Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of preventing a toilet bowl, its periphery and clothes of a user from getting dirty.SOLUTION: The notification device 2 includes the image data acquisition unit 211 that acquires image data captured by the camera 13 installed so as to be able to capture an image of the buttocks of the user sitting on the toilet seat 102, the sitting position detection unit 212 that detects the sitting position of the user sitting on the toilet seat 102 provided on the toilet bowl 101 by performing image recognition on the image data, and the guidance information output unit 213 that outputs guidance information for guiding the user to an appropriate sitting position on the basis of the detected sitting position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for guiding a user seated on a toilet seat to an appropriate seating position. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a sanitary washing device that uses multiple infrared light-emitting and receiving devices to detect the seating position of a user and automatically adjusts the washing water discharge so that it hits only the range of the seating position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-317109 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-mentioned conventional technology does not take into consideration guiding a user seated on the toilet seat to an appropriate seating position, and there is a risk of soiling the toilet bowl, its surroundings, and the user's clothes, so further improvements are needed.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and aims to provide a technology that can prevent the toilet bowl, its surroundings, and the user's clothes from getting dirty. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The information processing device according to the present disclosure includes a seating position detection unit that detects the seating position of a user seated on a toilet seat provided on a toilet bowl, and a guidance information output unit that outputs guidance information for guiding the user to an appropriate seating position based on the detected seating position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent the toilet bowl, its surroundings, and the user's clothes from becoming soiled. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a guidance system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the placement positions of an excretion sensor and a notification device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a seating position guidance process in the notification device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of image data obtained when the user's seating position is appropriate in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of image data obtained when the user is seated in front of the toilet seat in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of image data obtained when a user is seated at the rear of a toilet seat in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a cleaning system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement positions of an excretion sensor and a cleaning device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a cleaning process in an excretion sensor and a cleaning device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a cleaning system according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a cleaning process in an excretion sensor and a cleaning device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of image data obtained when a user starts to defecate or urinate in the third embodiment. [Figure 13]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a guidance system according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a seating position guidance process in a notification device according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Findings that formed the basis of this disclosure) In nursing homes, controlling the excretion rhythm of care recipients is important for maintaining their health. For example, the excretion rhythm is controlled by taking laxatives.

[0010] However, elderly care recipients may have difficulty defecating even after taking laxatives due to a decline in abdominal muscle strength and other physical abilities caused by aging. In such cases, the cleaning function of a washing toilet seat is used to stimulate the buttocks (anus) of the care recipient, encouraging defecation.

[0011] However, when a care recipient is assisted by a caregiver to sit on the toilet seat, it is difficult for the care recipient to sit in a position where the cleansing water will accurately hit the anus. If the cleansing water hits a location other than the anus, the reflected water may splash around, soiling the toilet bowl, the surrounding area, and the care recipient's clothing. Furthermore, if excretion begins while the cleansing water is stimulating the buttocks, the reflected water containing the excrement may splash around, soiling the toilet bowl, the surrounding area, and the care recipient's clothing.

[0012] The above-mentioned conventional technology does not take into consideration guiding a user seated on the toilet seat to an appropriate seating position. Furthermore, the above-mentioned conventional technology does not consider the possibility that the user may begin to defecate while cleansing water is being sprayed onto the buttocks. As a result, there is a risk that the toilet bowl, its surroundings, and the user's clothes may become soiled by reflected water. If the user is a care recipient, this may increase the burden on the caregiver to clean the toilet bowl, its surroundings, and the care recipient's clothes.

[0013] In order to solve the above problems, an information processing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a seating position detection unit that detects the seating position of a user seated on a toilet seat provided on a toilet bowl, and a guidance information output unit that outputs guidance information for guiding the user to an appropriate seating position based on the detected seating position.

[0014] With this configuration, the user is guided to an appropriate seating position, allowing the user to excrete in an appropriate seating position and preventing the toilet bowl, its surroundings, and the user's clothes from getting dirty. It also keeps the toilet bowl, its surroundings, and the user's clothes clean. Furthermore, if the user is a care recipient, it reduces the burden on the caregiver who cleans the toilet bowl, its surroundings, and the care recipient's clothes.

[0015] In this specification, excretion means defecation and urination, and excrement means feces and urine.

[0016] In addition, the above-mentioned information processing device may further include an image data acquisition unit that acquires image data captured by a camera installed so as to capture an image of the buttocks of the user seated on the toilet seat, and the seating position detection unit may detect the seating position by performing image recognition on the image data.

[0017] According to this configuration, the user's seated position relative to the toilet seat can be detected based on the position of the user's buttocks contained in the image data.

[0018] In addition, in the above information processing device, the seating position detection unit detects whether the lowest pixel of the multiple pixels constituting the buttocks included in the image data is located in a first region including a water collection section of the toilet, a second region in front of the water collection section, or a third region behind the water collection section, and the guidance information output unit may output first guidance information indicating that the user's seating position is appropriate if the lowest pixel of the multiple pixels constituting the buttocks included in the image data is located in the first region, output second guidance information indicating that the user's seating position is in front of the toilet seat if the lowest pixel of the multiple pixels constituting the buttocks included in the image data is located in the second region, and output third guidance information indicating that the user's seating position is in the rear of the toilet seat if the lowest pixel of the multiple pixels constituting the buttocks included in the image data is located in the third region.

[0019] For example, if the lower part of the buttocks of a seated user is above the water-retaining portion of the toilet bowl, the user's seating position can be said to be appropriate, if the lower part of the buttocks of a seated user is forward of the water-retaining portion of the toilet bowl, the user's seating position can be said to be in front of the toilet seat, and if the lower part of the buttocks of a seated user is behind the water-retaining portion of the toilet bowl, the user's seating position can be said to be behind the toilet seat. Therefore, the user's seating position can be detected based on the positional relationship between the bottommost pixel of the multiple pixels that make up the buttocks contained in the image data and the water-retaining portion of the toilet bowl.

[0020] In addition, the above-mentioned information processing device may further include an excretion determination unit that determines whether the user has started to excrete, and a signal generation unit that, when it is determined that the user has started to excrete, generates a control signal to reduce the water pressure of the cleaning water ejected from the cleaning nozzle for washing the user's buttocks, or to stop the cleaning water from being ejected from the cleaning nozzle.

[0021] With this configuration, if it is determined that the user has started to defecate while wash water is being discharged from the wash nozzle onto the user's buttocks, the water pressure of the wash water discharged from the wash nozzle is reduced or the discharge of wash water from the wash nozzle is stopped. This prevents the reflected water from hitting the excrement and splashing around, preventing the toilet bowl, its surroundings, and the user's clothes from getting dirty.

[0022] In addition, the above-mentioned information processing device may further include an image data acquisition unit that acquires image data captured by a camera installed so as to be able to capture images of the inside of the toilet bowl, and the excretion determination unit may calculate a difference image between reference image data that shows the state of the inside of the toilet bowl when no excrement is present and the acquired image data, determine whether or not an image showing the excrement is included in the image data based on the brightness of each color component of the difference image, and determine that the user has started excreting if it is determined that an image showing the excrement is included in the image data.

[0023] According to this configuration, image data is acquired by a camera installed so as to be able to capture images of the inside of the toilet bowl. A difference image is calculated between the acquired image data and reference image data that shows the state of the inside of the toilet bowl when no excrement is present. Whether or not an image showing excrement is included in the image data is determined based on the brightness of each color component of the difference image. If it is determined that an image showing excrement is included in the image data, it is determined that the user has started to excrete. Therefore, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the user has started to excrete using the image data.

[0024] In addition, the above-mentioned information processing device may further include a sagging determination unit that determines whether the user's buttocks have sagged into the toilet bowl, and a warning information output unit that, if it is determined that the user's buttocks have sagged into the toilet bowl, outputs warning information to warn the user that the user's buttocks have sagged into the toilet bowl.

[0025] With this configuration, if it is determined that the user's buttocks have fallen into the toilet bowl, warning information is output to warn the user that the user's buttocks have fallen into the toilet bowl. Therefore, upon checking the warning information, the caregiver can assist the user or attach an auxiliary toilet seat with an opening narrower than the toilet seat opening. This can ease the user's pain during defecation and prevent the toilet bowl, its surroundings, and the user's clothing from getting soiled.

[0026] In addition, the above-mentioned information processing device may further include an image data acquisition unit that acquires image data captured by a camera installed so as to capture an image of the buttocks of the user seated on the toilet seat, and the sagging determination unit may determine that the buttocks have sagged into the toilet bowl if the length from the top of the image data to the lowest pixel of the multiple pixels that make up the buttocks included in the image data is equal to or greater than a predetermined length.

[0027] According to this configuration, it is possible to easily determine whether the user's buttocks have fallen into the toilet bowl based on the position of the user's buttocks contained in the image data.

[0028] In the information processing device, the warning information may include information encouraging the use of an auxiliary toilet seat that has an opening narrower than the opening of the toilet seat and is attached on top of the toilet seat.

[0029] According to this configuration, the warning information includes information encouraging the use of an auxiliary toilet seat that has an opening narrower than the opening of the toilet seat and is attached on top of the toilet seat. Therefore, using the auxiliary toilet seat can ease the pain the user feels when urging the toilet and prevent the toilet bowl, its surroundings, and the user's clothes from getting soiled.

[0030] The above-mentioned information processing device may further include a washing position determination unit that determines a washing position for the user's buttocks based on the detected seating position, a nozzle position determination unit that determines a position of a washing nozzle for washing the user's buttocks based on the determined washing position, and a signal generation unit that generates a control signal for controlling the position of the washing nozzle in accordance with the determined position of the washing nozzle.

[0031] With this configuration, the position of the cleaning nozzle for cleaning the user's buttocks is determined according to the user's seated position, preventing the cleaning water ejected from the cleaning nozzle from hitting areas other than the buttocks, and preventing the toilet bowl, its surroundings, and the user's clothes from becoming soiled.

[0032] Furthermore, the present disclosure can be realized not only as an information processing device having the above-described characteristic configuration, but also as an information processing method that executes characteristic processing corresponding to the characteristic configuration of the information processing device. Furthermore, the present disclosure can also be realized as a computer program that causes a computer to execute characteristic processing included in such an information processing method. Therefore, the same effects as those of the above-described information processing device can be achieved in the following other aspects.

[0033] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method in which a computer detects the seating position of a user seated on a toilet seat provided on a toilet bowl, and outputs guidance information to guide the user to an appropriate seating position based on the detected seating position.

[0034] An information processing program according to another aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to function as a seating position detection unit that detects the seating position of a user seated on a toilet seat provided on a toilet bowl, and a guidance information output unit that outputs guidance information to guide the user to an appropriate seating position based on the detected seating position.

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are examples of specific embodiments of the present disclosure and do not limit the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0036] (Embodiment 1) Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a guidance system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement positions of an excretion sensor 1 and a notification device 2 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] The guidance system shown in FIG. 1 includes an excretion sensor 1 and a notification device 2.

[0038] The excretion sensor 1 is placed inside the toilet bowl 101. As shown in Fig. 2, the excretion sensor 1 is hung on the edge of an opening formed in the top of the toilet bowl 101 that receives feces and urine. The excretion sensor 1 is connected to the notification device 2 by wire or wirelessly so that they can communicate with each other.

[0039] A water reservoir 105 is provided at the bottom of the toilet bowl 101. The water reservoir 105 is connected to a drainage channel (not shown) that drains feces and urine from the toilet bowl 101. Feces and urine excreted into the toilet bowl 101 are flushed down through the drainage channel. A toilet seat 102 for a user to sit on is provided at the top of the toilet bowl 101. The toilet seat 102 rotates up and down. The user sits with the toilet seat 102 lowered over the toilet bowl 101. A water storage tank 103 that stores water for flushing feces and urine is provided at the rear of the toilet bowl 101.

[0040] A cleaning nozzle 104 is also provided on the toilet 101. The cleaning nozzle 104 ejects cleaning water upward to clean the user's buttocks (private parts). An input unit (not shown) is used to instruct the cleaning nozzle 104 to start and stop its cleaning operation.

[0041] The excretion sensor 1 includes a processor 11, a memory 12, a camera 13, and a communication unit .

[0042] The processor 11 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). The processor 11 realizes an imaging control unit 111.

[0043] The imaging control unit 111 controls the operation of the camera 13 .

[0044] The memory 12 is a storage device capable of storing various types of information, such as a random access memory (RAM), a solid state drive (SSD), or a flash memory.

[0045] Camera 13 is installed so as to be able to capture an image of the buttocks of a user seated on toilet seat 102. Camera 13 is installed on toilet bowl 101 so as to be able to capture an image of the interior of toilet bowl 101. In particular, camera 13 is installed so as to be able to capture an image of the lower part of the buttocks that protrudes downward from the inside of toilet seat 102 from the side when the user sits on toilet seat 102. Camera 13 is, for example, a high-sensitivity, wide-angle camera that is capable of capturing color images having R (red), G (green), and B (blue) components. Specifically, camera 13 is, for example, a high-sensitivity camera with a 1 / 4-inch CMOS. Camera 13 is also configured as a wide-angle camera with a horizontal angle of view of 120 degrees and a vertical angle of view of 45 degrees. Note that these numerical values ​​for the number of inches and the angle of view are merely examples, and other values ​​may be used. Camera 13 captures images of the interior of toilet bowl 101 at a predetermined frame rate.

[0046] The communication unit 14 transmits the image data obtained by the camera 13 to the notification device 2. Here, the communication unit 14 constantly transmits the captured image data to the notification device 2.

[0047] The notification device 2 is provided, for example, on a wall inside the toilet, in a position visible to a user and / or the user's caregiver seated on the toilet seat 102. The notification device 2 includes a processor 21, a memory 22, a display unit 23, and a communication unit 24.

[0048] The communication unit 24 receives the image data transmitted by the excretion sensor 1.

[0049] The memory 22 is a storage device capable of storing various types of information, such as a RAM, an SSD, a flash memory, etc. The memory 22 realizes a reference image data storage unit 221.

[0050] The reference image data storage unit 221 pre-stores reference image data used by the seating position detection unit 212 when detecting the seating position. The reference image data is image data captured each time excrement is discharged from the water storage unit 105. The reference image data is generated, for example, based on multiple color image data obtained by the camera 13 capturing multiple images of the interior of the toilet bowl 101 when the user is not seated on the toilet seat 102. In other words, the reference image data is color image data of the interior of the toilet bowl 101 in a default state in which the user's buttocks are not captured. Therefore, image data showing the user's buttocks is extracted by calculating the difference between the image data captured when the user is seated on the toilet seat 102 and the reference image data. The reference image data may be image data generated by calibration performed when the excretion sensor 1 is installed in the toilet bowl 101.

[0051] It should be noted that the toilet bowl 101 becomes soiled as it is used. Therefore, image data captured each time excrement is discharged from the water reservoir 105 is stored as reference image data in the reference image data storage unit 221, thereby improving the accuracy of detecting the user's buttocks.

[0052] The processor 21 is, for example, a CPU. The processor 21 realizes an image data acquisition unit 211, a seating position detection unit 212, and a guidance information output unit 213.

[0053] The image data acquisition unit 211 acquires image data captured by the camera 13 installed so as to be able to capture an image of the buttocks of a user seated on the toilet seat 102.

[0054] The seating position detection unit 212 detects the seating position of the user seated on the toilet seat 102 provided on the toilet bowl 101. The seating position detection unit 212 detects the seating position by performing image recognition on the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit 211.

[0055] First, the seating position detection unit 212 detects a buttocks image representing the user's buttocks from the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit 211. Then, the seating position detection unit 212 detects whether the bottommost pixel of the multiple pixels constituting the buttocks image included in the image data is located in a first region including the water collection section 105 of the toilet bowl 101, a second region in front of the water collection section 105, or a third region behind the water collection section 105.

[0056] The guidance information output unit 213 outputs guidance information for guiding the user to an appropriate sitting position based on the sitting position detected by the seating position detection unit 212. When the lowest pixel among the multiple pixels constituting the buttocks included in the image data is present in the first region, the guidance information output unit 213 outputs first guidance information indicating that the user's sitting position is appropriate. When the lowest pixel among the multiple pixels constituting the buttocks included in the image data is present in the second region, the guidance information output unit 213 outputs second guidance information indicating that the user's sitting position is in the front of the toilet seat 102 and for guiding the user to an appropriate sitting position. When the lowest pixel among the multiple pixels constituting the buttocks included in the image data is present in the third region, the guidance information output unit 213 outputs third guidance information indicating that the user's sitting position is in the rear of the toilet seat 102 and for guiding the user to an appropriate sitting position.

[0057] The display unit 23 is, for example, a liquid crystal display device, and displays the guidance information output by the guidance information output unit 213.

[0058] Next, the seating position guidance process in the notification device 2 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0059] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the seating position guidance process in the notification device 2 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] First, in step S1, the image data acquisition unit 211 acquires image data captured by the camera 13 installed so as to be able to capture an image of the buttocks of a user seated on the toilet seat 102. The camera 13 of the excretion sensor 1 captures an image of the lower part of the buttocks of the user seated on the toilet seat from the side. The communication unit 14 of the excretion sensor 1 transmits the image data obtained by the image capture by the camera 13 to the notification device 2. The communication unit 24 of the notification device 2 receives the image data transmitted by the excretion sensor 1 and outputs the received image data to the processor 21. The image data acquisition unit 211 acquires the image data received by the communication unit 24.

[0061] Next, in step S2, the seating position detection unit 212 detects the seating position of the user seated on the toilet seat 102 provided on the toilet bowl 101 by performing image recognition on the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit 211.

[0062] Here, the detection of the seating position by the seating position detection unit 212 will be described.

[0063] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of image data obtained when the user is in an appropriate seated position in the first embodiment, Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of image data obtained when the user is in a seated position in front of the toilet seat 102 in the first embodiment, and Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of image data obtained when the user is in a seated position in back of the toilet seat 102 in the first embodiment. Note that the right side of Figs. 4 to 6 shows the front of the user seated on the toilet seat 102, and the left side of Figs. 4 to 6 shows the back of the user seated on the toilet seat 102.

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, a buttocks detection area 410 for detecting the user's buttocks 401 is set in advance in the image data. For example, the buttocks detection area 410 is the uppermost area of ​​four areas obtained by dividing the image data into four equal parts in the vertical direction. The lower part of the buttocks of the user sitting on the toilet seat 102 is captured in the upper part of the image data. The seating position detection unit 212 detects a buttocks image representing the user's buttocks from within the buttocks detection area 410 of the image data.

[0065] When the user is not seated on the toilet seat 102, the image data includes the toilet seat 102, the interior of the toilet bowl 101, and the water collection section 105. When the user is seated on the toilet seat 102, the image data includes the user's buttocks 401, the toilet seat 102, the interior of the toilet bowl 101, and the water collection section 105.

[0066] At this time, the seating position detection unit 212 calculates the difference between the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit 211 and the reference image data stored in the reference image data storage unit 221. Next, the seating position detection unit 212 calculates the RGB ratio of the R component, the G component, and the B component of each pixel included in the calculated difference image data. Next, the seating position detection unit 212 calculates the total number of pixels whose calculated RGB ratio falls within a predetermined skin reference ratio range. Here, the RGB ratio is, for example, the ratio of the luminance value of the R component, the luminance value of the G component, and the luminance value of the B component of each pixel in the difference image data. The skin reference ratio range is a range of RGB ratios of typical skin calculated by analyzing multiple image data containing various skin images. Finally, if the total number of pixels whose calculated RGB ratio falls within the predetermined skin reference ratio range is equal to or greater than a threshold, the seating position detection unit 212 determines that the image data captured by the camera 13 includes a buttocks image. Note that the skin reference ratio may be set according to the skin color of the main users of the toilet.

[0067] When the seating position detection unit 212 detects buttocks 401 in the buttocks detection area 410, it detects whether the bottommost pixel 402 of the multiple pixels constituting the buttocks image contained in the image data is located in a first region 411 including the water collection section 105 of the toilet bowl 101, a second region 412 located in front of the water collection section 105, or a third region 413 located behind the water collection section 105. The second region 412 is located in front of the first region 411, and the third region 413 is located behind the first region 411.

[0068] When the buttocks 401 of a user seated on the toilet seat 102 are viewed from the side, it is estimated that the lowest part of the buttocks 401 generally corresponds to the position of the user's anus. Furthermore, when the user is seated in an optimal seating position, excreted feces fall into the water collection section 105. Therefore, if the user's anus is located above the water collection section 105, the user's seating position can be said to be appropriate. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, if the lowest pixel 402 of the multiple pixels constituting the buttocks image included in the image data is located in a first region 411 including the water collection section 105 of the toilet bowl 101, the user's seating position can be said to be appropriate. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, if the lowest pixel 402 of the multiple pixels constituting the buttocks image included in the image data is located in a second region 412 forward of the water collection section 105, the user's seating position can be said to be in front of the toilet seat 102. Also, as shown in Figure 6, if the bottommost pixel 402 among the multiple pixels constituting the buttocks image contained in the image data is located in the third region 413 behind the water collection section 105, it can be said that the user's seating position is behind the toilet seat 102.

[0069] Returning to Fig. 3, next, in step S3, the guide information output unit 213 determines whether or not the pixel 402 at the bottom of the buttocks image is present in the first region 411. If it is determined that the pixel 402 at the bottom of the buttocks image is present in the first region 411 (YES in step S3), in step S4, the guide information output unit 213 outputs first guide information indicating that the user's seating position is appropriate to the display unit 23.

[0070] Next, in step S5, the display unit 23 displays the first guide information. For example, the display unit 23 displays a sentence such as "The user's seating position is appropriate."

[0071] On the other hand, if it is determined that the pixel 402 at the bottom of the buttocks image is not present in the first region 411 (NO in step S3), then in step S6 the guidance information output unit 213 determines whether or not the pixel 402 at the bottom of the buttocks image is present in the second region 412. Here, if it is determined that the pixel 402 at the bottom of the buttocks image is present in the second region 412 (YES in step S6), then in step S7 the guidance information output unit 213 outputs second guidance information to the display unit 23 indicating that the user's seating position is in front of the toilet seat 102 and guiding the user to an appropriate seating position.

[0072] Next, in step S8, the display unit 23 displays the second guidance information. For example, the display unit 23 displays a sentence such as "The user is sitting forward. Please adjust your seating position backward." When the user confirms the displayed second guidance information, the user moves his or her buttocks backward. Furthermore, if the user is a care recipient, the caregiver of the user may confirm the displayed second guidance information and move the user backward.

[0073] On the other hand, if it is determined that the pixel 402 at the bottom of the buttocks image is not present in the second region 412, i.e., if it is determined that the pixel 402 at the bottom of the buttocks image is present in the third region 413 (NO in step S6), in step S9, the guidance information output unit 213 outputs third guidance information to the display unit 23, indicating that the user's seating position is behind the toilet seat 102, to guide the user to an appropriate seating position.

[0074] Next, in step S10, the display unit 23 displays the third guidance information. For example, the display unit 23 displays a sentence such as "The user is sitting backward. Please adjust your seating position forward." When the user confirms the displayed third guidance information, the user moves his or her buttocks forward. Furthermore, if the user is a care recipient, the caregiver of the user may confirm the displayed third guidance information and move the user forward.

[0075] In this way, the user is guided to an appropriate seating position, allowing the user to excrete in an appropriate seating position, preventing the toilet bowl, its surroundings, and the user's clothes from getting dirty. This also helps keep the toilet bowl, its surroundings, and the user's clothes clean. Furthermore, if the user is a care recipient, this also reduces the burden on the caregiver who has to clean the toilet bowl, its surroundings, and the care recipient's clothes.

[0076] In the first embodiment, if the user's sitting position is appropriate, the user does not need to change the sitting position, and therefore the display unit 23 does not need to display the first guide information indicating that the user's sitting position is appropriate. That is, if it is determined that the pixel 402 at the bottom of the buttocks image is present in the first region 411, the guide information output unit 213 does not need to output the first guide information indicating that the user's sitting position is appropriate.

[0077] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the guide information output unit 213 represents the first guide information, the second guide information, and the third guide information as sentences, but the present disclosure is not particularly limited thereto, and the first guide information, the second guide information, and the third guide information may be represented by icons. For example, the guide information output unit 213 may display an icon indicating that the user's sitting position is appropriate when it is determined that the lowest pixel 402 of the buttocks image is present in the first region 411, may display an icon indicating that the user's sitting position is forward when it is determined that the lowest pixel 402 of the buttocks image is present in the second region 412, and may display an icon indicating that the user's sitting position is backward when it is determined that the lowest pixel 402 of the buttocks image is present in the third region 413.

[0078] The guidance information output unit 213 may also display the first, second, and third guidance information by lighting up LEDs (light-emitting diodes). The guidance information output unit 213 may change the display mode of the LEDs depending on the user's seating position. For example, the guidance information output unit 213 may light up a blue LED when it is determined that the pixel 402 at the bottom of the buttocks image is present in the first region 411, and may light up a red LED when it is determined that the pixel 402 at the bottom of the buttocks image is present in the second region 412 or the third region 413. For example, the guidance information output unit 213 may light up an LED of a predetermined color when it is determined that the pixel 402 at the bottom of the buttocks image is present in the first region 411, and may blink an LED of a predetermined color when it is determined that the pixel 402 at the bottom of the buttocks image is present in the second region 412 or the third region 413.

[0079] The notification device 2 may also include a speaker instead of the display unit 23. In this case, the guide information output unit 213 outputs the first guide information, the second guide information, or the third guide information to the speaker, and the speaker may output the first guide information, the second guide information, or the third guide information by voice or sound. For example, when outputting the first guide information by voice, the speaker may output a voice saying, "The user's seating position is appropriate." When outputting the second guide information by voice, the speaker may output a voice saying, "The user is seated forward. Please adjust your seating position backward." When outputting the third guide information by voice, the speaker may output a voice saying, "The user is seated backward. Please adjust your seating position forward." Furthermore, for example, when it is determined that the pixel 402 at the bottom of the buttocks image is present in the second region 412 or the third region 413, the guide information output unit 213 may cause the speaker to output a warning sound (buzzer sound).

[0080] Furthermore, the notification device 2 may include both the display unit 23 and a speaker.

[0081] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the excretion sensor 1 includes the camera 13, and the seating position detection unit 212 detects the seating position by image recognition of image data, but the present disclosure is not particularly limited to this. The excretion sensor 1 may include multiple transmission-type photoelectric sensors on the inner side surface of the toilet seat 102. The transmission-type photoelectric sensor includes a projector that projects infrared light and a photoreceiver that is provided opposite the projector and receives the infrared light projected by the projector. When the user sits on the toilet seat 102, the user's buttocks sink into the toilet seat 102, blocking the infrared light projected from the projector, and the infrared light is no longer received by the photoreceiver. The seating position detection unit 212 detects the user's seating position by identifying the transmission-type photoelectric sensor that no longer receives infrared light among the multiple transmission-type photoelectric sensors.

[0082] For example, when the seating position detection unit 212 no longer receives infrared light from a transmission-type photoelectric sensor provided above the water storage unit 105, it may output first guidance information indicating that the user's seating position is appropriate. Also, for example, when the seating position detection unit 212 no longer receives infrared light from a transmission-type photoelectric sensor provided forward of the water storage unit 105, it may output second guidance information indicating that the user's seating position is in front of the toilet seat 102 and for guiding the user to an appropriate seating position. Also, for example, when the seating position detection unit 212 no longer receives infrared light from a transmission-type photoelectric sensor provided rearward of the water storage unit 105, it may output third guidance information indicating that the user's seating position is behind the toilet seat 102 and for guiding the user to an appropriate seating position.

[0083] The excretion sensor 1 may also include multiple load sensors on the seat surface of the toilet seat 102. The multiple load sensors each detect a load value applied in the vertical direction. The memory 22 may pre-store the load value of each of the multiple load sensors when the user is seated in an appropriate seating position, the load value of each of the multiple load sensors when the user is seated forward, and the load value of each of the multiple load sensors when the user is seated backward. The seating position detection unit 212 may determine whether the user's seating position is appropriate, forward, or backward by comparing the load values ​​detected by the multiple load sensors with the load values ​​of the multiple load sensors stored in the memory 22.

[0084] The excretion sensor 1 may further include a distance measurement sensor that measures the distance to the center of the opening of the toilet seat 102. The seating position detection unit 212 may output first guide information when the lowest pixel of the buttocks image is in the first area and the distance measured by the distance measurement sensor is a predetermined distance. The seating position detection unit 212 may output second guide information when the lowest pixel of the buttocks image is in the second area and no distance is measured by the distance measurement sensor. The seating position detection unit 212 may output third guide information when the lowest pixel of the buttocks image is in the third area and no distance is measured by the distance measurement sensor.

[0085] (Embodiment 2) In the first embodiment, guidance information for guiding the user to an appropriate seating position is output based on the detected seating position. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the washing position for the user's buttocks is determined based on the detected seating position, the position of the washing nozzle for washing the user's buttocks is determined based on the determined washing position, and a control signal for controlling the position of the washing nozzle is generated according to the determined position of the washing nozzle.

[0086] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of a cleaning system according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining the positions of the excretion sensor 1A and the cleaning device 3 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that in the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0087] The cleansing system shown in FIG.

[0088] The excretion sensor 1A is disposed in the toilet bowl 101, as in the first embodiment. The excretion sensor 1A is connected to the flushing device 3 by wire or wirelessly so that they can communicate with each other.

[0089] The excretion sensor 1A includes a processor 11A, a memory 12A, a camera 13, and a communication unit .

[0090] The processor 11A realizes the imaging control unit 111, the image data acquisition unit 211, the seating position detection unit 212, and the seating position information generation unit 114. The memory 12A realizes the reference image data storage unit 221.

[0091] The seating position information generating unit 114 generates seating position information that indicates the seating position of the user seated on the toilet seat 102. The seating position information includes the distance from a predetermined reference position to the bottommost pixel of the buttocks image. The reference position is, for example, the intersection of a line extending upward from the center of the water collecting portion 105 and a line extending horizontally from the bottommost pixel of the buttocks image.

[0092] The communication unit 14 transmits the seating position information generated by the seating position information generation unit 114 to the cleaning device 3.

[0093] The flushing device 3 is built into the toilet seat 102. The flushing device 3 includes a processor 31, a communication unit 32, a memory 33, and a flushing unit .

[0094] The communication unit 32 receives the seating position information transmitted by the excretion sensor 1A.

[0095] The memory 33 is a storage device capable of storing various types of information, such as a RAM, an SSD, or a flash memory.

[0096] The processor 31 is, for example, a CPU. The processor 31 realizes a cleaning position determination unit 311, a nozzle position determination unit 312, and a cleaning nozzle control unit 313.

[0097] The washing position determination unit 311 determines the washing position for the user's buttocks based on the seating position detected by the seating position detection unit 212.

[0098] The nozzle position determination unit 312 determines the position of the washing nozzle 104 for washing the user's buttocks based on the washing position determined by the washing position determination unit 311.

[0099] The cleaning nozzle control unit 313 generates a control signal for controlling the position of the cleaning nozzle 104 in accordance with the position of the cleaning nozzle 104 determined by the nozzle position determination unit 312. The cleaning nozzle control unit 313 also generates a control signal for causing cleaning water to be discharged from the cleaning nozzle 104 or for stopping the discharge of cleaning water. The cleaning nozzle control unit 313 also generates a control signal for adjusting the water pressure of cleaning water discharged from the cleaning nozzle 104. The cleaning nozzle control unit 313 outputs the generated control signal to the cleaning unit 34.

[0100] The cleaning unit 34 drives the cleaning nozzle 104 based on the control signal generated by the cleaning nozzle control unit 313, thereby extending and retracting the cleaning nozzle 104. The cleaning unit 34 also causes cleaning water to be discharged from the cleaning nozzle 104 or stops the discharge of cleaning water based on the control signal generated by the cleaning nozzle control unit 313. The cleaning unit 34 also adjusts the water pressure of the cleaning water discharged from the cleaning nozzle 104 based on the control signal generated by the cleaning nozzle control unit 313.

[0101] Next, the cleaning process in the excretion sensor 1A and the cleaning device 3 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0102] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the cleaning process in the excretion sensor 1A and the cleaning device 3 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0103] The processing in steps S21 and S22 is the same as the processing in steps S1 and S2 shown in FIG. 3, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0104] Next, in step S23, the seating position information generating unit 114 generates seating position information indicating the seating position of the user seated on the toilet seat 102 based on the seating position detected by the seating position detecting unit 212. The pixel at the bottom of the buttocks image included in the image data corresponds to the seating position. The seating position information includes the distance from a predetermined reference position to the pixel at the bottom of the buttocks image included in the image data. For example, if the front of the user is defined as positive and the rear of the user is defined as negative, then if the distance included in the seating position information is +10 centimeters, it indicates that the seating position is shifted 10 centimeters forward from the reference position, and if the distance included in the seating position information is -10 centimeters, it indicates that the seating position is shifted 10 centimeters backward from the reference position.

[0105] Next, in step S24, the communication unit 14 transmits the seating position information generated by the seating position information generation unit 114 to the cleaning device 3.

[0106] Next, in step S25, the communication unit 32 of the washing device 3 receives the seating position information transmitted by the excretion sensor 1A.

[0107] Next, in step S26, the washing position determination unit 311 determines a washing position for the user's buttocks based on the seating position detected by the seating position detection unit 212. The washing position indicates the position where the washing water ejected from the washing nozzle 104 hits the buttocks. The washing position determination unit 311 determines the washing position according to the distance from the reference position to the seating position contained in the seating position information received by the communication unit 32. In other words, the distance from the reference position to the seating position is the distance from the reference position to the washing position.

[0108] Next, in step S27, the nozzle position determination unit 312 determines the position of the cleaning nozzle 104 for cleaning the user's buttocks based on the cleaning position determined by the cleaning position determination unit 311. The reference position of the cleaning nozzle 104 corresponding to the reference position on the image data is determined in advance. The memory 33 pre-stores the reference position of the cleaning nozzle 104 corresponding to the reference position on the image data. For example, the reference position of the cleaning nozzle 104 is a position where cleaning water can be discharged relative to the intersection of a perpendicular line passing through the center of the water reservoir 105 and the opening surface of the toilet seat 102. The cleaning nozzle 104 extends and retracts. The direction in which the cleaning nozzle 104 extends and retracts is tilted downward relative to the horizontal direction, and the tilt angle is known. Furthermore, cleaning water is discharged from the cleaning nozzle 104 at a right angle to the direction in which the cleaning nozzle 104 extends and retracts. Therefore, the nozzle position determination unit 312 can calculate the length by which the cleaning nozzle 104 is extended or retracted based on the distance from the reference position to the cleaning position, and can determine the position of the cleaning nozzle 104.

[0109] Next, in step S28, the cleaning nozzle control unit 313 generates a control signal for controlling the position of the cleaning nozzle 104, in accordance with the position of the cleaning nozzle 104 determined by the nozzle position determination unit 312. The cleaning nozzle control unit 313 outputs the generated control signal to the cleaning unit 34.

[0110] Next, in step S29, the cleaning unit 34 drives the cleaning nozzle 104 in response to a control signal from the cleaning nozzle control unit 313, thereby extending or retracting the cleaning nozzle 104. After the cleaning nozzle 104 has been extended or retracted, the cleaning unit 34 may automatically eject cleaning water, or may eject cleaning water based on an instruction from the user. That is, the cleaning unit 34 may eject cleaning water when a user's input to start cleaning is received by an input unit (not shown).

[0111] In this way, the position of the cleaning nozzle 104 for cleaning the user's buttocks is determined according to the user's seated position, so that the cleaning water ejected from the cleaning nozzle 104 can be prevented from hitting any part of the body other than the buttocks, and the toilet bowl 101, its surroundings, and the user's clothes can be prevented from getting dirty.

[0112] In the second embodiment, the cleaning device 3 determines the cleaning position, determines the position of the cleaning nozzle 104, and generates a control signal for controlling the position of the cleaning nozzle 104. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The excretion sensor 1A may determine the cleaning position, determine the position of the cleaning nozzle 104, and generate a control signal for controlling the position of the cleaning nozzle 104. In this case, the processor 11A of the excretion sensor 1A does not include the seating position information generation unit 114, and the communication unit 14 does not transmit the seating position information to the cleaning device 3. The processor 11A may also include a cleaning position determination unit 311, a nozzle position determination unit 312, and a control signal generation unit. The control signal generation unit may generate a control signal for controlling the position of the cleaning nozzle 104, similar to the cleaning nozzle control unit 313. The communication unit 14 may transmit the control signal generated by the control signal generation unit to the cleaning device 3. The communication unit 32 of the cleaning device 3 may receive the control signal transmitted by the excretion sensor 1A, and the cleaning nozzle control unit 313 may output the control signal received by the communication unit 32 to the cleaning unit .

[0113] In addition, in the second embodiment, the excretion sensor 1A includes the image data acquisition unit 211, the seating position detection unit 212, and the reference image data storage unit 221. However, the present disclosure is not particularly limited to this, and the cleaning device 3 may include the image data acquisition unit 211, the seating position detection unit 212, and the reference image data storage unit 221. In this case, the communication unit 14 of the excretion sensor 1A transmits the image data to the cleaning device 3.

[0114] In this way, the cleaning device 3 may include a seating position detection unit 212 that detects the seating position of a user seated on a toilet seat provided on a toilet bowl, a cleaning position determination unit 311 that determines the cleaning position for the user's buttocks based on the detected seating position, a nozzle position determination unit 312 that determines the position of a cleaning nozzle for cleaning the user's buttocks based on the determined cleaning position, and a cleaning nozzle control unit 313 (signal generation unit) that generates a control signal for controlling the position of the cleaning nozzle according to the determined position of the cleaning nozzle.

[0115] Furthermore, the guidance system of the first embodiment may further include the cleaning device 3 of the second embodiment. In this case, the notification device 2 may include a seating position information generation unit 114, and the communication unit 24 may transmit the seating position information to the cleaning device 3. Furthermore, the notification device 2 may include a cleaning position determination unit 311, a nozzle position determination unit 312, and a control signal generation unit.

[0116] (Embodiment 3) In embodiment 3, if the user begins to defecate while water is being sprayed from the cleaning nozzle 104 onto the user's buttocks, the water pressure of the cleaning water sprayed from the cleaning nozzle is reduced or the cleaning water sprayed from the cleaning nozzle is stopped.

[0117] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a cleaning system according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that the positions of the excretion sensor 1B and the cleaning device 3B in the third embodiment are the same as those of the excretion sensor 1A and the cleaning device 3 shown in Fig. 8. In the third embodiment, the same components as those in the first and second embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0118] The cleansing system shown in FIG. 10 includes an excretion sensor 1B and a cleansing device 3B.

[0119] The excretion sensor 1B is disposed in the toilet bowl 101, as in the first embodiment. The excretion sensor 1B is connected to the flushing device 3B by wire or wirelessly so that they can communicate with each other.

[0120] The excretion sensor 1B includes a processor 11B, a memory 12A, a camera 13, and a communication unit 14B.

[0121] The processor 11B realizes an imaging control unit 111, an image data acquisition unit 211, a seating position detection unit 212, a seating position information generation unit 114, an excretion determination unit 115, and an excretion start information generation unit .

[0122] The excretion determination unit 115 determines whether the user has started excretion. The excretion determination unit 115 calculates a difference image between reference image data that shows the state of the inside of the toilet bowl when no excrement is present and the acquired image data. The excretion determination unit 115 determines whether an image showing excretion is included in the image data based on the brightness of each color component of the difference image. If the excretion determination unit 115 determines that an image showing excretion is included in the image data, it determines that the user has started excretion.

[0123] When the excretion determination unit 115 determines that the user has started excretion, the excretion start information generation unit 116 generates excretion start information indicating that the user has started excretion.

[0124] The communication unit 14B transmits the seating position information generated by the seating position information generation unit 114 to the washing device 3B. In addition, the communication unit 14B transmits the excretion start information generated by the excretion start information generation unit 116 to the washing device 3B.

[0125] As in the second embodiment, the flushing device 3B is built into the toilet seat 102. The flushing device 3B includes a processor 31B, a communication unit 32B, a memory 33, and a flushing unit .

[0126] The communication unit 32B receives the seating position information transmitted by the excretion sensor 1B. The communication unit 32B also receives the excretion start information transmitted by the excretion sensor 1B.

[0127] The processor 31B is, for example, a CPU, and implements a cleaning position determination unit 311, a nozzle position determination unit 312, and a cleaning nozzle control unit 313B.

[0128] The cleaning nozzle control unit 313B generates a control signal for controlling the position of the cleaning nozzle 104 according to the position of the cleaning nozzle 104 determined by the nozzle position determination unit 312. The cleaning nozzle control unit 313B also generates a control signal for discharging cleaning water from the cleaning nozzle 104 or stopping the discharge of cleaning water. The cleaning nozzle control unit 313B also adjusts the position of the cleaning nozzle 104 according to the position of the cleaning nozzle 104 determined by the nozzle position determination unit 312, and then generates a control signal for discharging cleaning water from the cleaning nozzle 104 to stimulate the user's buttocks and encourage defecation. The cleaning nozzle control unit 313B also generates a control signal for adjusting the water pressure of the cleaning water discharged from the cleaning nozzle 104. When it is determined that the user has started excreting, the cleaning nozzle control unit 313B generates a control signal for stopping the discharge of cleaning water from the cleaning nozzle 104 to stimulate the user's buttocks. The cleaning nozzle control unit 313B outputs the generated control signal to the cleaning unit 34.

[0129] In addition, in this embodiment 3, when it is determined that the user has started to defecate, the cleaning nozzle control unit 313B may generate a control signal to reduce the water pressure of the cleaning water ejected from the cleaning nozzle 104 in order to stimulate the user's buttocks.

[0130] Next, the cleaning process in the excretion sensor 1B and the cleaning device 3B according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0131] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the cleaning process in the excretion sensor 1B and the cleaning device 3B according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0132] The processes in steps S41 and S42 are the same as those in steps S1 and S2 shown in FIG. 3, and the processes in steps S43 to S49 are the same as those in steps S23 to S29 shown in FIG. 9, so their explanations will be omitted.

[0133] Next, in step S50, the cleaning unit 34 automatically discharges cleaning water. The discharge of cleaning water here is not for cleaning the buttocks, but for stimulating the user's anus to encourage excretion. Therefore, at this point, the user has not yet excreted.

[0134] Next, in step S51, the image data acquisition unit 211 acquires image data captured by the camera 13.

[0135] Next, in step S52, the excretion determination unit 115 determines whether the user has started excretion.

[0136] Here, the determination by the excretion determination unit 115 as to whether or not the user has started excretion will be described.

[0137] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of image data obtained when a user starts to defecate or urinate in the present embodiment 3. Note that the right side of Fig. 12 shows the front of the user seated on the toilet seat 102, and the left side of Fig. 12 shows the back of the user seated on the toilet seat 102.

[0138] As shown in Fig. 12, the image data has preset therein a buttocks detection area 410 for detecting the user's buttocks 401 and an excretion detection area 420 for detecting feces 421 and urine 422 excreted by the user. For example, the buttocks detection area 410 is the uppermost area of ​​four areas obtained by dividing the image data into four equal areas in the vertical direction. Also, for example, the excretion detection area 420 is the second area from the top of four areas obtained by dividing the image data into four equal areas in the vertical direction. The excretion determination unit 115 detects a defecation image representing feces excreted by the user or a urination image representing urine from the excretion detection area 420 of the image data.

[0139] At this time, the excretion determination unit 115 calculates the difference between the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit 211 and the reference image data stored in the reference image data storage unit 221. The reference image data is image data captured each time excrement is discharged from the water storage unit 105. The reference image data is generated, for example, based on multiple color image data obtained by the camera 13 capturing multiple images of the state inside the toilet bowl 101 when no defecation or urination has occurred. In other words, the reference image data is color image data of the default state inside the toilet bowl 101 when no defecation or urination has occurred. Therefore, by calculating the difference between the image data captured during defecation or urination and the reference image data, image data indicating defecation or urination is extracted.

[0140] Next, the excretion determination unit 115 calculates the RGB ratio of the R component, G component, and B component of each pixel included in the calculated difference image data. Next, the excretion determination unit 115 calculates the total number of pixels whose calculated RGB ratio falls within a predetermined defecation standard ratio range. Here, the RGB ratio is, for example, the ratio of the luminance value of the R component, the luminance value of the G component, and the luminance value of the B component of each pixel in the difference image data. The defecation standard ratio range is a range of RGB ratios of typical defecation calculated by analyzing multiple image data including various defecation images. Finally, the excretion determination unit 115 determines that the image data captured by the camera 13 includes a defecation image if the total number of pixels whose calculated RGB ratio falls within the predetermined defecation standard ratio range is equal to or greater than a threshold.

[0141] The excretion determination unit 115 may determine whether a urination image is included in the image data by the same process as for the defecation image. That is, the excretion determination unit 115 calculates the total number of pixels in the difference image whose RGB ratio falls within a predetermined urination standard ratio range. If the total number of pixels whose calculated RGB ratio falls within the predetermined urination standard ratio range is equal to or greater than a threshold, the excretion determination unit 115 may determine that the image data captured by the camera 13 includes a urination image.

[0142] If the excretion determination unit 115 determines that the image data contains at least one of a defecation image and a urination image, it determines that the user has started excretion. If the excretion determination unit 115 determines that the image data does not contain either a defecation image or a urination image, it determines that the user has not started excretion.

[0143] Here, if it is determined that the user has not started excretion (NO in step S52), the process returns to step S51.

[0144] On the other hand, if it is determined that the user has started excretion (YES in step S52), in step S53, the excretion start information generating unit 116 generates excretion start information indicating that the user has started excretion.

[0145] Next, in step S54, the communication unit 14B transmits the excretion start information generated by the excretion start information generating unit 116 to the washing device 3B.

[0146] Next, in step S55, the communication unit 32B of the washing device 3B receives the excretion start information transmitted by the excretion sensor 1B.

[0147] Next, in step S56, the cleaning nozzle control unit 313B generates a control signal for stopping the cleaning water from being discharged from the cleaning nozzle 104. The cleaning nozzle control unit 313B outputs the generated control signal to the cleaning unit .

[0148] Next, in step S57, the cleaning unit 34 stops the cleaning water being discharged from the cleaning nozzle 104 in response to a control signal from the cleaning nozzle control unit 313B. Note that the cleaning unit 34 may stop the cleaning water based on an instruction from the user during the period from when the automatic discharge of cleaning water starts in step S50 until the excretion start information is received. In other words, the cleaning unit 34 may stop the cleaning water when a user's input to stop cleaning is received by an input unit (not shown).

[0149] In this way, if it is determined that the user has started to defecate while cleansing water is being discharged from the cleansing nozzle 104 onto the user's buttocks, the water pressure of the cleansing water discharged from the cleansing nozzle 104 is reduced or the cleansing water is stopped from being discharged from the cleansing nozzle 104. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cleansing water from hitting the excrement and scattering reflected water around, and to prevent the toilet bowl 101, its surroundings, and the user's clothes from becoming soiled.

[0150] In this third embodiment, the excretion sensor 1B may also determine the washing position, determine the position of the washing nozzle 104, and generate a control signal for controlling the position of the washing nozzle 104. In this case, the processor 11B of the excretion sensor 1B does not include the seating position information generation unit 114, and the communication unit 14B does not transmit the seating position information to the washing device 3B. The processor 11B may also include a washing position determination unit 311, a nozzle position determination unit 312, and a control signal generation unit. The control signal generation unit may generate a control signal for controlling the position of the washing nozzle 104, similar to the washing nozzle control unit 313B. The communication unit 14B may transmit the control signal generated by the control signal generation unit to the washing device 3B. The communication unit 32B of the washing device 3B may receive the control signal transmitted by the excretion sensor 1B, and the washing nozzle control unit 313B may output the control signal received by the communication unit 32B to the washing unit 34.

[0151] Furthermore, the excretion sensor 1B may generate a control signal to stop the discharge of cleaning water from the washing nozzle 104. In this case, the processor 11B of the excretion sensor 1B does not include the excretion start information generating unit 116, and the communication unit 14B does not transmit the excretion start information to the washing device 3B. The processor 11B may also include a control signal generating unit. The control signal generating unit may generate a control signal to stop the discharge of cleaning water from the washing nozzle 104, similar to the washing nozzle control unit 313B. The communication unit 14B may transmit the control signal generated by the control signal generating unit to the washing device 3B. The communication unit 32B of the washing device 3B may receive the control signal transmitted by the excretion sensor 1B, and the washing nozzle control unit 313B may output the control signal received by the communication unit 32B to the washing unit 34.

[0152] In addition, in the third embodiment, the excretion sensor 1B includes the image data acquisition unit 211, the seating position detection unit 212, the excretion determination unit 115, and the reference image data storage unit 221, but the present disclosure is not particularly limited to this, and the cleaning device 3B may include the image data acquisition unit 211, the seating position detection unit 212, the excretion determination unit 115, and the reference image data storage unit 221. In this case, the communication unit 14B of the excretion sensor 1B transmits the image data to the cleaning device 3B.

[0153] In this way, the cleaning device 3B may include an excretion determination unit 115 that determines whether a user seated on a toilet seat provided on the toilet bowl has started to excrete, and a cleaning nozzle control unit 313B (signal generation unit) that, when it is determined that the user has started to excrete, generates a control signal to reduce the water pressure of cleaning water ejected from a cleaning nozzle for cleaning the buttocks of the user, or to stop the cleaning water ejected from the cleaning nozzle.

[0154] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the excretion determination unit 115 determines whether or not the user has started excretion using image data, but the present disclosure is not particularly limited to this. The excretion sensor 1B may be equipped with a microphone that acquires sound data from inside the toilet bowl 101, and the excretion determination unit 115 may determine whether or not the sound data acquired by the microphone includes a defecation sound or a urination sound. Then, the excretion determination unit 115 may determine that the user has started excretion if the sound data includes a defecation sound or a urination sound.

[0155] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the excretion sensor 1B may include a temperature sensor that measures the temperature inside the toilet bowl 101, and the excretion determination unit 115 may determine whether the temperature inside the toilet bowl 101 measured by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a threshold value. Then, if the temperature inside the toilet bowl 101 is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the excretion determination unit 115 may determine that the user has started excretion.

[0156] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the excretion sensor 1B may be equipped with a hydrogen sulfide odor sensor that is highly sensitive to the hydrogen sulfide odor or an ammonia odor sensor that is highly sensitive to the ammonia odor, and the excretion determination unit 115 may determine whether the odor data measured by the hydrogen sulfide odor sensor or the ammonia odor sensor is equal to or greater than a threshold. If the odor data is equal to or greater than the threshold, the excretion determination unit 115 may determine that the user has started excretion.

[0157] Furthermore, the guidance system of embodiment 1 may further include the washing device 3B of embodiment 3. In this case, the notification device 2 may include a seating position information generation unit 114, an excretion determination unit 115, and an excretion start information generation unit 116, and the communication unit 24 may transmit the seating position information and the excretion start information to the washing device 3B. Furthermore, the notification device 2 may include the excretion determination unit 115, a washing position determination unit 311, a nozzle position determination unit 312, and a control signal generation unit.

[0158] (Fourth embodiment) Elderly users tend to lose fat in their buttocks due to physical changes that occur with age. If the user's buttocks become smaller than the size of the toilet seat opening, there is a risk that the buttocks will fall into the toilet bowl. In this case, the user will have to urinate in an awkward position to prevent the buttocks from falling into the bowl, which causes pain. Furthermore, if the user urinates with the buttocks falling into the bowl, there is a risk that the toilet bowl, the surrounding area, and the user's clothing will become soiled.

[0159] Therefore, in embodiment 4, it is determined whether the user's buttocks have fallen into the toilet bowl, and if it is determined that the buttocks have fallen into the toilet bowl, warning information is output to warn the user that the user's buttocks have fallen into the toilet bowl.

[0160] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of a guidance system according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that the positions of the excretion sensor 1 and the notification device 2A in this fourth embodiment are the same as the positions of the excretion sensor 1 and the notification device 2 shown in Fig. 2. In this fourth embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0161] The guidance system shown in FIG. 13 includes an excretion sensor 1 and a notification device 2A.

[0162] The notification device 2A includes a processor 21A, a memory 22, a display unit 23, and a communication unit 24.

[0163] The processor 21A is, for example, a CPU. An image data acquisition unit 211, a seating position detection unit 212, a guidance information output unit 213, a slumping determination unit 214, and a warning information output unit 215 are realized by the processor 21A.

[0164] The sagging determination unit 214 performs image recognition on the image data to determine whether or not the user's buttocks have sagged into the toilet bowl 101. The sagging determination unit 214 determines that the buttocks have sagged into the toilet bowl 101 if the length from the top of the image data to the bottommost pixel of the multiple pixels that make up the buttocks included in the image data is equal to or greater than a predetermined length.

[0165] When the sagging determination unit 214 determines that the buttocks have sagged into the toilet bowl 101, the warning information output unit 215 outputs warning information to warn the user that the buttocks have sagged into the toilet bowl 101.

[0166] The display unit 23 displays the guidance information output by the guidance information output unit 213. The display unit 23 also displays the warning information output by the warning information output unit 215.

[0167] Next, a seating position guidance process in the notification device 2A according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0168] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a seating position guidance process in a notification device 2A according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0169] The processing in steps S61 and S62 is the same as the processing in steps S1 and S2 shown in FIG. 3, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0170] Next, in step S63, the sagging determination unit 214 performs image recognition on the image data to determine whether or not the user's buttocks have sagged into the toilet bowl 101. If the length from the top of the image data to the lowest pixel among the multiple pixels that make up the buttocks included in the image data is equal to or greater than a predetermined length, the sagging determination unit 214 determines that the buttocks have sagged into the toilet bowl 101. Furthermore, if the length from the top of the image data to the lowest pixel among the multiple pixels that make up the buttocks included in the image data is shorter than the predetermined length, the sagging determination unit 214 determines that the buttocks have not sagged into the toilet bowl 101. Note that the predetermined length that is the subject of comparison differs depending on the shape and size of the toilet seat. Therefore, the predetermined length is set in advance according to the type of toilet seat.

[0171] Here, if it is determined that the user's buttocks have fallen into the toilet bowl 101 (YES in step S63), in step S64, the warning information output unit 215 outputs warning information to warn that the user's buttocks have fallen into the toilet bowl 101.

[0172] Next, in step S65, the display unit 23 displays warning information. For example, the display unit 23 displays a sentence such as "The user's buttocks have fallen into the toilet bowl." The warning information is information for warning a caregiver who is caring for the user. Upon checking the displayed warning information, the caregiver assists the user or attaches a booster toilet seat to the toilet seat. The booster toilet seat has an opening narrower than the opening of the toilet seat 102 and is attached on top of the toilet seat 102.

[0173] The warning information may include information encouraging the use of an auxiliary toilet seat that has an opening narrower than the opening of the toilet seat 102 and is attached on top of the toilet seat 102. The display unit 23 may display, for example, a sentence saying, "The user's buttocks are sagging into the toilet bowl. Please use the auxiliary toilet seat."

[0174] On the other hand, if it is determined that the user's buttocks have not fallen into the toilet bowl 101 (NO in step S63), in step S66, the guidance information output unit 213 determines whether the pixel 402 at the bottom of the buttocks image is present in the first area 411.

[0175] The processing in steps S66 to S73 is the same as the processing in steps S3 to S10 shown in FIG. 3, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0176] In this way, when it is determined that the user's buttocks have fallen into the toilet bowl 101, warning information is output to warn the user that the user's buttocks have fallen into the toilet bowl 101. Therefore, a caregiver for the user who has confirmed the warning information can assist the user or attach an auxiliary toilet seat with an opening narrower than the opening of the toilet seat to the toilet seat. This can ease the pain the user feels when urinating and prevent the toilet bowl 101, its surroundings, and the user's clothes from getting soiled.

[0177] In the fourth embodiment, the warning information output unit 215 displays the warning information in text, but the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the warning information may be displayed as an icon. For example, the warning information output unit 215 may display an icon indicating that the user's buttocks have fallen into the toilet bowl 101.

[0178] Furthermore, the warning information output unit 215 may display the warning information by lighting an LED. For example, if it is determined that the user's buttocks have not fallen into the toilet bowl 101, the warning information output unit 215 may light a blue LED, and if it is determined that the user's buttocks have fallen into the toilet bowl 101, the warning information output unit 215 may light a red LED.

[0179] Furthermore, notification device 2A may be equipped with a speaker instead of display unit 23. In this case, warning information output unit 215 outputs warning information to the speaker, and the speaker may output the warning information by voice or sound. For example, when outputting warning information by voice, the speaker may output a voice saying, "The user's buttocks have fallen into the toilet bowl." Furthermore, for example, warning information output unit 215 may cause the speaker to output a warning sound (buzzer sound) when it is determined that the user's buttocks have fallen into toilet bowl 101.

[0180] Furthermore, notification device 2A may include both display unit 23 and a speaker.

[0181] The excretion sensor 1 may further include a distance measuring sensor that measures the distance to the center of the opening of the toilet seat 102. The sagging determination unit 214 may determine that the user's buttocks have sagged into the toilet bowl 101 when the distance to the buttocks measured by the distance measuring sensor is equal to or shorter than a predetermined distance.

[0182] In this way, the notification device 2A may include a sagging determination unit that determines whether the buttocks of a user sitting on a toilet seat provided on top of a toilet bowl have sagged into the toilet bowl, and a warning information output unit that, if it is determined that the buttocks have sagged into the toilet bowl, outputs warning information to warn the user that the buttocks of the user have sagged into the toilet bowl.

[0183] The guidance system of the fourth embodiment may further include the washing device 3 of the second embodiment. In this case, the notification device 2A may include a seating position information generation unit 114, and the communication unit 24 may transmit the seating position information to the washing device 3.

[0184] Furthermore, the guidance system of embodiment 4 may further include the washing device 3B of embodiment 3. In this case, the notification device 2A may include a seating position information generation unit 114, an excretion determination unit 115, and an excretion start information generation unit 116, and the communication unit 24 may transmit the seating position information and the excretion start information to the washing device 3B.

[0185] In each of the above embodiments, each component may be configured with dedicated hardware or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for that component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory. Furthermore, the program may be executed by another independent computer system by recording the program on a recording medium and transferring it, or by transferring the program via a network.

[0186] Some or all of the functions of the device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are typically realized as an LSI (Large Scale Integration), which is an integrated circuit. These may be implemented individually on a single chip, or some or all of them may be integrated on a single chip. Furthermore, the integrated circuit is not limited to an LSI, and may be realized using a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. It is also possible to use an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), which can be programmed after LSI manufacturing, or a reconfigurable processor, which allows the connections and settings of circuit cells within the LSI to be reconfigured.

[0187] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may be realized by a processor such as a CPU executing a program.

[0188] Furthermore, all the numbers used above are merely examples to specifically explain the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the numbers used as examples.

[0189] The order in which the steps are executed shown in the above flowchart is merely an example for specifically explaining the present disclosure, and other orders may be used as long as similar effects are obtained. Also, some of the steps may be executed simultaneously (in parallel) with other steps. [Industrial Applicability]

[0190] The technology disclosed herein can prevent the toilet bowl, its surroundings, and the user's clothes from getting dirty, and is therefore useful as a technology for guiding a user seated on the toilet seat to an appropriate sitting position. [Explanation of symbols]

[0191] 1, 1A, 1B Excretion sensor 2,2A notification device 3,3B Cleaning equipment 11, 11A, 11B processors 12,12A memory 13 Camera 14 Communications Department 14B Communications Department 21,21A processor 22 Memory 23 Display section 24 Communications Department 31,31B processor 32,32B Communication Department 33 Memory 34 Cleaning section 101 Toilet 102 Toilet seat 103 Water Tank 104 Cleaning nozzle 105 Reservoir section 111 Imaging control unit 114 Seating position information generation unit 115 Excretion Judgment Department 116 Excretion start information generation unit 211 Image data acquisition unit 212 Seating position detection unit 213 Guidance information output unit 214 Drop Judgment Unit 215 Warning information output section 221 Reference image data storage unit 311 Cleaning position determination unit 312 Nozzle position determination unit 313,313B Cleaning nozzle control unit

Claims

1. an excretion determination unit that determines whether a user seated on a toilet seat provided on the toilet bowl has started excretion; a signal generating unit that generates a control signal to reduce the water pressure of wash water discharged from a wash nozzle for washing the buttocks of the user or to stop the wash water from being discharged from the wash nozzle when it is determined that the user has started excreting; An information processing device comprising:

2. the excretion determination unit detects at least one of image data inside the toilet bowl, sound data inside the toilet bowl, temperature inside the toilet bowl, hydrogen sulfide odor inside the toilet bowl, and ammonia odor inside the toilet bowl and determines that the user has started excreting. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The toilet further includes an image data acquisition unit that acquires image data captured by a camera installed so as to be able to capture an image of the inside of the toilet bowl, the excretion determination unit calculates a difference image between reference image data showing the state of the interior of the toilet bowl when no excrement is present and the acquired image data, determines whether or not an image showing the excrement is included in the image data based on the brightness of each color component of the difference image, and determines that the user has started excretion if it determines that the image showing the excrement is included in the image data. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. a seating position detection unit that detects the seating position of the user; a washing position determination unit that determines a washing position for the buttocks of the user based on the detected seating position; a nozzle position determination unit that determines a position of the cleaning nozzle based on the determined cleaning position; a signal generating unit that generates a control signal for controlling the position of the cleaning nozzle in accordance with the determined position of the cleaning nozzle; Further provided with The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The computer determining whether a user seated on a toilet seat provided on a toilet bowl has started to defecate; When it is determined that the user has started to defecate, a control signal is generated to reduce the water pressure of the washing water discharged from a washing nozzle for washing the buttocks of the user, or to stop the washing water from being discharged from the washing nozzle. Information processing methods.

6. an excretion determination unit that determines whether a user seated on a toilet seat provided on the toilet bowl has started excretion; when it is determined that the user has started to defecate, causing the computer to function as a signal generating unit that generates a control signal to reduce the water pressure of wash water discharged from a wash nozzle for washing the user's buttocks, or to stop the discharge of wash water from the wash nozzle; Information processing program.

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