Toilet device

Abstract

To provide a toilet device that prevents an image sensor from being becoming dirty due to urine evacuated by a user.SOLUTION: A toilet device 1 includes: a toilet seat 4 disposed above a toilet 9; an image sensor 45 installed so that an imaging surface 45a faces a toilet bowl 91 of the toilet 9 and imaging the inside of the toilet bowl 91; a foam discharge device 96 installed in a place different from the image sensor 45 and discharging foam B into the toilet bowl 91; and a control device for controlling the image sensor 45 and the foam discharge device 96.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a toilet device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a toilet seat device in which an image sensor is provided on the underside of the toilet seat to capture an image of the inside of the toilet bowl in order to determine the properties and size of stool. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-55522 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when an image sensor is placed above the toilet bowl, such as on the underside of the toilet seat as in the toilet seat device described in Patent Document 1, for example, when a user urinates into the toilet bowl while standing, urine scattered inside the toilet bowl may hit and soil the imaging surface of the image sensor. If the imaging surface of the image sensor becomes soiled, the image of the stool in the toilet bowl captured by the image sensor becomes unclear, and there is a problem that it becomes impossible to accurately determine the properties and size of the stool.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has an object to provide a toilet device that prevents an image sensor from becoming soiled by a user's urination. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the toilet device of the first aspect of the present invention comprises a toilet seat arranged above a toilet bowl, an image sensor arranged with its imaging surface facing the toilet bowl of the toilet bowl for imaging the inside of the toilet bowl, a foam dispensing device arranged in a location different from the image sensor for dispensing foam into the toilet bowl, and a control device for controlling the image sensor and the foam dispensing device.

[0007] According to this configuration, if foam is discharged into the toilet bowl by the foam discharge device when the user urinates, the foam can prevent the user's urine from scattering inside the toilet bowl and hitting the image sensor, thereby preventing the image sensor from becoming dirty. Also, since the foam discharge device is provided in a different location from the image sensor, the image sensor can be prevented from becoming dirty due to the discharge of foam.

[0008] In addition, the toilet device according to the second aspect of the present invention is provided with a toilet lid that can be opened and closed relative to the toilet bowl, and the control device prohibits control of foam ejection from the foam ejection device when a user approaches the toilet device, when a toilet lid opening action is performed to open the toilet lid, or when a user sits down on the toilet seat.

[0009] With this configuration, when the user makes a preparatory action to defecate, i.e., when the user approaches the toilet device, when the user opens the toilet lid, or when the user sits down on the toilet seat, foam is not ejected into the toilet bowl, thereby preventing the foam from blocking the capture of part of the stool.

[0010] In addition, in the toilet device according to the third aspect of the present invention, the control device controls the foam dispensing device so that foam is dispensed into the toilet bowl when a toilet seat opening action is performed to open the toilet seat, or when an operation instructing the user to dispense foam is received.

[0011] According to this configuration, when a user makes a preparatory action to urinate toward the toilet bowl while standing (urination while standing), that is, when the toilet seat is opened, foam is discharged into the toilet bowl, which prevents the user's urine from scattering inside the toilet bowl and hitting the image sensor, thereby preventing the image sensor from becoming dirty. Also, when a user makes a preparatory action to urinate while sitting on the toilet seat (urination while sitting), that is, when an operation instructing the user to discharge foam is received, foam is discharged into the toilet bowl, which prevents the user's urine from scattering inside the toilet bowl and hitting the image sensor, thereby preventing the image sensor from becoming dirty.

[0012] Furthermore, in the toilet apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the control device prohibits the image sensor from capturing an image when bubbles are present in the toilet bowl.

[0013] According to this configuration, when bubbles are present in the toilet bowl, it becomes impossible to capture all or part of the stool, so capturing images by the image sensor is prohibited, thereby preventing the inability to accurately determine the characteristics and size of the stool based on images captured by the image sensor.

[0014] In addition, in the toilet device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the control device is equipped with a stool determination unit that determines the characteristics or size of stool excreted in the toilet bowl based on an image captured by the image sensor, and an output unit that outputs the determination result of the stool determination unit, and if foam is present in the toilet bowl, the output unit outputs information indicating the presence of foam together with the determination result of the stool determination unit.

[0015] According to this configuration, if bubbles are present in the toilet bowl, information indicating the presence of bubbles is output along with the judgment result of the stool judgment unit, so that a doctor, caregiver, etc. who receives the output can grasp the possibility that all or part of the stool is hidden by the bubbles and make a diagnosis.

[0016] In addition, the toilet apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is provided with a eliminating section that eliminates foam discharged from the foam discharge device, and if foam is present in the toilet bowl when the control device controls the image sensor to photograph the inside of the toilet bowl, it controls the eliminating section to eliminate the foam.

[0017] According to this configuration, even if bubbles are present inside the toilet bowl, the inside of the toilet bowl can be photographed after the bubbles have disappeared, thereby preventing the stool from being completely or partially obscured in the image obtained by photographing.

[0018] In addition, in the toilet device according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the control device is equipped with a foam determination unit that determines whether or not foam is present in the toilet bowl based on a predetermined time after controlling the foam discharge device to discharge foam into the toilet bowl or whether or not the toilet has been flushed.

[0019] With this configuration, the foam disappears a predetermined time after being ejected or disappears when the toilet is flushed, so by utilizing these phenomena, it is possible to easily determine whether or not foam is present in the toilet bowl.

[0020] Also, in the toilet apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the control device includes a foam determination unit that determines whether foam is present in the toilet bowl by analyzing an image captured by the image sensor.

[0021] According to this configuration, it is possible to determine whether or not foam is present in the toilet bowl without adding any special device other than the control device.

[0022] In addition, in the toilet device according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the foam determination unit analyzes the image captured by the image sensor to calculate the amount of foam, and determines whether or not foam is present in the toilet bowl based on the calculated amount of foam.

[0023] According to this configuration, it is possible to easily determine whether or not foam is present in the toilet bowl based on the amount of foam.

[0024] In addition, in the toilet device according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the bubble determination unit analyzes an image captured by an image sensor to calculate the position of the bubble in the toilet bowl, and determines whether or not the bubble is present in the toilet bowl based on the calculated bubble position.

[0025] With this configuration, it is possible to easily determine whether or not foam is present in the toilet bowl, based on the position of the foam in the toilet bowl. Effect of the Invention

[0026] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a toilet device that prevents an image sensor from being soiled by urination by a user. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a toilet room in which a toilet device is installed. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of an operating device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section II of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a foam discharge device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the toilet device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow of the toilet device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow of the toilet device according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In order to facilitate understanding of the description, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same components in each drawing as much as possible, and duplicated description will be omitted.

[0029] [First embodiment] First, a toilet device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 5. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a toilet room R in which the toilet device 1 is installed, Fig. 2 is a front view showing an example of an operating device 7, Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section II in Fig. 1, Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a foam discharge device 96, Fig. 5 is a block diagram of the toilet device 1, and Fig. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of a process flow of the toilet device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0030] <Overall composition> As shown in Fig. 1, a toilet bowl 9 is installed on the floor surface F of the toilet room R. The toilet bowl 9 is a large toilet bowl, and has a toilet bowl 91 that receives the user's feces, and a rim 92 that stands around the toilet bowl 91. For example, when a flushing operation unit (not shown) provided in the toilet room R is operated by a user, flushing water is supplied to the toilet bowl 91, flushing the toilet bowl 91 and discharging feces from the toilet bowl 91. The flushing operation unit can take various forms, such as an operation lever provided in the toilet room R or a switch provided on the operation device 7 described below.

[0031] A toilet device 1 is applied to this toilet bowl 9. The toilet device 1 includes a toilet seat device 2 and an operating device 7. In the following description, when viewed from a user seated on a toilet seat 4 (described later), the front is referred to as "front", the rear is referred to as "rear", the left is referred to as "left", and the right is referred to as "right". Additionally, the upper vertical direction is referred to as "up", and the lower vertical direction is referred to as "down".

[0032] The toilet seat device 2 is attached to the top of the toilet bowl 9 in an openable and closable manner, and includes a main body 3, a toilet seat 4, and a toilet lid 5. The toilet seat device 2 may be attached to the toilet bowl 9 in a detachable manner, or may be attached integrally with the toilet bowl 9. On the front surface of the main body 3, a user detection sensor 32, a seating detection sensor 33, and an opening / closing detection sensor 34 are provided.

[0033] The user detection sensor 32 is provided to detect the presence of a user near the toilet bowl 9. This user detection sensor 32 is, for example, a pyroelectric infrared sensor, and is configured to transmit a signal at a predetermined cycle and to cause a change in the signal when it receives infrared rays of a specific wavelength emitted by a user.

[0034] The seating detection sensor 33 is provided to detect that a user is seated on the seating surface 4b of the toilet seat 4. The seating detection sensor 33 is, for example, a distance measuring sensor that uses infrared rays, and is configured to transmit a signal at a predetermined cycle and to cause a change in the signal according to a change in the distance between the object and the seating detection sensor 33.

[0035] The open / close detection sensor 34 is provided to detect the open / closed state of the toilet seat 4. This open / close detection sensor 34 is, for example, a microswitch, and detects the open state of the toilet seat 4 when the toilet seat 4 is opened from the toilet bowl 9 by more than a certain angle.

[0036] The toilet seat 4 is annular with an opening 4a formed in the center. The opening 4a opens the toilet bowl 91 when the toilet seat 4 is placed on the rim 92. The rear end of the toilet seat 4 is pivotally supported by the main body 3, which allows the toilet seat 4 to rotate between a position in which it is placed on the rim 92 and a position in which it is separated from the rim 92 and widely opens the toilet bowl 91. An image sensor 45 is provided on the underside of the toilet seat 4.

[0037] Image sensor 45 is a camera that captures images by illuminating it with light from the outside, and is configured to transmit image signals. As shown in Fig. 2, when toilet seat 4 is placed on rim 92, imaging surface 45a, on which the lens of image sensor 45 is located, is arranged to face the inside of toilet bowl 91. This allows image sensor 45 to capture an image of an object within toilet bowl 91 that exists within the range of angle of view θ.

[0038] As shown in Figure 1, the toilet lid 5 is pivotally supported on the main body 3 so as to be openable and closable relative to the toilet bowl 9. This allows the toilet lid 5 to rotate between a position in which it covers the toilet bowl 9 and a position in which it moves away from the toilet bowl 9 to widely open the toilet bowl 91.

[0039] The operating device 7 is installed, for example, on a wall surface of the toilet room R. The operating device 7 includes a plurality of switches 70 and a display unit 71. The plurality of switches 70 respectively correspond to a plurality of operations of the toilet seat device 2 (for example, starting and stopping private parts washing). The display unit 71 is a liquid crystal panel provided on the outer surface of the operating device 7, and displays various information.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 2, the multiple switches 70 include, for example, an ejection switch 701 for ejecting foam into the toilet bowl 91 when pressed by the user (a command to eject foam), and a photographing switch 702 for photographing the inside of the toilet bowl 91 when pressed by the user.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 3, the toilet bowl 9 comprises a drain passage section 93 connected to the bottom of the toilet bowl 91, a water outlet 94 formed in the toilet bowl 91, a water passage 95 formed on the outer periphery of the toilet bowl 91, and a foam discharge device 96 that supplies flushing water and / or foam B into the toilet bowl 91 via the water passage 95 and the water outlet 94. The drain passage section 93 serves as a passage for waste matter to be discharged from inside the toilet bowl 91 to a sewer water passage (not shown). Sealed water 931 is stored midway in the water flow direction of the drain passage section 93, and a part of this sealed water 931 is stored as stored water 932 at the bottom of the toilet bowl 91. The foam discharge device 96 comprises a water outlet pipe 960 that discharges flushing water and foam B into the water passage 95 of the toilet bowl 9, and a supply mechanism 961 that supplies flushing water and foam B to the water outlet pipe 960.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 4, the foam discharge device 96 is equipped with a supply mechanism 961, which includes a flush water supply mechanism 962 that supplies flush water, and a foam supply mechanism 963 that supplies foam B. The foam discharge device 96 also includes a resupply pipe 962a that supplies flush water to the flush water supply mechanism 962, and a first water supply pipe 963a that supplies flush water to the foam supply mechanism 963. The resupply pipe 962a and the first water supply pipe 963a are formed by branching off from a second water supply pipe 964 that is connected to the water supply system. The components of the foam discharge device 96 are arranged behind and below the toilet bowl 91, but their arrangement positions are not particularly limited.

[0043] The flush water supply mechanism 962 comprises a flush water tank 962b which stores flush water W, a flush water pump 962c which pumps out the flush water W in the flush water tank 962b, and a flush water valve 962d which serves as a first opening / closing valve which opens and closes the supply pipe 962a. Flush water W is supplied to the flush water tank 962b from the supply pipe 962a. The flush water valve 962d is an electromagnetic valve. The supply of flush water W from the supply pipe 962a to the flush water tank 962b is switched on and off by opening and closing the flush water valve 962d. The flush water W pumped out from the flush water pump 962c is supplied into the toilet bowl 91 via the discharge pipe 960, the water passage 95 and the water outlet 94.

[0044] The foam supply mechanism 963 includes a detergent tank 963b that stores detergent, and a detergent pump 963c that delivers the detergent in the detergent tank 963b. For example, a liquid detergent containing a component that foams well is used as the detergent. The foam supply mechanism 963 also includes a foam valve 963d that serves as a second opening / closing valve that opens and closes the first water supply pipe 963a, and an ejector 963e that mixes the detergent delivered from the detergent pump 963c with the water passing through the first water supply pipe 963a. The foam valve 963d is an electromagnetic valve. When the detergent pump 963c is driven and the foam valve 963d is opened, the detergent and water are delivered to the ejector 963e. When the detergent and water are delivered, the ejector 963e takes in outside air by utilizing the ejector effect and mixes the detergent, water, and outside air to generate foam B. This foam B is configured as an air-liquid mixture of cleaning water, detergent, and air. The foam B generated by the ejector 963e is supplied into the toilet bowl 91 via the water discharge pipe 960, the water passage 95, and the water discharge port 94. The foam B discharged from the water discharge port 94 is collected in a floating state on the water surface 932a, as shown in FIG.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 5, a control device 31 is disposed within the main body 3 of the toilet seat device 2. The control device 31 performs various controls based on signals received from the outside. Such a control device 31 is composed of an analog circuit or a digital processor in part or in whole, and includes, as functional blocks, a stool determination unit 311, a foam determination unit 312, and a communication unit 313 as an output unit.

[0046] The stool determination unit 311 determines the properties or size of the stool excreted in the toilet bowl 91 based on the image captured by the image sensor 45. The foam determination unit 312 determines whether or not foam B is present in the toilet bowl 91. The communication unit 313 transmits and receives signals to and from outside the toilet seat device 2, such as the cloud service C. In addition, the communication unit 313 outputs the determination results of the stool determination unit 311 and the foam determination unit 312 to the cloud service C and the user's mobile terminal (not shown).

[0047] It should be noted that the software modules incorporated in the control device 31 do not necessarily need to be divided into the functional blocks shown in Fig. 5. In other words, actual analog circuits and modules may be configured to perform the functions of the multiple functional blocks shown in Fig. 5, or may be further subdivided. The configuration of the control device 31 can be appropriately modified by those skilled in the art as long as it is configured to execute the processes described below.

[0048] The control device 31 is connected to the image sensor 45, the user detection sensor 32, the seating detection sensor 33, the opening / closing detection sensor 34, and the foam discharge device 96 so as to be able to transmit control signals thereto, and controls these based on the control signals. The control device 31 can also receive detection signals from the user detection sensor 32, the seating detection sensor 33, and the opening / closing detection sensor 34, receive image signals from the image sensor 45, and receive operation signals from the operation device 7 corresponding to pressed switch 70.

[0049] <Example of operation> When the control device 31 determines that a user has sat on the toilet seat 4 based on a signal received from the seating detection sensor 33, it sends a control signal to a heater (not shown) provided inside the toilet seat 4 (i.e., supplies power to the heater). As a result, the temperature of the seating surface 4b of the toilet seat 4 rises due to Joule heat generated by the heater, and the toilet seat 4 is heated.

[0050] Furthermore, when the user presses the switch 70 of the operating device 7, which corresponds to the start of private parts washing, the communication unit 72 of the operating device 7 generates a signal corresponding to this switch 70 and transmits it wirelessly to the toilet seat device 2. The toilet seat device 2 receives this signal at the communication unit 313 of the control device 31, and the control device 31 transmits a control signal, for example, to a nozzle (not shown). The nozzle that receives the control signal advances from the main body 3 into the toilet bowl 91, and sprays water supplied from the open electromagnetic valve toward the user's private parts.

[0051] In addition, the control device 31 controls the image sensor 45 after or during the user's defecation to execute an automatic photography mode in which the inside of the toilet bowl 91 is automatically photographed (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as "automatic photography") without the user's operation. In this automatic photography, the inside of the toilet bowl 91 is photographed multiple times within a predetermined time. The image sensor 45 transmits an image signal corresponding to the photographed image of the inside of the toilet bowl 91 to the control device 31. The stool determination unit 311 of the control device 31 that receives the image signal determines the characteristics or size of the user's stool, such as the color, shape, and amount, from the image based on the image signal, based on a predetermined program. The communication unit 313 of the control device 31 generates a signal corresponding to this determination result and transmits it to an external cloud service C. By accessing this cloud service C and obtaining the above-mentioned determination result, medical personnel and the like can grasp the user's health condition and provide advice based on it.

[0052] <Prevention of dirt on image sensor 45> The toilet device 1 is designed to prevent the image sensor 45 from becoming dirty. This point will be described below.

[0053] The foam discharge device 96, particularly the discharge pipe 960, is provided at a different location from the image sensor 45 on the toilet seat 4 or the toilet bowl 9. In other words, the image sensor 45 is provided at a different location from the foam discharge device 96. This prevents the image sensor 45 from being soiled with foam B from the foam discharge device 96. From the same perspective, it is preferable that the imaging surface 45a of the image sensor 45 is located at a predetermined distance or more from the water outlet of the water outlet pipe 960. For example, as in the first embodiment, the water outlet pipe 960 is provided on the toilet bowl 9 and the image sensor 45 is provided on the toilet seat 4, so that the imaging surface 45a is located at a predetermined distance or more. Furthermore, if the water outlet pipe 960 is provided behind the toilet bowl 9 and the image sensor 45 is provided in front of the toilet seat 4, it is more preferable that the imaging surface 45a of the image sensor 45 and the water outlet of the water outlet pipe 960 are located at a greater distance. From the same viewpoint, it is preferable that a perpendicular line perpendicular to the image capturing surface 45a of the image sensor 45 and a perpendicular line perpendicular to the water outlet of the water outlet pipe 960 (a line in the water outlet direction) intersect with each other, and it is more preferable that the intersection angle is less than 145 degrees, and even more preferable that it is less than 90 degrees. It is also preferable that the water outlet pipe 960 is arranged so that the perpendicular line perpendicular to the water outlet of the water outlet pipe 960 faces downwards of the toilet bowl 91. It is also preferable that the control device 31 controls the discharge speed of the foam B from the foam discharge device 96 to a predetermined discharge speed or less so that the foam B does not splash on the pooled water surface 932a, etc. It is also preferable that the control device 31 controls the discharge amount of the foam B from the foam discharge device 96 to a predetermined discharge amount or less so that the foam B does not remain on the pooled water surface 932a for a long time.

[0054] Furthermore, when the user approaches the toilet apparatus 1, when the user opens the toilet lid 5, or when the user sits down on the toilet seat 4, the control device 31 prohibits control of the foam discharge device 96 to discharge foam B. On the other hand, when the user opens the toilet seat 4 or when the control device 31 receives an operation from the user to instruct the discharge of foam B, the control device 31 controls the foam discharge device 96 to discharge foam B into the toilet bowl 91. Note that such cases may also be executed when the user approaches the toilet apparatus 1, when the user opens the toilet lid 5, or when the user sits down on the toilet seat 4.

[0055] Furthermore, when foam B is present in toilet bowl 91, control device 31 may prohibit image sensor 45 from capturing images, prohibit determination by stool determination unit 311, and prohibit output from communication unit 313. On the other hand, if image sensor 45 is not prohibited from capturing images when foam B is present in toilet bowl 91, communication unit 313 will output information indicating the presence of foam B together with the determination result of stool determination unit 311.

[0056] The toilet device 1 also has a flushing water supply mechanism 962 as a elimination section that eliminates foam B discharged from the foam discharge device 96, and if foam B is present in the toilet bowl 91 when the control device 31 controls the image sensor 45 to photograph the inside of the toilet bowl 91, it controls the flushing water supply mechanism 962 to discharge flushing water W into the toilet bowl 91 to eliminate the foam B.

[0057] In addition, the foam determination unit 312 may determine whether or not foam B is present in the toilet bowl 91 based on a predetermined time after controlling the foam discharge device 96 to discharge foam B into the toilet bowl 91 or based on whether or not the toilet bowl 9 has been flushed, or may determine whether or not foam B is present in the toilet bowl 91 by analyzing an image captured by the image sensor 45.

[0058] When analyzing an image, the foam determination unit 312 calculates the amount of foam B by analyzing an image captured by the image sensor 45, and determines whether or not foam B is present in the toilet bowl 91 based on the calculated amount of foam B. Specifically, the foam determination unit 312 determines that foam B is present if the calculated amount of foam B is equal to or greater than a threshold value (a value greater than 0), and determines that foam B is not present if the calculated amount of foam B is less than the threshold value. The foam determination unit 312 may also analyze an image captured by the image sensor 45 to calculate the position of foam B in the toilet bowl 91, and determine whether or not foam B is present in the toilet bowl 91 based on the calculated position of foam B. Specifically, it determines that foam B is present if the calculated position of foam B is within a predetermined area, and determines that foam B is not present if the calculated position of foam B is outside the predetermined area. Examples of this predetermined area include an area facing the bottom of the toilet bowl 91 and an area facing the water surface 932a.

[0059] An example of a flow of a series of processes for preventing the image sensor 45 from becoming dirty will be described below with reference to Fig. 6. Note that the series of processes shown in Fig. 6 is repeated, for example, every few seconds.

[0060] (Step SP10) The control device 31 determines whether or not the user detection sensor 32 has detected a user based on the detection signal of the user detection sensor 32. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP11, and if the determination is negative, the series of processes shown in FIG.

[0061] (Step SP11) The control device 31 judges whether or not the opening and closing operation of the toilet seat 4 by the user has been detected based on the detection signal of the opening and closing detection sensor 34. If the judgment is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP12, and if the judgment is negative, the process proceeds to step SP13.

[0062] (Step SP12) The control device 31 controls the foam supply mechanism 963 of the foam dispenser 96 to dispense foam B into the toilet bowl 91. Then, the series of processes shown in Fig. 6 ends.

[0063] (Step SP13) If the determination in step SP11 is negative, the control device 31 determines whether or not the discharge switch 701 has been operated based on the presence or absence of an operation signal from the discharge switch 701. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step SP12, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step SP14.

[0064] (Step SP14) The control device 31 judges whether or not the user's sitting action on the toilet seat 4 has been detected based on the detection signal of the seating detection sensor 33. If the judgment is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP15, and if the judgment is negative, the series of processes shown in FIG. 6 ends.

[0065] (Step SP15) Foam determination unit 312 of control device 31 determines whether or not foam B is present in toilet bowl 91 based on a predetermined time after foam discharge device 96 is controlled to discharge foam B into toilet bowl 91, or based on whether or not the toilet bowl 9 has been flushed. Then, processing proceeds to step SP16.

[0066] (Step SP16) The control device 31 judges whether or not there is foam B based on the judgment result of the foam judgment unit 312. If the judgment is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP20, and if the judgment is negative, the process proceeds to step SP17.

[0067] (Step SP17) Control device 31 controls image sensor 45 to automatically capture an image of the inside of toilet bowl 91. Then, the process proceeds to step SP18.

[0068] (Step SP18) The stool determination unit 311 of the control device 31 determines the properties or size of the user's stool based on the image obtained by automatic photography. Then, the process proceeds to step SP19.

[0069] (Step SP19) The communication unit 313 of the control device 31 outputs the determination result of the stool determination unit 311 to the cloud service C or the user's mobile terminal (not shown). Then, the series of processes shown in FIG. 6 ends.

[0070] (Step SP20) If the determination in step SP16 is affirmative, the control device 31 determines whether or not the photographing switch 702 has been operated based on the presence or absence of an operation signal from the photographing switch 702. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP21, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step SP22.

[0071] (Step SP21) The controller 31 controls the flush water supply mechanism 962 to discharge flush water W into the toilet bowl 91 to eliminate the bubbles B. Then, the process moves to the process of step SP17.

[0072] (Step SP22) If a negative decision is made in step SP20, control device 31 prohibits automatic photography of the inside of toilet bowl 91. Then, the series of processes shown in FIG.

[0073] <Action and effect> As described above, according to the configuration of the first embodiment, if foam discharger 96 discharges foam B into toilet bowl 91 when the user urinates, this foam B can prevent the user's urine from scattering inside toilet bowl 91 and hitting image sensor 45, thereby preventing image sensor 45 from becoming dirty. Also, because foam discharger 96 is provided at a location different from image sensor 45, it is possible to prevent image sensor 45 from becoming dirty due to the discharge of foam B.

[0074] In addition, the control device 31 prohibits control of the discharge of foam B from the foam discharge device 96 when the user approaches the toilet device 1, when the user opens the toilet lid 5, or when the user sits down on the toilet seat 4.

[0075] According to this configuration, when the user makes a preparatory action to defecate, i.e., when the user approaches the toilet device 1, when the user opens the toilet lid 5, or when the user sits down on the toilet seat 4, no foam is ejected into the toilet bowl 91, thereby preventing the foam B from blocking the capture of part of the stool.

[0076] In addition, when there is a toilet seat opening action to open the toilet seat 4, or when the control device 31 receives an operation from the user to instruct the ejection of foam B, it controls the foam ejection device so that foam B is ejected into the toilet bowl 91.

[0077] According to this configuration, when a user makes a preparatory action to urinate toward the toilet bowl 91 while standing (urination while standing), that is, when a toilet seat-opening action is performed to open the toilet seat 4, foam B is discharged into the toilet bowl 91, which prevents the user's urine from scattering inside the toilet bowl 91 and hitting the image sensor 45, thereby preventing the image sensor 45 from becoming dirty. Also, when a user makes a preparatory action to urinate while sitting on the toilet seat 4 (urination while sitting), that is, when an action is received instructing the user to discharge foam B, foam B is discharged into the toilet bowl 91, which prevents the user's urine from scattering inside the toilet bowl 91 and hitting the image sensor 45, thereby preventing the image sensor 45 from becoming dirty.

[0078] Furthermore, when foam B is present in toilet bowl 91, control device 31 prohibits image sensor 45 from capturing an image.

[0079] According to this configuration, when bubbles are present in the toilet bowl 91, it becomes impossible to capture all or part of the stool, so that capturing images by the image sensor 45 is prohibited, thereby preventing the inability to accurately determine the properties and size of the stool based on the images captured by the image sensor 45.

[0080] The control device 31 also includes a flushing water supply mechanism 962 as an eliminating section that eliminates foam B ejected from the foam ejection device 96, and if foam B is present in the toilet bowl 91 when the control device 31 controls the image sensor 45 to photograph the inside of the toilet bowl 91, the control device 31 controls the flushing water supply mechanism 962 to eliminate the foam B.

[0081] According to this configuration, even if bubbles B are present inside the toilet bowl 91, the inside of the toilet bowl 91 can be photographed after the bubbles B are eliminated, so that it is possible to prevent the stool from being completely or partially obscured in the image obtained by photographing due to the bubbles B.

[0082] The control device 31 also includes a foam determination unit 312 that determines whether or not foam B is present in the toilet bowl 91 based on a predetermined time after controlling the foam discharge device 96 to discharge foam B into the toilet bowl 91 or based on whether or not the toilet bowl 9 has been flushed.

[0083] According to this configuration, the foam B disappears a predetermined time after being ejected or disappears when the toilet bowl 9 is flushed, and by utilizing these phenomena, it is possible to easily determine whether or not foam B is present in the toilet bowl 91.

[0084] [Second embodiment] Next, a toilet device according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of the processing flow of the toilet device according to the second embodiment. The toilet device according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that, when foam B is present in the toilet bowl 91, the communication unit 313 outputs information indicating the presence of foam B (foam information) together with the determination result of the stool determination unit 311. The configuration of the toilet device according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0085] An example of a flow of a series of processes for preventing the image sensor 45 from becoming dirty will be described below with reference to Fig. 7. Note that the series of processes shown in Fig. 7 is repeated, for example, every few seconds.

[0086] (Step SP50) The control device 31 judges whether or not the opening and closing operation of the toilet seat 4 by the user has been detected based on the detection signal of the opening and closing detection sensor 34. If the judgment is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP51, and if the judgment is negative, the process proceeds to step SP52.

[0087] (Step SP51) The control device 31 controls the foam supply mechanism 963 of the foam dispenser 96 to dispense foam B into the toilet bowl 91. Then, the series of processes shown in Fig. 7 ends.

[0088] (Step SP52) The control device 31 judges whether or not the user's action of sitting on the toilet seat 4 has been detected based on the detection signal of the seating detection sensor 33. If the judgment is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP53, and if the judgment is negative, the series of processes shown in FIG. 7 ends.

[0089] (Step SP53) Control device 31 controls image sensor 45 to automatically capture an image of the inside of toilet bowl 91. Then, the process proceeds to step SP54.

[0090] (Step SP54) The stool determination section 311 of the control device 31 determines the properties or size of the user's stool based on the image obtained by automatic photography. Then, the process proceeds to step SP55.

[0091] (Step SP55) Foam determination unit 312 of control device 31 analyzes the image obtained by automatic photography to determine whether or not foam B is present in toilet bowl 91, i.e., the presence or absence of foam B. Specifically, foam determination unit 312 analyzes the image taken by image sensor 45 to calculate the amount of foam B, and determines whether or not foam is present in toilet bowl 91 based on the calculated amount of foam B. Foam determination unit 312 may also analyze the image taken by image sensor 45 to calculate the position of bubble B in toilet bowl 91, and determine whether or not foam B is present in toilet bowl 91 based on the calculated position of bubble B. Then, processing proceeds to step SP56.

[0092] (Step SP56) The control device 31 judges whether or not there is foam B based on the judgment result of the foam judgment unit 312. If the judgment is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP58, and if the judgment is negative, the process proceeds to step SP57.

[0093] (Step SP57) The communication unit 313 of the control device 31 outputs the determination result of the stool determination unit 311 to the cloud service C or the user's mobile terminal (not shown). Then, the series of processes shown in FIG.

[0094] (Step SP58) If a negative determination is made in step SP20, the communication unit 313 of the control device 31 outputs foam information indicating that foam B is present in the toilet bowl 91, together with the determination result of the stool determination unit 311, to the cloud service C or the user's mobile terminal (not shown). Then, the series of processes shown in FIG. 7 ends.

[0095] <Action and effect> As described above, in the configuration of the second embodiment, the control device 31 is equipped with a stool determination unit 311 that determines the characteristics or size of the stool excreted in the toilet bowl 91 based on an image captured by the image sensor 45, and a communication unit 313 as an output unit that outputs the determination result of the stool determination unit 311, and when foam B is present in the toilet bowl 91, the communication unit 313 outputs information that foam B is present along with the determination result of the stool determination unit 311.

[0096] According to this configuration, if bubbles B are present in the toilet bowl 91, information indicating the presence of bubbles B is output together with the determination result of the stool determination unit 311, so that a doctor, caregiver, etc. who receives the output can grasp and make a diagnosis as to the possibility that all or part of the stool is hidden by the bubbles.

[0097] The control device 31 also includes a foam determination unit 312 that analyzes the image captured by the image sensor 45 to determine whether foam B is present in the toilet bowl 91.

[0098] According to this configuration, it is possible to determine whether or not foam B is present in toilet bowl 91 without adding any special device other than control device 31.

[0099] Furthermore, foam determination unit 312 analyzes the image captured by image sensor 45 to calculate the amount of foam B, and determines whether or not foam is present in toilet bowl 91 based on the calculated amount of foam B.

[0100] According to this configuration, it is possible to simply determine whether or not foam B is present in toilet bowl 91 based on the amount of foam B. Here, foam determination unit 312 may determine that foam B is present if the calculated amount of foam B is equal to or greater than a threshold, and may determine that foam B is not present if the calculated amount of foam B is less than the threshold. If the amount of foam B is less than the threshold, it is possible to photograph almost all of the stool, so that automatic photography of the stool can be performed as is, and the photographed image can be used effectively.

[0101] In addition, the bubble determination unit 312 analyzes the image captured by the image sensor 45 to calculate the position of bubble B in the toilet bowl 91, and determines whether or not bubble B is present in the toilet bowl 91 based on the calculated position of bubble B.

[0102] According to this configuration, it is possible to simply determine whether or not bubble B is present in toilet bowl 91 based on the position of bubble B within toilet bowl 91. Here, if the calculated position of bubble B is within a predetermined area, it is determined that bubble B is present, and if the calculated position of bubble B is outside the predetermined area, it is determined that bubble B is not present. If the position of bubble B is outside the predetermined area, it is possible to photograph almost the entire stool, so that automatic photography of the stool can be performed as is, and the photographed image can be effectively utilized.

[0103] [Variations] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. In other words, even if a person skilled in the art modifies the above-described embodiment as appropriate, the modification falls within the scope of the present invention as long as it has the characteristics of the present invention.

[0104] For example, in the first embodiment, the case has been described in which control device 31 prohibits automatic photography when foam B is present in toilet bowl 91, but when foam B is present in toilet bowl 91, control device 31 may notify the user that foam B is present. Furthermore, control device 31 may notify the user that automatic photography of the inside of toilet bowl 91 will be performed before automatically photographing the inside of toilet bowl 91. For example, control device 31 notifies the user by causing display unit 71 of operation device 7 to display that photography will be performed, or by illuminating the light source of image sensor 45.

[0105] Furthermore, although the first embodiment does not refer to control when discharging foam B, the control device 31 may prevent the imaging surface 45a of the image sensor 45 from being exposed, for example, by driving a shielding member (not shown), moving the image sensor 45, or rotating the image sensor 45. Similarly, when the user urinates, the control device 31 may hide the imaging surface 45a of the image sensor 45 by driving a shielding member (not shown), moving the image sensor 45, or rotating the image sensor 45.

[0106] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the image sensor 45 is provided on the toilet seat 4, but it may be provided on the main body 3, the toilet bowl 9, etc. Similarly, in the first embodiment, the foam discharge device 96 is provided on the toilet bowl 9, but it may be provided on the main body 3, the toilet seat 4, etc. Even in such a case, from the viewpoint of preventing stains caused by foam B, it is preferable that the image sensor 45 and the foam discharge device 96 are provided at different locations, in particular, on different members. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 1...toilet device, 4...toilet seat, 5...toilet lid, 9...toilet bowl, 31...control device, 45...image sensor, 45a...imaging surface, 91...toilet bowl, 96...foam discharge device, 311...feces determination unit, 312...foam determination unit, 313...communication unit (output unit), 962...flush water supply mechanism (elimination unit)

Claims

1. A toilet seat and a toilet cover disposed above the toilet bowl; an image sensor having an imaging surface facing the toilet bowl of the toilet and configured to capture an image of feces discharged into the toilet bowl; a foam ejection device that is provided at a location different from the image sensor and ejects foam into the toilet bowl; A toilet device comprising: a control device that controls the image sensor and the foam dispensing device, The toilet device is characterized in that the control device prohibits control of the foam discharge from the foam discharge device when a user approaches the toilet device, when the toilet lid is opened, or when the user sits down on the toilet seat, but controls the foam discharge device to discharge foam into the toilet bowl when the toilet seat is opened, or when the user performs an operation to instruct the discharge of foam.

2. The toilet device described in Claim 1, characterized in that the control device is equipped with a stool determination unit that determines the characteristics or size of the stool excreted in the toilet bowl based on the image captured by the image sensor, and an output unit that outputs the determination result of the stool determination unit.

3. A toilet apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that the foam ejection device ejects foam into the toilet bowl before the user urinates.

4. 4. The toilet apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control device prohibits the image sensor from capturing an image when the bubbles are present in the toilet bowl.

5. A toilet device as described in Claim 2, characterized in that when foam is present in the toilet bowl, the output unit outputs information indicating the presence of foam together with the judgment result of the stool judgment unit.

6. A foam discharging device includes a foam discharging unit that dissipates the foam, The toilet device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control device controls the image sensor to photograph the inside of the toilet bowl, and if foam is present in the toilet bowl, controls the disappearance unit to disappear the foam.

7. The toilet device described in any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the control device is equipped with a foam determination unit that determines whether or not foam is present in the toilet bowl based on a predetermined time after controlling the foam ejection device to eject foam into the toilet bowl or whether or not the toilet bowl has been flushed.

8. The toilet device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the control device is provided with a foam determination unit that determines whether or not foam is present in the toilet bowl by analyzing an image captured by the image sensor.

9. The toilet device according to claim 8, characterized in that the foam determination unit analyzes the image captured by the image sensor to calculate the amount of foam, and determines whether or not foam is present in the toilet bowl based on the calculated amount of foam.

10. The toilet device described in claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the foam determination unit analyzes the image captured by the image sensor to calculate the position of the foam in the toilet bowl, and determines whether or not the foam is present in the toilet bowl based on the calculated position of the foam.

11. A toilet apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that the image sensor is angled so that the imaging surface faces toward the bottom of the toilet bowl.

Images