Flush water control method, control device, and flush water control program

Abstract

To prevent clogging of a toilet bowl due to foreign matter while preventing leakage of flush water from the toilet bowl.SOLUTION: A controller 2 acquires image data captured by a camera 1 which is located at a toilet bowl to capture an image of the bowl, determines whether an unacceptable matter being an object having a possibility of clogging the toilet is in the bowl by performing image recognition based on the image data, and sends, to a flush water controller 3, a flow prohibition signal of prohibiting flush water from flowing when it is determined that the unacceptable matter is in the bowl.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to technology for controlling the outflow of flush water into a toilet bowl. [Background technology]

[0002] In elderly care facilities and hospitals, toilets frequently become clogged due to residents and patients dropping foreign objects such as disposable diapers into the toilet. When the toilet becomes clogged, flush water leaks from the toilet. Patent Document 1 discloses a leakage prevention mechanism that is provided with a water level sensor in a flush toilet, and issues an alarm when the water level exceeds an upper water level and keeps the flush valve from opening. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2000-282538 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with the technology in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to detect foreign objects in the toilet bowl before flushing water is discharged, so further improvements are needed to prevent flushing water from leaking from the toilet bowl while also preventing the toilet bowl from becoming clogged with foreign objects.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a technique for preventing clogging of the toilet bowl due to foreign objects while preventing flush water from leaking from the toilet bowl. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A flush water control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a flush water control method in a control device communicatively connected to a flush water control device that controls the outflow of flush water into a flush toilet, which obtains image data captured by a camera installed on the toilet so as to be able to capture an image of the bowl portion of the toilet, and performs image recognition on the image data to determine whether a foreign object that may clog the toilet has been placed in the bowl portion, and if it is determined that the foreign object has been placed in the bowl portion, sends an outflow prohibition signal to the flush water control device to prohibit the outflow of flush water. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent flush water from leaking from the toilet while preventing the toilet from becoming clogged with foreign matter. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a discharge management system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement positions of a sensor unit and a control device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the water tank. [Figure 4] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the control device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a discharge management system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a control device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a discharge management system according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a control device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a discharge management system according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] (Background to one aspect of the present disclosure) In Patent Document 1, a water level sensor installed at the top of the toilet bowl detects whether the water level in the toilet has exceeded an upper limit, and when the water level exceeds the upper limit, the flush valve is kept unable to open. In this way, Patent Document 1 aims to prevent flush water from leaking from the toilet.

[0010] However, in Patent Document 1, even if a foreign object is thrown into the bowl, the water level does not rise significantly before flushing water is started, so unless flushing water is drained after the foreign object is thrown in, the water level sensor cannot detect that the stored water has exceeded the upper water level. In other words, in Patent Document 1, it is not possible to detect a foreign object that has been thrown in quickly after it has been thrown in. This means that the foreign object will flow toward the drain as flushing water flows, which may cause the toilet to become clogged.

[0011] The inventors therefore discovered that by capturing an image of the situation inside the bowl portion with a camera, analysing the obtained image data to determine whether a foreign object has been inserted, and prohibiting the outflow of flushing water if it is determined that a foreign object has been inserted, it is possible to prevent flushing water from leaking while also preventing the toilet from becoming clogged with foreign objects, and this led to the various aspects of the present disclosure described below.

[0012] A flush water control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a flush water control method in a control device communicatively connected to a flush water control device that controls the outflow of flush water into a flush toilet, which obtains image data captured by a camera installed on the toilet so as to be able to capture an image of the bowl portion of the toilet, and performs image recognition on the image data to determine whether a foreign object that may clog the toilet has been placed in the bowl portion, and if it is determined that the foreign object has been placed in the bowl portion, sends an outflow prohibition signal to the flush water control device to prohibit the outflow of flush water.

[0013] According to this configuration, whether or not a foreign object has been thrown into the bowl section is determined by image recognition of image data acquired by the camera, and if it is determined that a foreign object has been thrown into the bowl section, an outflow prohibition signal is sent to the flush water control device. Therefore, when the throwing of a foreign object is detected, it is possible to quickly prohibit the outflow of flush water. This makes it possible to prohibit the outflow of flush water before it flows out after the foreign object has been thrown in, making it possible to prevent flush water from leaking out of the toilet bowl while also preventing the toilet bowl from becoming clogged with foreign objects.

[0014] In the above flush water control method, sensing data may further be acquired from a sensor for detecting whether or not a user is seated on the toilet, and if it is determined that the foreign object has been dropped into the bowl portion, it may further be determined whether or not the user is seated on the toilet using the sensing data, and if it is determined that the user is not seated, the outflow prohibition signal may be transmitted, and if it is determined that the user is seated, the outflow prohibition signal may not be transmitted.

[0015] In many cases, foreign objects are inserted when the user is not seated. With this configuration, even if an image recognition result indicates that a foreign object has been inserted, if the user is not seated on the toilet, the outflow prohibition signal is not transmitted, so it is possible to prevent the outflow prohibition signal from being transmitted even when no foreign object has actually been inserted. In addition, the accuracy of detecting foreign objects can be improved.

[0016] In the above-mentioned cleaning water control method, after transmitting the outflow prohibition signal, it may be further determined whether or not the foreign matter has been removed from the bowl portion by performing image recognition on the image data, and if it is determined that the foreign matter has been removed, an outflow permission signal that permits the outflow of the cleaning water may be transmitted to the cleaning water control device.

[0017] According to this configuration, after the outflow prohibition signal is transmitted, it is determined whether or not the foreign object has been removed by image recognition of the image data, and if it is determined that the foreign object has been removed, the outflow permission signal is transmitted. Therefore, the wash water control device, which is in a state in which outflow of wash water is prohibited by the outflow prohibition signal, can be automatically restored to a state in which outflow of wash water is permitted after the foreign object has been removed.

[0018] In the above-described cleaning water control method, when determining whether or not a foreign object is present, if the image data includes an image showing an object other than feces or urination that is equal to or larger than a predetermined size, the object may be determined to be the foreign object.

[0019] A disposable diaper placed in the bowl portion is an example of a foreign object that may cause a toilet to clog. The disposable diaper has a color different from that of feces and urine, and is a size equal to or larger than a predetermined size. With this configuration, if the image data contains an image of an object other than feces and urine that is equal to or larger than a predetermined size, the object is determined to be a foreign object. Therefore, foreign objects that may cause a toilet to clog can be accurately detected.

[0020] In the above-mentioned cleaning water control method, the image data is color image data having a plurality of color components, and in determining the foreign object, a difference image between base image data showing the state of the bowl portion in which defecation, urination, and the foreign object are not present and the image data is calculated, and it is determined whether or not an image showing the defecation and urination is included in the image data based on the brightness of each color component of the difference image.

[0021] According to this configuration, since the base image data showing the state of the bowl section where no defecation, urination, or foreign objects are present and the difference image between the image data are calculated, images showing defecation, urination, and foreign objects present in the bowl section can be accurately extracted from the image data. In addition, defecation and urination are characterized by high brightness of specific color components. According to this configuration, whether or not images showing defecation and urination are included in the image data is determined based on the brightness of each color component of the difference image. Therefore, according to this configuration, defecation and urination can be accurately detected, and therefore foreign objects can be accurately detected.

[0022] In the above-mentioned washing water control method, the foreign matter may include a diaper.

[0023] According to this configuration, since diapers are recognized as foreign objects, it is possible to prevent toilet clogging caused by diapers, which is a frequent occurrence in elderly care facilities, hospitals, etc.

[0024] A control device according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a control device communicatively connected to a flush water control device that controls the outflow of flush water into a flush toilet, and includes an image data acquisition unit that acquires image data captured by a camera installed on the toilet so as to be able to capture an image of the bowl portion of the toilet, a foreign object determination unit that determines whether a foreign object that may clog the toilet has been placed in the bowl portion by image recognition of the image data, and a communication control unit that, when the foreign object determination unit determines that a foreign object has been placed in the bowl portion, transmits an outflow prohibition signal to the flush water control device to prohibit the outflow of flush water.

[0025] A flush water control program according to yet another aspect of the present disclosure is a flush water control program that causes a computer to function as a control device communicatively connected to a flush water control device that controls the outflow of flush water into a flush toilet, and obtains image data captured by a camera installed on the toilet so that the bowl portion of the toilet can be imaged, and performs image recognition on the image data to determine whether a foreign object that may clog the toilet has been placed in the bowl portion, and if it determines that the foreign object has been placed in the bowl, sends an outflow prohibition signal to the flush water control device to prohibit the outflow of flush water.

[0026] The present disclosure can also be realized as a flush water control system operated by a flush water control program. It goes without saying that such a computer program can be distributed on a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM or via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0027] Note that each of the embodiments described below shows a specific example of the present disclosure. The numerical values, shapes, components, steps, and order of steps shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in an independent claim showing a top-level concept are described as optional components. Furthermore, in all of the embodiments, the respective contents can be combined.

[0028] (Embodiment 1) Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a discharge management system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement positions of a sensor unit 105 and a control device 2 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] The discharge management system shown in Fig. 1 includes a camera 1, a control device 2, a flush water control device 3, and a server 4. As shown in Fig. 2, a toilet 101 includes a bowl portion 101a and an edge portion 101b. The edge portion 101b is disposed at the upper end of the toilet 101 and is a member that defines the opening of the toilet 101. The bowl portion 101a is disposed below the edge portion 101b and is a member that receives feces and urine. The sensor unit 105 is hung on the edge portion 101b. The camera 1 is connected to the control device 2 by wire or wirelessly so that they can communicate with each other.

[0030] A drain port (not shown) is provided at the bottom of the bowl portion 101a. Feces and urine discharged into the bowl portion 101a are drained through the drain port into a sewer pipe. In other words, the toilet 101 is a flush toilet. A toilet seat 102 on which a user sits is provided at the top of the toilet 101. The toilet seat 102 rotates up and down. The user sits with the toilet seat 102 lowered over the toilet 101. A water storage tank 103 is provided behind the toilet 101 to store flushing water for flushing feces and urine.

[0031] Return to FIG. 1. The camera 1 is installed on the toilet 101 so that the bowl portion 101a can be photographed. The camera 1 is disposed in the sensor unit 105 shown in FIG. 2. The camera 1 is, for example, a high-sensitivity, wide-angle camera that can capture color images having R (red), G (green), and B (blue) components. In the field of object detection, cameras that illuminate an object with an infrared light-emitting diode and a white light-emitting diode and photograph the object are widely used. However, such conventional cameras have difficulty in detecting objects that have a large amount of color components, particularly red, and therefore it is difficult to distinguish between defecation and urination. Therefore, in this embodiment, a high-sensitivity, wide-angle camera is adopted as the camera 1. Specifically, the camera 1 is a high-sensitivity camera having a 1 / 4-inch CMOS. The camera 1 is also a wide-angle camera with a horizontal angle of view of 120 degrees and a vertical angle of view of 45 degrees. Note that these numerical values ​​for the number of inches and the angle of view are merely examples, and other values ​​may be used. The camera 1 is connected to the control device 2 by wire or wirelessly so that they can communicate with each other. The camera 1 captures images of the inside of the bowl portion 101a at a predetermined frame rate and transmits the obtained image data. Here, the camera 1 constantly transmits the captured image data to the control device 2.

[0032] The control device 2 is a control device for the toilet 101 that is communicatively connected to the flush water control device 3. The control device 2 includes a processor 21, a memory 22, a communication unit 23, and a switch 24.

[0033] The processor 21 is configured by, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit). The processor 21 includes an image data acquisition unit 211, a foreign object determination unit 212, and a communication control unit 213.

[0034] The image data acquisition unit 211 acquires image data captured by the camera 1 .

[0035] The foreign object determination unit 212 performs image recognition on the image data to determine whether or not a foreign object that may clog the toilet bowl 101 has been placed in the bowl portion 101a. Details of the image recognition will be described later. Examples of foreign objects include objects other than feces and urine, such as diapers, large amounts of toilet paper, and paper cups, that may clog the toilet bowl 101. The diapers may be paper diapers or cloth diapers.

[0036] Specifically, the foreign object determination unit 212 determines that a foreign object has been inserted when the image data includes an image showing an object of a predetermined size or larger other than defecation or urination. For example, the predetermined size corresponds to the smaller of either a size equivalent to a large amount of toilet paper, which is larger than the amount of toilet paper normally used when defecation, or a size equivalent to a diaper.

[0037] When the foreign object determination section 212 determines that a foreign object has been dropped, the communications control section 213 uses the communications section 23 to transmit an outflow prohibition signal to the wash water control device 3 to prohibit the outflow of wash water. This causes the wash water control device 3 to enter an outflow prohibition state in which the outflow of wash water into the bowl section 101a is prohibited. When the communications control section 213 places the wash water control device 3 in the outflow prohibition state, it sets flag F, which manages the outflow state of wash water, to 1.

[0038] Furthermore, when switch 24 is pressed in the outflow prohibited state, the communications control section 213 transmits an outflow permission signal to the flush water control device 3 to enable the outflow of flush water from bowl section 101a. When the communications control section 213 has set the flush water control device 3 to the outflow enabling state, it sets flag F to 0.

[0039] The memory 22 is configured with a storage device capable of storing various information, such as a random access memory (RAM), a solid state drive (SSD), a flash memory, etc. The memory 22 stores, for example, a flag F.

[0040] The communication unit 23 is composed of a communication circuit having a function for communicatively connecting the control device 2 to the flush water control device 3 via a communication path 60. The communication path 60 is a wireless communication path or a wired communication path. As the wireless communication path, for example, a wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) may be adopted, or a short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) may be adopted. As the wired communication path, for example, a communication path specified in IEEE802.3 may be adopted. Under the control of the communication control unit 213, the communication unit 23 transmits an outflow prohibition signal and an outflow permission signal.

[0041] Furthermore, the communication unit 23 has a function for connecting the control device 2 to a network 5. The network 5 is, for example, the Internet. The communication unit 23 transmits excretion history information to the server 4. The excretion history information is information in which excretion actions (defecation, flatus, urination, and defecation and flatus) are associated with date and time information indicating the date and time when the excretion action was performed. The processor 21 may generate excretion history information on a daily basis, for example, and transmit it to the server 4.

[0042] The switch 24 is a physical switch disposed at a predetermined position on the housing of the control device 2, and is pressed by the user to release the outflow prohibition state.

[0043] The flush water control device 3 is a device that controls the outflow of flush water into the toilet bowl 101. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the water storage tank 103. Figure 3 shows the inside of the water storage tank 103 as viewed from the front of the toilet bowl 101. In Figure 3, when viewing the toilet bowl 101 from the front, the left side is left, the right side is right, the upper side is up, and the lower side is down. The water storage tank 103 is a tank that stores flush water. The water storage tank 103 includes side walls 306 and a bottom wall 308.

[0044] The flush water control device 3 includes a switching unit 32 , a lever 301 , a relay rod 302 , a chain 303 , a rubber float 304 , and a main body unit 305 .

[0045] The lever 301 is provided on the outside of the side wall 306 at a predetermined position on the upper part of the side wall 306. The lever 301 is attached to the side wall 306 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis 309 that is perpendicular to the side wall 306.

[0046] The main body 305 is attached to the inside of the side wall 306 so as to face the lever 301. The main body 305 includes a mechanism (not shown) that converts the rotational motion of the lever 301 into the up and down motion of the relay rod 302. A rubber float 304 is attached to the main body 305 via the relay rod 302 and a chain 303. The relay rod 302 is made of a hard member such as metal or resin. The relay rod 302 is attached to the main body 305 so as to be rotatable in the up and down direction around a rotation axis 310 perpendicular to the plane of the drawing.

[0047] One end of the chain 303 is attached to the relay rod 302, and the other end is attached to the top of the rubber float 304. The rubber float 304 is composed of a dome-shaped member, and closes the outlet 307 provided in the bottom wall 308 of the water storage tank 103. The outlet 307 communicates with a pipe (not shown) that supplies cleaning water to the bowl portion 101a.

[0048] When lever 301 is rotated around rotation shaft 309, the mechanism of main body 305 lifts relay rod 302. This causes chain 303 to open rubber float 304, causing cleaning water in water storage tank 103 to flow from outlet 307 into bowl portion 101a, cleaning bowl portion 101a.

[0049] The switching unit 32 is provided in the main body 305 and is composed of a solenoid including a movable iron core 32a. When the switching unit 32 is energized, the movable iron core 32a slides to the right and pushes the lever 301 to the right. This disengages the mechanism of the main body 305 from the lever 301. Therefore, even if the lever 301 is rotated, the rotational force is not transmitted to the chain 303, and the rubber float 304 maintains the closed state. This prevents flush water from the water storage tank 103 from flowing out into the bowl portion 101a.

[0050] On the other hand, in the de-energized state, the movable core 32a of the switching unit 32 returns to the home position, whereby the lever 301 engages with the mechanism of the main body 305. As a result, when the lever 301 is rotated, the rotational force is transmitted to the chain 303, the rubber float 304 opens, and flush water is supplied to the bowl portion 101a.

[0051] Returning to Fig. 1, the flush water control device 3 includes a state control unit 31, a switching unit 32, a communication unit 33, and a memory 34. The state control unit 31 is composed of electrical circuits such as a CPU, ASIC, etc. When an outflow prohibition signal is received by the communication unit 33, the state control unit 31 energizes the switching unit 32 and sets the outflow of flush water into the bowl portion 101a to an outflow prohibition state. When an outflow permission signal is received by the communication unit 33, the state control unit 31 stops energizing the switching unit 32 and sets the outflow permission state to allow outflow of flush water into the bowl portion 101a. Note that once the state control unit 31 sets the outflow prohibition state, it maintains the outflow prohibition state until the next outflow permission signal is received.

[0052] The switching unit 32 is composed of, for example, a solenoid, and under the control of the state control unit 31, sets the outflow of washing water into the bowl portion 101a to a prohibited state.

[0053] The communication unit 33 is composed of a communication circuit having a function for communicatively connecting the flush water control device 3 to the control device 2 via a communication path 60. The communication unit 33 receives an outflow prohibition signal and an outflow permission signal from the control device 2.

[0054] The memory 34 is configured with a storage device such as a RAM or a flash memory, and is used as a working memory for the state control unit 31.

[0055] The server 4 receives the discharge history information transmitted by the control device 2. The server 4 includes a database that stores the discharge history information.

[0056] For example, the caregiver uses the database of the server 4 when creating monitoring data for the care recipient. That is, the terminal device used by the caregiver acquires excretion history information corresponding to the identification information of the care recipient from the server 4 and creates monitoring data for the care recipient. For example, the terminal device may create the monitoring data including the number of times the care recipient passed flatus in a predetermined period, the number of times the care recipient defecates in a predetermined period, the number of times the care recipient urinates in a predetermined period, the number of times the care recipient defecates in a predetermined period, and the number of times the care recipient defecates and passed flatus in a predetermined period. The predetermined period for which the monitoring data is created may be one day, one week, or one month. Also, for example, the terminal device may create the monitoring data including the times of flatus, defecation, urination, and defecation and flatus in a predetermined period.

[0057] Next, the operation of the control device 2 will be described. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the control device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. This flowchart is executed at a predetermined sampling period. This sampling period may be the same as the imaging period of the camera 1, or may be n (n is an integer equal to or greater than 2) times the imaging period.

[0058] In step S1, the image data acquisition unit 211 acquires image data from the camera 1. In step S2, the foreign object determination unit 212 executes image recognition processing on the image data to determine whether or not a foreign object has been dropped into the bowl portion 101a. Specifically, the foreign object determination unit 212 determines that a foreign object has been dropped in when the image data includes an object of a predetermined size or larger other than feces or urination.

[0059] An example of the process for determining whether the image data includes a defecation image is as follows. First, the foreign body determination unit 212 calculates a difference image showing the difference between the image data acquired in step S1 and the base image data. Here, the base image data is image data generated by a calibration performed when the sensor unit 105 is installed in the toilet bowl 101. The base image data is generated, for example, based on a plurality of color image data obtained by the camera 1 capturing an image of the bowl portion 101a in a state in which defecation and urination are not occurring a plurality of times. That is, the base image data is color image data of the bowl portion 101a in a default state in which defecation and urination are not occurring. Therefore, by taking the difference between the image data captured during defecation or urination and the base image data, image data showing defecation, urination, or a foreign body can be extracted.

[0060] Next, the foreign object determination unit 212 calculates the RGB ratio of the R component, the G component, and the B component contained in the calculated difference image data. Next, the foreign object determination unit 212 calculates the distance between the calculated RGB ratio and a predetermined defecation standard ratio. Here, the RGB ratio is, for example, the ratio of the total brightness value of the R component, the total brightness value of the G component, and the total brightness value of the B component in the difference image data. The defecation standard ratio is a typical RGB ratio of defecation calculated by analyzing multiple image data including various defecation images. For example, the Euclidean distance is used as the distance. Finally, if the calculated distance is equal to or less than the standard distance, the foreign object determination unit 212 determines that the image data captured by the camera 1 includes a defecation image.

[0061] The foreign object determination unit 212 may determine whether or not a urination image is included in the image data by the same process as for the defecation image. That is, the foreign object determination unit 212 may calculate the distance between the RGB ratio included in the difference image and a predetermined urination standard ratio, and if the distance is equal to or less than the standard distance, determine that the image data captured by the camera 1 includes a urination image.

[0062] Then, if the foreign object determination unit 212 determines that the image data does not include either a defecation image or a urination image, and the size of the difference image is equal to or larger than a predetermined size, it may determine that the image data includes a foreign object.

[0063] If the foreign object determining unit 212 determines in step S3 that a foreign object has been thrown into the bowl portion 101a (YES in step S3), the communication control unit 213 transmits an outflow prohibition signal to the wash water control device 3 using the communication unit 23 (step S4). On the other hand, if the foreign object determining unit 212 does not determine that a foreign object has been thrown into the bowl portion 101a (NO in step S3), the process returns to step S1. When the process of step S4 is completed, the process returns to step S1. This causes the wash water control device 3 to enter an outflow prohibition state. Thereafter, the wash water control device 3 maintains the outflow prohibition state until the foreign object is removed from the bowl portion 101a and the switch 24 is pressed.

[0064] In this way, according to the control device 2 in embodiment 1, when the introduction of a foreign object is detected, it is possible to quickly prohibit the outflow of flush water. This makes it possible to prohibit the outflow of flush water before the flush water is outflowed after the introduction of a foreign object, and makes it possible to prevent flush water from leaking from the toilet bowl 101 while also preventing clogging of the toilet bowl 101 by foreign objects.

[0065] (Embodiment 2) In the second embodiment, the flush water control device 3 is put into a discharge prohibition state after confirming that the user is seated. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of a discharge management system in the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that in the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and will not be described.

[0066] The control device 2A further has a seating sensor 6 connected to it. The seating sensor 6 is disposed in the sensor unit 105 and detects whether or not the user is sitting on the toilet seat 102. The seating sensor 6 is communicably connected to the control device 2A. The seating sensor 6 includes an illuminance sensor that detects the illuminance around the bowl portion 101a and a distance sensor that detects the distance of an object around the bowl portion 101a. When the user sits on the toilet seat 102, the opening is blocked by the buttocks, so that the area around the bowl portion 101a becomes dark, and an object is present in the vicinity of the sensor unit 105. Therefore, it is possible to detect whether or not the user has sat on the toilet seat 102 using the illuminance sensor and the distance sensor. The seating sensor 6 may be configured with a pressure sensor that detects the pressure of the user sitting on the toilet seat 102, instead of the illuminance sensor and the distance sensor. When the seating sensor 6 is configured with a pressure sensor, the seating sensor 6 is provided on the toilet seat 102. The seating sensor 6 may be configured as either an illuminance sensor or a distance measuring sensor.

[0067] The processor 21 of the control device 2A further includes a communication control unit 213A, a sensing data acquisition unit 214, and a seating determination unit 215 in addition to the control device 2.

[0068] The sensing data acquisition unit 214 acquires sensing data from the seating sensor 6. This sensing data includes the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor and the distance to the object detected by the distance sensor. If the seating sensor 6 is configured with a pressure sensor, the sensing data includes the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor.

[0069] The seating determination unit 215 determines whether or not the user is seated on the toilet seat 102 based on the detection result of the seating sensor 6. For example, the seating determination unit 215 may determine that the user is seated when the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor of the seating sensor 6 is less than a predetermined reference illuminance and the distance of an object detected by the distance measurement sensor of the seating sensor 6 is less than the reference distance. However, this is only one example, and the seating determination unit 215 may determine that the user is seated on the toilet seat 102 using the detection result of either the illuminance sensor or the distance measurement sensor, or may determine that the user is seated on the toilet seat 102 when the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor is equal to or greater than the reference pressure.

[0070] If the foreign object determination section 212 determines that a foreign object has been dropped in, and the seating determination section 215 determines that the user is not seated on the toilet seat 102, the communications control section 213A transmits an outflow prohibition signal to the flush water control device 3 using the communications section 23. On the other hand, if the foreign object determination section 212 determines that a foreign object has been dropped in, and the seating determination section 215 determines that the user is seated on the toilet seat 102, the communications control section 213A does not transmit the outflow prohibition signal.

[0071] Next, a process of the control device 2A in the embodiment 2 will be described. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a process of the control device 2A in the embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. In addition, in the flowchart of Fig. 6, the same processes as those in Fig. 4 are assigned the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0072] In step S11 following YES in step S3, the sensing data acquisition unit 214 acquires sensing data from the seating sensor 6. In step S12, the seating determination unit 215 determines whether or not the user is seated on the toilet seat 102 from the sensing data acquired by the sensing data acquisition unit 214.

[0073] If seating determination unit 215 determines that the user is not seated on toilet seat 102 (NO in step S12), communications control unit 213A transmits an outflow prohibition signal to flush water control device 3 using communications unit 23 (step S4).

[0074] On the other hand, if the seating determination unit 215 determines that the user is seated on the toilet seat 102 (YES in step S12), the process returns to step S1.

[0075] Foreign objects are often thrown into bowl portion 101a when the user is not seated. In control device 2A in embodiment 2, even if an image recognition result indicating that a foreign object has been thrown in is obtained, an outflow prohibition signal is not transmitted unless the user is seated on toilet seat 102. Therefore, control device 2A in embodiment 2 can prevent an outflow prohibition signal from being transmitted even when a foreign object has not actually been thrown in. Furthermore, the accuracy of detecting foreign objects can be improved.

[0076] (Embodiment 3) In the third embodiment, when the foreign matter is removed, the flush water control device 3 is automatically restored to a dischargeable state. Figure 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of a discharge management system in the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that in the third embodiment, the same components as those in the first and second embodiments are given the same reference numerals and their explanations are omitted.

[0077] The control device 2B in the third embodiment is based on the control device 2A. In the third embodiment, whether or not a foreign object has been removed is automatically determined, and therefore the switch 24 is omitted from the control device 2B. The foreign object determination unit 212B determines whether or not a foreign object has been removed from the bowl portion 101a by executing an image recognition process on the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit 211 after determining that a foreign object has been thrown into the bowl portion 101a. In detail, the foreign object determination unit 212B calculates a difference image between the image data captured by the camera 1 and the base image data, and if the difference image does not include an image showing an object other than feces and urination that is equal to or larger than a predetermined size, it may determine that a foreign object has been removed from the bowl portion 101a.

[0078] The communications control section 213B transmits an outflow permission signal to the wash water control device 3 using the communications section 23 when the foreign matter determining section 212B determines that the foreign matter has been removed.

[0079] Next, a process of the control device 2B in the embodiment 3 will be described. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the process of the control device 2B in the embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. Note that in the flowchart of Fig. 8, the same processes as those in the flowchart of Fig. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0080] In step S21, the communications control section 213B determines whether or not flag F is 0. If flag F is 0 (YES in step S21), processing proceeds to step S1. That is, if the flush water control device 3 is in an outflow-allowing state, processing proceeds to steps S1, S2, S3, S11, S12, and S4, as in embodiment 2. In step S22 following step S4, the communications control section 213B sets flag F to 1, since it has sent an outflow prohibition signal. When processing in step S22 ends, processing returns to step S21.

[0081] On the other hand, if flag F is 1 (NO in step S21), the process proceeds to step S23. That is, if the flush water control device 3 is in an outflow prohibition state, the process from step S23 onwards is executed.

[0082] In step S23, image data acquisition section 211 acquires image data from camera 1. In step S24, foreign matter determination section 212B performs image recognition processing on the image data to determine whether or not the foreign matter has been removed.

[0083] In step S25, if foreign matter determining section 212B determines that the foreign matter has been removed (YES in step S25), communication control section 213B transmits an outflow permission signal to wash water control device 3 using communication section 23 (step S26).

[0084] In step S27, since the communication control unit 213B has transmitted the outflow permission signal, it sets flag F to 0. When the process of step S27 ends, the process returns to step S21.

[0085] On the other hand, if the foreign matter determining unit 212B determines that the foreign matter has not been removed (NO in step S25), the process returns to step S21.

[0086] In this way, according to the control device 2B in the third embodiment, the wash water control device 3 that is in the outflow prohibited state can be automatically returned to the outflow permitted state after the foreign matter is removed. Therefore, once the foreign matter is removed, the wash water control device 3 can be quickly returned to the outflow permitted state.

[0087] (Embodiment 4) Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of a discharge management system in embodiment 4 of the present disclosure. In embodiment 4, a control device 2C is applied to a wash water control device 3C in which the outflow of wash water is instructed by a remote control device 7. Note that in embodiment 4, the same components as those in embodiments 1 to 3 are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0088] The control device 2C has the same configuration as the control device 2B.

[0089] The remote operation device 7 is communicatively connected to the flush water control device 3C via a communication path 8. As the communication path 8, a wireless LAN, short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), or a wired LAN such as IEEE802.3 can be used. The remote operation device 7 includes a running water button that instructs the flush water control device 3C to flow flush water into the bowl portion 101a. When the running water button is pressed by the user, the remote operation device 7 transmits a running water command signal to the flush water control device 3C.

[0090] Compared to the flush water control device 3, the flush water control device 3C further includes a drive unit 35, a drive unit 36, a drain valve 37, and a running water valve 38, and the switching unit 32 is omitted.

[0091] When the communication unit 33 receives a flow command signal, the state control unit 31C inputs an open valve command signal to the drive unit 35, causing the drive unit 35 to open the drain valve 37. The state control unit 31C may input a close valve command signal to the drive unit 35 a predetermined time after inputting the open valve command signal to the drive unit 35, causing the drive unit 35 to close the drain valve 37.

[0092] When the communication unit 33 receives the flow command signal, the state control unit 31C inputs an open valve command signal to the drive unit 36, causing the drive unit 36 ​​to open the flow valve 38. The state control unit 31C may input a close valve command signal to the drive unit 36, causing the drive unit 36 ​​to close the flow valve 38, a predetermined time after the state control unit 31C transmits the open valve command signal to the drive unit 36.

[0093] The drive unit 35 is composed of, for example, a motor, and operates to open the drain valve 37 when an open valve command signal is input from the state control unit 31C, and operates to close the drain valve 37 when a close valve command signal is input from the state control unit 31C.

[0094] The drive unit 36 ​​is composed of, for example, a motor, and operates to open the flow valve 38 when an open valve command signal is input from the state control unit 31C, and operates to close the flow valve 38 when a close valve command signal is input from the state control unit 31C.

[0095] Drain valve 37 is provided at the bottom of bowl portion 101a, and when opened, connects a drain port provided at the bottom of bowl portion 101a to a sewer pipe.

[0096] The flush valve 38 is a valve that closes an outlet 307 provided in a bottom wall 308 of the water storage tank 103. When the flush valve 38 is opened, the flush water in the water storage tank 103 is supplied to the bowl portion 101a.

[0097] The state control unit 31C opens the flush valve 38 in synchronization with the opening of the drain valve 37. As a result, feces, urine, and the like discharged into the bowl portion 101a are flushed into the sewer pipe by the flush water.

[0098] When an overflow prohibition signal is sent from the control device 2C, state control unit 31C places flush water control device 3C in the overflow prohibition state. Then, when communication unit 33 receives a flush command signal from remote operation device 7 in the overflow prohibition state, state control unit 31C does not input a valve open command signal to drive units 35 and 36. This prohibits drain valve 37 and flush valve 38 from opening. Therefore, if foreign matter has been placed in bowl portion 101a, flush water is prevented from flowing into bowl portion 101a. As a result, flush water leakage is prevented while clogging of the toilet due to foreign matter is prevented.

[0099] Meanwhile, when an outflow permission signal is sent from the control device 2C, the state control unit 31C puts the flush water control device 3C into an outflow enabling state. Then, when the communication unit 33 receives a running water command signal from the remote operation device 7 in the outflow enabling state, the state control unit 31C inputs a valve open command signal to the drive units 35 and 36. This opens the drain valve 37 and the running water valve 38. As a result, if no foreign object has been dropped into the bowl portion 101a, flush water can be allowed to flow into the bowl portion 101a, and feces, urine, etc. can be flushed into the sewer pipe.

[0100] The present disclosure can employ the following modifications.

[0101] (1) Foreign object determination unit 212 may determine whether a foreign object has been inserted by applying pattern matching using reference images showing foreign objects such as disposable diapers, paper cups, and large amounts of toilet paper to image data captured by camera 1. This also applies to foreign object determination units 212A, 212B, and 212C.

[0102] (2) The control device 2B in the third embodiment may be configured based on the control device 2.

[0103] (3) The switching unit 32 may be configured with something other than a solenoid. For example, referring to Fig. 3, the flush water control device 3 may include a gear on the lever 301 side and a gear on the relay rod 302 side that engages with the gear on the lever 301 side. The relay rod 302 may be configured so that when the lever 301 rotates, the rotational force is transmitted via the gear on the lever side and the gear on the relay rod side to rotate upward and pull up the rubber float 304. In this case, the switching unit 32 may be configured with a motor for releasing the engagement between the gear on the lever side and the gear on the relay rod side.

[0104] Alternatively, the flush water control device 3 may include a sensor that detects the rotation of the lever 301, and a motor that receives a drive signal from the state control unit 31 when the rotation of the lever 301 is detected and operates to lift the relay rod 302. In this case, in the outflow prohibited state, the state control unit 31 should not output a drive signal to the motor even if the rotation of the lever 301 is detected by the sensor. [Industrial Applicability]

[0105] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present disclosure is useful in the technical field of toilets because it enables rapid detection of a foreign object being dropped into a toilet. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1: Camera 2: Control device 3: Wash water control device 4: Server 5: Network 6: Seat sensor 7: Remote control device 8: Communication channel 21: Processor 22: Memory 23: Communications Department 24: Switch 31: State control section 32: Switching section 33: Communications Department 34: Memory 101: Toilet 101a: Bowl section 101b:Edge 103: Water tank 105: Sensor unit 211: Image data acquisition unit 212: Foreign object determination section 213: Communication control section 214: Sensing data acquisition unit 215: Seating judgment unit 312: Image data acquisition unit

Claims

1. A flush water control method in a control device communicatively connected to a flush water control device that controls the outflow of flush water into a flush toilet, comprising: Acquiring image data captured by a camera installed on the toilet bowl so as to be able to capture an image of a bowl portion of the toilet bowl; and determining whether or not a foreign object that may clog the toilet bowl has been placed in the bowl portion by performing image recognition on the image data. Wash water control method.

2. In the determination of the foreign object, when the image data includes an image showing an object having a predetermined size or more other than feces or urination, the object is determined to be the foreign object. The flush water control method according to claim 1.

3. the image data is color image data having a plurality of color components, In the determination of the foreign object, a difference image between base image data showing a state of the bowl portion where no defecation, urination, or foreign object is present and the image data is calculated, and whether or not an image showing the defecation and urination is included in the image data is determined based on the luminance of each color component of the difference image. The flush water control method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The foreign object includes a diaper. The flush water control method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A control device communicatively connected to a flush water control device that controls the outflow of flush water into a flush toilet, an image data acquisition unit that acquires image data captured by a camera installed on the toilet bowl so as to be able to capture an image of the bowl portion of the toilet bowl; and a foreign object determination unit that determines whether or not a foreign object that may cause a clog in the toilet has been placed in the bowl portion by performing image recognition on the image data. Control device.

6. A flush water control program that causes a computer to function as a control device communicatively connected to a flush water control device that controls the outflow of flush water into a flush toilet bowl, Acquiring image data captured by a camera installed on the toilet bowl so as to be able to capture an image of a bowl portion of the toilet bowl; and determining whether or not a foreign object that may clog the toilet bowl has been placed in the bowl portion by performing image recognition on the image data. Wash water control program.

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