Toilet device, control method, and control program

Abstract

To provide a toilet device capable of suppressing a decrease in measurement accuracy due to fluctuations in a seal water surface.SOLUTION: A toilet device according to an embodiment comprises: a sensor having a light-emitting part that irradiates the inside of a bowl part forming seal water with light, and a light-receiving part that receives light from a range including the seal water; and a control unit that controls the sensor. The control unit has a standby mode in which processing related to measurement by the sensor is suspended until a predetermined period elapses after an operation causing fluctuations in the seal water is performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there have been provided technologies for detecting excrement excreted in a toilet bowl. For example, a toilet device is known that has a light-emitting unit that emits light and a light-receiving unit that receives light, and detects excrement by receiving light from the light-receiving unit (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6860049 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6777207 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there is room for improvement in the above-mentioned conventional technology. As in the above-mentioned conventional technology, a flush toilet normally forms a water seal, and if a measurement is performed immediately after an action that may cause the water seal to sway, such as rear washing, the measurement is performed in a state in which the water seal surface is swaying, which may reduce the measurement accuracy. Therefore, it is desirable to suppress the effect of the swaying of the water seal surface on the reduction in measurement accuracy.

[0005] The disclosed embodiments aim to provide a toilet device, a control method, and a control program that suppress a decrease in measurement accuracy due to shaking of the water sealing surface. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A toilet device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a sensor having an emitter that emits light into a bowl portion that forms the sealing water and a light receiver that receives light from an area that includes the sealing water, and a control unit that controls the sensor, and the control unit has a standby mode that waits for processing related to measurements by the sensor for a predetermined period of time after an action that causes the sealing water to sway is performed.

[0007] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet device has a control unit that controls a sensor having a light receiving unit that receives light from an area including the seal water, and a control unit that controls the opening and closing of a lid unit that is provided between the light receiving unit that receives light and the bowl unit and that can be opened and closed, and has a standby mode that waits for a predetermined period of time after an operation that causes the seal water to sway, to process measurements by the sensor, thereby making it possible to stop the measurement process while it is assumed that the seal water surface is swaying. Therefore, the toilet device can suppress a decrease in measurement accuracy due to the swaying of the seal water surface.

[0008] In one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet device has a standby mode in which the control unit prohibits the light-emitting unit from emitting light until a predetermined period of time has elapsed after an operation that causes the seal water to sway is performed.

[0009] According to one aspect of the embodiment, a toilet device prohibits light from the light-emitting unit until a predetermined period of time has elapsed after an action that causes shaking of the water seal is performed, and by not performing measurement processing while it is assumed that the water seal surface is shaking, it is possible to suppress a decrease in measurement accuracy due to shaking of the water seal surface and to prevent a shortening of the lifespan of the light-emitting unit.

[0010] In one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet device has a standby mode in which the control unit prohibits the light receiving unit from receiving light until a predetermined period of time has elapsed after an operation that causes the seal water to sway is performed.

[0011] According to one aspect of the embodiment, a toilet device prohibits the light receiving unit from receiving light until a predetermined period of time has elapsed after an action that causes the water seal surface to sway is performed, and by not processing the measurement while it is assumed that the water seal surface is swaying, it becomes possible to perform measurements without being affected by external light disturbance, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in measurement accuracy due to the swaying of the water seal surface.

[0012] A toilet device in one aspect of an embodiment includes a lid portion that is openable and closable between the bowl portion and the light receiving portion, and the control portion has a standby mode that keeps the lid portion in a closed state until a predetermined period of time has elapsed after an operation that causes the sealed water to sway is performed.

[0013] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet device keeps the lid closed until a predetermined period of time has elapsed after an operation that causes the water seal surface to sway is performed, and by not processing the measurement while it is assumed that the water seal surface is swaying, it is possible to suppress a decrease in measurement accuracy due to the swaying of the water seal surface and to prevent water from entering the functional part.

[0014] In a toilet device according to one aspect of the embodiment, the actions that cause the sealing water to sway include at least one of cleaning the bowl portion, spraying water onto the bowl portion, cleaning the private parts of a user of the toilet device, cleaning a nozzle provided on the toilet device, and blowing air into the bowl portion.

[0015] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet device targets actions that are expected to cause shaking on the water sealing surface, and transitions to standby mode when such actions are performed, thereby suppressing a decrease in measurement accuracy due to shaking on the water sealing surface. Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to one aspect of the embodiment, it is possible to suppress a decrease in measurement accuracy due to shaking of the water sealing surface. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [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 perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the toilet seat device 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 side cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a toilet seat device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the toilet seat device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the opening and closing operation of the damper. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the user's actions and the system's operations. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a measurement in the case where there is no fluctuation in the seal water. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a measurement when the seal water is fluctuating. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure related to the first processing. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure related to the second process. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of processing according to a conventional example. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a process according to a conventional example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, an embodiment of the toilet device, the control method, and the control 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 configuration for performing processing related to the measurement of the user's excrement (feces) by a sensor will be described, but first various configurations such as the information processing system that is the premise will be described.

[0019] <1. Toilet system configuration> First, the configuration of a toilet system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a toilet system according to an embodiment.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 1, the toilet system 1 includes a toilet seat device 2 and a remote control 10. As shown in Fig. 1, a Western-style toilet bowl (hereinafter referred to as "toilet bowl") 7 is installed on a floor surface F in a toilet room R. 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.

[0021] The toilet bowl 7 is made of ceramic, for example. The toilet bowl 7 is formed with a bowl portion 8. The bowl portion 8 is concave downwards and is the portion 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 1 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 end 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.

[0022] For example, when a flushing operation unit (not shown) provided in the toilet room R is operated by a user, flushing water (also simply called "water") is supplied to the bowl portion 8 of the toilet 7 and the water flows into the bowl portion 8, thereby cleaning the inside of the bowl portion 8 (also called "toilet flushing"). The flushing operation unit may be an operation lever, or a touch operation on a toilet flushing object displayed on the remote control 10. Note that the flushing operation unit is not limited to one that performs toilet flushing manually by the user, such as an operation lever, but may also be one that performs toilet flushing by human body detection by a sensor that detects the user, such as a seating sensor.

[0023] The toilet seat device 2 functions as a toilet device. The toilet seat device 2 is a toilet device that detects excrement discharged into a bowl portion 8 of a toilet bowl 7. The toilet seat device 2 is attached to the top of the toilet bowl 7, and includes a main body portion 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 that receives 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 attached detachably to the toilet bowl 7, or may be attached so as to be integrated with the toilet bowl 7.

[0024] 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.

[0025] The cleaning nozzle 6 is a nozzle for spraying water for cleaning. The cleaning nozzle 6 sprays cleaning water in response to the user's operation of the remote control 10. 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 washing private parts. The cleaning nozzle 6 is configured to be movable forward and backward relative to the main 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. 5). 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 relative to the main 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"), the cleaning nozzle 6 sprays water from the water source onto the user's body to wash the private parts.

[0026] 1 shows the cleaning nozzle 6 in the advanced position. The cleaning nozzle 6 may also be used to clean 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. 5).

[0027] The remote control 10 is a remote control device (operation unit) that accepts various operations. For example, the remote control 10 accepts operations to operate the functions of the toilet seat device 2. For example, the remote control 10 accepts operations to control the start and stop of water discharge from the cleaning nozzle 6. The remote control 10 is provided in the toilet room R. The remote control 10 is provided in a position where a user can operate it. The remote control 10 is provided in a position where a user can operate it when sitting on the toilet seat 5. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the remote control 10 is disposed on a wall surface W on the right side as viewed from a user sitting on the toilet seat 5. Note that the remote control 10 may be disposed in various ways, not limited to a wall surface, as long as it is usable by a user sitting on the toilet seat 5. For example, the remote control 10 may be provided integrally with the toilet seat device 2.

[0028] The remote control 10 is connected to the toilet seat device 2 via a predetermined network (such as the Internet) so as to be able to communicate with the toilet seat device 2 in a wired or wireless manner. For example, the toilet seat device 2 and the remote control 10 may be connected in any manner as long as they are able to transmit and receive information, and may be connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other in a wired manner or may be connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other in a wireless manner.

[0029] The remote control 10 accepts various operations from the user via a display surface (e.g., display screen 11) using, for example, a touch panel function. The remote control 10 may also include switches and buttons, and accept various operations via the switches and buttons. The display screen 11 is, for example, a display screen of a tablet terminal or the like realized by a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, and is a display device for displaying various information. In other words, the remote control 10 accepts input from the user via the display screen 11, and also outputs to the user. The display screen 11 is a display device for displaying various information.

[0030] The remote control 10 accepts user operations for controlling operations performed by the toilet seat device 2. The remote control 10 accepts instructions from the user to the cleaning nozzle 6. The remote control 10 accepts user operations for starting or ending private parts cleaning by the toilet seat device 2. The remote control 10 accepts user operations for starting or ending an operation of cleaning the user's buttocks (anus) (buttocks cleaning) by the toilet seat device 2. The remote control 10 accepts user operations for starting or ending a bidet operation by the toilet seat device 2.

[0031] The remote control 10 also accepts user operations to instruct the toilet seat device 2 to flow water into the bowl portion 8. The remote control 10 accepts user operations to instruct the toilet seat device 2 to clean the inside of the bowl portion 8 (toilet flushing). The remote control 10 accepts user operations to instruct the toilet seat device 2 to spray water onto the bowl portion 8. Note that the above-mentioned operations are merely examples, and the remote control 10 may accept various user operations such as sound output, sterilization of the cleaning nozzle 6, adjustment of water force during private parts washing, adjustment of the volume of the output sound, language selection, etc.

[0032] For example, the remote control 10 may display an object that accepts the above-mentioned user's operation on the display screen 11, and execute various processes in response to the user's touching the displayed object. For example, the remote control 10 may have a switch, button, etc. that accepts the above-mentioned user's operation, and execute various processes in response to the user's touching the switch, button, etc. Note that the above is an example, and the remote control 10 may also accept a user's operation that executes various processes.

[0033] The toilet system 1 detects various properties of the user's excrement (feces), such as the shape, size, quality, and color, through various configurations and processes described below. The toilet system 1 detects the user's defecation using an optical method. In other words, the toilet system 1 is a toilet system that can detect information about the excrement (feces) using optical means. The toilet system 1 may provide information to a terminal device, such as the user's smartphone, based on the measurement results.

[0034] <2. Configuration of the toilet seat device> Next, the configuration of the toilet seat device 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 are perspective views showing an example of the configuration of a toilet seat device according to an embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a case where a damper 110, which is a lid part of the sensor unit 100, is in a closed state (hereinafter also referred to as a "closed state"). Also, Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a state where the damper 110 of the sensor unit 100 is removed.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, when the damper 110 is in the closed state, the components of the sensor unit 100 other than the damper 110 (such as the light-emitting unit 120 and the light-receiving unit 130 in FIG. 3 and FIG. 6) are hidden behind the damper 110. The closed state here refers to a state in which the damper 110 prevents water from reaching the light-receiving unit 130, and also includes a configuration in which a portion of the light-receiving unit 130 that is not exposed to water is open. When the damper 110 is in the closed state, the damper 110 is located in front of the light-emitting unit 120 and the light-receiving unit 130. Thus, the damper 110 is located in front of the light-receiving unit 130 in the closed state. That is, when the damper 110 is in the closed state, the damper 110 is located in the direction facing the inside of the toilet bowl 7 from the light-emitting unit 120 and the light-receiving unit 130. As a result, when the damper 110 is in a closed state, the light emitting unit 120 and the light receiving unit 130 are covered by the body cover 30 and the damper 110. In this manner, the light emitting unit 120 and the light receiving unit 130 are disposed in the body cover 30, which is a housing. Note that, although the example of Fig. 2 shows a case in which the damper 110 is formed from a material with no (low) transparency like the body cover 30, the damper 110 may be formed from a material different from the body cover 30. For example, (a part of) the damper 110 may be formed from a transparent material.

[0036] 2 shows a state in which the cleaning nozzle 6 (see FIG. 1) is in a position (hereinafter also referred to as the "storage position") where it is stored in the main body cover 30. As shown in FIG. 2, when the cleaning nozzle 6 is in the storage position, the nozzle cover 60 is closed, and the cleaning nozzle 6 is hidden behind the nozzle cover 60. When cleaning is performed with the cleaning nozzle 6, the nozzle cover 60 is opened and the cleaning nozzle 6 protrudes from the opening 31b (see FIG. 6) of the main body cover 30, and the cleaning nozzle 6 transitions to an advanced state.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 3, when the damper 110 is removed, the light emitting unit 120 and the light receiving unit 130 of the sensor unit 100 are exposed from the opening 31 of the main body cover 30. For example, when the damper 110 is open (hereinafter also referred to as the "open state"), the damper 110 is not positioned in front of the light emitting unit 120 and the light receiving unit 130 as shown in FIG. 3. As a result, when the damper 110 is in the open state, the light emitting unit 120 and the light receiving unit 130 are exposed. Then, when the damper 110 is in the open state, the light emitting unit 120 can irradiate light toward the excrement in the toilet bowl 7, and the light receiving unit 130 can receive reflected light from the excrement in the toilet bowl 7. As described above, the damper 110 is positioned in front of the light receiving unit 130 in the closed state, thereby covering the front of the light receiving unit 130, and is not positioned in front of the light receiving unit 130 in the open state, thereby opening the front of the light receiving unit 130. The damper 110 can be opened and closed relative to the light receiving unit 130 between a position that covers the front of the light receiving unit 130 and a position that opens the front of the light receiving unit 130. The open state of the damper 110 will be described in detail later.

[0038] 2 and 3, the toilet seat device 2 is configured such that the sensor unit 100 is disposed in a position adjacent to the cleaning nozzle 6. The sensor unit 100 is not limited to being disposed in a position adjacent to the cleaning nozzle 6, and may be disposed in various positions.

[0039] Here, an example of the detection range of the light receiving unit 130 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a toilet seat device according to an embodiment. In the example of Fig. 4, the hatched area in the bowl portion 8 of the toilet 7 indicates that the sealing water is filled, and the sealing water surface WS in Fig. 4 indicates the water surface (upper surface) of the sealing water.

[0040] In the example of Fig. 4, the damper 110 is in an open position, and the light receiving unit 130 is exposed. The light receiving unit 130 receives light from within the bowl portion 8. A detection range DA1 in Fig. 4 indicates the range that the light receiving unit 130 detects (receives light). As shown in the detection range DA1 in Fig. 4, the light receiving unit 130 receives light from a range that includes the sealing surface WS of the sealing water in the bowl portion 8. Note that the detection range DA1 shown in Fig. 4 is merely an example, and may be any range that includes at least a portion of the sealing surface WS, or may include the entire sealing surface WS.

[0041] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the damper 110 is provided between the bowl portion 8 and the light receiving unit 130 so as to be able to open and close. In Figures 2 to 4, the toilet seat device 2 is shown as an example having the light receiving unit 130 disposed in a position adjacent to the cleaning nozzle 6, but the light receiving unit 130 is not limited to being disposed in a position adjacent to the cleaning nozzle 6, and may be disposed in various positions as long as the desired detection is possible. Examples of sensors used in the light receiving unit 130 will be described later.

[0042] <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. 5. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the toilet seat device according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, 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. 5 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).

[0043] 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 device that communicates with the remote control 10. For example, the communication device is realized by a communication circuit or the like. The communication device is connected to a predetermined network by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from an information processing device such as the remote control 10. The main body 3 may also have a storage unit outside the control unit 34.

[0044] 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 (microwave) wave sensor. Note that the above is just an example, and the human body detection sensor 32 may detect the human body by various means other than 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] For example, the seating detection sensor 33 detects that a user has sat on the toilet seat 5 by a load sensor. For example, the seating detection sensor 33 is an infrared light emitting / receiving type distance measuring sensor, and may detect a human body present 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 is not limited to the above, and may detect a person sitting on the toilet seat device 2 by various means. The seating detection sensor 33 outputs a seating detection signal to the control unit 34.

[0047] The toilet system 1 may have any sensor, not limited to the human body detection sensor 32 and the seating detection sensor 33. For example, the toilet system 1 may have a toilet seat detection sensor having a function of detecting the state of the toilet seat 5. For example, the toilet seat detection sensor detects whether the toilet seat 5 is in a closed state (also called a "closed state") in which the toilet seat 5 is positioned along the rim portion 9. For example, the toilet seat detection sensor may be a proximity sensor and detect the proximity between the opposite side (back side) of the toilet seat 5 to the side on which the user sits and the rim portion 9. Also, for example, the toilet seat detection sensor may be an infrared light emitting / receiving type distance measuring sensor and detect the distance between the opposite side (back side) of the toilet seat 5 to the side on which the user sits and the rim portion 9. Note that the above is an example, and the toilet seat detection sensor is not limited to the above, and may detect the state of the toilet seat 5 by various means. The toilet seat detection sensor outputs a detection signal to the control unit 34. In this case, the control unit 34 determines the open / closed state of the toilet seat by the toilet seat detection sensor.

[0048] The control unit 34 functions as a control unit that controls various configurations and processes. The control unit 34 controls the nozzle motor 61, the solenoid valve 71, and the sensor unit 100. The control unit 34 controls the nozzle motor 61, the solenoid valve 71, and the sensor unit 100 based on a signal transmitted from the remote control 10. The control unit 34 controls the nozzle motor 61 based on a control instruction signal related to local cleaning transmitted from the remote control 10. The control unit 34 controls the nozzle motor 61 to advance and retreat the cleaning nozzle 6. The control unit 34 controls the opening and closing of the solenoid valve 71. The control unit 34 controls the sensor unit 100 to open and close the damper 110. The control unit 34 transmits control information to the sensor unit 100 for opening and closing ... controlling the turning on and off of the light emitting unit 120. The control unit 34 controls the damper 110 to the closed state at a timing when light reception by the light receiving unit 130 is not required, such as before the user sits down or when sufficient data has been collected.

[0049] The control unit 34 transmits control information for controlling the function of the electronic shutter of the light receiving unit 130 to the sensor unit 100. The electronic shutter of the light receiving unit 130 is a shutter type that electronically controls the light receiving element 132 (image pickup 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 control unit 34 transmits the control information to the nozzle motor 61, the solenoid valve 71, and the sensor unit 100 by wire. The control unit 34 may transmit the control information to the nozzle motor 61, the solenoid valve 71, and the sensor unit 100 by wireless.

[0050] The control unit 34 controls the opening and closing operation of the damper 110. For example, the control unit 34 controls the damper 110 to be in an open state during processing to detect excrement. The control unit 34 opens the damper 110 after the seating of the user is detected by the seating detection sensor 33, and closes the damper 110 before the seating detection sensor 33 detects that the user has left the seat. The control unit 34 closes the damper 110 based on the light receiving unit 130 receiving reflected light from the excrement. The control unit 34 also manages information indicating the state of the damper 110. The control unit 34 stores the information indicating the state of the damper 110 received from the sensor unit 100 in the memory unit.

[0051] The control unit 34 closes the damper 110 in response to an instruction from the user via the remote control 10 to operate the cleaning nozzle 6. The control unit 34 closes the damper 110 based on the light receiving unit 130 receiving reflected light from the cleaning nozzle 6 that has advanced into the bowl unit 8.

[0052] The control unit 34 closes the damper 110 in conjunction with the operation of the cleaning nozzle 6. The control unit 34 controls the damper 110 based on the user's operation of the remote control 10 that controls the cleaning nozzle 6. The control unit 34 detects the operation of the cleaning nozzle 6 (the advancement of the nozzle into the bowl portion) and controls the damper 110.

[0053] The control unit 34 controls the damper 110 to open upward when placed on the toilet bowl 7. The control unit 34 controls the damper 110 to close when the cleaning nozzle 6 is in operation. The control unit 34 controls the damper 110 to close when the cleaning nozzle 6 disposed on the toilet bowl 7 is in operation.

[0054] The control unit 34 controls the sensor unit 100. The control unit 34 has a standby mode in which the control unit 34 waits for processing related to measurement by the sensor unit 100 until a predetermined period of time has elapsed after an operation that causes agitation in the seal water has been performed.

[0055] The control unit 34 has a standby mode that prohibits the light emitting unit 120 from emitting light until a predetermined period has elapsed after the operation that causes the seal water to sway is performed. For example, during the standby mode, the control unit 34 prohibits the light emitting unit 120 from emitting light by not instructing the light emitting unit 120 to emit light or by instructing the light emitting unit 120 to stop emitting light. The control unit 34 has a standby mode that prohibits the light receiving unit 130 from receiving light until a predetermined period has elapsed after the operation that causes the seal water to sway is performed. For example, during the standby mode, the control unit 34 prohibits the light receiving unit 130 from receiving light by not instructing the light receiving unit 130 to receive light or by instructing the light receiving unit 130 to stop receiving light. For example, the control unit 34 may perform a process of deleting the obtained data (data obtained during the standby mode is not used for analysis). In this case, for example, the control unit 34 may delete data obtained during the standby mode. Also, for example, the control unit 34 may not use data obtained during the standby mode for analysis. The control unit 34 deletes the data obtained during the standby mode, and the data obtained during the standby mode may not be used for analysis.

[0056] The control unit 34 has a standby mode in which the damper 110, which is a lid unit, is closed (closed state) until a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the operation that causes the sealing water to sway is performed. For example, the control unit 34 causes the damper 110 to be in the closed state by instructing the damper 110 to be in the closed state during the standby mode. For example, the operation that causes the sealing water to sway includes at least one of washing the bowl unit 8, spraying water onto the bowl unit 8, washing the private parts of a user of the toilet seat device 2, which is a toilet device, washing the washing nozzle 6 provided on the toilet seat device 2, which is a toilet device, and blowing air to the bowl unit 8.

[0057] For example, the control unit 34 has a standby mode in which the sensor unit 100 waits for processing related to measurement, i.e., the processing related to measurement is prohibited, and a normal mode in which processing related to measurement can be executed, and transitions to the standby mode when an operation that causes the seal water to sway is performed. The control unit 34 transitions to the normal mode when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since transitioning to the standby mode.

[0058] For example, the control unit 34 may store in the memory unit a delay time corresponding to each operation that causes the seal water to sway, and may change the predetermined period depending on the operation that causes the seal water to sway. In this case, the control unit 34 may transition to a standby mode after the operation that causes the seal water to sway is performed, and may return to a normal mode after the delay time corresponding to that operation has elapsed.

[0059] The control unit 34 controls the emission of light by the light-emitting unit 120. The control unit 34 controls the supply of electricity to the light-emitting element 121 and the application of voltage to the light-receiving element 132. The control unit 34 sends a control instruction to the light-receiving element 132 to open the electronic shutter, and by supplying electricity to the light-emitting element 121, performs light-receiving control that enables reception of reflected light from the stool.

[0060] 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 remote control 10. Control unit 34 controls the toilet lid 4 based on a control instruction signal transmitted from remote control 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 remote control 10 regarding the opening and closing of the seat. 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.

[0061] 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. 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 sensor unit 100 controls various components such as the actuator 111, the light emitting unit 120, and the light receiving unit 130 based on information acquired from the control unit 34.

[0062] The control unit 34 has various components such as an arithmetic processing unit and a storage unit that executes calculations related to the above-mentioned control. For example, the arithmetic processing unit is realized by various means such as a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or an integrated circuit such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA). For example, the storage unit is a computer-readable recording medium that non-temporarily records data used by various information processing programs. The control unit 34 is realized, for example, by the arithmetic processing unit or the like executing a program (for example, an information processing program such as a control program) stored in the storage unit using a RAM or the like as a working area.

[0063] For example, the control unit 34 executes an extraction process to extract an area (contour) containing stool from the image. In this case, the control unit 34 executes the extraction process to extract an area (contour) containing stool from the image using a contour extraction program that extracts the contour of stool in the image stored in the storage unit, and generates a stool area image in which only the stool area is extracted.

[0064] Also, for example, the control unit 34 executes a determination process for determining the properties of the stool, such as the shape, color, and amount, contained in the image. The control unit 34 determines the properties of the stool using various information stored in the storage unit. In this case, the control unit 34 determines the properties of the stool using a determination program for the properties of the stool, etc., stored in the storage unit. The control unit 34 determines the properties of the stool using the stool area image extracted (generated) by the extraction process.

[0065] The control unit 34 may execute a determination process for determining the properties of the stool using a stool property determination model that outputs information indicating the properties of the stool corresponding to the input image. For example, the control unit 34 may input a stool area image to the stool property determination model, and determine the stool property corresponding to the stool in the input stool area image based on the information output by the stool property determination model. Note that the above-mentioned extraction process and determination process can be performed by any method as long as it can be performed using the detected stool image, and detailed description will be omitted. In addition, part of the control of the control unit 34 may be performed by the sensor unit 100, but this point will be described later.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] The sensor unit 100 includes a damper 110, an actuator 111, a light emitter 120, and a light receiver 130. The sensor unit 100 includes various components necessary for executing processing, including but not limited to those described above. For example, the sensor unit 100 may include a sensor board that executes processing such as communication with the control unit 34 and control of each component, and may instruct the actuator 111, the light emitter 120, and the light receiver 130 to operate based on a signal (information) received from the control unit 34 by the sensor board.

[0069] The sensor unit 100 may also have a damper detection sensor that detects the state of the damper 110. For example, the damper detection sensor detects whether the damper 110 is in an open state or a closed state. Any sensor can be used as the damper detection sensor as long as it can detect whether the damper 110 is in an open state or a closed state. For example, the damper detection sensor detects whether the damper 110 is in an open state or a closed state by detecting the state of the actuator 111. The sensor unit 100 may be arranged in any manner, and may be separate from the toilet seat device 2, for example.

[0070] The damper 110 is a cover provided between the light receiving unit 130 and the bowl unit 8 and can be opened and closed. For example, the damper 110 can be positioned in front of the light emitting unit 120 or the light receiving unit 130, and functions as a cover. The damper 110 can be positioned on the side (front) where the light emitting surface of the light emitting unit 120 faces. The damper 110 can be positioned on the side (front) where the light receiving surface of the light receiving unit 130 faces. The damper 110 is preferably formed of a non-transparent material in order to reduce the possibility that the sensor unit 100 is visible and to provide a configuration that takes into consideration the privacy of the user. For example, the damper 110 may be formed in a non-transparent state by coloring. The damper 110 may have a non-transparent material (paint) applied to its surface. The damper 110 is not limited to a non-transparent configuration and may be transparent.

[0071] The damper 110 is provided in front of the light receiving unit 130 and can be opened and closed. The damper 110 can transition between an open state and a closed state by an actuator 111, and is positioned in front of the light emitting unit 120 and the light receiving unit 130, or exposes the light emitting unit 120 and the light receiving unit 130. The damper 110 is in a closed state at a timing when light reception by the light receiving unit 130 is not required, such as before the user sits down or when sufficient data has been obtained. This makes it possible for the damper 110 to suppress a decrease in the detection accuracy of the light receiving unit 130 due to dirt.

[0072] The damper 110 opens upward when placed on the toilet bowl 7. The damper 110 is in a closed state when the cleaning nozzle 6 is in operation. The damper 110 is in a closed state when the cleaning nozzle 6 disposed on the toilet bowl 7 is in operation. Note that the damper 110 does not have to be included in the damper 110. In this case, the damper 110 outside the sensor unit 100 may be connected (attached) to the actuator 111 of the sensor unit 100, and the damper 110 may be opened and closed by driving the actuator 111.

[0073] The actuator 111 is a drive source (motor) that opens or closes the damper 110. The actuator 111 executes control to open or close the damper 110 in response to an instruction from the control unit 34. The actuator 111 closes the damper 110 at a timing when light reception by the light receiving unit 130 is not required, such as before the user sits down or when sufficient data has been collected.

[0074] The actuator 111 opens the damper 110 upward when placed on the toilet bowl 7. The actuator 111 closes the damper 110 when the cleaning nozzle 6 operates. The actuator 111 closes the damper 110 when the cleaning nozzle 6 arranged on the toilet bowl 7 operates.

[0075] The light-emitting unit 120 emits light. The light-emitting unit 120 emits light into the bowl portion 8 that forms the water seal. The light-emitting unit 120 has a light-emitting element 121 that emits light. The light-emitting unit 120 emits light onto excrement excreted by the user. The light-emitting unit 120 emits light onto stool excreted by the user. The light-emitting unit 120 emits light onto stool as it falls.

[0076] The light-emitting unit 120 is provided with a light-emitting element 121 that emits light. The light-emitting unit 120 is provided with a light-emitting element 121 that emits light forward. The light-emitting unit 120 is provided with a light-emitting element 121 that emits light forward toward excrement excreted by a user.

[0077] The light-emitting unit 120 irradiates light forward. The light-emitting unit 120 includes a plurality of light-emitting elements 121. The light-emitting unit 120 includes a plurality of light-emitting elements 121 that irradiate light. The light-emitting unit 120 is provided with a plurality of light-emitting elements 121 that irradiate light of the same wavelength. The light-emitting unit 120 irradiates light onto the falling stool excreted by the user. The light-emitting unit 120 includes a plurality of light-emitting elements 121 for irradiating light of different wavelengths.

[0078] The light receiving unit 130 receives light. The light receiving unit 130 receives light from a range including the sealed water. The light receiving unit 130 has a lens 131 and a light receiving element 132 that receives light. The light receiving unit 130 receives light reflected from excrement in response to the light irradiated by the light emitting unit 120. The light receiving unit 130 receives light reflected from stool in response to the light irradiated by the light emitting unit 120. The light receiving unit 130 receives light reflected from falling stool in response to the light irradiated by the light emitting unit 120.

[0079] The light receiving unit 130 is provided with a light receiving element 132 that receives light. The light receiving unit 130 includes a lens 131 for collecting light in front of the light receiving element 132. A cover may be provided around the light receiving element 132 to prevent light from entering the light receiving element 132 from any direction other than the front of the light receiving element 132. For example, a cover may be provided around the light receiving element 132 to prevent light other than that passing through the lens 131 arranged in front from entering the light receiving element 132.

[0080] The light-receiving unit 130 receives light reflected from the stool in response to the light irradiated by the light-emitting unit 120. The light-receiving unit 130 receives light reflected from the falling stool in response to the light irradiated by the light-emitting unit 120. The light-receiving unit 130 receives light reflected from the stool in response to the light irradiated by the light-emitting unit 120.

[0081] 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 such as an area sensor (two-dimensional image sensor) may be used as long as it can execute the desired processing.

[0082] <4. Opening and closing the lid (damper)> Here, the opening and closing of the damper 110 of the sensor unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the opening and closing operation of the damper. Specifically, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the damper 110 transitioning between an open state and a closed state. The damper 110 transitions between an open state and a closed state by the driving of the actuator 111. In FIG. 6, the dampers 110 are described as dampers 110-1 to 110-4 according to their positions, but are simply referred to as "damper 110" unless otherwise specified. In FIG. 6, in order to show the opening and closing of the damper 110, only a part of the main body cover 30 is illustrated, and the nozzle cover 60 that covers the opening 31b for the cleaning nozzle 6 and the like are also omitted. As shown in FIG. 6, the main body cover 30 is provided with two openings, an opening 31 for the sensor unit 100 and an opening 31b for the cleaning nozzle 6. The opening 31 for the sensor unit 100 can be covered by the damper 110. In addition, the opening 31b for the cleaning nozzle 6 can be covered with a nozzle cover 60. For example, the opening 31b is provided in the center of the rear side of the toilet bowl 7, and the opening 31 is provided in a position adjacent to the opening 31b.

[0083] 6 shows the damper 110 in a closed state. The damper 110-1 in the closed state is located in front of the light-emitting unit 120 and the light-receiving unit 130. In this way, the damper 110-1 in the closed state is located between the light-receiving unit 130 and the bowl unit 8. The damper 110-1 is approximately flush with the main body cover 30, and covers the front of the light-emitting unit 120 and the light-receiving unit 130. In this way, the main body cover 30, which is a housing, is located in front of the light-emitting unit 120 and the light-receiving unit 130.

[0084] The damper 110 is located at the damper 110-1 position and in a closed state before a user of the toilet room R sits on the toilet seat 5, when the cleaning nozzle 6 is in operation, when defecation detection is completed, or when maintenance such as cleaning of the light receiving unit 130 is completed, etc. In this way, the damper 110 prevents the light emitting unit 120 and the light receiving unit 130 from being exposed, and prevents the light emitting unit 120 and the light receiving unit 130 from being visible to a user entering the toilet room R, and prevents the light emitting unit 120 and the light receiving unit 130 from being splashed with water, etc.

[0085] The damper 110 is located at the position of damper 110-1 and is in a closed state by the control of the actuator 111 by the control unit 34. The damper 110 transitions from the closed state to the open state by the control of the actuator 111 by the control unit 34. The damper 110 transitions from the closed state to the open state by changing the position of the damper 110-1, 110-2, 110-3, and 110-4 in this order. For example, the damper 110 transitions from the closed state of damper 110-1 to the open state of damper 110-4 after the user of the toilet room R sits on the toilet seat 5 or when the operation of the cleaning nozzle 6 is completed. For example, the damper 110 transitions to the open state of damper 110-4 when the maintenance mode is entered.

[0086] The damper 110 performs an opening and closing operation relative to the body cover 30, with one end side adjacent to the upper end of the opening 31 of the body cover 30 as an axis. The damper 110 rotates with the one end side as an axis, thereby moving the position of the other end opposite the one end from bottom to top. Thus, in the example of Fig. 6, the damper 110 transitions from damper 110-1 in the closed state to damper 110-4 in the open state by rotating with respect to the body cover 30.

[0087] Dampers 110-2 and 110-3 show intermediate states between damper 110-1 in a closed state and damper 110-4 in an open state. In this manner, the other end of damper 110 gradually moves upward from damper 110-1 to dampers 110-2, 110-3, and 110-4, thereby exposing light-emitting unit 120 and light-receiving unit 130. Specifically, light-emitting element 121 of light-emitting unit 120 and lens 131 of light-receiving unit 130 are exposed from opening 31 of body cover 30 as the other end of damper 110 moves upward.

[0088] As described above, by positioning damper 110-4 in the open state above and in front of light-emitting unit 120 and light-receiving unit 130, it is possible to suppress the effect of external light (such as the lighting in toilet room R) on light-emitting unit 120 and light-receiving unit 130 and to prevent water, etc., from splashing on light-emitting unit 120 and light-receiving unit 130 from above.

[0089] The damper 110 transitions from the open state to the closed state by the control of the actuator 111 by the control unit 34. The transition from the open state to the closed state is the reverse operation of the transition from the closed state to the open state described above, and a detailed description will be omitted. The damper 110 transitions from the open state to the closed state by changing the position in the order of the dampers 110-4, 110-3, 110-2, and 110-1. The damper 110 moves the position of the other end from top to bottom by rotating around one end side. For example, the damper 110 transitions from the damper 110-4 in the open state to the damper 110-1 in the closed state after the user of the toilet room R leaves the toilet seat 5, when the cleaning nozzle 6 is in operation, when detection of defecation, maintenance such as cleaning of the light receiving unit 130, etc. is completed, etc.

[0090] In the example of FIG. 6, the damper 110 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. However, the configuration of the damper 110 is not limited to the example of FIG. 6 and may be various. For example, the damper 110 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 damper 110 may be configured like a shutter (shutter) in which several elongated members are connected. Also, for example, the damper 110 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 damper 110 can be separated into multiple parts, and may be configured not only as a single-opening structure but also as a double-opening structure.

[0091] <5. Other configuration examples> The device configuration and the arrangement of each device of the toilet system 1 described above are not limited to those described above, and various configurations and arrangements may be used. For example, the light-emitting unit 120 and the light-receiving unit 130 may be arranged as a sensor head. In this case, the sensor head may be configured such that the light-emitting unit 120 and the light-receiving unit 130 are arranged in a sensor case (housing), and a transparent window is arranged in front of the light-emitting unit 120 and the light-receiving unit 130. The sensor unit 100 may also have a controller. In this case, the controller of the sensor unit 100 may perform part of the control by the control unit 34. For example, the controller of the sensor unit 100 may control the opening and closing of the damper 110.

[0092] Also, for example, in the above example, the damper 110 is entirely formed of a material with no (low) permeability, but a part of the damper 110 may be permeable. Also, the sensor unit 100 may be disposed in any position as long as the desired detection is possible. For example, the sensor unit 100 may be disposed between the rim portion 9 of the toilet bowl 7 and the toilet seat 5. In this case, the sensor unit 100 may be attached to the opposite surface (back surface) of the toilet seat 5 to the surface on which a user sits. Also, for example, the toilet seat device 2 and the sensor unit 100 may be separate entities, and the sensor unit 100 may be attached to the rim portion 9.

[0093] <6. Measurements in toilet systems> From here, measurement (hereinafter also referred to as "measurement") in the toilet system 1 will be described, assuming the above-mentioned configuration.

[0094] <6-1. User behavior and system operation> First, prior to describing each processing example, an example of the relationship between the movement (behavior) of a user who uses the toilet system 1 and the processing (operation) of the toilet system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the behavior of a user and the operation of the system.

[0095] First, the behavior of a user who uses the toilet room R to defecate and the processing flow of the toilet system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Measurement (measurement) in the toilet system 1 involves first to seventh steps as shown in Fig. 7.

[0096] First, in the first step, a user enters the toilet room R. In the second step, the toilet system 1 detects the user's entry into the toilet room R. In the third step, the user sits on the toilet seat 5 in the toilet room R. In the fourth step, the toilet system 1 performs measurements related to the user's defecation into the bowl portion 8 of the toilet 7.

[0097] In the fifth step, the user who has defecates leaves the toilet seat 5, and the toilet system 1 completes the measurement. In the sixth step, the toilet system 1 transfers data to an external device, such as the user's terminal device. In the seventh step, the user leaves the toilet room R.

[0098] Note that the above-mentioned relationship between the user's movements (behavior) and the processing (operation) of the toilet system 1 is merely one example, and as long as the toilet system 1 is capable of performing the desired measurements, the toilet system 1 may perform various processes at any timing. For example, the toilet system 1 may start measurement when it detects that a user has entered the room and complete the measurement when it detects that the user has left the room, or may start or complete measurement at any timing.

[0099] <6-2. Example of measurement of seal water in response to shaking> Based on the above-mentioned measurements, measurement examples in the cases where the seal water does and does not sway will be explained using Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of measurement in the case where the seal water does not sway. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of measurement in the case where the seal water sway. That is, Fig. 8 corresponds to a state where the seal water is not swaying, and Fig. 9 corresponds to a state where the seal water is swaying.

[0100] First, the measurement when the seal water is not shaking will be explained using Figure 8. Image IM1 in Figure 8 shows an image detected when the seal water is not shaking and no stool has fallen. Hereinafter, the longitudinal direction (up-down direction) of image IM1 may be referred to as the length direction, and the transverse direction (left-right direction) as the width direction.

[0101] For example, image IM1 indicates data obtained by continuously sampling data detected by light receiving unit 130 having light receiving element 132, which is a line sensor. For example, toilet system 1 generates image IM1, which is a two-dimensional image, by stacking one-dimensional data (image) detected by light receiving unit 130 along the image capture date and time (time axis). Note that the generation of a two-dimensional image based on data (one-dimensional image) detected by a line sensor is the same as in conventional methods, so detailed description will be omitted.

[0102] The toilet system 1 executes an extraction process to extract an area (contour) containing feces from the image IM1 generated based on data detected by the light receiving unit 130 having the light receiving element 132, which is a line sensor (step S1). Since there is no area that can correspond to feces in the image IM1 of Figure 8, the toilet system 1 does not extract an area containing feces. In this way, if there is no swaying in the water seal and no reflected light of feces is detected, the contour is not extracted.

[0103] Image IM2 in Fig. 8 shows an image detected when feces falls without any shaking in the seal water. Note that explanations of points similar to those of image IM1 will be omitted as appropriate. For example, image IM2 shows a case where information corresponding to feces is included in the center. For example, the toilet system 1 generates image IM2, which is a two-dimensional image, by stacking one-dimensional data (images) detected by the light receiving unit 130 along the image capture date and time (time axis).

[0104] The toilet system 1 executes an extraction process to extract an area (contour) containing feces from the image IM2 generated based on the data detected by the light receiving unit 130 (step S2). There is an area in the image IM2 in Fig. 8 that may correspond to feces, and the toilet system 1 extracts the area AR2 as an area containing feces. In this way, if the water seal is not shaking and the reflected light of the feces is detected, the contour is appropriately extracted.

[0105] Next, the measurement when the seal water is swaying will be described with reference to FIG. 9. Image IM3 in FIG. 9 shows an image detected when the seal water is swaying and no feces has fallen. Note that the same points as those described for images IM1 and IM2 will be omitted as appropriate. For example, image IM3 shows a case where only the center in the width direction contains information that may be mistaken for feces caused by swaying in the seal water. For example, the toilet system 1 generates image IM3, which is a two-dimensional image, by stacking one-dimensional data (images) detected by the light receiving unit 130 along the image capture date and time (time axis).

[0106] In Fig. 9, an extraction process is executed (step S3) to extract an area (contour) containing stool from image IM3 generated based on data detected by light receiving unit 130. Image IM3 in Fig. 9 contains an area that may correspond to stool, and area AR3 that is affected by shaking is extracted as an area containing stool. In other words, the reflected light from the water seal surface may be erroneously determined to be reflected light from stool, and the contour of that area may be extracted. In this way, when there is shaking in the water seal, the contour of an area affected by the water seal shaking may be extracted even though no stool is included in the image.

[0107] Image IM4 in Fig. 9 shows an image detected when feces falls while the seal water is swaying. Note that explanations of points similar to those of images IM1 to IM3 will be omitted as appropriate. For example, image IM4 shows a case where only the center in the width direction contains information that may be mistaken for feces caused by the swaying of the seal water, and information corresponding to feces is contained in the center. For example, the toilet system 1 generates image IM4, which is a two-dimensional image, by stacking one-dimensional data (images) detected by the light receiving unit 130 along the image capture date and time (time axis).

[0108] In Fig. 9, an extraction process is executed to extract an area (contour) containing stool from image IM4 generated based on data detected by light receiving unit 130 (step S4). Image IM4 in Fig. 9 has an area that may correspond to stool, and area AR4 that is affected by shaking is extracted as an area containing stool. In other words, the reflected light from the water seal surface may also be erroneously determined to be reflected light from stool, and the contour may be extracted to be larger than the actual stool. In this way, when the water seal is shaking, the contour of the area affected by the water seal shaking may be extracted in addition to the area containing stool in the image.

[0109] Image IM5 in Fig. 9 shows an image detected when feces falls while the seal water is swaying. Note that explanations of points similar to those of images IM1 to IM4 will be omitted as appropriate. For example, image IM5 shows a case where the influence of swaying on the seal water spreads over the entire width direction. For example, the toilet system 1 generates image IM5, which is a two-dimensional image, by stacking one-dimensional data (images) detected by the light receiving unit 130 along the image capture date and time (time axis).

[0110] In Fig. 9, an extraction process is executed (step S5) for extracting an area (contour) containing stool from image IM5 generated based on data detected by light receiving unit 130. In image IM5 in Fig. 9, the influence of swaying spreads over the entire seal water, making the boundary between the stool and other matters unclear, and therefore the area containing stool is not extracted. That is, in the case of an image in which the influence of swaying of the seal water is large, such as image IM5, the boundary between the seal water surface and the stool may not be clear and the stool may not be detected. In this way, when the seal water is swaying, the contour may not be extracted even if stool is included in the image.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 9, for example, when an image sensor such as a line sensor is used for measurement, if there is trembling in the water seal, the amount of light reflected from the water seal surface increases, and the difference with the amount of light reflected from the stool may become smaller. In such a case, it becomes difficult to distinguish between the stool and the background, and it is difficult to accurately extract only the stool from the captured data (image data). In this way, the trembling of the water seal surface can lead to a decrease in measurement accuracy. Therefore, the toilet system 1 solves the above-mentioned problems by performing processes such as the first process and the second process described below.

[0112] <7. Processing Examples> From here, various processing examples will be described in detail based on the above content. In the following, when the toilet system 1 is described as the processing subject, the processing may be performed by any device, such as the toilet seat device 2 or the remote control 10, depending on the device configuration included in the toilet system 1. Furthermore, the toilet system 1 executes at least one of a first process and a second process. The toilet system 1 may execute both the first process and the second process. Furthermore, the toilet system 1 may execute a combination of the first process and the second process.

[0113] <7-1. First processing example> For example, in order to suppress a decrease in measurement accuracy due to shaking of the water seal surface, the toilet system 1 may transition to a standby mode in response to an operation such as local cleaning or toilet flushing. This process will be described below as a first process. Local cleaning is a concept that includes both buttocks cleaning for cleaning the buttocks (anus) and bidet cleaning. For example, buttocks cleaning may cause shaking of the water seal surface when water droplets generated by the buttocks cleaning fall into the water seal. Also, for example, bidet cleaning may cause shaking of the water seal surface when water droplets generated by the bidet cleaning fall into the water seal. Below, buttocks cleaning will be described as an example of a cleaning operation, but the cleaning operation is not limited to buttocks cleaning and may be various cleaning operations such as bidet cleaning, toilet flushing, etc.

[0114] <7-1-1. Conventional processing flow> First, prior to describing the first processing example shown in Fig. 10, a flow of conventional processing corresponding to the first processing will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of processing according to a conventional example. That is, Fig. 12 shows a conventional processing example in which no measures against seal water swaying are taken. In the following description, a system that performs conventional processing will be described as a "conventional system."

[0115] The conventional system repeats step S11 if it does not detect a person sitting (step S11: OFF). Also, if it detects a person sitting (step S11: ON), it starts measurement (step S12). For example, in the conventional system, when a person sitting is detected, the lid is opened, a light-emitting element such as an LED is turned on, and a measurement process is started in which information processing is performed using information received by a light-receiving element such as a light sensor.

[0116] Then, if posterior washing has not started (step S13: OFF), the conventional system continues measurement and repeats step S13. For example, if posterior washing is not being performed, the conventional system continues measurement and repeats step S13.

[0117] On the other hand, the conventional system suspends measurement (step S14) when posterior washing is started (step S13: ON). For example, the conventional system suspends measurement when posterior washing is started.

[0118] Then, if the posterior washing in progress has not been completed (step S15: ON), the conventional system continues to suspend measurement and repeats step S15. For example, if the posterior washing has not been completed, the conventional system continues to suspend measurement and repeats step S15.

[0119] On the other hand, the conventional system resumes measurement (step S16) when the posterior washing currently being performed is completed (step S15: OFF). For example, the conventional system resumes the measurement process when the posterior washing is completed.

[0120] If the conventional system detects a person sitting on the seat (step S17: ON), it continues the measurement and repeats step S17. Also, if the conventional system no longer detects a person sitting on the seat (step S17: OFF), it ends the measurement (step S18). For example, if the conventional system no longer detects a person sitting on the seat, it closes the lid, stops turning on light-emitting elements such as LEDs, stops receiving light from light-receiving elements such as a light sensor, ends information processing using the received light information, and ends the measurement process.

[0121] Then, the conventional system transfers the data acquired by the measurement process (step S19).

[0122] <7-1-2. First process flow> From here, the flow of processing related to the first processing will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure related to the first processing. That is, Fig. 10 shows an example of processing in a toilet system 1 in which measures against water seal swaying are implemented. For example, the toilet system 1 executes the first processing shown in Fig. 10. Note that explanations of points similar to the conventional processing shown in Fig. 12 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0123] If the toilet system 1 does not detect sitting (step S101: OFF), it repeats step S101. If the toilet system 1 detects sitting (step S101: ON), it starts measurement (step S102). For example, when the toilet system 1 detects sitting, it opens the damper 110, turns on the light-emitting unit 120, and starts measurement processing that executes information processing such as extraction processing using information received by the light-receiving unit 130.

[0124] If posterior washing has not started (step S103: OFF), the toilet system 1 continues measurement and repeats step S103. For example, if posterior washing is not being performed, the toilet system 1 continues measurement and repeats step S103.

[0125] On the other hand, when posterior washing is started (step S103: ON), the toilet system 1 suspends measurement (step S104). For example, when posterior washing is started, the toilet system 1 suspends measurement. For example, when posterior washing is started, the toilet system 1 transitions to standby mode. Note that the standby mode is a mode that requests the toilet system 1 to do at least one of the following: closing the damper 110, prohibiting the light-emitting unit 120 from turning on and turning off the light-emitting unit 120, prohibiting the light-receiving unit 130 from receiving light and stopping light reception by the light-receiving unit 130, and not performing information processing using information received by the light-receiving unit 130.

[0126] Then, if the posterior washing currently being performed has not ended (step S105: ON), the toilet system 1 continues to suspend measurement and repeats step S105. For example, if the posterior washing currently being performed has not ended, the toilet system 1 continues to suspend measurement and repeats step S105.

[0127] On the other hand, when the current posterior washing has ended (step S105: OFF), the toilet system 1 continues to suspend measurement for a predetermined period of time corresponding to the delay time (step S106). For example, when the current posterior washing has ended, the toilet system 1 maintains the standby mode for a predetermined period of time corresponding to the delay time after the posterior washing has ended. For example, the toilet system 1 continues to suspend measurement by continuing the standby mode for the delay time corresponding to the posterior washing after the posterior washing has ended.

[0128] Then, the toilet system 1 resumes the measurement after the delay time has elapsed (step S107). For example, the toilet system 1 transitions from the standby mode to the normal mode after the delay time has elapsed, and resumes the measurement process.

[0129] If the toilet system 1 detects a person sitting on the seat (step S108: ON), it continues the measurement and repeats step S108. If the toilet system 1 no longer detects a person sitting on the seat (step S108: OFF), it ends the measurement (step S109). For example, if the toilet system 1 no longer detects a person sitting on the seat, it closes the damper 110, stops turning on the light-emitting unit 120, stops receiving light by the light-receiving unit 130, ends information processing using the received information, and ends the measurement processing.

[0130] Then, the toilet system 1 transfers the data acquired by the measurement process (step S110). For example, the toilet system 1 transfers the data acquired by the measurement process to an external device such as a user's terminal device.

[0131] In the above example, the process has been described using rear end washing as an example of a washing action, but the washing action may be various washing actions such as a bidet wash, a toilet flush, etc. For example, the determination target in steps S103 and S105 may be various washing actions such as a bidet wash, a toilet flush, etc. However, since the process is the same as in the case of rear end washing described above except that the delay time in step S106 may vary, detailed description will be omitted.

[0132] As in the first process described above, when flushing that may cause water seal swaying is performed, the toilet system 1 goes into standby mode for a predetermined period of time and does not perform measurement processing (measurement processing), thereby preventing a decrease in measurement accuracy due to the water seal surface swaying. For example, when an action involving water discharge such as rear washing is performed, the toilet system 1 controls so as not to perform measurements using a line sensor or the like for a certain period of time until the water seal surface swaying stabilizes, thereby preventing a decrease in measurement accuracy due to the water seal surface swaying.

[0133] <7-2. Second processing example> The above-mentioned local cleaning and toilet flushing are merely examples of the operation of transitioning to the standby mode, and the operation of transitioning to the standby mode may include various operations that cause the sealing water to sway. For example, the toilet system 1 may transition to the standby mode in response to the operation of causing water to flow into the bowl portion 8. This process will be described below as a second process. Below, spraying water onto the bowl portion 8 will be described as an example of the operation of causing water to flow into the bowl portion 8, but the operation of causing water to flow into the bowl portion 8 is not limited to spraying water onto the bowl portion 8, and may be various operations of causing water to flow into the bowl portion 8, such as toilet flushing.

[0134] <7-2-1. Conventional processing flow> First, prior to the description of the second processing example shown in Fig. 11, the flow of a conventional processing corresponding to the second processing will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of processing according to a conventional example. That is, Fig. 13 shows a conventional processing example in which no measures against water seal sway are taken.

[0135] In the following explanation, a system that performs conventional processing will be described as a "conventional system." Note that explanations of points similar to those explained in FIG. 12 and the like will be omitted as appropriate. The operation of flowing water into the bowl section is a concept that includes flushing the bowl section (toilet flushing) and spraying water onto the bowl section. For example, flushing the bowl section (toilet flushing) causes the seal water that accumulates after the toilet flush to tremble for a while. Also, for example, spraying water onto the bowl section can cause water droplets generated by the spraying to fall onto the seal water, causing the water seal surface to tremble.

[0136] When the conventional system does not detect a human body (step S21: OFF), it repeats step S21. When the conventional system detects a human body (step S21: ON), it starts spraying water onto the bowl (step S22). For example, in the conventional system, when it detects that a user has entered the toilet room, it starts spraying water onto the bowl.

[0137] Then, if the conventional system does not detect a person sitting down (step S23: OFF), it repeats step S23. Also, if the conventional system detects a person sitting down (step S23: ON), it starts measurement (step S24). For example, in the conventional system, when a person sitting down is detected, the lid is opened, a light-emitting element such as an LED is turned on, and a measurement process is started in which information processing is performed using information received by a light-receiving element such as a light sensor.

[0138] If the conventional system detects a person sitting on the seat (step S25: ON), it continues the measurement and repeats step S25. Also, if the conventional system no longer detects a person sitting on the seat (step S25: OFF), it ends the measurement (step S26). For example, if the conventional system no longer detects a person sitting on the seat, it closes the lid, stops turning on a light-emitting element such as an LED, stops receiving light from a light-receiving element such as a light sensor, ends information processing using the received light information, and ends the measurement process.

[0139] Then, the conventional system transfers the data acquired by the measurement process (step S27).

[0140] <7-2-2. Second process flow> From here, the flow of processing related to the second processing will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure related to the second processing. That is, Fig. 11 shows an example of processing in a toilet system 1 in which measures against water seal swaying have been implemented. For example, the toilet system 1 executes the second processing shown in Fig. 11. Note that explanations of points similar to the conventional processing shown in Figs. 10 to 12 etc. will be omitted as appropriate.

[0141] If the toilet system 1 does not detect a human body (step S201: OFF), it repeats step S201. If the toilet system 1 detects a human body (step S201: ON), it starts spraying water onto the bowl portion 8 (step S202). For example, when the toilet system 1 detects that a user has entered the toilet room, it starts spraying water onto the bowl portion 8. Note that spraying water onto the bowl portion 8 is not limited to spraying water onto the bowl portion 8, and may also be flushing of the bowl portion 8 (toilet flushing).

[0142] Then, if the delay time has not ended (step S203: before the end), the toilet system 1 repeats step S203 regardless of whether or not sitting is detected (step S204). For example, when step S202 is executed, the toilet system 1 goes into standby mode for a predetermined period of time corresponding to the delay time from when step S202 is executed and after step S202 is executed. If the ongoing spraying of water onto the bowl portion 8 is spraying of water onto the bowl portion 8, the toilet system 1 goes into standby mode when spraying of water onto the bowl portion 8 starts, and maintains the standby mode for a predetermined period of time after spraying of water onto the bowl portion 8 is executed, and by repeating the processes of steps S203 to S204, no measurement is performed during the delay time.

[0143] Furthermore, when the delay time has ended (step S203: End), the toilet system 1 proceeds to the process of step S205. For example, after the delay time has elapsed since the toilet system 1 sprayed water onto the bowl portion 8, the toilet system 1 transitions from the standby mode to the normal mode and becomes capable of starting the measurement process.

[0144] If the toilet system 1 does not detect sitting (step S205: OFF), it repeats step S205. If the toilet system 1 detects sitting (step S205: ON), it starts measurement (step S206). For example, when the toilet system 1 detects sitting, it opens the damper 110, turns on the light-emitting unit 120, and starts measurement processing that executes information processing such as extraction processing using information received by the light-receiving unit 130.

[0145] If the toilet system 1 detects a person sitting down (step S207: ON), it continues the measurement and repeats step S207. If the toilet system 1 no longer detects a person sitting down (step S207: OFF), it ends the measurement (step S208). For example, if the toilet system 1 no longer detects a person sitting down, it closes the damper 110, stops turning on the light-emitting unit 120, stops receiving light by the light-receiving unit 130, ends information processing using the received information, and ends the measurement processing.

[0146] Then, the toilet system 1 transfers the data acquired by the measurement process (step S209). For example, the toilet system 1 transfers the data acquired by the measurement process to an external device such as a user's terminal device.

[0147] In the above example, the process of spraying water onto bowl portion 8 has been described as an example of an operation of causing water to flow into bowl portion 8, but it may be various operations of causing water to flow into bowl portion 8, such as toilet flushing. For example, the process of step S202 may be various operations of causing water to flow into bowl portion 8, such as toilet flushing, but since the process is the same as the above-mentioned case of spraying water onto bowl portion 8 except for the possibility that the delay time of step S203 may vary, detailed description will be omitted.

[0148] As in the second process described above, when water flows into bowl portion 8, which may cause water seal swaying, toilet system 1 goes into standby mode for a predetermined period of time and does not perform measurement processing, thereby preventing a decrease in measurement accuracy due to the water seal surface swaying. For example, when an action involving water flowing into bowl portion 8, such as spraying water onto bowl portion 8, is performed, toilet system 1 controls so as not to perform measurements using a line sensor or the like for a certain period of time until the water seal surface swaying stabilizes, thereby preventing a decrease in measurement accuracy due to the water seal surface swaying.

[0149] The above-mentioned operation that causes the seal water to sway is merely an example, and the operation that causes the seal water to sway may include various operations that may cause the seal water to sway. For example, the operation that causes the seal water to sway may be an operation that causes the seal water to sway by cleaning the cleaning nozzle 6 (nozzle cleaning), such as a manual cleaning operation of the cleaning nozzle 6. For example, the operation that causes the seal water to sway may be an operation that causes the seal water to sway by wind, which is an event other than water, such as blowing air into the bowl portion 8. For example, nozzle cleaning may cause the water seal surface to sway when water droplets generated by the nozzle cleaning fall onto the seal water. Also, for example, wind such as blowing air into the bowl portion 8 may cause the water seal surface to sway when the wind hits the water seal surface.

[0150] The above-described embodiments and modifications can be appropriately combined as long as the processing contents are not contradictory.

[0151] 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.

[0152] The above-described embodiments and modifications may have the following configurations, but are not limited to these. (1) A sensor having a light emitting unit that irradiates light into the bowl portion that forms the water seal, and a light receiving unit that receives light from an area including the water seal; A control unit for controlling the sensor; Equipped with The control unit has a standby mode in which the control unit waits for a predetermined period of time to perform a process related to the measurement by the sensor after an operation that causes the seal water to sway is performed. A toilet device characterized by: (2) The control unit is The standby mode prohibits the light emitting unit from emitting light until a predetermined period of time has elapsed after an operation that causes the sealing water to sway is performed. 4. The toilet device according to claim 1, (3) The control unit is The standby mode prohibits the light receiving unit from receiving light until a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the operation that causes the seal water to sway is performed. The toilet device according to (1) or (2), comprising: (4) A lid portion provided between the bowl portion and the light receiving portion in an openable and closable manner; Equipped with The control unit is The standby mode includes a step of keeping the lid closed until a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the operation that causes the water seal to sway is performed. The toilet device according to any one of (1) to (3) above. (5) The action of causing the water seal to sway is as follows: The method includes at least one of cleaning the bowl portion, spraying water onto the bowl portion, washing the private parts of the user of the toilet device, cleaning a nozzle provided on the toilet device, and blowing air onto the bowl portion. The toilet device according to any one of (1) to (4) above. (6) A control process for controlling a sensor having a light emitting unit that irradiates light into the bowl portion in which the seal water is formed and a light receiving unit that receives light from an area including the seal water; Including, The control step includes a standby mode in which a process related to the measurement by the sensor is waited for a predetermined period of time after the operation that causes the seal water to sway is performed. A control method comprising: (7) A control procedure for controlling a sensor having a light emitting unit that irradiates light into a bowl portion that forms a water seal and a light receiving unit that receives light from an area including the water seal; on the computer, The control procedure includes a standby mode in which, after an operation that causes the seal water to sway is performed, processing related to the measurement by the sensor is waited for a predetermined period of time to elapse. A control program comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0153] R Toilet Room 1. Toilet System 2 Toilet seat device (toilet device) 3 Main body 30 Main unit cover 31 Aperture 31b opening 32 Human body detection sensor 33 Seat detection sensor 34 Control section 4 Toilet lid 5 Toilet Seat 6 Cleaning nozzle (nozzle) 60 Nozzle cover 7 Western-style toilet (toilet bowl) 71 Solenoid valve 8 Bowl section 9 Rim 10 Remote control (remote control device) 11 Display screen 100 Sensor Unit 110 Damper (lid) 111 Actuator 120 Light emitting part 121 Light emitting element 130 Light receiving part 131 Lens 132 Photodetector

Claims

1. A sensor having a light emitting unit that irradiates light into the bowl portion that forms the water seal, and a light receiving unit that receives light from an area including the water seal; A control unit for controlling the sensor; Equipped with The control unit has a standby mode in which the control unit waits for a predetermined period of time to perform a process related to the measurement by the sensor after an operation that causes the seal water to sway is performed. A toilet device characterized by:

2. The control unit is The standby mode prohibits the light emitting unit from emitting light until a predetermined period of time has elapsed after an operation that causes the sealing water to sway is performed.

2. The toilet device according to claim 1.

3. The control unit is The standby mode prohibits the light receiving unit from receiving light until a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the operation that causes the seal water to sway is performed.

3. The toilet device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

4. A lid portion provided between the bowl portion and the light receiving portion in an openable and closable manner; Equipped with The control unit is The standby mode includes a step of keeping the lid closed until a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the operation that causes the water seal to sway is performed.

3. A toilet device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The action of causing the water seal to sway is as follows: The method includes at least one of washing the bowl portion, spraying water onto the bowl portion, washing the private parts of the user of the toilet device, washing a nozzle provided on the toilet device, and blowing air onto the bowl portion.

3. A toilet device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. A control process for controlling a sensor having a light emitting unit that irradiates light into the bowl portion in which the seal water is formed and a light receiving unit that receives light from an area including the seal water; Including, The control step includes a standby mode in which a process related to the measurement by the sensor is waited for a predetermined period of time after an operation that causes the seal water to sway is performed. A control method comprising:

7. A control procedure for controlling a sensor having a light emitting unit that irradiates light into a bowl portion that forms a water seal and a light receiving unit that receives light from an area including the water seal; on the computer, The control procedure includes a standby mode in which, after an operation that causes the seal water to sway is performed, processing related to the measurement by the sensor is waited for a predetermined period of time to elapse. A control program comprising:

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