Toilet system

Abstract

The present invention is a toilet system comprising: a toilet seat having a seating surface on which a user is seated; a sensor that measures a physical quantity reflecting blood flow information of the user; a health index evaluation unit that evaluates a health index of the user on the basis of a measurement result of the sensor; and a health index output unit that outputs the health index of the user evaluated by the health index evaluation unit, the health index evaluation unit evaluating the health index of the user on the basis of a measurement result of the sensor for a time period in which a predetermined stable variation determination condition is satisfied.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a toilet system capable of providing health indicators of users. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-68396 (Patent Document 1) discloses a system that measures blood flow information of a toilet user sitting on a toilet seat, calculates and outputs health indicators based on the measurement results (for example, displays them on a display terminal).

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-68396 Summary of the Invention

[0004] As described above, a plurality of health indicators of a toilet user sitting on a toilet seat can be calculated (determined, diagnosed) based on the blood flow state of the user.

[0005] Specifically, a laser sensor that can measure the blood flow status in the skin on the back of the user's thigh based on the dynamic light scattering method is installed on the toilet seat, and the output signal of the laser sensor is subjected to Fourier transform, thereby calculating multiple health indicators such as pulse wave, blood flow, and heart rate.

[0006] Figure 6 This is an example of a laser sensor output signal. This signal is obtained by laser Doppler flowmetry and shows the oscillation of skin blood perfusion (peripheral blood flow).

[0007] Figure 7 It will Figure 6 The following is an example of a wavelet-transformed signal. Frequency region A (0.0095-0.021 Hz) shows neurogenic activity in the vascular endothelium, frequency region B (0.021-0.052 Hz) shows neurogenic activity in the vascular wall, frequency region C (0.052-0.145 Hz) shows neurogenic activity in vascular smooth muscle, frequency region D (0.145-0.6 Hz) shows respiratory activity, and frequency region E (0.6-2 Hz) shows cardiac activity.

[0008] Here, the blood flow measurement conditions required to calculate a health indicator with a certain degree of accuracy (reliability) vary for each health indicator. Specifically, there are health indicators that use the blood flow state after the user moves to the bathroom and sits on the toilet seat and stabilizes in a "resting state" as the appropriate measurement condition, or health indicators that use the blood flow state from the end of exercise to the state of rest before the user moves to the bathroom and sits on the toilet seat and stabilizes in a resting state as the appropriate measurement condition.

[0009] That is, if the health index is not calculated based on the blood flow state under appropriate measurement conditions, there is a possibility that a result that more accurately reflects the user's actual health index cannot be provided.

[0010] The present invention has been made based on the above findings and has an object to provide a toilet system that can provide evaluation results of a user's health index and can provide evaluation results that more accurately reflect the user's actual health index.

[0011] The present invention is a toilet system, characterized in that it comprises: a toilet seat having a seating surface for a user to sit on; a sensor that measures physical quantities reflecting blood flow information of the user; a health index evaluation unit that evaluates the health index of the user based on the measurement results of the sensor; and a health index output unit that outputs the health index of the user evaluated by the health index evaluation unit, wherein the health index evaluation unit evaluates the health index of the user based on the measurement results of the sensor for a time period that meets a specified stable change judgment condition.

[0012] According to the present invention, by setting appropriate "stable change judgment conditions" for the evaluation of change-reflecting health indicators (health indicators that are well reflected in measurement signals in a stable change state), reliable data can be obtained from normal actions performed in the toilet, such as sitting, and evaluation results that more accurately reflect the user's actual change-reflecting health indicators can be provided.

[0013] Preferably, the time period is a portion of a continuous sitting time of the user on the toilet seat.

[0014] Since the "state from the end of exercise to the reaching of a resting state" steadily progresses by continuing to sit on the toilet seat, it is appropriate to effectively use a part of this time period.

[0015] However, temporary (within a specified time) separation from the toilet seat due to the user's physical movement (e.g., resitting) may be permitted. In this case, the time period preferably excludes the time the user temporarily separated from the toilet seat, and includes the portion of the time period that combines the user's seated time before and after the separation time (i.e., the measurement data before and after the separation time are preferably combined).

[0016] Furthermore, for example, the stable fluctuation determination condition is a condition related to the degree of fluctuation of the stable fluctuation determination signal based on the sensor's measurement signal. This condition setting is effective because it is believed that the "state from the end of exercise to the attainment of a resting state" can be determined using a predetermined threshold value related to the degree of fluctuation of the stable fluctuation determination signal.

[0017] Furthermore, generally speaking, the stable change determination condition is a condition for determining the state before the stable change determination signal satisfies the predetermined stable change determination condition. It is assumed that if the user moves to the bathroom and sits on the toilet seat and stabilizes in a resting state, the stable change determination signal satisfies the predetermined stable change determination condition. Since the state "from the end of movement to the attainment of a resting state" is the state before the attainment of a resting state, this relationship is established in the time series.

[0018] Specifically, the stable change discrimination signal is, for example, a blood flow signal or a pulse wave signal. The inventors have verified that using these signals as stable change discrimination signals can provide evaluation results that more accurately reflect the change-reflecting health index.

[0019] Furthermore, in the present invention, the health index evaluation unit preferably evaluates the user's health index based on the sensor measurement results collected from the time period during which the stable change determination signal satisfies the predetermined stable change determination condition until a predetermined total time has elapsed, wherein the predetermined stable change determination condition is based on the stable change determination signal of the sensor's measurement signal temporarily entering a stable change state. In this case, measurement data from the continuous time period after the stable change state has temporarily been reached (i.e., for example, after the user's pulse wave temporarily enters a stable change state) until the predetermined total time has elapsed can be effectively used.

[0020] This allows the measurement data for the time period until the stable fluctuation determination signal enters a stable fluctuation state to be excluded from the evaluation target, thereby providing an evaluation result that more accurately reflects the user's actual fluctuation-reflecting health index.

[0021] Alternatively, in the present invention, the health index evaluation unit preferably evaluates the user's health index based on the sensor's measurement results collected for a predetermined total time period during which the stable change determination signal satisfies the predetermined stable change determination condition, wherein the predetermined stable change determination condition is based on the sensor's measurement signal maintaining a stable change state. In this case, measurement data for the period during which the stable change state is maintained is collected (or concatenated if discontinuous) until the predetermined total time period is reached for efficient use.

[0022] In this way, the measurement data of the time period from the initial entry of the stable change judgment signal into the stable change state can be excluded from the evaluation object. On this basis, the measurement data of the time period in which the stable change judgment signal again leaves the stable change state due to the "exertion" or other "body movements" of the user while using the toilet can also be excluded from the evaluation object. Therefore, an evaluation result that more accurately reflects the user's actual change-reflecting health indicator can be provided.

[0023] Alternatively, the present invention is a toilet system, characterized in that it comprises: a toilet seat having a seating surface for a user to sit on; a sensor that measures a physical quantity reflecting blood flow information of the user; a health index evaluation unit that evaluates the health index of the user based on the measurement results of the sensor; and a health index output unit that outputs the health index of the user evaluated by the health index evaluation unit, the health index evaluation unit evaluating the health index of the user based on the measurement results of the sensor during the period from the first specified time to the second specified time when the user sits on the toilet seat.

[0024] According to the present invention, by utilizing the fact that the user can be inferred to be in the "state from the end of exercise to the reaching of a resting state" because the sitting time is from the first prescribed time to the second prescribed time, the "first prescribed time" and "second prescribed time" that are appropriate for the evaluation of change-reflecting health indicators (health indicators that are well reflected in the measurement signals of a stable change state) are set, thereby providing evaluation results that more accurately reflect the user's actual change-reflecting health indicators.

[0025] Alternatively, the present invention is a toilet system, characterized in that it comprises: a toilet seat having a seating surface for a user to sit on; a sensor that measures a physical quantity reflecting blood flow information of the user; a health index evaluation unit that evaluates the health index of the user based on the measurement results of the sensor; and a health index output unit that outputs the health index of the user evaluated by the health index evaluation unit, the health index evaluation unit evaluating the health index of the user based on the measurement results of the sensor for a time period in which the user sits on the toilet seat from a first specified time to a second specified time and satisfies a specified stable change judgment condition.

[0026] According to the present invention, by setting the "first prescribed time", "second prescribed time" and "stable change judgment condition" appropriate for the evaluation of change-reflecting health indicators (health indicators that are well reflected in the measurement signals in a stable change state), it is possible to provide evaluation results that more accurately reflect the user's actual change-reflecting health indicators.

[0027] For example, instead of determining whether a user has entered a stable fluctuating state, the user can use the determination that the seating time has exceeded a first predetermined time. The measured data for the period of time during which the stable fluctuating state is maintained can be collected (or combined if discontinuous) until the predetermined total time is reached for effective use. Furthermore, instead of determining whether a user has exited a stable fluctuating state and entered a stable state, the user can use the determination that the seating time has exceeded a second predetermined time.

[0028] In addition, in the present invention, the methods in the patent protection category are also the protection objects of this application.

[0029] That is, one embodiment of the present invention involves a method for providing an evaluation result of a health index using a toilet system, the toilet system comprising: a toilet seat having a seating surface for a user to sit on; a sensor for measuring a physical quantity reflecting blood flow information of the user; a health index evaluation unit for evaluating the health index of the user based on the measurement result of the sensor; and a health index output unit for outputting the health index of the user evaluated by the health index evaluation unit. The method is characterized in that it comprises a step of evaluating the health index of the user based on the measurement result of the sensor for a time period that satisfies a prescribed stable change judgment condition.

[0030] In addition, in the present invention, the programs in the patent protection category are also the protection objects of this application.

[0031] That is, one embodiment of the present invention involves a program that provides evaluation results of health indicators using a toilet system, wherein the toilet system comprises: a toilet seat having a seating surface for a user to sit on; a sensor that measures physical quantities reflecting blood flow information of the user; a health indicator evaluation unit that evaluates the health indicator of the user based on the measurement results of the sensor; and a health indicator output unit that outputs the health indicator of the user evaluated by the health indicator evaluation unit. The program is characterized in that, by executing the program by a computer, the following process can be implemented, namely, evaluating the health indicator of the user based on the measurement results of the sensor for a time period that meets a specified stable change judgment condition.

[0032] Effects of the Invention

[0033] According to the present invention, in a toilet system capable of providing evaluation results of a user's health index, it is possible to provide evaluation results that more accurately reflect the user's actual health index. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of a toilet system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded oblique view of a toilet seat of a toilet system.

[0036] Figure 3 Yes Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of the main parts of a toilet system.

[0037] Figure 4 It roughly indicates Figure 1 Diagram of the structure of the laser sensor of the toilet system.

[0038] Figure 5 Is based on Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the calculation process of various health indicators based on the measurement results of the laser sensor.

[0039] Figure 6 This is an example of a graph showing a measurement signal of a laser sensor.

[0040] Figure 7 This is an example of a graph obtained by performing wavelet transformation on the measurement signal of a laser sensor.

[0041] Figure 8 This is an example of a graph showing the passage of time of a pulse wave signal.

[0042] Figure 9 Yes Figure 1Flowchart of the first operation example of the toilet system.

[0043] Figure 10 Yes Figure 1 Flowchart of the second operation example of the toilet system.

[0044] Figure 11 Yes Figure 1 Flowchart of the third action example of the toilet system.

[0045] Figure 12 Yes Figure 1 Flowchart of the 4th action example of the toilet system.

[0046] Figure 13 Yes Figure 1 Flowchart of the 5th action example of the toilet system.

[0047] Figure 14 Yes Figure 1 Flowchart of the 6th action example of the toilet system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] This embodiment targets various health indicators, such as the following: These indicators utilize blood flow measurement data from the time a user moves to the bathroom and sits on the toilet seat before settling into a resting state, resulting in calculation results with higher accuracy (reliability). Specifically, these indicators include "variation-reflecting health indicators."

[0049] It can be considered that whether the user's state is "the state from the end of exercise to the reaching of a resting state" corresponds to whether the measurement signal of the sensor itself as described later, or the stable change judgment signal obtained by processing the measurement signal of the sensor (such as a blood flow signal, a pulse wave signal) meets the specified stable change judgment conditions.

[0050] Physical fitness level is an indicator of cardiopulmonary capacity, and is known to be related to maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 Max) (the maximum amount of oxygen a person can take into the body per minute, which refers to the maximum amount of oxygen the body can consume per minute during exercise), but is also related to blood information signals and their changes (for example, related to the changing state of heart rate and / or blood flow). Therefore, the physical fitness level can be estimated and evaluated based on the signal intensity and its changes. The physical fitness level can be evaluated as a score value of 0 to 100, for example (a high value is related to a state that has a good effect due to training or exercise, etc., and a low value is related to a state of insufficient exercise, etc.).

[0051] Moreover, the inventors have discovered that when evaluating this type of health indicator (which is referred to as a "change-reflecting health indicator" in this specification because it is a health indicator that is well reflected in a measurement signal in a stable change state), the measurement signal of the sensor itself, or the measurement results of the time period in which the stable change judgment signal obtained by processing the measurement signal of the sensor meets the specified stable change judgment conditions, can be effectively used, thereby providing results that more accurately reflect the user's actual health indicators.

[0052] More specifically, the specified stable change judgment condition can be the condition that the measurement signal of the sensor itself, or the stable change judgment signal obtained by processing the measurement signal of the sensor temporarily becomes a stable change state (in this case, the measurement data of the continuous time period from temporarily becoming a stable change state to reaching the specified total time is effectively used).

[0053] Alternatively, the predetermined stable fluctuation determination condition may be a condition that the measurement signal of the sensor itself, or a stable fluctuation determination signal obtained by processing the measurement signal of the sensor, maintains a stable fluctuation state. (In this case, the measurement data of the time period in which the stable fluctuation state is maintained can be collected (or combined if discontinuous) until a predetermined total time is reached, and effectively used.)

[0054] Alternatively, the prescribed stable change judgment condition may be a condition in which the user's seating time on the toilet seat exceeds a prescribed seating time, and the measurement signal of the sensor itself, or a stable change judgment signal obtained by processing the measurement signal of the sensor, maintains a stable state (in this case, for example, after using the judgment of the prescribed seating time instead of the initial stable state, the measurement data of the time period in which the stable state is maintained can be collected (and joined if discontinuous) until the prescribed total time is reached, and effectively used).

[0055] (structure)

[0056] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of a toilet system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded oblique view of the toilet seat 20 of the toilet system 10, Figure 3 Yes Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of the main parts of the toilet system 10.

[0057] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, the toilet system 10 of this embodiment includes a toilet seat 20, a main body 12, and a toilet lid 14. The toilet seat 20 and the toilet lid 14 are axially supported relative to the main body 12 so as to be rotatable.

[0058] The toilet seat 20 is equipped with a laser sensor 40 as a sensor that measures physical quantities reflecting the user's blood flow information, and an electrostatic sensor 50 as a seating sensor. Furthermore, the toilet seat 20 is equipped with a health index calculation unit 60 (specifically, a microprocessor, for example) that calculates the user's health index based on the measurement results of the laser sensor 40.

[0059] The toilet seat 20 has an opening 20a. In this embodiment, an O-shaped opening 20a is formed in the center of the toilet seat 20. The opening of the toilet seat 20 is not limited to an O-shape and may also be a U-shape, etc. The outer edge of the toilet seat 20 is formed by curving along the outer shape of the toilet bowl 4. The toilet seat 20 is generally formed of an opaque resin material (e.g., polypropylene) and has a seating surface 21 for the user to sit on and a bottom surface 25 opposite the seating surface 21.

[0060] The seating surface 21 is the surface that faces upward when the toilet seat 20 is placed on the upper surface 4b of the toilet bowl 4 and is the surface on which the user sits. The bottom surface 25 is the surface that faces the upper surface 4b of the toilet bowl 4 when the toilet seat 20 is lowered. The toilet seat 20 is composed of a thick-walled portion 22 that is formed generally thick throughout. A thin-walled portion 23 that is thinner than the thick-walled portion 22 is partially formed at a position corresponding to the laser sensor 40.

[0061] like Figure 2 As shown, a heating wire 30 (an example of a heater) and a heat insulating material 32 are provided inside the toilet seat 20 to heat and maintain the seat surface 21. The heating wire 30 is controlled by a toilet seat heating unit 12b provided within the main body 12 and extends throughout the interior of the toilet seat 20 so as not to interfere with the laser sensor 40, the electrostatic sensor 50, and the health index calculation unit 60. The heat insulating material 32 is positioned below the heating wire 30, the laser sensor 40, the electrostatic sensor 50, and the health index calculation unit 60.

[0062] Thin-walled portion 23 is thick enough to transmit light emitted from laser sensor 40 and light reflected from a user sitting on seat surface 21. The thickness of thin-walled portion 23 is set based on the intensity of the light emitted and reflected from laser sensor 40, the durability of toilet seat 20, and other factors, and is, for example, approximately 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm.

[0063] In this specification, “above,” “below,” “front,” “rear,” “left,” and “right” respectively refer to directions viewed from the back by a user sitting on the toilet seat 20 with the toilet lid 14 opened.

[0064] like Figure 2 As shown, the thin-walled portion 23 is formed on the front left side relative to the center of the length of the opening 20a of the toilet seat 20 in the front-to-back direction, and is located on the front left side relative to the center of gravity of a user sitting on the toilet seat 20. Thus, the thin-walled portion 23 faces (contacts) the back side of the left thigh of a user sitting on the toilet seat 20.

[0065] The thin portion 23 is formed as small as possible within a range where the laser sensor 40 can detect blood flow information of a user sitting on the toilet seat 20 , for example, into a circle with a diameter of 12 mm or less (preferably 8 mm or less).

[0066] Laser sensor 40 is located inside toilet seat 20, on the back side of thin-walled portion 23. Laser sensor 40 is a reflective sensor that irradiates infrared light toward the back side of the user's left thigh and detects reflected light (scattered light that has undergone a Doppler shift due to red blood cells) that reflects light according to the blood flow in blood vessels beneath the skin. Figure 4 It is a diagram schematically showing the structure of the laser sensor 40 .

[0067] On the other hand, Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the electrostatic sensor 50 is formed on the front right side relative to the center of the length of the opening 20a of the toilet seat 20 in the front-to-back direction, and is located on the front right side relative to the center of gravity of a user sitting on the toilet seat 20. Thus, the electrostatic sensor 50, as an example of a seating sensor, can detect a sitting state when it faces (contacts) the back side of the right thigh of a user sitting on the toilet seat 20.

[0068] In this embodiment, the health index calculation unit 60 is located near the front end of the toilet seat 20 (relatively close to the laser sensor 40) and processes the output signal of the laser sensor 40 to convert it into a signal that is relatively resistant to noise. Specifically, the health index calculation unit 60 calculates the health index of the user sitting on the toilet seat 20 (specifically, pulse rate, pulse variability, blood flow, etc.) based on the measurement results of the laser sensor 40, and transmits a signal corresponding to the calculation result to the communication unit 75 via the control unit 70. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the calculation process of various health indicators based on the measurement results of the laser sensor 40. Figure 6 is an example of a graph showing a measurement signal of the laser sensor 40. Figure 7This is an example of a graph obtained by performing wavelet transformation on the measurement signal of the laser sensor 40 .

[0069] The control unit 70 and the communication unit 75 are disposed within the main body 12. The health index calculation unit 60 may be disposed within the main body 12 instead of within the toilet seat 20. When the health index calculation unit 60 is disposed within the main body 12, it may be disposed separately from the control unit 70 or may be integrally disposed as part of the control unit 70.

[0070] Furthermore, the health index calculation unit 60 and the control unit 70 may not be located in the main body 12 but may be provided (built) in an external device or an external network (eg, a cloud) that communicates via the communication unit 75 .

[0071] return Figure 1 The main body 12 is located behind the toilet bowl 4 and is attached to the upper surface 4b of the toilet bowl 4. The main body 12 houses an opening and closing unit 12a that controls the opening and closing of the toilet seat 20 and lid 14; a toilet seat heating unit 12b that controls the temperature of the toilet seat 20; a cleaning unit 12c that cleans the body's surroundings; and a deodorizing unit 12d that reduces odors. Each unit 12a-12d is centrally controlled by a control unit 70. The control unit 70 of this embodiment is also connected to the electrostatic sensor 50.

[0072] Furthermore, the control unit 70 of this embodiment is connected to a communication unit 75 (an example of a health index output unit) for outputting the user's health index calculated by the health index calculation unit 60. The communication unit 75 transmits the calculated user health index to, for example, a toilet remote control 80 or a user's portable terminal 85. Furthermore, a user sitting on the toilet seat 20 can check various health indicators (vital signs such as pulse rate) via the display unit 80a of the remote control 80 or the display unit 85a of the portable terminal 85.

[0073] Furthermore, the control unit 70 of the present embodiment functions as a seating determination unit and determines whether or not the user is seated on the seating surface 21 based on the measurement result of the electrostatic sensor 50 .

[0074] In addition, the control unit 70 of this embodiment functions as a signal stability change determination unit to determine the pulse wave signal (an example of a signal for stability change determination, see Figure 8 ) whether it temporarily becomes a stable changing state (i.e., whether the user's pulse wave temporarily becomes a stable changing state).

[0075] Specifically, for the period of time corresponding to one cycle from a certain minimum value to a maximum value and then to the next minimum value of the pulse wave signal, for example, the fluctuation thereof is within ±100% (the first fluctuation range) (for example, in a state where the signal-to-noise ratio (SN ratio) is large, such as immediately after sitting down (see Figure 6 ), and the possibility that this condition is not satisfied is extremely high), and when the amplitude equivalent to one cycle from a certain minimum value of the pulse wave signal to a maximum value and then to the next minimum value converges to within ±20% (for example, in a state where the signal-to-noise ratio (SN ratio) is large, such as just after sitting down, there is also a high possibility that this condition is not satisfied), the control unit 70 of this embodiment determines that it has temporarily entered a stable variation state.

[0076] Furthermore, after determining that the pulse wave signal has temporarily entered a stable fluctuation state, the control unit 70 of this embodiment functions as a signal stable fluctuation maintenance determination unit to determine whether the pulse wave signal maintains such a stable fluctuation state.

[0077] Specifically, if, for example, the fluctuation in the pulse wave signal over a period of time corresponding to one cycle from a certain minimum value to a certain maximum value and then to the next minimum value exceeds ±100% again, the control unit 70 of this embodiment determines that the maintenance of the stable fluctuating state has been interrupted (the state has become unstable again). Furthermore, if, for example, the fluctuation converges to within ±10% (the second fluctuation range), the control unit 70 of this embodiment determines that the maintenance of the stable fluctuating state has been interrupted (the state has become a "stable state" with substantially no fluctuation, that is, the predetermined stability determination condition has been satisfied). On the other hand, if, for example, the fluctuation in the amplitude over a period of time corresponding to one cycle from a certain minimum value to a certain maximum value and then to the next minimum value exceeds ±20% again, the control unit 70 of this embodiment determines that the maintenance of the stable fluctuating state has been interrupted (the state has become unstable again).

[0078] Here, from the time the user sits down on the seating surface until the stable state is reached, the fluctuation of the pulse wave signal from a certain minimum value to a maximum value and then to the next minimum value decreases by a period of time equivalent to one cycle. Therefore, it can be said that the control unit 70 determines that the state of the second fluctuation range, which is smaller than the first fluctuation range, is a stable fluctuation state.

[0079] The toilet system 10 of this embodiment includes a timer 95 that works in conjunction with the control unit 70 to measure the time (or, if discontinuous, the duration of each time period) during which the pulse wave signal maintains a stable fluctuation state.

[0080] The amount of the output signal of the laser sensor 40 required to calculate a health index with a certain degree of accuracy (reliability), that is, the measurement time taken by the laser sensor 40 , differs for each health index.

[0081] The toilet system 10 of this embodiment is based on the following design concept, that is, for each "change-reflecting health indicator" for which process monitoring (surveillance) is desired, for example, when a stable change output waveform signal equivalent to a measurement time of 30 seconds (or more) is obtained, a calculated value with a certain degree of accuracy (reliability) can be obtained.

[0082] That is, the control unit 70 of this embodiment determines whether the duration (the accumulated time if there is an interruption time in the middle) during which the pulse wave signal maintains a stable changing state is, for example, 30 seconds (an example of a "prescribed total time": a time between 30 seconds and 120 seconds, preferably a time between 30 seconds and 60 seconds, and more preferably 45 seconds) based on the measurement results of the electrostatic sensor 50 and the measurement results of the timer 95.

[0083] Furthermore, the timer 95 of this embodiment can be linked to the electrostatic sensor 50 to measure the duration of the unseated state when the person sits down once and then leaves the seat.

[0084] Furthermore, in the first operation example described later, the control unit 70 controls the

[0085] (0) If the user leaves the seat before the pulse wave signal of the user reaches a stable fluctuation state, the communication unit 75 (health index output unit) stops outputting the "fluctuation-reflecting health index".

[0086] (1) After the user's pulse wave signal temporarily reaches a stable fluctuation state, if the pulse wave signal maintains a stable fluctuation state for a duration of, for example, 30 seconds (an example of a "predetermined total time") or longer, the communication unit 75 (health index output unit) outputs a "variation-reflecting health index" calculated based on the measurement data for the 30 seconds.

[0087] (2) After the user's pulse wave signal temporarily reaches a stable changing state, if the user leaves his seat before the pulse wave signal maintains the stable changing state for a duration of, for example, 30 seconds (an example of the "prescribed total time"), the communication unit 75 (health indicator output unit) stops outputting the "change-reflecting health indicator".

[0088] Furthermore, in a second operation example described later, the control unit 70, based on the above-mentioned determination result,

[0089] (3) After the pulse wave signal of the user temporarily reaches a stable changing state, if the user temporarily (for example, less than 15 seconds) leaves the seat and sits down again before the pulse wave signal maintains the stable changing state for a duration of, for example, 30 seconds (an example of the "prescribed total time"), the measurement data of the time period during which the user temporarily left the seat are excluded. If the cumulative sitting time since the pulse wave signal became in a stable changing state exceeds, for example, 30 seconds (an example of the "prescribed total time"), the communication unit 75 (health index output unit) outputs a "change-reflecting health index" calculated based on the measurement data for the 30 seconds.

[0090] Furthermore, in a third operation example described later, the control unit 70, based on the above-mentioned determination result,

[0091] (4) After the user's pulse wave signal temporarily reaches a stable changing state, if the pulse wave signal temporarily becomes unstable before the duration of the pulse wave signal maintaining the stable changing state reaches, for example, 30 seconds (an example of the "prescribed total time"), the measurement data of the time period during which the pulse wave signal temporarily becomes unstable are excluded. When the cumulative time for the pulse wave signal to be in a stable changing state exceeds, for example, 30 seconds (an example of the "prescribed total time"), the communication unit 75 (health index output unit) outputs a "change-reflecting health index" calculated based on the measurement data for the 30 seconds.

[0092] Furthermore, for the fourth to sixth action examples described later, the control unit 70 of this embodiment acts as a stable change estimation unit, and determines, based on the measurement results of the timer 95, whether a stable change start estimation time (for example, set to 10 seconds after the person is seated) has passed, in which the pulse wave signal is estimated to have temporarily entered a stable change state.

[0093] Furthermore, in the fourth operation example described later, the control unit 70 controls the

[0094] (0') If it is determined that the user has left the seat before the stable fluctuation start estimation time has passed after the user sat down, the communication unit 75 (health index output unit) stops outputting the "fluctuation-reflecting health index";

[0095] (1') When it is determined that the pulse wave signal maintains a stable fluctuation state for a duration of, for example, 30 seconds (an example of the "predetermined total time") or longer after the user has sat down and the estimated stable fluctuation start time has elapsed, the communication unit 75 (health index output unit) is caused to output a "variation-reflecting health index" calculated based on the measurement data for the 30 seconds.

[0096] (2') When it is determined that the user has sat down and the estimated time for the start of stable change has passed, if the pulse wave signal maintains a stable change state for a duration of, for example, 30 seconds (an example of the "prescribed total time") before the user leaves the seat, the communication unit 75 (health indicator output unit) stops outputting the "change-reflecting health indicator".

[0097] Furthermore, in a fifth operation example described later, the control unit 70 performs the following operation based on the above-mentioned determination result:

[0098] (3') After the pulse wave signal of the user temporarily reaches a stable changing state, if the user temporarily leaves his seat (for example, for less than 15 seconds) and sits down again before the duration of the pulse wave signal maintaining the stable changing state reaches, for example, 30 seconds (an example of the "prescribed total time"), the measurement data of the time period of temporary leaving the seat are excluded. If the cumulative sitting time since the pulse wave signal became in a stable changing state exceeds, for example, 30 seconds (an example of the "prescribed total time"), the communication unit 75 (health index output unit) outputs a "change-reflecting health index" calculated based on the measurement data of the 30 seconds.

[0099] Furthermore, in a sixth operation example described later, the control unit 70 performs the following operation based on the above-mentioned determination result:

[0100] (4') When it is determined that the user has sat down and the estimated time for the start of stable change has passed, if the pulse wave signal temporarily becomes unstable before the duration of the stable change state reaches, for example, 30 seconds (an example of the "prescribed total time"), the measurement data of the time period in which the pulse wave signal temporarily becomes unstable are excluded. When the cumulative time for the pulse wave signal to be in a stable change state exceeds, for example, 30 seconds (an example of the "prescribed total time"), the communication unit 75 (health index output unit) outputs a "change-reflecting health index" calculated based on the measurement data for the 30 seconds.

[0101] In addition, in the first to sixth action examples, although based on the maintenance time of the stable change state, it can also be constructed to, for example, output a "change-reflecting health indicator" calculated based on measurement data of the stable change state maintained for a specified time (for example, 30 seconds) from the moment when the stable change state was interrupted and became a stable state.

[0102] In this embodiment, the calculated and output user's "change-reflecting health index" is sent to the bathroom remote control 80 or the user's portable terminal 85. Thus, the user sitting on the toilet seat 20 can check the "change-reflecting health index" on the display unit 80a of the remote control 80 or the display unit 85a of the portable terminal 85.

[0103] Here, in this embodiment, the comparison result between the “change-reflecting health index” newly evaluated by the health index calculation unit 60 (an example of a health index evaluation unit) and the “change-reflecting health index” evaluated in the past can be output.

[0104] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the comparison result between the "fluctuation-reflecting health index" most recently evaluated by the health index calculation unit 60 (an example of a health index evaluation unit) and a predetermined threshold value can be output. Specifically, the "fluctuation-reflecting health index" can be evaluated as a score value from 0 to 100.

[0105] (Action Example 1: Function)

[0106] Regarding the toilet system 10 of this embodiment, use Figure 9 The first operation example is described. Figure 9 The control unit 70 first determines whether the user is sitting on the seating surface 21 (STEP 11). If it is determined that the user has not sat on the seating surface 21 (STEP 11: NO), the determination process is repeated.

[0107] If it is determined that the user is sitting on the seating surface 21 (YES in STEP 11), the control unit 70 starts to identify the pulse wave signal (see Figure 8 ) temporarily becomes a stable fluctuation state (STEP 12). In order to assist in this determination, the health index calculation unit 60 generates (calculates) the user's pulse wave signal based on the measurement result of the laser sensor 40.

[0108] Before the user's pulse wave signal reaches a stable changing state (STEP12 is NO), the electrostatic sensor 50 detects that the user has left his seat (STEP01 is YES), and measures the duration of the seat-leaving state. If the duration of the seat-leaving state exceeds the specified time (for example, less than 15 seconds) (STEP02 is YES), the control unit 70 causes the communication unit 75 (health indicator output unit) to stop outputting the evaluation results of the "change-reflecting health indicator" (STEP03).

[0109] Before the user's pulse wave signal reaches a stable fluctuation state (STEP 12 is NO), the electrostatic sensor 50 does not detect that the user has left the seat (STEP 01 is NO), and the process waits for the user's pulse wave signal to reach a stable fluctuation state (return to STEP 12).

[0110] Even if the electrostatic sensor 50 detects that the user has left the seat (STEP01 is YES), if the user is detected to be sitting down again (STEP02 is NO) before the vacant state lasts for more than a specified time (for example, less than 15 seconds), the user's pulse wave signal will be waited for to reach a stable changing state (return to STEP12).

[0111] After the user's pulse wave signal temporarily reaches a stable fluctuation state (STEP 12: YES), timer 95 begins measuring elapsed time (STEP 13). Then, when, for example, 30 seconds (required time: the "predetermined total time" in the first operation example) have elapsed (STEP 14: YES), communication unit 75 (health index output unit) outputs the evaluation result of the "fluctuation-reflecting health index" calculated based on the measurement data for this 30 seconds (STEP 15).

[0112] After the pulse wave signal temporarily reaches a stable changing state but before 30 seconds (the required time) has passed (STEP14 is NO), if the electrostatic sensor 50 detects that the user has left his seat (STEP21 is YES), the duration of the seat-leaving state is measured. If the duration of the seat-leaving state exceeds the specified time (for example, less than 15 seconds (however, it may also be a value different from the specified time in STEP02)) (STEP22 is YES), the control unit 70 causes the communication unit 75 (health indicator output unit) to stop outputting the evaluation results of the "change-reflecting health indicator" (STEP23).

[0113] After the pulse wave signal temporarily reaches a stable changing state and before 30 seconds (required time) have passed (STEP14 is NO), and the electrostatic sensor 50 does not detect that the user has left the seat (STEP21 is NO), wait for 30 seconds (required time) to pass (return to STEP14).

[0114] Even if the electrostatic sensor 50 detects that the user has left the seat (STEP21 is YES), if the user is seated again (STEP22 is NO) before the vacant state lasts for more than a specified time (for example, less than 15 seconds), the process waits for 30 seconds (required time) (returns to STEP14).

[0115] (Action Example 1: Effect)

[0116] According to the first action example shown above, since the measurement data of the time period until the pulse wave signal (an example of a signal for determining stable changes) enters a stable change state can be excluded from the evaluation object, reliable data can be obtained from normal actions performed in the toilet, such as sitting down, and evaluation results that more accurately reflect the user's actual health indicators can be provided.

[0117] (Action Example 2: Function)

[0118] Regarding the toilet system 10 of this embodiment, use Figure 10 The second operation example is described. Figure 10 The control unit 70 first determines whether the user is sitting on the seating surface 21 (STEP 11). If it is determined that the user has not sat on the seating surface 21 (STEP 11: NO), the determination process is repeated.

[0119] If it is determined that the user is sitting on the seating surface 21 (YES in STEP 11), the control unit 70 starts to identify the pulse wave signal (see Figure 8 ) temporarily becomes a stable fluctuation state (STEP 12). In order to assist in this determination, the health index calculation unit 60 generates (calculates) the user's pulse wave signal based on the measurement results of the laser sensor 40.

[0120] Before the user's pulse wave signal reaches a stable changing state (STEP12 is NO), the electrostatic sensor 50 detects that the user has left his seat (STEP01 is YES), and measures the duration of the seat-leaving state. If the duration of the seat-leaving state exceeds the specified time (for example, less than 15 seconds) (STEP02 is YES), the control unit 70 causes the communication unit 75 (health indicator output unit) to stop outputting the evaluation results of the "change-reflecting health indicator" (STEP03).

[0121] Before the user's pulse wave signal reaches a stable fluctuation state (STEP 12 is NO) and the electrostatic sensor 50 does not detect that the user has left the seat (STEP 01 is NO), wait for the user's pulse wave signal to reach a stable fluctuation state (return to STEP 12).

[0122] Even if the electrostatic sensor 50 detects that the user has left the seat (STEP01 is YES), if the user is detected to be sitting down again (STEP02 is NO) before the vacant state lasts for more than a specified time (for example, less than 15 seconds), the user's pulse wave signal will be waited for to reach a stable changing state (return to STEP12).

[0123] After the user's pulse wave signal temporarily reaches a stable fluctuation state (STEP 12: YES), timer 95 begins measuring elapsed time (STEP 13). When a required time of, for example, 30 seconds ("predetermined total time" - "accumulated time," as described later) has initially elapsed (STEP 14: YES), communication unit 75 (health index output unit) outputs the evaluation result of the "fluctuation-reflecting health index" calculated based on the 30 seconds of measurement data (STEP 15).

[0124] When the electrostatic sensor 50 detects that the user has left the seat (STEP21 is YES) before the required time (initially, for example, 30 seconds) has passed after the pulse wave signal temporarily reaches a stable changing state (STEP14 is NO), the timer 95 stops measuring the elapsed time (STEP24), and the time measured by the timer 95 so far (the time during which the stable changing state of the pulse wave signal continues) is added to the "accumulated time" (initially, 0 seconds) (STEP25).

[0125] On the other hand, the duration of the out-of-seat state is measured. If the duration of the out-of-seat state exceeds the specified time (for example, less than 15 seconds (however, it can also be a value different from the specified time in STEP02)) (STEP22 is YES), the control unit 70 causes the communication unit 75 (health indicator output unit) to stop outputting the evaluation results of the "change-reflecting health indicator" (STEP23).

[0126] After the pulse wave signal temporarily reaches a stable changing state and before the required time (initially, for example, 30 seconds) has passed (STEP14 is NO), and the electrostatic sensor 50 does not detect that the user has left the seat (STEP21 is NO), wait for the required time (initially, for example, 30 seconds) to pass (return to STEP14).

[0127] Even if the electrostatic sensor 50 detects that the user has left the seat (STEP21 is YES), if the user is detected to be sitting down again (STEP22 is NO) before the vacant state lasts for more than the specified time (for example, less than 15 seconds), the cumulative time calculated (updated) by STEP25 is subtracted from the time required so far (for example, initially 30 seconds) to obtain a new required time (STEP26), and on this basis, the elapsed time is measured again by the timer 95 (return to STEP13).

[0128] (Action Example 2: Effect)

[0129] According to the second action example shown above, the measurement data of the time period until the pulse wave signal (an example of a signal for determining stable changes) first becomes a stable changing state can be excluded from the evaluation object. On this basis, the measurement data of the time period such as when the user temporarily leaves the seat due to the "body movement" of the user while using the toilet can also be excluded from the evaluation object, thereby providing an evaluation result that more accurately reflects the user's actual health indicators.

[0130] (Action Example 3: Function)

[0131] Regarding the toilet system 10 of this embodiment, use Figure 11 The third operation example is described. Figure 11The control unit 70 first determines whether the user is sitting on the seating surface 21 (STEP 11). If it is determined that the user has not sat on the seating surface 21 (STEP 11: NO), the determination process is repeated.

[0132] If it is determined that the user is sitting on the seating surface 21 (YES in STEP 11), the control unit 70 starts to identify the pulse wave signal (see Figure 8 ) temporarily becomes a stable fluctuation state (STEP 12). In order to assist in this determination, the health index calculation unit 60 generates (calculates) the user's pulse wave signal based on the measurement results of the laser sensor 40.

[0133] Before the user's pulse wave signal reaches a stable changing state (STEP12 is NO), the electrostatic sensor 50 detects that the user has left his seat (STEP01 is YES), and measures the duration of the seat-leaving state. If the duration of the seat-leaving state exceeds the specified time (for example, less than 15 seconds) (STEP02 is YES), the control unit 70 causes the communication unit 75 (health indicator output unit) to stop outputting the evaluation results of the "change-reflecting health indicator" (STEP03).

[0134] Before the user's pulse wave signal reaches a stable fluctuation state (STEP 12 is NO), the electrostatic sensor 50 does not detect that the user has left the seat (STEP 01 is NO), and the process waits for the user's pulse wave signal to reach a stable fluctuation state (return to STEP 12).

[0135] Even if the electrostatic sensor 50 detects that the user has left the seat (STEP01 is YES), if the user is detected to be sitting down again (STEP02 is NO) before the vacant state lasts for more than a specified time (for example, less than 15 seconds), the user's pulse wave signal will be waited for to reach a stable changing state (return to STEP12).

[0136] After the user's pulse wave signal temporarily reaches a stable fluctuation state (STEP 12: YES), timer 95 begins measuring elapsed time (STEP 13). When a required time of, for example, 30 seconds ("predetermined total time" - "accumulated time," as described later) has initially elapsed (STEP 14: YES), communication unit 75 (health index output unit) outputs the evaluation result of the "fluctuation-reflecting health index" calculated based on the 30 seconds of measurement data (STEP 15).

[0137] When the electrostatic sensor 50 detects that the user has left the seat (STEP21 is YES) before the required time (initially, for example, 30 seconds) has passed after the pulse wave signal temporarily reaches a stable changing state (STEP14 is NO), the timer 95 stops measuring the elapsed time (STEP24), and the time measured by the timer 95 so far (the time during which the stable changing state of the pulse wave signal continues) is added to the "accumulated time" (initially, 0 seconds) (STEP25).

[0138] On the other hand, the duration of the out-of-seat state is measured. If the duration of the out-of-seat state exceeds the specified time (for example, less than 15 seconds (however, it can also be a value different from the specified time in STEP02)) (STEP22 is YES), the control unit 70 causes the communication unit 75 (health indicator output unit) to stop outputting the evaluation results of the "change-reflecting health indicator" (STEP23).

[0139] Even if the electrostatic sensor 50 detects that the user has left the seat (STEP21 is YES), if the user is detected to be sitting down again (STEP22 is NO) before the vacant state lasts for more than the specified time (for example, less than 15 seconds), the cumulative time calculated (updated) by STEP25 is subtracted from the time required so far (for example, initially 30 seconds) to obtain a new required time (STEP26), and on this basis, the elapsed time is measured again by the timer 95 (return to STEP13).

[0140] After the pulse wave signal temporarily reaches a stable changing state and before the required time (for example, initially 30 seconds) has passed (STEP 14 is NO), the electrostatic sensor 50 does not detect that the user has left the seat (STEP 21 is NO), and the pulse wave signal maintains a stable changing state (STEP 31 is NO), wait for the required time (for example, initially 30 seconds) to pass (return to STEP 14).

[0141] If the pulse wave signal temporarily becomes unstable (STEP31 is YES) before the required time (initially, for example, 30 seconds) has passed after the pulse wave signal temporarily reaches a stable changing state (STEP14 is NO), and the electrostatic sensor 50 does not detect that the user has left the seat (STEP21 is NO), the timer 95 stops measuring the elapsed time (STEP32), and the time measured by the timer 95 so far (the duration of the stable changing state of the pulse wave signal) is added to the "accumulated time" (initially 0 seconds) (STEP33). The accumulated time calculated (updated) in STEP33 is subtracted from the required time so far (initially, for example, 30 seconds) to obtain a new required time (STEP34), and the user waits for the pulse wave signal to reach a stable changing state again (return to STEP12).

[0142] (Action Example 3: Effect)

[0143] According to the third action example shown above, the measurement data of the time period from the initial entry of the pulse wave signal (an example of a signal for determining stable changes) into the stable change state can be excluded from the evaluation object. On this basis, the measurement data of the time period in which the pulse wave signal (an example of a signal for determining stable changes) deviates from the stable change state due to, for example, "exertion" or other "body movements" of the user while using the toilet can also be excluded from the evaluation object. Therefore, an evaluation result that more accurately reflects the user's actual health indicators can be provided.

[0144] (Action Example 4: Function)

[0145] Regarding the toilet system 10 of this embodiment, use Figure 12 The fourth operation example is described. Figure 12 The control unit 70 first determines whether the user is sitting on the seating surface 21 (STEP 11). If it is determined that the user has not sat on the seating surface 21 (STEP 11: NO), the determination process is repeated.

[0146] If it is determined that the user is sitting on the seating surface 21 (YES in STEP 11), the control unit 70 starts to process the pulse wave signal (see Figure 8 ) is estimated and determined (STEPs 41 to 43). Specifically, timer 95 begins measuring elapsed time (STEP 41) to determine whether a stable fluctuation start estimation time (e.g., set to 10 seconds after seating) has elapsed, at which the pulse wave signal is estimated to have temporarily entered a stable fluctuation state.

[0147] Before the estimated time for the start of stable changes has passed (STEP42 is NO), when the electrostatic sensor 50 detects that the user has left the seat (STEP01 is YES), the duration of the seat-leaving state is measured. If the duration of the seat-leaving state exceeds the specified time (for example, less than 15 seconds) (STEP02 is YES), the control unit 70 causes the communication unit 75 (health indicator output unit) to stop outputting the evaluation results of the "change-reflecting health indicator" (STEP03).

[0148] Before the stable change start estimation time has elapsed (NO in STEP 42 ), the electrostatic sensor 50 has not detected the user leaving the seat (NO in STEP 01 ), and the process waits for the stable change start estimation time to elapse (returning to STEP 42 ).

[0149] Even if the electrostatic sensor 50 detects that the user has left the seat (STEP01 is YES), if the user is seated again (STEP02 is NO) before the vacant state lasts for more than a specified time (for example, less than 15 seconds), the estimation time starts after a stable change (return to STEP42).

[0150] After the estimated time for the start of stable fluctuation has elapsed (STEP 42: YES), timer 95 is temporarily stopped (STEP 43), and elapsed time measurement by timer 95 is restarted (STEP 13). Furthermore, when the required time of, for example, 30 seconds ("predetermined total time" - "accumulated time" as described later) has initially elapsed (STEP 14: YES), communication unit 75 (health index output unit) is caused to output the evaluation result of the "fluctuation-reflecting health index" calculated based on the measurement data for this 30 seconds (STEP 15).

[0151] Before 30 seconds (required time) has passed after the estimated time for the start of stable changes (STEP14 is NO), when the electrostatic sensor 50 detects that the user has left the seat (STEP21 is YES), the duration of the seat-leaving state is measured. If the duration of the seat-leaving state exceeds the specified time (for example, less than 15 seconds (however, it can also be a value different from the specified time in STEP02)) (STEP22 is YES), the control unit 70 causes the communication unit 75 (health indicator output unit) to stop outputting the evaluation results of the "change-reflecting health indicator" (STEP23).

[0152] After the stable fluctuation start estimated time has elapsed and before 30 seconds (required time) has passed (NO in STEP 14), the electrostatic sensor 50 does not detect that the user has left the seat (NO in STEP 21), and the process waits for 30 seconds (required time) to pass (return to STEP 14).

[0153] Even if the electrostatic sensor 50 detects that the user has left the seat (STEP21 is YES), if the user is seated again (STEP22 is NO) before the vacant state lasts for more than a specified time (for example, less than 15 seconds), the process waits for 30 seconds (required time) (returns to STEP14).

[0154] (Action Example 4: Effect)

[0155] According to the fourth action example shown above, the measurement data of the time period from when the pulse wave signal (an example of a signal for determining stable changes) becomes a stable changing state can be excluded from the evaluation object, thereby providing an evaluation result that more accurately reflects the user's actual health indicators.

[0156] Furthermore, according to the fourth operation example described above, the determination of the passage of a predetermined sitting time is used instead of the determination of the pulse wave signal first entering a stable fluctuation state. This simplifies the signal state determination processing flow (procedure).

[0157] (Example 5: Function)

[0158] Regarding the toilet system 10 of this embodiment, use Figure 13 The fifth operation example is described. Figure 13 The control unit 70 first determines whether the user is sitting on the seating surface 21 (STEP 11). If it is determined that the user has not sat on the seating surface 21 (STEP 11: NO), the determination process is repeated.

[0159] If it is determined that the user is sitting on the seating surface 21 (YES in STEP 11), the control unit 70 starts to process the pulse wave signal (see Figure 8 ) is estimated and determined (STEPs 41 to 43). Specifically, timer 95 begins measuring elapsed time (STEP 41) to determine whether a stable fluctuation start estimation time (e.g., set to 10 seconds after seating) has elapsed, at which the pulse wave signal is estimated to have temporarily entered a stable fluctuation state.

[0160] Before the estimated time for the start of stable changes has passed (STEP42 is NO), when the electrostatic sensor 50 detects that the user has left the seat (STEP01 is YES), the duration of the seat-leaving state is measured. If the duration of the seat-leaving state exceeds the specified time (for example, less than 15 seconds) (STEP02 is YES), the control unit 70 causes the communication unit 75 (health indicator output unit) to stop outputting the evaluation results of the "change-reflecting health indicator" (STEP03).

[0161] Before the stable change start estimation time has elapsed (NO in STEP 42 ), the electrostatic sensor 50 has not detected the user leaving the seat (NO in STEP 01 ), and the process waits for the stable change start estimation time to elapse (returning to STEP 42 ).

[0162] Even if the electrostatic sensor 50 detects that the user has left the seat (STEP01 is YES), if the user is seated again (STEP02 is NO) before the vacant state lasts for more than a specified time (for example, less than 15 seconds), the estimation time starts after a stable change (return to STEP42).

[0163] After the estimated time for the start of stable fluctuation has elapsed (STEP 42: YES), timer 95 is temporarily stopped (STEP 43), and elapsed time measurement by timer 95 is restarted (STEP 13). Furthermore, when the required time of, for example, 30 seconds ("predetermined total time" - "accumulated time" as described later) has initially elapsed (STEP 14: YES), communication unit 75 (health index output unit) is caused to output the evaluation result of the "fluctuation-reflecting health index" calculated based on the measurement data for this 30 seconds (STEP 15).

[0164] If the electrostatic sensor 50 detects that the user has left the seat (STEP21 is YES) before the required time (initially, for example, 30 seconds) has passed after the estimated time for the start of stable change (STEP 14 is NO), the timer 95 stops measuring the elapsed time (STEP 24), and the time measured by the timer 95 so far (the time during which the stable change state of the pulse wave signal continues) is added to the "accumulated time" (initially 0 seconds) (STEP 25).

[0165] On the other hand, the duration of the out-of-seat state is measured. If the duration of the out-of-seat state exceeds the specified time (for example, less than 15 seconds (however, it can also be a value different from the specified time in STEP02)) (STEP22 is YES), the control unit 70 causes the communication unit 75 (health indicator output unit) to stop outputting the evaluation results of the "change-reflecting health indicator" (STEP23).

[0166] After the estimated time for the start of stable change has passed and before the required time (for example, 30 seconds initially) has passed (STEP14 is NO), the electrostatic sensor 50 does not detect that the user has left the seat (STEP21 is NO), and waits for the required time (for example, 30 seconds initially) to pass (return to STEP14).

[0167] Even if the electrostatic sensor 50 detects that the user has left the seat (STEP21 is YES), if the user is detected to be sitting down again (STEP22 is NO) before the vacant state lasts for more than the specified time (for example, less than 15 seconds), the cumulative time calculated (updated) by STEP25 is subtracted from the time required so far (for example, initially 30 seconds) to obtain a new required time (STEP26), and on this basis, the elapsed time is measured again by the timer 95 (return to STEP13).

[0168] (5th action example: effect)

[0169] According to the fifth action example shown above, it is also possible to exclude from the evaluation object the measurement data of the time period until the pulse wave signal (an example of a signal for determining stable changes) initially becomes a stable changing state. On this basis, it is also possible to exclude from the evaluation object the measurement data of the time period such as when the user temporarily leaves the seat due to "body movement" of the user while using the toilet, thereby providing an evaluation result that more accurately reflects the user's actual health indicators.

[0170] Furthermore, according to the fourth operation example described above, the determination of the passage of a predetermined sitting time is used instead of the determination of the pulse wave signal first entering a stable fluctuation state. This simplifies the signal state determination processing flow (procedure).

[0171] (Action Example 6: Function)

[0172] Regarding the toilet system 10 of this embodiment, use Figure 14 The sixth operation example is described. Figure 14 The control unit 70 first determines whether the user is sitting on the seating surface 21 (STEP 11). If it is determined that the user has not sat on the seating surface 21 (STEP 11: NO), the determination process is repeated.

[0173] If it is determined that the user is sitting on the seating surface 21 (YES in STEP 11), the control unit 70 starts to process the pulse wave signal (see Figure 8 ) is estimated and determined (STEPs 41 to 43). Specifically, timer 95 begins measuring elapsed time (STEP 41) to determine whether a stable fluctuation start estimation time (e.g., set to 10 seconds after seating) has elapsed, at which the pulse wave signal is estimated to have temporarily entered a stable fluctuation state.

[0174] Before the estimated time for the start of stable changes has passed (STEP42 is NO), when the electrostatic sensor 50 detects that the user has left the seat (STEP01 is YES), the duration of the seat-leaving state is measured. If the duration of the seat-leaving state exceeds the specified time (for example, less than 15 seconds) (STEP02 is YES), the control unit 70 causes the communication unit 75 (health indicator output unit) to stop outputting the evaluation results of the "change-reflecting health indicator" (STEP03).

[0175] Before the stable change start estimation time has elapsed (NO in STEP 42 ), the electrostatic sensor 50 has not detected the user leaving the seat (NO in STEP 01 ), and the process waits for the stable change start estimation time to elapse (returning to STEP 42 ).

[0176] Even if the electrostatic sensor 50 detects that the user has left the seat (STEP01 is YES), if the user is seated again (STEP02 is NO) before the vacant state lasts for more than a specified time (for example, less than 15 seconds), the estimation time starts after a stable change (return to STEP42).

[0177] After the estimated time for the start of stable fluctuation has elapsed (STEP 42: YES), timer 95 is temporarily stopped (STEP 43), and elapsed time measurement by timer 95 is restarted (STEP 13). Furthermore, when the required time of, for example, 30 seconds ("predetermined total time" - "accumulated time" as described later) has initially elapsed (STEP 14: YES), communication unit 75 (health index output unit) is caused to output the evaluation result of the "fluctuation-reflecting health index" calculated based on the measurement data for this 30 seconds (STEP 15).

[0178] If the electrostatic sensor 50 detects that the user has left the seat (STEP21 is YES) before the required time (initially, for example, 30 seconds) has passed after the estimated time for the start of stable change (STEP 14 is NO), the timer 95 stops measuring the elapsed time (STEP 24), and the time measured by the timer 95 so far (the time during which the stable change state of the pulse wave signal continues) is added to the "accumulated time" (initially 0 seconds) (STEP 25).

[0179] On the other hand, the duration of the out-of-seat state is measured. If the duration of the out-of-seat state exceeds the specified time (for example, less than 15 seconds (however, it can also be a value different from the specified time in STEP02)) (STEP22 is YES), the control unit 70 causes the communication unit 75 (health indicator output unit) to stop outputting the evaluation results of the "change-reflecting health indicator" (STEP23).

[0180] Even if the electrostatic sensor 50 detects that the user has left the seat (STEP21 is YES), if the user is detected to be sitting down again (STEP22 is NO) before the vacant state lasts for more than the specified time (for example, less than 15 seconds), the cumulative time calculated (updated) by STEP25 is subtracted from the time required so far (for example, initially 30 seconds) to obtain a new required time (STEP26), and on this basis, the elapsed time is measured again by the timer 95 (return to STEP13).

[0181] If the electrostatic sensor 50 does not detect that the user has left the seat (STEP21 is NO) before the required time (initially, for example, 30 seconds) has passed after the estimated time for the start of stable change (STEP14 is NO), and the pulse wave signal maintains a stable changing state (STEP31 is NO), wait for the required time (initially, for example, 30 seconds) to pass (return to STEP14).

[0182] After the estimated time for the start of stable change, before the required time (for example, initially 30 seconds) has passed (STEP14 is NO), the electrostatic sensor 50 does not detect that the user has left the seat (STEP21 is NO), and the pulse wave signal becomes temporarily unstable (STEP31 is YES), stop measuring the elapsed time by the timer 95 (STEP32), add the time measured by the timer 95 so far (the duration of the stable change state of the pulse wave signal) to the "accumulated time" (initially 0 seconds) (STEP33), and subtract the accumulated time calculated (updated) by STEP33 from the required time so far (for example, 30 seconds) to obtain a new required time (STEP34), and wait for the user's pulse wave signal to reach a stable change state again. Figure 14 In order to simplify the diagram, the diagram is shown in a way that returns to STEP42, but unlike the initial STEP42 (determining the estimated time after stable changes), it is actually at the process position of STEP42 that it is determined whether the pulse wave signal is in a stable changing state (although it is the same judgment process as STEP31, but YES / NO are reversed).

[0183] (Sixth Action Example: Effect)

[0184] According to the sixth action example shown above, it is also possible to exclude from the evaluation object the measurement data of the time period until the pulse wave signal (an example of a signal for determining stable changes) initially becomes a stable changing state. On this basis, it is also possible to exclude from the evaluation object the measurement data of the time period in which the pulse wave signal (an example of a signal for determining stable changes) deviates from a stable changing state due to, for example, "exertion" or other "body movements" of the user while using the toilet. Therefore, it is also possible to provide an evaluation result that more accurately reflects the user's actual health indicators.

[0185] Furthermore, according to the sixth operation example described above, the determination of the passage of a predetermined sitting time is used instead of the determination of the pulse wave signal first entering a stable fluctuation state. This simplifies the signal state determination processing flow (procedure).

[0186] (Operation Examples 1 to 6: Common Actions and Effects)

[0187] Furthermore, as described above, in this embodiment, the comparison result between the "change-reflecting health index" newly evaluated by the health index calculation unit 60 (an example of a health index evaluation unit) and the "change-reflecting health index" evaluated in the past can be output.

[0188] Thus, the user of the toilet system 10 of the present embodiment can understand the current health index while referring to the comparison results with past health indexes every time the user uses the toilet in daily life.

[0189] In addition, in the present embodiment, the comparison result between the “change-reflecting health index” most recently evaluated by the health index calculation unit 60 (an example of a health index evaluation unit) and a predetermined threshold value can be output.

[0190] Thus, the user of the toilet system 10 of this embodiment can intuitively understand whether the current health index is satisfactory every time he uses the toilet in daily life. For example, the health index can be evaluated as a score value from 0 to 100.

[0191] (First to Sixth Operation Examples: Modifications)

[0192] In the aforementioned first to sixth operation examples, in STEP 03, the output of the evaluation result of the "change-reflecting health index" is stopped. However, instead of this, the control unit 70 may cause the communication unit 75 (health index output unit) to output error information.

[0193] The output of this error information may be performed together with the output of the "change-reflecting health index" (which is highly likely to be incorrectly calculated), or may be performed instead of the output of the "change-reflecting health index".

[0194] Similarly, in STEP 23 , the output of the evaluation result of the “change-reflecting health index” is also stopped. However, instead of this, the control unit 70 may cause the communication unit 75 (health index output unit) to output error information.

[0195] The output of this error information may be performed together with the output of the "change-reflecting health index" (which is highly likely to be incorrectly calculated), or may be performed instead of the output of the "change-reflecting health index".

[0196] In addition, in STEP 15, the evaluation result of the "change-reflecting health index" calculated based on the measurement data equivalent to the required time (for example, 30 seconds) is output. However, when the duration of the pulse wave signal maintaining a stable change state (the cumulative time when there is an interruption time in the middle) is longer than the required time (for example, 30 seconds), the evaluation result of the "change-reflecting health index" calculated based on all these measurement data can also be output, or only the time period of the "more stable change state" equivalent to the required time (for example, 30 seconds) can be selected to output the evaluation result of the "change-reflecting health index" calculated based on these measurement data.

[0197] (Action Example 7)

[0198] As described above, in the fourth to sixth operation examples, the control unit 70 implements the pulse wave signal (see Figure 8 ) is estimated and determined (STEPs 41 to 43). Specifically, based on the elapsed time measured by timer 95, it is determined whether the estimated start time for stable fluctuation (e.g., set to 10 seconds after the person takes a seat (an example of the first predetermined time)) has passed, at which the pulse wave signal is estimated to have temporarily entered a stable fluctuation state.

[0199] The control unit 70 may further implement the pulse wave signal (see Figure 8 ) is temporarily stabilized (satisfies the stability determination condition). That is, based on the elapsed time measured by timer 95, it may be determined whether a stable estimated time (e.g., set to 45 seconds after the person takes a seat (an example of the second predetermined time)) has passed, during which the pulse wave signal is estimated to be temporarily stabilized.

[0200] In this case, the following method can be adopted, that is, the health index calculation unit 60 (an example of a health index evaluation unit) evaluates the "change-reflecting health index" based on 35 seconds of measurement data from 10 seconds after the determination of seating (the first prescribed time) to 45 seconds after the determination of seating (the second prescribed time).

[0201] According to this action example, by utilizing the fact that the user can be inferred to be in the "state from the end of exercise to the reaching of a resting state" based on the sitting time being from the first prescribed time to the second prescribed time, the "first prescribed time" and "second prescribed time" appropriate for the evaluation of the change-reflecting health indicator are set, thereby providing an evaluation result that more accurately reflects the user's actual change-reflecting health indicator.

[0202] Furthermore, according to this operation example, the determination of the passage of a predetermined sitting time is used instead of the determination of whether the pulse wave signal is actually in a stable fluctuation state or the determination of whether the pulse wave signal is actually in a stable state. This simplifies the signal state determination processing flow (procedure).

[0203] (Supplementary information related to the program)

[0204] The various functions of the health index calculation unit 60, the control unit 70, and the communication unit 75 can be realized by a microcomputer or the like executing corresponding programs. The programs and the storage medium storing the programs are also protected by the present application.

[0205] For example, the program involved in the present invention uses a toilet system 10 to provide an evaluation result of a health index, and the toilet system 10 has: a toilet seat 20, which has a seating surface 21 for a user to sit on; a laser sensor 40, which measures a physical quantity reflecting the user's blood flow information; a health index calculation unit 60 (health index evaluation unit), which evaluates the user's health index based on the measurement result of the laser sensor 40; and a communication unit 75 (health index output unit), which outputs the health index of the user evaluated by the health index calculation unit 60. The program is characterized in that by executing the program by a computer, the following process can be implemented, that is, the health index of the user is evaluated based on the measurement result of the laser sensor 40 related to the time period in which the pulse wave signal obtained by processing the measurement signal of the laser sensor 40 meets the specified stable change judgment condition.

[0206] Furthermore, the present invention includes the following features (inventions).

[0207] [Feature 1]

[0208] A toilet system, characterized by having:

[0209] a toilet seat having a seating surface for a user to sit on;

[0210] a sensor for measuring a physical quantity reflecting blood flow information of the user;

[0211] a health index evaluation unit that evaluates the user's health index based on the measurement results of the sensor; and

[0212] a health index output unit that outputs the health index of the user evaluated by the health index evaluation unit,

[0213] The health index evaluation unit evaluates the health index of the user based on the measurement result of the sensor in a time period that satisfies a predetermined stable change determination condition.

[0214] [Feature 2]

[0215] The toilet system according to feature 1 is characterized in that:

[0216] The time period is a portion of the user's continuous sitting time on the toilet seat.

[0217] [Feature 3]

[0218] The toilet system according to feature 1 is characterized in that:

[0219] The time period does not include the time when the user temporarily leaves the toilet seat, but includes a portion where the user sits down before and after the time when the user leaves the seat.

[0220] [Feature 4]

[0221] The toilet system according to any one of features 1 to 3 is characterized in that:

[0222] The stable fluctuation determination condition is a condition for determining a state before a stable fluctuation determination signal based on a measurement signal of the sensor satisfies a predetermined stable determination condition.

[0223] [Feature 5]

[0224] The toilet system according to any one of features 1 to 4 is characterized in that:

[0225] The stable fluctuation determination condition is a condition related to the degree of fluctuation of the stable fluctuation determination signal based on the measurement signal of the sensor.

[0226] [Feature 6]

[0227] The toilet system according to feature 4 or 5 is characterized in that:

[0228] The stable change determination signal is a blood flow signal or a pulse wave signal.

[0229] [Feature 7]

[0230] The toilet system according to any one of features 1 to 6 is characterized in that:

[0231] The health index evaluation unit evaluates the health index of the user based on the measurement results of the sensor collected from the time period in which the stable change determination signal satisfies the predetermined stable change determination condition until a predetermined total time is reached.

[0232] The predetermined stable fluctuation determination condition is a condition that the stable fluctuation determination signal based on the measurement signal of the sensor temporarily enters a stable fluctuation state.

[0233] [Feature 8]

[0234] The toilet system according to any one of features 1 to 6 is characterized in that:

[0235] The health index evaluation unit evaluates the health index of the user based on the measurement results of the sensor collected until a predetermined total time is reached for the time period that satisfies the predetermined stable change determination condition.

[0236] The predetermined stable fluctuation determination condition is a condition that the stable fluctuation determination signal based on the measurement signal of the sensor maintains a stable fluctuation state.

[0237] [Feature 9]

[0238] A toilet system, characterized by having:

[0239] a toilet seat having a seating surface for a user to sit on;

[0240] a sensor for measuring a physical quantity reflecting blood flow information of the user;

[0241] a health index evaluation unit that evaluates the user's health index based on the measurement results of the sensor; and

[0242] a health index output unit that outputs the health index of the user evaluated by the health index evaluation unit,

[0243] The health index evaluation unit evaluates the health index of the user based on the measurement result of the sensor when the user sits on the toilet seat for a period from a first predetermined time to a second predetermined time.

[0244] [Feature 10]

[0245] A toilet system, characterized by having:

[0246] a toilet seat having a seating surface for a user to sit on;

[0247] a sensor for measuring a physical quantity reflecting blood flow information of the user;

[0248] a health index evaluation unit that evaluates the user's health index based on the measurement results of the sensor; and

[0249] a health index output unit that outputs the health index of the user evaluated by the health index evaluation unit,

[0250] The health index evaluation unit evaluates the health index of the user based on the measurement result of the sensor for a time period in which the user sits on the toilet seat from a first predetermined time to a second predetermined time and satisfies a predetermined stable change determination condition.

[0251] Description of the label

[0252] 4. Toilet

[0253] 4b Upper surface

[0254] 10. Toilet System

[0255] 12 Main body

[0256] 12a Opening and closing unit

[0257] 12b Toilet seat heating unit

[0258] 12c cleaning unit

[0259] 12d Deodorization Unit

[0260] 14 Toilet Seat

[0261] 20 toilet seat

[0262] 20a Opening

[0263] 21 seating surface

[0264] 22 Thick wall part

[0265] 23 Thin-walled part

[0266] 25 Bottom

[0267] 30 Heating wire

[0268] 32 Insulation Materials

[0269] 40 laser sensors

[0270] 50 Electrostatic sensor

[0271] 60 Health Index Calculation Department

[0272] 70 Control Department

[0273] 75 Ministry of Communications

[0274] 80 Remote Control

[0275] 80a Display unit

[0276] 85 External terminals (mobile phones, etc.)

[0277] 85a Display unit

[0278] 95 Timer

Claims

1. A toilet system, characterized in that: have: a toilet seat having a seating surface for a user to sit on; a sensor for measuring a physical quantity reflecting blood flow information of the user; a health index evaluation unit that evaluates the user's health index based on the measurement results of the sensor; as well as a health index output unit that outputs the health index of the user evaluated by the health index evaluation unit, The health index evaluation unit evaluates the health index of the user based on the measurement result of the sensor in a time period that satisfies a predetermined stable change determination condition.

2. The toilet system according to claim 1, characterized in that The time period is a portion of the user's continuous sitting time on the toilet seat.

3. The toilet system according to claim 1, characterized in that The time period does not include the time when the user temporarily leaves the toilet seat, but includes a portion where the user sits down before and after the time when the user leaves the seat.

4. The toilet system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The stable fluctuation determination condition is a condition for determining a state before a stable fluctuation determination signal based on a measurement signal of the sensor satisfies a predetermined stable determination condition.

5. The toilet system according to claim 4, characterized in that The stable change determination condition is a condition related to the degree of change of the stable change determination signal.

6. The toilet system according to claim 5, characterized in that The stable change determination signal is a blood flow signal or a pulse wave signal.

7. The toilet system according to claim 4, characterized in that The health index evaluation unit evaluates the health index of the user based on the measurement results of the sensor collected from the time period in which the stable change determination signal satisfies the predetermined stable change determination condition until a predetermined total time is reached. The predetermined stable fluctuation determination condition is a condition that the stable fluctuation determination signal based on the measurement signal of the sensor temporarily enters a stable fluctuation state.

8. The toilet system according to claim 4, characterized in that The health index evaluation unit evaluates the health index of the user based on the measurement results of the sensor collected from the time period in which the stable change determination signal satisfies the predetermined stable change determination condition until a predetermined total time is reached. The predetermined stable fluctuation determination condition is a condition that the stable fluctuation determination signal based on the measurement signal of the sensor maintains a stable fluctuation state.

9. A toilet system, characterized in that: have: a toilet seat having a seating surface for a user to sit on; a sensor for measuring a physical quantity reflecting blood flow information of the user; a health index evaluation unit that evaluates the user's health index based on the measurement results of the sensor; as well as a health index output unit that outputs the health index of the user evaluated by the health index evaluation unit, The health index evaluation unit evaluates the health index of the user based on the measurement result of the sensor when the user sits on the toilet seat for a period from a first predetermined time to a second predetermined time.

10. A toilet system, characterized in that: have: a toilet seat having a seating surface for a user to sit on; a sensor for measuring a physical quantity reflecting blood flow information of the user; a health index evaluation unit that evaluates the user's health index based on the measurement results of the sensor; as well as a health index output unit that outputs the health index of the user evaluated by the health index evaluation unit, The health index evaluation unit evaluates the health index of the user based on the measurement result of the sensor related to a time period in which the user sits on the toilet seat from a first predetermined time to a second predetermined time and satisfies a predetermined stable change determination condition.

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