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

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of outputting alert information according to a change in a health condition of an individual user.SOLUTION: The server acquires first data in which excretion related data of a user acquired by an excretion sensor installed in a toilet is associated with a user ID for identifying the user in a first predetermined period, generates a reference database indicating an excretion tendency of the user based on the acquired first data, and acquires second data in which excretion related data of the user acquired by the excretion sensor installed in the toilet is associated with the user ID in a second predetermined period. Alert information to the user is generated based on the reference database and the second data, and the generated alert information is output.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for outputting alert information to a user. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that a biometric data acquisition device identifies a user, acquires the user's biometric data from excrement excreted by the user in a toilet, acquires a destination associated with the identified user from a storage unit that stores any analysis processing device associated with the user as a destination, and transmits the biometric data to the acquired destination. Patent Document 1 also discloses that an analysis processing device analyzes the biometric data acquired from the biometric data acquisition device and transmits the analysis result obtained to the biometric data acquisition device, and the biometric data acquisition device receives the analysis result transmitted from the analysis processing device and presents the analysis result to the user.

[0003] However, the above-mentioned conventional technology does not take into account the user's past excretion tendencies, making it difficult to output alert information in response to changes in the user's personal health condition, and further improvement is needed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-150139 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problem, and aims to provide a technology that can output alert information in response to changes in the health condition of an individual user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The information processing method of the present disclosure includes a computer acquiring, during a first predetermined period, first data associating a user's excretion-related data acquired by a sensor installed in the toilet with a user ID for identifying the user, generating a reference database indicating the user's excretion tendencies based on the acquired first data, acquiring, during a second predetermined period, second data associating the user's excretion-related data acquired by the sensor installed in the toilet with the user ID, generating alert information for the user based on the reference database and the second data, and outputting the generated alert information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to detect changes in the user's own excretion tendency and output alert information according to changes in the user's personal health condition. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an excretion management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement positions of an excretion sensor and an excretion determination device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 10 is a first flowchart illustrating an example of processing by a server according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 10 is a second flowchart illustrating an example of processing by a server according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 10 is a third flowchart illustrating an example of processing by a server according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of fourth alert information displayed on a display device. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of seventh alert information displayed on a display device. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of eighth alert information displayed on a display device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Findings that formed the basis of this disclosure) In the above-mentioned conventional technology, abnormalities are detected by comparing statistical data with a predetermined normal range, and no disclosure is made regarding the output of alert information that takes into account the user's daily excretion rhythm. Furthermore, details regarding the timing of outputting alert information for each risk are not disclosed, and depending on the risk, alert information may not be output at the appropriate time.

[0010] In order to solve the above problems, an information processing method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a computer acquiring, during a first predetermined period, first data associating a user's excretion-related data acquired by a sensor installed in the toilet with a user ID for identifying the user, generating a reference database indicating the user's excretion tendencies based on the acquired first data, acquiring, during a second predetermined period, second data associating the user's excretion-related data acquired by the sensor installed in the toilet with the user ID, generating alert information for the user based on the reference database and the second data, and outputting the generated alert information.

[0011] According to this configuration, first, during a first predetermined period, first data is acquired that associates the user's excretion-related data acquired by a sensor installed in the toilet with a user ID for identifying the user. Then, a reference database indicating the user's excretion tendency is generated based on the first data acquired during the first predetermined period. After that, during a second predetermined period, second data is acquired that associates the user's excretion-related data acquired by a sensor installed in the toilet with the user ID. Then, based on the reference database and the second data acquired during the second predetermined period, alert information for the user is generated, and the generated alert information is output.

[0012] Therefore, rather than comparing general statistical data with the user's current excretion tendency in the second specified period, the user's past excretion tendency in the first specified period is compared with the user's current excretion tendency in the second specified period, so that changes in the user's own excretion tendency can be detected and alert information can be output in response to changes in the user's personal health condition.

[0013] Furthermore, in the above information processing method, the excretion-related data may include stool shape data indicating whether the shape of the excreted stool is hard, normal, or watery; the reference database may include a first hard stool ratio indicating the ratio of hard stool excreted among all bowel movements in the first specified period; and in generating the alert information, a second hard stool ratio indicating the ratio of hard stool excreted among all bowel movements in the second specified period may be calculated; and if the second hard stool ratio is greater than the first hard stool ratio, first alert information may be generated indicating that the user is likely to be constipated.

[0014] According to this configuration, a first hard stool ratio indicating the proportion of hard stool excreted among all bowel movements in a first specified period is compared with a second hard stool ratio indicating the proportion of hard stool excreted among all bowel movements in a second specified period, so that first alert information indicating that the user is likely to be constipated can be output according to changes in the shape of the user's individual stool.

[0015] Furthermore, in the above information processing method, the excretion-related data may include stool shape data indicating whether the shape of the excreted stool is hard stool, normal stool, or watery stool, and the reference database may include a first watery stool ratio indicating the ratio of watery stool excreted among all bowel movements in the first specified period, and in generating the alert information, a second watery stool ratio indicating the ratio of watery stool excreted among all bowel movements in the second specified period may be calculated, and if the second watery stool ratio is higher than the first watery stool ratio, second alert information may be generated indicating that the user is likely to have diarrhea.

[0016] According to this configuration, a first watery stool ratio indicating the proportion of watery stool excreted among all bowel movements in a first specified period is compared with a second watery stool ratio indicating the proportion of watery stool excreted among all bowel movements in a second specified period, and therefore, second alert information indicating that the user is likely to have diarrhea can be output in accordance with changes in the shape of the user's individual stool.

[0017] Furthermore, in the above information processing method, the excretion-related data may include stool volume data indicating the amount of stool excreted, the reference database may include a first stool volume indicating the average amount of stool excreted per time in the first specified period, and in generating the alert information, a second stool volume indicating the average amount of stool excreted per time in the second specified period may be calculated, and if the second stool volume is less than the first stool volume, third alert information may be generated indicating that the user's food intake is likely to be insufficient.

[0018] According to this configuration, a first stool volume indicating the average stool volume per time in a first specified period is compared with a second stool volume indicating the average stool volume per time in a second specified period, and therefore, depending on changes in the user's individual stool volume, third alert information indicating that the user's dietary intake is likely to be insufficient can be output.

[0019] Furthermore, in the above information processing method, the excretion-related data may include stool color data indicating the color of the excreted stool, and the reference database may include a first stool color ratio indicating the proportion of stool of a specified color excreted among all stools in the first specified period, and in generating the alert information, a second stool color ratio indicating the proportion of stool of the specified color excreted among all stools in the second specified period may be calculated, and if the first stool color ratio and the second stool color ratio differ, fourth alert information may be generated indicating that the color of the user's stool has changed.

[0020] According to this configuration, a first stool color ratio indicating the proportion of stool of a specified color excreted among all stools in a first specified period is compared with a second stool color ratio indicating the proportion of stool of a specified color excreted among all stools in a second specified period, so that fourth alert information indicating a change in the color of the user's stool can be output in accordance with a change in the color of the user's individual stool.

[0021] In addition, in the above information processing method, the excretion-related data may include excretion type data indicating that the user's excretion is urine, and the reference database may include a first urination count indicating the average number of urinations per day in the first specified period, and in generating the alert information, a second urination count indicating the average number of urinations per day in the second specified period may be calculated, and if the second urination count is greater than the first urination count, fifth alert information may be generated indicating that the user has a tendency to urinate frequently.

[0022] According to this configuration, the first urination frequency indicating the average number of urinations per day in a first specified period is compared with the second urination frequency indicating the average number of urinations per day in a second specified period, and therefore, fifth alert information indicating that the user has a tendency to urinate frequently can be output according to changes in the user's individual urination frequency.

[0023] In addition, in the above information processing method, the excretion-related data may include excretion type data indicating that the user's excretion is urine, and the reference database may include a first urination count indicating the average number of urinations per day in the first specified period, and in generating the alert information, a second urination count indicating the average number of urinations per day in the second specified period may be calculated, and if the second urination count is lower than the first urination count, sixth alert information may be generated indicating that the user's fluid intake is likely insufficient.

[0024] According to this configuration, the first urination frequency indicating the average number of urinations per day in the first specified period is compared with the second urination frequency indicating the average number of urinations per day in the second specified period, and therefore, sixth alert information indicating that the user's fluid intake is likely to be insufficient can be output in accordance with changes in the user's individual urination frequency.

[0025] Furthermore, in the above information processing method, the excretion-related data may include urine specific gravity data indicating whether the specific gravity of the user's urine is heavier than a predetermined range, the reference database may include a first specific gravity ratio indicating the proportion of all urinations in the first predetermined period in which the specific gravity of the urine was heavier than the predetermined range, and in generating the alert information, a second specific gravity ratio indicating the proportion of all urinations in the second predetermined period in which the specific gravity of the urine was heavier than the predetermined range may be calculated, and if the second specific gravity ratio is greater than the first specific gravity ratio, seventh alert information may be generated indicating that the user is likely to be suffering from dehydration.

[0026] According to this configuration, a first specific gravity ratio indicating the percentage of all urinations in a first specified period in which the specific gravity of the urine was heavier than a specified range is compared with a second specific gravity ratio indicating the percentage of all urinations in a second specified period in which the specific gravity of the urine was heavier than a specified range, and therefore, seventh alert information indicating that the user is likely to be suffering from dehydration can be output in accordance with changes in the specific gravity of the user's individual urine.

[0027] Furthermore, in the above information processing method, the excretion-related data may include bleeding data indicating that the user bled when defecating or urinating, and the reference database may include a first bleeding count indicating the number of times bleeding occurred in the first specified period, and in generating the alert information, a second bleeding count indicating the number of times bleeding occurred in the second specified period may be calculated, and if the first bleeding count is less than the specified count and the second bleeding count is equal to or greater than the specified count, eighth alert information may be generated indicating that the user is likely to be bleeding when defecating or urinating.

[0028] According to this configuration, the first bleeding count indicating the number of bleeding episodes in a first predetermined period and the second bleeding count indicating the number of bleeding episodes in a second predetermined period are each compared with a predetermined number of times, so that eighth alert information indicating that the user is likely to be bleeding when defecating or urinating can be output depending on changes in the user's individual bleeding count.

[0029] In addition, in the above information processing method, the excretion-related data may include defecation-related data related to the user's defecation and urination-related data related to the user's urination, and the second specified period for acquiring the defecation-related data may be longer than the second specified period for acquiring the urination-related data.

[0030] According to this configuration, since the number of urinations per day is generally greater than the number of defecations per day, the period for acquiring the required number of samples is longer for the defecation-related data than for the urination-related data. Since the second predetermined period for acquiring the defecation-related data is longer than the second predetermined period for acquiring the urination-related data, it is possible to acquire the number of samples required for determination.

[0031] In the above information processing method, when generating the alert information, related data relating to the generated alert information may be further acquired, and when outputting the alert information, the related data may be output together with the alert information.

[0032] According to this configuration, the associated data related to the alert information is output together with the alert information, so that a person who sees the alert information can analyze the cause of the alert information being output using the associated data.

[0033] In the above information processing method, the related data may include the type of medicine taken by the user.

[0034] According to this configuration, the type of medication taken by the user is output along with the alert information, so that a person who sees the alert information can analyze the reason for the output of the alert information based on the type of medication taken by the user.

[0035] In the information processing method, the related data may include at least one of the user's dietary details, the environment in the user's home, and the amount of activity of the user.

[0036] According to this configuration, at least one of the user's meal contents, the environment in the user's home, and the user's activity level is output together with the alert information, so that a person who sees the alert information can analyze the reason for the output of the alert information based on at least one of the user's meal contents, the environment in the user's home, and the user's activity level.

[0037] Furthermore, the present disclosure can be realized not only as an information processing method that executes the characteristic processes described above, but also as an information processing device having a characteristic configuration corresponding to the characteristic processes executed by the information processing method. Furthermore, the present disclosure can also be realized as a computer program that causes a computer to execute the characteristic processes included in such an information processing method. Therefore, the same effects as those of the above information processing method can also be achieved in the following other aspects.

[0038] An information processing device according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a first data acquisition unit that acquires first data that associates a user's excretion-related data acquired by a sensor installed in the toilet during a first predetermined period with a user ID for identifying the user; a reference database generation unit that generates a reference database indicating the user's excretion tendencies based on the acquired first data; a second data acquisition unit that acquires second data that associates the user's excretion-related data acquired by the sensor installed in the toilet during a second predetermined period with the user ID; an alert information generation unit that generates alert information for the user based on the reference database and the second data; and an output unit that outputs the generated alert information.

[0039] An information processing program according to another aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to function as follows: during a first predetermined period, acquire first data associating a user's excretion-related data acquired by a sensor installed in the toilet with a user ID for identifying the user; based on the acquired first data, generate a reference database indicating the user's excretion tendencies; during a second predetermined period, acquire second data associating the user's excretion-related data acquired by the sensor installed in the toilet with the user ID; based on the reference database and the second data, generate alert information for the user; and output the generated alert information.

[0040] 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 are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0041] (Embodiment) Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an excretion management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement positions of an excretion sensor 1 and an excretion determination device 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] The excretion management system is a system introduced in facilities such as nursing homes and hospitals, which manages the excrement status of users who use the facility and presents various alert information to a manager. The users are, for example, care recipients receiving care in nursing homes and patients receiving treatment in hospitals. The manager is, for example, a caregiver for the care recipient, a care manager, a doctor in charge of the patient's treatment, or a nurse.

[0043] The excretion management system shown in FIG. 1 includes an excretion sensor 1, an excretion determination device 2, a server 3, an external sensor 4, and a display device 5.

[0044] The excrement determination device 2, the server 3, and the display device 5 are connected to each other via a network 6 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The network 6 is, for example, a wide area communication network including the Internet communication network and a mobile phone communication network. The excrement determination device 2 is installed, for example, on a wall surface inside a toilet. The excrement sensor 1 is connected to the excrement determination device 2 so as to be able to communicate with each other via a communication path 7. The communication path 7 is, for example, a communication path for short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), infrared communication, and NFC (Near Field Communication). Note that the communication path 7 may also be a wired communication path. The external sensor 4 is connected to the excrement determination device 2 so as to be able to communicate with each other via the communication path 7.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] The excretion sensor 1 includes a camera. The camera is installed on the toilet bowl 101 so that it can capture images of the interior of the toilet bowl 101. The camera is, for example, a high-sensitivity, wide-angle camera capable of capturing color images having three color components: R (red), G (green), and B (blue). However, this is just one example, and the size, sensitivity, and number of image sensing elements are not specified as camera performance. Specifically, the camera is configured as a high-sensitivity camera with a 1 / 4-inch CMOS. The camera is also configured as a wide-angle camera with a horizontal angle of view of 120 degrees and a vertical angle of view of 100 degrees. Note that these numerical values ​​for the number of inches and the number of angles of view are merely examples, and other values ​​may be used. The camera captures images of the interior of the toilet bowl 101 at a predetermined frame rate, includes time information indicating the time of capture in the obtained image data, and transmits the image data including the time information to the excrement determination device 2. The time information is information including the year, month, day, hour, minute, and second, such as 15:00:00 on April 1, 2021. However, this is just an example, and the time information may also be information including the hour, minute, and second.

[0048] The external sensors 4 include an environmental sensor that measures the temperature and humidity of the room where the user mainly lives, an opening / closing sensor that detects the opening / closing of a refrigerator door, and an activity meter such as a pedometer that measures the amount of activity of the user. The external sensors 4 transmit sensing data to the excrement determination device 2.

[0049] The excrement determination device 2 includes a camera 21, a processor 22, a memory 23, and a communication unit 24.

[0050] The camera 21 captures an image of the user's face. The camera 21 is placed in a position where it can capture an image of the face of the user sitting on the toilet seat 102.

[0051] The memory 23 is a storage device capable of storing various types of information, such as a random access memory (RAM), a solid state drive (SSD), a flash memory, etc. The memory 23 stores a facial image of a user in association with a user ID for identifying the user.

[0052] The communication unit 24 receives image data of the interior of the toilet 101 transmitted by the excretion sensor 1.

[0053] The processor 22 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). The processor 22 implements a user authentication unit 221, a data acquisition unit 222, an excrement determination unit 223, and a data output unit 224.

[0054] The user authentication unit 221 acquires from the memory 23 the user ID associated with the face image captured by the camera 21.

[0055] The camera 21 may capture an image of a barcode or two-dimensional code in which the user ID is stored. The user authentication unit 221 may read the user ID from the barcode or two-dimensional code captured by the camera 21.

[0056] Furthermore, the excrement determining device 2 may include an IC card reader instead of the camera 21. The IC card reader reads information stored in the IC card in a contactless manner using NFC. The IC card pre-stores a user ID for identifying the user. The user brings the IC card storing the user's user ID close to the IC card reader. This causes the IC card reader to acquire the user ID from the nearby IC card. The user authentication unit 221 acquires the user ID from the IC card reader.

[0057] Furthermore, the excrement determination device 2 may include a microphone instead of the camera 21. The user authentication unit 221 may acquire the user's voice through the microphone and acquire the user ID associated with the acquired voice from the memory 23.

[0058] The data acquisition unit 222 acquires image data captured by the excretion sensor 1. The data acquisition unit 222 acquires the image data from the communication unit .

[0059] The excrement determination unit 223 performs image recognition on the image data acquired by the data acquisition unit 222 to determine the type of excrement, indicating whether the excrement is feces or urine, the shape of the excrement, the amount of the excrement, the color of the excrement, the amount of urine excrement, the specific gravity of the excrement, and bleeding.

[0060] The type of excrement indicates whether the excrement is feces or urine. Here, the determination of the type of excrement by the excrement determining unit 223 will be described.

[0061] First, the excrement determination unit 223 calculates the difference between the image data acquired by the data acquisition unit 222 and the reference image data stored in the memory 23. The reference image data is generated, for example, based on multiple color image data obtained by the excretion sensor 1 capturing multiple images of the state inside the toilet 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 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.

[0062] Next, the excrement determination unit 223 calculates the RGB ratio of the R component, the G component, and the B component of each pixel included in the calculated differential image data. Next, the excrement determination unit 223 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 differential 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, 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, the excrement determination unit 223 determines that the image data captured by the excretion sensor 1 includes a defecation image and that the excrement is feces.

[0063] The excrement determination unit 223 may determine whether or not a urination image is included in the image data by the same process as for the defecation image. That is, the excrement determination unit 223 calculates the total number of pixels in the difference image where the RGB ratio of each pixel falls within a predetermined urination standard ratio range. If the total number of pixels where the calculated RGB ratio falls within the predetermined urination standard ratio range is equal to or greater than a threshold, the excrement determination unit 223 may determine that the image data captured by the excretion sensor 1 includes a urination image and that the excrement is urine.

[0064] The shape of the excreted stool indicates whether the excreted stool is hard, normal, or watery. When the excretion is stool, the excretion determination unit 223 performs image recognition on the image data acquired by the data acquisition unit 222 to determine whether the excreted stool is hard, normal, or watery.

[0065] The amount of excreted feces indicates the area of ​​the excreted feces. When the excreted matter is feces, the excretion determination unit 223 performs image recognition on the image data acquired by the data acquisition unit 222, and determines the area of ​​the excreted feces as the amount of the excreted feces.

[0066] The color of the excreted stool indicates whether the color of the excreted stool is black, white, or green. When the excretion is stool, the excretion determination unit 223 determines whether the color of the excreted stool is black, white, or green by performing image recognition on the image data acquired by the data acquisition unit 222. The color of the stool may change depending on the type of medication the user takes. For example, black stool is stool that may be excreted when sodium ferrous citrate or the like is taken. For example, the excretion determination unit 223 calculates a G / R value and a B / R value based on the R value, G value, and B value included in the image data. In detail, the excretion determination unit 223 sets a detection area in the image data acquired by the data acquisition unit 222 and calculates a G / R value and a B / R value for each of the multiple pixel data constituting the detection area. The G / R value is a value obtained by dividing the G value by the R value, expressed as a percentage. The B / R value is a value obtained by dividing the B value by the R value, expressed as a percentage. The R value is the gradation value of the R (red) component of the pixel data, the G value is the gradation value of the G (green) component of the pixel data, and the B value is the gradation value of the B (blue) component of the pixel data. The R value, G value, and B value each take on an 8-bit value (0 to 255), for example. However, this is just an example, and the R value, G value, and B value may be expressed using other numbers of bits. The detection area is a rectangular region that includes the water reservoir 105 of the toilet bowl 101.

[0067] The excrement determination unit 223 determines that the image data contains an image of melena when the calculated G / R value and B / R value and the R value, G value, and B value contained in the image data satisfy a predetermined melena condition. For example, the melena condition is a condition in which the G / R value is within a first range, the B / R value is within a second range, and the R value, G value, and B value are each within a third range.

[0068] The black feces condition is that the G / R value is not less than D1% and not more than D2%, the B / R value is not less than D3% and not more than D4%, and each of the R value, G value, and B value is not less than 0 and not more than E. For example, D3% and D4% may be such that D3% < D1% and D4% = D2%. When the image data is 8-bit, the R value, G value, and B value each take values from 0 to 255, so E is not less than 0 and not more than 255. Specifically, D1 is, for example, not less than 85 and not more than 95, preferably not less than 88 and not more than 92. D2 is, for example, not less than 105 and not more than 115, preferably not less than 108 and not more than 112. D3 is, for example, not less than 55 and not more than 65, preferably not less than 58 and not more than 62. D4 is, for example, not less than 105 and not more than 115, preferably not less than 108 and not more than 112. When the image data is 8-bit, E is, for example, not less than 85 and not more than 95, preferably not less than 88 and not more than 92. When the number of bits of the image data is arbitrary, E is, for example, not less than 33% and not more than 37%, preferably not less than 34% and not more than 36%.

[0069] When there are a predetermined number of pixel data satisfying the black feces condition in the image data, the excrement determination unit 223 determines that the color of the excreted feces is black. The predetermined number of pixels is a preset number of pixels indicating that the pixel data satisfying the black feces condition is pixel data of black feces rather than noise.

[0070] Similarly, when each of the calculated G / R value and B / R value and each of the R value, G value, and B value included in the image data satisfy a predetermined white feces condition, the excrement determination unit 223 may determine that the image data includes an image of white feces. Also, when each of the calculated G / R value and B / R value and each of the R value, G value, and B value included in the image data satisfy a predetermined green feces condition, the excrement determination unit 223 may determine that the image data includes an image of green feces.

[0071] The amount of excreted urine indicates the area of the excreted urine. When the excrement is urine, the excrement determination unit 223 determines the area of the excreted urine as the amount of the excreted urine by performing image recognition on the image data acquired by the data acquisition unit 222.

[0072] The specific gravity of excreted urine indicates whether the specific gravity of the excreted urine is greater than a predetermined range. The predetermined range is a typical normal range, for example, a range of 1.010 to 1.030. If the specific gravity of the excreted urine is within the normal range, the urine will not accumulate at the bottom of the water reservoir 105 but will diffuse within the water reservoir 105. Therefore, the number of pixels representing urine increases from the start of urination to the end of urination and remains high even after urination has ended. On the other hand, if the specific gravity of the excreted urine is greater than the normal range, the urine will sink to the bottom of the water reservoir 105. Therefore, the number of pixels representing urine increases from the start of urination to the end of urination and decreases after urination has ended. If the number of pixels representing urine in the detection area after urination has ended is less than a threshold, the excretion determination unit 223 determines that the specific gravity of the excreted urine is greater than the normal range. The detection area is a rectangular area that includes the water pool 105 of the toilet bowl 101.

[0073] The determination of bleeding indicates whether or not blood is contained in excrement. The excrement determination unit 223 extracts blood images indicative of blood from the multiple images acquired by the data acquisition unit 222. Here, the excrement determination unit 223 may extract, as a blood image, an area in a specific area of ​​the multiple images where a predetermined number or more of pixels having a predetermined RGB value indicative of blood are consecutive. "Pixels having a predetermined RGB value indicative of blood" refers to, for example, pixels having RGB values ​​within a predetermined range of the predetermined RGB value indicative of blood. The predetermined range refers to a predetermined range of RGB values ​​that can be considered as blood. Note that in injuries such as hemorrhoids, blood is distributed in dots. Therefore, multiple blood images may be extracted from a single image.

[0074] When a defecation image or a urination image is extracted, the excrement determining unit 223 may determine the excretion start timing based on time information corresponding to the extracted defecation image or urination image. The excretion start timing refers to the time information included in the image from which the defecation image or urination image is extracted. When a blood image is extracted, the excretion determining unit 223 may determine the bleeding start timing based on the time information corresponding to the extracted blood image and may also determine the blood size indicating the size of the blood based on the blood image. The bleeding start timing refers to the time information included in the image from which the blood image is extracted.

[0075] The data output unit 224 generates excretion-related data related to the user's excretion based on the determination result by the excretion determination unit 223. The excretion-related data includes timestamps including the excretion start date and time and the excretion end date and time, excretion type data indicating whether the excretion is feces or urine, stool shape data indicating whether the shape of the excreted feces is hard, normal, or watery, stool amount data indicating the amount of stool, stool color data indicating the color of the excreted feces, urination amount data indicating the amount of urination, urine specific gravity data indicating whether the specific gravity of the user's urine is heavier than a predetermined range, and bleeding data indicating whether the user bled while defecating or urinating.

[0076] The time stamp, the excrement type data indicating that the excrement is feces, the stool shape data, the stool volume data, the stool color data, and the bleeding data are defecation-related data related to the user's defecation. The time stamp, the excrement type data indicating that the excrement is urine, the urination volume data, the urine specific gravity data, and the bleeding data are urination-related data related to the user's urination.

[0077] The data output unit 224 assigns the user ID to the excretion-related data, and outputs the excretion-related data with the user ID assigned to the communication unit 24. The communication unit 24 transmits data associating the excretion-related data with the user ID to the server 3.

[0078] Furthermore, the data output unit 224 assigns a user ID and a timestamp to the sensing data received from the external sensor 4, and outputs the sensing data with the user ID and timestamp to the communication unit 24. The sensing data includes environmental information indicating the temperature and humidity of the room where the user mainly lives, refrigerator open / close information indicating whether the refrigerator door is open or closed, and activity amount information indicating the amount of activity of the user. The timestamp includes the measurement date and time of the sensing data or the reception date and time of the sensing data. The communication unit 24 transmits the sensing data with the user ID and timestamp to the server 3.

[0079] The server 3 is, for example, a cloud server including one or more computers.

[0080] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server 3 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] The server 3 shown in FIG. 3 includes a communication unit 31, a processor 32, and a memory 33.

[0082] The communication unit 31 receives data that associates the excretion-related data with the user ID transmitted by the excretion determining device 2.

[0083] The processor 32 is, for example, a CPU. The processor 32 realizes a first data acquisition unit 321, a reference database generation unit 322, a second data acquisition unit 323, an alert information generation unit 324, and an alert information output unit 325.

[0084] The memory 33 is a storage device capable of storing various types of information, such as a RAM, an SSD, a flash memory, etc. The memory 33 realizes an excretion history data storage unit 331, a user information storage unit 332, and a reference database storage unit 333.

[0085] The first data acquiring unit 321 acquires first data that associates the user's excretion-related data acquired by the excretion sensor 1 installed in the toilet with a user ID for identifying the user during a first predetermined period. The first predetermined period is, for example, one month. The first data acquiring unit 321 acquires the first data that associates the excretion-related data with the user ID from the excretion determination device 2 during the first predetermined period, and stores the acquired first data in the excretion history data storage unit 331.

[0086] The excretion history data storage unit 331 is a database that stores data in which excretion-related data is associated with a user ID as excretion history data.

[0087] The user information storage unit 332 is a database that stores user information including a user ID, medication information, meal information, environmental information, refrigerator opening / closing information, and activity amount information. The medication information includes the type of medication taken by the user and the date and time of taking the medication. The meal information includes the contents of the meal eaten by the user and the date and time of the meal. The environmental information includes the temperature and humidity of the room where the user mainly lives. The refrigerator opening / closing information includes the number of times the refrigerator door is opened and closed in a day. The activity amount information includes the amount of activity, such as the number of steps taken by the user in a day.

[0088] The communication unit 31 receives medication information and diet information transmitted by another personal computer (not shown). The processor 32 stores the medication information and diet information received by the communication unit 31 in the user information storage unit 332. The other personal computer accepts input of medication information and diet information by a caregiver or nurse, and transmits the input medication information and diet information to the server 3. The communication unit 31 also receives sensing data transmitted by the excrement determination device 2. The processor 32 stores environmental information, refrigerator opening / closing information, and activity amount information in the user information storage unit 332 based on the sensing data received by the communication unit 31.

[0089] The reference database generating unit 322 generates a reference database indicating the user's excretion tendency based on the first data acquired during a first predetermined period by the first data acquiring unit 321. The reference database generating unit 322 reads out the first data acquired during the first predetermined period from the excretion history data storage unit 331, and generates a reference database based on the read out first data.

[0090] The reference database generating unit 322 uses the stool shape data for the first predetermined period to calculate a first hard stool ratio indicating the ratio of hard stools to all stools excreted in the first predetermined period.The reference database generating unit 322 also uses the stool shape data for the first predetermined period to calculate a first watery stool ratio indicating the ratio of watery stools to all stools excreted in the first predetermined period.The reference database generating unit 322 also uses the stool amount data for the first predetermined period to calculate a first stool amount indicating the average stool amount per stool in the first predetermined period.

[0091] The reference database generating unit 322 also uses the stool color data for the first predetermined period to calculate a first stool color ratio, which indicates the ratio of stool of a predetermined color to all stools excreted during the first predetermined period. The predetermined color is, for example, black, white, or green. The reference database generating unit 322 also uses the excrement type data for the first predetermined period to calculate a first urination frequency, which indicates the average number of urinations per day during the first predetermined period. The reference database generating unit 322 also uses the urine specific gravity data for the first predetermined period to calculate a first specific gravity ratio, which indicates the ratio of all urinations during the first predetermined period whose urine specific gravity was higher than a predetermined range. The reference database generating unit 322 also uses the bleeding data for the first predetermined period to calculate a first bleeding frequency, which indicates the number of bleeding episodes during the first predetermined period.

[0092] The reference database generation unit 322 generates a reference database including a first hard stool percentage, a first watery stool percentage, a first stool volume, a first stool color percentage, a first urination frequency, a first specific gravity percentage, and a first bleeding frequency, and stores the generated reference database in the reference database storage unit 333 in association with the user ID.

[0093] The reference database storage unit 333 stores the reference database generated by the reference database generation unit 322 .

[0094] The second data acquisition unit 323 acquires second data that associates the user's excretion-related data acquired by the excretion sensor 1 installed in the toilet with the user ID during a second predetermined period. The second predetermined period is shorter than the first predetermined period. The second predetermined period is, for example, two weeks, one week, or three days. The second data acquisition unit 323 acquires second data that associates the excretion-related data with the user ID from the excretion determination device 2 during the second predetermined period, and stores the acquired second data in the excretion history data storage unit 331.

[0095] The excretion-related data includes defecation-related data related to the user's defecation and urination-related data related to the user's urination. The second predetermined period for acquiring defecation-related data is, for example, two weeks, and the second predetermined period for acquiring urination-related data is, for example, one week. Generally, defecation occurs one to three times a day, and urination occurs seven to eight times a day. As such, the number of samples required to determine alert information differs between defecation and urination. Therefore, it is preferable that the second predetermined period for acquiring defecation-related data is longer than the second predetermined period for acquiring urination-related data. Furthermore, defecation is easily affected by dietary intake or physical condition (exercise, constipation, etc.), so long-term observation is necessary. On the other hand, since dehydration and cystitis worsen quickly, it is preferable to check urination over a short period depending on the excretion status. However, even for urination, it is preferable to check long-term trend changes in conditions such as heart failure. The second predetermined period may be determined depending on the alert information to be generated.

[0096] The alert information generating unit 324 generates alert information for the user based on the reference database stored in the reference database storage unit 333 and the second data stored in the excretion history data storage unit 331.

[0097] The alert information generator 324 uses the stool shape data for the second predetermined period to calculate a second hard stool ratio, which indicates the ratio of hard stools to all bowel movements during the second predetermined period. The second predetermined period is, for example, two weeks. If the second hard stool ratio is higher than the first hard stool ratio included in the reference database, the alert information generator 324 generates first alert information indicating that the user is likely to be constipated.

[0098] The alert information generation unit 324 also uses the stool shape data for the second predetermined period to calculate a second watery stool ratio, which indicates the proportion of watery stool excreted among all bowel movements during the second predetermined period. The second predetermined period is, for example, two weeks. If the second watery stool ratio is higher than the first watery stool ratio included in the reference database, the alert information generation unit 324 generates second alert information indicating that the user is likely to have diarrhea.

[0099] Furthermore, the alert information generation unit 324 uses the stool volume data for the second predetermined period to calculate a second stool volume indicating the average stool volume per stool in the second predetermined period. The second predetermined period is, for example, two weeks. If the second stool volume is less than the first stool volume included in the reference database, the alert information generation unit 324 generates third alert information indicating that the user's dietary intake is likely to be insufficient. The alert information generation unit 324 may also generate the third alert information if the second stool volume is reduced by a predetermined percentage from the first stool volume. The predetermined percentage is, for example, 20 percent. The predetermined percentage may be manually adjusted by an administrator depending on the user's medical history and changes in condition (e.g., wearing a diaper).

[0100] The alert information generation unit 324 also uses the stool color data for the second predetermined period to calculate a second stool color ratio indicating the proportion of stool of a predetermined color excreted among all stools excreted during the second predetermined period. The second predetermined period is, for example, two weeks. If the first stool color ratio and the second stool color ratio contained in the reference database differ, the alert information generation unit 324 generates fourth alert information indicating that the color of the user's stool has changed. The alert information generation unit 324 may calculate the second stool color ratio for each stool color, or may determine for each stool color whether the first stool color ratio and the second stool color ratio differ.

[0101] The alert information generator 324 also uses the excrement type data for the second predetermined period to calculate a second urination frequency indicating the average number of urinations per day for the second predetermined period. The second predetermined period is, for example, one week. If the second urination frequency is greater than the first urination frequency included in the reference database, the alert information generator 324 generates fifth alert information indicating that the user has a tendency to urinate frequently.

[0102] The alert information generator 324 may generate fifth alert information when the second urination frequency is higher than the first urination frequency by a predetermined percentage. The predetermined percentage is, for example, 20 percent. The predetermined percentage may be manually adjusted by an administrator depending on the user's medical history and changes in condition (e.g., wearing a diaper).

[0103] Furthermore, the reference database generating unit 322 may use the urination volume data for a first predetermined period to calculate a first small urination volume ratio indicating the percentage of all urinations in the first predetermined period in which the urination volume was less than a predetermined volume. The alert information generating unit 324 may use the urination volume data for a second predetermined period to calculate a second small urination volume ratio indicating the percentage of all urinations in the second predetermined period in which the urination volume was less than a predetermined volume. Then, the alert information generating unit 324 may generate fifth alert information when the second urination frequency is greater than the first urination frequency and the second small urination volume ratio is greater than the first small urination volume ratio. Note that the predetermined volume may be manually adjusted by an administrator depending on the user's medical history, changes in condition (e.g., wearing a diaper), and the season.

[0104] Furthermore, the reference database generating unit 322 may calculate a first nocturnal urination frequency indicating the average number of nighttime urinations per day in a first predetermined period. The alert information generating unit 324 may calculate a second nocturnal urination frequency indicating the average number of nighttime urinations per day in a second predetermined period. Then, if the second nocturnal urination frequency is higher than the first nocturnal urination frequency included in the reference database, the alert information generating unit 324 may generate alert information indicating that the user has a tendency to urinate frequently at night.

[0105] Furthermore, the alert information generating unit 324 may generate alert information indicating that the user has a tendency to frequent urination at night when the second nocturnal urination frequency is increased by a predetermined percentage from the first nocturnal urination frequency. The predetermined percentage is, for example, 20 percent. The predetermined percentage may be manually adjusted by an administrator depending on the user's medical history and changes in condition (e.g., wearing a diaper). Furthermore, the alert information generating unit 324 may generate alert information indicating that the user has a tendency to frequent urination at night when the second nocturnal urination frequency is greater than the first nocturnal urination frequency and the second small amount urination percentage is greater than the first small amount urination percentage.

[0106] The alert information generator 324 also uses the excrement type data for the second predetermined period to calculate a second urination frequency indicating the average number of urinations per day for the second predetermined period. The second predetermined period is, for example, one week. If the second urination frequency is lower than the first urination frequency included in the reference database, the alert information generator 324 generates sixth alert information indicating that the user's fluid intake is likely insufficient.

[0107] The alert information generator 324 may generate sixth alert information when the second urination frequency is reduced by a predetermined percentage from the first urination frequency. The predetermined percentage is, for example, 20%. The predetermined percentage may be manually adjusted by an administrator depending on the user's medical history and changes in condition (e.g., wearing a diaper).

[0108] Furthermore, the reference database generating unit 322 may use the urination volume data for a first predetermined period to calculate a first small urination volume ratio indicating the percentage of all urinations in the first predetermined period in which the urination volume was less than a predetermined volume. The alert information generating unit 324 may use the urination volume data for a second predetermined period to calculate a second small urination volume ratio indicating the percentage of all urinations in the second predetermined period in which the urination volume was less than a predetermined volume. Then, the alert information generating unit 324 may generate sixth alert information when the second urination frequency is less than the first urination frequency and the second small urination volume ratio is greater than the first small urination volume ratio. The predetermined volume may be manually adjusted by an administrator depending on the user's medical history, changes in condition (e.g., wearing a diaper), and the season.

[0109] Furthermore, the alert information generation unit 324 uses the urine specific gravity data for the second predetermined period to calculate a second specific gravity ratio indicating the proportion of all urinations during the second predetermined period in which the specific gravity of the urine was heavier than a predetermined range. The second predetermined period is, for example, the most recent three days. If the second specific gravity ratio is greater than the first specific gravity ratio included in the reference database, the alert information generation unit 324 generates seventh alert information indicating that the user is likely suffering from dehydration. Dehydration can occur when the balance between daily fluid intake, sweating, and excretion is disrupted. Because dehydration can be a physically dangerous condition, it is preferable that the second predetermined period for generating the seventh alert information be shorter than the second predetermined periods for generating the fifth and sixth alert information.

[0110] The alert information generator 324 may generate seventh alert information when the second weighting ratio increases by a predetermined ratio from the first weighting ratio. The predetermined ratio is, for example, 20 percent. The predetermined ratio may be manually adjusted by an administrator depending on the user's medical history and changes in condition (e.g., wearing a diaper).

[0111] Furthermore, the alert information generator 324 uses the bleeding data for the second predetermined period to calculate a second bleeding count indicating the number of bleeding episodes during the second predetermined period. The second predetermined period may be, for example, the most recent three days. If the first bleeding count included in the reference database is less than a predetermined count and the second bleeding count is equal to or greater than the predetermined count, the alert information generator 324 generates eighth alert information indicating that the user is likely bleeding during bowel movements or urination.

[0112] In this embodiment, if the first bleeding count included in the reference database is 0 and the second bleeding count is 1 or more, the alert information generation unit 324 generates eighth alert information indicating that the user is likely to be bleeding when defecating or urinating.

[0113] Furthermore, the reference database generation unit 322 may use the bleeding data for a first predetermined period to calculate a first bleeding rate indicating the rate of bleeding among all defecations and urinations during the first predetermined period. The alert information generation unit 324 may use the bleeding data for a second predetermined period to calculate a second bleeding rate indicating the rate of bleeding among all defecations and urinations during the second predetermined period. Then, the alert information generation unit 324 may generate eighth alert information when the second bleeding rate is greater than the first bleeding rate included in the reference database.

[0114] The alert information output unit 325 outputs the alert information generated by the alert information generation unit 324. The alert information output unit 325 outputs the generated alert information from the first alert information to the eighth alert information to the display device 5. The communication unit 31 transmits the alert information output by the alert information output unit 325 to the display device 5.

[0115] The alert information generation unit 324 may further acquire associated data related to the generated alert information. The alert information output unit 325 may output the associated data together with the alert information. The alert information generation unit 324 acquires associated data related to the alert information from the user information storage unit 332. For example, the associated data includes the type of medication taken by the user. When the alert information generation unit 324 generates the first alert information, the second alert information, the fourth alert information, or the fifth alert information, the alert information generation unit 324 may acquire the type of medication taken by the user as associated data. The acquired associated data is predetermined for the alert information.

[0116] Furthermore, for example, the related data may include at least one of the user's meal information, the user's residence environment information, and the user's activity amount information. When the alert information generator 324 generates the third alert information, the sixth alert information, or the seventh alert information, the alert information generator 324 may acquire at least one of the user's meal information, the user's residence environment information, and the user's activity amount information as the related data.

[0117] The display device 5 is, for example, a computer owned by the administrator. The display device 5 may be, for example, a desktop computer, a smartphone, or a tablet computer.

[0118] The display device 5 includes a communication unit, a processor, a memory, a display, and an operation unit. The communication unit connects the display device 5 to the network 6. The communication unit receives alert information from the server 3. The processor is composed of, for example, a CPU, and acquires the alert information sent by the server 3 using the communication unit, generates a display image based on the acquired alert information, and displays the generated display image on the display. This allows the administrator to check the alert information for the user. The memory is composed of, for example, a non-volatile rewritable storage device such as a flash memory. The display is composed of, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL panel. The operation unit is composed of, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc., and accepts instructions from the administrator.

[0119] The above is the configuration of the excretion management system. Next, the processing of the excretion management system will be described. Fig. 4 is a first flowchart showing an example of the processing of the server 3 in the embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 5 is a second flowchart showing an example of the processing of the server 3 in the embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 6 is a third flowchart showing an example of the processing of the server 3 in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0120] First, in step S1, the first data acquisition unit 321 acquires first data that associates excretion-related data with a user ID. The first data is acquired every time the user defecates or urinates.

[0121] Next, in step S2, the first data acquisition unit 321 stores the acquired first data in the excretion history data storage unit 331.

[0122] Next, in step S3, the first data acquisition unit 321 determines whether one month has passed since the start of acquisition of the first data. If it is determined that one month has not passed since the start of acquisition of the first data (NO in step S3), the process returns to step S1.

[0123] On the other hand, if it is determined that one month has passed since the start of acquisition of the first data (YES in step S3), in step S4, the reference database generation unit 322 uses the stool shape data acquired during the month to calculate a first hard stool rate indicating the rate at which hard stools were excreted during the month.

[0124] Next, in step S5, the reference database generating unit 322 calculates a first watery stool rate indicating the rate at which watery stool is excreted in one month, using the stool shape data acquired in one month.

[0125] Next, in step S6, the reference database generating section 322 calculates a first stool amount indicating the average amount of stool per one time in one month, using the stool amount data acquired in one month.

[0126] Next, in step S7, the reference database generator 322 uses the stool color data acquired over the month to calculate a first stool color ratio, which indicates the ratio of stool of a predetermined color over the month. The predetermined color is, for example, black.

[0127] Next, in step S8, the reference database generating unit 322 calculates a first urination frequency indicating the average number of urinations per day in one month using the excrement type data acquired in one month.

[0128] Next, in step S9, the reference database generating section 322 uses the urine specific gravity data acquired during one month to calculate a first specific gravity ratio indicating the ratio of urine whose specific gravity was heavier than a predetermined range during one month.

[0129] Next, in step S10, the reference database generating section 322 calculates a first bleeding frequency indicating the number of bleeding episodes in one month using the bleeding data acquired in one month.

[0130] Next, in step S11, the reference database generation unit 322 generates a reference database including a first hard stool percentage, a first watery stool percentage, a first stool volume, a first stool color percentage, a first urination frequency, a first specific gravity percentage, and a first bleeding frequency.

[0131] Next, in step S12, the reference database generating unit 322 stores the generated reference database in the reference database storage unit 333 in association with the user ID.

[0132] Next, in step S13, the second data acquisition unit 323 acquires second data that associates the excretion-related data with the user ID.

[0133] Next, in step S14, the second data acquisition unit 323 stores the acquired second data in the excretion history data storage unit 331.

[0134] Next, in step S15, the second data acquisition unit 323 determines whether two weeks have passed since the last time it was determined that two weeks had passed. If it is determined that two weeks have not passed since the last time it was determined that two weeks had passed (NO in step S15), the process proceeds to step S32.

[0135] On the other hand, if it is determined that two weeks have passed since the last time it was determined that two weeks had passed (YES in step S15), in step S16, the alert information generation unit 324 uses the stool shape data acquired during the two weeks to calculate a second hard stool rate indicating the rate at which hard stools were excreted during the two weeks.

[0136] Next, in step S17, the alert information generator 324 determines whether the second hard stool ratio is greater than the first hard stool ratio contained in the reference database. If it is determined that the second hard stool ratio is equal to or less than the first hard stool ratio (NO in step S17), the process proceeds to step S20.

[0137] On the other hand, if it is determined that the second hard stool ratio is greater than the first hard stool ratio (YES in step S17), in step S18, the alert information generation unit 324 generates first alert information indicating that the user is likely to be constipated.

[0138] Next, in step S19, the alert information output unit 325 outputs the first alert information generated by the alert information generation unit 324 to the display device 5. The communication unit 31 transmits the first alert information output by the alert information output unit 325 to the display device 5. The display device 5 receives the first alert information and displays the received first alert information.

[0139] Next, in step S20, the alert information generating unit 324 calculates a second watery stool rate indicating the rate at which watery stool is excreted in the two weeks, using the stool shape data acquired over the two weeks.

[0140] Next, in step S21, the alert information generator 324 determines whether the second watery stool ratio is higher than the first watery stool ratio included in the reference database. If it is determined that the second watery stool ratio is equal to or lower than the first watery stool ratio (NO in step S21), the process proceeds to step S24.

[0141] On the other hand, if it is determined that the second watery stool ratio is higher than the first watery stool ratio (YES in step S21), in step S22, the alert information generation unit 324 generates second alert information indicating that the user is likely to have diarrhea.

[0142] Next, in step S23, the alert information output unit 325 outputs the second alert information generated by the alert information generation unit 324 to the display device 5. The communication unit 31 transmits the second alert information output by the alert information output unit 325 to the display device 5. The display device 5 receives the second alert information and displays the received second alert information.

[0143] Next, in step S24, the alert information generating unit 324 calculates a second stool amount indicating the average amount of stool per stool in two weeks, using the stool amount data acquired over two weeks.

[0144] Next, in step S25, the alert information generator 324 determines whether the second stool amount is less than the first stool amount included in the reference database. If it is determined that the second stool amount is equal to or greater than the first stool amount (NO in step S25), the process proceeds to step S28.

[0145] On the other hand, if it is determined that the second stool volume is less than the first stool volume (YES in step S25), in step S26, the alert information generation unit 324 generates third alert information indicating that the user's food intake is likely to be insufficient.

[0146] Next, in step S27, the alert information output unit 325 outputs the third alert information generated by the alert information generation unit 324 to the display device 5. The communication unit 31 transmits the third alert information output by the alert information output unit 325 to the display device 5. The display device 5 receives the third alert information and displays the received third alert information.

[0147] Next, in step S28, the alert information generator 324 uses the stool color data acquired over the two weeks to calculate a second stool color ratio, which indicates the ratio of stool of a predetermined color over the two weeks. The predetermined color is, for example, black.

[0148] Next, in step S29, the alert information generator 324 determines whether the first and second defecation color ratios included in the reference database are different. If it is determined that the first and second defecation color ratios are the same (NO in step S29), the process proceeds to step S32.

[0149] On the other hand, if it is determined that the first stool color ratio and the second stool color ratio are different (YES in step S29), in step S30, the alert information generation unit 324 generates fourth alert information indicating that the color of the user's stool has changed.

[0150] Next, in step S31, the alert information output unit 325 outputs the fourth alert information generated by the alert information generation unit 324 to the display device 5. The communication unit 31 transmits the fourth alert information output by the alert information output unit 325 to the display device 5. The display device 5 receives the fourth alert information and displays the received fourth alert information.

[0151] Next, in step S32, the second data acquisition unit 323 determines whether one week has passed since the last time it was determined that one week had passed. If it is determined that one week has not passed since the last time it was determined that one week had passed (NO in step S32), the process proceeds to step S44.

[0152] On the other hand, if it is determined that one week has passed since the last time it was determined that one week had passed (YES in step S32), in step S33, the alert information generation unit 324 calculates a second urination frequency indicating the average number of urinations per day in one week using the excrement type data acquired in one week.

[0153] Next, in step S34, the alert information generator 324 determines whether the second urination frequency is greater than the first urination frequency included in the reference database. If it is determined that the second urination frequency is equal to or less than the first urination frequency (NO in step S34), the process proceeds to step S37.

[0154] On the other hand, if it is determined that the second urination frequency is greater than the first urination frequency (YES in step S34), in step S35, the alert information generating section 324 generates fifth alert information indicating that the user has a tendency to frequent urination.

[0155] Next, in step S36, the alert information output unit 325 outputs the fifth alert information generated by the alert information generation unit 324 to the display device 5. The communication unit 31 transmits the fifth alert information output by the alert information output unit 325 to the display device 5. The display device 5 receives the fifth alert information and displays the received fifth alert information.

[0156] Next, in step S37, the alert information generator 324 determines whether the second urination frequency is less than the first urination frequency included in the reference database. If it is determined that the second urination frequency is equal to or greater than the first urination frequency (NO in step S37), the process proceeds to step S40.

[0157] On the other hand, if it is determined that the second urination frequency is less than the first urination frequency (YES in step S37), in step S38, the alert information generation unit 324 generates sixth alert information indicating that the user's fluid intake is likely to be insufficient.

[0158] Next, in step S39, the alert information output unit 325 outputs the sixth alert information generated by the alert information generation unit 324 to the display device 5. The communication unit 31 transmits the sixth alert information output by the alert information output unit 325 to the display device 5. The display device 5 receives the sixth alert information and displays the received sixth alert information.

[0159] Next, in step S40, the alert information generating section 324 calculates a second bleeding frequency indicating the number of bleeding episodes in one week using the bleeding data acquired in one week.

[0160] Next, in step S41, the alert information generator 324 determines whether the first bleeding count included in the reference database is 0 and the second bleeding count is 1 or more. If it is determined that the first bleeding count is not 0 or the second bleeding count is not 1 or more (NO in step S41), the process proceeds to step S44.

[0161] On the other hand, if it is determined that the first bleeding count is 0 and the second bleeding count is 1 or more (YES in step S41), in step S42, the alert information generation unit 324 generates eighth alert information indicating that there is a high possibility that the user is bleeding when defecating or urinating.

[0162] Next, in step S43, the alert information output unit 325 outputs the eighth alert information generated by the alert information generation unit 324 to the display device 5. The communication unit 31 transmits the eighth alert information output by the alert information output unit 325 to the display device 5. The display device 5 receives the eighth alert information and displays the received eighth alert information.

[0163] Next, in step S44, the second data acquisition unit 323 determines whether or not three days have passed since the time when it was previously determined that three days had passed. If it is determined that three days have not passed since the time when it was previously determined that three days had passed (NO in step S44), the process returns to step S13.

[0164] On the other hand, if it is determined that three days have passed since the last time it was determined that three days had passed (YES in step S44), in step S45, the alert information generation unit 324 uses the urine specific gravity data acquired during the three days to calculate a second specific gravity ratio indicating the percentage of urine whose specific gravity was heavier than the specified range during the three days.

[0165] Next, in step S46, the alert information generator 324 determines whether the second weighting ratio is greater than the first weighting ratio contained in the reference database. If it is determined that the second weighting ratio is equal to or less than the first weighting ratio (NO in step S46), the process returns to step S13.

[0166] On the other hand, if it is determined that the second specific gravity ratio is greater than the first specific gravity ratio (YES in step S46), in step S47, the alert information generation unit 324 generates seventh alert information indicating that the user is likely to be suffering from dehydration.

[0167] Next, in step S48, the alert information output unit 325 outputs the seventh alert information generated by the alert information generation unit 324 to the display device 5. The communication unit 31 transmits the seventh alert information output by the alert information output unit 325 to the display device 5. The display device 5 receives the seventh alert information and displays the received seventh alert information.

[0168] In this way, first, during a first predetermined period, first data is acquired that associates the user's excretion-related data acquired by the excretion sensor 1 installed in the toilet with a user ID for identifying the user. Then, a reference database showing the user's excretion tendency is generated based on the first data acquired during the first predetermined period. After that, during a second predetermined period, second data is acquired that associates the user's excretion-related data acquired by the excretion sensor 1 installed in the toilet with the user ID. Then, based on the reference database and the second data acquired during the second predetermined period, alert information for the user is generated, and the generated alert information is output.

[0169] Therefore, rather than comparing general statistical data with the user's current excretion tendency in the second specified period, the user's past excretion tendency in the first specified period is compared with the user's current excretion tendency in the second specified period, so that changes in the user's own excretion tendency can be detected and alert information can be output in response to changes in the user's personal health condition.

[0170] In the present embodiment, the alert information output unit 325 outputs each of the first to eighth alert information each time the first to eighth alert information is generated, but the present disclosure is not particularly limited to this, and the generated first to eighth alert information may be output all at once.

[0171] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen 401 of the fourth alert information displayed on the display device 5. As shown in FIG.

[0172] Display screen 401 includes display fields 402 to 406. Display field 402 displays the room number of the corresponding user. Since the user resides in a facility, the room number is displayed in display field 402. Display field 403 displays the name of the corresponding user. Display field 404 displays the date and time when the alert information was output. Display field 405 displays fourth alert information indicating that stool of an abnormal color (black) has been detected. Display field 406 displays related data related to the fourth alert information. Here, the type of medication taken by the user is displayed as related data.

[0173] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen 411 of the seventh alert information displayed on the display device 5. As shown in FIG.

[0174] Display screen 411 includes display fields 412 to 416. Display field 412 displays the room number of the corresponding user. Since the user resides in a facility, the room number is displayed in display field 412. Display field 413 displays the name of the corresponding user. Display field 414 displays the date and time when the alert information was output. Display field 415 displays seventh alert information indicating that suspected dehydration has been detected. Display field 416 displays related data related to the seventh alert information. Here, the temperature and humidity of the room where the user mainly lives, the number of times the refrigerator has been opened and closed today, and the number of times the user has defecates today are displayed as related data.

[0175] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen 421 of the eighth alert information displayed on the display device 5. As shown in FIG.

[0176] Display screen 421 includes display fields 422 to 426. Display field 422 displays the room number of the corresponding user. Since the user resides in a facility, the room number is displayed in display field 422. Display field 423 displays the name of the corresponding user. Display field 424 displays the date and time when the alert information was output. Display field 425 displays eighth alert information indicating that suspected bleeding has been detected. Display field 426 displays associated data related to the eighth alert information. Here, image data acquired when bleeding was detected and the timing of bleeding start are displayed as associated data. The timing of bleeding start indicates whether bleeding was detected before defecation, during defecation, after defecation, before urination, during urination, or after urination.

[0177] The reference database generating unit 322 may generate the reference database using one month's worth of excretion-related data, and then periodically update the reference database. For example, the reference database generating unit 322 may update the reference database every month using one month's worth of excretion-related data. Furthermore, for example, the reference database generating unit 322 may generate the reference database using one month's worth of excretion-related data, and then update the reference database every three months, which is longer than one month, using three months' worth of excretion-related data.

[0178] 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.

[0179] 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.

[0180] 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.

[0181] 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.

[0182] The order in which the steps are performed shown in the above flowchart is merely an example for specifically explaining the present disclosure, and other orders may be used as long as similar effects are obtained. Also, some of the steps may be performed simultaneously (in parallel) with other steps. [Industrial Applicability]

[0183] The technology according to the present disclosure is useful as a technology for outputting alert information to a user, since it can output alert information according to changes in the health condition of an individual user. [Explanation of symbols]

[0184] 1: Excretion sensor 2:Excrement determination device 3: Server 4: External sensor 5:Display device 6: Network 7: Communication channel 21: Camera 22: Processor 23: Memory 24: Communications Department 31: Communications Department 32: Processor 33: Memory 101: Toilet 102: Toilet seat 103: Water tank 105: Reservoir part 221: User authentication section 222: Data acquisition section 223:Excrement determination department 224: Data output section 321: First data acquisition unit 322: Reference database generation unit 323: Second data acquisition unit 324: Alert information generation unit 325: Alert information output section 331: Excretion history data storage unit 332: User information storage unit 333: Reference database storage unit

Claims

1. The computer During a first predetermined period, first data is acquired that associates excretion-related data of a user acquired by a sensor installed in the toilet with a user ID for identifying the user; generating a reference database indicating the user's excretion tendency based on the acquired first data; During a second predetermined period, second data is acquired that associates the excretion-related data of the user acquired by the sensor installed in the toilet with the user ID; generating alert information for the user based on the reference database and the second data; outputting the generated alert information; The excretion-related data includes stool shape data indicating whether the shape of the excreted stool is hard stool, normal stool, or watery stool, defecation data indicating the color of the excreted stool, and defecation amount data indicating the amount of defecation. Information processing methods.

2. the excretion-related data includes time information of the excretion-related data acquired by the sensor; The information processing method according to claim 1.

3. the reference database includes a first hard stool rate indicating a rate at which the hard stool is excreted among all bowel movements during the first predetermined period; In generating the alert information, a second hard stool ratio indicating the ratio of hard stools excreted to all bowel movements during the second predetermined period is calculated, and if the second hard stool ratio is higher than the first hard stool ratio, first alert information indicating that the user is likely to be constipated is generated.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the reference database includes a first watery stool rate indicating a rate at which the watery stool is excreted among all bowel movements during the first predetermined period; In generating the alert information, a second watery stool ratio indicating a ratio of watery stool to all bowel movements during the second predetermined period is calculated, and if the second watery stool ratio is higher than the first watery stool ratio, second alert information indicating that the user is likely to have diarrhea is generated.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the reference database includes a first stool volume indicating an average stool volume per stool in the first predetermined period; In generating the alert information, a second stool amount indicating an average stool amount per stool in the second predetermined period is calculated, and if the second stool amount is smaller than the first stool amount, third alert information indicating that the user's dietary intake is likely to be insufficient is generated.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2.

6. the reference database includes a first stool color ratio indicating a ratio of stool of a predetermined color to all stools in the first predetermined period; In generating the alert information, a second defecation color ratio indicating the ratio of stool of the specified color to all defecations in the second specified period is calculated, and if the first defecation color ratio and the second defecation color ratio are different, fourth alert information indicating that the color of the user's stool has changed is generated.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2.

7. In generating the alert information, further acquiring related data related to the generated alert information; In outputting the alert information, the related data is output together with the alert information.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2.

8. a first data acquisition unit that acquires first data that associates excretion-related data of a user acquired by a sensor installed in the toilet with a user ID for identifying the user during a first predetermined period; a reference database generating unit that generates a reference database indicating the excretion tendency of the user based on the acquired first data; a second data acquisition unit that acquires second data that associates the excretion-related data of the user acquired by the sensor installed in the toilet with the user ID during a second predetermined period; an alert information generating unit that generates alert information for the user based on the reference database and the second data; an output unit that outputs the generated alert information; Equipped with The excretion-related data includes stool shape data indicating whether the shape of the excreted stool is hard stool, normal stool, or watery stool, defecation data indicating the color of the excreted stool, and defecation amount data indicating the amount of defecation. Information processing device.

9. During a first predetermined period, first data is acquired that associates excretion-related data of a user acquired by a sensor installed in the toilet with a user ID for identifying the user; generating a reference database indicating the user's excretion tendency based on the acquired first data; During a second predetermined period, second data is acquired that associates the excretion-related data of the user acquired by the sensor installed in the toilet with the user ID; generating alert information for the user based on the reference database and the second data; causing a computer to output the generated alert information; The excretion-related data includes stool shape data indicating whether the shape of the excreted stool is hard stool, normal stool, or watery stool, defecation data indicating the color of the excreted stool, and defecation amount data indicating the amount of defecation. Information processing program.

Images