Sensor device and toilet system

Abstract

The invention relates to a sensor device and a toilet system. The present invention addresses the problem of detecting biological information of a user while reducing the number of sensors used. A sensor device according to an embodiment includes a laser blood flow sensor and a control device. The laser blood flow sensor is arranged in a toilet room and acquires biological information including blood flow information of a user. The control device controls the laser blood flow sensor. The control device determines the presence or absence of a human body on the basis of information acquired by the laser blood flow sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a sensor device and a toilet system. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a known sensor device that irradiates a human body with laser light, receives scattered light from body tissues, red blood cells, etc., detects Doppler shift of the received light signal, and detects biological information such as pulse information and blood circulation information (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] By installing the sensor device in the toilet room, the biological information of the user of the toilet can be detected. When the biological information of the user is detected in the toilet room, it is desired to automatically determine whether the user is in a state where the biological information can be detected. Whether the user is in a state where the biological information can be detected can be determined, for example, by detecting whether the user is sitting by a sitting sensor. The sitting sensor is, for example, installed on a toilet seat (for example, Patent Document 2).

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-79428

[0007] [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-10072

[0008] However, when determining whether or not the user is in a state where biological information can be detected using a sitting sensor, for example, a plurality of sensors are required. Summary of the invention

[0009] An object of one aspect of the embodiment is to provide a sensor device and a toilet system that detect biological information of a user while reducing the number of sensors used.

[0010] A sensor device of one embodiment includes: a laser blood flow sensor and a control device. The laser blood flow sensor is installed in a bathroom room to obtain biological information of the user including blood flow information. The control device controls the laser blood flow sensor. The control device determines the presence or absence of a human body based on the information obtained by the laser blood flow sensor.

[0011] Thus, the sensor device can determine the presence of a human body and detect the biological information of the user by using the laser blood flow sensor. For example, the sensor device can detect the user's sitting without using a sitting sensor. In addition, for example, the space for setting a sitting sensor on the toilet seat can be eliminated, and multiple laser blood flow sensors can be set on the toilet seat. Therefore, the sensor device can detect the biological information of the user using multiple laser blood flow sensors, for example, and can improve the detection accuracy of the biological information.

[0012] Furthermore, the control device includes a first mode for determining the presence or absence of a human body, and a second mode for detecting biological information when it is determined in the first mode that a human body is present.

[0013] Thus, after determining the presence of a human body in the first mode, the sensor device can detect the biological information of the user in the second mode, and can detect the presence of a human body and the biological information of the user using the laser blood flow sensor.

[0014] Furthermore, the control device drives the laser blood flow sensor intermittently in the first mode and drives the laser blood flow sensor continuously in the second mode.

[0015] Thus, the sensor device can reduce the burden on the user's eyes when the laser of the laser blood flow sensor is observed before the user sits down, for example, by intermittently driving the laser blood flow sensor in the first mode. In addition, in the case where the laser of the laser blood flow sensor continuously emits light, the sensor device can suppress the laser from irradiating the user's eyes because the user is sitting down. That is, the sensor device can improve the safety of the user. In addition, the sensor device can shorten the time of continuous laser emission while detecting the presence of a human body and the biological information of the user using the laser blood flow sensor, and can extend the life of the laser blood flow sensor.

[0016] In addition, as for the control device, in the first mode, the presence of a human body is determined based on the DC (direct current) component of the light received by the laser blood flow sensor, and in the second mode, biological information is detected based on the AC (alternating current) component of the light received by the laser blood flow sensor.

[0017] Thus, when determining the presence of a human body by the first mode, the sensor device can determine the presence of a human body in a shorter time than when determining the presence of a human body by using an AC component.

[0018] Effects of the Invention

[0019] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the sensor device and the toilet system can reduce the number of sensors used and can detect the biological information of the user with high accuracy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing a toilet system according to an embodiment.

[0021] Figure 2 1 is a block diagram showing a communication system of a toilet system according to an embodiment.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a circuit diagram illustrating the outline of a laser blood flow sensor.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the human body detection process according to the embodiment.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a flowchart for explaining the biological information measurement process according to the embodiment.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a time chart when the biological information detection process is executed according to the embodiment.

[0026] Figure 7 : is a flowchart explaining the adjustment process of the laser current value.

[0027] Figure 8 1 is a timing chart showing an example of a process of adjusting the laser current value.

[0028] Fig. 9 2 is a timing chart showing an example of the laser current value adjustment process.

[0029] Fig.10 3 is a timing chart showing an example of the laser current value adjustment process.

[0030] Fig.11 4 is a timing chart showing an example of the laser current value adjustment process.

[0031] Fig.12 5 is a timing chart showing an example of the laser current value adjustment process performed.

[0032] Description of reference numerals:

[0033] 1: toilet system; 2: toilet; 4: laser blood flow sensor; 5: control device; 20: remote control; 30: light emitting unit; 31: light receiving unit; 32: laser diode; 33: stabilization circuit; 34: capacitor; 35: switching unit; 40: photodiode; 41: capacitor; 100: sensor device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The toilet system disclosed in the present application is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown below. In addition, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and sometimes the relationship between the dimensions of the elements, the ratio of the elements, etc. are different from the actual situation. The drawings sometimes also include parts with different relationship between the dimensions and ratios.

[0035] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The toilet system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the toilet system 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 It is a block diagram of a communication system of a toilet system 1 according to an embodiment. It should be noted that, in the present application specification, "above", "below", "front", "rear", "left side" and "right side" are directions observed from a user sitting on the toilet seat 11 with his back to the open toilet lid 12.

[0036] The toilet system 1 is provided in a toilet room. The toilet system 1 includes: a toilet 2, a toilet seat device 3, a laser blood flow sensor 4, and a control device 5. The laser blood flow sensor 4 and the control device 5 are sensor devices 100 for detecting biological information of a user. The laser blood flow sensor 4 may also include the control device 5. Parts of the laser blood flow sensor 4 and the control device 5 may also be provided integrally.

[0037] The toilet 2 is a so-called sitting toilet. The toilet 2 has a bowl 8 that is recessed downward. The bowl 8 receives the excrement such as urine and feces of the user.

[0038] The toilet seat device 3 is provided on the upper part of the toilet bowl 2. The toilet seat device 3 may be integrally mounted on the toilet bowl 2 or may be detachably mounted on the toilet bowl 2. The toilet seat device 3 includes a main body 10, a toilet seat 11, and a toilet cover 12.

[0039] The main body 10 is located at a position behind the bowl 8 of the toilet 2 and is installed on the upper surface of the toilet 2. The main body 10 is provided with an opening and closing unit for controlling the opening and closing of the toilet seat 11 and the toilet cover 12, a toilet seat heating unit for controlling the temperature of the toilet seat 11, a cleaning unit for cleaning the human body, and a deodorizing unit for reducing odor components. In addition, the main body 10 is built-in with a control device for controlling the operation of each unit in general and a communication device 21 for communicating with a remote controller 20 of the toilet room and the like.

[0040] The toilet seat 11 and the toilet cover 12 are supported so as to be rotatable relative to the main body 10. It should be noted that the toilet cover 12 is provided on the toilet seat device 3 as needed, and may be omitted.

[0041] A heating wire and a laser blood flow sensor 4 are provided inside the toilet seat 11. The heating wire keeps the seat portion 11a where the user sits warm. The heating of the heating wire is controlled by a toilet seat heating unit provided in the main body 10.

[0042] The laser blood flow sensor 4 is an optical biosensor. The laser blood flow sensor 4 acquires biometric information of a user sitting on the toilet seat 11. The biometric information includes blood flow information. The laser blood flow sensor 4 is disposed at a position to irradiate laser light onto the thigh of the user when the user sits on the seat portion 11a. Two laser blood flow sensors 4 are disposed inside the toilet seat 11. The laser blood flow sensors 4 are disposed to irradiate laser light onto both thighs of the user sitting on the seat portion 11a. Specifically, the two laser blood flow sensors 4 are disposed symmetrically with respect to the center line in the left-right direction of the toilet seat 11. It should be noted that three or more laser blood flow sensors 4 may be disposed.

[0043] The laser blood flow sensor 4 is connected to the control device 5. It should be noted that the control device 5 connected to the laser blood flow sensor 4 is separately provided from the control device for controlling each unit. The control device 5 connected to the laser blood flow sensor 4 is communicatively connected to the control device 5 for controlling each unit. The laser blood flow sensor 4 outputs the acquired biological information to the control device 5. It should be noted that the control device 5 may also be provided integrally with the control device for controlling each unit.

[0044] The control device 5 controls the laser blood flow sensor 4, and measures the blood flow, pulse rate, and pulse fluctuation of the user based on the biological information obtained from the laser blood flow sensor 4. In addition, the control device 5 determines the presence or absence of a human body based on the information obtained by the laser blood flow sensor 4. Specifically, the control device 5 determines whether the user is sitting. In other words, the control device 5 detects whether the user is sitting.

[0045] The control device 5 sends the measured values ​​such as blood flow from the communication device 21 to the remote controller 20 and the user's portable terminal 22. The communication between the communication device 21 and the remote controller 20 may be wireless communication or wired communication. The communication between the communication device 21 and the portable terminal 22 is wireless communication. Then, the user sitting on the toilet seat 11 can confirm vital signs such as blood flow through the display unit 20a of the remote controller 20 and the display unit 22a of the portable terminal 22. It should be noted that the measured values ​​such as blood flow may also be sent to an electronic medical record system for clinical use.

[0046] Next, refer to Figure 3 The laser blood flow sensor 4 and the control device 5 will be described. Figure 3 1 is a circuit diagram for explaining the outline of the laser blood flow sensor 4 .

[0047] The laser blood flow sensor 4 is a reflective sensor that makes the user's blood flow reflect the laser irradiated to the user's thigh and detects the reflected light. In this example, the laser blood flow sensor 4 uses a blood flow sensor that can detect the flow change of red blood cells flowing through the blood vessels using laser. The laser blood flow sensor 4 obtains information related to the frequency of the Doppler shift caused by the red blood cells flowing through the blood vessels.

[0048] The laser blood flow sensor 4 includes a light emitting unit 30 and a light receiving unit 31 .

[0049] The light emitting unit 30 includes a laser diode 32, a stabilization circuit 33, and a constant current drive circuit 50. The laser diode 32 emits laser light. The light emission intensity of the laser light can be changed according to the magnitude of the laser current value. Specifically, the light emission intensity of the laser light can be changed according to the magnitude of the output voltage of the control device 5.

[0050] The stabilization circuit 33 is a circuit for stabilizing the control voltage supplied from the control device 5 to the constant current drive circuit 50 when the laser current value is continuously supplied. The stabilization circuit 33 includes a capacitor 34, a switch 35, and resistors 36 and 37.

[0051] The capacitor 34 is switched to be grounded via the switching unit 35. The switching unit 35 is a switch that switches whether the capacitor 34 is grounded in accordance with a control signal output from the control device 5.

[0052] The constant current drive circuit 50 is a circuit that makes a laser current flowing through the laser diode 32 constant. The constant current drive circuit 50 includes an operational amplifier 51 , a transistor 52 , and a resistor 53 .

[0053] The control signal is a signal that sets the time constant in the stabilization circuit 33 to "Lo" or "Hi". Specifically, when the control signal output from the control device 5 is a signal that sets the time constant in the stabilization circuit 33 to "Lo", the switching unit 35 does not connect the capacitor 34 to the ground. In addition, when the control signal output from the control device 5 is a signal that sets the time constant in the stabilization circuit 33 to "Hi", the switching unit 35 connects the capacitor 34 to the ground.

[0054] The light receiving unit 31 includes a photodiode 40, a capacitor 41, an amplifier circuit 42, and a voltage follower circuit 43. The photodiode 40 receives light from the outside. For example, the photodiode 40 receives reflected light of the light irradiated by the laser diode 32.

[0055] The capacitor 41 is provided to remove the DC component and extract the AC component from the light signal received by the photodiode 40. The capacitor 41 is provided between the amplifier circuit 42 and the photodiode 40. The amplifier circuit 42 amplifies the amplitude of the AC component and outputs an AC signal to the control device 5.

[0056] The voltage follower circuit 43 is connected to the path between the capacitor 41 and the photodiode 40, and outputs a DC level (DC signal) to the control device 5. It should be noted that, among the reflected light of the laser from the human body, the AC component is a signal including information on the blood flow that has generated a Doppler shift caused by red blood cells, and the DC component is roughly equal to the reflected light from the skin and body tissues (although it also includes reflected light from red blood cells, but it is very small).

[0057] The control device 5 is a computer. The control device 5 controls the laser current value supplied to the laser diode 32. The control device 5 can change the laser current value by adjusting the output voltage to the constant current drive circuit 50 via the stabilization circuit 33.

[0058] As a biological body detection mode, the control device 5 has a first mode and a second mode. The first mode is a mode for detecting the presence of a human body. Specifically, the first mode is a mode for determining whether the user is in a posture for detecting biological body information. For example, the first mode is a mode for determining whether the user has sat on the toilet seat 11.

[0059] The second mode is a mode for detecting biological information when a human body is detected by the first mode. The second mode is a mode executed after the user is in a posture for detecting biological information according to the first mode. For example, the second mode is executed after the user is determined to be sitting on the toilet seat 11 by the first mode. The control in each mode will be described later.

[0060] The control device 5 inputs the AC signal amplified by the amplifier circuit 42. The control device 5 AD-converts the input AC signal into a digital signal, and then performs frequency analysis such as high-speed Fourier transform to detect biological information of the user.

[0061] The control device 5 inputs the DC level output from the voltage follower circuit 43. The control device 5 performs AD conversion on the input DC level, and then determines the presence or absence of a human body based on the DC level after AD conversion. That is, the control device 5 determines whether the user sits on the toilet seat 11 based on the DC component. The method for determining whether the user sits on the toilet seat 11 will be described later.

[0062] The control device 5 starts the first mode, for example, when the user operates a biological body detection start button provided on the remote controller 20 for starting biological body information. It should be noted that the control device 5 may also automatically start the first mode without depending on the operation of the remote controller 20. Specifically, the control device 5 automatically starts the first mode, for example, when the power of the toilet seat device 3 is turned on. In addition, the control device 5 automatically starts the first mode, for example, when it senses that a user enters a toilet cubicle where the toilet 2 is provided.

[0063] The control device 5 intermittently drives the laser blood flow sensor 4 in the first mode. The control device 5 repeatedly changes the output voltage between 0V and a predetermined voltage in the first mode. The predetermined voltage is a voltage greater than 0V. In addition, the control device 5 sets the time constant of the stabilization circuit 33 to "Lo" in the first mode. That is, in the first mode, the capacitor 34 is in a non-grounded state by the switching unit 35.

[0064] In the first mode, since the capacitor 34 is not connected to the ground, the laser diode 32 emits laser light according to the pulse waveform of the output voltage output from the control device 5. Therefore, in the first mode, the laser blood flow sensor 4 is intermittently driven.

[0065] The control device 5 continuously drives the laser blood flow sensor 4 in the second mode. The control device 5 sets the output voltage to a prescribed voltage in the second mode. In addition, the control device 5 sets the time constant of the stabilization circuit 33 to "Hi" in the second mode. That is, in the second mode, the capacitor 34 is grounded by the switching unit 35. It should be noted that the continuous drive includes a long-term pulse drive (intermittent drive) of a laser that can detect biological information of the user. That is, the continuous drive includes a drive in which the output voltage is set to a prescribed voltage for a longer time than the intermittent drive in the first mode.

[0066] In the second mode, since the capacitor 34 is grounded, even if a slight change occurs in the output voltage outputted from the control device 5 , the laser current value supplied to the laser diode 32 is stabilized, and the output of the laser light radiated from the laser diode 32 is also stabilized.

[0067] Next, the biological information detection process of the embodiment will be described. The biological information detection process includes a human body detection process and a biological information measurement process.

[0068] First, refer to Figure 4 The human body detection process is described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Figure 4: is a flowchart for explaining the human body detection processing of the embodiment. The human body detection processing is started, for example, by operating the biological information detection start button of the remote controller 20. In addition, although it will be described in detail later, the human body detection processing is started when it is determined that there is no human body in the biological information measurement processing. It should be noted that the human body detection processing can also be started automatically without relying on the operation of the biological information detection start button of the remote controller 20. The human body detection processing can also be started when the power of the toilet seat device 3 becomes ON, and is always performed when the power of the toilet seat device 3 is ON. In addition, the human body detection processing can also be started automatically when a user in the toilet cubicle is sensed.

[0069] The control device 5 sets the biological body detection mode to the first mode (S100). Next, the control device 5 sets the time constant of the stabilization circuit 33 to "Lo" (S101). That is, the control device 5 sets the capacitor 34 of the stabilization circuit 33 to a non-grounded state.

[0070] Next, the control device 5 sets the output voltage to 0 V ( S102 ). Since the capacitor 34 of the stabilization circuit 33 is not connected to the ground and the output voltage is 0 V, the laser current value is 0, and the laser diode 32 does not radiate laser light.

[0071] Next, the control device 5 detects the DC level (S103). The control device 5 detects the DC level when the laser diode 32 does not emit laser light (hereinafter referred to as "non-emission DC level"). The non-emission DC level refers to the brightness of the surrounding environment received by the photodiode 40. In other words, it is the level of external light.

[0072] Next, the control device 5 determines whether the no-light DC level is greater than a first predetermined value (S104). The first predetermined value is a preset value, which is the maximum value allowed as external light. When the no-light DC level is greater than the first predetermined value (S104: Yes), the control device 5 determines that there is no human body (S105). That is, when the no-light DC level is greater than the first predetermined value, the control device 5 determines that the user is not sitting on the toilet seat 11.

[0073] When the non-emission DC level is less than the first predetermined value ( S104 : No), the control device 5 sets the output voltage to a predetermined voltage ( S106 ). As a result, the laser current value increases according to the predetermined voltage, and the laser diode 32 emits laser light.

[0074] Next, the control device 5 determines whether the first elapsed time after the output voltage is set to the specified voltage reaches the first specified time (S107). The first specified time is a preset, very short time. The first specified time is, for example, 10 μs. If the first elapsed time does not reach the first specified time (S107: No), the control device 5 repeats the process of step S107 and waits.

[0075] When the first elapsed time reaches the first predetermined time (S107: YES), the control device 5 detects the DC level (S108). The control device 5 detects the DC level of the state where the laser diode 32 radiates laser light (hereinafter referred to as "DC level of emission").

[0076] Next, the control device 5 sets the output voltage to 0 V ( S109 ). As a result, the irradiation of the laser light from the laser diode 32 stops.

[0077] Next, the control device 5 determines whether the difference between the luminous DC level and the non-luminous DC level is greater than a first specified difference (S110). The first specified difference is a preset value. When there is a human body, that is, when a user sits on the toilet seat 11, the luminous DC level becomes larger due to the light reflected by the user. Therefore, the luminous DC level when the user sits on the toilet seat 11 becomes larger than the luminous DC level when the user does not sit on the toilet seat 11. The first specified difference is set to a value that can determine whether the user sits on the toilet seat 11. For example, the first specified difference is set based on the results of experiments, simulations, etc.

[0078] When the difference between the light-emitting DC level and the non-light-emitting DC level is greater than the first predetermined difference (S110: Yes), the control device 5 determines that there is a human body (S111). That is, the control device 5 determines that the user is sitting on the toilet seat 11. When the control device 5 determines that the user is sitting on the toilet seat 11, it transfers to the biological information detection process described later (S112).

[0079] When the difference between the light emission DC level and the no light emission DC level is smaller than the first predetermined difference ( S110 : No), the control device 5 determines that there is no human body ( S105 ). That is, the control device 5 determines that the user is not sitting on the toilet seat 11 .

[0080] Next, the control device 5 determines whether the second time after the output voltage is set to 0V reaches the second prescribed time (S113). That is, the control device 5 determines whether the second time after the irradiation of the laser from the laser diode 32 is stopped reaches the second prescribed time. The second prescribed time is a preset time that is longer than the first prescribed time. For example, the second prescribed time is 10ms.

[0081] When the second elapsed time reaches the second predetermined time (S113: YES), the control device 5 returns to step S102 and repeats the above-mentioned process.

[0082] In this way, the control device 5 repeatedly irradiates the laser diode 32 with laser light at the second predetermined time interval in the first mode, and determines the presence or absence of a human body based on the DC component while intermittently driving the laser blood flow sensor 4 .

[0083] In the first mode, since the capacitor 34 of the stabilization circuit 33 is not connected to the ground, the laser blood flow sensor 4 can respond immediately at the timing when the output voltage is switched to 0 V or a predetermined voltage to intermittently drive the laser diode 32 .

[0084] When the second elapsed time does not reach the second predetermined time (S113: No), the control device 5 determines whether the end condition of the biological information detection process is satisfied (S114). For example, when the biological information detection end button of the remote controller 20 is operated, the control device 5 determines that the end condition of the biological information detection process is satisfied. When the biological information detection end button of the remote controller 20 is not operated, the control device 5 determines that the end condition of the biological information detection process is not satisfied.

[0085] When the end condition of the biological information detection process is satisfied ( S114 : Yes), the control device 5 ends the current process.

[0086] When the end condition of the biological information detection process is not satisfied ( S114 : No), the control device 5 returns to step S113 and repeats the above-mentioned process.

[0087] It should be noted that the control device 5 may also determine that the end condition of the biological information detection process is satisfied when the measurement end time has passed since the start of the human body detection process. The measurement end time is a preset time, for example, the general use time of the user's toilet. It should be noted that, as described above, the human body detection process may also be always performed when the power of the toilet seat device 3 is turned on, and continue regardless of the passage of the measurement end time.

[0088] Next, refer to Figure 5 The biological information measurement process will be described. Figure 5 1 is a flowchart for explaining the biological information measurement process according to the embodiment. The biological information measurement process starts when it is determined by the human body detection process that a human body is present ( S110 ).

[0089] The control device 5 sets the biological body detection mode to the second mode (S200). Next, the control device 5 sets the time constant of the stabilization circuit 33 to "Hi" (S201). That is, the control device 5 sets the capacitor 34 of the stabilization circuit 33 to a grounded state.

[0090] Next, the control device 5 sets the output voltage to a predetermined voltage (S202). As a result, laser light is irradiated from the laser diode 32. It should be noted that in the second mode, since the time constant of the stabilization circuit 33 is set to "Hi", the laser diode 32 continuously irradiates laser light. That is, in the second mode, the laser blood flow sensor 4 is continuously driven.

[0091] Next, the control device 5 determines whether the third elapsed time after the output voltage is set to the prescribed voltage has reached the third prescribed time (S203). The third prescribed time is a preset charging time of the capacitor 34. That is, the third prescribed time is the time until the laser current value of the laser irradiated from the laser diode 32 by the stabilization circuit 33 is stabilized. When the third elapsed time has not reached the third prescribed time (S203: No), the control device 5 repeats the process of step S203 and waits.

[0092] When the third elapsed time reaches the third predetermined time ( S203 : Yes), the control device 5 starts detecting the biological information of the user based on the AC signal ( S204 ).

[0093] Next, the control device 5 determines whether the fourth elapsed time reaches the fourth prescribed time (S205). The fourth prescribed time is a sampling period for detecting the biological information of the user. That is, the control device 5 determines whether the sampling period has passed. For example, the control device 5 determines whether the fourth elapsed time from the start of the detection of the biological information of the user reaches the fourth prescribed time.

[0094] If the fourth elapsed time has not reached the fourth predetermined time (S205: No), the control device 5 repeats the process of step S205 and waits. If the fourth elapsed time has reached the fourth predetermined time (S205: Yes), the control device 5 detects the DC level (S206). The control device 5 detects the light emission DC level.

[0095] Next, the control device 5 determines whether the light emission DC level is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value (S207). The second predetermined value is a preset value and is a DC level detected when the user sits on the toilet seat 11. The second predetermined value is set based on the results of experiments, simulations, and the like, for example.

[0096] When the light emission DC level is equal to or greater than the second predetermined value (S207: YES), the control device 5 determines that there is a human body (S208). That is, the control device 5 determines that the user continues to sit on the toilet seat 11.

[0097] Next, the control device 5 detects the biological information of the user based on the AC signal acquired during the fourth predetermined time (S209). For example, the control device 5 calculates the blood circulation information and pulse information of the user.

[0098] Next, the control device 5 determines whether the end condition of the biological information detection process is satisfied (S210). If the end condition of the biological information detection process is not satisfied (S210: No), the control device 5 returns to step S205 and repeats the above process. That is, the control device 5 repeats the detection of the user's biological information based on the AC signal and the determination of the presence or absence of a human body.

[0099] When the end condition of the biological information detection process is satisfied ( S210 : Yes), the control device 5 sets the output voltage to 0 V ( S211 ). As a result, the irradiation of the laser light from the laser diode 32 stops.

[0100] Next, the control device 5 ends the detection of the user's biological information based on the AC signal ( S212 ), and ends the biological information detection process.

[0101] When the light emission DC level is lower than the second predetermined value ( S207 : No), the control device 5 determines that there is no human body ( S213 ). That is, the control device 5 determines that the user is not sitting on the toilet seat 11 .

[0102] Next, the control device 5 sets the output voltage to 0 V ( 214 ). As a result, the irradiation of the laser light from the laser diode 32 stops.

[0103] Next, the control device 5 ends the detection of the biological information of the user based on the AC signal ( S215 ), and proceeds to the human body detection process ( S216 ).

[0104] Next, refer to Figure 6 An example of executing the biological information detection process according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 6 1 is a time chart of the case where the biological information detection process is executed in the embodiment. Here, it is assumed that the user operates the biological information detection start button of the remote controller 20 and the human body detection process has started.

[0105] exist Figure 6, the laser current value, reflection level, AC signal, and DC level of the laser diode 32 are shown from the upper section. It should be noted that the reflection level indicates the amount of light received when the laser diode 32 emits light. The amount of light received by external light is not included in the reflection level. That is, since the reflection level does not include external light, it is not the light receiving level of the photodiode 40. In addition, in the reflection level and the DC level, an example of the state of external light is shown by a dotted line.

[0106] In the human body detection process, since the living body detection mode is set to the first mode, the laser blood flow sensor 4 is intermittently driven and intermittently irradiates the laser.

[0107] At time t0, the non-emission DC level is detected while the laser diode 32 is not emitting light. Since the detected non-emission DC level is smaller than the first predetermined value, the laser diode 32 is then irradiated with laser light to detect the emission DC level.

[0108] Here, the light-emitting DC level is small, and the difference between the light-emitting DC level and the non-light-emitting DC level is smaller than the first predetermined difference, and it is determined that there is no human body, that is, it is determined that the user is not sitting on the toilet seat 11. Therefore, the human body detection process continues. It should be noted that when the laser is irradiated, the reflection level when the user is not sitting on the toilet seat 11 becomes, for example, a level corresponding to the reflection of the inner surface of the shell of the laser blood flow sensor 4, and becomes a fixed level that is sufficiently smaller than the reflection when the user is sitting on the toilet seat 11.

[0109] Thereafter, the external light increases, and the non-light emission DC level detected at time t1 reaches or exceeds the first predetermined value (assuming that the external light changes in this way at time t1). Therefore, the laser diode 32 does not emit laser light at this time.

[0110] After that, the detected DC level of light emission increases, and the difference between the DC level of light emission and the DC level of no light emission reaches or exceeds the first predetermined difference. Then, at time t2, it is determined that there is a human body, that is, the user has sat on the toilet seat 11. Thus, the process shifts to the biological information measurement process.

[0111] In the biological information measurement process, the biological detection mode is set to the second mode, the laser blood flow sensor 4 is continuously driven, and the laser is continuously irradiated. Since the reflected light of the human body is included, the reflection level becomes larger. In addition, the luminous DC level becomes larger. Moreover, the AC signal becomes a waveform of a light beat signal scattered by the red blood cells of the human body. In the biological information measurement process, the biological information of the user is detected based on the AC signal.

[0112] After that, when the user leaves the toilet seat 11, the reflected light from the human body disappears, and the luminous DC level decreases. Then, at time t3, when the luminous DC level is less than the second specified value, it is determined that there is no human body, that is, it is determined that the user has left the toilet seat 11. Thus, the processing is transferred to the human body detection processing. In the human body detection processing, since the biological body detection mode is set to the first mode, the laser blood flow sensor 4 is intermittently driven and the laser is intermittently irradiated.

[0113] Furthermore, the control device 5 can adjust the laser current value of the laser diode 32. Specifically, the control device 5 adjusts the laser current value of the laser diode 32 by adjusting a predetermined voltage of the output voltage.

[0114] Next, refer to Figure 7 The adjustment process of the laser current value will be described. Figure 7 2 is a flowchart for explaining the adjustment process of the laser current value. When the biological information measurement process is executed, the adjustment process of the laser current value is performed simultaneously with the biological information measurement process.

[0115] The control device 5 sets the laser current value to a preset reference current value (S300). Specifically, the control device 5 sets a predetermined voltage of the output voltage as the reference voltage so that the laser current value becomes the reference current value.

[0116] The control device 5 determines whether the fourth elapsed time reaches the fourth prescribed time in the biological information measurement process (S301). That is, the control device 5 determines whether the sampling period for detecting the biological information of the user has passed. If the fourth elapsed time does not reach the fourth prescribed time, the process of step S301 is repeated and the process is on standby.

[0117] When the fourth elapsed time reaches the fourth predetermined time ( S301 : Yes), the control device 5 calculates the PP value (peak-to-peak value) of the AC signal detected during the fourth elapsed time ( S302 ).

[0118] Next, the control device 5 detects the luminous DC level (S303). The control device 5 detects the luminous DC level during the fourth elapsed time. Next, the control device 5 determines whether the luminous DC level is greater than a third specified value (S304). The third specified value is a preset value. The third specified value is the maximum value that can be allowed in the luminous DC level. The third specified value is a value for suppressing the saturation of the laser blood flow sensor 4.

[0119] When the light emission DC level is greater than the third predetermined value (S304: Yes), the control device 5 reduces the laser current value (S305). Specifically, the control device 5 reduces the predetermined voltage of the output voltage so that the laser current value is reduced by a first predetermined ratio. The first predetermined ratio is a preset ratio, for example, 5%. After the control device 5 reduces the laser current value, the process is transferred to step S310.

[0120] When the light emission DC level is less than the third predetermined value (S304: No), the control device 5 determines whether the PP value of the AC signal is greater than or equal to a fourth predetermined value (S306). The fourth predetermined value is a preset value and is the maximum value allowed in the amplitude of the AC signal.

[0121] When the PP value of the AC signal is equal to or greater than the fourth predetermined value ( S306 : Yes), the control device 5 decreases the laser current value ( S305 ).

[0122] When the PP value of the AC signal is less than the fourth predetermined value (S306: No), the control device 5 determines whether the PP value of the AC signal is less than or equal to the fifth predetermined value (S307). The fifth predetermined value is a preset value. The fifth predetermined value is smaller than the fourth predetermined value. The fifth predetermined value is the minimum value that can be allowed in the amplitude of the AC signal.

[0123] When the PP value of the AC signal is smaller than the fifth predetermined value ( S307 : No), the control device 5 shifts the process to step S310 .

[0124] When the PP value of the AC signal is less than the fifth prescribed value (S307: Yes), the control device 5 determines whether the light emission DC level is less than the sixth prescribed value (S308). The sixth prescribed value is a preset value. The sixth prescribed value is smaller than the third prescribed value. The sixth prescribed value is, for example, 95% of the third prescribed value. Here, the control device 5 determines whether there is a margin for the light emission DC level to increase relative to the third prescribed value.

[0125] When the light emission DC level is greater than the sixth predetermined value (S308: No), the control device 5 shifts the process to step S310.

[0126] When the light emission DC level is below the sixth predetermined value (S308: Yes), the control device 5 increases the laser current value (S309). Specifically, the control device 5 increases the predetermined voltage of the output voltage so that the laser current value increases by a second predetermined ratio. The second predetermined ratio is a preset ratio, for example, 5%. After increasing the laser current value, the control device 5 transfers to step S310.

[0127] The control device 5 determines whether the end condition of the biological information detection process is satisfied (S310). If the end condition of the biological information detection process is not satisfied (S310: No), the control device 5 returns to step S301 and repeats the above process.

[0128] When the end condition of the biological information detection process is satisfied (S310: Yes), the control device 5 ends the current process.

[0129] Next, refer to Figure 8 to Figure 12 , the laser current value, the light emitting DC level, and the AC signal when the laser current value adjustment process is performed are described. Figure 8 1 is a timing chart showing an example of a process of adjusting the laser current value. Fig. 9 2 is a timing chart showing an example of the laser current value adjustment process. Fig.10 3 is a timing chart showing an example of the laser current value adjustment process. Fig.11 4 is a timing chart showing an example of the laser current value adjustment process. Fig.12 FIG. 5 is a time chart showing an example of laser current value adjustment processing. Figure 8 to Figure 12 In FIG. 1 , the vertical dotted line corresponds to the sampling period, that is, the passage of the fourth predetermined time.

[0130] like Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , at time T0, after the laser current value is set to the reference current value, at time T1, the luminous DC level becomes greater than the third specified value. Therefore, the laser current value is reduced. At time T2, the luminous DC level also becomes greater than the third specified value. Therefore, the laser current value is reduced. After that, since the luminous DC level is less than the third specified value, the laser current value is maintained. It should be noted that at Figure 8 In the embodiment, the PP value of the AC signal is less than the fourth prescribed value and is greater than the fifth prescribed value.

[0131] Thus, when the light emission DC level is greater than the third predetermined value, the laser current value is reduced to suppress the saturation of the laser blood flow sensor 4. It should be noted that saturation means that the DC current of the photodiode 40 increases, and the voltage of the lower resistor approaches the power supply voltage and no longer changes in voltage.

[0132] like Fig. 9As shown, at time T0, after the laser current value is set to the reference current value, at time T1, the light-emitting DC level becomes greater than the third prescribed value. Therefore, the laser current value is reduced. At time T2, the light-emitting DC level also becomes greater than the third prescribed value. Therefore, the laser current value is reduced. At time T3, the light-emitting DC level also becomes greater than the third prescribed value. Therefore, the laser current value is reduced. At time T4, the light-emitting DC level is less than the third prescribed value, but the PP value of the AC signal from time T3 to T4 is greater than the fourth prescribed value. This may exceed the output range of the amplifier circuit 42 and the input range (accuracy guarantee range) of the A / D conversion of the control device 5. Therefore, at time T4, the laser current value is also reduced. Afterwards, since the light-emitting DC level is less than the third prescribed value and the PP value of the AC signal is less than the fourth prescribed value, the laser current value is maintained. It should be noted that at Fig. 9 , the PP value of the AC signal is greater than the fifth prescribed value.

[0133] like Fig.10 As shown, at time T0, after the laser current value is set to the reference current value, at time T1, there is a light-emitting DC level that is less than the third prescribed value, but the PP value of the AC signal from time T0 to T1 is greater than the fourth prescribed value. Therefore, the laser current value is reduced. At time T2, there is a light-emitting DC level that is also less than the third prescribed value, but the PP value of the AC signal from time T1 to T2 is greater than the fourth prescribed value. Therefore, the laser current value is reduced. At time T3, there is a light-emitting DC level that is also less than the third prescribed value, but the PP value of the AC signal from time T2 to T3 is greater than the fourth prescribed value. Therefore, the laser current value is reduced. Afterwards, since the PP value of the AC signal is less than the third prescribed value, the laser current value is maintained. It should be noted that at Fig.10 By reducing the laser current value, the DC level of the emitted light is also reduced. Fig.10 , the PP value of the AC signal is greater than the fifth prescribed value.

[0134] like Fig.11As shown, at time T0, after the laser current value is set to the reference current value, at time T1, there is a light-emitting DC level that is less than the third prescribed value, but the PP value of the AC signal from time T0 to T1 is less than the fifth prescribed value. Therefore, the laser current value is increased. It should be noted that, here, there is a light-emitting DC level that is sufficiently small relative to the third prescribed value and is less than the sixth prescribed value. At time T2, there is a light-emitting DC level that is also less than the third prescribed value, but the PP value of the AC signal from time T1 to T2 is less than the fifth prescribed value. Therefore, the laser current value is increased. At time T3, there is a light-emitting DC level that is also less than the third prescribed value, but the PP value of the AC signal from time T2 to T3 is less than the fifth prescribed value. Therefore, the laser current value is increased. Afterwards, since the PP value of the AC signal is greater than the fifth prescribed value, the laser current value is maintained. It should be noted that, at Fig.11 By increasing the laser current value, the light emission DC level also increases, but is below the sixth prescribed value.

[0135] like Fig.12 As shown, at time T0, after the laser current value is set to the reference current value, at time T1, the emission DC level is less than the third specified value, but the PP value of the AC signal from time T0 to T1 is less than the fifth specified value. Therefore, the laser current value is increased. At time T2, the emission DC level is less than the third specified value, but the PP value of the AC signal from time T1 to T2 is less than the fifth specified value. However, the emission DC level is greater than the sixth specified value. Therefore, when the laser current value is increased, the emission DC level may become more than the third specified value. Therefore, the laser current value is maintained.

[0136] In this way, the laser current value is adjusted. Depending on the characteristics of the user (for example, the skin color of the user, the amount of body hair of the user), the DC level of the light received by the photodiode 40 may change. Therefore, the control device 5 can detect the biological information of the user even when the characteristics of the user are different by adjusting the laser current value.

[0137] The sensor device includes a laser blood flow sensor 4 and a control device 5. The laser blood flow sensor 4 is installed in the bathroom room and acquires biological information including blood flow information of the user. The control device 5 controls the laser blood flow sensor 4. The control device 5 determines the presence or absence of a human body based on the information acquired by the laser blood flow sensor 4.

[0138] Thus, the sensor device 100 can determine the presence or absence of a human body and detect the biological information of the user by using the laser blood flow sensor 4. For example, the sensor device 100 can detect the user's sitting without using a sitting sensor. In addition, for example, the space for installing a sitting sensor on the toilet seat 11 can be eliminated, and a plurality of laser blood flow sensors 4 can be installed on the toilet seat 11. Therefore, the sensor device 100 can detect the biological information of the user using a plurality of laser blood flow sensors 4, for example, and can improve the detection accuracy of the biological information.

[0139] Furthermore, the control device 5 includes a first mode for determining the presence or absence of a human body, and a second mode for detecting biological information when it is determined in the first mode that a human body is present.

[0140] Thus, after determining the presence of a human body in the first mode, the sensor device 100 can detect the biological information of the user in the second mode, and can detect the presence of a human body and the biological information of the user using the laser blood flow sensor 4 .

[0141] Furthermore, the control device 5 drives the laser blood flow sensor 4 intermittently in the first mode and drives the laser blood flow sensor 4 continuously in the second mode.

[0142] Thus, the sensor device 100 can reduce the burden on the user's eyes when the user observes the laser of the laser blood flow sensor 4 before the user sits down, for example, by intermittently driving the laser blood flow sensor 4 in the first mode. In addition, when the laser of the laser blood flow sensor 4 continuously emits light, the sensor device 100 can suppress the laser from irradiating the user's eyes because the user sits down. That is, the sensor device 100 can improve the safety of the user. In addition, the sensor device 100 can shorten the time of continuous laser emission while detecting the presence of a human body and the biological information of the user using the laser blood flow sensor 4, and can extend the life of the laser blood flow sensor 4.

[0143] Furthermore, the control device 5 determines the presence of a human body based on the DC component of the light received by the laser blood flow sensor 4 in the first mode, and detects biological information based on the AC component of the light received by the laser blood flow sensor 4 in the second mode.

[0144] Thus, when determining the presence of a human body by the first mode, sensor device 100 can determine the presence of a human body in a shorter time than when determining the presence of a human body by using an AC component.

[0145] Those skilled in the art can easily derive further effects and variations. Therefore, the broader aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Therefore, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept defined by the scope of the attached claims and their equivalents.

[0146] <Supplementary explanation>

[0147] (1) A sensor device comprising:

[0148] A laser blood flow sensor is installed in the bathroom room to obtain biological information of the user including blood flow information; and

[0149] A control device controls the laser blood flow sensor,

[0150] The control device determines the presence or absence of a human body based on the information acquired by the laser blood flow sensor.

[0151] (2) The sensor device according to (1), wherein:

[0152] The control device comprises:

[0153] The first mode determines the presence or absence of a human body; and

[0154] The second mode detects the biological information when it is determined in the first mode that there is a human body.

[0155] (3) The sensor device according to (2), wherein:

[0156] In the first mode, the control device drives the laser blood flow sensor intermittently.

[0157] In the second mode, the control device continuously drives the laser blood flow sensor.

[0158] (4) The sensor device according to (2) or (3), wherein:

[0159] In the first mode, the control device determines the presence or absence of a human body based on the DC component of the light received by the laser blood flow sensor.

[0160] In the second mode, the control device detects the biological information based on the AC component of the light received by the laser blood flow sensor.

[0161] (5) A toilet system comprising the sensor device according to any one of (1) to (4).

Claims

1. A sensor device comprising: A laser blood flow sensor is installed in the bathroom room to obtain biological information of the user including blood flow information; and A control device controls the laser blood flow sensor, The control device determines the presence or absence of a human body based on the information acquired by the laser blood flow sensor.

2. The sensor device according to claim 1, wherein: The control device comprises: The first mode determines the presence or absence of a human body; and The second mode detects the biological information when it is determined in the first mode that there is a human body.

3. The sensor device according to claim 2, wherein: In the first mode, the control device drives the laser blood flow sensor intermittently. In the second mode, the control device continuously drives the laser blood flow sensor.

4. The sensor device according to claim 2, wherein: In the first mode, the control device determines the presence or absence of a human body based on the DC component of the light received by the laser blood flow sensor. In the second mode, the control device detects the biological information based on the AC component of the light received by the laser blood flow sensor.

5. A toilet system comprising the sensor device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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