Toilet system

Abstract

To provide a toilet system capable of accurately estimating a body fat burning state.SOLUTION: A toilet system comprising a toilet device including a toilet seat on which a user is seated, a skin gas sensor provided in the toilet device and configured to detect acetone gas emitted from skin of the user, a blood flow sensor provided in the toilet device and configured to detect a blood flow of the user, a controller configured to estimate a body fat burning state of the user based on a detection result of the skin gas sensor and a detection result of the blood flow sensor, and a notifier configured to notify an estimation result of the controller.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION Aspects of the present invention relate generally to toilet systems. [Background technology]

[0002] A technique is known in which the amount of acetone contained in skin gas is measured and the amount of body fat burned is estimated from the amount of acetone (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-70612 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, acetone is produced not only during exercise but also during starvation. Therefore, even if the amount of acetone contained in skin gas is the same, the state of body fat burning may differ. Therefore, estimating the state of body fat burning based solely on the amount of acetone contained in skin gas may result in poor accuracy.

[0005] The present invention has been made based on the recognition of the above problem, and aims to provide a toilet system that can accurately estimate the body fat burning state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention is a toilet system comprising: a toilet device having a toilet seat on which a user sits; a skin gas sensor provided in the toilet device that detects acetone gas emitted from the user's skin; a blood flow sensor provided in the toilet device that detects the user's blood flow; a control unit that estimates the user's body fat burning state based on the detection results of the skin gas sensor and the blood flow sensor; and an alarm unit that notifies the control unit of the estimation result.

[0007] According to this toilet system, the control unit estimates the body fat burning state based on the detection results of the skin gas sensor and the blood flow sensor, thereby enabling the body fat burning state to be estimated with high accuracy.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention is a toilet system in the first aspect, characterized in that the control unit estimates whether or not the user is in a state in which body fat is likely to be burned through exercise based on the detection results of the skin gas sensor and the detection results of the blood flow sensor.

[0009] According to this toilet system, the control unit can estimate whether the user is in a state in which body fat is likely to be burned through exercise based on the detection results of the skin gas sensor and the blood flow sensor, thereby estimating the body fat burning state when the user exercises.

[0010] A third aspect of the present invention is the toilet system according to the first aspect, characterized in that the notification unit notifies a recommendation for the body fat burning state.

[0011] According to this toilet system, the notification unit notifies the user of a recommendation regarding the body fat burning state, thereby urging the user to take appropriate measures according to the body fat burning state.

[0012] A fourth aspect of the present invention is a toilet system characterized in that, in the first aspect, it further comprises a memory unit that stores the estimation result, and the notification unit notifies the estimation result for a predetermined period stored in the memory unit.

[0013] According to this toilet system, the notification unit notifies the user of the estimated results for a predetermined period stored in the memory unit, allowing the user to understand the body fat burning state for the past predetermined period.

[0014] A fifth aspect of the present invention is the toilet system according to the fourth aspect, characterized in that the notification unit notifies a recommendation regarding the body fat burning state for the predetermined period.

[0015] According to this toilet system, the notification unit notifies the user of a recommendation regarding the body fat burning state over a predetermined period of time, thereby encouraging the user to take appropriate measures according to the body fat burning state over the past predetermined period of time.

[0016] A sixth aspect of the present invention is a toilet system according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, characterized in that the toilet seat has a seating portion on which the user sits, a bottom portion opposite the seating portion, and a recessed portion recessed from the seating portion toward the bottom portion, and the skin gas sensor is located below the upper surface of the seating portion and provided in the recessed portion.

[0017] According to this toilet system, the skin gas sensor is located in the recess, below the upper surface of the seat, and can therefore efficiently detect skin gases that fill the recess. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to an aspect of the present invention, a toilet system capable of accurately estimating a body fat burning state is provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a toilet unit of a toilet system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a communication system of the toilet system. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the positional relationship between a user seated on a toilet seat and a skin gas sensor. [Figure 4] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the toilet seat and the skin gas sensor in FIG. 1, as viewed from the direction of arrow AA. [Figure 5] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the toilet seat and the blood flow sensor in FIG. 1 as viewed from the direction of arrow BB. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a series of flows of actions of a user using a toilet unit and a control process for estimating a metabolic state. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a skin gas and blood flow control process executed by the control unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the detection result of the skin gas sensor displayed on the notification unit of the information terminal. [Figure 9] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a detection result of a blood flow sensor displayed on a notification unit of an information terminal. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a body fat burning state estimated by the control unit. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a body fat burning state estimated by the control unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, like components are designated by like reference numerals and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a toilet unit of a toilet system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a communication system of the toilet system. FIG. 3 is a side view showing the positional relationship between a user seated on a toilet seat and the skin gas sensor. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the toilet seat and the skin gas sensor in FIG. 1 as viewed from the direction of arrow AA. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the toilet seat and the blood flow sensor in FIG. 1 as viewed from the direction of arrow BB.

[0022] The toilet system 500 estimates the metabolic state of a user U. The toilet system 500 includes a toilet unit 2, an information terminal 60, and a management device 70. As shown in FIG. 1, the toilet unit 2 includes a toilet device 10, a skin gas sensor 40, and a blood flow sensor 53. The toilet device 10 is installed in a toilet room. The toilet device 10 includes a toilet bowl 11, a casing 12, a toilet seat 20, and a toilet lid 30. The toilet bowl 11 is a so-called seated toilet bowl. The toilet bowl 11 has a concave bowl portion 11a that is recessed downward. The toilet bowl 11 receives excrement such as urine and feces from the user U in the bowl portion 11a.

[0023] In this specification, the terms "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left side," and "right side" refer to directions as seen by a user U sitting on the toilet seat 20 with their back to the open toilet lid 30.

[0024] The casing 12 is installed on top of the toilet bowl 11. The casing 12 may be attached integrally to the toilet bowl 11, or may be detachably attached to the toilet bowl 11. The casing 12 houses a plurality of functional parts for operating the functions of the toilet unit 2. The functional parts include, for example, an opening / closing unit that controls the opening and closing of the toilet seat 20 and the toilet lid 30, a toilet seat heating unit that controls the temperature of the toilet seat 20, a private parts washing unit that cleans private parts of the human body, a deodorizing unit that reduces odorous components, and a communication unit that can communicate with a remote control, an information terminal 60, and the like. These functional parts are provided as needed. The casing 12 also houses a control unit 15 that controls these functional parts and a memory unit 17 that stores information about the functional parts.

[0025] The toilet seat 20 has an outer edge curved to match the external shape of the toilet bowl 11, and is pivotally supported relative to the casing 12. The toilet seat 20 has an opening 20a that penetrates into the bowl portion 11a. As shown in FIG. 1, this example shows a so-called O-shaped toilet seat 20 with the opening 20a formed in the center of the toilet seat 20. The toilet seat 20 is not limited to an O-shape and may be U-shaped or the like. A user U can defecate into the bowl portion 11a while sitting on the toilet seat 20. The toilet seat 20 has a seating portion 21 on which the user U sits, a bottom portion 22 facing the seating portion 21, a recessed portion 23 recessed from the seating portion 21 toward the bottom portion 22, and a recessed portion 25 recessed from the seating portion 21 toward the bottom portion 22.

[0026] Seating section 21 forms the upper surface of toilet seat 20 when toilet seat 20 is placed on toilet bowl 11 in the closed state, and is the part on which user U sits. Bottom section 22 faces the top surface of toilet bowl 11 in the vertical direction when closed. A heater wire and a heat insulating material are provided inside toilet seat 20 to keep seating section 21 warm. Also provided inside toilet seat 20 are a skin gas sensor 40 and a blood flow sensor 53, which will be described later.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 4, the recessed portion 23 is provided inside the toilet seat 20. The recessed portion 23 is provided in a portion of the toilet seat 20 that is located below the thigh U1 of a user U seated on the seating portion 21. As shown in FIG. 1, in this example, the recessed portion 23 is provided to the left of the center in the left-right direction of the toilet seat 20. In other words, the recessed portion 23 is located below the left thigh U1 of a user U seated on the toilet seat 20. Note that the recessed portion 23 may also be provided to the right of the center in the left-right direction of the toilet seat 20.

[0028] Recess 23 has sidewall 23a extending from seat 21 toward bottom 22, and undersurface 23b connecting the lower ends of sidewall 23a. The upper side of recess 23 is covered by seat 21. That is, recess 23 is located on the undersurface 21b side of seat 21, and forms space S that is surrounded above, below, in front, behind, left, and right sides. Skin gas sensor 40 is provided in this space S.

[0029] The seat 21 has a through-hole 24 that penetrates from the upper surface 21a to the lower surface 21b at a position corresponding to the recess 23. The through-hole 24 connects the space S to the outside of the toilet seat 20. The through-hole 24 serves as a gas flow path that guides skin gas G emitted from the thighs U1 of a user U seated on the seat 21 into the space S of the recess 23. Here, skin gas refers to gas containing volatile components that is emitted from the surface of a person's body. The emission pathways of skin gas can be classified into surface-reaction-derived pathways, in which components of sweat and sebum interact with resident bacteria and are emitted from the skin surface; skin gland-derived pathways, in which components in blood volatilize and are emitted directly from the skin; and blood-derived pathways, in which components in blood volatilize and are emitted directly from the skin. In this example, blood-derived skin gas is the target. The through-hole 24 may be provided with a filter (not shown) that allows gas to pass through but blocks liquid from passing through. This can prevent water and the like from entering the inside of the recessed portion 23.

[0030] The toilet lid 30 is pivotally supported on the casing 12. When closed, the toilet lid 30 covers the toilet seat 20. The toilet lid 30 is provided as needed and can be omitted.

[0031] Skin gas sensor 40 is provided in toilet device 10 and detects skin gas G emitted from the skin of user U. Skin gas sensor 40 detects skin gas G derived from the blood of user U. Skin gas sensor 40 can be, for example, a semiconductor gas sensor, an electrochemical sensor, a gas heat transfer sensor, a surface acoustic wave sensor, a catalytic combustion sensor, an optical sensor, a carbon nanotube sensor, a graphene sensor, an optical fiber sensor, a thin film sensor, a MEMS thermal conduction sensor, a micro thermoelectric sensor, an electromotive force change sensor, a gas chromatography measurement sensor, a VOC (volatile organic compound) sensor, or the like.

[0032] Skin gas sensor 40 is provided on toilet seat 20. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, skin gas sensor 40 is located below upper surface 21a of seating portion 21 and provided in recess 23. That is, skin gas sensor 40 is provided in recess 23 without contacting thigh U1 of user U. Skin gas G emitted from thigh U1 of user U flows into space S through through-hole 24. Skin gas sensor 40 detects skin gas G that has filled space S. The detection results of skin gas sensor 40 are transmitted to management device 70 via information terminal 60, which will be described later.

[0033] Blood flow sensor 53 is provided on toilet seat 20, similar to skin gas sensor 40. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5 , blood flow sensor 53 is provided in recess 25, located below upper surface 21a of seating portion 21. Recess 25 is provided in a different position from recess 23, for example. Recess 25 has side wall 25a and lower surface 25b, similar to recess 23. Blood flow sensor 53 may be provided in recess 23 together with skin gas sensor 40.

[0034] The blood flow sensor 53 is provided on the underside 21b of the seating portion 21. The blood flow sensor 53 detects the blood flow of the user U while in contact with the thigh U1 of the user U seated on the toilet seat 20. The blood flow sensor 53 may also detect the blood flow of the user U without making contact with the user U. The blood flow sensor 53 is an optical sensor that detects the blood flow of the user U seated on the toilet seat 20, for example, using visible light or a laser. The blood flow sensor 53 irradiates light toward the thigh U1 of the user U, reflects it off the blood flow of the user U, and detects the reflected light.

[0035] The detection results of blood flow sensor 53 are transmitted to management device 70 via information terminal 60, which will be described later. Management device 70 estimates the metabolic state of user U based on the detection results of skin gas sensor 40 and blood flow sensor 53.

[0036] The seating sensor 45 detects whether the user U sits on or leaves the toilet seat 20. The seating sensor 45 is a contact sensor such as a tactile switch, electrostatic sensor, or strain sensor provided on the toilet seat 20. The seating sensor 45 may also be a pyroelectric sensor or distance sensor (infrared sensor) provided on the casing 12. The detection result of the seating sensor 45 is transmitted to the management device 70 via the information terminal 60 described below. The seating sensor 45 is provided as needed.

[0037] Control unit 15 is provided inside casing 12. Control unit 15 is connected to skin gas sensor 40, blood flow sensor 53, and seating sensor 45. Control unit 15 transmits the detection results of skin gas sensor 40, blood flow sensor 53, and seating sensor 45 to information terminal 60 via a communication unit (not shown). Control unit 15 also controls the operation of functional units provided inside casing 12. Note that the control of the functional units may be performed by a control unit separate from control unit 15.

[0038] Memory unit 17 stores information on skin gas sensor 40, information on blood flow sensor 53, information on seating sensor 45, and information on the functional units. Information on skin gas sensor 40 includes the detection results of skin gas sensor 40. Information on blood flow sensor 53 includes the detection results of blood flow sensor 53. Information on seating sensor 45 includes the detection results of seating sensor 45. Memory unit 17 also stores a program for controlling the operation of the functional units. Control unit 15 operates the functional units based on the program stored in memory unit 17.

[0039] The information terminal 60 is, for example, a smartphone or tablet terminal owned by the user U. However, the information terminal 60 is not limited to these and may be any terminal usable by the user U, such as a PC terminal. The information terminal 60 may be, for example, a remote control for operating the functional units of the toilet device 10. The information terminal 60 has a control unit 60a and a notification unit 60b.

[0040] The information terminal 60 is directly connected to the toilet device 10 via wireless communication. The information terminal 60 is capable of communicating with the toilet device 10 according to a Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard such as BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy). The information terminal 60 is also connected to the management device 70 via a network (e.g., the Internet). The information terminal 60 transmits various pieces of information transmitted from the toilet device 10 to the management device 70. The information terminal 60 also transmits various pieces of information transmitted from the management device 70 to the toilet device 10.

[0041] A program (application software) for using the toilet system 500 is installed in the information terminal 60. The control unit 60a operates the toilet system 500 based on the program. The control unit 60a also causes the notification unit 60b to notify various pieces of information transmitted from the toilet device 10 and the management device 70. The notification unit 60b is, for example, a display screen that displays various pieces of information. The notification unit 60b may also be an audio output unit that notifies various pieces of information by voice. The notification unit 60b notifies the estimation result of the metabolic state estimated by the control unit 70a of the management device 70.

[0042] The management device 70 is installed at a location away from the toilet room. The management device 70 is, for example, a cloud server, and is connected to the information terminal 60 via a network. The management device 70 may be installed in a building in which the toilet room is installed. The management device 70 has a control unit 70a and a storage unit 70b.

[0043] The control unit 70a estimates the metabolic state of the user U based on the detection results of the skin gas sensor 40. The storage unit 70b stores a program for skin gas and blood flow control processing for estimating the metabolic state of the user U.

[0044] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a series of flows of the behavior of a user who uses the toilet unit and the control process for estimating the metabolic state.

[0045] First, after entering the toilet, the user U performs personal authentication using the information terminal 60. The user U, for example, starts up application software on the information terminal 60, and performs personal authentication between the user U and the toilet device 10. Note that any method may be used to perform personal authentication of the user U who has entered the toilet, as long as it is possible to perform personal authentication of the user U.

[0046] Furthermore, the toilet system 500 obtains consent from the user U to skin gas detection and blood flow detection. For example, the toilet system 500 obtains consent from the user U to skin gas detection and blood flow detection by the user U operating the information terminal 60. Note that the toilet system 500 may obtain consent from the user U to skin gas detection and blood flow detection by any method. When consent from the user U is obtained, the toilet system 500 becomes available for use.

[0047] Thereafter, when user U sits on toilet seat 20, sensor detection is performed by skin gas sensor 40 and blood flow sensor 53. That is, skin gas sensor 40 detects skin gas G emitted from user U's skin (thigh U1), and blood flow sensor 53 detects user U's blood flow. Control unit 15 of toilet device 10 transmits the detection results of skin gas sensor 40 and blood flow sensor 53 to information terminal 60. In addition, information terminal 60 transmits the received detection results together with the user's unique identification information to management device 70.

[0048] When user U leaves toilet seat 20, sensor detection by skin gas sensor 40 and blood flow sensor 53 ends. Control unit 15 of toilet device 10 transmits the end of detection by skin gas sensor 40 and blood flow sensor 53 to information terminal 60. Information terminal 60 also transmits the end of detection together with the user's unique identification information to management device 70. Note that control unit 15 of toilet device 10 may transmit the detection results while user U was sitting on toilet seat 20 to information terminal 60 together after user U leaves toilet seat 20.

[0049] Control unit 70a of management device 70 estimates the metabolic state of user U from the detection results of skin gas sensor 40 and blood flow sensor 53. A calibration curve showing the relationship between known gas amounts and the output values ​​of skin gas sensor 40 is stored in memory unit 70b of management device 70. Control unit 70a calculates the difference between the output value of skin gas sensor 40 detected when user U is seated on toilet seat 20, for example, and the maximum output value of skin gas sensor 40 detected while user U is seated on toilet seat 20.

[0050] It should be noted that skin gas G of the user U who previously used the toilet device 10 may remain in the recess 23. Therefore, the control unit 70a may determine that it is not possible to estimate the metabolic state if the output value of the skin gas sensor 40 detected when the user U sits on the toilet seat 20 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0051] The control unit 70a calculates the amount E of skin gas G (hereinafter referred to as gas amount E) by applying the calculated difference value to a calibration curve stored in the memory unit 70b. The gas amount E is, for example, a diffusion flux. The metabolic state of the user U may be estimated from the concentration of skin gas G. The control unit 70a calculates the heart rate from the output value of the blood flow sensor 53 detected when the user U is seated on the toilet seat 20, for example.

[0052] The control unit 70a estimates the metabolic state of the user U based on the calculated gas amount E and heart rate. The control unit 70a transmits the calculated gas amount E, the calculated heart rate, and the estimated result of the metabolic state of the user U to the information terminal 60. The control unit 60a of the information terminal 60 causes the notification unit 60b to notify the received gas amount E, heart rate, and estimated result of the metabolic state. The user U can recognize his or her own metabolic state by checking the notification unit 60b.

[0053] Next, the skin gas control process executed by the control unit 70a will be described with reference to FIG. 7. The control unit 70a estimates the body fat burning state of the user U as the metabolic state of the user U. It is known that acetone increases when body fat is easily burned. Acetone dissolves in the blood, volatilizes from the blood, and dissipates from the skin (body surface) of the user U. Therefore, when body fat is easily burned, the acetone concentration in the blood increases, and the amount of acetone gas dissipated from the skin is thought to increase. Furthermore, when exercising, blood vessels expand and blood flow becomes smoother, increasing the heart rate, blood flow volume, and blood flow velocity. From these facts, the control unit 70a can estimate the body fat burning state of the user U based on blood flow information such as the amount of acetone gas and heart rate.

[0054] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the skin gas control process executed by the control unit. The control process shown in FIG. 7 is stored in advance in the storage unit 70b of the management device 70.

[0055] Here, the user U performs an initial setting before using the toilet system 500. This initial setting is to store the initial value of the amount of acetone gas emitted from the user U's skin and the initial value of the user U's heart rate in the memory unit 70b.

[0056] After user U has been personally authenticated using information terminal 60, he or she operates information terminal 60 to input initial setting instructions and sits on toilet seat 20. Skin gas sensor 40 detects acetone gas emitted from the skin (thigh U1) of user U sitting on toilet seat 20. Blood flow sensor 53 detects the blood flow of user U sitting on toilet seat 20. Control unit 15 of toilet device 10 transmits the output value of skin gas sensor 40 and the output value of blood flow sensor 53 to information terminal 60. Information terminal 60 transmits the received output value of skin gas sensor 40 and the output value of blood flow sensor 53 as initial setting information to management device 70 via the Internet, together with the user's unique identification information.

[0057] Control unit 70a of management device 70 stores, as initial values, in memory unit 70b, the amount of acetone gas E calculated from the output value (difference value) of skin gas sensor 40 transmitted from information terminal 60 and the heart rate H calculated from the output value of blood flow sensor 53. Control unit 70a stores, in memory unit 70b, a value 1.5 times the initial value of the amount of acetone gas as threshold E1 and a value 1.3 times the initial value of the heart rate as threshold H1. The initial value of the amount of acetone gas, threshold E1, initial value of the heart rate, and threshold H1 are stored in memory unit 70b in association with the user's unique identification information. The initial value of the amount of acetone gas may be the result of a single detection performed by skin gas sensor 40 in the initial settings, or may be the average of multiple detection results performed by skin gas sensor 40 in the initial settings. Threshold E1 may be a value previously stored in memory unit 70b. The initial value of the heart rate may be a result of one detection performed by the blood flow sensor 53 in the initial setting, or may be an average of multiple detection results performed by the blood flow sensor 53 in the initial setting. The threshold value H1 may be a value stored in advance in the storage unit 70b.

[0058] When the initial value of the amount of acetone gas, the threshold value E1, the initial value of the heart rate, and the threshold value H1 are stored in the memory unit 70b in the initial setting, the control unit 70a estimates the body fat burning state of the user U based on S501 to S505 of Figure 7.

[0059] In S501, the amount of acetone gas E (gas amount E) and the heart rate H are calculated. That is, control unit 70a calculates the gas amount E from the output value of skin gas sensor 40 transmitted from information terminal 60, and calculates the heart rate H from the output value of blood flow sensor 53 transmitted from information terminal 60. Control unit 70a also acquires thresholds E1 and H1 of identification information that is the same as the user-specific identification information transmitted from information terminal 60. Control unit 70a also stores the calculated gas amount E and the calculated heart rate H in storage unit 70b.

[0060] Next, in S502, it is determined whether the gas amount E is equal to or greater than the threshold value E1 (E≧E1). The control unit 70a compares the currently calculated gas amount E with the threshold value E1. If the result of S502 is "YES," that is, if it is determined that the gas amount E is equal to or greater than the threshold value E1, the process proceeds to S503. On the other hand, if the result of S502 is "NO," that is, if it is determined that the gas amount E is less than the threshold value E1, the process proceeds to S505.

[0061] Next, in S503, it is determined whether the heart rate H is equal to or greater than the threshold value H1 (H≧H1). The control unit 70a compares the currently calculated heart rate H with the threshold value H1. If the result of S503 is "YES", that is, if it is determined that the heart rate H is equal to or greater than the threshold value H1, the process proceeds to S504. On the other hand, if the result of S503 is "NO", that is, if it is determined that the heart rate H is less than the threshold value H1, the process proceeds to S505.

[0062] In S504, the control unit 70a estimates that the user is in a state where "body fat is easily burned through exercise." That is, if the currently calculated gas amount E is equal to or greater than 1.5 times the initial value of the amount of acetone gas for the user U and the currently calculated heart rate H is equal to or greater than 1.3 times the initial value of the user U's heart rate, the control unit 70a estimates that the user is in a state where "body fat is easily burned through exercise," and ends the process. The control unit 70a also transmits a signal indicating that the user is in a state where "body fat is easily burned through exercise" to the information terminal 60. The information terminal 60 issues a notification from the notification unit 60b based on the signal indicating that the user is in a state where "body fat is easily burned through exercise." The control unit 70a also stores the estimation result in the memory unit 70b.

[0063] In S505, the control unit 70a estimates that the user U is in a state where "body fat is difficult to burn through exercise." That is, if the currently calculated gas amount E is less than 1.5 times the initial value of the amount of acetone gas for the user U, or if the currently calculated heart rate H is less than 1.3 times the initial value of the user U's heart rate, the control unit 70a estimates that the user U is in a state where "body fat is difficult to burn through exercise," and ends the process. The control unit 70a also transmits a signal indicating that the user U is in a state where "body fat is difficult to burn through exercise" to the information terminal 60. The information terminal 60 then issues a notification from the notification unit 60b based on the signal indicating that the user U is in a state where "body fat is difficult to burn through exercise." The control unit 70a also stores the estimation result in the memory unit 70b. The state where "body fat is difficult to burn through exercise" includes, for example, a state where "body fat is easily burned due to starvation." In a state where "body fat is easily burned due to starvation," for example, body fat is not easily burned even when exercising.

[0064] The control unit 70a may make the determination using a plurality of thresholds in S502 and S503. By the control unit 70a making the determination using a plurality of thresholds, the body fat burning state can be estimated in stages.

[0065] Next, the content notified by the notifying unit 60b of the information terminal 60 will be described. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the detection result of the skin gas sensor displayed on the notification unit of the information terminal. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the detection result of the blood flow sensor displayed on the notification unit of the information terminal. 10 and 11 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a body fat burning state estimated by the control unit. The examples shown in FIGS. 8, 9, 10, and 11 are cases where it is estimated in S505 in FIG. 7 that the state is "hard to burn body fat through exercise."

[0066] As shown in FIG. 8, notification unit 60b displays the detection result of skin gas sensor 40 as a skin gas score. The skin gas score is calculated based on, for example, the amount of acetone gas. In the example of FIG. 8, the skin gas score is set to be higher as the amount of acetone gas increases. The skin gas score may be calculated based on, for example, the concentration of acetone gas. The skin gas score may be calculated based on, for example, the output value of skin gas sensor 40. Notification unit 60b may display a comparison between the current skin gas score and the initial skin gas score. In the example of FIG. 8, it is displayed that the current skin gas score is 1.3 times the initial skin gas score. Notification unit 60b may display the detection result of skin gas sensor 40 as the amount of acetone gas or the concentration of acetone gas.

[0067] Notification unit 60b may display only the current detection result of skin gas sensor 40, or may display the current detection result of skin gas sensor 40 as well as the previous detection results of skin gas sensor 40. Notification unit 60b may also display changes in the detection results of skin gas sensor 40 in the form of a diagram or graph. Examples of diagrams and graphs showing changes in the detection results of skin gas sensor 40 include scatter plots and bar graphs. Diagrams and graphs showing changes in the detection results of skin gas sensor 40 may also display moving averages or medians. In the example of FIG. 8, notification unit 60b displays a line indicating the initial value of user U's skin gas score along with a scatter plot showing changes in the detection results of skin gas sensor 40 over the course of a day.

[0068] Notification unit 60b can display, for example, the detection results of skin gas sensor 40 on a daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly basis, allowing user U to understand changes over time in the detection results of skin gas sensor 40.

[0069] 9, the notification unit 60b may display the detection result of the blood flow sensor 53 as a heart rate, for example. The notification unit 60b may also display a comparison between the current heart rate and the initial heart rate. In the example of FIG. 9, it is displayed that the current heart rate is 18% higher than the initial heart rate. The notification unit 60b may also display the detection result of the blood flow sensor 53 as a blood flow amount or a blood flow velocity.

[0070] The notification unit 60b may display only the current detection result of the blood flow sensor 53, or may display the current detection result of the blood flow sensor 53 as well as the previous detection results of the blood flow sensor 53. The notification unit 60b may also display changes in the detection results of the blood flow sensor 53 in the form of a diagram or graph. Examples of diagrams and graphs showing changes in the detection results of the blood flow sensor 53 include scatter plots and bar graphs. A moving average line or a median may be displayed in a diagram or graph showing changes in the detection results of the blood flow sensor 53. In the example of FIG. 9, the notification unit 60b displays a line indicating the initial value of the heart rate of the user U together with a scatter plot showing changes in the detection results of the blood flow sensor 53 over the course of a day.

[0071] The notification unit 60b can display, for example, the detection results of the blood flow sensor 53 on a daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly basis, allowing the user U to understand changes over time in the detection results of the blood flow sensor 53.

[0072] 10 and 11, notification unit 60b displays, for example, the estimated result of the body fat burning state as a body fat burning score. The body fat burning score is calculated, for example, based on the body fat burning state. In the examples of FIGS. 10 and 11, the body fat burning score is set to be higher the easier it is to burn body fat through exercise. In the example of FIG. 10, the body fat burning score is calculated based on the detection results of skin gas sensor 40 and blood flow sensor 53. In the example of FIG. 10, a body fat burning score of 45 points is displayed. A body fat burning score of 45 points means that the state is such that "body fat is difficult to burn through exercise."

[0073] The notification unit 60b may display only the current estimation result of the body fat burning state, or may display the previous estimation results of the body fat burning state in addition to the current estimation result of the body fat burning state. The notification unit 60b may also display changes in the estimation result of the body fat burning state in the form of a diagram or graph. Examples of diagrams and graphs showing changes in the estimation result of the body fat burning state include scatter plots and bar graphs. Diagrams and graphs showing changes in the estimation result of the body fat burning state may also display moving averages or medians. In the examples of Figures 10 and 11, the notification unit 60b displays a scatter plot showing changes in the estimation result of the body fat burning state over a day.

[0074] The notification unit 60b can display the estimated result of the body fat burning state on a daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly basis, for example. This allows the user U to understand the change in the estimated result of the body fat burning state over time. Therefore, the user U can reflect on their diet and training, for example, by timing meals and which exercises are most efficient at burning fat.

[0075] 7, when it is estimated that the user is in a state in which "body fat is easily burned through exercise," the notification unit 60b displays that the user is in a state in which "body fat is easily burned through exercise." This allows the user U to recognize his or her own body fat burning state when using the toilet apparatus 10.

[0076] The notification unit 60b may notify the current estimation result (body fat burning state) along with a recommendation for the current estimation result (body fat burning state). In the example of FIG. 10, the notification unit 60b displays that the state is "hard to burn body fat through exercise" and notifies the recommendation that "Your exercise method is not suitable, so try a different exercise method!" For example, if the notification unit 60b estimates that the state is "easy to burn body fat through exercise" in S504 in FIG. 7, it displays that the state is "easy to burn body fat through exercise" and notifies the recommendation that "Your exercise method is suitable, so continue!"

[0077] The notification unit 60b may notify a recommendation for the estimation result (body fat burning state) for the predetermined period, along with the estimation result (body fat burning state) for the predetermined period stored in the memory unit 70b. In the example of FIG. 11, the notification unit 60b displays that the state is "hard to burn body fat through exercise" and notifies the recommendation, "You're not getting enough exercise this week. Let's exercise!" For example, if the notification unit 60b estimates that the state is "easy to burn body fat through exercise" in S504 of FIG. 7, it displays that the state is "easy to burn body fat through exercise" and notifies the recommendation, "Your most recent exercise method doesn't suit you, so try a different exercise!"

[0078] The effects of the toilet system 500 will be described below. Acetone is produced not only during exercise but also during starvation. Therefore, even if the amount of acetone contained in skin gas is the same, the state of body fat burning may differ. Therefore, estimating the state of body fat burning based solely on the amount of acetone contained in skin gas may result in poor accuracy.

[0079] In contrast, in the toilet system 500, the control unit 70a estimates the body fat burning state based on the detection results of the skin gas sensor 40 and the blood flow sensor 53, thereby enabling the body fat burning state to be estimated with high accuracy.

[0080] In addition, in the toilet system 500, the control unit 70a can estimate whether the user U is in a state in which body fat is likely to be burned through exercise based on the detection results of the skin gas sensor 40 and the blood flow sensor 53, thereby estimating the body fat burning state when the user U exercises.

[0081] Furthermore, in the toilet system 500, the notification unit 60b notifies the user U of a recommendation regarding the body fat burning state, thereby urging the user U to take appropriate measures according to the body fat burning state.

[0082] Furthermore, in the toilet system 500, the notification unit 60b notifies the user U of the estimated results for a predetermined period stored in the storage unit 70b, thereby enabling the user U to grasp the body fat burning state for the past predetermined period.

[0083] Furthermore, in the toilet system 500, the notification unit 60b notifies the user U of a recommendation regarding the body fat burning state for a predetermined period, thereby urging the user U to take appropriate measures according to the body fat burning state for the past predetermined period.

[0084] Furthermore, in the toilet system 500, the skin gas sensor 40 is located below the upper surface 21a of the seating portion 21 and is provided in the recessed portion 23, thereby enabling efficient detection of the skin gas G that fills the recessed portion 23 (space S).

[0085] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the metabolic state of the user U is estimated by the control unit 70a of the management device 70. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the metabolic state of the user U may be estimated by the control unit 15 of the toilet device 10 or the control unit 60a of the information terminal 60, for example.

[0086] In the above-described embodiment, the management device 70 and the information terminal 60 are communicatively connected via a network. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the toilet device 10 and the management device 70 may be communicatively connected via a network. In other words, the detection results of the skin gas sensor 40 and the like may be transmitted to the management device 70 without going through the information terminal 60.

[0087] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the metabolic state is estimated based on the amount of skin gas G detected while seating on toilet seat 20 is detected by seating sensor 45. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, seating sensor 45 may not be provided. In this case, the metabolic state may be estimated based on the amount of skin gas G detected for a predetermined time period from when user U is personally authenticated (or until personal authentication is canceled), for example.

[0088] Embodiments may include the following features.

[0089] (Configuration 1) a toilet device having a toilet seat on which a user sits; a skin gas sensor provided in the toilet device for detecting acetone gas emitted from the skin of the user; a blood flow sensor provided in the toilet device for detecting the blood flow of the user; a control unit that estimates the body fat burning state of the user based on the detection results of the skin gas sensor and the detection results of the blood flow sensor; A toilet system comprising: an alarm unit that notifies the estimation result of the control unit.

[0090] (Configuration 2) The toilet system described in configuration 1 is characterized in that the control unit estimates whether or not the user is in a state in which body fat is likely to be burned through exercise based on the detection results of the skin gas sensor and the detection results of the blood flow sensor.

[0091] (Configuration 3) 3. The toilet system according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit notifies the user of a recommendation regarding the body fat burning state.

[0092] (Configuration 4) Further, a storage unit for storing the estimation result is provided, 4. The toilet system according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the notification unit notifies the estimation result for the predetermined period stored in the storage unit.

[0093] (Configuration 5) The toilet system according to configuration 4, wherein the notification unit notifies the user of a recommendation regarding the body fat burning state for the predetermined period.

[0094] (Configuration 6) The toilet seat is a seating section on which the user sits; a bottom portion facing the seating portion; a recessed portion recessed from the seating portion toward the bottom portion; and 6. The toilet system according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the skin gas sensor is provided in the recessed portion, positioned below the upper surface of the seating portion.

[0095] The above describes embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. Design modifications made by a person skilled in the art to the above-described embodiments are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they incorporate the features of the present invention. For example, the shape, dimensions, materials, arrangement, installation form, etc. of each element of a toilet system are not limited to those exemplified and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, the elements of the above-described embodiments can be combined to the extent technically possible, and such combinations are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they incorporate the features of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 2 Toilet Unit 10 Toilet equipment 11 Toilet 11a Bowl section 12 Casing 15 Control Unit 17 Memory section 20 toilet seats 20a opening 21 Seating area 21a Top side 21b Bottom side 22 Bottom 23 Recess 23a Side wall part 23b Bottom part 24 through holes 25 recess 25a Side wall part 25b Bottom part 30 toilet lid 40 Skin gas sensor 45 Seat sensor 53 Blood flow sensor 60 Information terminal 60a Control section 60b Notification Department 70 Management device 70a Control section 70b Storage section 500 Toilet System G Skin gas S space U User U1 thigh

Claims

1. a toilet device having a toilet seat on which a user sits; a skin gas sensor provided in the toilet device for detecting acetone gas emitted from the skin of the user; a blood flow sensor provided in the toilet device for detecting the blood flow of the user; a control unit that estimates the body fat burning state of the user based on the detection results of the skin gas sensor and the detection results of the blood flow sensor; A toilet system comprising: an alarm unit that notifies the estimation result of the control unit.

2. The toilet system described in claim 1, characterized in that the control unit estimates whether or not the user is in a state in which body fat is likely to be burned through exercise based on the detection results of the skin gas sensor and the detection results of the blood flow sensor.

3. The toilet system according to claim 1 , wherein the notification unit notifies the user of a recommendation regarding the body fat burning state.

4. Further, a storage unit for storing the estimation result is provided, The toilet system according to claim 1 , wherein the notification unit notifies the estimation result for a predetermined period stored in the storage unit.

5. The toilet system according to claim 4, wherein the notification unit notifies the user of a recommendation regarding the body fat burning state for the predetermined period.

6. The toilet seat is a seating section on which the user sits; a bottom portion facing the seating portion; a recessed portion recessed from the seating portion toward the bottom portion; and 6. The toilet system according to claim 1, wherein the skin gas sensor is provided in the recessed portion, positioned below an upper surface of the seating portion.

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