Excrement determination method, excrement determination device, and excrement determination program

Abstract

The excrement determination device (2) includes: a data acquisition unit (211) for acquiring first time series data representing the hydrogen concentration of the space inside the toilet measured by an internal sensor (1) arranged in the toilet; an excrement determination unit (212) for determining whether the excreter has farted based on the first time series data of the hydrogen concentration; and a judgment result output unit (213) for outputting the judgment result, wherein the excrement determination unit (212) determines that the excreter has farted when the value of the hydrogen concentration in the first time series data exceeds a threshold value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for judging excrement. Background Art

[0002] The presence, type, frequency, and timing of excretions such as feces, urine, and farts are crucial information for managing the health of care recipients. Caregivers record this information, but this burden is a burden on both caregivers and care recipients. Furthermore, when excretion information is recorded based on care recipients' reports, obtaining accurate excretion information from care recipients with dementia is difficult.

[0003] Therefore, excretion management systems that objectively manage excretion have been sought. For example, the excretion management system disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a temperature measurement unit that non-contactly measures the spatial distribution of the temperature within the toilet bowl, and a control unit that determines the presence of excrement within the bowl based on the temperature data. Furthermore, conventional excretion management systems also include an odor measurement unit that measures the odor within the bowl. Based on the odor data and temperature data measured by the odor measurement unit, the control unit determines whether the excrement discharged within the bowl is at least one of feces, urine, and flatulence.

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, it is difficult to accurately determine whether the person has farted, and further improvement is needed.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-178764 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technology that can accurately determine whether a person has farted.

[0009] An excrement determination method according to one aspect of the present invention causes a computer to execute the following steps: obtaining first time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration of a space within a toilet bowl as measured by an internal sensor disposed within the toilet bowl; determining whether a person has farted based on the first time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration; and outputting a determination result.

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to accurately determine whether the person who is excreting has farted. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the configuration of the excretion management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a diagram for explaining the arrangement positions of the internal sensor and the excrement determination device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a flowchart for explaining the excrement determination process of the excrement determination device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of first time-series data of hydrogen concentration when urination and defecation occur but flatulence does not occur in the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of first time-series data of hydrogen concentration when urination and flatulence occur but defecation does not occur in the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the configuration of an excretion management system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a diagram for explaining the arrangement positions of the internal sensor, the external sensor, and the excrement determination device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a flowchart for explaining the excrement determination process of the excrement determination device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing an example of first time-series data and second time-series data of hydrogen concentration when urination and flatulence occur but defecation does not occur in the second embodiment.

[0020] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing an example of first time-series data and second time-series data of hydrogen concentration when urination and defecation occur but flatulence does not occur in the second embodiment.

[0021] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the configuration of an excretion management system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 12 This is a flowchart for explaining the excrement determination process of the excrement determination device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing an example of first time-series data of hydrogen concentration when there is flatulence but no defecation in the third embodiment.

[0024] Figure 14This is a diagram showing an example of first time-series data of hydrogen concentration when there is defecation but no flatulence in the third embodiment.

[0025] Figure 15 It is a diagram showing the configuration of an excretion management system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 16 This is a first flowchart for explaining the excrement determination process of the excrement determination device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 17 This is a second flowchart for explaining the excrement determination process of the excrement determination device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 18 This is a diagram showing an example of first time-series data of hydrogen concentration when there is flatulence but no defecation in the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] (Basic knowledge of the present invention)

[0030] In the conventional excretion management system, the control unit compares the temperature data T at each time with the temperature time series data. i，ch and temperature threshold T n , if T i，ch ≤T n , it is judged that no excretion occurs. If T i，ch >T n , it is judged that excretion has occurred.

[0031] In addition, the odor measuring unit includes a hydrogen sulfide odor sensor having high sensitivity to hydrogen sulfide odor and an ammonia odor sensor having high sensitivity to ammonia odor. The control unit compares the odor data at each time point of the odor time series data of the hydrogen sulfide odor sensor. 1i and the first odor threshold O n1 , and compare the odor data at each moment of the odor time series data of the ammonia odor sensor. 2i and the second odor threshold O n2 The control unit generates the temperature data T at each time point of the temperature time series data. i，ch Meet T i，ch >T n In the case of excretion, if O 1i >O n1 or O 2i >O n2 , then the excretion is judged to be feces, if O 1i ≤O n1 And O 2i ≤On2 , then it is determined that the excretion is urination. In addition, the control unit determines the temperature data T at each moment of the temperature time series data. i，ch Meet T i，ch ≤T n In the case of no excretion, if O 1i >O n1 or O 2i >O n2 , it is judged as fart.

[0032] As described above, in the conventional technology, whether the excrement is feces, urine, or flatulence is determined based on temperature data, odor data from a hydrogen sulfide odor sensor, and odor data from an ammonia odor sensor.

[0033] However, the concentration of hydrogen sulfide contained in the gas discharged from the anus of the excretor varies depending on the excretor's physical condition, such as constipation. In addition, the concentration of hydrogen sulfide contained in the discharged gas varies greatly depending on the food the excretor eats and the medications he or she takes.

[0034] Therefore, it is difficult to accurately determine whether the person has farted using the concentration of hydrogen sulfide contained in the excrement.

[0035] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention relates to an excrement determination method in which a computer performs the following steps: obtaining first time series data representing the hydrogen concentration of the space within the toilet as measured by an internal sensor disposed within the toilet; determining whether the excreter has farted based on the first time series data of the hydrogen concentration; and outputting the determination result.

[0036] The hydrogen concentration contained in the gas discharged from a person's anus is not easily affected by the food or medications a person consumes. Therefore, by determining whether the person has farted based on the first time-series data representing the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet, it is possible to accurately determine whether the person has farted.

[0037] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned excrement determination method, when performing the determination, it may be determined that the excreter has farted when the value of the hydrogen concentration in the first time-series data exceeds a threshold value.

[0038] When a person farts in the toilet, the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet increases. Therefore, by determining whether the hydrogen concentration value of the first time series data exceeds a threshold, it is possible to easily determine whether the person has farted.

[0039] Furthermore, in the excrement determination method, when making the determination, it is also possible to determine that the excreter has farted when the value of the hydrogen concentration in the first time series data exceeds a threshold value, the rising slope of the first time series data until it reaches a peak value is greater than a threshold value, and the falling slope of the first time series data after reaching the peak value is less than a threshold value.

[0040] Gas discharged into the toilet does not remain inside the toilet but diffuses outside. Therefore, if the user farts in the toilet, the first time series data of the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet rises sharply, reaches a peak, and then drops sharply. Therefore, if the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data exceeds the threshold, the rising slope of the first time series data before reaching the peak is greater than the threshold, and the falling slope of the first time series data after reaching the peak is less than the threshold, it can be determined that the user has farted.

[0041] Furthermore, in the excrement determination method, second time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration of the space outside the toilet as measured by an external sensor disposed outside the toilet may also be obtained, and when making the determination, whether the excreter has farted is determined based on the first time series data and the second time series data.

[0042] The gas discharged into the toilet does not stay in the toilet but diffuses outside the toilet. Therefore, by measuring the hydrogen concentration not only in the space inside the toilet but also in the space outside the toilet, it is possible to more accurately determine whether the excretor has farted.

[0043] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned excrement determination method, when performing the determination, if the hydrogen concentration value of the first time series data exceeds a threshold value and the hydrogen concentration value of the second time series data exceeds a threshold value, it may be determined that the excreter has farted.

[0044] When a person farts into the toilet, the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet increases. Furthermore, as the gas expelled into the toilet diffuses outside the toilet, the hydrogen concentration outside the toilet also increases. Therefore, by determining whether the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data exceeds a threshold and determining whether the hydrogen concentration value in the second time series data exceeds a threshold, it is possible to more accurately determine whether the person has farted.

[0045] In addition, in the excrement judgment method, the first moment when the first time series data reaches a peak value and the second moment when the first time series data converges after reaching a peak value can also be obtained. When making the judgment, it is judged based on the first moment and the second moment whether the excreter excreted feces or farts.

[0046] The gas discharged into the toilet diffuses outside the toilet. Therefore, when the excreter farts in the toilet, the first time series data of the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet reaches a peak and then drops sharply. On the other hand, feces discharged into the toilet stays in the toilet. Therefore, when the excreter defecates in the toilet, the first time series data of the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet reaches a peak and then gradually drops. Therefore, the elapsed time from the first moment when the first time series data reaches a peak to the second moment when the first time series data converges is different depending on farting and defecation. Therefore, based on the elapsed time from the peak value to the convergence of the hydrogen concentration value, it is possible to determine whether the excreter has excreted feces or farts.

[0047] In addition, in the excretion judgment method, when making the judgment, if the difference between the second moment and the first moment is less than the specified time, it can be judged that the excreter has farted, and if the difference is longer than the specified time, it can be judged that the excreter has defecated.

[0048] The time it takes for the hydrogen concentration in the toilet space to peak and converge is longer when the person defecates than when the person farts. Therefore, by comparing the time it takes for the hydrogen concentration to peak and converge with the specified time, it is possible to determine whether the person has defecated or farted.

[0049] In addition, in the excrement judgment method, it is also possible to obtain second time series data representing the hydrogen concentration of the space outside the toilet measured by an external sensor arranged outside the toilet, obtain a third moment when the second time series data reaches a peak, and obtain a fourth moment when the second time series data converges after reaching a peak. When making the judgment, based on the first moment, the second moment, the third moment and the fourth moment, it is judged whether the excreter excreted feces or farts.

[0050] The gas discharged into the toilet diffuses outside the toilet. Therefore, when the excreter farts in the toilet, the second time series data of the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet, like the first time series data, reaches a peak and then drops sharply. On the other hand, when the excreter defecates in the toilet, the second time series data of the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet, like the first time series data, reaches a peak and then gradually drops. Therefore, based on the elapsed time from the first moment when the first time series data reaches a peak to the second moment when the first time series data converges and the elapsed time from the third moment when the second time series data reaches a peak to the fourth moment when the second time series data converges, it is possible to more accurately determine whether the excreter has excreted feces or farted.

[0051] In addition, in the excretion judgment method, when making the judgment, if the first difference between the second moment and the first moment is less than the prescribed time and the second difference between the fourth moment and the third moment is less than the prescribed time, it is judged that the excreter has farted; if the first difference is longer than the prescribed time and the second difference is longer than the prescribed time, it is judged that the excreter has defecated.

[0052] The time it takes for the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet to reach its peak and converge is longer when the person defecates in the toilet than when the person farts in the toilet. Similarly, the time it takes for the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet to reach its peak and converge is longer when the person defecates in the toilet than when the person farts in the toilet. Therefore, by comparing the time it takes for the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet to reach its peak and converge with the specified time, and by comparing the time it takes for the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet to reach its peak and converge with the specified time, it is possible to more accurately determine whether the person has defecated or farted.

[0053] Another aspect of the present invention relates to an excrement determination device including: an acquisition unit for acquiring first time-series data indicating a hydrogen concentration in a space within a toilet bowl as measured by an internal sensor disposed within the toilet bowl; a determination unit for determining whether a person has passed gas based on the first time-series data indicating the hydrogen concentration; and an output unit for outputting a determination result.

[0054] The hydrogen concentration contained in the gas discharged from a person's anus is not easily affected by the food or medications a person consumes. Therefore, by determining whether the person has farted based on the first time-series data representing the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet, it is possible to accurately determine whether the person has farted.

[0055] Another aspect of the present invention relates to an excrement determination program that enables a computer to perform the following functions: obtain first time-series data representing the hydrogen concentration of the space within the toilet measured by an internal sensor configured in the toilet; determine whether the excreter has farted based on the first time-series data of the hydrogen concentration; and output the determination result.

[0056] The hydrogen concentration contained in the gas discharged from a person's anus is not easily affected by the food or medications a person consumes. Therefore, by determining whether the person has farted based on the first time-series data representing the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet, it is possible to accurately determine whether the person has farted.

[0057] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiment is an example of a specific embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0058] (Implementation 1)

[0059] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the configuration of the excretion management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a diagram for explaining the arrangement positions of the internal sensor 1 and the excrement determination device 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 1 The excretion management system shown includes an internal sensor 1 , an excrement determination device 2 , and a server 3 .

[0061] The internal sensor 1 is arranged in the toilet 101 and is sensitive to hydrogen. Figure 2 As shown, internal sensor 1 is hung on the edge of an opening formed in the upper portion of toilet bowl 101, which receives feces and urine. Internal sensor 1 measures the hydrogen concentration in the space within toilet bowl 101. Internal sensor 1 is connected to excrement determination device 2 via a wired or wireless connection for communication. Internal sensor 1 transmits first time-series data of the measured hydrogen concentration to excrement determination device 2.

[0062] A drainage channel (not shown) is provided at the bottom of the toilet 101. Feces and urine excreted into the toilet 101 are flushed away through the drainage channel. Furthermore, a toilet seat 102 is provided above the toilet 101, for the user to sit on. The toilet seat 102 pivots vertically. The user places the toilet seat 102 on the toilet 101 and sits on it. A water tank 103 is provided at the rear of the toilet 101 to store water used to flush away feces and urine.

[0063] Alternatively, the internal sensor 1 may continuously transmit first time-series data of the measured hydrogen concentration to the excrement determination device 2. Furthermore, the internal sensor 1 may transmit first time-series data of the hydrogen concentration measured from the time the user sits on the toilet seat 102 to the time the user leaves the toilet seat 102 to the excrement determination device 2. For example, a pressure sensor may be provided on the toilet seat 102, and the output from the pressure sensor may be used to determine whether the user is sitting on the toilet seat 102. Furthermore, determining whether the user is sitting on the toilet seat 102 may utilize the fact that the toilet bowl 101 darkens when the user sits on the toilet seat 102. Specifically, a light sensor may be provided inside the toilet bowl 101, and if the light sensor detects a darkening, it may be determined that the user has sat on the toilet seat 102, while if the light sensor detects a brightening, it may be determined that the user has left the toilet seat 102.

[0064] The excrement determination device 2 is, for example, located on the side of the water tank 103. The location of the excrement determination device 2 is not limited to the aforementioned location; it can be located anywhere within the toilet. Furthermore, if the interior sensor 1 and the excrement determination device 2 are wirelessly connected, the excrement determination device 2 need not be located within the toilet; it can be located anywhere that can wirelessly communicate with the interior sensor 1 within the building.

[0065] The excrement determination device 2 includes a processor 21 , a memory 22 , and a communication unit 23 .

[0066] The memory 22 is a storage device capable of storing various information, such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a flash memory, etc. The memory 22 stores the first time-series data transmitted by the internal sensor 1 .

[0067] The processor 21 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), and the data acquisition unit 211 , the excrement determination unit 212 , and the determination result output unit 213 are realized by the processor 21 .

[0068] The data acquisition unit 211 acquires first time-series data indicating the hydrogen concentration of the space within the toilet 101 measured by the internal sensor 1 disposed within the toilet 101. The data acquisition unit 211 acquires the first time-series data from the memory 22. The data acquisition unit 211 reads the first time-series data stored in the memory 22.

[0069] The excrement determination unit 212 determines whether the excreter has passed gas based on the first time-series data of hydrogen concentration. The excrement determination unit 212 determines that the excreter has passed gas if the hydrogen concentration value of the first time-series data exceeds a threshold value.

[0070] The determination result output unit 213 outputs the determination result of whether the excreter has passed gas. The determination result output unit 213 transmits the determination result information indicating whether the excreter has passed gas to the server 3 via the communication unit 23 .

[0071] Furthermore, when the determination result output unit 213 determines that the excreter has passed gas, it may transmit determination result information indicating that the excreter has passed gas and date and time information indicating the date and time when the excreter passed gas to the server 3 via the communication unit 23. When the determination result output unit 213 determines that the excreter has not passed gas, it may not transmit determination result information indicating that the excreter has not passed gas to the server 3.

[0072] The communication unit 23 transmits a determination result indicating whether the excreter has passed gas to the server 3. The excrement determination device 2 is connected to the server 3 via a network 4 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The network 4 is, for example, the Internet.

[0073] The server 3 receives the determination result information indicating whether the excreter has farted, transmitted by the excrement determination device 2. The server 3 may also receive the determination result information indicating whether the excreter has farted and date and time information indicating the date and time the excreter farted. The server 3 includes a database that stores identification information identifying the room or house where the excrement determination device 2 is installed, the determination result information indicating whether the excreter has farted, and the date and time information indicating the date and time the excreter farted, in association with each other. Alternatively, the identification information may be identification information identifying the resident (excreter) of the room or house where the excrement determination device 2 is installed.

[0074] For example, when creating monitoring data for a care recipient, a caregiver utilizes the database of server 3. Specifically, the terminal device used by the caregiver retrieves the judgment result information and date and time information corresponding to the care recipient's identification information from server 3 to create the care recipient's monitoring data. For example, the terminal device may create monitoring data for the number of farts per day, per week, or per month. Furthermore, for example, the terminal device may create monitoring data for the time of farts within a day, the date and time of farts within a week, or the date and time of farts within a month.

[0075] Next, the excrement determination process of the excrement determination device 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0076] Figure 3 This is a flowchart for explaining the excrement determination process of the excrement determination device 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] First, in step S1, the data acquisition unit 211 acquires first time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration of the space inside the toilet 101 measured by the internal sensor 1 from the memory 22. For example, Figure 3 The excrement determination process shown is performed once a day. The data acquisition unit 211 acquires the first time series data of a day at 0:00 a.m., for example. In addition, the time of acquiring the first time series data is not limited to 0:00 a.m. In addition, Figure 3 The excrement determination process described above is not limited to being performed once a day, but may be performed multiple times a day, once a week, or at predetermined intervals.

[0078] Furthermore, the data acquisition unit 211 may also acquire first time series data for the period from the time the user sits on the toilet seat 102 to the time the user leaves the toilet seat 102. If excrement is excreted multiple times per day, the data acquisition unit 211 may also acquire multiple first time series data for the day. Furthermore, excrement determination processing may be performed on each of the multiple first time series data.

[0079] Next, in step S2, the excrement determination unit 212 determines whether the hydrogen concentration value of the first time-series data exceeds a threshold value. If the hydrogen concentration value is determined to be greater than the threshold value (YES in step S2), the excrement determination unit 212 determines in step S3 that the excreter has passed gas. On the other hand, if the hydrogen concentration value is determined to be less than the threshold value (NO in step S2), the excrement determination unit 212 determines in step S4 that the excreter has not passed gas.

[0080] Conventional technology determines whether a person has farted based on temperature data, odor data from a hydrogen sulfide odor sensor, and odor data from an ammonia odor sensor. However, the concentrations of hydrogen sulfide and ammonia contained in the gas expelled from the anus vary depending on the person's physical condition, such as constipation. Furthermore, the concentrations of hydrogen sulfide and ammonia contained in the expelled gas vary significantly depending on the food the person eats and the medications they take.

[0081] The inventors discovered that the hydrogen concentration in the gas expelled from the anus is not easily affected by the food or medications a person consumes. Furthermore, the inventors discovered that by measuring the time-series changes in the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet, it is possible to determine whether the person has farted.

[0082] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of first time series data of hydrogen concentration in the case of urination and defecation but no flatulence in the first embodiment. Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of first time-series data of hydrogen concentration when urination and flatulence occur but defecation does not occur in the first embodiment.

[0083] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the diagram, the vertical axis represents the concentration of each component (output value of the sensor), and the horizontal axis represents time (seconds). In addition, the internal sensor 1 can measure not only the hydrogen concentration, but also the ammonia concentration and the hydrogen sulfide concentration. Figure 4 and Figure 5In FIG. 1 , the solid line represents first time series data of the hydrogen concentration measured by the internal sensor 1 , the dotted line represents time series data of the ammonia concentration measured by the internal sensor 1 , and the one-dot chain line represents time series data of the hydrogen sulfide concentration measured by the internal sensor 1 .

[0084] exist Figure 4 In the data, the user sat down on the toilet seat after approximately 15 seconds, and began urinating and defecating after approximately 30 seconds. With the start of urination and defecation, the ammonia and hydrogen sulfide concentrations increased. Meanwhile, the hydrogen concentration was largely unaffected by urination and defecation, maintaining a roughly constant value.

[0085] exist Figure 5 In the data, the user sat down on the toilet seat after approximately 10 seconds, and began urinating after approximately 20 seconds. With the start of urination, the ammonia concentration increased. Furthermore, the user farted for the first time after approximately 120 seconds, and the user farted for the second time after approximately 190 seconds. These farts increased the hydrogen and hydrogen sulfide concentrations.

[0086] Compare Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 The hydrogen concentration changes significantly when the person farts, but remains almost unchanged when only urinating or defecating. Based on this, the excrement determination unit 212 can determine whether the person has farted by determining whether the hydrogen concentration exceeds a threshold value.

[0087] return Figure 3 Next, in step S5, the determination result output unit 213 outputs the determination result of whether the excreter has passed gas. For example, if the excrement determination unit 212 determines that the excreter has passed gas, the determination result output unit 213 transmits the determination result information indicating that the excreter has passed gas and date and time information indicating the date and time when the excreter passed gas to the server 3 via the communication unit 23.

[0088] Furthermore, when the excrement determination unit 212 determines that the excreter has passed gas, the determination result output unit 213 may store the determination result information indicating that the excreter has passed gas and the date and time information indicating the date and time when the excreter passed gas in the memory 22. Furthermore, the excrement determination device 2 may include a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port. The determination result output unit 213 may store the determination result information indicating that the excreter has passed gas and the date and time information indicating the date and time when the excreter passed gas in a USB memory connected to the USB port.

[0089] As described above, the hydrogen concentration contained in the gas discharged from a person's anus is not easily affected by the food or medications a person consumes. Therefore, by determining whether the person has farted based on the first time-series data representing the hydrogen concentration in the space within toilet 101, it is possible to accurately determine whether the person has farted.

[0090] In addition, in the first embodiment, the excrement determination unit 212 determines whether the hydrogen concentration value of the first time-series data exceeds a threshold value, but the present invention is not particularly limited to this. The excrement determination unit 212 may also determine that the excretor has passed gas if the hydrogen concentration value of the first time-series data exceeds the threshold value and the rising slope of the first time-series data before reaching the peak value is greater than the threshold value, and the falling slope of the first time-series data after reaching the peak value is less than the threshold value.

[0091] like Figure 5 As shown, when the person has passed gas, the hydrogen concentration rises sharply, reaches a peak, and then drops sharply. To address this, the excrement determination unit 212 may determine whether the hydrogen concentration value of the first time series data exceeds a threshold. Furthermore, if the excrement determination unit 212 determines that the hydrogen concentration value of the first time series data exceeds the threshold, it may determine whether the rising slope of the first time series data up to the peak is greater than the threshold. If the excrement determination unit 212 determines that the rising slope of the first time series data up to the peak is greater than the threshold, it may determine whether the falling slope of the first time series data after the peak is less than the threshold. Furthermore, if the excrement determination unit 212 determines that the person has passed gas, it may determine that the person has passed gas more accurately. This allows for more accurate determination of whether the person has passed gas.

[0092] (Implementation Method 2)

[0093] The excrement determination device of Embodiment 1 acquires first time-series data indicating the hydrogen concentration of the space within the toilet bowl, as measured by an internal sensor disposed within the toilet bowl. In contrast, the excrement determination device of Embodiment 2 acquires first time-series data indicating the hydrogen concentration of the space within the toilet bowl, as measured by the internal sensor disposed within the toilet bowl, and second time-series data indicating the hydrogen concentration of the space outside the toilet bowl, as measured by an external sensor disposed outside the toilet bowl.

[0094] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the configuration of an excretion management system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 This is a diagram for explaining the arrangement positions of the internal sensor 1 , the external sensor 5 , and the excrement determination device 2A according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] Figure 6The excretion management system shown includes an internal sensor 1, an excrement determination device 2A, a server 3, and an external sensor 5. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0096] The external sensor 5 is arranged outside the toilet 101 and is sensitive to hydrogen. Figure 7 As shown, the external sensor 5 is mounted on a wall inside the toilet. The external sensor 5 measures the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet bowl 101. The external sensor 5 is connected to the excrement determination device 2A via a wired or wireless connection for communication. The external sensor 5 transmits the second time-series data of the measured hydrogen concentration to the excrement determination device 2A.

[0097] Furthermore, the placement of the external sensor 5 is not limited to the toilet wall; it can be anywhere outside the toilet 101 and within the toilet. The external sensor 5 can also continuously transmit the second time-series data of the measured hydrogen concentration to the excrement determination device 2A. Furthermore, the external sensor 5 can also transmit the second time-series data of the hydrogen concentration measured from the time the user sits on the toilet seat 102 to the time the user leaves the toilet seat 102 to the excrement determination device 2A.

[0098] The excrement determination device 2A includes a processor 21A, a memory 22 , and a communication unit 23 .

[0099] The processor 21A is, for example, a CPU, and the data acquisition unit 211A, the excrement determination unit 212A, and the determination result output unit 213 are realized by the processor 21A.

[0100] The data acquisition unit 211A acquires first time-series data representing the hydrogen concentration of the space within the toilet 101, as measured by the internal sensor 1 disposed within the toilet 101. Furthermore, the data acquisition unit 211A acquires second time-series data representing the hydrogen concentration of the space outside the toilet 101, as measured by the external sensor 5 disposed outside the toilet 101. The data acquisition unit 211A acquires the first and second time-series data from the memory 22. The data acquisition unit 211A reads the first and second time-series data stored in the memory 22. The data acquisition unit 211A acquires the first time-series data and the second time-series data synchronized with the first time-series data.

[0101] The excrement determination unit 212A determines whether the excretor has passed gas based on the first time-series data and the second time-series data. The excrement determination unit 212A determines that the excretor has passed gas if the hydrogen concentration value of the first time-series data exceeds a threshold value and the hydrogen concentration value of the second time-series data exceeds a threshold value.

[0102] Furthermore, the threshold value for comparison with the hydrogen concentration value of the first time series data and the threshold value for comparison with the hydrogen concentration value of the second time series data may be the same. Furthermore, the threshold value for comparison with the hydrogen concentration value of the first time series data and the threshold value for comparison with the hydrogen concentration value of the second time series data may be different.

[0103] Next, the excrement determination process of the excrement determination device 2A according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0104] Figure 8 This is a flowchart for explaining the excrement determination process of the excrement determination device 2A according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] First, in step S11 , the data acquisition unit 211A acquires first time-series data indicating the hydrogen concentration of the space inside the toilet 101 measured by the internal sensor 1 from the memory 22 .

[0106] Next, in step S12 , the data acquisition unit 211A acquires, from the memory 22 , the second time-series data indicating the hydrogen concentration of the space outside the toilet 101 measured by the external sensor 5 .

[0107] For example, Figure 8 The excrement determination process shown is performed once a day. The data acquisition unit 211A acquires the first time series data and the second time series data of a day at 0:00 a.m., for example. In addition, the time of acquiring the first time series data and the second time series data is not limited to 0:00 a.m. In addition, Figure 8 The excrement determination process described above is not limited to being performed once a day, and may be performed once a week or at predetermined intervals.

[0108] Furthermore, the data acquisition unit 211A may also acquire first and second time-series data for the period from the time the user sits on the toilet seat 102 to the time the user leaves the toilet seat 102. If excrement occurs multiple times per day, the data acquisition unit 211A may also acquire multiple first and second time-series data for the day. Furthermore, excrement determination processing may be performed for each of the multiple first and second time-series data.

[0109] Next, in step S13, the excrement determination unit 212A determines whether the hydrogen concentration value of the first time-series data exceeds a threshold value. If the hydrogen concentration value of the first time-series data is determined not to have exceeded the threshold value (No in step S13), the excrement determination unit 212A determines in step S14 that the person has not passed gas. On the other hand, if the hydrogen concentration value of the first time-series data is determined to have exceeded the threshold value (Yes in step S13), the excrement determination unit 212A determines in step S15 whether the hydrogen concentration value of the second time-series data has exceeded the threshold value.

[0110] Here, if the hydrogen concentration value of the second time-series data is determined to exceed the threshold value (YES in step S15), the excrement determination unit 212A determines in step S16 that the excreter has passed gas. On the other hand, if the hydrogen concentration value of the second time-series data is determined to not exceed the threshold value (NO in step S15), the excrement determination unit 212A determines in step S17 that the excreter has defecated.

[0111] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing an example of first time series data and second time series data of hydrogen concentration when urination and flatulence occur but defecation does not occur in the second embodiment. Figure 10 This is a diagram showing an example of first time-series data and second time-series data of hydrogen concentration when urination and defecation occur but flatulence does not occur in the second embodiment.

[0112] exist Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the diagram, the vertical axis represents the concentration of each component (output value of the sensor), and the horizontal axis represents time (seconds). In addition, the internal sensor 1 can measure not only the hydrogen concentration, but also the ammonia concentration and the hydrogen sulfide concentration. Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the figure, the solid line represents the first time series data of the hydrogen concentration measured by the internal sensor 1, the dotted line represents the time series data of the ammonia concentration measured by the internal sensor 1, the one-dot chain line represents the time series data of the hydrogen sulfide concentration measured by the internal sensor 1, and the two-dot chain line represents the second time series data of the hydrogen concentration measured by the external sensor 5.

[0113] exist Figure 9In the data, the user sat down on the toilet seat approximately 20 seconds after the last urination, and began urinating approximately 30 seconds after the last urination. The ammonia concentration increased with the start of urination. Furthermore, approximately 30 seconds after the last urination, the user farted. Due to the fart, the hydrogen concentration in the space inside toilet 101 increased. Furthermore, due to the fart, the hydrogen concentration outside toilet 101 also increased. This is because the gas expelled from the user's anus diffused outside toilet 101, and similarly to the inside of toilet 101, an increase in hydrogen concentration was observed outside toilet 101 due to the fart.

[0114] Therefore, the excrement determination unit 212A determines that the excretor has farted when it determines that the hydrogen concentration value of the first time series data exceeds the threshold value and the hydrogen concentration value of the second time series data exceeds the threshold value. This makes it possible to more reliably determine that the excretor has farted.

[0115] On the other hand, Figure 10 In the data, the user sat on the toilet seat after approximately 30 seconds, began urinating after approximately 40 seconds, and began defecating after approximately 260 seconds. With the start of urination, the ammonia concentration increased, and with the start of defecation, the hydrogen sulfide concentration also increased. At this time, the hydrogen concentration in the space inside toilet 101 increased with the start of defecation, but the hydrogen concentration in the space outside toilet 101 was almost unaffected by defecation and remained approximately constant. Therefore, if the excrement determination unit 212A determines that the hydrogen concentration value of the first time series data exceeds the threshold value and that the hydrogen concentration value of the second time series data does not exceed the threshold value, it can be determined that the user has defecated.

[0116] return Figure 8 Next, in step S18, the judgment result output unit 213 outputs the judgment result of whether the excreter has passed gas or whether the excreter has defecated. For example, if the excrement determination unit 212A determines that the excreter has passed gas, the judgment result output unit 213 transmits the judgment result information indicating that the excreter has passed gas and the date and time information indicating the date and time the excreter passed gas to the server 3 via the communication unit 23. Furthermore, if the excrement determination unit 212A determines that the excreter has defecated, the judgment result output unit 213 transmits the judgment result information indicating that the excreter has defecated and the date and time information indicating the date and time the excreter defecated to the server 3 via the communication unit 23.

[0117] In addition, the excrement determination unit 212A may determine that the person has farted when the hydrogen concentration value of the first time series data exceeds the threshold, the rising slope of the first time series data before reaching the peak is greater than the threshold, and the falling slope of the first time series data after reaching the peak is less than the threshold, and the hydrogen concentration value of the second time series data exceeds the threshold, the rising slope of the second time series data before reaching the peak is greater than the threshold, and the falling slope of the second time series data after reaching the peak is less than the threshold.

[0118] (Implementation 3)

[0119] The excrement determination device of embodiment 1 determines that the excretor has passed gas when the hydrogen concentration value of the first time-series data exceeds a threshold value. In contrast, the excrement determination device of embodiment 3 obtains the first time point at which the first time-series data reaches a peak and the second time point at which the first time-series data converges after reaching the peak, and determines whether the excretor has passed feces or urine based on the first and second time points.

[0120] Figure 11 This figure shows the configuration of the excretion management system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. The internal sensor 1 and the excrement determination device 2B according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention are arranged at the same positions as those of the internal sensor 1 and the excrement determination device 2 according to Embodiment 1.

[0121] Figure 11 The excretion management system shown includes an internal sensor 1, a waste determination device 2B, and a server 3. In the third embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0122] The excrement determination device 2B includes a processor 21B, a memory 22 , and a communication unit 23 .

[0123] The processor 21B is, for example, a CPU, and the data acquisition unit 211 , the excrement determination unit 212B, the determination result output unit 213 , the first time acquisition unit 214 , and the second time acquisition unit 215 are realized by the processor 21B.

[0124] The first time acquisition unit 214 acquires the first time at which the first time-series data reaches a peak.

[0125] The second time acquisition unit 215 acquires a second time at which the first time series data converges after the first time series data reaches a peak.

[0126] The excrement determination unit 212B determines whether the excreter has passed stool or farted based on the first time acquired by the first time acquisition unit 214 and the second time acquired by the second time acquisition unit 215. If the difference between the second time and the first time is less than a predetermined time, the excrement determination unit 212B determines that the excreter has farted. If the difference is greater than the predetermined time, the excrement determination unit 212B determines that the excreter has passed stool.

[0127] Next, the excrement determination process of the excrement determination device 2B according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0128] Figure 12 This is a flowchart for explaining the excrement determination process of the excrement determination device 2B according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0129] First, in step S21, the data acquisition unit 211 acquires first time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration of the space inside the toilet 101 measured by the internal sensor 1 from the memory 22. For example, Figure 12 The excrement determination process shown is performed once a day. The data acquisition unit 211 acquires the first time series data of a day at 0:00 a.m., for example. In addition, the time of acquiring the first time series data is not limited to 0:00 a.m. In addition, Figure 3 (Should be Figure 12 ) The excrement judgment process shown in is not limited to being performed once a day, and can be performed once a week or at specified intervals.

[0130] Furthermore, the data acquisition unit 211 may also acquire first time series data for the period from the time the user sits on the toilet seat 102 to the time the user leaves the toilet seat 102. If excrement is excreted multiple times per day, the data acquisition unit 211 may also acquire multiple first time series data for the day. Furthermore, excrement determination processing may be performed on each of the multiple first time series data.

[0131] Next, in step S22, the excrement determination unit 212B determines whether the hydrogen concentration value of the first time-series data exceeds a threshold value. If the hydrogen concentration value of the first time-series data does not exceed the threshold value (No in step S22), the excrement determination unit 212B determines in step S23 that the person has not passed gas.

[0132] On the other hand, when it is determined that the hydrogen concentration value of the first time series data exceeds the threshold (Yes in step S22 ), in step S24 , the first moment acquisition unit 214 acquires the first moment when the first time series data acquired by the data acquisition unit 211 reaches a peak.

[0133] Next, in step S25 , the second time acquisition unit 215 acquires a second time at which the first time-series data acquired by the data acquisition unit 211 converges after reaching a peak.

[0134] Next, in step S26, the excrement determination unit 212B calculates the difference between the second time and the first time.

[0135] Next, in step S27, the excrement determination unit 212B determines whether the difference is equal to or shorter than a predetermined time.

[0136] Here, when it is determined that the difference is less than or equal to the predetermined time (YES in step S27 ), the excrement determination unit 212B determines in step S28 that the excreter has farted.

[0137] On the other hand, when it is determined that the difference is longer than the predetermined time (No in step S27), the excrement determination unit 212B determines in step S29 that the excreter has defecated.

[0138] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing an example of first time series data of hydrogen concentration when there is flatulence but no defecation in the third embodiment. Figure 14 This is a diagram showing an example of first time series data of hydrogen concentration in the case where there is defecation but no flatulence in the third embodiment.

[0139] exist Figure 13 and Figure 14 In the figure, the vertical axis represents the hydrogen concentration (output value of the sensor) and the horizontal axis represents time (seconds). Figure 13 and Figure 14 In FIG. 1 , the solid line represents first time-series data of the hydrogen concentration measured by the internal sensor 1 .

[0140] exist Figure 13 In the example, the person sat down on the toilet seat after approximately 20 seconds, and passed gas after approximately 30 seconds. When the person passed gas, the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet 101 rose sharply, reached a peak, and then dropped sharply. This is due to the diffusion of gas discharged from the person's anus. When the person passed gas, the period from the first moment t1, when the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet 101 reached its peak, to the second moment t2, when the hydrogen concentration converged, was approximately 20 seconds. For example, the moment when the decrease from the peak value reached 80% of the increase from the rise to the peak value was defined as the second moment when the hydrogen concentration value converged.

[0141] On the other hand, Figure 14In the data, the user sat on the toilet seat approximately 30 seconds after defecation, and began defecating approximately 260 seconds after defecation. During defecation, the hydrogen concentration in the space within toilet 101 rose sharply, reached a peak, and then gradually decreased. This is because feces were present within toilet 101. During defecation, the period from the first time t1, when the hydrogen concentration in the space within toilet 101 peaked, to the second time t2, when the hydrogen concentration converged, was approximately 60 seconds.

[0142] Based on the above, the time it takes for the hydrogen concentration value to reach its peak value and converge to differ depending on whether the person is passing gas or having a bowel movement. Therefore, the time it takes for the hydrogen concentration value to reach its peak value and converge to determine whether the person has passed gas or farted can be determined based on the time it takes for the person to pass gas. The excrement determination unit 212B may also determine that the person has passed gas if the difference between the second moment and the first moment is, for example, less than 30 seconds. Furthermore, the excrement determination unit 212B may also determine that the person has had a bowel movement if the difference between the second moment and the first moment is, for example, longer than 30 seconds.

[0143] return Figure 12 Next, in step S30, the judgment result output unit 213 outputs the judgment result of whether the excreter has passed gas or whether the excreter has defecated. For example, if the excrement determination unit 212B determines that the excreter has passed gas, the judgment result output unit 213 transmits the judgment result information indicating that the excreter has passed gas and the date and time information indicating the date and time of the gas to the server 3 via the communication unit 23. Furthermore, if the excrement determination unit 212B determines that the excreter has defecated, the judgment result output unit 213 transmits the judgment result information indicating that the excreter has defecated and the date and time information indicating the date and time of the defecating to the server 3 via the communication unit 23.

[0144] (Implementation 4)

[0145] The excrement determination device of embodiment 3 determines whether the excretor has excreted feces or farts based on the first time point at which the first time series data reaches a peak and the second time point at which the first time series data converges after reaching the peak. In contrast, the excrement determination device of embodiment 4 obtains first time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet bowl as measured by an internal sensor disposed within the toilet bowl and second time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet bowl as measured by an external sensor disposed outside the toilet bowl, and determines whether the excretor has excreted feces or farts based on the first time point at which the first time series data reaches a peak, the second time point at which the first time series data converges after reaching the peak, the third time point at which the second time series data reaches a peak, and the fourth time point at which the second time series data converges after reaching the peak.

[0146] Figure 15 This figure shows the configuration of an excretion management system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The internal sensor 1, external sensor 5, and excrement determination device 2C in the fourth embodiment of the present invention are positioned in the same manner as the internal sensor 1, external sensor 5, and excrement determination device 2A in the second embodiment.

[0147] Figure 15 The excretion management system shown includes an internal sensor 1, an external sensor 5, an excrement determination device 2C, and a server 3. In this embodiment 4, the same components as those in embodiments 1 to 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0148] The excrement determination device 2C includes a processor 21C, a memory 22 , and a communication unit 23 .

[0149] The processor 21C is, for example, a CPU, and implements the data acquisition unit 211A, the excrement determination unit 212C, the determination result output unit 213, the first time acquisition unit 214, the second time acquisition unit 215, the third time acquisition unit 216, and the fourth time acquisition unit 217.

[0150] The third time acquisition unit 216 acquires the third time at which the second time-series data reaches a peak.

[0151] The fourth time acquisition unit 217 acquires a fourth time at which the second time series data converges after the second time series data reaches a peak.

[0152] The excrement determination unit 212C determines whether the excreter has passed stool or farted based on the first time acquired by the first time acquisition unit 214, the second time acquired by the second time acquisition unit 215, the third time acquired by the third time acquisition unit 216, and the fourth time acquired by the fourth time acquisition unit 217. The excrement determination unit 212C determines that the excreter has passed stool or farted if the first difference between the second time and the first time is less than a predetermined time and the second difference between the fourth time and the third time is less than a predetermined time. If the first difference is longer than the predetermined time and the second difference is longer than the predetermined time, the excrement determination unit 212C determines that the excreter has passed stool.

[0153] The predetermined time for comparison with the first difference value and the predetermined time for comparison with the second difference value may be the same. Alternatively, the predetermined time for comparison with the first difference value and the predetermined time for comparison with the second difference value may be different.

[0154] Next, the excrement determination process of the excrement determination device 2C according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0155] Figure 16This is a first flowchart for explaining the excrement determination process of the excrement determination device 2C according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 17 This is a second flowchart for explaining the excrement determination process of the excrement determination device 2C according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0156] In addition, the processing of steps S41 to S45 is the same as Figure 8 The processing of steps S11 to S15 is the same, so the description is omitted.

[0157] When it is determined that the hydrogen concentration value of the second time-series data does not exceed the threshold value (No in step S45 ), the excrement determination unit 212C determines in step S58 that the excreter has defecated.

[0158] On the other hand, when it is determined that the hydrogen concentration value of the second time series data exceeds the threshold (Yes in step S45), in step S46, the first time acquisition unit 214 acquires the first time when the first time series data acquired by the data acquisition unit 211A reaches a peak.

[0159] Next, in step S47 , the second time acquisition unit 215 acquires a second time at which the first time-series data acquired by the data acquisition unit 211A converges after reaching a peak.

[0160] Next, in step S48 , the third time acquisition unit 216 acquires the third time at which the second time-series data acquired by the data acquisition unit 211A reaches a peak.

[0161] Next, in step S49 , the fourth time acquisition unit 217 acquires the fourth time at which the second time-series data acquired by the data acquisition unit 211A converges after the second time-series data reaches the peak.

[0162] Next, in step S50 , the excrement determination unit 212C calculates a first difference between the second time point and the first time point.

[0163] Next, in step S51, the excrement determination unit 212C calculates a second difference between the fourth time and the third time.

[0164] Next, in step S52, the excrement determination unit 212C determines whether the first difference is equal to or shorter than a predetermined time.

[0165] Here, if the first difference is determined to be less than the predetermined time (Yes in step S52), the excrement determination unit 212C determines in step S53 whether the second difference is less than the predetermined time. If the second difference is determined to be less than the predetermined time (Yes in step S53), the excrement determination unit 212C determines in step S54 that the user has passed gas. On the other hand, if the second difference is determined to be longer than the predetermined time (No in step S53), the excrement determination unit 212C determines in step S55 that the user has defecated.

[0166] If the first difference is determined to be longer than the predetermined time (No in step S52), the excrement determination unit 212C determines in step S56 whether the second difference is less than the predetermined time. If the second difference is determined to be less than the predetermined time (Yes in step S56), the excrement determination unit 212C determines in step S57 that the user has passed gas. On the other hand, if the second difference is determined to be longer than the predetermined time (No in step S56), the excrement determination unit 212C determines in step S58 that the user has defecated.

[0167] Figure 18 This is a diagram showing an example of first time-series data of hydrogen concentration when there is flatulence but no defecation in the fourth embodiment.

[0168] exist Figure 18 In the figure, the vertical axis represents the hydrogen concentration (output value of the sensor) and the horizontal axis represents time (seconds). Figure 18 In FIG. 1 , the solid line represents first time-series data of the hydrogen concentration measured by the internal sensor 1 , and the two-dot chain line represents second time-series data of the hydrogen concentration measured by the external sensor 5 .

[0169] exist Figure 18 In the example, the person sitting on the toilet seat after approximately 20 seconds, and farted after approximately 30 seconds. When farting occurs, the hydrogen concentration in the space inside toilet 101 rises sharply, reaches a peak, and then drops sharply. This is because the gas discharged from the person's anus diffuses. When the person farts, the period from the first moment t1, when the hydrogen concentration in the space inside toilet 101 reaches its peak, to the second moment t2, when the hydrogen concentration converges, is approximately 20 seconds. For example, the moment when the decrease from the peak reaches 80% of the increase from the rise to the peak is considered the second moment when the hydrogen concentration converges.

[0170] Furthermore, the hydrogen concentration in the space outside toilet 101 also increases due to farting. This is because the gas expelled from the anus diffuses outside toilet 101, and the hydrogen concentration increases due to farting, just as inside toilet 101, are also observed outside toilet 101. When farting occurs, the hydrogen concentration in the space outside toilet 101 also rises sharply, reaches a peak, and then drops sharply. When the person farts, the period from the third time t3, when the hydrogen concentration in the space outside toilet 101 reaches its peak, to the fourth time t4, when the hydrogen concentration converges, is approximately 20 seconds.

[0171] The elapsed time from the peak value of the hydrogen concentration in the space inside toilet 101 to its convergence and the elapsed time from the peak value of the hydrogen concentration in the space outside toilet 101 to its convergence can more accurately determine whether the excretor has excreted feces or farted. Specifically, the excrement determination unit 212C may determine that the excretor has farted if the first difference between the second time point and the first time point is, for example, 30 seconds or less and the second difference between the fourth time point and the third time point is, for example, 30 seconds or less.

[0172] Alternatively, the excretion determination unit 212C may determine that the excreter has defecated if the first difference between the second time and the first time is longer than, for example, 30 seconds and the second difference between the fourth time and the third time is longer than, for example, 30 seconds.

[0173] As described above, by utilizing not only the measurement data of the internal sensor 1 but also the measurement data of the external sensor 5 , it is possible to more accurately determine whether the person excreting farts or feces.

[0174] Furthermore, the excrement determination unit 212C may determine that the excreter has defecated if the first difference between the second time and the first time is, for example, 30 seconds or less, and the second difference between the fourth time and the third time is, for example, longer than 30 seconds. Furthermore, the excrement determination unit 212C may determine that the excreter has farted if the first difference between the second time and the first time is, for example, longer than 30 seconds, and the second difference between the fourth time and the third time is, for example, 30 seconds or less.

[0175] Thus, even if the data measured by the internal sensor 1 is erroneous, for example, accurate judgment can be made using the data of the external sensor 5 .

[0176] Furthermore, the measurement data from the external sensor 5 may be affected by the fragrance installed in the toilet or the detergent used when cleaning the toilet. Therefore, if the comparison results of the first and second differences differ, the excrement determination unit 212C may prioritize the comparison result of the first difference. For example, the excrement determination unit 212C may determine that the user has passed gas if it determines that the first difference is less than a predetermined time and the second difference is longer than a predetermined time (yes in step S52 and no in step S53). Furthermore, for example, the excrement determination unit 212C may determine that the user has defecated if it determines that the first difference is longer than a predetermined time and the second difference is less than a predetermined time (no in step S52 and yes in step S56). Thus, even if the measurement data from the external sensor 5 has low accuracy, it is possible to accurately determine whether the user has passed gas or stool.

[0177] return Figure 17 Next, in step S59, the judgment result output unit 213 outputs the judgment result of whether the excreter has passed gas or whether the excreter has defecated. For example, if the excrement determination unit 212C determines that the excreter has passed gas, the judgment result output unit 213 transmits the judgment result information indicating that the excreter has passed gas and the date and time information indicating the date and time the excreter passed gas to the server 3 via the communication unit 23. Furthermore, if the excrement determination unit 212C determines that the excreter has defecated, the judgment result output unit 213 transmits the judgment result information indicating that the excreter has defecated and the date and time information indicating the date and time the excreter defecated to the server 3 via the communication unit 23.

[0178] In addition, in Embodiments 1 to 4, only one person uses a restroom. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this, and multiple people may use a restroom. In this case, the excretion management system may further include an identification device for identifying the user. The identification device may be, for example, a camera that captures the face of the person using the restroom and identifies the person using the restroom based on the captured facial image.

[0179] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, each component may be formed by dedicated hardware or implemented by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program stored on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory. In addition, the program may be recorded on a recording medium and transferred, or transferred via a network, thereby being implemented by another independent computer system.

[0180] Part or all of the functions of the devices involved in the embodiments of the present invention are typically implemented as an integrated circuit, i.e., an LSI (Large Scale Integration). These functions can be integrated into one chip individually, or integrated into one chip in a manner that includes some or all of the functions. In addition, integrated circuitization is not limited to LSIs and can also be implemented by dedicated circuits or general-purpose processors. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) that can be programmed after the LSI is manufactured or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connections or settings of circuit elements within the LSI can also be used.

[0181] Furthermore, part or all of the functions of the apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention may be realized by executing a program on a processor such as a CPU.

[0182] In addition, all the numbers used above are exemplified to specifically describe the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the exemplified numbers.

[0183] In addition, the order in which each step shown in the above flowchart is executed is an example order for specifically explaining the present invention, and an order other than the above order can be adopted within the scope of obtaining the same effect. In addition, part of the above steps can also be executed simultaneously (in parallel) with other steps.

[0184] Industrial applicability

[0185] The technology of the present invention can accurately determine whether the excretor has farted, and therefore has practical value as a technology for determining excrement.

Claims

1. A method for determining excrement, characterized in that: Have the computer perform the following steps: acquiring first time-series data indicating a hydrogen concentration in a space within the toilet bowl measured by an internal sensor disposed within the toilet bowl; determining whether the person farted based on the first time series data of the hydrogen concentration; further acquiring second time-series data representing a hydrogen concentration in a space outside the toilet measured by an external sensor disposed outside the toilet; When performing the judgment, whether the excreter has passed gas is judged based on the first time series data and the second time series data, and when the hydrogen concentration value of the first time series data exceeds a threshold value and the hydrogen concentration value of the second time series data exceeds a threshold value, it is judged that the excreter has passed gas; and Output the judgment result.

2. The method for determining excrement according to claim 1, wherein: In the determination, if the hydrogen concentration value of the first time-series data exceeds a threshold value, it is determined that the person excreting has farted.

3. The method for determining excrement according to claim 1, wherein: When making the judgment, if the value of the hydrogen concentration in the first time series data exceeds a threshold, the rising slope of the first time series data until it reaches a peak is greater than a threshold, and the falling slope of the first time series data after reaching the peak is less than a threshold, it is judged that the person excreting has farted.

4. The method for determining excrement according to claim 1, wherein: Also obtaining the first moment when the first time series data reaches a peak, further obtaining a second moment at which the first time series data converges after the first time series data reaches a peak, When making the judgment, whether the excreter has excreted feces or fart is judged based on the first time and the second time.

5. The method for determining excrement according to claim 4, wherein: When making the judgment, if the difference between the second moment and the first moment is less than a specified time, it is judged that the excreter has farted; if the difference is longer than the specified time, it is judged that the excreter has defecated.

6. The method for determining excrement according to claim 4, wherein: further acquiring second time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration of the space outside the toilet measured by an external sensor disposed outside the toilet, Also obtaining the third moment when the second time series data reaches a peak, further obtaining a fourth moment at which the second time series data converges after the second time series data reaches a peak, When making the judgment, whether the excreter excreted feces or farts is judged based on the first time point, the second time point, the third time point, and the fourth time point.

7. The method for determining excrement according to claim 6, wherein: When making the judgment, if the first difference between the second moment and the first moment is less than the specified time and the second difference between the fourth moment and the third moment is less than the specified time, it is judged that the excreter has farted; if the first difference is longer than the specified time and the second difference is longer than the specified time, it is judged that the excreter has defecated.

8. A device for judging excrement, characterized in that include: an acquisition unit that acquires first time-series data indicating a hydrogen concentration in a space inside the toilet bowl measured by an internal sensor disposed inside the toilet bowl, and second time-series data indicating a hydrogen concentration in a space outside the toilet bowl measured by an external sensor disposed outside the toilet bowl; a judgment unit that judges whether the excretor has passed gas based on the first time series data and the second time series data of the hydrogen concentration, and judges that the excretor has passed gas when the value of the hydrogen concentration in the first time series data exceeds a threshold value and the value of the hydrogen concentration in the second time series data exceeds a threshold value; and The output unit outputs the judgment result.

9. A program product for determining excrement, characterized in that: The device includes an excrement determination program, which enables the computer to perform the following functions: acquiring first time-series data indicating a hydrogen concentration in a space within the toilet bowl measured by an internal sensor disposed within the toilet bowl; determining whether the person who has excreted has farted based on the first time series data of the hydrogen concentration; further acquiring second time-series data representing a hydrogen concentration in a space outside the toilet measured by an external sensor disposed outside the toilet; When performing the judgment, whether the excreter has passed gas is judged based on the first time series data and the second time series data, and when the hydrogen concentration value of the first time series data exceeds a threshold value and the hydrogen concentration value of the second time series data exceeds a threshold value, it is judged that the excreter has passed gas; and Output the judgment result.

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