as in the above-mentioned embodiment. afterwards,
The situation when an abnormality occurs from the state of excretion will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 shows the normal appearance of excretion. That is, the seat 4 is hidden by placing the hips on the seat 4. FIG. 10 shows a case where the subject falls down during excretion. When the human body 9 falls down from the toilet seat 4, a horizontally long human body is extracted from the image input from the upper side by the image input means 7, and a state different from the size of the place where the person originally should pass continues for a certain period of time. The rules regarding the change in the position and size of the human body 9 between the standing position and the sitting position stored in the storage means 11 and the time required for excretion, and the human body 9 having a size different from the standing posture are constant time. The abnormality detecting means 2 compares the information that the part of the human body 9 continues to exist in the part that does not normally pass and the comparing part 13 with the above.
In step 8, it is recognized from the compared values whether only the normal excretion act or the action other than the excretion act was performed during the excretion act. When the abnormality detecting means 27 performs an action other than the excretion action, it is judged to be abnormal and the notifying means 29 gives a notification. With this, when an old person or the like falls down during excretion due to an increase in blood pressure or the like, the abnormality can be promptly notified, which can be assisted.

An example of the fourth structure will be described with reference to the drawings. In FIG. 11, the following configuration is added to the first configuration. 30 indicates the door 2 from the output from the difference binarization unit 18.
Opening / closing detection means for extracting opening / closing of the heater, 31 is a heater embedded in the toilet seat 4, and 32 is heater control means for controlling the heater 31.

Next, the operation of the configuration of this embodiment will be described. When the human body detecting means 8 does not detect a human body, the heater 31 is kept at the baseline temperature which is the minimum temperature by the heater controlling means 32 in order to save energy. When the door of the toilet 1 is opened in this state, the image of the current image memory 17 input by the image input means 7 becomes the background stored in the background image memory 16 and the difference binarization unit 18 calculates a difference between the images. The movement of the door 2 is extracted by binarizing with a predetermined threshold, and the opening / closing detection means 3
0 by parallel movement of door (or by rotation)
The characteristics can be discriminated and it can be seen that the door 2 has been opened. (The human body 9 comes after that.) When it is detected that the door 2 is opened, the heater control means 32 supplies further electric power to the heater 31 in order to raise the temperature rapidly. After that, keep the heater heated except when the man urinates. On the other hand, in the case of male urination, the power supply for heating the heater is dropped to the baseline. As a result, the toilet seat always has a comfortable temperature when sitting on the toilet seat while saving energy.

[0037]

As described above, the toilet seat device of the present invention detects the human body from the signal obtained from the image input means,
The following effects can be obtained by automatically opening and closing the toilet seat based on the detected human body behavior and posture information.

(1) It is possible to perform excretion without touching the toilet seat, to perform excretion cleanly in public places, and to remove the trouble of opening and closing the toilet seat at home due to gender differences. You can

(2) Since the human body is detected by the image, its motion can be identified. Therefore, it is possible to open or close the toilet seat by discriminating an action that cannot be understood by another sensor (a point sensor such as an infrared temperature sensor or an ultrasonic sensor). Therefore, it is not necessary for an elderly person, a sick person, an injured person, etc. to bend over and take an unreasonable posture.

By detecting the absence of a human body and closing the toilet seat cover, (3) evaporation of water in the toilet can be avoided when not in use.

(4) Further, it is possible to prevent dust from accumulating in the toilet bowl, and it is possible to keep the toilet bowl relatively clean even when it is not used for a long period of time.

(5) Furthermore, if an emergency situation other than the excretion behavior is detected in the behavior of the human body and the notification means informs the situation, it may be left alone for a long time and it will be too late. Can be avoided.

(6) Then, by detecting opening / closing of the door and rapidly increasing the heater capacity of the toilet seat in advance, it is possible to secure a more comfortable sitting comfort than when the temperature is adjusted after sitting.

(7) In addition, the heater capacity can be usually lowered to the baseline temperature level, which saves energy.

(8) Further, the ON / OFF of the illumination can be automated by detecting the opening / closing of the door and detecting the human body.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a toilet seat device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the device.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for extracting a human body feature of the device.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a relationship between a front part of a human body and a moving direction of the device.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a human body action of the device in the case of men's small use.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing human body behavior of the same device for a woman.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a toilet seat device in one embodiment according to the second configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a toilet seat device in one embodiment according to the third configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a human body posture of the device in a normal state.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the posture of the human body when the apparatus is abnormal.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a toilet seat device in one embodiment according to the fourth configuration of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 4 toilet seat 7 image input means 8 human body detection means 10 action recognition means 11 storage means 13 comparison means 14 action recognition means 15 toilet seat drive means 21 center of gravity extraction section 22 center of gravity trajectory extraction section 23 front extraction section 24 front direction calculation section 27 toilet seat Cover drive means 28 Abnormality detection means 29 Notification means 30 Open / close detection means 31 Heater 32 Heater control means

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code Internal reference number FI Technical display location G06T 7/60 H04N 7/18 K 9061-5L G06F 15/70 360

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An image inputting means, a human body detecting means for detecting a human body from a signal obtained from the image inputting means, and an action recognizing means for recognizing the detected action and posture of the human body.
Storage means for storing rules of behaviors and postures when performing excretion, comparison means for comparing the information recognized by the behavior recognition means with the behaviors and postures stored by the storage means, and the comparison means A toilet seat device having an action recognition means for recognizing a manner of excretion by a human body, and a toilet seat drive means for controlling opening / closing of a toilet seat according to the information recognized by the action recognition means. 2. The toilet seat apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising toilet seat cover driving means for closing the toilet seat cover when the human body detecting means does not detect the human body. 3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: abnormality detecting means for detecting an action other than excretion by the human body by the comparing means, and notifying means for notifying when the abnormality is detected by the abnormality detecting means. Toilet seat device. 4. An opening / closing detection means for detecting opening / closing of a door for entering / leaving a toilet by an image, and a heater control means for controlling an output of a heater provided on a toilet seat by an output of the opening / closing detection means. 4. The toilet seat device according to claim 3. 5. The action recognition means includes a center of gravity extraction unit that calculates the center of gravity of the labeled human body, a center of gravity trajectory extraction unit that calculates the moving direction of the center of gravity, an extraction unit that extracts the orientation of the human body, and a center of gravity trajectory extraction unit. The toilet seat device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a direction calculation unit that calculates a direction of a human body with respect to the extracted trajectory.