Server device, analysis method, and program

Abstract

To accurately collect information indicating details of excrements excreted by a user of a toilet without the need to conduct a hearing from the user, while considering privacy of the user of the toilet, and cope with a case where an immediate notification to a monitor is required.SOLUTION: A server 40 comprises: a receiving unit that receives detail information indicating details of excretion being a result of analyzing excrements in a toilet bowl from imaging data picked up in the toilet bowl; a storage unit that stores the detail information received by the receiving unit; and an information processing unit. The detail information includes at least information indicating the date and time of excretion, the type of excretion, and shapes of the excrements. The information processing unit aggregates the detail information for each shape of the excrements.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an excrement analysis device, an analysis system, a server device, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Caregivers who assist with excretion at care sites are required to maintain the dignity of care recipients, reduce the incontinence of care recipients, and promote self-reliance support. Since excretion assistance at care sites may, in some cases, damage the dignity of care recipients, caregivers are burdened, and support for reducing the workload of their duties is required.

[0003] In addition, when a caregiver needs assistance when a care recipient gets up from the toilet seat or exits the toilet, or for the purpose of preventing an accident in the toilet, the caregiver may provide constant assistance before and after the excretion act. It can be said that the burden on the caregiver is also significant in this regard.

[0004] The duties of caregivers also include the task of creating an excretion log for care recipients during excretion assistance. Therefore, the caregiver obtains the information to be recorded in the excretion log by entering the toilet with the care recipient and observing the care recipient's excretion behavior, or by listening to the care recipient.

[0005] In the former case, it is mainly performed for care recipients who cannot accurately hear information due to dementia or the like. And in the former case, since being observed during the act of excretion is humiliating for the care recipient, it can be said that a situation that damages the dignity of the care recipient is likely to occur, and observing in such a situation is also a burden on the caregiver.

[0006] On the other hand, in the latter case, inaccurate applications may occur due to the shame of the care recipient. Therefore, it can be said that the excretion record has a personal nature. As a result, even if the care recipient performs the same excretion behavior, differences will occur in the content of the excretion log. In such a case where there are differences, it is difficult for the caregiver to accurately grasp the health damage caused by constipation or urination disorders, and the situation may arise where the countermeasures are delayed. Even if the care recipient is not bothered by the health damage, a situation may occur where unnecessary medication such as laxatives increases due to false reporting. Therefore, in order to compensate for such differences, the burden on caregivers regarding excretion management and excretion records increases.

[0007] In addition, when the care recipient has dementia, during excretion, they may misidentify the urine collection pad as toilet paper, or the care recipient may try to deliberately hide the evidence of excretion failure (fecal or urinary incontinence) due to shame, resulting in the act of flushing the urine collection pad down the toilet. Care facilities not only need to request the contractor to perform drain cleaning work such as foreign matter removal in such cases or regularly to eliminate blockages, but also the facilities related to drainage cannot be operated during the work. To solve such problems, it is conceivable for the caregiver to confirm the end of excretion and any abnormalities related to excretion of the care recipient. However, even if the caregiver conducts an interview later for the excretion log, ultimately, they must always wait beside the user.

[0008] To improve these situations, a mechanism for managing the excretion of toilet users has been proposed by installing sensors in the toilet and analyzing the data obtained by the sensors. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a method used for human excrement of a subject placed in a toilet bowl. In this method, while the human excrement is placed in the toilet bowl, one or more optical sensors are used to receive light from the toilet bowl, and a computer processor is used to analyze the received light to detect one or more spectral components indicating light absorption by the components of red blood cells within the received light. Then, in this method, in response to the detection, it is determined that blood is present in the human excrement, and at least partially in response to this determination, the output of the output device is generated. Also, Patent Document 1 describes that the human excrement of the subject is monitored over a long period of time, and over a certain period, the amount of blood detected in the human excrement is compared with a threshold amount, and a warning is generated when the degree of bleeding indicates the presence of cancer and / or polyps.

[0009] Patent Document 2 describes an excretion notification system for pets connected to at least a user terminal and a pet toilet. The excretion notification system described in Patent Document 2 acquires individual identification information including at least the name of the pet individual from the user terminal at the start of use, and registers the individual identification information in association with the identifier of the pet. This excretion notification system acquires the weight information of the pet individual from the pet toilet after the start of use, saves the weight information in association with the identifier of the pet, and calculates and registers a weight threshold based on the average value of the weight of the pet individual over a predetermined period. Further, this excretion notification system acquires the urination information of the pet individual from the pet toilet after the start of use, calculates the average values of the number of urinations and the amount of urination of the pet individual over a predetermined period, and registers them as a urination frequency threshold and a urination amount threshold, respectively. Then, this excretion notification system notifies alert information indicating that there may be signs of a certain pathology when the weight information or urination information of the pet individual obtained from the pet toilet deviates from their respective thresholds. Also, this excretion notification system is equipped with a camera for determining the entry of the pet into the pet toilet.

[0010] Also, as a technique for knowing the daily change trend of the Na / K ratio in the urine of the subject, Patent Document 3 describes a urine component analyzer aimed at accurately obtaining the Na / K ratio in the urine excreted by the subject. In this apparatus, data representing the correlation between the statistical concentration ratio obtained by performing statistical processing on the Na / K ratios in a plurality of urine samples excreted by a human and the Na / K ratio in the total urine of one day or a plurality of days when all the urine excreted by the human in one day or a plurality of days is collected into one is stored. Further, in this apparatus, on the premise that the Na / K ratio in a single urine sample excreted by the subject has been input for all of a plurality of time zones of a day, statistical processing is performed on the Na / K ratios in a plurality of urine samples of the input subject to obtain a statistical concentration ratio. Then, in this apparatus, based on this statistical concentration ratio, using the stored correlation, the Na / K ratio in the total urine of the subject for one day or a plurality of days is calculated and obtained. Also, in this apparatus, this Na / K ratio is sequentially stored in association with the urine excretion date and time, the measurement date and time, and the time zone in which the urine was excreted. And, by reading out the stored content, the user can easily know the daily change trend of the Na / K ratio in the total urine of the subject for one day or a plurality of days.

[0011] Also, as a technique for estimating the health state of a living body, Patent Document 4 describes a data detection apparatus aimed at non-contact and non-invasive acquisition of biological data to estimate the health state of a living body. This apparatus includes an image capturing unit that captures an image of at least one of the anus of the living body and its periphery, a local part of the living body and its periphery, or the excrement of the living body, and a data analysis unit. This data analysis unit acquires biological data regarding the properties of the anus, local part, or excrement of the living body by analyzing the captured image by the image capturing unit, and estimates the health state of the living body from the biological data. Here, the properties of the excrement are at least one of the color, shape, temperature, light reflectance, or light transmittance of the excrement.

[0012] Patent Document 5 describes a biological information utilization system aimed at efficiently collecting sufficient information to create high-precision added value information. In this system, body temperature, urinary protein concentration, urinary glucose concentration, urinary amino acid concentration, and fecal viscosity are used as biological information. Further, in this system, added value information is created that includes values obtained by aggregating measurement values taken at a predetermined time by residence area number corresponding to the subject identification number. Patent Document 5 also describes that the value aggregated by residence area number is the average body temperature by residence area, and that in the case of added value information containing the average value of the fever of the collected subjects aggregated by residence area number, it is valid for verification. Here, the verification refers to the verification of the geographical distribution of the prevalence of infectious diseases such as influenza.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0013]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Patent Document 5

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0014] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, it is only possible to determine the presence of blood in excrement, and it is not possible to monitor foreign objects or grasp the state of excrement other than blood contamination. Therefore, the applicant of the present application considered it desirable to create an excretion log based on imaging data obtained by photographing excrement with an imaging device. Note that in the system described in Patent Document 2, although it has a camera, the camera is for monitoring a pet and is not used for imaging excrement.

[0015] However, for toilet users including care recipients, there is a great mental burden that their excretion behavior and excrement are photographed and managed by an imaging device. This mental burden is related to privacy regarding the possibility that the acquired imaging data may be seen by a third party. Therefore, it is desired to devise a method that reduces the mental burden on toilet users by acquiring imaging data of excrement with a toilet sensor and preventing this from being seen by a third party.

[0016] Furthermore, in order to create an excretion log, it is necessary to accurately analyze and record the imaging data of excrement. However, accurate analysis takes time, and in many cases, it is not possible to grasp the health damage of the user from a single excrement, yet there are also situations where immediate notification to the caregiver is required.

[0017] For example, it is conceivable to obtain highly accurate analysis results by performing analysis of imaging data using a cloud service. However, since the imaging data needs to be transmitted to the server device that provides the service and wait for the analysis result, it becomes difficult to immediately notify monitors such as caregivers. Situations where immediate notification is required include, for example, notification of the presence of foreign objects for removal, notification of the start of excretion, notification of the end of excretion, and notification of other abnormalities. Also, when transmitting imaging data to a server device for analysis, as described above, the mental burden regarding the privacy of toilet users increases.

[0018] On the one hand, if one attempts to achieve analysis at the same speed and accuracy as cloud services using only a device installed in the toilet without using cloud services, it is necessary to install a computer with the specifications required for such analysis. Here, the computer can refer to a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like. However, it can be said that installing such a computer is not practical due to issues such as space, heat dissipation countermeasures, and cost. Note that the technologies described in Patent Documents 3 to 5 cannot solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0019] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an excrement analysis device, an analysis system, a server device, a program, etc. that solve the above-mentioned problems. The above problems are to accurately collect information indicating the content of excrement excreted into the toilet without the need to interview the toilet user while taking into account the privacy of the toilet user, and to be able to respond to situations where immediate notification to a monitor is required.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0020] The excrement analysis device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes an input unit that inputs imaging data captured by an imaging device installed so as to include the excretion range of excrement in the toilet of the toilet within the imaging range, a holding unit that temporarily holds the imaging data input by the input unit, a first analysis unit that analyzes the first analysis target data, which is the imaging data input by the input unit, and outputs notification information to a monitor who monitors the user of the toilet, and a second analysis unit that analyzes the second analysis target data, which is the imaging data input by the input unit and temporarily held by the holding unit, and outputs detailed information indicating the content of excretion.

[0021] The analysis system according to the second aspect of the present disclosure includes the excrement analysis device, a terminal device used by the monitor connected to the excrement analysis device, and a server device connected to the excrement analysis device and the terminal device. The excrement analysis device outputs by transmitting the notification information to the terminal device and outputs by transmitting the detailed information to the server device. The server device stores the detailed information received from the excrement analysis device in a state viewable from the terminal device. The terminal device includes a log generation unit that generates an excretion log based on the notification information received from the excrement analysis device and the detailed information stored in the server device.

[0022] The server device according to the third aspect of the present disclosure includes a receiving unit that receives the detailed information from the excrement analysis device, a storage unit that stores the detailed information received by the receiving unit, and an information processing unit. The detailed information includes at least information indicating the excretion date and time, the type of excrement, and the shape of defecation. The information processing unit aggregates the detailed information for each shape of defecation.

[0023] The program according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure causes a control computer provided in an excrement analysis device to execute an input step of inputting imaging data captured by an imaging device installed so as to include the excretion range of excrement in the toilet bowl of the toilet in the imaging range, a holding step of temporarily holding the imaging data input in the input step, a first analysis step of analyzing the first analysis target data, which is the imaging data input in the input step, and outputting notification information to a monitor who monitors the user of the toilet, and a second analysis step of analyzing the second analysis target data, which is the imaging data input in the input step and temporarily held in the holding step, and outputting detailed information indicating the content of excretion.

Advantages of the Invention

[0024] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an excrement analysis device, an analysis system, a server device, a program, etc. that solve the above problems. That is, according to the present disclosure, while taking into consideration the privacy of toilet users, it is possible to accurately collect information indicating the content of excrement excreted into the toilet without the need to interview the toilet users, and it is also possible to respond to situations where immediate notification to a monitor is required.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025]

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BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments, the same or equivalent elements may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. Also, the reference numerals and element names in the drawings are appended to each element for convenience as an example to assist understanding, and these do not limit the content of the present disclosure in any way. Also, among the drawings described below, there are drawings with one-way and two-way arrows drawn, but any of the arrows clearly indicates the direction of the flow of a certain signal (data), and does not exclude two-way or one-way respectively.

[0027] <Embodiment 1> The excrement analysis apparatus according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the excrement analysis apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, the excrement analysis apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment can include an input unit 1a, a holding unit 1b, a first analysis unit 1c, and a second analysis unit 1d.

[0029] The input unit 1a inputs imaging data (image data) captured by an imaging device (hereinafter exemplified by a camera) installed so as to include the excretion range of excrement in the toilet bowl of the toilet within the imaging range. This imaging data is used in the excrement analysis apparatus 1 to analyze the content of excretion and obtain the information.

[0030] Therefore, the excrement analysis device 1 is connected to or includes a camera installed in this manner. However, it can be said that it is preferable for the excrement analysis device 1 to include a camera in terms of integrating the device and preventing the image data from leaking to other devices. The camera is not limited to a visible light camera, but may be an infrared camera or the like, and may also be a video camera as long as it can extract still images. When the camera is connected to the outside of the excrement analysis device 1, it may be connected to the input unit 1a. This image data may include additional information (attached information) such as the image capture date and time, the image capture conditions, etc. The image capture conditions may include, for example, the resolution if the resolution can be set, and the zoom magnification if the camera has a zoom function.

[0031] The excretion range can be an area including the water-filled part of the toilet bowl, and can also be called the expected excretion range. By installing the camera so that such an excretion range is included in the imaging range, the captured imaging data will include excrement and the like as a subject. Of course, the excretion range is preferably an area that does not include the user (a toilet user), and the camera is preferably installed so that the lens of the camera is not visible to the user. In addition, when the excretion analyzer 1 is used in a hospital or a care facility, for example, the user is mainly a patient or other person who requires care. In addition, examples of the caregiver include a caregiver, and in some cases, a doctor, but it is not limited to a caregiver, and it may also be an assistant, or anyone else.

[0032] Hereinafter, information obtained from the excrement analysis device 1 will be referred to as excretion information. The excretion information includes information indicating the content of the excretion, and in a simpler example, it can be information indicating whether the excretion is stool (feces) or urination (urine). The excretion information can also include other information such as information indicating the color of the excretion, and its shape if it is a solid object. In addition, the excretion information can include or be added with additional information such as date and time information indicating the date and time of shooting or acquisition of the imaging data, and shooting conditions.

[0033] Then, as will be described later, the analysis of the excretion content is performed by the first analysis unit 1c and the second analysis unit 1d. In order to temporarily hold the data to be analyzed by the second analysis unit 1d, the holding unit 1b is provided. That is, the holding unit 1b temporarily holds the imaging data input by the input unit 1a. The holding unit 1b can be a storage device such as a memory.

[0034] The first analysis unit 1c analyzes the first analysis target data, which is the imaging data input by the input unit 1a, and outputs notification information to a monitor who monitors the user of the toilet. The notification information is part of the excretion information and is information that notifies the content according to the analysis result by the first analysis unit 1c. Specific examples of the notification information will be described later. For example, when a foreign object appears in the imaging data, the notification information can be information that notifies that a foreign object has been mixed in. In addition, since the notification information is information presented to the monitor by notifying the monitor, it can also be referred to as presentation information. Further, the notification information can include information that the monitor needs to handle, and in that case, it can also be referred to as warning information. Since the first analysis unit 1c analyzes the imaging data input by the input unit 1a, the analysis performed here corresponds to real-time analysis. Therefore, the first analysis unit 1c can be referred to as a real-time analysis unit.

[0035] Also, the output destination of the notification information by the first analysis unit 1c may be any terminal device used by the monitor, and the direct output destination may be a server device or the like that can receive the notification information and transfer the notification to the terminal device. Note that the terminal device used by the monitor is not limited to the terminal device used by an individual monitor such as a caregiver. For example, it may be a terminal device installed in a monitoring station such as a nurse station, and this terminal device may function as an alarm device. Also, the output destination of the notification information is not limited to one location.

[0036] In addition, the imaging data input by the input unit 1a or the imaging data output by the input unit 1a to the subsequent holding unit 1b and the first analysis unit 1c can be data when, for example, an object is detected as a subject in the excretion range or a change such as a change in the color of standing water is detected. These detections can be carried out from the imaging data obtained by the camera or the input unit 1a imaging constantly or at regular intervals with the camera, for example. Alternatively, imaging can be performed based on the user detection result from a separately provided user detection sensor (such as a load sensor provided on the toilet seat or other human presence sensors), and the imaging data at that time can be selected as the data output by the camera or the input unit 1a to the subsequent stage.

[0037] The second analysis unit 1d analyzes the second analysis target data, which is the imaging data input by the input unit 1a and temporarily held by the holding unit 1b, and outputs detailed information indicating the content of excretion. The detailed information is part of the excretion information and is information indicating content according to the analysis result by the second analysis unit 1d. The detailed information is information from which more detailed content can be known than the notification information. Specific examples will be described later, but for example, it can be information indicating stool properties, stool volume, stool color, urine volume, urine color, etc. Since the second analysis unit 1d analyzes the imaging data held by the holding unit 1b, the analysis performed here corresponds to non-real-time analysis. Therefore, the second analysis unit 1d can be referred to as a non-real-time analysis unit.

[0038] In addition, the output destination of the detailed information by the second analysis unit 1d can be a server device that collects and manages excretion information. For example, this server device can be a cloud server device. The server device can be installed within the facility such as a hospital, or can be installed in a private residence or an apartment building in the case of personal use. Also, the output destination of the detailed information is not limited to one location.

[0039] The excrement analysis device 1 can have a communication unit (not shown), and this communication unit can be provided for each of the first analysis unit 1c and the second analysis unit 1d. This communication unit can be composed of, for example, a wired or wireless communication interface, etc.

[0040] The excrement analysis device 1 can have a control unit (not shown) that controls the whole of it, and this control unit can include a part of the above-described input unit 1a, holding unit 1b, first analysis unit 1c, and second analysis unit 1d. This control unit can be realized by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a working memory, and a non-volatile storage device that stores a program. This program can be a program for causing the CPU to execute the processing of each unit 1a to 1d. Also, the holding unit 1b can use this storage device or can have another storage device. Further, the control unit provided in the excrement analysis device 1 can also be realized by, for example, an integrated circuit (Integrated Circuit).

[0041] Also, the excrement analysis device 1 is a device that analyzes the content of excrement excreted in the toilet as described above and outputs excretion information, and can also be referred to as a toilet excrement analysis device or an excretion information acquisition device. The excrement analysis device 1 can be a device for functioning as an edge toilet sensor in an excrement analysis system (analysis system) configured on a network including a monitor's terminal device, an external server device, and the like.

[0042] As described above, the excrement analysis device 1 divides the analysis of the imaging data acquired from the camera into real-time analysis for notification purposes and non-real-time analysis for recording purposes. As a result, the excrement analysis device 1 can make the control unit such as the built-in CPU space-saving and power-saving. This means that the excrement analysis device 1 efficiently uses limited computing resources by dividing the functions of the analysis process into those that require immediacy and those that do not. Furthermore, the excrement analysis device 1 does not need to transmit the imaging data and other image data acquired from the camera to the outside such as the cloud, and can analyze the excrement only with the device installed in the toilet. That is, all the images and videos used in the analysis in the excrement analysis device 1 are processed within the excrement analysis device 1, and the images and videos are not transmitted to the outside. Therefore, it can be said that the excrement analysis device 1 has a configuration that also leads to a reduction in the mental burden on the user's privacy.

[0043] As described above, according to the excrement analysis device 1, while considering the privacy of the toilet user, it can accurately collect information indicating the content of the excrement excreted into the toilet without the need to interview the toilet user, and can also respond to situations where immediate notification to the supervisor is required. That is, in the excrement analysis device 1, while improvements are being made to install sensors in the toilet to reduce the burden of excrement management in monitoring such as caregiving, it is possible to achieve both consideration for the privacy of the toilet user and notification and recording. The notification and recording here are the notification of immediate events and the recording of accurate information at the monitoring site such as the caregiving site. Therefore, according to the excrement analysis device 1, the physical and mental burdens on the supervisor and the toilet user can be reduced.

[0044] <Embodiment 2> Regarding Embodiment 2, the differences from Embodiment 1 will be mainly described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 12 in combination, but various examples described in Embodiment 1 can be applied. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the excrement analysis system according to Embodiment 2, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the excrement analysis device in the excrement analysis system of FIG. 2.

[0045] The excrement analysis system according to this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as "this system") can include an excrement analysis device 10 attached to a toilet 20, a terminal device 50 used by a caregiver, and a server device (hereinafter referred to as "server") 40. Note that the caregiver can be regarded as an example of a monitor for monitoring the toilet user.

[0046] The excrement analysis device 10 is an example of the excrement analysis device 1, and is exemplified as a toilet installation type device, but it may be any device installed in the toilet. In addition, the toilet 20 can be provided with, for example, a toilet seat 22 having a warm water washing function for user washing and a toilet seat cover 23 for closing the toilet seat 22 on its main body 21. The excrement analysis device 10 and the toilet 20 can constitute an analysis function-equipped toilet 30 with a function of analyzing and outputting the result.

[0047] In addition, the shape of the excrement analysis device 10 is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 2, and for example, it can be configured to embed all or part of its functions in the toilet seat 22 or the like. Also, a part of the function of the excrement analysis device 10 can be provided on the toilet seat 22 side. For example, a configuration can be adopted in which the distance sensor 16a described later is not provided in the excrement analysis device 10, a weight sensor is provided in the toilet seat 22, and the excrement analysis device 10 receives information from the weight sensor by wireless or wired communication. Note that the weight sensor can also be provided in the box indirect connection part 12 described later, or can be a pressure sensor that simply detects a pressure equal to or higher than a certain level. In addition, a configuration can be adopted in which the first camera 16b described later is not provided in the excrement analysis device 10, a camera is provided on the toilet seat 22 side, and the excrement analysis device 10 receives imaging data from the camera by wireless or wired communication.

[0048] The server device (server) 40 and the terminal device 50 can be wirelessly connected to the excrement analysis device 10, and the terminal device 50 can be wirelessly connected to the server 40. These connections can be made, for example, within a single wireless LAN (Local Area Network), but other connection forms such as connecting through separate networks can also be adopted. Also, part or all of these connections may be made by wire.

[0049] In this system connected in this way, the excrement analysis device 10 outputs by transmitting notification information to the terminal device 50 and outputs by transmitting detailed information to the server 40. The terminal device 50 is a terminal device held by a caregiver of the toilet user and can be a portable excrement analysis device, but can also be an installed device. In the former case, the terminal device 50 can be a mobile phone (including those referred to as smartphones), a tablet, a mobile PC, etc. The server 40 can be a device that collects and manages excrement information including detailed information, and stores the detailed information received from the excrement analysis device 10 in a state viewable from the terminal device 50.

[0050] Also, the server 40 can include a control unit 41 that controls the whole, a storage unit 42 that stores detailed information in, for example, a database (DB) format, and a communication unit (not shown) for making the above-described connections. The control unit 41 executes control of storing the detailed information transmitted from the excrement analysis device 10 in the storage unit 42, control of viewing from the terminal device 50, etc. The control unit 41 can be realized by, for example, a CPU, a working memory, and a non-volatile storage device that stores a program. This storage device can be used in common with the storage unit 42, and this program can be a program for causing the CPU to realize the functions of the server 40. Note that the control unit 41 can also be realized by, for example, an integrated circuit.

[0051] Further, although not shown, the terminal device 50 can include a control unit that controls the entire device, a storage unit, and a communication unit for making the above-described connection. Similar to the control unit 41, this control unit can be realized by, for example, a CPU, a working memory, a non-volatile storage device that stores programs, or an integrated circuit. Also, the program stored in this storage device can be a program for causing the CPU to realize the functions of the terminal device 50.

[0052] Further, the terminal device 50 preferably includes a log generation unit that generates an excretion log based on the notification information received from the excrement analysis device 10 and the detailed information stored in the server 40. This log generation unit can be installed, for example, by incorporating a log creation application program into the terminal device 50. The created excretion log can be stored in the internal storage unit. Also, the log creation unit can be installed as a part of a care record creation unit that creates care records. The care record creation unit can also be realized by incorporating an application program into the terminal device 50.

[0053] Next, a detailed example of the excrement analysis device 10 will be described. The excrement analysis device 10 can be configured by, for example, two devices as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. More specifically, the excrement analysis device 10 can include, as its housing, for example, two boxes such as a first external box 13 and a second external box 11. Also, the excrement analysis device 10 can include a box connection part (box connection structure) 12 that connects between the first external box 13 and the second external box 11. The first external box 13 and the second external box 11 can be connected by an interface as shown in FIG. 3 for a specific example thereof.

[0054] In this example, the excrement analyzer 10 can be installed on the main body 21 of the toilet 20 as follows. That is, the excrement analyzer 10 can be installed on the toilet 20 by placing the box connection part 12 on the edge of the main body 21 so that the first external box 13 is arranged inside the main body 21 (the side where there is an excrement excretion range) and the second external box 11 is arranged outside the main body 21 respectively.

[0055] For example, the first external box 13 can accommodate a distance sensor 16a and a first camera 16b. As will be described later, the distance sensor 16a is an example of a seating sensor that detects sitting on the toilet seat 22, and the first camera 16b is a camera that images excrement.

[0056] The second external box 11 is equipped with a device that performs real-time analysis based on the imaging data (image data) imaged by the first camera 16b and non-real-time analysis based on the image data and the real-time analysis results. In addition, the second external box 11 is equipped with a communication device 14 that, according to the control of the device, notifies the caregiver when an event occurs and transmits the analysis results to the server 40.

[0057] For example, the second external box 11 can accommodate a CPU 11a, a connector 11b, USB I / Fs 11c, 11d, a WiFi module 14a, a Bluetooth module 14b, a human presence sensor 15a, and a second camera 15b. Note that USB is the abbreviation of Universal Serial Bus, and USB, WiFi, and Bluetooth are all registered trademarks (the same applies hereinafter). The communication device 14 is exemplified by each module 14a, 14b. While the CPU 11a performs data transmission and reception with other parts via each element 11b, 11c, 11d as necessary, it executes real-time analysis and non-real-time analysis. In this example, it is described assuming that the CPU 11a also has a memory as an example of the holding part 1b. Also, in the second external box 11, it is possible to directly connect to the CPU 11a without providing various I / Fs and connectors. Further, the communication device 14 is not limited to the communication modules of the exemplified standards, and can be either wireless or wired. Examples of the communication module include various ones such as an LTE (Long Term Evolution) communication module, a fifth-generation mobile communication module, and an LPWA (Low Power, Wide Area) communication module.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 3, the first external box 13 and the second external box 11 are connected by an interface exemplified by the connector 11b and the USB I / F 11c, and by providing the connection line inside the box connection part 12, a single excrement analysis device 10 is configured.

[0059] The first external box 13 will be described. The distance sensor 16a is a sensor that measures the distance to an object (the user's buttocks on the toilet bowl 20) and detects that the user has sat on the toilet seat 22. When a certain time has elapsed exceeding the threshold value, it detects that the object has seated on the toilet seat 22. Also, after seating, when the distance of the object fluctuates, the distance sensor 16a detects that the user has vacated the toilet seat 22.

[0060] The distance sensor 16a can employ, for example, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor, or the like. When the distance sensor 16a employs an optical sensor, the transmission and reception elements may be arranged so that light (not limited to visible light) can be transmitted and received through a hole provided in the first external box 13. Here, the transmission and reception elements may be separately configured or integrated. The distance sensor 16a is connected to the CPU 11a via the connector 11b and can transmit the detection result to the CPU 11a side.

[0061] The first camera 16b is an example of a camera that captures imaging data input to the input unit 1a in FIG. 1, and can be an optical camera in which a lens portion is arranged in a hole provided in the first external box 13. As described in Embodiment 1, the first camera 16b is installed so as to include the excretion range of excrement in the toilet bowl 20 in the imaging range. The first camera 16b is connected to the CPU 11a via the USB I / F 11c and transmits the imaging data to the CPU 11a side.

[0062] The second external box 11 will be described. The CPU 11a is an example of the main control unit of the excrement analysis device 10 and controls the entire excrement analysis device 10. As will be described later, the CPU 11a will execute real-time analysis and non-real-time analysis. The connector 11b connects the human sensor 15a and the distance sensor 16a to the CPU 11a. The USB I / F 11c connects the first camera 16b to the CPU 11a, and the USB I / F 11d connects the second camera 15b to the CPU 11a.

[0063] The human presence sensor 15a is a sensor that detects the presence of a person (entry and exit of a person) in a specific area (the measurement area range of the human presence sensor 15a), and this specific area can be set as an area where entry and exit to the toilet can be determined. Regardless of its detection method, the human presence sensor 15a can adopt, for example, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor, etc. The human presence sensor 15a is connected to the CPU 11a via the connector 11b, and when a person is detected in the specific area, the detection result is transmitted to the CPU 11a.

[0064] Based on this detection result, the CPU 11a can control the operation of the distance sensor 16a and the operation of the first camera 16b. For example, when this detection result indicates that there is an entry, the CPU 11a can also perform processes such as operating the distance sensor 16a and operating the first camera 16b when sitting is detected by the distance sensor 16a.

[0065] The second camera 15b can be an optical camera with its lens portion arranged in a hole provided in the second external box 11, and is an example of a camera that captures a face image of a user to obtain face image data in order to identify the user of the toilet. The second camera 15b can be installed on the toilet 20 so as to include the user's face in the imaging range, or can also be installed in the room where the toilet 20 is installed.

[0066] The Bluetooth module 14b is an example of a receiver that receives identification data for identifying a user from a Bluetooth tag held by the user, and can also be replaced with a module based on other short-range communication standards. The Bluetooth tag held by the user is set with a different ID for each user, and can be held by the user, for example, by embedding it in a wristband or the like.

[0067] The WiFi module 14a is an example of a communication device that transmits various data including notification information to the terminal device 50 and transmits various data including detailed information to the server 40, and can be replaced with a module adopting other communication standards. The face image data acquired by the second camera 15b and the identification data obtained by the Bluetooth module 14b can be transmitted to the terminal device 50 and the server 40 respectively by being added to or embedded in the notification information and the detailed information. The terminal device 50 and the server 40 that receive the face image data can perform face authentication processing based on the face image data to identify the user. However, the excrement analyzer 10 can also be configured not to transmit the face image data. In this case, if the face recognition processing is performed by the CPU 11a, user identification by face authentication becomes possible, and the identification data indicating the result can be made the target of transmission.

[0068] The USB I / F 11c, or the CPU 11a and the USB I / F 11c can be an example of the input unit 1a in FIG. 1 and input the imaging data captured by the first camera 16b. The CPU 11a and the WiFi module 14a can be an example of the first analysis unit 1c in FIG. 1. The CPU 11a analyzes this imaging data in real time and transmits the notification information to the terminal device 50 via the WiFi module 14a. Note that the notification information can also be transmitted via the Bluetooth module 14b or the like. In this way, the notification information can be output by being transmitted to the terminal device 50 connected to the excrement analyzer 10 via a network or a short-range wireless communication network. Of course, the transmission here may be a transmission via the server 40 or another server as long as the transfer to the terminal device 50 is made. It is assumed that the notification information to be transmitted does not include the imaging data itself. Thereby, not only the mental burden regarding the user's privacy can be reduced, but also the amount of transmitted data can be reduced. In addition, the additional information (such as the imaging date and time) of the imaging data can be made the target of transmission.

[0069] Although a smartphone has been illustrated as an example of the terminal device 50, the notification destination (transmission destination) may be, for example, a notification device of a nurse call system, another terminal device held by a caregiver, an intercom, etc., in addition to or instead of the smartphone. Examples of the other terminal device include, for example, a PHS (Personal Handy-phone System).

[0070] Further, the CPU 11a can include a storage device such as a memory and serve as an example of the holding unit 1b in FIG. 1, and holds the input imaging data and the result of the real-time analysis. Further, the CPU 11a and the WiFi module 14a can serve as an example of the second analysis unit 1d in FIG. 1, the CPU 11a non-real-time analyzes the data held thereby, and transmits detailed information to the server 40 via the WiFi module 14a. In this way, the detailed information can be output by transmitting it to the server 40 connected to the excrement analysis device 10 via a network. It is assumed that the detailed information to be transmitted does not include the imaging data itself, thereby not only reducing the mental burden regarding the user's privacy but also reducing the amount of transmitted data. Note that additional information (imaging date and time, etc.) of the imaging data can be made a transmission target. In this way, by not outputting the imaging data itself to the outside of the excrement analysis device 10, the user's privacy can be protected.

[0071] With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the real-time analysis and the non-real-time analysis will be schematically described. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a processing example in this system, and FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a processing example in the excrement analysis device 10.

[0072] As shown in Fig. 4, an example is given where the user P uses the toilet 30 with an analysis function installed in the toilet, and the caregiver C of the user P monitors the situation. When the user P uses the toilet 30 with an analysis function, the CPU 11a detects that the user has seated on the toilet seat based on the detection result from the distance sensor 16a that functions as a seating sensor. When the CPU 11a detects the seating, it instructs the first camera 16b to start shooting, and performs real-time analysis 31 based on the captured imaging data. The CPU 11a can perform foreign object determination as the real-time analysis 31. More specifically, the CPU 11a can execute an analysis of whether a foreign object, which is an object other than feces and urine, is included as a subject excluding the toilet and the liquid for cleaning the toilet. The foreign object can also be referred to as another object, and as long as it is other than feces and urine, it can be either a liquid or a solid, and can include, for example, any one or more of vomit, rectal bleeding, hematemesis, urine collection pads, diapers, and the cores of toilet paper.

[0073] As a result of the real-time analysis 31, when immediate notification to the caregiver is required, such as foreign object detection, the CPU 11a transmits notification information (real-time notification 32) to the terminal device 50 of the caregiver C who is at a location away from the toilet via the WiFi module 14a. In this way, the CPU 11a can transmit foreign object information (foreign object information indicating the foreign object determination result) indicating whether a foreign object is included to the terminal device 50. This foreign object information will be output as at least a part of the notification information.

[0074] As a result, the caregiver C is liberated from the situation of having to be constantly present during the excretion of the user P, and with the real-time notification 32, it is also possible to respond, such as rushing to the scene, in case of an emergency. Here, the real-time notification 32 transmitted does not include the imaging data.

[0075] After the real-time analysis 31 ends, the CPU 11a performs a non-real-time analysis 33, which is a more detailed excrement analysis, based on the captured image data and the real-time analysis results that it has retained. Therefore, the retention unit in the CPU 11a temporarily retains the real-time analysis results as part of the second analysis target data. The CPU 11a executes the transmission 34 of the non-real-time analysis results to the server 40 via the WiFi module 14a.

[0076] Also, the caregiver C of the user P, on the terminal device 50, based on the received notification information, appropriately refers to the detailed information of the user P stored in the server 40 while creating a care record (excrement log) 53 of the user P. The excrement log can be created as part of the care record. In this way, the terminal device 50 can record the excrement log for each user. Note that the format of the excrement log and the like is not limited.

[0077] In this way, the analysis results of the real-time analysis 31 and the non-real-time analysis 33 are transmitted to the server 40 by executing the analysis result transmission 34 by means of the communication function. The analysis result transmission 34 is transmitted without including the captured image data. The information recorded in the server 40 can be the target of reference 52 for the caregiver C to create a care record (excrement log) 53 and for future care support.

[0078] The content of the real-time analysis 31 and the non-real-time analysis 33 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7. FIGS. 5 to 7 are diagrams for explaining an example of processing in the excrement analysis device 10.

[0079] First, with reference to FIG. 5, an example of the input, method, and output of real-time analysis and non-real-time analysis will be described. Real-time analysis is analysis that requires real-time performance, such as notification to caregiver C. Real-time analysis can take the data of the image captured by the first camera 16b (captured data) as input, and for example, classify which of the following six types it is by Deep Learning (DL), and output the classification result. The six types are foreign objects (diapers, urine leakage pads, etc.), feces, feces + urine, urine, urine dripping, and buttock washing device (buttock washer).

[0080] The DL technology can be used to compare the image before excretion (background image) and the subsequent image (image during or after excretion). For example, as input to the learning model, the background image and the subsequent image can be input, and it can be output which of the six types it corresponds to. Alternatively, as preprocessing, a difference image of the subsequent image from the background image can be obtained, and the difference image can be input to the learning model, and it can be output which of the six types it corresponds to. Note that when it is classified as a buttock washer, it can be determined that excretion is complete. These classification types are examples of events that trigger real-time notification.

[0081] In this way, in real-time analysis, using a learned model that inputs the first analysis target data and outputs notification information, notification information can be obtained from the first analysis target data. The notification information can be, for example, information predetermined corresponding to the classification result. Thereby, in the excrement analysis device 10, as notification information, for example, information such as the start and completion of excretion and the mixing of foreign objects into excrement can be notified to caregivers and the like, and caregivers and the like can obtain this information in real time. Note that regardless of the hyperparameters such as the algorithm of the learned model (the algorithm of machine learning) and the number of layers, it may be generated by machine learning. In addition, the machine learning here does not depend on the presence or absence of teacher data. Also, there may be multiple learned models used in real-time analysis. For example, at least one of the above six types and other types of different learned models can also be used.

[0082] Non-real-time analysis can perform analysis by two methods, DL and Image Processing (IP), taking, for example, the imaging data from the first camera 16b and the real-time analysis results as inputs. For example, the analysis using DL outputs convenience, and the analysis using IP can output convenience color, convenience amount, urine color, and urine amount. Here, real-time analysis is treated as preprocessing for non-real-time analysis. In non-real-time analysis, DL and IP are used to compare the analysis results (which may be images) after this preprocessing with the learned data and output convenience, convenience color, etc.

[0083] Here too, the DL technology can be used to compare the image before excretion (background image) and the subsequent image (image during or after excretion). For example, as inputs to the learning model, the classification result in real-time analysis, the background image, and the subsequent image can be input to output convenience. Or, as preprocessing, obtain the difference image of the subsequent image from the background image in advance, input the classification result in real-time analysis and the difference image to the learning model, and convenience can be output. Also, only when the classification result in real-time analysis includes feces, the DL-based analysis in non-real-time analysis may be executed. In that case, the above classification result is not required as an input to the learned model. Also, the processing method in IP does not matter as long as the required detailed information can be obtained. For example, by extracting the features of the image and performing matching processing with the pre-stored comparison target image, the convenience color, etc. indicated by the comparison target image with a high matching rate can be output. Note that in non-real-time analysis, all outputs may be obtained by either IP or DL.

[0084] Thus, in non-real-time analysis, at least a part of the detailed information can be obtained from the second analysis target data (which can include the real-time analysis results) using a learned model that inputs the second analysis target data and outputs detailed information. Note that the algorithm of the learned model (the algorithm of machine learning) and hyperparameters such as the number of layers can be generated by machine learning regardless of what they are. Also, machine learning here does not depend on the presence or absence of training data. Also, there may be a plurality of learned models used in real-time analysis. Furthermore, as described above, in non-real-time analysis, the second analysis target data can be image-processed to obtain at least a part of the detailed information. As described above, regardless of the method of this image processing or the like, as long as the required detailed information can be obtained.

[0085] With reference to FIG. 6, a detailed example of real-time analysis is shown. Real-time analysis can target foreign objects, types of excrement, and the buttocks washer for determination. First, foreign object detection is performed based on the image (imaging data) captured by the first camera 16b, which is an optical camera. Foreign object detection can always be carried out, and when a foreign object is detected, a notification is sent to the caregiver. Then, using the image captured at the timing of sitting as the background image, and then based on the preprocessed image (and / or additional information) obtained by preprocessing the images captured at a certain period, DL is used to determine feces, feces + urine, urine, and urine dripping. This determination is carried out until the timing of getting up. The additional information here can also include the additional information exemplified by the shooting date and time, etc., and can be, for example, information indicating a statistical value considering the above-mentioned certain period, information indicating an area such as the area, etc. Also, by the same method and timing, the detection of the buttocks washer is also carried out, and the determination of feces, feces + urine, urine, and urine dripping is terminated at the timing when the buttocks washer is detected.

[0086] Thus, the CPU 11a may transmit, as at least a part of the notification information, at least one of the information indicating the usage status of the buttocks washer installed in the toilet and the information indicating that sitting has been done on the toilet as the real-time analysis result to the terminal device 50. As described above, the information indicating the usage status of the bidet can be obtained as the result of real-time analysis of the imaging data. This is because the nozzle that discharges the cleaning liquid or the cleaning liquid itself is included as the subject of the imaging data during use. Also, the information indicating that the user has seated on the toilet can be obtained by the seating sensor exemplified by the distance sensor 16a. Thus, the real-time analysis can also be executed using information other than the imaging data. Note that the CPU 11a can also know the usage status of the bidet by obtaining information from, for example, the bidet if it is connected, even without analyzing the imaging data.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 7, a detailed example of non-real-time analysis is shown. The non-real-time analysis can perform analysis on all the pre-processed data by real-time analysis by selecting a background image and an input image. The selection of the background image and the input image is made in a combination suitable for each determination target to perform a detailed analysis. Regarding an example of the combination, first, for the stool properties, the image after seating is selected as the background image, and the last stool image is selected as the input image. Similarly, for the case of only stool or only urine, the target images are also selected for the stool color, stool amount, and urine color. However, for the urine color, the urine image instead of the stool image is used. In the case of stool + urine, the background image is the last urine image before the stool and urine, and the last stool and urine image is used as the input image. For the urine amount, all the images determined as urine dripping are used as the input images without using the background image.

[0088] Here, in the non-real-time analysis, an example is given of outputting information indicating the urine volume and the defecation volume as detailed information, but the detailed information is not limited to this. In the non-real-time analysis, as detailed information, information regarding at least one of the urine flow rate or the urine volume, the number of defecations or the defecation volume per unit period, and the excretion timing which is the timing of the excretion behavior can be output. In particular, in the non-real-time analysis, it is preferable to output information indicating at least one of the decrease status of the urine flow rate or the urine volume, the decrease status of the number of defecations or the defecation volume per unit period, and the lengthening status of the excretion timing which is the timing of the excretion behavior. The decrease in urine flow rate or urine volume, in other words, indicates the increase in the urination interval. The timing of the excretion behavior can be defined to include at least the excretion date and time, and the timing of other events can also be defined to include at least the occurrence date and time of the target event.

[0089] Thus, in non-real-time analysis, it is possible to identify the stool properties, stool color, and urine color from the acquired imaging data, calculate the stool volume and urine volume, and output detailed information. Also, in non-real-time analysis, regarding the stool volume and urine volume, information indicating whether or not a threshold process has been performed and whether a predetermined threshold has been exceeded can be used as detailed information or added to the detailed information. It is desirable that the detailed information output as a result of these threshold processes be transmitted (notified) directly to the terminal device 50 or via the server 40. Such a notification (which may include a warning) enables the caregiver to grasp the events that require action.

[0090] Next, an example of the procedure of real-time analysis processing will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the processing in the excrement analysis device 10, and is a flowchart showing an example of the operation content of real-time analysis triggered by the user entering the toilet and sitting on the toilet seat. The operation content described here can mainly be performed by the CPU 11a controlling each part.

[0091] First, the presence or absence of a reaction of the distance sensor 16a functioning as a seating sensor is checked (step S1). If there is no reaction in step S1 (in the case of NO), the system waits until the seating sensor reacts. When the user sits down, the distance sensor 16a will react, and it will be YES in step S1. When it becomes YES in step S1, the terminal device 50 is notified of the seating (step S2), and real-time analysis is started (step S3). If the entry is detected by the human presence sensor 15a before sitting down, the terminal device 50 can also be notified of the entry, and the same applies to the exit.

[0092] In real-time analysis, imaging inside the toilet is performed by the first camera 16b, and first, it is determined whether it can be normally identified (step S4). If an abnormality is detected (NO in step S4), an abnormality notification is sent to the caregiver's terminal device 50 (step S5). Thus, even when imaging inside the toilet cannot be performed normally, it is preferable that notification information indicating that fact is sent to the terminal device 50. On the other hand, when it can be normally identified (YES in step S4), detailed analysis proceeds, and first, preprocessing of the captured image is performed (step S6).

[0093] After the preprocessing of the captured image is performed in step S6, classification is performed to determine whether the detection target corresponds to a foreign object, excrement, or the buttocks washer (step S7). If a foreign object is detected, a foreign object detection notification is given to the caregiver's terminal device 50 (step S8). When excrement is detected, a excretion notification (transmission of notification information indicating that excretion has been made) is given to the caregiver's terminal device 50 (step S9), and excretion analysis is performed (step S10). By this excretion analysis, classification is made as to whether it is feces, feces + urine, urine, or urine dripping. After the process of step S10, the process returns to step S4.

[0094] If the detection target detected in step S7 is the buttocks washer, it is determined that excretion is complete, and an excretion completion notification (transmission of notification information indicating that excretion has been completed) is given to the caregiver's terminal device 50 (step S11), and real-time analysis is terminated (step S12). Also, the excretion completion notification may be sent only when the reaction of the seating sensor disappears. This is because the buttocks washer may be used two or more times. Note that real-time analysis is terminated after step S5 and also after step S8.

[0095] An example of the procedure of non-real-time analysis processing will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a processing example in the excrement analysis apparatus 10, and is a flowchart showing an example of the operation content of non-real-time analysis. The operation content described here can be mainly performed while the CPU 11a controls each part. FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 are diagrams showing an example of fecal property analysis, an example of fecal color analysis, and an example of urine volume analysis included in the non-real-time analysis in the processing example of FIG. 9, respectively.

[0096] The real-time analysis exemplified in FIG. 8 performs analysis using a space-saving and power-saving CPU, and executes the minimum necessary analysis to realize a notification that requires immediacy to the caregiver. On the other hand, in non-real-time analysis, more detailed analysis is performed on excrement.

[0097] First, it is determined whether or not the real-time analysis has been completed (step S21). If it has been completed (when it becomes YES), the non-real-time analysis is started (step S22). Alternatively, if it has a user identification function, it may be determined whether or not an excess of a predetermined number of excretion times (or the elapse of a predetermined period) has occurred for each user, and if it has occurred, the non-real-time analysis may be started.

[0098] The input of the non-real-time analysis and each analysis method can be as described with reference to FIG. 7. First, the real-time analysis result is determined (step S23), and different analyses are performed depending on the result.

[0099] When the real-time analysis result in step S23 is feces, fecal property analysis (step S24), fecal color analysis (step S25), and fecal volume analysis (step S26) are performed. Of course, the order of these does not matter. When the real-time analysis result in step S23 is urine or urine dripping, urine color analysis (step S27) and urine volume analysis (step S28) are performed. Of course, the order of these does not matter. When the real-time analysis result in step S23 is feces + urine, fecal property analysis (step S24), fecal color analysis (step S25), fecal volume analysis (step S26), urine color analysis (step S27), and urine volume analysis (step S28) are performed. Of course, the order of these does not matter. Also, each of the analyses in steps S24 to S28 can be performed using, for example, individual learning models, or multiple analyses or all analyses can be performed using one learning model.

[0100] Here, in the fecal property analysis of step S24, the analysis is performed by comparing with a learned image by DL using the most reliable image. The most reliable image can be the image itself shown in the imaging data or an image obtained by preprocessing the imaging data by a preprocessing method suitable for fecal property analysis. Also, in this fecal property analysis, for example, the analysis can be performed in a form compliant with the Bristol scale shown in FIG. 10. As a result of the analysis, it can be classified into any one of types 1 to 7 as shown in FIG. 10.

[0101] Also, in the stool color analysis in step S25, for example, preprocessing can be performed in the processing procedure that transitions in order with the images 61, 62, and 63 in FIG. 11. The preprocessing exemplified here is to remove the lightly colored portions that occupy a wide range from the original image 61 to obtain image 62, and then remove the narrow same-color regions to obtain image 63. In the stool color analysis in step S25, an image such as image 63, from which necessary information has been extracted (and / or added) by preprocessing, is used to calculate the distance between the extracted stool color and the stool reference color, and the color that occupies the most area in the extracted stool image can be set as the stool color. For example, for image 63, there are stool-shaped ones consisting of two colors, and among them, the color with a larger area can be set as the stool color. Note that the information added here can also be, for example, information indicating the area.

[0102] In the stool volume analysis in step S26, for the image at the time when excretion has ended, the stool image extracted by preprocessing (for example, image 63, or the real-time analysis result, etc.) is used, and the stool volume can be calculated (estimated) as the area ratio within a certain size. However, since the stool volume varies depending on the stool properties even for the same area, it is better to calculate using the area ratio corresponding to the stool properties and the reference value of the stool volume.

[0103] In the urine color analysis in step S27, the same method as the stool color analysis in step S25 is used, but the target image is a urine image instead of a stool image, and the distance calculation from the reference color and the color that occupies the most area can be set as the urine color.

[0104] In the urine volume analysis in step S28, for all the urine droplet images classified as "urine dripping" as the real-time analysis result, it can be calculated using information (urine droplet image information) such as the time during which the urine droplet continues and coefficients. Here, as the above coefficient, for example, the average value of the urine output of a general or that user can be used. When all the above urine droplet images are images acquired at a certain period, the urine output can be estimated from the images and the urine output average, and it can be classified which value the urine volume corresponds to from the estimation result. Note that values related to the urine output such as the urine output average can be obtained as the result of a survey conducted at any time, and in this case, they become variable parameters.

[0105] Also, regarding the results of urine output, they can be classified into classes corresponding to the urine volume as exemplified in FIG. 12. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the class names are extremely small, small, medium, large, and extremely large, and they are classified as less than threshold value a, greater than or equal to threshold value a and less than threshold value b, greater than or equal to threshold value b and less than threshold value c, greater than or equal to threshold value c and less than threshold value d, and greater than or equal to threshold value d, respectively.

[0106] When each analysis is completed, the analysis results are transmitted to server 40 such as a cloud server (step S29). At this time, the analysis results to be transmitted can be both real-time analysis results and non-real-time analysis results. Also, the image data captured by the first camera 16b is not transmitted to server 40. When the transmission of the analysis results to server 40 is completed in step S29, the non-real-time analysis is also completed (step S30).

[0107] However, the procedures such as classification are not limited to those exemplified in FIGS. 8 to 12. The real-time analysis can be a comparison process with the learned images by DL as described above, but first, it can be determined whether it is excrement or a foreign object. This determination is performed at a fixed cycle. When it is determined to be a foreign object, a foreign object notification is sent to the caregiver, and the process proceeds to excrement analysis for classification into five types: "feces", "feces + urine", "urine", "urine drip", and "buttock washer". Note that this excrement analysis is also performed at a fixed cycle, and it is determined that excretion is completed by detecting the "buttock washer". Along with the completion of excretion, the excrement analysis device 10 sends an excretion completion notification to the caregiver's terminal device 50 together with the real-time analysis results, and the process proceeds to non-real-time analysis using the image used in the real-time analysis and the real-time analysis results. All the processes from seat detection to here are executed by the excrement analysis device 10 installed in the toilet bowl.

[0108] As described above, in the excrement analysis device 10, it is possible to obtain excretion start, foreign object detection, excrement detection, and excretion completion as real-time analysis results, and it is possible to obtain excrement properties, excrement color, urine volume, urine color, and urine volume as non-real-time analysis results. Any of these analysis results can be recorded on the server 40 on the cloud in a state viewable from the terminal device 50, and can also be configured to be transmitted to the terminal device 50. Further, the server 40 can store the received analysis results, perform further analysis on the stored data, and configure the analysis results to be notifiable to the terminal device 50 or viewable from the terminal device 50.

[0109] In addition, in the excrement analysis device 10 or the present system including the same, it can be used at a private residence on the premise that there is one user, but it is preferable to have a function of identifying users on the premise that there are multiple users. This function is as described using the face image data acquired by the second camera 15b and the identification data obtained by the Bluetooth module 14b. As a result, it becomes possible to notify caregivers of entry notifications, exit notifications, seating notifications, standing-up notifications, excretion start notifications, excretion completion notifications, etc. together with the user name, record detailed information for each user, and create an excretion log and a care record including the same.

[0110] Here, a supplementary explanation will be given regarding the excretion log and the care record including the same. The information obtained by real-time analysis or non-real-time analysis can be used when a caregiver creates a user's excretion log or the like. Further, the program of the terminal device 50 can be incorporated into the terminal device 50 as care software including a presentation function for presenting the notification information received from the excrement analysis device 10. Further, this care software can have a function of automatically inputting the information transferred from the server 40 or the information obtained when accessing the server 40 into the excretion log or the care record including the same. Further, such care software may be provided on the server 40. In that case, the notification information and the detailed information are received from the excrement analysis device 10, and these information may be automatically input into the excretion log or the care record.

[0111] The excretion log desirably records future excretion predictions. To this end, the system is equipped with a prediction function. The prediction can be performed based on the results of non-real-time analysis (and real-time analysis). For example, it can be realized by installing a trained model for prediction on at least one of the server 40 and the terminal device 50. In the above-mentioned real-time analysis and non-real-time analysis, since the excretion date and time, excretion amount, etc. can be output for each user, the system can finally record the excretion log in the server 40 and / or the terminal device 50. The system can be configured to use this excretion log, input the necessary information into the trained model, and output the date and time (excretion timing) and amount of urination and defecation after the next time. This output may be the tendency of urination and defecation (average interval, etc.). Alternatively, the non-real-time analysis can include the above-mentioned prediction.

[0112] By installing such a prediction function, not only can the burden of daily excretion records and excretion logs of caregivers be reduced, but also the trends of these data can be analyzed. As a result, when there is no record of defecation for a determined number of days, the system can notify the user and the caregiver of a constipation alert to prompt countermeasures. For example, the system checks the implementation date and time of the excretion behavior, calculates the average interval time of the excretion behavior for each user, predicts the urination time, and when the scheduled excretion time arrives, notifies the user and the caregiver that it is the excretion time, thereby reducing the user's incontinence and providing self-care support. Furthermore, by grasping the tendency of urinary disorders when the urination interval exceeds a certain threshold value and notifying the user and the caregiver of an alarm from the system, early hospital visits become possible. In addition, the system can be configured to similarly notify an alarm regarding the defecation interval. In this way, the system can check the implementation date and time of the excretion behavior and the information on the excretion content, determine whether it exceeds the set threshold value, grasp the tendency of urinary disorders and constipation, and notify the caregiver and the user of a warning. And with these functions, the burden on the caregiver is reduced and comprehensive support for the toilet users becomes possible.

[0113] In addition, in this system, when the excrement analyzer 10 detects a foreign object other than excrement, it is preferable that not only an alarm is notified to the caregiver but also a function to stop the flush water of the toilet (flush stop function) is provided. For this purpose, the excrement analyzer 10 can be provided with a flush control unit (not shown) that controls the flush function of the toilet bowl. This flush control unit is connected to or can be connected to a device having a flush function of the toilet bowl (for example, a warm water wash toilet seat such as a Washlet (registered trademark) having a function of flushing the toilet). Note that the object to be flushed by the warm water wash toilet seat is the user's buttocks or the like. This system can also include such a device or a toilet bowl integrated with a warm water wash toilet seat.

[0114] Referring to the configuration example of FIG. 3, the CPU 11a and the interface (not shown) between the toilet seat 22 and the CPU 11a can be regarded as an example of this flush control unit. For the flush function, the amount of water flowing into the toilet bowl 20 can be controlled using existing technology (in this example, the toilet seat 22 controls it). Then, when the CPU 11a notifies information including a foreign object as notification information, it outputs a stop instruction to stop the flush function to the toilet side (in this example, the toilet seat 22), thereby stopping the flush function. For example, the excrement analyzer 10 notifies the power cut to a remotely operable power tap connected to the power cord of the toilet seat 22 of the toilet to stop the flush function of the toilet bowl 20 of the toilet. More specifically, power can be supplied to the toilet seat 22 via an IoT (Internet of Things) tap, and a stop instruction can be output to this IoT tap to turn off the power. In this case, the stop instruction can be issued by the CPU 11a via the Bluetooth module 14b, for example.

[0115] By providing such a cleaning stop function, even when the user uses the cleaning function, the cleaning function is stopped, so that foreign objects can be left as they are without being washed away, and the foreign objects can be inspected later as specimens or the like. In addition, since warning information indicating the detection of foreign objects is output without washing away the foreign objects, a caregiver such as the user's caregiver can rush to the toilet, thereby preventing the confusion that the user may feel due to the inability to wash away the foreign objects.

[0116] As described above, the present system can achieve the effects described in Embodiment 1. In particular or in addition to that effect, the present system can achieve the following effects, for example.

[0117] The first effect is that by automatically recording the content of the excrement identified by the combination of the first camera and machine learning, it is possible to eliminate the need for the manual inquiry of excrement, urine volume measurement, stool property confirmation, and the creation of an excretion log that have been performed so far. As a result, the clerical work time of caregivers such as nurses can be reduced.

[0118] The second effect is that events occurring in the toilet (seating, excretion, foreign object detection, etc.) can be notified to the caregiver immediately through real-time analysis, freeing the caregiver from the situation of constantly following the user's excretion.

[0119] The third effect is that when a foreign object is detected by real-time analysis, by notifying the caregiver of a warning (alarm), accidents related to toilet drainage can be prevented, and the cost of dealing with drainage troubles can be reduced.

[0120] The fourth effect is that when analyzing the image taken by the first camera 16b, all analysis processes can be performed by the excrement analysis device 10, and only the analysis results can be transmitted to the server 40 such as a cloud server. As a result, the imaging data of the excrement is not exposed to the eyes of a third party, and the mental burden related to the user's privacy can be reduced.

[0121] The fifth effect is that by dividing the analysis of excrement into real-time analysis and non-real-time analysis, the CPU 11a built into the excrement analysis device 10 can be made space-saving and power-saving, and the excrement analysis device 10 can be made inexpensive. By making the excrement analysis device 10 inexpensive, it is possible to reduce the introduction cost of the system including a server or the like and the maintenance cost at the time of failure.

[0122] The sixth effect is that from the excretion record in which the analysis result of excrement is recorded in the form of a DB or the like, it is possible to grasp the possibility of constipation or urinary disorder, so that it is not necessary to administer a laxative even if it is considered unnecessary from the viewpoint of safety due to the credibility problem of asking about the presence or absence of stool that has been done until now. As a result, the cost of medicine can be reduced.

[0123] The seventh effect is that it becomes possible to grasp the individual urination interval of the user from the excretion record in which the analysis result of excrement is recorded in the form of a DB or the like. As a result, the user does not need to use diapers or urine collection pads, so that the cost can be reduced, and the caregiver can grasp the state of each user and easily support the independence of each user.

[0124] <Embodiment 3> Regarding Embodiment 3, the differences from Embodiments 1 and 2 will be mainly described with reference to FIG. 13, but various examples described in Embodiments 1 and 2 can be applied. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a server device according to Embodiment 3.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 13, the server device 70 according to the present embodiment includes a receiving unit 70a that receives detailed information from the excrement analysis device 1 or the excrement analysis device 10, a storage unit 70b that stores the detailed information received by the receiving unit 70a, and an information processing unit 70c. The server device 70 can be configured by a computer, and it can also be said that the information processing unit 70c is its control unit.

[0126] In this embodiment, the above detailed information shall at least include information indicating the excretion date and time (occurrence date and time), the type of excrement, and the shape of defecation. Then, the information processing unit 70c aggregates the detailed information for each shape of defecation. Taking a simple example, the aggregation can be processing such as counting the number of times for each shape, or calculating the average number of times for each fixed period.

[0127] Also, the information processing unit 70c can extract information (information to be aggregated) including the excretion date and time, the type of excrement, and the shape of defecation from the above detailed information, and aggregate the extracted information for each shape of defecation under various conditions.

[0128] In this way, the server device 70 can aggregate the accurate detailed information (which can be referred to as excretion information) collected by the excrement analysis device 1 or the excrement analysis device 10. Also, during the aggregation process, necessary information can be extracted from the detailed information, and the aggregation process can be performed only on the extracted information.

[0129] Also, the aggregated result can be stored in a storage device such as the storage unit 70b. It is preferable to store the aggregated result in a state where it can be provided to an external device such as the terminal device 50 used by the caregiver C or the terminal device used by the toilet user P in accordance with a request from the external device. In this case, the server device 70 includes a providing unit (not shown) that provides the processing result in the information processing unit 70c to the external device via a network or the like. The aggregated result is preferably stored in a database format, and is preferably stored in a server device (for example, a cloud server device) accessible from the external device. Note that the aggregated result can be provided for various purposes, and the method of its use and the like will be described later in Embodiments 4 and 5.

[0130] In addition, the receiving unit 70a has been described on the premise that it receives detailed information from the excrement analysis device 1 or the excrement analysis device 10. However, the detailed information may be information analyzed by a device other than the excrement analysis device 1 or the excrement analysis device 10, or may be information received from a device other than the excrement analysis device 1 or the excrement analysis device 10. The detailed information is detailed information indicating the content of excretion, which is the result of analyzing excrement in the toilet bowl of the toilet from imaging data captured by the toilet bowl, and may include at least information indicating the excretion date and time, the type of excrement, and the shape of defecation.

[0131] <Embodiment 4> Regarding Embodiment 4, the differences from Embodiment 3 will be mainly described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 20 together, but various examples described in Embodiments 1 to 3 can be applied. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an analysis system according to Embodiment 4, and FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of transmission information transmitted from the excrement analysis device 10 in the analysis system of FIG. 14. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of an aggregated information table included in an excretion information database stored in the server device in the analysis system of FIG. 14, and FIGS. 17 to 19 are diagrams showing examples of a tabulated information table included in the excretion information database.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 14, the analysis system according to the present embodiment can be configured by connecting a plurality of excrement analysis devices 10 and a terminal device 80 used by a toilet user or an administrator such as a caregiver to a cloud network N including an excretion information database (DB) 71. The excretion information DB 71 can be stored in the storage unit 70b of the server device 70 in FIG. 13.

[0133] That is, in this analysis system, the information included in the excretion information DB 71 is configured to be provided to the terminal device 80 on the cloud network N. The terminal device 80 can acquire the desired information (however, information considering privacy and corresponding to the user of the terminal device 80) from the excretion information DB 71. In this analysis system, a service for providing such information can be provided to the user of the terminal device 80. Note that constructing a DB on the cloud network N is beneficial in that the DB capacity, processing performance, and the number of devices can be flexibly changed according to the number of excretion analyzers 10, the number of toilet users, and the actual usage situation.

[0134] With reference to FIGS. 15 to 19, a specific example of the excretion information DB 71 will be described. The excretion information DB 71 can include information (e.g., the aggregated information table 71a in FIG. 16) aggregated by the information processing unit 70c from the transmission information (e.g., the transmission information in FIG. 15) transmitted from a plurality of excretion analyzers 10, and can include information obtained by extracting information to be aggregated from that information. In addition, the excretion information DB 71 can include the aggregated information (e.g., the aggregated information tables 71b, 71c, 71d in FIGS. 17 to 19) as information provided on the cloud network N.

[0135] The excretion analyzer 10 collects excretion information (the detailed information described above), and transmits that information (transmission information) to the server device 70 side together with the user information and the installation location information. The collected excretion information can include the following information as exemplified in FIG. 15. That is, the excretion information can include the excretion date and time (occurrence date and time), the type of excrement (information indicating any of urination, defecation, and foreign matter), the amount of urine (e.g., information indicating any of a large amount, normal, and a small amount), and the shape of feces (e.g., information indicating any of hard, normal, and diarrhea). Further, the excretion information can include the color of feces, and can further include the frequency (the number of times of urination and excretion per day).

[0136] As illustrated in Fig. 15, the transmission information can include such excretion information, user information (user data) including the age and gender of the toilet user, and address information (installation location data) indicating the installation location of the toilet or the address of the toilet user. The user information and the address information are associated with the excretion information. The address information is preferably information that takes privacy into consideration, such as only the postal code. Note that the installation location of the toilet can refer to the installation location of the excrement analyzer 10. Also, in an example where it is necessary to contact the user described later, information such as the user's contact information may be included in the user information. The transmission information can be received by the receiving unit 70a of the server device 70 in Fig. 13 and stored in the storage unit 70b as an object for extraction and aggregation by the information processing unit 70c.

[0137] The server device 70 receives such transmission information and registers it in the excretion information DB 71. When performing this registration, an aggregation information table 71a (a state in which information is not stored) in Fig. 16 for registering the transmission information in the excretion information DB 71 on the cloud network N is generated in advance. The excrement analyzer 10 collects excretion information, and as shown in Fig. 15, combines the user information and the installation location information with the excretion information as transmission information and transmits it to the server device 70 including the excretion information DB 71 on the cloud network N. When the excretion information DB 71 receives the transmission information transmitted from the excrement analyzer 10, it updates the information stored in the aggregation information table 71a with the transmission information.

[0138] Next, data aggregation in the excretion information DB 71 will be described. As described in Embodiment 3, the information processing unit 70c can extract information (information to be aggregated) including the excretion date and time, the type of excrement, and the shape of defecation from the transmission information, and aggregate the extracted information for each shape of defecation under various conditions. The data aggregation can be performed from the aggregation information table 71a on the excretion information DB 71, and is performed to generate provided information. Examples of the destination for providing the information include caregivers and toilet users. The provided information is preferably information that makes it easy for the destination for providing the information to view the content and changes of the excretion.

[0139] For example, in the excretion information DB 71, it is possible to generate the aggregation information tables 71b to 71d shown in FIGS. 17 to 19. In order to generate these tables, first, a view from which such aggregation results can be obtained should be generated in advance, and information should be registered.

[0140] The aggregation information table 71b is a table showing the aggregation result of defecation shapes, and can be generated using the information of the occurrence date and time, the type of excrement, and the defecation shape from the aggregation information table 71a. For example, information corresponding to defecation in terms of the type of excrement can be extracted from the aggregation information table 71a, and the extracted information can be classified by the occurrence date and time (in this example, the occurrence month) and the defecation shape information, and the classified information can be aggregated into the aggregation information table 71b. From the aggregation information table 71b, the tendency of defecation shapes can be seen monthly, and a person who sees this information can recognize, for example, that months with frequent diarrhea are more likely to have a disrupted physical condition.

[0141] The aggregation information table 71c is a table showing the aggregation result of defecation shapes by age group, and can be generated using the information of the occurrence date and time, the type of excrement, the defecation shape, and the age from the aggregation information table 71a. For example, information corresponding to defecation in terms of the type of excrement can be extracted from the aggregation information table 71a, and the extracted information can be classified by the occurrence date and time (in this example, the occurrence month), the defecation shape, and the age information, and the classified information can be aggregated into the aggregation information table 71c. From the aggregation information table 71c, the tendency of defecation shapes classified by age group can be seen monthly.

[0142] The aggregation information table 71d is a table showing the aggregation result of defecation shapes by region, and can be generated using the information of the occurrence date and time, the type of excrement, the defecation shape, and the address (postal code) from the aggregation information table 71a. For example, information corresponding to defecation in terms of the type of excrement can be extracted from the aggregation information table 71a, and the extracted information can be classified by the occurrence date and time (in this example, the occurrence month), the defecation shape, and the address (postal code) information, and the classified information can be aggregated into the aggregation information table 71d. From the aggregation information table 71d, the tendency of defecation shapes classified by region can be seen monthly.

[0143] Also, as an example of being able to grasp a trend in the aggregation information tables 71b to 71d, the information processing unit 70c preferably analyzes the tendency of the temporal change in the shape of defecation. Any method of analyzing the tendency may be used. Also, as a result of the analysis, for example, regarding the aggregation information table 71c, it may be provided in a sentence such as "The month with a lot of diarrhea is month ○".

[0144] Also, as illustrated in FIG. 15, it is preferable that the detailed information in the transmission information includes information indicating the color of defecation. In that case, the information processing unit 70c preferably analyzes the tendency of the temporal change in the shape and color of defecation. The results of analyzing the tendency of change in the shape and color of defecation can be used for prediction of infectious diseases and the like, which will be described later. For example, in infectious gastroenteritis, the shape and color of defecation change due to the disease, so the analysis results of the tendency of defecation change can be used for prediction of such infectious diseases. Similarly, the detailed information in the transmission information can also include information indicating the amount of defecation.

[0145] Also, when predicting an infectious disease, since the occurrence status of infectious diseases varies by region, it is necessary to consider the region. When considering the region, as described above, the receiving unit 70a needs to receive the address information associated with the detailed information, and receive attention information that prompts attention (including warnings) about the prevalence of infectious diseases for the prediction of infectious diseases.

[0146] The address information can be received together with the detailed information. The attention information can be received through a different route from the detailed information. For example, the attention information can be received by reading it as input data from an operation unit provided in the server device 70 or from an external recording medium. Alternatively, the attention information can also be received by periodically acquiring it from a server device for providing attention information connected to the server device 70 (for example, a server device used by a health center for information provision).

[0147] Then, the information processing unit 70c analyzes the temporal change trend of defecation (such as shape or shape and color) for each region indicated by the address information from the address information and the detailed information, and predicts the epidemic of the above infectious disease for each region based on the analysis result and the caution information (by combining the analysis result and the caution information). The address information and the detailed information used for the analysis can be information obtained by aggregating the transmission information as exemplified in the aggregation information table 71a, but it is preferably the aggregation result such as the aggregation information table 71d. Also, the region can refer to the town area unit of the city, town, and village, but it can also be the jurisdiction area unit of the health center, the school campus unit, etc., and it is only necessary to receive the address information that can distinguish the region to be predicted.

[0148] Also, regardless of the prediction method, it can be implemented based on whether the caution information, the defecation shape, and the defecation color have increased in the shapes and colors that can occur in the infectious disease. Further, the receiving unit 70a may receive environmental information including the caution information and the climate information (weather prediction information), and predict the epidemic of the infectious disease for each region based on the analysis result and the environmental information. Also, the prediction can be performed for each infectious disease for a plurality of infectious diseases.

[0149] Then, the server device 70 preferably includes a providing unit (not shown) that provides the result predicted for each region by the information processing unit 70c to the destinations associated with each region. Since this prediction result is based on the defecation results of toilet users including those who have not received a diagnosis of being infected, it can be said that it reflects the actual infection situation more than the caution information. Also, this predicted result (caution information on the epidemic of infectious diseases) can be provided by notifying the terminal device 80 such as a smartphone from the server device 70 for each region such as the town area unit of the corresponding city, town, and village or the school campus unit.

[0150] In this way, the analysis system according to the present embodiment can be constructed as an infectious disease prediction system that provides the prediction result as information for predicting the epidemic of infectious diseases and maintaining health.

[0151] In addition, regarding the aggregation period of the defecation shape, an example of monthly aggregation was given, but it may also be daily, yearly, for a predetermined number of months, for a predetermined number of days, or for a predetermined number of years. This makes it possible to grasp the tendency of the defecation shape on a daily or yearly basis, etc. Also, for example, the results aggregated yearly can be further aggregated daily or monthly.

[0152] Next, while referring to FIG. 20, the processing flow of the server device 70 in the infectious disease prediction system according to the present embodiment will be schematically described. FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the processing of the server device 70.

[0153] First, the receiving unit 70a of the server device 70 receives the transmission information (step S41) and stores it in the storage unit 70b (step S42). The information processing unit 70c aggregates the transmission information for each defecation shape and stores the aggregation result in the storage unit 70b (step S43). In an example where it is executed until the prediction of an infectious disease, further, the information processing unit 70c analyzes the temporal change of the defecation shape for each region (step S44). Next, the information processing unit 70c predicts the prevalence of the infectious disease for each region based on the analysis result and the caution information about the infectious disease, and stores the prediction result in the storage unit 70b (step S45).

[0154] Next, the effects particularly related to the prediction of the prevalence of infectious diseases will be described. First, the current method of providing information on infectious diseases and its problems will be described. Currently, when an infectious disease such as infectious gastroenteritis occurs, medical institutions report the number of diagnosed infectious disease patients to the local public health center or the like. When the reported number exceeds the standard, the local public health center issues information on the outbreak of the infectious disease as a warning (cautionary notice or alert). Therefore, the local public health center knows that an infectious disease is spreading within its jurisdiction, but since it does not recognize the address information of the infectious disease patients, it cannot grasp the areas of towns or school districts within the municipalities where the disease is spreading. As a result, a contradiction occurs where an infectious disease is spreading within the jurisdiction of the local public health center, but it is not spreading within the town areas or school districts of the municipalities within its jurisdiction. To resolve this contradiction, the local public health center needs to issue cautionary notices and alerts at the town area unit or school district unit of the municipalities, but since it does not recognize the address information of individual infectious disease patients and thus cannot grasp the detailed scope of the outbreak, the current situation is that this has not been achieved.

[0155] Also, currently, medical institutions report the total number of infectious disease patients in a week to the local public health center on the Monday of the following week. The local public health center aggregates the reports from medical institutions within its jurisdiction and issues cautionary notices and alerts when the number of infectious disease patients exceeds a certain number. Therefore, there is a time lag from the increase in the number of infectious disease patients to the issuance of cautionary notices and alerts. In this way, since medical institutions report the aggregated results on a weekly basis to the local public health center, there is a time lag from the increase in the number of infectious disease patients to the issuance of cautionary notices and alerts.

[0156] In contrast, in this embodiment, the excretion information collected by the excretion analyzer 10 can be aggregated even on a daily basis. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to grasp from the daily aggregated results that the number of people with diarrhea in the defecation state is increasing, and it is also possible to grasp the areas of towns or school districts of the corresponding municipalities based on the address information. And in this embodiment, by combining this information with the information on the occurrence of infectious diseases issued by the local public health center, it is possible to predict the outbreak of infectious diseases in the areas of towns or school districts of the corresponding municipalities and provide cautionary information for each region showing the prediction results.

[0157] In this way, the infectious disease prediction system according to this embodiment collects information such as the shape and color of excrement, analyzes it for each region, and predicts the prevalence of infectious diseases using attention information about infectious diseases. Therefore, according to this infectious disease prediction system, for example, even when attention information on the prevalence of infectious diseases is issued for the jurisdiction of a health center, it can be provided as attention information considering the more realistic infection situation for each town area of a municipality or each school district unit. Also, in this infectious disease prediction system, since it can be provided as attention information considering the more realistic infection situation, it is possible to solve the problem that rapid prevention of infectious diseases cannot be achieved due to delays in attention information, and an effect of preventing the spread of infectious diseases can be expected.

[0158] <Embodiment 5> Regarding Embodiment 5, the differences from Embodiment 4 will be mainly described with reference to FIGS. 21 to 24, but various examples described in Embodiments 1 to 4 can be applied. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the analysis system according to Embodiment 5, and FIGS. 22 and 23 are diagrams showing an example of an aggregation information table and an example of a totalization information table included in the excrement information database stored in the server device in the analysis system of FIG. 21, respectively.

[0159] As described in Embodiment 4, the detailed information (excrement information) collected by the excrement analysis device 10 can be used to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, but it is desirable to increase the advantages obtained by the toilet user himself / herself or the installer of the excrement analysis device 10 due to its installation. In this case, it is also necessary to consider that the excrement information is sensitive information and there is resistance to providing the information.

[0160] Therefore, in this embodiment, for toilet users who provide information on defecation and urination through excretion, the installer of the excrement analysis device 10 provides services for predicting the health status from the information and services for providing health advice suitable for the health status. As a result, advantages arise from the installation of the excrement analysis device 10 and the provision of information, and it becomes possible to promote the installation of the excrement analysis device 10.

[0161] A specific description of such an embodiment will be given below. In the analysis system according to this embodiment, in the server device 70 of FIG. 13, the following processing is configured to be performed. First, the receiving unit 70a receives user information and address information associated with detailed information, and also receives environmental information including climate information and infectious disease epidemic information indicating the results of the spread of infectious diseases. The storage unit 70b stores the received information.

[0162] As shown in FIG. 21, the analysis system according to this embodiment can be configured by connecting a plurality of excrement analysis devices 10, a terminal device 80 used by an administrator such as a caregiver, and a terminal device 90 used by a toilet user to a cloud network N including an excrement information DB 71. Here, as shown in the figure, the terminal device 90 can also be connected to the terminal device 80 via another network N1 different from the cloud network N.

[0163] The information processing unit 70c analyzes the temporal change trend of defecation according to the environmental information for each user indicated by the user information from the user information, address information, environmental information, and detailed information. Then, the information processing unit 70c predicts the health state including the disease state of the above-mentioned infectious diseases for each user indicated by the user information from the analysis results.

[0164] Regardless of the method of analysis or prediction, in order to make it easier to use for health prediction for each user, first, information aggregation may be performed for each user. More specifically, information for each user is extracted from the aggregation information table 71a in FIG. 16 stored in the excretion information DB 71, and the individual-oriented aggregation information table 71e shown in FIG. 22 is generated. Analysis will be performed using the information on the occurrence date and time, type of excrement, shape of defecation, and color of defecation from this individual-oriented aggregation information table 71e. For example, first, information in which the type of excrement corresponds to defecation is extracted from the individual-oriented aggregation information table 71e, the extracted information is classified by the occurrence date and time, shape of defecation, and color of defecation, and the classified information is aggregated in the aggregation information table 71f in FIG. 23. From the aggregation information table 71f, for that user, it is possible to see the tendency of changes in the shape and color of defecation on a monthly basis. Note that, although an example with a monthly unit was given for the aggregation period of defecation, it is not limited to this.

[0165] Also, as an example where the tendency can be grasped by the aggregation information table 71f, the information processing unit 70c performs such tendency analysis. As described above, the method of analysis is not limited.

[0166] Then, the information processing unit 70c predicts the health state including the disease state of the above infectious disease for each user from the result of analyzing the tendency of defecation. Also, the prediction can be executed for each infectious disease for a plurality of infectious diseases. Although the method of prediction is not limited as described above, by analyzing the detailed information for each user accumulated so far, it is possible to predict the time when each user is likely to get out of condition from the detailed information and environmental information, and to predict the infection of each user from the occurrence of infectious diseases in the neighboring area. In addition, the information processing unit 70c can also generate information for preventing the body from getting out of condition and methods for preventing infection with infectious diseases as health advice information for each user from such prediction results. The health advice information can be provided in a format prepared in advance according to the prediction results.

[0167] Further, the server device 70 may be provided with a providing unit (not shown) that provides, to the contact destination indicated by the contact information for each user, the result predicted for each user information by the information processing unit 70c. Therefore, the user information may include contact information indicating the contact destination of the toilet user.

[0168] For example, by accessing a web page from a terminal device 90 such as a smartphone to specify a user, or by logging in to an application program installed on the terminal device 90, the prediction result and health advice information may be configured to be viewable. The prediction result and health advice information may be stored in the storage unit 70b. Further, regarding the health prediction and health advice information, it is desirable to configure it so that the same information can be viewed not only from the terminal device used by the toilet user but also from the terminal devices used by family members living with the toilet user or family members living separately.

[0169] Further, this embodiment is not limited to the configuration of obtaining detailed information and the like by the excrement analysis devices 1 and 10 described in Embodiments 1 and 2, and a configuration of obtaining the same information by other devices may also be adopted. The same information as described above refers to detailed information indicating the content of excretion, which is the result of analyzing excrement in the toilet of the toilet by imaging data captured by the toilet, user information and address information associated with the detailed information, and environmental information. The environmental information may include climate information and infectious disease epidemic information indicating the result of the spread of infectious diseases.

[0170] In this way, the analysis system according to this embodiment can be constructed as a health information providing system that predicts and provides an individual's health condition using excretion information. Next, with reference to FIG. 24, the processing flow of the server device 70 in the health information providing system according to this embodiment will be schematically described. FIG. 24 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the processing of the server device 70.

[0171] First, the receiving unit 70a of the server device 70 receives the transmission information and the environment information (step S51), and stores them in the storage unit 70b (step S52). The information processing unit 70c analyzes, for each user indicated by the user information, the tendency of the temporal change of defecation according to the environment information from the user information, the address information, the environment information, and the detailed information, and stores the analysis result in the storage unit 70b (step S53). Note that prior to step S53, the aggregation for each user may be performed as described above. Further, the information processing unit 70c predicts the health state including the infection disease state for each user indicated by the user information from the analysis result, and stores the prediction result in the storage unit 70b (step S54).

[0172] According to the present embodiment, the health state of the user can be predicted from the excretion information, and it is possible to provide health information effective for health promotion to the user of the excretion analysis device. Therefore, there is an advantage in installing the excretion analysis device, and the effect of promoting the installation of the excretion analysis device can be expected.

[0173] <Other Embodiments> [a] In each embodiment, the functions of the analysis system and each device included in the system have been described. However, each device is not limited to the illustrated configuration example, and these functions may be realized as each device. For example, the above-described server devices such as the server 40 and the server device 70 can be configured as a distributed system in which the functions are distributed among a plurality of server devices.

[0174] [b] Each device according to Embodiments 1 to 5 may have the following hardware configuration. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the device. The same applies to the above-described other embodiment [a].

[0175] The device 100 shown in FIG. 25 can have a processor 101, a memory 102, and a communication interface (I / F) 103. The processor 101 may be, for example, a microprocessor, an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), or a CPU. The processor 101 may include a plurality of processors. The memory 102 is configured, for example, by a combination of a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. The functions in each device described in Embodiments 1 to 5 are realized by the processor 101 reading and executing a program stored in the memory 102. At this time, the transmission and reception of information with other devices can be performed via the communication interface 103 or an input / output interface (not shown). In particular, when the device 100 is an excrement analysis device, the transmission and reception of information (including imaging data) of an imaging device built in or externally attached to the device 100 can also be performed via the communication interface 103 or an input / output interface (not shown).

[0176] In the above example, the program can be stored using various types of non-transitory computer readable media and supplied to a computer. Non-transitory computer readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of non-transitory computer readable media include magnetic recording media (such as flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (such as magneto-optical disks). Further, this example includes CD-ROM (Read Only Memory), CD-R, CD-R / W. Further, this example includes semiconductor memories (such as mask ROM, PROM (Programmable ROM), EPROM (Erasable PROM), flash ROM, RAM (Random Access Memory)). Also, the program may be supplied to the computer by various types of transitory computer readable media. Examples of transitory computer readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. Transitory computer readable media can supply the program to the computer via wired communication channels such as electric wires and optical fibers, or wireless communication channels.

[0177] [c] Furthermore, in the above-described Embodiments 1 and 2, as exemplified by the procedure of the excrement analysis method in the excrement analysis system, the present disclosure can also take the form of an excrement analysis method (analysis method). This excrement analysis method can include the following input step, holding step, first analysis step, and second analysis step. The above input step is for the excrement analysis device to input imaging data captured by an imaging device installed so that the excrement excretion range in the toilet bowl of the toilet is included in the imaging range. The above holding step is for the excrement analysis device to temporarily hold the imaging data input in the above input step. The above first analysis step is for the excrement analysis device to analyze the first analysis target data, which is the imaging data input in the above input step, and output notification information to a monitor who monitors the user of the toilet. The above second analysis step is for the excrement analysis device to analyze the second analysis target data, which is the imaging data input in the above input step and temporarily held in the above holding step, and output detailed information indicating the content of the excretion. For other examples, it is as described in Embodiments 1 and 2. Also, it can be said that the above program is a program for causing the excrement analysis device (the control computer included in the excrement analysis device) to execute the above input step, the above holding step, the above first analysis step, and the above second analysis step.

[0178] Also, as exemplified in Embodiments 3 and 4 for the procedure of the analysis method in the analysis system, the present disclosure can also take the form of other analysis methods. The analysis method herein includes the following reception step, storage step, and information processing step, and preferably includes the following provision step. The above reception step is that the server device receives detailed information (which can also be referred to as excretion information) indicating the content of excretion, which is the result of analyzing excrement in the toilet of the toilet from the captured image data captured by the toilet. The above storage step is that the server device stores the detailed information received in the reception step. Here, the detailed information at least includes information indicating the excretion date and time, the type of excrement, and the shape of defecation. The above information processing step is that the server device aggregates the detailed information for each shape of defecation. The above provision step is that the server device provides the processing result in the information processing step to an external device. For other examples, it is as described in Embodiments 3 to 5. Also, in this case, it can be said that the above program is a program for causing the server device (computer) to execute the above reception step, the above storage step, and the above information processing step (preferably including the above provision step in addition to them).

[0179] Also, as exemplified in Embodiment 5 for the procedure of the analysis method in the analysis system, the present disclosure can also take the form of other analysis methods. The analysis method herein includes the following reception step, storage step, and information processing step, and preferably includes the following provision step. The above reception step is that the server device receives detailed information indicating the content of excretion, which is the result of analyzing excrement in the toilet of the toilet from the captured image data captured by the toilet, user information and address information associated with the detailed information, and environmental information. Here, the detailed information at least includes information indicating the excretion date and time, the type of excrement, and the shape of defecation. Also, the user information is information indicating the user of the toilet, and the address information is information indicating the address where the user lives or the address of the installation location of the toilet. Also, the environmental information is information including climate information and infectious disease epidemic information indicating the result of the prevalence of infectious diseases. The above storage step is that the server device stores the detailed information, user information, address information, and environmental information received in the reception step. In the above information processing step, the server device analyzes the tendency of the temporal change of defecation according to the environment information for each user indicated by the user information from the user information, the address information, the environment information, and the detailed information. The above information processing step further predicts the health state including the infection state of the above infectious disease for each user indicated by the user information from the analysis result. The above providing step is that the server device provides the processing result in the information processing step to an external device (the contact information of the user). For other examples, it is as described in Embodiment 5. Further, in this case, the above program can be said to be a program for causing the server device (computer) to execute the above receiving step, the above storing step, and the above information processing step (preferably including the above providing step in addition thereto).

[0180] Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist. Further, the present disclosure may be implemented by appropriately combining each embodiment.

[0181] Some or all of the above embodiments may be described as follows in the following supplementary notes, but are not limited thereto. <Supplementary Note>

[0182] (Supplementary Note 1) An input unit that inputs imaging data captured by an imaging device installed so as to include the excretion range of excrement in the toilet bowl of the toilet in the imaging range; A holding unit that temporarily holds the imaging data input by the input unit; A first analysis unit that analyzes the first analysis target data, which is the imaging data input by the input unit, and outputs notification information to a monitor who monitors the user of the toilet; A second analysis unit that analyzes the second analysis target data, which is the imaging data input by the input unit and temporarily held by the holding unit, and outputs detailed information indicating the content of excretion; Comprising: Excrement analyzer.

[0183] (Supplementary Note 2) The first analysis unit performs an analysis on whether or not a foreign object, which is an object other than feces and urine, is included as a subject excluding the toilet and the liquid for cleaning the toilet, and outputs foreign object information indicating whether or not a foreign object is included as at least a part of the notification information. The excrement analysis device according to Supplementary Note 1.

[0184] (Supplementary Note 3) The first analysis unit outputs the notification information by transmitting it to a terminal device used by the monitor. The excrement analysis device according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2.

[0185] (Supplementary Note 4) The second analysis unit outputs the detailed information by transmitting it to a server device connected to the excrement analysis device via a network. The excrement analysis device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3.

[0186] (Supplementary Note 5) The first analysis unit outputs the notification information by transmitting it to the server device. The excrement analysis device according to Supplementary Note 4.

[0187] (Supplementary Note 6) The holding unit temporarily holds the analysis result in the first analysis unit as a part of the second analysis target data. The excrement analysis device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5.

[0188] (Supplementary Note 7) The first analysis unit obtains the notification information from the first analysis target data using a learned model that inputs the first analysis target data and outputs the notification information. The excrement analysis device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6.

[0189] (Supplementary Note 8) The second analysis unit obtains at least a part of the detailed information from the second analysis target data using a learned model that inputs the second analysis target data and outputs the detailed information. The excrement analysis device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7.

[0190] (Supplementary Note 9) The second analysis unit performs image processing on the second analysis target data to obtain at least a part of the detailed information. The excrement analysis device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 8.

[0191] (Supplementary Note 10) The second analysis unit outputs information regarding at least one of the urine flow rate or urine volume, the number of defecations or defecation volume per unit period, and the excretion timing which is the timing of the excretion act, as the detailed information. The excrement analysis device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 9.

[0192] (Supplementary Note 11) The second analysis unit outputs information indicating at least one of the decrease status of the urine flow rate or urine volume, the decrease status of the number of defecations or defecation volume per unit period, and the prolonged status of the excretion timing which is the timing of the excretion act, as the detailed information. The excrement analysis device according to Supplementary Note 10.

[0193] (Supplementary Note 12) The first analysis unit outputs, as at least a part of the notification information, at least one of the information indicating the usage status of the buttocks washing device installed in the toilet and the information indicating that sitting has been performed on the toilet. The excrement analysis device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 11.

[0194] (Supplementary Note 13) Further comprising the imaging device. The excrement analysis device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 12.

[0195] (Supplementary Note 14) Comprising the excrement analysis device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 13, a terminal device used by a monitor connected to the excrement analysis device, and a server device connected to the excrement analysis device and the terminal device. The excrement analysis device outputs by transmitting the notification information to the terminal device, and outputs by transmitting the detailed information to the server device. The server device stores the detailed information received from the excrement analysis device in a state viewable from the terminal device. The terminal device includes a log generation unit that generates an excretion log based on the notification information received from the excrement analysis device and the detailed information stored in the server device. Analysis system.

[0196] (Appendix 15) A receiving unit that receives the detailed information from the excrement analysis device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 13, A storage unit that stores the detailed information received by the receiving unit, An information processing unit, and is provided with The detailed information includes at least information indicating the excretion date and time, the type of excrement, and the shape of defecation. The information processing unit aggregates the detailed information for each shape of defecation. Server device.

[0197] (Appendix 16) A receiving unit that receives detailed information indicating the content of excretion, which is the result of analyzing excrement in the toilet bowl of the toilet from the captured image data captured by the toilet bowl, A storage unit that stores the detailed information received by the receiving unit, An information processing unit, and is provided with The detailed information includes at least information indicating the excretion date and time, the type of excrement, and the shape of defecation. The information processing unit aggregates the detailed information for each shape of defecation. Server device.

[0198] (Appendix 17) The information processing unit analyzes the temporal change trend of the shape of defecation. The server device according to Appendix 15 or 16.

[0199] (Supplementary Note 18) The detailed information includes information indicating the color of the defecation, The information processing unit analyzes the temporal change trends of the shape and color of the defecation, The server device according to Supplementary Note 15 or 16.

[0200] (Supplementary Note 19) It includes a providing unit that provides the processing result in the information processing unit to an external device, The server device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 15 to 18.

[0201] (Supplementary Note 20) The receiving unit receives address information indicating the address where the user of the toilet lives or the address of the installation location of the toilet, which is associated with the detailed information, and also receives caution information prompting attention to the prevalence of infectious diseases, The information processing unit analyzes the temporal change trend of the defecation for each region indicated by the address information from the address information and the detailed information, and predicts the prevalence of the infectious disease for each region based on the analyzed result and the caution information. The server device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 17 to 19.

[0202] (Supplementary Note 21) It includes a providing unit that provides the result predicted for each region by the information processing unit to a destination associated with each region. The server device according to Supplementary Note 20.

[0203] (Supplementary Note 22) The receiving unit receives user information indicating the user of the toilet and address information indicating the address where the user of the toilet lives or the address of the installation location of the toilet, which are associated with the detailed information, and also receives environmental information including climate information and infectious disease prevalence information indicating the result of the prevalence of infectious diseases. The information processing unit analyzes the temporal change tendency of defecation according to the environmental information for each user indicated by the user information from the user information, the address information, the environmental information, and the detailed information, and predicts the health state including the disease state of the infection for each user indicated by the user information from the analysis result. The server device according to any one of Appendices 17 to 19.

[0204] (Appendix 23) A receiving unit that receives detailed information indicating the content of excretion, which is the result of analyzing the excrement in the toilet of the toilet from the captured image data captured by the toilet, user information indicating the user of the toilet, and address information indicating the address where the user of the toilet lives or the address of the installation location of the toilet, environmental information including climate information and infectious disease epidemic information indicating the result of the spread of infectious diseases. A storage unit that stores the detailed information, the user information, the address information, and the environmental information received by the receiving unit. An information processing unit. It is provided with. The detailed information includes at least information indicating the excretion date and time, the type of excrement, and the shape of defecation. The information processing unit analyzes the temporal change tendency of defecation according to the environmental information for each user indicated by the user information from the user information, the address information, the environmental information, and the detailed information, and predicts the health state including the disease state of the infection for each user indicated by the user information from the analysis result. Server device.

[0205] (Appendix 24) The user information includes contact information indicating the contact information of the user of the toilet. It is provided with a providing unit that provides the result predicted for each user information by the information processing unit to the contact indicated by the contact information for the user indicated by each user information. The server device according to Appendix 22 or 23.

[0206] (Appendix 25) An input step of inputting imaging data captured by an imaging device installed so that an excrement analysis device includes an excrement excretion range in a toilet bowl within an imaging range; A holding step of temporarily holding, by the excrement analysis device, the imaging data input in the input step; A first analysis step of analyzing, by the excrement analysis device, first analysis target data that is the imaging data input in the input step and outputting notification information to a monitor who monitors a user of the toilet; A second analysis step of analyzing, by the excrement analysis device, second analysis target data that is the imaging data input in the input step and temporarily held in the holding step and outputting detailed information indicating the content of excretion; Comprising; Analysis method.

[0207] (Appendix 26) A receiving step of receiving, by a server device, the detailed information; A storage step of storing, by the server device, the detailed information received in the receiving step; An information processing step; A providing step; Comprising, The detailed information includes at least information indicating an excretion date and time, a type of excrement, and a shape of defecation; In the information processing step, the server device aggregates the detailed information for each shape of defecation; In the providing step, the server device provides a processing result in the information processing step to an external device. The analysis method according to Appendix 25.

[0208] (Appendix 27) A receiving step of receiving, by a server device, detailed information indicating the content of excretion that is a result of analyzing excrement in a toilet bowl from imaging data captured by the toilet bowl; A storage step of storing, by the server device, the detailed information received in the receiving step; An information processing step; A providing step; comprising The detailed information includes at least information indicating the excretion date and time, the type of excrement, and the shape of defecation. The information processing step is that the server device aggregates the detailed information for each shape of defecation. The providing step is that the server device provides the processing result in the information processing step to an external device. Analysis method.

[0209] (Appendix 28) In a computer for control provided in an excrement analysis device, an input step of inputting imaging data captured by an imaging device installed so as to include the excretion range of excrement in the toilet bowl of the toilet in the imaging range; a holding step of temporarily holding the imaging data input in the input step; a first analysis step of analyzing first analysis target data which is the imaging data input in the input step and outputting notification information to a monitor who monitors the user of the toilet; a second analysis step of analyzing second analysis target data which is the imaging data input in the input step and temporarily held in the holding step and outputting detailed information indicating the content of excretion; A program for executing the above.

[0210] (Appendix 29) In the computer, a receiving step of receiving detailed information including at least information indicating the excretion date and time, the type of excrement, and the shape of defecation as the detailed information; a storage step of storing the detailed information received in the receiving step; an information processing step of aggregating the detailed information for each shape of defecation; a providing step of providing the processing result in the information processing step to an external device; A program for executing the above, The program according to Appendix 28.

[0211] (Appendix 30) Cause a computer to A receiving step of receiving detailed information indicating the content of excretion, which is the result of analyzing excrement in a toilet of a toilet from imaging data captured by the toilet, and including at least information indicating the excretion date and time, the type of excrement, and the shape of defecation; A storage step of storing the detailed information received in the receiving step; An information processing step of tabulating the detailed information for each shape of defecation; A providing step of providing the processing result in the information processing step to an external device; A program for executing the above.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0212] 1, 10 Excrement analysis device 1a Input unit 1b Holding unit 1c First analysis unit 1d Second analysis unit 11 Second external box 11a CPU 11b Connector 11c, 11d USB I / F 12 Box connection part 13 First external box 14a WiFi module 14b Bluetooth module 15a Human presence sensor 15b Second camera 16a Distance sensor 16b First camera 20 Toilet 21 Main body 22 Toilet seat 23 Toilet seat cover 30 Toilet with excrement analysis device 40 Server 41 Control unit 42 Storage unit 50, 80, 90 Terminal device 70 Server device 70a Receiving unit 70b Storage unit 70c Information Processing Unit 100 Device 101 Processor 102 Memory 103 Communication Interface

Claims

1. A receiving unit that receives detailed information indicating the content of excretion, which is the result of analyzing excrement in a toilet of a toilet from imaging data captured by the toilet; A storage unit that stores the detailed information received by the receiving unit; An information processing unit; A providing unit; Comprising: The detailed information includes at least information indicating the excretion date and time and the shape of defecation; The receiving unit receives address information indicating the address where the user of the toilet lives or the address of the installation location of the toilet, which is associated with the detailed information, and receives caution information prompting attention to the prevalence of infectious diseases; The information processing unit aggregates the detailed information for each shape of defecation, analyzes the temporal change trend of defecation for each region indicated by the address information from the address information and the detailed information, and predicts the prevalence of the infectious disease for each region based on the analysis result and the caution information; The providing unit provides the result predicted for each region by the information processing unit to a destination associated with each region. Server device.

2. The detailed information includes information indicating the color of defecation; The information processing unit analyzes the temporal change trends of the shape and color of defecation. The server device according to claim 1.

3. The providing unit provides the processing result of the information processing unit to an external device. The server device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A receiving step in which a server device receives detailed information indicating the content of excretion, which is the result of analyzing excrement in a toilet of a toilet from imaging data captured by the toilet; A storage step of storing the detailed information received in the receiving step; An information processing step; A providing step; Comprising: The detailed information includes at least information indicating the excretion date and time and the shape of defecation; The receiving step receives address information indicating the address where the user of the toilet lives or the address of the installation location of the toilet, which is associated with the detailed information, and receives caution information prompting attention to the prevalence of infectious diseases; The information processing step aggregates the detailed information for each shape of defecation, analyzes the temporal change trend of defecation for each region indicated by the address information from the address information and the detailed information, and predicts the prevalence of the infectious disease for each region based on the analysis result and the caution information; The providing step provides the result predicted for each region in the information processing step to a destination associated with each region. Analysis method.

5. On a computer, A receiving function for receiving detailed information indicating the content of excretion, which is the result of analyzing excrement in a toilet of a toilet from imaging data imaged by the toilet, A storage function for storing the detailed information received by the receiving function, An information processing function, A providing function, A program for realizing the above, The detailed information includes at least information indicating the excretion date and time and the shape of defecation, The receiving function receives address information indicating the address where the user of the toilet lives or the address of the installation location of the toilet, which is associated with the detailed information, and receives caution information prompting caution about the prevalence of infectious diseases, The information processing function aggregates the detailed information for each shape of defecation, analyzes the temporal change trend of defecation for each region indicated by the address information from the address information and the detailed information, and predicts the prevalence of the infectious disease for each region based on the analysis result and the caution information, The providing function provides the result predicted for each region by the information processing function to a destination associated with each region, Program.

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