Flushing device

Abstract

The present invention provides a toilet flushing device that prevents giving a user who does not want to automatically take an image of the inside of a toilet bowl unpleasantness. Specifically, a toilet flushing device (1, 1A) is provided with: a toilet seat disposed above a toilet bowl; an image sensor (44) that takes an image of the inside of the toilet bowl; and a control unit (311) that executes an automatic image-taking mode that automatically takes an image of the inside of the toilet bowl, and the control unit (311) switches execution and stop of the automatic image-taking mode in accordance with image-taking intention information that indicates whether or not a user has an intention to take an image of the inside of the toilet bowl, when the image-taking intention information is obtained.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a toilet flushing device. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a toilet seat device equipped with an image sensor. This toilet seat device automatically takes pictures of the inside of the toilet bowl using the image sensor.

[0003] Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-55523 Summary of the Invention

[0004] However, since the toilet is used by multiple users, some of whom may not wish to have the inside of the toilet photographed, if the toilet seat device described in Patent Document 1 automatically photographs the inside of the toilet, it would also photograph users who do not wish to be photographed, which could potentially cause them discomfort.

[0005] The present invention was made in view of the following issue: the technical problem to be solved is to prevent discomfort to users who do not wish for automatic imaging of the inside of the toilet.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the toilet flushing device according to the first aspect of the present invention includes: a toilet seat disposed above the toilet bowl; an image sensor for taking pictures of the inside of the toilet bowl; and a control unit for executing an automatic shooting mode that controls the image sensor to automatically take pictures of the inside of the toilet bowl. When the control unit obtains shooting intention information indicating whether a user intends to take pictures of the inside of the toilet bowl, the control unit switches between executing and stopping the automatic shooting mode based on the obtained shooting intention information.

[0007] According to this configuration, for example, when the shooting intention information indicates that there is no intention to take pictures of the inside of the toilet bowl, the automatic shooting mode can be switched to stop, thus preventing automatic shooting of the inside of the toilet bowl and preventing unpleasant feelings for users who do not wish to be photographed.

[0008] In the toilet flushing device according to the second aspect of the present invention, a stop instruction unit is provided to receive a stop instruction from the user. When the automatic shooting mode is executed, if the stop instruction unit receives a stop instruction, the control unit switches the automatic shooting mode from execution to stop.

[0009] According to this configuration, even when the automatic shooting mode is in operation, the automatic shooting mode can be switched to stop by the user's stop instruction. Therefore, users who want to take pictures will not have to spend extra effort to take pictures, which improves the ease of use. For users who do not want to take pictures, their personal privacy can be protected.

[0010] In the toilet flushing device according to the third aspect of the present invention, when the control unit switches the automatic shooting mode from execution to stop, it deletes the images obtained by shooting before stopping.

[0011] According to this configuration, when the automatic shooting mode is switched from execution to stop, the privacy of users who do not wish to take pictures is further protected because the images taken before stopping are deleted.

[0012] In the toilet flushing device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a seating detection unit is provided to detect when a user sits on the toilet seat. When the seating detection unit detects that a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of sitting, the control unit starts to take pictures in an automatic shooting mode. During the predetermined time, when the stop instruction unit receives a stop instruction, the automatic shooting mode is switched from execution to stop.

[0013] According to this configuration, even if a user who is already seated on the toilet seat suddenly does not wish to take pictures, the automatic shooting mode can be switched from execution to stop by the user's stop instruction, thus further improving ease of use.

[0014] In the toilet flushing device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a shooting instruction unit is provided to receive shooting instructions issued by the user. When the shooting instruction unit receives the shooting instruction, the control unit switches the automatic shooting mode from stop to execute.

[0015] According to this configuration, even when the automatic shooting mode is stopped, if the shooting instruction unit receives a shooting instruction, it will switch the automatic shooting mode from stopped to executed, thus improving the ease of use for users who suddenly do not want to take pictures.

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent unpleasant experiences for users who do not wish for automatic imaging of the inside of the toilet. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing a bathroom equipped with a flushing system. Figure 2 It means Figure 1 Sectional view of section II-II. Figure 3 This is a block diagram of a toilet flushing system. Figure 4 It means Figure 1 A front view of an example of the operating device shown. Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing flow of a toilet flushing device. Figure 6 It means Figure 1Front view of a modified example of the operating device shown. Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a variation of the toilet flushing system's processing flow. Symbol Explanation 1. 1A - Toilet flushing device; 9 - Toilet bowl; 41 - Toilet seat; 44 - Image sensor; 91 - Toilet bowl; 311 - Control unit; 413 - Seating detection sensor (sealing detection unit); 701 - Stop indicator switch (stop indicator unit); 702 - Camera indicator switch (camera indicator unit). Detailed Implementation

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. For ease of understanding, the same constituent elements will be labeled with the same symbols as much as possible in the drawings, and repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0019] Implementation Method 1 First, refer to Figures 1 to 5 The toilet flushing device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a restroom R equipped with a flushing device 1. Figure 2 It means Figure 1 Sectional view of section II-II, Figure 3 This is a block diagram of toilet flushing device 1. Figure 4 It means Figure 1 A front view of an example of the operating device 7 shown. Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing flow of the toilet flushing device 1.

[0020] Overall composition like Figure 1 As shown, a toilet 9 is installed on the floor F of the restroom R. The toilet 9 is a latrine, comprising: a commode 91 for receiving the user's excrement; and an inner edge 92 erected around the commode 91. For example, when the user operates the cleaning control unit (not shown) provided in the restroom R, cleaning water is supplied to the commode 91 to clean it and excrement is discharged from the commode 91. The cleaning control unit can be in various forms, such as an operating lever provided in the restroom R or a switch 70 provided in the operating device 7 described later.

[0021] A flushing device 1 is applied to the toilet 9. The flushing device 1 includes a toilet seat device 2 and an operating device 7. In the following description, the front view as seen from the user sitting on the toilet seat 41 (described later) is called "front", the rear view is called "rear", the left view is called "left", and the right view is called "right". In addition, the vertical direction upward is called "up", and the vertical direction downward is called "down".

[0022] The toilet seat device 2 is installed on the upper part of the toilet bowl 9 and includes a body 3, a toilet seat 41, a nozzle 42, and a toilet cover 43. The toilet seat device 2 can be detachably installed on the toilet bowl 9 or installed as an integral part of the toilet bowl 9.

[0023] The toilet seat 41 is the element for the user to sit on when defecating, supporting the user's buttocks via its seating surface 41c. The toilet seat 41 is annular, with an opening 41a formed in its center. When the toilet seat 41 is placed on the inner edge 92, the opening 41a opens the commode 91. The rear end of the toilet seat 41 is supported by an axle, thereby allowing the toilet seat 41 to rotate between a position placed on the inner edge 92 and a position away from the inner edge 92 with the commode 91 more open.

[0024] like Figure 2 As shown, the toilet seat 41 has a base plate 5 and a top plate 6. Both the base plate 5 and the top plate 6 are made of resin material. The inner periphery 5a of the base plate 5 and the inner periphery 6a of the top plate 6 are fused together, and the outer periphery 5b of the base plate 5 and the outer periphery 6b of the top plate 6 are fused together, thereby joining the base plate 5 and the top plate 6 to form the toilet seat 41. The central portions of the base plate 5 and the top plate 6 are spaced apart from each other, thereby forming a gap 41b inside the toilet seat 41. In addition, the toilet seat 41 can also be joined by various methods, such as by fusing together the reinforcing ribs erected on the top plate 5 and the reinforcing ribs erected below the top plate 6.

[0025] like Figure 2 As shown, when the toilet seat 41 is placed on the inner edge 92 of the toilet bowl 9, the base plate 5 is configured such that a portion of it faces the inner edge 92 in the vertical direction, while the other portion is positioned above the toilet bowl 91. An opening 5c ​​is provided in this other portion of the base plate 5. An image sensor 44, serving as a camera, is provided in a gap 41b, for example, inside the toilet seat 41, to capture images of the interior of the toilet bowl 91 through this opening 5c. When... Figure 2 When viewed from the side as shown, image sensor 44 can capture images of objects within the field of view angle θ1. The configuration of the area surrounding image sensor 44 will be described later.

[0026] The top plate 6 is configured as a curved surface, i.e., the seating surface 41c faces upward. A heater 411 is installed on the underside of the top plate 6. The heater 411 is an electric heating wire that receives an electrical supply and generates Joule heat.

[0027] Figure 1 The nozzle 42 shown is used to clean the user's area. The nozzle 42 is configured to move in and out of the body 3 into the toilet bowl 91 via an electric motor (not shown). When the nozzle 42 is inside the toilet bowl 91, water is sprayed towards the user's area due to the opening of a solenoid valve (not shown).

[0028] The rear end of the toilet seat 43 is supported by a shaft, and is configured to rotate between a position covering the toilet seat 41 and a position where the toilet seat 41 is open.

[0029] An operating device 7 operates the toilet seat device 2, for example, by being disposed on the wall of the restroom R. The operating device 7 has multiple switches 70, each corresponding to a different action of the toilet seat device 2. Figure 3 As shown, the operating device 7 also includes a communication unit 71 and a display unit 72. The communication unit 71 transmits and receives signals wirelessly with the communication unit 313 of the toilet seat device 2 (described later). The display unit 72 is a liquid crystal panel provided on the outer side of the operating device 7, which displays various information.

[0030] In addition, similar to the operating device 7, a portable information terminal C1 can also be used to wirelessly communicate with the toilet seat device 2, thereby remotely operating the toilet seat device 2. This portable information terminal C1 can be, for example, a smartphone or tablet owned by the user. However, the portable information terminal C1 is not limited to these; it can be any portable terminal that the user can use.

[0031] like Figure 3 As shown, a control device 31 is disposed within the main body 3 of the toilet seat device 2. The control device 31 may be composed entirely of analog circuitry, or of a digital processor or memory, and comprises a control unit 311, a storage unit 312, and a communication unit 313 as functional blocks. The control unit 311 performs various controls based on signals received from external sources. The storage unit 312 stores various setting information and parameters. The communication unit 313 transmits and receives signals with external devices such as the user's portable information terminal C1 or a cloud server C2.

[0032] Furthermore, the software module installed in the control device 31 does not necessarily need to be as follows: Figure 3 The functional blocks shown are divided as described. That is, the actual analog circuit or module can be configured to function as... Figure 3 The functions of the multiple functional blocks shown can be further subdivided. As long as the configuration is adapted to perform the processes described later, those skilled in the art can appropriately modify the configuration of the control device 31.

[0033] The control device 31 is connected to send control signals to the heater 411, the nozzle 42, the human body detection sensor 412 (as a human body detection unit), the seating detection sensor 413 (as a seating detection unit), and the image sensor 44. The human body detection sensor 412 detects a user (human body) entering the restroom R. The seating detection sensor 413 detects the user sitting on the toilet seat 41. The control device 31 can receive detection signals from the human body detection sensor 412 or the seating detection sensor 413, or receive image signals from the image sensor 44.

[0034] Action Examples The control unit 311 of the control device 31 sends a control signal to the heater 411 (that is, supplies power to the heater 411) when it determines that the user has sat on the toilet seat 41 based on the signal received from the seating detection sensor 413. As a result, the temperature of the top plate 6 rises due to the Joule heat generated by the heater 411, and the toilet seat 41 is heated.

[0035] Furthermore, when the user presses the switch 70 corresponding to the start of localized washing on the operating device 7, the communication unit 71 of the operating device 7 generates a signal corresponding to the switch 70 and transmits it wirelessly to the toilet seat device 2. The toilet seat device 2 receives this signal through the communication unit 313 of the control device 31, which, for example, sends a control signal to the nozzle 42. The nozzle 42, having received the control signal, enters the toilet bowl 91 from the body 3 and simultaneously dispenses water supplied from the opened solenoid valve toward the user's area.

[0036] Furthermore, the control unit 311 of the control device 31 controls the image sensor 44 to automatically capture images of the inside of the bedpan 91 (hereinafter appropriately referred to as "automatic capture") without user intervention after or during defecation. In this automatic capture, multiple images of the inside of the bedpan 91 are captured within a predetermined time period. The image sensor 44 sends image signals corresponding to the captured images of the inside of the bedpan 91 to the control device 31. The control device 31, having received the image signals, stores the images based on the image signals in the storage unit 312. Simultaneously, the control unit 311, according to a pre-set program, determines, based on the images, at least one of the following: the presence or absence of defecation, and the color, shape, and amount of the defecation. The communication unit 313 of the control device 31 generates a signal corresponding to the determination result and sends it to an external cloud server C2. Medical professionals and others connect to the cloud server C2 to obtain the aforementioned determination results, thereby understanding the user's health status and being able to provide recommendations based on this information.

[0037] Prevention of discomfort A study was conducted on the toilet flushing device 1 to prevent unpleasant experiences for users who do not wish for automatic viewing of the inside of the toilet bowl 91. This point will be explained below.

[0038] When the system receives information indicating a user's intention to photograph the inside of the toilet 91, the control unit 311 of the control device 31 switches between automatic shooting mode execution and stop settings based on the received shooting intention information. Furthermore, as... Figure 4As shown, to inform the user of the automatic shooting mode's activation (on) and deactivation (off), the text indicating whether it is on or off can be displayed on the display unit 72 of the operating device 7. Additionally, the shooting intention information can be obtained (received) from the portable information terminal C1 or the cloud server C2 by the communication unit 313, for example. Furthermore, the shooting intention information can also be obtained from the storage unit 312 located in the main body 3 or from the operating device 7 by the control unit 311.

[0039] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, the multiple switches 70 of the operating device 7 include: a stop indicator switch 701, which receives a stop instruction from the user, and a shooting indicator switch 702, which receives a shooting instruction from the user. When the automatic shooting mode is activated, if the stop indicator switch 701 receives a stop instruction, that is, when the stop indicator switch 701 is pressed, the control unit 311 switches the automatic shooting mode from activated to stopped. Furthermore, when the automatic shooting mode is switched from activated to stopped, the control unit 311 deletes the images captured before stopping from the storage unit 312 of the control device 31. Additionally, when the shooting indicator switch 702 receives a shooting instruction, that is, when the shooting indicator switch 702 is pressed, the control unit 311 switches the automatic shooting mode from stopped to activated.

[0040] In addition, when the seating detection sensor 413 detects that a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of seating, the control unit 311 starts taking pictures in automatic shooting mode. When the stop indicator switch 701 is pressed during the predetermined time, the automatic shooting mode is switched from execution to stop.

[0041] The following uses Figure 5 An example of a series of processes used to prevent causing unpleasant sensations to the user is illustrated. And, for example, repeating every few seconds... Figure 5 The series of processes shown.

[0042] Step SP10 The control unit 311 determines whether the communication unit 313 has obtained, for example, the user's shooting intention information from the user's portable information terminal C1. When the determination is positive, the process transitions to step SP11; when the determination is negative, the process transitions to step SP12.

[0043] Step SP11 When the acquired photographic intent information indicates an intention to photograph the interior of the commode 91, the control unit 311 switches the automatic photographing mode to execution. Conversely, when the acquired photographic intent information indicates no intention to photograph the interior of the commode 91, the control unit 311 switches the automatic photographing mode to stop. Afterwards, the process transitions to step SP12.

[0044] Step SP12 The control unit 311 determines whether the stop indicator switch 701 has been pressed. Then, if the determination is positive, the process transitions to step SP13; if the determination is negative, the process transitions to step SP14.

[0045] Step SP13 The control unit 311 sets the stop flag stored in the storage unit 312 to be on. After that, the process transitions to step SP14.

[0046] Step SP14 The control unit 311 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the stop flag was set to open. If the determination is affirmative, the process transitions to step SP15; if the determination is negative, the process transitions to step SP16.

[0047] Step SP15 The control unit 311 sets the stop flag to off. Afterwards, the process transitions to step SP16.

[0048] Step SP16 The control unit 311 determines whether the seating detection sensor 413 has detected the user sitting on the toilet seat 41. Then, if the determination is positive, the process transitions to step SP17; if the determination is negative, ... Figure 5 The series of processes shown has ended.

[0049] Step SP17 The control unit 311 determines whether the automatic shooting mode is set to be executed. Then, if the determination is positive, the process transitions to step SP18; if the determination is negative, the process transitions to step SP19.

[0050] Step SP18 The control unit 311 determines whether the stop flag is set to open. Then, if the determination is positive, the process transitions to step SP19; if the determination is negative, the process transitions to step SP20.

[0051] Step SP19 The control unit 311 determines whether the shooting indicator switch 702 has been pressed. Then, if the determination is positive, the process transitions to step SP20; if the determination is negative, ... Figure 5 The series of processes shown has ended.

[0052] Step SP20 The control unit 311 starts timing. After that, the process transitions to step SP21.

[0053] Step SP21 In order to notify the user that shooting has begun, the control unit 311 controls the image sensor 44 to turn on the illumination set on the image sensor 44. After that, the process transitions to step SP22.

[0054] Step SP22 The control unit 311 determines whether the user has pressed the stop indicator switch 701. Then, if the determination is positive, the process transitions to step SP26; if the determination is negative, the process transitions to step SP22.

[0055] Step SP23 The control unit 311 determines whether the timing time has exceeded the preset standby time. Then, if the determination is positive, the process transitions to step SP24; if the determination is negative, the process returns to step SP22.

[0056] Step SP24 The control unit 311 controls the image sensor 44 to begin automatic imaging of the inside of the toilet bowl 91. After that, the process transitions to step SP25.

[0057] Step SP25 The control unit 311 determines whether a press operation on the stop indicator switch 701 has been received. Then, if the determination is positive, the process transitions to step SP26; if the determination is negative, the process transitions to step SP28.

[0058] Step SP26 The control unit 311 switches the automatic shooting mode to either always or temporarily stopped. Afterwards, the process transitions to step SP27.

[0059] Step SP27 The control unit 311 deletes the images captured automatically before switching the automatic shooting mode to stop. In other words, the control unit 311 deletes the images captured at the start of shooting in step SP24. Afterwards, the process transitions to step SP29.

[0060] Step SP28 When a negative determination is obtained in step SP25, the control unit 311 determines the presence, color, shape, quantity, and other characteristics of the user's stool from the image obtained through automatic capture. The communication unit 313 generates a signal corresponding to the determination result and sends it to the external cloud server C2 or portable information terminal C1. After that, the process transitions to step SP29.

[0061] Step SP29 The control unit 311 controls the image sensor 44 to turn off the illumination provided on the image sensor 44. Then, Figure 5 The series of processes shown has ended.

[0062] Effects Based on the above configuration, for example, when the shooting intention information indicates that there is no intention to take pictures of the inside of the toilet 91, the automatic shooting mode can be switched to stop, thus preventing automatic shooting of the inside of the toilet 91 and preventing unpleasant feelings from users who do not wish to be photographed.

[0063] In addition, when the stop indicator switch 701 receives a stop instruction while the automatic shooting mode is in operation, the control unit 311 switches the automatic shooting mode from operation to stop.

[0064] According to this configuration, even when the automatic shooting mode is in operation, the automatic shooting mode can be switched to stop by the user's stop instruction. Therefore, users who want to take pictures will not have to spend extra effort to take pictures, which improves the ease of use. For users who do not want to take pictures, their personal privacy can be protected.

[0065] In addition, when the control unit 311 switches the automatic shooting mode from execution to stop, it deletes the images captured before stopping.

[0066] According to this configuration, when the automatic shooting mode is switched from execution to stop, the privacy of users who do not wish to take pictures is further protected because the images taken before stopping are deleted.

[0067] In addition, when the seating detection sensor 413 detects that a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of seating, the control unit 311 starts shooting in automatic shooting mode. During the predetermined time, when the stop indication switch 701 receives a stop indication, it switches the automatic shooting mode from execution to stop.

[0068] According to this configuration, even if a user who is already seated on the toilet seat 41 suddenly does not wish to take pictures, the automatic shooting mode can be switched from execution to stop by the user's stop instruction, thus further improving ease of use.

[0069] In addition, when the shooting instruction switch 74 receives a shooting instruction, the control unit 311 switches the automatic shooting mode from stop to execute.

[0070] According to this configuration, even when the automatic shooting mode is stopped, if the shooting instruction switch 74 receives a shooting instruction, it will switch the automatic shooting mode from stopped to executed, thus improving the ease of use for users who suddenly do not want to take pictures.

[0071] Implementation Method 2 Next, refer to Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The toilet flushing device 1A according to the second embodiment will be described. Figure 6 It means Figure 1 Front view of a modified example of the operating device 7 shown. Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a modified example of the processing flow of the toilet flushing device 1A. In the toilet flushing device 1A according to the second embodiment, the switch 70 provided in the operating device 7 and the processing flow of the toilet flushing device 1A differ from those in the first embodiment. In the toilet flushing device 1A according to the second embodiment, structures identical to those in the first embodiment are labeled with the same symbols, and descriptions are appropriately omitted.

[0072] like Figure 3 As shown, the toilet flushing device 1A according to the second embodiment has the same structure as the toilet flushing device 1 according to the first embodiment. However, as Figure 6 As shown, the switch 70 of the operating device 7 of the toilet flushing device 1A includes an automatic shooting switch 703 and identification switches 704-707. The automatic shooting switch 703 is used to switch the execution and stop of the automatic shooting mode. The identification switches 704-707 are used to identify the user. For example, identification switch 704 is used to identify "father," identification switch 705 is used to identify "mother," identification switch 706 is used to identify "male," and identification switch 707 is used to identify "female."

[0073] The following uses Figure 7 An example of a series of processes used to prevent causing unpleasant sensations to the user is illustrated. For instance, this is repeated every few seconds. Figure 7 The series of processes shown.

[0074] Step SP50 The control unit 311 determines whether the identification switches 704-707 have been pressed. Then, if the determination is positive, the process transitions to step SP51; if the determination is negative, the process transitions to step SP53.

[0075] Step SP51 The control unit 311 retrieves setting information from the storage unit 312 corresponding to the identification switches 704-707 that have been pressed. This setting information also includes information indicating whether the user intends to take a picture of the inside of the toilet 91. Afterwards, the process transitions to step SP52.

[0076] Step SP52 The control unit 311 performs various settings based on the acquired setting information. At this time, the control unit 311 switches between executing and stopping the automatic shooting mode based on the shooting intention information included in the acquired setting information. For example, when the shooting intention information corresponding to the recognition switch 704 indicates an intention to shoot, if the recognition switch 704 is pressed, the control unit 311 switches the automatic shooting mode to execution based on this shooting intention information. Conversely, when the shooting intention information corresponding to the recognition switch 705 indicates no intention to shoot, if the recognition switch 705 is pressed, the control unit 311 switches the automatic shooting mode to stop based on this shooting intention information. Afterwards, the process transitions to step SP53.

[0077] Step SP53 The control unit 311 determines whether the automatic shooting switch 703 has been pressed. Then, if the determination is positive, the process transitions to step SP54; if the determination is negative, the process transitions to step SP55.

[0078] Step SP54 When the automatic shooting mode is executed, the control unit 311 switches the automatic shooting mode to stop, and when the automatic shooting mode is stopped, it switches the automatic shooting mode to execute. After that, the process transitions to step SP55.

[0079] Step SP55 The control unit 311 determines whether the seating detection sensor 413 has detected the user sitting on the toilet seat 41. Then, if the determination is positive, the process transitions to step SP56; if the determination is negative, ... Figure 7 The series of processes shown has ended.

[0080] Step SP56 The control unit 311 determines whether the automatic shooting mode is set to be executed. Then, if the determination is affirmative, the process transitions to step SP57; if the determination is negative, ... Figure 7 The series of processes shown has ended.

[0081] Step SP57 The control unit 311 controls the image sensor 44 to begin automatic imaging of the inside of the toilet bowl 91. After that, the process transitions to step SP58.

[0082] Step SP58 The communication unit 313 sends the automatically captured images to the external cloud server C2. The cloud server C2 determines the presence, color, shape, quantity, and other characteristics of the user's excrement from the received images, and notifies the user of the determination results.

[0083] Effects In the second embodiment, the control unit 311 can obtain shooting intention information through the identification switches 704-707. Therefore, compared with obtaining shooting intention information from external sources such as portable information terminal C1 or cloud server C2, it can save the user's time. At the same time, shooting intention information can be obtained even without external communication environment.

[0084] Variations This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. That is, any invention that incorporates the features of this invention and makes appropriate design changes to the above embodiments by those skilled in the art is also included within the scope of this invention.

[0085] For example, in the first embodiment, although the case where the operating device 7 includes a stop indicator switch 701 and a camera indicator switch 702 has been described, all or part of these switches may be omitted. Furthermore, the stop indicator switch 701 and the camera indicator switch 702 may also be applied to the toilet flushing device 1A of the second embodiment. Additionally, although the stop indicator unit has been described as a stop indicator switch 701, it may also be a display unit 72, a portable information terminal C1, or a cloud server C2. Similarly, although the camera indicator unit has been described as a camera indicator switch 702, it may also be a display unit 72, a portable information terminal C1, or a cloud server C2.

[0086] In addition, while the second embodiment describes user identification via identification switches 704-707, users can also be identified through their operation methods or actions on the operating device 7. Furthermore, the operating device 7 can also function as a user identification device. For example, the operating device 7 can identify users through personal authentication. The operating device 7 can also identify users based on biometric information such as fingerprints, veins, weight, or iris color of the eyes. Additionally, the portable information terminal C1 can communicate with the flushing device 1, and the portable information terminal C1 or the flushing device 1A can perform personal authentication to identify the user. Alternatively, the flushing device 1A can read the user's identification card to identify the user.

[0087] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, although the case where the control unit 312 turns off the illumination of the image sensor 44 when not automatically taking pictures has been described, the control unit 312 can also control the shielding member (not shown) provided on the toilet seat 41 to hide the lens portion of the image sensor 44 when not automatically taking pictures, and the control unit 312 can also control the shielding member (not shown) provided on the toilet seat 41 to expose the lens portion of the image sensor 44 when automatically taking pictures. This further prevents discomfort to users who do not wish for automatic pictures of the inside of the toilet bowl 91.

[0088] In addition, although the first embodiment describes the case where the image sensor 44 is located inside the toilet seat 41, it can also be located in a position other than inside the toilet seat 41, such as on the side of the toilet seat 41, or in the toilet bowl 9, the operating device 7, the toilet R, etc.

Claims

1. A toilet flushing device, characterized in that, Features: A toilet seat positioned above the toilet bowl; An image sensor that captures images of the inside of the toilet bowl; A control unit that executes an automatic shooting mode to automatically capture images of the inside of the toilet by controlling the image sensor; The stop instruction unit accepts the user's command to stop the automatic shooting mode. The identification switch identifies the user; and The storage unit stores information indicating the user's intention to take photos of the inside of the toilet. When the control unit obtains the user's shooting intention information identified by the operation of the identification switch from the storage unit, it switches the execution and stop of the automatic shooting mode according to the obtained shooting intention information. When the automatic shooting mode is executed, if the stop instruction unit receives the stop instruction, the control unit switches the automatic shooting mode from execution to stop.

2. The toilet flushing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the control unit switches the automatic shooting mode from execution to stop, it deletes the images captured before stopping.

3. The toilet flushing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It is equipped with a seating detection unit that detects when the user sits on the toilet seat. When the seating detection unit detects that a predetermined time has elapsed since the seating began, the control unit starts taking pictures through the automatic shooting mode. During the predetermined time, when the stop instruction unit receives the stop instruction, it switches the automatic shooting mode from execution to stop.

4. The toilet flushing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It is equipped with a shooting instruction unit that can receive shooting instructions from the user. When the shooting instruction unit receives the shooting instruction, the control unit switches the automatic shooting mode from stop to execute.

5. The toilet flushing device according to claim 3, characterized in that, It is equipped with a shooting instruction unit that can receive shooting instructions from the user. When the shooting instruction unit receives the shooting instruction, the control unit switches the automatic shooting mode from stop to execute.

Images