Sensor device and toilet system

Abstract

To enable detection of biological information of users using less sensors.SOLUTION: A sensor device according to an embodiment comprises a laser blood flow sensor and a control unit. The laser blood flow sensor is installed in a toilet room to acquire biological information including blood flow information of users. The control unit controls the laser blood flow sensor. The control unit determines the presence or absence of a human body on the basis of the information acquired by the laser blood flow sensor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a sensor device and a toilet system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a sensor device that irradiates a laser light toward the human body, receives scattered light from body tissue and red blood cells, detects the Doppler shift of the received signal, and detects biometric information such as pulse information and blood circulation information (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] By providing the above-mentioned sensor device in the toilet room, it is possible to detect the biometric information of a toilet user. When detecting the biometric information of a user in the toilet room, it is desirable to automatically determine whether or not the user is in a state in which his / her biometric information can be detected. Whether or not the user is in a state in which his / her biometric information can be detected can be determined, for example, by detecting whether or not the user is seated using a seat sensor. The seat sensor is provided, for example, on the toilet seat (for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-79428 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2003-10072 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, for example, when using a seating sensor to determine whether or not the user is in a state in which biological information can be detected, a plurality of sensors is required.

[0006] An object of one aspect of the embodiment is to provide a sensor device and a toilet system that detect biometric information of a user while reducing the number of sensors used. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A sensor device according to an embodiment includes a laser blood flow sensor and a control device. The laser blood flow sensor is provided in a toilet room and acquires biological information including blood flow information of a user. The control device controls the laser blood flow sensor. The control device determines the presence or absence of a human body based on the information acquired by the laser blood flow sensor.

[0008] This allows the sensor device to determine the presence or absence of a human body by the laser blood flow sensor and to detect the biometric information of the user. For example, the sensor device can detect the user sitting without using a seating sensor. Also, for example, it is possible to eliminate the space required for providing a seating sensor on the toilet seat, and multiple laser blood flow sensors can be provided on the toilet seat. Therefore, the sensor device can detect the biometric information of the user by using multiple laser blood flow sensors, and the detection accuracy of the biometric information can be improved.

[0009] The control device also has a first mode for determining the presence or absence of a human body, and a second mode for detecting biological information when the presence of a human body is determined in the first mode.

[0010] As a result, after the sensor device determines that a human body is present in the first mode, it can detect the user's biometric information in the second mode, and can use the laser blood flow sensor to detect the presence or absence of a human body and to detect the user's biometric information.

[0011] Moreover, the control device intermittently drives the laser blood flow sensor in the first mode, and continuously drives the laser blood flow sensor in the second mode.

[0012] As a result, in the first mode, the sensor device intermittently drives the laser blood flow sensor, thereby reducing the strain on the user's eyes when, for example, the user sees the laser light of the laser blood flow sensor before sitting down. Furthermore, when the laser light of the laser blood flow sensor is continuously emitted, the user is seated, so the sensor device can prevent the laser light from being irradiated onto the user's eyes. In other words, the sensor device can improve the safety of the user. Furthermore, the sensor device can shorten the time during which the laser light is continuously emitted while detecting the presence or absence of a human body and the biometric information of the user using the laser blood flow sensor, thereby extending the life of the laser blood flow sensor.

[0013] In addition, in the first mode, the control device determines the presence or absence of a human body based on the DC component of the light received by the laser blood flow sensor, and in the second mode, detects biological information based on the AC component of the light received by the laser blood flow sensor.

[0014] As a result, when determining the presence or absence of a human body in the first mode, the sensor device can determine the presence or absence of a human body in a shorter time than when determining the presence or absence of a human body using an AC component. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the sensor device and toilet system can reduce the number of sensors used and can detect the biometric information of a user with high accuracy. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a toilet system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a communication system of the toilet system according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram for explaining an outline of the laser blood flow sensor. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the human body detection process according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a biological information measurement process according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a time chart when the biological information detection process according to the embodiment is executed. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the adjustment process of the laser current value. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a time chart (part 1) showing an example in which the adjustment process of the laser current value is executed. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a time chart (part 2) showing an example in which the adjustment process of the laser current value is executed. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a time chart (part 3) showing an example in which the adjustment process of the laser current value is executed. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a time chart (part 4) showing an example in which the adjustment process of the laser current value is executed. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a time chart (part 5) showing an example in which the adjustment process of the laser current value is executed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] The toilet system disclosed in the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown below. It should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the dimensional relationships and ratios of each element may differ from the reality. The drawings may also include parts with different dimensional relationships and ratios.

[0018] A toilet system 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the toilet system 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a communication system of the toilet system 1 according to an embodiment. In this specification, "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left side", and "right side" are directions seen from a user sitting on the toilet seat 11 with their back to the open toilet lid 12.

[0019] The toilet system 1 is installed in a toilet room. The toilet system 1 includes a toilet bowl 2, a toilet seat device 3, a laser blood flow sensor 4, and a control device 5. The laser blood flow sensor 4 and the control device 5 are a sensor device 100 that detects biological information of a user. The laser blood flow sensor 4 may include the control device 5. The laser blood flow sensor 4 and a part of the control device 5 may be provided integrally.

[0020] The toilet 2 is a so-called seated toilet. The toilet 2 has a downwardly recessed bowl portion 8. The toilet 2 receives excrement such as urine and feces from the user in the bowl portion 8.

[0021] The toilet seat device 3 is installed on the top of the toilet bowl 2. The toilet seat device 3 may be attached integrally to the toilet bowl 2, or may be detachably attached to the toilet bowl 2. The toilet seat device 3 includes a main body 10, a toilet seat 11, and a toilet lid 12.

[0022] The main body 10 is attached to the top surface of the toilet 2, located behind the bowl 8 of the toilet 2. Inside the main body 10 are an opening / closing unit that controls the opening and closing of the toilet seat 11 and toilet lid 12, a toilet seat heating unit that controls the temperature of the toilet seat 11, a cleaning unit that cleans the human private parts, and a deodorizing unit that reduces odorous components. Also built into the main body 10 are a control device that comprehensively controls the operation of each unit, and a communication device 21 for communicating with a remote control 20 in the toilet room, etc.

[0023] The toilet seat 11 and the toilet lid 12 are rotatably supported relative to the main body 10. The toilet lid 12 is provided in the toilet seat device 3 as necessary and can be omitted.

[0024] A heater wire and a laser blood flow sensor 4 are provided inside the toilet seat 11. The heater wire keeps the seating portion 11a, on which the user sits, warm. Heating by the heater wire is controlled by a toilet seat heating unit provided in the main body 10.

[0025] The laser blood flow sensor 4 is an optical biosensor. The laser blood flow sensor 4 acquires bioinformation of a user seated on the toilet seat 11. The bioinformation includes blood flow information. The laser blood flow sensor 4 is provided at a position where it irradiates a laser beam toward the thighs of a user when the user sits on the seating portion 11a. Two laser blood flow sensors 4 are provided inside the toilet seat 11. The laser blood flow sensor 4 is provided so as to irradiate both thighs of a user seated on the seating portion 11a with a laser. Specifically, the two laser blood flow sensors 4 are provided so as to be symmetrical with respect to the center line of the toilet seat 11 in the left-right direction. It should be noted that three or more laser blood flow sensors 4 may be provided.

[0026] The laser blood flow sensor 4 is connected to the control device 5. The control device 5 to which the laser blood flow sensor 4 is connected is provided separately from the control devices that control each unit. The control device 5 to which the laser blood flow sensor 4 is connected is communicatively connected to the control devices 5 that control each unit. The laser blood flow sensor 4 outputs the acquired bioinformation to the control device 5. The control device 5 may be provided integrally with the control devices that control each unit.

[0027] The control device 5 controls the laser blood flow sensor 4 and measures the user's blood flow, pulse rate, pulse rate variation, etc. based on the biological information acquired from the laser blood flow sensor 4. The control device 5 also determines the presence or absence of a human body based on the information acquired by the laser blood flow sensor 4. Specifically, the control device 5 determines whether the user is seated or not. In other words, the control device 5 detects whether the user is seated.

[0028] The control device 5 transmits measurement values ​​such as blood flow rate from the communication device 21 to the remote control 20 and the user's mobile terminal 22. The communication between the communication device 21 and the remote control 20 may be wireless communication or wired communication. The communication between the communication device 21 and the mobile terminal 22 is wireless communication. The user seated on the toilet seat 11 can check vital signs such as blood flow rate on the display unit 20a of the remote control 20 or the display unit 22a of the mobile terminal 22. The measurement values ​​such as blood flow rate may be transmitted to a clinical electronic medical record system or the like.

[0029] Next, the laser blood flow sensor 4 and the control device 5 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a circuit diagram for explaining the outline of the laser blood flow sensor 4.

[0030] The laser blood flow sensor 4 is a reflection type sensor that reflects a laser light irradiated to the user's thigh by the user's blood flow and detects the reflected light. In this example, the laser blood flow sensor 4 uses a blood flow sensor that can detect the change in the flow rate of red blood cells flowing in a blood vessel using a laser light. The laser blood flow sensor 4 obtains information about the frequency at which a Doppler shift occurs due to red blood cells flowing in a blood vessel.

[0031] The laser blood flow sensor 4 includes a light emitting section 30 and a light receiving section 31 .

[0032] The light emitting unit 30 includes a laser diode 32, a stabilizing circuit 33, and a constant current driving circuit 50. The laser diode 32 emits a laser beam. The emission intensity of the laser beam can be changed by the magnitude of the laser current value. Specifically, the emission intensity of the laser beam can be changed by the magnitude of the output voltage in the control device 5.

[0033] The stabilization circuit 33 is a circuit for stabilizing the control voltage supplied from the control device 5 to the constant current drive circuit 50 when the laser current value is continuously supplied. The stabilization circuit 33 includes a capacitor 34, a switching unit 35, and resistors 36 and 37.

[0034] The capacitor 34 is switched between ground connection and non-ground connection via the switching unit 35. The switching unit 35 is a switch that switches between ground connection and non-ground connection of the capacitor 34 according to a control signal output from the control device 5.

[0035] The constant current drive circuit 50 is a circuit that keeps constant the laser current flowing through the laser diode 32. The constant current drive circuit 50 includes an operational amplifier 51, a transistor 52, and a resistor 53.

[0036] The control signal is a signal that sets the time constant in the stabilization circuit 33 to "Lo" or "Hi." Specifically, when the control signal output from the control device 5 is a signal that sets the time constant in the stabilization circuit 33 to "Lo," the switching unit 35 does not connect the capacitor 34 to ground. On the other hand, when the control signal output from the control device 5 is a signal that sets the time constant in the stabilization circuit 33 to "Hi," the switching unit 35 connects the capacitor 34 to ground.

[0037] The light receiving section 31 includes a photodiode 40, a capacitor 41, an amplifier circuit 42, and a voltage follower circuit 43. The photodiode 40 receives light from the outside. For example, the photodiode 40 receives reflected light of light emitted by the laser diode 32.

[0038] The capacitor 41 is provided to cut out the DC component and extract the AC component from the optical signal received by the photodiode 40. The capacitor 41 is provided between the amplifier circuit 42 and the photodiode 40. The amplifier circuit 42 amplifies the amplitude of the AC component and outputs the AC signal to the control device 5.

[0039] Voltage follower circuit 43 is connected to the path between capacitor 41 and photodiode 40, and outputs a DC level (DC signal) to control device 5. Note that, among the laser light reflected from the human body, the AC component is a signal containing information on blood flow that has undergone a Doppler shift due to red blood cells, and the DC component is approximately equal to the light reflected from the skin and body tissues (it also includes light reflected from red blood cells, but the amount is small).

[0040] The control device 5 is a computer. The control device 5 controls the laser current value supplied to the laser diode 32. The control device 5 can change the laser current value by adjusting the output voltage to the constant current drive circuit 50 via the stabilization circuit 33.

[0041] The control device 5 has a first mode and a second mode as the biological detection mode. The first mode is a mode for detecting the presence or absence of a human body. Specifically, the first mode is a mode for determining whether or not the user has assumed a posture for detecting biological information. For example, the first mode is a mode for determining whether or not the user has sat on the toilet seat 11.

[0042] The second mode is a mode for detecting biological information when a human body is detected by the first mode. The second mode is a mode executed after the user is in a position for detecting biological information by the first mode. For example, the second mode is executed after it is determined by the first mode that the user is seated on the toilet seat 11. The control in each mode will be described later.

[0043] The control device 5 receives the AC signal amplified by the amplifier circuit 42. The control device 5 performs AD conversion of the input AC signal to a digital signal, and then performs fast Fourier transform and frequency analysis to detect the biometric information of the user.

[0044] The control device 5 receives the DC level output from the voltage follower circuit 43. The control device 5 performs AD conversion on the input DC level, and then determines the presence or absence of a human body based on the AD converted DC level. That is, the control device 5 determines whether a user is sitting on the toilet seat 11 based on the DC component. A method of determining whether a user is sitting on the toilet seat 11 will be described later.

[0045] The control device 5 starts the first mode, for example, when a biometric detection start button for starting biometric information provided on the remote control 20 is operated by the user. The control device 5 may start the first mode automatically, regardless of operation by the remote control 20. Specifically, the control device 5 automatically starts the first mode, for example, when the power of the toilet seat device 3 is turned ON. Also, the control device 5 automatically starts the first mode, for example, when it detects the entry of a user into a toilet booth in which the toilet 2 is provided.

[0046] In the first mode, the control device 5 intermittently drives the laser blood flow sensor 4. In the first mode, the control device 5 repeatedly changes the output voltage between 0V and a predetermined voltage. The predetermined voltage is a voltage greater than 0V. In addition, in the first mode, the control device 5 sets the time constant of the stabilization circuit 33 to "Lo." That is, in the first mode, the switching unit 35 sets the capacitor 34 to a state in which it is not grounded.

[0047] In the first mode, since the capacitor 34 is not grounded, the laser diode 32 emits laser light in accordance with the pulse waveform of the output voltage output from the control device 5. Therefore, in the first mode, the laser blood flow sensor 4 is intermittently driven.

[0048] In the second mode, the control device 5 drives the laser blood flow sensor 4 continuously. In the second mode, the control device 5 sets the output voltage to a predetermined voltage. In addition, in the second mode, the control device 5 sets the time constant of the stabilization circuit 33 to "Hi." That is, in the second mode, the switching unit 35 connects the capacitor 34 to ground. Note that the continuous drive includes a long-term pulse drive (intermittent drive) of the laser light capable of detecting the user's bioinformation. In other words, the continuous drive includes a drive in which the output voltage is set to a predetermined voltage for a longer period of time than the intermittent drive in the first mode.

[0049] In the second mode, since the capacitor 34 is connected to ground, even if a slight fluctuation occurs in the output voltage output from the control device 5, the laser current value supplied to the laser diode 32 is stable, and the output of the laser light irradiated from the laser diode 32 is stable.

[0050] Next, a biological information detection process according to the embodiment will be described. The biological information detection process includes a human body detection process and a biological information measurement process.

[0051] First, the human body detection process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the human body detection process according to the embodiment. The human body detection process is started, for example, by operating a biological information detection start button on the remote control 20. The human body detection process is started when it is determined in the biological information measurement process that there is no human body, as will be described in detail later. The human body detection process may be started automatically, regardless of the operation of the biological information detection start button on the remote control 20. The human body detection process is started when the power of the toilet seat device 3 is turned ON, and may be performed continuously when the power of the toilet seat device 3 is ON. The human body detection process may be started automatically when a user in the toilet booth is detected.

[0052] The control device 5 sets the biological detection mode to the first mode (S100). Next, the control device 5 sets the time constant of the stabilization circuit 33 to "Lo" (S101). That is, the control device 5 sets the capacitor 34 of the stabilization circuit 33 to a state where it is not connected to ground.

[0053] Next, the control device 5 sets the output voltage to 0 V (S102). Since the capacitor 34 of the stabilization circuit 33 is not grounded and the output voltage is 0 V, the radar current value is zero and the laser diode 32 does not irradiate laser light.

[0054] Next, the control device 5 detects the DC level (S103). The control device 5 detects the DC level when the laser diode 32 is not irradiating laser light (hereinafter referred to as the "non-emission DC level"). The non-emission DC level means the brightness of the surrounding environment where the photodiode 40 receives light. In other words, it is the level of external light.

[0055] Next, the control device 5 judges whether the non-light emitting DC level is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value (S104). The first predetermined value is a preset value, which is the maximum value allowed as external light. If the non-light emitting DC level is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value (S104: Yes), the control device 5 judges that no human body is present (S105). In other words, if the non-light emitting DC level is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value, the control device 5 judges that no user is seated on the toilet seat 11.

[0056] If the non-light emitting DC level is less than the first predetermined value (S104: No), the control device 5 sets the output voltage to a predetermined voltage (S106). As a result, the laser current value increases according to the predetermined voltage, and the laser diode 32 irradiates the laser light.

[0057] Next, the control device 5 judges whether or not the first elapsed time after the output voltage is set to the predetermined voltage has reached the first predetermined time (S107). The first predetermined time is a time that is set in advance and is a very short time. The first predetermined time is, for example, 10 μs. If the first elapsed time has not reached the first predetermined time (S107: No), the control device 5 repeats the process of step S107 and waits.

[0058] When the first elapsed time reaches the first predetermined time (S107: Yes), the control device 5 detects the DC level (S108). The control device 5 detects the DC level in a state in which the laser diode 32 is irradiating laser light (hereinafter referred to as the "DC level with light emission").

[0059] Next, the control device 5 sets the output voltage to 0 V (S109), whereby the laser diode 32 stops emitting the laser light.

[0060] Next, the control device 5 judges whether the difference between the light-emitting DC level and the non-light-emitting DC level is equal to or greater than a first predetermined difference (S110). The first predetermined difference is a preset value. When a human body is present, that is, when a user is seated on the toilet seat 11, the light-emitting DC level becomes high because of the light reflected by the user. Therefore, the light-emitting DC level when the user is seated on the toilet seat 11 is higher than the light-emitting DC level when the user is not seated on the toilet seat 11. The first predetermined difference is set as a value that can determine whether the user is seated on the toilet seat 11. For example, the first predetermined difference is set according to the results of an experiment, a simulation, or the like.

[0061] If the difference between the DC level with light emission and the DC level without light emission is equal to or greater than the first predetermined difference (S110: Yes), the control device 5 determines that a human body is present (S111). That is, the control device 5 determines that a user is seated on the toilet seat 11. If the control device 5 determines that a user is seated on the toilet seat 11, it proceeds to a biological information detection process described later (S112).

[0062] If the difference between the light-emission DC level and the non-light-emission DC level is less than the first predetermined difference (S110: No), the control device 5 determines that no human body is present (S105). In other words, the control device 5 determines that no user is seated on the toilet seat 11.

[0063] Next, the control device 5 judges whether or not the second elapsed time after the output voltage is set to 0V has reached the second predetermined time (S113). That is, the control device 5 judges whether or not the second elapsed time after the laser diode 32 has stopped emitting the laser light has reached the second predetermined time. The second predetermined time is a time that is set in advance and is longer than the first predetermined time. For example, the second predetermined time is 10 ms.

[0064] If the second elapsed time has reached the second predetermined time (S113: Yes), the control device 5 returns to step S102 and repeats the above process.

[0065] Thus, in the first mode, the control device 5 repeatedly irradiates the laser light from the laser diode 32 at intervals of the second predetermined time, intermittently drives the laser blood flow sensor 4, and determines the presence or absence of a human body based on the DC component.

[0066] In the first mode, since the capacitor 34 of the stabilization circuit 33 is not connected to ground, the laser blood flow sensor 4 can intermittently drive the laser diode 32 in immediate response to the timing at which the output voltage is switched to 0 V or a specified voltage.

[0067] If the second elapsed time has not reached the second predetermined time (S113: No), the control device 5 determines whether or not the end condition of the biological information detection process is satisfied (S114). For example, the control device 5 determines that the end condition of the biological information detection process is satisfied when the biological information detection end button of the remote control 20 is operated. The control device 5 determines that the end condition of the biological information detection process is not satisfied when the biological information detection end button of the remote control 20 is not operated.

[0068] If the end condition of the biological information detection process is satisfied (S114: Yes), the control device 5 ends the current process.

[0069] If the condition for ending the biological information detection process is not satisfied (S114: No), the control device 5 returns to step S113 and repeats the above process.

[0070] The control device 5 may determine that the end condition of the biological information detection process is satisfied when the measurement end time has elapsed since the start of the human body detection process. The measurement end time is a preset time, for example, the time it takes for the user to generally use the toilet. As described above, the human body detection process may be performed at all times when the power of the toilet seat device 3 is ON, and may be continued regardless of the elapse of the measurement end time.

[0071] Next, the biological information measurement process will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the biological information measurement process according to the embodiment. The biological information measurement process is started when it is determined by the human body detection process that a human body is present (S110).

[0072] The control device 5 sets the living body detection mode to the second mode (S200). Next, the control device 5 sets the time constant of the stabilization circuit 33 to "Hi" (S201). That is, the control device 5 sets the capacitor 34 of the stabilization circuit 33 to a grounded state.

[0073] Next, the control device 5 sets the output voltage to a predetermined voltage (S202). This causes the laser diode 32 to emit laser light. In the second mode, since the time constant of the stabilization circuit 33 is set to "Hi", the laser diode 32 continuously emits laser light. That is, in the second mode, the laser blood flow sensor 4 is continuously driven.

[0074] Next, the control device 5 judges whether or not the third elapsed time after the output voltage is set to the predetermined voltage has reached the third predetermined time (S203). The third predetermined time is a preset time, and is the time it takes for the capacitor 34 to be charged. In other words, the third predetermined time is the time it takes for the stabilization circuit 33 to stabilize the laser current value of the laser light irradiated from the laser diode 32. If the third elapsed time has not reached the third predetermined time (S203: No), the control device 5 repeats the process of step S203 and waits.

[0075] If the third elapsed time reaches the third predetermined time (S203: Yes), the control device 5 starts detecting the biological information of the user based on the AC signal (S204).

[0076] Next, the control device 5 determines whether the fourth elapsed time has reached a fourth predetermined time (S205). The fourth predetermined time is a sampling period for detecting the user's biological information. That is, the control device 5 determines whether the sampling period has elapsed. For example, the control device 5 determines whether the fourth elapsed time from the start of detection of the user's biological information has reached the fourth predetermined time.

[0077] If the fourth elapsed time has not reached the fourth predetermined time (S205: No), the control device 5 repeats the process of step S205 and waits. If the fourth elapsed time has reached the fourth predetermined time (S205: Yes), the control device 5 detects the DC level (S206). The control device 5 detects the light emission DC level.

[0078] Next, the control device 5 determines whether the light emitting DC level is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value (S207). The second predetermined value is a preset value, which is a DC level that is detected when a user is seated on the toilet seat 11. The second predetermined value is set, for example, according to the results of an experiment, a simulation, or the like.

[0079] If the light-emission DC level is equal to or higher than the second predetermined value (S207: Yes), the control device 5 determines that a human body is present (S208). In other words, the control device 5 determines that the state in which a user is seated on the toilet seat 11 continues.

[0080] Next, the control device 5 detects the biological information of the user based on the AC signal acquired during the fourth predetermined time (S209). For example, the control device 5 calculates the blood circulation information and pulse information of the user.

[0081] Next, the control device 5 determines whether or not the end condition of the biological information detection process is satisfied (S210). If the end condition of the biological information detection process is not satisfied (S210: No), the control device 5 returns to step S205 and repeats the above process. That is, the control device 5 repeats detection of the user's biological information based on the AC signal and determination of the presence or absence of a human body.

[0082] When the end condition of the biological information detection process is satisfied (S210: Yes), the control device 5 sets the output voltage to 0 V (S211), whereby the emission of the laser light from the laser diode 32 is stopped.

[0083] Next, the control device 5 ends the detection of the user's biological information based on the AC signal (S212), and ends the biological information detection process.

[0084] If the light emitting DC level is less than the second predetermined value (S207: No), the control device 5 determines that there is no human body (S213). In other words, the control device 5 determines that the user is not seated on the toilet seat 11.

[0085] Next, the control device 5 sets the output voltage to 0 V (214), thereby causing the laser diode 32 to stop emitting the laser light.

[0086] Next, the control device 5 ends the detection of the user's biological information based on the AC signal (S215), and proceeds to human body detection processing (S216).

[0087] Next, an example of execution of the biological information detection process according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a time chart when the biological information detection process according to the embodiment is executed. Here, it is assumed that the user operates the biological information detection start button on the remote control 20 to start the human body detection process.

[0088] 6, from the top, the laser current value, reflection level, AC signal, and DC level of the laser diode 32 are shown. The reflection level indicates the amount of light received when the laser diode 32 emits light. The reflection level does not include the amount of external light received. In other words, the reflection level does not include external light, and is therefore not the light reception level of the photodiode 40. In addition, examples of the state of external light are shown by dashed lines for the reflection level and DC level.

[0089] In the human body detection process, since the living body detection mode is set to the first mode, the laser blood flow sensor 4 is intermittently driven and the laser light is intermittently emitted.

[0090] At time t0, a non-emission DC level is detected without emitting light from the laser diode 32. Here, since the detected non-emission DC level is less than the first predetermined value, laser light is then emitted from the laser diode 32, and a light-emission DC level is detected.

[0091] Here, the DC level with light emission is small, and the difference between the DC level with light emission and the DC level without light emission is less than the first predetermined difference, so it is determined that there is no human body, that is, the user is not seated on the toilet seat 11. Therefore, the human body detection process continues. Note that, when the user is not seated on the toilet seat 11, the reflection level, when the laser light is irradiated, is, for example, a level corresponding to the internal reflection of the case of the laser blood flow sensor 4, and is a constant level that is sufficiently smaller than the reflection when the user is seated on the toilet seat 11.

[0092] After that, the external light increases, and the no-emission DC level detected at time t1 becomes equal to or greater than the first predetermined value (assuming that the external light has changed in this way at time t1). Therefore, at this time, the laser diode 32 does not irradiate laser light.

[0093] After that, the detected DC level with light emission increases, and the difference between the DC level with light emission and the DC level without light emission becomes equal to or greater than the first predetermined difference. Then, at time t2, it is determined that there is a human body, that is, that a user is seated on the toilet seat 11. As a result, the process shifts to a biological information measurement process.

[0094] In the biometric information measurement process, the biometric detection mode is set to the second mode, the laser blood flow sensor 4 is continuously driven, and the laser light is continuously irradiated. The reflection level is high because it includes the light reflected by the human body. Also, the light emission DC level is high. Furthermore, the AC signal has a waveform of an optical beat signal scattered by red blood cells in the human body. In the biometric information measurement process, the user's biometric information is detected based on the AC signal.

[0095] Thereafter, when the user leaves the toilet seat 11, the light reflected by the human body disappears, and the light-emission DC level decreases. Then, at time t3, if the light-emission DC level is less than the second predetermined value, it is determined that there is no human body, that is, that the user has left the toilet seat 11. This causes the process to move to human body detection processing. In the human body detection processing, the living body detection mode is then set to the first mode, so the laser blood flow sensor 4 is intermittently driven and the laser light is intermittently emitted.

[0096] Furthermore, the control device 5 is capable of adjusting a laser current value of the laser diode 32. Specifically, the control device 5 adjusts the laser current value of the laser diode 32 by adjusting a predetermined voltage of the output voltage.

[0097] Next, the adjustment process of the laser current value will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the adjustment process of the laser current value. The adjustment process of the laser current value is performed in accordance with the biological information measurement process when the biological information measurement process is being performed.

[0098] The control device 5 sets the laser current value to a preset reference current value (S300). Specifically, the control device 5 sets a predetermined voltage of the output voltage to a reference voltage so that the laser current value becomes the reference current value.

[0099] In the biological information measurement process, the control device 5 judges whether the fourth elapsed time has reached the fourth predetermined time (S301). That is, the control device 5 judges whether the sampling period for detecting the user's biological information has elapsed. If the fourth elapsed time has not reached the fourth predetermined time, the control device 5 repeats the process of step S301 and waits.

[0100] When the fourth elapsed time reaches the fourth predetermined time (S301: Yes), the control device 5 calculates a PP value (peak-to-peak value) of the AC signal detected during the fourth elapsed time (S302).

[0101] Next, the control device 5 detects the DC level with light emission (S303). The control device 5 detects the DC level with light emission during a fourth elapsed time. Next, the control device 5 determines whether the DC level with light emission is equal to or greater than a third predetermined value (S304). The third predetermined value is a value set in advance. The third predetermined value is the maximum value that is allowable for the DC level with light emission. The third predetermined value is a value for suppressing saturation of the laser blood flow sensor 4.

[0102] If the light-emitting DC level is equal to or greater than the third predetermined value (S304: Yes), the control device 5 reduces the laser current value (S305). Specifically, the control device 5 reduces the predetermined voltage of the output voltage so that the laser current value decreases at a first predetermined rate. The first predetermined rate is a preset rate, for example, 5%. After reducing the laser current value, the control device 5 transitions the process to step S310.

[0103] If the light-emission DC level is less than the third predetermined value (S304: No), the control device 5 determines whether the PP value of the AC signal is equal to or greater than a fourth predetermined value (S306). The fourth predetermined value is a preset value. The fourth predetermined value is the maximum allowable value for the amplitude of the AC signal.

[0104] If the PP value of the AC signal is equal to or greater than the fourth predetermined value (S306: Yes), the control device 5 decreases the laser current value (S305).

[0105] If the PP value of the AC signal is less than the fourth predetermined value (S306: No), the control device 5 determines whether the PP value of the AC signal is equal to or less than a fifth predetermined value (S307). The fifth predetermined value is a value set in advance. The fifth predetermined value is smaller than the fourth predetermined value. The fifth predetermined value is the minimum value that is allowable in the amplitude of the AC signal.

[0106] When the PP value of the AC signal is less than the fifth predetermined value (S307: No), the control device 5 shifts the process to step S310.

[0107] If the PP value of the AC signal is equal to or less than the fifth predetermined value (S307: Yes), the control device 5 determines whether the light-emission DC level is equal to or less than a sixth predetermined value (S308). The sixth predetermined value is a value set in advance. The sixth predetermined value is smaller than the third predetermined value. The sixth predetermined value is, for example, a value that is 95% of the third predetermined value. Here, the control device 5 determines whether the light-emission DC level has an increase margin with respect to the third predetermined value.

[0108] When the light emission DC level is greater than the sixth predetermined value (S308: No), the control device 5 shifts the process to step S310.

[0109] If the light-emitting DC level is equal to or lower than the sixth predetermined value (S308: Yes), the control device 5 increases the laser current value (S309). Specifically, the control device 5 increases the predetermined voltage of the output voltage so that the laser current value increases by a second predetermined rate. The second predetermined rate is a preset rate, for example, 5%. After increasing the laser current value, the control device 5 proceeds to step S310.

[0110] The control device 5 determines whether or not the end condition of the biological information detection process is satisfied (S310). If the end condition of the biological information detection process is not satisfied (S310: No), the control device 5 returns to step S301 and repeats the above process.

[0111] If the end condition for the biological information detection process is satisfied (S310: Yes), the control device 5 ends the current process.

[0112] Next, the laser current value, DC level with light emission, and AC signal when the adjustment process of the laser current value is executed will be described with reference to Figs. 8 to 12. Fig. 8 is a time chart (part 1) showing an example of the adjustment process of the laser current value being executed. Fig. 9 is a time chart (part 2) showing an example of the adjustment process of the laser current value being executed. Fig. 10 is a time chart (part 3) showing an example of the adjustment process of the laser current value being executed. Fig. 11 is a time chart (part 4) showing an example of the adjustment process of the laser current value being executed. Fig. 12 is a time chart (part 5) showing an example of the adjustment process of the laser current value being executed. In Figs. 8 to 12, the vertical dashed lines correspond to the sampling period, that is, the passage of a fourth predetermined time.

[0113] As shown in Fig. 8, at time T0, the laser current value is set to the reference current value, and then at time T1, the DC level with light emission is equal to or greater than the third predetermined value. Therefore, the laser current value is reduced. At time T2, the DC level with light emission is also equal to or greater than the third predetermined value. Therefore, the laser current value is reduced. Thereafter, the DC level with light emission is less than the third predetermined value, so the laser current value is maintained. Note that in Fig. 8, the PP value of the AC signal is less than the fourth predetermined value and equal to or greater than the fifth predetermined value.

[0114] In this way, when the DC level with light emission is equal to or greater than the third predetermined value, the laser current value is reduced to suppress saturation of the laser blood flow sensor 4. Note that saturation means that the DC current of the photodiode 40 becomes large, the voltage of the lower resistor approaches the power supply voltage, and the voltage does not change.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 9, after the laser current value is set to the reference current value at time T0, the DC level with light emission is equal to or greater than the third predetermined value at time T1. Therefore, the laser current value is reduced. At time T2, the DC level with light emission is equal to or greater than the third predetermined value. Therefore, the laser current value is reduced. At time T3, the DC level with light emission is equal to or greater than the third predetermined value. Therefore, the laser current value is reduced. At time T4, the DC level with light emission is less than the third predetermined value, but the PP value of the AC signal from time T3 to T4 is equal to or greater than the fourth predetermined value. This may cause a concern that the output range of the amplifier circuit 42 and the input range (accuracy guarantee range) of the A / D conversion of the control device 5 may be exceeded. Therefore, the laser current value is reduced at time T4. Thereafter, the DC level with light emission is less than the third predetermined value and the PP value of the AC signal is less than the fourth predetermined value, so the laser current value is maintained. Note that in FIG. 9, the PP value of the AC signal is greater than the fifth predetermined value.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 10, after the laser current value is set to the reference current value at time T0, the DC level with light emission is less than the third predetermined value at time T1, but the PP value of the AC signal from time T0 to T1 is equal to or greater than the fourth predetermined value. Therefore, the laser current value is reduced. At time T2, the DC level with light emission is also less than the third predetermined value, but the PP value of the AC signal from time T1 to T2 is equal to or greater than the fourth predetermined value. Therefore, the laser current value is reduced. At time T3, the DC level with light emission is also less than the third predetermined value, but the PP value of the AC signal from time T2 to T3 is equal to or greater than the fourth predetermined value. Therefore, the laser current value is reduced. Thereafter, since the PP value of the AC signal is less than the third predetermined value, the laser current value is maintained. Note that in FIG. 10, the laser current value is reduced, and thus the DC level with light emission is also reduced. Also, in FIG. 10, the PP value of the AC signal is greater than the fifth predetermined value.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 11, after the laser current value is set to the reference current value at time T0, the DC level with light emission is less than the third predetermined value at time T1, but the PP value of the AC signal from time T0 to T1 is equal to or less than the fifth predetermined value. Therefore, the laser current value is increased. Here, the DC level with light emission is sufficiently smaller than the third predetermined value and is equal to or less than the sixth predetermined value. At time T2, the DC level with light emission is also less than the third predetermined value, but the PP value of the AC signal from time T1 to T2 is equal to or less than the fifth predetermined value. Therefore, the laser current value is increased. At time T3, the DC level with light emission is also less than the third predetermined value, but the PP value of the AC signal from time T2 to T3 is equal to or less than the fifth predetermined value. Therefore, the laser current value is increased. Thereafter, the PP value of the AC signal is greater than the fifth predetermined value, so the laser current value is maintained. Note that in FIG. 11, the DC level with light emission also increases as the laser current value is increased, but is equal to or less than the sixth predetermined value.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 12, at time T0, the laser current value is set to the reference current value, and then at time T1, the DC level with light emission is less than the third predetermined value, but the PP value of the AC signal from time T0 to T1 is equal to or less than the fifth predetermined value. Therefore, the laser current value is increased. At time T2, the DC level with light emission is less than the third predetermined value, but the PP value of the AC signal from time T1 to T2 is equal to or less than the fifth predetermined value. However, the DC level with light emission is greater than the sixth predetermined value. Therefore, if the laser current value is increased, there is a risk that the DC level with light emission will become equal to or greater than the third predetermined value. Therefore, the laser current value is maintained.

[0119] In this manner, the laser current value is adjusted. The DC level of light received by the photodiode 40 may change depending on the user's characteristics (for example, the user's skin color or the amount of body hair). Therefore, by adjusting the laser current value, the control device 5 can detect the user's biological information even when the user's characteristics differ.

[0120] The sensor device 100 includes a laser blood flow sensor 4 and a control device 5. The laser blood flow sensor 4 is provided in a toilet room and acquires biological information including blood flow information of a user. The control device 5 controls the laser blood flow sensor 4. The control device 5 determines the presence or absence of a human body based on the information acquired by the laser blood flow sensor 4.

[0121] As a result, the sensor device 100 can determine the presence or absence of a human body and detect the biometric information of the user by using the laser blood flow sensor 4. For example, the sensor device 100 can detect the user sitting without using a seating sensor. Also, for example, the space required for providing a seating sensor on the toilet seat 11 can be eliminated, and multiple laser blood flow sensors 4 can be provided on the toilet seat 11. Therefore, the sensor device 100 can detect the biometric information of the user by using multiple laser blood flow sensors 4, for example, and the detection accuracy of the biometric information can be improved.

[0122] The control device 5 also has a first mode for determining the presence or absence of a human body, and a second mode for detecting biological information when the presence of a human body is determined in the first mode.

[0123] As a result, after the sensor device 100 determines that a human body is present in the first mode, it can detect the user's biometric information in the second mode, and use the laser blood flow sensor 4 to detect the presence or absence of a human body and to detect the user's biometric information.

[0124] Moreover, the control device 5 drives the laser blood flow sensor 4 intermittently in the first mode, and drives the laser blood flow sensor 4 continuously in the second mode.

[0125] As a result, in the first mode, the sensor device 100 can reduce the strain on the user's eyes when, for example, the user sees the laser light of the laser blood flow sensor 4 before sitting down by intermittently driving the laser blood flow sensor 4. Also, when the laser light of the laser blood flow sensor 4 is continuously emitted, the user is seated, so the sensor device 100 can prevent the laser light from being irradiated onto the user's eyes. That is, the sensor device 100 can improve the safety of the user. Also, the sensor device 100 can shorten the time during which the laser light is continuously emitted while detecting the presence or absence of a human body and the biological information of the user using the laser blood flow sensor 4, and can extend the life of the laser blood flow sensor 4.

[0126] In addition, in the first mode, the control device 5 determines the presence or absence of a human body based on the DC component of the light received by the laser blood flow sensor 4, and in the second mode, detects biological information based on the AC component of the light received by the laser blood flow sensor 4.

[0127] As a result, when the sensor device 100 determines the presence or absence of a human body in the first mode, it can determine the presence or absence of a human body in a shorter time than when the sensor device 100 determines the presence or absence of a human body using an AC component.

[0128] 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.

[0129] <Additional Notes> (1) a laser blood flow sensor provided in a toilet room for acquiring biological information including blood flow information of a user; A control device for controlling the laser blood flow sensor; Equipped with The control device determines the presence or absence of a human body based on information acquired by the laser blood flow sensor. (2) The control device includes: A first mode for determining the presence or absence of a human body; a second mode for detecting the biological information when the first mode determines that a human body is present; The sensor device according to (1) , (3) The control device includes: In the first mode, the laser blood flow sensor is intermittently driven, The sensor device according to (2), wherein in the second mode, the laser blood flow sensor is driven continuously. (4) The control device includes: In the first mode, the presence or absence of a human body is determined based on a DC component of the light received by the laser blood flow sensor; The sensor device according to (2) or (3), wherein in the second mode, the biological information is detected based on an AC component of light received by the laser blood flow sensor. (5) A toilet system comprising the sensor device according to any one of (1) to (4). [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] 1. Toilet System 2 Toilet 4. Laser blood flow sensor 5. Control device 20 Remote Control 30 Light emitting part 31 Light receiving part 32 Laser Diode 33 Stabilization circuit 34 Capacitor 35 Switching section 40 Photodiode 41 Capacitor 100 Sensor device

Claims

1. a laser blood flow sensor provided in the toilet room for acquiring biological information including blood flow information of a user; A control device for controlling the laser blood flow sensor; Equipped with The control device determines the presence or absence of a human body based on information acquired by the laser blood flow sensor.

2. The control device includes: A first mode for determining the presence or absence of a human body; a second mode for detecting the biological information when the presence of a human body is determined in the first mode; The sensor device of claim 1 .

3. The control device includes: In the first mode, the laser blood flow sensor is intermittently driven, The sensor device according to claim 2 , wherein in the second mode, the laser blood flow sensor is driven continuously.

4. The control device includes: In the first mode, the presence or absence of a human body is determined based on a DC component of the light received by the laser blood flow sensor; The sensor device according to claim 2 , wherein in the second mode, the biological information is detected based on an AC component of light received by the laser blood flow sensor.

5. A toilet system comprising a sensor device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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