Toilet device, determination method, and determination program

Abstract

To provide a toilet device capable of suppressing the influence of disturbance light in the determination related to stool.SOLUTION: A toilet device according to an embodiment comprises a plurality of light-emitting elements that emits light of different wavelengths inside a bowl part that receives stool, a photodetector that receives light, and a determination unit that determines the properties of the stool based on the received light data obtained by the photodetector. The determination unit determines the properties of the stool by generating data obtained by subtracting the received light data acquired when the plurality of light-emitting elements is not emitting light from the received light data corresponding to the emission of light by each of the plurality of light-emitting elements.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a toilet device, a determination method, and a determination program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are known techniques for analyzing excrement such as feces (hereinafter simply referred to as "feces") excreted in a toilet bowl. For example, a technique is provided for determining the properties of the feces, such as the color of the feces, by using a plurality of light-emitting elements that emit light of different wavelengths (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such a technique, for example, the properties of the feces, such as the color and shape of the excrement, are analyzed based on the ratio of the reflectance of light of a plurality of wavelengths. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-038637 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there is room for improvement in the above-mentioned conventional technology. For example, there is a possibility that the accuracy of identifying the color of the stool even if it is the same color may decrease due to disturbance light such as lighting in the toilet room or sunlight, or the accuracy of identifying the shape of the stool even if it is the same shape may decrease. Thus, there is room for improvement in the above-mentioned conventional technology in terms of the influence of disturbance light on the judgment.

[0005] In view of the above, it is an issue to be addressed to suppress the influence of ambient light on stool determination.

[0006] The disclosed embodiments aim to provide a toilet device, a determination method, and a determination program that suppress the influence of ambient light on feces-related determination. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A toilet device according to one aspect of the embodiment comprises a plurality of light-emitting elements, each of which emits light of a different wavelength into a bowl portion that receives the excrement, a light-receiving element that receives the light, and a determination unit that determines the characteristics of the excrement based on light reception data received by the light-receiving element, and the determination unit determines the characteristics of the excrement based on data generated by subtracting light reception data obtained when the plurality of light-emitting elements are not emitting light from each light reception data obtained in response to the illumination of light by each of the plurality of light-emitting elements.

[0008] According to a toilet device according to one aspect of the embodiment, the properties of the excrement are determined based on data generated by subtracting the light reception data acquired when the multiple light-emitting elements are not emitting light from each of the light reception data acquired in response to the illumination of light by each of the multiple light-emitting elements. In this way, the toilet device can suppress the influence of disturbance light by subtracting the light reception data when the light-emitting elements are not emitting light from the light reception data when the light-emitting elements are emitting light, thereby suppressing a decrease in the detection accuracy of the properties of the excrement (also called "feces properties"). Therefore, the toilet device can suppress the influence of disturbance light in the determination regarding the feces.

[0009] In the toilet device according to one aspect of the embodiment, the determination unit determines at least one of a color and a shape of the excrement.

[0010] According to a toilet device according to one aspect of the embodiment, at least one of the color and shape of excrement is determined based on data generated by subtracting light reception data acquired when the multiple light-emitting elements are not emitting light from each of the light reception data acquired in response to the illumination of light by each of the multiple light-emitting elements. In this way, the toilet device can suppress the influence of disturbance light by subtracting the light reception data when the light-emitting elements are not emitting light (hereinafter also referred to as "off") from the light reception data when the light-emitting elements are emitting light (hereinafter also referred to as "on"), thereby suppressing a decrease in the detection accuracy of the color or shape (hereinafter also referred to as "shape") of excrement. Therefore, the toilet device can suppress the influence of disturbance light in the determination regarding stool.

[0011] The toilet device according to one aspect of the embodiment includes a neutral density filter that attenuates the light received by the light receiving element.

[0012] For example, if the signal becomes saturated when the light-emitting element is turned on, there is a concern that the color cannot be correctly determined even if the data when the light-emitting element is turned off is subtracted. Therefore, according to one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet device can suppress signal saturation by attenuating the light received by the neutral density filter. This allows the toilet device to further suppress the decrease in the detection accuracy of the color of excrement even in an environment with strong disturbance light. Therefore, the toilet device can suppress the influence of disturbance light on the determination regarding stool.

[0013] In a toilet device according to one aspect of the embodiment, the dimming filter is a bandpass filter that transmits light in a wavelength band of light emitted by each of the plurality of light-emitting elements and attenuates light in wavelength bands other than the wavelength band.

[0014] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet device can reduce the amount of disturbance light received by blocking or attenuating wavelength bands other than the light wavelength of the light emitting element, while transmitting the light emitted by the light emitting element itself, thereby preventing signal saturation and suppressing a reduction in the signal amount (S / N). Therefore, the toilet device can suppress the influence of disturbance light on the determination regarding feces.

[0015] In one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet device, the determination unit acquires light receiving data in a state where one of the plurality of light-emitting elements is emitting light, and light receiving data in a state where the plurality of light-emitting elements are not emitting light, in a period shorter than the flicker period of the lighting in the toilet room in which the light receiving element is located.

[0016] For example, the brightness of dynamic driving lighting such as LED lighting changes periodically, so the light receiving data when the light emitting element is turned off changes periodically depending on the acquisition time. Therefore, according to one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet device can reduce the influence of periodic changes by making the measurement period shorter than the flicker period of the lighting in the toilet room where the light receiving element is placed. Therefore, the toilet device can suppress the influence of disturbance light on the determination regarding feces.

[0017] In a toilet device according to one aspect of the embodiment, light reception data in a state in which the plurality of light-emitting elements are not emitting light is acquired between the emission of light of a first wavelength by a first light-emitting element and the emission of light of a second wavelength by a second light-emitting element among the plurality of light-emitting elements.

[0018] According to the toilet device according to one aspect of the embodiment, it is possible to obtain light reception data when the light is off without turning off the light for each wavelength, and memory consumption can be reduced. For example, the toilet device can reduce memory consumption by one time in saving the waveform when the light is off compared to the case of turning off the light, turning on the first wavelength, turning off the light, and turning on the second wavelength, and can save memory consumption. Therefore, the toilet device can suppress the influence of disturbance light on the judgment regarding feces.

[0019] In a toilet device according to one aspect of the embodiment, a first irradiation time during which the first light-emitting element irradiates light is different from a second irradiation time during which the second light-emitting element irradiates light, and a first accumulation time by the light-receiving element corresponding to the irradiation of light by the first light-emitting element is the same as a second accumulation time by the light-receiving element corresponding to the irradiation of light by the second light-emitting element.

[0020] For example, the reflectance of light reflected from an object such as excrement varies for each wavelength. Therefore, according to the toilet device of one aspect of the embodiment, the sensitivity of light that is difficult to reflect can be increased by varying the irradiation time for each wavelength. In addition, according to the toilet device of one aspect of the embodiment, by making the first accumulation time and the second accumulation time the same, it is possible to make them the same as the accumulation time when the light is turned off, which is accumulated only once, and it is possible to correctly perform subtraction when the light is turned on and when the light is turned off. As a result, the toilet device can reduce the number of times data is acquired when the light is turned off from two to one, thereby suppressing memory consumption. Therefore, the toilet device can suppress the influence of ambient light on the judgment regarding feces.

[0021] A determination method according to one aspect of the embodiment includes a determination step in which a plurality of light-emitting elements each irradiate light of a different wavelength into a bowl portion receiving the excrement, and a determination step in which the characteristics of the excrement are determined based on light reception data received by a light-receiving element, the determination step determining the characteristics of the excrement based on data generated by subtracting light reception data obtained when the plurality of light-emitting elements are not irradiating light from each light reception data obtained in response to the irradiation of light by each of the plurality of light-emitting elements.

[0022] According to a determination method according to one aspect of the embodiment, the properties of excrement are determined based on data generated by subtracting light reception data acquired in a state where the multiple light-emitting elements are not irradiating light from each of the light reception data acquired in response to the irradiation of light by each of the multiple light-emitting elements. In this way, the determination method can suppress the influence of disturbance light by subtracting the light reception data in a state where the light-emitting elements are not irradiating light from the light reception data in a state where the light-emitting elements are irradiating light, thereby suppressing a decrease in the detection accuracy of the properties of excrement (feces properties). Therefore, the determination method can suppress the influence of disturbance light in the determination of feces.

[0023] A judgment program according to one aspect of the embodiment causes a computer to execute a judgment procedure in which a plurality of light-emitting elements each emit light of a different wavelength into a bowl portion receiving the excrement, and the characteristics of the excrement are judged based on light reception data received by a light-receiving element, the judgment procedure determining the characteristics of the excrement based on data generated by subtracting light reception data obtained when the plurality of light-emitting elements are not emitting light from each light reception data obtained in response to the illumination of light by each of the plurality of light-emitting elements.

[0024] According to a determination program according to one aspect of the embodiment, the properties of excrement are determined based on data generated by subtracting light reception data acquired in a state where the multiple light-emitting elements are not irradiating light from each of the light reception data acquired in response to the irradiation of light by each of the multiple light-emitting elements. As a result, the determination program can suppress the influence of disturbance light by subtracting the light reception data in a state where the light-emitting elements are not irradiating light from the light reception data in a state where the light-emitting elements are irradiating light, thereby suppressing a decrease in the detection accuracy of the properties of excrement (feces properties). Therefore, the determination program can suppress the influence of disturbance light in the determination of feces. Effect of the Invention

[0025] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the influence of ambient light on stool determination can be suppressed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a toilet system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the toilet seat device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the toilet seat device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the sensor unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a process flow in the measurement process. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a time chart in the measurement process. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for acquiring data. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of stool color determination. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of color determination when influenced by disturbance. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of color judgment in which the influence of disturbance is suppressed. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of data in which the influence of disturbance is suppressed. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of stool shape determination. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the lighting driving method and data. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of processing in the case of static driving illumination. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of processing in the case of dynamic driving illumination. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of data when the influence of disturbance is suppressed. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between wavelength and reflectance. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process for suppressing the influence of a disturbance. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process for suppressing the influence of a disturbance. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process for suppressing the influence of a disturbance. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, an embodiment of the toilet device, the determination method, and the determination program disclosed in the present application will be described in detail. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below. For example, the toilet device is not limited to the toilet seat device 2, and any configuration can be adopted as long as it can execute the desired processing, and may be a device separate from the toilet seat 5, etc. Below, a process related to the collection of information on stool by users of the toilet room and a configuration for performing the process will be described, but first various configurations such as the information processing system that is the premise will be described.

[0028] <1. Information processing system configuration> The configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a toilet system according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment.

[0029] First, an example of the configuration inside a toilet room R of the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Hereinafter, the configuration inside the toilet room R shown in Figs. 1 and 2 may be collectively referred to as a toilet system TS. As shown in Fig. 1, in the toilet room R, a Western-style toilet bowl (hereinafter referred to as "toilet bowl") 7 is installed on a floor surface F. In the following, the direction facing the space of the toilet room R from the floor surface F is described as "up". The toilet seat device 2 is provided above the toilet bowl 7.

[0030] The toilet bowl 7 is made of ceramic, for example. A bowl portion 8 is formed in the toilet bowl 7. The bowl portion 8 is concave downwards and is the portion (toilet bowl) that receives the user's excrement. The toilet bowl 7 is not limited to a floor-standing type as shown in the figure, and may be of any type as long as the toilet system TS is applicable, such as a wall-mounted type. The toilet bowl 7 is provided with a rim portion 9 around the entire periphery of the edge of the opening facing the bowl portion 8. In the toilet room R, for example, a flush water tank that stores flush water may be installed near the toilet bowl 7, or a so-called tankless type in which no flush water tank is installed may be used.

[0031] For example, when a flushing operation unit (not shown) for flushing provided in the toilet room R is operated by a user, a toilet flush is performed by supplying flush water to the bowl portion 8 of the toilet 7. The flushing operation unit may be an operation lever, or a touch operation on a toilet flushing object displayed on the operation device 10. Note that the flushing operation unit is not limited to one that causes the toilet flush to be performed manually by the user, such as an operation lever, but may also be one that causes the toilet flush to be performed by human body detection by a sensor that detects the user, such as a seating sensor.

[0032] The toilet seat device 2 is attached to the top of a toilet bowl 7, and includes a main body 3, a toilet lid 4, a toilet seat 5, and a flushing nozzle 6. The toilet seat device 2 is placed on top of the toilet bowl 7, which is formed with a bowl portion 8 for receiving excrement. The toilet seat device 2 is placed on top of the toilet bowl 7 so that the flushing nozzle 6 advances into the bowl portion 8 before spraying flushing water. The toilet seat device 2 may be detachably attached to the toilet bowl 7, or may be attached so as to be integrated with the toilet bowl 7. That is, for example, the toilet seat device 2 and the toilet bowl 7 may be integrated into a toilet device. In this case, the toilet system TS includes a toilet device in which the toilet seat device 2 and the toilet bowl 7 are integrated. The configuration of the toilet system TS described above is merely an example, and any configuration may be adopted as long as the desired processing is possible.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, the toilet seat 5 is formed in an annular shape with an opening 50 in the center, and is positioned along the rim portion 9 so as to overlap the opening of the toilet bowl 7. A user sits on the toilet seat 5. The toilet seat 5 functions as a seating portion that supports the buttocks of the seated user. Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the toilet lid 4 and the toilet seat 5 are each pivotally supported at one end by the main body portion 3, and are attached so as to be rotatable (openable and closable) around the pivotal portion of the main body portion 3. The toilet lid 4 is attached to the toilet seat device 2 as necessary, and the toilet seat device 2 does not have to have a toilet lid 4.

[0034] The cleaning nozzle 6 is a nozzle for discharging water for cleaning. The cleaning nozzle 6 is capable of spraying cleaning water. The cleaning nozzle 6 is capable of spraying cleaning water toward the user. The cleaning nozzle 6 is a nozzle for cleaning private parts. The cleaning nozzle 6 is configured to be movable forward and backward with respect to the body cover 30, which is the housing of the main body 3, by driving a driving source such as an electric motor (such as the nozzle motor 61 in FIG. 4). The cleaning nozzle 6 is also connected to a water source such as a water pipe (not shown). Then, when the cleaning nozzle 6 is in a position advanced with respect to the body cover 30, which is the housing of the main body 3, as shown in FIG. 1 (hereinafter also referred to as the "advanced position"), it sprays water from the water source onto the user's body to clean the private parts.

[0035] 1 shows the cleaning nozzle 6 in the advanced position. The cleaning nozzle 6 may also be used for cleaning the inside of the toilet bowl 7 (bowl portion 8, etc.). The cleaning nozzle 6 may be used switchably between a private parts cleaning mode for cleaning the private parts of the user and a toilet bowl cleaning mode for spraying water inside the toilet bowl 7. For example, the cleaning nozzle 6 may be used switchably between the private parts cleaning mode and the toilet bowl cleaning mode under the control of the control unit 34 of the toilet seat device 2 (see FIG. 4).

[0036] The operating device 10 is provided in the toilet room R. The operating device 10 is provided in a position where it can be operated by a user. The operating device 10 is provided in a position where it can be operated when the user is seated on the toilet seat 5. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the operating device 10 is provided on a wall surface W on the right side as seen from a user seated on the toilet seat 5. Note that the operating device 10 may be provided in various ways, not limited to on a wall surface, as long as it is usable by a user seated on the toilet seat 5. For example, the operating device 10 may be provided integrally with the toilet seat device 2.

[0037] From here, the device configuration of the information processing system 1 and the function of each device will be described with reference to Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 2, the information processing system 1 has a toilet system TS including a toilet seat device 2 and an operating device 10, a user terminal 200, and a server device 400. The information processing system 1 may include multiple toilet systems TS, multiple user terminals 200, and server devices 400. In the information processing system 1, the toilet seat device 2 performs various processes such as analysis of stool properties, and the server device 400 stores information related to the analysis results by the toilet seat device 2.

[0038] The toilet seat device 2 is a device disposed in a toilet room R. The toilet seat device 2 communicates with an operation device 10, a user terminal 200, etc. The toilet seat device 2 may be capable of communicating with a server device 400.

[0039] The toilet seat device 2 performs a process (personal identification) of acquiring information for identifying a user who uses the toilet bowl 7 in the toilet room R to perform excretion. For example, the toilet seat device 2 acquires information for identifying a user who uses the toilet bowl 7 to perform excretion by communicating with a user terminal 200 owned by the user, or by operating the operating device 10 by the user, and performs personal identification of the user. For example, the toilet seat device 2 communicates with the user terminal 200 owned by the user, and receives a user ID (also simply referred to as "ID"), which is user identification information for identifying the user, from the user terminal 200. Note that the toilet seat device 2 may use any method to identify a user as long as it is possible to identify a user who uses the toilet bowl 7 in the toilet room R.

[0040] Furthermore, the toilet seat device 2 transmits excretion information related to the detected excretion to the user terminal 200. For example, the toilet seat device 2 executes various processes such as analysis of stool properties, and transmits excretion information based on the analysis results to the user terminal 200. The user terminal 200 transmits the excretion information and user identification information for identifying the user (user) using the user terminal 200 to the server device 400. The server device 400 stores the received information as history information. The server device 400 may register the received excretion information in the storage unit in association with the received user identification information.

[0041] The operation device 10 is a computer (remote control) that accepts operations related to control of the toilet seat device 2 by a user. The operation device 10 is connected to the toilet seat device 2 via a predetermined network so as to be able to communicate with the toilet seat device 2 by wired or wireless communication. For example, the operation device 10 may be connected to the toilet seat device 2 so as to be able to communicate with the toilet seat device 2 by a predetermined wireless communication function such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The operation device 10 accepts various operations from a user via a display surface (for example, a display screen 11) by, for example, a touch panel function. The operation device 10 may also include switches and buttons, and may accept various operations by the switches and buttons. The display screen 11 is a display screen of a tablet terminal or the like realized by, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, and is a display device for displaying various information.

[0042] The operation device 10 accepts a user's operation to stop control being executed by the toilet seat device 2. The operation device 10 accepts a user's operation to start execution of private parts washing by the toilet seat device 2. The operation device 10 accepts an instruction from the user to the washing nozzle 6. Note that the above is an example, and the operation device 10 may accept a user's operation to execute various processes.

[0043] The user terminal 200 is a terminal device (computer) used by a user. The user terminal 200 is realized, for example, by a smartphone, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a tablet terminal, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), or the like. For example, the user terminal 200 is communicatively connected to the toilet seat device 2 by a predetermined wireless communication function such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The user terminal 200 may be communicatively connected to the toilet seat device 2 via a network N in a wired or wireless manner.

[0044] The user terminal 200 transmits and receives information between the toilet seat device 2 and the server device 400. The user terminal 200 receives excretion information related to excretion from the toilet seat device 2. The user terminal 200 transmits the excretion information acquired from the toilet seat device 2 to the server device 400. For example, the user terminal 200 transmits the excretion information acquired from the toilet seat device 2 to the server device 400 in association with user identification information of the user using the user terminal 200.

[0045] Furthermore, the user terminal 200 requests information from the server device 400 and displays the information acquired from the server device 400. The user terminal 200 receives information related to the user's excretion from the server device 400 and displays the received information. For example, the user terminal 200 receives content indicating the user's defecation data from the server device 400 and displays the received content.

[0046] The server device 400 is a computer that functions as a cloud (server) that stores information. The server device 400 is connected to the user terminal 200 via a predetermined network (network N) such as the Internet so as to be able to communicate with the user terminal 200 in a wired or wireless manner. The server device 400 may be connected to the user terminal 200 in any manner as long as it is possible to transmit and receive information, and may be connected to the user terminal 200 in a wired or wireless manner so as to be able to communicate with the user terminal 200. The server device 400 may be able to communicate with the toilet seat device 2.

[0047] The server device 400 stores the information received from the user terminal 200 in a storage unit. The server device 400 stores the excretion information and the user identification information acquired from the user terminal 200 in association with each other in a storage unit. The server device 400 is not limited to a cloud (server) and may be any device. That is, the device configuration and arrangement of the server device 400 may be any form as long as the desired processing can be realized. The server device 400 may be arranged in the toilet room R. The information processing system 1 may not have the server device 400. In this case, the information processing system 1 may not have the server device 400, and the toilet seat device 2 or the user terminal 200 may have the function of the server device 400.

[0048] The above is merely an example, and any device configuration can be adopted for the information processing system 1 as long as it can realize the desired processing. For example, the operation device 10 may function as a display unit that displays defecation data. In addition, both the operation device 10 and the user terminal 200 may be included in the information processing system 1 as devices that function as display units.

[0049] The information processing system 1 detects various properties of the user's stool, such as the shape, size, quality, and color, through various configurations and processes described below. The information processing system 1 is a toilet system that can obtain stool information by detecting the user's defecation through an optical method using, for example, optical means.

[0050] <2. Configuration of the toilet seat device> Next, the configuration of the toilet seat device 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a toilet seat device according to an embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the toilet seat device 2 as seen from the front. Note that the toilet lid 4 and the lid portion 103 are omitted from Fig. 3.

[0051] 3 shows the cleaning nozzle 6 (see FIG. 1) in a position where it is stored in the body cover 30 (also referred to as the "storage position"). Note that in FIG. 3, the nozzle lid that conceals the cleaning nozzle 6 when the cleaning nozzle 6 is stored in the body cover 30 is omitted. As shown in FIG. 3, when the cleaning nozzle 6 is in the storage position, the nozzle lid 60 is closed, and the cleaning nozzle 6 is hidden behind the nozzle lid 60. When cleaning is performed with the cleaning nozzle 6, the nozzle lid 60 is opened and the cleaning nozzle 6 protrudes from an opening in the body cover 30 (an opening covered by the nozzle lid 60 in the closed state in FIG. 3), and the cleaning nozzle 6 transitions to an advanced state.

[0052] Sensor head 110 (see FIG. 5) having light-emitting unit 120 and light-receiving unit 130 is optically exposed from opening 31 of body cover 30. For example, light-emitting unit 120 can irradiate light from opening 31 toward excrement in toilet bowl 7, and light-receiving unit 130 can receive light reflected from excrement in toilet bowl 7.

[0053] The opening 31 of the body cover 30 is provided with a lid portion 103 (see FIG. 5) that can be opened and closed. When the sensor unit 100 emits or receives light, the lid portion 103 is in an open state (hereinafter also referred to as an "open state"), and the light emitter 120 and the light receiver 130 of the sensor unit 100 are optically exposed from the opening 31. When the sensor unit 100 does not emit or receive light, the lid portion 103 is in a closed state (hereinafter also referred to as a "closed state"), and the opening 31 is covered by the lid portion 103, and the lid portion 103 is located in front of the sensor head 110. The "closed state" here refers to a state in which the front side of the sensor head 110 is covered by the lid portion 103, and also includes a configuration in which a portion other than the front of the sensor head 110 is open.

[0054] For example, the lid portion 103 can be positioned in front of the sensor head 110 having the light-emitting portion 120 and the light-receiving portion 130, and functions as a lid. The lid portion 103 can be positioned on the side (front) of the sensor head 110 where the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting portion 120 faces. The lid portion 103 can be positioned on the side (front) of the sensor head 110 where the light-receiving surface of the light-receiving portion 130 faces. For example, when the lid portion 103 is in an open state, the lid portion 103 is not positioned in front of the sensor head 110. As a result, when the lid portion 103 is in an open state, the sensor head 110 is exposed.

[0055] Then, when the lid portion 103 is in the open state, the light-emitting portion 120 of the sensor head 110 is capable of emitting light toward the excrement in the toilet bowl 7, and the light-receiving portion 130 of the sensor head 110 is capable of receiving light reflected from the excrement in the toilet bowl 7. As described above, the lid portion 103 is positioned in front of the sensor head 110 in the closed state, thereby covering the front of the sensor head 110, and is not positioned in front of the sensor head 110 in the open state, thereby leaving the front of the sensor head 110 open.

[0056] The lid 103 is provided in front of the sensor head 110 and can be opened and closed. The lid 103 can be transitioned between an open state and a closed state by the lid opening and closing mechanism 102. For example, the lid 103 is in a closed state except during measurement and is located in front of the sensor head 110. Also, the lid 103 is in an open state during measurement and moves from the front of the sensor head 110 to another location. This allows the lid 103 to suppress a decrease in detection accuracy by the light receiving unit 130 of the sensor head 110 due to dirt. The lid 103 is preferably formed of a non-transparent material in order to reduce the possibility that the sensor unit 100 is visible and to be configured with consideration for the privacy of the user. For example, the lid 103 may be formed in a non-transparent state by coloring. The lid 103 may have a non-transparent material (paint) applied to its surface.

[0057] For example, the lid portion 103 performs opening and closing operations with respect to the main body cover 30 around one end side adjacent to the upper end of the opening 31 of the main body cover 30 as an axis, and performs opening and closing operations in the vertical direction. The configuration of the lid portion 103 is not limited to the above, and may be in various forms. For example, the lid portion 103 may be configured to be stored in a storage section provided on the upper end side of the opening 31 of the main body cover 30. For example, the lid portion 103 may be configured like a shutter (shutter) made of several elongated members connected together. Also, for example, the lid portion 103 may perform opening and closing operations with respect to the main body cover 30 around one end side adjacent to the lateral end of the opening 31 of the main body cover 30 as an axis, and perform opening and closing operations in the lateral direction. Also, for example, the lid portion 103 can be separated into multiple parts, and may be configured not only as a single-opening structure but also as a double-opening structure.

[0058] 3, the toilet seat device 2 has a configuration in which the sensor unit 100 is disposed at a position adjacent to the cleaning nozzle 6. The sensor unit 100 is not limited to being disposed at a position adjacent to the cleaning nozzle 6, but may be disposed at any position as long as the desired detection is possible. For example, the sensor unit 100 and the toilet seat device 2 may be separate entities.

[0059] <3. Functional configuration of the toilet seat device> Next, the functional configuration of the toilet seat device 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the toilet seat device according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the toilet seat device 2 includes a human body detection sensor 32, a seating detection sensor 33, a control unit 34, a solenoid valve 71, a nozzle motor 61, a cleaning nozzle 6, and a sensor unit 100. Note that Fig. 4 omits illustration of some of the configuration of the toilet seat device 2 described in Fig. 1 (such as the main body 3, the toilet seat 5, and the toilet bowl 7).

[0060] For example, the human body detection sensor 32, the seating detection sensor 33, and the control unit 34 are provided in the main body 3 of the toilet seat device 2. Although not shown, the toilet seat device 2 has a communication unit that communicates with the user terminal 200 and the operation device 10. For example, the communication unit is realized by a communication circuit or the like. For example, the communication unit is connected to a predetermined network by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information between the communication unit and an information processing device such as the user terminal 200 or the operation device 10. The communication unit may be provided in the sensor unit 100.

[0061] The human body detection sensor 32 has a function of detecting a human body. For example, the human body detection sensor 32 is realized by a pyroelectric sensor using an infrared signal. For example, the human body detection sensor 32 may be realized by a μ (micro) wave sensor. Note that the above is an example, and the human body detection sensor 32 may detect the human body by various means, not limited to the above. For example, the human body detection sensor 32 detects a person (such as a user) who has entered the toilet room R (see FIG. 1). The human body detection sensor 32 outputs a detection signal to the control unit 34. Note that the toilet seat device 2 does not need to have the human body detection sensor 32.

[0062] The seating detection sensor 33 has a function of detecting a person sitting on the toilet seat device 2. The seating detection sensor 33 detects that a user is sitting on the toilet seat 5. The seating detection sensor 33 is capable of detecting the user sitting on the toilet seat 5. The seating detection sensor 33 also functions as a leaving detection sensor that detects the user leaving the toilet seat 5. The seating detection sensor 33 detects the seated state of the user on the toilet seat 5.

[0063] For example, the seating detection sensor 33 detects that a user has sat on the toilet seat 5 by a load sensor. The seating detection sensor 33 is, for example, a switch (hereinafter, may be referred to as a "seat switch") that switches ON / OFF depending on the load of the user sitting on the toilet seat 5. Also, for example, the seating detection sensor 33 may be an infrared light emitting / receiving distance measuring sensor, and may detect a human body that is near the toilet seat 5 immediately before the person (user) sits on the toilet seat 5, or the user sitting on the toilet seat 5. Note that the above is just one example, and the seating detection sensor 33 may detect a person sitting on the toilet seat device 2 by various means other than the above. The seating detection sensor 33 outputs a seating detection signal to the control unit 34.

[0064] The control unit 34 may be, for example, a control device that controls various components and processes. The control unit 34 controls the nozzle motor 61 and the solenoid valve 71. The control unit 34 controls the nozzle motor 61 and the solenoid valve 71 based on a signal transmitted from the operation device 10. The control unit 34 controls the nozzle motor 61 based on a control instruction signal related to local cleaning transmitted from the operation device 10. The control unit 34 controls the nozzle motor 61 to advance and retract the cleaning nozzle 6. The control unit 34 controls the opening and closing of the solenoid valve 71.

[0065] The control unit 34 transmits control information to the nozzle motor 61 and the solenoid valve 71 via a wired connection. The control unit 34 may transmit the control information to the nozzle motor 61 and the solenoid valve 71 wirelessly. The control unit 34 may also control the sensor unit 100. The control unit 34 may transmit control information to the sensor unit 100 to control the sensor unit 100. In this case, the control unit 34 may be integrated with the controller 101.

[0066] Control unit 34 also controls the toilet lid 4 and toilet seat 5 as shown in Fig. 1. Control unit 34 controls the toilet lid 4 and toilet seat 5 based on a signal transmitted from operating device 10. Control unit 34 controls the toilet lid 4 based on a control instruction signal transmitted from operating device 10 regarding the opening and closing of the toilet lid. Control unit 34 controls the toilet seat 5 based on a control instruction signal transmitted from operating device 10 regarding the opening and closing of the toilet seat 5. Control unit 34 transmits control information to the toilet lid 4 and toilet seat 5 via a wired connection. Note that control unit 34 may transmit control information to the toilet lid 4 and toilet seat 5 wirelessly.

[0067] The control unit 34 judges whether or not the human body detection sensor 32 detects the entry of a user into the toilet room R. The control unit 34 judges whether or not the human body detection sensor 32 detects the entry of a user into the toilet room R. The control unit 34 judges whether or not the seating detection sensor 33 detects the user sitting on the toilet seat 5. The control unit 34 communicates with the sensor unit 100 and transmits and receives information to and from the sensor unit 100. For example, the control unit 34 transmits a judgment result based on detection by various sensors such as the human body detection sensor 32 or the seating detection sensor 33 to the sensor unit 100. In this case, the controller 101 of the sensor unit 100 controls the lid opening and closing mechanism 102 and the sensor head 110 based on the information acquired from the control unit 34.

[0068] The nozzle motor 61 is a drive source (motor) that drives the cleaning nozzle 6 to advance and retract. The nozzle motor 61 executes control to advance and retract the cleaning nozzle 6 relative to the body cover 30 of the main body 3. The nozzle motor 61 executes control to advance and retract the cleaning nozzle 6 in response to an instruction from the control unit 34.

[0069] The solenoid valve 71 functions as a valve that controls the flow of a fluid by an electromagnetic method. The solenoid valve 71 switches between supplying and stopping tap water from a water supply pipe, for example. The solenoid valve 71 executes control of opening and closing in response to an instruction from the control unit 34.

[0070] The sensor unit 100 includes a controller 101, a lid opening / closing mechanism 102, and a sensor head 110. The sensor unit 100 functions as an excrement detection device (excrement measurement device). The sensor unit 100 functioning as an excrement detection device may be configured independently of the toilet seat device 2. In this case, the sensor unit 100 may be a toilet device. The sensor unit 100 may also have a communication unit that communicates with the user terminal 200. For example, the communication unit of the sensor unit 100 is realized by a communication circuit or the like. For example, the communication unit of the sensor unit 100 is connected to a predetermined network by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from the user terminal 200.

[0071] The controller 101 functions as a control unit that controls the lid opening / closing mechanism 102 and the sensor head 110. For example, the controller 101 is realized by various means such as a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an integrated circuit such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0072] The controller 101 may perform control for opening and closing the lid portion 103. The controller 101 transmits control information for opening and closing the lid portion 103 to a lid opening and closing mechanism 102 (such as an actuator) that opens and closes the lid portion 103. The controller 101 transmits control information for closing the lid portion 103 to the lid opening and closing mechanism 102. The controller 101 transmits control information for controlling the turning on and off of the light emitting portion 120 to the sensor head 110.

[0073] The controller 101 transmits control information for controlling the function of the electronic shutter of the light receiving unit 130 to the sensor head 110. The electronic shutter of the light receiving unit 130 is a shutter type that electronically controls the light receiving element 132 (imaging element) to read out the exposure, unlike a mechanical shutter such as a so-called lens shutter. In other words, the electronic shutter of the light receiving unit 130 is a so-called electronic shutter or electronically controlled shutter. The controller 101 transmits the control information to the sensor head 110 by wire or wirelessly.

[0074] The controller 101 controls the emission of light by the light-emitting unit 120 and the reception of light by the light-receiving unit 130. For example, the controller 101 controls the measurement process during a period in which the seating detection sensor 33 detects that the user is sitting on the toilet seat 5.

[0075] The controller 101 controls the emission of light by the light emitting unit 120. The controller 101 controls the supply of electricity to the light emitting element 121 and the application of voltage to the light receiving element 132. The controller 101 performs light receiving control that allows reception of reflected light from stool by sending a control instruction to the light receiving element 132 to open an electronic shutter and supplying electricity to the light emitting element 121. After starting execution of one light receiving control, the controller 101 controls the interval until the next light receiving control is executed to an arbitrary time (e.g., 0.2 milliseconds or more) within a range where control processing is possible. Note that the controller 101 controls the emission of light by the multiple light emitting elements 121 in the measurement processing, which will be described in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7.

[0076] The controller 101 also functions as a determination unit that executes various determination processes. The controller 101 determines the properties of the stool from the light reception result by the light receiving unit 130. The controller 101 determines the properties of the excrement based on the light reception data received by the light receiving element 132. The controller 101 determines the properties of the excrement based on data generated by subtracting the light reception data acquired in a state where the multiple light emitting elements 121 are not irradiating light from each of the light reception data acquired in response to the irradiation of light by each of the multiple light emitting elements 121. The controller 101 determines at least one of the color and shape of the excrement.

[0077] For example, the controller 101 determines the properties of the user's stool by appropriately using various techniques for detecting the properties of stool by optical methods. For example, the controller 101 determines at least one of the color and shape corresponding to the stool image as the properties of the stool based on the stool image. Note that the controller 101 may determine various properties of the stool, such as the amount of stool, in addition to the color and shape.

[0078] The controller 101 determines which of a plurality of classifications the color of the stool belongs to. For example, the controller 101 determines the color of the stool based on information such as that shown in a determination example CL1 in FIG. 10. The controller 101 also determines which of a plurality of classifications the shape of the stool belongs to. For example, the controller 101 determines the shape of the stool based on information such as that shown in a determination example CL2 in FIG. 14. A specific example of the process for determining the color and shape of the stool will be described in detail later.

[0079] For example, the controller 101 judges the properties of stool using a judgment program for stool properties, etc. stored in the storage unit. For example, the storage unit is a computer-readable recording medium that non-temporarily records data, etc. used by the judgment program for stool properties, etc. The storage unit stores various information used in the judgment process related to stool, such as the properties of stool. For example, the storage unit stores thresholds used in the judgment process related to stool. For example, the storage unit stores various models (judgment models) used in the judgment related to stool. For example, the storage unit stores various judgment models used to judge the shape, color, amount, etc. of stool. The controller 101 judges the properties of stool using various information stored in the storage unit.

[0080] The lid opening / closing mechanism 102 is a drive source (motor) that opens or closes the lid 103. The lid opening / closing mechanism 102 executes control to open or close the lid 103 in response to an instruction from the controller 101. For example, the lid opening / closing mechanism 102 closes the lid 103 at a timing when light reception by the light receiving unit 130 is not required, such as when a measurement is not being performed. The lid opening / closing mechanism 102 opens the lid 103 upward when placed on the toilet bowl 7. The lid opening / closing mechanism 102 closes the lid 103 when the cleaning nozzle 6 is in operation. The lid opening / closing mechanism 102 closes the lid 103 when the cleaning nozzle 6 arranged on the toilet bowl 7 is in operation.

[0081] The sensor head 110 includes a housing 111 (see FIG. 5) which is a sensor case, a transparent window 112 (see FIG. 5) which is a transparent window, a substrate 113 (see FIG. 5) which is a sensor substrate, a light emitting unit 120, and a light receiving unit 130. The sensor head 110 functions as a detection unit (excrement detection unit) which detects information on excrement using the light receiving unit 130. For example, the sensor head 110 is a detection unit which detects information on fallen feces. The housing 111 is a case which stores the light emitting unit 120 and the light receiving unit 130 with the front open. The transparent window 112 covers the front of the housing 111. The arrangement of the sensor unit 100, including the details of the configuration of the sensor head 110, will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0082] The light emitting unit 120 emits light. The light emitting unit 120 has a plurality of light emitting elements 121 that emit light of different wavelength bands, and a lens 122 as a light emitting lens. The light emitting unit 120 controls the emission mode of light from the plurality of light emitting elements 121 by the lens 122.

[0083] The light-emitting unit 120 irradiates light toward inside the bowl portion 8. The light-emitting unit 120 irradiates light toward objects such as excrement (feces) falling inside the bowl portion 8. For example, the light-emitting unit 120 has a light-emitting element 121 that irradiates light. The light-emitting unit 120 has a plurality of light-emitting elements 121. In the example of FIG. 4, the light-emitting unit 120 has at least two light-emitting elements 121. For example, the two light-emitting elements 121 shown in FIG. 4 each irradiate light of a different wavelength. For example, each light-emitting element 121 irradiates light in a diagonally downward direction.

[0084] For example, one of the two light-emitting elements 121 shown in FIG. 4 (also referred to as "first type light-emitting element 121") emits light with a shorter wavelength (also referred to as "first wavelength") among the two light-emitting elements 121. For example, the first type light-emitting element 121 emits light with a wavelength of 590 nm. Note that the light emitted by the first type light-emitting element 121 is not limited to only the first wavelength, and may include light in a wavelength region around the first wavelength (also referred to as "first wavelength region"). The first wavelength region may be a wavelength region (wavelength band) corresponding to yellow to orange.

[0085] Furthermore, for example, of the two light-emitting elements 121 shown in FIG. 4, one light-emitting element 121 other than the first-type light-emitting element 121 (also referred to as the "second-type light-emitting element 121") radiates light having a wavelength longer than the first wavelength (also referred to as the "second wavelength"). For example, the second-type light-emitting element 121 radiates light having a wavelength of 870 nm. Note that the light radiated by the second-type light-emitting element 121 is not limited to only the second wavelength, and may include light in a wavelength region around the second wavelength (also referred to as the "second wavelength region"). The second wavelength region may be a wavelength region (wavelength band) corresponding to infrared rays (for example, near-infrared rays).

[0086] The specific values ​​of the first wavelength and the second wavelength described above are examples, and the wavelengths are not limited thereto. The specific values ​​of the first wavelength region and the second wavelength region described above are examples, and the wavelength regions are not limited thereto. For example, the first wavelength and the second wavelength can be any wavelength as long as they satisfy the relationship that the first wavelength is shorter than the second wavelength (i.e., the first wavelength<the second wavelength) as described above. When the first type light-emitting element 121 and the second type light-emitting element 121 are described without any particular distinction, they may be referred to as light-emitting element 121.

[0087] In the above example, the case where there is one each of the first type light emitting element 121 and the second type light emitting element 121 has been described as an example, but a plurality of each of the first type light emitting element 121 and the second type light emitting element 121 may be provided. For example, the light emitting section 120 may have a plurality of first type light emitting elements 121, or may have a plurality of second type light emitting elements 121. In other words, the light emitting section 120 may have any number of light emitting elements 121 as long as it has at least one each of the first type light emitting element 121 and the second type light emitting element 121.

[0088] The light receiving unit 130 receives light. The light receiving unit 130 has a lens 131 as a light receiving lens and a light receiving element 132 that receives light. The light receiving unit 130 may have various configurations other than the lens 131 and the light receiving element 132. For example, the light receiving unit 130 may have a filter having a desired function. In FIG. 4, the light receiving unit 130 may have a light-reducing filter 133 that attenuates the light received by the light receiving element 132. For example, the light-reducing filter 133 may be a bandpass filter that transmits light in a wavelength band of the light irradiated by each of the multiple light emitting elements 121 and attenuates light in a wavelength band other than the wavelength band.

[0089] For example, the neutral density filter 133 may be a bandpass filter that transmits light in the first wavelength region and the second wavelength region and attenuates light in wavelength regions other than the first wavelength region and the second wavelength region. The neutral density filter 133 may be disposed at any position as long as it can realize a desired function. For example, the neutral density filter 133 may be disposed between the lens 131 and the light receiving element 132. Note that the neutral density filter 133 is not limited to being disposed in the light receiving unit 130, and any position can be adopted as long as it can attenuate light in a desired wavelength region among the light received by the light receiving element 132. For example, the neutral density filter 133 may be disposed in the transparent window 112.

[0090] The light receiving unit 130 receives light from a predetermined range within the toilet bowl 7 as a detection range. For example, the light receiving unit 130 receives light reflected from an object in response to light emitted by the light emitting unit 120. For example, the light receiving unit 130 receives light reflected from excrement (feces) that is falling. The light receiving unit 130 receives light reflected from various objects, not limited to feces. For example, the light receiving unit 130 receives light reflected from the inner circumferential surface of the toilet bowl 7, i.e., the surface of the bowl portion 8.

[0091] For example, the light receiving element 132 is a line sensor. For example, the light receiving element 132 is a line sensor in which a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor is arranged in a row. Note that the light receiving element 132 is not limited to a line sensor (one-dimensional image sensor), and any image sensor may be used as long as it can execute the desired processing.

[0092] Here, an example of the configuration of the controller 101 will be described. For example, the controller 101 may have various configurations such as a calculation unit (e.g., a calculation processing device) that executes calculations related to control, a storage unit (e.g., a memory described later), etc. For example, the calculation processing device is realized by various means such as a processor such as a CPU, an MPU, or an ASIC, or an integrated circuit such as an FPGA. Below, an example will be described in which the controller 101 has an AD Converter, a calculation processing device, a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a memory.

[0093] The ADConverter is a so-called A / D converter (analog-digital conversion circuit) and has an A / D conversion function of converting an analog signal into a digital signal. The ADConverter may be an analog-digital conversion circuit. For example, the ADConverter converts analog data received (detected) by the light receiving unit 130 into digital data. The ADConverter may convert analog data from which a predetermined range of data has been deleted into digital data. For example, the ADConverter may leave only data corresponding to pixels in a preset range (for example, a predetermined range in the center) and delete data corresponding to pixels in the remaining range. Note that when a dedicated sensor such as a line sensor in which the number of pixels, etc., is set for excrement detection is used as the light receiving element 132, the ADConverter converts the entire analog data into digital data without deleting data in the predetermined range.

[0094] The arithmetic processing device is realized by various means such as a CPU or a microcomputer, and executes various processes. For example, the arithmetic processing device executes various processes using digital data converted by an AD converter. The arithmetic processing device executes various processes by programs stored in a ROM (for example, various programs related to detection processes such as an object determination program and an excrement determination program). For example, the arithmetic processing device is realized by executing the programs stored in a ROM using a temporarily used memory area or the like in the arithmetic processing device as a working area.

[0095] The arithmetic processing unit analyzes the data. The arithmetic processing unit analyzes the data temporarily stored in the memory. The arithmetic processing unit transfers the data received by the light receiving unit 130 to the memory, and analyzes and deletes the data stored in the memory.

[0096] The ROM stores various programs related to detection processing, such as an object determination program and an excrement determination program. The ROM also stores various other information in addition to the above. For example, the ROM may store a contour extraction program for extracting the contour of feces in an image.

[0097] The memory is an internal memory (storage device) that temporarily stores various data. The memory stores data received by the light receiving unit 130. The memory stores digital data converted by the AD converter. For example, the memory is a static random access memory (SRAM). Note that the memory is not limited to an SRAM, and other random access memories (RAMs) such as dynamic random access memories (DRAMs) and ROMs capable of high-speed processing such as programmable read only memories (PROMs) may be used.

[0098] The memory stores data according to the control of the arithmetic processing unit. For example, a storage device with a storage capacity of 96 kilobytes, 512 kilobytes, etc. is used as the memory. The data received by the light receiving unit 130 and temporarily stored in the memory includes raw data (analog data) detected by the light receiving unit 130 and data processed by A / D conversion (digital data).

[0099] <4. Example of sensor unit configuration> From here, various configurations of the sensor unit will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Note that various configurations of the sensor unit 100 including the light emitting section 120 and the light receiving section 130 are not limited to those shown in Fig. 5, and any configuration may be adopted as long as the desired detection is possible. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the sensor unit.

[0100] The sensor head 110 is disposed on the front side of the sensor unit 100. In the example of Fig. 5, the sensor head 110 is disposed in front of the controller 101. The light-emitting unit 120 and the light-receiving unit 130 are supported by a housing unit 111. The housing unit 111 is formed of a non-transparent material. The housing unit 111 may be formed of various materials as long as it is capable of supporting the light-emitting unit 120 and the light-receiving unit 130.

[0101] 5, the housing unit 111 supports the light emitting unit 120 and the light receiving unit 130 such that the light emitting unit 120 and the light receiving unit 130 are optically exposed on one surface (hereinafter also referred to as the "front surface") of the housing unit 111. For example, the housing unit 111 supports the light emitting unit 120 and the light receiving unit 130 such that the lens 122 of the light emitting unit 120 and the lens 131 of the light receiving unit 130 are optically exposed.

[0102] The housing unit 111 is a case that stores the light emitting unit 120 and the light receiving unit 130 in a manner that exposes the light emitting unit 120 and the light receiving unit 130 on the front side. The housing unit 111 stores the light emitting unit 120 with the light emitting surface of the light emitting unit 120 facing the front side. The housing unit 111 stores the light receiving unit 130 with the light receiving surface of the light receiving unit 130 facing the front side. The transparent window 112 is a transparent window provided on the front side of the housing unit 111.

[0103] Each light-emitting element 121 of the light-emitting unit 120 irradiates light to the front side of the housing unit 111, and the light-receiving unit 130 receives light from the front side of the housing unit 111. For example, the light-emitting unit 120 and the light-receiving unit 130 are connected to a power supply device (not shown) on the side (rear side) opposite to the front side of the housing unit 111, and power is supplied to them.

[0104] In the example of Fig. 5, the light-emitting unit 120 has four light-emitting elements 121-1, 121-2, 121-3, and 121-4 and a lens 122. In Fig. 5, the lens 122 is a cylindrical lens provided in front of the multiple light-emitting elements 121. Note that the lens 122 shown in Fig. 5 is merely an example, and the lens 122 may be any optical member as long as it is capable of collecting light as desired.

[0105] Hereinafter, the light emitting elements 121-1, 121-2, 121-3, 121-4, etc. will be referred to as "light emitting element 121" unless a particular distinction is made between them. For example, the light emitting element 121 is an LED (Light Emitting Diode). Note that the light emitting element 121 is not limited to an LED, and various elements may be used. Also, the four light emitting elements 121 are merely an example, and the number of light emitting elements 121 is not limited to four as long as the desired light can be emitted. In FIG. 5, the four light emitting elements 121 are disposed on the substrate 113.

[0106] For example, the light emitting element 121-1 is a first type light emitting element 121, and the light emitting element 121-2 is a second type light emitting element 121. The light emitting elements 121-3 and 121-4 may be light emitting elements that emit light of any wavelength. For example, the light emitting element 121-3 may be a first type light emitting element 121, and the light emitting element 121-4 may be a second type light emitting element 121. Note that the above is merely an example, and any number of combinations may be used as long as there is at least one each of the first type light emitting element 121 and the second type light emitting element 121. For example, the light emitting elements 121-3 and 121-4 may emit light of a wavelength different from that of the light emitting elements 121-1 and 121-2, and the light emitting unit 120 may not include the light emitting elements 121-3 and 121-4.

[0107] The light receiving unit 130 has a lens 131 and a light receiving element 132 which is a line sensor. When viewed from the front side, the light receiving element 132 is located behind (behind) the lens 131. For example, the light receiving element 132 and the light emitting element 121 may be disposed on the same substrate 113.

[0108] <5. Relationship between user and device operation> Here, a brief description will be given of an example of the relationship between the person (user) using the toilet room R and the operation of the appliances. The lid 103 transitions between an open state and a closed state by the drive of the lid opening / closing mechanism 102.

[0109] First, when a user of the toilet room R sits on the toilet seat 5, the toilet seat device 2 detects the person sitting. At this stage, the lid part 103 is in a closed state. After that, if the user of the toilet room R agrees to being photographed by performing personal authentication, the toilet seat device 2 opens the lid part 103 and starts waiting for detection of a stool falling. At this stage, the lid part 103 transitions to an open state.

[0110] Thereafter, when the user of the toilet room R defecates, the toilet seat device 2 detects the stool falling and starts measurement. The measurement continues for, for example, 10 seconds. At this stage, i.e., during the measurement period, the lid portion 103 remains open, and light is irradiated into the toilet bowl 7 (bowl portion 8). After the measurement, waiting for stool detection and falling is resumed. At this stage, the irradiation of light into the toilet bowl 7 (bowl portion 8) stops, and the lid portion 103 remains open.

[0111] Furthermore, when a user of the toilet room R starts a rear washing, the toilet seat device 2 closes the lid portion 103, puts the washing nozzle 6 in use, and starts washing with the washing nozzle 6. At this stage, i.e., while the washing nozzle 6 is in use, the lid portion 103 is in the closed state.

[0112] Furthermore, when the user of the toilet room R finishes rear washing, the toilet seat device 2 opens the cover 103 and starts waiting for detection of dropping of stool. At this stage, the cover 103 transitions to the open state.

[0113] Furthermore, when a user using the toilet room R leaves the toilet seat 5, the toilet seat device 2 detects the person leaving the seat. The toilet seat device 2 then closes the lid portion 103 and ends the wait for detection of a stool falling. At this stage, the lid portion 103 transitions to a closed state. The toilet seat device 2 then starts transferring and analyzing data. Note that the above-described process flow is merely an example, and the relationship between the person (user) using the toilet room R and the operation of the device is not limited to the above.

[0114] <6. Measurement processing> Next, the specific operation of the measurement process will be described with reference to Figs. 6 and 7. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the process flow in the measurement process. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a time chart in the measurement process. First, each element shown in Fig. 6 will be described. Object OB1 is a schematic representation of fecal excretion to be detected (measured). The light receiving device PD is a light receiving unit 130 having a light receiving element 132 such as a line sensor.

[0115] Moreover, the light emitting device LE1 is a first type of light emitting element 121, and the light emitting device LE2 is a second type of light emitting element 121. For example, the light emitting device LE1 irradiates light with a wavelength of 590 nm as the light of the first wavelength. Furthermore, the light emitting device LE2 irradiates light with a wavelength of 870 nm as the light of the second wavelength. Note that the wavelengths are merely examples, and any wavelength can be adopted as long as the relationship between the first wavelength and the second wavelength is satisfied as described above. Furthermore, hereinafter, when the light emitting devices LE1 and LE2 are described without any particular distinction, they may be described as "light emitting device LE."

[0116] The example of Fig. 6 conceptually illustrates a measurement process in which light is irradiated from the light emitting device LE to the object OB1 during falling and the results of the light reception by the light receiving device PD are collected. The dotted line extending from the light emitting device LE to the object OB1 typically illustrates the irradiation of light from the light emitting device LE to the object OB1, and the dotted line extending from the object OB1 to the light receiving device PD typically illustrates the reflected light from the object OB1 that is received by the light receiving device PD. In addition, the horizontal line overlapping the object OB1 typically illustrates the range (one-dimensional) of the object OB1 detected by the corresponding light emission and light reception.

[0117] The flow of the measurement process will be described below with reference to Fig. 6. The example of Fig. 6 conceptually shows the measurement process in which light is irradiated from the light emitting device LE to a falling object OB1 and the results of light reception by the light receiving device PD are collected.

[0118] First, steps S1 to S3 in Fig. 6 show light emission by the light emitting device LE and light reception by the light receiving device PD in the measurement process. In step S1, the light emitting device LE1 irradiates light with a first wavelength, and the light receiving device PD receives the light reflected from the object OB1. In the example of Fig. 6, the light emitting device LE1 irradiates light with a wavelength of 590 nm, and the light receiving device PD receives the light reflected from the object OB1 and the bowl portion 8.

[0119] Then, in step S2, neither of the light-emitting devices LE1 nor LE2 emits light, i.e., they are in a non-illuminated state, and the light-receiving device PD receives the reflected light from the object OB1. Note that, since step S2 is in a non-illuminated state, the reflected light from the object OB1 may be due to the influence of ambient light, rather than the light emitted from the light-emitting device LE. In the example of Fig. 6, all of the light-emitting devices LE are non-illuminated, and the light-receiving device PD receives the reflected light from the object OB1 and the bowl portion 8.

[0120] Then, in step S3, the light emitting device LE2 irradiates light of the second wavelength, and the light receiving device PD receives the reflected light from the object OB1. In the example of Fig. 6, the light emitting device LE2 irradiates light of a wavelength of 870 nm, and the light receiving device PD receives the reflected light from the object OB1 and the bowl portion 8. The toilet seat device 2 repeats steps S1 to S3 until a predetermined period (e.g., 10 seconds) has elapsed.

[0121] Here, the flow of the above-mentioned process will be explained using the time chart of Fig. 7. In Fig. 7, the process shown between time t11 and time t12 (hereinafter also referred to as "scan unit process") is one cycle, and is performed until a predetermined period (for example, 10 seconds) has elapsed. The scan unit process in Fig. 7 corresponds to steps S1 to S3 in Fig. 6. In this way, the toilet seat device 2 repeatedly obtains (brightness) data corresponding to each state of the light-emitting device LE of each wavelength, such as lighting, non-lighting, etc.

[0122] Waveform LN11 in Fig. 7 indicates whether or not 590 nm light is turned on (emitted). When waveform LN11 is ON (i.e., when it is rising), it indicates that 590 nm light is being emitted, and when it is OFF (i.e., when it is falling), it indicates that 590 nm light is not being emitted. Waveform LN12 in Fig. 7 indicates whether or not 870 nm light is turned on (emitted). When waveform LN12 is ON, it indicates that 870 nm light is being emitted, and when it is OFF, it indicates that 870 nm light is not being emitted.

[0123] 7 indicates the reception of light by the image sensor. When the waveform LN13 is rising, it indicates that light is being received by the light receiving element 132. For example, the waveform LN13 indicates the presence or absence of exposure (light reception). For example, when the waveform LN13 is rising, it indicates that exposure (light reception) is being performed, and when it is falling, it indicates that exposure (light reception) is not being performed.

[0124] The waveform LN14 in Fig. 7 indicates whether data is stored. When the waveform LN14 is rising, processing to store data in the internal memory is being performed, and when it is falling, processing to store data in the internal memory is not being performed. For example, when the waveform LN14 is rising, data corresponding to the light received by the image sensor is stored before the rising edge.

[0125] 7, light reception data in a state where the multiple light-emitting elements 121 are not emitting light, i.e., in a non-illuminated state (also referred to as "non-illuminated light reception data"), is acquired between the emission of light of a first wavelength by a first light-emitting element 121 and the emission of light of a second wavelength by a second light-emitting element 121 among the multiple light-emitting elements 121. That is, in Fig. 7, non-illuminated light reception data in a non-illuminated state is acquired between the acquisition of light reception data (also referred to as "first wavelength light reception data") corresponding to the emission of light of 590 nm by the first light-emitting element 121 and the acquisition of light reception data (also referred to as "second wavelength light reception data") corresponding to the emission of light of 870 nm by the second light-emitting element 121.

[0126] The waveform LN15 in FIG. 7 indicates a subtraction process. When the waveform LN15 is rising, the subtraction process is performed, and when it is falling, the subtraction process is not performed. For example, the waveform LN15 indicates that, in one period, the light reception data corresponding to the emission of light at 590 nm, the light reception data corresponding to no illumination, and the light reception data corresponding to the emission of light at 870 nm are obtained, and then the subtraction process is performed. For example, in the subtraction process, data (also referred to as "first correction data") obtained by subtracting the light reception data corresponding to no illumination (no illumination reception data) from the light reception data corresponding to the emission of light at 590 nm (first wavelength light reception data), and data (also referred to as "second correction data") obtained by subtracting the light reception data corresponding to no illumination (no illumination reception data) from the light reception data corresponding to the emission of light at 870 nm (second wavelength light reception data) are generated.

[0127] The waveform LN16 in Fig. 7 indicates the contour extraction process. When the waveform LN16 is rising, the contour extraction process is being performed, and when it is falling, the contour extraction process is not being performed. For example, the waveform LN16 indicates that in one period, a subtraction process is performed, and then the contour extraction process is performed. For example, in the contour extraction process, a contour extraction program or the like is used, and the contour of the stool contained in the first correction data (also referred to as the "first contour") and the contour of the stool contained in the second correction data (also referred to as the "second contour") are extracted.

[0128] As shown in Fig. 7, in the measurement process, light is received in the order of 590 nm emission, off, and 870 nm emission. In the scan unit process, light is received once for each of 590 nm, off, and 870 nm emissions. That is, in the measurement process, light is received in the order of light-emitting device LE1 being on, off, and light-emitting device LE2 being on. Note that Fig. 7 is merely an example, and the order of light emission and light reception in the scan unit process is not limited to that in Fig. 7, and may be any order.

[0129] For example, the light receiving device PD receives light by electronically controlling the light receiving element 132 (imaging element) using an electronic shutter. Note that the above electronic shutter is merely an example, and the light receiving device PD may receive light by any means as long as it can receive light at a desired interval. In the example of FIG. 7, light is emitted in the order of 590 nm, off, and 870 nm, and the corresponding light is received. After the light receiving device PD receives light, the analog data detected by the light receiving device PD is converted into digital data (A / D conversion). For example, after the light receiving device PD has completed receiving light, the toilet seat device 2 converts the analog data into digital data using an AD Converter.

[0130] After the A / D conversion is completed, the toilet seat device 2 stores the data in, for example, the internal memory described above. For example, after the conversion of analog data to digital data by the AD Converter is completed, the arithmetic processing device of the controller 101 is controlled to start transferring data to the memory. As a result, digital data (received light data) corresponding to each received light is stored in the memory. The toilet seat device 2 then repeats the scan unit process for a predetermined period of time to collect data.

[0131] An example of a scan unit process will be described. In the example of Fig. 7, the toilet seat device 2 first emits light at 590 nm and receives the corresponding light. Then, the toilet seat device 2 converts analog data corresponding to the emitted light at 590 nm detected by the light receiving device PD into digital data (A / D conversion). After the A / D conversion is completed, the toilet seat device 2 stores the 590 nm digital data in the internal memory.

[0132] After processing at 590 nm, the toilet seat device 2 performs off-lighting and corresponding light reception. Then, the toilet seat device 2 converts the analog data corresponding to off-lighting detected by the light receiving device PD into digital data (A / D conversion). After the A / D conversion is completed, the toilet seat device 2 stores the off-lighting digital data in the internal memory.

[0133] After the off process, the toilet seat device 2 emits light at 870 nm and receives light corresponding to the emitted light. Then, the toilet seat device 2 converts analog data corresponding to the emitted light at 870 nm detected by the light receiving device PD into digital data (A / D conversion). After the A / D conversion is completed, the toilet seat device 2 stores the 870 nm digital data in its internal memory. After that, if a predetermined period of time has not elapsed, the toilet seat device 2 repeats the scan unit process again.

[0134] As described above, in the measurement process, the toilet seat device 2 obtains data corresponding to two states, an irradiation state of a first wavelength (e.g., 590 nm), an irradiation state of no light, and an irradiation state of a second wavelength (e.g., 870 nm). That is, in the measurement process, the toilet seat device 2 obtains light reception data in the order of lighting of the first type of light-emitting element 121 (light-emitting device LE1), lighting of all the light-emitting elements 121 (light-emitting devices LE), and lighting of the second type of light-emitting element 121 (light-emitting device LE2).

[0135] It should be noted that the above measurement process is merely an example, and the toilet seat device 2 may execute any process as long as it is capable of acquiring desired information.

[0136] <7. How to obtain data for measurement processing> Next, a specific operation of the data acquisition method of the measurement process will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the data acquisition method. Note that the same points as those described in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 will not be described as appropriate.

[0137] First, the object OB1 and the light receiving device PD are the same as those in FIG. 6, and therefore the description will be omitted. The light emitting device LE is a light emitting element 121. For simplicity of description, FIG. 8 will be described using an example in which there is one light emitting device LE (emission of one wavelength). Thus, FIG. 8 shows a schematic example of a process for acquiring monochrome image data by emitting and receiving light from either one of the light emitting devices LE1 and LE2, i.e., the first type light emitting element 121 and the second type light emitting element 121.

[0138] In the example of Fig. 8, scene SN1 conceptually illustrates the process of irradiating light from light-emitting device LE onto falling object OB1 at time t1 and receiving the light by light-receiving device PD. Data acquired in scene SN1 (time t1) corresponds to one-dimensional image PI1 of two-dimensional image EI. That is, by emitting and receiving light in scene SN1 (time t1), toilet seat device 2 acquires (detects) one-dimensional image PI1.

[0139] Moreover, the data acquired at time t2 corresponds to a one-dimensional image PI2 of the two-dimensional image EI. That is, the toilet seat device 2 acquires (detects) the one-dimensional image PI2 by emitting and receiving light at time t2. The data at time t2 is the data acquired following the data at time t1. Therefore, the toilet seat device 2 generates the two-dimensional image EI by arranging the one-dimensional image PI2 next to the one-dimensional image PI1.

[0140] Also, the scene SNi is i In FIG. 1, a light emitting device LE emits light onto a falling object OB1, and a light receiving device PD receives the light. i ) corresponds to a one-dimensional image PIi of the two-dimensional image EI. That is, the data acquired at the scene SNi (time t i By emitting and receiving light at the light receiving portion 3, the toilet seat device 2 obtains (detects) a one-dimensional image PIi.

[0141] Also, the scene SNj is j In FIG. 1, a light emitting device LE emits light onto a falling object OB1, and a light receiving device PD receives the light. j ) corresponds to a one-dimensional image PIj of a two-dimensional image EI. That is, the data acquired at a scene SNj (time t j By emitting and receiving light at the light receiving portion PIj, the toilet seat device 2 acquires (detects) a one-dimensional image PIj.

[0142] The toilet seat device 2 generates a two-dimensional image (also called a "stool image") by arranging the one-dimensional images (received light data) in the order of time when the one-dimensional images were acquired. In Fig. 8, the toilet seat device 2 generates a two-dimensional image EI by arranging the one-dimensional images PI1, PI2..., PIi..., PIj... in that order.

[0143] In the above example, the case where light is emitted at one wavelength has been described as an example, but when light is emitted at multiple wavelengths, the toilet seat device 2 generates a stool image (two-dimensional image) by chronologically arranging the data (one-dimensional images) acquired over time for each emitted wavelength.

[0144] For example, the toilet seat device 2 arranges in chronological order the light reception data (one-dimensional image) obtained by emitting light from the first type of light-emitting element 121, thereby generating a two-dimensional image corresponding to the first type of light-emitting element 121. For example, the toilet seat device 2 arranges in chronological order the light reception data (one-dimensional image) obtained by emitting light with a first wavelength, such as 590 nm, thereby generating a stool image (first two-dimensional image) corresponding to the first wavelength.

[0145] For example, the toilet seat device 2 generates a two-dimensional image corresponding to the second type of light-emitting element 121 by arranging in chronological order the light reception data (one-dimensional image) obtained by emitting light of the second type of light-emitting element 121. For example, the toilet seat device 2 generates a stool image (second two-dimensional image) corresponding to the second wavelength by arranging in chronological order the light reception data (one-dimensional image) obtained by emitting light of a second wavelength such as 870 nm.

[0146] The toilet seat device 2 may also generate a two-dimensional image corresponding to no lighting by arranging in chronological order the light reception data (one-dimensional image) obtained without emitting light from either the first type light-emitting element 121 or the second type light-emitting element 121. For example, the toilet seat device 2 generates a stool image corresponding to no lighting (two-dimensional image without lighting) by arranging in chronological order the light reception data (one-dimensional image) obtained in an unlit state.

[0147] For example, the toilet seat device 2 uses the information acquired by the above-mentioned process to determine the properties of the stool, such as the color and shape of the stool. For example, the toilet seat device 2 determines the color of the stool contained in the image by comparing the information after correcting the above-mentioned first and second two-dimensional images using a non-illuminated two-dimensional image.

[0148] <8. Processing Examples> From here, various processing examples will be described in detail based on the above content. In the following, when the toilet seat device 2 is described as a processing subject, the processing may be performed by any device included in the information processing system 1 depending on the device configuration included in the information processing system 1. For example, depending on the device configuration of the information processing system 1, not only the toilet seat device 2 but also the sensor unit 100, the server device 400, etc. may execute the processing described below.

[0149] <8-1. About the color of stool> First, the process for the color of stool will be described. The flow of the process from stool detection to stool property determination in the toilet seat device 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the process according to the embodiment. For example, Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the process from stool detection to color determination.

[0150] 9, the toilet seat device 2 acquires feces data (step S101). For example, the toilet seat device 2 acquires light reception data received by the light receiving unit 130. For example, the process of step S101 corresponds to the process from turning on the LED to storing in memory in the timing chart of FIG.

[0151] Then, the toilet seat device 2 executes a subtraction process (step S102). For example, the toilet seat device 2 generates data (first correction data) by subtracting the light reception data corresponding to no lighting (light reception data without illumination) from the light reception data corresponding to the emission of light at 590 nm (first wavelength light reception data). Also, for example, the toilet seat device 2 generates data (second correction data) by subtracting the light reception data corresponding to no lighting (light reception data without illumination) from the light reception data corresponding to the emission of light at 870 nm (second wavelength light reception data). For example, the process of step S102 corresponds to the subtraction process in the timing chart of FIG. 7. The subtraction process will be described in detail later.

[0152] In this way, the toilet seat device 2 corrects the measurement data (light reception data) based on the difference between the data when the light emitting elements 121 of the multiple wavelengths are turned on and off. For example, the toilet seat device 2 receives light when the multiple light emitting elements 121 are turned off, and subtracts this data from the data when each light emitting element 121 is turned on, thereby eliminating the effects of ambient light and suppressing changes in the color ratio, which is the ratio value (ratio) of the light reception data of the two wavelengths described below.

[0153] Then, the toilet seat device 2 executes a contour extraction process (step S103). The toilet seat device 2 extracts only the stool contour portion from the data acquired by the image sensor. For example, the toilet seat device 2 uses a contour extraction program to extract the contour of the stool contained in the first correction data (first contour) and the contour of the stool contained in the second correction data (second contour). If the toilet seat device 2 is able to extract the contour of the stool contained in the image, it extracts the first contour and the second contour by appropriately using an image processing technique related to contour extraction. For example, the process of step S103 corresponds to the contour extraction process in the timing chart of FIG. 7.

[0154] Then, the toilet seat device 2 calculates the color within the toilet contour by a ratio calculation that calculates the ratio of the received light data of the two wavelengths described later (step S104). The toilet seat device 2 calculates the color within the contour for each of the first contour and the second contour after the subtraction process using the data within the contour. For example, the toilet seat device 2 calculates the average of the luminance of a predetermined pixel within the contour as the luminance of the contour. For example, the toilet seat device 2 may calculate the average of some of the pixels within the contour as the luminance of the contour. For example, the toilet seat device 2 may calculate the average of the pixels in a portion of the contour that has a high luminance in the width direction as the luminance of the contour. Note that the above is only one example, and the toilet seat device 2 may calculate the luminance using any information within the contour, for example, all the pixels within the contour.

[0155] Then, the toilet seat device 2 judges the color (step S105). For example, the toilet seat device 2 judges the color based on the ratio between the luminance corresponding to the first contour (also referred to as the "first luminance") and the luminance corresponding to the second contour (also referred to as the "second luminance"). That is, the toilet seat device 2 judges the color based on the ratio between the first luminance, which is the luminance when light is emitted at 590 nm, and the second luminance, which is the luminance when light is emitted at 870 nm. An example of color judgment (discrimination) in this case will be described with reference to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of stool color judgment. In the judgment example CL1 in FIG. 10, the toilet seat device 2 judges the color using a value (also referred to as a "color discrimination value") obtained by dividing the first luminance, which is the luminance when light is emitted at 590 nm, by the second luminance, which is the luminance when light is emitted at 870 nm.

[0156] In judgment example CL1 in Fig. 10, the toilet seat device 2 judges which of six levels the stool color is. For example, the toilet seat device 2 judges which of six types (levels) the stool color is classified into: yellow, light ochre (light ochre), ochre, brown, dark brown, and dark brown. Note that six types of color classification is merely an example, and the classification of stool color is not limited to six types, and may be five types or less, or seven types or more.

[0157] For example, the toilet seat device 2 determines the color of the stool as dark brown when the color identification value is 0.15 or more and less than 0.19, and determines the color of the stool as dark brown when the color identification value is 0.19 or more and less than 0.23. The toilet seat device 2 determines the color of the stool as brown when the color identification value is 0.23 or more and less than 0.30, and determines the color of the stool as ochre when the color identification value is 0.30 or more and less than 0.41. The toilet seat device 2 determines the color of the stool as light ochre when the color identification value is 0.41 or more and less than 0.53, and determines the color of the stool as yellow when the color identification value is 0.53 or more and less than 0.95. The toilet seat device 2 may determine the color of the stool as unknown when the color identification value is less than 0.15 or 0.95 or more.

[0158] From here, the relationship between disturbance and color judgment will be described. First, an example of the influence of disturbance on color judgment will be described with reference to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of color judgment when influenced by disturbance. The vertical axis of graphs GR11 to GR13 in FIG. 11 corresponds to the AD value. For example, the AD value is a value corresponding to the amount of received light that has been A / D converted (e.g., luminance value), and the bar graph shown at 590 nm indicates a value corresponding to the emission of light having a wavelength of 590 nm (also called a "first value"), and the bar graph shown at 870 nm indicates a value corresponding to the emission of light having a wavelength of 870 nm (also called a "second value").

[0159] Graph GR11 in FIG. 11 shows a case where there is no disturbance light. As shown in graph GR11, when there is no disturbance light, i.e., when there is no influence of disturbance, the first value AD11 indicating the luminance is only the value RV1 not including the disturbance, and the second value AD21 indicating the luminance is only the value RV2 not including the disturbance. Therefore, in the case of graph GR11 in FIG. 11, the color is appropriately determined without being influenced by disturbance. Specifically, in graph GR11 in FIG. 11, as shown in judgment process CS11, since the ratio of the first value AD11 to the second value AD21 is 1:4, the color is determined to be brown, which is the original color, based on the calculated value of "0.25" (=1 / 4).

[0160] On the other hand, the graph GR12 in FIG. 11 shows a case where the disturbance light is dark. As shown in the graph GR12, when the disturbance light is dark, that is, when there is an influence of disturbance, the first value AD12 indicating the brightness is the sum of the value RV1 corresponding to the reflected light of the irradiated 590 nm light and the value AL1 corresponding to the disturbance light, and the second value AD22 indicating the brightness is the sum of the value RV2 corresponding to the reflected light of the irradiated 870 nm light and the value AL1 corresponding to the disturbance light. Therefore, in the case of the graph GR12 in FIG. 11, the color is not appropriately determined due to the influence of disturbance. Specifically, in the graph GR12 in FIG. 11, as shown in the judgment process CS12, the ratio of the first value AD12 to the second value AD22 is 2:5, so that the color is determined to be a light ocher color, which does not match the original color, based on the calculated value of "0.4" (=2 / 5).

[0161] Also, the graph GR13 in FIG. 11 shows a case where the disturbance light is bright. As shown in the graph GR13, when the disturbance light is bright, that is, when the influence of disturbance is large, the first value AD12 indicating the brightness is the sum of the value RV1 corresponding to the reflected light of the irradiated 590 nm light and the value AL2 corresponding to the disturbance light, and the second value AD22 indicating the brightness is the sum of the value RV2 corresponding to the reflected light of the irradiated 870 nm light and the value AL2 corresponding to the disturbance light. Therefore, in the case of the graph GR13 in FIG. 11, the color is not appropriately determined due to the influence of disturbance. Specifically, in the graph GR13 in FIG. 11, as shown in the determination process CS13, the ratio of the first value AD12 to the second value AD22 is 4:7, so that the color is determined to be a light yellow color that does not match the original color based on the calculated value of "0.6" (=4 / 7).

[0162] In this way, when the color of stool is judged using the detection value (brightness value) when light of multiple wavelengths is irradiated, disturbance light affects the color judgment. For example, a line sensor is a sensor that captures stool by projecting light from an LED or the like and receiving the light reflected from the stool. As described above, since the line sensor is an optical sensor, it receives not only the reflected light from the LED it emits but also disturbance light (lighting and sunlight), which reduces the accuracy of stool detection. For example, in the above example, the intensity ratio of the received light waveforms from two LEDs with wavelengths of 590 nm and 870 nm is used to judge the color of the stool. However, the ratio changes depending on the intensity of the disturbance light, and the detection accuracy decreases due to the disturbance light.

[0163] Therefore, the toilet seat device 2 suppresses the influence of disturbances by performing subtraction processing. An example of this point will be described below. Note that explanations of points similar to those explained in FIG. 11 etc. will be omitted as appropriate. First, an outline of the subtraction processing will be described with reference to FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of color determination in which the influence of disturbances is suppressed.

[0164] Graph GR21 in Fig. 12 shows a case where the ambient light is dark, and corresponds to graph GR12 in Fig. 11. In graph GR21, the AD value is measured in a state where neither 590 nm nor 870 nm light is emitted, i.e., in a non-illuminated state. For example, the bar graph showing non-illuminated state shows a value (also called the "third value") corresponding to a state where neither 590 nm nor 870 nm light is emitted, i.e., in a non-illuminated state.

[0165] The toilet seat device 2 measures a first value, a second value, and a third value. Then, the toilet seat device 2 executes a subtraction process using the measured third value. For example, the toilet seat device 2 calculates a value RV1 corresponding to the reflected light of the irradiated 590 nm light by subtracting the value AL1, which is the third value, from the first value AD12. Also, for example, the toilet seat device 2 calculates a value RV2 corresponding to the reflected light of the irradiated 870 nm light by subtracting the value AL1, which is the third value, from the second value AD22. In this way, the toilet seat device 2 calculates the values ​​RV1 and RV2 excluding the effects of disturbances.

[0166] The toilet seat device 2 can appropriately determine the color without being influenced by disturbances by using the values ​​RV1 and RV2 that are free from the influence of disturbances. Specifically, in the graph GR21 of Fig. 12, as shown in the determination process CS21, the ratio between the value RV1, which is the first value after the subtraction process, and the value RV2, which is the second value after the subtraction process, is 1:4, so the toilet seat device 2 determines the color to be brown based on the calculated value of "0.25" (=1 / 4). This allows the toilet seat device 2 to remove the influence of disturbances and determine the original color.

[0167] Graph GR22 in Fig. 12 shows a case where the ambient light is bright, and corresponds to graph GR13 in Fig. 11. In graph GR22, the AD value in a non-illuminated state is measured. For example, the bar graph showing non-illuminated shows a value (third value) corresponding to a non-illuminated state.

[0168] The toilet seat device 2 measures a first value, a second value, and a third value. Then, the toilet seat device 2 executes a subtraction process using the measured third value. For example, the toilet seat device 2 calculates a value RV1 corresponding to the reflected light of the irradiated 590 nm light by subtracting the value AL2, which is the third value, from the first value AD13. Also, for example, the toilet seat device 2 calculates a value RV2 corresponding to the reflected light of the irradiated 870 nm light by subtracting the value AL2, which is the third value, from the second value AD23. In this way, the toilet seat device 2 calculates the values ​​RV1 and RV2 excluding the effects of disturbances.

[0169] The toilet seat device 2 can appropriately determine the color without being influenced by disturbances by using the values ​​RV1 and RV2 that are free from the influence of disturbances. Specifically, in the graph GR22 of Fig. 12, as shown in the determination process CS22, the ratio between the value RV1, which is the first value after the subtraction process, and the value RV2, which is the second value after the subtraction process, is 1:4, so the toilet seat device 2 determines the color to be brown based on the calculated value of "0.25" (=1 / 4). As a result, the toilet seat device 2 can appropriately remove the influence of disturbances and determine the original color even when the disturbance light is bright.

[0170] Next, an example of the subtraction process is shown in a waveform image with reference to FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of data in which the effects of disturbances have been suppressed. The vertical axis of data DT11 to DT13 in FIG. 13 corresponds to the AD value. The horizontal axis of data DT11 to DT13 in FIG. 13 corresponds to the pixels of the licenser. For example, FIG. 13 shows an example in which the number of pixels of the light receiving element 132, which is the licenser, is 128. Each waveform in the data DT11 to DT13 in FIG. 13 is shown by a different type of line, depending on the brightness of the disturbance light. For example, data DT11 in FIG. 13 is a waveform corresponding to the time t i The data may correspond to the one-dimensional image PIi obtained in

[0171] The data DT11 in Fig. 13 shows a waveform when a light emitting element 121 (for example, the first light emitting element 121, etc.) that irradiates light of a certain wavelength is turned on and ambient light is included in the measurement. The data DT11 in Fig. 13 shows a case where feces is detected between about 46 and 91 on the horizontal axis.

[0172] 13 shows a waveform when all the light emitting elements 121 are off and only ambient light is measured. In this way, in the data DT12 in FIG. 13, the area between 46 and 91 on the horizontal axis where the stool is located is shaded, and the AD value is lower than other areas.

[0173] Moreover, data DT13 in Fig. 13 shows a waveform in the case where the influence of disturbance light is removed and values ​​corresponding only to the light emitting element 121 (for example, the first light emitting element 121, etc.) that irradiates light of a certain wavelength are left. Data DT13 in Fig. 13 shows a case where only information corresponding to the flight between about 46 and 91 on the horizontal axis is left. For example, in data DT13 in Fig. 13, the AD value is maximum at about 73 on the horizontal axis.

[0174] In this way, the toilet seat device 2 can measure the waveform (brightness, etc.) of only the disturbance light by receiving light with all of the light-emitting elements 121 in an unlit state. Then, the toilet seat device 2 can generate a waveform (brightness, etc.) that is free of the influence of disturbance light by subtracting the waveform (brightness, etc.) in the unlit state from the waveform (brightness, etc.) when the light-emitting elements 121 are emitting light.

[0175] <8-2. About the shape of stool> Next, the process for determining the shape of the stool will be described. The process for determining the color of the stool by the toilet seat device 2 has been described as an example, but the toilet seat device 2 may determine various properties of the stool other than the color of the stool. For example, the toilet seat device 2 may determine the shape of the stool. In this case, the toilet seat device 2 may determine the shape of the stool in step S105 of FIG. 9.

[0176] For example, the toilet seat device 2 determines which of seven levels the stool shape falls into. For example, the toilet seat device 2 determines which of seven types of classifications based on the Bristol scale the stool shape falls into. For example, the toilet seat device 2 determines which of seven types (levels) the stool shape falls into: rolling, hard, cracked, banana-shaped (banana), soft, muddy, and watery. Note that the seven types of classification of shapes are merely an example, and the classification of stool shapes is not limited to seven types, and may be six types or less, or eight types or more.

[0177] First, an example of stool shape determination in the toilet seat device 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of stool shape determination. In determination example CL2 in Fig. 14, the toilet seat device 2 determines the shape of the stool according to the unevenness in the time series direction. For example, the toilet seat device 2 shows a state in which the time direction is the horizontal direction.

[0178] Image FM21 in FIG. 14 corresponds to an image in which only the stool portion is extracted from two-dimensional image IM21, which is a stool image. Image FM22 in FIG. 14 corresponds to an image in which only the stool portion is extracted from two-dimensional image IM22, which is a stool image. For example, the toilet seat device 2 generates the two-dimensional images IM21 and IM22 in FIG. 14 by the same process as that described in FIG. 8. For example, FIG. 14 shows a stool image in which the time series direction is horizontal, whereas FIG. 8 shows the vertical direction. For example, the toilet seat device 2 generates image FM21 from two-dimensional image IM21 by contour extraction process. Also, for example, the toilet seat device 2 generates image FM22 from two-dimensional image IM22 by contour extraction process.

[0179] The vertical axis of the data DT21, DT22 in FIG. 14 corresponds to the average brightness. The horizontal axis of the data DT21, DT22 in FIG. 14 corresponds to the time series direction. For example, 1 on the horizontal axis of the data DT21, DT22 in FIG. 14 corresponds to the first scan, and the further in the time series direction, the later the scan. For example, the average brightness may be the average of the parts with high brightness in the range corresponding to the stool in the corresponding scan, or the average of the entire range corresponding to the stool in the corresponding scan. Note that the calculation of the average brightness described above is merely an example, and the average brightness may be calculated by any calculation method.

[0180] As shown in data DT21 in Fig. 14, the stool corresponding to the two-dimensional image IM21 has little unevenness (variation) in the average brightness in the time series direction. Therefore, the toilet seat device 2 determines that the shape of the stool corresponding to the two-dimensional image IM21 is a banana. Also, as shown in data DT22 in Fig. 14, the stool corresponding to the two-dimensional image IM22 has a lot of unevenness (variation) in the average brightness in the time series direction. Therefore, the toilet seat device 2 determines that the shape of the stool corresponding to the two-dimensional image IM21 is watery.

[0181] The toilet seat device 2 may determine the properties of stool using any method, not limited to the above-mentioned process. For example, the toilet seat device 2 may determine the shape of stool using a model (shape determination model) that receives information on time-series changes in average brightness such as the data DT21 and DT22 as input and outputs information indicating the shape of stool corresponding to the input. In this case, the shape determination model is stored in the storage unit, and the toilet seat device 2 may determine the shape of stool using the shape determination model stored in the storage unit. For example, the toilet seat device 2 may perform a learning process to generate the shape determination model. The above is merely an example, and the toilet seat device 2 may determine the properties of stool, such as the shape of stool, using various information as appropriate.

[0182] <8-3. Relationship with the lighting drive system> Here, the relationship between the lighting drive method and data will be described with reference to FIG. 15. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the lighting drive method and data. For example, FIG. 15 shows an example of the lighting waveform (change in brightness over time) and the effect of flicker. Flicker is, for example, flickering or blinking caused by the brightness and darkness of light. In the lighting brightness waveform graph in FIG. 15, the vertical direction corresponds to brightness and the horizontal direction corresponds to time. Also, in the stool image in FIG. 15, the vertical direction corresponds to time (for example, the length direction of the stool) and the horizontal direction corresponds to the width direction.

[0183] As shown in Figure 15, in the case of static driving (static lighting method) lighting such as incandescent lamps, there is no change in brightness over time. Therefore, there is no effect of lighting flicker on the time direction of the stool image.

[0184] On the other hand, in the case of dynamic driving (dynamic lighting method) lighting such as fluorescent lamps or LED lighting, as shown in Fig. 15, the brightness changes over time because the lighting is adjusted by blinking in a time series. Therefore, the time direction of the stool image is affected by the flicker of the lighting. For example, as shown in Fig. 15, the flicker appears on the stool image.

[0185] From here, processing examples for each drive method will be described. First, the case of static drive will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of processing for static drive lighting. The waveform shown by the dashed dotted line in Fig. 16 indicates the original waveform (measured data) before subtraction processing is performed. Also, the circle shown by the dashed double dotted line in Fig. 16 indicates the value after subtraction processing (subtraction) is performed (data from which the effects of disturbance have been removed).

[0186] As shown in Figure 16, with statically driven lighting, the brightness of the lighting does not change over time, so the LED turns on, turns off, turns on, turns off in a fixed cycle, and a waveform that eliminates the effects of disturbance light is generated by subtracting the value of only the disturbance light when the LED is off from the value that includes the effects of the disturbance light when the 590 nm light is on.

[0187] Next, the case of dynamic driving will be described with reference to FIG. 17. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of processing in the case of dynamic driving lighting. Note that explanations of points similar to those in FIG. 16 will be omitted as appropriate. As shown in FIG. 17, in the case of dynamic driving lighting, the brightness of the lighting changes over time, so it may be difficult to remove the influence of the lighting even if subtraction processing similar to that in the case of static driving is performed. As shown in the amplitude range due to flicker after subtraction in FIG. 17, the influence of ambient light fluctuates greatly due to flicker.

[0188] As described above, since the line sensor is an optical sensor, it receives not only the reflected light of the LED that emits light for measurement (detection), but also disturbance light (lighting and sunlight), which reduces the accuracy of stool detection. Specifically, in the above example, the variation in brightness in the time series direction is used to identify the shape of the stool. To identify soft stool (such as watery stool), the average AD value (brightness) of the pixels in the stool part is calculated for each scan, and the variation in the time series direction is observed. In other words, if the brightness changes in the time series direction due to the flicker of the dynamically driven lighting, there is a possibility of misidentification, such as mistaking banana stool for watery stool.

[0189] Therefore, the toilet seat device 2 performs measurement (detection) at the timing shown in FIG. 18 and acquires data. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of data when the influence of disturbance is suppressed. Note that the same points as in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 are omitted as appropriate. In FIG. 18, the toilet seat device 2 does not repeat LED lighting, no lighting, LED lighting, no lighting, ... at a constant cycle, but performs measurement (detection) in the no lighting state immediately after measurement (detection) in the LED lighting state of the first wavelength, and then performs measurement (detection) in the LED lighting state of the second wavelength immediately thereafter, and performs measurement (detection) in the LED lighting state and the no lighting state at high speed in a period shorter than the flicker cycle. In FIG. 18, the toilet seat device 2 completes measurement in the 590 nm lighting state, measurement in the no lighting state, and measurement in the 870 nm lighting state in about 0.2 to 0.3 ms.

[0190] In this way, the toilet seat device 2 acquires light reception data in a state where one of the multiple light emitting elements 121 is emitting light, and light reception data in a state where the multiple light emitting elements 121 are not emitting light, in a period shorter than the flicker cycle of the lighting in the toilet room R in which the light receiving element 132 is arranged. This allows the toilet seat device 2 to significantly suppress the influence of dynamic driving. For example, the flicker cycle may be 0.02 seconds (50 Hz), 0.016 seconds (60 Hz), etc. Note that the flicker cycle may be any value depending on the lighting, and may be faster than 0.016 seconds (60 Hz), for example.

[0191] <8-4. Relationship between wavelength and reflectance> Here, an example of the relationship between wavelength and reflectance will be described with reference to FIG. 19. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between wavelength and reflectance. The graph in FIG. 19 shows the measurement results of the reflectance measured using simulated feces. The graph in FIG. 19 shows the relationship between wavelength and reflectance for four levels of colors, ochre, brown, dark brown, and deep dark brown. In the graph in FIG. 19, the horizontal axis corresponds to wavelength, and the vertical axis corresponds to reflectance. Thus, in colors such as ochre, brown, dark brown, and deep dark brown, the reflectance tends to increase as the wavelength increases in the visible light region. For example, there is a tendency that 590 nm is less likely to be reflected than 870 nm. Thus, since 590 nm light is less likely to be reflected by feces compared to 870 nm light, it is necessary to increase the sensitivity, and then there will be a difference in how external disturbance light enters, so it is necessary to devise a method for subtraction. Therefore, the toilet seat device 2 executes the process shown below.

[0192] An example of processing for suppressing the influence of disturbances taking into consideration the difference in reflectance (sensitivity) described above will be described with reference to Fig. 20 to Fig. 22. Fig. 20 to Fig. 22 are diagrams showing an example of processing for suppressing the influence of disturbances. For simplicity of explanation, Fig. 20 to Fig. 22 will be described using an example in which the sensitivity at 870 nm is twice the sensitivity at 590 nm.

[0193] For example, the toilet seat device 2 may adjust the LED lighting time to make the sensitivity uniform without changing the accumulation time. In this way, the toilet seat device 2 may adjust the difference in reflectance (sensitivity) due to the wavelength of each light-emitting element 121 while making the influence of disturbance light uniform. This point will be explained using the time chart of Fig. 20 as an example. Note that explanations of points similar to those explained in Fig. 7 etc. will be omitted as appropriate.

[0194] Waveform LN21 in Fig. 20 indicates whether or not 870 nm light is emitted (lit). Waveform LN22 in Fig. 20 indicates whether or not 590 nm light is emitted (lit). Waveform LN23 in Fig. 20 indicates whether or not accumulation (light reception) is occurring. When waveform LN23 is ON (i.e., when it is rising), accumulation (light reception) is occurring, and when it is OFF (i.e., when it is falling), accumulation (light reception) is not occurring.

[0195] In Fig. 20, 870 nm light is irradiated from time t21 to time t22. Then, accumulation (light reception) corresponding to the 870 nm light is carried out from time t21 to time t23, which is a longer period than the period from time t21 to time t22. In Fig. 20, the light reception period corresponding to the turning on of the 870 nm light is set to twice the irradiation period of the 870 nm light.

[0196] 20, accumulation (light reception) is performed in a non-illuminated state from time t24 to time t25. The length of the period from time t24 to time t25 is the same as the length of the period from time t21 to time t23.

[0197] Also, in Fig. 20, the 590 nm light is irradiated from time t26 to time t27. In Fig. 20, the sensitivity of 590 nm is half (0.5 times) that of 870 nm, so the lighting period of the 590 nm light is twice as long as the lighting period of the 870 nm light. In this way, in Fig. 20, the irradiation period of the light of each wavelength is made different.

[0198] Then, accumulation (light reception) corresponding to light of 590 nm is performed from time t26 to time t27. The length from time t26 to time t27 is the same as the length from time t21 to time t23. Thus, in FIG. 20, the accumulation time (light reception time) corresponding to the irradiation of light of each wavelength is made the same. That is, in FIG. 20, the first irradiation time during which the first light-emitting element 121 irradiates light is different from the second irradiation time during which the second light-emitting element 121 irradiates light. Also, in FIG. 20, the first accumulation time by the light-receiving element 132 corresponding to the irradiation of light by the first light-emitting element 121 is the same as the second accumulation time by the light-receiving element 132 corresponding to the irradiation of light by the second light-emitting element 121. This allows the toilet seat device 2 to generate information for appropriately eliminating the influence of disturbance while adjusting the sensitivity of wavelengths with different sensitivities.

[0199] For example, the toilet seat device 2 can generate data corresponding to irradiation with 870 nm light with the effects of disturbance eliminated by subtracting data accumulated in the unlit state between time t24 and time t25 (light off #1) from data accumulated between time t21 and time t23 (light on #1). Also, for example, the toilet seat device 2 can generate data corresponding to irradiation with 590 nm light with the effects of disturbance eliminated by subtracting data accumulated in the unlit state between time t24 and time t25 (light off #1) from data accumulated between time t26 and time t27 (light on #2).

[0200] This allows the toilet seat device 2 to generate data for each wavelength with the sensitivity adjusted and the effects of disturbances eliminated. Also, the toilet seat device 2 can execute processing while suppressing increases in memory usage and calculation load.

[0201] The above-mentioned process is merely an example, and the toilet seat device 2 may adjust the sensitivity by a process other than the above-mentioned process. For example, the toilet seat device 2 may set the accumulation (light receiving) time for each of a plurality of wavelengths (590 nm, 870 nm) to make the sensitivity uniform. In this case, since the influence of disturbance light differs, the toilet seat device 2 acquires data in a data acquisition mode as shown in Fig. 21. Note that the same points as those explained in Fig. 7, Fig. 20, etc. will not be explained as appropriate.

[0202] A waveform LN31 in Fig. 21 indicates whether or not 870 nm light is emitted (lit), a waveform LN32 in Fig. 21 indicates whether or not 590 nm light is emitted (lit), and a waveform LN33 in Fig. 21 indicates whether or not accumulation (light reception) occurs.

[0203] In Fig. 21, accumulation (light reception) is performed in a non-illuminated state from time t31 to time t32. This accumulation in a non-illuminated state is for removing the influence of disturbances from the data corresponding to irradiation with 870 nm light, so the length of the period from time t31 to time t32 is the same as the length of the period from time t33 to time t34.

[0204] In Fig. 21, 870 nm light is irradiated from time t33 to time t34, and accumulation (light reception) corresponding to the 870 nm light is carried out from time t33 to time t34.

[0205] Also, in Fig. 21, 590 nm light is irradiated from time t35 to time t36. In Fig. 21, the sensitivity of 590 nm is half (0.5 times) that of 870 nm, so the lighting period of 590 nm light is made twice as long as the lighting period of 870 nm light. In this way, in Fig. 21, the irradiation period of light of each wavelength is made different.

[0206] In Fig. 21, accumulation (light reception) corresponding to 590 nm light is performed between time t35 and time t36. The length of the period from time t35 to time t36 is different from the length of the period from time t33 to time t34. Thus, in Fig. 21, the accumulation time (light reception time) corresponding to irradiation with light of each wavelength differs depending on the sensitivity.

[0207] Then, accumulation (light reception) is performed in a non-illuminated state from time t37 to time t38. This accumulation in a non-illuminated state is for removing the influence of disturbances from the data corresponding to the irradiation of 590 nm light, and therefore the length of the period from time t37 to time t38 is the same as the length of the period from time t35 to time t36.

[0208] For example, the toilet seat device 2 can generate data corresponding to irradiation of 870 nm light with the effects of disturbances eliminated by subtracting data accumulated in the unlit state between time t31 and time t32 (light off #1) from data accumulated between time t33 and time t34 (light on #1). Also, for example, the toilet seat device 2 can generate data corresponding to irradiation of 590 nm light with the effects of disturbances eliminated by subtracting data accumulated in the unlit state between time t37 and time t38 (light off #2) from data accumulated between time t35 and time t36 (light on #2). In this way, the toilet seat device 2 may also accumulate and subtract data when the light is off at each accumulation time.

[0209] This allows the toilet seat device 2 to generate data for each wavelength with the sensitivity adjusted and with the effects of disturbances eliminated. Also, the toilet seat device 2 can increase the accuracy of eliminating (removing) the effects of disturbance light, and can execute processing while suppressing an increase in the calculation load.

[0210] Also, for example, the toilet seat device 2 may generate data by a calculation (operation) as shown in Fig. 22. Note that explanations of points similar to those explained in Fig. 7, Fig. 20, Fig. 21, etc. will be omitted as appropriate.

[0211] A waveform LN41 in Fig. 22 indicates whether or not 870 nm light is emitted (lit), a waveform LN42 in Fig. 22 indicates whether or not 590 nm light is emitted (lit), and a waveform LN43 in Fig. 22 indicates whether or not accumulation (light reception) occurs.

[0212] In Fig. 22, 870 nm light is irradiated from time t41 to time t42, and accumulation (light reception) corresponding to the 870 nm light is carried out from time t41 to time t42.

[0213] 22, accumulation (light reception) is performed in a non-illuminated state from time t43 to time t44. The length of the period from time t43 to time t44 is the same as the length of the period from time t45 to time t46.

[0214] Also, in Fig. 22, the 590 nm light is irradiated from time t45 to time t46. In Fig. 22, the sensitivity of 590 nm is half (0.5 times) that of 870 nm, so the lighting period of the 590 nm light is twice as long as the lighting period of the 870 nm light. In this way, in Fig. 22, the irradiation period of the light of each wavelength is made different.

[0215] Accumulation (light reception) corresponding to 590 nm light is performed between time t45 and time t46. The length of the period from time t45 to time t46 is different from the length of the period from time t41 to time t42. Thus, in FIG. 22, the accumulation time (light reception time) corresponding to irradiation with light of each wavelength differs depending on the sensitivity.

[0216] For example, the toilet seat device 2 generates calculated data (lights off #1') by modifying the data (lights off #1) accumulated in the off state between time t43 and time t44 to match the accumulation time corresponding to light of 870 nm. Because the length between time t41 and time t42 is half (1 / 2) of the length between time t43 and time t44, the data (lights off #1) is divided by 2 to generate calculated data (lights off #1'). Then, the toilet seat device 2 can generate data corresponding to irradiation with light of 870 nm, with the effects of disturbances eliminated, by subtracting the calculated data (lights off #1') from the data (lights on #1) accumulated between time t41 and time t42.

[0217] Also, for example, the toilet seat device 2 can generate data corresponding to irradiation with 590 nm light with the effects of disturbances eliminated by subtracting data accumulated in the off state between time t43 and time t44 (lights off #1) from data accumulated between time t45 and time t46 (lights on #2). In this way, in Fig. 22, the toilet seat device 2 accumulates and subtracts data when the lights are off for one accumulation time, and for the other, multiplies the accumulated data when the lights are off by the ratio of the accumulation time when the lights are on and then subtracts it.

[0218] This allows the toilet seat device 2 to generate data for each wavelength with the sensitivity adjusted and the effects of disturbances eliminated. Also, the toilet seat device 2 can execute processing while suppressing an increase in memory usage.

[0219] The toilet seat device 2 may determine various other characteristics of the stool in addition to the color and shape. For example, the toilet seat device 2 may calculate the size of the stool by counting the number of pixels within the outline of the stool in the stool image. For example, the toilet seat device 2 may determine whether the amount of stool is large, medium, or small, depending on the maximum number of pixels within the outline of the stool in the stool image.

[0220] Further advantages and modifications may readily occur to those skilled in the art. Thus, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

[0221] The above-described embodiments and modifications may have the following configurations, but are not limited to these. (1) a plurality of light emitting elements each irradiating light of a different wavelength into a bowl portion that receives excrement; A light receiving element that receives light; a determination unit for determining the properties of the excrement based on light reception data received by the light receiving element; Equipped with The determination unit is The property of the excrement is determined based on data generated by subtracting light reception data acquired in a state where the plurality of light-emitting elements are not irradiating light from each of the light reception data acquired in response to the irradiation of light by each of the plurality of light-emitting elements. A toilet device characterized by: (2) The determination unit is Determining at least one of the color and shape of the waste. 4. The toilet device according to claim 1, (3) a light-receiving element that receives a light beam from a light-receiving filter; The toilet device according to (1) or (2), comprising: (4) The neutral density filter is a bandpass filter that transmits light in a wavelength band of light emitted by each of the plurality of light-emitting elements and attenuates light in a wavelength band other than the wavelength band; 4. The toilet device according to claim 3. (5) The determination unit is Obtaining light reception data in a state where one of the plurality of light-emitting elements emits light and light reception data in a state where the plurality of light-emitting elements do not emit light in a period shorter than a flicker cycle of lighting in a toilet room in which the light-receiving element is arranged. The toilet device according to any one of (1) to (4) above. (6) The light reception data in a state where the plurality of light-emitting elements are not emitting light is acquired between the irradiation of light having a first wavelength by a first light-emitting element and the irradiation of light having a second wavelength by a second light-emitting element among the plurality of light-emitting elements. The toilet device according to any one of (1) to (5) above. (7) A first irradiation time during which the first light-emitting element irradiates light is different from a second irradiation time during which the second light-emitting element irradiates light, and a first accumulation time by the light-receiving element corresponding to the irradiation of light by the first light-emitting element is the same as a second accumulation time by the light-receiving element corresponding to the irradiation of light by the second light-emitting element. 6. A toilet device according to claim 5, (8) a determining step in which a plurality of light-emitting elements each irradiate light of a different wavelength into the bowl portion receiving the excrement, and a light-receiving element receives light data to determine the nature of the excrement; Including, The determination step includes: The property of the excrement is determined based on data generated by subtracting light reception data acquired in a state where the plurality of light-emitting elements are not irradiating light from each of the light reception data acquired in response to the irradiation of light by each of the plurality of light-emitting elements. A determination method comprising: (9) a determination step in which a plurality of light-emitting elements each irradiate light of a different wavelength into the bowl portion receiving the excrement, and a light-receiving element receives light data to determine the properties of the excrement; on the computer, The determination procedure includes: The property of the excrement is determined based on data generated by subtracting light reception data acquired in a state where the plurality of light-emitting elements are not irradiating light from each of the light reception data acquired in response to the irradiation of light by each of the plurality of light-emitting elements. A determination program comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0222] R Toilet Room 1. Information Processing Systems 2 Toilet seat device (toilet device) 3 Main body 30 Main unit cover 31 Aperture 32 Human body detection sensor 33 Seat detection sensor 34 Control unit (control device) 4 Toilet lid 5 Toilet seats 6 Cleaning nozzle 60 Nozzle cover 7 Western-style toilet (toilet bowl) 71 Solenoid valve 8 Bowl section 9 Rim 10 Operating device 11 Display screen 100 Sensor Unit 101 Controller (control unit) 102 Lid opening / closing mechanism 103 Lid 110 Sensor head (detection part) 120 Light emitting part 121 Light emitting element 122 Lens 130 Light receiving part 131 Lens 132 Light receiving element (line sensor) 200 User terminals (displays) 400 Server equipment (cloud)

Claims

1. a plurality of light emitting elements each irradiating light of a different wavelength into a bowl portion that receives excrement; A light receiving element that receives light; a determination unit for determining the properties of the excrement based on light reception data received by the light receiving element; Equipped with The determination unit is The property of the excrement is determined based on data generated by subtracting light reception data acquired in a state where the plurality of light-emitting elements are not irradiating light from each of the light reception data acquired in response to the irradiation of light by each of the plurality of light-emitting elements. A toilet device characterized by:

2. The determination unit is Determining at least one of the color and shape of the waste material.

2. The toilet device according to claim 1.

3. a light-receiving element that receives a light beam from a light-receiving filter; 2. The toilet device according to claim 1, further comprising:

4. The neutral density filter is a bandpass filter that transmits light in a wavelength band of light emitted by each of the plurality of light-emitting elements and attenuates light in a wavelength band other than the wavelength band; 4. The toilet device according to claim 3.

5. The determination unit is Obtaining light reception data in a state where one of the plurality of light-emitting elements emits light and light reception data in a state where the plurality of light-emitting elements do not emit light in a period shorter than a flicker cycle of lighting in a toilet room in which the light-receiving element is arranged.

5. A toilet device according to claim 1, wherein the toilet device is a toilet unit.

6. The light reception data in a state where the plurality of light-emitting elements are not emitting light is acquired between the irradiation of light having a first wavelength by a first light-emitting element and the irradiation of light having a second wavelength by a second light-emitting element among the plurality of light-emitting elements.

5. A toilet device according to claim 1, wherein the toilet device is a toilet unit.

7. A first irradiation time during which the first light-emitting element irradiates light is different from a second irradiation time during which the second light-emitting element irradiates light, and a first accumulation time by the light-receiving element corresponding to the irradiation of light by the first light-emitting element is the same as a second accumulation time by the light-receiving element corresponding to the irradiation of light by the second light-emitting element.

7. The toilet device according to claim 6.

8. a determining step in which a plurality of light-emitting elements each irradiate light of a different wavelength into the bowl portion receiving the excrement, and a light-receiving element receives light data to determine the nature of the excrement; Including, The determination step includes: The property of the excrement is determined based on data generated by subtracting light reception data acquired in a state where the plurality of light-emitting elements are not irradiating light from each of the light reception data acquired in response to the irradiation of light by each of the plurality of light-emitting elements. A determination method comprising:

9. a determination step in which a plurality of light-emitting elements each irradiate light of a different wavelength into the bowl portion receiving the excrement, and a light-receiving element receives light data to determine the properties of the excrement; on the computer, The determination procedure includes: The property of the excrement is determined based on data generated by subtracting light reception data acquired in a state where the plurality of light-emitting elements are not irradiating light from each of the light reception data acquired in response to the irradiation of light by each of the plurality of light-emitting elements. A determination program comprising:

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