Excreta determination system

Abstract

To provide a technology capable of accurately determining whether a person has farted or not.SOLUTION: An excretion determination device 2 comprises a data acquisition unit 211 that acquires first time-series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl measured by an internal sensor 1 arranged within the toilet bowl, an excretion determination unit 212 that determines whether the emitter has farted based on the first time-series data of hydrogen concentration, and a determination result output unit 213 that outputs the determination result. The excretion determination unit 212 determines that the emitter has farted when the value of the hydrogen concentration in the first time-series data exceeds a threshold value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for determining emissions. [Background technology]

[0002] The presence or absence of excrement such as feces, urine, and flatulence, the type of excrement, the number of excrements, and the time of excrement are important information for managing the health of care recipients. Caregivers record information about the care recipient's excrement, but recording this information is a burden on both the caregiver and the care recipient. Furthermore, when information about excrement is recorded based on the care recipient's report, it is difficult to obtain accurate information about excrement from care recipients with dementia.

[0003] Therefore, there has been a demand for an excretion management system that objectively manages excretion. For example, the excretion management system disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a temperature measurement unit that non-contactly measures the spatial distribution of temperature within the bowl of the toilet, and a control unit that determines whether excretion has occurred within the bowl based on the temperature data. The conventional excretion management system also includes an odor measurement unit that measures odor within the bowl. The control unit then determines whether the excretion within the bowl is at least one of feces, urine, and flatus, based on the odor data measured by the odor measurement unit and the temperature data. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-178764 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, with the above-mentioned conventional technology, it is difficult to accurately determine whether or not the person has farted, and further improvement is needed.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problem, and aims to provide a technology that can accurately determine whether a farter has passed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for determining emissions includes a computer acquiring first time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl measured by an internal sensor placed within the toilet bowl, determining whether the emitter has farted based on the first time series data of the hydrogen concentration, and outputting a determination result. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to accurately determine whether a farter has passed a flatus. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a discharge management system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 3 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement positions of an internal sensor and an emission determination device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 3] 4 is a flowchart for explaining an emission determination process in the emission determination device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of first time-series data of hydrogen concentration in a case where urination and defecation occurred but flatus did not occur in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of first time-series data of hydrogen concentration in a case where urination and flatus have occurred but no defecation has occurred in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a discharge management system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement positions of an internal sensor, an external sensor, and an emission determination device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8]10 is a flowchart illustrating an emission determination process in an emission determination device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the first time-series data and the second time-series data of hydrogen concentration in the case where urination and flatus have occurred but no defecation has occurred in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the first time-series data and the second time-series data of hydrogen concentration in a case where urination and defecation occurred but flatus did not occur in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a discharge management system according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an emission determination process in an emission determination device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of first time-series data of hydrogen concentration in a case where flatus has occurred but defecation has not occurred in the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of first time-series data of hydrogen concentration when there is defecation but no flatus in the third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a discharge management system according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] 10 is a first flowchart illustrating an emission determination process in an emission determination device according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] 10 is a second flowchart illustrating the emission determination process in the emission determination device according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of first time-series data of hydrogen concentration in a case where flatus has occurred but defecation has not occurred in the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (Findings that formed the basis of this disclosure) In the above-mentioned conventional excretion management system, the control unit calculates the temperature data T i,ch and the temperature threshold T n Compared with T i,ch ≦T n If so, it is determined that excretion is not occurring, and T i,ch >T n If so, it is determined that excretion has occurred.

[0011] The odor measurement unit includes a hydrogen sulfide odor sensor that is highly sensitive to the hydrogen sulfide odor and an ammonia odor sensor that is highly sensitive to the ammonia odor. The control unit calculates odor data O at each time in the odor time-series data of the hydrogen sulfide odor sensor. 1i and the first odor threshold O n1 and compare the odor data O at each time in the odor time series data of the ammonia odor sensor. 2i and the second odor threshold O n2 The control unit compares the temperature data T i,ch T i,ch >T n In other words, when excretion occurs, O 1i >O n1 Or O 2i >O n2 If so, the excretion is judged to be feces, and 1i ≦O n1 , and O 2i ≦O n2 If so, the control unit determines that the excretion is urine. i,ch T i,ch ≦T n In other words, when excretion is not occurring, 1i >O n1 Or O 2i >O n2 If so, it is determined that farting has occurred.

[0012] As described above, in the prior art, it is determined whether the excrement is feces, urine, or flatus based on temperature data, odor data from the hydrogen sulfide odor sensor, and odor data from the ammonia odor sensor.

[0013] However, the concentration of hydrogen sulfide contained in the gas excreted from the excretor's anus varies depending on the excretor's physical condition, such as whether they are constipated, etc. The concentration of hydrogen sulfide contained in the excreted gas also varies greatly depending on the food the excretor has eaten and the medications they have taken.

[0014] Therefore, it is difficult to accurately determine whether or not a person has farted using the concentration of hydrogen sulfide contained in the excreta.

[0015] In order to solve the above problems, a method for determining emissions according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a computer acquiring first time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl measured by an internal sensor placed within the toilet bowl, determining whether the emitter has farted based on the first time series data of the hydrogen concentration, and outputting a determination result.

[0016] The hydrogen concentration contained in the gas excreted from the anus of the human body is not easily affected by the food eaten or the medicines taken by the human body. Therefore, by determining whether the excretor has farted based on the first time-series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet bowl, it is possible to accurately determine whether the excretor has farted.

[0017] In the above-described emission determination method, it may be determined that the emitter has farted if the value of the hydrogen concentration in the first time-series data exceeds a threshold value.

[0018] When a person farts into the toilet bowl, the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet bowl increases. Therefore, by determining whether the hydrogen concentration value in the first time-series data exceeds a threshold, it can be easily determined whether the person has farted.

[0019] Furthermore, in the above-described emission determination method, if the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data exceeds a threshold value, the rising slope of the first time series data until it reaches a peak is greater than the threshold value, and the falling slope of the first time series data after it reaches the peak is smaller than the threshold value, it may be determined that the emitter has farted.

[0020] Gas released into the toilet bowl does not remain inside the bowl but diffuses outside. Therefore, when a person farts into the toilet bowl, the first time-series data of the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet bowl rises sharply, reaches a peak, and then falls sharply. Therefore, if the hydrogen concentration value in the first time-series data exceeds a threshold, and the rising slope of the first time-series data until it reaches the peak is greater than the threshold, and the falling slope of the first time-series data after it reaches the peak is smaller than the threshold, it can be determined that the person has farted.

[0021] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned discharge determination method, second time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet measured by an external sensor placed outside the toilet may be acquired, and in the determination, it may be determined whether the emitter has farted based on the first time series data and the second time series data.

[0022] The gas released into the toilet bowl does not remain inside the bowl but diffuses outside, so by measuring the hydrogen concentration not only in the space inside the toilet bowl but also in the space outside the bowl, it is possible to more accurately determine whether the person has farted.

[0023] In addition, in the above-mentioned emission determination method, if the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data exceeds a threshold value and the hydrogen concentration value in the second time series data exceeds a threshold value, it may be determined that the emitter has farted.

[0024] When a person farts into the toilet, the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet increases. Furthermore, because the gas emitted into the toilet diffuses outside the toilet, the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet also increases. Therefore, by determining whether the hydrogen concentration value in the first time-series data exceeds a threshold value and also determining whether the hydrogen concentration value in the second time-series data exceeds a threshold value, it is possible to more accurately determine whether the person has farted.

[0025] Furthermore, in the above-described excrement determination method, a first time when the first time series data reaches a peak may be obtained, and a second time when the first time series data converges after reaching a peak may be obtained, and in the determination, it may be determined whether the person has excreted feces or farts based on the first time and the second time.

[0026] Gas released into the toilet bowl diffuses outside the bowl. Therefore, when a person releases gas into the toilet bowl, the first time-series data of the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl reaches a peak and then drops sharply. On the other hand, feces released into the toilet bowl remains within the bowl. Therefore, when a person defecates in the toilet bowl, the first time-series data of the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl reaches a peak and then drops gradually. Therefore, the elapsed time from the first time when the first time-series data reaches a peak to the second time when the first time-series data converges differs between flatulence and defecation. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the person released gas or flatulence based on the elapsed time from when the hydrogen concentration value peaked until it converged.

[0027] In addition, in the above-mentioned excrement determination method, if the difference between the second time and the first time is less than a predetermined time, it may be determined that the excrement emitter has farted, and if the difference is longer than the predetermined time, it may be determined that the excrement emitter has defecate.

[0028] The time that elapses from when the hydrogen concentration value in the space inside the toilet bowl reaches its peak until it converges is longer when the person defecates in the toilet bowl than when the person flatulences in the toilet bowl. Therefore, by comparing the time that elapses from when the hydrogen concentration value reaches its peak until it converges with a predetermined time, it is possible to determine whether the person has expelled feces or flatulence.

[0029] Furthermore, in the above-described method for determining excreta, second time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet measured by an external sensor placed outside the toilet may be acquired, a third time when the second time series data reaches a peak may be acquired, and a fourth time when the second time series data converges after reaching its peak may be acquired, and in the determination, it may be determined whether the person has excreted feces or farts based on the first time, the second time, the third time, and the fourth time.

[0030] Gas released into the toilet bowl is dispersed outside the toilet bowl. Therefore, when a person farts into the toilet bowl, the second time series data of the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet bowl reaches a peak and then drops sharply, similar to the first time series data. On the other hand, when a person defecates into the toilet bowl, the second time series data of the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet bowl reaches a peak and then drops gradually, similar to the first time series data. Therefore, it is possible to more accurately determine whether the person has discharged feces or farts, based on the elapsed time from the first time when the first time series data peaked to the second time when the first time series data converged, and the elapsed time from the third time when the second time series data peaked to the fourth time when the second time series data converged.

[0031] Furthermore, in the above-described excrement determination method, if a first difference between the second time and the first time is equal to or less than a predetermined time and a second difference between the fourth time and the third time is equal to or less than a predetermined time, it may be determined that the excrement emitter has farted, and if the first difference is longer than the predetermined time and the second difference is longer than the predetermined time, it may be determined that the excrement emitter has defecate.

[0032] The time that elapses between the hydrogen concentration value in the space inside the toilet bowl reaching its peak and converging is longer when the person defecates into the toilet bowl than when the person flatulences into the toilet bowl. Similarly, the time that elapses between the hydrogen concentration value in the space outside the toilet bowl reaching its peak and converging is longer when the person flatulences into the toilet bowl than when the person flatulences into the toilet bowl. Therefore, by comparing the time that elapses between the hydrogen concentration value in the space inside the toilet bowl reaching its peak and converging with a predetermined time, and by comparing the time that elapses between the hydrogen concentration value in the space outside the toilet bowl reaching its peak and converging with a predetermined time, it is possible to more accurately determine whether the person has expelled feces or farts.

[0033] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an emission determination device that includes an acquisition unit that acquires first time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl measured by an internal sensor disposed within the toilet bowl, a determination unit that determines whether the emitter has farted based on the first time series data of the hydrogen concentration, and an output unit that outputs the determination result.

[0034] The hydrogen concentration contained in the gas excreted from the anus of the human body is not easily affected by the food eaten or the medicines taken by the human body. Therefore, by determining whether the excretor has farted based on the first time-series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet bowl, it is possible to accurately determine whether the excretor has farted.

[0035] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an emission determination program that causes a computer to acquire first time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl measured by an internal sensor placed within the toilet bowl, determine whether the emitter has farted based on the first time series data of the hydrogen concentration, and output the determination result.

[0036] The hydrogen concentration contained in the gas excreted from the anus of the human body is not easily affected by the food eaten or the medicines taken by the human body. Therefore, by determining whether the excretor has farted based on the first time-series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet bowl, it is possible to accurately determine whether the excretor has farted.

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are examples of specific embodiments of the present disclosure and do not limit the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0038] (Embodiment 1) Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an emission management system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating the positions of an internal sensor 1 and an emission determination device 2 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] The emission management system shown in FIG. 1 includes an internal sensor 1, an emission determination device 2, and a server 3.

[0040] The internal sensor 1 is disposed in the toilet bowl 101 and is sensitive to hydrogen. As shown in FIG. 2 , the internal sensor 1 is hung on the edge of an opening formed in the top of the toilet bowl 101 that receives feces and urine. The internal sensor 1 measures the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl 101. The internal sensor 1 is connected to the emission determination device 2 by wire or wirelessly so that they can communicate with each other. The internal sensor 1 transmits first time-series data of the measured hydrogen concentration to the emission determination device 2.

[0041] A drainage channel (not shown) is provided at the bottom of the toilet bowl 101. Feces and urine excreted into the toilet bowl 101 are flushed down through the drainage channel. A toilet seat 102 for a person to sit on is provided at the top of the toilet bowl 101. The toilet seat 102 rotates up and down. A person sits with the toilet seat 102 lowered over the toilet bowl 101. A water tank 103 is provided at the rear of the toilet bowl 101 to store water for flushing feces and urine.

[0042] The internal sensor 1 may constantly transmit the first time-series data of the measured hydrogen concentration to the emission determination device 2. The internal sensor 1 may also transmit the first time-series data of the hydrogen concentration measured during the period from when the emitter sits on the toilet seat 102 to when the emitter leaves the toilet seat 102 to the emission determination device 2. For example, the toilet seat 102 may be provided with a pressure sensor, and it may be determined whether the emitter has sat on the toilet seat 102 based on the output from the pressure sensor. The determination of whether the emitter has sat on the toilet seat 102 may also be made by utilizing the fact that the inside of the toilet bowl 101 becomes dark when the emitter sits on the toilet seat 102. That is, a light sensor may be provided inside the toilet bowl 101, and it may be determined that the emitter has sat on the toilet seat 102 if the light sensor detects that it has become dark, or it may be determined that the emitter has left the toilet seat 102 if the light sensor detects that it has become bright.

[0043] The discharge determination device 2 is disposed, for example, on the side surface of the water storage tank 103. The location of the discharge determination device 2 is not limited to the above, and it may be disposed anywhere in the toilet. Furthermore, if the internal sensor 1 and the discharge determination device 2 are connected wirelessly, the discharge determination device 2 does not have to be disposed in the toilet, but may be disposed in a location in the house where it can communicate wirelessly with the internal sensor 1.

[0044] The emission determination device 2 includes a processor 21, a memory 22, and a communication unit .

[0045] The memory 22 is a storage device capable of storing various types of information, such as a random access memory (RAM), a solid state drive (SSD), a flash memory, etc. The memory 22 stores the first time-series data transmitted by the internal sensor 1.

[0046] The processor 21 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). The processor 21 realizes a data acquisition unit 211, an emission determination unit 212, and a determination result output unit 213.

[0047] The data acquisition unit 211 acquires first time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl 101, measured by the internal sensor 1 disposed within the toilet bowl 101. The data acquisition unit 211 acquires the first time series data from the memory 22. The data acquisition unit 211 reads out the first time series data stored in the memory 22.

[0048] The emission determination unit 212 determines whether the emitter has farted based on the first time-series data of hydrogen concentration. If the value of the hydrogen concentration in the first time-series data exceeds a threshold, the emission determination unit 212 determines that the emitter has farted.

[0049] The determination result output unit 213 outputs the determination result as to whether or not the person has flatulence. The determination result output unit 213 transmits the determination result information indicating whether or not the person has flatulence to the server 3 via the communication unit 23.

[0050] When it is determined that the emitter has farted, the determination result output unit 213 may transmit determination result information indicating that the emitter has farted and date and time information indicating the date and time when the emitter farted to the server 3 via the communication unit 23. When it is determined that the emitter has not farted, the determination result output unit 213 may not need to transmit determination result information indicating that the emitter has not farted to the server 3.

[0051] The communication unit 23 transmits the determination result as to whether the emitter has emitted flatus to the server 3. The emission determination device 2 is connected to the server 3 via a network 4 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The network 4 is, for example, the Internet.

[0052] The server 3 receives the determination result information indicating whether the emitter has flatulent, transmitted by the emission determination device 2. The server 3 may receive the determination result information indicating that the emitter has flatulent, and date and time information indicating the date and time when the emitter flatulent. The server 3 includes a database that stores, in association with each other, identification information for identifying the room or house in which the emission determination device 2 is located, determination result information indicating that the emitter has flatulent, and date and time information indicating the date and time when the emitter flatulent. Note that the identification information may be identification information for identifying the resident (emisson) of the room or house in which the emission determination device 2 is located.

[0053] For example, the caregiver uses the database of the server 3 when creating monitoring data for the care recipient. That is, the terminal device used by the caregiver acquires determination result information and date and time information corresponding to the identification information of the care recipient from the server 3 and creates monitoring data for the care recipient. For example, the terminal device may create monitoring data on the number of times the care recipient farts in a day, the number of times the care recipient farts in a week, or the number of times the care recipient farts in a month. Furthermore, for example, the terminal device may create monitoring data on the time of day when the care recipient farts, the date and time of day when the care recipient farts, or the date and time of day when the care recipient farts.

[0054] Next, the emission determination process in the emission determination device 2 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0055] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the emission determination process in the emission determination device 2 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] First, in step S1, the data acquisition unit 211 acquires from the memory 22 first time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl 101 measured by the internal sensor 1. For example, the discharge determination process shown in FIG. 3 is performed once a day. The data acquisition unit 211 acquires one day's worth of first time series data, for example, at midnight. Note that the time at which the first time series data is acquired is not limited to midnight. Furthermore, the discharge determination process shown in FIG. 3 is not limited to once a day, and may be performed multiple times a day, once a week, or at predetermined intervals.

[0057] Furthermore, the data acquiring unit 211 may acquire first time series data for the period from when the waste person sits on the toilet seat 102 to when the waste person leaves the toilet seat 102. If waste is discharged multiple times in one day, the data acquiring unit 211 may acquire multiple pieces of first time series data for one day. Then, the waste determination process may be performed for each of the multiple pieces of first time series data.

[0058] Next, in step S2, the emission determination unit 212 determines whether the hydrogen concentration value in the first time-series data exceeds a threshold value. If it is determined that the hydrogen concentration value exceeds the threshold value (YES in step S2), the emission determination unit 212 determines in step S3 that the emitter has farted. On the other hand, if it is determined that the hydrogen concentration value does not exceed the threshold value (NO in step S2), the emission determination unit 212 determines in step S4 that the emitter has not farted.

[0059] In conventional technology, whether a farter has passed gas is determined based on temperature data, odor data from a hydrogen sulfide odor sensor, and odor data from an ammonia odor sensor. However, the concentrations of hydrogen sulfide and ammonia components contained in the gas excreted from the anus of a farter vary depending on the physical condition of the farter, such as whether the farter is constipated. Furthermore, the concentrations of hydrogen sulfide and ammonia components contained in the excreted gas vary greatly depending on the food the farter has eaten and the medications they have taken.

[0060] In contrast, the inventors have discovered that the hydrogen concentration contained in the gas excreted from the human anus is not easily affected by the food eaten or medication taken by the human body, and have found that by measuring the time-series changes in the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet bowl, it is possible to determine whether the excretor has farted.

[0061] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of first time series data of hydrogen concentration when urination and defecation occur but no flatulence occurs in this embodiment 1, and Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of first time series data of hydrogen concentration when urination and flatulence occur but no flatulence occurs in this embodiment 1.

[0062] 4 and 5, the vertical axis represents the concentration of each component (sensor output value), and the horizontal axis represents time (seconds). Note that the internal sensor 1 may measure not only the hydrogen concentration, but also the ammonia concentration and the hydrogen sulfide concentration. In FIGS. 4 and 5, the solid line represents the first time-series data of the hydrogen concentration measured by the internal sensor 1, the dashed line represents the time-series data of the ammonia concentration measured by the internal sensor 1, and the dash-dotted line represents the time-series data of the hydrogen sulfide concentration measured by the internal sensor 1.

[0063] In Figure 4, the person sits on the toilet seat after about 15 seconds, and begins urinating and defecating after about 30 seconds. As urination and defecation begin, the ammonia and hydrogen sulfide concentrations increase. On the other hand, the hydrogen concentration is hardly affected by urination and defecation, remaining at a nearly constant value.

[0064] In Figure 5, the person sits on the toilet seat after about 10 seconds, and starts urinating after about 20 seconds. As urination begins, the ammonia concentration rises. The first flatus occurs after about 120 seconds, and the second flatus occurs after about 190 seconds. As the flatus occurs, the hydrogen and hydrogen sulfide concentrations rise.

[0065] 4 and 5, the hydrogen concentration changes significantly when flatulence occurs, but changes little when only urination and defecation occur. From this, the discharge determination unit 212 can determine whether the emitter has flatulence by determining whether the hydrogen concentration value exceeds the threshold value.

[0066] 3, next, in step S5, the determination result output unit 213 outputs the determination result as to whether the emitter has farted. For example, when the discharge determination unit 212 determines that the emitter has farted, the determination result output unit 213 transmits determination result information indicating that the emitter has farted and date and time information indicating the date and time when the emitter farted to the server 3 via the communication unit 23.

[0067] When the discharge determination unit 212 determines that the emitter has passed flatus, the determination result output unit 213 may store determination result information indicating that the emitter has passed flatus and date and time information indicating the date and time when the emitter passed flatus in the memory 22. The discharge determination device 2 may also include a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port. The determination result output unit 213 may store the determination result information indicating that the emitter has passed flatus and the date and time information indicating the date and time when the emitter passed flatus in a USB memory connected to the USB port.

[0068] In this way, the hydrogen concentration contained in the gas excreted from the anus of the human body is not easily affected by the food eaten by the human body or the medicines taken by the human body. Therefore, by determining whether the person has farted based on the first time-series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet 101, it is possible to accurately determine whether the person has farted.

[0069] In the first embodiment, the emission determination unit 212 determines whether the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data exceeds a threshold value, but the present disclosure is not particularly limited to this. The emission determination unit 212 may determine that the emitter has farted if the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data exceeds a threshold value, the rising slope of the first time series data until it reaches a peak is greater than the threshold value, and the falling slope of the first time series data after it reaches the peak is smaller than the threshold value.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 5, when the emitter farts, the hydrogen concentration rises sharply, reaches a peak, and then falls sharply. Therefore, the emission determination unit 212 may determine whether the hydrogen concentration value in the first time-series data exceeds a threshold. If the emission determination unit 212 determines that the hydrogen concentration value in the first time-series data exceeds the threshold, it may determine whether the rising slope of the first time-series data until it reaches the peak is greater than the threshold. If the emission determination unit 212 determines that the rising slope of the first time-series data until it reaches the peak is greater than the threshold, it may determine whether the falling slope of the first time-series data after it reaches the peak is smaller than the threshold. If the emission determination unit 212 determines that the falling slope of the first time-series data after it reaches the peak is smaller than the threshold, it may determine that the emitter has farted. This allows for more accurate determination of whether the emitter has farted.

[0071] (Embodiment 2) The emission determination device in embodiment 1 acquires first time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl measured by an internal sensor placed inside the toilet bowl. In contrast, the emission determination device in embodiment 2 acquires first time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl measured by an internal sensor placed inside the toilet bowl, and second time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet bowl measured by an external sensor placed outside the toilet bowl.

[0072] Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an emission management system according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating the positions of an internal sensor 1, an external sensor 5, and an emission determination device 2A according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0073] 6 includes an internal sensor 1, an emission determination device 2A, a server 3, and an external sensor 5. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0074] The external sensor 5 is disposed outside the toilet bowl 101 and is sensitive to hydrogen. As shown in FIG. 7, the external sensor 5 is attached to a wall surface inside the toilet. The external sensor 5 measures the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet bowl 101. The external sensor 5 is connected to the emission determination device 2A by wire or wirelessly so that they can communicate with each other. The external sensor 5 transmits second time-series data of the measured hydrogen concentration to the emission determination device 2A.

[0075] The location of the external sensor 5 is not limited to a wall surface inside the toilet, and may be anywhere inside the toilet outside the toilet bowl 101. The external sensor 5 may constantly transmit the second time-series data of the measured hydrogen concentration to the emission determination device 2A. The external sensor 5 may also transmit the second time-series data of the hydrogen concentration measured during the period from when the emitter sits on the toilet seat 102 to when the emitter leaves the toilet seat 102 to the emission determination device 2A.

[0076] The emission determination device 2A includes a processor 21A, a memory 22, and a communication unit .

[0077] The processor 21A is, for example, a CPU. A data acquisition unit 211A, a discharge determination unit 212A, and a determination result output unit 213 are realized by the processor 21A.

[0078] The data acquisition unit 211A acquires first time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet 101, measured by an internal sensor 1 arranged inside the toilet 101. The data acquisition unit 211A also acquires second time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet 101, measured by an external sensor 5 arranged outside the toilet 101. The data acquisition unit 211A acquires the first time series data and the second time series data from the memory 22. The data acquisition unit 211A reads out the first time series data and the second time series data stored in the memory 22. The data acquisition unit 211A acquires the first time series data and the second time series data synchronized with the first time series data.

[0079] The emission determination unit 212A determines whether the emitter has farted based on the first time series data and the second time series data. If the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data exceeds a threshold and the hydrogen concentration value in the second time series data exceeds a threshold, the emission determination unit 212A determines that the emitter has farted.

[0080] The threshold value compared with the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data may be the same as the threshold value compared with the hydrogen concentration value in the second time series data, or may be different from the threshold value compared with the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data.

[0081] Next, the emission determination process in the emission determination device 2A according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0082] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the emission determination process in the emission determination device 2A according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0083] First, in step S11, the data acquisition unit 211A acquires from the memory 22 the first time-series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet bowl 101 measured by the internal sensor 1.

[0084] Next, in step S12, the data acquisition unit 211A acquires from the memory 22 second time-series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet bowl 101 measured by the external sensor 5.

[0085] For example, the discharge determination process shown in Fig. 8 is performed once a day. The data acquisition unit 211A acquires the first time series data and the second time series data for one day, for example, at midnight. Note that the time at which the first time series data and the second time series data are acquired is not limited to midnight. Furthermore, the discharge determination process shown in Fig. 8 is not limited to being performed once a day, and may be performed once a week or at predetermined intervals.

[0086] Furthermore, the data acquiring unit 211A may acquire first time series data and second time series data for the period from when the waste generator sits on the toilet seat 102 to when the waste generator leaves the toilet seat 102. If waste is discharged multiple times in one day, the data acquiring unit 211A may acquire multiple pieces of first time series data and multiple pieces of second time series data for one day. Then, the waste determination process may be performed for each of the multiple pieces of first time series data and multiple pieces of second time series data.

[0087] Next, in step S13, the emission determining unit 212A determines whether the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data exceeds the threshold value. If it is determined that the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data does not exceed the threshold value (NO in step S13), the emission determining unit 212A determines in step S14 that the emitter has not flatulent. On the other hand, if it is determined that the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data exceeds the threshold value (YES in step S13), the emission determining unit 212A determines in step S15 whether the hydrogen concentration value in the second time series data exceeds the threshold value.

[0088] If it is determined that the hydrogen concentration value in the second time-series data exceeds the threshold value (YES in step S15), the discharge determination unit 212A determines in step S16 that the emitter has farted. On the other hand, if it is determined that the hydrogen concentration value in the second time-series data does not exceed the threshold value (NO in step S15), the discharge determination unit 212A determines in step S17 that the emitter has defecate.

[0089] Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of the first and second time series data of hydrogen concentration when there is urination and flatulence but no defecation in this embodiment 2, and Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of the first and second time series data of hydrogen concentration when there is urination and flatulence but no defecation in this embodiment 2.

[0090] 9 and 10, the vertical axis represents the concentration of each component (sensor output value), and the horizontal axis represents time (seconds). Note that the internal sensor 1 may measure not only the hydrogen concentration but also the ammonia concentration and the hydrogen sulfide concentration. In FIGS. 9 and 10, the solid line represents the first time series data of the hydrogen concentration measured by the internal sensor 1, the dashed line represents the time series data of the ammonia concentration measured by the internal sensor 1, the dashed line represents the time series data of the hydrogen sulfide concentration measured by the internal sensor 1, and the dashed line represents the second time series data of the hydrogen concentration measured by the external sensor 5.

[0091] In Figure 9, the person sits on the toilet seat after about 20 seconds have passed, and starts urinating after about 30 seconds have passed. As urination begins, the ammonia concentration rises. Also, after about 30 seconds have passed, flatulence occurs. As a result of the flatulence, the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet bowl 101 rises. As a result of the flatulence, the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet bowl 101 also rises. This is because gas emitted from the person's anus diffuses outside the toilet bowl 101, and an increase in hydrogen concentration due to the influence of flatulence was observed both inside the toilet bowl 101 and outside the toilet bowl 101.

[0092] Therefore, when the emission determination unit 212A determines that the hydrogen concentration value in the first time-series data exceeds the threshold value and also determines that the hydrogen concentration value in the second time-series data exceeds the threshold value, it determines that the emitter has farted, thereby making it possible to more reliably determine that the emitter has farted.

[0093] On the other hand, in Figure 10, the person sits on the toilet seat after about 30 seconds, starts urinating after about 40 seconds, and starts defecation after about 260 seconds. With the start of urination, the ammonia concentration increases, and with the start of defecation, the hydrogen sulfide concentration increases. At this time, the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet bowl 101 increases with the start of defecation, but the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet bowl 101 is hardly affected by defecation and shows an almost constant value. From this, if the discharge determination unit 212A determines that the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data exceeds the threshold value and determines that the hydrogen concentration value in the second time series data does not exceed the threshold value, it can determine that the person has defecate.

[0094] Returning to Fig. 8, next, in step S18, the determination result output unit 213 outputs the determination result of whether the emitter has passed flatus or not or the determination result of whether the emitter has defecated or not. For example, when the excretion determination unit 212A determines that the emitter has passed flatus, the determination result output unit 213 transmits determination result information indicating that the emitter has passed flatus and date and time information indicating the date and time when the emitter passed flatus to the server 3 via the communication unit 23. Furthermore, when the excretion determination unit 212A determines that the emitter has defecated, the determination result output unit 213 transmits determination result information indicating that the emitter has defecated and date and time information indicating the date and time when the emitter defecated to the server 3 via the communication unit 23.

[0095] In addition, the emission determination unit 212A may determine that the emitter has farted if the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data exceeds a threshold, the rising slope of the first time series data until it reaches a peak is greater than the threshold, and the falling slope of the first time series data after it reaches a peak is smaller than the threshold, and the hydrogen concentration value in the second time series data exceeds a threshold, the rising slope of the second time series data until it reaches a peak is greater than the threshold, and the falling slope of the second time series data after it reaches a peak is smaller than the threshold.

[0096] (Embodiment 3) The emission determination device in Embodiment 1 determines that the emitter has passed flatus when the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data exceeds a threshold value. In contrast, the emission determination device in Embodiment 3 acquires a first time when the first time series data reaches a peak and a second time when the first time series data converges after reaching its peak, and determines whether the emitter has passed feces or flatus based on the first and second times.

[0097] 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an emission management system according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that the positions of the internal sensor 1 and the emission determination device 2B according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure are the same as the positions of the internal sensor 1 and the emission determination device 2 according to the first embodiment.

[0098] 11 includes an internal sensor 1, an emission determination device 2B, and a server 3. In the third embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0099] The emission determination device 2B includes a processor 21B, a memory 22, and a communication unit .

[0100] The processor 21B is, for example, a CPU. A data acquisition unit 211, a discharge determination unit 212B, a determination result output unit 213, a first time acquisition unit 214, and a second time acquisition unit 215 are realized by the processor 21B.

[0101] The first time acquiring unit 214 acquires the first time when the first time series data reaches a peak.

[0102] The second time acquiring unit 215 acquires the second time at which the first time series data converges after reaching a peak.

[0103] The discharge determination unit 212B determines whether the person has passed feces or fart, based on the first time acquired by the first time acquisition unit 214 and the second time acquired by the second time acquisition unit 215. The discharge determination unit 212B determines that the person has passed fart if the difference between the second time and the first time is equal to or less than a predetermined time, and determines that the person has passed a bowel movement if the difference is longer than the predetermined time.

[0104] Next, the emission determination process in the emission determination device 2B according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0105] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the emission determination process in the emission determination device 2B according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0106] First, in step S21, the data acquisition unit 211 acquires from the memory 22 first time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl 101 measured by the internal sensor 1. For example, the discharge determination process shown in FIG. 12 is performed once a day. The data acquisition unit 211 acquires one day's worth of first time series data, for example, at midnight. Note that the time at which the first time series data is acquired is not limited to midnight. Furthermore, the discharge determination process shown in FIG. 12 is not limited to once a day, and may be performed once a week or at predetermined intervals.

[0107] Furthermore, the data acquiring unit 211 may acquire first time series data for the period from when the waste person sits on the toilet seat 102 to when the waste person leaves the toilet seat 102. If waste is discharged multiple times in one day, the data acquiring unit 211 may acquire multiple pieces of first time series data for one day. Then, the waste determination process may be performed for each of the multiple pieces of first time series data.

[0108] Next, in step S22, the emission determining unit 212B determines whether the hydrogen concentration value in the first time-series data exceeds the threshold value. If it is determined that the hydrogen concentration value in the first time-series data does not exceed the threshold value (NO in step S22), in step S23, the emission determining unit 212B determines that the emitter has not farted.

[0109] On the other hand, if it is determined that the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data exceeds the threshold value (YES in step S22), in step S24, the first time acquisition unit 214 acquires the first time at which the first time series data acquired by the data acquisition unit 211 reached its peak.

[0110] Next, in step S25, the second time acquiring unit 215 acquires the second time at which the first time series data acquired by the data acquiring unit 211 converges after reaching its peak.

[0111] Next, in step S26, the discharge determining unit 212B calculates the difference between the second time and the first time.

[0112] Next, in step S27, the discharge determining unit 212B determines whether the difference is equal to or less than a predetermined time.

[0113] Here, if it is determined that the difference is equal to or less than the predetermined time (YES in step S27), in step S28, the discharge determining unit 212B determines that the emitter has farted.

[0114] On the other hand, if it is determined that the difference is longer than the predetermined time (NO in step S27), in step S29, the excrement determining unit 212B determines that the excrement person has defecate.

[0115] Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of the first time series data of hydrogen concentration when there is flatus but no defecation in this embodiment 3, and Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of the first time series data of hydrogen concentration when there is defecation but no flatus in this embodiment 3.

[0116] 13 and 14, the vertical axis represents hydrogen concentration (sensor output value) and the horizontal axis represents time (seconds). In Figures 13 and 14, the solid line represents the first time-series data of hydrogen concentration measured by internal sensor 1.

[0117] In Figure 13, the person farts after sitting on the toilet seat about 20 seconds have passed, and then farts after about 30 seconds have passed. When farting occurs, the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl 101 rises sharply, reaches a peak, and then falls sharply again. This is because gas excreted from the person's anus diffuses. When the person farts, the period from the first time t1, when the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl 101 reaches its peak, to the second time t2, when the hydrogen concentration value converges, is about 20 seconds. Note that the second time when the hydrogen concentration value converges is, for example, the time when the decrease from the peak value reaches 80% of the increase from the rise to the peak.

[0118] On the other hand, in Figure 14, the person sits on the toilet seat after about 30 seconds have passed, and starts to defecate after about 260 seconds have passed. When a person defecates, the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet bowl 101 rises sharply, reaches a peak, and then gradually decreases. This is because feces are present inside the toilet bowl 101. When the person defecates, the period from the first time t1, when the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet bowl 101 reaches its peak, to the second time t2, when the hydrogen concentration value converges, is about 60 seconds.

[0119] From the above, the time elapsed from when the hydrogen concentration value reaches its peak until it converges differs between flatus and defecation. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the person has passed feces or flatus based on the time elapsed from when the hydrogen concentration value reaches its peak until it converges. The discharge determination unit 212B may determine that the person has passed flatus if the difference between the second time and the first time is, for example, 30 seconds or less. Furthermore, the discharge determination unit 212B may determine that the person has passed defecation if the difference between the second time and the first time is, for example, longer than 30 seconds.

[0120] 12, next, in step S30, the determination result output unit 213 outputs the determination result of whether the emitter has passed flatus or not or the determination result of whether the emitter has defecated or not. For example, when the excretion determination unit 212B determines that the emitter has passed flatus, the determination result output unit 213 transmits determination result information indicating that the emitter has passed flatus and date and time information indicating the date and time when the emitter passed flatus to the server 3 via the communication unit 23. Furthermore, when the excretion determination unit 212B determines that the emitter has defecated, the determination result output unit 213 transmits determination result information indicating that the emitter has defecated and date and time information indicating the date and time when the emitter defecated to the server 3 via the communication unit 23.

[0121] (Fourth embodiment) The excretion determination device in embodiment 3 determines whether the person has excreted feces or flatulence based on the first time when the first time series data reached its peak and the second time when the first time series data converged after reaching its peak. In contrast, the excretion determination device in embodiment 4 acquires first time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl measured by an internal sensor placed inside the toilet bowl and second time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet bowl measured by an external sensor placed outside the toilet bowl, and determines whether the person has excreted feces or flatulence based on the first time when the first time series data reached its peak, the second time when the first time series data converged after reaching its peak, the third time when the second time series data peaked, and the fourth time when the second time series data converged after reaching its peak.

[0122] 15 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an emission management system according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that the positions of the internal sensor 1, the external sensor 5, and the emission determination device 2C according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure are the same as the positions of the internal sensor 1, the external sensor 5, and the emission determination device 2A according to the second embodiment.

[0123] 15 includes an internal sensor 1, an external sensor 5, a discharge determination device 2C, and a server 3. In the fourth embodiment, the same components as those in the first to third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0124] The emission determination device 2C includes a processor 21C, a memory 22, and a communication unit .

[0125] The processor 21C is, for example, a CPU. The processor 21C realizes a data acquisition unit 211A, a discharge determination unit 212C, a determination result output unit 213, a first time acquisition unit 214, a second time acquisition unit 215, a third time acquisition unit 216, and a fourth time acquisition unit 217.

[0126] The third time acquiring unit 216 acquires the third time at which the second time series data reaches a peak.

[0127] The fourth time acquiring unit 217 acquires the fourth time at which the second time series data converges after reaching its peak.

[0128] The discharge determination unit 212C determines whether the person has passed feces or fart based on the first time acquired by the first time acquisition unit 214, the second time acquired by the second time acquisition unit 215, the third time acquired by the third time acquisition unit 216, and the fourth time acquired by the fourth time acquisition unit 217. The discharge determination unit 212C determines that the person has passed fart if the first difference between the second time and the first time is equal to or less than a predetermined time and the second difference between the fourth time and the third time is equal to or less than a predetermined time, and determines that the person has passed feces if the first difference is longer than the predetermined time and the second difference is longer than the predetermined time.

[0129] The predetermined time for comparing with the first difference and the predetermined time for comparing with the second difference may be the same, or the predetermined time for comparing with the first difference and the predetermined time for comparing with the second difference may be different.

[0130] Next, the emission determination process in the emission determination device 2C according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0131] Figure 16 is a first flowchart for explaining the emission determination processing in the emission determination device 2C according to embodiment 4 of the present disclosure, and Figure 17 is a second flowchart for explaining the emission determination processing in the emission determination device 2C according to embodiment 4 of the present disclosure.

[0132] The processing in steps S41 to S45 is the same as the processing in steps S11 to S15 in FIG. 8, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0133] If it is determined that the hydrogen concentration value in the second time-series data does not exceed the threshold value (NO in step S45), in step S58, the discharge determining unit 212C determines that the person has defecate.

[0134] On the other hand, if it is determined that the hydrogen concentration value in the second time series data exceeds the threshold value (YES in step S45), in step S46, the first time acquisition unit 214 acquires the first time at which the first time series data acquired by the data acquisition unit 211A reached its peak.

[0135] Next, in step S47, second time acquiring section 215 acquires a second time at which the first time series data acquired by data acquiring section 211A converges after reaching a peak.

[0136] Next, in step S48, the third time acquiring section 216 acquires the third time at which the second time series data acquired by the data acquiring section 211A reaches a peak.

[0137] Next, in step S49, the fourth time acquiring section 217 acquires the fourth time at which the second time series data acquired by the data acquiring section 211A converges after reaching its peak.

[0138] Next, in step S50, the discharge determining unit 212C calculates a first difference between the second time and the first time.

[0139] Next, in step S51, the discharge determining unit 212C calculates a second difference between the fourth time and the third time.

[0140] Next, in step S52, the discharge determining unit 212C determines whether the first difference is equal to or less than a predetermined time.

[0141] Here, if it is determined that the first difference is equal to or shorter than the predetermined time (YES in step S52), then in step S53 the discharge determination unit 212C determines whether the second difference is equal to or shorter than the predetermined time. If it is determined that the second difference is equal to or shorter than the predetermined time (YES in step S53), then in step S54 the discharge determination unit 212C determines that the emitter has farted. On the other hand, if it is determined that the second difference is longer than the predetermined time (NO in step S53), then in step S55 the discharge determination unit 212C determines that the emitter has defecate.

[0142] Furthermore, if it is determined that the first difference is longer than the predetermined time (NO in step S52), in step S56 the discharge determination unit 212C determines whether the second difference is equal to or shorter than the predetermined time. If it is determined that the second difference is equal to or shorter than the predetermined time (YES in step S56), in step S57 the discharge determination unit 212C determines that the emitter has farted. On the other hand, if it is determined that the second difference is longer than the predetermined time (NO in step S56), in step S58 the discharge determination unit 212C determines that the emitter has defecate.

[0143] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the first time-series data of hydrogen concentration in the case where flatus was present but no defecation occurred in the fourth embodiment.

[0144] 18, the vertical axis represents hydrogen concentration (sensor output value) and the horizontal axis represents time (seconds). In Fig. 18, the solid line represents the first time series data of hydrogen concentration measured by internal sensor 1, and the two-dot chain line represents the second time series data of hydrogen concentration measured by external sensor 5.

[0145] In Figure 18, the person farts after sitting on the toilet seat about 20 seconds have passed, and then farts after about 30 seconds have passed. When farting occurs, the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl 101 rises sharply, reaches a peak, and then falls sharply again. This is because gas excreted from the person's anus diffuses. When the person farts, the period from the first time t1, when the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl 101 reaches its peak, to the second time t2, when the hydrogen concentration value converges, is about 20 seconds. Note that the second time when the hydrogen concentration value converges is, for example, the time when the decrease from the peak value reaches 80% of the increase from the rise to the peak.

[0146] Furthermore, as a result of the farting, the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet bowl 101 also increases. This is because the gas emitted from the farter's anus diffuses outside the toilet bowl 101, and an increase in the hydrogen concentration due to the influence of the farting was observed both inside and outside the toilet bowl 101. When the fart is emitted, the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet bowl 101 also rises sharply, reaches a peak, and then drops sharply. When the fartter farts, the period from the third time t3, when the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet bowl 101 reaches its peak, to the fourth time t4, when the hydrogen concentration value converges, is approximately 20 seconds.

[0147] Whether the person has emitted feces or farts can be determined more accurately based on the time elapsed from when the hydrogen concentration value in the space inside the toilet 101 reaches its peak until it converges, and the time elapsed from when the hydrogen concentration value in the space outside the toilet 101 reaches its peak until it converges. That is, the excretion determination unit 212C may determine that the person has emitted farts if the first difference between the second time and the first time is, for example, 30 seconds or less and the second difference between the fourth time and the third time is, for example, 30 seconds or less.

[0148] In addition, the excrement determination unit 212C may determine that the person has defecate if the first difference between the second time and the first time is longer than, for example, 30 seconds and the second difference between the fourth time and the third time is longer than, for example, 30 seconds.

[0149] In this way, by using not only the measurement data of the internal sensor 1 but also the measurement data of the external sensor 5, it is possible to more accurately determine whether the person has excreted flatus or feces.

[0150] Furthermore, the discharge determination unit 212C may determine that the person has defecate if the first difference between the second time and the first time is, for example, 30 seconds or less and the second difference between the fourth time and the third time is, for example, longer than 30 seconds. Also, the discharge determination unit 212C may determine that the person has farted if the first difference between the second time and the first time is, for example, longer than 30 seconds and the second difference between the fourth time and the third time is, for example, 30 seconds or less.

[0151] As a result, even if the internal sensor 1 measures erroneous data, the data from the external sensor 5 can be used to make a correct determination.

[0152] Note that the measurement data of the external sensor 5 may be affected by an air freshener provided in the toilet or a cleaning agent used to clean the toilet. Therefore, when the comparison result of the first difference and the comparison result of the second difference differ, the excretion determination unit 212C may prioritize the comparison result of the first difference. For example, the excretion determination unit 212C may determine that the person has farted if it is determined that the first difference is equal to or shorter than a predetermined time and the second difference is longer than a predetermined time (YES in step S52 and NO in step S53). Furthermore, for example, the excretion determination unit 212C may determine that the person has defecate if it is determined that the first difference is longer than a predetermined time and the second difference is equal to or shorter than a predetermined time (NO in step S52 and YES in step S56). This makes it possible to accurately determine whether the person has farted or defecate, even when the accuracy of the measurement data of the external sensor 5 is low.

[0153] 17, next, in step S59, the determination result output unit 213 outputs the determination result of whether the emitter has passed flatus or not or the determination result of whether the emitter has defecated or not. For example, when the excretion determination unit 212C determines that the emitter has passed flatus, the determination result output unit 213 transmits determination result information indicating that the emitter has passed flatus and date and time information indicating the date and time when the emitter passed flatus to the server 3 via the communication unit 23. Furthermore, when the excretion determination unit 212C determines that the emitter has defecated, the determination result output unit 213 transmits determination result information indicating that the emitter has defecated and date and time information indicating the date and time when the emitter defecated to the server 3 via the communication unit 23.

[0154] In the first to fourth embodiments, only one person uses one toilet, but the present disclosure is not limited to this, and multiple people may use one toilet. In this case, the waste management system may further include a recognition device for recognizing the person using the toilet. The recognition device may be, for example, a camera that captures an image of the face of the person using the toilet and recognizes the person using the toilet from the facial image obtained by capturing the image.

[0155] In each of the above embodiments, each component may be configured with dedicated hardware or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory. Furthermore, the program may be executed by another independent computer system by recording the program on a recording medium and transferring it, or by transferring the program via a network.

[0156] Some or all of the functions of the device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are typically realized as an LSI (Large Scale Integration), which is an integrated circuit. These may be implemented individually on a single chip, or some or all of them may be integrated on a single chip. Furthermore, the integrated circuit is not limited to an LSI, and may be realized using a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. It is also possible to use an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), which can be programmed after LSI manufacturing, or a reconfigurable processor, which allows the connections and settings of circuit cells within the LSI to be reconfigured.

[0157] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may be realized by a processor such as a CPU executing a program.

[0158] Furthermore, all the numbers used above are merely examples to specifically explain the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the numbers used as examples.

[0159] The order in which the steps are performed shown in the above flowchart is merely an example for specifically explaining the present disclosure, and other orders may be used as long as similar effects are obtained. Also, some of the steps may be performed simultaneously (in parallel) with other steps. [Industrial Applicability]

[0160] The technology disclosed herein is useful as a technology for determining excrement, since it can accurately determine whether or not an excrement emitter has farted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0161] 1 Internal Sensor 2,2A,2B,2C Emission determination device 3 Server 4 Network 5 External Sensors 21, 21A, 21B, 21C processors 22 Memory 23 Communications Department 101 Toilet 102 Toilet seat 103 Water Tank 211,211A Data acquisition unit 212,212A,212B,212C Emission determination section 213 Judgment result output unit 214 1st time acquisition section 215 Second time acquisition section 216 Third time acquisition section 217 4th time acquisition section

Claims

1. an excrement determination device that outputs, to a server via a network, determination result information that determines whether or not a person excretes fart in the toilet, date and time information that indicates the date and time when the determination was made, and identification information of the person excreting fart; a server that stores the determination result information, the date and time information, and the identification information in a database; acquiring the determination result information, the date and time information, and the identification information stored in the database, and creating monitoring data for the waste generator; Emissions determination system.

2. At least one of the number of times flatus is emitted in a day, the number of times flatus is emitted in a week, and the number of times flatus is emitted in a month is generated as monitoring data. The emission determination system according to claim 1 .

3. At least one of the time of flatus passage in a day, the date and time of flatus passage in a week, and the date and time of flatus passage in a month is generated as monitoring data. The emission determination system according to claim 1 .

4. an internal sensor disposed within the toilet bowl; The emission determination device determines whether the emitter has farted based on the hydrogen concentration measured by the internal sensor. The emission determination system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The internal sensor is hung on the edge of the opening of the toilet bowl. The emission determination system according to claim 4.

6. A toilet seat is provided on the top of the toilet bowl for the person to sit on, the internal sensor transmits to the emission determination device data of the hydrogen concentration measured during a period from when the emitter sits on the toilet seat to when the emitter leaves the toilet seat; The emission determination system according to claim 4.

7. a recognition device for recognizing a person using the toilet; The emission determination system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The emission determination device acquiring first time-series data indicating a hydrogen concentration in a space within the toilet bowl measured by an internal sensor disposed within the toilet bowl; acquiring second time-series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet bowl measured by an external sensor disposed outside the toilet bowl; determining whether the emitter has farted based on the first time-series data and the second time-series data, and setting the result as the determination result information; The emission determination system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. The emission determination device Furthermore, a first time when the first time series data reaches a peak is acquired; Further, a second time when the first time series data converges after reaching a peak is acquired; In the determination, it is determined whether the person has excreted feces or fart based on the first time point and the second time point, and the determination result information is set. The emission determination system according to claim 8.

10. the excretion determination device determines that the person has farted if the difference between the second time and the first time is equal to or less than a predetermined time, and determines that the person has defecate if the difference is longer than the predetermined time, and sets the determination result information as the determination result information. The emission determination system according to claim 9.

11. The emission determination device Furthermore, a third time when the second time series data reaches a peak is acquired; further acquiring a fourth time at which the second time series data converges after reaching a peak; In the determination, it is determined whether the person has excreted feces or fart based on the first time, the second time, the third time, and the fourth time, and the determination result information is set. The emission determination system according to claim 9.

12. the excretion determination device determines that the person has passed flatus if a first difference between the second time and the first time is equal to or less than a predetermined time and a second difference between the fourth time and the third time is equal to or less than a predetermined time, and determines that the person has defecate if the first difference is longer than the predetermined time and the second difference is longer than the predetermined time, and sets this as the determination result information. The emission determination system according to claim 11.

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