Sensor window fouling determination device, sensor window fouling determination method, and program

Abstract

The invention provides a sensor window dirt determination device, a sensor window dirt determination method, and a program, which can detect dirt of a sensor window of equipment in a toilet with low cost and less susceptible to the influence of dirt. The sensor window dirt determination device includes a distance measuring sensor unit, an illuminance sensor unit, and a determination unit. The distance measuring sensor unit is provided inside an in-toilet device provided inside a toilet and provided with a sensor window, and measures a distance via the sensor window. The illuminance sensor unit is provided inside the toilet interior equipment and measures illuminance via the sensor window. The determination unit determines the presence or absence of dirt in the sensor window on the basis of the measured distance and the measured illuminance.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a sensor window contamination determination device, a sensor window contamination determination method, and a program. BACKGROUND

[0002] In Patent Literature 1, a technique is disclosed in which it is detected whether a user is seated on a toilet seat based on a measurement result of a distance measuring sensor.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: International Publication No. 2021 / 261128 SUMMARY

[0006] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] In the technique of Patent Literature 1, a distance measuring sensor is installed in a toilet in-device, and a distance is measured. In a case where contamination such as feces is attached to a sensor window of the toilet in-device due to use of the toilet, an object that reflects laser light irradiated from the distance measuring sensor is not a human body as assumed, but contamination attached to the sensor window, and thus a measurement result of the distance can change. In order to prevent an error in distance measurement, a method of using a plurality of distance measuring sensors to be redundant is considered. However, use of a plurality of distance sensors leads to an increase in cost, and in a case where contamination is attached to all of the distance measuring sensors at the same time, a distance cannot be measured correctly.

[0008] Therefore, in order to continue to use the toilet in-device, it is necessary to detect contamination of a sensor window of the toilet in-device. However, there is a problem that contamination of the sensor window of the toilet in-device cannot be detected by a method that is low in cost and less likely to be affected by contamination.

[0009] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a sensor window contamination determination device, a sensor window contamination determination method, and a program that enable contamination of a sensor window of a toilet in-device to be detected by a method that is low in cost and less likely to be affected by contamination.

[0010] TECHNICAL SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0011] The sensor window contamination determination device of the present disclosure includes:

[0012] a distance measuring sensor portion that is provided in a toilet in-device provided in a toilet, and that measures a distance via a sensor window of the toilet in-device inside the toilet in-device;

[0013] an illuminance sensor portion that is provided inside the toilet in-device, and that measures illuminance via the sensor window; and

[0014] a determination unit that determines whether the sensor window is dirty based on the measured distance and the measured illuminance.

[0015] The sensor window dirt determination method of the present disclosure, in which

[0016] The computer performs the following actions:

[0017] In the inside of the in-toilet device provided in a toilet and having a sensor window, a distance is measured via the sensor window,

[0018] In the inside of the in-toilet device, an illuminance is measured via the sensor window,

[0019] A determination is made as to whether the sensor window is dirty based on the measured distance and the measured illuminance.

[0020] The program of the present disclosure causes a computer to perform the following processing:

[0021] In the inside of the in-toilet device provided in a toilet and having a sensor window, a distance is measured via the sensor window,

[0022] In the inside of the in-toilet device, an illuminance is measured via the sensor window,

[0023] A determination is made as to whether the sensor window is dirty based on the measured distance and the measured illuminance.

[0024] Effects of the Invention

[0025] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a sensor window dirt determination device, a sensor window dirt determination method, and a program that can detect dirt of a sensor window of an in-toilet device at low cost and without being easily affected by dirt. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of the sensor window dirt determination device of the present embodiment.

[0027] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the sensor window dirt determination device of the present embodiment to a toilet.

[0028] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the sensor window dirt determination device of the present embodiment to a toilet.

[0029] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the action of the determination unit of the sensor window dirt determination device of the present embodiment.

[0030] Figure 5is a table showing the determination result of the determination section of the sensor window dirt determination device of the present embodiment.

[0031] Figure 6 is a graph schematically showing the determination result of the determination section of the sensor window dirt determination device of the present embodiment.

[0032] Figure 7 is a graph schematically showing the determination result of the determination section of the sensor window dirt determination device of the present embodiment.

[0033] Figure 8 is a graph schematically showing the determination result of the determination section of the sensor window dirt determination device of the present embodiment.

[0034] Figure 9 is a graph schematically showing the determination result of the determination section of the sensor window dirt determination device of the present embodiment.

[0035] Figure 10 is a graph schematically showing the determination result of the determination section of the sensor window dirt determination device of the present embodiment.

[0036] Figure 11 is a graph schematically showing the determination result of the determination section of the sensor window dirt determination device of the present embodiment.

[0037] Figure 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of the computer of the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same symbol, and repeated description is omitted as necessary for clear description.

[0039] (First Embodiment)

[0040] First, the structure of the sensor window dirt determination device 1 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1 Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of the sensor window dirt determination device of the present embodiment.

[0041] As shown in Figure 1 , the sensor window dirt determination device 1 is provided with a distance measuring sensor section 11, an illuminance sensor section 12, and a determination section 13. The distance measuring sensor section 11 is provided to an in-toilet device which is an in-toilet device provided in a toilet, and measures a distance via a sensor window inside the in-toilet device provided with the sensor window. The illuminance sensor section 12 is provided inside the in-toilet device, and measures illuminance via the sensor window. The determination section 13 determines the presence or absence of dirt on the sensor window based on the measured distance and the measured illuminance. ​

[0042] The sensor window fouling determination device 1 of the first embodiment determines whether the sensor window 21 of a toilet fixture 20 is fouled by using only two sensors: a distance measuring sensor unit 11 and an illumination sensor unit 12. Furthermore, the illumination sensor unit 12 is used, which is less susceptible to fouling of the sensor window 21. Therefore, the sensor window fouling determination device 1 can detect fouling of the sensor window of a toilet fixture using a method that is inexpensive and less susceptible to fouling.

[0043] (Second embodiment)

[0044] Next, use Figures 1-3 The structure of the sensor window fouling determination device 2 of the second embodiment will be described. The sensor window fouling determination device 2 has the same structure as the sensor window fouling determination device 1 of the first embodiment (see Figure 1 ) the same structure, the sensor window dirt determination device 1 is embodied. In addition, Figure 2 and Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of installation of the sensor window dirt determination device 2 according to the present embodiment in a toilet. Figure 2 This is a picture of the toilet lid and toilet seat open. On the other hand, Figure 3 This is a picture of the toilet seat closed.

[0045] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the sensor window dirt determination device 2 is a device for determining dirt on a sensor window 21 of a toilet equipment 20. The toilet equipment 20 is, for example, a sensor device used in a toilet and includes the sensor window 21. Alternatively, the toilet equipment 20 may be a housing rather than a sensor device.

[0046] The sensor window fouling determination device 2 includes a distance measuring sensor unit 11 , an illuminance sensor unit 12 , and a determination unit 13 .

[0047] The distance measuring sensor unit 11 is installed inside the toilet fixture 20. The distance measuring sensor unit 11 measures the distance via the sensor window 21 of the toilet fixture 20. Here, the distance measuring sensor unit 11 is installed so that the center of the toilet hole is near the measuring direction.

[0048] The illuminance sensor unit 12 is installed inside the toilet fixture 20 together with the distance sensor unit 11. The illuminance sensor unit 12 measures illuminance through the sensor window 21 of the toilet fixture 20. Here, the illuminance sensor unit 12 is installed so that the center of the toilet hole becomes the measurement direction.

[0049] The determination section 13 communicates with the distance measuring sensor section 11 and the illuminance sensor section 12, and is configured as an apparatus outside the toilet. The determination section 13 determines whether or not the sensor window 21 is soiled based on the measured distance measured by the distance measuring sensor section 11 and the measured illuminance measured by the illuminance sensor section 12. In addition, the determination section 13 determines the degree of soiling of the sensor window based on the measured distance and the measured illuminance. The degree of soiling of the sensor window is expressed, for example, in three stages of small, medium, and large. Furthermore, the determination section 13 determines whether or not the sensor window is soiled and the degree of soiling of the sensor window, taking into account whether or not the lighting in the bathroom where the toilet is installed is turned on, whether or not the toilet lid is open, and whether or not the user is seated on the toilet. In addition, the determination section 13 can be configured as an apparatus inside the toilet, and can be provided in the toilet interior device 20.

[0050] Here, the distance measuring sensor section 11 measures the distance by irradiating an object with laser light and measuring the time until the laser light returns. Therefore, in the case where there is a substance such as dirt between the laser light and the measurement object, the laser light returns more quickly for the distance measuring sensor section 11, and thus the measured distance becomes shorter, and a correct result is not obtained. Therefore, in the case where only the distance measuring sensor section 11 is used, the measured distance can not express correct information. On the other hand, the illuminance sensor section 12 measures the amount of incoming light, and thus even if a part of the sensor window 21 is contaminated and the amount of light changes, it is actually a measured result, and information with high reliability is obtained. Therefore, by additionally using the measured illuminance with high reliability to the measured distance, the measured distance is corrected. The determination section 13 combines the measured distance of the distance measuring sensor section 11 and the measured illuminance of the illuminance sensor section 12 to determine whether or not the sensor window 21 of the device is soiled.

[0051] Next, the operation of the sensor window soiling determination apparatus 2 of the second embodiment will be described. Figure 4 The operation of the sensor window soiling determination apparatus 2 of the second embodiment will be described. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the determination section 13 of the sensor window soiling determination apparatus 2 of the present embodiment. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an outline of the determination result of the determination section 13 of the sensor window soiling determination apparatus 2 of the present embodiment. Figures 6-12 is a diagram schematically showing the determination result of the determination section 13 of the sensor window soiling determination apparatus 2 of the present embodiment.

[0052] The sensor window soiling determination apparatus 2 performs the following steps S101 to S111 when it detects that the user has entered the bathroom. The distance measuring sensor section 11 measures the distance at a prescribed interval and transmits it to the determination section 13. In addition, the illuminance sensor section 12 measures the illuminance at a prescribed interval and transmits it to the determination section 13.

[0053] First, the determination section 13 of the sensor window contamination determination device 2 determines whether the measured distance measured by the distance measuring sensor section 11 is the maximum value (step S101). The maximum value indicates the maximum distance (mm) that the distance measuring sensor section 11 can measure. The case where the measured distance is the maximum value is the case where the laser light of the distance measuring sensor section 11 is not blocked by the user seated on the toilet, the contamination (small), the contamination (medium), the contamination (large) of the sensor window 21, and the toilet cover. On the other hand, the case where the measured distance is not the maximum value is the case where the laser light of the distance measuring sensor section 11 is blocked by the user seated on the toilet, the contamination (small), the contamination (medium), the contamination (large) of the sensor window 21, or the toilet cover.

[0054] In the case where it is determined in step S101 that the measured distance is the maximum value (YES in step S101), the processing proceeds to step S102. In the processing of step S102, the determination section 13 determines that the sensor window 21 is not contaminated. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the determination section 13 determines that it is the state where the toilet cover is open, the user is not seated, and the sensor window 21 is not contaminated. Here, the determination result of the determination section 13 is not affected by the state (lighted or unlighted) of the lighting in the toilet. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the case where it is determined in step S101 that the measured distance is the maximum value (YES in step S101), the processing proceeds to step S102. In the processing of step S102, the determination section 13 determines that the sensor window 21 is not contaminated. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the determination section 13 determines that it is the state where the toilet cover is open, the user is not seated, and the sensor window 21 is not contaminated. Here, the determination result of the determination section 13 is not affected by the state (lighted or unlighted) of the lighting in the toilet.

[0055] On the other hand, in the case where it is determined in step S101 that the measured distance is not the maximum value (NO in step S101), the processing proceeds to step S103. In the processing of step S103, the determination section 13 determines whether the measured distance is greater than the seated distance. The seated distance (mm) is a value obtained by using a statistical value of distances each of which is measured in advance when a plurality of persons are seated on the toilet seat. For example, the seated distance L is represented by L = M ± 3σ. Here, M is the average value of the seated distance. In addition, σ indicates the variance. Further, the seated distance is not limited to the example described above, and can be a statistical value such as a median, for example. The case where the measured distance is lower than the maximum value and greater than the seated distance is the case where the laser light of the distance measuring sensor section 11 is blocked by the toilet cover, or the toilet cover and the contamination (small) of the sensor window 21. On the other hand, the case where the measured distance is the seated distance or less is the case where the laser light of the distance measuring sensor section 11 is blocked by the contamination (medium), the contamination (large) of the sensor window 21, or the user seated on the toilet.

[0056] In a case where it is determined in step S103 that the measured distance is below the seated distance (NO in step S103), the processing proceeds to step S104. In the processing in step S104, the determination section 13 determines whether the measured illuminance measured by the illuminance sensor section 12 is greater than a prescribed threshold value. When the lighting in the toilet is on, the measured illuminance measured by the illuminance sensor section 12 decreases in order due to the moderate dirt of the sensor window 21, the heavy dirt of the sensor window 21, or a user seated on the toilet. The threshold value of the measured illuminance is set to a value capable of determining the moderate dirt of the sensor window 21 and the heavy dirt of the sensor window 21.

[0057] In a case where it is determined in step S104 that the measured illuminance is greater than the prescribed threshold value (YES in step S104), the processing proceeds to step S105. In the processing in step S105, the determination section 13 determines that the moderate dirt of the sensor window 21 is present. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5 and Figure 7 , the determination section 13 determines that the lighting in the toilet is on, the toilet lid is open, the user is not seated, and the moderate dirt of the sensor window 21 is present.

[0058] On the other hand, in a case where it is determined in step S104 that the measured illuminance is below the prescribed threshold value (NO in step S104), the processing proceeds to step S106. In step S106, the determination section 13 determines whether the deviation of the measured distance obtained a plurality of times within a prescribed period is greater than a prescribed threshold value. In a case where the user is seated on the toilet, the measured distance fluctuates (i.e., the deviation of the measured distance becomes large) within the prescribed period due to the user's activity. On the other hand, in a case where the heavy dirt of the sensor window 21 is present, the measured distance does not easily fluctuate within the prescribed period. The threshold value of the deviation of the measured distance in step S106 is set to a value capable of determining the user seated on the toilet and the heavy dirt of the sensor window 21.

[0059] In a case where it is determined in step S106 that the deviation of the measured distance is greater than the prescribed threshold value (YES in step S106), the processing proceeds to step S107. In step S107, the determination section 13 determines that the sensor window 21 has no dirt. Also, as shown in Figure 5 and Figure 8 , the determination section 13 determines that the lighting in the toilet is on, the toilet lid is open, and the user is seated, and that the sensor window 21 has no dirt.

[0060] On the other hand, in a case where it is determined in step S106 that the deviation of the measured distance is below the prescribed threshold value (NO in step S106), the processing proceeds to step S108. In step S108, the determination section 13 determines that the heavy dirt of the sensor window 21 is present. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5 and Figure 9As shown, the determination section 13 determines that it is a state in which the sensor window 21 has dirt (large). Here, the determination result of the determination section 13 is not affected by the state of the lighting in the toilet (lit or unlit), the state of the toilet lid (closed or open), and the seating state of the user (with or without).

[0061] In addition, in a case where it is determined in step S103 that the measured distance is greater than the seated distance (YES in step S103), the processing proceeds to step S109.

[0062] In step S109, the determination section 13 determines whether or not the deviation of the measured distance measured a plurality of times during a prescribed period is greater than a prescribed threshold value. In a case where there is dirt (small) on the sensor window 21, the measured distance varies (i.e., the deviation of the measured distance becomes large) during the prescribed period. On the other hand, in a case where there is no dirt on the sensor window 21, the measured distance does not easily vary during the prescribed period. The threshold value of the deviation of the measured distance in step S109 is set to a value that enables determination of whether or not there is dirt (small) on the sensor window 21.

[0063] In a case where it is determined in step S109 that the deviation of the measured distance is equal to or less than the prescribed threshold value (NO in step S109), the processing proceeds to step S110. In the processing of step S110, the determination section 13 determines that there is no dirt on the sensor window 21. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the determination section 13 determines that it is a state in which the toilet lid is closed, the user is not seated, and there is no dirt on the sensor window 21. Here, the determination result of the determination section 13 is not affected by the state of the lighting in the toilet (lit or unlit). Figure 5 and Figure 10 As shown, the determination section 13 determines that it is a state in which the toilet lid is closed, the user is not seated, and there is no dirt on the sensor window 21. Here, the determination result of the determination section 13 is not affected by the state of the lighting in the toilet (lit or unlit).

[0064] On the other hand, in a case where it is determined in step S109 that the deviation of the measured distance is greater than the prescribed threshold value (YES in step S109), the processing proceeds to step S111. In the processing of step S111, the determination section 13 determines that there is dirt (small) on the sensor window 21. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the determination section 13 determines that it is a state in which the toilet lid is closed, the user is not seated, and there is dirt (small) on the sensor window 21. Here, the determination result of the determination section 13 is not affected by the state of the lighting in the toilet (lit or unlit). Figure 5 and Figure 11 As shown, the determination section 13 determines that it is a state in which the toilet lid is closed, the user is not seated, and there is dirt (small) on the sensor window 21. Here, the determination result of the determination section 13 is not affected by the state of the lighting in the toilet (lit or unlit).

[0065] As described above, the sensor window contamination determination device 2 of the second embodiment determines whether the sensor window 21 of the in-toilet device 20 is contaminated, using not only the measured distance of the distance measuring sensor section 11 but also the measured illuminance of the illuminance sensor section 12. The sensor window contamination determination device 2 determines whether the sensor window 21 of the in-toilet device 20 is contaminated by using only these two sensors, the distance measuring sensor section 11 and the illuminance sensor section 12, and using the illuminance sensor section 12 which is less likely to be affected by contamination of the sensor window 21. Therefore, the sensor window contamination determination device 2 can detect contamination of the sensor window of the in-toilet device at low cost and in a manner which is less likely to be affected by contamination. In addition, the sensor window contamination determination device 2 can determine whether the user is seated or the toilet lid is closed by combining the distance measuring sensor and the illuminance sensor.

[0066] Each structure of the above-described embodiments is constituted by hardware or software, or both of them, can be constituted by one hardware or software, or can be constituted by a plurality of hardware or software. Each device and each function (process) can be realized by a computer 1000 having a processor 1001 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory 1002 as a storage device as shown in FIG. 10. Figure 12 For example, a program for executing the method (image processing method) of the embodiments can be stored in the memory 1002, and each function can be realized by executing the program stored in the memory 1002 by the processor 1001.

[0067] These programs, when read into a computer, include a command group (or software code) for causing the computer to execute one or more functions described in the embodiments. The programs can also be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a tangible storage medium. As examples but not limitation, the computer-readable medium or the tangible storage medium includes a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read-Only Memory), a flash memory, a SSD (Solid State Drive) or other memory technology, a CD-ROM, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disc or other optical disc storage device, a magnetic cassette, a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk storage device or other magnetic storage device. The programs can also be sent on a transitory computer-readable medium or a communication medium. As examples but not limitation, the transitory computer-readable medium or the communication medium includes an electrical, optical, acoustic or other form of propagated signals.

[0068] Furthermore, the present application is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately changed within the scope of the gist.

[0069] Some or all of the above-described embodiments can also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following.

[0070] (Note 1)

[0071] A sensor window dirt determination device includes:

[0072] a distance measuring sensor portion provided to an in-toilet device provided in a toilet, and measuring a distance via a sensor window of the in-toilet device inside;

[0073] an illuminance sensor portion provided to the in-toilet device inside, and measuring illuminance via the sensor window; and

[0074] a determination portion determining whether or not the sensor window is dirty based on the measured distance and the measured illuminance.

[0075] (Note 2)

[0076] The sensor window dirt determination device according to Note 1, wherein

[0077] the determination portion determines that the sensor window is not dirty when the measured distance is equal to or greater than a maximum value.

[0078] (Note 3)

[0079] The sensor window dirt determination device according to Note 1, wherein

[0080] the determination portion determines that the sensor window is not dirty when the measured distance is less than a maximum value and greater than a user's sitting distance, and a deviation of the measured distance obtained by measuring a plurality of times within a predetermined period is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value.

[0081] (Note 4)

[0082] The sensor window dirt determination device according to Note 1, wherein

[0083] the determination portion determines that the sensor window is dirty when the measured distance is less than a maximum value and greater than a user's sitting distance, and a deviation of the measured distance obtained by measuring a plurality of times within a predetermined period is greater than a predetermined threshold value.

[0084] (Note 5)

[0085] The sensor window dirt determination device according to Note 1, wherein

[0086] The determination unit determines that the sensor window is dirty when the measured distance is below the seated distance and the measured illuminance is greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0087] (Paragraph 6)

[0088] The sensor window dirt determination device according to Paragraph 1, wherein

[0089] The determination unit determines that the sensor window is dirty when the measured distance is below the seated distance, the measured illuminance is below a predetermined threshold, and a deviation of the measured distance obtained by measuring a plurality of times within a predetermined period is below a predetermined threshold.

[0090] (Paragraph 7)

[0091] The sensor window dirt determination device according to Paragraph 1, wherein

[0092] The determination unit determines that the sensor window is not dirty when the measured distance is below the seated distance, the measured illuminance is below a predetermined threshold, and a deviation of the measured distance obtained by measuring a plurality of times within a predetermined period is greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0093] (Paragraph 8)

[0094] The sensor window dirt determination device according to Paragraph 1, wherein

[0095] The determination unit determines a degree of dirt of the sensor window further based on the measured distance and the measured illuminance.

[0096] (Paragraph 9)

[0097] The sensor window dirt determination device according to Paragraph 1, wherein

[0098] The determination unit determines whether the sensor window is dirty and a degree of dirt of the sensor window further considering whether lighting in a bathroom in which the toilet is installed is on, whether the toilet cover is open, and whether a user is seated on the toilet.

[0099] (Paragraph 10)

[0100] A sensor window dirt determination method, wherein

[0101] A computer performs the following actions:

[0102] In an interior of a toilet interior device that is installed in a toilet and that has a sensor window, a distance is measured via the sensor window,

[0103] inside the toilet bowl device, illuminance is measured via the sensor window,

[0104] based on the measured distance and the measured illuminance, it is determined whether the sensor window is soiled.

[0105] (Addendum 11)

[0106] The sensor window soiling determination method according to Addendum 10, wherein,

[0107] The computer further determines that the sensor window is not soiled in a case where the measured distance is equal to or greater than the maximum value.

[0108] (Addendum 12)

[0109] The sensor window soiling determination method according to Addendum 10, wherein,

[0110] The computer further determines that the sensor window is not soiled in a case where the measured distance is less than the maximum value and greater than the seated distance of the user, and a deviation of the measured distance obtained by measuring a plurality of times within a prescribed period is equal to or less than a prescribed threshold value.

[0111] (Addendum 13)

[0112] The sensor window soiling determination method according to Addendum 10, wherein,

[0113] The computer further determines that the sensor window is soiled in a case where the measured distance is less than the maximum value and greater than the seated distance of the user, and a deviation of the measured distance obtained by measuring a plurality of times within a prescribed period is greater than a prescribed threshold value.

[0114] (Addendum 14)

[0115] The sensor window soiling determination method according to Addendum 10, wherein,

[0116] The computer further determines that the sensor window is soiled in a case where the measured distance is equal to or less than the seated distance, and the measured illuminance is greater than a prescribed threshold value.

[0117] (Addendum 15)

[0118] The sensor window soiling determination method according to Addendum 10, wherein,

[0119] The computer further determines that the sensor window is soiled in a case where the measured distance is equal to or less than the seated distance, the measured illuminance is equal to or less than a prescribed threshold value, and a deviation of the measured distance obtained by measuring a plurality of times within a prescribed period is equal to or less than a prescribed threshold value.

[0120] (Paragraph 16)

[0121] The sensor window contamination determination method according to Paragraph 10, wherein

[0122] The computer further determines that the sensor window is not contaminated, in a case where the measured distance is below the seated distance, and the measured illuminance is below a prescribed threshold, and a deviation of the measured distance measured a plurality of times within a prescribed period is greater than a prescribed threshold.

[0123] (Paragraph 17)

[0124] The sensor window contamination determination method according to Paragraph 10, wherein

[0125] The computer further determines a degree of contamination of the sensor window based on the measured distance and the measured illuminance.

[0126] (Paragraph 18)

[0127] The sensor window contamination determination method according to Paragraph 10, wherein

[0128] The computer further determines whether or not the sensor window is contaminated and a degree of contamination of the sensor window, taking into account whether or not lighting in a bathroom in which the toilet is installed is on, whether or not the toilet lid is open, and whether or not a user is seated on the toilet.

[0129] (Paragraph 19)

[0130] A program that causes a computer to execute the following processing:

[0131] In an interior of a toilet interior device that is a toilet interior device installed in a toilet and that has a sensor window, a distance is measured via the sensor window,

[0132] In the interior of the toilet interior device, an illuminance is measured via the sensor window,

[0133] A degree of contamination of the sensor window is determined based on the measured distance and the measured illuminance.

[0134] (Paragraph 20)

[0135] The program according to Paragraph 19, wherein the computer is further caused to execute the following processing:

[0136] In a case where the measured distance is above a maximum value, it is determined that the sensor window is not contaminated.

[0137] (Paragraph 21)

[0138] The program according to the supplementary note 19, wherein the computer is further caused to execute:

[0139] In a case where the measured distance is below the maximum value and greater than the seated distance of the user, and a deviation of the measured distance obtained by measuring a plurality of times within a prescribed period is below a prescribed threshold value, it is determined that the sensor window has no dirt.

[0140] (Supplementary note 22)

[0141] The program according to the supplementary note 19, wherein the computer is further caused to execute:

[0142] In a case where the measured distance is below the maximum value and greater than the seated distance of the user, and a deviation of the measured distance obtained by measuring a plurality of times within a prescribed period is greater than a prescribed threshold value, it is determined that the sensor window has dirt.

[0143] (Supplementary note 23)

[0144] The program according to the supplementary note 19, wherein the computer is further caused to execute:

[0145] In a case where the measured distance is below the seated distance, and the measured illuminance is greater than a prescribed threshold value, it is determined that the sensor window has dirt.

[0146] (Supplementary note 24)

[0147] The program according to the supplementary note 19, wherein the computer is further caused to execute:

[0148] In a case where the measured distance is below the seated distance, and the measured illuminance is below a prescribed threshold value, and a deviation of the measured distance obtained by measuring a plurality of times within a prescribed period is below a prescribed threshold value, it is determined that the sensor window has dirt.

[0149] (Supplementary note 25)

[0150] The program according to the supplementary note 19, wherein the computer is further caused to execute:

[0151] In a case where the measured distance is below the seated distance, and the measured illuminance is below a prescribed threshold value, and a deviation of the measured distance obtained by measuring a plurality of times within a prescribed period is greater than a prescribed threshold value, it is determined that the sensor window has no dirt.

[0152] (Supplementary note 26)

[0153] The program according to the supplementary note 19, wherein the computer is further caused to execute:

[0154] determining the degree of dirt on the sensor window based on the measured distance and the measured illuminance.

[0155] (Paragraph 27)

[0156] The program according to Paragraph 19, wherein the computer is further caused to execute a process of:

[0157] determining whether or not the sensor window is dirty and the degree of dirt on the sensor window, in consideration of whether or not lighting in a bathroom in which the toilet is installed is turned on, whether or not the toilet cover is open, and whether or not a user is seated on the toilet.

[0158] The application has been described above with reference to the embodiments, but the application is not limited to the above. As for the structure or details of the application, various changes that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made within the scope of the application.

[0159] This application claims priority to Japanese Application No. 2023-056825, filed March 31, 2023, and incorporates the disclosure thereof in its entirety.

[0160] Explanation of Reference Signs

[0161] 1, 2: Sensor window dirt determination device

[0162] 11: Distance measuring sensor section

[0163] 12: Illuminance sensor section

[0164] 13: Determination section

[0165] 20: In-toilet device

[0166] 21: Sensor window

Claims

1. A sensor window dirt determination device comprising: a distance measuring sensor unit provided inside the toilet bowl as an in-toilet device provided in the toilet bowl and having a sensor window, and measuring distance through the sensor window; an illuminance sensor unit disposed inside the toilet equipment and measuring illuminance through the sensor window; and A determination unit determines whether or not the sensor window is contaminated based on the measured distance and the measured illuminance.

2. The sensor window dirt determination device according to claim 1, wherein: The determination unit determines that the sensor window is not contaminated when the measured distance is equal to or greater than a maximum value.

3. The sensor window dirt determination device according to claim 1, wherein: The determination unit determines that the sensor window is not contaminated when the measured distance is less than a maximum value and greater than a user's seating distance, and when a deviation in the measured distance obtained by measuring a plurality of times within a predetermined period is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold.

4. The sensor window dirt determination device according to claim 1, wherein: The determination unit determines that the sensor window is contaminated when the measured distance is less than a maximum value and greater than a user's seating distance, and when a deviation in the measured distance obtained after a plurality of measurements within a predetermined period is greater than a predetermined threshold.

5. The sensor window dirt determination device according to claim 1, wherein: The determination unit determines that the sensor window is contaminated when the measured distance is equal to or less than the seating distance and the measured illuminance is greater than a predetermined threshold value.

6. The sensor window dirt determination device according to claim 1, wherein: The determination unit determines that the sensor window is contaminated when the measured distance is less than or equal to the seating distance, the measured illuminance is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold, and a deviation in the measured distance obtained by measuring the distance a plurality of times within a predetermined period is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold.

7. The sensor window dirt determination device according to claim 1, wherein: The determination unit determines that the sensor window is not dirty if the measured distance is less than the seating distance, the measured illuminance is less than a predetermined threshold, and a deviation of the measured distance obtained by measuring a plurality of times within a predetermined period is greater than a predetermined threshold.

8. The sensor window dirt determination device according to claim 1, wherein: The determination unit further determines the degree of contamination of the sensor window based on the measured distance and the measured illuminance.

9. The sensor window dirt determination device according to claim 1, wherein: The determination unit further determines whether the sensor window is dirty and the degree of dirt on the sensor window, taking into account whether a bathroom lighting in which the toilet is installed is on, whether the toilet lid is open, and whether a user sits on the toilet.

10. A method for determining dirt on a sensor window, wherein: The computer performs the following actions: The distance is measured through the sensor window inside the toilet device which is provided in the toilet. Inside the toilet device, the illumination is measured through the sensor window. The presence or absence of dirt on the sensor window is determined based on the measured distance and the measured illuminance.

11. The sensor window fouling determination method according to claim 10, wherein: The computer further determines that the sensor window is not contaminated when the measured distance is equal to or greater than a maximum value.

12. The sensor window fouling determination method according to claim 10, wherein: The computer further determines that the sensor window is not dirty when the measured distance is less than a maximum value and greater than a user's seating distance, and when a deviation in the measured distance obtained by measuring a plurality of times within a predetermined period is less than a predetermined threshold.

13. The sensor window fouling determination method according to claim 10, wherein: The computer further determines that the sensor window is contaminated when the measured distance is less than a maximum value and greater than a user's seating distance, and when a deviation in the measured distances obtained after a plurality of measurements within a predetermined period is greater than a predetermined threshold.

14. The sensor window fouling determination method according to claim 10, wherein: The computer further determines that the sensor window is contaminated when the measured distance is less than or equal to the seating distance and the measured illuminance is greater than a predetermined threshold.

15. The sensor window fouling determination method according to claim 10, wherein: The computer further determines that the sensor window is dirty when the measured distance is less than the seating distance, the measured illuminance is less than a predetermined threshold, and a deviation of the measured distance obtained by measuring multiple times within a predetermined period is less than a predetermined threshold.

16. The sensor window fouling determination method according to claim 10, wherein: The computer further determines that the sensor window is not dirty when the measured distance is less than the seating distance, the measured illuminance is less than a predetermined threshold, and a deviation of the measured distances obtained by measuring multiple times within a predetermined period is greater than a predetermined threshold.

17. The sensor window fouling determination method according to claim 10, wherein: The computer further determines the degree of dirt on the sensor window based on the measured distance and the measured illuminance.

18. The sensor window fouling determination method according to claim 10, wherein: The computer further determines whether the sensor window is dirty and the degree of dirt on the sensor window by considering whether the toilet's interior lighting is on, whether the toilet lid is open, and whether the user sits on the toilet.

19. A program that causes a computer to execute the following processing: The distance is measured through the sensor window inside the toilet device which is provided in the toilet. Inside the toilet device, the illumination is measured through the sensor window. The presence or absence of dirt on the sensor window is determined based on the measured distance and the measured illuminance.

20. The program according to claim 19, wherein The computer is further configured to perform the following processing: When the measured distance is equal to or greater than a maximum value, it is determined that the sensor window is not contaminated.

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