Toilet system, radio wave device for toilet apparatus, and state detection method for toilet system

Abstract

To provide a toilet system capable of appropriately detecting a state change occurring in a toilet.SOLUTION: A toilet system according to an embodiment comprises a bowl part that receives excreta, a trap part that forms a water seal on a bottom side of the bowl part, a radio wave sensor that detects a state change occurring in the water seal on the trap part side due to falling of the excreta into the water seal, and estimation means that estimates information on urine or feces relating to the excreta based on a detection result of the radio wave sensor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a toilet system, a radio wave device for a toilet device, and a method for detecting the state of a toilet system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, technologies for acquiring various information about users who use toilets have been provided. There is known a technology for calculating the urine volume based on image information captured by an imaging unit (camera) disposed in a toilet drainage path to capture water overflowing from a water seal portion (also referred to as "overflow") (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, there is room for improvement in the above-described conventional technologies. For example, in the above-described conventional technology, it is necessary to dispose a camera in a toilet drainage path, that is, a drain pipe (simply referred to as a "drain"), in order to capture overflow, and there are restrictions on the arrangement mode of the sensor. Further, in the above-described conventional technology, it is also required to prevent the overflow from hitting the camera, etc., and it is necessary to make the drain pipe long in the horizontal direction in order to dispose the camera in the drain pipe, which also causes restrictions on the structure of the drain pipe. As described above, there are many restrictions in the above-described conventional technology for appropriately detecting state changes occurring in the toilet, and there is room for improvement.

[0005] An object of the disclosed embodiments is to provide a toilet system, a radio wave device for a toilet device, and a method for detecting the state of a toilet system that can appropriately detect state changes occurring in the toilet.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment includes a bowl part for receiving excrement, a trap part for forming water seal at the bottom side of the bowl part, a radio wave sensor for detecting a state change occurring in the water seal on the trap part side due to the fall of the excrement into the water seal, and an estimation means for estimating urine or feces information regarding the excrement based on the detection result of the radio wave sensor.

[0007] According to the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, by using a radio wave sensor that detects a state change occurring in the water seal on the trap part side due to the fall of excrement into the water seal, it is possible to appropriately detect the state change occurring in the toilet. For example, the toilet system detects, by using a radio wave sensor such as a microwave sensor or a millimeter wave sensor, including the behavior of overflow water associated with a state change of the water seal such as the shaking of the water seal on the trap side, a state change of the water seal such as the shaking of the water seal caused by a falling object (feces, urine) that has fallen into the water seal on the bowl side, on the trap part side, and can easily acquire urine or feces information without arranging a sensor in the drain pipe. Further, the toilet system can estimate urine or feces information regarding the excrement by detecting a state change of the water seal on the trap part side with a radio wave sensor.

[0008] In the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the detection range of the radio wave sensor is set in a region including the apex part of the trap part.

[0009] According to the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, by setting the detection range of the radio wave sensor in a region including the apex part of the trap part, it is possible to detect water (overflow water) that overflows through above the trap part, and appropriately detect the state change occurring in the toilet.

[0010] In the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the radio wave sensor is characterized by detecting a state change of the water seal based on overflow water from the apex part of the trap part.

[0011] According to the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, by detecting a change in the state of the water seal based on the overflow from the apex of the trap portion, it is possible to detect the water that overflows through the upper part of the trap portion (overflow water), and it is possible to appropriately detect the state change that occurs in the toilet.

[0012] In the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the estimation means is characterized by estimating the urine flow rate or the amount of feces based on the change in the state of the water seal.

[0013] According to the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, by estimating the urine flow rate or the amount of feces based on the change in the state of the water seal, it is possible to appropriately estimate information regarding excrement such as the urine flow rate or the amount of feces based on the state change that occurs in the toilet.

[0014] In the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the estimation means is characterized by estimating the urine flow rate based on the information of the standing wave output from the radio wave sensor.

[0015] According to the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, by estimating the urine flow rate based on the information of the standing wave output from the radio wave sensor, it is possible to appropriately estimate information regarding excrement based on the state change that occurs in the toilet.

[0016] In the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the radio wave sensor is characterized by being a millimeter wave sensor or a microwave sensor.

[0017] According to the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, by using a millimeter wave sensor or a microwave sensor as the radio wave sensor, it is possible to appropriately detect the state change that occurs in the toilet.

[0018] In the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, a drainage channel from the bowl portion passes between the radio wave sensor and the apex of the trap portion, and the radio wave sensor is characterized by detecting a change in the state of the water seal based on the overflow from the apex of the trap portion.

[0019] According to the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, between the radio wave sensor and the vertex portion of the trap portion, a drainage channel from the bowl portion passes, and the radio wave sensor detects a change in the state of the water seal based on the overflow from the vertex portion of the trap portion. By detecting a change in the state of the water seal based on the overflow from the vertex portion of the trap portion, it is possible to detect water (overflow water) that overflows through the space between the radio wave sensor and the trap portion, and it is possible to appropriately detect a state change occurring in the toilet.

[0020] The toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment further includes a toilet seat device installed on the upper part of the toilet body having the bowl portion, and the radio wave sensor is provided on the toilet seat device.

[0021] According to the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, by providing a radio wave sensor on the toilet seat device installed on the upper part of the toilet body having the bowl portion, the radio wave sensor provided on the toilet seat device can appropriately detect a state change occurring in the toilet.

[0022] In the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the antenna portion of the radio wave sensor is disposed on the bottom side of the toilet seat device.

[0023] According to the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, by disposing the antenna portion of the radio wave sensor on the bottom side of the toilet seat device, the antenna portion for transmitting and receiving radio waves of the radio wave sensor can be disposed near the vertex portion of the trap portion, and a state change occurring in the toilet can be appropriately detected.

[0024] In the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the antenna portion of the radio wave sensor is provided on the outer wall of the drain pipe having the trap portion.

[0025] According to the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, since the antenna portion of the radio wave sensor is provided on the outer wall of the drain pipe having the trap portion, it is possible to suppress the antenna portion of the radio wave sensor from coming into contact with the wastewater flowing in the drain pipe, and it is possible to appropriately detect the state change occurring in the toilet.

[0026] In the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the antenna portion included in the radio wave sensor is characterized in that it is arranged vertically above the trap portion.

[0027] According to the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, since the antenna portion of the radio wave sensor is arranged vertically above the trap portion, the antenna portion that transmits and receives radio waves in the radio wave sensor can be arranged near the apex of the trap portion, and the state change occurring in the toilet can be appropriately detected.

[0028] In the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the antenna portion included in the radio wave sensor is characterized in that it is arranged vertically above the water seal on the trap portion side.

[0029] According to the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, since the antenna portion of the radio wave sensor is arranged vertically above the water seal on the trap portion side, the antenna portion that transmits and receives radio waves in the radio wave sensor can be arranged near the apex of the trap portion, and the state change occurring in the toilet can be appropriately detected.

[0030] The toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment further includes an optical sensor that detects a change in the state of the water seal at a plurality of timings from the bowl portion side, and the estimating means estimates the urine or feces information based on the detection results of the radio wave sensor and the optical sensor.

[0031] According to the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, by using the detection results of the optical sensor that detects the change in the state of the water seal at a plurality of timings from the bowl portion side to estimate the urine or feces information, it is possible to more appropriately estimate the information regarding the excrement.

[0032] In the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, when there is a correlation in the detection results of the radio wave sensor and the optical sensor, the estimation means estimates the information on urine or feces.

[0033] According to the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, when there is a correlation in the detection results of the radio wave sensor and the optical sensor, by estimating the information on urine or feces, the information on excrement can be estimated more appropriately.

[0034] The toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment further includes an optical sensor that detects feces before the feces reach the water seal from the side of the bowl portion, and the estimation means acquires the information on urine or feces based on the detection results of the radio wave sensor and the optical sensor.

[0035] According to the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, by also using the detection result of the optical sensor that detects feces before the feces reach the water seal from the side of the bowl portion and acquiring the information on urine or feces, the information on excrement can be estimated more appropriately.

[0036] In the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the estimation means acquires the information on feces based on the detection result of the optical sensor and acquires the information on urine or feces based on the detection result of the radio wave sensor.

[0037] According to the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, by acquiring the information on feces based on the detection result of the optical sensor and acquiring the information on urine or feces based on the detection result of the radio wave sensor, the information on excrement can be estimated more appropriately.

[0038] The radio wave device for a toilet device according to one aspect of the embodiment is a radio wave device for a toilet device installed in a toilet device, and includes a radio wave sensor that detects a state change generated in the water seal on the trap part side that forms the water seal on the bottom side of the bowl part when excrement falls into the water seal of the bowl part of the toilet device.

[0039] According to the radio wave device for a toilet device according to one aspect of the embodiment, by using a radio wave sensor that detects a state change generated in the water seal on the trap part side due to the fall of excrement into the water seal, it is possible to appropriately detect the state change occurring in the toilet. For example, the radio wave device for a toilet device detects, by means of a radio wave sensor such as a microwave sensor or a millimeter wave sensor, including the behavior of overflow accompanying a state change of the water seal such as the sway of the water seal on the trap side, a state change of the water seal such as the sway of the water seal due to the falling object (feces, urine) that has fallen into the water seal on the bowl side, on the trap part side, and it is possible to simply acquire information on urine or feces without arranging a sensor in the drain pipe.

[0040] The state detection method of a toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment includes a detection step of detecting a state change generated in the water seal on the trap part side, in the water seal formed on the bottom side of the bowl part by a trap part provided on the downstream side in the drainage direction from the bowl part of the toilet system, when excrement falls into the water seal on the bowl part side.

[0041] According to the state detection method of a toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, by using a radio wave sensor that detects a state change generated in the water seal on the trap part side due to the fall of excrement into the water seal, it is possible to appropriately detect the state change occurring in the toilet. For example, the state detection method of a toilet system detects, by means of a radio wave sensor such as a microwave sensor or a millimeter wave sensor, including the behavior of overflow accompanying a state change of the water seal such as the sway of the water seal on the trap side, a state change of the water seal such as the sway of the water seal due to the falling object (feces, urine) that has fallen into the water seal on the bowl side, on the trap part side, and it is possible to simply acquire information on urine or feces without arranging a sensor in the drain pipe.

Advantages of the Invention

[0042] According to one aspect of the embodiment, a state change occurring in the toilet can be appropriately detected.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0043]

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[0044] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the toilet system disclosed in the present application will be described in detail. Note that the present invention is not limited by the embodiments shown below. In the following, processing related to estimation of information regarding the user's excrement such as urine volume executed by the toilet system 1 and the configuration for performing the processing will be described. First, various configurations such as the toilet system which is a prerequisite will be described.

[0045] <1. Configuration of Toilet System> First, the configuration of the toilet system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the toilet system according to the embodiment.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 1, the toilet system 1 includes a toilet device 20 and an operation device 10. As shown in FIG. 1, in the toilet room R, a toilet bowl 7 is installed on the floor surface F, and a toilet seat device 2 installed above the toilet bowl 7 is installed. Hereinafter, the direction facing the space in the toilet room R from the floor surface F will be described as upward.

[0047] The toilet 7 is a so-called Western-style toilet bowl, and materials such as ceramics or resin are used, for example. A bowl portion 8 is formed in the toilet 7. The bowl portion 8 has a downwardly concave shape and is the part that receives the user's excrement. Thus, the toilet 7 functions as a toilet body having the bowl portion 8. Note that the bottom surface side of the bowl portion 8 communicates with the drain pipe 81, which will be described later.

[0048] Moreover, the toilet 7 is not limited to the floor-mounted type as shown in the figure, and any form may be used as long as the toilet system 1 can be applied, such as a wall-mounted type. A rim portion 9 is provided over the entire circumference of the end of the opening facing the bowl portion 8 of the toilet 7. In the toilet room R, for example, a cleaning water tank for storing cleaning water may be installed near the toilet 7, or a so-called tankless type in which the cleaning water tank is not installed may also be used.

[0049] For example, when a cleaning operation unit (not shown) for cleaning provided in the toilet room R is operated by the user, toilet cleaning is performed by supplying cleaning water to the bowl portion 8 of the toilet 7. The cleaning operation unit may be an operation lever or a touch operation on a toilet cleaning object displayed on the operation device 10. Note that the cleaning operation unit is not limited to one that performs toilet cleaning manually by the user such as an operation lever, and may also be one that performs toilet cleaning by detecting the human body of a sensor such as a seating sensor that detects the user.

[0050] The toilet seat device 2 is attached to the upper part of the toilet 7 and includes a main body portion 3, a toilet lid 4, a toilet seat 5, and a cleaning nozzle 6. The toilet seat device 2 is placed on the upper part of the toilet 7 in which the bowl portion 8 for receiving excrement is formed. The toilet seat device 2 is placed on the upper part of the toilet 7 so that the cleaning nozzle 6 advances into the bowl portion 8 before spraying cleaning water. Note that the toilet seat device 2 may be detachably attached to the toilet 7 or may be attached so as to be integrated with the toilet 7. Further, the main body portion 3 functions as a functional portion in which components (for example, a control device 100, etc.) for executing various functions are arranged within the main body cover 30.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 1, the toilet seat 5 is formed in an annular shape with an opening 50 in the center, and is arranged along the rim portion 9 at a position overlapping the opening of the toilet bowl 7. The toilet seat 5 is where the user sits. The toilet seat 5 functions as a seating portion that supports the buttocks of the seated user. Also, as shown in Fig. 1, one end of each of the toilet lid 4 and the toilet seat 5 is pivotally supported by the main body portion 3, and is attached so as to be rotatable (openable and closable) about the pivot portion of the main body portion 3. Note that the toilet lid 4 is attached to the toilet seat device 2 as necessary, and the toilet seat device 2 may not have the toilet lid 4.

[0052] The cleaning nozzle 6 is a nozzle for discharging cleaning water. The cleaning nozzle 6 can eject cleaning water. The cleaning nozzle 6 can eject cleaning water toward the user. The cleaning nozzle 6 is a nozzle for local cleaning. The cleaning nozzle 6 is configured to be able to move forward and backward with respect to the main body cover 30 which is the housing of the main body portion 3 by the drive of a drive source such as an electric motor (nozzle motor 61 etc. in Fig. 5). Also, the cleaning nozzle 6 is connected to a water source such as a water pipe (not shown). Then, as shown in Fig. 1, when the cleaning nozzle 6 is in the advanced position (also referred to as the "advanced position") with respect to the main body cover 30 which is the housing of the main body portion 3, it ejects water from the water source onto the user's body to clean the local area.

[0053] Fig. 1 shows a state where the cleaning nozzle 6 is in the advanced position. Note that the cleaning nozzle 6 may also be shared for cleaning inside the toilet bowl 7 (such as the bowl portion 8 etc.). The cleaning nozzle 6 may be used so as to be switchable between a local cleaning mode for cleaning the user's local area and a toilet bowl cleaning mode for sprinkling water into the toilet bowl 7. For example, the cleaning nozzle 6 may be used so as to be switchable between the local cleaning mode and the toilet bowl cleaning mode according to the control by the toilet seat device 2.

[0054] The operating device 10 is provided in the toilet room R. The operating device 10 is provided at a position where the user can operate it. The operating device 10 is provided at a position where the user can operate it when sitting on the toilet seat 5. In FIG. 1, the operating device 10 is arranged on the right side wall surface W as seen from the user sitting on the toilet seat 5. Note that the operating device 10 may be arranged in various ways, not limited to the wall surface, as long as it can be used by the user sitting on the toilet seat 5. For example, the operating device 10 may be provided integrally with the toilet seat device 2.

[0055] The operating device 10 is communicably connected to the toilet seat device 2 by wire or wirelessly via a predetermined network. For example, the toilet seat device 2 and the operating device 10 may be connected in any connection as long as information can be transmitted and received, and may be communicably connected by wire or wirelessly.

[0056] The operating device 10 receives various operations from the user via a display surface (for example, the display screen 11) by, for example, a touch panel function. Further, the operating device 10 may be provided with switches and buttons and receive various operations by the switches, buttons, etc. The display screen 11 is a display screen of a tablet terminal or the like realized by, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, and is a display device for displaying various information. That is, the operating device 10 receives the input of the user by the display screen 11 and also outputs to the user. At this time, the operating device 10 identifies which user the user is who has been registered in advance. Later, the control unit 130 associates the user information with the information regarding the excrement described later or the information obtained from the information regarding the excrement, and transmits it to the user's terminal. At this time, the date and time information when the information regarding the excrement was acquired may be transmitted to the user's terminal together. The display screen 11 is a display device for displaying various information.

[0057] The operating device 10 receives a user operation for stopping the control being executed by the toilet seat device 2. The operating device 10 receives a user operation for starting the execution of local cleaning by the toilet seat device 2. The operating device 10 receives an instruction from the user to the cleaning nozzle 6. The operating device 10 receives a user operation for causing the toilet seat device 2 to output a predetermined sound. The operating device 10 receives a user operation for performing a sterilization process of sterilizing the cleaning nozzle 6 (see FIG. 1) of the toilet seat device 2 with sterilized water. The operating device 10 receives a user operation for adjusting the water discharge momentum during local cleaning by the toilet seat device 2. The operating device 10 receives a user operation for adjusting the volume of the sound output by the toilet seat device 2. The operating device 10 receives a user operation for selecting the language when displaying information related to the use of the toilet on the operating device 10 or outputting it as voice.

[0058] For example, the operating device 10 may display an object for receiving the above-described user operation on the display screen 11 and execute various processes according to the user's contact with the displayed object. For example, the operating device 10 may have a switch, a button, or the like for receiving the above-described user operation and execute various processes according to the user's contact with the switch, the button, or the like. Note that the above is an example, and the operating device 10 may receive a user operation for executing various processes.

[0059] <2. Configuration of Toilet Device> The configuration of the toilet device 20 will be described below. The toilet device 20 includes a toilet bowl 7 having a bowl portion 8, a radio wave sensor 200 (see FIG. 4), and a control device 100 (see FIG. 6) that functions as an estimation means. The toilet device 20 detects a state change generated in the sealing water due to the dropping of excrement into the sealing water by the radio wave sensor 200. Further, the toilet device 20 estimates urine or feces information regarding the excrement based on the detection result of the radio wave sensor 200, which will be described later. The toilet system 1 may provide information to a terminal device such as a user's smartphone based on the estimated information. Further, the toilet system 1 may provide information to the operating device 10 (or the display screen 11) of the toilet room R based on the estimated information.

[0060] <2-1. Configuration of the toilet seat device> In FIG. 1, the toilet device 20 has a toilet seat device 2 installed above the toilet bowl 7. The configuration of the toilet seat device 2 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views showing an example of the configuration of the toilet seat device according to the embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 2 shows a case where the lid portion 110 of the toilet seat device 2 is closed (also referred to as the "closed state"). FIG. 3 shows a state where the lid portion 110 of the toilet seat device 2 is removed.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 2, in the closed state of the lid portion 110, the optical sensor 34 is hidden behind the lid portion 110. In the closed state of the lid portion 110, the lid portion 110 is positioned in front of the optical sensor 34. In this way, the lid portion 110 is positioned in front of the optical sensor 34 in the closed state.

[0062] Further, FIG. 2 shows a state where the cleaning nozzle 6 (see FIG. 1) is in a position where it is housed in the main body cover 30 (also referred to as the "housing position"). As shown in FIG. 2, when the cleaning nozzle 6 is in the housing position, the nozzle lid 60 is closed, and the cleaning nozzle 6 is hidden behind the nozzle lid 60. When cleaning is performed by the cleaning nozzle 6, the nozzle lid 60 opens, and the cleaning nozzle 6 protrudes from the opening for the cleaning nozzle 6 of the main body cover 30, and the cleaning nozzle 6 shifts to the extended state.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 3, when the lid portion 110 is removed, the optical sensor 34 is exposed from the opening 31 of the main body cover 30. For example, in a state where the lid portion 110 is open (also referred to as an "open state"), as shown in FIG. 3, the lid portion 110 is not positioned in front of the optical sensor 34. Thus, in the open state of the lid portion 110, the optical sensor 34 is exposed. In the open state of the lid portion 110, the optical sensor 34 can detect a change in the state of the water seal in the toilet bowl 7. Note that the toilet seat device 2 may not have the lid portion 110. In this case, the toilet seat device 2 does not have the lid portion 110 and the actuator 111, and the optical sensor 34 may be in a constantly exposed state.

[0064] <2-2. Configuration of Drain Pipe and Arrangement of Radio Wave Sensor in Toilet Device> Next, with reference to FIG. 4, an example of the configuration of the drain pipe and the arrangement of the radio wave sensor in the toilet device will be described. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the toilet device according to the embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 4 is a schematic side sectional view showing the configuration of the drain pipe 81 and the arrangement of the radio wave sensor 200 by viewing the toilet bowl 7 in a side view and showing only the main parts such as the toilet bowl 7 in cross section among the configurations of the toilet device 20. Note that the cross-sectional shape of the toilet bowl 7 in FIG. 4 is merely an example, and as long as the radio wave sensor 200 can be arranged at a desired position, the cavity inside the toilet bowl 7 may be in any form. For example, only the portion where the radio wave sensor 200 is arranged may be a cavity.

[0065] An opening provided at the bottom of the bowl portion 8 of the toilet bowl 7 communicates with the drain pipe 81. The drain pipe 81 is a drain pipe from the bowl portion 8, and the internal space of the drain pipe 81 functions as a drainage channel. In FIG. 4, the drain pipe 81 has a shape that extends obliquely downward from the end connected to the bottom of the bowl portion 8, then extends obliquely upward to form a U (V)-shaped form, and then extends downward. Thereby, a trap portion 82 is formed in the drain pipe 81. The trap portion 82 forms a water seal WT including the bottom side of the bowl portion 8. Note that the configuration of the drain pipe 81 shown in FIG. 4 is merely an example, and any configuration of the drain pipe 81 can be adopted as long as a trap capable of executing the processes described later can be formed.

[0066] In FIG. 4, it shows that the water seal WT (water) fills the hatched portions in the bowl part 8 of the toilet 7 and the drain pipe 81. Also, in FIG. 4, the water seal surface WS1 in FIG. 4 indicates the upper surface formed on the bottom side of the bowl part 8 by the water seal WT, and the water seal surface WS2 in FIG. 4 indicates the upper surface formed on the trap part 82 side by the water seal WT.

[0067] In FIG. 4, in the drain pipe 81, a vertex part 821 is formed at the end of the trap part 82 on the side opposite to the end connected to the bottom of the bowl part 8. The detection range DA11 of the radio wave sensor 200 is set to the area including the vertex part 821 of the trap part 82. For example, the radio wave sensor 200 is arranged such that the detection range DA11 includes the vertex part 821 of the trap part 82. Note that the range shown in FIG. 4 is only an example of the detection range DA11 of the radio wave sensor 200, and the detection range DA11 of the radio wave sensor 200 is not limited to the range shown in FIG. 4 as long as the vertex part 821 of the trap part 82 is included, and it may be any range.

[0068] For example, the radio wave sensor 200 is a microwave sensor. Hereinafter, the case where the radio wave sensor 200 is a microwave sensor will be described as an example, but the radio wave sensor 200 is not limited to a microwave sensor. For example, if desired detection is possible, any sensor such as a millimeter wave sensor can be adopted for the radio wave sensor 200.

[0069] If the radio wave sensor 200 is arranged such that the detection range DA11 includes the apex portion 821 of the trap portion 82, any arrangement mode can be adopted. For example, the radio wave sensor 200 is arranged vertically above the trap portion 82. For example, the radio wave sensor 200 is arranged vertically above the water seal (for example, the water seal surface WS2) on the trap portion 82 side. For example, the radio wave sensor 200 is provided along the outer wall of the drain pipe 81 having the trap portion 82. In FIG. 4, the radio wave sensor 200 is provided outside the drain pipe 81 and arranged above the trap portion 82. In this case, a drain passage from the bowl portion 8 passes between the radio wave sensor 200 and the apex portion 821 of the trap portion 82. Thereby, a drain passage from the bowl portion 8 provided in the toilet 7 passes between the antenna portion 210 (see FIG. 5) of the radio wave sensor 200 and the apex portion 821 of the trap portion 82.

[0070] Note that the above-described arrangement mode is only an example, and the radio wave sensor 200 may have various arrangement modes. For example, the radio wave sensor 200 may be provided in the toilet seat device 2. When the radio wave sensor 200 is provided in the toilet seat device 2, the radio wave sensor 200 may be arranged on the bottom (lower) side of the toilet seat device 2. In this case, the antenna portion 210 of the radio wave sensor 200 is arranged at the bottom of the toilet seat device 2 on the toilet 7 side. For example, the radio wave sensor 200 may be arranged in the main body portion 3 which is a functional portion. The radio wave sensor 200 may be arranged, for example, inside the main body cover 30. Hereinafter, a configuration in which the radio wave sensor 200 is arranged above the trap portion 82 as shown in FIG. 4 will be described as an example.

[0071] With the above-described arrangement, the radio wave sensor 200 detects a state change occurring in the water seal on the trap portion 82 side. The radio wave sensor 200 detects a state change of the water seal including overflow from the apex portion 821 of the trap portion 82. For example, the radio wave sensor 200 detects a state change occurring in the water seal on the trap portion 82 side due to the fall of excrement onto the water seal on the bowl portion 8 side. For example, the radio wave sensor 200 detects a state change of the water seal based on the overflow from the apex portion 821 of the trap portion 82, which will be described later.

[0072] Note that the radio wave sensor 200 is separate from the toilet device 20 and may be detachable from the toilet device 20. In this case, for example, the radio wave sensor 200 may be a radio wave device for the toilet device installed in the toilet device 20. The radio wave sensor 200 detects a state change occurring in the water seal on the trap part 82 side that forms the water seal at the bottom side of the bowl part 8 when excrement drops into the water seal of the bowl part 8 of the toilet device 20.

[0073] <3. Configuration of the toilet seat device and the radio wave sensor> Next, the configurations of the toilet seat device 2 and the radio wave sensor 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configurations of the toilet seat device and the radio wave sensor according to the embodiment.

[0074] <3-1. Functional configuration of the toilet seat device> First, the functional configuration of the toilet seat device 2 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the toilet seat device 2 includes a human body detection sensor 32, a seating detection sensor 33, an optical sensor 34, a control device 100, a nozzle motor 61, a cleaning nozzle 6, a solenoid valve 71, a lid part 110, and an actuator 111. Note that in FIG. 5, illustration of a part of the configuration of the toilet seat device 2 (the main body part 3, the toilet seat 5, the toilet bowl 7, etc.) described in FIG. 1 is omitted.

[0075] Also, the configuration of the toilet seat device 2 shown in FIG. 5 is merely an example, and any configuration can be adopted for the toilet seat device 2. The human body detection sensor 32, the seating detection sensor 33, the optical sensor 34, the control device 100, etc. are arranged at arbitrary positions. For example, the optical sensor 34 is provided in the main body part 3 of the toilet seat device 2. The toilet seat device 2 transmits and receives information to and from an information processing device such as the operation device 10 via a predetermined network (such as the Internet) by wire or wirelessly through a communication device (for example, the communication part 101 of the control device 100 in FIG. 6).

[0076] The human body detection sensor 32 has a function of detecting a human body. For example, the human body detection sensor 32 is realized by a pyroelectric sensor using an infrared signal or the like. For example, the human body detection sensor 32 may be realized by a μ (micro) wave sensor or the like. Note that the above is just an example, and the human body detection sensor 32 is not limited to the above, and may detect a human body by various means. For example, the human body detection sensor 32 detects a person (such as a user) who has entered the toilet room R (see FIG. 1). The human body detection sensor 32 outputs a detection signal to the control device 100.

[0077] The seating detection sensor 33 has a function of detecting a person's seating on the toilet seat device 2. The seating detection sensor 33 detects that the user has seated on the toilet seat 5. The seating detection sensor 33 can detect the seating of the user on the toilet seat 5. The seating detection sensor 33 also functions as a standing-up detection sensor that detects the user's standing up from the toilet seat 5. The seating detection sensor 33 detects the seating state of the user on the toilet seat 5.

[0078] For example, the seating detection sensor 33 detects that the user has seated on the toilet seat 5 by a load sensor. For example, the seating detection sensor 33 is an infrared transmission / reception type distance measurement sensor, and may detect a human body existing near the toilet seat 5 immediately before the person (user) seats on the toilet seat 5, or the user who has seated on the toilet seat 5. Note that the above is just an example, and the seating detection sensor 33 is not limited to the above, and may detect a person's seating on the toilet seat device 2 by various means. The seating detection sensor 33 outputs a seating detection signal to the control device 100.

[0079] The optical sensor 34 is a sensor that detects a state change related to the toilet device 20. The optical sensor 34 detects a state change of the water seal in the toilet bowl 7. For example, the optical sensor 34 detects a state change on the bowl part 8 side. The optical sensor 34 detects a state change of the water seal from the bowl part 8 side at a plurality of timings. For example, the optical sensor 34 includes the water seal (such as the water seal surface WS1, etc.) on the bowl part 8 side in the detection range. Note that the above-described detection modes are just examples, and the optical sensor 34 may perform any detection as long as the desired detection is possible.

[0080] For example, the optical sensor 34 may detect feces before it hits the water seal from the side of the bowl portion 8. The optical sensor 34 detects feces (falling feces) falling within the bowl portion 8. In this case, the optical sensor 34 includes the inside of the bowl portion 8 within its detection range.

[0081] The optical sensor 34 can adopt any configuration as long as it can detect a desired state change. For example, the optical sensor 34 is arranged at a position corresponding to the detection mode of the sensor according to the type of sensor used. The optical sensor 34 may be a non-contact sensor. For example, FIG. 4 shows a case where the optical sensor 34 is a non-contact sensor. In this case, the optical sensor 34 may be a camera, a line sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, or the like. Also, the optical sensor 34 may be a contact sensor. In this case, the optical sensor 34 may be a float sensor, a pressure sensor, or the like. Note that the above is only an example, and any type of sensor may be used for the optical sensor 34 as long as it can detect a desired state change.

[0082] Also, when the optical sensor 34 detects the presence or absence of defecation, imaging means such as a camera or a line sensor may be used for the optical sensor 34. In this case, for example, the optical sensor 34 is a line sensor arranged facing the inside of the bowl portion 8, and may detect falling objects such as excrement falling within the bowl portion 8. Also, the optical sensor 34 may be a camera arranged facing the water seal inside the bowl portion 8, and may detect falling objects such as excrement that has hit the water seal.

[0083] The control device 100 controls various configurations and processes. The control device 100 is a computer (information processing device) that executes various information processes such as estimation (calculation) of information regarding excrement such as urine flow rate (urine volume) or fecal volume. The control device 100 functions as an estimation means for estimating information on urine or feces regarding excrement based on the detection result of the radio wave sensor 200.

[0084] The control device 100 estimates the urine flow rate or the feces volume based on the change in the state of water sealing. For example, the control device 100 estimates the urine flow rate based on the information of the standing wave output from the radio wave sensor 200. For example, the control device 100 estimates the information of urine or feces based on the detection results of the radio wave sensor 200 and the optical sensor 34.

[0085] For example, when there is a correlation between the detection results of the radio wave sensor 200 and the optical sensor 34, the control device 100 estimates the information of urine or feces. For example, the control device 100 acquires the information of urine or feces based on the detection results of the radio wave sensor 200 and the optical sensor 34. For example, the control device 100 acquires the information of feces based on the detection result of the optical sensor 34 and acquires the information related to urine or feces based on the detection result of the radio wave sensor 200.

[0086] In addition, the control device 100 controls various components of the toilet system 1. The control device 100 controls the nozzle motor 61, the electromagnetic valve 71, and the actuator 111. The control device 100 controls the nozzle motor 61, the electromagnetic valve 71, and the actuator 111 based on the signal transmitted from the operation device 10.

[0087] The control device 100 controls the nozzle motor 61 based on the control instruction signal related to local cleaning transmitted from the operation device 10. The control device 100 controls the nozzle motor 61 to move the cleaning nozzle 6 forward and backward. The control device 100 controls the opening and closing of the electromagnetic valve 71.

[0088] The control device 100 controls the actuator 111 to open and close the lid 110. The control device 100 transmits the control information for opening the lid 110 to the actuator 111. The control device 100 transmits the control information for closing the lid 110 to the actuator 111. The control device 100 controls the lid 110 to be in the closed state when detection by the optical sensor 34 is not being performed, such as before the user uses the toilet 7.

[0089] The control device 100 transmits control information to the nozzle motor 61, the solenoid valve 71, and the actuator 111 by wire. Note that the control device 100 may transmit control information to the nozzle motor 61, the solenoid valve 71, and the actuator 111 wirelessly. For example, when the control device 100 is configured as a device separate from the toilet seat device 2, it may transmit the control information of the nozzle motor 61, the solenoid valve 71, and the actuator 111 to the toilet seat device 2 wirelessly. In this case, the nozzle motor 61, the solenoid valve 71, and the actuator 111 may be controlled based on the control information received by the control device of the toilet seat device 2.

[0090] The control device 100 controls the opening and closing operation of the lid portion 110. When the use of the toilet 7 by the user detected by the human body detection sensor 32 or the seating detection sensor 33 starts, the control device 100 opens the lid portion 110, and when the use of the toilet 7 by the user detected by the human body detection sensor 32 or the seating detection sensor 33 ends, the control device 100 closes the lid portion 110. Also, when the seating detection sensor 33 detects that the user has seated on the toilet seat 5, the control device 100 opens the lid portion 110, and when the seating detection sensor 33 detects that the user has left the toilet seat 5, the control device 100 closes the lid portion 110. For example, when the human body detection sensor 32 detects that the user has entered the toilet room R, the control device 100 opens the lid portion 110, and when the human body detection sensor 32 detects that the user has left the toilet room R, the control device 100 closes the lid portion 110.

[0091] Note that the opening and closing of the lid portion 110 described above are merely examples, and the control device 100 may perform the opening and closing control of the lid portion 110 based on various information. When the human body detection sensor 32 detects that the user is approaching the toilet 7, the control device 100 may open the lid portion 110. For example, when it is detected that the user is located within a predetermined range (such as 50 cm) from the toilet 7, the control device 100 may open the lid portion 110. Also, when the human body detection sensor 32 detects that the user is moving away from the toilet 7, the control device 100 closes the lid portion 110. For example, when it is detected that the user is located outside a predetermined range (such as 50 cm) from the toilet 7, the control device 100 closes the lid portion 110.

[0092] The control device 100 closes the lid 110 in conjunction with an instruction by the user to operate the cleaning nozzle 6 on the operating device 10. The control device 100 closes the lid 110 in conjunction with the operation of the cleaning nozzle 6. The control device 100 controls the lid 110 starting from the user's operation on the operating device 10 that controls the cleaning nozzle 6. The control device 100 detects the operation of the cleaning nozzle 6 (the advancement of the nozzle into the bowl portion 8) and controls the lid 110.

[0093] The control device 100 controls to open the lid 110 upward when placed on the toilet 7. The control device 100 controls to keep the lid 110 in a closed state during the operation of the cleaning nozzle 6. The control device 100 controls to keep the lid 110 in a closed state during the operation of the cleaning nozzle 6 disposed on the toilet 7.

[0094] Also, the control device 100 may control the optical sensor 34. In this case, the optical sensor 34 starts or stops detecting according to the control by the control device 100. The control device 100 transmits control information for controlling the start and end of detection by the optical sensor 34 to the optical sensor 34. For example, when the start of use of the toilet 7 by the user is detected by the human body detection sensor 32 or the seating detection sensor 33, the control device 100 transmits control information for starting detection to the optical sensor 34. For example, when the end of use of the toilet 7 by the user is detected by the human body detection sensor 32 or the seating detection sensor 33, the control device 100 transmits control information for ending detection to the optical sensor 34.

[0095] In addition, the control device 100 may control the radio wave sensor 200. In this case, the radio wave sensor 200 starts or stops detection according to the control by the control device 100. The control device 100 transmits control information for controlling the start and end of detection by the radio wave sensor 200 to the radio wave sensor 200. For example, when the use start of the toilet 7 by the user is detected by the human body detection sensor 32 or the seat detection sensor 33, the control device 100 transmits control information for starting detection to the radio wave sensor 200. For example, when the use end of the toilet 7 by the user is detected by the human body detection sensor 32 or the seat detection sensor 33, the control device 100 transmits control information for ending detection to the radio wave sensor 200.

[0096] In addition, the control device 100 controls the toilet lid 4 and the toilet seat 5 as shown in FIG. 1. The control device 100 controls the toilet lid 4 and the toilet seat 5 based on the signal transmitted from the operation device 10. The control device 100 controls the toilet lid 4 based on the control instruction signal regarding the opening and closing of the toilet lid transmitted from the operation device 10. The control device 100 controls the toilet seat 5 based on the control instruction signal regarding the opening and closing of the seating part transmitted from the operation device 10. The control device 100 transmits control information to the toilet lid 4 and the toilet seat 5 by wire. Note that the control device 100 may transmit control information to the toilet lid 4 and the toilet seat 5 wirelessly.

[0097] The control device 100 determines whether the entry of the user is detected by the human body detection sensor 32. The control device 100 determines whether the entry of the user into the toilet room R is detected by the human body detection sensor 32. The control device 100 determines whether the seating of the user is detected by the seat detection sensor 33. The control device 100 determines whether the seating of the user on the toilet seat 5 is detected by the seat detection sensor 33.

[0098] The electromagnetic valve 71 has the function of a valve that controls the flow of fluid by an electromagnetic method. The electromagnetic valve 71 switches, for example, the supply and stop of tap water from the water supply pipe. The electromagnetic valve 71 performs opening and closing control according to an instruction from the control device 100.

[0099] The nozzle motor 61 is a drive source (motor) that drives the cleaning nozzle 6 to move forward and backward. The nozzle motor 61 executes control to move the cleaning nozzle 6 forward and backward with respect to the main body cover 30 of the main body 3. The nozzle motor 61 executes control to move the cleaning nozzle 6 forward and backward in response to an instruction from the control device 100.

[0100] The lid portion 110 can be positioned in front of the optical sensor 34 and functions as a lid. The lid portion 110 is preferably formed of a non-transparent material in order to reduce the possibility of the optical sensor 34 being visible and to consider the privacy of the user. For example, the lid portion 110 may be formed in a non-transparent state by coloring. A non-transparent material (paint) may be applied to the surface of the lid portion 110. Note that the lid portion 110 is not limited to a non-transparent configuration and may be transparent. The lid portion 110 is capable of transitioning between an open state and a closed state by the actuator 111, and can be positioned in front of the optical sensor 34 or expose the optical sensor 34.

[0101] The actuator 111 is a drive source (motor) that opens and closes the lid portion 110. The actuator 111 executes control to open or close the lid portion 110 in response to an instruction from the control device 100. The actuator 111 closes the lid portion 110 during the operation of the cleaning nozzle 6. The actuator 111 closes the lid portion 110 during the operation of the cleaning nozzle 6 disposed in the toilet bowl 7.

[0102] In the configuration shown in FIG. 5, a configuration in which the toilet seat device 2 includes a control device 100 and the like is shown as an example. However, the control device 100, the human body detection sensor 32, the seating detection sensor 33, the optical sensor 34, etc. may be configured as separate devices from the toilet seat device 2. For example, the control device 100 may be configured as a separate device from the toilet seat device 2. For example, the control device 100 may be a server device and may be arranged at a position separated from the toilet seat device 2. In this case, the control device 100 communicates with each device such as the toilet seat device 2, the human body detection sensor 32, the seating detection sensor 33, and the optical sensor 34, and receives information necessary for estimating information related to excrement such as urine flow rate (urine volume) or fecal volume from each device. Also, in this case, the toilet seat device 2 may have a configuration (control circuit, etc.) for controlling various configurations of the toilet seat device 2 such as the nozzle motor 61, the electromagnetic valve 71, and the actuator 111. Note that the above is only an example, and the toilet system 1 can adopt any device configuration as long as the desired processing is possible.

[0103] <3-2. Functional Configuration of Radio Wave Sensor> Next, the functional configuration of the radio wave sensor 200 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the radio wave sensor 200 includes an antenna unit 210 and a circuit unit 220.

[0104] The antenna unit 210 has a function for transmitting and receiving radio waves. The antenna unit 210 includes a transmission antenna 211 that transmits (sends) a predetermined radio wave and a reception antenna 212 that receives radio waves.

[0105] Regarding the arrangement of the antenna unit 210, any mode can be adopted. For example, the antenna unit 210 is arranged near the trap unit 82. For example, the antenna unit 210 is provided on the outer wall of the drain pipe 81 having the trap unit 82. The antenna unit 210 is provided along the outer wall of the drain pipe 81 having the trap unit 82. Also, for example, the antenna unit 210 is arranged vertically above the trap unit 82. Also, for example, the antenna unit 210 is arranged vertically above the water seal on the trap unit 82 side.

[0106] Also, when the radio wave sensor 200 is provided in the toilet seat device 2, for example, the antenna unit 210 is disposed on the bottom (lower) side of the toilet seat device 2. Note that the arrangement of the antenna unit 210 described above is merely an example, and any arrangement can be adopted as long as desired detection is possible. For example, if desired detection is possible, the antenna unit 210 may be disposed outside the drain pipe 81 such as on the outer wall of the drain pipe 81, or may be disposed inside the drain pipe 81.

[0107] The circuit unit 220 has a function of executing processes related to transmission and reception of radio waves. The circuit unit 220 includes a transmission circuit 221 that functions as an electronic circuit that generates an electrical repetitive oscillation, and a detection circuit 222 that performs detection in response to reception by the reception antenna 212. Note that the configuration shown in FIG. 5 is merely an example, and the radio wave sensor 200 can adopt any configuration. For example, as shown in FIG. 21 and the like, it may have a plurality of detection circuits 222, which will be described later. For example, the circuit configuration of the radio wave sensor 200 using one output may be a configuration having only one detection circuit 222 (for example, detection circuit #1) excluding the portion corresponding to the detection circuit #2 from the circuit schematic diagram shown in FIG. 21.

[0108] The radio wave sensor 200 also has a function of transmitting the information collected by detection to the control device 100. For example, the radio wave sensor 200 may be connected to the control device 100 by wire and be able to communicate information with the control device 100. Note that the radio wave sensor 200 may be connected to the control device 100 and be able to communicate information with the control device 100. The radio wave sensor 200 may have a communication device for communicating with the control device 100.

[0109] <4. Functional Configuration of Control Device> Hereinafter, the functional configuration of the control device will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device according to the embodiment.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 6, the control device 100 includes a communication unit 101, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130. Note that the control device 100 may include an input unit (for example, a keyboard, a mouse, etc.) that receives various operations from an administrator or the like of the control device 100, and a display unit (for example, a liquid crystal display, etc.) that displays various information.

[0111] The communication unit 101 is realized by, for example, a communication circuit or the like. The communication unit 101 is connected to a predetermined network by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from an external information processing device. For example, the communication unit 101 is connected to a predetermined network by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from other devices such as the operation device 10. Further, the control device 100 may be connected to the radio wave sensor 200 by wire or wirelessly via the communication unit 101, and transmit and receive information to and from the radio wave sensor 200. Note that the communication unit 101 may be configured as a separate device (communication device) from the control device 100 and may be included in the toilet seat device 2.

[0112] The storage unit 120 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. For example, the storage unit 120 is a computer-readable recording medium that non-temporarily records data and the like used by various information processing programs and the like.

[0113] The storage unit 120 according to the embodiment stores various information necessary for processing. The storage unit 120 stores various information acquired from other devices such as various sensors. For example, the storage unit 120 stores information regarding a learning model (also simply referred to as a "model") used for processing. For example, the storage unit 120 stores a model used for estimating information regarding excrement such as urine flow rate (urine volume) or fecal volume. For example, the storage unit 120 stores various information (for example, information regarding a threshold value) used in various information processing.

[0114] Returning to FIG. 6, the description will be continued. The control unit 130 is realized, for example, by a program (such as various information processing programs according to the present disclosure) stored inside the control device 100 being executed with a RAM or the like as a work area by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or the like. Further, the control unit 130 is a controller and is realized, for example, by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0115] As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 130 includes an acquisition unit 131, a measurement unit 132, a determination unit 133, an estimation unit 134, and an output unit 135, and realizes or executes the functions and operations of information processing described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 130 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 6, and any other configuration may be used as long as it can perform the information processing described later.

[0116] The acquisition unit 131 acquires various information. The acquisition unit 131 acquires various information from the storage unit 120. The acquisition unit 131 receives information from other devices. The acquisition unit 131 receives information (such as detected information) detected by various sensors from the various sensors. The acquisition unit 131 receives information (such as detected information) detected by sensors such as the human body detection sensor 32, the seating detection sensor 33, the optical sensor 34, and the radio wave sensor 200 from the respective sensors. The acquisition unit 131 acquires information used for processing from the storage unit 120.

[0117] The measurement unit 132 performs various measurements. The measurement unit 132 performs various measurements using the information stored in the storage unit 120. The measurement unit 132 measures sensor values and the like detected by the radio wave sensor 200 using the information acquired by the radio wave sensor 200.

[0118] The measurement unit 132 measures information regarding a state change occurring in the water seal on the trap unit 82 side using the information detected by the radio wave sensor 200. The measurement unit 132 measures information regarding a state change of the water seal based on water overflow from the apex portion 821 of the trap unit 82 using the information detected by the radio wave sensor 200.

[0119] The determination unit 133 performs a determination process. The determination unit 133 performs a determination process using various information stored in the storage unit 120. The determination unit 133 performs a determination process using various information acquired by the acquisition unit 131.

[0120] The determination unit 133 determines the cause of the state change of the water seal of the toilet bowl 7 based on the detection result by the optical sensor 34. The determination unit 133 classifies the state change of the water seal of the toilet bowl 7 based on the detection result by the optical sensor 34. The determination unit 133 determines which object causes the state change of the water seal of the toilet bowl 7 based on the detection result by the optical sensor 34.

[0121] The determination unit 133 determines the fall (water landing) of an object into the water seal of the toilet bowl 7 based on the detection result of the optical sensor 34. The determination unit 133 determines the object that has landed in the water seal of the toilet bowl 7 based on the detection result of the optical sensor 34. The determination unit 133 determines the excrement of the user based on the detection result of the optical sensor 34.

[0122] For example, the determination unit 133 classifies a plurality of types of state changes of the water seal including a first type of state change of the water seal due to feces, a second type of state change of the water seal due to urine, and a third type of state change of the water seal due to feces and urine. For example, the determination unit 133 classifies whether the state change of the water seal detected by the optical sensor 34 is due to a state change of the water seal due to feces, a state change of the water seal due to urine, or a state change of the water seal due to feces and urine.

[0123] The determination unit 133 may determine the change in the state of the water seal by any method. For example, the determination unit 133 may determine the change in the state of the water seal by exceeding a signal level threshold or by using AI (artificial intelligence). The determination unit 133 may determine the change in the state of the water seal by frequency analysis, image processing, machine learning, Deep Learning, etc.

[0124] For example, the determination unit 133 determines the change in the state of the water seal using techniques related to AI. For example, the determination unit 133 may determine the change in the state of the water seal using a model (also referred to as a "water seal state change determination model") generated by machine learning. In this case, the water seal state change determination model is learned by teacher data indicating classification judgments in advance. This teacher data includes, for example, a combination of information related to the change in the state of the water seal (water seal change information), such as an image, and a label (correct answer information) indicating the type of change in the state of the water seal corresponding to the water seal change information. The type referred to here indicates, for example, an object that caused the change in the state of the water seal, such as feces, urine, or both feces and urine. For example, the teacher data includes a combination of water seal change information and a label (correct answer information) indicating an object (such as feces, urine, or both feces and urine) that landed (dropped) on the water seal when the change in the state of the water seal corresponding to the water seal change information occurred in the water seal.

[0125] The water seal state change determination model is a model that takes water seal change information as input and outputs information indicating the type of change in the state of the water seal corresponding to the input water seal change information. For example, the water seal state change determination model is learned to output information of a label (type of water seal state change) corresponding to the input water seal change information when the water seal change information is input. The learning of the water seal state change determination model is performed using various methods related to so-called supervised learning as appropriate. In this case, the water seal state change determination model is stored in the storage unit 120, and the determination unit 133 may determine the change in the state of the water seal using the water seal state change determination model stored in the storage unit 120. For example, the control device 100 may perform a learning process to generate a water seal state change determination model. Note that the above is only an example, and the determination unit 133 may determine the change in the state of the water seal using various information as appropriate.

[0126] Further, the determination unit 133 may determine the presence or absence of defecation (stool) based on the information detected by the defecation detection means. The determination unit 133 may use the information detected by the defecation detection means such as the optical sensor 34 to determine whether the user is excreting stool. The determination unit 133 determines the presence or absence of defecation based on the image captured by the defecation detection means. Note that the determination of the presence or absence of defecation described above is merely an example, and when the determination unit 133 determines the presence or absence of defecation, it may appropriately use various information to determine the presence or absence of defecation.

[0127] The estimation unit 134 performs an estimation process. For example, the estimation unit 134 performs an estimation process based on an arbitrary estimation method. For example, the estimation unit 134 performs an estimation process by calculating information through a calculation process based on an arbitrary calculation method. The estimation unit 134 performs an estimation process using various information stored in the storage unit 120. The estimation unit 134 performs an estimation process using various information acquired by the acquisition unit 131. The estimation unit 134 estimates (calculates) information regarding excreta such as urine flow rate (urine volume) or stool volume based on the determination result by the determination unit 133.

[0128] For example, the estimation unit 134 estimates information regarding urine or stool related to excreta based on the detection result of the radio wave sensor 200. The estimation unit 134 estimates the urine flow rate or stool volume based on the change in the state of the sealed water. The estimation unit 134 estimates the urine flow rate based on the information of the standing wave output from the radio wave sensor 200.

[0129] For example, the estimation unit 134 estimates urine or feces information based on the detection results of the radio wave sensor 200 and the optical sensor 34. For example, when there is a correlation between the detection results of the radio wave sensor 200 and the optical sensor 34, the estimation unit 134 estimates urine or feces information. When the detection result of the optical sensor 34 indicates that the user's excrement is urine, the estimation unit 134 estimates urine information based on the detection result of the radio wave sensor 200. When the detection result of the optical sensor 34 indicates that the user's excrement is urine, the estimation unit 134 estimates the urine volume based on the detection result of the radio wave sensor 200. When the detection result of the optical sensor 34 indicates that the user's excrement is feces (stool), the estimation unit 134 estimates feces information based on the detection result of the radio wave sensor 200. When the detection result of the optical sensor 34 indicates that the user's excrement is feces (stool), the estimation unit 134 estimates the feces volume based on the detection result of the radio wave sensor 200.

[0130] For example, the estimation unit 134 obtains urine or feces information based on the detection results of the radio wave sensor 200 and the optical sensor 34. For example, the estimation unit 134 obtains feces information based on the detection result of the optical sensor 34 and obtains information related to urine or feces based on the detection result of the radio wave sensor 200. The estimation unit 134 estimates the feces volume based on the detection result of the optical sensor 34 and estimates the urine volume based on the detection result of the radio wave sensor 200. For example, the estimation unit 134 estimates the urine volume by subtracting the feces volume estimated based on the detection result of the optical sensor 34 from the total volume of excrement estimated based on the detection result of the radio wave sensor 200.

[0131] The output unit 135 executes an output process for outputting various information. The output unit 135 functions as a transmission unit for transmitting various information. The output unit 135 executes the output process by transmitting information to an external information processing device. The output unit 135 transmits information to an external information processing device. For example, the output unit 135 transmits various information to a management device such as a personal computer or a smartphone used by a manager. Also, the output unit 135 may execute the output process by transmitting information to the operation device 10 (or the display screen 11).

[0132] The output unit 135 transmits information regarding excreta such as the urine flow rate (urine volume) or fecal volume estimated by the estimation unit 134. The output unit 135 transmits information indicating the urine volume estimated by the estimation unit 134. The output unit 135 outputs information indicating any one of "large", "medium", or "small" indicating the total urine volume (level) categorized by the estimation unit 134. The output unit 135 transmits information indicating the level of the total urine volume.

[0133] <5. Processing example> Hereinafter, an example of the process based on the detection by the radio wave sensor 200 will be described. Note that the processes shown below are merely examples, and the toilet system 1 may estimate the urine volume not only by the processes shown below but also by any process based on the detection by the radio wave sensor 200.

[0134] <5-1. Example of process for estimating information regarding excreta> First, with reference to FIG. 7, an outline of the process for estimating information regarding excreta based on the detection by the radio wave sensor 200 will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an outline of the process for estimating information regarding excreta. Note that in FIG. 7, in order to show an outline of the detection by the radio wave sensor 200, some of the reference signs shown in FIG. 4 (for example, the apex portion 821, the detection range DA11, etc.) are omitted.

[0135] In FIG. 7, the radio wave sensor 200 detects the overflow OF1 from the apex portion 821 of the trap portion 82. Thereby, the toilet system 1 acquires trap overflow information regarding the overflow OF1 from the apex portion 821 of the trap portion 82 by the radio wave sensor 200. For example, the overflow OF1 from the apex portion 821 of the trap portion 82 shown in FIG. 7 occurs in response to the inflow IF1 into the bowl portion 8 due to the user's urination or the like. The toilet system 1 performs detection regarding the overflow OF1 from the apex portion 821 of the trap portion 82 by the radio wave sensor 200, and estimates information regarding excreta such as the urine volume based on the detection by the radio wave sensor 200.

[0136] As a premise, radio wave sensors such as microwave sensors and millimeter wave sensors can penetrate ceramics and resins, but water cannot penetrate and is reflected. Therefore, the toilet system 1 detects the wave reflected from water by the radio wave sensor 200 to detect the distance from the water surface.

[0137] For example, when the sensor is placed above the trap, when the amount of water sealed increases due to urination, water flows to the drainage side beyond the apex of the trap. And when water flows, the water level near the apex of the trap rises, and when detected from above, the distance from the water surface shortens according to the rise of the water level. Therefore, by measuring the change in the water level from the initial value (how much the distance has shortened) with the sensor, information used for estimating information about excrement can be obtained. Thus, there is a correlation between the change in the water level and the urine flow rate. Therefore, the flow rate can be obtained from the output of the sensor using the relationship among the three pieces of information: the output of the sensor, the water level change, and the flow rate.

[0138] In the toilet system 1, for example, when the radio wave sensor 200 is placed above the trap portion 82, when the amount of water sealed increases due to urination, water flows to the drainage side beyond the apex portion 821 of the trap portion 82. And in the toilet system 1, when water flows into the drain pipe 81 according to the increase in the amount of water sealed, the water level near the apex (apex portion 821) of the trap portion 82 rises, and when detected from above the trap portion 82, the distance between the radio wave sensor 200 and the water surface shortens according to the rise of the water level. Therefore, in the toilet system 1, by measuring the change in the water level from the initial value (how much the distance has shortened) by detecting with the radio wave sensor 200, information used for estimating information about excrement can be obtained. In the toilet system 1, the flow rate is calculated (estimated) from the output of the radio wave sensor 200 using the relationship among the three pieces of information: the output of the radio wave sensor 200, the water level change, and the flow rate.

[0139] <5-2. State changes accompanying flow rate changes> Hereinafter, an example of state changes accompanying flow rate changes will be described. For example, the relationship between the flow rate flowing (falling) from the bowl portion 8 side of the toilet 7 into the water seal and the height of the overflow water will be described.

[0140] First, an overview will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the flow rate and the height of the overflow water. In FIG. 8, when water is introduced from 200 mm above the upper surface of the bowl portion 8, the experimental results of observing the phenomenon of the trap overflow behavior, which is the behavior accompanying the change in the flow rate, are shown. For example, FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the change in the water seal on the trap portion 82 side due to the inflow of water on the bowl portion 8 side. As shown in FIG. 8, the water level in the trap portion 82 changes in response to the inflow into the water seal from the bowl portion 8 side. For example, when the inflow rate is 40 mL / s, the water level in the trap portion 82 rose by about 5 mm compared to the case where the inflow rate is 10 mL / s. Thus, an increase in the water level in the trap due to the urine flow rate was confirmed. Also, when the flow rate is changed, it is observed that the movement of the water exceeding the apex portion 821 of the trap portion 82 changes.

[0141] Next, the relationship between the flow rate and the water level change shown in FIG. 9 will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the state change accompanying the change in the flow rate. Specifically, FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the flow rate and the height of each position of the overflow water. The experimental results shown in FIG. 9 are the results of measuring the change in the water level accompanying the change in the flow rate with the discharge flow rate (inflow rate) at four amounts of 10 mL / s, 20 mL / s, 30 mL / s, and 40 mL / s. For example, each column in the row corresponding to the water head (dashed line) in FIG. 9 shows the change amount of the water level in the water head portion due to the corresponding discharge flow rate (inflow rate). Also, each column in the row corresponding to the trap apex (two-dot chain line) in FIG. 9 shows the change amount of the water level in the trap apex portion due to the corresponding discharge flow rate (inflow rate). Note that 0 mL / s in FIG. 9 indicates the state (initial state) when there is no inflow. In FIG. 9, the measurement was performed by arranging a microwave sensor on the outer wall above the trap apex (apex portion 821).

[0142] The dashed-dotted line shown in the drain pipe 81 corresponding to each flow rate in Fig. 9 indicates the height of the water head. For example, the water head is the position of the tip of the water (overflow water) that exceeds the apex 821 of the trap portion 82. Also, the two-dot chain line shown in the drain pipe 81 corresponding to each flow rate in Fig. 9 indicates the height of the trap apex. For example, the trap apex is the position directly above the apex 821 of the trap portion 82 among the water (overflow water) that exceeds the apex 821 of the trap portion 82. As a result, in all four quantities, the water head was higher than the height of the overflow water above the trap apex. Also, as a result, both the water head and the trap apex became higher as the inflow rate increased. As shown in Fig. 9, changes in the water head level, the water level at the trap apex, etc. were confirmed as the flow rate changed.

[0143] <5-3. Detection by Radio Wave Sensor> Next, the information obtained by the detection of the radio wave sensor (detection information) will be described using Fig. 10, taking the microwave sensor as an example. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the detection information of the microwave sensor.

[0144] The information (detection information) obtained by the detection of a radio wave sensor such as a microwave sensor includes information such as (1) to (5) in Fig. 10. For example, as shown in (1) in Fig. 10, information on the standing wave that can indicate the distance between the radio wave sensor and the target (e.g., the water surface, etc.) can be obtained by the detection of the radio wave sensor. In the graph corresponding to (1) in Fig. 10, the relationship between the DC component corresponding to the output value of the sensor and the angle corresponding to the spatial wavelength is shown, but as shown from Fig. 12 onwards, it may also be a graph showing the relationship between the output (value) of the sensor and the distance.

[0145] Here, an example of the characteristics of the standing wave will be briefly described using Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship of wavelengths. Specifically, Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the medium and the wavelength. As shown in Fig. 11, the wavelength λ in the air (hereinafter also referred to as "spatial wavelength λ0") is calculated by dividing the speed of light by the transmission frequency. When the transmission frequency is 24.15 gigahertz (24.15 × 10^9 Hz), the wavelength λ in the air becomes 0.0124 m (12.4 mm).

[0146] In addition, the wavelength λd during substance transmission varies according to the relative permittivity of the substance. For example, the wavelength λd during substance transmission of resin (for example, with a relative permittivity of 2 to 3.5, etc.) or pottery (for example, with a relative permittivity of 5 to 6, etc.) becomes shorter than the spatial wavelength λ0, resulting in wavelength shortening. The wavelength λd is calculated by dividing the spatial wavelength λ0 by the square root (value) of the relative permittivity of the substance. Based on the information (standing wave) in (1) of FIG. 10, for example, the distance between the radio wave sensor and an object that reflects the radio wave from the radio wave sensor can be estimated, which will be described later.

[0147] Also, as shown in (2) of FIG. 10, information on fluctuations (vibrations) such as frequency can be obtained by detecting with the radio wave sensor. Also, as shown in (3) of FIG. 10, information regarding changes in distance such as the proximity or remoteness of the target, such as reflection intensity, can be obtained by detecting with the radio wave sensor. Also, as shown in (4) of FIG. 10, information such as the moving distance of the target can be obtained by detecting with the radio wave sensor. Also, as shown in (5) of FIG. 10, information such as the reflection amount can be obtained by detecting with the radio wave sensor.

[0148] Hereinafter, as an example, a process using the distance information (standing wave) corresponding to the spatial wavelength corresponding to (1) in FIG. 10 among the information (1) to (5) in FIG. 10 obtained by the radio wave sensor of the microwave sensor will be described. Note that not only the information in (1) of FIG. 10 but also any of the information (1) to (5) in FIG. 10, such as (2) to (5) in FIG. 10, may be used. For example, when using the information on the reflection amount corresponding to (5) in FIG. 10, based on the relationship that the reflection amount increases as the distance decreases and the area increases, the toilet system 1 may estimate the distance between the radio wave sensor and the target and estimate information regarding excrement such as urine volume based on the estimated distance.

[0149] <5-4. Example of method for obtaining urine flow rate with radio wave sensor> Hereinafter, an example of a method for obtaining the urine flow rate with the radio wave sensor 200 in the above-described toilet system 1 will be described. First, the overall outline will be described with reference to FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the characteristics of the radio wave sensor. In the graph shown in FIG. 12, for example, the vertical axis corresponds to the output (value) of the radio wave sensor 200, and the horizontal axis corresponds to the distance between the radio wave sensor 200 and the water surface (for example, water (overflow) exceeding the apex portion 821 of the trap portion 82). As shown in FIG. 12, the output of the sensor is related to the distance from the water surface. Also, as shown in FIG. 12, the output of the sensor forms a sine curve, and one cycle of the sine curve coincides with the wavelength of the radio wave sensor. For example, in the case of microwaves of 24 GHz, one wavelength (one cycle) is about 12.5 mm.

[0150] Here, on the premise of the content described with reference to FIG. 12 and the like, an example of the process executed by the toilet system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a method for detecting a change in the water level. In FIG. 13, it is a method for obtaining a change in the water level due to urination from one output of the sensor. Hereinafter, the case where the initial value of the sensor (for example, the radio wave sensor 200), that is, the value before the water level changes due to urination (for example, the output value of the radio wave sensor 200) is 100 will be described as an example. Here, at the start of urination, since the water surface rises, the distance between the sensor and the water surface will surely become shorter due to urination. Therefore, the toilet system 1 obtains the change in the water level due to urination by the following process. As shown below, in the process shown in FIG. 13, since it is desired to obtain information on the change rather than the absolute value of the water level, information on the change between the initial value of the radio wave sensor 200 and the value of the radio wave sensor 200 during urination can be obtained.

[0151] In FIG. 13, the candidates for the distance between the sensor (for example, the radio wave sensor 200) and the water surface are four, namely 124.0 mm, 126.0 mm, 136.5 mm, and 138.5 mm, based on the positions of the sensor in the configuration and the trap portion (for example, the trap portion 82). For example, the toilet system 1 estimates that the distance between the radio wave sensor 200 and the water surface is any one of 124.0 mm, 126.0 mm, 136.5 mm, and 138.5 mm based on the output of the radio wave sensor 200.

[0152] When the value of the output decreases due to urination, the distance candidates can be narrowed down to two values: 124.0 mm or 136.5 mm, which is one wavelength shift from that value, as shown in Fig. 13. For example, the toilet system 1 estimates that the distance between the radio wave sensor 200 and the water surface is either 124.0 mm or 136.5 mm based on the output of the radio wave sensor 200.

[0153] As shown in Fig. 13, when the value at the time of the most significant change in the sensor output is 70, the distance candidates are two values: 119.0 mm or 130.5 mm, which is one wavelength shift from that value. For example, the toilet system 1 estimates that the distance between the radio wave sensor 200 and the water surface is either 119.0 mm or 130.5 mm based on the output of the radio wave sensor 200 at the time of the most significant change in its output (for example, when the distance between the radio wave sensor 200 and the water surface is the closest).

[0154] As shown in Fig. 13, in either case where the distance between the radio wave sensor 200 and the water surface changes from 124.0 mm to 119.0 mm or from 136.5 mm to 130.5 mm, the maximum water level change is 5.0 mm. For example, the toilet system 1 estimates the water level change due to urination to be 5.0 mm based on the output of the radio wave sensor 200.

[0155] Thus, in the process shown in Fig. 13, it is not the absolute value of the water level that is of interest, but the change. Therefore, it can be understood from the change between the initial value of the radio wave sensor and the value of the sensor during urination. The following three points can be cited as key points in the method of obtaining the urine flow rate using the radio wave sensor 200.

[0156] As the first key point in understanding the water level change due to urination from the output of the radio wave sensor 200, at the start of urination, the water level only rises due to urination and does not fall. Therefore, when the sensor is placed above the trap, the distance between the radio wave sensor 200 and the water surface will necessarily become shorter.

[0157] As a second point indicating that the change in water level due to urination can be understood from the output of the radio wave sensor 200, the flow rate of urination continuously increases and decreases. On the other hand, it does not output a value that is far from the output value of the radio wave sensor 200 immediately before. Therefore, from the characteristics of the first point and the second point, when analyzing the signal of the radio wave sensor 200 in time series, the distance between the radio wave sensor 200 and the water surface can be narrowed down to values for each wavelength.

[0158] As a second point indicating that the change in water level due to urination can be understood from the output of the radio wave sensor 200, it is not necessary to know the absolute value of the water level, but only the change in water level. Also, even if there are multiple distances for each wavelength between the radio wave sensor 200 and the water surface, the change in water level is the same regardless of which distance region is observed. And since what we want to know is the change in water level, sufficient information can be obtained from the distance measurement by the radio wave sensor 200.

[0159] Based on the above-mentioned premise, as shown in FIG. 14, the toilet system 1 can estimate the inflow amount (for example, the amount of urine) into the bowl portion 8 from the change in water level obtained by the radio wave sensor 200. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a process for calculating the flow rate from the change in water level. For example, the toilet system 1 estimates the amount of urine from the change in water level obtained by the radio wave sensor 200 based on the relationship between the flow rate and the water level shown in FIG. 9 and the information obtained from the detection of the change in water level shown in FIG. 13.

[0160] In the graph shown in FIG. 14, for example, the vertical axis corresponds to the urine flow rate, that is, the amount of urine, and the horizontal axis corresponds to the change in water level obtained by the radio wave sensor 200. The graph shown in FIG. 14 is derived from the relationship between the flow rate and the water level shown in FIG. 9. For example, the toilet system 1 obtains the urine flow rate from a conversion formula or conversion table between the change in water level and the urine flow rate. For example, the information of the conversion formula or conversion table between the change in water level and the urine flow rate may be stored in the storage unit 120 or the like.

[0161] For example, the toilet system 1 estimates the water level change by the process shown in FIG. 13 and estimates the urine volume using the estimated water level change and a conversion formula (function) corresponding to the graph shown in FIG. 14. For example, the toilet system 1 estimates the water level change by the process shown in FIG. 13 and estimates the urine volume using the estimated water level change and a conversion table corresponding to the graph shown in FIG. 14. For example, when the toilet system 1 estimates that the water level change is 6 mm, it estimates that the urine volume is, for example, 40 mL / s.

[0162] Note that the flow rate (such as urine volume) estimated by the toilet system 1 may be a number or may be in multiple levels of large, medium, and small. When estimating the urine volume in three levels of large, medium, and small, the toilet system 1 may estimate that when the estimated amount is less than 15 mL / s, it is small; when it is 15 mL / s or more and less than 30 mL / s, it is medium; and when it is 30 mL / s or more, it is large. Note that the correspondence between the above amount ranges and levels is only an example, and any correspondence can be adopted.

[0163] <5-5. Example method for obtaining total urine volume> In addition, the toilet system 1 may estimate the total amount of urine (also referred to as "total urine volume") excreted by the user based on the urine volume estimated by the above-described process. An example of this point will be described with reference to FIG. 15. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a method for calculating the flow rate. Specifically, FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a method for estimating the total urine volume. The vertical axis of FIG. 15 corresponds to the estimated urine flow rate (per unit time), and the horizontal axis corresponds to time.

[0164] For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the toilet system 1 measures (estimates) the urine flow rate in time series from the detection of the radio wave sensor 200. Then, the toilet system 1 integrates the time-series flow rates to convert the amount (total amount). For example, for example, the toilet system 1 estimates the total urine volume by obtaining the area of the region (diagram) formed by the waveform shown in FIG. 15 and the X-axis. In FIG. 15, the toilet system 1 estimates that the total urine volume is 144 mL.

[0165] In addition, even when the toilet system 1 estimates the urine volume in several levels (grades) of large, medium, and small, or estimates the total urine volume in the same way. An example of this point will be described with reference to FIG. 16. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a method for calculating the flow rate. Specifically, FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a method for estimating the total urine volume. The vertical axis of FIG. 16 corresponds to the level of the estimated urine flow rate (per unit time), and the horizontal axis corresponds to time.

[0166] For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the toilet system 1 measures (estimates) the urine flow rate (level) in time series from the detection of the radio wave sensor 200. Then, the toilet system 1 calculates the area of the region surrounded by the line connecting those points and the horizontal axis, and calculates the total urine volume from the area. In FIG. 16, the toilet system 1 calculates the area of the region indicated by hatching, and calculates the total urine volume by converting the area into urine volume.

[0167] In this case, the toilet system 1 may have a relationship between the state change of water sealing and the urine flow rate in advance. For example, the toilet system 1 may store information indicating the correspondence relationship between each level of urine volume and a numerical value indicating a specific amount (for example, small is 10 mL / s, medium is 20 mL / s, large is 30 mL / s, etc.) in the storage unit 120, for example. In this case, the toilet system 1 may calculate the total urine volume to be, for example, 220 mL by converting the level at each time into a numerical value indicating a specific amount based on the information indicating the correspondence relationship between each level of urine volume and a numerical value indicating a specific amount and integrating them.

[0168] In addition, for example, the toilet system 1 may store information indicating the correspondence relationship between each level of urine volume and a numerical value corresponding to the area in the storage unit 120, for example. In this case, the toilet system 1 calculates the area by converting the level at each time into a numerical value corresponding to the area based on the information indicating the correspondence relationship between each level of urine volume and a numerical value corresponding to the area (for example, small is 1, medium is 2, large is 3, etc.) and integrating them. For example, the toilet system 1 calculates the area to be 22.

[0169] Then, the toilet system 1 calculates the total urine volume from the calculated area. For example, the toilet system 1 calculates the total urine volume using the area and a conversion formula based on the relationship as shown in FIG. 17. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the area and the total urine volume. For example, FIG. 17 shows an example of a calibration curve for calculating the total urine volume from the area. For example, the toilet system 1 calculates the total urine volume to be 220 mL from the calculated area "22".

[0170] Note that the toilet system 1 may provide (display) information using any of the acquired information. For example, the toilet system 1 may perform a step display such as large, medium, or small instead of a numerical display.

[0171] <5-6. Example when defecation also occurred during urination> In addition, when defecation also occurs during urination, the toilet system 1 may perform processing to exclude the influence. For example, the toilet system 1 may perform the processing as shown in FIG. 18. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the processing when defecation occurs during urination. For example, FIG. 18 shows an example of a method for detecting feces from the output of the radio wave sensor 200. The vertical axis in FIG. 18 corresponds to the output value of the radio wave sensor 200, and the horizontal axis corresponds to time. FIG. 18 shows the case where defecation occurred during urination around 20 seconds on the graph.

[0172] As shown in FIG. 18, when there is defecation, the output value of the radio wave sensor 200 becomes discontinuous. Therefore, the toilet system 1 infers (estimates) from the points before and after the discontinuous point like the dotted line in the enlarged view around 20 seconds on the graph. For example, the toilet system 1 estimates the output value of the radio wave sensor 200 excluding the influence of feces for the time zone where it becomes discontinuous based on the line connecting the start point and the end point of the time zone where it becomes discontinuous like the dotted line in the enlarged view around 20 seconds on the graph. Then, the toilet system 1 may estimate the amount of urine in that time zone using the estimated output value of the radio wave sensor 200 and estimate the total urine volume. In FIG. 18, the toilet system 1 calculates (estimates) that the total volume (total urine volume) of urine is 342 mL after conversion to flow rate.

[0173] For example, the toilet system 1 may perform the processing as shown in FIG. 19. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the processing when defecation occurs during urination. For example, FIG. 19 shows an example of a method of detecting feces after changing the output of the radio wave sensor 200 to a flow rate. The vertical axis of FIG. 19 corresponds to the urine flow rate, and the horizontal axis corresponds to time. FIG. 19 shows the case where defecation occurs during urination around 20 seconds on the graph.

[0174] As shown in FIG. 19, when there is defecation, the flow rate becomes discontinuous. Therefore, the toilet system 1 estimates (infers) from the points before and after the discontinuous point like the dotted line in the enlarged view around 20 seconds on the graph. For example, the toilet system 1 estimates that the amount corresponding to the hatched area in the enlarged view around 20 seconds on the graph is the amount of feces. The toilet system 1 may calculate the feces amount from the area of the hatched area in the enlarged view around 20 seconds on the graph, and subtract (subtract) that feces amount from the total excretion amount which is the integration of the total area to estimate the total amount of urine (total urine amount). In FIG. 19, the toilet system 1 estimates the maximum urine flow rate to be 23.1 mL / second and calculates (estimates) that the total amount of urine (total urine volume) is 342 mL.

[0175] As described above, whether looking at the output of the radio wave sensor as it is or converting it to a water level or a flow rate, when there is defecation, the value becomes discontinuous. Therefore, when the value becomes discontinuous, the toilet system 1 deletes that value and uses the value before or after the discontinuity as it is, or averages the values before and after to delete the signal due to feces. The toilet system 1 may integrate all including the signal change due to defecation, further extract only the signal part of feces to calculate the feces amount, and subtract the feces amount from the total excretion amount to obtain the urine amount.

[0176] <When using two pieces of information with different phases 5-7.> In the above example, the case of using one output (information) was described as an example. However, the toilet system 1 may use two pieces of information with different phases. For example, the toilet system 1 may obtain the change in water level due to urination from two outputs with different phases. An example of this point will be described with reference to FIG. 20. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of calculation using two outputs. Regarding FIG. 20, descriptions of the same points as those in FIGS. 12 and 13 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0177] In FIG. 20, one output (the first output) is shown by a solid line, and another output (the second output) with a different phase from the first output is shown by a broken line. FIG. 20 shows a method of obtaining the change in water level due to urination from two outputs of the sensor. Hereinafter, the case where the initial value of the sensor is such that the first output is 100 and the second output is 50 will be described as an example.

[0178] In FIG. 20, the candidates for the distance between the sensor and the water surface are two, 124.0 mm and 136.5 mm which is shifted by one wavelength from there, based on the positions of the sensor and the trap part (for example, trap part 82) in the configuration. For example, the toilet system 1 estimates that the distance between the radio wave sensor 200 and the water surface is either 124.0 mm or 136.5 mm based on the first output and the second output. Since the subsequent processing is the same as that in the case of one output shown in FIG. 13, the description will be omitted.

[0179] As described above, in the case of one output of the sensor, the change in water level at the initial stage of urination was measured in time series to determine the initial water level. However, as shown in FIG. 20, when there are multiple (two) outputs, the water level can be narrowed down from those output values. For example, when the water level drops momentarily due to sitting down or the like, there is a possibility of misjudging the initial water level if there is only one output of the sensor, but this possibility can be reduced when there are multiple (two) outputs.

[0180] Incidentally, the toilet system 1 may obtain two outputs with different phases depending on an arbitrary configuration. For example, the toilet system 1 may obtain two outputs with different phases by using two radio wave sensors 200. In this case, the toilet system 1 may have two radio wave sensors 200, i.e., one radio wave sensor 200 (the first radio wave sensor) that outputs the first output in FIG. 20 and the other radio wave sensor 200 (the second radio wave sensor) that outputs the second output in FIG. 20. That is, the toilet system 1 may obtain outputs from each of the two radio wave sensors 200.

[0181] For example, when there was only one sensor, the initial water level was determined by measuring the temporal change in the water level at the initial stage of urination. However, when there are multiple sensors, the water level can be narrowed down from their output values. For example, when the water level drops momentarily due to sitting down or the like, there is a possibility of misjudging the initial water level with a single sensor, but this possibility can be reduced when there are multiple sensors. Incidentally, the toilet system 1 may use any information, for example, differential information of signals from multiple sensors.

[0182] Further, the toilet system 1 may obtain two outputs with different phases by one radio wave sensor 200. An example of this point will be described with reference to FIG. 21. For example, the radio wave sensor 200 may have a configuration as shown in FIG. 21. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the radio wave sensor. Specifically, FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the radio wave sensor for obtaining two outputs.

[0183] When obtaining two outputs with different phases by one radio wave sensor 200, the radio wave sensor 200 may have two detection circuits 222. For example, the radio wave sensor 200 has two detection circuits 222, i.e., a detection circuit 222a shown as detection circuit #1 in FIG. 21 and a detection circuit 222b shown as detection circuit #2 in FIG. 21. In FIG. 21, the radio wave sensor 200 has a configuration in which the line length on the detection circuit 222b side is extended more than the line length of the detection circuit 222a so that the phase difference of the line length between it and the transmission circuit 221 becomes 60 degrees. As a result, the detection circuit 222b (detection circuit #2) is shifted (delayed by 60 degrees) by the line length with respect to the detection circuit 222a (detection circuit #1). Thereby, the toilet system 1 can estimate the distance in the combination (relationship) of two wavelengths.

[0184] For example, as shown in FIG. 22, the toilet system 1 may estimate the distance using the relationship between the two outputs. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the process using the relationship between the two outputs. In FIG. 22, the output (first output) by the detection circuit 222a is shown by a solid line, and the output (second output) by the detection circuit 222b is shown by a broken line. For example, the toilet system 1 may estimate the distance between the radio wave sensor 200 and the water surface based on the relationships such as the first output and the second output at A in FIG. 22, the first output and the second output at B in FIG. 22, and the first output and the second output at C in FIG. 22.

[0185] In addition, each of the above-described embodiments and modifications can be appropriately combined as long as the processing contents do not conflict with each other.

[0186] Further effects and modifications can be easily derived by those skilled in the art. Therefore, the broader aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments expressed and described as above. Accordingly, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0187] Regarding each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, it may have the following configurations, but is not limited thereto. (1) A bowl section for receiving excrement, A trap section for forming water seal at the bottom side of the bowl section, A radio wave sensor for detecting a state change occurring in the water seal on the trap section side due to the fall of the excrement into the water seal, Estimation means for estimating urine or feces information regarding the excrement based on the detection result of the radio wave sensor, A toilet system characterized by comprising the above. (2) The detection range of the radio wave sensor is set in a region including the apex of the trap section. The toilet system according to (1), characterized in the above. (3) The radio wave sensor detects the state change of the water seal based on the overflow from the apex of the trap section. The toilet system according to (1) or (2), characterized in the above. (4) The estimation means estimates the urine flow rate or feces volume based on the state change of the water seal. The toilet system according to (3), characterized in the above. (5) The estimation means estimates the urine flow rate based on the information of the standing wave output from the radio wave sensor. The toilet system according to (3) or (4), characterized in the above. (6) The radio wave sensor is a millimeter wave sensor or a microwave sensor. The toilet system according to any one of (1) to (5), characterized in the above. (7) A drainage channel from the bowl section passes between the radio wave sensor and the apex of the trap section, The radio wave sensor detects the state change of the water seal based on the overflow from the apex of the trap section. The toilet system according to any one of (1) to (6), characterized in the above. (8) A toilet seat device installed on the upper part of a toilet body having the bowl section, further comprising the radio wave sensor is provided in the toilet seat device The toilet system according to any one of (1) to (7), characterized in that. (9) The antenna portion of the radio wave sensor is disposed on the bottom side of the toilet seat device The toilet system according to (8), characterized in that. (10) The antenna portion of the radio wave sensor is provided on the outer wall of the drain pipe having the trap portion The toilet system according to any one of (1) to (9), characterized in that. (11) The antenna portion of the radio wave sensor is disposed vertically above the trap portion The toilet system according to any one of (1) to (10), characterized in that. (12) The antenna portion of the radio wave sensor is disposed vertically above the water seal on the trap portion side The toilet system according to any one of (1) to (11), characterized in that. (13) An optical sensor that detects changes in the state of the water seal from the bowl side at a plurality of timings further comprising The estimation means estimates the urine or feces information based on the detection results of the radio wave sensor and the optical sensor The toilet system according to any one of (1) to (12), characterized in that. (14) The estimation means estimates the urine or feces information when there is a correlation between the detection results of the radio wave sensor and the optical sensor The toilet system according to (13), characterized in that. (15) An optical sensor that detects feces before water hits the water seal from the bowl side further comprising The estimation means acquires information on the urine or feces based on the detection results of the radio wave sensor and the optical sensor. The toilet system according to any one of (1) to (14), characterized in that. (16) The estimation means acquires information on feces based on the detection result of the optical sensor and acquires information on the urine or feces based on the detection result of the radio wave sensor. The toilet system according to (15), characterized in that. (17) A radio wave device for a toilet device installed in a toilet device, A radio wave sensor that detects a state change generated in the water seal on the trap part side that forms the water seal on the bottom side of the bowl part when excrement falls into the water seal of the bowl part of the toilet device. The radio wave device for a toilet device, characterized by comprising. (18) A detection step of detecting a state change generated in the water seal on the trap part side when excrement falls into the water seal on the bowl part side among the water seals formed on the bottom side of the bowl part by a trap part provided on the downstream side in the drainage direction from the bowl part of the toilet system. A method for detecting the state of a toilet system, including.

Explanation of symbols

[0188] 1 Toilet system 2 Toilet seat device 3 Main body part (functional part) 4 Toilet lid 5 Toilet seat 6 Cleaning nozzle 7 Toilet bowl (toilet main body) 8 Bowl part 9 Rim part 20 Toilet device 34 Optical sensor 81 Drain pipe (drainage channel) 82 Trap part 100 Control device (estimation means) 200 Radio wave sensor (radio wave device for toilet device) 210 Antenna section 220 Circuit section R Toilet room

Claims

1. A bowl part for receiving excrement, A trap part for forming water seal at the bottom side of the bowl part, A radio wave sensor for detecting a state change generated in the water seal on the trap part side due to the fall of the excrement into the water seal, An estimation means for estimating urine or feces information regarding the excrement based on the detection result of the radio wave sensor, A toilet system characterized by comprising the above.

2. The detection range of the radio wave sensor is set in an area including the apex part of the trap part The toilet system according to Claim 1, characterized in that.

3. The radio wave sensor detects the state change of the water seal based on the overflow from the apex part of the trap part The toilet system according to Claim 2, characterized in that.

4. The estimation means estimates the urine flow rate or feces volume based on the state change of the water seal The toilet system according to Claim 3, characterized in that.

5. The estimation means estimates the urine flow rate based on the information of the standing wave output from the radio wave sensor The toilet system according to Claim 3, characterized in that.

6. The radio wave sensor is a millimeter wave sensor or a microwave sensor The toilet system according to Claim 1, characterized in that.

7. A drainage channel from the bowl part passes between the radio wave sensor and the apex part of the trap part, The radio wave sensor detects the state change of the water seal based on the overflow from the apex part of the trap part The toilet system according to Claim 2, characterized in that.

8. A toilet seat device installed on the upper part of the toilet body having the bowl part, Further comprising, The radio wave sensor is provided on the toilet seat device The toilet system according to Claim 1, characterized in that.

9. The antenna part of the radio wave sensor is arranged on the bottom side of the toilet seat device The toilet system according to Claim 8, characterized in that.

10. The antenna part of the radio wave sensor is provided on the outer wall of the drain pipe having the trap part The toilet system according to Claim 1, characterized in that.

11. The antenna part of the radio wave sensor is arranged vertically above the trap part The toilet system according to Claim 1, characterized in that.

12. The antenna part of the radio wave sensor is arranged vertically above the water seal on the trap part side The toilet system according to Claim 1, characterized in that.

13. An optical sensor that detects changes in the state of the water seal at a plurality of timings from the side of the bowl part is further provided, wherein the estimation means estimates information on the urine or feces based on the detection results of the radio wave sensor and the optical sensor The toilet system according to claim 1, characterized in that.

14. The estimation means estimates information on the urine or feces when there is a correlation between the detection results of the radio wave sensor and the optical sensor The toilet system according to claim 13, characterized in that.

15. An optical sensor that detects feces before water hits the water seal from the side of the bowl part is further provided, wherein the estimation means obtains information on the urine or feces based on the detection results of the radio wave sensor and the optical sensor The toilet system according to claim 1, characterized in that.

16. The estimation means obtains information on feces based on the detection result of the optical sensor and obtains information on the urine or feces based on the detection result of the radio wave sensor The toilet system according to claim 15, characterized in that.

17. A radio wave device for a toilet device installed in a toilet device, a radio wave sensor that detects a state change generated in the water seal on the trap part side that forms the water seal on the bottom side of the bowl part when excrement falls into the water seal of the bowl part of the toilet device A radio wave device for a toilet device, characterized in that it is provided with.

18. A detection step of detecting a state change generated in the water seal on the trap part side when excrement falls into the water seal on the bowl part side among the water seals formed on the bottom side of the bowl part by a trap part provided on the downstream side in the drainage direction from the bowl part of the toilet system A state detection method for a toilet system including.

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