Toilet system, toilet seat or toilet device

Abstract

The toilet system of an implementation mode comprises: a sensor, which is arranged above the sealing water accumulated in the bowl of the toilet and has a prescribed sensing range for obtaining information on the shaking of the sealing water accumulated in the bowl; and a control unit, which controls the sensor, the sensor performs sensing at multiple time intervals to obtain information on the shaking of the sealing water, and the control unit performs the following control: based on the information on the shaking of the sealing water obtained by the sensor, inferring information related to urine discharged by the user, and presenting the information related to the urine or information obtained based on the information related to the urine to the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a toilet system, a toilet seat assembly, or a toilet assembly. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a technology for acquiring various information about users who use toilets. For example, there is a technology for measuring information related to urine discharged in a toilet bowl (for example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-122398

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-109285 Summary of the invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] However, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, the urine flow rate (urine flow rate) is estimated based on the diffusion of urine, or the flow rate of overflow water from the water sealing part is estimated, but there is still room for improvement in accurately estimating information related to urine.

[0009] An object of the disclosed embodiment is to provide a toilet system, a toilet seat device, or a toilet device that can appropriately estimate information related to urine.

[0010] Solutions for solving problems

[0011] A toilet system according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a sensor, which is arranged above the sealing water accumulated in the bowl of the toilet, and has a prescribed sensing range for obtaining information on the shaking of the sealing water accumulated in the bowl; and a control unit, which controls the sensor, wherein the sensor performs sensing at multiple timings to obtain information on the shaking of the sealing water, and the control unit performs the following control: based on the information on the shaking of the sealing water obtained by the sensor, inferring information related to urine discharged by the user, and presenting the information related to the urine or information obtained based on the information related to the urine to the user.

[0012] According to a toilet system of one embodiment, information related to urine can be appropriately estimated. For example, in the previous structure, urine that has landed on the inner circumference of the basin is obtained, but it cannot be sensed when it directly lands on the sealing water. In addition, the diffusion of urine on the inner circumference varies depending on the shape of the basin. On the other hand, according to a toilet system of one embodiment, no matter what the position of urine landing on the sealing water is, and even if it does not land on the inner circumference but directly lands on the sealing water, the sealing water will shake, so information related to urine can be appropriately estimated. In addition, in the toilet system, compared with the case of acquiring an image in the piping, the sensor is easy to set up and is not easily affected by dirt. Therefore, the toilet system can more appropriately estimate information related to urine. It should be noted that the sensor also includes an optical sensor, a camera as an image sensor, a thermal sensor for sensing temperature, an ultrasonic sensor for sensing distance, and the like. In addition, the information of the shaking of the sealed water is, for example, the size of the shaking in the height direction, the time when the shaking of the sealed water occurs, the longitudinal width of the waves generated on the water surface of the sealed water, the interval between the waves generated on the water surface of the sealed water, the amount of foam generated on the water surface of the sealed water, the size of the area of ​​shaking of the sealed water, the shape of the waves generated on the water surface of the sealed water, or at least one of the optical data and temperature data obtained based on these information. In addition, the information related to urine is, for example, at least one of the urine volume per unit time, the total urine volume, the urination time, etc. In addition, the so-called information obtained based on the information related to urine, for example, at least one of the intervals (frequency) of using the toilet, the cumulative value of the urine volume per day, health information, the amount of water in the body, etc. obtained based on the information related to urine.

[0013] In a toilet system of one embodiment, the sensor acquires information related to feces discharged by the user, and the control unit performs the following control: based on the information related to the feces, the information related to the urine is estimated based on the information of the shaking of the sealing water.

[0014] Thus, information related to feces discharged by the user is acquired, and the information related to urine is estimated based on the information of the shaking of the sealing water in consideration of the information, so that the information related to urine can be estimated more appropriately.

[0015] In the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the control unit performs control to estimate the information related to the urine, excluding information on the shaking of the sealing water assumed to be feces.

[0016] The shaking accompanying excretion is caused by either feces or urine. Therefore, according to a toilet system of one embodiment, by removing the information of "swing of the sealing water assumed to be feces" and obtaining the remaining "swing of urine", it is possible to more appropriately infer information related to urine.

[0017] In a toilet system of one embodiment, it is characterized in that the control unit performs the following control: classifying the information on the shaking of the sealing water into multiple categories, including the information on the shaking of the sealing water of a first category as the shaking caused by feces, the information on the shaking of the sealing water of a second category as the shaking caused by urine, and the information on the shaking of the sealing water of a third category as the shaking caused by feces and urine, and inferring information related to urine discharged by the user based on the information on the shaking of the sealing water of the second category or the information on the shaking of the sealing water of the third category.

[0018] The shaking accompanying excretion is caused by either stool or urine. Therefore, according to a toilet system of one embodiment, based on the information of the sealing water shaking, it is determined whether it meets one of the shaking of "stool shaking", "urine shaking" and "stool + urine shaking", and based on the "swing of urine" and "swing of stool + urine shaking", information related to urine discharged by the user is estimated, thereby being able to more appropriately estimate information related to urine.

[0019] In a toilet system of one embodiment, it is characterized in that the control unit performs the following control: based on the information of the shaking of the sealing water obtained by the sensor, the urine volume per unit time or the urination time of the user is estimated, and the urine volume per unit time or the urination time or the information obtained based on the urine volume per unit time or the urination time is presented to the user.

[0020] Based on the information on the shaking of the sealing water obtained by the sensor, the amount of urine discharged by the user per unit time or the urination time can be estimated. By presenting the amount of urine per unit time or the urination time or the information obtained based on the amount of urine per unit time or the urination time to the user, it can help the user's health management, etc.

[0021] In a toilet system of one embodiment, the control unit performs the following control: based on the information of the shaking of the sealing water obtained by the sensor, the urine volume per unit time and the urination time of the user are estimated, and the total urine volume calculated based on the urine volume per unit time and the urination time or the information obtained based on the total urine volume is presented to the user.

[0022] In the past, when obtaining the total urine volume, specialized institutions such as hospitals often use dedicated devices to measure the urine volume per unit time and accumulate it to determine the total urine volume. However, when the user is the same person and the purpose is to obtain daily changes, the high-precision measurement as described above is not necessary, and the estimated urine volume can be used as an indicator. Therefore, according to a toilet system of one embodiment, the total urine volume has a proportional relationship with the urination time, so it can be calculated with a relatively simple structure by obtaining the urination time. Therefore, the toilet system can appropriately estimate the total urine volume.

[0023] In a toilet system of one embodiment, it is characterized in that the information on the shaking of the water seal is at least one of the time when the shaking of the water seal occurs, the longitudinal width of the waves generated on the water surface of the water seal, the interval between the waves generated on the water surface of the water seal, the amount of foam generated on the water surface of the water seal, the size of the area where the water seal is shaken, and the shape of the waves generated on the water surface of the water seal, and the control unit performs the following control: storing a pattern of information related to urine corresponding to a pre-stored pattern of shaking of the water seal, and presenting to the user the information related to urine corresponding to the pattern of shaking of the water seal, which is the same as or similar to the information on shaking of the water seal obtained by the sensor, or information obtained based on the information related to urine.

[0024] Thus, the information related to urine can be properly estimated based on the pattern of the information related to urine corresponding to the pattern of the shaking of the sealing water stored in advance. It should be noted that "at least one of the information including the time when the shaking of the sealing water occurs, the longitudinal width of the waves generated on the water surface of the sealing water, the interval between the waves generated on the water surface of the sealing water, the amount of foam generated on the water surface of the sealing water, the size of the area where the sealing water is shaken, and the shape of the waves generated on the water surface of the sealing water" also includes optical data and temperature data obtained based on at least one of the information including the time when the shaking of the sealing water occurs, the longitudinal width of the waves generated on the water surface of the sealing water, the interval between the waves generated on the water surface of the sealing water, the amount of foam generated on the water surface of the sealing water, the size of the area where the sealing water is shaken, and the shape of the waves generated on the water surface of the sealing water.

[0025] In a toilet system of one embodiment, the sensor acquires image data of the sealing water at multiple time intervals, and the control unit performs the following control: using the image data of the sealing water acquired by the sensor and image data acquired at a time before the image data to acquire information on the shaking of the sealing water.

[0026] By acquiring information on the fluctuation of the sealing water using image data of the sealing water acquired by the sensor and image data acquired at a time before the image data, new information on the fluctuation at that time point can be used to estimate information related to urine.

[0027] In a toilet system of one embodiment, the control unit performs the following control: when a user uses the toilet, data serving as a reference for the sealing water is measured, and information on the shaking of the sealing water is obtained based on a change relative to the data serving as the reference.

[0028] In addition to excretion, the sealed water in the toilet bowl may sometimes shake due to the influence of the environment. Therefore, according to a toilet system of one embodiment, the timing of sensing the approach of the user is obtained as the initial state, and the change amount from the timing is calculated, so that the shaking caused by excretion can be accurately sensed. Therefore, the toilet system can appropriately infer information related to urine.

[0029] In the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the sensor is configured to include a front side of a center in a front-rear direction of the sealing water in a sensing range.

[0030] By configuring the sensing range so that the front side of the center in the front-to-rear direction of the water seal is included in the sensing range, information on shaking with a larger amount of change can be obtained, regardless of whether a male user urinates while sitting on the toilet seat or a female user urinates while sitting on the toilet seat, and information related to urine can be appropriately inferred.

[0031] In the toilet seat device according to one aspect of the embodiment, it is characterized by comprising: a toilet seat device main body on which the toilet system is mounted.

[0032] Thereby, it is possible to provide a toilet seat device capable of appropriately estimating information related to urine.

[0033] A toilet device according to one aspect of the embodiment is characterized by comprising: a toilet device main body on which the toilet system is mounted.

[0034] Thereby, it is possible to provide a toilet device that can appropriately estimate information related to urine.

[0035] In one aspect of the toilet system of the embodiment, the boundary between the sealing water surface as the sealing water surface and the surface of the bowl is detected based on the change state of the output of the sensor to acquire the information related to the urine.

[0036] By detecting the boundary line between the water sealing surface and the surface of the bowl portion based on the change state of the output of the sensor, information related to urine is acquired, and information related to urine can be appropriately estimated based on the boundary line between the water sealing surface and the surface of the bowl portion.

[0037] In the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, a range in which the state change exceeds a predetermined value is defined as the water sealing surface, and information related to the urine is acquired based on the change in the range.

[0038] By defining the range in which the state change exceeds a predetermined value as the water sealing surface and acquiring the information related to urine based on the change in the range, the information related to urine can be appropriately estimated.

[0039] In the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the information related to the urine is acquired based on the information on the swaying of the sealing water and the information on the change in the water level of the sealing water.

[0040] By acquiring information related to urine based on information on the fluctuation of the sealing water and information on the change in the water level of the sealing water, the information related to urine can be appropriately estimated by taking into account the change in the water level of the sealing water in addition to the fluctuation of the sealing water.

[0041] In the toilet system of one aspect of the embodiment, the sloshing information of the sealing water is sensed based on the displacement amount of the distance between the wave generated in the sealing water and the sensor in the vertical direction.

[0042] By sensing the information on the swaying of the sealing water based on the positional relationship between the wave generated in the sealing water and the sensor, it is possible to appropriately estimate the information related to urine.

[0043] In a toilet system according to one aspect of an embodiment, the fluctuation of the sealing water caused by a pre-washing process on the surface of the bowl portion is excluded to obtain the shaking information of the sealing water.

[0044] By eliminating the change in the sealing water caused by the pre-washing process on the surface of the bowl portion, unnecessary information on the change in the sealing water can be eliminated, and information related to urine can be appropriately estimated.

[0045] In the toilet system of one aspect of the embodiment, the shaking information of the sealing water is acquired based on the state of the sealing water before the user uses the toilet.

[0046] By acquiring the shaking information of the sealing water based on the state of the sealing water before the user uses the toilet, it is possible to appropriately estimate the information related to urine based on the appropriate state.

[0047] In the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the control unit controls the amount of flushing water supplied to the bowl based on information on the swaying of the sealing water.

[0048] By controlling the amount of washing water supplied to the bowl based on information about the fluctuation of the sealing water, appropriate control can be performed based on the fluctuation of the sealing water.

[0049] In one embodiment of the toilet system, it is characterized by comprising: a sensor for obtaining information on the shaking of sealing water accumulated in the bowl of the toilet; and a control unit for controlling the sensor, wherein the sensor performs sensing at multiple time intervals to obtain information on the shaking of the sealing water, and the control unit performs the following control: based on the information on the shaking of the sealing water obtained by the sensor, inferring information on excrement including information related to urine discharged by the user, and presenting the excrement information or information obtained based on the excrement information to the user.

[0050] According to a toilet system of one embodiment, it is possible to appropriately estimate excrement information including information related to urine. For example, in the previous configuration, urine that has landed on the inner circumferential surface of the bowl is acquired, but it cannot be sensed when it directly lands on the sealing water. In addition, the diffusion of urine on the inner circumferential surface varies depending on the shape of the bowl. On the other hand, according to a toilet system of one embodiment, regardless of the position where urine lands on the sealing water, and even when it directly lands on the sealing water without landing on the inner circumferential surface, the sealing water will sway, so it is possible to appropriately estimate excrement information including information related to urine. In addition, in the toilet system, compared with the case of acquiring images in the piping, the sensor is easy to set up and is not easily affected by dirt. Therefore, the toilet system can more appropriately estimate excrement information including information related to urine.

[0051] In a toilet system according to one aspect of an embodiment, the sensor has a predetermined sensing range within a bowl portion including at least the sealing water, and the control unit estimates the information on the excrement based on an output of the sensor corresponding to the bowl portion.

[0052] The sensor senses a predetermined sensing range in the bowl portion including the sealing water, and the control portion estimates the information of the excrement based on the output of the sensor corresponding to the bowl portion, thereby being able to appropriately estimate the information of the excrement.

[0053] Effects of the Invention

[0054] According to one aspect of the embodiment, information related to urine can be appropriately estimated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] Figure 1It is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the toilet system according to the first embodiment.

[0056] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing an example of the structure of the toilet seat apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0057] Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing an example of the structure of the toilet seat apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0058] Figure 4 It is a side sectional view which shows an example of the structure of the toilet seat apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment.

[0059] Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the toilet seat apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0060] Figure 6 This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device according to the first embodiment.

[0061] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing an example of the sequence of processes executed by the toilet system.

[0062] Figure 8 This is a flowchart showing an example of the sequence of processes executed by the toilet system.

[0063] Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between excrement and shaking.

[0064] Fig.10 This is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between objects other than excrement and shaking.

[0065] Fig.11 This is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the user and the urination direction.

[0066] Fig.12 This is a diagram showing an overview of the configuration and processing of a toilet system.

[0067] Fig.13 This is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between information related to shaking and urine flow rate.

[0068] Fig.14 It is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of the toilet apparatus according to the second embodiment.

[0069] Fig.15 This is a diagram showing an example of image data captured by a camera and data obtained from the image data.

[0070] Fig.16 This is a diagram showing an example of the control flow of the toilet system.

[0071] Fig.17 This is a diagram showing a modified example of the control flow of the toilet system.

[0072] Fig.18 This is a diagram showing the relationship between the water sealing pattern stored in the control unit and the urine flow rate.

[0073] Fig.19 This is a diagram showing the relationship between the water sealing pattern stored in the control unit and the urine flow rate.

[0074] Fig. 20 This is a diagram showing the relationship between the water sealing pattern stored in the control unit and the urine flow rate.

[0075] Fig.21 is a diagram showing an example of wave behavior.

[0076] Fig. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a sensing scheme for wave behavior.

[0077] Fig.23 This is a diagram showing an example of conversion to urine volume.

[0078] Fig.24 This is a diagram showing an example of the boundary position between the wave and the bowl.

[0079] Fig.25 This is a diagram showing an example of the initial state acquisition timing.

[0080] Fig.26 This is a diagram showing an example of the distance between the sensor and the water surface.

[0081] Fig. 27 This is a diagram showing an example of shaking determination and urine volume.

[0082] Fig.28 This is a diagram showing an example of calculation of the total urine volume.

[0083] Fig.29 This is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between sloshing and urine volume.

[0084] Fig.30 This is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between sloshing and urine volume.

[0085] Fig.31 This is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the area and the total urine volume.

[0086] Fig.32 This is a diagram showing an example of calculation of the total excrement amount.

[0087] Fig.33 This is a diagram showing an example of using a two-dimensional image.

[0088] Fig.34 This is a diagram showing an example of calculation of the total urine volume.

[0089] Fig.35 This is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the area and the total urine volume.

[0090] Fig.36 is a diagram showing an example of a sensing range.

[0091] Fig.37 This is a diagram showing an example of shaking after urination.

[0092] Fig.38 This is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the sensing range and urination.

[0093] Fig.39 This is a diagram showing an example of shaking during urination.

[0094] Fig.40 is a diagram showing an example of a sensing scheme.

[0095] Fig.41 This is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between sensing and urine volume. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0096] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, an embodiment of the toilet system disclosed in the present application will be described in detail. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment shown below. Hereinafter, the processing performed by the toilet system 1 related to the calculation of the time when the user urinates (also referred to as "urination time") and the structure for performing the processing will be described, but first, various structures of the toilet system, etc. as a premise will be described.

[0097] <1. Toilet system structure>

[0098] First, refer to Figure 1 The configuration of the toilet system according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the toilet system according to the embodiment.

[0099] like Figure 1 As shown, the toilet system 1 includes a toilet seat device 2 and an operating device 10. Figure 1 As shown, in the restroom R, a toilet 7 is installed on the floor F. In addition, below, the direction from the floor F toward the space of the restroom R is described as upward.

[0100] The toilet 7 is, for example, a large toilet made of ceramic. A bowl portion 8 is formed on the toilet 7. The bowl portion 8 is a shape that is concave downward, and is a portion that receives the user's excrement. It should be noted that the toilet 7 is not limited to the floor-standing type as shown in the figure, and can be in any form as long as the toilet system 1 can be applied, and can also be a wall-mounted type. In the toilet 7, an inner edge portion 9 is provided throughout the entire circumference of the end of the opening facing the bowl portion 8. In the bathroom R, for example, a flushing water tank for storing flushing water can be provided near the toilet 7, or it can be a so-called tankless type in which a flushing water tank is not provided.

[0101] For example, when the user operates a cleaning operation unit (not shown) for cleaning provided in the toilet R, the toilet is cleaned by supplying cleaning water to the bowl 8 of the toilet 7. The cleaning operation unit may be an operation lever or a touch operation on a toilet cleaning object displayed on the operation device 10. It should be noted that the cleaning operation unit is not limited to the operation lever or the like, which is performed manually by the user, and the toilet may be cleaned by human body sensing of a sensor such as a seat sensor that senses the user.

[0102] The toilet seat device 2 is mounted on the upper part of the toilet bowl 7, and includes a main body 3, a toilet cover 4, a toilet seat 5, and a cleaning nozzle 6. The toilet seat device 2 is mounted on the upper part of the toilet bowl 7 having a bowl 8 for receiving excrement. The toilet seat device 2 is mounted on the upper part of the toilet bowl 7 in a manner that the cleaning nozzle 6 extends to the bowl 8 before spraying cleaning water. It should be noted that the toilet seat device 2 can be mounted on the toilet bowl 7 detachably or can be mounted so as to be integrated with the toilet bowl 7.

[0103] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the toilet seat 5 is formed in a ring shape with an opening 50 in the center, and is arranged along the inner edge 9 at a position overlapping with the opening of the toilet bowl 7. The toilet seat 5 is for a user to sit on. The toilet seat 5 functions as a seat portion that supports the buttocks of the seated user. Figure 1 As shown, one end of the toilet cover 4 and the toilet seat 5 is axially supported on the main body 3, and is assembled to be rotatable (openable and closable) around the axial support portion of the main body 3. It should be noted that the toilet cover 4 is assembled to the toilet seat device 2 as needed, and the toilet seat device 2 may not have the toilet cover 4.

[0104] The cleaning nozzle 6 is a nozzle for spraying water for cleaning. The cleaning nozzle 6 can spray cleaning water. The cleaning nozzle 6 can spray cleaning water toward the user. The cleaning nozzle 6 is a nozzle for local cleaning. The cleaning nozzle 6 is configured to be driven by a driving source such as an electric motor ( Figure 5 The cleaning nozzle 6 is driven by the nozzle motor 61 in the cleaning nozzle 6 and moves forward and backward relative to the main body cover 30 as the shell of the main body 3. In addition, the cleaning nozzle 6 is connected to a water source such as a tap water pipe (not shown). Figure 1As shown, when the main body cover 30 is in a position extended relative to the housing of the main body 3 (also referred to as an "extended position"), the cleaning nozzle 6 sprays water from a water source toward the user's body to clean the local area.

[0105] exist Figure 1 , the cleaning nozzle 6 is shown in the extended position. It should be noted that the cleaning nozzle 6 can also be used for cleaning the toilet 7 (bowl 8, etc.). The cleaning nozzle 6 can also be used to switch between a local cleaning mode for cleaning the user's local parts and a toilet cleaning mode for spraying water into the toilet 7. For example, the cleaning nozzle 6 can also be used to switch between the local cleaning mode and the toilet cleaning mode according to the control performed by the toilet seat device 2.

[0106] The operating device 10 is provided in the toilet R. The operating device 10 is provided at a position where the user can operate. The operating device 10 is provided at a position where the user can operate when the user sits on the toilet seat 5. Figure 1 In the figure, the operating device 10 is arranged on the wall surface W on the right side when viewed from the user sitting on the toilet seat 5. It should be noted that the operating device 10 is not limited to the wall surface, and can be arranged in various ways as long as it can be used by the user sitting on the toilet seat 5. For example, the operating device 10 can also be provided integrally with the toilet seat device 2.

[0107] The operating device 10 is connected to the toilet seat device 2 in a wired or wireless manner via a predetermined network. For example, as long as information can be sent and received, the toilet seat device 2 and the operating device 10 may be connected in any manner, either in a wired manner or in a wireless manner.

[0108] The operating device 10 accepts various operations from the user through a display surface (e.g., display screen 11) through, for example, a touch panel function. In addition, the operating device 10 may also have switches and buttons, and accept various operations through switches and buttons. The display screen 11 is a display screen of a tablet terminal, such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, etc., and is a display device for displaying various information. That is, the operating device 10 accepts the user's input through the display screen 11 and also outputs to the user. At this time, the operating device 10 determines which user is pre-registered. After that, the control unit 130 associates the user information with the information related to excrement described later or the information obtained through the information related to excrement, and sends it to the user's terminal. At this time, the date and time information of the acquired information related to excrement can also be sent to the user's terminal. The display screen 11 is a display device for displaying various information.

[0109] The operating device 10 receives a user operation for stopping the control being performed by the toilet seat device 2. The operating device 10 receives a user operation for starting the execution of local washing by the toilet seat device 2. The operating device 10 receives a user instruction for the washing nozzle 6. The operating device 10 receives a user operation for causing the toilet seat device 2 to output a predetermined sound. The operating device 10 receives a user operation for performing a sterilizing water cleaning of the washing nozzle 6 of the toilet seat device 2 (see Figure 1 ) The operation device 10 receives an operation by a user for performing a sterilization treatment for sterilization. The operation device 10 receives an operation by a user for adjusting the strength of the water spray during the local washing performed by the toilet seat device 2. The operation device 10 receives an operation by a user for adjusting the volume of the sound output by the toilet seat device 2. The operation device 10 receives an operation by a user for selecting a language when information related to the use of the toilet is displayed or sound is output to the operation device 10.

[0110] For example, the operating device 10 may display an object that accepts the above-mentioned user's operation on the display screen 11, and execute various processes according to the user's contact with the displayed object. For example, the operating device 10 may also have a switch, button, etc. that accepts the above-mentioned user's operation, and execute various processes according to the user's contact with the switch, button, etc. It should be noted that the above content is an example, and the operating device 10 may also accept the operation performed by the user to execute various processes.

[0111] The toilet system 1 calculates the time when the user urinates (urination time) through various structures and processes described below. Then, the toilet system 1 uses the calculated urination time to calculate the amount of urine discharged by the user (also called "urine volume"). The toilet system 1 can also provide information to the user's terminal device such as a smartphone based on the calculated information. In addition, the toilet system 1 can also provide information to the operating device 10 (or display screen 11) of the toilet R based on the calculated information.

[0112] <2. Composition of toilet seat device>

[0113] Next, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The structure of the toilet seat device 2 will be described. Figure 2 and Figure 3 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the structure of the toilet seat device according to the embodiment. Specifically, Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing a state where the lid 110 of the toilet seat device 2 is in a closed state (also referred to as a "closed state"). Figure 3 This is a diagram showing a state in which the cover portion 110 of the toilet seat apparatus 2 is removed.

[0114] like Figure 2As shown, when the cover 110 is in the closed state, the shaking sensing sensor 34 is hidden at the back of the cover 110. When the cover 110 is in the closed state, the cover 110 is located in front of the shaking sensing sensor 34. In this way, the cover 110 is located in front of the shaking sensing sensor 34 in the closed state.

[0115] In addition, Figure 2 In the figure, the cleaning nozzle 6 is shown (refer to Figure 1 ) is located in a position stored in the main body cover 30 (also referred to as a "storage position"). Figure 2 As shown, when the cleaning nozzle 6 is in the storage position, the nozzle cover 60 is closed, and the cleaning nozzle 6 is hidden behind the nozzle cover 60. When cleaning based on the cleaning nozzle 6 is performed, the nozzle cover 60 is opened, and the cleaning nozzle 6 protrudes from the opening for the cleaning nozzle 6 of the main body cover 30, and the cleaning nozzle 6 is transferred to the extended state.

[0116] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the cover 110 is removed, the shake sensing sensor 34 is exposed from the opening 31 of the main body cover 30. For example, when the cover 110 is opened (also referred to as an "open state"), as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, the cover 110 is not located in front of the sway sensing sensor 34. Therefore, when the cover 110 is open, the sway sensing sensor 34 is exposed. When the cover 110 is open, the sway sensing sensor 34 can sense the sway of the sealing water in the toilet 7. It should be noted that the toilet seat device 2 may not have the cover 110. In this case, the toilet seat device 2 may not have the cover 110 and the actuator 111, and the sway sensing sensor 34 is always exposed.

[0117] Here, use Figure 4 An example of the sensing of the fluctuation by the fluctuation sensing sensor 34 will be described. Figure 4 1 is a side sectional view showing an example of the structure of the toilet seat device according to the embodiment. Figure 4 In the example of FIG. 1 , the shaded area in the bowl 8 of the toilet 7 is filled with sealing water (water). Figure 4 The sealing water surface WS in FIG. 1 represents the upper surface of the sealing water.

[0118] exist Figure 4 In the example of FIG. 1 , the cover 110 is in the open position, and the sway sensing sensor 34 is exposed. The sway sensing sensor 34 senses the sway of the sealing water surface WS of the sealing water in the toilet 7 . Figure 4 The sensing range DA1 in Δ represents the range sensed by the sway sensing sensor 34. With such a configuration, the toilet system 1 can sense the sway of the sealing water through the sway sensing sensor 34. It should be noted that Figure 4The sensing range DA1 shown is just an example, and the arrangement of the sway sensing sensor 34 may be any arrangement as long as it can sense sway of at least a portion of the sealing water surface WS.

[0119] exist Figure 2 to Figure 4 In the toilet seat device 2, the configuration in which the sway sensing sensor 34 is arranged adjacent to the cleaning nozzle 6 is shown as an example, but the sway sensing sensor 34 is not limited to the position adjacent to the cleaning nozzle 6, and can be arranged in various positions as long as the desired sensing can be performed. For example, the sway sensing sensor 34 is arranged at a position corresponding to the sensing scheme of the sensor depending on which sensor is used. Figure 4 , an example of a configuration in which the sway sensing sensor 34 is a non-contact sensor is shown, but if the sway sensing sensor 34 is a contact sensor, for example, the sway sensing sensor 34 may be configured at a position of the toilet seat 5 that contacts the sealed water in the bowl 8. It should be noted that an example of a sensor used in the sway sensing sensor 34 will be described later.

[0120] <3. Functional structure of toilet seat device>

[0121] Next, refer to Figure 5 The functional configuration of the toilet seat device 2 will be described. Figure 5 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a toilet seat device according to an embodiment. Figure 5 As shown, the toilet seat device 2 includes a human body sensing sensor 32, a seat sensing sensor 33, a shaking sensing sensor 34, a control device 100, a nozzle motor 61, a cleaning nozzle 6, a solenoid valve 71, a cover 110, and an actuator 111. It should be noted that Figure 5 In the Figure 1 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a part of the configuration of the toilet seat device 2 described in FIG. 2 (main body 3, toilet seat 5, toilet bowl 7, etc.).

[0122] also, Figure 5 The structure of the toilet seat device 2 shown is only an example, and the toilet seat device 2 can adopt any structure. The human body sensing sensor 32, the seat sensing sensor 33, the sway sensing sensor 34, the control device 100, etc. are arranged at any position. For example, the sway sensing sensor 34 is provided in the main body 3 of the toilet seat device 2. The toilet seat device 2 communicates with the control device 100 through a communication device (for example, Figure 6 The communication unit 101 of the control device 100 in the example above sends and receives information with an information processing device such as the operating device 10 via a predetermined network (such as the Internet) by wire or wireless.

[0123] The human body sensing sensor 32 has the function of sensing the human body. For example, the human body sensing sensor 32 is implemented by a pyroelectric sensor using an infrared signal. For example, the human body sensing sensor 32 can also be implemented by a μ (micrometer) wave sensor. It should be noted that the above content is an example, and the human body sensing sensor 32 is not limited to the above content, and can also sense the human body through various units. For example, the human body sensing sensor 32 senses the person entering the bathroom R (refer to Figure 1 ) to sense a person (user, etc.) in the room. The human body sensing sensor 32 outputs a sensing signal to the control device 100.

[0124] The seat sensing sensor 33 has a function of sensing a person sitting on the toilet seat device 2. The seat sensing sensor 33 senses that the user has sat on the toilet seat 5. The seat sensing sensor 33 can sense that the user has sat on the toilet seat 5. The seat sensing sensor 33 also functions as a seat leaving sensing sensor that senses that the user has left the toilet seat 5. The seat sensing sensor 33 senses the user's seated state with respect to the toilet seat 5.

[0125] For example, the seat sensing sensor 33 senses that the user has sat on the toilet seat 5 through a load sensor. For example, the seat sensing sensor 33 may be an infrared light-projecting and receiving type distance measuring sensor, and may sense a human body that exists near the toilet seat 5 or a user that has sat on the toilet seat 5 just before the person (user) sits on the toilet seat 5. It should be noted that the above content is an example, and the seat sensing sensor 33 is not limited to the above content, and may sense that a person has sat on the toilet seat device 2 through various units. The seat sensing sensor 33 outputs a seat sensing signal to the control device 100.

[0126] The sway sensing sensor 34 is a sensor that senses sway. The sway sensing sensor 34 senses the sway of the sealing water in the toilet 7. The sway sensing sensor 34 can be of any configuration as long as it can sense the desired sway. The sway sensing sensor 34 can also be a non-contact sensor. For example, Figure 4 , the case where the shake sensing sensor 34 is a non-contact sensor is shown. In this case, the shake sensing sensor 34 may also be a camera, a linear sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, etc. In addition, the shake sensing sensor 34 may also be a contact sensor. In this case, the shake sensing sensor 34 may also be a float sensor, a pressure sensor, etc. It should be noted that the above content is only an example, and the shake sensing sensor 34 may use any sensor as long as it can sense the desired shake.

[0127] In addition, in the case where the toilet system 1 senses the presence or absence of defecation, the sway sensing sensor 34 can also function as a stool sensing unit that senses the presence or absence of defecation. For example, in the case where a camera, a linear sensor or other imaging unit is used in the sway sensing sensor 34, the sway sensing sensor 34 can also function as a stool sensing unit. It should be noted that the toilet system 1 can also have a stool sensing unit different from the sway sensing sensor 34. In this case, the toilet system 1 can also have a camera that captures the inside of the bowl 8 as a stool sensing unit that senses the presence or absence of defecation. For example, the stool sensing unit can also be a linear sensor configured toward the inside of the bowl 8, and senses falling objects such as excrement that fall into the bowl 8. In addition, the stool sensing unit can also be a camera configured toward the water seal in the bowl 8, and senses falling objects such as excrement that are stained by the water seal.

[0128] The control device 100 controls various configurations and processes. The control device 100 is a computer (information processing device) that performs various information processing such as calculation of urination time and urine volume. The control device 100 calculates the urination time based on the shaking of the sealing surface of the bowl 8 of the toilet bowl 7 that receives excrement. For example, the control device 100 calculates the urination time based on the time that the sealing surface of the bowl 8 of the toilet bowl 7 that receives excrement shakes for more than a specified value. The control device 100 calculates the total urine volume based on the calculated urination time and the urine volume per unit time (also called "unit urine volume") stored in the storage unit.

[0129] The control device 100 controls various components of the toilet system 1. The control device 100 controls the nozzle motor 61, the electromagnetic valve 71, and the actuator 111. The control device 100 controls the nozzle motor 61, the electromagnetic valve 71, and the actuator 111 based on a signal sent from the operating device 10.

[0130] The control device 100 controls the nozzle motor 61 based on the signal of the control instruction related to the private cleaning sent from the operating device 10. The control device 100 controls the nozzle motor 61 to advance and retreat the cleaning nozzle 6. The control device 100 controls the opening and closing of the electromagnetic valve 71.

[0131] The control device 100 controls the actuator 111 to open and close the cover 110. The control device 100 sends control information for opening the cover 110 to the actuator 111. The control device 100 sends control information for closing the cover 110 to the actuator 111. The control device 100 controls the cover 110 to be closed during a period when the sensing by the shaking sensing sensor 34 is not performed, such as before the user uses the toilet 7.

[0132] The control device 100 transmits control information to the nozzle motor 61, the solenoid valve 71, and the actuator 111 via wires. It should be noted that the control device 100 may also transmit control information to the nozzle motor 61, the solenoid valve 71, and the actuator 111 wirelessly. For example, in the case of a device configured as a device different from the toilet seat device 2, the control device 100 may also transmit control information of the nozzle motor 61, the solenoid valve 71, and the actuator 111 to the toilet seat device 2 via wireless. In this case, the control device of the toilet seat device 2 may also control the nozzle motor 61, the solenoid valve 71, and the actuator 111 based on the received control information.

[0133] The control device 100 controls the opening and closing operation of the lid 110. The control device 100 opens the lid 110 when the user starts using the toilet 7, which is sensed by the human body sensing sensor 32 or the seat sensing sensor 33, and closes the lid 110 when the user ends using the toilet 7, which is sensed by the human body sensing sensor 32 or the seat sensing sensor 33. In addition, when the user sits on the toilet seat 5, which is sensed by the seat sensing sensor 33, the control device 100 opens the lid 110, and when the user leaves the toilet seat 5, which is sensed by the seat sensing sensor 33, the control device 100 closes the lid 110. For example, when the human body sensing sensor 32 senses that the user enters the restroom R, the control device 100 opens the lid 110, and when the human body sensing sensor 32 senses that the user leaves the restroom R, the control device 100 closes the lid 110.

[0134] It should be noted that the opening and closing of the cover 110 described above is only an example, and the control device 100 may also control the opening and closing of the cover 110 based on various information. The control device 100 may also open the cover 110 when the human body sensing sensor 32 senses that the user is approaching the toilet 7. For example, the control device 100 may also open the cover 110 when it is sensed that the user is within a specified range (50 cm, etc.) from the toilet 7. In addition, when the human body sensing sensor 32 senses that the user has left the toilet 7, the control device 100 closes the cover 110. For example, when it is sensed that the user is outside a specified range (50 cm, etc.) from the toilet 7, the control device 100 closes the cover 110.

[0135] The control device 100 closes the cover 110 in conjunction with the user's instruction to the operating device 10 to operate the washing nozzle 6. The control device 100 closes the cover 110 in conjunction with the operation of the washing nozzle 6. The control device 100 controls the cover 110 starting from the user's operation of the operating device 10 for controlling the washing nozzle 6. The control device 100 senses the operation of the washing nozzle 6 (the extension of the nozzle to the bowl 8) and controls the cover 110.

[0136] The control device 100 controls so that the cover 110 is opened upward when placed on the toilet 7. The control device 100 controls so that the cover 110 is in a closed state when the cleaning nozzle 6 is actuated. The control device 100 controls so that the cover 110 is in a closed state when the cleaning nozzle 6 provided in the toilet 7 is actuated.

[0137] In addition, the control device 100 may also control the sway sensing sensor 34. In this case, the sway sensing sensor 34 starts sensing or stops sensing according to the control performed by the control device 100. The control device 100 sends control information for controlling the start and end of sensing performed by the sway sensing sensor 34 to the sway sensing sensor 34. For example, when the human body sensing sensor 32 or the seat sensing sensor 33 senses that the user starts to use the toilet 7, the control device 100 sends control information for causing the sway sensing sensor 34 to start sensing to the sway sensing sensor 34. For example, when the human body sensing sensor 32 or the seat sensing sensor 33 senses that the user ends using the toilet 7, the control device 100 sends control information for causing the sway sensing sensor 34 to end sensing to the sway sensing sensor 34.

[0138] In addition, the control device 100 controls Figure 1 The control device 100 controls the toilet lid 4 and toilet seat 5 shown. The control device 100 controls the toilet lid 4 and toilet seat 5 based on the signal sent from the operating device 10. The control device 100 controls the toilet lid 4 based on the signal of the control instruction related to the opening and closing of the toilet lid sent from the operating device 10. The control device 100 controls the toilet seat 5 based on the signal of the control instruction related to the opening and closing of the seat part sent from the operating device 10. The control device 100 sends control information to the toilet lid 4 and toilet seat 5 via wire. It should be noted that the control device 100 can also send control information to the toilet lid 4 and toilet seat 5 wirelessly.

[0139] The control device 100 determines whether the entry of the user is sensed by the human body sensing sensor 32. The control device 100 determines whether the entry of the user into the toilet R is sensed by the human body sensing sensor 32. The control device 100 determines whether the sitting of the user is sensed by the sitting sensing sensor 33. The control device 100 determines whether the sitting of the user on the toilet seat 5 is sensed by the sitting sensing sensor 33.

[0140] The solenoid valve 71 has a valve function that controls the flow of a fluid by electromagnetic means. The solenoid valve 71 switches, for example, supply and stop of tap water from a water supply pipe. The solenoid valve 71 is controlled to open and close according to an instruction from the control device 100 .

[0141] The nozzle motor 61 is a driving source (motor) for driving the washing nozzle 6 forward and backward. The nozzle motor 61 controls the washing nozzle 6 to advance and retreat relative to the main body cover 30 of the main body 3. The nozzle motor 61 controls the washing nozzle 6 to advance and retreat according to instructions from the control device 100.

[0142] The cover 110 can be located in front of the shake sensing sensor 34 and function as a cover. In order to reduce the possibility of the shake sensing sensor 34 being visually confirmed and to take into account the user's privacy, the cover 110 is preferably formed of an opaque material. For example, the cover 110 can also be formed into an opaque state by coloring. The cover 110 can also be coated with an opaque material (paint) on the surface. It should be noted that the cover 110 is not limited to an opaque structure, but can also be transparent. The cover 110 can be switched between an open state and a closed state by the actuator 111, so that it is located in front of the shake sensing sensor 34, or the shake sensing sensor 34 is exposed.

[0143] The actuator 111 is a driving source (motor) for opening and closing the cover 110. The actuator 111 controls the cover 110 to be in an open state or a closed state according to instructions from the control device 100. The actuator 111 closes the cover 110 when the cleaning nozzle 6 is actuated. The actuator 111 closes the cover 110 when the cleaning nozzle 6 provided in the toilet 7 is actuated.

[0144] exist Figure 5 In the illustrated configuration, the configuration including the control device 100 and the like in the toilet seat device 2 is shown as an example, but the control device 100, the human body sensing sensor 32, the seat sensing sensor 33, the shaking sensing sensor 34, and the like may be configured as devices different from the toilet seat device 2. For example, the control device 100 may be configured as a device different from the toilet seat device 2. For example, the control device 100 may be a server device and may be arranged at a position separated from the toilet seat device 2. In this case, the control device 100 communicates with each device such as the toilet seat device 2, the human body sensing sensor 32, the seat sensing sensor 33, and the shaking sensing sensor 34, and receives information required for calculating the urination time and urine volume from each device. In addition, in this case, the toilet seat device 2 may also have a configuration (control circuit, etc.) for controlling various configurations of the toilet seat device 2 such as the nozzle motor 61, the solenoid valve 71, and the actuator 111. It should be noted that the above content is only an example, and the toilet system 1 may adopt any device configuration as long as the desired processing can be performed.

[0145] <4. Functional structure of control device>

[0146] Below, refer to Figure 6The functional configuration of the control device will be described. Figure 6 This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device according to the embodiment.

[0147] like Figure 6 As shown, the control device 100 includes a communication unit 101, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130. It should be noted that the control device 100 may also include an input unit (such as a keyboard, a mouse, etc.) for accepting various operations from an administrator of the control device 100, etc., and a display unit (such as a liquid crystal display, etc.) for displaying various information.

[0148] The communication unit 101 is implemented by, for example, a communication circuit. The communication unit 101 is connected to a predetermined network by wire or wireless, and transmits and receives information with an external information processing device. For example, the communication unit 101 is connected to a predetermined network by wire or wireless, and transmits and receives information with other devices such as the operating device 10. It should be noted that the communication unit 101 may also be configured as a device (communication device) different from the control device 100, and may be possessed by the toilet seat device 2.

[0149] The storage unit 120 is implemented by, for example, a semiconductor storage element such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. For example, the storage unit 120 is a computer-readable recording medium that non-temporarily records data used by various information processing programs.

[0150] The storage unit 120 of the embodiment stores various information required for processing. The storage unit 120 stores various information acquired from other devices such as various sensors. For example, the storage unit 120 stores information related to a learning model (also simply referred to as a "model") used in the processing. For example, the storage unit 120 stores a model used in the calculation processing of urination time. For example, the storage unit 120 stores various information used in various information processing (for example, information related to thresholds).

[0151] return Figure 6The description continues. The control unit 130 is implemented, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc., using a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like as a work area to execute a program (e.g., various information processing programs of the present disclosure, etc.) stored in the control device 100. In addition, the control unit 130 is a controller, which is implemented, for example, by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0152] like Figure 6 As shown, the control unit 130 includes: an acquisition unit 131, a measurement unit 132, a determination unit 133, a calculation unit 134, and an output unit 135, which realize or execute the functions and effects of the information processing described below. It should be noted that the internal structure of the control unit 130 is not limited to Figure 6 The configuration shown may be any other configuration as long as it is a configuration for performing information processing described later.

[0153] The acquisition unit 131 acquires various information. The acquisition unit 131 acquires various information from the storage unit 120. The acquisition unit 131 receives information from other devices. The acquisition unit 131 receives information sensed by various sensors (sensing information, etc.) from various sensors. The acquisition unit 131 receives information sensed by each sensor of the human body sensing sensor 32, the seat sensing sensor 33, and the shaking sensing sensor 34 (sensing information, etc.) from each sensor. For example, the acquisition unit 131 receives information related to shaking sensed by the shaking sensing sensor 34 from the shaking sensing sensor 34. The acquisition unit 131 acquires information used in processing from the storage unit 120.

[0154] The measuring unit 132 performs various measurements. The measuring unit 132 performs various measurements using information stored in the storage unit 120. The measuring unit 132 measures the sensing time of the sensor. The measuring unit 132 measures the time (sensing time) of sensing by the swing sensing sensor 34 using information sensed by the swing sensing sensor 34.

[0155] The measuring unit 132 measures the shaking of the water sealing surface of the bowl 8 of the toilet 7 using the information sensed by the shaking sensing sensor 34. When a person approaches the toilet 7, the measuring unit 132 measures the shaking of the water sealing surface of the bowl 8 of the toilet 7 as a reference. The measuring unit 132 measures the shaking of the water sealing surface of the bowl 8 of the toilet 7 based on the difference from the shaking as a reference.

[0156] The determination unit 133 performs determination processing. The determination unit 133 performs determination processing using various information stored in the storage unit 120. The determination unit 133 performs determination processing using various information acquired by the acquisition unit 131.

[0157] The determination unit 133 determines the cause of the water sealing sway of the toilet 7 based on the sensing result obtained by the sway sensing sensor 34. The determination unit 133 classifies the water sealing sway of the toilet 7 based on the sensing result obtained by the sway sensing sensor 34. The determination unit 133 determines which object causes the water sealing sway of the toilet 7 based on the sensing result obtained by the sway sensing sensor 34.

[0158] The determination unit 133 determines whether an object has fallen (impinged) on the sealing water of the toilet 7 based on the sensing result of the sway sensing sensor 34. The determination unit 133 determines whether an object has impinged on the sealing water of the toilet 7 based on the sensing result of the sway sensing sensor 34. The determination unit 133 determines whether the object has impinged on the sealing water of the toilet 7 based on the sensing result of the sway sensing sensor 34. The determination unit 133 determines whether the object has been discharged by the user based on the sensing result of the sway sensing sensor 34.

[0159] For example, the determination unit 133 classifies a plurality of types of shaking including shaking caused by stool, i.e., shaking caused by urine, i.e., shaking caused by stool and urine, i.e., shaking caused by a third category. For example, the determination unit 133 classifies the shaking sensed by the shaking sensing sensor 34 as shaking caused by stool, shaking caused by urine, or shaking caused by stool and urine.

[0160] The determination unit 133 may perform the shake determination by any method. For example, the determination unit 133 may perform the shake determination by exceeding a signal level threshold or AI (artificial intelligence). The determination unit 133 may also perform the shake determination by frequency analysis, image processing, machine learning, deep learning, etc.

[0161] For example, the determination unit 133 uses AI-related technology to determine the shaking. For example, the determination unit 133 may also use a model generated by machine learning (also referred to as a "shake determination model") to determine the shaking. In this case, the shaking determination model is learned in advance using training data representing classification judgments. The training data includes a combination of multiple water-sealed shaking information and labels (correct answer information) representing the categories of shaking corresponding to the shaking information. The categories mentioned here represent objects that are the cause of the shaking, such as feces, urine, or both feces and urine. For example, the training data includes multiple such as Fig. 9A combination of shaking information such as shaking information SW1~SW3 in the figure and a label (correct answer information) corresponding to the shaking information, indicating an object (such as feces, urine, or both feces and urine, etc.) that hits (falls) into the sealing water when shaking occurs in the sealing water.

[0162] The shake determination model is a model that takes shake information as input and outputs information indicating the type of shake corresponding to the input shake information. For example, the shake determination model is learned in a manner that outputs information of a label (type of shake) corresponding to the input shake information when shake information is input. The learning of the shake determination model is appropriately performed using various methods related to so-called supervised learning. In this case, the shake determination model may be stored in the storage unit 120, and the determination unit 133 may use the shake determination model stored in the storage unit 120 to determine the shake. For example, the control device 100 may also perform a learning process to generate a shake determination model. It should be noted that the above content is only an example, and the determination unit 133 may appropriately use various information to determine the shake.

[0163] In addition, the determination unit 133 may also determine whether a bowel movement (stool) has occurred based on the information sensed by the stool sensing unit. The determination unit 133 may also use the information sensed by the stool sensing unit such as the shaking sensing sensor 34 to determine whether the user is defecating. The determination unit 133 determines whether a bowel movement has occurred based on the image captured by the stool sensing unit. It should be noted that the above-mentioned determination of whether a bowel movement has occurred is only an example, and in the case of determining whether a bowel movement has occurred, the determination unit 133 may appropriately use various information to determine whether a bowel movement has occurred.

[0164] The calculation unit 134 performs calculation processing. The calculation unit 134 performs calculation processing using various information stored in the storage unit 120. The calculation unit 134 performs calculation processing using various information acquired by the acquisition unit 131. The calculation unit 134 calculates the urination time based on the determination result obtained by the determination unit 133.

[0165] The calculation unit 134 calculates the urination time based on the time that the sealing surface of the bowl 8 of the toilet bowl 7 receives excrement shakes for a predetermined value or more. The calculation unit 134 calculates the total urine volume based on the calculated urination time and the urine volume per unit time stored in the storage unit 120.

[0166] The calculation unit 134 classifies the calculated total urine volume into one of a plurality of levels. The calculation unit 134 classifies the total urine volume into one of the levels of "large", "medium", and "small". For example, when the total urine volume is less than the first threshold, the calculation unit 134 classifies the total urine volume into the "small" level. For example, when the total urine volume is greater than the first threshold and less than the second threshold greater than the first threshold, the calculation unit 134 classifies the total urine volume into the "medium" level. For example, when the total urine volume is greater than the second threshold, the calculation unit 134 classifies the total urine volume into the "large" level.

[0167] The calculation unit 134 calculates the shaking time corresponding to the shaking of the second category or the shaking of the third category as the urination time. When a large shaking of a predetermined threshold or more occurs in the shaking of the water sealing surface of the bowl 8 of the toilet 7, the calculation unit 134 excludes the time of the large shaking to calculate the urination time. When defecation is sensed by the stool sensing unit capable of sensing the presence or absence of defecation, the calculation unit 134 excludes the time of the shaking assumed to be defecation to calculate the urination time.

[0168] The output unit 135 performs output processing of outputting various information. The output unit 135 functions as a sending unit that sends various information. The output unit 135 performs output processing by sending information to an external information processing device. The output unit 135 sends information to an external information processing device. For example, the output unit 135 sends various information to an administrator device such as a personal computer or a smart phone used by an administrator. In addition, the output unit 135 can also perform output processing by sending information to the operating device 10 (or the display screen 11).

[0169] The output unit 135 transmits information indicating the urination time calculated by the calculation unit 134. The output unit 135 transmits information indicating the urine volume calculated by the calculation unit 134. The output unit 135 outputs information indicating one of "large", "medium", and "small" indicating (the level of) the total urine volume classified by the calculation unit 134. The output unit 135 transmits information indicating the level of the total urine volume.

[0170] <5. Processing Flow>

[0171] Next, the processing flow executed by the toilet system is described. The toilet system 1 executes the following first processing and second processing. The toilet system 1 may also execute either the first processing or the second processing. The following description is based on the toilet system 1 as the processing subject, but the first processing and the second processing may also be performed by any device such as the control device 100, the shaking sensing sensor 34, or various other sensors according to the device configuration included in the toilet system 1.

[0172] <5-1. First treatment>

[0173] First of all, Figure 7 The processing example shown is described below. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the sequence of processing performed by the toilet system. Specifically, Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the first process of calculation related to urination time and urine volume.

[0174] exist Figure 7 In the process, the toilet system 1 determines whether there is a measurement start trigger (step S101). For example, when it is sensed that the user starts using the toilet 7, the toilet system 1 determines that there is a measurement start trigger. When the toilet system 1 determines that there is no measurement start trigger (step S101: No), the process of step S101 is repeated.

[0175] If it is determined that there is a measurement start trigger (step S101: Yes), the toilet system 1 sets "t=0" (step S102). For example, if it is detected that the user starts using the toilet 7 and it is determined that there is a measurement start trigger, the toilet system 1 initializes the value of the urination score t that counts the urination time to 0.

[0176] Then, the toilet system 1 acquires an initial state (step S103). For example, the toilet system 1 acquires the swaying of the sealing water sensed by the swaying sensing sensor 34 at that time point (before the user starts to urinate) as the initial state.

[0177] The toilet system 1 performs a measurement (step S104). For example, the toilet system 1 measures the sway of the sealing water through the sway sensing sensor 34. Then, the toilet system 1 calculates the difference from the initial state (step S105). For example, the toilet system 1 calculates the difference between the sway of the sealing water measured in step S104 and the initial state obtained in step S103.

[0178] The toilet system 1 determines whether there is any shaking of the sealing water (step S106). For example, if the difference calculated in step S105 is greater than a predetermined value, the toilet system 1 determines that there is shaking in the sealing water due to the falling of the object into the sealing water (impacting the water). If it is determined that there is no shaking of the sealing water (step S106: No), the toilet system 1 returns to step S104 and repeats the process.

[0179] When it is determined that there is a shaking of the sealing water (step S106: Yes), the toilet system 1 determines whether the shaking of the sealing water is shaking of the stool (step S107). For example, when the model (swaying determination model) to which the difference calculated in step S105 is inputted outputs information indicating stool, the toilet system 1 determines that the sealing water is shaking only due to stool. That is, when the model outputs information indicating stool, the toilet system 1 determines that the user has only excreted stool. When it is determined that the shaking of the sealing water is shaking of only stool (step S107: Yes), the toilet system 1 performs an end determination in step S112.

[0180] When it is determined that the sealing water shaking is not the shaking of stool (step S107: No), the toilet system 1 determines whether the sealing water shaking is the shaking of urine (step S108). For example, when the model that has input the difference calculated in step S105 outputs information indicating urine, the toilet system 1 determines that the sealing water is shaking only due to urine. That is, when the model outputs information indicating urine, the toilet system 1 determines that the user has only excreted urine. When it is determined that the sealing water shaking is the shaking of urine only (step S108: Yes), the toilet system 1 sets "t=t+1" (step S109). For example, when it is determined that the sealing water is shaking due to urine, the toilet system 1 increases the value of the urination score t by 1. Then, the toilet system 1 performs the end determination of step S112.

[0181] When it is determined that the sealing water fluctuation is not the fluctuation of urine only (step S108: No), the toilet system 1 determines whether the sealing water fluctuation is the fluctuation of feces and urine (step S110). For example, when the model to which the difference calculated in step S105 is inputted outputs information indicating feces and urine, the toilet system 1 determines that the sealing water fluctuates due to both feces and urine. That is, when the model outputs information indicating feces and urine, the toilet system 1 determines that the user excretes both feces and urine. When it is determined that the sealing water fluctuation is the fluctuation of feces and urine (step S110: Yes), the toilet system 1 sets "t=t+1" (step S111). For example, when it is determined that the sealing water fluctuates due to feces and urine, the toilet system 1 increases the value of the urination score t by 1. Then, the toilet system 1 makes an end determination in step S112.

[0182] The toilet system 1 determines whether there is a measurement end trigger (step S112). For example, when it is sensed that the user has finished using the toilet 7, the toilet system 1 determines that there is a measurement end trigger. When it is determined that there is no measurement end trigger (step S112: No), the toilet system 1 returns to step S104 and repeats the process.

[0183] When it is determined that there is a measurement end trigger (step S112: Yes), the toilet system 1 calculates the total urination time (step S113). For example, the toilet system 1 calculates the total urination time based on the value of the urination score t obtained by counting the urination time. For example, when the unit of the urination score t corresponds to seconds, the toilet system 1 calculates the number of seconds of the value of the urination score t as the total urination time. In this case, when the urination score t is "5", the toilet system 1 calculates the total urination time as 5 seconds. The toilet system 1 uses the urination score t as an input and a function that outputs the total urination time (urination time calculation function) to calculate the total urination time. In this case, when the urination score t is "5", the toilet system 1 may also input "5" into the urination time calculation function and use the value output by the urination time calculation function as the total urination time.

[0184] Then, the toilet system 1 estimates the urine volume (step S114). For example, the toilet system 1 calculates the urine volume using the total urination time calculated in step S113. The toilet system 1 calculates the urine volume by multiplying the calculated urination time by the urine volume per unit time (unit urine volume) stored in the storage unit 120. For example, the unit urine volume can also be set to an arbitrary value in the range of 20 to 30 (ml / second). The unit urine volume can also be set by gender. For example, for females, the unit urine volume can also be set to an arbitrary value in the range of 10 to 50 (ml / second). In addition, for males, the unit urine volume can be set to an arbitrary value in the range of 10 to 30 (ml / second). It should be noted that the above content is just an example, and the unit urine volume is not limited to the above content, and an arbitrary value can also be set.

[0185] <5-2. Second treatment>

[0186] Next, Figure 8 The processing example shown is described below. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the sequence of processing performed by the toilet system. Specifically, Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing an example of the sequence of the second processing for calculating the urination time and urine volume. Figure 7 The description of the same points will be omitted as appropriate.

[0187] exist Figure 8 In the process, the toilet system 1 determines whether there is a measurement start trigger (step S201). For example, when it is sensed that the user starts using the toilet 7, the toilet system 1 determines that there is a measurement start trigger. When it is determined that there is no measurement start trigger (step S201: No), the toilet system 1 repeats the process of step S201.

[0188] If it is determined that there is a measurement start trigger (step S201: Yes), the toilet system 1 sets "t=0" (step S202). For example, if it is detected that the user starts using the toilet 7 and it is determined that there is a measurement start trigger, the toilet system 1 initializes the value of the urination score t that counts the urination time to 0.

[0189] Then, the toilet system 1 acquires an initial state (step S203). For example, the toilet system 1 acquires the swaying of the sealing water sensed by the swaying sensing sensor 34 at that time point (before the user starts to urinate) as the initial state.

[0190] The toilet system 1 performs a measurement (step S204). For example, the toilet system 1 measures the shaking of the sealing water through the shaking sensing sensor 34. Then, the toilet system 1 calculates the difference from the initial state (step S205). For example, the toilet system 1 calculates the difference between the shaking of the sealing water measured in step S204 and the initial state obtained in step S203.

[0191] The toilet system 1 determines whether there is any shaking of the sealing water (step S206). For example, if the difference calculated in step S205 is greater than a predetermined value, the toilet system 1 determines that there is shaking in the sealing water due to the falling of the object into the sealing water (impacting the water). If it is determined that there is no shaking of the sealing water (step S206: No), the toilet system 1 returns to step S204 and repeats the process.

[0192] When it is determined that there is sealing water fluctuation (step S206: Yes), the toilet system 1 acquires fluctuation information (step S207). For example, the toilet system 1 acquires differential information when it is determined that there is sealing water fluctuation as fluctuation information.

[0193] Then, the toilet system 1 determines whether there is a measurement end trigger (step S208). For example, when it is sensed that the user has finished using the toilet 7, the toilet system 1 determines that there is a measurement end trigger. When it is determined that there is no measurement end trigger (step S208: No), the toilet system 1 returns to step S204 and repeats the process.

[0194] When it is determined that there is a measurement end trigger (step S208: Yes), the toilet system 1 performs the shaking information processing (step S209). For example, when it is sensed that the user has finished using the toilet 7 and it is determined that there is a measurement end trigger, the toilet system 1 performs the shaking information processing. For example, the toilet system 1 processes the shaking information in a manner that does not include large shaking in urination. In this case, the toilet system 1 excludes the shaking information with a difference greater than a specified value from the shaking information used for urination time calculation.

[0195] It should be noted that the above-mentioned shaking information processing is only an example, and the toilet system 1 can also use various information to obtain shaking information for calculating the urination time. The toilet system 1 processes the shaking information in a manner that does not include the shaking of feces in urination when there is feces. In this case, the toilet system 1 excludes shaking information corresponding to the time when the feces are sensed as being present by other sensing units of the feces sensing unit from the shaking information used for urination time calculation.

[0196] Then, the toilet system 1 calculates the total urination time (step S210). For example, the toilet system 1 calculates the total urination time based on the processed shaking information of step S209. For example, the toilet system 1 calculates the total time corresponding to the processed shaking information of step S209 as the total urination time. In this case, when the total period of sensing the processed shaking information of step S209 is 5 seconds, the toilet system 1 calculates the total urination time as 5 seconds.

[0197] Then, the toilet system 1 estimates the urine volume (step S211). For example, the toilet system 1 calculates the urine volume using the total urination time calculated in step S210. The toilet system 1 calculates the urine volume by multiplying the calculated urination time by the urine volume per unit time (unit urine volume) stored in the storage unit 120.

[0198] <6. Relationship between objects and shaking>

[0199] Next, the relationship between the object and the shaking will be described. Specifically, the relationship between the object falling toward the sealing water of the toilet bowl 7 of the toilet system 1 and the shaking will be described.

[0200] <6-1. Relationship between excrement and shaking>

[0201] First, use Fig. 9 An example of the relationship between excrement and sloshing (waves on the water surface) will be described. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between excrement and sloshing. Fig. 9 , information related to three types of shaking corresponding to only feces, only urine, and both feces and urine (feces+urine), respectively.

[0202] Fig. 9 The jitter information SW1 to the jitter information SW3 shown in the figure represent jitter information corresponding to the three categories. Fig. 9 The fluctuation information SW1 to the fluctuation information SW3 shown indicate fluctuation information corresponding to the difference from the initial state.

[0203] For example, the shaking information SW1 corresponds to the difference from the initial state for the first type of shaking (only defecation), and indicates shaking information of only the sealing water shaking caused by defecation, eliminating the shaking caused by other than defecation. Fig. 9 As shown, the first category (only for the convenience) has a slow falling speed and low frequency. In addition, the first category (only for the convenience) has a large falling mass, a large amplitude and attenuation, and a short duration.

[0204] For example, the shaking information SW2 corresponds to the difference from the initial state for the second type of shaking (urine only), and indicates shaking information of the sealing water shaking caused by urine only, eliminating the shaking caused by other than urine. Fig. 9 As shown, the second category (only urine) falls fast and has a high frequency. In addition, the second category (only urine) has a small falling mass, a small amplitude, and a long duration.

[0205] For example, the shaking information SW3 for the third category (stool and urine) corresponds to the difference from the initial state, and indicates shaking information for eliminating the shaking caused by other than stool and urine and the shaking of the sealing water caused by both stool and urine. Fig. 9 As shown, the frequency of the third category (feces and urine) becomes a composite frequency (for example, the composite frequency of the fluctuation information SW1 and the fluctuation information SW2), and has amplitude fluctuations other than simple attenuation.

[0206] <6-2. Relationship between objects other than excrement and shaking>

[0207] Next, use Fig.10 An example of the relationship between objects other than excrement and sloshing (waves on the water surface) will be described. Fig.10 This is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between objects other than excrement and shaking. Specifically, Fig.10 This is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between toilet paper (also simply referred to as "paper") as an object other than excrement and shaking.

[0208] Fig.10 The shaking information SW4 shown indicates shaking information of the fourth type of shaking caused by paper. Fig.10 The shaking information SW4 shown indicates shaking information corresponding to the difference from the initial state. For example, the shaking information SW4 corresponds to the difference from the initial state for the fourth category of shaking (paper only), and indicates shaking information of the sealing water generated only by paper after eliminating the shaking generated by other than paper. Fig.10 As shown, the fourth category (only paper) has a slow falling speed and low frequency. In addition, the falling mass of the fourth category (only paper) is small, the amplitude is small and attenuated, and the duration is short.

[0209] <7. Relationship between the user and the direction of urination>

[0210] Here, regarding the relationship between the user and the urination direction, use Fig.11 Several modes are shown as examples. Fig.11 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the user and the urination direction. Specifically, Fig.11 This is a conceptual diagram showing that the location where urine hits the water varies depending on the posture during excretion. Fig.11 3 urination patterns, namely, a first pattern PT1 , a second pattern PT2 , and a third pattern PT3 , are shown in FIG. 1 , and arrows in each pattern indicate a main urination direction.

[0211] For example, Fig.11 The first mode PT1 in the figure corresponds to the mode in which a woman urinates in a sitting position, and the urination direction mainly includes the direction of directly touching the water seal and the direction toward the inner peripheral surface of the pelvis. Fig.11 The second mode PT2 in the embodiment corresponds to the mode in which a male urinates in a sitting position, and the urination direction mainly includes the direction toward the inner peripheral surface of the pelvis. Fig.11 The third mode PT3 corresponds to the mode of male urination in a standing position, and the urination direction mainly includes the direction toward the pelvis, but the change is large. In this way, when the user urinates, even if the urination direction varies depending on gender, posture, etc., in the toilet system 1, since the shaking of the sealing water is used as a sensing object, the urination time can be appropriately calculated.

[0212] <8.Overall Overview>

[0213] Next, refer to Fig.12 The overall outline of the configuration and processing of the above-mentioned toilet system 1 will be described. Fig.12 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the configuration and processing of the toilet system. It should be noted that the description of the same points as those described above is appropriately omitted. For example, the type of sensor used in the shaking sensing sensor 34 can be various. In addition, the shaking determination (urination determination) performed by the toilet system 1 can adopt any method.

[0214] like Fig.12 As shown, the shaking caused by the opening and closing of the ventilation fan and the door, etc., can become a noise factor, but the toilet system 1 can appropriately remove the noise factor by calculating the difference from the initial state. In the toilet system 1, regarding the action control, the start trigger can also use the seat start, the measurement start button operation, etc. In addition, in the toilet system 1, regarding the action control, the end trigger can also use the cleaning button operation, the non-shaking state for a specified time, the paper drop sensor, the measurement end button, etc.

[0215] In addition, in the toilet system 1, any response can be performed when there is paper. For example, the toilet system 1 may not be measured when there is paper. In addition, the toilet system 1 may obtain (calculate) the difference from after falling when there is paper. In addition, the toilet system 1 may remove the paper, sink it, etc. when there is paper. In this case, the toilet system 1 may remove the paper or sink it by controlling the cleaning nozzle 6 to release water to the paper.

[0216] In addition, in the toilet system 1, when the shaking of urine is sensed, the action that causes the noise of the sealing water shaking is not performed. When the shaking of urine is sensed, the toilet system 1 may not perform the cleaning of the toilet bowl 7 or the partial cleaning. The toilet system 1 may not perform the measurement during the partial cleaning operation, or may end the measurement when the partial cleaning operation is performed. In addition, as described above, the toilet system 1 classifies and outputs the total urine volume as "large", "medium" and "small".

[0217] Fig.13 This is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between information related to shaking and urine flow rate (urine flow rate), that is, the amount of urine discharged per unit time.

[0218] For example, as information related to the shaking of the sealing water, when the height of the shaking (wave), i.e., the magnitude of the displacement in the height direction, is greater than a prescribed value, the control unit 130 estimates that the urine flow rate is "large", and when the height of the shaking (wave), i.e., the magnitude of the displacement in the height direction, is less than a prescribed value, the control unit 130 estimates that the urine flow rate is "small". In addition, for example, as information related to the shaking of the sealing water, when the interval between the shaking, i.e., the waves, is greater than a prescribed value, the control unit 130 estimates that the urine flow rate is "small", and when the interval between the shaking, i.e., the waves, is less than a prescribed value, the control unit 130 estimates that the urine flow rate is "large". In addition, for example, as information related to the shaking of the sealing water, when the amount of foam in the sealing water is greater than a prescribed value, the control unit 130 estimates that the urine flow rate is "large", and when the amount of foam in the sealing water is less than a prescribed value, the control unit 130 estimates that the urine flow rate is "small". Furthermore, for example, as information related to the swaying of the sealing water, when the uniformity of the swaying shape is high, the control unit 130 estimates that the urine flow rate is "small", and when the uniformity of the swaying shape is low, the control unit 130 estimates that the urine flow rate is "large". Furthermore, for example, as information related to the swaying of the sealing water, when the area where the swaying occurs is an area smaller than a prescribed value, the control unit 130 estimates that the urine flow rate is "small", and when the area where the swaying occurs is an area larger than the prescribed value, the control unit 130 estimates that the urine flow rate is "large". The control unit 130 controls so that the urine flow rate or the total urine volume obtained by multiplying the urine flow rate by a prescribed value estimated as a general urination time, which is the obtained information related to urine, is displayed on the external terminal.

[0219] Fig.14 It is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of the toilet apparatus according to the second embodiment.

[0220] In the present embodiment, a camera 36 is used as a shaking sensing sensor. The camera 36 starts recording at a predetermined interval, triggered by the sensing performed by the seat sensing sensor 33. The imaging area of ​​the camera 36 includes the sealed water accumulated in the bowl 8 of the toilet 7, and image data of the sealed water is acquired at a predetermined interval. More preferably, the imaging area of ​​the camera 36 is set to include the front side of the center in the front-to-back direction of the sealed water within the sensing range, which is preferred in terms of sensing various shakings of the sealed water. It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the direction from the buttocks toward the toes of the feet when the user sits on the toilet seat is defined as the front.

[0221] Fig.15 (A) is an image of the water seal during urination captured by the camera 36. Fig.15 (B) is an image of the water sealing immediately after the user sits down (before urination) captured by the camera 36. Fig.14 (C) is represented by the white area Fig.15 The image of (A) and Fig.15 The difference (variation) data of (B). It should be noted that Fig.15 The white area of ​​(C) is an area where the change amount is greater than a specified value, specifically, for example, an area where the change amount of brightness is greater than 10. Fig.16 As shown, this difference analysis is performed every time an image is acquired at a predetermined timing.

[0222] The control unit 130 is based on Fig.15The white area of ​​(C) is used to estimate the presence or absence of stool, urine, and information related to urine. For example, when the area of ​​the continuous white area is greater than the first specified value, the control unit 130 determines that the water seal is shaken (changed) by stool, and determines that stool has fallen. For example, when the area of ​​the continuous white area is less than the first specified value, the control unit 130 determines that urine is discharged instead of stool. At this time, in the specified area including the front of the toilet, when the total area of ​​the white area is greater than the second specified value, the control unit 130 determines that the urine flow is large, and in the specified area including the front of the toilet, when the total area of ​​the white area is less than the second specified value, the control unit 130 determines that the urine flow is small. Then, the control unit 130 controls in the following manner: the maximum value of the urine flow obtained when the image is acquired at a specified timing is displayed on the external terminal as a representative urine flow. In addition, at this time, the control unit 130 determines the urination time by accumulating the time when the total area of ​​the white area is greater than the third specified value. Then, the control unit 130 estimates the total urine volume by integrating the determined urine flow rate and urination time. The control unit 130 controls so that the obtained urine-related information, namely, the urine flow rate, urination time, and total urine volume are displayed on an external terminal.

[0223] like Fig.17 As shown, the image of the water seal during urination captured by the camera 36 is not limited to being compared with the image of the water seal immediately after the user sits down (before urination) captured by the camera 36. Alternatively, the image data of the water seal acquired by the sensor and the image data acquired immediately before the image data are acquired may be compared to extract the water seal. Fig.15 The white area shown in (C) of FIG. 1 can thereby more accurately determine the change in time information taking into account the shaking of the sealing water. It should be noted that, for example, the comparison may be made with two previous images instead of the immediately previous image.

[0224] Figures 18 to 20 This is a diagram showing the relationship between the pattern of swaying of the sealing water stored in the control unit 130 and the urine flow rate.

[0225] For example, Figure 18 to Figure 20As shown, it is also possible to store the relationship between the shaking pattern of the water seal and the urine flow rate in the control unit 130 in advance according to the state of the water seal (whether there is feces, paper, size, shape, position in the water seal when there is feces or paper in the water seal, whether the feces or paper is impinged on the water seal at the moment of the water seal or already exists in the water seal, etc.) and the state of urination (impingement position, etc.), select the water seal and the shaking pattern of the water seal that are most similar to the image data of the water seal captured at a specified time, and determine the information related to urine (whether there is urination, urine volume, etc.). As the shaking pattern of the water seal, the control unit 130 extracts, for example, the shape of the shaking of the water seal, the presence or absence of foam, and other feature values ​​related to the shaking of the water seal, and determines the information related to urine based on the feature values. It should be noted that the relationship between the pre-stored water seal pattern and the urine flow rate and the feature values ​​related to the shaking of the water seal can also be derived through machine learning such as AI. If the pattern of the shaking of the sealing water is used to derive the information related to urine, the information related to urine may be directly derived from the image data acquired by the camera without extracting the feature amount of the shaking.

[0226] In the toilet system 1, the sensor for sensing urine and the sensor for sensing feces are described as being the same sensor, but for example, the sensor for sensing feces and the sensor for sensing urine may be provided separately. The sensor for sensing feces may be an optical sensor such as a linear sensor, or a sensor for sensing feces indirectly by detecting gas during defecation using a gas sensor.

[0227] At this time, when defecation is sensed, urine measurement or determination may not be performed. Specifically, for example, the control unit 130 controls in a manner that information related to the shaking of the sealing water obtained during the period of sensing defecation is not used for urine determination. Thus, the urine determination accuracy can be further improved.

[0228] Alternatively, at this time, the control unit 130 may also perform control so as to correct the information on the swaying of the sealing water obtained during the period of sensing the stool and use it for urine determination. This can further improve the urine determination accuracy.

[0229] In the toilet system 1, the sensing of the seat occupancy sensing sensor 33 is used as a trigger for starting shooting of the camera 36. However, for example, an illumination sensor may be provided in the toilet seat device 2, and when the illumination in the bowl 8 is below a specified value, or when the illumination in the bowl 8 is below a specified value for a specified period of time, the presence of a seat occupancy serves as a trigger for starting shooting of the camera 36.

[0230] In the toilet system 1, the sensing of the seat sensing sensor 33 is used as a trigger for starting the shooting of the camera 36. However, even if there is no sensing of the seat sensing sensor 33, for example, a signal for sensing that a user is in front of the toilet 7, such as a signal for the presence of a user obtained by a human body sensing sensor, a signal for the presence of a door obtained by a door sensor provided on the door of the toilet where the toilet 7 is provided, or a signal for sensing that the toilet lid of the toilet 7 is opened, can be used as a trigger for starting the shooting of the camera 36. In this way, it is also possible to shoot standing urination. It should be noted that, in this case, the shooting of the camera 36 can be performed in a standing urination shooting mode different from starting the shooting of the camera 36 by the sensing of the seat sensing sensor 33. As the standing urination sensing mode, for example, unlike the normal shooting mode, even when the information related to the shaking of urine is large (the displacement amount in the height direction of the shaking is large, the interval between the shaking waves is narrow, etc.), the control unit 130 determines that it is urine rather than feces. That is, for example, even when information on the shaking of the sealing water determined to be stool is obtained in the normal imaging mode, the control unit 130 determines that it is urine.

[0231] In toilet system 1, the shooting ends when the seat occupancy sensing by seat occupancy sensing sensor 33 ends. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the shooting may end when the washing operation of the washing nozzle provided in toilet seat device 2 or the washing operation of bowl 8 is performed.

[0232] In the control unit 130 of the toilet system 1, the presence or absence of urination, the urine flow rate at that time, the urination time, and the total urine volume are estimated and provided, but for example, the frequency of urination may be notified. In addition, the control unit 130 may also control in the following manner: based on at least one of the information of the urine flow rate, the urination time, and the total urine volume and the information related to the frequency of urination, an alarm notification is performed on the display unit of the user's terminal, the administrator's PC (Personal Computer) terminal, etc. For example, the control unit 130 may control in the following manner: when at least one of the information such as a small urine flow rate, a short urination time, and a small total urine volume and the information such as a small frequency of urination and a short interval of urination are obtained, an alarm notification is performed on the display unit of the user's terminal, the administrator's PC terminal, etc. In this case, the user and the administrator can input the excretion information of the user (excreter) such as "incontinence information" and "information of urination in other toilets" from the outside in the display unit, and the control unit 130 can correct the alarm notification condition of whether to perform the alarm notification based on the excretion information.

[0233] As described above, the toilet system 1 uses any sensor to estimate information related to urine and other excrement. Next, several specific examples of the above-mentioned processing and concepts are described below. It should be noted that the processing described with the toilet system 1 as the processing subject and the processing that does not clearly indicate the processing subject, etc., can be performed by any device included in the toilet system 1, such as the control device 100 and various sensors, as long as the processing can be performed, depending on the device configuration included in the toilet system 1.

[0234] like Fig.21 As shown, the toilet system 1 senses waves generated on the water surface of the sealed water, and estimates (acquires) information related to urine such as urine volume based on the sensing result. Fig.21 is a graph showing an example of wave behavior. For example, Fig.21 express Fig. 22 An example of the change in the distance between the sensor and the water surface (liquid surface) of the sealing water at viewpoint A (horizontal observation) is shown. Fig. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a sensing scheme for wave behavior.

[0235] It should be noted that the sensor mentioned here can be any sensor such as the above-mentioned shake sensing sensor 34, camera 36, ​​etc., and can be configured in any manner as long as the desired sensing can be performed at its configuration position. Fig. 22 In, as a sensor, with Figure 4 Similarly, the figure shows a case where a fluctuation sensing sensor 34 is provided as an example, but the sensor is not limited to the fluctuation sensing sensor 34, and may be any sensor such as a camera 36, ​​and may be arranged at a position where desired sensing can be performed. Fig.21 The vertical axis corresponds to the distance between the sensor and the water surface of the sealing water, and the horizontal axis corresponds to time. Fig.21 For example, the change in the distance between the sensor and the water surface of the sealing water is shown with the position of the water surface of the sealing water in a predetermined state (eg, a state without shaking) as a reference "0".

[0236] The toilet system 1 may also calculate (acquire) a representative value (sensor-liquid level distance representative value) representing the distance between the sensor and the water surface (also referred to as "liquid level") of the sealing water based on the sensing performed by the sensor. Fig.21 In the example shown, for example, the representative value may be any one of the minimum value, average value, median value (frequently occurring value), and maximum value within a specified time. The toilet system 1 senses the distance (gravity direction) from the sensor to the wave, and estimates urine-related information such as urine volume based on its displacement.

[0237] For example, the toilet system 1 uses a Fig.23The conversion formula of the relationship shown in the figure estimates (calculates) the urine volume based on the representative value of the sensor-liquid surface distance. Fig.23 is a diagram showing an example of conversion to urine volume. Fig.23 is a curve chart corresponding to the conversion formula of the acquired information and urine volume. It should be noted that Fig.23 The relationship shown is merely an example, and the toilet system 1 may estimate information related to urine such as urine volume using arbitrary information.

[0238] The toilet system 1 can also sense the boundary position between the wave and the bowl 8 (also called "pottery"), and estimate (acquire) urine-related information such as urine volume based on its displacement. For example, the toilet system 1 can also be based on Fig.24 The information on the boundary position between the wave shown and the bowl 8 (pottery) is used to estimate the urine-related information such as the urine volume. Fig.24 is a diagram showing an example of the boundary position between the wave and the basin. Fig.24 The schematic diagram of the toilet on the upper side shows the boundary position between the waves generated on the water surface of the sealed water and the pottery. Fig.24 The bold lines in the schematic diagram in the figure indicate the boundary positions of the waves generated on the water surface of the enclosure. Fig.24 The schematic diagram in the figure shows the positional relationship between the toilet bowl and the sealing water (the part that is shaking).

[0239] In addition, for example, Fig.24 The lower graph in the figure shows the information corresponding to the conversion formula of the acquired information and the urine volume. Fig.24 The conversion formula of the relationship shown in the curve graph on the lower side is used to estimate (calculate) the urine volume based on the boundary position between the wave and the pottery.

[0240] In addition, the toilet system 1 can also obtain the initial state through any scheme. For example, the toilet system 1 can also obtain the initial state through any scheme. Fig.25 The timing shown acquires the initial state. Fig.25 This is a diagram showing an example of the initial state acquisition timing. Fig.25 The waveforms in the figure correspond to the processing of human body sensing, selection of a seat or measurement start button, toilet cleaning such as pre-washing / pre-spraying (e.g. spraying (water) on the surface of the bowl 8), sensor measurement (urine measurement), and sensor measurement (reference state acquisition) from the top. For example, Fig.25 The horizontal direction of the waveform in corresponds to the passage of time, and the portion (period) where the waveform rises corresponds to the period during which the processing corresponding to the waveform is executed. Fig.25 As shown, the initial state serving as the reference state is acquired during the period before the start of sensor measurement (urine measurement).

[0241] For example, toilet system 1 may determine the initial state during the period from human body sensing to measurement start. For example, the initial state may be any of the minimum value, average value, median value, and maximum value of the sway of the sealing water during the corresponding period.

[0242] So, the initial state is Fig.25 At least a portion of a period (also referred to as a “target period”) including a period in which the waveform rises (also referred to as a “candidate period for acquisition”) is acquired. Fig.25 The period with hatching (also called "influence period") corresponds to the period during which the water surface may be shaken by performing pre-washing / pre-spraying, etc. Therefore, the toilet system 1 may also obtain the initial state by excluding the influence period from the candidate period. That is, the toilet system 1 may also obtain the initial state by excluding the influence period.

[0243] In addition, as described above, the shaking determination model is learned in a manner that takes shaking information as input and outputs arbitrary information such as the type of shaking corresponding to the input shaking information. For example, the shaking determination model is learned in a manner that, when shaking information is input, outputs a label corresponding to the input shaking information and information on the amount of excrement corresponding to the input shaking information. For example, the shaking determination model is learned in a manner that, when shaking information is input, outputs a label corresponding to the input shaking information and information on the amount of urine corresponding to the input shaking information.

[0244] For example, the shaking determination model is learned in a manner that, when shaking information is input, information indicating the level of urine volume corresponding to the input shaking information is output. For example, the shaking determination model is learned in a manner that, when shaking information is input, information indicating the level of urine volume corresponding to the input shaking information is output in four levels: none, small, medium, and large. It should be noted that the urine volume information output by the shaking determination model is not limited to four levels, but may be levels below three levels or levels above five levels, or may be a specific numerical value indicating the urine volume.

[0245] For example, toilet system 1 obtains Fig.26 The information shown. Fig.26 This is a diagram showing an example of the distance between the sensor and the water surface. Fig.26The vertical axis corresponds to the distance between the sensor and the water surface of the sealing water, and the horizontal axis corresponds to time. For example, the toilet system 1 can also sense the distance through an image captured by a sensor such as a camera. In this case, the toilet system 1 can also judge (infer) a part (position) with high brightness as a part (position) with a short distance. It should be noted that, as mentioned above, the sensor is not limited to an image sensor that captures images, and can be any sensor as long as it can obtain information representing the distance between the sensor and the water surface, for example, a ranging sensor such as an ultrasonic sensor.

[0246] For example, the toilet system 1 is based on Fig.26 The information shown is obtained Fig. 27 The information shown. Fig. 27 1 is a diagram showing an example of shaking determination and urine volume. For example, the toilet system 1 uses a shaking determination model that outputs information of labels and urine volume to obtain information such as Fig. 27 The information shown. Fig. 27 This means that no excrement was determined to have occurred during the period from 0 to 2 seconds and from 13 to 15 seconds, and that excretion such as urination was determined to have occurred during the period from 2 to 13 seconds. Fig. 27 In the example, the toilet system 1 estimates that the urination time is 11 seconds. Fig. 27 The information shown is not limited to the case of using the shaking judgment model, and any information can also be used to obtain Fig. 27 The information shown.

[0247] For example, the toilet system 1 is Fig. 27 The information shown is obtained Fig.28 The information shown. Fig.28 This is a diagram showing an example of calculation of the total urine volume. Fig.28 The vertical axis corresponds to the amount of urine per unit time (urine flow rate), and the horizontal axis corresponds to time. For example, the toilet system 1 is plotted as follows: Fig. 27 The information shown is a point indicating the amount of urine per unit time for a period other than the period (7 seconds to 9 seconds) during which defecation is included in the determination. Fig.28 The processing shown is just an example, and the toilet system 1 may also plot points based on the determination results for 7 seconds to 9 seconds.

[0248] Then, the toilet system 1 calculates the area of ​​the region enclosed by the line connecting the points and the horizontal axis, and calculates the total urine volume based on the area. Fig.28 In the figure, the toilet system 1 calculates the area of ​​the region shown by the shaded area, converts the area into urine volume, and thereby calculates the total urine volume. In this way, the toilet system 1 may also calculate the total urine volume by integrating the states determined based on the shaking.

[0249] The toilet system 1 may also have a relationship between shaking and urine flow in advance. Fig.29 The information shown is stored in, for example, the storage unit 120 . Fig.29 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between sloshing and urine volume. For example, Fig.29 is information indicating the correspondence between each level of urine volume and a numerical value indicating a specific amount. Fig.29 The information shown is converted into numerical values ​​indicating specific amounts at each time and integrated to calculate the total urine volume as 220 mL, for example.

[0250] In addition, for example, the toilet system 1 may also be Fig.30 The information shown is stored in, for example, the storage unit 120 . Fig.30 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between sloshing and urine volume. For example, Fig.30 is information indicating the correspondence between each level of urine volume and a numerical value corresponding to the area. Fig.30 The area is calculated by converting the level at each time into a numerical value corresponding to the area and accumulating the numerical value. For example, the area of ​​toilet system 1 is calculated as 22.

[0251] Then, the toilet system 1 calculates the total urine volume based on the calculated area. Fig.31 The total urine volume can be calculated using the conversion formula shown in the relationship. Fig.31 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between area and total urine volume. For example, Fig.31 An example of a calibration curve for calculating the total urine volume from the area is shown. For example, the toilet system 1 calculates the total urine volume as 220 mL from the calculated area "22".

[0252] It should be noted that the toilet system 1 may use any of the acquired information to provide (display) information. For example, the toilet system 1 may display the information in levels such as large, medium, and small instead of numerical values.

[0253] In addition, the toilet system 1 can also be used as Fig.32 The total amount of excreta is calculated using the water level difference information shown. Fig.32 1 is a diagram showing an example of calculation of the total excrement volume. It should be noted that, for the same points as those described above, descriptions are appropriately omitted. For example, the total excrement volume mentioned here is the amount of excrement including urine and feces (stool).

[0254] For example, the toilet system 1 senses the static state before and after the shaking caused by urine. Fig.32In the figure, the toilet system 1 senses 0 to 2 seconds and 13 to 15 seconds as the stationary states before and after the shaking caused by urine.

[0255] Then, the toilet system 1 senses the total amount of excrement based on the water level difference before and after. Fig.32 In the toilet system 1, for example, the difference between the water level at 2 seconds and the water level at 13 seconds is used as the water level difference before and after, and the total amount of excrement is sensed based on the water level difference before and after. In this case, the toilet system 1 may also calculate the total amount of excrement using a conversion formula based on the relationship between the water level difference and the value representing the total amount of excrement. For example, the toilet system 1 converts the water level difference to calculate the value representing the amount, and calculates the value representing the calculated amount as the total amount of excrement.

[0256] In addition, when calculating the total urine volume, the toilet system 1 may also calculate the total urine volume by subtracting information on the time when the shaking caused by the stool occurs. Fig.32 In the above, the toilet system 1 can also calculate the total urine volume by subtracting the information corresponding to the 7 seconds to 9 seconds of the shaking caused by the stool. For example, the toilet system 1 can also subtract the same amount from the time when the shaking caused by the stool occurs, determine the amount of stool based on the shaking and subtract the amount of stool, or treat the stool as having occurred and not calculate the total urine volume. In this way, the toilet system 1 can also calculate the total urine volume by subtracting the information of the time when the shaking caused by the stool occurs.

[0257] It should be noted that the above content is only an example, and for example, the toilet system 1 may also use information from a two-dimensional image. The toilet system 1 uses information about the shaking of the sealing water in a two-dimensional image when the toilet bowl 7 is viewed from above to determine the presence and amount of excrement. The toilet system 1 uses information about the shaking of the sealing water in a two-dimensional image obtained by photographing the bowl 8 from above to determine the presence and amount of excrement. For example, the toilet system 1 determines the presence and amount of excrement based on the pattern (ripples) of the sealing water surface in a two-dimensional image obtained by photographing the bowl 8 from above.

[0258] For example, the toilet system 1 uses a shaking determination model that outputs a label corresponding to the input shaking information and information on the amount of urine when a two-dimensional image is input as shaking information, and obtains Fig.33 The information shown. Fig.33 This is a diagram showing an example of a case where a two-dimensional image is used.

[0259] exist Fig.33In the embodiment, the sway determination model is learned in such a manner that, when sway information is input, the sway determination model outputs information indicating the level of urine volume corresponding to the input sway information in three levels: none, small, and large. In addition, the urine volume information output by the sway determination model is not limited to three levels, and as described above, may be two levels or four or more levels, or may be a specific numerical value indicating the urine volume.

[0260] Fig.33 This means that during the period from 0 to 9 seconds, 0 to 1 second and 8 to 9 seconds are judged as no excretion, and the rest of the period is judged as excretion such as urination. Fig.33 In the example, the toilet system 1 estimates the urination time to be 7 seconds. Fig.33 The information shown is not limited to the case of using the shaking judgment model, and any information can also be used to obtain Fig.33 The information shown.

[0261] For example, the toilet system 1 is based on Fig.33 The information shown in Fig.34 The information shown. Fig.34 This is a diagram showing an example of calculation of the total urine volume. Fig.34 The vertical axis corresponds to the amount of urine per unit time (urine flow rate), and the horizontal axis corresponds to time. For example, the toilet system 1 is plotted as follows: Fig.33 The points in the periods shown represent the urine volume per unit time.

[0262] Then, the toilet system 1 calculates the area of ​​the region enclosed by the line connecting the points and the horizontal axis. For example, the toilet system 1 calculates the area as 8. Then, the toilet system 1 calculates the total urine volume based on the calculated area.

[0263] The toilet system 1 may also have a relationship between area and urine flow in advance. Fig.35 The information shown in is stored in, for example, the storage unit 120 . Fig.35 This is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the area and the total urine volume. Fig.35 This is information indicating the correspondence between the area and the level indicating the total urine volume. For example, Fig.35 This is an example of conversion from area to total urine volume. Fig.35 In the example, the total urine volume is represented by four levels: 0, small, medium, and large. However, the total urine volume information is not limited to four levels, but may be a level below three levels or a level above five levels, or may be a specific numerical value representing the total urine volume. Fig.35For example, when the area is "3", both the area "less than 5" and the area "less than 20" are met, but in this case, the toilet system 1 determines that the area "less than 5" which is the smaller area is met, and calculates the total urine volume corresponding to the area "3" as "small". It should be noted that in Fig.35 In the example, an area “less than 5” may mean an area “greater than 1 and less than 5”, and an area “less than 20” may mean an area “greater than 5 and less than 20”.

[0264] For example, toilet system 1 is based on area and Fig.35 The total urine volume can be calculated using the relationship shown in Fig.35 In the figure, the toilet system 1 refers to the information indicating the corresponding relationship and calculates the total urine volume "medium" corresponding to the area "less than 20" (i.e., greater than 5 and less than 20) that the calculated area "8" corresponds to as the total urine volume corresponding to the calculated area "8".

[0265] As mentioned above, the sensing range DA1 is not limited to Figure 4 The range shown may also be an arbitrary range. For example, the sensing range DA1 may also include the surface of the bowl 8 (ceramic surface). For example, the sensing range DA1 may also include the surface of the bowl 8 that is outside the water sealing surface WS when the water sealing surface WS is not shaking (static state). Then, the toilet system 1 includes the surface of the bowl 8 (ceramic surface) in the sensing range DA1, obtains information indicating the shaking area corresponding to the area with water sealing, and uses the obtained information to calculate urine-related information such as urine volume.

[0266] For example, the sensing range DA1 may also be as follows Fig.36 range shown. Fig.36 is a diagram showing an example of a sensing range. For example, Fig.36 The schematic diagram of the toilet on the upper side in FIG. 1 is a schematic side sectional view showing the structure of the toilet seat device for showing the sensing range. Fig.36 In FIG. 1 , in order to illustrate an example of the sensing range DA1 , other configurations are simplified.

[0267] like Fig.36 As shown, the sensing range DA1 may also include the surface of the basin 8. For example, the sensing range DA1 may also be a range that can sense the change in the boundary between the water sealing surface WS and the basin 8 (ceramic) caused by the shaking of the water sealing surface WS. Fig.36, the sensing range DA1 includes both ends (front and back) of the boundary between the water sealing surface WS and the basin 8 (pottery), but the sensing range DA1 can be set to any range as long as the information required for processing can be obtained. For example, when processing can be performed as long as there is information on at least one end of the boundary between the water sealing surface WS and the basin 8 (pottery), the sensing range DA1 can also be an arbitrary range including at least one end of the boundary between the water sealing surface WS and the basin 8 (pottery).

[0268] In addition, for example, Fig.36 The lower curve in FIG. 1 shows the relationship between the sensing range DA1 and the sealing surface WS. Fig.36 In the lower side of the graph, position X t1 Corresponding to one end (front end) of the sensing range DA1, position X t2 Corresponding to the other end (rear end) of the sensing area DA1.

[0269] exist Fig.36 In the lower side of the graph, position X WS1 Corresponds to one end (front end) of the water sealing surface WS. That is, position X WS1 This corresponds to the boundary between the water sealing surface WS and one end side (front end side) of the bowl portion 8 (ceramic).

[0270] In addition, Fig.36 In the lower side of the graph, position X WS2 Corresponding to the other end (rear end) of the sealing surface WS. That is, position X WS2 This corresponds to the boundary between the water sealing surface WS and the other end side (rear end side) of the bowl portion 8 (pottery).

[0271] Fig.36 The straight line portion in the graph on the lower side corresponds to the basin 8 (pottery). Fig.36 In the lower side of the graph, position X t1 With position X WS1 The space between the two sides corresponds to one side (front side) of the basin 8 (pottery). Fig.36 In the lower side of the graph, position X t2 With position X WS2 The space between them corresponds to the other side (rear side) of the basin portion 8 (pottery).

[0272] Fig.36 The wavy line portion in the curve diagram below corresponds to the water sealing surface WS. Fig.36 In the lower side of the graph, position X WS1 With position X WS2 The corresponding water sealing surface WS. Fig.36 The middle indicates a state not during urination, for example, a state after urination, and indicates a state in which the shaking of the water sealing surface WS is small.

[0273] When the pelvic portion 8 (pottery) is included in the sensing range DA1, the information acquired after urination becomes as follows: Fig.37 The information shown. Fig.37 is a diagram showing an example of the shaking after urination. Fig.36 For points where the contents of the explanations are the same, the explanations are omitted as appropriate.

[0274] Fig.37 The upper graph in (also referred to as "first graph") shows an example of information acquired in a reference (default) state corresponding to a reference state (initial state, etc.). Fig.37 Middle, position X WS1 It corresponds to the boundary between the water sealing surface WS in the reference (default) state and one end side (front end side) of the bowl 8 (ceramic). Fig.37 Middle, position X WS2 This corresponds to the boundary between the water sealing surface WS in the reference (default) state and the rear end side (rear end side) of the bowl portion 8 (pottery).

[0275] Fig.37 The central graph in (also referred to as a “second graph”) shows an example of information acquired when the urine output is small. Fig.37 The difference δWs between the center of the curve (second curve) corresponds to the boundary (position indicated by the single-dot chain line) between the sealing surface WS in the second curve and one end (front end) of the bowl 8 (pottery) and the position X in the first curve. WS1 The difference between the sealing surface WS in the second graph and the rear end side (rear end side) of the bowl 8 (pottery) (the position shown by the single-dot chain line) and the position X in the first graph WS2 The difference. Fig.37 In the central graph (second graph) of , the urine volume is small, the shaking of the sealing water surface WS is small, and therefore the value of the difference δWs is small. Fig.37 The example shown is a conceptual diagram for expressing the change of the boundary due to the shaking of the sealing surface, and the value of the difference δWs on both sides (left and right) in each graph may be different.

[0276] Fig.37 The lower graph in FIG. 1 (also referred to as a “third graph”) shows an example of information obtained when the amount of urine discharged is large. Fig.37 The difference δWs of the lower curve (third curve) corresponds to the boundary (position indicated by the single-dot chain line) between the sealing surface WS in the third curve and one end (front end) of the bowl 8 (ceramic) and the position X in the first curve. WS1The difference between the sealing surface WS in the third graph and the rear end side (rear end side) of the bowl 8 (pottery) (the position shown by the single-dot chain line) and the position X in the first graph WS2 The difference. Fig.37 In the lower graph (third graph) in FIG. 1 , the urine volume is large and the fluctuation of the sealing water surface WS is large, so the value of the difference δWs is large.

[0277] Fig.38 The sensing range DA1 shown is Fig.36 The sensing range DA1 shown, Fig.38 The lower graph in the figure shows the state of urination, which indicates a state in which the shaking of the water sealing surface WS is large. When the sensing range DA1 includes the bowl 8 (ceramic), the information obtained during urination becomes as follows: Fig.39 The information shown. Fig.39 is a diagram showing an example of the shaking during urination. Fig.36 and Fig.37 For points that are the same as those described in etc., the description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0278] Fig.39 The upper graph (first graph) in shows an example of information acquired in a reference (default) state corresponding to a reference state (initial state, etc.). Fig.39 The central graph in (also referred to as a second graph) shows an example of information obtained when the urine output is small. Fig.39 The difference δWs between the center of the curve (second curve) corresponds to the boundary (position indicated by the single-dot chain line) between the sealing surface WS in the second curve and one end (front end) of the bowl 8 (pottery) and the position X in the first curve. WS1 The difference between the sealing surface WS in the second graph and the rear end side (rear end side) of the bowl 8 (pottery) (the position shown by the single-dot chain line) and the position X in the first graph WS2 The difference. Fig.39 In the central graph (second graph) in FIG. 1 , the urine volume is small and the fluctuation of the sealing water surface WS is small, so the value of the difference δWs is small.

[0279] Fig.39 The lower curve (third graph) in FIG. 1 shows an example of information obtained when the amount of urine discharged is large. Fig.39 The difference δWs in the lower graph (third graph) corresponds to the boundary (position indicated by the single-dot chain line) between the sealing surface WS in the third graph and one end side (front end side) of the bowl 8 (ceramic) and the position X in the first graph. WS1The difference between the sealing surface WS in the third graph and the rear end side (rear end side) of the bowl 8 (pottery) (the position shown by the single-dot chain line) and the position X in the first graph WS2 The difference. Fig.39 In the lower graph (third graph), the urine volume is large and the shaking of the sealing water surface WS is large, so the value of the difference δWs is large. Thus, in the information acquired during urination, the wave is large and the intensity is strong.

[0280] In addition, for example, the sensing range DA1 may also be as follows Fig.40 range shown. Fig.40 is a diagram showing an example of a sensing scheme. Figure 36 to Figure 39 For points that are the same as those described in etc., the description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0281] exist Fig.40 In the present invention, the sensing range DA1 is the range from the position (viewpoint) of looking down at the toilet 7 from above, including the water sealing surface WS and the surface of the bowl 8. It should be noted that in this case, as described above, as long as there is information on at least one end of the boundary between the water sealing surface WS and the bowl 8 (pottery), the sensing range DA1 may also be an arbitrary range including at least one end of the boundary between the water sealing surface WS and the bowl 8 (pottery). In this case, the toilet system 1 uses the Fig.40 For example, the toilet system 1 estimates the amount of urine and other excrement-related information based on changes in the area occupied by the water sealing surface WS in the two-dimensional image.

[0282] In such Fig.40 In the case of the sensing range DA1 shown in FIG. 1 , the information obtained after urination is, for example, as follows: Fig.41 The information shown. Fig.41 This is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between sensing and urine volume.

[0283] Fig.41 The upper image in (also referred to as “first image”) represents an example of information acquired in a reference (default) state corresponding to a reference state (initial state, etc.). Fig.41 The shaded elliptical portion in the image corresponds to the water sealing surface WS, and the other portion (peripheral portion) corresponds to the surface of the bowl portion 8 and the like.

[0284] Fig.41 The dotted line on the left side of corresponds to one end (front end) of the water sealing surface WS in the reference (default) state. Fig.41The left dotted line in φ corresponds to the boundary between the water sealing surface WS in the reference (default) state and one end side (front end side) of the bowl portion 8 (ceramic).

[0285] also, Fig.41 The dotted line on the right side of corresponds to the other end (rear end) of the water sealing surface WS in the reference (default) state. Fig.41 The right-side dotted line in φ corresponds to the boundary between the water sealing surface WS in the reference (default) state and the rear end side (rear end side) of the bowl portion 8 (pottery).

[0286] Fig.41 The central image in (also referred to as the "second image") is an example of information obtained when the amount of urine discharged is small. Fig.41 In the central image (second image) in FIG. 1 , the amount of urine discharged is small and the shaking of the water sealing surface WS is small. Therefore, the increase amount ( Fig.41 The increase in the left and right directions is small.

[0287] Fig.41 The lower image in (also referred to as the "third image") is an example of information obtained when the amount of urine discharged is large. Fig.41 In the lower image (third image), the amount of urine discharged is large and the shaking of the water sealing surface WS is large. Therefore, the increase amount ( Fig.41 The increase in the left and right directions is large.

[0288] The toilet system 1 performs the above-mentioned processing. For example, the toilet system 1 detects the boundary line between the water sealing surface WS as the water surface of the sealing water and the surface of the bowl 8 according to the change state of the output of the sensor, and obtains information related to urine. The toilet system 1 regards the range in which the state change exceeds the prescribed value as the water sealing surface WS, and obtains information related to urine according to the change of the range.

[0289] The toilet system 1 obtains information related to urine based on the information of the shaking of the sealing water and the information of the change in the water level of the sealing water. For example, the toilet system 1 obtains the shaking information of the sealing water based on the displacement of the edge of the upper surface of the sealing water (sealing water surface WS, etc.) in the bowl 8 and the boundary position of the upper surface of the bowl 8. The toilet system 1 senses the shaking information of the sealing water based on the displacement of the distance between the wave generated in the sealing water and the sensor in the vertical direction. The toilet system 1 obtains the shaking information of the sealing water by eliminating the change of the sealing water caused by the pre-cleaning treatment on the surface of the bowl 8. The toilet system 1 obtains the shaking information of the sealing water based on the state of the sealing water before the user uses the toilet. For example, the state of the sealing water is a specified water level, the boundary position of the edge of the upper surface of the sealing water (sealing water surface WS, etc.) in the bowl 8 and the surface of the bowl 8, etc.

[0290] The control unit 130 of the toilet system 1 controls the amount of washing water supplied to the bowl 8 based on the information of the shaking of the sealing water. The control unit 130 performs the following control: based on the information of the shaking of the sealing water obtained by the sensor, the information of the excrement including the information related to the urine discharged by the user is estimated, and the information of the excrement or the information obtained based on the information of the excrement is presented to the user. The sensor has a prescribed sensing range within the bowl 8 including at least the sealing water. The control unit 130 estimates the information of the excrement based on the output of the sensor corresponding to the bowl 8.

[0291] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments and modifications may be appropriately combined within the scope of not causing contradictions in the processing contents.

[0292] 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 concept of the invention defined by the attached claims and their equivalents.

[0293] The above-mentioned embodiments and modifications may be configured as follows, but are not limited to the following.

[0294] (1) A toilet system, characterized in that it comprises:

[0295] a sensor disposed above the sealing water accumulated in the bowl of the toilet and having a predetermined sensing range for acquiring information on the swaying of the sealing water accumulated in the bowl; and

[0296] A control unit controls the sensor.

[0297] The sensor performs sensing at multiple timings to obtain information about the shaking of the sealing water.

[0298] The control unit performs control to estimate information related to urine discharged by a user based on information on the shaking of the sealing water obtained by the sensor, and to present the information related to the urine or information obtained based on the information related to the urine to the user.

[0299] (2) The toilet system according to (1), characterized in that:

[0300] The sensor acquires information related to the stool discharged by the user.

[0301] The control unit performs control to estimate the information related to the urine based on the information of the shaking of the sealing water, based on the information related to the feces.

[0302] (3) The toilet system according to (1) or (2), characterized in that:

[0303] The control unit performs control to exclude information on the shaking of the sealing water assumed to be feces and to estimate the information related to the urine.

[0304] (4) The toilet system according to (2) or (3), characterized in that:

[0305] The control unit performs the following control: classifying the information on the shaking of the sealing water into multiple categories, including the information on the shaking of the sealing water of the first category as the shaking caused by feces, the information on the shaking of the sealing water of the second category as the shaking caused by urine, and the information on the shaking of the sealing water of the third category as the shaking caused by feces and urine, and inferring the information related to the urine discharged by the user based on the information on the shaking of the sealing water of the second category or the information on the shaking of the sealing water of the third category.

[0306] (5) The toilet system according to any one of (1) to (4), characterized in that:

[0307] The control unit performs the following control: based on the information of the shaking of the sealing water obtained by the sensor, the urine volume per unit time or the urination time of the user is estimated, and the urine volume per unit time or the urination time or the information obtained based on the urine volume per unit time or the urination time is presented to the user.

[0308] (6) The toilet system according to any one of (1) to (5), characterized in that:

[0309] The control unit performs the following control: based on the information of the shaking of the sealing water obtained by the sensor, the urine volume per unit time and the urination time of the user are estimated, and the total urine volume calculated based on the urine volume per unit time and the urination time or the information obtained based on the total urine volume is presented to the user.

[0310] (7) The toilet system according to any one of (1) to (6), characterized in that:

[0311] The information on the shaking of the sealing water is at least one of the following information: the time when the shaking of the sealing water occurs, the longitudinal width of the waves generated on the water surface of the sealing water, the interval between the waves generated on the water surface of the sealing water, the amount of foam generated on the water surface of the sealing water, the size of the area where the sealing water shakes, and the shape of the waves generated on the water surface of the sealing water.

[0312] The control unit performs the following control: storing a pattern of information related to the urine corresponding to a pre-stored pattern of shaking of the sealing water, and presenting to the user information related to the urine corresponding to the pattern of shaking of the sealing water that is the same as or similar to the information on the shaking of the sealing water obtained by the sensor, or information obtained based on the information related to the urine.

[0313] (8) The toilet system according to any one of (1) to (7), characterized in that:

[0314] The sensor acquires image data of the sealing water at multiple timings.

[0315] The control unit performs control to acquire information on the fluctuation of the seal water using image data of the seal water acquired by the sensor and image data acquired at a time before the image data.

[0316] (9) The toilet system according to (8), characterized in that:

[0317] The control unit performs control to measure data serving as a reference of the sealing water and to acquire information on fluctuation of the sealing water based on an amount of change relative to the data serving as the reference.

[0318] (10) The toilet system according to any one of (1) to (9), characterized in that:

[0319] The sensor is configured to include the front side of the center in the front-rear direction of the sealing water in the sensing range.

[0320] (11) A toilet seat device comprising:

[0321] The toilet system according to any one of (1) to (10); and

[0322] The toilet seat device body is provided for the toilet system to carry.

[0323] (12) A toilet device comprising:

[0324] The toilet system according to any one of (1) to (10); and

[0325] The toilet device body is provided for the toilet system to carry.

[0326] (13) The toilet system according to any one of (1) to (12), characterized in that:

[0327] The boundary between the sealing water surface as the sealing water surface and the surface of the bowl portion is detected based on the change state of the output of the sensor, and the information related to the urine is acquired.

[0328] (14) The toilet system according to (13), characterized in that:

[0329] The range in which the state change exceeds a predetermined value is defined as the water sealing surface, and the information related to the urine is acquired based on the change in the range.

[0330] (15) The toilet system according to any one of (1) to (14), characterized in that:

[0331] The information related to the urine is acquired based on the information of the shaking of the sealing water and the information of the change in the water level of the sealing water.

[0332] (16) The toilet system according to any one of (1) to (15), characterized in that:

[0333] Based on the displacement of the distance between the wave generated in the sealing water and the sensor in the vertical direction, the sloshing information of the sealing water is sensed.

[0334] (17) The toilet system according to any one of (1) to (16), characterized in that:

[0335] The shaking information of the sealing water is obtained by eliminating the change of the sealing water caused by the pre-cleaning process on the surface of the bowl.

[0336] (18) The toilet system according to any one of (1) to (17), characterized in that:

[0337] The shaking information of the sealing water is obtained based on the state of the sealing water before the user uses the toilet.

[0338] (19) The toilet system according to any one of (1) to (18), characterized in that:

[0339] The control unit controls the amount of washing water supplied to the bowl based on information on the swaying of the sealing water.

[0340] (20) A toilet system, characterized by comprising:

[0341] A sensor for acquiring information on the shaking of sealing water accumulated in the bowl of the toilet; and

[0342] A control unit controls the sensor.

[0343] The sensor performs sensing at multiple timings to obtain information about the shaking of the sealing water.

[0344] The control unit performs control to estimate excrement information including information related to urine discharged by a user based on information on the shaking of the sealing water obtained by the sensor, and present the excrement information or information obtained from the excrement information to the user.

[0345] (21) The toilet system according to (20), characterized in that:

[0346] The sensor has a prescribed sensing range within the basin including at least the sealing water,

[0347] The control unit estimates the information of the excrement based on the output of the sensor corresponding to the bowl portion.

[0348] Description of Reference Numerals

[0349] 1: toilet system; 2: toilet seat device; 32: human body sensing sensor; 33: seat sensing sensor; 34: shaking sensing sensor; 36: camera; 100: control device; 101: communication unit; 120: storage unit; 130: control unit; 131: acquisition unit; 132: measurement unit; 133: determination unit; 134: calculation unit; 135: output unit; R: toilet.

Claims

1. A toilet system, characterized in that: have: a sensor disposed above the sealing water accumulated in the bowl of the toilet and having a predetermined sensing range for acquiring information on the swaying of the sealing water accumulated in the bowl; and A control unit controls the sensor. The sensor performs sensing at multiple timings to obtain information about the shaking of the sealing water. The control unit performs control to estimate information related to urine discharged by a user based on information on the shaking of the sealing water obtained by the sensor, and to present the information related to the urine or information obtained based on the information related to the urine to the user.

2. The toilet system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sensor acquires information related to the stool discharged by the user. The control unit performs control to estimate the information related to the urine based on the information of the shaking of the sealing water, based on the information related to the feces.

3. The toilet system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The control unit performs control to exclude information on the shaking of the sealing water assumed to be feces and to estimate the information related to the urine.

4. The toilet system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The control unit performs the following control: classifying the information on the shaking of the sealing water into multiple categories, including the information on the shaking of the sealing water of the first category as the shaking caused by feces, the information on the shaking of the sealing water of the second category as the shaking caused by urine, and the information on the shaking of the sealing water of the third category as the shaking caused by feces and urine, and inferring the information related to the urine discharged by the user based on the information on the shaking of the sealing water of the second category or the information on the shaking of the sealing water of the third category.

5. The toilet system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit performs the following control: based on the information of the shaking of the sealing water obtained by the sensor, the urine volume per unit time or the urination time of the user is estimated, and the urine volume per unit time or the urination time or the information obtained based on the urine volume per unit time or the urination time is presented to the user.

6. The toilet system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit performs the following control: based on the information of the shaking of the sealing water obtained by the sensor, the urine volume per unit time and the urination time of the user are estimated, and the total urine volume calculated based on the urine volume per unit time and the urination time or the information obtained based on the total urine volume is presented to the user.

7. The toilet system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The information on the shaking of the sealing water is at least one of the following information: the time when the shaking of the sealing water occurs, the longitudinal width of the waves generated on the water surface of the sealing water, the interval between the waves generated on the water surface of the sealing water, the amount of foam generated on the water surface of the sealing water, the size of the area where the sealing water shakes, and the shape of the waves generated on the water surface of the sealing water. The control unit performs the following control: storing a pattern of information related to the urine corresponding to a pre-stored pattern of shaking of the sealing water, and presenting to the user information related to the urine corresponding to the pattern of shaking of the sealing water that is the same as or similar to the information on the shaking of the sealing water obtained by the sensor, or information obtained based on the information related to the urine.

8. The toilet system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sensor acquires image data of the sealing water at multiple timings. The control unit performs control to acquire information on the fluctuation of the seal water using image data of the seal water acquired by the sensor and image data acquired at a time before the image data.

9. The toilet system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The control unit performs control to measure data serving as a reference of the sealing water and to acquire information on fluctuation of the sealing water based on an amount of change relative to the data serving as the reference.

10. The toilet system according to claim 1, characterized in that The sensor is configured to include the front side of the center in the front-rear direction of the sealing water in the sensing range.

11. A toilet seat device, comprising: A toilet system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10; and The toilet seat device body is provided for the toilet system to carry.

12. A toilet device, comprising: A toilet system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10; and The toilet device body is provided for the toilet system to carry.

13. The toilet system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The boundary between the sealing water surface as the sealing water surface and the surface of the bowl portion is detected based on the change state of the output of the sensor, and the information related to the urine is acquired.

14. The toilet system according to claim 13, characterized in that The range in which the state change exceeds a predetermined value is defined as the water sealing surface, and the information related to the urine is acquired based on the change in the range.

15. The toilet system according to claim 1, characterized in that The information related to the urine is acquired based on the information of the shaking of the sealing water and the information of the change in the water level of the sealing water.

16. The toilet system according to claim 1, characterized in that Based on the displacement of the distance between the wave generated in the sealing water and the sensor in the vertical direction, the sloshing information of the sealing water is sensed.

17. The toilet system according to claim 1, characterized in that The shaking information of the sealing water is obtained by eliminating the change of the sealing water caused by the pre-cleaning process on the surface of the bowl.

18. The toilet system according to claim 1, characterized in that The shaking information of the sealing water is obtained based on the state of the sealing water before the user uses the toilet.

19. The toilet system according to claim 1, characterized in that The control unit controls the amount of washing water supplied to the bowl based on information on the swaying of the sealing water.

20. A toilet system, characterized in that: have: A sensor for acquiring information on the shaking of sealing water accumulated in the bowl of the toilet; and A control unit controls the sensor. The sensor performs sensing at multiple timings to obtain information about the shaking of the sealing water. The control unit performs control to estimate excrement information including information related to urine discharged by a user based on information on the shaking of the sealing water obtained by the sensor, and present the excrement information or information obtained from the excrement information to the user.

21. The toilet system according to claim 20, characterized in that The sensor has a prescribed sensing range within the basin including at least the sealing water, The control unit estimates the information of the excrement based on the output of the sensor corresponding to the bowl portion.

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