Toilet systems and toilet management methods

Abstract

This invention provides a health management system and health management method that enable the provision of appropriate information regarding users' bowel movements. [Solution] In the health management system 1 according to the embodiment, the control unit (information processing device) 100 includes a defecation information acquisition unit that acquires defecation information corresponding to the user's defecation, a defecation state determination unit that determines the characteristics of the defecation corresponding to the defecation information based on the acquired defecation information, and a display processing unit that performs the process of displaying the defecation characteristics determined by the defecation state determination unit as time-series data on the display unit of an external terminal that can be viewed by the user. The display processing unit can switch the display at predetermined intervals and performs the process of displaying a predetermined number of defecation characteristic patterns that have a high frequency during the predetermined period on the display unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a health management system and a health management method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a system has been disclosed that displays the properties of feces (also simply referred to as "stool") excreted by a user on a toilet seat and visualizes the defecation state in chronological order (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003] <L

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the above-mentioned conventional technology has room for improvement. For example, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, it only counts and displays the user's feces by type (shape), and it is difficult to say that it provides highly convenient information according to the user. There is room for improvement in terms of providing information about the user's feces.

[0005] An object of the disclosed embodiments is to provide a health management system and a health management method that enable appropriate information provision regarding a user's feces.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A health management system according to one embodiment includes: a defecation information acquisition unit that acquires defecation information corresponding to a user's defecation; a defecation state determination unit that determines the characteristics of the defecation corresponding to the defecation information based on the defecation information acquired by the defecation information acquisition unit; a display unit that can be viewed by the user; and a display processing unit that performs a process to display the characteristics of the defecation determined by the defecation state determination unit as time-series data on the display unit, wherein the display processing unit can switch the display at predetermined intervals and performs a process to display a predetermined number of defecation characteristic patterns that have a high frequency during the predetermined interval on the display unit.

[0007] According to a health management system in one embodiment, when displaying data for a predetermined period, displaying all data would not reveal trends. By including representative values, trends become easier to grasp, and accurate health information can be conveyed. In this way, the health management system can provide appropriate information regarding the user's stool. For example, if stool characteristics, especially color and type (shape), are displayed as average values ​​for each period, the resulting stool characteristics may differ from (be altered from) the measurement results. Also, generally, even if bowel movements are listed while trying to grasp daily trends, it can be difficult for users to determine which state is ideal. Furthermore, if the data is arranged chronologically, the amount of information can be large, making it difficult for users to grasp bowel movement trends at a glance. However, with the health management system, the display can be switched for each predetermined period, and by displaying a predetermined number of bowel movement characteristic patterns that have a high frequency during that period, information can be displayed in an appropriate manner.

[0008] In a health management system according to one embodiment, the display processing unit performs a process to display information on the display unit so that it can be switched between daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the health management system, users can grasp trends at the time (period) they wish to see. Therefore, the health management system can provide appropriate information regarding the user's bowel movements.

[0010] In a health management system according to one embodiment, the display processing unit performs a process to display a predetermined number of patterns that are frequently observed among the patterns corresponding to bowel movement characteristics during the predetermined period, when the display is performed at least monthly or yearly.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the health management system, even when there is a large amount of data such as weekly, monthly, or yearly sums, users can easily grasp trends. Therefore, the health management system can provide appropriate information regarding the user's bowel movements.

[0012] In a health management system according to one embodiment, the display processing unit displays all of the user's bowel movement characteristics as determined by the bowel movement status determination unit, at least on a daily basis.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the health management system, all data is displayed daily, allowing users to accurately grasp trends. Therefore, the health management system can provide users with appropriate information regarding their bowel movements.

[0014] In a health management system according to one embodiment, the defecation state determination unit determines the characteristics of the defecation, including the type, amount, and color of the stool, and the display processing unit performs a process to display on the display unit a pattern corresponding to the combination of the type, amount, and color.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the health management system, the system includes three important characteristics of stool as items, allowing users to accurately understand trends. Therefore, the health management system can provide users with appropriate information regarding their stool.

[0016] In a health management system according to one embodiment, the display processing unit performs a process to display the pattern on the display unit based on the priority order of the type, the quantity, and the color.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the health management system, health status is displayed in a higher position, prioritizing better conditions. For example, the health management system can prioritize information and present it to the user by ranking stool type over color (for example, prioritizing type 4 over yellow). Therefore, the health management system can provide appropriate information regarding the user's stool.

[0018] A health management method according to one embodiment includes a defecation information acquisition step of acquiring defecation information corresponding to a user's defecation; a defecation state determination step of determining the characteristics of the defecation corresponding to the defecation information based on the defecation information acquired by the defecation information acquisition step; and a display processing step of performing a process of displaying the characteristics of the defecation determined by the defecation state determination step as time-series data on a display unit viewable by the user, wherein the display processing step is switchable at predetermined intervals and performs a process of displaying a predetermined number of defecation characteristic patterns that have a high frequency during the predetermined interval on the display unit.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the health management method, when displaying data for a predetermined period, displaying all data would not reveal trends. By including representative values, trends become easier to grasp, and accurate health information can be conveyed. In this way, the health management method can provide appropriate information regarding the user's stool. For example, if stool characteristics, especially color and type (shape), are displayed as average values ​​for each period, the resulting stool characteristics may differ from (be altered from) the measurement results. Also, generally, even if bowel movements are listed while trying to grasp daily trends, it can be difficult for users to determine which state is ideal. Furthermore, if the data is arranged chronologically, the amount of information can be large, making it difficult for users to grasp bowel movement trends at a glance. However, with the health management method, the display can be switched for each predetermined period, and by displaying a predetermined number of bowel movement characteristic patterns that have a high frequency during that period, information can be displayed in an appropriate manner.

[0020] A health management system according to an aspect of an embodiment includes a defecation information acquisition unit that acquires defecation information corresponding to the defecation of a user, a defecation state determination unit that determines the defecation characteristics of the defecation corresponding to the defecation information based on the defecation information acquired by the defecation information acquisition unit, a display unit that can be browsed by the user, and a display processing unit that executes a process of displaying the defecation characteristics determined by the defecation state determination unit on the display unit as time-series data. The defecation state determination unit determines the type of feces, the amount, and the color of the feces. The display processing unit performs a time-series display of feces in a graph with the horizontal axis representing time and the vertical axis corresponding to the pattern of feces, and executes a process of displaying such that the color of each point included in the graph indicates the color of the feces and the size of each point indicates the amount of feces.

[0021] According to a health management system according to an aspect of an embodiment, by performing a time-series display of feces in a graph with the horizontal axis representing time and the vertical axis corresponding to the pattern of feces, and displaying such that the color of each point included in the graph indicates the color of the feces and the size of each point indicates the amount of feces, it becomes easier to grasp the tendency of defecation along the time series in a manner that the user can intuitively recognize, such as the color and size of the points, and accurate health information can be conveyed. Thus, the health management system can enable appropriate information provision regarding the user's feces.

Advantages of the Invention

[0022] According to an aspect of an embodiment, it is possible to enable appropriate information provision regarding the user's feces.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a toilet system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a toilet system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a health management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing various health index calculation processes based on the measurement results of a biosensor. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a method for calculating a numerical value. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a method for calculating a numerical value. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a method for calculating a numerical value. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of processing executed by a health management system. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of display of a health score. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of display of information related to health. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of display according to a period. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of priority order of stool properties. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of chronological display of stools. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of explanatory display of stool properties. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of chronological display of health indicators. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of chronological display of health indicators.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the health management system and the health management method disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited by the embodiments described below.

[0025] <1. Configuration of Health Management System> The configuration of the health management system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a toilet system according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the toilet system according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the health management system according to the embodiment. [[ID=五十]]

[0026] The health management system 1 according to each embodiment described below measures various information about the user using sensors and calculates a health score based on the measured information. The processing described below with the health management system 1 as the processing unit may be performed by any device capable of executing that processing, depending on the device configuration included in the health management system 1.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, the health management system 1 includes a toilet 10 containing a biosensor 40, a seating sensor 50, and a defecation sensor 60, a control unit 100, and an external terminal 200. The health management system 1 may include multiple toilets 10, multiple control units 100, and multiple external terminals 200. Note that the device configuration shown in Figure 3 is merely an example, and for example, the health management system 1 may include a server device that provides the control unit 100 with information used by the control unit 100 to calculate various types of information such as health scores.

[0028] First, we will describe the configuration of toilet 10, including an overview of its external (physical) configuration, which is an example of a toilet system. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, toilet 10 comprises a toilet seat 20, a main body 12, and a toilet lid 14. The toilet seat 20 and the toilet lid 14 are each pivotally supported relative to the main body 12.

[0029] As shown in Figure 3, the toilet 10 includes a biosensor 40, a seating sensor 50, a defecation sensor 60, and a timer unit 70. As will be described in detail later, the biosensor 40 is a sensor for detecting (acquiring) the user's biometric information, the seating sensor 50 is a sensor for detecting when the user is seated, and the defecation sensor 60 is a sensor for detecting when the user defecates (also called "feces"). For example, the biosensor 40 is a laser sensor that measures a physical quantity that reflects the user's blood flow information, and the defecation sensor 60 is an imaging device (image sensor) that captures images of the user's defecation. The biosensor 40 and the seating sensor 50 are provided on the toilet seat 20, and the defecation sensor 60 is provided on the main unit 12. Details of the biosensor 40, the seating sensor 50, and the defecation sensor 60 will be described later.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, the toilet seat 20 has an opening 20a. An O-shaped opening 20a is formed in the center of the toilet seat 20. The opening of the toilet seat 20 is not limited to O-shape, but may be U-shaped, etc. The outer edge of the toilet seat 20 is formed to curve along the outer shape of the toilet bowl 4. The toilet seat 20 is generally made of an opaque resin material (for example, polypropylene) and has a seating surface 21 on which the user sits and a bottom surface 25 on the opposite side of the seating surface 21.

[0031] The seating surface 21 is the surface that is exposed facing upward when the toilet seat 20 is placed on the upper surface 4b of the toilet bowl 4, and is the surface on which the user sits. The bottom surface 25 is the surface that faces the upper surface 4b of the toilet bowl 4 when the toilet seat 20 is lowered. The toilet seat 20 is formed to be thick almost entirely, and locally thinner areas (also called "thin-walled areas") are formed at the position corresponding to the biosensor 40.

[0032] Furthermore, the toilet seat 20 may be equipped with a heater wire and insulation material to heat or keep the seating surface 21 warm. The heater wire is controlled by a toilet seat heating unit installed in the main body 12 and is routed inside the toilet seat 20 so as not to interfere with the biosensor 40, seating sensor 50, and defecation sensor 60. The insulation material is positioned below the heater wire, biosensor 40, and seating sensor 50.

[0033] The portion of the toilet seat 20 corresponding to the biosensor 40 (thin-walled portion) has a thickness that allows light emitted from the biosensor 40 and reflected light reflected from the user sitting on the seating surface 21 to pass through. The thickness of the thin-walled portion is determined by the intensity of the light emitted and reflected from the biosensor 40, as well as the durability of the toilet seat 20, and is, for example, about 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm.

[0034] In the following explanation, "upwards," "downwards," "forward," "backward," "left side," and "right side" refer to directions as seen from the perspective of a user sitting on the toilet seat 20 with their back to the open toilet lid 14.

[0035] The thin section is formed to the left of the center of the front-to-back length of the opening 20a of the toilet seat 20, and is positioned to the left of the center of gravity of the user seated on the toilet seat 20. As a result, as shown in Figure 2, the thin section faces (contacts) the back of the left thigh of the user (user U1 in Figure 2) seated on the toilet seat 20. Figure 2 shows user U1 holding the external terminal 200 in their left hand.

[0036] The thin-walled portion is formed to be as small as possible so that the biosensor 40 can detect the blood flow information of a user sitting on the toilet seat 20, and is, for example, circular in shape with a diameter of 12 mm or less (preferably 8 mm or less).

[0037] Furthermore, the main body 12 is located behind the bowl portion of the toilet 4 and is attached to the upper surface 4b of the toilet 4. Inside the main body 12 are an opening / closing unit that controls the opening and closing operation of the toilet seat 20 and the toilet lid 14, a toilet seat heating unit that controls the temperature of the toilet seat 20, a washing unit that washes the body parts, and a deodorizing unit that reduces odor components. For example, each unit 12a to 12d is controlled by the control unit 100. For example, the defecation sensor 60 is located in a position that overlooks the bowl portion of the toilet 4 from the main body 12 and is positioned so as not to interfere with each unit 12a to 12d.

[0038] The biosensor 40 functions as a bioinformation acquisition unit that acquires biological information. For example, the biosensor 40 is a laser sensor that acquires the user's blood flow information as the user's biological information. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the biosensor 40 is located inside the toilet seat 20, on the underside of the thin-walled portion. The biosensor 40 is a reflective sensor that irradiates infrared light toward the underside of the user's left thigh and detects reflected light (scattered light with Doppler shift due to red blood cells) reflected according to the blood flow state in the blood vessels under the skin.

[0039] For example, the biosensor 40 is a laser sensor that can measure the blood flow state in the skin based on dynamic light scattering. In Figure 2, the biosensor 40 is attached to the toilet seat 20 on the back of the user's thigh.

[0040] It should be noted that blood flow information is merely one example, and any sensor may be used as the biosensor 40 depending on the biosensor to be acquired. For example, if information regarding the user's heart rate (pulse wave) is to be acquired as the user's biosensor, the biosensor 40 may be a heart rate sensor. Also, if information regarding the user's respiration is to be acquired as the user's biosensor, the biosensor 40 may be a respiration sensor. Also, if information regarding the user's pulse (pulse wave) is to be acquired as the user's biosensor, the biosensor 40 may be a pulse rate sensor. Also, if information regarding the user's cardiac activity is to be acquired as the user's biosensor, the biosensor 40 may be an electrocardiogram sensor.

[0041] The biosensor 40 is connected to the control unit 100 via a predetermined network, either by wire or wireless communication. The biosensor 40 transmits various types of information to the control unit 100. For example, the biosensor 40 transmits the acquired biometric information of the user to the control unit 100. For example, the biosensor 40 may be connected to the control unit 100 via a predetermined wireless communication function such as Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi®. The connection between the control unit 100 and the biosensor 40 can be any type of connection, as long as information can be transmitted and received, and may be connected by wire or wireless communication. For example, the biosensor 40 may be connected to the control unit 100 via a communication unit 190, either by wire or wireless communication.

[0042] The seating sensor 50 has the function of detecting when a person sits on the toilet seat 20. The seating sensor 50 detects when a user sits on the toilet seat 20. The seating sensor 50 can detect when a user sits on the toilet seat 20. The seating sensor 50 also functions as a seat departure detection sensor that detects when a user leaves the toilet seat 20. The seating sensor 50 detects the state of the user sitting on the toilet seat 20.

[0043] For example, the seating sensor 50 is an electrostatic sensor. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the seating sensor 50 is formed to the right of the center of the front-to-back length of the opening 20a of the toilet seat 20, and is positioned to the right of the center of gravity of a user seated on the toilet seat 20. This allows the seating sensor 50 to detect the seated state when it comes into contact with the back of the right thigh of a user seated on the toilet seat 20.

[0044] The case where the seating sensor 50 is an electrostatic sensor is merely one example; the seating sensor 50 can be any detection method and can be placed anywhere, as long as it can detect when a user sits on the toilet seat 20. For example, if the seating sensor 50 is an infrared or μ (microwave) distance measuring sensor and detects sitting by distance, the seating sensor 50 may be placed in a position that detects a person's feet from the side of the toilet bowl 4 or in a position that detects a person's back from the tank attached to the toilet bowl 4. For example, if the seating sensor 50 detects sitting by distance, it may be placed on the ceiling of the space (toilet room) where the toilet bowl 4 is installed. Also, for example, if the seating sensor 50 is a contact switch and detects the sinking of the toilet seat due to sitting, the seating sensor 50 may be placed on the pivot point of the toilet seat 20. Also, for example, if the seating sensor 50 is a load sensor and detects sitting by the weight on the toilet seat, the seating sensor 50 may be placed on the underside of the toilet seat 20, on the surface that contacts the toilet bowl 4.

[0045] The seating sensor 50 is connected to the control unit 100 via a predetermined network, either by wire or wireless communication. The seating sensor 50 transmits various types of information to the control unit 100. For example, the seating sensor 50 transmits information about the user's seating (and unseating) status to the control unit 100. For example, the seating sensor 50 may be connected to the control unit 100 via a predetermined wireless communication function such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The connection between the control unit 100 and the seating sensor 50 can be any type of connection, as long as information can be transmitted and received; it may be connected by wire or wireless communication. For example, the seating sensor 50 may be connected to the control unit 100 via a communication unit 190, either by wire or wireless communication.

[0046] The defecation sensor 60 functions as a defecation information acquisition unit that acquires defecation information corresponding to the user's defecation. For example, the defecation sensor 60 is an image sensor that acquires defecation information corresponding to the user's defecation by imaging the inside of the toilet bowl 4. For example, the defecation sensor 60 is an image sensor installed at a position where it can see the bowl part of the toilet bowl 4 from the main unit 12. For example, the defecation sensor 60 can be any sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor.

[0047] For example, the defecation sensor 60 may be a line sensor (one-dimensional image sensor) that captures a one-dimensional image, or an area sensor (two-dimensional image sensor) that captures a two-dimensional image. For example, if it is a line sensor, the defecation sensor 60 is positioned to capture the area between the toilet seat 20 and the water seal area (the part where the water seal accumulates) of the toilet bowl 4. In this way, the defecation sensor 60 may be positioned to capture the stool as it falls from the time the user defecates until it hits the water seal area (the part where the water seal accumulates) of the toilet bowl 4.

[0048] Furthermore, for example, if it is an area sensor, the defecation sensor 60 is positioned to photograph the water seal of the toilet bowl 4. In this way, the defecation sensor 60 may be positioned to photograph the water seal of the toilet bowl 4. Note that the defecation sensor 60 may be positioned in any manner as long as it is capable of detecting (imaging) feces. The defecation sensor 60 may also capture still images or moving images. In addition, if the inside of the toilet bowl becomes dark when a user sits on the toilet seat and it is not possible to take an image with sufficient brightness, a light source (light-emitting part) may be provided.

[0049] The defecation sensor 60 is connected to the control unit 100 via a predetermined network, either by wire or wireless communication. The defecation sensor 60 transmits various types of information to the control unit 100. For example, the defecation sensor 60 transmits information about the user's defecation that it has acquired to the control unit 100. For example, the defecation sensor 60 may be connected to the control unit 100 via a predetermined wireless communication function such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The connection between the control unit 100 and the defecation sensor 60 can be any type of connection, as long as information can be transmitted and received, and may be connected by wire or wireless communication. For example, the defecation sensor 60 may be connected to the control unit 100 via a communication unit 190, either by wire or wireless communication.

[0050] In addition, when explaining information obtained by the biosensor 40 and information obtained by the defecation sensor 60 without distinguishing between them, the term "sensor information" may be used. Sensor information is a concept that includes information obtained by various sensors to estimate the user's health status, such as information obtained by the biosensor 40 and information obtained by the defecation sensor 60.

[0051] The timer unit 70 measures time. The timer unit 70 measures the time during which sensor information is acquired by the sensor. The timer unit 70 measures the time it takes for the seating sensor 50 to detect that the user has sat down. The timer unit 70 measures the time from the moment the user begins to sit down using the seating sensor 50. The timer unit 70 may also measure the time from the moment the biosensor 40 begins to acquire biometric information. The timer unit 70 may also measure the time it takes for the user to defecate, which is the difference between the time it takes for the user to sit down using the seating sensor 50 and the time it takes for the user to defecate using the defecation sensor 60.

[0052] The timer unit 70 is connected to the control unit 100 via a predetermined network, either by wire or wireless communication. The timer unit 70 transmits various types of information to the control unit 100. For example, the timer unit 70 transmits information about the measured time to the control unit 100. For example, the timer unit 70 may be connected to the control unit 100 via a predetermined wireless communication function such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The connection between the control unit 100 and the timer unit 70 can be any type of connection, as long as information can be transmitted and received; it may be connected by wire or by wireless communication. For example, the timer unit 70 may be connected to the control unit 100 via a communication unit 190, either by wire or wireless communication.

[0053] Furthermore, the toilet 10 may have a personal identification unit (identification device) that performs processing (personal identification) to identify the user who uses the toilet bowl 4. For example, the personal identification unit of the toilet 10 may acquire information to identify the user who uses the toilet bowl 4 for defecation, such as through communication with an external terminal 200 owned by the user or the user's operation of the remote control, and perform personal identification of the user. For example, the personal identification unit of the toilet 10 may communicate with an external terminal 200 owned by the user and receive user identification information from the external terminal 200 to identify the user. For example, the personal identification unit of the toilet 10 may also receive operation information indicating the user's operation from the remote control. In addition, the personal identification unit of the toilet 10 may identify the user by any method as long as it is possible to identify the user who uses the toilet bowl 4 for defecation.

[0054] The personal identification unit of toilet 10 is connected to the control unit 100 via a predetermined network, either by wire or wireless communication. The personal identification unit of toilet 10 transmits various types of information to the control unit 100. For example, the personal identification unit of toilet 10 transmits the user identification information of the acquired user to the control unit 100. For example, the personal identification unit of toilet 10 may be connected to the control unit 100 via a predetermined wireless communication function such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The connection between the control unit 100 and the personal identification unit of toilet 10 can be any type of connection, as long as information can be sent and received, and may be connected by wire or wireless communication. For example, the personal identification unit of toilet 10 may be connected to the control unit 100 via a communication unit 190, either by wire or wireless communication.

[0055] The control unit 100 is an information processing device (computer) that performs various information processing. The control unit 100 is connected to the external terminal 200 via a predetermined network (communication unit 190), such as the Internet, via a wired or wireless connection. The control unit 100 may be connected to the external terminal 200 in any way as long as it is capable of sending and receiving information; it may be connected via a wired connection or via a wireless connection. Furthermore, as described above, the control unit 100 is capable of sending and receiving information with each component of the toilet 10.

[0056] The control unit 100 may be placed in any location. The control unit 100 may be located within the space corresponding to the toilet 10 (toilet room), or it may be located outside the space corresponding to the toilet 10 (toilet room). The control unit 100 may be located within the main unit 12. For example, the control unit 100 may be located near the front end of the toilet seat 20 (relatively close to the biosensor 40). In this case, the control unit 100 can process the output signal of the biosensor 40 and convert it into a signal that is relatively resistant to noise.

[0057] Furthermore, the configuration and arrangement of the control unit 100 can be any form as long as it can communicate with the external terminal 200 and the toilet 10 and perform processing. For example, the control unit 100 may be a portable terminal (device) such as a laptop computer that can be carried by the administrator of the health management system 1. Alternatively, the control unit 100 may be located inside the toilet 10. The control unit 100 may be located (constructed) not within the main unit 12, but within the external terminal 200 or within an external network (for example, within a cloud CL) that communicates via the communication unit 190.

[0058] The control unit 100 calculates health indicators for the user seated on the toilet seat 20 based on the measurement results of the biosensor 40. The control unit 100 calculates the user's health indicators based on the user's biometric information acquired by the biosensor 40. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the process of calculating various health indicators based on the measurement results of the biosensor. The control unit 100 measures pulse rate, pulse rate variability, blood flow rate, etc., using the biosensor 40, which is a laser sensor capable of detecting blood flow. Then, based on the measurement results of the biosensor 40, the control unit 100 calculates multiple health indicators such as heart rate, stress level (calmness level), blood circulation status, fitness level, body water level, metabolic level, vascular age, and internal clock.

[0059] For example, heart rate is a health indicator that shows the number of times a user's heart beats in a certain period of time. Also, stress level (also called "relaxation level") is a health indicator that shows the level of stress a user is experiencing. Blood circulation status is a health indicator that shows the state of a user's blood circulation. For example, blood circulation status may refer to the blood circulation status of the user's lower limbs (lower limb blood circulation status). Note that blood circulation status is not limited to the lower limbs and may refer to the blood circulation status of any part of the user's body. Fitness level is a health indicator that shows the user's aerobic exercise capacity, for example. Body water level is a health indicator that shows the percentage of body water in relation to the user's body weight (body water percentage). Metabolic level is a health indicator that shows the user's metabolism, for example. Vascular age is a health indicator that shows the user's vascular age. Circadian rhythm is a health indicator that shows the user's circadian rhythm.

[0060] Furthermore, the control unit 100 determines the defecation characteristics (also called "stool characteristics") of the user seated on the toilet seat 20 based on the measurement results of the defecation sensor 60. Defecation characteristics (stool characteristics) are information that indicates the state of the user's defecation (stool). For example, defecation characteristics (also called "defecation state" or "stool state") include the type, color, and amount of stool. The control unit 100 determines the user's stool state based on the user's defecation information acquired by the defecation sensor 60. For example, the control unit 100 determines the stool state, including the type, color, and amount of stool, based on the measurement results of the defecation sensor 60 that takes images. The control unit 100 also calculates a stool score (defecation score) corresponding to that stool state based on the stool state.

[0061] Furthermore, the control unit 100 measures the time the user is seated on the toilet seat 20 based on the measurement results of the timer unit 70. The control unit 100 determines whether the time the user has been seated on the toilet seat 20 has reached the time required to acquire (measure) the information (also called "required time"). The control unit 100 determines whether the time the user has been seated on the toilet seat 20 has reached the first hour. The control unit 100 determines whether the time the user has been seated on the toilet seat 20 has reached the second hour.

[0062] <1-1. Health indicators, stool condition indicators, etc.> As described above, the control unit 100 derives various information such as multiple health indicators and stool condition. In the following, when health indicators and stool condition are not distinguished, they may be referred to simply as "indicators." For example, an indicator is a concept that includes information corresponding to each of multiple health indicators such as heart rate, stress level, blood circulation status, fitness level, body water level, metabolic level, vascular age, and circadian rhythm, as well as information corresponding to stool condition. In other words, an indicator includes various types of information that can be used to estimate the user's health status, such as information corresponding to each health indicator calculated based on biological information, and information corresponding to stool condition determined based on defecation information.

[0063] For example, the information corresponding to the indicator may be information that indicates a relative evaluation of that indicator, such as "high," "low," or "equal." Alternatively, the information corresponding to the indicator may be a specific numerical value of that indicator, such as "50 (bpm)" or "60 (%)." When it is explicitly stated that the information corresponding to the indicator is a numerical value, it may be written as "score," "numerical value," or "value." Furthermore, if the indicator is stool condition, the information corresponding to the indicator may be information that indicates the condition of the stool, such as "cracked," "dark brown," or "medium." When the indicator (also called a "stool indicator") is stool condition, and it is explicitly stated that the information corresponding to the indicator is a numerical value, it may be written as "defecation score."

[0064] The control unit 100 calculates a health score using information from various indicators, such as health indicators and stool condition. Details of the control unit 100 will be described later.

[0065] The communication unit 190 is implemented by, for example, a communication device, a communication circuit, etc. For example, the communication unit 190 may be provided within the main unit 12. The communication unit 190 is connected to any network by wire or wireless and transmits and receives information with an external information processing device. For example, the communication unit 190 transmits and receives information with a remote control, seating sensor 50, defecation sensor 60, biosensor 40, control unit 100, external terminal 200, etc. Note that the communication unit 190 may be included in the control unit 100. That is, the communication unit 190 may be provided integrated with the control unit 100.

[0066] The external terminal 200 displays various types of information. The external terminal 200 displays information received from the control unit 100. The external terminal 200 has a display unit 210 for displaying information. For example, the display unit 210 is a display screen of a tablet terminal, etc., realized by, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. For example, the external terminal 200 displays various types of information on the display unit 210, such as health indicators, bowel movement indicators (also called "stool indicators"), and health scores.

[0067] For example, the external terminal 200 is a device (computer) used by the user. The external terminal 200 can be implemented as, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a tablet device, or a notebook PC (Personal Computer). For example, the external terminal 200 is a smartphone (mobile device) used by the user.

[0068] For example, the external terminal 200 is connected to the control unit 100 via a wired or wireless connection through the communication unit 190. For example, the external terminal 200 may be connected to the control unit 100 via a predetermined wireless communication function such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The external terminal 200 sends and receives information to and from the control unit 100.

[0069] The external terminal 200 receives content containing various information from the control unit 100 and displays the received content. For example, the external terminal 200 receives content containing a health score from the control unit 100 and displays the received content. For example, the external terminal 200 uses an application (also called a "health management app") for displaying various health-related information, such as content containing a health score, to perform a process that displays various health-related information, such as content containing a health score.

[0070] The above is merely an example, and the health management system 1 can employ any device configuration as long as it can achieve the desired processing. For example, the remote control may function as a display unit for displaying information. Alternatively, both the remote control and the external terminal 200 may be included in the health management system 1 as devices that function as display units. Thus, the above system configuration is merely an example, and the health management system 1 can have any system configuration as long as it can achieve the desired processing.

[0071] Furthermore, the health management system 1 may include sensors other than the biosensor 40, the seating sensor 50, and the defecation sensor 60. For example, the health management system 1 may include a human body detection sensor. The human body detection sensor has the function of detecting a human body. For example, the human body detection sensor may be implemented by a pyroelectric sensor using an infrared signal. For example, the human body detection sensor may be implemented by a microwave sensor. Note that the above is just an example, and the human body detection sensor is not limited to the above and may detect a human body by various means. For example, the human body detection sensor detects a person (user, etc.) who has entered the space (toilet room) where the toilet 4 is installed. The human body detection sensor transmits a detection signal to the control unit 100.

[0072] <1-2. Configuration of the Control Unit (Information Processing Device)> The details of each component of the control unit 100 will now be described. The control unit 100 may be, for example, an information processing device (control device) that controls various configurations and processes. The control unit 100 may have, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and may be implemented by executing a program stored inside the control unit 100 (for example, an information processing program related to this disclosure) using RAM or the like as a working area. The control unit 100 may also have, for example, an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0073] As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 100 includes an acquisition unit 110, a storage unit 120, a health indicator calculation unit 130, a bowel movement information calculation unit 140, a health status calculation unit 150, and a display processing unit 160, and realizes or executes the information processing functions and operations described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 100 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 3, and other configurations are also possible as long as they perform the information processing described later. Also, the connection relationships of the various parts of the control unit 100 are not limited to the connection relationships shown in Figure 3, and other connection relationships are also possible.

[0074] The acquisition unit 110 acquires information. The acquisition unit 110 acquires various information from the storage unit 120. The acquisition unit 110 acquires various information from the toilet 10. The acquisition unit 110 acquires various information collected in the space (toilet room) corresponding to the toilet 10 from the toilet 10. The acquisition unit 110 acquires user identification information to identify the user from the toilet 10. The acquisition unit 110 acquires biometric information from the toilet 10. The acquisition unit 110 acquires defecation information from the toilet 10.

[0075] The acquisition unit 110 acquires sensor information detected by the sensor. The acquisition unit 110 acquires the user's sensor information sensed by the sensor. The acquisition unit 110 acquires the user's biometric information. The acquisition unit 110 acquires the user's blood flow information as the user's biometric information. The acquisition unit 110 acquires defecation information corresponding to the user's defecation. The acquisition unit 110 receives biometric information acquired by the biometric sensor 40 from the biometric sensor 40. The acquisition unit 110 receives information indicating detection by the seating sensor 50 from the seating sensor 50. The acquisition unit 110 receives defecation information acquired by the defecation sensor 60 from the defecation sensor 60. The acquisition unit 110 receives various information indicating the user's operation, etc., from the remote control. The acquisition unit 110 stores the received various information in the storage unit 120.

[0076] The memory unit 120 is implemented by, for example, semiconductor memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and flash memory, or storage devices such as hard disks and optical discs. For example, the memory unit 120 is a computer-readable recording medium that non-temporarily records data used by information processing programs. The memory unit 120 stores various information such as information detected by the detection unit, and the memory unit 120 stores various information used in the determination process.

[0077] The memory unit 120 stores information related to the health score. The memory unit 120 stores various information used in the calculation process related to the health score. The memory unit 120 stores information such as functions (health score calculation functions) used in the calculation process of the health score.

[0078] The memory unit 120 stores a history of health scores (health score history information) for each user. The memory unit 120 stores information about health scores associated with the date and time they were acquired as health score history information. The memory unit 120 stores the health score of each user, associated with each user. For example, the memory unit 120 stores the health score of user U1, associated with user identification information that identifies user U1. Note that the above is just one example, and the memory unit 120 stores various kinds of information related to health scores.

[0079] The memory unit 120 stores information about various indicators, such as health indicators and indicators related to bowel movements (stool indicators). The memory unit 120 stores various information used in the calculation process for health indicators. The memory unit 120 stores information such as functions used in the calculation process for health indicators (health indicator calculation functions). The memory unit 120 stores various information used in the calculation process for bowel movement scores (stool indicators). The memory unit 120 stores information such as functions used in the calculation process for bowel movement scores (bowel movement score calculation functions).

[0080] The memory unit 120 stores a history of health indicators (health indicator history information) for each user. The memory unit 120 stores information about health indicators associated with the date and time they were acquired as health indicator history information. The memory unit 120 stores information about each user's health indicators, associated with each user. For example, the memory unit 120 stores information about each of user U1's health indicators, associated with user identification information that identifies user U1. Note that the above is just one example, and the memory unit 120 stores various types of information related to health indicators.

[0081] The memory unit 120 stores various information used for determining the state of stool, such as its properties. For example, the memory unit 120 stores thresholds used for determining stool. For example, the memory unit 120 stores various models (determination models) used for determining stool. For example, the memory unit 120 stores various determination models used for determining the type, color, and quantity of stool.

[0082] The memory unit 120 stores a history of stool condition (stool history information) for each user. The memory unit 120 stores information about stool condition associated with the date and time it was acquired as stool history information. The memory unit 120 stores the type (shape), color, and amount of stool for each bowel movement of each user, associated with each user. For example, the memory unit 120 stores the type, color, and amount of stool for each bowel movement of user U1, associated with user identification information that identifies user U1. Note that the above is just one example, and the memory unit 120 stores various kinds of information related to stool.

[0083] The storage unit 120 is not limited to the above and may store various types of information depending on the purpose. The storage unit 120 may store biological information and defecation information. The storage unit 120 may store biological information and defecation information in association with the date and time on which they were acquired. The storage unit 120 may store stool images as defecation information. The storage unit 120 stores information about the stool corresponding to the stool image in association with the stool image. The storage unit 120 stores the determination results (type, color, amount, etc.) determined for the stool corresponding to the stool image in association with the stool image. The storage unit 120 stores information such as the properties of the stool corresponding to the stool image and the amount of stool corresponding to the stool image. In addition, the storage unit 120 may store the date and time on which the stool image was acquired, information identifying the user who excreted the stool corresponding to the stool image, etc., in association with the stool image.

[0084] The health indicator calculation unit 130 functions as a generation unit that generates various types of information related to health indicators. The health indicator calculation unit 130 calculates the user's health indicators based on the measurement results of the biosensor 40. For example, the health indicator calculation unit 130 calculates multiple health indicators such as pulse wave, blood flow rate, and heart rate by applying a Fourier transform or the like to the output signal of the biosensor 40. The health indicator calculation unit 130 calculates health indicator information based on biometric information. The health indicator calculation unit 130 calculates health indicators based on biometric information. The health indicator calculation unit 130 calculates a health indicator score based on biometric information. The health indicator calculation unit 130 calculates health indicator information based on the user's blood flow information. The health indicator calculation unit 130 calculates a health indicator score that quantifies the health indicator information. The health indicator calculation unit 130 calculates multiple health indicator information. The health indicator calculation unit 130 calculates multiple indicator information based on sensor information.

[0085] The health indicator calculation unit 130 calculates heart rate based on the measurement results of the biosensor 40. The health indicator calculation unit 130 calculates stress level (calmness level) based on the measurement results of the biosensor 40. The health indicator calculation unit 130 calculates blood circulation status based on the measurement results of the biosensor 40. The health indicator calculation unit 130 calculates fitness level based on the measurement results of the biosensor 40. The health indicator calculation unit 130 calculates body water level based on the measurement results of the biosensor 40. The health indicator calculation unit 130 calculates metabolic level based on the measurement results of the biosensor 40. The health indicator calculation unit 130 calculates vascular age based on the measurement results of the biosensor 40. The health indicator calculation unit 130 calculates internal body clock based on the measurement results of the biosensor 40. The health indicator calculation unit 130 may generate the health indicator information by any method as long as it is possible to generate the information of the various health indicators described above. For example, the health indicator calculation unit 130 generates information on various health indicators from the measurement results of the biosensor 40, using various healthcare technologies as appropriate.

[0086] The defecation information calculation unit 140 functions as a generation unit that generates various information related to stool. The defecation information calculation unit 140 also functions as a defecation state determination unit that performs a stool state determination process. In other words, the defecation information calculation unit may be read as the defecation state determination unit. The defecation information calculation unit 140 performs a determination process using the information detected by the defecation sensor 60. The defecation information calculation unit 140 performs a determination process using the information stored in the storage unit 120. Based on the defecation information acquired by the acquisition unit 110, the defecation information calculation unit 140 determines the characteristics of the stool corresponding to the defecation information. The defecation information calculation unit 140 determines the characteristics of the stool, including the type, amount, and color of the stool.

[0087] The defecation information calculation unit 140 determines the amount of feces based on the image captured by the defecation sensor 60. For example, the defecation information calculation unit 140 determines the amount of feces based on the area or proportion of feces in the image. For example, the defecation information calculation unit 140 may determine the amount of feces using a score output by a feces determination model. The defecation information calculation unit 140 may determine the amount of feces as "small" if the score output by the feces determination model, which has been input with an image, is greater than or equal to the first threshold and less than the second threshold. The second threshold is set to a value greater than the first threshold. The defecation information calculation unit 140 may also determine the amount of feces as "medium" if the score output by the feces determination model, which has been input with an image, is greater than or equal to the second threshold and less than the third threshold. The third threshold is set to a value greater than the second threshold. Furthermore, the defecation information calculation unit 140 may determine the amount of stool to be "large" if the score output by the stool determination model, which receives the image as input, is greater than or equal to the third threshold but less than the fourth threshold. The fourth threshold is set to a value greater than the third threshold. Note that the above three-stage determination is merely an example, and the defecation information calculation unit 140 may use various information as appropriate to determine the amount of stool.

[0088] The defecation information calculation unit 140 determines the type of stool corresponding to the stool image based on the image captured by the defecation sensor 60. The defecation information calculation unit 140 uses the stool image to determine whether the type of stool corresponding to the image is one of several types based on shape (also simply called "form"). The defecation information calculation unit 140 may classify the stool type into seven types based on the Bristol Stool Scale. For example, the defecation information calculation unit 140 uses the stool image to determine whether the type of stool corresponding to the image is one of types 1 to 7 based on the Bristol Stool Scale. For example, type 1 is lumpy, type 2 is hard, and type 3 is cracked (somewhat hard). Also, type 4 is normal (banana-shaped), type 5 is somewhat soft, type 6 is muddy, and type 1 is liquid (watery). The defecation information calculation unit 140 uses various techniques to detect the shape of the stool by optical methods as appropriate to determine the type (shape) of the user's stool.

[0089] The defecation information calculation unit 140 may determine the type of stool using AI (artificial intelligence) technology. For example, the defecation information calculation unit 140 may determine the type of stool using a learning model (type determination model) generated by machine learning. In this case, the type determination model is trained in advance using training data that indicates classification judgments. This training data includes multiple combinations of stool images and labels (correct information) indicating the type of mass (stool) contained in the stool image (one of types 1 to 7). For example, the type determination model is a model that takes a stool image as input and outputs information indicating the type of mass (stool) contained in the input stool image. For example, the type determination model is trained to output information of a label (type of stool) corresponding to the input stool image when a stool image is input. The type determination model is trained using various methods related to so-called supervised learning as appropriate. In this case, the type determination model is stored in the memory unit 120, and the defecation information calculation unit 140 may determine the type of stool using the type determination model stored in the memory unit 120. For example, the control unit 100 may perform a learning process and generate a type determination model. The above is merely one example, and the defecation information calculation unit 140 may use various information as appropriate to determine the type of stool.

[0090] Furthermore, for example, the defecation information calculation unit 140 uses the stool image to determine the color of the stool corresponding to that image. The defecation information calculation unit 140 uses the stool image to determine whether the color of the stool corresponding to that image is one of several levels based on color. For example, the defecation information calculation unit 140 uses the stool image to determine whether the color of the stool corresponding to that image is one of yellow, light ochre, ochre, brown, dark brown, or dark dark brown.

[0091] The defecation information calculation unit 140 determines the color of the stool from the detection results of the defecation sensor 60. The defecation information calculation unit 140 determines the color of the user's stool by appropriately using various techniques for detecting the color of stool by optical methods. The defecation information calculation unit 140 determines whether the color of the stool is yellow, light ochre, ochre, brown, dark brown, or dark brown by appropriately using various techniques for classifying the color of stool. For example, the defecation information calculation unit 140 determines (judges) the color of the stool based on various information (feature quantities) such as brightness and lightness of a color image (RGB).

[0092] The defecation information calculation unit 140 may determine the color of the stool using AI (artificial intelligence) technology. For example, the defecation information calculation unit 140 may determine the color of the stool using a learning model (color determination model) generated by machine learning. In this case, the color determination model is trained in advance using training data that indicates classification judgments. This training data includes multiple combinations of stool images and labels (correct information) indicating the color of the lumps (stool) contained in the stool image (one of yellow, light ochre, ochre, brown, dark brown, and dark brown). For example, the color determination model takes a stool image as input and outputs information indicating the color of the lumps (stool) contained in the input stool image. For example, the color determination model is trained to output information of the label (color of the stool) corresponding to the input stool image when a stool image is input. The training of the color determination model is carried out using various methods related to so-called supervised learning as appropriate. In this case, the color determination model is stored in the memory unit 120, and the defecation information calculation unit 140 may determine the color of the stool using the color determination model stored in the memory unit 120. For example, the control unit 100 may perform a learning process and generate a color determination model. The above is merely an example, and the defecation information calculation unit 140 may determine the color of the stool using various information as appropriate. Furthermore, the six levels of yellow, light ochre, ochre, brown, dark brown, and dark brown mentioned above are merely examples of colors, and the defecation information calculation unit 140 may determine other colors, or it may determine five levels or fewer.

[0093] As described above, the defecation information calculation unit 140 determines the stool condition based on the defecation information. The defecation information calculation unit 140 calculates information regarding the stool index based on the sensor information. The defecation information calculation unit 140 determines the stool index based on the defecation information. The defecation information calculation unit 140 calculates a defecation score based on the stool condition. The defecation information calculation unit 140 calculates a defecation score that quantifies the defecation information. The defecation information calculation unit 140 calculates a defecation score based on a relative evaluation by comparing the properties of the stool expelled in one defecation with a standard property value.

[0094] The health status calculation unit 150 calculates a health score. The health status calculation unit 150 calculates a health score, which is numerical information indicating the user's health status, based on health indicator information based on biological information and bowel movement information. Note that the numerical information is not limited to scores such as a score out of 100, but also includes various information such as percentages. The health status calculation unit 150 calculates the health score using the health indicator information calculated by the health indicator calculation unit 130.

[0095] The health status calculation unit 150 calculates a health score using the health index score calculated by the health index calculation unit 130 and the defecation score calculated by the defecation information calculation unit 140. The health status calculation unit 150 calculates a health score based on the defecation score and the health index score. The health status calculation unit 150 calculates a health score based on multiple health index scores and the defecation score. The health status calculation unit 150 calculates a health score based on the sum of multiple health index scores and the defecation score.

[0096] The health status calculation unit 150 calculates a health score by taking the average value of multiple health indicator scores and the bowel movement score. The health status calculation unit 150 calculates the health score using multiple weight values ​​corresponding to each health indicator score and the bowel movement score. The health status calculation unit 150 calculates the health score based on the total value obtained by summing each weighted health indicator score, which is obtained by multiplying each health indicator score by each weight value corresponding to each health indicator score, and the weighted bowel movement score, which is obtained by multiplying the bowel movement score by the weight value corresponding to the bowel movement score.

[0097] The display processing unit 160 functions as an output control unit that controls the output of various types of information. The display processing unit 160 controls the display of the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200. The display processing unit 160 controls the display of the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200 by issuing instructions to the external terminal 200. The display processing unit 160 controls the display of the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200 by transmitting information to the external terminal 200.

[0098] The display processing unit 160 transmits information to the external terminal 200 via the communication unit 190. For example, the display processing unit 160 transmits information to be displayed on the external terminal 200. The display processing unit 160 functions as a determination unit that performs various determinations. The display processing unit 160 performs time-related determinations based on the time measured by the timer unit 70. The display processing unit 160 determines whether or not the seating sensor 50 has detected that a user has sat down. The display processing unit 160 determines whether or not the seating sensor 50 has detected that a user has sat down on the toilet seat 20.

[0099] The display processing unit 160 executes a process to display the defecation characteristics determined by the defecation information calculation unit 140 as time-series data on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200. The display processing unit 160 can switch the display at predetermined intervals and executes a process to display a predetermined number of defecation characteristic patterns that have a high frequency during the predetermined period on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200.

[0100] The display processing unit 160 executes a process to display information on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200 so that it can be switched between daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly. When displaying at least monthly or yearly, the display processing unit 160 executes a process to display a predetermined number of patterns that correspond to the bowel movement characteristics during a predetermined period, which are the most frequent, on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200. When displaying at least daily, the display processing unit 160 displays all of the user's bowel movement characteristics as determined by the bowel movement information calculation unit 140.

[0101] The display processing unit 160 executes a process to display a pattern corresponding to the combination of type, quantity, and color on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200. The display processing unit 160 executes a process to display the pattern on the display unit based on the priority order of type, quantity, and color. If there is a limit to the number of items that can be displayed on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200, the display processing unit 160 executes a process to display a pattern corresponding to the number of items that can be displayed on the display unit based on the priority order of type, quantity, and color.

[0102] The display processing unit 160 executes the process of displaying information related to the health score calculated by the health status calculation unit 150 on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200. The display processing unit 160 executes the process of displaying information related to the health score, information related to health indicators, and information related to bowel movement on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200. The display processing unit 160 executes the process of displaying information indicating the user's bowel movement status based on the bowel movement information on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200. The display processing unit 160 executes the process of displaying text information indicating the user's bowel movement status based on the bowel movement information on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200.

[0103] The display processing unit 160 executes the process of displaying the health indicator score on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200. The display processing unit 160 executes the process of displaying multiple health indicator information on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200. The display processing unit 160 executes the process of displaying on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200 the date and time on which at least the bowel movement information and the health indicator information were last obtained.

[0104] If the display processing unit 160 does not have all of the health indicator information and bowel movement information used to calculate the health score, it will execute a process to hide the health score on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200. If there is an update to either the health indicator information or the bowel movement information used to calculate the health score, the display processing unit 160 will update the health score.

[0105] The display processing unit 160 executes the process of displaying the indicator information calculated by the health indicator calculation unit 130 or the bowel movement information calculation unit 140 on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200. After the measurement of the first indicator (also called "primary measurement") is completed (finished), if the acquisition of the user's sensor information is finished, the display processing unit 160 executes the process of displaying information related to the first indicator (also called "first indicator information") on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200.

[0106] The display processing unit 160 executes a process to display the first indicator information and information related to the second indicator (also called "secondary measurement") on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200 after the completion of the measurement related to the second indicator (also called "secondary measurement"). If the first indicator information is updated between the completion of the primary measurement and the completion of the secondary measurement, the display processing unit 160 executes a process to display the updated first indicator information on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200.

[0107] Note that the first and second indicators are relative concepts, defined according to the length of time required to acquire (measure) the information. An indicator that takes longer to measure than one designated as the first indicator becomes the second indicator relative to that one indicator. For example, if the stool condition (stool indicator) takes longer to measure than one health indicator, and one health indicator is designated as the first indicator, then the stool indicator becomes the second indicator relative to that one health indicator. For example, if one health indicator takes longer to measure than another health indicator, and one of the other health indicators is designated as the first indicator, then that one health indicator becomes the second indicator relative to the other health indicators. As described above, when different sensors, the biosensor 40 and the defecation sensor 60, are used to calculate multiple health indicators, the measurement times for each sensor will differ. For example, when measuring health indicators with the biosensor 40 and measuring defecation condition (stool state) with the defecation sensor 60, if it takes a long time (e.g., several minutes) for the user to defecate, the time required for measuring stool condition (stool indicator) will be longer than the time required for measuring health indicators.

[0108] For example, if the time required to assess stool condition (stool index) is longer than the time required to assess stress, then, if stress is considered the first index, the stool index becomes the second index relative to stress. For instance, if it takes 90 seconds to acquire (determine) information on stool condition (stool index) and 60 seconds to acquire (calculate) information on stress, then, if stress is considered the first index, the stool index becomes the second index relative to stress. Similarly, if the time required to assess stress is longer than the time required to assess heart rate, then, if heart rate is considered the first index, stress becomes the second index relative to heart rate. For example, if it takes 50 seconds to acquire (calculate) information on stress and 15 seconds to acquire (calculate) information on heart rate, then, if heart rate is considered the first index, stress becomes the second index relative to heart rate. Thus, the first and second indexes are relative concepts; the first index becomes the second index for any index that takes less time to assess than itself. Even if an indicator is a secondary indicator relative to other indicators, it becomes the primary indicator if it takes longer to complete than the other indicator. In other words, the terms "primary indicator" and "secondary indicator" used here are names that allow for the distinction and expression of indicators based on the length of time required.

[0109] The display processing unit 160 functions as a generation unit that performs generation processing for various types of information. The display processing unit 160 generates content to be displayed on the external terminal 200. The display processing unit 160 generates content CT1 that shows a health score. For example, the display processing unit 160 generates content (image information) to be provided to the external terminal 200 by appropriately using various technologies related to image generation and image processing. For example, the display processing unit 160 generates a screen (image information) to be provided to the external terminal 200 by appropriately using various technologies such as Java (registered trademark). The display processing unit 160 may also generate content (image information) to be provided to the external terminal 200 based on the format of CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), JavaScript (registered trademark), or HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language). Furthermore, for example, the display processing unit 160 may generate content in various formats such as JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), GIF (Graphics Interchange Format), or PNG (Portable Network Graphics).

[0110] The display processing unit 160 transmits information. The display processing unit 160 transmits information to an external information processing device via the communication unit 190. For example, the display processing unit 160 transmits various information to the external terminal 200. The display processing unit 160 transmits the generated information to the external terminal 200, etc. The display processing unit 160 transmits content CT1 to the external terminal 200, etc.

[0111] The display processing unit 160 controls the display of the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200 so that content CT1 is displayed on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200. The process of displaying on the display unit 210 performed by the display processing unit 160, etc. herein includes the display processing unit 160, etc. transmitting information to the external terminal 200 having the display unit 210 so that the information is displayed on the external terminal 200.

[0112] The display processing unit 160 includes a health status display processing unit 161, a health indicator display processing unit 162, a bowel movement status display processing unit 163, a measurement status display processing unit 164, a message display processing unit 165, and a highlight display processing unit 166.

[0113] The health status display processing unit 161 executes the processing related to the display of health score information, which is performed by the display processing unit 160. The health score information to be displayed is not limited to numerical values ​​such as points out of 100 or percentages, but also includes information that visually displays points, percentages, etc., using gauge bars, etc. When displaying a score, it may be a numerical value as an absolute value (points out of 100) or a numerical value as a relative percentage. Alternatively, instead of numerical information, it may be a display such as a gauge that visualizes numerical information. The health status display processing unit 161 executes the processing to display the health score information on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200. If there is an update to the health score SC1 in the content CT1 shown in Figure 9, the health status display processing unit 161 executes the processing to display the updated health score SC1 on the external terminal 200 by sending the updated health score SC1 to the external terminal 200.

[0114] The health indicator display processing unit 162 executes the processing related to the display of health indicator information, which is among the processing performed by the display processing unit 160. The health indicator display processing unit 162 executes the processing to display health indicator information on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200. If there is an update to any of the health indicators HX in the content CT1 shown in Figure 9, the health indicator display processing unit 162 executes the processing to display the updated health indicators HX on the external terminal 200 by sending the updated health indicators HX to the external terminal 200.

[0115] The health indicator display processing unit 162 executes the process of displaying the health indicator information calculated by the health indicator calculation unit 130 on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200. After the completion of the primary measurement, if the acquisition of the user's sensor information is complete, the health indicator display processing unit 162 executes the process of displaying the first indicator information on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200. After the completion of the secondary measurement, the health indicator display processing unit 162 executes the process of displaying the first indicator information and the second indicator information on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200.

[0116] The defecation status display processing unit 163 executes the processing related to the display of information regarding the defecation status, which is among the processing performed by the display processing unit 160. The defecation status display processing unit 163 executes the processing to display information regarding defecation on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200. If there is an update to the stool index DX in the content CT1 shown in Figure 9, the defecation status display processing unit 163 executes the processing to display the updated stool index DX on the external terminal 200 by sending the updated stool index DX to the external terminal 200.

[0117] The defecation status display processing unit 163 executes the process of displaying the stool index information calculated by the defecation information calculation unit 140 on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200. After the completion of the secondary measurement, the defecation status display processing unit 163 executes the process of displaying the second index information on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200.

[0118] The measurement status display processing unit 164 executes the processing related to displaying information about the measurement status, which is among the processing performed by the display processing unit 160. The measurement status display processing unit 164 executes the processing to display information about the measurement status on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200.

[0119] The measurement status display processing unit 164 notifies the external terminal 200 of the measurement status via the display unit 210. The measurement status display processing unit 164 notifies the external terminal 200 of the measurement status regarding multiple indicator information, including first indicator information that can be calculated in the first time and second indicator information that can be calculated in a second time that is longer than the first time, via the display unit 210. The measurement status display processing unit 164 notifies the completion of the primary measurement corresponding to the first time and also notifies the execution of the secondary measurement corresponding to the second time. When the secondary measurement is completed, the measurement status display processing unit 164 notifies the completion of the secondary measurement.

[0120] The message display processing unit 165 determines the user's condition based on at least one of the health score, health indicator information, and bowel movement information, and executes a process to display a recommended message corresponding to the determined user's condition on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200. For example, the message display processing unit 165 executes a process to display the recommended information RC shown in Figure 10 on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200.

[0121] The highlighting processing unit 166 performs a process to highlight information on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200 for a certain period of time, based on at least one of the health score, health indicator information, and bowel movement information. For example, the highlighting processing unit 166 performs a process to display the highlighting information HL shown in Figure 10 on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200.

[0122] The configuration of the control unit 100 described above is merely an example, and the control unit 100 may have various configurations not limited to those described above. For example, if the control unit 100 has a function to display information, it may have a display unit. Also, if the external terminal 200 calculates the health score, the control unit 100 and the external terminal 200 may be integrated. For example, if the external terminal 200, such as a smartphone used by the user, calculates the health score using an information processing program, the external terminal 200 may have the functions of the control unit 100.

[0123] For example, an application including an information processing program (e.g., a health management app) may perform the process of calculating a health score. For example, if an application installed on an external terminal 200 (e.g., a health management app) calculates a health score, the external terminal 200 may have the configuration of the control unit 100.

[0124] <3. Calculation Example> From here, we will explain an example of how to calculate the numerical values ​​using Figures 5 to 7. Figures 5 to 7 are diagrams illustrating an example of how to calculate the numerical values. Below, we will explain how to calculate the numerical value (score) using body water content as an example.

[0125] <3-1. First calculation example (point allocation)> First, the first calculation example will be explained with reference to Figure 5. Specifically, Figure 5 shows the first calculation example in which points are assigned and a score is calculated. Graph GR11 in Figure 5 contains information for converting the measurement results to a score of 0 to 100. Specifically, Graph GR11 shows an example in which points corresponding to body water content are assigned to each measured value corresponding to body water content. In the example in Figure 5, a larger score is assigned to the smaller the measured value corresponding to body water content. In this case, the control unit 100 uses the information in Graph GR11 to calculate a health index score (body water content score) corresponding to body water content from the measured values ​​corresponding to body water content.

[0126] <3-2. Second calculation example (per user)> First, the second calculation example will be explained with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 shows an example of calculation using one's own health indicator information results. Specifically, Figure 6 shows the second calculation example in which a score is calculated by assigning points. Figure 6 shows the second calculation example in which a score is calculated using the history of only the target user. For example, Figure 6 shows the case in which points are assigned from the past 50 measurement results of the target user.

[0127] Graph GR12 in Figure 6 contains information for converting measurement results to a score between 0 and 100. For example, Graph GR12 uses an average value (base) of 50 points and converts the values ​​to one of the values ​​between 0 and 100 depending on the deviation from the base. Specifically, Graph GR12 shows an example where a score corresponding to body water content is assigned to each measured value (measured value) corresponding to body water content. In the example in Figure 6, a larger score is assigned to the smaller the measured value corresponding to body water content. In this case, the control unit 100 uses the information in Graph GR12 to calculate a health index score (body water content score) corresponding to body water content from the measured values ​​corresponding to body water content.

[0128] <3-3. Third calculation example (multiple users)> First, we will explain the third calculation example, referring to Figure 7. Figure 7 shows an example of calculation using health indicator information results from a user population (multiple users). Specifically, Figure 7 shows the third calculation example in which a score is calculated by assigning points. Figure 7 shows the third calculation example in which a score is calculated using the history of multiple users, not limited to the user being calculated (target user). For example, Figure 7 shows the case in which points are assigned based on the past 50 measurement results of each of 100 users.

[0129] Graph GR13 in Figure 7 contains information for converting measurement results to a score between 0 and 100. For example, Graph GR13 uses an average value (base) of 50 points and converts the deviation from the base to a value between 0 and 100. Specifically, Graph GR13 shows an example where each measured value corresponding to body water content is assigned a score corresponding to body water content. In the example in Figure 7, a larger score is assigned to the smaller the measured value corresponding to body water content. In this case, the control unit 100 uses the information in Graph GR13 to calculate a health index score (body water content score) corresponding to body water content from the measured values ​​corresponding to body water content.

[0130] The calculation described above is merely an example, and the control unit 100 may calculate the numerical value using various methods, not limited to those described above. For example, the control unit 100 may calculate the numerical value by absolute value evaluation. Furthermore, while Figures 5 to 7 illustrate the calculation of a numerical value (score) using body water content, one of the health indicators, as an example, health indicator scores may be calculated for other health indicators such as heart rate using similar processing.

[0131] Furthermore, the control unit 100 may also calculate the defecation score using the same method as in Figures 5 to 7. For example, the control unit 100 calculates a defecation score that ranges from 0 to 100 points. For example, the control unit 100 may calculate the defecation score based on a relative evaluation by comparing the properties of the stool expelled in a single defecation with a standard property value. For example, the control unit 100 uses the average of the user's past stool conditions as a standard and calculates the defecation score based on a comparison between that standard and the stool condition of the stool being calculated (also called the "target stool"). As mentioned above, the defecation score may be a numerical value calculated based on the characteristics of stool (stool condition) such as type, shape, and color, or it may be information that indicates the characteristics of stool (stool condition) such as type, shape, and color.

[0132] For example, the control unit 100 calculates a defecation score in such a way that the closer the stool condition of the target stool is to a standard, the higher the value. For example, the control unit 100 assigns a score of 100 if the stool condition of the target stool matches the standard, and calculates a defecation score in such a way that the value decreases as the stool condition of the target stool deviates further from the standard. For example, the control unit 100 calculates a defecation score of 100 if the stool condition of the target stool matches the standard. For example, the control unit 100 calculates a defecation score for the target stool that is further from the standard.

[0133] Alternatively, the control unit 100 may plot the stool in a three-dimensional space (also called the "stool state space") with type, color, and quantity as dimensions, and calculate a defecation score according to the position of the stool in that three-dimensional space (stool state space). For example, the control unit 100 may calculate the defecation score of the stool according to where the stool is located in the stool state space, which has type, color, and quantity as dimensions. For example, the control unit 100 may use the score of the location where the stool is located in the stool state space, which has type, color, and quantity as dimensions and assigns points to each location, as the defecation score of the stool.

[0134] <4. Processing Flow> From here, the processing flow of the embodiment will be explained using Figure 8. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure performed by the health management system. Specifically, Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an overview of the processing procedure related to bowel movement information performed by the health management system. In the following explanation, the health management system 1 will be described as the processing unit, but the processing shown in Figure 8 may be performed by any of the devices, such as the control unit 100, external terminal 200, or various sensors, depending on the device configuration included in the health management system 1.

[0135] First, using Figure 8, we will explain the overview of the processing flow for bowel movement information in the health management system 1.

[0136] The health management system 1 acquires defecation information corresponding to the user's bowel movements (step S101). For example, the defecation sensor 60 of the health management system 1 acquires defecation information corresponding to the bowel movements of users using the toilet 10.

[0137] Furthermore, the health management system 1 determines the characteristics of the stool corresponding to the stool information based on the stool information (step S102). For example, the health management system 1 uses the stool information acquired by the stool sensor 60 to determine the characteristics of the stool corresponding to that stool information.

[0138] The health management system 1 then performs a process to display the stool characteristics as time-series data on the display unit (step S103). For example, the control unit 100 of the health management system 1 performs a process to display the stool characteristics as time-series data on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200. For example, the control unit 100 transmits information showing the stool characteristics in time to the external terminal 200 which has a display unit 210. The external terminal 200, having received the information showing the stool characteristics in time from the control unit 100, then displays the information showing the stool characteristics in time on the display unit 210.

[0139] Furthermore, the health management system 1 can switch the display at predetermined intervals and performs a process to display a predetermined number of stool condition patterns that appear frequently during the predetermined period on the display unit (step S104). For example, the control unit 100 of the health management system 1 can switch the display at multiple intervals such as days, weeks, months, and years and performs a process to display a predetermined number of stool condition patterns that appear frequently during the period to be displayed on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200. For example, the control unit 100 transmits content to the external terminal 200 having a display unit 210 that shows stool condition patterns in chronological order, which can be switched for multiple intervals such as days, weeks, months, and years. The external terminal 200 then displays the content showing stool condition patterns in chronological order, which can be switched for multiple intervals such as days, weeks, months, and years, on the display unit 210.

[0140] <5. Example Display> From here, we will explain examples of how various types of information are displayed using Figures 9 to 16. First, we will explain an overall example of how health scores and other information are displayed using Figures 9 to 11. Figure 9 shows an example of how health scores are displayed. Figure 10 shows an example of how health-related information is displayed. Figure 11 shows an example of how information is displayed according to a period of time. In the following, we will explain as an example where the target user is user U1 and the information is displayed on an external terminal 200 such as a smartphone used by user U1.

[0141] <5-1. Examples of displaying health scores, etc.> First, an example of displaying health scores, etc., will be explained using Figure 9. For example, the control unit 100 displays information indicating the health score, health indicators, and stool condition for user U1 on the external terminal 200 used by user U1. The control unit 100 transmits information indicating the health score, health indicators, and stool condition for user U1 to the external terminal 200 used by user U1. The external terminal 200 used by user U1 displays the information indicating the health score, health indicators, and stool condition received from the control unit 100.

[0142] In Figure 9, the control unit 100 generates content CT1 for user U1, which includes information about the health score, information about health indicators, and information about bowel movements. Specifically, the control unit 100 generates content CT1 which includes information showing user U1's health score SC1, health indicators, and various indicators IX1 to IX8 such as stool condition.

[0143] Here, indicators IX1-IX5, IX7, and IX8 correspond to the health indicator HX, and indicator IX6 corresponds to the stool indicator DX. Specifically, indicator IX1 corresponds to the body water level, indicator IX2 corresponds to the fitness level, indicator IX3 corresponds to the relaxation level (stress state), and indicator IX4 corresponds to the metabolic level. In addition, indicator IX5 corresponds to heart rate (resting heart rate), indicator IX6 corresponds to stool condition, indicator IX7 corresponds to the body clock, and indicator IX8 corresponds to blood circulation condition (lower limb blood circulation condition).

[0144] Furthermore, when explaining indices IX1-IX5, IX7, and IX8 without making a specific distinction, they may be referred to as "Health Indicator HX," and when explaining indice IX6 without making a specific distinction, they may be referred to as "Stool Indicator DX." Also, when explaining indices IX1-IX8 without making a specific distinction, they may be referred to as "Indicator IX." Note that the above indices IX1-IX8 are merely examples, and any other indicator, such as indicator IX9 corresponding to vascular age, may be included.

[0145] Furthermore, the control unit 100 generates content CT1 which includes information indicating the date and time when user U1's health score SC1 and each of the indicators IX1 to IX8 were obtained. For example, the control unit 100 calculates the health score at a predetermined time (e.g., once a day). The control unit 100 calculates a health score SC1 of "72" points, as shown in Figure 9, on July 22, 2022. The control unit 100 calculates the health score SC1 as "72" points using the scores corresponding to each of the indicators IX. The control unit 100 calculates the health score SC1 as "72" points using the health indicator scores for each of the indicators IX1 to IX5, IX7 and IX8, and the bowel movement score for indicator IX6. The control unit 100 generates content CT1 which includes information indicating that the health score SC1 of "72" points, as shown in Figure 9, was calculated on July 22.

[0146] For example, the control unit 100 calculates information for each indicator at the time sensor information is acquired from the sensor. For example, the control unit 100 calculates information for each of the indicators IX1 to IX8 four hours before the generation of content CT1. The control unit 100 generates content CT1 that includes information indicating that the information for indicators IX1 to IX8 shown in Figure 9 was calculated four hours ago. Note that the information indicating the date and time corresponding to each of the indicators IX1 to IX8 may be the date and time when the sensor information corresponding to each of the indicators IX1 to IX8 was acquired.

[0147] In Figure 9, the control unit 100 generates content CT1 for health indicators HX IX1 to IX5, IX7, and IX8, which includes information showing the relative evaluation of the information used to calculate the health score SC1 (also called "first information") against a predetermined standard (also called "evaluation standard"). For example, for user U1, the control unit 100 generates content CT1 which includes information showing the relative evaluation of the evaluation standard calculated using information prior to the first information (also called "second information").

[0148] In Figure 9, the control unit 100 generates content CT1 for index IX1, which includes information indicating that the body water level is "90%" and that the first information used to calculate the health score SC1 is higher than the evaluation criteria such as past averages. The control unit 100 also generates content CT1 for index IX5, which includes information indicating that the heart rate is "55 bpm" and that the first information used to calculate the health score SC1 is lower than the evaluation criteria such as past averages.

[0149] Furthermore, the control unit 100 generates content CT1 that includes information indicating that the stool index DX, index IX6, is of type "cracked", color "dark brown", and quantity "medium". Note that the above is merely an example, and the control unit 100 may generate content CT1 that includes various types of information. For example, the control unit 100 may generate content CT1 that includes a health index score as information for each health index HX. For example, the control unit 100 may generate content CT1 that includes a defecation score as information for the stool index DX.

[0150] The control unit 100 then transmits content CT1 to the external terminal 200, and the external terminal 200 displays the received content CT1. The external terminal 200 displays content CT1 which includes information about user U1's health score SC1, information about health indicator HX, and information about stool indicator DX. The health management system 1 may also display the health indicator score as information about each health indicator HX.

[0151] Furthermore, while Figure 9 shows an example where information on all indicator IDs used to calculate the health score SC1 has been obtained, the control unit 100 may hide the health score SC1 if information on at least one of the indicators used to calculate the health score SC1 has not been obtained. For example, if information on at least one of the indicators used to calculate the health score SC1 has not been obtained, the control unit 100 generates content CT1 in which information indicating that the health score has not been calculated (e.g., "-") is placed in the position of the health score SC1. The control unit 100 sends content CT1 in which "-" is placed in the position of the health score SC1 to the external terminal 200, and the external terminal 200 displays content CT1 in which the health score SC1 has been hidden. The external terminal 200 displays content CT1 in which "-" is placed in the position of the health score SC1 and the health score SC1 has been hidden. Then, once the information for all indicator IDs used to calculate the health score SC1 has been obtained, the health management system 1 displays content CT1, which includes the calculated health score SC1, as shown in Figure 9.

[0152] <5-2. Examples of recommendation and highlighting displays> Next, Figure 10 will be used to explain examples of how recommendations and highlights are displayed.

[0153] For example, the control unit 100 determines the status of user U1 based on at least one of the following: health score, health indicator information, and bowel movement information, and displays a recommendation message on the external terminal 200 corresponding to the determined user's status. The control unit 100 sends the recommendation message generated according to user U1's status to the external terminal 200 used by user U1. The external terminal 200 used by user U1 displays the recommendation message received from the control unit 100.

[0154] For example, if the control unit 100 determines that user U1 is sleep-deprived when the user U1's internal clock is off by more than a predetermined threshold, it generates a recommendation message RC1 to encourage user U1 to get adequate sleep. In Figure 10, the control unit 100 generates content CT1 which includes the recommendation message RC1 to encourage user U1 to get adequate sleep.

[0155] For example, the control unit 100 causes the external terminal 200 used by user U1 to display a highlight for a certain period (e.g., 1 hour or 1 day) based on at least one of the health score, health indicator information, and bowel movement information. The control unit 100 transmits the highlight information generated based on at least one of the health score, health indicator information, and bowel movement information to the external terminal 200 used by user U1. The external terminal 200 used by user U1 displays the highlight information received from the control unit 100.

[0156] For example, if the control unit 100 determines that the percentage of user U1's bowel movements that occur before 9:00 AM during a predetermined period (e.g., one month) is above a predetermined threshold, it generates highlight information HL1 indicating that user U1's bowel movement rhythm is appropriate. In Figure 10, the control unit 100 generates content CT1 which includes the highlight information HL1 indicating that user U1's bowel movements are appropriate.

[0157] The control unit 100 then transmits content CT1 to the external terminal 200, and the external terminal 200 displays the received content CT1. The external terminal 200 displays content CT1 including a recommendation message RC1 and highlight information HL1 for user U1.

[0158] <5-3. Example of displaying health score history> In Figure 9, we have illustrated an example where only the most recently calculated health score SC1 is displayed. However, the health management system 1 may also display data based on the history of health scores. This point will be explained using Figure 11.

[0159] For example, the control unit 100 displays time-series information (also called "health score time series") based on the history of health scores calculated for user U1 over a predetermined period on the external terminal 200 used by user U1. The control unit 100 transmits information showing the health score time series, which is an aggregate of health scores calculated in the past for user U1 over a predetermined period (e.g., week, month, year, etc.), to the external terminal 200 used by user U1. The external terminal 200 used by user U1 displays the information showing the health score time series received from the control unit 100. As shown in contents CT11 to CT13, the health management system 1 displays the health score time series in a graph where the horizontal axis corresponds to time and the vertical axis corresponds to the health score.

[0160] In Figure 11, the control unit 100 generates content CT11 for user U1 that includes a health score time series showing the change in the health score over a week. Specifically, the control unit 100 generates content CT11 that includes a health score time series showing the change in user U1's health score over seven days from Monday to Sunday (for example, a week including July 22nd) in a bar graph. The control unit 100 then transmits content CT11 to an external terminal 200, and the external terminal 200 displays the received content CT11. The external terminal 200 displays content CT11 that includes a health score time series showing the change in user U1's health score over a week.

[0161] Furthermore, the control unit 100 generates content CT12 for user U1 that includes a health score time series showing the change in the health score over one month. Specifically, the control unit 100 generates content CT12 that includes a health score time series showing the change in user U1's health score over one month (for example, July 2022) in a bar graph. The control unit 100 then transmits content CT12 to the external terminal 200, and the external terminal 200 displays the received content CT12. The external terminal 200 displays content CT12 that includes a health score time series showing the change in user U1's health score over one month.

[0162] Furthermore, the control unit 100 generates content CT13 for user U1 that includes a health score time series showing the change in the health score over a year. Specifically, the control unit 100 generates content CT13 that includes a health score time series showing the change in user U1's health score over a year (for example, a year including July 2022) in a bar graph. For each of the 12 months of the year (January to December), the control unit 100 generates content CT13 that includes a health score time series showing the change in the average health score for that month. The control unit 100 then transmits content CT13 to the external terminal 200, and the external terminal 200 displays the received content CT13. The external terminal 200 displays content CT13 that includes a health score time series showing the change in user U1's health score over a year.

[0163] Furthermore, if user U1 has not yet obtained a health score, the control unit 100 generates content CT14 containing information encouraging the user to use toilet 10 in order to obtain a health score. The control unit 100 then transmits content CT14 to an external terminal 200, and the external terminal 200 displays the received content CT14. The external terminal 200 displays content CT14 containing information encouraging user U1 to use toilet 10 in order to obtain a health score.

[0164] The health management system 1 may also display content CT11 to CT13 in a switchable manner. The control unit 100 transmits content CT11 to CT13 to the external terminal 200, and the external terminal 200 displays the selected content from content CT11 to CT13 according to the user U1's selection.

[0165] <5-4. Examples of displaying each indicator> From here, we will use Figures 12 to 16 to explain examples of how to display various indicators such as stool condition (stool indicators) and health indicators. In Figures 12 to 16, we will explain as an example the case where the target user is user U1 and the information is displayed on an external terminal 200 such as a smartphone used by user U1. Note that explanations of points that are the same as those mentioned above will be omitted as appropriate.

[0166] <5-4-1. Example of chronological display of flights> First, Figures 12 to 14 will be used to explain examples of how stool condition is displayed. However, when displaying information over a long period, such as a month or a year, there may be too much information to display. For example, if the time series of bowel movements over a year is displayed month by month, the number of bowel movements corresponding to each month will be large (around 30 if it is once a day), and displaying all of them would result in information overload, which is not appropriate for the user. Therefore, when displaying information at least monthly or yearly, the health management system 1 displays a predetermined number of patterns (also called the "display number") that are most frequent among the patterns corresponding to the stool characteristics over a predetermined period.

[0167] In this context, "pattern" refers to a combination of stool type, stool color, and stool volume. For example, if there are 7 types of stool, 6 types of stool color, and 3 types of stool volume, the number of combinations of stool type, stool color, and stool volume is "126 (=7 × 6 × 3)," and there are 126 patterns corresponding to different defecation characteristics.

[0168] For example, if the control unit 100 sets a predetermined period to one year and displays the bowel movements for that year in a time series with each month as the aggregation unit, it counts the frequency (number of times) of each pattern for each month from January to December. For example, if the control unit 100 displays the time series of user U1's bowel movements for the year 2021 month by month, it counts the frequency of each pattern for each of the 12 months from January to December 2021. For example, the control unit 100 uses the bowel movement history of user U1 stored in the memory unit 120 to calculate the frequency of each pattern for each of the 12 months from January to December 2021. For example, if user U1 had 6 bowel movements of the type "type4 (normal)", quantity "medium", and color "brown" in January 2021, the control unit 100 calculates the frequency of the type "type4 (normal)", quantity "medium", and color "brown" pattern in January 2021 as "6". In this way, the control unit 100 counts the frequency of each pattern for user U1 for each of the 12 months from January to December 2021.

[0169] The control unit 100 then determines the display patterns (also called "display target patterns") for user U1, in descending order of frequency, for each of the 12 months from January to December 2021. For example, if the display count is "5", the control unit 100 determines the 5 patterns to be displayed for user U1, in descending order of frequency, for each of the 12 months from January to December 2021. For example, if the frequency of the pattern "type 4 (normal)", "medium amount", and "brown color" is "6" for user U1's bowel movements in January 2021, the control unit 100 determines the 5 patterns, including the "type 4 (normal)", "medium amount", and "brown color" pattern, to be displayed.

[0170] Furthermore, if there are multiple candidate patterns to display, the health management system 1 determines the pattern to display based on predetermined criteria. If the number of items to display is "5," and there are multiple patterns that are the 5th most frequent, the health management system 1 determines the pattern to display based on predetermined criteria. For example, as shown in Figure 12, the health management system 1 determines the pattern to display based on priority and displays the information of the determined pattern.

[0171] Figure 12 shows an example of the priority order of stool consistency. Specifically, Figure 12 shows a priority list that associates rank with each combination (pattern) of stool type, stool color, and stool quantity. In the priority list shown in Figure 12, the pattern with rank 1 (highest rank) is the combination of type "type 4 (normal)", quantity "large", and color "yellow". Also in the priority list shown in Figure 12, the pattern with rank 63 is the combination of type "type 6 (muddy)", quantity "medium", and color "ochre". Furthermore, in the priority list shown in Figure 12, the pattern with rank 126 (lowest rank) is the combination of type "type 1 (small pellets)", quantity "small", and color "dark brown".

[0172] In the example shown in Figure 12, the health management system 1 displays patterns based on a priority order of type, quantity, and color. For example, the control unit 100 determines the pattern to be displayed using the priority list shown in Figure 12. For example, the control unit 100 determines the pattern to be displayed by referring to the priority list stored in the storage unit 120. For example, if there are multiple patterns corresponding to the rank of the number to be displayed, the control unit 100 uses the priority list to determine the pattern to be displayed.

[0173] Let's take user U1 as an example and explain the case where, in February 2021, the frequency of the first pattern (type 3 (cracked), small amount, brown color) and the frequency of the second pattern (type 4 (normal), large amount, brown color) were both "6", making them the 5th most frequent. In this case, when the number of displays is "5", the control unit 100 determines that the second pattern is the one to be displayed because the first pattern is ranked "52nd" and the second pattern is ranked "4th". As a result, the control unit 100 determines that for user U1 in February 2021, five patterns, including the second pattern (type 4 (normal), large amount, brown color), are the ones to be displayed. In other words, the control unit 100 decides that for user U1, the first pattern of bowel movements in February 2021, with type "type 3 (cracked)", quantity "small", and color "brown", will not be included in the display patterns.

[0174] When the health management system 1 displays the period as days, it displays all the user's stool patterns for the target day (1 day). When the control unit 100 displays the period as days, it determines that all the user's stool patterns for the target day (1 day) are the patterns to be displayed. When the health management system 1 displays the period as weeks, it may display all the user's stool patterns for the target week (1 week), or it may display the patterns of the user's stool patterns for the target week (1 week) in descending order of frequency. In other words, when the health management system 1 displays the period as weeks, it may display it in the same way as when the period is displayed as days, or in the same way as when the period is displayed as months or years.

[0175] The control unit 100 then generates content CT21 to CT24, etc., as shown in Figure 13, based on the determined display target pattern. Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of a time-series display of a toilet. Note that content CT21 to CT24 are meant to show an image of the display mode and do not limit the number of patterns to be displayed. Also, when explaining content CT21 to CT24 without special distinction, they may be referred to as "content CT20". The control unit 100 transmits content CT20 to the external terminal 200, and the external terminal 200 displays content CT20.

[0176] As shown in Content CT20, the Health Management System 1 displays stool data over time using a graph where the horizontal axis corresponds to time and the vertical axis corresponds to stool patterns. Each circular point in Content CT20 corresponds to a stool pattern; the vertical position of the circular point indicates the type of stool, the color of the circular point indicates the color of the stool, and the size of the circular point indicates the amount of stool. For example, the circular point at the 4 o'clock position on the horizontal axis in Content CT21 indicates that the stool defecated during the time period corresponding to 4 o'clock on July 20th corresponds to the pattern of type "type 4 (normal)", quantity "small", and color "ochre". In this way, the Health Management System 1 indicates the stool condition (stool index) by showing the color of the plotted point to show the stool color, the size to show the quantity, and the position on the vertical axis to show the type of stool. This allows the Health Management System 1 to display three elements (information) simultaneously in a two-dimensional graph. Note that in Figure 13, the color of the stool is shown by the intensity of the hatching, with darker hatching corresponding to darker colors. Furthermore, Content CT20 includes information (top pattern information) showing the top 3 most frequent stool patterns for the corresponding period (day, week, month, or year). For example, in Content CT20 of Figure 13, the top pattern information is placed below the information showing the chronological order of bowel movements. Note that in aggregating the top pattern information, any pattern may be targeted, for example, combinations of stool type, quantity, and color (patterns), or combinations of stool type and color (patterns).

[0177] For example, the control unit 100 displays content CT20 on the external terminal 200 used by user U1, which shows the pattern of bowel movements aggregated in a predetermined aggregation unit for a predetermined target period (e.g., day, week, month, year, etc.) for user U1. The control unit 100 also transmits information showing the time series of bowel movements aggregated over a predetermined target period (e.g., day, week, month, year, etc.) for user U1 to the external terminal 200 used by user U1. The external terminal 200 used by user U1 displays the information showing the time series of bowel movements received from the control unit 100.

[0178] In Figure 13, the control unit 100 generates content CT21 for user U1 that includes a time series of bowel movements showing the daily bowel movement patterns. Specifically, the control unit 100 generates content CT21 that includes a time series of bowel movements showing the target patterns of user U1 for one day (for example, July 20th) as a graph (bubble chart, etc.) plotted as circular points. The control unit 100 then transmits content CT21 to the external terminal 200, and the external terminal 200 displays the received content CT21. The external terminal 200 displays content CT21 that includes a time series of bowel movements showing the daily bowel movement patterns of user U1. The external terminal 200 also displays content CT21 that includes top pattern information showing the three most frequent (i.e., 1st, 2nd, and 3rd) patterns among user U1's daily bowel movement patterns.

[0179] Furthermore, the control unit 100 generates content CT22 for user U1 that includes a time series of bowel movements showing the pattern of bowel movements over a week. Specifically, the control unit 100 generates content CT22 that includes a time series of bowel movements showing the target patterns of user U1 over seven days from Monday to Sunday (for example, a week including July 20th) as circular points in a graph. The control unit 100 then transmits content CT22 to the external terminal 200, and the external terminal 200 displays the received content CT22. The external terminal 200 displays content CT22 that includes a time series of bowel movements showing the pattern of bowel movements of user U1 over a week. The external terminal 200 also displays content CT22 that includes top pattern information showing the three most frequent patterns among user U1's bowel patterns over the week.

[0180] Furthermore, the control unit 100 generates content CT23 for user U1 that includes a time series of bowel movements showing the bowel movement patterns over a one-month period. Specifically, the control unit 100 generates content CT23 that includes a time series of bowel movements showing the target patterns of user U1 over a one-month period (for example, July 2022) plotted as circular points. The control unit 100 then transmits content CT23 to an external terminal 200, which displays the received content CT23. The external terminal 200 displays content CT23 that includes a time series of bowel movements showing the bowel movement patterns of user U1 over a one-month period. The external terminal 200 also displays content CT23 that includes top pattern information showing the three most frequent bowel movement patterns of user U1 over the one-month period.

[0181] Furthermore, the control unit 100 generates content CT24 for user U1 that includes a time series of bowel movements showing the bowel movement patterns over a year. Specifically, the control unit 100 generates content CT24 that includes a time series of bowel movements showing the target patterns of user U1 over a year (for example, a year including July 2022) as a graph plotted with circular points. For each of the 12 months of the year (January to December), the control unit 100 generates content CT24 that includes a time series of bowel movements showing the bowel movement patterns for that month. The control unit 100 then transmits the content CT24 to the external terminal 200, and the external terminal 200 displays the received content CT24. The external terminal 200 displays content CT24 that includes a time series of bowel movements showing the bowel movement patterns of user U1 over a year. The external terminal 200 also displays content CT24 that includes top pattern information showing the three most frequent patterns among user U1's bowel movement patterns over the year.

[0182] Furthermore, even if there are limitations on the number of items that can be displayed for each aggregation unit, such as month or year, Health Management System 1 will display all bowel movement patterns for that aggregation unit if the number of bowel movements in that aggregation unit is less than the number of items that can be displayed. For example, even if the period in Health Management System 1 is one year and the number of items that can be displayed is limited to "5", if the aggregation unit is month and the number of bowel movements in February is "3", then all three patterns for February will be included in the display options and will be shown.

[0183] As described above, the health management system 1 displays content CT21 to CT24 regarding stool condition (stool indicator). For example, if user U1 selects indicator IX6 in content CT1, the health management system 1 displays content CT21. The health management system 1 may also display content CT21 to CT24 in a switchable manner. The control unit 100 transmits content CT21 to CT24 to the external terminal 200, and the external terminal 200 displays the selected content CT20 from content CT21 to CT24 according to user U1's selection. For example, if user U1 selects the area labeled "week" in content CT20, the external terminal 200 displays content CT22.

[0184] Furthermore, the health management system 1 may display a description of the stool consistency. This point will be explained using Figure 14. Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of a description of the stool consistency. Note that when explaining contents CT31 to CT33 without making any particular distinction, it may be written as "content CT30". The control unit 100 transmits content CT30 to the external terminal 200, and the external terminal 200 displays content CT30.

[0185] Content CT31 in Figure 14 shows an example of displaying information about stool type. Content CT31 also includes information indicating the type of the last stool obtained. Content CT31 includes textual information that is an explanation of what the stool type information means. For example, Content CT31 includes information indicating that the type of stool in user U1's most recent bowel movement, which occurred 4 hours ago, was type 4 (normal).

[0186] Furthermore, content CT32 in Figure 14 shows an example of displaying information regarding the amount of stool. Content CT32 also includes information indicating the amount of stool obtained last. Content CT32 includes textual information that is an explanation of what the information about the amount of stool means. For example, content CT32 includes information indicating that the amount of stool in the most recent bowel movement that user U1 had 4 hours ago was medium.

[0187] Furthermore, content CT33 in Figure 14 shows an example of displaying information regarding stool color. Content CT33 also includes information indicating the color of the last stool sample obtained. Content CT33 includes textual information that explains what the stool color information means. For example, content CT33 includes information indicating that the color of the stool in user U1's most recent bowel movement, which occurred 4 hours ago, was yellowish-brown.

[0188] As described above, the health management system 1 displays content CT31 to CT33 regarding the description of stool condition (stool indicator). For example, the health management system 1 displays content CT31 when user U1 selects an information display icon (for example, an "i" enclosed in a circle) in content CT20. The health management system 1 may also display content CT31 to CT33 in a switchable manner. The control unit 100 transmits content CT31 to CT33 to the external terminal 200, and the external terminal 200 displays the selected content CT30 from content CT31 to CT33 according to user U1's selection. For example, the external terminal 200 displays content CT33 when user U1 selects the area labeled "Stool Color" in content CT30.

[0189] <5-4-2. Example of time-series display of health indicators> Furthermore, the health management system 1 also displays health indicators in a time-series format, similar to stool condition. For example, the health management system 1 acquires health indicator information based on the user's biometric information, calculates a health indicator score that quantifies the health indicator information, and displays the calculated health indicator score as time-series data. The health management system 1 displays the average value for each predetermined period as a trend. In this way, by displaying the average value for health indicators, the health management system 1 can clearly communicate the trend of health indicators to the user. An example of time-series display of health indicators will be explained using Figures 15 and 16. Figures 15 and 16 are diagrams showing an example of time-series display of health indicators.

[0190] First, using Figure 15, we will explain an example of displaying information on health indicators over time using a line graph. Figure 15 shows an example of displaying health indicators over time using a line graph. In Figure 15, body water level is used as an example of a health indicator.

[0191] For example, if the control unit 100 sets a predetermined period to one year and displays the body water level for that year in a time series with each month as the aggregation unit, it calculates the average value of the body water level for each month from January to December. For example, if the control unit 100 displays the time series of user U1's body water level for the year 2021 on a monthly basis, it calculates the average value of the body water level for each of the 12 months from January to December 2021. For example, the control unit 100 uses the body water level history of user U1 stored in the memory unit 120 to calculate the average value of the body water level for each of the 12 months from January to December 2021.

[0192] The control unit 100 then uses the average value of the body water level for each calculated aggregation unit to generate content CT41 to CT44, etc., as shown in Figure 15. In addition, when explaining content CT41 to CT44 without particularly distinguishing between them, they may be referred to as "content CT40". The control unit 100 transmits content CT40 to the external terminal 200, and the external terminal 200 displays content CT40.

[0193] For example, the control unit 100 displays content CT40 on the external terminal 200 used by user U1, showing the body water level aggregated in a predetermined aggregation unit for a predetermined target period (e.g., day, week, month, year, etc.) for user U1. The control unit 100 also transmits information showing the time series of body water levels, aggregated from previously acquired body water levels over a predetermined target period (e.g., day, week, month, year, etc.), to the external terminal 200 used by user U1. The external terminal 200 used by user U1 displays the information showing the time series of body water levels received from the control unit 100. In addition, content CT40 includes information showing the state based on the average over the corresponding period (day, week, month, year, etc.) (average state information). For example, in content CT40 in Figure 15, the average state information of body water levels is placed below the information showing the time series of body water levels.

[0194] In Figure 15, the control unit 100 generates content CT41 for user U1 that includes a time series of body water levels showing the changes in body water levels over a day. Specifically, the control unit 100 generates content CT41 that includes a time series of body water levels showing the average value of user U1's body water levels over one day (for example, July 20th) as a line graph. The control unit 100 then transmits content CT41 to the external terminal 200, and the external terminal 200 displays the received content CT41. The external terminal 200 displays content CT41 that includes a time series of body water levels showing the changes in user U1's body water levels over a day. The external terminal 200 also displays content CT41 that includes average state information of body water levels based on the average of user U1's body water levels over a day.

[0195] Furthermore, the control unit 100 generates content CT42 for user U1 that includes a time series of body water levels showing the changes in body water levels over a week. Specifically, the control unit 100 generates content CT42 that includes a time series of body water levels showing the average value of user U1's body water levels over seven days from Monday to Sunday (for example, a week including July 20th) as a line graph. The control unit 100 then transmits content CT42 to the external terminal 200, and the external terminal 200 displays the received content CT42. The external terminal 200 displays content CT42 that includes a time series of body water levels showing the changes in user U1's body water levels over a week. The external terminal 200 also displays content CT42 that includes average state information of body water levels based on the average of user U1's body water levels over a week.

[0196] Furthermore, the control unit 100 generates content CT43 for user U1 that includes a time series of body water levels showing the changes in body water levels over one month. Specifically, the control unit 100 generates content CT43 that includes a time series of body water levels showing the average value of user U1's body water levels over one month (for example, July 2022) as a line graph. The control unit 100 then transmits content CT43 to the external terminal 200, and the external terminal 200 displays the received content CT43. The external terminal 200 displays content CT43 that includes a time series of body water levels showing the changes in user U1's body water levels over one month. The external terminal 200 also displays content CT43 that includes average state information of body water levels based on the average of user U1's body water levels over one month.

[0197] Furthermore, the control unit 100 generates content CT44 for user U1 that includes a time series of body water levels showing the changes in body water levels over a year. Specifically, the control unit 100 generates content CT44 that includes a time series of body water levels showing the average value of user U1's body water levels over a year (for example, a year including July 2022) as a line graph. For each of the 12 months of the year (January to December), the control unit 100 generates content CT44 that includes a time series of body water levels showing the changes in body water levels for that month. The control unit 100 then transmits content CT44 to the external terminal 200, and the external terminal 200 displays the received content CT44. The external terminal 200 displays content CT44 that includes a time series of body water levels showing the changes in user U1's body water levels over a year. The external terminal 200 also displays content CT44 that includes average state information of body water levels based on the average of user U1's body water levels over the year.

[0198] As described above, the health management system 1 displays content CT41 to CT44 regarding the body water level (health indicator). For example, if user U1 selects indicator IX1 in content CT1, the health management system 1 displays content CT41. The health management system 1 may also display content CT41 to CT44 in a switchable manner. The control unit 100 transmits content CT41 to CT44 to the external terminal 200, and the external terminal 200 displays the selected content CT40 from content CT41 to CT44 according to user U1's selection. For example, if user U1 selects the area labeled "week" in content CT40, the external terminal 200 displays content CT42.

[0199] Next, using Figure 16, we will explain an example of displaying information on health indicators over time using a bar graph. Figure 16 shows an example of displaying health indicators over time using a bar graph. In Figure 16, fitness level is used as an example of a health indicator.

[0200] For example, if the control unit 100 sets a predetermined period to one year and displays the fitness level for that year in a time series with each month as the aggregation unit, it calculates the average fitness level for each month from January to December. For example, if the control unit 100 displays the time series of user U1's fitness level for the year 2021 on a monthly basis, it calculates the average fitness level for each of the 12 months from January to December 2021. For example, the control unit 100 uses the fitness level history of user U1 stored in the storage unit 120 to calculate the average fitness level for each of the 12 months from January to December 2021.

[0201] The control unit 100 then uses the average fitness level for each calculated aggregation unit to generate content CT51 to CT54, etc., as shown in Figure 16. When explaining content CT51 to CT54 without distinguishing between them, they may be referred to as "content CT50". The control unit 100 transmits content CT50 to the external terminal 200, which then displays content CT50.

[0202] For example, the control unit 100 displays content CT50 on the external terminal 200 used by user U1, which shows the fitness level aggregated for a predetermined target period (e.g., day, week, month, year, etc.) using a predetermined aggregation unit. The control unit 100 also transmits information showing the fitness level time series, which is the fitness level acquired in the past and aggregated for a predetermined target period (e.g., day, week, month, year, etc.), to the external terminal 200 used by user U1. The external terminal 200 used by user U1 displays the fitness level time series information received from the control unit 100. In addition, content CT50 includes information showing the state based on the average over the corresponding period (day, week, month, year, etc.) (average state information). For example, in content CT50 in Figure 15, the average state information of the fitness level is placed below the information showing the fitness level time series.

[0203] In Figure 16, the control unit 100 generates content CT51 for user U1 that includes a fitness level time series showing the changes in fitness level over a day. Specifically, the control unit 100 generates content CT51 that includes a fitness level time series showing the average fitness level of user U1 over a day (for example, July 20th) as a bar graph. The control unit 100 then transmits content CT51 to the external terminal 200, which displays the received content CT51. The external terminal 200 displays content CT51 that includes a fitness level time series showing the changes in user U1's fitness level over a day. The external terminal 200 also displays content CT51 that includes average fitness level status information based on the average fitness level of user U1 over a day.

[0204] Furthermore, the control unit 100 generates content CT52 for user U1 that includes a fitness level time series showing the changes in fitness level over a week. Specifically, the control unit 100 generates content CT52 that includes a fitness level time series showing the average fitness level of user U1 over seven days from Monday to Sunday (for example, a week including July 20th) in a bar graph. The control unit 100 then transmits content CT52 to the external terminal 200, and the external terminal 200 displays the received content CT52. The external terminal 200 displays content CT52 that includes a fitness level time series showing the changes in user U1's fitness level over a week. The external terminal 200 also displays content CT52 that includes average fitness level status information based on the average fitness level of user U1 over a week.

[0205] Furthermore, the control unit 100 generates content CT53 for user U1 that includes a fitness level time series showing the changes in fitness level over a month. Specifically, the control unit 100 generates content CT53 that includes a fitness level time series showing the average fitness level of user U1 over a month (for example, July 2022) in a bar graph. The control unit 100 then transmits content CT53 to the external terminal 200, and the external terminal 200 displays the received content CT53. The external terminal 200 displays content CT53 that includes a fitness level time series showing the changes in user U1's fitness level over a month. The external terminal 200 also displays content CT53 that includes average fitness level status information based on the average fitness level of user U1 over a month.

[0206] Furthermore, the control unit 100 generates content CT54 for user U1 that includes a fitness level time series showing the changes in fitness level over a year. Specifically, the control unit 100 generates content CT54 that includes a fitness level time series showing the average fitness level of user U1 over a year (for example, a year including July 2022) in a bar graph. For each of the 12 months of the year (January to December), the control unit 100 generates content CT54 that includes a fitness level time series showing the changes in fitness level for that month. The control unit 100 then transmits content CT54 to the external terminal 200, and the external terminal 200 displays the received content CT54. The external terminal 200 displays content CT54 that includes a fitness level time series showing the changes in user U1's fitness level over a year. The external terminal 200 also displays content CT54 that includes average fitness level status information based on the average fitness level of user U1 over the year.

[0207] As described above, the health management system 1 displays content CT51 to CT54 regarding fitness level (health indicators). For example, if user U1 selects indicator IX2 in content CT1, the health management system 1 displays content CT51. The health management system 1 may also display content CT51 to CT54 in a switchable manner. The control unit 100 transmits content CT51 to CT54 to the external terminal 200, and the external terminal 200 displays the selected content CT50 from content CT51 to CT54 according to user U1's selection. For example, if user U1 selects the area labeled "week" in content CT50, the external terminal 200 displays content CT52.

[0208] In the example described above, we explained the display examples for two health indicators: body water level and fitness level. However, Health Management System 1 can similarly display other health indicators such as heart rate, stress level, blood circulation, metabolic level, vascular age, and circadian rhythm in a time-series manner. Furthermore, the above display is merely an example, and Health Management System 1 may display various indicators such as stool condition (stool indicators) and other health indicators in various display formats.

[0209] Furthermore, the embodiments and modifications described above can be combined as appropriate, provided that the processing content is not inconsistent.

[0210] In the embodiments and modifications described above, we have shown examples where information for each indicator is automatically acquired, but the information for each indicator may also be manually entered by the user. For example, if the user manually enters information about stool, the user can visually or olfactorily check the stool after defecating and then enter the information about the stool by operating the external terminal 200.

[0211] Further effects and modifications can be readily derived by those skilled in the art. Therefore, broader aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments expressed and described above. Accordingly, various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the overall concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0212] The embodiments and modifications described above may also have the following configurations, but are not limited to them. (1) A defecation information acquisition unit that acquires defecation information corresponding to the user's bowel movements, A defecation state determination unit determines the characteristics of defecation corresponding to the defecation information based on the defecation information acquired by the defecation information acquisition unit, The aforementioned display unit that can be viewed by the user, A display processing unit that performs the process of displaying the defecation characteristics determined by the defecation state determination unit as time-series data on the display unit. It has, The display processing unit, The display can be switched at predetermined intervals, and a predetermined number of the most frequent bowel movement patterns during the predetermined period are displayed on the display unit. A health management system characterized by the following features. (2) The display processing unit, The process of displaying information on the display unit is executed so that it can be switched between daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly views. A health management system according to (1), characterized in that it is a health management system. (3) The display processing unit, When displaying at least monthly or yearly intervals, the process of displaying a predetermined number of patterns that frequently correspond to the bowel movement characteristics during the predetermined period is executed on the display unit. A health management system according to (1) or (2), characterized in that it is a health management system according to (1) or (2). (4) The display processing unit, If displayed at least daily, all of the user's bowel movement characteristics determined by the bowel movement status determination unit will be displayed. A health management system according to any one of (1) to (3), characterized by the above. (5) The aforementioned defecation state determination unit, The characteristics of the stool, including the type, amount, and color, are determined. The display processing unit, The process of displaying on the display unit a pattern corresponding to the combination of the type, quantity, and color is executed. A health management system according to any one of (1) to (4), characterized by the above. (6) The display processing unit, Based on the priority order of the type, quantity, and color, the process of displaying the pattern on the display unit is executed. The health management system described in (5), characterized by the above. (7) A process for acquiring defecation information corresponding to the user's bowel movements, A defecation state determination step, which determines the characteristics of the defecation corresponding to the defecation information based on the defecation information acquired by the defecation information acquisition step, A display processing step that performs a process to display the defecation characteristics determined by the defecation state determination step as time-series data on a display unit accessible to the user, and Includes, The aforementioned display processing step is: The display can be switched at predetermined intervals, and a predetermined number of the most frequent bowel movement patterns during the predetermined period are displayed on the display unit. A health management method characterized by the following features. (8) A defecation information acquisition unit that acquires defecation information corresponding to the user's bowel movements, A defecation state determination unit determines the characteristics of defecation corresponding to the defecation information based on the defecation information acquired by the defecation information acquisition unit, The aforementioned display unit that can be viewed by the user, A display processing unit that performs the process of displaying the defecation characteristics determined by the defecation state determination unit as time-series data on the display unit. It has, The aforementioned defecation state determination unit, The type, quantity, and color of the stool are determined. The display processing unit, The process involves creating a graph with time on the horizontal axis and stool pattern on the vertical axis to display the stool data over time. The color of each point in the graph represents the stool color, and the size of each point represents the amount of stool. A health management system characterized by the following features. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0213] 1. Health Management System 4 Toilet bowl 4b Top surface 10 Toilets (Toilet Systems) 12 Main body 14 Toilet lid 20 toilet seats 20a opening 21 Seat surface 25 Bottom 40. Biosensor (Biometric Information Acquisition Unit) 50. Seating sensor (electrostatic sensor) 60 Bowel movement sensor 70 Timer section 100 Control Unit (Information Processing Device) 110 Acquisition Department 120 Storage section 130 Health Index Calculation Department 140. Bowel movement information calculation unit (bowel movement status determination unit) 150 Health Status Calculation Unit 160 Display Processing Unit 161 Health Status Display Processing Unit 162 Health Indicator Display Processing Unit 163 Bowel movement status display processing unit 164 Measurement Status Display Processing Unit 165 Message display processing unit 166 Highlight Display Processing Unit 190 Communications Department 200 External terminals CL Cloud

Claims

1. A defecation information acquisition unit that acquires defecation information corresponding to the user's bowel movements, A defecation state determination unit determines the characteristics of defecation corresponding to the defecation information based on the defecation information acquired by the defecation information acquisition unit, The aforementioned display unit that can be viewed by the user, A display processing unit that performs the process of displaying the defecation characteristics determined by the defecation state determination unit as time-series data on the display unit. It has, The display processing unit, The display can be switched at predetermined intervals, and a predetermined number of the most frequent bowel movement patterns during the predetermined period are displayed on the display unit. A health management system characterized by the following features.

2. The display processing unit, The process of displaying information on the display unit is executed so that it can be switched between daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly views. The health management system according to feature 1.

3. The display processing unit, When displaying at least monthly or yearly intervals, the process of displaying a predetermined number of patterns that frequently correspond to the bowel movement characteristics during the predetermined period is executed on the display unit. The health management system according to feature 1.

4. The display processing unit, If displayed at least daily, all of the user's bowel movement characteristics determined by the bowel movement status determination unit will be displayed. The health management system according to feature 1.

5. The aforementioned defecation state determination unit, The characteristics of the stool, including the type, amount, and color, are determined. The display processing unit, The process of displaying on the display unit a pattern corresponding to the combination of the type, quantity, and color is executed. A health management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The display processing unit, Based on the priority order of the type, quantity, and color, the process of displaying the pattern on the display unit is executed. The health management system according to claim 5, characterized in that it is a health management system.

7. A process for acquiring defecation information corresponding to the user's bowel movements, A defecation state determination step, which determines the characteristics of the defecation corresponding to the defecation information based on the defecation information acquired by the defecation information acquisition step, A display processing step that performs a process to display the defecation characteristics determined by the defecation state determination step as time-series data on a display unit accessible to the user, and Includes, The aforementioned display processing step is: The display can be switched at predetermined intervals, and a predetermined number of the most frequent bowel movement patterns during the predetermined period are displayed on the display unit. A health management method characterized by the following features.

8. A defecation information acquisition unit that acquires defecation information corresponding to the user's bowel movements, A defecation state determination unit determines the characteristics of defecation corresponding to the defecation information based on the defecation information acquired by the defecation information acquisition unit, The aforementioned display unit that can be viewed by the user, A display processing unit that performs the process of displaying the defecation characteristics determined by the defecation state determination unit as time-series data on the display unit. It has, The aforementioned defecation state determination unit, The type, quantity, and color of the stool are determined. The display processing unit, The process involves creating a graph with time on the horizontal axis and stool pattern on the vertical axis to display the stool data over time. The color of each point in the graph represents the stool color, and the size of each point represents the amount of stool. A health management system characterized by the following features.

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