Biological information measuring system and toilet seat device

Abstract

To appropriately execute processing based on gas measurement.SOLUTION: A biological information measurement system pertaining to an embodiment is a system for measuring biological information of a user in a toilet room on the basis of defecation gas discharged into the bowl of a toilet stool installed in the toilet room. The biological information measurement system comprises a gas detection device including a gas sensor that reacts to gas contained in a gaseous body and a control device for controlling the gas detection device. The gas sensor is composed of a sensor element and a resistive element for measurement that are arranged therein, and the control device controls the gas detection device so that the measured value by the gas sensor fits within a predetermined range at other than the time when the toilet stool is in use by the user, and executes reference value control for controlling the measured value used as a reference value to a prescribed value. The gas detection device executes processing related to defecation gas measurement by using the reference value controlled by the reference value control.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a biological information measurement system and a toilet seat device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a biological information measurement system is known that uses a gas sensor to detect fecal gas emitted when a toilet user defecates, thereby measuring the user's physical condition (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Also known is a gas detection system in which the resistance value of the resistive element and the resistance value of the sensor element in the gas sensor are set equal (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6674623 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-174045 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there is room for improvement in the above-mentioned conventional technology. For example, simply setting the resistance value of the resistor element and the resistance value of the sensor element to be equal makes it difficult to respond to changes in the environment in which fecal gas is measured, and the measured value of the gas sensor may fluctuate depending on the environmental changes. In such cases, the resolution of the gas sensor is unstable, making it difficult to perform appropriate measurements, for example, when observing changes over time, and there is room for improvement. Therefore, it is desirable to appropriately execute processes related to gas measurement.

[0005] The disclosed embodiments aim to provide a biological information measurement system and a toilet seat apparatus that can appropriately perform processing related to gas measurement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A biometric information measurement system according to one aspect of the embodiment is a biometric information measurement system that measures the biometric information of a user of a toilet room based on defecation gas discharged into the bowl of a toilet bowl installed in the toilet room, and includes a gas detection device equipped with a gas sensor that reacts to gas contained in the air, and a control device that controls the gas detection device, wherein the gas sensor has a sensor element and a resistance element for measurement, and the control device controls the gas detection device so that the measurement value measured by the gas sensor falls within a predetermined range when the user is not using the toilet bowl, and performs reference value control that controls the measurement value used as a reference value to a predetermined value, and the gas detection device performs processing related to defecation gas measurement using the reference value controlled by the reference value control.

[0007] According to one aspect of the embodiment, even if the detection value of the gas sensor during non-defecation periods fluctuates due to the temperature and humidity conditions in the toilet space or the presence of an air freshener, the reference value of the gas sensor can be controlled within a predetermined range at a predetermined timing to suppress changes in resolution between measurements. Therefore, according to one aspect of the embodiment, even if the environmental conditions in the toilet space differ between measurements during defecation, the bioinformation measurement system can accurately detect defecation gas, and can standardize the measurement conditions for defecation gas every day, thereby accurately capturing changes over time in the user's physical condition obtained from defecation gas. Therefore, the bioinformation measurement system can appropriately perform processes related to gas measurement.

[0008] The inventors have been researching whether it is possible to accurately measure a toilet user's physical condition from defecation gas, as described in Patent Document 1 and elsewhere. During their research, they discovered that detecting defecation gas in a toilet, as described in Patent Document 1, involves aspirating gas from the toilet bowl. This detection involves not only detecting the desired defecation gas, but also noise specific to the toilet, such as the temperature and humidity of the toilet space, residual gases in the toilet space, air fresheners, human perfumes, and changes in the air due to human movement. This significantly alters the reference detection value of the gas sensor, significantly affecting resolution. This significantly reduces the accuracy of measuring the user's physical condition from defecation gas over time. On the other hand, while adopting the configuration described in Patent Document 2 could improve the resolution of the detection value per defecation gas measurement by equating the resistance values ​​of the resistor element and the sensor element, the resolution changes with each measurement because the reference value changes with each measurement, making it impossible to evaluate changes in defecation gas information over time. Therefore, a biometric information measurement system according to one embodiment makes it possible to accurately measure changes in defecation gas volume over time, even when affected by noise from odorous gases and air fresheners remaining in the toilet space.

[0009] In one aspect of the embodiment, in the bioinformation measuring system, the control device is characterized in that it performs the reference value control to control the reference value to the predetermined value by changing the resistance value of the resistive element of the gas sensor.

[0010] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the biological information measurement system can appropriately perform the reference value control, which controls the reference value to the predetermined value, by changing the resistance value of the resistive element of the gas sensor. Therefore, the biological information measurement system can appropriately perform the process related to the gas measurement.

[0011] In one aspect of the embodiment, the biological information measuring system is characterized in that the control device executes the reference value control each time the fecal gas measurement is completed.

[0012] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the biological information measurement system can execute reference value control for each defecation act, and can perform measurements while suppressing changes in resolution for each detection of defecation gas, thereby adapting to the constantly changing toilet environment, such as the influence of the previous user's odor (perfume, defecation gas from the previous user, etc.), and more accurately capturing changes over time in the user's physical condition obtained from defecation gas. Therefore, the biological information measurement system can appropriately execute processes related to gas measurement.

[0013] In one aspect of the embodiment, in the biological information measuring system, the control device performs the reference value control by processing of feeding back the measurement value of the gas sensor.

[0014] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the biological information measurement system can control the reference value based on the currently output detection value of the gas sensor through feedback control, thereby enabling more accurate adjustment of the reference value. This allows the reference value control to be performed accurately based on the detection value of the gas sensor, making it possible to suppress changes in resolution during fecal gas detection and perform measurements. Therefore, the biological information measurement system can appropriately perform processes related to gas measurement.

[0015] In one aspect of the embodiment, the biometric information measurement system is characterized in that the control device acquires defecation activity usage prediction information related to information that predicts the user's defecation activity, and executes the reference value control when the defecation activity usage prediction information is acquired.

[0016] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the biological information measurement system can detect the pre-defecation state and perform reference value control, thereby effectively suppressing changes in resolution during defecation gas detection and measurement. Therefore, the biological information measurement system can appropriately perform gas measurement processing.

[0017] A biometric information measurement system according to one aspect of the embodiment has a seating detection means for detecting when the user is sitting on the toilet seat of the toilet bowl, and the control device acquires defecation activity usage prediction information based on detection by the seating detection means, and executes the reference value control when the defecation activity usage prediction information is acquired.

[0018] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the biological information measurement system can perform reference value control at the timing when the user is seated, when there is little change in the air before the act of defecation, and can more effectively suppress changes in resolution during defecation gas detection and perform measurement. Therefore, the biological information measurement system can appropriately perform processes related to gas measurement.

[0019] A toilet seat device according to one aspect of the embodiment is a toilet seat device that measures the biometric information of a user of a toilet room based on defecation gas discharged into the bowl of a toilet installed in the toilet room, and includes a gas detection device equipped with a gas sensor that reacts to gas contained in the air, and a control device that controls the gas detection device, wherein the gas sensor is equipped with a sensor element and a resistance element for measurement, and the control device controls the gas detection device so that the measurement value measured by the gas sensor falls within a predetermined range when the user is not using the toilet, and performs reference value control that controls the measurement value used as a reference value to a predetermined value, and the gas detection device performs processing related to defecation gas measurement using the reference value controlled by the reference value control.

[0020] According to one aspect of the embodiment, even if the detection value of the gas sensor during non-defecation periods fluctuates due to factors such as the temperature and humidity conditions in the toilet space and the influence of air fresheners, the change in resolution between measurements can be suppressed by controlling the reference value of the gas sensor within a predetermined range at a predetermined timing. Therefore, according to one aspect of the embodiment, even if the environmental conditions in the toilet space differ between measurements during defecation, the toilet seat device can accurately detect defecation gas, and can standardize the measurement conditions for defecation gas every day, accurately capturing changes over time in the user's physical condition obtained from defecation gas. Therefore, the toilet seat device can appropriately perform processes related to gas measurement. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to one aspect of the embodiment, processing related to gas measurement can be appropriately executed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a toilet room according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of the measurement device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall outline of the biological information measuring system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between user behavior and system operation. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a toilet seat device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a gas sensor. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of reference value control according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the timing of the reference value control according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating feedback control of the reference value. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of behavior before defecation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the biological information measurement system and toilet seat device disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. In this application, gases derived from intestinal fermentation and indicating a high level of health are referred to as healthy gases, and gases derived from intestinal putrefaction and indicating a low level of health are referred to as odorous gases.

[0024] For example, the health-related gas is a gas produced by fermentation by beneficial bacteria in the intestines. For example, the health-related gas may be a gas derived from intestinal fermentation and increased in amount as the health of the intestines improves. Specific examples of the health-related gas include hydrogen, carbon dioxide, acetic acid, methane, ethanol, and water.

[0025] Furthermore, for example, odorous gases are gases produced by fermentation by harmful bacteria in the intestines. For example, odorous gases may be fecal gases containing sulfur components. Examples of odorous gases include ammonia, trimethylamine, hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, indole, and skatole. Note that the term "fecal gas" as used herein refers to gases released from the intestines, and includes, for example, gases released simultaneously with defecation and gases not released simultaneously with defecation.

[0026] <1. Embodiment> Below, an overview of the toilet room R, which is the gas collection location, and the biological information measurement system 1 will be described, followed by a description of the various processes executed by the biological information measurement system 1 and the configuration for performing those processes.

[0027] <1-1. Example of toilet room configuration> First, the configuration of a biological information measurement system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a biological information measurement system according to an embodiment. In Fig. 1, a toilet seat 5 and a toilet lid 9 are shown in a see-through state in order to illustrate the configuration of a measurement device 4.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 1, a toilet 7 is installed on a floor surface F in a toilet room R. In the following, the direction facing the interior of the space of the toilet room R from the floor surface F may be referred to as "up." In the toilet room R, components of a biological information measurement system 1, such as a suction device 10 and a measurement device 4 that performs gas detection including a gas detection device 20, are arranged.

[0029] The toilet bowl 7 is a toilet bowl, and has a bowl portion 8 formed therein. The bowl portion 8 has a downwardly concave shape and is the portion that receives the user's excrement. The toilet bowl 7 is not limited to being a floor-standing type as shown in the figure, and may be of any type, such as a wall-mounted type, as long as the biological information measurement system 1 is applicable. The toilet bowl 7 has a rim portion around the entire periphery of the edge of the opening that faces the bowl portion 8. In the toilet room R, for example, a flush water tank that stores flush water may be installed near the toilet bowl 7, or a so-called tankless type may be used in which no flush water tank is installed.

[0030] For example, when a user operates a flushing operation unit (not shown) for flushing provided in the toilet room R, toilet flushing is performed by supplying flush water to the bowl 8 of the toilet 7. The flushing operation unit may be an operation lever or a touch operation on a toilet flushing object displayed on the operation device 30. Note that the flushing operation unit is not limited to an operation lever or the like that causes toilet flushing to be performed manually by the user, but may also be one that causes toilet flushing to be performed by a human body detection sensor that detects the user, such as a seat sensor.

[0031] The toilet seat device 2 is attached to the top of a toilet bowl 7 and comprises a main body 3, a measuring device 4, a toilet seat 5, and a flushing nozzle 6. The toilet seat device 2 is placed on top of the toilet bowl 7, which is formed with a bowl 8 that receives excrement. The toilet seat device 2 is placed on top of the toilet bowl 7 so that the flushing nozzle 6 advances into the bowl 8 before spraying flushing water. The toilet seat device 2 may be attached detachably to the toilet bowl 7, or may be attached so as to be integrated with the toilet bowl 7.

[0032] The toilet seat device 2, configured with a measuring device 4 and the like, measures biological information of a user of the toilet room R based on the fecal gas discharged into a bowl 8 of a toilet 7 installed in the toilet room R. The measuring device 4 has a suction device 10 and a gas detection device 20. The measuring device 4 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, the toilet seat 5 is formed in an annular shape and is arranged along the edge (rim portion) of the bowl portion 8 in a position overlapping the opening of the toilet bowl 7. A user sits on the toilet seat 5. The toilet seat 5 functions as a seating portion that supports the buttocks of the seated user. A toilet lid 9 is attached to the toilet seat device 2 as needed, but the toilet seat device 2 does not necessarily have to have a toilet lid 9.

[0034] The cleaning nozzle 6 is a nozzle for spraying water for cleaning. The cleaning nozzle 6 is configured to be movable forward and backward relative to the housing of the main body 3 by being driven by a drive source such as an electric motor (such as the nozzle motor 61 in FIG. 5). The cleaning nozzle 6 is connected to a water source such as a water pipe (not shown). When the cleaning nozzle 6 is in an advanced position relative to the housing of the main body 3 (also referred to as the "advanced position") as shown in FIG. 1, it sprays water from the water source onto the user's body to cleanse the private parts.

[0035] 1 shows the state in which the cleaning nozzle 6 is in the advanced position. The cleaning nozzle 6 may also be used to clean the inside of the toilet bowl 7 (bowl portion 8, etc.). The cleaning nozzle 6 may be used to be switchable between a private parts cleaning mode in which the private parts of the user are cleaned, and a toilet bowl cleaning mode in which water is sprayed inside the toilet bowl 7. For example, the cleaning nozzle 6 may be used to be switchable between the private parts cleaning mode and the toilet bowl cleaning mode according to the control by the toilet seat device 2.

[0036] The operating device 30 is provided in the toilet room R. The operating device 30 is provided in a position where it can be operated by a user. The operating device 30 is provided in a position where it can be operated by a user when seated on the toilet seat 5. In FIG. 1, the operating device 30 is provided on a wall surface W on the left side as seen from a user seated on the toilet seat 5. Note that the operating device 30 may be provided in various ways, not limited to on a wall surface, as long as it is usable by a user seated on the toilet seat 5. For example, the operating device 30 may be provided integrally with the toilet seat device 2.

[0037] The operating device 30 is connected to the toilet seat device 2 via a predetermined network so as to be able to communicate with the toilet seat device 2 via a wired or wireless connection. For example, the toilet seat device 2 and the operating device 30 may be connected in any manner as long as they are able to send and receive information, and may be connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0038] The operation device 30 accepts various operations from the user via a display surface (for example, a display screen 31) using, for example, a touch panel function. The operation device 30 may also be provided with switches and buttons, and may accept various operations via the switches, buttons, etc. The display screen 31 is the display screen of a tablet terminal or the like realized by, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, and is a display device for displaying various information. In other words, the operation device 30 accepts input from the user via the display screen 31 and also outputs to the user. The display screen 31 is a display device that displays various information.

[0039] The operation device 30 accepts user operations to control various functions provided in the toilet room R. The operation device 30 accepts user operations to control the execution of local cleansing by the toilet seat device 2. For example, the operation device 30 may have switches, buttons, etc. that accept the above-mentioned user operations, and may execute various processes in response to the user touching the switches, buttons, etc. Note that the above is just an example, and the operation device 30 may also accept user operations to execute various processes.

[0040] The biological information measurement system 1 measures the biological information of a user of the toilet room R based on the fecal gas discharged into the bowl 8 of the toilet stool 7 installed in the toilet room R, using various configurations and processes described below. The biological information measurement system 1 executes control to appropriately measure the fecal gas. The biological information measurement system 1 may provide information to a user terminal (corresponding to the display means 300 in FIG. 3) such as the user's smartphone based on the information collected by measurement, etc. The biological information measurement system 1 may also provide information to an operating device 30 (or a display screen 31) of the toilet room R based on the information collected by measurement, etc.

[0041] <1-2. Configuration of the measuring device> Next, the configuration of the measurement device 4 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of a measurement device according to an embodiment. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the measurement device 4 is shown as being disposed inside the main body 3. Fig. 2 illustrates the configuration of the measurement device 4 with the housing (cover) of the main body 3 where the measurement device 4 is disposed removed.

[0042] The measuring device 4 has a suction device 10 that sucks gas from within the bowl portion 8 of the toilet 7, and a gas detection device 20 that detects the components of the sucked gas.

[0043] The suction device 10 has a fan for sucking gas within the bowl portion 8 of the toilet bowl 7. A duct 11 that communicates with the inside of the bowl portion 8 of the toilet bowl 7 is connected to the suction device 10. The duct 11 functions as a flow path that allows gas within the bowl portion 8 to flow into the measuring device 4. By driving the fan, the suction device 10 sucks gas within the bowl portion 8 using the duct 11 as a flow path. For example, the suction device 10 performs suction-related processing under the control of the control device 100. Note that when the suction device 10 is used in common with a deodorizing device or the like that is incorporated into the toilet seat device 2, the suction device 10 may be controlled by a control means (device) separate from the control device 100.

[0044] Gas detection device 20 executes processing related to the detection of components of the gas sucked by suction device 10. In FIG. 2, gas detection device 20 is disposed downstream of suction device 10 as viewed from bowl portion 8. Note that FIG. 2 is merely an example, and gas detection device 20 may be disposed in any position as long as it is a position where the gas sucked by suction device 10 can be introduced. Gas detection device 20 is connected to duct 12 that communicates with the outside of main body 3. Duct 12 functions as a flow path for discharging gas within gas detection device 20 from measuring device 4. For example, in response to the driving of suction device 10, gas within gas detection device 20 is released to the outside of measuring device 4 using duct 12 as a flow path.

[0045] For example, gas detection device 20 executes processes related to gas detection under the control of control device 100. Gas detection device 20 includes gas sensor 40 that reacts to gas contained in an atmosphere. Gas sensor 40 detects a specific component of the gas.

[0046] For example, a semiconductor gas sensor is used as the gas sensor 40. The gas sensor 40 may be a hydrogen gas sensor capable of detecting hydrogen. The gas sensor 40 may be an odorous gas sensor capable of detecting odorous gas. The gas sensor 40 may be a methane gas sensor capable of detecting methane. For example, the gas detection device 20 has a plurality of gas sensors 40. The plurality of gas sensors 40 may include a gas sensor 40a that is a hydrogen gas sensor, a gas sensor 40b that is an odorous gas sensor, and a gas sensor 40c that is a methane gas sensor. When the gas sensors 40a to 40c are not particularly distinguished from one another, they will be described as gas sensors 40.

[0047] The above is merely an example, and the gas sensor is not limited to semiconductor gas sensor 40, and any type of sensor may be used. For example, gas detection device 20 may have a gas sensor such as an infrared CO sensor (carbon dioxide concentration measuring device).

[0048] <1-3. Example of an overall overview of a biological information measurement system> Next, an example of an overall outline of the biological information measurement system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an overall outline of the biological information measurement system according to an embodiment. Note that explanations of points similar to those described in Figs. 1 and 2 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0049] 3, the biological information measuring system 1 includes a suction device 10, a gas detection device 20, a control device 100, and estimation means 200. While FIGS. 1 and 2 show the case where the toilet seat device 2 includes the suction device 10, the gas detection device 20, and the control device 100, this is not limiting. For example, the control device 100 may be provided separately from the suction device 10 and the gas detection device 20, and may control the suction device 10 and the gas detection device 20 by communicating with the suction device 10 and the gas detection device 20 wirelessly or via a wire. Furthermore, as described above, the suction device 10 may be controlled by control means other than the control device 100.

[0050] The estimation means 200 is a computer (information processing device) having a function of executing estimation processing based on information acquired by detection by the gas detection device 20. For example, the estimation means 200 may be a cloud server (server device) located outside the toilet room R. In this case, the estimation means 200 is connected to a device (also referred to as an "in-toilet device") located inside the toilet room R, such as the toilet seat device 2 or the gas detection device 20, via a predetermined network such as the Internet in a wired or wireless manner so as to be able to communicate with the device.

[0051] Furthermore, the estimation means 200 is communicably connected to a device that displays information to a user, such as the display means 300, via a predetermined network such as the Internet, either wired or wirelessly. Note that the estimation means 200 may be connected to devices such as the toilet device and the display means 300 in any manner as long as it is possible to send and receive information, and may be communicably connected via wired or wirelessly. Note that the estimation means 200 may be communicable with the control device 100.

[0052] The estimation means 200 performs estimation processing regarding the user's health condition using information received from the toilet device. Note that the data acquired so far may be stored by the estimation means 200 or may be stored in the display means 300. The estimation means 200 generates information for estimating the user's health condition (also referred to as "health estimation information") or information related thereto based on the amounts of health-related gases and odorous gases in the user's defecation gas. The estimation means 200 calculates a score as the user's health estimation information based on the ratio between the amounts of health-related gases and odorous gases in the user's defecation gas. For example, the estimation means 200 may use any information such as a ratio or a single odor. Note that the above is merely an example, and the estimation means 200 may generate any information as the user's health estimation information. For example, the estimation means 200 may generate the following information as the user's health estimation information, or may generate health estimation information based on the following processing results:

[0053] For example, the estimation means 200 may estimate information regarding the state of the user's intestines from the measured values. For example, the estimation means 200 may estimate information regarding the state of bacteria. In this case, for example, the estimation means 200 may estimate the occupancy rate of a certain bacteria, the amount or ratio of good bacteria to bad bacteria, etc. Furthermore, for example, the estimation means 200 may estimate the state of metabolites. In this case, for example, the estimation means 200 may estimate the amount of useful substances, harmful substances, or the ratio thereof, etc. For example, the estimation means 200 may estimate the state of intestinal pH. Furthermore, the estimation means 200 may generate information by scoring the above information or evaluating it as good or bad. For example, the estimation means 200 may generate the above information as estimated health information of the user.

[0054] Furthermore, for example, the estimation means 200 may generate information regarding the health condition of the user from the measurement values. In this case, for example, the estimation means 200 may generate information evaluating a score or the quality of the user's intestinal environment. For example, the estimation means 200 may generate information regarding the intestinal environment of the user. For example, the estimation means 200 may generate information regarding the user's immunity. For example, the estimation means 200 may generate information regarding the user's ease of weight loss. For example, the estimation means 200 may generate information regarding a cholesterol index. For example, the estimation means 200 may generate information regarding a metabolic score. For example, the estimation means 200 may generate the above-mentioned information as estimated health information of the user. Note that the above-mentioned examples are merely illustrative, and the estimation means 200 may generate various information related to the user's health condition, not limited to the above.

[0055] Based on the calculated ratio, the estimation means 200 estimates that the greater the amount of healthy gases relative to odorous gases in the user's defecation gas, the healthier the user. Based on the calculated ratio, the estimation means 200 estimates that the greater the amount of odorous gases relative to healthful gases in the user's defecation gas, the unhealthier the user. Note that the above is merely an example, and the estimation means 200 may make any estimation based on the calculated score. The estimation means 200 transmits information to be provided to the user to the display means 300. The estimation means 200 transmits the calculated score as the user's health estimation information to the display means 300 used by the user.

[0056] The estimation means 200 is not limited to a cloud server (server device), and may be any device. In other words, the device configuration and arrangement of the estimation means 200 may be any form as long as the desired processing can be realized. For example, the estimation means 200 may be a mobile terminal (device) such as a laptop computer that can be carried by an administrator of the biological information measurement system 1. The estimation means 200 may also be arranged in the toilet room R. For example, the estimation means 200 may be configured to be arranged in the toilet room R. For example, the function of the estimation means 200 may be provided in the toilet seat device 2. In this case, the control device 100 may have the function of the estimation means 200.

[0057] The display means 300 is a display device (computer) that displays information to be provided to a user. For example, the display means 300 may be a user terminal (mobile terminal) owned by the user. In this case, the display means 300 is realized by, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a tablet terminal, or a notebook PC (Personal Computer). For example, the display means 300 is connected to devices included in the biological information measurement system 1, such as the estimation means 200, via a predetermined network so as to be able to communicate with each other via wired or wireless communication.

[0058] The display means 300 transmits and receives information to and from the estimation means 200. The display means 300 receives information to be provided to the user from the estimation means 200. The display means 300 receives a score calculated as estimated health information of the user from the estimation means 200. The display means 300 displays information including the score calculated as estimated health information of the user.

[0059] In FIG. 3, the display means 300 displays the score calculated as the user's health estimation information as the user's intestinal environment score. For example, the display means 300 displays the user's intestinal environment score in chronological order by the date and time of excretion. The display means 300 displays the target score value, information showing the change in the user's intestinal environment score over time, and text information showing the evaluation. For example, the display means 300 may request information from the estimation means 200 and display the information obtained from the estimation means 200.

[0060] Note that the above is merely an example, and the biological information measurement system 1 can employ any device configuration as long as it can realize the desired processing. In the biological information measurement system 1, the toilet seat device 2 may have a configuration other than the display means 300. For example, the toilet seat device 2 may have a measuring device 4, a control device 100, and an estimation means 200. Also, for example, the display means 300 does not have to be included in the biological information measurement system 1, or may be included in the biological information measurement system 1. For example, if the display means 300 is the operation device 30 in the toilet room R, the display means 300 may be included in the biological information measurement system 1. In this case, the operation device 30 has a function of displaying estimated health information of the user.

[0061] <1-4. User behavior and system operation> Next, an example of the relationship between the movement (behavior) of a user who uses the biological information measurement system 1 and the movement (operation) of the biological information measurement system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the behavior of a user and the operation of the system.

[0062] First, the flow of actions of a user who defecates using the toilet R will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The user of the toilet R performs actions in stages 1 to 7 as shown in Fig. 4.

[0063] First, the user enters the toilet room R as a first step. After entering the toilet room R, the user undresses in the toilet room R as a second step. After undressing, the user sits on the toilet seat 5 in the toilet room R as a third step. After sitting on the toilet seat 5, the user defecates in the bowl 8 of the toilet 7 as a fourth step.

[0064] After defecating, the user performs finishing actions such as using the local cleansing function of the toilet seat device 2 or using toilet paper to clean the local area after defecation, as a fifth stage of action. After completing the finishing action after defecation, the user stands up and leaves the toilet seat 5, as a sixth stage of action. After leaving the seat, the user performs the seventh stage of action such as flushing the toilet bowl 7, leaving the toilet room R, and checking the results of the defecation gas analysis by the vital information measurement system 1.

[0065] Next, the flow of operations of the biometric information measurement system 1 in response to the above-described user behavior will be described. The biometric information measurement system 1 starts suctioning gas before the user who has entered the toilet room R starts to defecate. In FIG. 4, the biometric information measurement system 1 starts suctioning gas between the first and third stages. This allows the biometric information measurement system 1 to complete measurement preparation before the user defecates. For example, the biometric information measurement system 1 suctions the gas in the bowl portion 8 before the user defecates, thereby suctioning gas that serves as a reference (baseline) for comparison with the gas after the user defecates. For example, the biometric information measurement system 1 calculates the increment (amount of increase) from the baseline to estimate (calculate) the amount of components contained in the defecation gas.

[0066] The biological information measurement system 1 measures the user's defecation gas from the time the user defecates until the time the user leaves the seat. In Figure 4, the biological information measurement system 1 measures the user's defecation gas from before the fourth stage to the fifth stage. In this way, the biological information measurement system 1 aspirates the gas at any time while the user is seated and acquires data.

[0067] After the measurement of the defecation gas is completed, the biological information measurement system 1 performs an analysis of the defecation gas. In FIG. 4, the biological information measurement system 1 performs an analysis of the user's defecation gas between the sixth and seventh stages. As a result, after the user finishes defecation, the biological information measurement system 1 performs an analysis based on the defecation gas (result) information acquired about the user and calculates a score. The biological information measurement system 1 analyzes the user's defecation gas and provides the analysis results to the user. Note that the analysis and the provision of the results are not limited to the sixth and seventh stages, and may be performed at any timing as long as the information can be provided. For example, the biological information measurement system 1 may provide various information such as the analysis and results at any timing, such as during measurement or immediately after measurement is completed.

[0068] <1-5. Functional configuration of the toilet seat device> Next, the functional configuration of the toilet seat device 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a toilet seat device according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, the toilet seat device 2 includes a human sensor 32, a seating sensor 33, an illuminance sensor 34, a control device 100, a nozzle motor 61, and a washing nozzle 6.

[0069] Note that the configuration of the toilet seat device 2 shown in FIG. 5 is merely an example, and when each component is provided separately, the toilet seat device 2 may have only the toilet seat 5. As described above, the configuration of the toilet seat device 2 shown in FIG. 5 is merely an example, and the toilet seat device 2 may have any configuration. The human presence sensor 32, seating sensor 33, illuminance sensor 34, etc. may be disposed in any location as long as the desired sensing is possible. Furthermore, the toilet seat device 2 only needs to be able to detect a user sitting on the toilet seat 5, and it is sufficient to have at least one of the human presence sensor 32, seating sensor 33, and illuminance sensor 34. The toilet seat device 2 transmits and receives information to and receives information from an information processing device such as the estimation means 200 via a predetermined network (such as the Internet) by a communication device (such as the communication unit 110 of the control device 100 in FIG. 6) in a wired or wireless manner.

[0070] The human presence sensor 32 has a function of detecting a human body. For example, the human presence sensor 32 is used as a seating detection means that detects a user sitting on the toilet seat 5. For example, the human presence sensor 32 is realized by a pyroelectric sensor that uses an infrared signal. For example, the human presence sensor 32 may be realized by a μ (microwave) wave sensor. For example, the human presence sensor 32 is an infrared light emitting / receiving distance measuring sensor, and may detect a human body that is near the toilet seat 5 just before the person (user) sits on the toilet seat 5, or a user who has sat on the toilet seat 5.

[0071] The human presence sensor 32 also functions as a seat leaving detection sensor that detects when a user leaves the toilet seat 5. The human presence sensor 32 detects whether the user is seated on the toilet seat 5. The human presence sensor 32 outputs a detection signal to the control device 100. Note that the above is just one example, and the human presence sensor 32 may detect a human body by various means other than the above. For example, the human presence sensor 32 detects a person (such as a user) approaching the toilet seat 5.

[0072] The seating sensor 33 has a function of detecting a person sitting on the toilet seat device 2. For example, the seating sensor 33 is used as a seating detection means for detecting a user sitting on the toilet seat 5. For example, the seating sensor 33 is realized by a load sensor or the like. The seating sensor 33 detects that a user has sat on the toilet seat 5. The seating sensor 33 can detect that a user has sat on the toilet seat 5.

[0073] The seating sensor 33 also functions as a seating detection sensor that detects when a user leaves the toilet seat 5. The seating sensor 33 detects the user's seated state on the toilet seat 5. Note that the above is just an example, and the seating sensor 33 may detect whether a person is sitting on the toilet seat device 2 by various means other than the above. The seating sensor 33 outputs a seating detection signal to the control device 100.

[0074] The illuminance sensor 34 is a sensor that detects illuminance. For example, the illuminance sensor 34 is used as a seating detection means that detects a user sitting on the toilet seat 5. For example, the illuminance sensor 34 is disposed in a position facing the bowl portion 8 and detects the illuminance inside the bowl portion 8.

[0075] The illuminance sensor 34 also functions as a seat-leaving detection sensor that detects when a user leaves the toilet seat 5. The illuminance sensor 34 detects whether the user is seated on the toilet seat 5. Note that the above is just one example, and the illuminance sensor 34 may be placed in any position as long as it can detect whether a user is seated on the toilet seat 5 based on the illuminance.

[0076] The control device 100 controls various components and processes. The control device 100 is a computer (information processing device) that executes various information processes related to gas measurement, etc. The control device 100 may be any device that has the components necessary for control, and may be, for example, a microcomputer.

[0077] The control device 100 controls various components for measuring gas. The control device 100 controls the gas detection device 20. The control device 100 controls the gas detection device 20 so that the measurement value of the gas sensor 40 falls within a predetermined range when the user is not using the toilet 7, and performs reference value control to control the measurement value used as a reference value to a predetermined value. The control device 100 performs reference value control to control the reference value to a predetermined value by changing the resistance value of the resistive element of the gas sensor 40.

[0078] The control device 100 acquires defecation action usage prediction information related to information that predicts the defecation action of the user, and executes reference value control when the defecation action usage prediction information is acquired. The control device 100 acquires defecation action usage prediction information based on detection by the seating detection means, and executes reference value control when the defecation action usage prediction information is acquired.

[0079] The control device 100 transmits control information to the gas detection device 20 via a wired connection. The control device 100 may also transmit the control information to the gas detection device 20 wirelessly. For example, if the control device 100 is configured as a separate device from the toilet seat device 2, it may transmit the control information for the gas detection device 20 wirelessly to the toilet seat device 2. In this case, the control device of the toilet seat device 2 may control the gas detection device 20 based on the received control information.

[0080] The control device 100 may control the suction device 10. For example, the control device 100 controls the start and stop of suction by the suction device 10. The control device 100 transmits control information to the suction device 10 via a wired connection. The control device 100 may also transmit the control information to the suction device 10 wirelessly. For example, when the control device 100 is configured as a separate device from the toilet seat device 2, the control device 100 may transmit the control information for the suction device 10 to the toilet seat device 2 wirelessly. In this case, the control device of the toilet seat device 2 may control the suction device 10 based on the control information received.

[0081] In addition to the above, the control device 100 also controls various other components of the biological information measurement system 1. The control device 100 controls the nozzle motor 61, etc. The control device 100 controls the nozzle motor 61, etc. based on a signal transmitted from the operation device 30.

[0082] The control device 100 controls the nozzle motor 61 based on a control instruction signal related to local cleaning transmitted from the operating device 30. The control device 100 controls the nozzle motor 61 to move the cleaning nozzle 6 forward and backward. Note that the control device 100 may control various mechanisms other than the nozzle motor 61. For example, the control device 100 controls the opening and closing of a solenoid valve that functions as a valve that electromagnetically controls the flow of fluid. For example, the control device 100 controls the solenoid valve to switch on and off the supply of tap water from a water supply pipe, for example.

[0083] The control device 100 transmits control information to the nozzle motor 61 etc. via a wired connection. The control device 100 may also transmit control information to the nozzle motor 61 etc. wirelessly. For example, if the control device 100 is configured as a separate device from the toilet seat device 2, it may transmit control information for the nozzle motor 61 etc. to the toilet seat device 2 wirelessly. In this case, the control device of the toilet seat device 2 may control the nozzle motor 61 etc. based on the received control information.

[0084] The control device 100 may also control the toilet lid 9 and toilet seat 5 as shown in FIG. 1. In this case, the control device 100 controls the toilet lid 9 and toilet seat 5 based on signals transmitted from the operating device 30. The control device 100 controls the toilet lid 9 based on control instruction signals regarding the opening and closing of the toilet lid transmitted from the operating device 30. The control device 100 controls the toilet seat 5 based on control instruction signals regarding the opening and closing of the seat transmitted from the operating device 30. The control device 100 transmits control information to the toilet lid 9 and toilet seat 5 via a wired connection. Note that the control device 100 may also transmit control information to the toilet lid 9 and toilet seat 5 wirelessly.

[0085] The control device 100 determines whether or not a user is seated by seat detection means such as the human sensor 32, seat sensor 33, and illuminance sensor 34. The control device 100 determines whether or not a user is seated on the toilet seat 5 based on defecation activity use prediction information based on detection by the seat detection means obtained from the seat detection means.

[0086] The nozzle motor 61 is a drive source (motor) that drives the cleaning nozzle 6 to advance and retract. The nozzle motor 61 controls the cleaning nozzle 6 to advance and retract relative to the main body 3. The nozzle motor 61 controls the cleaning nozzle 6 to advance and retract in accordance with instructions from the control device 100.

[0087] In the configuration shown in FIG. 5, the toilet seat device 2 includes the control device 100 and other components, but the control device 100, the human presence sensor 32, the seating sensor 33, the illuminance sensor 34, and other components may be configured as separate devices from the toilet seat device 2. For example, the control device 100 may be configured as a separate device from the toilet seat device 2. For example, the control device 100 may be a server device and located at a location separate from the toilet seat device 2. In this case, the control device 100 communicates with each device, such as the toilet seat device 2, the human presence sensor 32, the seating sensor 33, and the illuminance sensor 34, and receives various pieces of information from each device. In this case, the toilet seat device 2 may also have a configuration (such as a control circuit) for controlling various components of the toilet seat device 2, such as the nozzle motor 61. Note that the above is merely an example, and the biological information measurement system 1 can employ any device configuration as long as it is capable of performing the desired processing.

[0088] <1-6. Functional configuration of the control device> The functional configuration of the control device will be described below with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the control device 100 has a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130. Note that the configuration of the control device 100 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 6, and may have other configurations as long as the desired processing can be realized. For example, the control device 100 does not need to have the communication unit 110.

[0089] The communication unit 110 is realized by, for example, a communication circuit or the like. The communication unit 110 is connected to a predetermined network by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from an external information processing device. For example, the communication unit 110 is connected to a predetermined network by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from other devices such as the operating device 30. Note that the communication unit 110 may be configured as a device (communication device) separate from the control device 100, and may be included in the toilet seat device 2.

[0090] The storage unit 120 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. For example, the storage unit 120 is a computer-readable recording medium that non-temporarily records data used by various information processing programs and the like.

[0091] The storage unit 120 according to the embodiment stores various pieces of information necessary for processing. The storage unit 120 stores various pieces of information acquired from other devices such as various sensors. The storage unit 120 stores various pieces of information used in various types of information processing. For example, the storage unit 120 stores information related to reference value control such as target values.

[0092] 6, the explanation will be continued. The control unit 130 is realized, for example, by an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a CPU (Central Processing Unit), or the like executing a program stored inside the control device 100 (for example, various information processing programs related to the present disclosure) using a RAM or the like as a working area. The control unit 130 may also be realized, for example, by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0093] 6, control unit 130 has an acquisition unit 131, a processing unit 132, and an output unit 133, and realizes or executes the functions and actions of information processing described below. Note that the internal configuration of control unit 130 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 6, and other configurations may be used as long as they perform the information processing described below.

[0094] The acquisition unit 131 acquires various types of information. The acquisition unit 131 acquires various types of information from the storage unit 120. The acquisition unit 131 receives information from other devices. The acquisition unit 131 receives information (detection information, etc.) detected by various sensors from the various sensors.

[0095] The acquisition unit 131 acquires information (detection information, etc.) detected by the seating detection means from the seating detection means. The acquisition unit 131 receives information (detection information, etc.) detected by at least one of the human sensor 32, the seating sensor 33, and the illuminance sensor 34 from that sensor.

[0096] The acquisition unit 131 acquires defecation act use prediction information based on detection by the seating detection means. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires defecation act use prediction information indicating that the user is seated.

[0097] Processing unit 132 performs various processes. Processing unit 132 performs various processes using information stored in storage unit 120. Processing unit 132 controls gas detection device 20.

[0098] The processing unit 132 controls the gas detection device 20 so that the measurement value of the gas sensor 40 falls within a predetermined range when the user is not using the toilet 7, and performs reference value control to control the measurement value used as the reference value to a predetermined value. The processing unit 132 performs reference value control to control the reference value to a predetermined value by changing the resistance value of the resistive element of the gas sensor 40. The processing unit 132 performs reference value control every time fecal gas measurement is completed. The processing unit 132 performs reference value control by processing to feed back the measurement value of the gas sensor 40.

[0099] The processing unit 132 executes the reference value control when the acquisition unit 131 acquires defecation action use prediction information that predicts the defecation action of the user. The processing unit 132 executes the reference value control when the acquisition unit 131 acquires defecation action use prediction information that indicates the user sitting on the toilet seat 5.

[0100] The processing unit 132 performs a determination process. The processing unit 132 performs the determination process using various pieces of information stored in the storage unit 120. The processing unit 132 uses various pieces of information acquired by the acquisition unit 131 to determine whether or not to execute reference value control.

[0101] The processing unit 132 performs a calculation process. The processing unit 132 performs a calculation process using various pieces of information stored in the storage unit 120. The processing unit 132 performs a calculation process using various pieces of information acquired by the acquisition unit 131.

[0102] The processing unit 132 calculates various pieces of information related to the gas. The processing unit 132 calculates values ​​based on the measurement values ​​measured by the gas detection device 20. The processing unit 132 calculates the resistance value of the sensor element based on the voltage value measured by the gas sensor 40. For example, the processing unit 132 calculates the resistance value of the sensor element from the measured voltage value using a function that indicates the relationship between the voltage value and the resistance value of the sensor element. The processing unit 132 calculates the resistance value of the sensor element using equation (1).

[0103] The processing unit 132 may calculate the gas concentration based on the calculated resistance value of the sensor element. In this case, the processing unit 132 calculates the gas concentration from the calculated resistance value using a function that indicates the relationship between the resistance value and the gas concentration.

[0104] The output unit 133 executes output processing to output various types of information. The output unit 133 functions as a transmission unit that transmits various types of information. The output unit 133 executes output processing by transmitting information to an external information processing device. The output unit 133 transmits information to an external information processing device. For example, the output unit 133 transmits various types of information to the estimation means 200. For example, the output unit 133 transmits various types of information to an administrator device such as a personal computer or smartphone used by an administrator of the estimation means 200. The output unit 133 may also execute output processing by transmitting information to the operation device 30 (or the display screen 31).

[0105] Output unit 133 transmits various types of information used by estimation means 200 in the estimation process to estimation means 200. Output unit 133 transmits information indicating measurement values ​​measured by gas detection apparatus 20. Output unit 133 transmits information indicating values ​​calculated by processing unit 132.

[0106] <1-7. Gas sensors> Next, an example of the configuration of a gas sensor will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a gas sensor. Specifically, Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration CR of a semiconductor gas sensor 40.

[0107] The gas sensor 40 includes a sensor element and a resistance element for measurement. In Fig. 7, the gas sensor 40 has a circuit configuration CR in which the sensor element (corresponding to the sensor resistor RS in Fig. 7) and the resistance element for measurement (corresponding to the resistance element RL in Fig. 7) are connected in series.

[0108] In the semiconductor gas sensor 40, a value related to the amount of gas is calculated using the following formula (1): Formula (1) corresponds to the circuit configuration CR shown in FIG. 7 and is the same formula as the function FC1 in FIG.

[0109] RS =((Vc-Vout) / Vout)×RL… (1)

[0110] "RS" in formula (1) represents the resistance value of the sensor element. For example, "RS" in formula (1) represents the resistance value of the sensor resistor RS, which is an example of a value calculated based on measurements by the gas sensor 40. In this way, formula (1) is a formula for calculating the resistance value.

[0111] "RL" in equation (1) represents the resistance value of the resistive element RL. "Vc" in equation (1) represents the voltage value of the circuit voltage Vc. "Vout" in equation (1) represents the voltage value of the output voltage Vout of the resistive element. For example, "Vout" in equation (1) represents the voltage value of the resistive element RL, which is an example of a measurement value measured by the gas sensor 40.

[0112] The resistance value of the sensor resistor RS in equation (1) is an index related to the amount of gas. The biological information measurement system 1 calculates an index (resistance value) related to the amount of gas from the measured value (voltage value), and calculates the amount of gas from the calculated resistance value. Note that a detailed explanation of the principles of semiconductor gas sensors will be omitted, but for example, "RH" shown only in the circuit configuration CR in Figure 7 corresponds to a heater (resistance) for heating the sensor element, and "V H " corresponds to the heater voltage. The gas sensor in the present invention is not limited to a semiconductor sensor, and any sensor that satisfies the above formula (1) can be used instead.

[0113] <1-8. Reference value control> Next, a description will be given of an example of processing related to reference value control assuming the configuration of the gas sensor 40 described above. First, before describing processing related to reference value control, a description will be given of changes in resolution due to differences in reference values. For example, the reference value is a measurement value (voltage value) before measuring fecal gas, and is a value used as a baseline.

[0114] For example, let us consider a case where the voltage value (measured value) of the output voltage Vout changes from 2.5V to 2.7V. In this example, 2.5V is the reference value (baseline), and the voltage value increases by 0.2V from there. First, when the voltage value of the output voltage Vout is 2.5V, the following equation (2) is obtained.

[0115] RS = ((5-2.5) / 2.5) × RL … (2)

[0116] As shown in equation (2), when the voltage value of the output voltage Vout is 2.5 V, "RS=1RL".

[0117] Next, when the voltage value of the output voltage Vout is 2.7 V, the following equation (3) is obtained.

[0118] RS = ((5-2.7) / 2.7) × RL … (3)

[0119] As shown in equation (3), when the voltage value of the output voltage Vout is 2.7 V, "RS = 0.852RL." In this way, when the voltage value of the output voltage Vout changes from 2.5 V to 2.7 V, the resistance value of the sensor resistor RS decreases by about 14.8%.

[0120] For example, let us consider a case where the voltage value (measured value) of the output voltage Vout changes from 4.5V to 4.7V. In this example, 4.5V is the reference value (baseline), and the voltage value increases by 0.2V from there. First, when the voltage value of the output voltage Vout is 4.5V, the following equation (4) is obtained.

[0121] RS = ((5-4.5) / 4.5) × RL … (4)

[0122] As shown in equation (4), when the voltage value of the output voltage Vout is 4.5 V, "RS=0.11RL".

[0123] Next, when the voltage value of the output voltage Vout is 4.7 V, the following equation (5) is obtained.

[0124] RS = ((5-4.7) / 4.7) × RL … (5)

[0125] As shown in equation (5), when the voltage value of the output voltage Vout is 4.7 V, "RS = 0.06RL." In this way, when the voltage value of the output voltage Vout changes from 4.5 V to 4.7 V, the resistance value of the sensor resistor RS decreases by about 42.5%.

[0126] As mentioned above, even with the same 0.2V change, the amount of change in the resistance value of the sensor resistor RS varies depending on the reference value. In this way, when the reference value changes, the resolution also changes. Therefore, in order to suppress changes in resolution and stabilize the resolution, it is desirable to suppress changes in the reference value.

[0127] On the other hand, the reference value output tends to vary depending on the usage environment of the gas sensor. Toilet spaces (such as the space inside the toilet room R) tend to be noisy. Examples of noise in toilet spaces include air fresheners, detergents, alcohol disinfectants, perfumes, fecal gas from the previous user, deodorizing fan flow rate, temperature, humidity, odors adhering to the toilet bowl, user movement, opening and closing of the toilet lid, and opening and closing of the door. In addition, the usage environment of the gas sensor involves a suction device (such as suction device 10) constantly supplying air to the gas sensor.

[0128] The measurement value (reference value) is prone to change due to the two factors mentioned above. That is, the reference value is prone to change depending on the toilet space and the environment in which the gas sensor is used, and the resolution is prone to change. When the resolution changes, the influence of noise on the measurement also changes, making it difficult to properly execute gas measurement processing.

[0129] For example, when evaluating gas volume, concentration, and calculated scores based on their changes over time, changes in resolution have a particularly large impact on the evaluation. For example, if the resolution changes with each measurement, the degree of noise influence changes, which affects the evaluation based on changes over time. In other words, when evaluating changes over time, changes in resolution can lead to incorrect evaluations. For example, when evaluating gas volume, concentration, and calculated scores based on their changes over time, changes in resolution can affect the evaluation.

[0130] Therefore, in order to stabilize the resolution, the biological information measurement system 1 performs reference value control to suppress changes in the reference value. For example, the biological information measurement system 1 controls the gas detection device 20 so that the measurement value of the gas sensor 40 falls within a predetermined range when the user is not using the toilet 7, and performs reference value control to control the measurement value used as the reference value to a predetermined value.

[0131] The biological information measurement system 1 then executes processing related to fecal gas measurement using the reference value controlled by the reference value control. For example, the gas detection device 20 executes processing related to fecal gas measurement using the reference value controlled by the control device 100 through reference value control.

[0132] <1-8-1. Overview of Reference Value Control> An example of reference value control performed by the biological information measuring system 1 will be described below. First, an overview of reference value control will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of reference value control according to the embodiment.

[0133] The biological information measurement system 1 changes the resistance value of the resistance element used for measurement to suppress changes in the reference value. That is, in the circuit configuration CR of the semiconductor gas sensor 40, a variable resistor is used for the resistance element RL, which is the resistance element used for measurement. As shown in FIG. 8, the biological information measurement system 1 changes the resistance value of the resistance element RL so that the reference value (measured value) becomes a predetermined value (target value). For example, the target value is set to a value that can be measured as a voltage value of the resistance element RL. Note that the target value can be set to any value, and may be set to a value that provides the best resolution.

[0134] 8 shows an example of control of the measurement value by reference value control, where the vertical axis represents the measurement value (voltage value of the resistance element RL) and the horizontal axis represents the passage of time. For example, time t11 in the graph GR11 corresponds to the time before the start of measurement of fecal gas.

[0135] Line LN11 of graph GR11 indicates the change over time in the measurement value (voltage value of resistor element RL). As shown in FIG. 8, the biological information measurement system 1 performs reference value control at time t11 before the start of measurement of fecal gas, and changes the resistance value of resistor element RL so that the measurement value (voltage value of resistor element RL) serving as the reference value becomes the target value. The biological information measurement system 1 performs reference value control at any timing before the user starts to defecate. For example, the biological information measurement system 1 may detect that the user is sitting using a seating detection means or the like, and start reference value control at the detection timing. The timing of reference value control will be described later. Then, after time t11, the biological information measurement system 1 performs measurement of the user's fecal gas based on the reference value (baseline) controlled by reference value control.

[0136] As a result, the biological information measurement system 1 can suppress changes in resolution through reference value control even when the measurement value changes. The biological information measurement system 1 can eliminate the effects of noise factors such as temperature, humidity, and air fresheners. Note that the above-described reference value control process is merely an example, and the biological information measurement system 1 may perform reference value control at any timing and in any manner, for example, continuously at timings other than when the seating detection means is performing detection. This point will be explained below.

[0137] <1-8-2. Reference value control timing example> Next, an example of the timing of the reference value control will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the timing of the reference value control according to the embodiment. Note that the same points as those described in Fig. 8 will not be described again as appropriate.

[0138] The biological information measurement system 1 executes the reference value control after each end of a fecal gas measurement. Specifically, the biological information measurement system 1 executes the reference value control before each fecal gas measurement.

[0139] Graph GR21 in Fig. 9 shows an example of measurement value control by reference value control for each fecal gas measurement executed by the biological information measurement system 1 in response to the user's use of the toilet room R. Line LN21 of graph GR21 shows the change over time in the measurement value (voltage value of resistor element RL).

[0140] The measurement process MS1 in Fig. 9 corresponds to the first measurement of fecal gas among the multiple (two) fecal gas measurements shown in Fig. 9. For example, the measurement process MS1 shows an example of fecal gas measurement for a user (also referred to as "user U1") who uses the toilet room R for the first time among the two times shown in Fig. 9. As shown in the measurement process MS1, user U1 uses the toilet room R by following the steps of entering the toilet room R, sitting on the toilet seat 5, defecating into the bowl portion 8, lifting from the toilet seat 5, and exiting the toilet room R.

[0141] For example, time t21 in graph GR21 corresponds to a time before the start of measurement of user U1's bowel gas. As shown in FIG. 9, the biological information measurement system 1 performs reference value control at time t21 before the start of measurement of user U1's bowel gas, i.e., the start of the first bowel gas measurement, and changes the resistance value of the resistive element RL so that the measured value (voltage value of the resistive element RL) serving as the reference value becomes a target value. For example, the biological information measurement system 1 may detect that user U1 is sitting using a seating detection means, and start reference value control at the timing of detection. Then, after time t21, the biological information measurement system 1 performs measurement of user U1's bowel gas based on the reference value (baseline) controlled by the reference value control.

[0142] Furthermore, measurement process MS2 in Fig. 9 corresponds to the second measurement of fecal gas among the multiple (two) fecal gas measurements shown in Fig. 9. For example, measurement process MS2 shows an example of fecal gas measurement for a user (also referred to as "user U2") who is using the toilet room R for the second time among the two times shown in Fig. 9. As shown in measurement process MS2, user U2 uses the toilet room R by entering the toilet room R, sitting on the toilet seat 5, defecating into the bowl 8, lifting from the toilet seat 5, and exiting the toilet room R. Note that user U2 may be a different user from user U1, or may be the same user as user U1.

[0143] For example, time t22 in graph GR21 corresponds to the time before the start of measurement of user U2's defecation gas, i.e., the second defecation gas measurement. As shown in FIG. 9, the biological information measurement system 1 executes reference value control at time t22 before the start of measurement of user U2's defecation gas, and changes the resistance value of the resistive element RL so that the measured value (voltage value of the resistive element RL) serving as the reference value becomes the target value. For example, the biological information measurement system 1 may detect that user U2 is sitting using a seating detection means, and start reference value control at the timing of detection. Then, after time t22, the biological information measurement system 1 performs defecation gas measurement of user U2 based on the reference value (baseline) controlled by the reference value control.

[0144] As described above, the biological information measurement system 1 performs reference value control every time before measuring fecal gas. In this way, the biological information measurement system 1 can perform reference value control every time before the next fecal gas measurement, thereby reducing changes in resolution between fecal gas measurements. The biological information measurement system 1 can eliminate the influence of noise factors such as fecal gas from the previous user and odors adhering to the toilet bowl.

[0145] <1-8-3. Feedback control of reference value> Next, feedback control of the reference value will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing feedback control of the reference value. The biological information measurement system 1 executes the reference value control by processing of feeding back the measurement value of the gas sensor 40.

[0146] The biological information measurement system 1 controls the measurement value of the gas sensor 40 to be controlled by controlling a variable resistor (resistance element RL) which is a controller, as in the feedback control FB shown in Fig. 10. In this way, the biological information measurement system 1 performs reference value control of the resistance element RL which is a variable resistor by a feedback control principle using the measurement value of the gas sensor 40. This allows the biological information measurement system 1 to control based on the current measurement value of the gas sensor 40.

[0147] <1-8-4. Controlling baseline values ​​before defecation> Next, a specific example of the timing of reference value control will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of behavior before defecation. The biological information measurement system 1 detects the pre-defecation behavior based on a plurality of pre-defecation behaviors shown in a pre-defecation behavior list LT1 in Fig. 11, and performs reference value control.

[0148] The biological information measurement system 1 may detect the user's action of opening the door of the toilet room R as a pre-defecation action, and perform reference value control for the toilet room R at the timing when the user's action of opening the door of the toilet room R is detected. In this case, the biological information measurement system 1 has a door sensor that detects the opening and closing of the door of the toilet room R, and obtains information indicating the user's action of opening the door of the toilet room R based on the detection by the door sensor.

[0149] The biological information measurement system 1 may detect the user's act of locking the door of the toilet room R as a pre-defecation act, and perform reference value control for the toilet room R at the timing when the user's act of locking the door of the toilet room R is detected. In this case, the biological information measurement system 1 has a door sensor that detects whether the door of the toilet room R is locked, and obtains information indicating the user's act of locking the door of the toilet room R based on the detection by the door sensor.

[0150] The biological information measurement system 1 may detect the user's act of turning on the light in the toilet room R as a pre-defecation act, and may perform reference value control for the toilet room R at the timing of detecting the user's act of turning on the light in the toilet room R. In this case, the biological information measurement system 1 may acquire information indicating the user's act of turning on the light in the toilet room R based on detection by the illuminance sensor 34, or may acquire information indicating the act of turning on the light in the toilet room R based on the ON / OFF state of the illuminance switch.

[0151] The biological information measurement system 1 may detect the user's approach to the toilet seat 5 of the toilet room R as a pre-defecation action, and perform reference value control for the toilet room R at the timing when the user's approach to the toilet seat 5 of the toilet room R is detected. In this case, the biological information measurement system 1 acquires information indicating the user's action of turning on the light in the toilet room R based on detection by the human presence sensor 32.

[0152] The biological information measurement system 1 may detect the user's act of opening the toilet lid 9 of the toilet room R as a pre-defecation act, and perform reference value control for the toilet room R at the timing when the user's act of opening the toilet lid 9 of the toilet room R is detected. In this case, the biological information measurement system 1 has an open / close detection sensor that detects the opening and closing of the toilet lid 9 of the toilet room R, and obtains information indicating the user's act of opening the toilet lid 9 of the toilet room R based on the detection by the open / close detection sensor.

[0153] The biological information measurement system 1 may detect the act of the user sitting on the toilet seat 5 of the toilet room R as a pre-defecation act, and perform reference value control for the toilet room R at the timing when the act of the user sitting on the toilet seat 5 of the toilet room R is detected. In this case, the biological information measurement system 1 acquires information indicating the act of the user sitting on the toilet seat 5 of the toilet room R based on detection by each sensor, which is an example of a seating detection means, shown in the seating detection list LT2 in Fig. 12.

[0154] The load sensor in the seating detection list LT2 corresponds to the seating sensor 33, the illuminance sensor corresponds to the illuminance sensor 34, and the human presence sensor corresponds to the human presence sensor 32. The biological information measurement system 1 detects that the user is seated by the seating detection means and starts reference value control at the timing of detection. By performing reference value control at the timing of sitting in this way, the biological information measurement system 1 can perform reference value control at the timing of sitting when there is little change in air quality until defecation, making it possible to set reference values ​​more appropriately.

[0155] The biological information measurement system 1 may detect the user's action of reserving toilet room R as a pre-defecation action, and perform reference value control for toilet room R at a timing based on the user's action of reserving toilet room R. In this case, the biological information measurement system 1 acquires reservation information indicating the reservation of toilet room R from an external device that manages reservations for toilet room R, and performs reference value control for toilet room R at a timing based on the acquired reservation information. For example, the biological information measurement system 1 may perform reference value control for toilet room R at a timing when the reservation information is acquired. For example, if the reservation information includes a scheduled start time of use, the biological information measurement system 1 performs reference value control for toilet room R immediately before (for example, a few minutes before) the scheduled start time of use.

[0156] The biological information measurement system 1 may detect an action of the user synchronizing the user's user terminal with a device in the toilet room R (e.g., the toilet seat device 2, etc.) as a pre-defecation action, and may perform reference value control for the toilet room R at the timing of detecting the user's action of synchronizing the user terminal with the device in the toilet room R. In this case, the biological information measurement system 1 may perform reference value control for the toilet room R at the timing of acquiring synchronization start information indicating that synchronization between the user's user terminal and the device in the toilet room R will start.

[0157] As described above, the biological information measurement system 1 defines any of various actions as a pre-defecation action and performs reference value control at a timing based on that action. In this way, the biological information measurement system 1 can perform reference value control before a defecation action, allowing for more effective control. The biological information measurement system 1 can eliminate the effects of noise factors such as detergents, alcohol disinfectants, door opening and closing, user movement, perfume, and the opening and closing of the toilet lid.

[0158] The above-described embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate within the scope of not causing any contradiction in the processing content.

[0159] Further advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0160] The above-described embodiments and modifications may have the following configurations, but are not limited to these. (1) A biological information measurement system for measuring biological information of a user of a toilet room based on fecal gas discharged into a bowl of a toilet installed in the toilet room, comprising: a gas detection device having a gas sensor that reacts to a gas contained in the atmosphere; a control device for controlling the gas detection device; and The gas sensor includes a sensor element and a resistance element for measurement, The control device Controlling the gas detection device so that the measurement value by the gas sensor falls within a predetermined range when the user is not using the toilet, and executing reference value control to control the measurement value used as a reference value to a predetermined value; The gas detection device includes: Executes a process related to fecal gas measurement using the reference value controlled by the reference value control. A biological information measuring system characterized by: (2) The control device The reference value control is performed by changing the resistance value of the resistor element of the gas sensor to control the reference value to the predetermined value. The biological information measuring system according to (1) above. (3) The control device The reference value control is executed each time the fecal gas measurement is completed. The biological information measuring system according to (1) or (2) above. (4) The control device The reference value control is performed by a process of feeding back the measurement value of the gas sensor. The biological information measuring system according to (3) above. (5) The control device Obtaining defecation activity use prediction information relating to information predicting the defecation activity of the user, and executing the reference value control when the defecation activity use prediction information is obtained The biological information measuring system according to (3) or (4) above. (6) a seating detection means for detecting the user sitting on the toilet seat of the toilet bowl; and The control device and obtaining predicted information on use for defecation based on detection by the seating detection means, and executing the reference value control when the predicted information on use for defecation is obtained. The biological information measuring system according to (5) above. (7) A toilet seat device that measures biological information of a user of a toilet room based on defecation gas discharged into a bowl of a toilet installed in the toilet room, a gas detection device having a gas sensor that reacts to a gas contained in the atmosphere; a control device for controlling the gas detection device; and The gas sensor includes a sensor element and a resistance element for measurement, The control device Controlling the gas detection device so that the measurement value by the gas sensor falls within a predetermined range when the user is not using the toilet, and executing reference value control to control the measurement value used as a reference value to a predetermined value; The gas detection device includes: Executes a process related to fecal gas measurement using the reference value controlled by the reference value control. A toilet seat device characterized by: [Explanation of symbols]

[0161] 1. Biometric information measurement system 2 Toilet seat device 3 Main body 4. Measuring equipment 5 toilet seats 6 Cleaning nozzle 7 Toilet 8 Bowl 9 Toilet lid 10 Suction device 20 Gas detection equipment 40 Gas Sensor 100 control device 110 Communications Department 120 Storage section 130 Control Unit 131 Acquisition Department 132 Processing section 133 Output section 200 Estimation means R Toilet Room

Claims

1. A biometric information measurement system that measures the biometric information of a user of a toilet room based on the fecal gas discharged into the bowl of a toilet installed in the toilet room, A toilet seat is attached to the top of the aforementioned toilet. The aforementioned toilet seat device is A suction device for sucking gas from inside the bowl of the aforementioned toilet, A gas detection device comprising the aforementioned suction device and a gas sensor that reacts to gases contained in the gas, A control device for controlling the gas detection device, It has, The toilet seat device is provided with a first duct that communicates with the inside of the bowl, a second duct that communicates with the outside of the main body of the toilet seat device, and a passage that connects the first duct and the second duct and through which gas from inside the bowl flows. The aforementioned gas sensor has a sensor element and a measuring resistance element arranged within it. The control device is The gas detection device is controlled so that the air measurement value in the toilet bowl measured by the gas sensor falls within a predetermined range when the user is not using the toilet, and a reference value control is performed to control the measurement value used as a reference value to a predetermined value. The aforementioned gas detection device is The process related to measuring defecation gas is executed using the reference value controlled by the aforementioned reference value control. A biological information measurement system characterized by the following features.

2. The control device is The reference value control is performed by changing the resistance value of the resistive element of the gas sensor to control the reference value to the predetermined value. The biological information measurement system according to feature 1.

3. The gas sensor has a circuit configuration in which the sensor element and the resistive element are connected in series between the power terminal and the ground terminal, The measured value is the voltage value output from the connection point between the sensor element and the resistor element. The control device performs the reference value control by changing the resistance value of the resistive element so that the resistance value of the sensor element placed in the flow path is equal to the resistance value of the resistive element placed outside the flow path, and the voltage value is half the voltage of the power supply terminal. The biological information measurement system according to feature 2.

4. The control device is The reference value control is executed after each completion of the excretory gas measurement. A biological information measurement system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the features described above.

5. The control device is The reference value control is performed by a process that feeds back the measured value of the gas sensor. The biological information measurement system according to feature 4.

6. The control device is The system acquires information predicting the user's defecation behavior, and when it acquires the information predicting the user's defecation behavior, it executes the control based on the reference value. The biological information measurement system according to feature 4.

7. Seating detection means for detecting when the user sits on the toilet seat of the toilet, It has, The control device is The system acquires defecation behavior prediction information based on detection by the seating detection means, and executes the reference value control when the defecation behavior prediction information is acquired. The biological information measurement system according to feature 6.

8. A toilet seat device that measures the biometric information of a user of a toilet room based on the fecal gas discharged into the bowl of a toilet installed in the toilet room, A toilet seat is attached to the top of the aforementioned toilet. The aforementioned toilet seat device is A suction device for sucking gas from inside the bowl of the aforementioned toilet, A gas detection device comprising the aforementioned suction device and a gas sensor that reacts to gases contained in the gas, A control device for controlling the gas detection device, It has, The toilet seat device is provided with a first duct that communicates with the inside of the bowl, a second duct that communicates with the outside of the main body of the toilet seat device, and a passage that connects the first duct and the second duct and through which gas from inside the bowl flows. The aforementioned gas sensor has a sensor element and a measuring resistance element arranged within it. The control device is The gas detection device is controlled so that the air measurement value in the toilet bowl measured by the gas sensor falls within a predetermined range when the user is not using the toilet, and a reference value control is performed to control the measurement value used as a reference value to a predetermined value. The aforementioned gas detection device is The process related to measuring defecation gas is executed using the reference value controlled by the aforementioned reference value control. A toilet seat device characterized by the following features.

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