Excretion management system

Abstract

To provide an excretion management system capable of appropriately making a notification when it is time for a user to excrete.SOLUTION: An excretion management system 10 is provided, comprising a recommended timing determination unit (control unit 270) for determining recommended excretion timing for a user to excrete, and a notification unit (touch panel part 210) for making a guidance notification for guiding the user to excrete, where the notification unit makes a guidance notification on the basis of the recommended excretion timing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an excretion management system.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a toilet device that determines the progress state of a user's excretion behavior based on the excretion state in the user's excretion behavior and communicates the determination result to the outside via communication means.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In recent years, from the perspective of reducing the burden on users and caregivers, it has been required to appropriately notify the user or caregiver of the excretion timing of the user.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an excretion management system capable of appropriately notifying the excretion timing of a user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An excretion management system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a recommended timing determination unit that determines an excretion recommended timing at which excretion of a user is recommended, and a notification unit that performs guidance notification for inducing excretion to the user, and the notification unit performs the guidance notification based on the excretion recommended timing.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an excretion management system capable of appropriately notifying the excretion timing of a user.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the excretion management system according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below shows a preferred specific example of the present disclosure. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangements and connection forms of the components shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. In addition, among the components in the following embodiments, the components not described in the independent claims are described as optional components.

[0010] Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided for those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims thereby.

[0011] Also, each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily drawn precisely. Also, in each figure, the same reference numerals are given to substantially the same configurations, and duplicate explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0012] [Embodiment] (Excretion management system) The excretion management system according to the embodiment is for managing information related to the excretion of a user. Excretion includes defecation and urination, and in this excretion management system, information on at least one of defecation and urination is managed.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an excretion management system 10 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the excretion management system 10 includes an acquisition device 100, an information notification device 200, and a server device 300.

[0014] The acquisition device 100 is an example of a history information acquisition unit that acquires excretion history information related to the excretion of a user. Here, the excretion history information includes the excretion timing of the user, the excretion amount per excretion, the time required per excretion, the properties of the excrement, and the like.

[0015] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of the acquisition device 100 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the acquisition device 100 is built into the toilet seat 2 of the toilet 1. The acquisition device 100 includes a use detection unit 110, an excretion detection unit 120, and a control unit 130.

[0016] The usage detection unit 110 is a sensor that detects the use of the toilet by the user. For example, it is a seating sensor that detects when the user sits on the toilet seat 2 and outputs the detection signal to the control unit 130. Other usage detection units 110 include, for example, a human presence sensor that detects when the user enters the toilet cubicle of the toilet 1. Furthermore, as another usage detection unit 110, it is also possible to adopt a local cleaning device. In this case, the use of the toilet by the user can be detected based on the presence or absence of an operation signal for the local cleaning device.

[0017] The excretion detection unit 120 is a sensor that detects the excretion of the user performed in the toilet 1. For example, the excretion detection unit 120 includes an illumination unit 121 that illuminates the inside of the toilet bowl of the toilet 1 and a camera 122 that captures an image of the excrement in the toilet bowl illuminated by the illumination unit 121. The camera 122 outputs the captured image to the control unit 130. Examples of the camera 122 include a visible light camera, an infrared camera, etc.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 130 includes a communication unit 131, a storage unit 132, and a control unit 133. The communication unit 131 is a communication module that performs wired and / or wireless communication. The control unit 133 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The CPU expands and executes the program in the ROM in the RAM to control each part of the toilet 1 and the acquisition device 100. The control unit 133 recognizes that the toilet 1 has been used based on the detection signal from the usage detection unit 110. The control unit 133 performs a well-known image analysis process on the image from the camera 122 to detect the excretion of the user. Thereby, the control unit 133 acquires the excretion history information of the user and stores it in the storage unit 132. Also, the control unit 133 reads out the excretion history information from the storage unit 132 and controls the communication unit 131 to output it to the server device 300. Furthermore, the control unit 133 outputs the detection signal detected by the usage detection unit 110 to the server device 300 by controlling the communication unit 131.

[0019] In the detection of the user's excretion, as excretion history information, the excretion volume per excretion (weight or volume of excrement), the time required per excretion, and the properties of the excrement (color, hardness, etc.) are detected.

[0020] For example, the control unit 133 can detect the presence and amount of feces based on the area of the brown region in the image by well-known image analysis processing. The control unit 133 can detect the presence and amount of urine based on the area of the yellow region in the image by well-known image analysis processing. The control unit 133 can also determine whether it is bloody stool from the presence or absence of the red region in the image by well-known image analysis processing. The color of the excrement may be indicated by a binary classification of whether it contains red or not. Also, the color of the excrement may be indicated by the main color of the excrement (e.g., black, green, gray, dark yellow, light yellow, etc.). If the color of the excrement can be detected in detail, the symptoms of the disease can be grasped and used for diagnosis and the like.

[0021] Furthermore, the control unit 133 can recognize the hardness of the feces from the boundary shape (the contour shape of the feces) between the toilet bowl and the feces in the image of the feces at the bottom of the toilet bowl. For example, when the contour shape is a round shape similar to the clearly defined rabbit feces characteristic of constipation, the control unit 133 estimates it as hard feces. On the other hand, when the contour shape is blurred or not clear, the control unit 133 estimates it as soft feces.

[0022] Also, it may be estimated based on the image of the excrement during its fall, not just the image of the excrement that has fallen to the bottom of the toilet bowl. For example, when the excrement is falling while scattering in the air or has a narrow width, the control unit 133 estimates it as soft feces containing a lot of moisture. On the other hand, in the case of excrement with a wide width and a relatively short length, the control unit 133 estimates it as hard feces. When estimating, it is better to use a cut-out image that cuts out the range through which the falling excrement passes in a horizontally long shape, rather than the entire image, to suppress false detection due to the reflection of the excrement after falling. The hardness of the feces may be indicated by a binary classification of hard or soft, or may be classified more finely, for example, by determining with the Bristol scale 7 classification.

[0023] Regarding the urine excretion volume (urination volume), it may also be estimated based on the image of urine during its fall. The control unit 133 detects the width and the number of urine streams during the fall in the cut-out image from the color information and the contour information, and estimates the urine flow rate at the moment when the image is taken. The urine flow rate may be estimated in two steps of high or low, or may be estimated in more steps. Furthermore, it may be estimated with a quantitative value (ml / sec). In this case, the excretion volume per excretion may be estimated by integrating the quantitative value with respect to the time from the start to the end of urine. Alternatively, the images may be taken at a relatively high frequency (about every 10 msec to 5 msec interval), and the excretion volume per excretion may be estimated from the cumulative sum of the estimated flow rate of each image × the imaging interval.

[0024] Furthermore, it is also possible to use machine learning for these estimations. In this case, a large number of images including the presence or absence of excretion, the excretion volume per excretion, and the properties of the excreta are input into the machine learning in advance to create a pre-trained model. The control unit 133 obtains the estimation result by inputting the image captured by the camera 122 into the pre-trained model. The learning model may be created for each estimation item, or one learning model may be created by grouping a plurality of items.

[0025] Furthermore, when the control unit 133 estimates the presence or absence and properties of excrement, not only the images obtained by the camera 122 but also the detection results of the usage detection unit 110 may be used. For example, the local cleaning water discharged from the nozzle (not shown) of the local cleaning device is likely to be misdetected because its appearance is similar to that of urine. Therefore, false detection can be prevented by not determining the presence or absence of urine while the local cleaning device is in use. Also, some cleaning tools such as a washcloth used for cleaning the toilet are likely to be misdetected because their color and the like are similar to those of feces. However, by using the detection result of the seating sensor, it can be determined that the images taken in the non-seated state are not feces, and false detection can be prevented. Furthermore, even feces such as watery diarrhea feces are similar to urine with a dark color, so it is easy to misjudge between urine and feces. If solid matter or floating matter is included in the diarrhea feces, it can be determined as feces from the image. However, since there are rare cases where there is no solid matter, if it is possible to determine solid matter-free diarrhea feces as feces, urine is also likely to be determined as feces. Therefore, by using the detection result of the seating sensor, it can be determined as urine if it is in the non-seated state, and false detection of urine as feces is suppressed. Thereby, the estimation accuracy can be improved.

[0026] Also, even if excrement is not directly detected, for example, sensors may be provided for the "large" and "small" of the flushing operation unit of the toilet 1. For example, based on the detection signal when large flushing is performed, the excretion timing of feces can be detected, and based on the detection signal when small flushing is performed, the excretion timing of urine can be detected.

[0027] In addition, in this embodiment, the case where the acquisition device 100 is built into the toilet seat 2 of the toilet 1 is illustrated. However, at least a part of the acquisition device 100 may be detachable from the toilet seat 2.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the acquisition device according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a modified example of the acquisition device according to the embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in the acquisition device 100A according to the modified example, the usage detection unit 110a and the excretion detection unit 120a are integrated and detachable from the toilet seat 2. The control unit 130a is built in a control panel 140a having functions such as an operation unit and a display unit. The control unit 130a is communicably connected to the usage detection unit 110a and the excretion detection unit 120a by wire or wirelessly.

[0029] Further, the acquisition device 100 may have a personal authentication unit for identifying the user. For example, the acquisition device 100 may include a camera for photographing the user, and may identify the user by performing face authentication using the camera. The camera may be provided integrally with the acquisition device 100 or communicably connected thereto. The camera may be disposed inside the toilet cubicle or outside the cubicle. The image taken for authentication may be deleted without being saved after authentication. The image taken by this personal authentication camera may be used for other purposes. For example, it is possible to estimate the presence or absence of the accompaniment of a care staff included in the image. Further, based on the face of the user included in the image, it is possible to estimate age, gender, stress level, urgency of excretion, etc. Based on the state of the user included in the image, it is possible to estimate walking posture, walking speed, degree of independence, height, weight, etc. By notifying the care staff of this estimated information, the care staff can utilize it for care judgment for the user. Further, the care staff can also estimate the health state of the user or use it as a basis for making improvement proposals by comparing and analyzing the estimated information and the excretion history information.

[0030] The personal authentication unit may be a biometric authentication device that performs fingerprint, palmprint, and iris authentication. In this case, the biometric authentication device may be installed in the operation unit of Toilet 1, inside or outside the individual toilet compartment. Furthermore, an RFID tag may be provided on an item (such as a card, nameplate, wristband, etc.) carried by the user, and a reading device that reads the RFID tag may be used as the personal authentication unit. An authentication device that performs authentication by communicating with a terminal (such as a mobile phone, wearable terminal, etc.) owned by the user may also be used as the personal authentication unit. An input device into which a password assigned to the individual user is input may also be used as the personal authentication unit.

[0031] The information notification device 200 shown in FIG. 1 is a terminal device that is communicably connected to the acquisition device 100 and the server device 300. The information notification device 200 includes a touch panel unit 210, a sound output unit 220, a sound input unit 230, a storage unit 240, an imaging unit 250, a communication unit 260, and a control unit 270. The touch panel unit 210 is a touch panel having a liquid crystal or organic EL panel. The sound output unit 220 is a speaker. The sound input unit 230 is a microphone. The storage unit 240 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The imaging unit 250 is a camera. The communication unit 260 is a wired and / or wireless communication module. The control unit 270 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and the CPU expands and executes the program in the ROM in the RAM to control each part of the information notification device 200.

[0032] Examples of the information notification device 200 include smartphones, tablet terminals, wearable terminals (such as smartwatches, smart glasses, etc.), notebook PCs, portable game machines, and the like. The information notification device 200 may be a terminal owned by the user himself / herself, or may be a terminal owned by a caregiver who takes care of the user.

[0033] Other information other than the user's excretion history information may be input to the information notification device 200. The other information is output to the server device 300 via the communication unit 260.

[0034] Other information includes, for example, user attribute information, vital information, lifestyle information, other excretion information, medication information, and care information. Attribute information is information indicating the attributes of the user and includes age, gender, degree of care need, dementia symptoms, medical history, and the like. Vital information is information indicating the vital signs of the user and includes height, weight, body temperature, blood pressure, pulse, heart rate, SpO2 (arterial oxygen saturation), and the like. Lifestyle information is information related to the user's daily activities and includes sleep (time, depth, body movement), diet (content, amount), exercise (content, activity level), and the like. Thus, the information notification device 200 is an example of a daily activity acquisition unit that acquires the user's daily activities.

[0035] Other excretion information is information related to the user's excretion that could not be detected by the acquisition device 100 and includes excretion timing, excretion amount per excretion, time required per excretion, properties of excreta, and the like. That is, other excretion information is information related to excretion not performed at Toilet 1 due to going out or the like. In order to detect the user's incontinence, an odor sensor or a conductivity sensor may be provided near the user's bed, and other excretion information caused by incontinence may be acquired based on the detection result.

[0036] Medication information is information about the medications the user is taking and includes the types of medications taken and the dosage. Care information is information related to the care of the user and includes care details (toilet induction assistance, diaper change, abdominal rubbing, etc.). These pieces of information may be manually input into the information notification device 200 or detected by various sensors and transmitted to the information notification device 200. Also, when the information notification device 200 is a wearable terminal device, it is also possible to detect at least one of the above-mentioned information using the sensors provided in the wearable terminal device. Note that other information may be input from an input device different from the information notification device 200. In any case, other information is associated with the user's ID in the server device 300 and collectively managed together with the excretion history information.

[0037] In addition, in the present embodiment, the case where the acquisition device 100 detects the excretion history information of the user is exemplified. However, the excretion history information of the user may be acquired by manually inputting it to the information notification device 200. Further, the information notification device 200 may acquire the information related to excretion in the care data by reading the care data from a recording device that records the care data of the user, and use it as the excretion history information. When the care data is described on paper, the information notification device 200 may photograph the care data and perform character recognition processing to acquire the information related to excretion and use it as the excretion history information.

[0038] The control unit 270 of the information notification device 200 determines the excretion recommendation timing based on the excretion history information of the user acquired from the server device 300. That is, the control unit 270 is an excretion timing determination unit. The excretion recommendation timing is the timing when excretion of the user is recommended. Further, the control unit 270 controls at least one of the touch panel unit 210 and the sound output unit 220 to perform guiding notification for inducing excretion. That is, the touch panel unit 210 and the sound output unit 220 are examples of the notification unit. The determination of the excretion recommendation timing and the guiding notification will be described later.

[0039] The server device 300 is a server device that can communicate with the acquisition device 100 and the information notification device 200. For example, the server device 300 can communicate with the acquisition device 100 and the information notification device 200 via the Internet or a local area network. The server device 300 associates and stores the ID of each user, the excretion history information, and other information. When other excretion information is included in the other information, the server device 300 updates the excretion history information by arranging the other excretion information and the excretion history information acquired from the acquisition device 100 in time series and summarizing them. The server device 300 executes this update process for each user ID.

[0040] (Determination of Excretion Recommendation Timing and Guiding Notification) Next, the determination of the excretion recommendation timing and the guidance notification will be described. In the present embodiment, the case where the determination of the excretion recommendation timing and the guidance notification are executed by the information notification device 200 will be exemplified. However, the determination of the excretion recommendation timing may be executed by another device (for example, the server device 300), and the guidance notification may be executed by the information notification device 200.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of determination of the excretion recommendation timing and the guidance notification according to the embodiment.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 5, in step S101, when the user ID is input to the touch panel unit 210, the control unit 270 of the information notification device 200 controls the communication unit 260 to acquire the excretion history information associated with the ID from the server device 300.

[0043] In step S102, the control unit 270 determines the excretion recommendation timing based on the user's excretion history information. Specifically, the control unit 270 obtains the average time interval of the past excretion time intervals (the difference between the nth excretion timing and the (n + 1)th excretion timing) based on the excretion history information. This average time interval is, for example, the average value per a predetermined period such as one month. The control unit 270 determines the timing obtained by adding the average time interval to the most recent excretion timing at the current time as the excretion recommendation timing. Thus, in the present embodiment, the control unit 270 determines the next excretion recommendation timing based on the user's excretion history information. When the user's excretion history information is not sufficiently accumulated, the control unit 270 may determine the excretion recommendation timing by adopting the average time interval of the same age group as the user.

[0044] In step S103, the control unit 270 determines whether or not the excretion recommendation timing has arrived. If the excretion recommendation timing has not arrived, the control unit 270 maintains that state, and if the excretion recommendation timing has arrived, the process proceeds to step S104.

[0045] In step S104, the control unit 270 controls the touch panel unit 210 and the sound output unit 220 to execute guidance notification based on the excretion recommendation timing. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of notification on the touch panel unit 210 according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 shows an example of notification on the information notification device 200 owned by the user. As shown in FIG. 6, on the touch panel unit 210, the current time and the excretion recommendation timing are displayed side by side. When the current time and the excretion recommendation timing match, a message indicating guidance notification, such as "Mr. / Ms. A, it is the excretion recommendation timing. Won't you go to the toilet?", is displayed on the touch panel unit 210. This message is also output as voice from the sound output unit 220. Thereby, the user can recognize the guidance notification and can go to the toilet 1 by himself / herself.

[0046] Note that in the information notification device 200, the ON / OFF of the guidance notification may be switchable. In this case, the guidance notification during the user's exercise and sleep can be turned off. The information notification device 200 may perform the guidance notification at the time when the exercise and sleep are over.

[0047] (Effects, etc.) As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the guidance notification based on the excretion recommendation timing of the user is executed, the user can be made to grasp his / her own excretion recommendation timing. Thus, according to the present disclosure, the excretion management system 10 capable of appropriately notifying the excretion recommendation timing (excretion timing) of the user can be provided.

[0048] The control unit 270 determines the excretion recommendation timing based on the excretion history information regarding the user's excretion, so that the future excretion recommendation timing can be determined according to the past excretion tendency of the user. Thereby, an appropriate excretion recommendation timing can be determined for the user.

[0049] Since the control unit 270 determines the next excretion recommendation timing based on the user's excretion history information, it can determine the next excretion recommendation timing according to the user's past excretion tendency. Thereby, the next excretion recommendation timing can be appropriately determined for the user.

[0050] Since the guidance notification is executed by sound from the sound output unit 220, it is possible to convey the guidance notification even to a user who is sleeping or has visual impairments.

[0051] [Modification Example] The following describes each modification example of the above embodiment. In the following description, the same parts as those in the above embodiment or other modification examples may be denoted by the same reference numerals and their description may be omitted.

[0052] (Modification Example 1) In the above embodiment, as the excretion detection unit that detects the user's excretion, the excretion detection unit 120 provided in the toilet 1 is exemplified. However, as long as the user's excretion can be detected, the form of the excretion detection unit may be any form. In Modification Example 1, the excretion detection unit 120b worn by the user will be described.

[0053] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the excretion detection unit 120b according to Modification 1. As shown in FIG. 7, a wearable excretion detection unit 120b is attached to the buttocks of the user. The excretion detection unit 120b includes a light emitting unit 123b that irradiates near-infrared light toward the body, a light receiving unit 124b that receives the near-infrared light reflected inside the body, a communication unit (not shown) that communicates with the information notification device 200, and a control unit (not shown) that controls these components. The light emitting unit 123b, the light receiving unit 124b, the communication unit, and the control unit are integrated into a fixture (not shown), and are arranged at a predetermined position when the user wears the fixture. Note that the light emitting unit 123b and the light receiving unit 124b may be arranged on the lower abdomen. The near-infrared light emitted by the light emitting unit 123b is absorbed by the excrement in the body during reflection. When there is a large amount of excrement in the body, the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 124b decreases, and when there is a small amount of excrement, the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 124b increases. That is, when the amount of received light decreases below the threshold value, the control unit can determine that the user has excreted and detect the excretion timing. The threshold value can be adjusted for each user. The detected excretion timing is transmitted from the communication unit to the information notification device 200. Based on this, in the information notification device 200, it is notified by the notification unit that the user has excreted. For example, when the notification is made by the information notification device 200 owned by the caregiver, the caregiver can grasp the excretion of the user without directly confirming it.

[0054] Note that the excretion detection unit 120b may detect excretion using ultrasonic waves in addition to light rays such as near-infrared light. Such an excretion detection unit 120b may be integrated with the toilet seat. However, as long as it is a wearable excretion detection unit 120b, the excretion timing can be detected even in a situation where the user cannot excrete in the toilet 1.

[0055] (Modification 2) In Modification 2, the case of collating the excretion recommendation timing and the actual excretion timing will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing flow according to Modification 2. As shown in FIG. 8, steps S101 to S104 are the same as those in the above-described embodiment.

[0056] In step S105, the control unit 270 determines whether the excretion detection unit 120 has detected the user's excretion within the recommended period for the excretion recommendation timing. If excretion is detected within the recommended period, the control unit 270 proceeds to step S106; if excretion is not detected within the recommended period, the control unit 270 proceeds to step S107. The recommended period is a predetermined time period including the excretion recommendation timing, for example, a time period of ±30 minutes based on the excretion recommendation timing.

[0057] In step S106, the control unit 270 controls the touch panel unit 210 and the sound output unit 220 to execute normal notification indicating that excretion has been performed normally.

[0058] In step S107, the control unit 270 determines whether excretion has been performed beyond the recommended period. If not, the control unit 270 proceeds to step S105; if so, the control unit 270 proceeds to step S106.

[0059] In step S108, the control unit 270 controls the touch panel unit 210 and the sound output unit 220 to execute alert notification. Alert notification is a warning notification indicating the possibility that the user's excretion may be abnormal. In the alert notification, not only the abnormality may be notified, but also the cause of the abnormality (such as dehydration symptoms, excessive drinking, etc.) may be included in the notification, or a notification prompting a diagnosis by a doctor may be included in the notification.

[0060] (Modification Example 3) When induction notification is performed at night, there is a risk of disturbing the user's sleep. Therefore, in Modification Example 3, when the excretion recommendation timing is at night, the excretion recommendation timing is advanced to perform induction notification.

[0061] Specifically, when the determined excretion recommendation timing is included in the nighttime (especially the late-night time period when the user is highly likely to be sleeping: the time period between 23:00 and 4:00, etc.), the control unit 270 updates the excretion recommendation timing earlier to a time period before the nighttime. As a result, the guidance notification will be executed before the user goes to sleep. Note that the excretion recommendation timing may be changed to the early morning time period, which is later than the nighttime, to perform the guidance notification. In this case, the guidance notification will be performed after the user wakes up. The time period determined as nighttime can be adjusted for each user. For users with frequent incontinence, the guidance notification may also be performed at night. Here, nighttime has been exemplified for explanation, but when the excretion recommendation timing is included in the meal time period, the excretion recommendation timing may be adjusted (made earlier or later).

[0062] Note that urine accumulation and the like are generally suppressed during the sleep time period. Therefore, the prediction of the excretion recommendation timing may be different between the time other than sleep and during sleep. The determination of the excretion recommendation timing during sleep may take into account the sleep time period information. For example, in the case of sleep, a certain coefficient is integrated with respect to the accumulation amount other than during sleep. The coefficient may generally use medically published data or may be obtained based on the user's past history.

[0063] (Modification Example 4) In the above-described embodiment, the case where the guidance notification is executed by voice has been exemplified. However, if the guidance notification is to be made by sound, the mode can be any. For example, not only the information notification device 200 but also a speaker provided in the user's private room or the private room of the toilet 1 may play a melody to perform the guidance notification. In particular, if the same melody is played during excretion and during the guidance notification, the user can recall excretion with that melody. This is suitable for the case where the user has dementia.

[0064] Note that the guiding notification may be performed by the emission color or emission pattern of the lighting device provided in the user's living room or the private room of the toilet 1. A vibration device may be installed on the user's chair, bedding, clothing, etc., and the guiding notification may be performed by the vibration thereof. The guiding notification may be an electric stimulus or a scent. When the guiding notification is performed but excretion is not carried out, the intensity of the guiding notification may be gradually increased.

[0065] Also, when the guiding notification is executed by voice, the user may be able to select a preferred voice color from a plurality of types of voice colors. In this case, guiding notifications with different voice colors are pre-recorded in the information notification device 200 by a plurality of voice actors, and the user can select a predetermined voice color by operating the touch panel unit 210. The guiding notifications with different voice colors may be obtained by communication. Also, a plurality of types of guiding notifications may be provided, and in this case, the type of guiding notification can be changed according to conditions. For example, when excretion cannot be carried out within the recommended period based on the excretion recommendation timing, a guiding notification with encouraging content may be performed for the user. Also, using a voice recognition function, a text generation function by generative AI, and a voice synthesis function, the response of the user to the call may be recognized, and further text may be generated and spoken as voice to enable conversation.

[0066] When the guiding notification is performed by an image, a character may also be displayed so that the character appears to be performing the guiding notification. Furthermore, a robot communicably connected to the information notification device 200 may be used as the notification unit. In this case, an auditory guiding notification may be performed by a speaker provided in the robot, or a visual notification may be performed by a display unit provided in the robot. The robot may be a mechanical robot or a stuffed toy robot.

[0067] By enabling these various guiding notifications, it is possible to enhance the user's motivation for excretion.

[0068] (Modification Example 5) In Modification Example 5, a case where notification is performed by a plurality of information notification devices 200 will be described. Among the plurality of information notification devices 200, one is an information notification device 200 held by the user, and the others are information notification devices 200 held by the caregiver. In the information notification device 200 held by the user, at least guidance notification is executed. On the other hand, in the information held by the caregiver, normal notification or alert notification is performed after the guidance notification. Therefore, the caregiver can grasp whether the user has excreted at an appropriate timing after the guidance notification. At this time, the normal notification or alert notification may include the time required for excretion. If this required time exceeds a predetermined value, a further warning may be notified. The required time can be obtained from the detection result of the excretion detection unit 120.

[0069] Also, even if the guidance notification has been performed a predetermined number of times, if excretion is not performed after the excretion notification, a further warning notification may be performed. For example, if the ratio of the number of excretion times actually excreted to the number of guidance notifications is 50% or less, the information notification device 200 held by the caregiver notifies that the ratio is 50% or less. This ratio may be included in and recorded in the excretion history information.

[0070] In addition to this, it is also possible to install a human presence sensor in the user's private room and acquire the time required for actions related to excretion based on the detection result of the human presence sensor. By using the detection result of this human presence sensor and the detection result of the excretion detection unit 120, it is possible to acquire the time required for the movement from the private room to excretion. If the information notification device 200 notifies the time required for the movement, the caregiver can grasp whether the excretion has been performed smoothly. Further, the time required for the movement may be included in the excretion history information and recorded. The time required may be finely divided and notified for each excretion-related action, such as detecting the time required from the guidance notification to getting out of bed and excreting in the toilet, and the time to return after excretion, calculating the movement times for the outbound and return trips separately, and displaying the difference. For example, if the time to go to the toilet, which is detected by detecting the time from the guidance to entering the toilet, the time required for excretion, and the time required to return to the bed again after excretion, is shorter than the time to return from the toilet, it can be estimated that the urgency of excretion was relatively high.

[0071] The human presence sensor may perform image processing on a camera provided inside the toilet, or may be a pressure sensor that detects sitting on the toilet seat portion.

[0072] Furthermore, in the information notification device 200 held by the caregiver, normal notifications or alert notifications for multiple users may be displayed. Thereby, it is possible to grasp the excretion status of multiple users with a single information notification device 200. For example, when multiple users are staying in a single room, it may be possible to confirm the actions after the excretion notification for each room. If the excretion action has not been performed after a certain number of induction notifications, an alert is displayed. Specifically, 50% of the ratio of the number of excretion times to the induction notification is set as a threshold value. If the induction notification is performed 10 times but the actual number of excretion times is 4 times, the control unit 270 determines that the threshold value has not been exceeded and causes the information notification device 200 held by the caregiver or the user to notify an alert. On the touch panel unit 210, a screen indicating whether multiple users have exceeded the threshold value may be displayed. Also, comparison may be performed by multiple means. It may be possible to compare the ratios of the actual excretion actions by multiple notification methods and set an appropriate notification method for each user. The notification means and the notification content may be selectable by the user.

[0073] (Modification Example 6) In Modification Example 6, the case where a reward is given when the user excretes by induction notification will be described. Specifically, the control unit 270 gives a reward when the excretion detection unit detects excretion within a predetermined recommended period based on the excretion recommended timing after the induction notification. That is, the control unit 270 is an example of a reward giving unit.

[0074] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing flow according to Modification Example 2. As shown in FIG. 8, steps S101 to S105 are the same as those in the above-described embodiment.

[0075] When the control unit 270 determines in step S105 that excretion has been detected within the recommended period, it proceeds to step S112 to give a reward. Here, the reward is a consideration that can enhance the user's motivation for excretion, and examples include messages, points, stamps, etc. A message that can enhance motivation is a message that praises the user or encourages the user.

[0076] On the other hand, when the control unit 270 determines in step S105 that excretion has not been detected within the recommended period, it proceeds to step S112 without giving a reward.

[0077] In this way, since a reward is given to the user when excretion occurs within the recommended period, it is possible to enhance the user's motivation for excretion.

[0078] (Modification Example 7) In Modification Example 7, training notification for prompting the user to perform excretion training will be described. For example, when the time interval between the user's past excretions was 1 hour, the control unit 270 determines the excretion recommendation timing at a longer time (for example, one and a half hours). At this time, the guidance notification also includes a message that encourages patience, such as "Let's hold on a little longer." As a result, the user tries to hold the next excretion for a longer time interval than before, so it is possible to perform training to suppress frequent urination.

[0079] During training, if the user excretes before the excretion recommendation timing, points may be decreased as a negative reward. If the user becomes incontinent, it may be possible to input the fact of incontinence on the touch panel unit 210 and adjust the excretion recommendation timing.

[0080] (Modification Example 8) In Modification Example 8, a case will be described where predetermined information is input to a touch panel unit 210, which is an example of an input unit, and the control unit 270 determines the excretion recommendation timing based on the input. The predetermined information may be input to the information notification device 200 held by the user, or may be input to another information notification device 200 (for example, the information notification device 200 held by the caregiver).

[0081] When time is input as the predetermined information, the control unit 270 determines the time as the excretion recommendation timing. Thereby, the excretion recommendation timing can be directly input, and it is possible to perform guiding notification at the time intended by the user or the caregiver.

[0082] Also, when the excretion frequency in a predetermined period is input as the predetermined information, the control unit 270 determines the excretion recommendation timing based on the excretion frequency. The predetermined period is, for example, one day, but it may be other periods. When the excretion frequency in the predetermined period is input, the number of excretions at night is set to a predetermined number (for example, one time), and the remaining number of excretions is evenly distributed in the remaining time zone (during the day). Thereby, the excretion recommendation timing for each excretion during the day can be determined.

[0083] At this time, based on the excretion history information, grasp the excretion pattern of one day. If it is desired to reduce the excretion frequency, one of the two excretion recommendation timings adjacent in time may be deleted, or the average value or median value of the two excretion recommendation timings may be combined as one excretion recommendation timing. The excretion recommendation timing may be adjusted based on the other information described above.

[0084] Also, the predetermined information may be the user's attribute information. In this case, the excretion frequency in a predetermined period is registered for each attribute. This registered data is based on various statistical data. The control unit 270 reads out the excretion frequency in the predetermined period corresponding to the user's attribute and determines the excretion recommendation timing for the user.

[0085] [Others] Although the embodiments have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. In addition, the present disclosure also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications conceivable by those skilled in the art to each embodiment, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions in each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0086] [Appendix] By the description of the above embodiments and the like, the following technologies are disclosed.

[0087] (Technology 1) A recommended timing determination unit that determines a recommended excretion timing at which excretion of the user is recommended, and a notification unit that performs a guiding notification for guiding excretion to the user, wherein the notification unit performs the guiding notification based on the recommended excretion timing. An excretion management system.

[0088] (Technology 2) The recommended timing determination unit determines the recommended excretion timing based on excretion history information regarding the excretion of the user. The excretion management system according to Technology 1.

[0089] (Technology 3) The recommended timing determination unit determines the next recommended excretion timing based on excretion history information regarding the excretion of the user. The excretion management system according to Technology 2.

[0090] (Technology 4) It includes an input unit for inputting predetermined information, wherein the recommended timing determination unit determines the recommended excretion timing based on the predetermined information. The excretion management system according to Technology 1.

[0091] (Technology 5) When the time is input as the predetermined information, the recommended timing determination unit determines the time as the recommended excretion timing. The excretion management system described in Technique 4.

[0092] (Technique 6) When the excretion frequency within a predetermined period is input as the predetermined information, the recommended excretion timing determination unit determines the excretion recommended timing based on the excretion frequency. The excretion management system described in Technique 4.

[0093] (Technique 7) The notification unit executes the guidance notification by sound. The excretion management system according to any one of Techniques 1 to 6.

[0094] (Technique 8) Comprising an excretion detection unit that detects excretion in the toilet. When the excretion detection unit detects the excretion, the notification unit notifies that the excretion has been made. The excretion management system according to any one of Techniques 1 to 7.

[0095] (Technique 9) An excretion detection unit that detects excretion in the toilet, and A reward granting unit that grants a reward when the excretion detection unit detects the excretion within a predetermined recommended period based on the excretion recommended timing. The excretion management system according to any one of Techniques 1 to 8.

[0096] (Technique 10) When the determined excretion recommended timing is at night, the notification unit advances the excretion recommended timing and performs the guidance notification. The excretion management system according to any one of Techniques 1 to 9.

Industrial Applicability

[0097] The present disclosure is applicable to an excretion management system capable of managing the excretion information of a user.

Explanation of Signs

[0098] 1 Toilet 2 Toilet seat 10 Excretion management system 100, 100A Acquisition device 110, 110a Usage detection unit 120, 120a, 120b Excretion detection unit 121 Lighting unit 122 Camera 123b Light emitting unit 124b Light receiving unit 130, 130a Control unit 131 Communication unit 132 Memory unit 133 Control section 140a Control panel 200 Information notification device 210 Touch panel section 220 Sound output unit 230 Sound input unit 240 Memory unit 250 Imaging unit 260 Communication unit 270 Control section 300 Server device

Claims

1. A recommended timing determination unit that determines the recommended excretion timing at which the excretion of the user is recommended, and a notification unit that performs a guiding notification for guiding excretion to the user, wherein the notification unit performs the guiding notification based on the recommended excretion timing, an excretion management system.

2. The recommended timing determination unit determines the recommended excretion timing based on excretion history information regarding the excretion of the user, The excretion management system according to Claim 1.

3. The recommended timing determination unit determines the next recommended excretion timing based on excretion history information regarding the excretion of the user, The excretion management system according to Claim 2.

4. Comprising an input unit for inputting predetermined information, The recommended timing determination unit determines the recommended excretion timing based on the predetermined information, The excretion management system according to Claim 1.

5. When the time is input as the predetermined information, the recommended timing determination unit determines the time as the recommended excretion timing, The excretion management system according to Claim 4.

6. When the excretion frequency in a predetermined period is input as the predetermined information, the recommended timing determination unit determines the recommended excretion timing based on the excretion frequency, The excretion management system according to Claim 4.

7. The notification unit executes the guiding notification by sound, The excretion management system according to any one of Claims 1 to 4.

8. Comprising an excretion detection unit that detects excretion in the toilet, When the excretion detection unit detects the excretion, the notification unit notifies that the excretion has been performed, The excretion management system according to any one of Claims 1 to 4.

9. An excretion detection unit that detects excretion in the toilet, and a reward granting unit that grants a reward when the excretion detection unit detects the excretion within a predetermined recommended period based on the recommended excretion timing, The excretion management system according to any one of Claims 1 to 4.

10. When the determined recommended excretion timing is at night, the notification unit advances the recommended excretion timing and performs the guiding notification, The excretion management system according to any one of Claims 1 to 4.

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