Excretion management system and computer program product

Abstract

The excretion management system (1) comprises: a seating information acquisition unit (22) for acquiring seating information including the seating time of the managed object sitting on the toilet seat (5); an excretion information acquisition unit (23) for acquiring excretion information including at least one of the excretion time, excretion volume, excretion frequency and excretion characteristics of the managed object; and a display information generation unit (24) for generating excretion status elapsed information based on the seating information and the excretion information, which causes the display unit (34) to display the seating information and the excretion information at each specified time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an excretion management system and computer program products. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, there were known devices and systems for managing the bowel movement information of elderly people and other caregivers (managed individuals).

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an excretion information management system that is equipped with a sensor for sensing seating and a sensor for sensing feces, so that the time required for defecation (the time from sitting to exiting) is displayed in time sequence on a display device according to the date and time of the defecation.

[0004] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-147113 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The problem that the invention aims to solve However, in the excretion information management system described in the aforementioned Patent Document 1, although it is possible to know the time from sitting down to defecating for each date and time, there is a tendency to want to more easily grasp the excretion health status.

[0006] This disclosure was made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its purpose is to provide an excretion management system and computer program product that can easily grasp the tendency of excretion health status.

[0007] Methods for solving problems To achieve the above objectives, the excretion management system of this disclosure is characterized by comprising: a seating information acquisition unit that acquires seating information including the seating time of the managed object sitting on the toilet seat; a defecation information acquisition unit that acquires defecation information including at least one of the defecation time, defecation volume, defecation frequency, and defecation characteristics of the managed object; and a display information generation unit that generates excretion status elapsed information based on the seating information and the defecation information, wherein the excretion status elapsed information displays the seating information and the defecation information at each predetermined time on the display unit.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the computer program product disclosed herein includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, performs the following processes: a seating information acquisition process, acquiring seating information including the seating time of the managed object sitting on the toilet seat; a defecation information acquisition process, acquiring defecation information including at least one of the managed object's defecation time, defecation volume, defecation frequency, and defecation characteristics; a display information generation process, generating defecation status elapsed time information based on the seating information and the defecation information, the defecation status elapsed time information being used to display the seating information and the defecation information at each predetermined time; and a display process, causing a display unit to display the seating information and the defecation information at each predetermined time based on the defecation status elapsed time information.

[0009] Invention Effects The excretion management system and computer program product disclosed herein, through the structure described above, can easily grasp the tendency of excretion health status. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example of an excretion management system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view of an example of a toilet (toilet device) applied to this excretion management system.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating an example of the processes performed in this waste management system.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a schematic plan view of an example of a display unit shown based on display information generated in the excretion management system.

[0014] Figure 5 (a) and (b) are schematic plan views illustrating a portion of a display unit based on another example of display information generated in the excretion management system.

[0015] Figure 6 (a) and (b) are schematic plan views illustrating a portion of a display unit based on another example of display information generated in the excretion management system.

[0016] Figure 7 (a) and (b) are schematic plan views illustrating a portion of a display unit based on another example of display information generated in the excretion management system.

[0017] Figure 8(a) and (b) are schematic plan views illustrating a portion of a display unit based on another example of display information generated in the excretion management system.

[0018] Figure Labels 1. Excretion Management System; 22. Seating Information Acquisition Department; 23. Excretion Information Acquisition Department (Defecation Information Acquisition Department, Urine Information Acquisition Department); 24. Display Information Generation Department; 34. Display Operation Department (Display Department); 5. Toilet Seat. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] Figures 1-8 This diagram schematically illustrates an example of the excretion management system of this embodiment and an example of a computer program product containing the program of this embodiment.

[0021] like Figure 1 As shown, the excretion management system 1 of this embodiment includes a seating information acquisition unit 22, which acquires information including the seat of the managed object on the toilet seat 5 (see reference 5). Figure 2 The excretion management system 1 includes a defecation information acquisition unit 23, which acquires defecation information including at least one of the following: defecation time, defecation volume, defecation frequency, and stool characteristics of the managed object. The excretion management system 1 also includes a display information generation unit 24, which generates excretion status elapsed time information based on the seating information and defecation information. This excretion status elapsed time information causes the display unit 34 to display the seating information and defecation information for each specified time period. With this structure, the excretion status elapsed time information generated in the display information generation unit 24 can be used to cause the display unit 34 to display the seating information and defecation information for each specified time period, allowing for simultaneous confirmation of highly correlated indicators on the display unit 34 to grasp the tendency of excretion health status. For example, as defecation information, it is possible to display the volume and seating time of formed stool (as a specified stool characteristic), or the volume and seating time of diarrheal stool or watery stool (as a specified stool characteristic). Furthermore, by displaying at least one of defecation time, defecation volume, defecation frequency, and stool characteristics, as well as sitting time, on the display unit 34, it is easy to grasp the tendency of various excretory health states.

[0022] The excretion management system 1 may also include a urination information acquisition unit 23, which acquires urination information including either the frequency or volume of urination of the managed object (the person being cared for). In this embodiment, the excretion management system 1 includes an excretion information acquisition unit 23 that functions as both a defecation information acquisition unit 23 and a urination information acquisition unit 23 that acquires urination information.

[0023] Excretion information acquisition department 23 can also be like Figure 2 As shown, the toilet unit 2 is equipped with an excretion detection unit 10 that detects excretions, including urination and defecation, to obtain urination and defecation information, as will be described later. With this structure, the person being cared for can automatically obtain urination and defecation information by using the toilet (toilet unit 2). Furthermore, it is possible to obtain information about whether the person being cared for urinated and defecated using the toilet.

[0024] The excretion information acquisition unit 23 can also acquire urination and defecation information based on care record data, including incontinence information. With this structure, it is also possible to acquire urination and defecation information, including incontinence information, which is difficult to obtain in the excretion detection unit 10 described above.

[0025] The computer program product of this embodiment includes a program (excretion management program) that causes the computer to perform a seating information acquisition process, which acquires seating information including the seating time of the managed object sitting on the toilet seat 5. The program also causes the computer to perform a defecation information acquisition process, which acquires defecation information including at least one of the managed object's defecation time, defecation volume, defecation frequency, and stool characteristics. Furthermore, the program causes the computer to perform a display information generation process, which generates excretion status elapsed time information based on the seating and defecation information, and this excretion status elapsed time information is used to display the seating and defecation information for each specified time period. Finally, the program causes the computer to perform a display process, which, based on the excretion status elapsed time information, causes the display unit 34 to display the seating and defecation information for each specified time period. The program can also cause the computer to perform a urination information acquisition process, which acquires urination information including either the managed object's urination frequency or urination volume.

[0026] The seating information acquisition process in this program can also be performed in the seating information acquisition unit 22 described later. The excretion information acquisition process in this program, including defecation information acquisition process and urination information acquisition process, can also be performed in the excretion information acquisition unit 23 described later. The display information generation process in this program can also be performed in the display information generation unit 24 described later. The display process in this program can also be performed in the display operation unit 34 described later. In this embodiment, the program is executed using the excretion management system 1, but it can also be executed by one or more computers included in the excretion management system 1 (more specifically, one or more control units 16, 21, 31 including the processor described later), or by a computer (processor) other than the excretion management system 1. The program can be pre-saved on a suitable computer-readable recording medium (e.g., storage units 17, 25, 32 described later), or it can be installed on a computer via a network.

[0027] As an example, such as Figure 1 As shown, the excretion management system 1 includes a server 20, which includes a control unit 21 that functions as a seating information acquisition unit 22, an excretion information acquisition unit 23, and a display information generation unit 24. Some or all of the functions of the seating information acquisition unit 22, the excretion information acquisition unit 23, and the display information generation unit 24 can also be implemented by the control unit 16 on the toilet device 2 side and the control unit 31 on the caregiver terminal 30 side, as described later.

[0028] Server 20 can communicate via a network with the toilet device 2 used by the person being cared for and the caregiver terminal 30 used by the caregiver. The network can be a public network such as the Internet, or a local area network (LAN). The illustration shows an example where the toilet device 2 and caregiver terminal 30 connected to server 20 via the network are a single unit, but there can be multiple units of either or both.

[0029] like Figure 2As shown, the toilet device 2 can be, for example, a seated type, and may include: a toilet body 3 with a basin (bedpan) 4; a toilet seat 5 for the person being cared for to sit on; a toilet lid 6 that opens and closes to cover the toilet seat 5; and a toilet seat device body 8, mounted on the toilet body 3, supporting the toilet seat 5 and the toilet lid 6 so that they can rotate. Additionally, the toilet device 2 may include a heater built into the toilet seat 5 to heat it, and a warm water washing device mounted on the toilet seat device body 8 for localized cleaning with warm water. This toilet device 2 can be installed in the bathroom of the person being cared for (single room), or around the bed. In the illustration, a toilet device with a low-level water tank is shown as the toilet device 2, but it can also be a toilet device without a low-level water tank. Furthermore, it can be a pressure-fed toilet device with a pump, or even a portable toilet.

[0030] The toilet device 2 includes a seating detection unit 7 for detecting seating, an excretion detection unit 10 for detecting excretion, including urination and defecation, and a control unit 15 (also see) that is wired or wirelessly connected to the seating detection unit 7 and the excretion detection unit 10. Figure 1 ).

[0031] The seating detection unit 7 can detect when the person being cared for sits on the toilet seat 5 (start of use) and when they get off the toilet seat 5 (end of use). Such a seating detection unit 7 could be, for example, a seating sensor capable of detecting when the person being cared for sits on and off the toilet seat. Such a seating sensor could also be a sensor capable of detecting the position of the person being cared for on the toilet seat 5 (forward, backward, left or right offset, etc.) and the pressure applied to the buttocks of the person being cared for on the toilet seat 5 (pressure stronger than usual, etc.). Furthermore, the seating detection unit 7 is not limited to such a direct sensor for detecting sitting and getting off; it could also be an indirect sensor. For example, the seating detection unit 7 could be a toilet seat sensor capable of detecting the opening and closing of the toilet lid 6; it could also be a human sensor capable of detecting approach and separation from the toilet unit 2; a sensor capable of detecting entry and exit from the toilet; or various other sensors.

[0032] The excretion detection unit 10 includes an illumination unit 11 for illuminating the inside of the basin 4 and an imaging unit 12, such as a camera, for capturing images of the excrement discharged into the basin 4. In the illustration, an example is shown where the excretion detection unit 10 is detachably mounted on the upper periphery of the basin 4. However, this is not a limited example; one or both of the illumination unit 11 and the imaging unit 12 may be mounted on the toilet seat 5 or the toilet seat assembly body 8. Alternatively, it may be non-detachably mounted in a suitable location on the toilet body 3 or similar component. Furthermore, a seating detection unit 7 may be provided within the modular excretion detection unit 10 described above.

[0033] The control unit 15 includes a control unit 16 containing a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). This control unit 16 may also include a suitable timing unit, such as a real-time clock, that keeps track of the detection times of each detection unit. The control unit 15 includes a storage unit 17, which includes at least one of a memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), SSD (Solid State Drive), or HDD (Hard Disc Drive). The control unit 15 includes a communication unit 18, which includes a transmitting unit and a receiving unit capable of transmitting and receiving data via a network. In the illustration, an example is shown where the control unit 15 is located away from the toilet body 3 (e.g., on a wall), but it may also be located on the side of the toilet body 3. For example, at least a portion of the control unit 16, storage unit 17, and communication unit 18 of the control unit 15 may also be located on the excretion detection unit 10 or the toilet seat body 8.

[0034] The control unit 16 expands the program stored in the storage unit 17 (e.g., ROM) on the storage unit 17 (e.g., RAM) to control each part, and sends seating information and excretion information (urination information and defecation information) to the server 20. If there is no excretion information from the time of seating sensing (start of use) to the time of leaving sensing (end of use), the control unit 16 sends the unexcreted information to the server 20. This seating information, excretion information, and unexcreted information can also be sent to the server 20 along with identification information such as the ID and name used to identify the person being cared for.

[0035] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, if the seating detection unit 7 detects seating (step S100), the control unit 16 starts timing (step S101). If defecation is detected (step S102), the control unit 16 sends defecation information (step S103). Additionally, after seating is detected (step S100), if urination is detected (step S104), urination information is sent (step S105). If the seating detection unit 7 detects leaving the seat (step S106), the timing ends, and the seating time is sent (step S107). This seating time can include the start time of seating and the time of leaving the seat. Furthermore, the seating information can include the number of times the person sat down, and can also include the seating position (the position of the seat (front, back, left or right offset, etc.)) and the seating pressure (the pressure applied to the buttocks on the toilet seat (pressure stronger than usual, etc.)). For example, if the seating time is long and the pressure is strong on the front side of the toilet seat 5, it is possible to clearly determine the possibility of the person leaning forward and holding their breath (constipation).

[0036] After the seat is detected (step S100), neither defecation nor urination is detected, but leaving the seat is detected (step S106). That is, if neither defecation nor urination information is sent, then no excretion information is sent (steps S107~S109). The no excretion information may also include the time (e.g., the time of leaving the seat).

[0037] The aforementioned urination and defecation information can also be generated based on image data captured by the camera unit 12. For example, if seating is detected by the seating detection unit 7, the control unit 16 can also turn on the lighting unit 11 and cause the camera unit 12 to take pictures at predetermined intervals, and save the captured image data in the storage unit 17 or send it to the server 20 until departure is detected. In addition, the control unit 16 can also send defecation information to the server 20 if the excrement is feces, and send urination information to the server 20 if the excrement is urine. The defecation information obtained by the excretion information acquisition unit 23 of the server 20 (described later) and stored in the storage unit 25 can include the time of defecation (one or both of the start and end times), the amount of excrement, and the characteristics of the excrement. In addition, the urination information can also include the time of urination (one or both of the start and end times) and the amount of urine.

[0038] The control unit 16 can also perform known image analysis processing on the image data of the excrement to determine (estimate) whether the excrement is feces or urine. Furthermore, if the excrement is feces, the control unit 16 can also determine (estimate) the amount and consistency of the feces; if the excrement is urine, the control unit 16 can also determine (estimate) the amount of urine. Machine learning can also be used in such determinations. For example, the determination of the excrement can be made by referring to the area, color, and path of the falling excrement, as well as the area, shape, color, and presence or absence of floating matter in the basin 4. The determination of the consistency of the feces in the control unit 16 can be performed, for example, by classifying it according to the seven stages of the Bristol scale (hereinafter referred to as BS), or by using known determination techniques related to fecal consistency. For example, feces classified as BS1-4 can be classified as formed feces, feces classified as BS5 as soft feces, and feces classified as BS6 and 7 as diarrheal feces. Alternatively, stools classified as equivalent to BS1-5 can be categorized as formed stools, stools classified as equivalent to BS6 as diarrheal stools, and stools classified as equivalent to BS7 as watery stools. This classification of stool characteristics is not limited to three stages.

[0039] The determination of defecation volume in control unit 16 can also be based on the area of ​​excrement identified as feces, and divided into multiple stages, such as classifying it as small, moderate, or large amounts. Similarly, the determination of urination volume in control unit 16 can also be based on the area of ​​excrement identified as urine, and divided into multiple stages, such as classifying it as small, moderate, or large amounts. The classification of defecation and urination volume is not limited to three stages; it can be two stages or more. Furthermore, instead of performing the aforementioned excrement determination in control unit 16 on the toilet device 2 side, the excrement determination can be performed in control unit 21 on the server 20 side. Additionally, when toilet device 2 is installed, for example, in a shared space, it may also include a personal authentication unit to identify the person being cared for who is using toilet device 2.

[0040] The caregiver terminal 30 can also be a portable information terminal such as a smartphone or tablet that allows caregivers to input care records for the person being cared for. The caregiver terminal 30 is not limited to such portable information terminals; it can also be a personal computer, workstation, server, etc., that collects care records sent from terminals installed in care facilities or similar locations where care records are input.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the caregiver terminal 30 includes: a control unit 31, including a processor such as a CPU; a storage unit 32, including at least one of ROM, RAM, SSD, HDD, etc.; and a communication unit 33, including a transmitting unit and a receiving unit capable of sending and receiving data via a network. Additionally, the caregiver terminal 30 includes a display operation unit 34 constituting a display unit. Figure 4 As shown in this example, the caregiver terminal 30 is set as a portable information terminal and the display operation unit 34 is set as a touch panel. However, the display unit can also be composed of a suitable display or the like, and the operation unit can be composed of a suitable keyboard or the like.

[0042] Alternatively, application software (programs) for performing excretion management procedures in collaboration with server 20 can be pre-installed on the caregiver terminal 30.

[0043] The control unit 31 expands the program stored in the storage unit 32 (e.g., ROM) on the storage unit 32 (e.g., RAM) and controls each part, sending the care record data to the server 20. This care record data can also be sent to the server 20 along with identification information such as the caregiver's ID and name. The care record data can also be input by the caregiver for each caregiver via the display operation unit 34. In this case, the care record data can be input after entering the caregiver's ID, password, etc., into the display operation unit 34. Furthermore, various displays in the display operation unit 34 can be displayed via a dedicated application or via a web browser using a web application on the server 20 side. Additionally, if the care record for each caregiver is recorded on paper or the like, the care record data can be obtained by performing text recognition processing on image data obtained by photographing the care record with a camera or reading the care record with a scanner.

[0044] Caregiver record data can also include excretion information (urination and defecation information), including incontinence information. This incontinence information can include urinary incontinence information constituting urination information and fecal incontinence information constituting defecation information. Furthermore, urinary incontinence information can also include the time of discovery of urinary incontinence constituting urination, and fecal incontinence information can also include the time of discovery of fecal incontinence constituting defecation. That is, the time when the caregiver discovers incontinence in the caregiver's sheets, diapers, absorbent pads, etc., can also be considered the time of urination or defecation. Additionally, urinary incontinence information can include the amount of urine (e.g., small, moderate, and large). Additionally, fecal incontinence information can include the amount of stool (e.g., small, moderate, and large) and stool characteristics (e.g., formed stool, diarrheal stool, and watery stool). Caregiver record data can include the actual time of toilet training, the time of falling asleep, the time of waking up, the time of waking up, the time of eating, etc., and can also include the content and quantity of food. Furthermore, caregiver record data can also include medication information.

[0045] The excretion information (urination and defecation information) acquired in the excretion information acquisition unit 23 is not limited to the detection and care record data of the excretion detection unit 10 based on the toilet device 2 as described above. For example, it may also be the excretion information (urination and defecation information) detected by an incontinence detection sensor that can detect excretion, such as an odor sensor installed on the bed of the person being cared for, the diapers worn by the person being cared for, or the absorbent pads. In this case, the detection information of the incontinence detection sensor may also be sent to the server 20 through the same control unit or the control unit 15 of the toilet device 2 that is connected to the incontinence detection sensor and installed around the bed as described above.

[0046] Server 20 includes: a control unit 21, including a processor such as a CPU; a storage unit 25, including at least one of ROM, RAM, SSD, HDD, etc.; and a communication unit 26, including a sending unit and a receiving unit capable of sending and receiving data via a network. Server 20 can be composed of a single piece of hardware or multiple pieces of hardware. Server 20 can be installed in a facility such as a care facility or outside of such a facility.

[0047] The control unit 21 functions as the seating information acquisition unit 22, the excretion information acquisition unit 23, and the display information generation unit 24 by expanding the program (excretion management program) stored in the storage unit 25 (e.g., ROM) on the storage unit 25 (e.g., RAM) and controlling each unit, and performs the following processing.

[0048] If the control unit 21 receives the aforementioned seating information, excretion information, and non-excretion information along with the identification information, it saves this information to the storage unit 25 for each caregiver. Then, the control unit 21 generates excretion status elapsed time information for each caregiver, which includes seating information and defecation information for each specified time period. Here, the seating time included in each specified time period is not limited to values ​​in seconds or minutes; it can also be time categorized into multiple stages, such as short time (e.g., less than 5 minutes), medium time (e.g., more than 5 minutes but less than 30 minutes), and long time (e.g., more than 30 minutes).

[0049] The defecation status time information included in this defecation status time information can also include the amount of formed stool. Based on this structure, the defecation status time information generated in the display information generation unit 24 can be used to make the display operation unit 34 display the seating information and the amount of formed stool at each predetermined time. Therefore, if there is a tendency for long seating times and small amounts of formed stool, it can be determined that there is a tendency towards constipation.

[0050] The excretion status time information can also include the number of times excretion has not occurred within each specified time period. Based on this structure, the excretion status time information generated in the display information generation unit 24 can be used to display the number of times excretion has not occurred along with seating and defecation information within each specified time period. This makes it easier to identify a tendency towards constipation, to improve the efficiency of toilet guidance in care facilities, and to assess the likelihood of defecation or urination disorders.

[0051] like Figure 4As shown, the display information generation unit 24 can also generate excretion status time information by having the display operation unit 34 display seating information and defecation information in the same chart. With this structure, the excretion status time information generated in the display information generation unit 24 can be used to display seating information and defecation information for each specified time period in the same chart, making it easier to grasp the trend of excretion health status. In other words, by combining the timing of seating information and defecation information, it is easy to view the process, making it easier to grasp the tendency of various symptoms to be discovered and to locate the time period of excretion health status.

[0052] From the perspective of understanding the changes and trends in daily bowel health status over time, the aforementioned specified time can be an appropriate time, such as 12 hours or 24 hours; in this example, it is set to 1 day (24 hours). That is, the control unit 21 (display information generation unit 24) generates daily seating information and defecation information (and the number of times not defecating) as time-lapse information for the bowel status displayed on the display operation unit 34. The control unit 21 can also generate daily seating information and defecation information (and the number of times not defecating) as time-lapse information for the bowel status displayed on the display operation unit 34 within a specified period (e.g., several days, one week, two weeks, etc.).

[0053] Figure 4 An example is shown where the display operation unit 34 of the caregiver terminal 30 displays various information, including the seat information and excretion information of the person being cared for, based on the excretion status elapsed information generated as described above. Furthermore, when displaying the excretion status elapsed information of the person being cared for on the display operation unit 34, it can also be displayed after input of the person's ID, password, etc., to identify them.

[0054] In this example, the caregiver terminal 30's display operation unit 34 includes a personal information display unit (display area) 35, which displays personal information that identifies the caregiver, such as ID and name. In addition to ID and name, the personal information display unit 35 can also display attribute information, display period length, seating information including usual sitting time, and average values ​​related to excretion information. Furthermore, the display operation unit 34 includes a related information display unit (display area) 36. This related information display unit 36 ​​can also display notifications related to the caregiver, and the caregiver's activity management records (e.g., water intake, intake time, food intake, meal time, medication information). By displaying this background information, including personal and related information related to the caregiver, together with the excretion status time information, it is possible to analyze the excretion status time information considering the background information, making it easier to examine the main causes in cases of potential trends or worsening conditions.

[0055] The display operation unit 34 is provided with an excretion information display unit (display area) 37, which displays excretion status over time information. In this example, an example is shown where the excretion information display unit 37 displays the daily sitting time as sitting information, the amount of formed stool as a prescribed stool form, and the number of times excretion has not occurred. In addition, the excretion information display unit 37 is provided with a first display unit (display area) 38 that displays the excretion status over time information in a graph form and a second display unit (display area) 39 that displays it in a table form.

[0056] The first display unit 38 shows an example where the horizontal axis is used as a time axis (date axis) to display the amount for one week, the vertical axis is used as the bowel movement volume and sitting time to display the bowel movement volume in a bar graph, and the sitting time in a line graph. Furthermore, the specified period for displaying the bowel movement status information is not limited to one week; it can be other periods. Also, it is not limited to a pre-fixed period and can be set to be changeable. For example, it is possible to switch between displaying the amount from the most recent week and the amount from the week immediately preceding it, or to display them side-by-side or overlapping.

[0057] In the first display unit 38, the amount of stool per bowel movement is converted into points according to multiple stages, and the total number of points for each day is displayed in a bar chart. That is, it can be identified that the longer the bar chart, the greater the amount of stool per day. In the illustration, an example is shown where a small amount is displayed as 1 point, a small to moderate amount as 2 points, a moderate amount as 3 points, and a large amount as 5 points. In addition, an example is shown where, in the first display unit 38, in a way that also identifies the number of bowel movements per day, a thick horizontal line representing the boundary of each bowel movement is displayed on the bar chart.

[0058] Additionally, an example is shown where solid stool is displayed in the first display unit 38 using shaded solid lines in a bar chart, and the number of times not defecated is superimposed on the bar chart using hollow dashed lines. Furthermore, an example is shown where thick horizontal lines representing the boundaries of each instance of not defecating are displayed in the first display unit 38, allowing the number of instances to be identified if there are multiple instances of not defecating in a day.

[0059] Furthermore, the line graph representing the seating time in the first display unit 38 shows an example of totaling and calculating the total seating time for each day in minutes, and displaying its progression day by day. Moreover, the display method for the daily seating time is not limited to this method; it can also be categorized into multiple stages. For example, it can be represented by a line graph with three stages: short time (less than 5 minutes), medium time (5 minutes to less than 30 minutes, standard time), and long time (more than 30 minutes).

[0060] The second display unit 39 displays information substantially the same as that in the first display unit 38 described above, in tabular form. This second display unit 39 shows an example of displaying weekly bowel movement information and sitting time vertically arranged day by day. The second display unit 39 includes columns displaying the amount and frequency of formed stool, a column displaying the number of times no bowel movement occurred, and a column displaying sitting time. An example is shown where the amount of formed stool is displayed in four stages: small, small to moderate, moderate, and large per bowel movement. The sitting time is shown in stages, not in minutes, instead of displaying the total daily sitting time. In the illustration, examples are shown where the total daily sitting time is less than 5 minutes ("Short: Less than 5 minutes"), 10-20 minutes ("10-20 minutes"), and more than 30 minutes ("Long: More than 30 minutes"). The display method for sitting time in the second display unit 39 is not limited to this; it can also be displayed in minutes or other methods.

[0061] If the control unit 21 determines that there is a tendency for defecation health to worsen in one or both of the first display unit 38 and the second display unit 39, a display that identifies this tendency (deterioration tendency warning display) can also be made. In the illustration, an example is shown where the column for days deemed to have a tendency to worsen is displayed in a pear-skin shape in the second display unit 39 in a way that distinguishes it from other columns. Another example is shown where the column displaying the amount and frequency of formed stools, along with the sitting time, for days with multiple missed bowel movements the previous day, multiple small bowel movements on the current day, and long sitting times is displayed in a pear-skin shape. Thus, it is possible to identify a tendency for constipation (difficulty defecating) on ​​that day (September 7th in the illustration). This deterioration tendency warning display, capable of identifying such a tendency for defecation health to worsen, is not limited to the illustration; it can also be a warning label, text displaying "difficulty defecating," "diarrhea," "dehydration," or other displays. Alternatively, the display method could be a scoring system for excretory health status, with the score decreasing as it deteriorates. Furthermore, if a worsening trend is observed, different colors could be used to display the score or the date. Regarding the judgment of a worsening trend in excretory health status, if it exceeds a predetermined benchmark, it can be judged as a worsening trend. For example, benchmarks can be set for the indicators obtained in control unit 21 (seating information, excretion information, and non-excretion information). If multiple indicators exceed the benchmarks, it is judged as a worsening trend. Such benchmarks can be set based on statistical values ​​from clinical trials, values ​​confirmed by societies / guidelines, etc., or based on the individual average value of each caregiver over a specified period (e.g., the most recent month, two weeks, etc.). Furthermore, the judgment of a worsening trend in excretory health status is not limited to methods for judging difficulty in defecation, diarrhea, dehydration, etc., and can also include judgments of other urinary disorders, defecation disorders, etc.

[0062] Furthermore, as described above, in the display operation unit 34, instead of simultaneously displaying the personal information display unit 35, the associated information display unit 36, the first display unit 38, and the second display unit 39, at least one of them can be switched to be displayed by accepting operation input from an appropriate display switching operation unit. Additionally, an example is shown where the excretion information display unit 37 displays the first display unit 38 and the second display unit 39, but it can also be configured to display only one of them. As for the display mode in the display operation unit 34, including the variations described later, various other variations are possible.

[0063] Furthermore, the display unit 34, which displays the time information of the excretion status, is not limited to the display operation unit 34 of the caregiver terminal 30, but can also be the display unit of a terminal used by the person being cared for, the display unit of the control unit 15 installed in the toilet device 2, etc. In this case, messages from family members may also be displayed on this display unit. Additionally, the display unit 34 displaying the time information of the excretion status can also be the display unit of a terminal held by a family member. In this case, a step of obtaining the person being cared for's consent before displaying on this display unit, and a notification setting function to notify the person being cared for's terminal of the situation being displayed on another display unit, may be included.

[0064] Next, refer to Figures 5-8 This section describes other examples of the excretion status time information displayed in the operation unit 34 (excretion information display unit). In the following variations, the differences from the previously described examples will be explained primarily; identical structures will be labeled with the same reference numerals, and this will be omitted or briefly described. In the following variations, the same effects as in the previously described examples will also be omitted or briefly described. Furthermore, regarding the dates in each figure, including those mentioned above... Figure 4 There is no correlation within this section; it is a record made for convenience. Furthermore, the progression of excretion status over time in each diagram is also conveniently recorded as an example.

[0065] Figure 5 (a) schematically shows a first modified example of the excretion status time information displayed on the excretion information display unit 37A.

[0066] In this example, an example is shown where "Not" is displayed within a hollow dotted line indicating the number of times not defecated in the first display section 38A of the excretion information display section 37A. This structure allows for a clearer identification of instances of not defecating. Furthermore, this example shows a trend on September 6th and 7th where, compared to September 5th, the amount of formed stool tends to decrease, the number of times not defecating increases, and the time spent sitting in bed also tends to lengthen. Therefore, on September 6th and 7th, the second display section 39A displays a warning of worsening trends, similar to the example described above. This allows for awareness of a tendency towards constipation and also prompts attention to physical burdens such as increased blood pressure caused by respiration. Additionally, in care facilities, for example, it allows for identification of premature toilet training and the implementation of measures such as delaying toilet training.

[0067] Figure 5 (b) schematically shows a second variation of the excretion status time information displayed on the excretion information display unit 37B.

[0068] In this example, the defecation status information over time includes the amount of stool in formed, soft, and diarrheal stools. Based on this structure, it is possible to determine the tendency of stool characteristics and volume at each specified time (day). Therefore, it is possible to determine the tendency towards constipation, diarrhea, or dehydration based on the length of time spent sitting and the amount of stool in each type.

[0069] Furthermore, this example shows a case where only a first display unit 38B is provided in the excretion information display unit 37B, without a second display unit. Additionally, it shows an example where the hollow dashed lines representing the number of times excretion has not been accumulated and displayed on the bar chart representing the amount of stool, but rather separately towards the top of the bar chart. Furthermore, it shows an example where different shades are used to distinguish between formed stool, soft stool, and diarrheal stool, but different colors could also be used.

[0070] In this case, on September 2nd, the amount of soft and diarrheal stools increased, and the time spent sitting was also shorter. Therefore, to prevent fecal incontinence, measures such as advancing the toilet guidance schedule after September 3rd could be taken. Furthermore, in this case, for example, an appropriate warning display indicating a worsening trend could be shown at a suitable location on September 2nd.

[0071] Figure 6 (a) schematically shows a third variation of the excretion status time information displayed on the excretion information display unit 37C.

[0072] In this example, the graph representing the defecation information of the first display unit 38C of the excretion information display unit 37C differs from the second variation described above. In this example, a bar graph showing the amount of formed stool extending upwards from the base point horizontal axis is shown, while a bar graph showing the amount of soft and diarrheal stool extending downwards from the base point horizontal axis is also shown. With this structure, it is easy to identify different stool consistency levels during excretion.

[0073] Figure 6 (b) schematically shows a fourth variation of the excretion status time information displayed on the excretion information display unit 37D.

[0074] In this example, the defecation information included in the excretion status time information includes information on fecal incontinence. Based on this structure, the tendency towards fecal incontinence can be assessed. In this example, an example is shown where the first display unit 38D uses different shades to distinguish between the volume of formed stool, the volume obtained by adding together soft and diarrheal stool, and the volume of fecal incontinence; however, different colors could also be used. Alternatively, the display could show the stool characteristics that indicate fecal incontinence.

[0075] Furthermore, the second display unit 39D, like the first display unit 38D, also has a column for displaying information about fecal incontinence. Additionally, the second display unit 39D displays a warning of worsening tendencies for September 2nd-4th, 6th, and 7th, similar to the example described above. In this example, from September 2nd to 4th, there were soft and diarrheal stools, as well as fecal incontinence, and the time spent sitting was short. Therefore, to prevent future fecal incontinence, measures such as advancing the toilet guidance time after September 5th can be taken. Regarding September 6th and 7th, similarly, it can be determined that there is a tendency towards constipation (difficulty in defecation).

[0076] Figure 7 (a) schematically shows a fifth variation of the excretion status time information displayed on the excretion information display unit 37E.

[0077] In this example, the excretion status time information includes seating information and urination information for each specified time period. Based on this structure, the excretion status time information generated in the display information generation unit 24 can be used to cause the display operation unit 34 to display the seating information and urination information for each specified time period. Thus, for example, if the frequency or volume of urination, as information about urination, tends to decrease, attention can be drawn to potential dehydration or urination disorders. Furthermore, if the structure is designed to display the volume and frequency of formed stool as described above, the possibility of constipation or urination disorders can also be assessed. For example, in cases of constipation, there is a tendency for urine to be difficult to flow due to rectal obstruction and pressure on the bladder and urethra, or a tendency for urinary incontinence due to pressure on the pelvic floor muscles and difficulty in urinating; such tendencies can be assessed. Furthermore, if the stool composition can show the amount of diarrheal stool as described above, the frequency of diarrheal stool and watery stool as described below, it is possible to more clearly determine whether there is a tendency for dehydration if diarrheal stool or diarrheal stool and watery stool tend to increase, and the frequency or amount of urination tends to decrease.

[0078] In this example, the excretion information display unit 37E is provided with a first display unit 38E that displays urination information in the form of a chart and a second display unit 39E that displays it in the form of a table.

[0079] In the first display unit 38E, the daily urine output is categorized into multiple stages and converted into fractional points, then displayed as a bar chart. That is, the longer the bar chart, the more urine output can be identified each day. The example shown illustrates how a small amount is displayed as 1 point, a moderate amount as 3 points, and a large amount as 5 points. Furthermore, similarly, in the case of multiple urinations throughout the day, the first display unit 38E can display thick horizontal lines on the bar chart representing the boundaries of each urination, thus also enabling the identification of the number of urinations per day.

[0080] Furthermore, an example is shown where the daily urine output is displayed in three stages—small, moderate, and large—on the second display unit 39E. On September 6th and 7th, the second display unit 39E displays the same warning of worsening trend as in the example above. In this example, it shows a trend of decreasing urine output, increased frequency of not urinating, and prolonged sitting time on September 6th and 7th compared to September 5th. Therefore, for example, in care facilities, it is possible to identify premature toilet training and take measures such as delaying toilet training. Furthermore, while this example shows the daily urine output, it could also be displayed in terms of the frequency of urination. Alternatively, it could be displayed in terms of both urine output and the frequency of sitting. For example, if the daily urine output has not changed for several days, but the frequency of sitting increases, it is possible to detect the possibility of overactive bladder. Similarly, if the daily urine output has not changed since yesterday, but the frequency of sitting increases sharply, it is possible to detect the possibility of stress.

[0081] The excretion information display unit 37E that displays urination information can be switched with the excretion information display unit that displays defecation information shown in each example, or they can be displayed side by side or overlapped.

[0082] Figure 7 (b) schematically shows a sixth variation of the excretion status time information displayed on the excretion information display unit 37F.

[0083] In this example, the defecation information included in the excretion status time information is set as the amount or frequency of diarrheal stools and watery stools. With this structure, the excretion status time information generated in the display information generation unit 24 can be used to display the seating information and the amount or frequency of diarrheal stools and watery stools for each predetermined time period on the display operation unit 34. Therefore, if there is a tendency for a large amount or frequency of diarrheal or watery stools, it can be identified as a tendency towards diarrhea or dehydration.

[0084] In this example, the structure is designed to display urination and defecation information together on the excretion information display unit 37F. Furthermore, the excretion information display unit 37F includes a first display unit 38F displaying defecation and urination information, and a second display unit 39F displaying the seating time as seating information. In other words, in this example, the seating time and defecation information are displayed using different charts.

[0085] In the first display unit 38F, the horizontal axis represents the number of urinations, and the vertical axis represents the number of diarrheal and watery stools. Furthermore, the first display unit 38F displays the number of urinations as decreasing towards the left of the horizontal axis, and the number of defecations as increasing towards the lower part of the horizontal axis. Additionally, an example is shown where the first display unit 38F displays a white circle and the date at the intersection of the daily number of urinations and defecations, and a straight line connecting the white circles is displayed in chronological order. In the illustration, there are white circles not located on the grid-like dashed lines, but the number of times can also be represented by these grid-like dashed lines, with the white circles located at their intersections.

[0086] In the second display unit 39F, an example is shown in which the horizontal axis is set as the date axis and the vertical axis is set as the seating time axis, and the seating time for each day is displayed as a line graph.

[0087] Additionally, examples of a good condition display and a warning of deterioration are shown on the first display unit 38F. In the illustration, an example is shown where the upper right area, indicating appropriate urination frequency and reduced frequency of diarrhea and watery stools, is displayed as a lighter pear-skin-like color, signifying a good condition. Conversely, an example is shown where the lower left area, indicating reduced urination frequency and increased frequency of diarrhea and watery stools, is displayed as a darker pear-skin-like color, signifying a warning of deterioration, with the surrounding area displayed as a lighter pear-skin-like color, indicating a warning of deterioration. Based on this structure, if the white circle is located in the upper right area, the excretion status is good; if the white circle is located in the lower left area, it indicates a potential for deterioration, i.e., dehydration. The illustration shows an example where, as the date approaches October 9th, urination frequency decreases, diarrhea and watery stools increase, and sitting time is short.

[0088] Additionally, an example is shown on the first display unit 38F where the text "Possibility of Dehydration" and a warning label are displayed in the lower left area as a warning of deterioration. The display method for indicating good condition and warning of deterioration is not limited to the example shown; various other methods can be employed.

[0089] Figure 8 (a) schematically shows a seventh variation of the excretion status time information displayed on the excretion information display unit 37G.

[0090] In this example, the excretion information display unit 37G includes a first display unit 38G that displays sitting time, defecation information, and urination information. In this first display unit 38G, the horizontal axis represents the date, and the vertical axis represents the number of diarrheal and watery stools and the sitting time. This structure displays sitting time, defecation information, and urination information on the same graph, making it easy to grasp the trend of the excretion status. Furthermore, the first display unit 38G shows examples of a line graph displaying sitting time with dashed lines, a line graph displaying the number of diarrheal and watery stools with dashed lines thinner than the sitting time, and a line graph displaying the number of urinations with solid lines. Additionally, the first display unit 38G shows an example of a warning display for a worsening trend, displaying a warning label and the text "Possibility of Dehydration" along with an arrow. The illustration shows an example of a worsening trend warning display displayed on November 6th, when the number of urinations tended to decrease, the number of diarrheal and watery stools tended to increase, and the sitting time tended to be shorter.

[0091] Figure 8 (b) schematically shows an eighth variation of the excretion status time information displayed on the excretion information display unit 37H.

[0092] In this example, the excretion information display unit 37H includes a urination information display unit 38Ha displaying urination information, a defecation information display unit 38Hb displaying defecation information, and a seating time display unit 39H displaying seating time. In other words, this example shows the display of excretion status over time, similar to the seventh variation described above, in three side-by-side charts. In each display unit 38Ha, 38Hb, and 39H, the horizontal axis is used as the date axis, so that the dates are displayed vertically in a consistent manner. Furthermore, in the urination information display unit 38Ha, the vertical axis displays the number of urinations; in the defecation information display unit 38Hb, the vertical axis displays the number of diarrheal and watery stools; and in the seating time display unit 39H, the vertical axis displays the seating time. Additionally, an example is shown where the urination information display unit 38Ha displays a warning of worsening tendencies, similar to the seventh variation described above.

[0093] The different structures in the excretion status time information displayed in the excretion information display units 37-37H described in the above examples can also be appropriately modified, reorganized or combined as needed.

[0094] Furthermore, in the examples described above, examples are shown of displaying prescribed stool characteristics and stool volume or frequency as defecation information, but this is not limited to such methods. For example, as defecation information, it is also possible to set it to not display stool characteristics, that is, to display at least one of defecation time, stool volume, and defecation frequency unrelated to stool characteristics.

[0095] The processing action of the procedure executed in the above-mentioned excretion management system 1 is just one example, and can be appropriately modified.

[0096] In addition to the above-mentioned excretion management system 1 and the program executed in the excretion management system 1, various other configurations may be provided.

[0097] As described above, the excretion management system 1 and computer program product of this disclosure can efficiently provide excretion care support to caregivers (managed subjects) in the fields of facility care and home care. Furthermore, as a use beyond excretion care support, it can also be used to support the health management of managed subjects by caregivers and nurses when changes in the seat and bowel movement information of the managed subject at each specified time deviate from specified values ​​(e.g., weekly, monthly). Moreover, the excretion management system and computer program product of this disclosure can also be applied to the health management of family members in ordinary households, infants and young children in childcare facilities, students in various educational institutions, and employees in workplaces. Additionally, the excretion management system and computer program product of this disclosure can also be applied to the health management of animals such as pets and livestock.

[0098] <Postscript> Based on the above description of the embodiments, the following technology is disclosed.

[0099] <Technology 1> An excretion management system includes: a seating information acquisition unit that acquires seating information including the seating time of a managed object sitting on a toilet seat; a defecation information acquisition unit that acquires defecation information including at least one of the defecation time, defecation volume, defecation frequency, and defecation characteristics of the managed object; and a display information generation unit that generates excretion status elapsed information based on the seating information and the defecation information, wherein the excretion status elapsed information displays the seating information and the defecation information at each predetermined time on a display unit.

[0100] <Technology 2> According to the excretion management system described in Technology 1, the defecation information included in the excretion status time information is the amount or number of defecations of formed stool.

[0101] <Technology 3> According to the excretion management system of technology 1 or technology 2, the defecation information included in the excretion status time information is the amount or number of times of diarrheal stool and watery stool.

[0102] <Technology 4> The excretion management system according to any one of technology 1 to technology 3 includes a urination information acquisition unit, which acquires urination information including either the number of times a managed object urinates or the amount of urine urinated, and the urination status elapsed information includes the seating information and the urination information for each predetermined time.

[0103] <Technology 5> According to any one of the technologies 1 to 4, the excretion management system generates the excretion status time information by displaying the seating information and the defecation information in the same chart on the display unit.

[0104] <Technology 6> According to any one of the technologies 1 to 5, the excretion management system includes the number of times the excretion status has not been excreted during each specified time period.

[0105] <Technology 7> A computer program product includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, performs the following processes: a seating information acquisition process, acquiring seating information including the seating time of a managed object sitting on a toilet seat; a defecation information acquisition process, acquiring defecation information including at least one of the managed object's defecation time, defecation volume, defecation frequency, and defecation characteristics; a display information generation process, generating defecation status elapsed time information based on the seating information and the defecation information, the defecation status elapsed time information being used to display the seating information and the defecation information at each predetermined time; and a display process, causing a display unit to display the seating information and the defecation information at each predetermined time based on the defecation status elapsed time information.

Claims

1. An excretion management system, have: The seating information acquisition department acquires seating information, including the seating time of the managed individuals when they sit on the toilet seats; The defecation information acquisition department acquires defecation information including at least one of the following: defecation time, defecation volume, defecation frequency, and defecation characteristics of the managed individuals; and The display information generation unit generates excretion status time information based on the seating information and the defecation information, and the excretion status time information displays the seating information and defecation information at each specified time on the display unit.

2. The excretion management system according to claim 1, The defecation information included in the excretion status information is the amount or frequency of defecation of formed stool.

3. The excretion management system according to claim 1 or 2, The defecation information included in the excretion status information over time is the amount or frequency of diarrheal stools and watery stools.

4. The excretion management system according to claim 3, It also has a urination information acquisition unit, which acquires urination information including the number of times and the amount of urine urinated by the managed object. The excretion status information over time includes the seating information and urination information for each specified time period.

5. The excretion management system according to claim 1 or 2, The display information generation unit generates the excretion status time information by displaying the seating information and the defecation information in the same chart on the display unit.

6. The excretion management system according to claim 1 or 2, The excretion status time information includes the number of times excretion did not occur within each specified time period.

7. A computer program product comprising a computer program that, when executed by a processor, performs the following processes: Seating information acquisition and processing: Acquire seating information, including the time the managed person sits on the toilet seat; The process of obtaining and processing defecation information includes at least one of the following: defecation time, defecation volume, defecation frequency, and defecation characteristics of the managed object. The display information generation process generates excretion status time information based on the seating information and the defecation information. This excretion status time information is used to display the seating information and defecation information at each specified time. as well as The display processing, based on the excretion status time information, causes the display unit to display the seating information and the defecation information for each specified time period.

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