WO2018124163A1

WO2018124163A1 - Toilet

Info

Publication number: WO2018124163A1
Application number: PCT/JP2017/046849
Authority: WO
Inventors: 宏次小栗; 晴生山▲崎▼; 季朗嶋津; 治樹河中; 直伸辻元; 千鶴本多
Original assignee: 株式会社Ｌｉｘｉｌ
Priority date: 2016-12-28
Filing date: 2017-12-27
Publication date: 2018-07-05
Also published as: JP2018109285A

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a toilet that can measure the amount of urine with good accuracy regardless of the shape of a toilet bowl. A flush toilet 1 comprises a toilet bowl 10 that has a water reservoir 11, a toilet water discharge channel 13 that has a rising flow path 15 constituting a water seal portion and that is connected to the bottom of the water reservoir 11, and a measurement unit 50 that can measure the overflow from the water seal portion. The measurement unit 50 has an imaging unit 40 that is disposed in the toilet water discharge channel 13 and that can image the overflow from the water seal portion, and a calculation unit 130 that can calculate the amount of urine on the basis of imaging information captured by the imaging unit 40.

Description

Toilet bowl

The present invention relates to a toilet bowl.

In recent years, toilets having a function of measuring urine volume have been desired from the viewpoint of user health management and the like. In this regard, for example, a toilet unit having a function of estimating the amount of urine based on the fluctuation of the water level of a ball (toilet bowl, water storage unit) that receives a user's urine has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1). .

Japanese Patent No. 3876919

However, since the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 estimates the amount of urine based on the water level fluctuation in the toilet bowl, there is a problem that the estimation accuracy varies when the toilet bowl shape varies greatly. there were. In particular, in the toilet bowl made of earthenware, the above-mentioned problem becomes remarkable because a large variation occurs in the shape after manufacture even in the same type.

Also, when the cleaning method is different, the shape of the toilet bowl is also greatly different, and there is a problem that an algorithm needs to be set for each shape when the technology is applied to multiple types of products.

Also, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires a control mechanism that adjusts the water level of the stored water in the toilet bowl, and thus has a problem that the entire system becomes complicated. In addition, since the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 needs to adjust the water level before the user urinates, the user must wait for urination until the water level is adjusted, which is inconvenient. There was also.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a toilet that can accurately measure the amount of urine regardless of the shape of the toilet bowl.

(1) In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is connected to a toilet bowl (for example, a toilet bowl 10 described later) having a reservoir (for example, a reservoir 11 described later) and a bottom of the reservoir. A toilet drainage channel (for example, a toilet drainage channel 13 to be described later) having a sealed water part (for example, a part of a rising channel 15 to be described later) and overflow water (for example, overflow water F to be described later) overflowing from the sealed water part. ) Measuring unit (for example, measuring unit 50 described later), and the measuring unit is arranged in the toilet drainage channel and can capture the overflow water overflowing from the sealed water unit (for example, , A toilet (for example, a flushing later described) having an imaging unit (to be described later) and a calculation unit (for example, a calculation unit 130 to be described later) capable of calculating urine volume based on image information captured by the imaging unit. Toilet 1) is provided.

(2) In the invention of (1), it is preferable that the toilet drainage channel is configured such that the overflow water imaged by the imaging unit flows along an inner surface of the toilet drainage channel.

(3) In the invention of (1) or (2), the toilet drainage channel includes an ascending channel (for example, an ascending channel 15 described later) connected to the water reservoir, and a downstream end of the ascending channel , And a part of which is configured to include a descending channel (for example, a below-described descending channel 16) configured by a drain socket (for example, a below-mentioned drain socket 20). It is preferable to arrange in the socket.

(4) In the invention of (3), the toilet drainage channel is provided with a groove (for example, a groove 21 to be described later) provided at an approximately center in the width direction on the bottom surface and extending from the upstream side toward the downstream side at least in the imaging region. It is preferable to have.

(5) In any one of the inventions (1) to (4), the toilet drainage channel preferably has a scale display unit (for example, a scale display unit 25 described later) formed at least in the imaging region and representing a water level. .

(6) In any one of the inventions (1) to (5), it is preferable that the imaging unit is disposed to face the surface of the overflow water.

(7) In the invention of (1), the toilet drainage channel is configured to discharge the overflow water into the air so as to draw a substantially parabola at a predetermined position, and the imaging unit draws the substantially parabola. The overflowing water released into the air is imaged, and the calculation unit calculates the amount of urine based on the image information of the overflowing water released into the air so as to draw a substantially parabola imaged by the imaging unit. Is preferred.

(8) In the invention of (7), the toilet drainage channel is formed so as to protrude from the bottom surface at the most downstream portion of the sealing portion, and the convex portion (for example, a convex portion 70 described later) that discharges the overflow water into the air. It is preferable to have.

(9) In the invention of (7) or (8), it is preferable that the imaging unit is arranged to face a side surface of the overflow water discharged into the air so as to draw a substantially parabola.

(10) In any one of the inventions (1) to (9), it is preferable that the toilet further includes a cleaning mechanism capable of cleaning the imaging unit.

(11) In any one of the inventions (1) to (10), the toilet preferably further includes an illumination mechanism (for example, an illumination mechanism 30 described later) that is disposed in the toilet drainage channel and illuminates the overflow water. .

(12) In the invention of any one of (1) to (11), the measurement unit measures the overflow water overflowing from the sealed water portion after overflowing the overflow water from the sealed water portion before the measurement. It is preferable to be configured to do so.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a toilet that can accurately measure the amount of urine regardless of the shape of the toilet bowl.

It is sectional drawing which shows the flush toilet in 1st Embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. It is a control block diagram of the flush toilet in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the urine volume measurement operation | movement in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the urine volume measurement operation | movement in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the calculation model of the calculation process by the calculation part in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the calculation model of the calculation process by the calculation part in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the calculation model of the calculation process by the calculation part in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the calculation model of the calculation process by the calculation part in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the calculation process by the calculation part in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the calculation process by the calculation part in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the binary image of the image imaged by the imaging part in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which is a modification in 1st Embodiment, and shows an example in case there exist multiple illumination mechanisms. It is a block diagram explaining the example which is a modification in 1st Embodiment, and the imaging part and the calculation part are arrange | positioned at the same measurement unit. It is a modification in a 1st embodiment, and is a sectional view explaining the case of a siphon type flush toilet. It is sectional drawing which shows the flush toilet in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the urine volume measurement operation | movement in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the calculation model of the calculation process by the calculation part in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the calculation model of the calculation process by the calculation part in 2nd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing explaining the case of the flush toilet bowl of the S trap type which is a modification in 2nd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
First, with reference to FIGS. 1-5, the flush toilet 1 in 1st Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a flush toilet in the first embodiment. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the flush toilet in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the urine volume measurement operation in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the urine volume measurement operation in the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the flush toilet 1 includes a toilet bowl 10 having a reservoir 11, a water supply unit 12, a toilet drainage channel 13, an illumination mechanism 30, and a measurement unit 50 having an imaging unit 40, Is provided. The flush toilet 1 in this embodiment is a neo-vortex type.

The toilet bowl 10 is formed in a substantially bowl shape. The toilet bowl 10 includes an opening 10a formed on the upper surface and a water storage portion 11 formed on the bottom side.
The opening 10 a is an opening for introducing urine and filth into the water reservoir 11. The opening 10a is changed between an open state and a closed state by a lid (not shown).

The water storage part 11 is a part for receiving urine and filth, and a part for storing cleaning water as the water storage W. A downstream passage 15 in the toilet drainage channel 13, which will be described later, is continuously arranged downstream of the reservoir 11. That is, the water reservoir 11 is constituted by a portion from the surface of the water reservoir to the entrance of the ascending flow path 15. In the present embodiment, the water reservoir 11 is full of water when used together with a rising channel 15 described later.

The water supply unit 12 supplies cleaning water to the toilet bowl 10. The water supply part 12 is arrange | positioned in the back side in the upper surface of the toilet bowl 10 (left side in FIG. 1).

The toilet drainage channel 13 is connected to the bottom of the reservoir 11. The toilet drainage 13 discharges urine and filth in the toilet bowl 10 together with the washing water. In the present embodiment, the toilet drainage channel 13 is a portion through which overflow water F corresponding to urination flows. The toilet drainage channel 13 is configured such that overflow water F imaged by the imaging unit 40 described later flows along the inner surface of the toilet drainage channel 13. Here, the inner surface includes a standing surface and a bottom surface. The overflow water F flows along these standing surfaces and the bottom surface according to the inclination of the toilet drainage channel 13. In this embodiment, the overflow water F flows along the bottom surface of the toilet drainage channel 13 (a drainage socket 20 described later).

The toilet drainage channel 13 includes an ascending channel 15 and a descending channel 16.
The ascending flow path 15 is formed continuously downstream of the water reservoir 11 and extends upward. The ascending channel 15 is disposed on the rear side (left side in FIG. 1) of the toilet bowl 10. The sealed water part is constituted by a part of the ascending channel 15. In the state where the ascending flow path 15 is sealed with water, the sealed portion and the water storage portion 11 are in a full state. Since the sealed water part and the water storage part 11 are full, the overflow water F overflowed by urination corresponds to the amount of urine.

The descending flow path 16 is formed continuously downstream of the ascending flow path 15 and extends toward the rear side of the toilet bowl 10. A part of the descending flow path 16 is constituted by a drain socket 20. The drain socket 20 is an area where the overflow water F flows.

Further, the drain socket 20 is a portion where the illumination mechanism 30 and the imaging unit 40 are arranged. In other words, the drain socket 20 is a portion where the overflow water F is illuminated by the illumination mechanism 30 and imaged by the imaging unit 40. The illumination mechanism 30 and the imaging unit 40 will be described in detail later.

In the present embodiment, the drain socket 20 is inclined downward and extends toward the downstream side. That is, the drain socket 20 is disposed so as to extend obliquely downward.

As shown in FIG. 2, the drain socket 20 has a groove 21 provided at a substantially center in the width direction on the bottom surface and extending from the upstream side toward the downstream side. The groove 21 is an area where the overflow water F flows. The groove 21 has a V-shaped cross section perpendicular to the direction in which the groove extends. For example, the groove 21 of the present embodiment is configured such that the cross-sectional shape of the recess formed by the groove is an equilateral triangle when viewed from the direction in which the groove extends. In the present embodiment, the groove 21 is formed over the entire area of the drain socket 20 in the longitudinal direction.

As shown in FIG. 2, the groove 21 of the present embodiment is formed inside the drainage socket 20 constituting the toilet drainage channel 13. More specifically, the groove 21 is formed inside the drain socket 20 in the thick bottom portion where the thickness of the bottom wall is set large. Thereby, since the convex part which protrudes outside from the outer surface of the drain socket 20 is not formed, for example, the downstream side is higher at the connection portion with the drain pipe connected to the downstream end of the drain socket 20. No step is formed. For this reason, it is possible to avoid sewage, filth and residue on the stepped portion.

Further, the drain socket 20 has a scale display unit 25 formed in an imaging region where the imaging unit 40 described later overflows and images the water F. In the present embodiment, the scale display portion 25 is formed on the inclined side surface of the groove 21 along the direction in which the groove 21 extends. The scale display unit 25 represents the water level, and contributes to simplification and higher accuracy of urine volume calculation in the calculation unit 130 described later.

Here, the drain socket 20 is made of resin, for example. Therefore, the drain socket 20 having the same shape can be manufactured with high accuracy. That is, the water level of the overflow water F flowing in the groove 21 of the drain socket 20 becomes constant according to the flow rate of the overflow water F regardless of the difference in shape in the toilet bowl 10 and the variation after manufacture.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an illumination mechanism 30 is disposed in the drain socket 20 (toilet drain 13). The illumination mechanism 30 illuminates the overflow water F. In the present embodiment, the illumination mechanism 30 illuminates the surface (upper surface) of the overflow water F. The illumination mechanism 30 is arranged to brightly illuminate an area captured by the imaging unit 40 in the overflow water F.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the measurement unit 50 includes an imaging unit 40 and a calculation unit 130 (described later). The measurement part 50 is comprised so that the overflow water F which overflows from a sealing part can be measured.

The imaging unit 40 is disposed in the toilet drainage channel 13 and is configured by, for example, a camera. In the present embodiment, the imaging unit 40 is disposed in the drain socket 20. The imaging unit 40 is disposed in the drain socket 20 so as to face the surface (upper surface) of the overflow water F flowing through the groove 21. The imaging unit 40 images the overflow water F overflowing from the sealed portion. The imaging unit 40 images, for example, a change in the water level of the overflow water F. In the present embodiment, the imaging unit 40 images the surface (upper surface) of the overflow water F and the scale display unit 25. Then, the imaging unit 40 outputs image information obtained by imaging to the calculation unit 130 described later.

The calculation unit 130 (see FIG. 3) is configured to be able to calculate the urine volume based on image information captured by the imaging unit 40. The calculation unit 130 may be disposed in the same device integrally with the imaging unit 40, or may be included in a control unit separate from the imaging unit 40. In the present embodiment, the calculation unit 130 is included in the control unit 100 that is separate from the imaging unit 40.

Next, the control block in the flush toilet 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, the flush toilet 1 includes an illumination mechanism 30 and an imaging unit 40 that constitute the measuring unit 50, a control unit 100, and a storage unit 200. The illumination mechanism 30 and the imaging unit 40 are as described above.

The control unit 100 includes an illumination control unit 110, an imaging control unit 120, and a calculation unit 130.
The illumination control unit 110 controls turning on / off of the illumination mechanism 30. For example, when the use of the flush toilet 1 is detected by a sensor (not shown), the illumination control unit 110 controls the illumination mechanism 30 to be lit.

The image capturing control unit 120 controls the image capturing start / image capturing end of the image capturing unit 40. For example, when the use of the flush toilet 1 is detected by a sensor (not shown), the imaging control unit 120 controls the imaging unit 40 to start imaging.

The calculation unit 130 calculates the urine volume based on the image information from the imaging unit 40. In the present embodiment, the calculation unit 130 extracts information on the scale display unit 25 and the water level of the overflow water F from the acquired image information, and calculates the flow rate and the change in the flow rate. Then, the calculation unit 130 calculates the urine volume based on the flow rate information and the time information. Here, in this embodiment, it also serves as a part of the measurement unit 50. Details of the calculation unit 130 will be described later.

The storage unit 200 stores various types of information and information related to the urine volume output from the calculation unit 130.
The information on the amount of urine stored in the storage unit 200 is, for example, a display unit provided in a functional unit (washing device or the like) disposed in the rear part of the flush toilet 1 or a display unit of a remote controller (not shown). Is displayed.

Next, the urine volume measurement operation in the flush toilet 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.
First, as shown in FIG. 5, in step ST10, the user starts urination. In the flush toilet 1, a sensor (not shown) detects a user, the illumination mechanism 30 starts illumination, and the imaging unit 40 starts imaging. Immediately after urination is started, the overflow water F is not flowing into the groove 21 as shown in FIG.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 5, in step ST20, the overflow water F starts to flow through the groove 21 of the drain socket 20 by urination. The flow rate of the overflow water F from the start to the end of urination changes from (b) in FIG. 4 to (e) in FIG. That is, the water level of the overflow water F changes with time.

Here, in step ST30, the imaging unit 40 that has already started imaging continuously images the water level (change) of the overflow water F and the scale display unit 25. Then, the imaging unit 40 outputs the acquired image information to the calculation unit 130.

Subsequently, in step ST40, the calculation unit 130 calculates the urine volume based on the image information from the imaging unit 40. Specifically, as described above, the calculation unit 130 extracts information on the scale display unit 25 and the water level of the overflow water F from the acquired image information, and calculates the flow rate and the change in the flow rate. Then, the calculation unit 130 calculates the urine volume based on the flow rate information and the time information. The calculation process in step ST40 will be described in detail later.

Subsequently, in step ST50, the calculation unit 130 outputs the calculated urine volume information to the storage unit 200. Then, the storage unit 200 stores the urine volume information acquired from the calculation unit 130. Thus, the present process is terminated.

Next, the urine volume calculation processing by the calculation unit 130 executed in step ST40 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
6 to 9 are diagrams for explaining a calculation model of calculation processing by the calculation unit 130 in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the calculation process by the calculation unit 130 is based on a multiple triangular prism model. In this multi-triangular prism model, it is assumed that the overflow water F flowing in the groove 21 is constituted by an overlap of a plurality of triangular prisms. And the sum total of the volume of a some triangular prism is calculated | required, and let the total value be the flow volume of the overflow water F, ie, urine volume.

Here, consider a case where the cross-sectional shape of the recess formed by the groove is an equilateral triangle when the groove 21 is viewed from the direction in which the groove extends. In this case, when the overflow water F flowing in the groove 21 is viewed from the direction in which the groove 21 extends, it becomes a regular triangle as shown in FIG. 7, where the height of the regular triangle is h and the length of the base is b. The area (cross-sectional area) S is obtained by S = bh / 2.
Further, at this time, as shown in FIG. 8, the length b of the bottom side is b = 2h / ^31/2 , and the number of scale lines 251 of the scale display section 25 that can be seen when the groove 21 is viewed from above. The height h of the equilateral triangle is obtained. That is, the cross-sectional area S is obtained from the image information of the imaging unit 40.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, it is known from experimental results that the length of the triangular prism (length in the extending direction of the groove 21) d is constant or correlated with the flow rate of the overflow water F, and has a predetermined value in advance. Set to Therefore, since the volume V of each triangular prism is expressed by V = S × d = bh / 2d = (3) ^1/2 b ² d / 4, the volume V is obtained from the image information of the imaging unit 40. It is done.

Next, the calculation processing procedure in step ST40 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 are flowcharts showing the procedure of the calculation process by the calculation unit in the present embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a binary image of an image captured by the imaging unit 40 in the present embodiment.

First, as shown in FIG. 10, in step ST401, a background image is read. Reading of the background image is executed in advance when the overflow water F is not flowing and is not used.
Subsequently, in step ST402, noise processing is performed on the background image read in ST401 using a Gaussian filter. Thereby, the noise of the background image is removed.

Subsequently, in step ST403, the average luminance value of the background image subjected to noise processing in step ST402 is calculated. Specifically, the luminance value for each pixel of the background image is obtained, and the average value is calculated.
Subsequently, in step ST404, pattern classification of the background image is executed. Specifically, the background image is classified by pattern based on the average luminance value calculated in step ST403.
Note that the processing from the above steps ST401 to ST404 is executed at a predetermined cycle in advance when the flush toilet 1 is not used.

Subsequently, in step ST405, reading of a liquid image (image when overflowing water F flows in the groove 21) is executed. The reading of the liquid image is executed when the flush toilet 1 is used.
Subsequently, in step ST406, noise processing is executed by a Gaussian filter on the liquid image read in ST405. Thereby, the noise of the liquid image is removed.

Subsequently, in step ST407, an average luminance value of the liquid image subjected to noise processing in step ST406 is calculated. Specifically, the luminance value for each pixel of the liquid image is obtained, and the average value is calculated.
Subsequently, in step ST408, the optimum background pattern is read. Specifically, a background pattern having an average luminance value closest to the average luminance value of the liquid image is selected from the background images classified by pattern.

Subsequently, in step ST409, a difference image is generated. Specifically, a difference image between the liquid image subjected to noise processing in step ST406 and the background image of the optimum background pattern selected in step ST408 is generated.
Subsequently, in step ST410, the difference image generated in step ST409 is binarized to obtain a binary image as shown in FIG.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 11, in step ST411, the region of interest ROI in the binary image acquired in step ST410 is cut out. Specifically, in FIG. 12A, since the region surrounded by the two-dot chain line is the region of interest centered on the central axis of the groove 21, this region is cut out as the region of interest ROI. Specifically, for example, when the horizontal direction of the binary image is u ′ and the vertical direction is v ′, in the example shown in FIG. 12, the number of pixels in the horizontal direction u ′ is 1280, and the vertical direction v ′. The number of pixels is 730. The cutting start point of the region of interest ROI is (u ′, v ′) = (515, 200), and the number of pixels in the cutting region is 300 (horizontal) × vertical 200 (vertical).

At this time, in the region of interest ROI, the start point is appropriately set so that the center of the coordinate in the horizontal direction coincides with the center axis of the groove 21. Then, a region with less noise is visually determined, and a 300 × 200 region of interest ROI is determined from the periphery thereof. The range of the region of interest ROI is determined according to the width of the groove 21 that appears in the image. That is, when the camera is installed at a height of 10 cm from the groove 21, a range of 300 × 200 is set, but the range of the region of interest ROI is set according to the height at which the camera is installed.

Subsequently, in step ST412, the vertical direction v 'is cut out by 200 pixels, and in step ST413, the horizontal direction u' is cut out by 300 pixels. The cut out image of the region of interest ROI is as shown in FIG.

Subsequently, in step ST414, in the image cut out in step ST413, the u ′ coordinate (most_left [v]) of the leftmost white pixel among the white pixels existing in the v ′ row of the region of interest ROI is changed to most_left [ v] is the smallest value (the u ′ coordinate of the leftmost white pixel in the ROI) (min (white_pix)). Similarly, the u ′ coordinate (most_right [v]) of the rightmost white image among the white pixels existing in the v ′ line of the region of interest ROI is set to the largest value in most_right [v] (in the ROI). The rightmost u ′ coordinate of the white pixel (max (white_pix)).

Subsequently, in step ST415, the standard deviation of most_left [v] (std_most_left) and the standard deviation of most_right [v] (std_most_right) are calculated. These standard deviations are used to calculate the liquid width, as will be described later.

Subsequently, in step ST416, it is determined whether or not the standard deviation (std_most_left) of the coordinates of the leftmost pixel calculated in step ST415 is smaller than the standard deviation (std_most_right) of the coordinates of the rightmost pixel. If this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step ST417, and the average value (mean_most_left) of the leftmost pixel (most_left [v]) having a smaller standard deviation and a smaller variation from the center u ′ coordinate 150 of the region of interest ROI is calculated. The absolute value (| 150−mean_most_left |) after subtraction is set as the half width (half_width). If this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step ST418, and the average value (mean_most_right) of the rightmost pixel (most_right [v]) having a smaller standard deviation and a smaller variation from the center u ′ coordinate 150 of the region of interest ROI. ) Is subtracted from the absolute value (| 150−mean_most_right |) as the half width (half_width).

Note that the half-value width (half_width) calculation method is not limited to the above. For example, when the standard deviation of (most_left [v]) is smaller, the half width (half_width) = | 150-min using the u ′ coordinate (= min) of the white pixel present at the leftmost end of the liquid width. The liquid width may be calculated as |. On the other hand, when the standard deviation of (most_right [v]) is smaller, the half width (half_width) = | 150-max using the u ′ coordinate (= max) of the white pixel present on the rightmost side of the liquid width. The liquid width may be calculated as |.
Here, the full width at half maximum means the full width at half maximum when the overflow water F is viewed from above (corresponding to the length b of the bottom side).

Subsequently, in step ST419, the half-value width acquired in step ST417 or 418 is set to a width when the overflow water F is viewed from above (width, corresponding to the above-described bottom length b).
Subsequently, in step ST420, the volume V of the overflow water F is obtained. Specifically, the volume V of the multiple triangular prisms, that is, the flow rate of the overflow water F is obtained according to the above-described triangular prism volume V = (3) ^1/2 b ² d / 4. Thus, the present process is terminated.

According to the flush toilet 1 of the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
In this embodiment, the flush toilet 1 includes a toilet bowl 10 having a reservoir 11, a toilet drainage channel 13 connected to the bottom of the reservoir 11 and having a sealed portion (upflow channel 15), and sealed water And a measuring unit 50 capable of measuring the overflow water F overflowing from the unit. The measurement unit 50 can calculate the amount of urine based on the image capturing unit 40 that is disposed in the toilet drainage channel 13 and can capture the overflow water F that overflows from the sealing unit, and image information captured by the image capturing unit 40. And a calculation unit 130.
According to the present embodiment, the urine volume is calculated regardless of the shape of the toilet bowl 10 because the urine volume is calculated based on the image information obtained by imaging the overflow water F that is not affected by the difference in the toilet bowl shape. A flush toilet 1 capable of measuring with high accuracy can be provided.

In the present embodiment, the toilet drainage channel 13 is configured such that the overflow water F imaged by the imaging unit 40 flows along the inner surface of the toilet drainage channel 13.
According to this embodiment, since it is only necessary to image the overflow water F flowing along the inner surface, there are many areas where the imaging unit 40 can be arranged, and the degree of freedom of installation is high. Moreover, according to this embodiment, since overflow water F flows stably along an inner surface, the water level of overflow water F and the change of a water level can be grasped | ascertained easily. Thereby, the flush toilet 1 can calculate the amount of urine with higher accuracy.

Moreover, in this embodiment, the imaging area | region by the imaging part 40 in the toilet drainage channel 13 inclines below and extends as it goes downstream.
According to this embodiment, the overflow water F flows naturally and stably toward the downstream. Thereby, the flush toilet 1 can grasp | ascertain the change of a water level more easily by the imaging part 40, and can calculate the amount of urine with higher precision.

In the present embodiment, the toilet drainage channel 13 is connected to the rising channel 15 connected to the water reservoir 11 and the lower channel connected to the downstream end of the rising channel 15, and a part thereof is constituted by the drain socket 20. The imaging unit 40 is disposed in the drain socket 20.
According to this embodiment, the imaging part 40 can be arrange | positioned to the drain socket 20 made of resin and with high molding accuracy. Thereby, the flush toilet 1 can recognize the water level of the overflow water F with higher accuracy and can calculate the amount of urine with higher accuracy.

Further, in the present embodiment, the toilet drainage channel 13 has a groove 21 provided at approximately the center in the width direction on the bottom surface and extending from the upstream side toward the downstream side at least in the imaging region.
According to this embodiment, since the overflow water F can be collected in the groove 21, it is easy to grasp the water level change of the overflow water F. Thereby, the flush toilet 1 can recognize the water level change of the overflow water F with higher accuracy, and can calculate the urine volume with higher accuracy.

In the present embodiment, the groove 21 has a V-shaped cross section perpendicular to the direction in which the groove 21 extends.
According to this embodiment, since the groove 21 in which the overflow water F gathers has a V-shaped cross section, it is easier to grasp the water level change of the overflow water F. Thereby, the flush toilet 1 can recognize the water level change of the overflow water F with higher accuracy, and can calculate the urine volume with higher accuracy.

Moreover, in this embodiment, the toilet drainage channel 13 has the scale display part 25 formed in an imaging area and showing the water level.
According to the present embodiment, the scale display unit 25 can more reliably grasp the water level change of the overflow water F. Thereby, the flush toilet 1 can recognize the water level change of the overflow water F with higher accuracy, and can calculate the urine volume with higher accuracy.

In the present embodiment, the imaging unit 40 is disposed to face the surface of the overflow water F.
According to this embodiment, since the overflow water F is imaged from above, it is easy to grasp the water level of the overflow water F. Thereby, the flush toilet 1 can calculate the amount of urine with higher accuracy.

Subsequently, a modification of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15.
First, a modified example in the case where there are a plurality of illumination mechanisms will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modification of the first embodiment and showing an example when there are a plurality of illumination mechanisms. FIG. 13A shows an example in which two lights are arranged along the direction in which overflowing water F flows. (B) of FIG. 13 and (c) of FIG. 13 show an example in which two lights are arranged along a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the overflowing water F flows.

As shown to (a) of FIG. 13, the illumination mechanism 30 and the illumination mechanism 31 are arrange | positioned along the direction where the overflow water F flows. The illumination mechanism 30 and the illumination mechanism 31 are disposed with the imaging unit 40 interposed therebetween. In this modification, the surface of the overflow water F is illuminated by two illumination mechanisms. Therefore, the imaging unit 40 can capture the water level of the overflow water F and the change in the water level more accurately. Thereby, the flush toilet can calculate the amount of urine more accurately.

13 (b) and 13 (c), the illumination mechanism 30 and the illumination mechanism 31 are arranged along a direction (width direction) orthogonal to the direction in which the overflow water F flows. The illumination mechanism 30 and the illumination mechanism 31 are disposed with the imaging unit 40 interposed therebetween. In this modification, the predetermined imaging position on the surface of the overflow water F is intensively illuminated by two illumination mechanisms. Therefore, the imaging unit 40 can capture the water level of the overflow water F and the change in the water level more accurately. Thereby, the flush toilet can calculate the amount of urine more accurately.

Next, with reference to FIG. 14, a modification example in which the imaging unit and the calculation unit are arranged in the same unit will be described. FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating an example in which the imaging unit and the calculation unit are arranged in the same measurement unit as a modification of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 14, the measurement unit 50A includes an illumination mechanism 30, an imaging unit 40, and a calculation unit 130A. In the present modification, the calculation unit 130A is arranged not in the control unit 100A but in the same unit as the illumination mechanism 30 and the imaging unit 40. For example, the illumination mechanism 30, the imaging unit 40, and the calculation unit 130 </ b> A may be housed and arranged in the same device, or may be integrally connected to each other. According to the present modification, the system for measuring urine volume can be configured separately from the various flush toilet bodies, and thus is excellent in versatility.

Next, a modification in the case where the flush toilet is a siphon type will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a modification of the first embodiment and a case of a siphon type flush toilet.
As shown in FIG. 15, the flush toilet 1A is a siphon type, and overflow water F2 in the reservoir 18 downstream of the descending flow path 16A, as well as overflow water F1 at the downstream end of the sealing section of the rising flow path 15A. There is.

In the present modification, the flush toilet 1A includes an illumination mechanism 30A and an imaging unit 40A that are disposed to face the overflow water F2 in the pool portion 18.
The illumination mechanism 30A and the imaging unit 40A have the same arrangement as the illumination mechanism 30 and the imaging unit 40 in the first embodiment. The present modification is different from the first embodiment in that the overflow water F2 is not overflowed directly from the sealed water portion, but is water overflowed from the reservoir portion 18 (water indirectly overflowed).

In the present modification, the calculation unit calculates the urine volume based on the image information from the imaging unit 40A. Even the overflow water F2 overflowing from the reservoir 18 is not affected by the difference in the shape of the toilet bowl 10A, like the overflow water F1 overflowing from the sealed water portion. Therefore, the present invention can also be applied to a siphon type faucet toilet as in this modification.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, with reference to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, the flush toilet 1B in 2nd Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a flush toilet in the second embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the urine volume measurement operation in the second embodiment. In the following description, configurations different from those of the first embodiment will be described, and the same configurations as those of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 16, the flush toilet 1B has a P trap type drainage structure. The flush toilet 1B has a convex portion 70 formed at the most downstream portion of the sealed portion in the rising channel 15B of the toilet drainage channel 13B. The convex portion 70 is formed to protrude from the bottom surface. Moreover, the convex part 70 is a part which discharges the overflow water F in the air.

The convex part 70 should just be a shape which can discharge | emit overflow water F in the air in the toilet drainage channel 13B so that a substantially parabola may be drawn. For example, it is good also as a shape which formed the groove part dented toward the outer side of the cross-sectional radial direction of a flow path at the vertex of the sealing part, and protruded this groove part toward the downstream. Further, at the apex of the sealing portion, a groove portion is formed by arranging two convex portions extending from the upstream side toward the downstream side and projecting toward the inner side in the cross-sectional radial direction of the flow path. May be protruded toward the downstream side.

In the present embodiment, the overflow water F is discharged into the air (in the toilet drainage channel 13B) so as to draw a substantially parabola by the convex portion 70 having the shape as described above.
Here, in the present embodiment, the imaging unit 40B images not the surface (upper surface) of the overflow water F but the substantially parabolic overflow water F from the side surface.

The illumination mechanism 30B and the imaging unit 40B are disposed in the vicinity of the downstream end of the sealing unit. The illumination mechanism 30 </ b> B and the imaging unit 40 </ b> B are arranged to face the side surface (the side on which the thickness of the overflow water F can be seen) of the overflow water F flowing in the air in a substantially parabolic shape by the convex portion 70.

In the present embodiment, the imaging unit 40B images the overflow water F released into the air so as to draw a substantially parabola. The imaging unit 40B acquires image information including information on the shape, position, and thickness of the substantially parabola in the substantially parabolic overflow water F.

Further, in the present embodiment, the calculation unit calculates the urine volume based on the image information of the overflow water discharged into the air so as to draw a substantially parabola imaged by the imaging unit 40B. The calculation unit acquires information about the shape, position, thickness, and changes of the substantially parabola in the substantially parabolic overflow water F acquired by the imaging unit 40B, and calculates the amount of urine based on the acquired information. To do.

The urine volume measurement operation in the flush toilet 1B will be described with reference to FIG.
First, the user starts urinating. In the flush toilet 1, a sensor (not shown) detects a user, the illumination mechanism 30 starts illumination, and the imaging unit 40B starts imaging. Immediately after the start of urination, as shown in FIG. 17A, the overflow water F is not flowing.

Next, overflowing water F starts to flow due to urination. The overflow water F from the start to the end of urination changes in shape, position and thickness as shown in FIG. 17 (b) to FIG. 17 (e).

Here, the imaging unit 40B continuously images the shape, position, and thickness (and changes thereof) of the substantially parabola in the overflow water F. Then, the imaging unit 40B outputs the acquired image information to the calculation unit.

The calculation unit calculates the urine volume based on the image information from the imaging unit 40B. Specifically, the calculation unit extracts information about the shape, position, and thickness (and changes thereof) of the substantially parabola in the overflow water F from the acquired image information. The calculation unit calculates the flow rate of the overflow water F and the change in the flow rate based on information on the shape, position, and thickness (and changes thereof) of the substantially parabola in the extracted overflow water F. Then, the calculation unit calculates the urine volume based on the flow rate information and the time information.
The calculation unit outputs urine volume information, which is the calculated result, to the storage unit. The storage unit stores urine volume information acquired from the calculation unit.

Here, calculation processing by the calculation unit in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19.
18 and 19 are diagrams for explaining a calculation model of calculation processing by the calculation unit in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 18, the calculation process by the calculation unit is based on a multiple cylinder model. In this multi-cylinder model, it is assumed that the overflow water F discharged into the air so as to draw a substantially parabola is configured by overlapping a number of cylinders equal to the number of frames (n in FIG. 18). That is, it is assumed that the imaging unit 40B captures an image from right next to the overflow water F and is a substantially parabola with no twist. Then, for example, as shown in FIG. 18, the total volume of the cylinders equal to the number of frames (for example, 200) of the image captured by the imaging unit 40B is obtained, and the total value is calculated as the flow rate of the overflow water F, that is, the urine volume And

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19, a binary image obtained by binarizing the captured image of the overflow water F is acquired as in the first embodiment. In this binary image, if the diameter in the frame i, that is, the diameter of the cross-sectional area of each cylinder is Di, the bottom area Si of each cylinder is obtained by Si = π × (Di / 2) ² . The height Hi of each cylinder is equal to the distance traveled by the liquid (overflow water F) between one frame. Therefore, an approximate quadratic equation of a parabola in a binary image is obtained, and the gradient is defined as speed I. When the frame time is fi, the distance traveled by the liquid (overflow water F) during one frame, that is, the height Hi of each cylinder is obtained by Hi = I × fi. Accordingly, the volume V of each cylinder is obtained by Si × Hi, and by multiplying this by the number of frames, the flow rate of the overflow water F, that is, the urine volume is obtained.

In the calculation process of the present embodiment, the same image processing as in the calculation process flow (FIGS. 10 and 11) of the first embodiment can be applied. That is, by obtaining the width of the overflow water F in the difference image between the background image and the liquid image subjected to noise processing, the diameter Di of the cross-sectional area of the cylinder is obtained.

According to the flush toilet 1B of the present embodiment, the following effects are exhibited.
In the present embodiment, the toilet drainage channel 13B is configured to discharge the overflow water F into the air so as to draw a substantially parabola at a predetermined position. In addition, the imaging unit 40B images the overflow water F discharged in the air so as to draw a substantially parabola, and the calculation unit overflows the water F discharged in the air so as to draw a substantially parabola imaged by the imaging unit 40B. The urine volume is calculated based on the image information.
According to the present embodiment, the flow rate of the overflow water F, that is, the amount of urine is calculated based on the image information obtained by imaging the overflow water F released in the air so as to draw a substantially parabola. It can be calculated. Moreover, since the position of the parabola is defined by the structure of the toilet drainage channel 13B, depth information or the like is not necessary, and the urine volume can be calculated simply by imaging with one imaging unit (camera) from right next to the parabola.

Further, in the present embodiment, the toilet drainage channel 13B has a convex portion 70 that is formed to protrude from the bottom surface at the most downstream portion of the sealed water portion and discharges the overflow water F into the air.
According to this embodiment, by having the convex part 70, the overflow water F can be discharge | released in the air and a substantially parabola can be drawn. Therefore, a substantially parabola of the overflow water F can be imaged and the urine volume can be calculated.

Moreover, in this embodiment, the imaging part 40B is arrange | positioned facing the side surface of the overflow water F discharge | released in the air so that a substantially parabola may be drawn.
According to the present embodiment, the position, shape, thickness, and the like of the parabola of the overflow water F discharged into the air so that the imaging unit 40B draws a substantially parabola can be captured. Thereby, flush toilet 1B can calculate the amount of urine by imaging overflow water F.

Subsequently, a modification of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a modification of the second embodiment and a case of an S trap type flush toilet.

As shown in FIG. 20, the flush toilet 1C is of the S trap type, and the downstream descending flow path 16C in the toilet drainage channel 13C is formed so as to extend vertically downward. Unlike the flush toilet 1B, the other parts have the same configuration.

Also in flush toilet 1C, a convex portion 70C is formed at the downstream end of the sealed portion, and the overflow water F is discharged into the air so as to draw a substantially parabola.
Similarly to the second embodiment, the imaging unit 40C images the position, shape, thickness, and the like of the parabola of the overflow water F discharged into the air so as to draw a substantially parabola.

Also, the calculation unit extracts information about the shape, position, and thickness (and changes thereof) of the substantially parabola in the overflow water F from the acquired image information. And a calculation part calculates the flow volume of the overflow water F, and the change of a flow volume based on the information of the shape of the substantially parabola in the extracted overflow water F, a position, and thickness (and these changes).

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and modifications, improvements, and the like within the scope that can achieve the object of the present invention are included in the present invention.

In the first embodiment, the groove 21 is formed over the entire region in the longitudinal direction of the drain socket 20, but is not limited thereto, and may be formed only in a region imaged by the imaging unit 40.

Further, in the first embodiment, the groove 21 is formed in the drain socket 20 which is an area imaged by the imaging unit 40, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which no groove is formed may be used.

The flush toilet of the above embodiment may further include a cleaning mechanism that can clean the imaging unit. Thereby, even when the imaging unit is contaminated with dirt or the like, the measurement accuracy of the urine volume can be maintained by cleaning the imaging unit with the cleaning mechanism.
For example, in the second embodiment, when the flush toilet has a jet mechanism that discharges washing water from a jet hole, the jet mechanism may be used as the washing mechanism. In this case, the imaging unit is disposed on an extension line of the jet hole of the jet mechanism.

Moreover, although the example which applied this invention to the toilet bowl was shown in the said embodiment, it is not limited to this, You may apply this invention to a urinal.
Moreover, although the example which applied this invention to the flush toilet bowl was shown in the said embodiment, it is not limited to this, You may apply this invention to an anhydrous toilet bowl.

1 flush toilet (toilet)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Toilet bowl 11 Reservoir part 12 Supply part 13 Toilet drainage 15 Ascending flow path (sealed part)
16 Downflow path 20 Drain socket 21 Groove 25 Scale display unit 30 Illumination mechanism 40 Imaging unit 50 Measuring unit 100 Control unit 130 Calculation unit F Overflowing water

Claims

A toilet bowl having a reservoir,
A toilet drainage channel connected to the bottom of the water reservoir and having a water seal;
A measurement unit capable of measuring overflow water overflowing from the sealed water unit,
The measuring unit is
An imaging unit that is arranged in the toilet drainage channel and can image the overflow water overflowing from the sealed water part;
A toilet having a calculation unit capable of calculating urine volume based on image information captured by the imaging unit.
The toilet bowl according to claim 1, wherein the toilet drainage channel is configured such that the overflow water imaged by the imaging unit flows along an inner surface of the toilet drainage channel.
The toilet drainage channel is configured to include an ascending channel connected to the water reservoir, and a descending channel connected to a downstream end of the ascending channel and a part of which is constituted by a drain socket,
The toilet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the imaging unit is disposed in the drain socket.
The toilet bowl according to claim 3, wherein the toilet drainage channel has a groove provided at substantially the center in the width direction on the bottom surface and extending from the upstream side toward the downstream side at least in the imaging region.
The toilet bowl according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the toilet drainage channel has a scale display unit formed at least in the imaging region and indicating a water level.
The toilet according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the imaging unit is disposed to face a surface of the overflow water.
The toilet drainage channel is configured to discharge the overflow water into the air so as to draw a substantially parabola at a predetermined position,
The imaging unit images the overflow water released into the air so as to draw the substantially parabola,
The toilet according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit calculates a urine amount based on image information of the overflow water discharged into the air so as to draw a substantially parabola imaged by the imaging unit.
The toilet bowl according to claim 7, wherein the toilet drainage channel has a convex portion that is formed so as to protrude from the bottom surface at the most downstream portion of the sealed water portion and discharges the overflow water into the air.
The toilet according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the imaging unit is arranged to face a side surface of the overflow water discharged into the air so as to draw a substantially parabola.
The toilet according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a cleaning mechanism capable of cleaning the imaging unit.
The toilet bowl according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising an illumination mechanism that is disposed in the toilet drainage channel and illuminates the overflow water.
The toilet according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the measurement unit measures the overflow water overflowing from the sealed water portion after once overflowing the overflow water from the sealed water portion before the measurement.