Toilet system

Abstract

To provide a toilet system which is highly convenient in daily life.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 skin gas emitted from skin of the user; a controller configured to estimate a state of motion sickness of the user based on a detection result of the skin gas sensor; and a notifier configured to notify an estimation result of the controller.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A technique for detecting biological gases to grasp a person's health condition is known (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-107829 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The biological gas detection device described in Patent Document 1 is portable, and therefore requires the user to hold the detection unit close to the skin for a certain period of time, which may make it inconvenient.

[0005] The aspects of the present invention have been made based on the recognition of such problems, and have an object to provide a toilet system that is highly convenient for everyday use. [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 skin gas emitted from the user's skin; a control unit that estimates the user's state of intoxication based on the detection result of the skin gas sensor; and an alarm unit that notifies the control unit of the estimation result.

[0007] According to this toilet system, since the skin gas sensor is installed in the toilet device, it is possible to grasp the state of intoxication when using the toilet device in daily life. Therefore, it is possible to provide a highly convenient toilet system. In addition, it is possible to estimate the state of intoxication of the user from the skin gas emitted from the user.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention is a toilet system according to the first aspect, further comprising a blood flow sensor provided in the toilet device for detecting the blood flow of the user, and wherein the control unit estimates the state of drunkenness based on the detection results of the skin gas sensor and the detection results of the blood flow sensor.

[0009] This toilet system can more accurately estimate a user's state of intoxication by using not only skin gases emitted from the skin but also blood flow information, which changes due to changes in the amount of alcohol consumed.

[0010] A third aspect of the present invention is a toilet system according to the first aspect, characterized in that the control unit estimates the state of sickness based on the detection results of the skin gas sensor detected while the user is seated on the toilet seat.

[0011] This toilet system allows users to understand their state of motion sickness simply by sitting on the toilet seat. Furthermore, by detecting skin gases from users sitting on the toilet seat, false detections can be reduced.

[0012] A fourth aspect of the present invention is the toilet system of the first aspect, wherein the skin gas sensor detects ethanol gas.

[0013] This toilet system can estimate the user's level of intoxication by detecting ethanol gas, a component derived from the user's blood.

[0014] A fifth aspect of the present invention is the toilet system of the first aspect, characterized in that the skin gas sensor is provided on the toilet seat.

[0015] This toilet system detects skin gases emitted from the thighs, which have fewer sweat glands, and can more accurately estimate the user's state of intoxication from blood-derived components.

[0016] A sixth aspect of the present invention is a toilet system according to the fifth aspect, 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 can efficiently detect skin gases that fill the recess. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to aspects of the present invention, a toilet system that is highly convenient for everyday use 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 a first 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] 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 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a skin gas control process executed by a control unit. [Figure 7] 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 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a state of sickness estimated by a control unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a communication system of a toilet system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4, showing the toilet seat and the blood flow sensor. [Figure 11] 10 is a flow diagram for determining whether to perform a skin gas and blood flow control treatment or a skin gas control treatment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing a skin gas and blood flow control process executed by the control unit. [Figure 13] 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 14] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a state of sickness estimated by a 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 a first 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.

[0022] The toilet system 100 estimates the metabolic state (health state) of a user U. The toilet system 100 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 and a skin gas sensor 40. 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, and a recessed portion 23 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 is a skin gas sensor 40, 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. Management device 70 estimates the metabolic state of user U based on the detection results of skin gas sensor 40.

[0033] 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.

[0034] Control unit 15 is provided inside casing 12. Control unit 15 is connected to skin gas sensor 40 and seating sensor 45. Control unit 15 transmits the detection results of skin gas sensor 40 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.

[0035] Memory unit 17 stores information on skin gas sensor 40, 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 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] A program (application software) for using the toilet system 100 is installed in the information terminal 60. The control unit 60a operates the toilet system 100 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 results of the metabolic state estimation performed by the control unit 70a of the management device 70.

[0039] 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.

[0040] The control unit 70a estimates the metabolic state of the user U based on the detection result of the skin gas sensor 40. The storage unit 70b stores a skin gas control processing program for estimating the metabolic state of the user U.

[0041] FIG. 5 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.

[0042] 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 information terminal 60 and the toilet device 10. Note that as long as personal authentication of the user U who has entered the toilet is possible, any method may be used to perform personal authentication of the user U.

[0043] Furthermore, the toilet system 100 obtains consent from the user U to skin gas detection. For example, the toilet system 100 obtains consent from the user U to skin gas detection by the user U operating the information terminal 60. Note that the toilet system 100 may obtain consent from the user U to skin gas detection by any method. When consent from the user U is obtained, the toilet system 100 becomes available for use.

[0044] Thereafter, when user U sits on toilet seat 20, sensor detection is performed by skin gas sensor 40. That is, skin gas sensor 40 detects skin gas G emitted from the skin (thigh U1) of user U. Control unit 15 of toilet device 10 transmits the detection result of skin gas sensor 40 to information terminal 60. In addition, information terminal 60 transmits the received detection result to management device 70 together with the user's unique identification information.

[0045] When user U leaves toilet seat 20, sensor detection by skin gas sensor 40 ends. Control unit 15 of toilet device 10 transmits the end of detection by skin gas sensor 40 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.

[0046] Control unit 70a of management device 70 estimates the metabolic state of user U from the detection results of skin gas sensor 40. Storage unit 70b of management device 70 stores a calibration curve showing the relationship between known gas amounts and the output values ​​of skin gas sensor 40. 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.

[0047] It should be noted that skin gas from 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.

[0048] The control unit 70a calculates the amount E of the skin gas G (hereinafter referred to as the 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 the skin gas G.

[0049] The control unit 70a estimates the metabolic state of the user U based on the calculated gas amount E. The control unit 70a transmits the calculated gas amount E 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 and the estimated result of the metabolic state. The user U can recognize his or her own metabolic state by checking the notification unit 60b.

[0050] Next, the skin gas control process executed by the control unit 70a will be described with reference to FIG. 6. The control unit 70a estimates the drunkenness state of the user U based on the amount of ethanol gas and acetaldehyde gas emitted from the skin of the user U. The control unit 70a can estimate the drunkenness state of the user U based on the amount of ethanol gas and acetaldehyde gas emitted from the skin of the user U. The blood concentrations of ethanol and acetaldehyde change depending on the amount of alcohol consumed by the user U. The amounts of ethanol gas and acetaldehyde gas emitted from the skin also change depending on the concentrations of ethanol and acetaldehyde in the blood. The control unit 70a estimates the drunkenness state of the user U based on changes in the amount of ethanol gas and acetaldehyde gas. In this example, the skin gas sensor 40 detects ethanol gas.

[0051] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the skin gas control process executed by the control unit. The control process shown in FIG. 6 is stored in advance in the storage unit 70b of the management device 70.

[0052] Here, the user U performs an initial setting before using the toilet system 100. This initial setting is to store in the memory unit 70b as an initial value the amount of ethanol gas that is emitted from the skin of the user U when the user U has not drunk alcohol (a normal state in which there is no alcohol remaining in the body).

[0053] After user U is personally authenticated using information terminal 60, he or she operates information terminal 60 to input initial settings and sits on toilet seat 20. Skin gas sensor 40 detects ethanol gas emitted from the skin (thigh U1) of user U seated on toilet seat 20. In this case, through-hole 24 of toilet seat 20 is blocked by user U's thigh U1 when he or she is seated. Therefore, gases other than skin gas G are prevented from entering depression 23 from the air. This allows skin gas sensor 40 to efficiently detect ethanol gas emitted from user U.

[0054] The control unit 15 of the toilet device 10 transmits the output value of the skin gas sensor 40 to the information terminal 60. The information terminal 60 transmits the received output value of the skin gas sensor 40 as initial setting information together with the user's unique identification information to the management device 70 via the Internet.

[0055] Control unit 70a of management device 70 stores gas amount E calculated from the output value (difference value) of skin gas sensor 40 transmitted from information terminal 60 in memory unit 70b as an initial value. Control unit 70a stores a value five times this initial value as first threshold E1, a value ten times this initial value as second threshold E2, and a value fifteen times this initial value as third threshold E3 in memory unit 70b. The initial value and first to third thresholds E1 to E3 are stored in memory unit 70b in association with user-specific identification information. The initial value may be a single detection result of skin gas sensor 40 detected with the initial settings, or may be an average of multiple detection results of skin gas sensor 40 detected with the initial settings. The first to third thresholds E1 to E3 may be values ​​previously stored in memory unit 70b.

[0056] When the initial values ​​and first to third thresholds E1 to E3 are stored in memory unit 70b in the initial setting, control unit 70a estimates user U's current level of drunkenness based on S101 to S108 of Fig. 6. That is, skin gas sensor 40 detects ethanol gas while seating sensor 45 detects seating on toilet seat 20. Control unit 70a estimates user U's drunkenness state based on the amount E of ethanol gas detected.

[0057] In S101, the amount E of ethanol gas is calculated. That is, control unit 70a calculates the amount E of gas from the output value of skin gas sensor 40 transmitted from information terminal 60. Control unit 70a also acquires first to third thresholds E1 to E3 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 amount E of gas in storage unit 70b.

[0058] In the next step S102, it is determined whether the gas amount E is equal to or greater than the first threshold value E1 (E≧E1). The control unit 70a compares the currently calculated gas amount E with the first threshold value E1. If the result of step S102 is "NO," that is, if the gas amount E is determined to be less than the first threshold value E1, the process proceeds to step S103. On the other hand, if the result of step S102 is "YES," that is, if the gas amount E is determined to be equal to or greater than the first threshold value E1, the process proceeds to step S104.

[0059] In S103, it is estimated that the user is not sick. That is, if the gas amount E calculated this time is less than five times the initial value of the user U, the control unit 70a estimates that the user is "not sick" and ends the process. The control unit 70a also transmits a no-sickness signal to the information terminal 60. The information terminal 60 issues a notification based on the no-sickness signal from the notification unit 60b. The control unit 70a also stores the estimation result in the memory unit 70b.

[0060] In S104, it is determined whether the gas amount E is equal to or greater than the second threshold value E2 (E≧E2). The control unit 70a compares the currently calculated gas amount E with the second threshold value E2. If S104 returns "NO," that is, if it is determined that the gas amount E is less than the second threshold value E2, the process proceeds to S105. On the other hand, if S104 returns "YES," that is, if it is determined that the gas amount E is equal to or greater than the second threshold value E2, the process proceeds to S106.

[0061] In S105, the user is estimated to be tipsy. That is, if the gas amount E calculated this time is 5 times or more and less than 10 times the initial value of the user U, the control unit 70a estimates the user to be "tipsy" and ends the process. The control unit 70a also transmits a tipsy signal to the information terminal 60. The information terminal 60 issues a notification based on the tipsy signal from the notification unit 60b. The control unit 70a also stores the estimation result in the memory unit 70b.

[0062] In S106, it is determined whether the gas amount E is equal to or greater than the third threshold value E3 (E≧E3). The control unit 70a compares the currently calculated gas amount E with the third threshold value E3. If S106 returns "NO," that is, if it is determined that the gas amount E is less than the third threshold value E3, the process proceeds to S107. On the other hand, if S106 returns "YES," that is, if it is determined that the gas amount E is equal to or greater than the third threshold value E3, the process proceeds to S108.

[0063] In S107, the user is presumed to be intoxicated. That is, if the gas amount E calculated this time is 10 times or more and less than 15 times the initial value of the user U, the control unit 70a presumes the user to be "intoxicated" and ends the process. The control unit 70a also transmits an intoxication signal to the information terminal 60. The information terminal 60 issues a notification based on the intoxication signal from the notification unit 60b. The control unit 70a also stores the result of the presumption in the memory unit 70b.

[0064] In S108, the user is presumed to be deeply drunk. That is, if the gas amount E calculated this time is 15 times or more the initial value of the user U, the control unit 70a presumes the user to be "deeply drunk" and ends the process. The control unit 70a also transmits a drunk signal to the information terminal 60. The information terminal 60 issues a notification based on the drunk signal from the notification unit 60b. The control unit 70a also stores the result of the presumption in the memory unit 70b.

[0065] Next, the content notified by the notifying unit 60b of the information terminal 60 will be described. FIG. 7 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. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a state of sickness estimated by the control unit. The examples shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 are cases where intoxication is estimated in S107 in FIG.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 7, the notification unit 60b of the information terminal 60 displays, for example, the amount E of ethanol gas emitted from the user U. The notification unit 60b may display a comparison between the current gas amount E and the initial value of the user U's gas amount (the amount of gas when the user U is not drinking alcohol). In the example of FIG. 7, it is displayed that the amount E of ethanol gas currently emitted from the user U is 11 times the initial value. The notification unit 60b may display the gas concentration, or may display a skin gas score in which the gas amount or gas concentration is replaced with a score (point).

[0067] Notification unit 60b of information terminal 60 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 of information terminal 60 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. 7, notification unit 60b of information terminal 60 displays a line indicating the initial value of user U along with a scatter plot showing changes in the detection results of skin gas sensor 40 over a one-week period.

[0068] Notification unit 60b of information terminal 60 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] As shown in FIG. 8, the notification unit 60b of the information terminal 60 displays the state of intoxication of the user U. The state of intoxication is classified into not intoxicated, slightly intoxicated, intoxicated, and completely drunk. In the example of FIG. 8, the notification unit 60b displays the state of intoxication as a state of intoxication score. The state of intoxication score is a value calculated based on the detection results of the skin gas sensor 40. The state of intoxication score ranges, for example, from 0 to 40 points for not intoxicated, from 41 to 60 points for slightly intoxicated, from 61 to 80 points for intoxicated, and from 81 to 100 points for completely drunk. In the example of FIG. 8, the state of intoxication score is 70 points, and it is displayed that the current estimation result is intoxicated.

[0070] The notification unit 60b also displays a recommendation for the currently estimated state of drunkenness. For example, the notification unit 60b displays a recommendation such as "You seem to have drunk a lot of alcohol. Drink some water." This recommendation is displayed based on, for example, the drunkenness state score or a past drunken state. Furthermore, the notification unit 60b may display a previously estimated drunkenness state and a comparison with the past drunken state. This allows the user U to understand the progress of his or her drunken state.

[0071] Furthermore, if it is estimated in S103 in Fig. 6 that the user U is not drunk, the notification unit 60b displays that the user is not drunk (normal state). If it is estimated in S105 in Fig. 6 that the user is tipsy, the notification unit 60b displays that the user is tipsy. If it is estimated in S108 in Fig. 6 that the user U is deeply drunk, the notification unit 60b displays that the user is deeply drunk. This allows the user U to recognize his or her current state of intoxication when using the toilet device 10.

[0072] The effects of the toilet system 100 will be described below. The toilet system 100 estimates the state of sickness of the user U based on the detection result of the skin gas sensor 40 provided in the toilet device 10. The notification unit 60b then notifies the state of sickness estimated by the control unit 70a. This allows the user U to check their own health condition (state of sickness) when using the toilet device 10 in their daily lives.

[0073] Control unit 70a estimates the state of sickness of user U based on the detection results of skin gas sensor 40 detected while user U is seated on toilet seat 20. This allows user U to confirm his or her state of sickness simply by sitting on toilet seat 20.

[0074] Skin gas sensor 40 also detects ethanol gas emitted from thigh U1, which has few sweat glands. This allows control unit 70a to accurately estimate the state of intoxication. Skin gas sensor 40 is also provided in recess 23 provided in toilet seat 20. Skin gas sensor 40 can efficiently detect ethanol gas that fills space S within recess 23.

[0075] Next, a toilet system 110 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 13. In the second embodiment, the state of intoxication of user U is estimated based on the detection results of skin gas sensor 40 and blood flow sensor 53. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a communication system of the toilet system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4, showing the toilet seat and the blood flow sensor.

[0076] Blood flow sensor 53 is provided on toilet seat 20, similar to skin gas sensor 40. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10 , 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. Like recess 23, recess 25 has side wall 25a and lower surface 25b. Blood flow sensor 53 may be provided in recess 23 together with skin gas sensor 40.

[0077] 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.

[0078] The detection results of blood flow sensor 53 are transmitted to management device 70 via information terminal 60. Control unit 70a of management device 70 calculates the blood flow velocity from the detection results of blood flow sensor 53. Control unit 70a estimates the state of intoxication of user U based on the detection results of skin gas sensor 40 and blood flow sensor 53.

[0079] Next, the relationship between the user U's state of intoxication due to alcohol and the user U's blood flow rate will be explained. Blood flow rate increases as blood vessels temporarily expand due to alcohol intake. Thereafter, blood flow rate decreases as the amount of water in the blood decreases due to the diuretic effect of alcohol and the function of the circulatory system decreases. Therefore, the toilet system 110 estimates the user U's state of intoxication from the past (for example, the previous day) based on the ethanol gas emitted from the user U's skin and the blood flow.

[0080] A case where a state of drunkenness is estimated using skin gas sensor 40 and blood flow sensor 53 will be described with reference to Figs. 11 to 13. The state of drunkenness from the past (for example, several hours ago) can be estimated based on the detection results of skin gas sensor 40 and blood flow sensor 53. The control process shown in Figs. 11 and 12 is pre-stored in memory unit 70b of management device 70.

[0081] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram for determining whether to perform skin gas and blood flow control treatment or skin gas control treatment. In S111, it is determined whether a confirmation signal for confirming a past state of sickness has been received. That is, the control unit 70a determines whether a confirmation signal for confirming a past state of sickness (for example, six hours ago) has been received from the information terminal 60. This confirmation signal is based on an operation of the information terminal 60 by the user U.

[0082] When user U performs personal authentication using information terminal 60, he / she performs an operation to send a confirmation signal. If user U wants to check his / her current state of sickness, he / she performs an operation without a confirmation signal. On the other hand, if user U wants to check his / her state of sickness from a predetermined time ago (for example, six hours ago), he / she performs an operation with a confirmation signal.

[0083] If S111 returns "YES," that is, if it is determined that a signal confirming the past state of sickness has been received, the process proceeds to S112. On the other hand, if S111 returns "NO," that is, if it is determined that a signal confirming the past state of sickness has not been received, the process proceeds to S113.

[0084] In S112, the control unit 70a executes the skin gas and blood flow control process. That is, the control unit 70a executes the skin gas and blood flow control process based on Fig. 12 to estimate the state of intoxication due to drinking alcohol, for example, six hours ago, and then ends the process.

[0085] In S113, the control unit 70a executes the skin gas control process, which is to say, the control unit 70a executes the skin gas control process based on Fig. 6 to estimate the current state of sickness, and then ends the process.

[0086] Next, the skin gas and blood flow control process executed in S112 in Fig. 11 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fourth to sixth thresholds E4 to E6 calculated from the initial values ​​of user U are stored in memory unit 70b. Here, if a predetermined time (e.g., six hours) has passed since drinking alcohol, the ethanol concentration in user U's blood is lower than immediately after drinking alcohol. Therefore, in order to estimate the user's past state of intoxication, the fourth threshold E4 is set to a value equal to or less than the first threshold E1 in Fig. 6.

[0087] The memory unit 70b also stores a threshold value V1 for comparison with the blood flow velocity V of the user U. The threshold value V1 is set at initial setting. The threshold value V1 is calculated from an initial value that is the blood flow velocity when the user U is not drinking alcohol. The threshold value V1 is, for example, 5% lower than the initial value. The initial value may be a single detection result by the blood flow sensor 53 detected at initial setting, or may be an average of multiple detection results by the blood flow sensor 53 detected at initial setting. The fourth to sixth threshold values ​​E4 to E6 and the threshold value V1 may be values ​​that are stored in advance in the memory unit 70b.

[0088] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the skin gas and blood flow control process executed by the control unit. In S121, the amount E of ethanol gas and the blood flow velocity V 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. Control unit 70a also calculates the blood flow velocity V from the output value of blood flow sensor 53 transmitted from information terminal 60.

[0089] The control unit 70a also acquires fourth to sixth threshold values ​​E4 to E6 for the same identification information as the user-specific identification information transmitted from the information terminal 60. The fourth threshold value E4 is equal to or less than the first threshold value E1 in FIG. 6. In other words, the fourth threshold value E4 is equal to or less than five times the initial value of the user U. The control unit 70a also stores the calculated gas amount E and blood flow velocity V in the memory unit 70b.

[0090] In the next step S122, it is determined whether the gas amount E is equal to or greater than the fourth threshold value E4 (E≧E4). The control unit 70a compares the currently calculated gas amount E with the fourth threshold value E4. If the result of step S122 is "NO," that is, if it is determined that the gas amount E is less than the fourth threshold value E4, the process proceeds to step S123. On the other hand, if the result of step S122 is "YES," that is, if it is determined that the gas amount E is equal to or greater than the fourth threshold value E4, the process proceeds to step S124.

[0091] In S123, it is estimated that the user is not sick. That is, if the gas amount E calculated this time is less than the fourth threshold E4, the control unit 70a estimates that the state of sickness, for example, six hours ago, was "not sick," and ends the process. The control unit 70a also transmits a no-sickness signal to the information terminal 60. The information terminal 60 issues a notification based on the no-sickness signal from the notification unit 60b. The control unit 70a also stores the estimation result in the memory unit 70b.

[0092] In S124, it is determined whether the blood flow velocity V has decreased by a threshold value V1 or more. That is, the control unit 70a compares the blood flow velocity V calculated this time with the threshold value V1. The control unit 70a determines to what extent the blood flow velocity V of the user U has decreased. If the result of S124 is "NO", that is, if it is determined that the blood flow velocity V has not decreased by a threshold value V1 or more, the process proceeds to S125. On the other hand, if the result of S124 is "YES", that is, if it is determined that the blood flow velocity V has decreased by a threshold value V1 or more, the process proceeds to S126.

[0093] In S125, it is estimated that the user is not intoxicated. That is, even if the gas amount E is equal to or greater than the fourth threshold E4, if the blood flow velocity V has not decreased by equal to or greater than the threshold V1, the control unit 70a determines that the estimation of the user's previous state of intoxication based on the detection results of the skin gas sensor 40 was incorrect, and the process ends. In such a case, it is estimated that the gas detected by the skin gas sensor 40 was not ethanol gas emitted from the user U's skin, but alcohol adhering to the user U's clothing or the toilet seat 20, for example.

[0094] The control unit 70a transmits a no-sickness signal to the information terminal 60. The information terminal 60 issues a notification based on the no-sickness signal from the notification unit 60b. The control unit 70a also stores the estimation result in the storage unit 70b.

[0095] In S126, it is determined whether the gas amount E is equal to or greater than a fifth threshold value E5 (E≧E5). The control unit 70a compares the currently calculated gas amount E with the fifth threshold value E5. The fifth threshold value E5 is greater than the fourth threshold value E4. If S126 returns "NO," that is, if it is determined that the gas amount E is less than the fifth threshold value E5, the process proceeds to S127. On the other hand, if S126 returns "YES," that is, if it is determined that the gas amount E is equal to or greater than the fifth threshold value E5, the process proceeds to S128.

[0096] In S127, it is estimated that the user is tipsy. That is, the control unit 70a estimates that the user's state a predetermined time ago (for example, six hours ago) was "tipsy," and the process ends. The control unit 70a also transmits a tipsy signal to the information terminal 60. The information terminal 60 issues a notification based on the tipsy signal from the notification unit 60b. The control unit 70a also stores the estimation result in the memory unit 70b.

[0097] In S128, it is determined whether the gas amount E is equal to or greater than a sixth threshold value E6 (E≧E6). The control unit 70a compares the currently calculated gas amount E with the sixth threshold value E6. The sixth threshold value E6 is greater than the fifth threshold value E5. If S128 returns "NO," that is, if it is determined that the gas amount E is less than the sixth threshold value E6, the process proceeds to S129. On the other hand, if S128 returns "YES," that is, if it is determined that the gas amount E is equal to or greater than the sixth threshold value E6, the process proceeds to S130.

[0098] In S129, it is estimated that the user is intoxicated. That is, the control unit 70a estimates that the user's state a predetermined time ago (for example, six hours ago) was "intoxicated," and the process ends. The control unit 70a also transmits an intoxication signal to the information terminal 60. The information terminal 60 issues a notification based on the intoxication signal from the notification unit 60b. The control unit 70a also stores the estimation result in the memory unit 70b.

[0099] In S130, the user is inferred to be deeply drunk. That is, the control unit 70a infers that the user's state a predetermined time ago (for example, six hours ago) was "drunken," and the process ends. The control unit 70a then transmits a drunk signal to the information terminal 60. The information terminal 60 then issues a notification based on the drunk signal from the notification unit 60b. The control unit 70a then stores the inference result in the memory unit 70b.

[0100] Next, a description will be given of the content notified by the notifying unit 60b of the information terminal 60. The notifying unit 60b of the information terminal 60 notifies about skin gas, blood flow velocity, and state of sickness. The display of skin gas is similar to that shown in FIG. FIG. 13 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. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a state of sickness estimated by the control unit.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 13, the notification unit 60b of the information terminal 60 displays, for example, the blood flow velocity V of the user U. The notification unit 60b may display a comparison between the current blood flow velocity V and the initial value of the blood flow velocity of the user U (the blood flow velocity when the user U is not drinking alcohol). In the example of FIG. 13, it is displayed that the blood flow velocity V detected from the user U this time is 13% lower than the initial value. The notification unit 60b may display the blood flow velocity, or may display a blood flow score in which the blood flow velocity is replaced with a score (point).

[0102] As shown in FIG. 14, notification unit 60b of information terminal 60 displays the state of intoxication of user U. The state of intoxication is classified into not intoxicated, tipsy, intoxicated, and completely drunk. In the example of FIG. 14, notification unit 60b displays the state of intoxication as a sickness state score. The sickness state score is a value calculated based on the detection results of skin gas sensor 40 and blood flow sensor 53. The sickness state score may range, for example, from 0 to 40 points for not intoxicated, 41 to 60 points for tipsy, 61 to 80 points for intoxicated, and 81 to 100 points for completely drunk. The sickness state score increases, for example, when the amount E of ethanol gas is large and the blood flow velocity V is slow. In the example of FIG. 14, the sickness state score is 70 points, and the estimated state of intoxication from a predetermined time ago is displayed as intoxication.

[0103] The notification unit 60b also displays a recommendation for the currently estimated state of drunkenness. For example, the notification unit 60b displays a recommendation such as, "It seems you've been drinking more than usual. Why not try taking a day off from drinking?" This recommendation is displayed based on, for example, the drunkenness state score or a past drunken state. Furthermore, the notification unit 60b may display a previously estimated drunkenness state and a comparison with the past drunken state. This allows the user U to understand the progress of his or her drunken state.

[0104] 12, if it is estimated that the user U is not drunk, the notification unit 60b displays a message indicating that the user U was not drunk (normal). If it is estimated that the user U is not drunk in S125 of FIG. 12, the notification unit 60b displays a message indicating that the user U was not drunk, even though the amount E of ethanol gas is equal to or greater than the fourth threshold E4. In this case, the notification unit 60b may display a message indicating that the high amount E of ethanol gas may be due to alcohol noise on the clothing or toilet seat. If it is estimated that the user U is tipsy in S127 of FIG. 12, the notification unit 60b displays a message indicating that the user U was tipsy. If it is estimated that the user U is deeply drunk in S130 of FIG. 12, the notification unit 60b displays a message indicating that the user U was deeply drunk. This allows the user U to recognize his or her state of intoxication while drinking alcohol a predetermined time prior (e.g., six hours prior) when using the toilet device 10.

[0105] The effects of the toilet system 110 will be described below. The toilet system 110 estimates the state of sickness of the user U based on the detection results of the skin gas sensor 40 and the blood flow sensor 53 provided in the toilet device 10. The notification unit 60b then notifies the state of sickness estimated by the control unit 70a. This allows the user U to check their own state of sickness when using the toilet device 10 in their daily lives.

[0106] Control unit 70a estimates the state of sickness of user U based on the detection results of skin gas sensor 40 and blood flow sensor 53 detected while user U is seated on toilet seat 20. This allows user U to confirm his or her state of sickness simply by sitting on toilet seat 20.

[0107] Skin gas sensor 40 also detects ethanol gas emitted from thigh U1, which has few sweat glands. This allows control unit 70a to accurately estimate the state of intoxication. Skin gas sensor 40 is also provided in recess 23 provided in toilet seat 20. Skin gas sensor 40 can efficiently detect ethanol gas that fills space S within recess 23.

[0108] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the control unit 70a of the management device 70 estimates the health state (drunkenness state) of the user U. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the health 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which a health condition (drunkenness state) is estimated based on the amount of skin gas 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 health condition may be estimated based on the amount of skin gas detected for a predetermined time period from when user U is personally authenticated (or until personal authentication is released), for example.

[0111] Embodiments may include the following features.

[0112] (Configuration 1) a toilet device having a toilet seat on which a user sits; a skin gas sensor provided in the toilet device and configured to detect skin gas emitted from the skin of the user; a control unit that estimates the state of intoxication of the user based on the detection result of the skin gas sensor; A toilet system comprising: an alarm unit that notifies the estimation result of the control unit. (Configuration 2) a blood flow sensor provided in the toilet device for detecting the blood flow of the user; The toilet system of configuration 1, wherein the control unit estimates the state of intoxication based on the detection results of the skin gas sensor and the detection results of the blood flow sensor. (Configuration 3) The toilet system described in configuration 1 or 2, wherein the control unit estimates the state of sickness based on the detection results of the skin gas sensor detected while the user is seated on the toilet seat. (Configuration 4) 4. The toilet system according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the skin gas sensor detects ethanol gas. (Configuration 5) 5. The toilet system according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the skin gas sensor is provided on the toilet seat. (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.

[0113] 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]

[0114] 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, 25 recessed part 23a, 25a side wall part 23b, 25b Bottom part 24 through holes 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 100, 110 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 and configured to detect skin gas emitted from the skin of the user; a control unit that estimates the state of intoxication of the user based on the detection result of the skin gas sensor; A toilet system comprising: an alarm unit that notifies the estimation result of the control unit.

2. a blood flow sensor provided in the toilet device for detecting the blood flow of the user; The toilet system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit estimates the state of intoxication 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 control unit estimates the state of intoxication based on the detection results of the skin gas sensor detected while the user is seated on the toilet seat.

4. 2. The toilet system according to claim 1, wherein the skin gas sensor detects ethanol gas.

5. 2. The toilet system according to claim 1, wherein the skin gas sensor is provided on the toilet seat.

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 5, wherein the skin gas sensor is provided in the recessed portion, positioned below an upper surface of the seat.

Images