Data Processing System

Abstract

To enable the provision of appropriate data according to the service. [Solution] The data processing system according to the embodiment includes: connection means that connects a plurality of plumbing fixtures so that they can communicate via a predetermined network; first storage means that stores first usage data acquired from a first plumbing fixture included in the plurality of plumbing fixtures; second storage means that stores second usage data acquired from a second plumbing fixture included in the plurality of plumbing fixtures; and data supply means that supplies the provision data to each of a plurality of data processing units that provide services using provision data based on at least one of the first and second usage data stored in the first or second storage means, based on conditions relating to the provision of data to each of the plurality of data processing units.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a data processing system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various systems have been provided that perform processing using information detected by sensors. For example, a system has been disclosed that determines the properties of excrement using image information of excrement such as human feces of a toilet user (simply referred to as "user") captured by a sensor (imaging device) (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Also, for example, a system that measures health indicators using sensors provided in a toilet or the like has been disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above-described conventional technology, although information detected by a sensor about a person such as a user is used to determine the properties of excrement and identify the person, etc., the information detected by the sensor about the user is not limited to the above and may be effectively used for various purposes. Thus, there is room for improvement in the above conventional technology, and for example, it is desired to effectively utilize data collected about the use of plumbing fixtures for various services. For example, it is desired to be able to appropriately provide the data collected about plumbing fixtures according to the service.

[0005] An object of the disclosed embodiments is to provide a data processing system that enables appropriate data supply according to a service. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A data processing system according to one embodiment of the system is characterized by comprising: connection means for connecting a plurality of plumbing fixtures so as to be able to communicate via a predetermined network; first storage means for storing first usage data acquired from a first plumbing fixture included in the plurality of plumbing fixtures; second storage means for storing second usage data acquired from a second plumbing fixture included in the plurality of plumbing fixtures; and data supply means for supplying the provision data to each of a plurality of data processing units that provide services using provision data based on at least one of the first and second usage data stored in the first or second storage means, based on conditions relating to the provision of data to each of the plurality of data processing units.

[0007] According to a data processing system in one embodiment, data can be supplied to each of a plurality of data processing units in accordance with the services provided by the data processing unit by supplying data for provision based on the conditions for data provision of the data processing unit. For example, according to the data processing system, usage data acquired by water-related equipment when performing daily activities such as excretion, bathing, washing face, brushing teeth, etc., which are performed using water-related equipment on a daily basis, or cooking, can be supplied to the data processing unit in accordance with the services provided by the data processing unit by supplying usage data to the data processing unit in accordance with the services provided by the data processing unit by supplying data to the data processing unit in accordance with the conditions for data provision, such as predetermined processing conditions of the data processing unit. Therefore, the data processing system can enable the provision of appropriate data according to the services. For example, according to the data processing system, the data processing unit that receives the data can generate health-related data regarding the user's health status, so that it can provide appropriate services to the user without requiring any special effort.

[0008] While many devices have been disclosed that display health indicators from bowel movements and blood flow information, no health management system has been disclosed that calculates health indicators from bowel movements and blood flow information and also provides recommendations for the next action. Conventional systems leave the understanding and interpretation of health indicators to the user, and users may not know what actions to take to improve their health. Therefore, it is useful to add a function to recommend the next action, but if the recommendation function is diverse, a single recommendation engine (recommendation function) will be insufficient. Therefore, the data processing system can appropriately provide information suitable for use when multiple data processing units (recommendation engines, etc.) are used to provide a service, through the processing described above.

[0009] In a data processing system according to one embodiment, the plurality of data processing units include a first data processing unit and a second data processing unit, each providing a different type of service, the data supply means supplies first provision data to the first data processing unit for use in the service based on first conditions relating to data provision to the first data processing unit, and supplies second provision data to the second data processing unit for use in the service based on second conditions relating to data provision to the second data processing unit, the first data processing unit provides a service relating to the user's health status corresponding to the first provision data using the first provision data, and the second data processing unit provides a service relating to the user's health status corresponding to the second provision data using the second provision data.

[0010] According to a data processing system in one embodiment, data can be supplied to each of a plurality of data processing units, such as a first data processing unit and a second data processing unit, in accordance with the conditions for data provision of the data processing unit, thereby enabling the supply of data to the data processing unit according to the service of the data processing unit. Therefore, the data processing system can enable the supply of appropriate data according to the service.

[0011] In a data processing system according to one embodiment, the first plumbing equipment that acquires first usage data and the second plumbing equipment that acquires second usage data are provided by a single plumbing device, the plurality of data processing units include a first data processing unit and a second data processing unit that each provide different types of services, the data supply means supplies first provision data to the first data processing unit for use in the service based on first conditions relating to data provision to the first data processing unit, and supplies second provision data to the second data processing unit for use in the service based on second conditions relating to data provision to the second data processing unit, the first data processing unit uses the first provision data to provide services relating to the user's health status corresponding to the first provision data, and the second data processing unit uses the second provision data to provide services relating to the user's health status corresponding to the second provision data.

[0012] According to a data processing system in one embodiment, even when usage data is collected in a single plumbing fixture, data can be supplied to each of the multiple data processing units, such as a first data processing unit and a second data processing unit, according to the service of the data processing unit, by supplying data for provision based on the conditions for data provision of the data processing unit. Therefore, the data processing system can enable appropriate data supply according to the service.

[0013] In a data processing system according to one embodiment, the plurality of data processing units include a first data processing unit and a second data processing unit, each providing a different type of service, and the first plumbing equipment and the second plumbing equipment are any two equipment selected from a toilet, bathroom, washbasin, or kitchen.

[0014] According to a data processing system in one embodiment, even when usage data is collected from two devices selected from a toilet, bathroom, washbasin, or kitchen, data can be supplied to each of the multiple data processing units, such as a first data processing unit and a second data processing unit, according to the conditions for data provision of the data processing unit, thereby supplying data to the data processing unit according to the service of the data processing unit. Therefore, the data processing system can enable appropriate data supply according to the service.

[0015] A data processing system according to one embodiment includes an identification information management means for storing identification information of users who use the plumbing equipment, wherein the first storage means and the second storage means store the usage data acquired from the plumbing equipment and the identification information of users who use the plumbing equipment in association.

[0016] According to a data processing system in one embodiment, usage data can be appropriately managed for each user of plumbing equipment. Furthermore, the data processing system can supply data to each of multiple data processing units, such as a first data processing unit and a second data processing unit, according to the services provided by the data processing unit, by supplying data for provision based on the conditions for data provision of the data processing unit. Therefore, the data processing system can enable appropriate data supply according to the service.

[0017] In a data processing system according to one embodiment, of the plurality of data processing units, the first data processing unit generates health-related data relating to the user's health status using provision data based on at least one of the first usage data or the second usage data over a predetermined period, and of the plurality of data processing units, the second data processing unit provides recommendation data relating to nutrition, sleep, or exercise based on the health-related data generated by the first data processing unit.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the data processing system, it is possible to generate health-related data concerning the user's health status, provide recommendation data regarding nutrition, sleep, or exercise, and provide appropriate services. Furthermore, according to the data processing system, data can be supplied to each of the multiple data processing units, such as the first data processing unit and the second data processing unit, in accordance with the conditions for data provision of the data processing unit, thereby supplying data to the data processing unit according to the service of the data processing unit. Therefore, the data processing system can enable appropriate data supply according to the service.

[0019] In a data processing system according to one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of data processing units provides recommendation data related to nutrition, sleep, or exercise using provision data based on at least one of the first usage data or the second usage data during a predetermined period.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the data processing system, recommendation data regarding nutrition, sleep, or exercise can be provided based on usage data, and services can be provided appropriately. Furthermore, according to the data processing system, data can be supplied to each of the multiple data processing units, such as the first data processing unit and the second data processing unit, according to the conditions for data provision of the data processing unit, thereby supplying data to the data processing unit according to the service of the data processing unit. Therefore, the data processing system can enable appropriate data supply according to the service.

[0021] In a data processing system according to one embodiment, the data supply means obtains one or more usage data from the acquired usage data within a predetermined time from the first storage means or the second storage means, and supplies the data processing unit with the provision data based on the acquired usage data.

[0022] According to the data processing system according to one aspect of the embodiment, for each of a plurality of data processing units such as a first data processing unit and a second data processing unit, based on the conditions related to data provision of the data processing unit, by supplying provision data based on the usage data acquired within a predetermined time, data can be supplied to the data processing unit according to the service of the data processing unit. Therefore, the data processing system can enable appropriate data supply according to the service.

[0023] In the data processing system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the data supply means supplies, to the data processing unit, provision data based on the usage data obtained by excluding defective data from the usage data stored in the first storage means or the second storage means based on a predetermined criterion.

[0024] According to the data processing system according to one aspect of the embodiment, for each of a plurality of data processing units such as a first data processing unit and a second data processing unit, based on the conditions related to data provision of the data processing unit, by supplying provision data based on the usage data from which defective data has been excluded, data can be supplied to the data processing unit according to the service of the data processing unit. Therefore, the data processing system can enable appropriate data supply according to the service.

[0025] The data processing system according to one aspect of the embodiment includes identification information management means for storing identification information of a user who uses the plumbing equipment, and data output means for outputting data based on the usage data to the user terminal possessed by the user based on the identification information of the user.

[0026] According to the data processing system according to one aspect of the embodiment, data can be appropriately output to the user terminal of the user who uses the plumbing equipment. Further, according to the data processing system, for each of a plurality of data processing units such as a first data processing unit and a second data processing unit, by supplying the data for supply based on the conditions regarding the data supply of the data processing unit, data can be supplied to the data processing unit according to the service of the data processing unit. Therefore, the data processing system can enable appropriate data supply according to the service.

[0027] The data processing system according to one aspect of the embodiment includes personal information management means for managing the personal information of the user who uses the plumbing equipment, and the identification information of the user managed by the identification information management means is information associated with the personal information of the user managed by the personal information management means. The data output means outputs data based on the usage data based on the personal authentication result which is an authentication as to whether or not the identification information of the user is associated with the personal information of the user managed by the personal information management means.

[0028] According to the data processing system according to one aspect of the embodiment, services can be appropriately provided according to the user who uses the plumbing equipment. Further, according to the data processing system, for each of a plurality of data processing units such as a first data processing unit and a second data processing unit, by supplying the data for supply based on the conditions regarding the data supply of the data processing unit, data can be supplied to the data processing unit according to the service of the data processing unit. Therefore, the data processing system can enable appropriate data supply according to the service.

[0029] The data processing system according to one aspect of the embodiment includes data collection means for collecting data for external output from the first storage means or the second storage means based on predetermined data collection conditions, and external output means for outputting the data for external output collected by the data collection means to a predetermined destination.

[0030] According to a data processing system in one embodiment, data for external output can be output to an appropriate destination. Furthermore, according to the data processing system, data can be supplied to each of the multiple data processing units, such as the first data processing unit and the second data processing unit, according to the conditions for data provision of the data processing unit, thereby supplying data to the data processing unit according to the service of the data processing unit. Therefore, the data processing system can enable appropriate data supply according to the service.

[0031] A data processing system according to one embodiment of the system is characterized by comprising: connection means to which plumbing equipment is connected so as to be able to communicate via a predetermined network; storage means for storing usage data acquired from the plumbing equipment; and data supply means for supplying the provision data to a data processing unit that provides services using the provision data based on the usage data stored in the storage means, based on conditions relating to the provision of data to the data processing unit.

[0032] According to a data processing system in one embodiment, data can be supplied to the data processing unit in accordance with the services provided by the data processing unit by supplying data for provision based on the conditions for data provision of the data processing unit. For example, according to the data processing system, usage data acquired by water-related equipment when performing daily activities using water-related equipment, such as excretion, bathing, washing face, brushing teeth, etc., to maintain the user's hygiene, or cooking, can be supplied to the data processing unit in accordance with the services provided by the data processing unit by supplying usage data to the data processing unit based on predetermined processing conditions and other conditions for data provision that the data processing unit has. Therefore, the data processing system can enable the provision of appropriate data according to the services provided. For example, according to the data processing system, the data processing unit that receives the data can generate health-related data regarding the user's health status, so that it can provide appropriate services to the user without requiring any special effort. [Effects of the Invention]

[0033] According to one embodiment, it is possible to enable the supply of appropriate data according to the service. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0034] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the system configuration according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the cloud server configuration according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the steps performed by the data processing system. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a diagram showing an overview of the system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an overview of the system relating to the first modified example. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the processing flow in the system relating to the first modified example. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an overview of the system relating to the second modified example. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows the processing flow in the system relating to the second modified example. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an overview of the system according to the third modified example. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a diagram showing the processing flow in the system according to the third modified example. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an overview of the system relating to the fourth modified example. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows an overview of the system relating to the fifth modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a data processing system, which is an example of the data processing system disclosed in this application, will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, this invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0036] <1. Embodiments> <1-1. Configuration and Processing Examples> The configuration and processing examples of the system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the system according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the system according to the embodiment. The data processing system 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 stores usage data (also called "usage information") acquired from plumbing equipment and supplies the provision data (also called "provision data") to a data processing unit that provides services using data based on the stored usage data, based on conditions for providing data to the data processing unit (also called "data provision conditions"). The provision data may be the usage data itself, or it may be data generated based on the usage data. Thus, the provision data is not limited to usage data acquired from plumbing equipment, such as so-called raw data, but may also be various types of data, such as data that has been processed from the usage data (processed data), or data generated based on the usage data.

[0037] First, before providing a detailed description of the embodiments, we will explain the definitions of terms used in this application. For example, the term "service" as used in this application is not limited to services provided by the data processing system 1, but also includes services provided by entities outside the data processing system 1 ("external service providers"). In other words, "service" includes services provided by external service providers using data (information) supplied by the data processing system 1.

[0038] Thus, services include a variety of services provided using data based on usage data (usage information) acquired from plumbing equipment, regardless of the service provider. For example, services include providing results of assessments of the user's health status, providing recommendations (including product introductions) based on the user's health status, providing monitoring services for the user's health and lifestyle, providing information to nearby stores to stock products beneficial to the user's health, and developing new medicines based on the usage status of plumbing equipment.

[0039] Furthermore, the data provided may be any information as long as it is based on the usage data. For example, the data provided may be the usage data itself, or it may be data (information) generated based on the usage data. Thus, the data provided may be the usage data itself, or it may be data (information) generated based on the usage data.

[0040] Furthermore, the data processing unit may be a device within the data processing system 1, or it may be a device outside the data processing system 1 (also called an "external system device"). For example, the data processing unit may be a function implemented by a device within the data processing system 1 (such as the cloud server 100), or it may be a function implemented by a device outside the data processing system 1 (an external system device). For example, the data supplied by the data processing system 1 may be various data processing units, such as a functional configuration of the cloud server 100 (e.g., a data processing unit), or an external system device outside the data processing system 1.

[0041] For example, the term "usage data" (usage information) as used in this application is not limited to the data (information) collected by plumbing equipment as exemplified below, but may include a variety of data (information) collected by plumbing equipment. Note that "usage data" may be read as "usage information."

[0042] The term "water-related equipment" as used here refers to a concept that includes equipment related to water and the functions they possess (are installed). For example, water-related equipment includes various devices and functions installed in water-related spaces. For example, water-related equipment includes toilets, urinals, bathrooms, bathtubs, washbasins, and other equipment related to sanitary spaces, as well as various water-related devices such as kitchens. For example, water-related equipment includes toilet equipment, bathroom equipment, vanity equipment, kitchen equipment, etc.

[0043] Furthermore, plumbing fixtures may include functional devices that perform predetermined functions using sensors or the like that detect things related to the plumbing space. For example, plumbing fixtures may include functional devices that realize functions related to the plumbing space using sensors or the like. In the case of toilets, bathrooms, vanity units, kitchens, etc. that have multiple functions, each component (sensor, etc.) that realizes the multiple functions may be referred to as a "functional device," and the toilets, bathrooms, vanity units, kitchens, etc. may be referred to as "plumbing fixtures."

[0044] For example, if a toilet has multiple (two) functions, such as a function to detect the consistency of stool using a stool sensor (image sensor, etc.) (also called a "stool detection function") and a function to detect gas (odor) using a gas sensor, etc. (also called a "gas detection function"), the toilet may be referred to as a plumbing device in relation to the functional equipment that implements the stool detection function and the functional equipment that implements the gas detection function. Furthermore, the functional equipment that implements the stool detection function and the functional equipment that implements the gas detection function that the toilet has may also be referred to as plumbing devices if, for example, information is collected for each of those functional equipment. For example, if functional equipment is described as plumbing devices, a toilet with multiple such functional equipment may be referred to as a plumbing device. For example, if usage data is collected from only one of the following: another toilet, urinal, bathroom, bathtub, washbasin, kitchen, etc., then that one becomes a plumbing device, and each of the multiple functional equipment that that plumbing device has becomes a plumbing device.

[0045] In other words, if a toilet has multiple functional components, that toilet may be referred to as a plumbing fixture or plumbing device. Also, if a toilet has multiple functional components, each of those functional components may be referred to as a plumbing fixture or a functional component. In the following explanation, plumbing fixtures such as toilets, urinals, bathrooms, bathtubs, washbasins, kitchens, etc. may be read as plumbing devices, and plumbing fixtures that realize the multiple functions of a plumbing device may be read as functional components.

[0046] For example, usage data (usage information) includes data (information) acquired from plumbing equipment when users (also simply called "users") use plumbing equipment to perform daily activities such as excretion, bathing, washing their face, brushing their teeth, and cooking, in order to maintain the hygiene of the users of the plumbing equipment. For example, usage data includes data (information) detected by sensors regarding the actions (behaviors) of users who use plumbing equipment to maintain the hygiene of the users, such as excretion, bathing, washing their face, brushing their teeth, and cooking, in order to maintain the hygiene of the users.

[0047] For example, usage data includes measurement data taken by plumbing equipment. For example, usage data includes various types of data such as biometric data, excretion data, and log data (also simply called "log data") indicating the use of plumbing equipment. For example, usage data may be data to which at least one of the biometric data, excretion data, and log data is associated with account data corresponding to the user of that data (account identifier, user information, etc.), time data indicating the date and time the data was acquired (date and time information, etc.), and location data indicating the place where the data was acquired (plumbing space, location information, etc.).

[0048] For example, excretion data (also called "excretion information") includes various information (data) about what the user excretes (also called "excrement"). For example, excretion data includes various information (data) about what the user excretes, such as information (data) about the feces (also called "feces" or "defecation") the user excretes, information (data) about the user's excretory gases, etc. Here, excretory gases are not limited to flatulence (farts), which are gases released from the user themselves, but are a concept that includes gases released from objects (feces, urine, etc.) that the user excretes. In other words, excrement here includes various things that are produced in response to the user's excretion, such as defecation, urination, and excretory gases.

[0049] Furthermore, biometric data (also called "biometric information") includes various types of information (data) obtained from the user (biological body). Biometric data is not limited to the user's blood flow information (data) shown as an example below, but also includes various types of information (data) about the user's body, such as information (data) about heart rate (pulse), respiration, body temperature, brain waves, and muscles (electrical muscle activity).

[0050] For example, log data indicating the use of plumbing fixtures is data (information) indicating the use of plumbing fixtures, excluding biometric data and excretion data. For example, log data indicating the use of plumbing fixtures may include the number of times the plumbing fixtures are used, the frequency of use, and the duration of use. For example, if the plumbing fixtures are toilet-related fixtures, the log data may include the number of times the toilet is used, the frequency of toilet use, whether or not the toilet seat is occupied, the duration of sitting on the toilet seat, and the number of times the body is washed per toilet use. Note that the above is merely an example, and log data may include various other data (information) indicating the use of plumbing fixtures other than biometric data and excretion data. Log data may also be read as log information or history information.

[0051] Thus, usage data (usage information) includes various data (information) collected from plumbing equipment. For example, usage data includes excretion data such as stool consistency, stool volume, stool color, urine consistency, urine volume, urine color, and excretory gas characteristics. For example, usage data includes biological data such as blood flow data and body temperature data.

[0052] <1-1-1. Example Configuration> Based on the above-mentioned premise, an example of the configuration of data processing system 1 will be described below, followed by an example of processing performed by data processing system 1. Note that the processing described below with data processing system 1 as the processing entity may be performed by any device capable of executing that processing, depending on the device configuration included in data processing system 1.

[0053] (Cloud Server) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the data supply system 2 includes at least the data processing system 1. The data supply system 2 also includes the toilet 210, which is the source of data used by the data processing system 1 for processing, and the user terminal 300 used by users, but this will be discussed later. The data processing system 1 includes the cloud server 100.

[0054] Furthermore, Figure 1 shows an example of information (data) exchange (sending and receiving, etc.) in the data supply system 2 using arrow lines. For example, information (data) exchange (sending and receiving, etc.) in the cloud server 100 is shown with dashed arrow lines, and information sending and receiving between components (devices, etc.) of the data supply system 2, including the cloud server 100, is shown with solid arrow lines. Note that the arrow lines shown in Figure 1 are merely examples, and information exchange (sending and receiving, etc.) other than those shown in Figure 1 may occur in the data supply system 2. For example, the data supply means DS may send information to the storage means DBS and register the information in the storage means DBS. Also, the user terminal 300 may send and receive information not only with the data processing unit DP23, but also with data processing units DP21, DP22, etc.

[0055] Although Figures 1 and 2 show only one cloud server 100 for illustrative purposes, there may be multiple cloud servers 100, each with distributed functionality, with different cloud servers 100 executing each function, and the multiple cloud servers 100 as a whole executing the desired functionality. Further details regarding the configuration of the cloud server 100 will be described later, but the functional overview shown in Figure 1 will be explained below. For example, the cloud server 100 includes a storage means DBS, a data supply means DS, and data processing units DP11, DP12, DP13, etc.

[0056] The DBS (Database Storage System) stores usage data acquired from plumbing fixtures. For example, the DBS can be implemented using semiconductor memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or flash memory, or storage devices such as hard disks or optical discs.

[0057] The storage means DBS includes databases DB1, DB2, DB3, DB4, and DB5, etc. When explaining without distinguishing between databases DB1 to DB5, they will be referred to simply as database DB. The database DB shown in Figure 1 is merely an example, and the storage means DBS may include database DBs that store various types of data, not limited to databases DB1 to DB5. Furthermore, database DBs such as database DB1, database DB2, database DB3, database DB4, and database DB5 may be configured as individual storage means.

[0058] In Figure 1, database DB1 stores usage data related to the toilet 210. Database DB2 stores usage data related to the bathroom 220. Database DB3 stores usage data related to the washbasin 230. Database DB4 stores external data obtained from the external data provision device 240. Database DB5 stores various other data, such as usage data not mentioned above. For example, database DB5 stores usage data related to the kitchen. In this way, each database stores various data such as usage data obtained from each plumbing fixture, and external data. For example, the external data may be data obtained by a wearable device worn by the user.

[0059] Furthermore, the storage means DBS may include a database DB that stores various other types of information besides those mentioned above. For example, the storage means DBS may include a database DB6 for account management used as an integrated infrastructure. For example, the account management database DB6 stores user identification information such as an account identifier (user ID, etc.) to identify each user's account, and is used to manage each user's account.

[0060] Thus, the database DB6 for account management in the storage means DBS also functions as an identification information management means that stores the identification information (user ID, etc.) of users of plumbing equipment. Note that the storage means such as the database DB6 for account management that also functions as an identification information management means may be provided separately from the storage means DBS. The storage means DBS stores usage data obtained from plumbing equipment in association with the identification information (user ID, etc.) of users of plumbing equipment.

[0061] Furthermore, the storage means DBS may include a personal information management database DB7 that functions as a personal information management means for managing the personal information of users of plumbing equipment. For example, the user identification information managed by the account management database DB6, which functions as an identification information management means, is information associated with the user's personal information managed by the personal information management database DB7, which functions as a personal information management means. Note that the account management database DB6 and the personal information management database DB7 may be integrated into one.

[0062] The data supply means DS functions as a data supply unit that supplies data to the data processing unit. The data supply means DS supplies various types of data, such as usage data, stored in each database DB of the storage means DBS to the data processing unit.

[0063] The data processing units DP11, DP12, and DP13 are data processing units included in the data processing system 1. For example, the data processing units DP11, DP12, and DP13 are data processing units (also called "internal data processing units") that enable the data processing system 1 to provide services. For example, the internal data processing units are data processing units included in the data processing system 1.

[0064] The data processing unit DP11 provides a predetermined service (recommendation #1 in Figure 1). The data processing unit DP11 provides a service that makes recommendations to users, etc., using usage data obtained from plumbing equipment. For example, the data processing unit DP11 provides a service that makes recommendations to users, etc., using data obtained from the data processing unit DP12. The data processing unit DP11 may also provide a service that makes recommendations to users, etc., using data obtained from the data processing unit DP13.

[0065] For example, the data processing unit DP11 provides a service that offers recommendations related to the user's health status. The data processing unit DP11 may also provide this service using a content engine (such as a health-related recommendation generation engine) of the administrator (such as a company) that manages the cloud server 100.

[0066] There may be multiple data processing units DP11. In this case, each of the multiple data processing units DP11 may provide a different recommendation service. For example, each of the multiple data processing units DP11 may provide a recommendation service to users using at least partially different usage data. For example, each of the multiple data processing units DP11 may have at least different data provision conditions and receive data for provision from the data supply means DS based on different data provision conditions.

[0067] The data processing unit DP12 provides a predetermined service (health status estimation in Figure 1). The data processing unit DP12 provides a service that estimates the user's health status using usage data acquired from plumbing equipment. Alternatively, the data processing unit DP12 may estimate the user's health status using data acquired from data processing units DP11, DP13, etc.

[0068] For example, the data processing unit DP12 provides a service that provides information indicating the estimated health status of the user (health-related data, etc.). The data processing unit DP12 may also provide the service using a content engine (health status estimation engine, etc.) of the administrator (company, etc.) that manages the cloud server 100. For example, the data processing unit DP12 estimates the user's health status using conditions for estimating health status (also called "health status estimation conditions"). For example, the data processing unit DP12 estimates the user's health status using health status estimation conditions stored in the storage means DBS. For example, if the usage data obtained from plumbing equipment satisfies the health status estimation conditions, the data processing unit DP12 estimates that the user is in that health status.

[0069] The above is merely an example, and the data processing unit DP12 may use any information as appropriate to estimate the user's health status, provided that the desired estimation process is possible. Furthermore, health status refers to a person's state of health, and examples include, for example, bowel function, nocturia, overactive bladder, menstrual cycle, stress, and frailty. Bowel function also includes various things that can indicate a person's bowel condition, such as constipation, diarrhea, and intestinal environment. Again, the above is merely an example, and health status is not limited to the above, but is not limited to anything related to a person's health. Based on predetermined processing conditions held by the data processing unit DP12, the data supply means DS supplies data to the data processing unit DP12, and the data processing unit DP12 generates health-related data concerning the user's health status. As a result, the data processing system 1 can obtain the user's health-related data without any special effort.

[0070] Furthermore, there may be multiple data processing units DP12. In this case, each of the multiple data processing units DP12 may provide a different health status estimation service. For example, each of the multiple data processing units DP12 may provide a service that estimates the user's health status using at least partially different usage data. For example, each of the multiple data processing units DP12 may have at least different data provision conditions and receive data for provision from the data supply means DS based on different data provision conditions.

[0071] The data processing unit DP13 provides a predetermined service (recommendation #2 in Figure 1). The data processing unit DP13 provides a service that makes recommendations related to products or services (collectively referred to as "products, etc.") using usage data obtained from plumbing equipment. For example, the data processing unit DP13 provides a service that makes recommendations for products, etc. to users using data obtained from the data processing unit DP12. The data processing unit DP13 may also provide a service that makes recommendations for products, etc. to users using data obtained from the data processing unit DP11.

[0072] For example, the data processing unit DP13 provides a service that recommends products and services to users. The data processing unit DP13 may also provide this service using a content engine (product recommendation generation engine, etc.) of the administrator (company, etc.) that manages the cloud server 100.

[0073] There may be multiple data processing units DP13. In this case, each of the multiple data processing units DP13 may provide a service that recommends different products, etc. For example, each of the multiple data processing units DP13 may provide a service that recommends products, etc. to users, etc., using at least partially different usage data. For example, each of the multiple data processing units DP13 may have at least different data provision conditions and receive data for provision from the data supply means DS based on different data provision conditions.

[0074] When describing internal data processing units used by the data processing system 1 to provide services, such as data processing units DP11, DP12, and DP13, they will be referred to simply as data processing unit DP1. Each data processing unit DP1 may acquire information from other data processing units DP1 and use the acquired data to provide services. For example, each data processing unit DP1 may transmit information about the services it provides to user terminals 300, user-related terminals 301, etc.

[0075] Note that the configuration of the data processing system 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is merely an example, and any device configuration can be adopted as long as the data processing system 1 can perform the desired processing. For example, although only one cloud server 100 is shown in the data processing system 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2, the data processing system 1 may have multiple cloud servers 100. In this case, each of the multiple cloud servers 100 included in the data processing system 1 sends and receives data (information) to and from other cloud servers 100 via a communication unit 101, etc., which will be described later.

[0076] For example, the data processing system 1 may have multiple cloud servers, such as a first cloud server that functions as a data supply unit and a second cloud server that functions as a data processing unit within the data processing system 1. For example, the data processing system 1 may have a first cloud server that functions as a data supply means DS in Figure 1. In this case, the first cloud server may have a storage means DBS in Figure 1. For example, the data processing system 1 may have a third cloud server that functions as a storage means such as the storage means DBS in Figure 1. In this case, the first cloud server sends and receives data (information) to and from the third cloud server. For example, the first cloud server receives information from the third cloud server and sends information to be stored in the third cloud server to the third cloud server.

[0077] For example, the data processing system 1 may have multiple second cloud servers or multiple first cloud servers. For example, the data processing system 1 may have multiple second cloud servers, such as a second cloud server having the functions of the data processing unit DP11 in Figure 1, a second cloud server having the functions of the data processing unit DP12 in Figure 1, and a second cloud server having the functions of the data processing unit DP13 in Figure 1.

[0078] Furthermore, the data supply system 2 includes a toilet 210, a bathroom 220, a washbasin 230, an external data supply device 240, a user terminal 300, a user-related terminal 301, and data processing units DP21, DP22, DP23, etc. The data supply system 2 may also include multiple toilets 210, multiple bathrooms 220, multiple washbasins 230, multiple external data supply devices 240, multiple user terminals 300, and multiple user-related terminals 301. Thus, there may be multiple components included in the data supply system 2. For example, the data supply system 2 may include multiple toilets 210, such as a toilet 210 located on the first floor and a toilet 210 located on the second floor of a predetermined structure (such as a residence).

[0079] Furthermore, the data supply system 2 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is merely an example, and the data supply system 2 may include various components other than those shown in Figures 1 and 2. For example, the data supply system 2 may include a kitchen. For example, the data supply system 2 may include kitchen appliances and kitchen sensors. In addition, some or all of the toilet 210, bathroom 220, washbasin 230, external data supply device 240, user terminal 300, and user-related terminal 301 may be included in the data processing system 1. For example, the user terminal 300 may be included in the data processing system 1.

[0080] (toilet) Toilet 210 is a water-related space used by toilet users for the purpose of excretion, and where usage data, including information related to excretion by the user (excretion data), biometric data, and log data, is collected. Toilet 210 is equipped with toilet devices 211, toilet sensors 212, etc. For example, toilet 210 transmits user usage data related to the toilet to the cloud server 100 from at least one of the devices such as toilet devices 211 and toilet sensors 212. Note that toilet 210 may have multiple toilet devices 211 and multiple toilet sensors 212.

[0081] Toilet 210 collects user usage data related to toilet 210 using devices such as toilet equipment 211 and toilet sensors 212. For example, toilet 210 collects various information such as log data including toilet log data, information on the user's daily use, the user's health status derived from the daily use information, sensing information, and advanced health status.

[0082] The toilet device 211 is a so-called toilet (toilet bowl), remote control device, etc., and is a device used by toilet users to perform the act of defecation. For example, if the toilet device 211 has a waste detection function, it may be equipped with a toilet sensor 212, which is a waste sensor used for the waste detection function. For example, if the toilet device 211 has a gas detection function, it may be equipped with a toilet sensor 212, which is a gas sensor used for the gas detection function.

[0083] The toilet device 211 can communicate with other devices such as the cloud server 100 via a communication unit implemented by a communication device, communication circuit, etc. The toilet device 211 is connected to a predetermined network such as the Internet by wired or wireless connection and transmits and receives information with other devices. The toilet device 211 may be connected to other devices in a communicative manner via a predetermined wireless communication function such as mobile communication or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Alternatively, the toilet device 211 may be connected to other devices in a communicative manner via Bluetooth (registered trademark) functions such as BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), for example, through communication via a gateway (GW).

[0084] The toilet device 211 is a plumbing device (water-related equipment) that is connected to the cloud server 100 via a predetermined network in a way that allows it to communicate with the cloud server 100. For example, the toilet device 211 sends and receives information to and from the cloud server 100 via the predetermined network. For example, the toilet device 211 sends usage data related to toilet use to the cloud server 100.

[0085] For example, the toilet device 211 transmits usage data such as excretion data, biometric data, and log data to the cloud server 100. The toilet device 211 may also transmit the usage data to the cloud server 100 along with the date and time information on when the usage data was acquired. The toilet device 211 may also transmit usage data corresponding to a request from the cloud server 100 to that cloud server 100 in response to a request from that server.

[0086] Furthermore, the toilet device 211 collects usage data for each user of the plumbing equipment who uses the toilet (toilet user). The toilet device 211 may also have a function to authenticate (identify) the user who uses the toilet 210. The toilet device 211 may use an account identifier (user ID, etc.) received from a remote control device or the like that accepts operations related to the toilet by the plumbing equipment user to identify which of the registered users the user is. For example, the toilet device 211 associates the collected usage data with the date and time the usage data was acquired and an account identifier that identifies the user corresponding to the usage data, and sends it to the cloud server 100. In this case, if the toilet device 211 receives a user designation from the cloud server 100, it may send the usage data corresponding to that user to the cloud server 100.

[0087] The toilet sensor 212 is a sensor device that detects the use of the toilet 210 by a user. For example, the toilet sensor 212 may be a sensor device mounted on the toilet device 211. For example, the toilet sensor 212 may be a stool sensor used for a stool detection function. For example, the toilet sensor 212 may be a gas sensor used for a gas detection function. For example, the toilet sensor 212 may be a radio wave sensor used for a function to detect the amount of stool or urine excreted by a user. For example, the toilet sensor 212 may be a sensor device that detects (receives) operations such as flushing of the toilet device 211.

[0088] For example, the toilet sensor 212 may be a sensor device such as a sensor that detects the use of the toilet equipment 211. For example, the toilet sensor 212 may be a sensor device such as a sensor that detects the entry and exit of a user into the toilet 210. For example, the toilet sensor 212 may be a sensor device such as a sensor that detects the duration of use of the toilet 210 by a user. For example, the toilet sensor 212 may be a sensor device such as a seating sensor that detects when someone sits on the toilet seat of the toilet equipment 211. Note that the above are merely examples, and the toilet sensor 212 may be a sensor device such as a sensor device provided separately from the toilet equipment 211. For example, the toilet sensor 212 may be a sensor device such as a pyroelectric sensor using infrared signals or a μ (microwave) sensor (such as a motion sensor).

[0089] The toilet sensor 212 can communicate with other devices such as the cloud server 100 via a communication unit implemented by a communication device, communication circuit, etc. The toilet sensor 212 is connected to a predetermined network such as the Internet by wired or wireless connection and transmits and receives information with other devices. The toilet sensor 212 may also be connected to other devices via a predetermined wireless communication function such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

[0090] The toilet sensor 212 is a functional device (water-related equipment) that is connected to the cloud server 100 via a predetermined network in a way that allows it to communicate with the cloud server 100. For example, the toilet sensor 212 sends and receives information to and from the cloud server 100 via the predetermined network. For example, the toilet sensor 212 sends usage data related to toilet use to the cloud server 100.

[0091] For example, the toilet sensor 212 transmits usage data such as excretion data, biometric data, and log data to the cloud server 100. The toilet sensor 212 may also transmit the usage data to the cloud server 100 along with the date and time information on when the usage data was acquired. The toilet sensor 212 may also transmit usage data corresponding to a request from the cloud server 100 to that cloud server 100 in response to a request from that server.

[0092] Furthermore, the toilet sensor 212 collects usage data for each user of the plumbing equipment. The toilet sensor 212 may have a storage means (storage device, etc.) for managing (registering) usage data for each user of the plumbing equipment. The toilet sensor 212 may have a function for authenticating (identifying) users who use the toilet 210. The toilet sensor 212 may use an account identifier (user ID, etc.) received from a remote control device, etc., that accepts operations related to the toilet by the toilet user (plumbing equipment user) to identify which of the registered users the user is. For example, the toilet sensor 212 associates the collected usage data with the date and time the usage data was acquired and an account identifier that identifies the user corresponding to the usage data, and transmits it to the cloud server 100. In this case, if the toilet sensor 212 receives a user designation from the cloud server 100, it may transmit the usage data corresponding to that user to the cloud server 100.

[0093] (bathroom) Bathroom 220 is a bathroom space used by users for bathing, and is a water-related space where usage data, including biometric data and log data such as bathing time and bathing temperature, is collected. Bathroom 220 is equipped with bathroom devices 221, bathroom sensors 222, etc. For example, bathroom 220 transmits user usage data related to the bathroom to the cloud server 100 from at least one of the devices such as bathroom devices 221 and bathroom sensors 222. Note that bathroom 220 may have multiple bathroom devices 221 and multiple bathroom sensors 222.

[0094] Bathroom 220 collects user data related to the bathroom 220 using devices such as bathroom equipment 221 and bathroom sensors 222. For example, bathroom 220 collects various information such as bathroom temperature and faucet water temperature.

[0095] Bathroom equipment 221 is a so-called bathtub, shower, etc., and is equipment used by the user of the bathroom to perform the act of bathing. For example, if bathroom equipment 221 has a bathroom temperature detection function, it may be equipped with a bathroom sensor 222, which is a temperature sensor used for the bathroom temperature detection function. For example, if bathroom equipment 221 has a faucet water temperature detection function, it may be equipped with a bathroom sensor 222, which is a temperature sensor used for the faucet water temperature detection function.

[0096] The bathroom device 221 can communicate with other devices such as the cloud server 100 via a communication unit implemented by a communication device, communication circuit, etc. The bathroom device 221 is connected to a predetermined network such as the Internet by wired or wireless connection and transmits and receives information with other devices. The bathroom device 221 may also be connected to other devices via a predetermined wireless communication function such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

[0097] The bathroom device 221 is a plumbing device (bathroom equipment) that is connected to the cloud server 100 via a predetermined network in a way that allows it to communicate with the cloud server 100. For example, the bathroom device 221 sends and receives information to and from the cloud server 100 via the predetermined network. For example, the bathroom device 221 sends usage data related to the use of the bathroom to the cloud server 100.

[0098] For example, the bathroom device 221 transmits usage data such as biometric data and log data to the cloud server 100. The bathroom device 221 may also transmit the usage data to the cloud server 100 along with the date and time information on when the usage data was acquired. The bathroom device 221 may also transmit usage data corresponding to a request from the cloud server 100 to the cloud server 100 in response to a request from the cloud server 100.

[0099] Furthermore, the bathroom device 221 collects usage data for each user of the plumbing equipment. The bathroom device 221 may also have a function to authenticate (identify) users who use the bathroom 220. The bathroom device 221 may use an account identifier (user ID, etc.) received from a remote control device or the like that accepts operations related to the bathroom by the bathroom user (user of plumbing equipment) to identify which of the registered users the user is. For example, the bathroom device 221 associates the collected usage data with the date and time the usage data was acquired and an account identifier that identifies the user corresponding to the usage data, and sends it to the cloud server 100. In this case, if the bathroom device 221 receives a user designation from the cloud server 100, it may send the usage data corresponding to that user to the cloud server 100.

[0100] The bathroom sensor 222 is a sensor device that detects the user's use of the bathroom 220. For example, the bathroom sensor 222 may be a sensor device mounted on the bathroom device 221. For example, the bathroom sensor 222 may be a temperature sensor used for a bathroom temperature detection function. For example, the bathroom sensor 222 may be a temperature sensor used for a faucet water temperature detection function.

[0101] For example, the bathroom sensor 222 may be a sensor device such as a sensor that detects the use of the bathroom equipment 221. For example, the bathroom sensor 222 may be a sensor device such as a sensor that detects when a user enters or leaves the bathroom 220. For example, the bathroom sensor 222 may be a sensor device such as a sensor that detects the time a user spends using the bathroom 220. For example, the bathroom sensor 222 may be a sensor device such as a motion sensor that detects when someone enters the bathroom equipment 221. Note that the above are merely examples, and the bathroom sensor 222 may be a sensor device such as a sensor device provided separately from the bathroom equipment 221. For example, the bathroom sensor 222 may be a sensor device such as a pyroelectric sensor using infrared signals or a μ (microwave) sensor (motion sensor, etc.).

[0102] The bathroom sensor 222 can communicate with other devices such as the cloud server 100 via a communication unit implemented by a communication device, communication circuit, etc. The bathroom sensor 222 is connected to a predetermined network such as the Internet by wired or wireless connection and transmits and receives information with other devices. The bathroom sensor 222 may also be connected to other devices via a predetermined wireless communication function such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

[0103] The bathroom sensor 222 is a functional device (water-related equipment) that is connected to the cloud server 100 via a predetermined network in a way that allows it to communicate with the cloud server 100. For example, the bathroom sensor 222 sends and receives information to and from the cloud server 100 via the predetermined network. For example, the bathroom sensor 222 sends usage data related to the use of the bathroom to the cloud server 100.

[0104] For example, the bathroom sensor 222 transmits usage data such as biometric data and log data to the cloud server 100. The bathroom sensor 222 may also transmit the usage data to the cloud server 100 along with the date and time information on when the usage data was acquired. The bathroom sensor 222 may also transmit usage data corresponding to a request from the cloud server 100 to that cloud server 100 in response to a request from that server.

[0105] Furthermore, the bathroom sensor 222 collects usage data for each user of plumbing fixtures. The bathroom sensor 222 may have a storage means (such as a memory device) for managing (registering) usage data for each user of plumbing fixtures. The bathroom sensor 222 may also have a function for authenticating (identifying) users who use the bathroom 220. The bathroom sensor 222 may use an account identifier (such as a user ID) received from a remote control device or the like that accepts operations related to the bathroom by the bathroom user (user of plumbing fixtures) to identify which of the registered users the user is. For example, the bathroom sensor 222 associates the collected usage data with the date and time the usage data was acquired and an account identifier that identifies the user corresponding to the usage data, and transmits it to the cloud server 100. In this case, if the bathroom sensor 222 receives a user designation from the cloud server 100, it may transmit the usage data corresponding to that user to the cloud server 100.

[0106] (Washbasin) The washbasin 230 is configured for use by washbasin users to perform washbasin-related activities, and is a water-related space where usage data, including biometric data and log data such as washbasin usage time, is collected. The washbasin 230 is equipped with a washbasin device 231, a washbasin sensor 232, etc. For example, the washbasin 230 transmits user usage data related to the washbasin to the cloud server 100 from at least one of the devices such as the washbasin device 231 and the washbasin sensor 232. The washbasin 230 may have multiple washbasin devices 231 and multiple washbasin sensors 232.

[0107] The washbasin 230 collects user data related to the washbasin 230 through devices such as the washbasin unit 231 and the washbasin sensor 232. For example, the washbasin 230 collects various information such as facial expressions and blood circulation in the face.

[0108] The washbasin device 231 is a so-called washbasin, smart mirror, etc., and is a device used by the user of the washbasin to perform the act of using the washbasin. For example, if the washbasin device 231 has a function to detect the user's facial expression, it may be equipped with a washbasin sensor 232, which is an image sensor used for the function to detect the user's facial expression. For example, if the washbasin device 231 has a function to detect the blood flow of the user's face, it may be equipped with a washbasin sensor 232, which is a blood flow sensor used for the function to detect the blood flow of the user's face.

[0109] The washbasin unit 231 can communicate with other devices such as the cloud server 100 via a communication unit implemented by a communication device, communication circuit, etc. The washbasin unit 231 is connected to a predetermined network such as the Internet by wired or wireless connection and transmits and receives information with other devices. The washbasin unit 231 may also be connected to other devices via a predetermined wireless communication function such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

[0110] The washbasin unit 231 is a plumbing fixture (water-related equipment) that is connected to the cloud server 100 via a predetermined network. For example, the washbasin unit 231 sends and receives information to and from the cloud server 100 via the predetermined network. For example, the washbasin unit 231 sends usage data related to the use of the washbasin to the cloud server 100.

[0111] For example, the washbasin device 231 transmits usage data such as biometric data and log data to the cloud server 100. The washbasin device 231 may transmit the usage data to the cloud server 100 along with the date and time information on when the usage data was acquired. The washbasin device 231 may also transmit usage data corresponding to a request from the cloud server 100 to that cloud server 100 in response to a request from that server.

[0112] Furthermore, the washbasin device 231 collects usage data for each user of the plumbing equipment. The washbasin device 231 may also have a function to authenticate (identify) the user using the washbasin 230. The washbasin device 231 may use an account identifier (user ID, etc.) received from a remote control device or the like that accepts operations related to the washbasin by the washbasin user (plumbing equipment user) to identify which of the registered users the user is. For example, the washbasin device 231 associates the collected usage data with the date and time the usage data was acquired and an account identifier that identifies the user corresponding to the usage data, and sends it to the cloud server 100. In this case, if the washbasin device 231 receives a user designation from the cloud server 100, it may send the usage data corresponding to that user to the cloud server 100.

[0113] The washbasin sensor 232 is a sensor device that detects the user's use of the washbasin 230. For example, the washbasin sensor 232 may be a sensor device mounted on the washbasin unit 231. For example, the washbasin sensor 232 may be an image sensor used for detecting the user's facial expressions. For example, the washbasin sensor 232 may be a blood flow sensor used for detecting the blood circulation in the user's face.

[0114] For example, the washbasin sensor 232 may be a sensor device such as a sensor that detects the use of the washbasin unit 231. For example, the washbasin sensor 232 may be a sensor device such as a sensor that detects when a user enters or leaves the washbasin 230. For example, the washbasin sensor 232 may be a sensor device such as a sensor that detects the usage time of the washbasin 230 by a user. For example, the washbasin sensor 232 may be a sensor device such as a motion sensor that detects the use of the washbasin unit 231. Note that the above are merely examples, and the washbasin sensor 232 may be a sensor device such as a sensor device provided separately from the washbasin unit 231. For example, the washbasin sensor 232 may be a sensor device such as a pyroelectric sensor using infrared signals or a μ (microwave) sensor (motion sensor, etc.).

[0115] The sink sensor 232 can communicate with other devices such as the cloud server 100 via a communication unit implemented by a communication device, communication circuit, etc. The sink sensor 232 is connected to a predetermined network such as the Internet by wired or wireless connection and transmits and receives information with other devices. The sink sensor 232 may also be connected to other devices via a predetermined wireless communication function such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

[0116] The sink sensor 232 is a functional device (bathroom equipment) that is connected to the cloud server 100 via a predetermined network in a way that allows it to communicate with the cloud server 100. For example, the sink sensor 232 sends and receives information to and from the cloud server 100 via the predetermined network. For example, the sink sensor 232 sends usage data related to the use of the sink to the cloud server 100.

[0117] For example, the sink sensor 232 transmits usage data such as biometric data and log data to the cloud server 100. The sink sensor 232 may also transmit the usage data to the cloud server 100 along with the date and time information on when the usage data was acquired. The sink sensor 232 may also transmit usage data corresponding to a request from the cloud server 100 to that cloud server 100 in response to a request from that server.

[0118] Furthermore, the washbasin sensor 232 collects usage data for each user of the plumbing equipment. The washbasin sensor 232 may have a storage means (storage device, etc.) for managing (registering) usage data for each user of the plumbing equipment. The washbasin sensor 232 may have a function for authenticating (identifying) users who use the washbasin 230. The washbasin sensor 232 may use an account identifier (user ID, etc.) received from a remote control device, etc., that receives operations related to the washbasin by the washbasin user (plumbing equipment user) to identify which of the registered users the user is. For example, the washbasin sensor 232 associates the collected usage data with the date and time the usage data was acquired and an account identifier that identifies the user corresponding to the usage data, and transmits it to the cloud server 100. In this case, if the washbasin sensor 232 receives a user designation from the cloud server 100, it may transmit the usage data corresponding to that user to the cloud server 100.

[0119] In the following, when describing water-related spaces such as toilets 210, bathrooms 220, and washbasins 230 without distinction, they may be referred to as water-related spaces 200. Similarly, when describing water-related equipment (water fixtures) such as toilets 211, bathrooms 221, and washbasins 231 without distinction, they may be referred to as water-related equipment 201. Furthermore, when describing functional equipment (water-related equipment) such as toilet sensors 212, bathroom sensors 222, and washbasin sensors 232 without distinction, they may be referred to as functional equipment 202.

[0120] As described above, each water-related space 200 has a water-related device 201 and functional equipment 202, and transmits usage data from the water-related device 201, functional equipment 202, etc. to the cloud server 100. In addition, each water-related space 200 may transmit information detected (acquired) by functional equipment 202 such as sensors (raw sensor data, etc.) as usage data to the cloud server 100, or it may process the information detected (acquired) by functional equipment 202 (raw sensor data, etc.) and transmit the processed data as usage data to the cloud server 100.

[0121] The external data provider 240 is an information processing device (computer), such as a server, that provides external data to the cloud server 100. For example, the external data provider 240 has information about the user's behavior, such as sleep, meals, and exercise, and transmits this information to the cloud server 100. In Figure 1, the external data provider 240 transmits information about the user's behavior, such as sleep information AC1 indicating the user's sleep, meal information AC2 indicating the user's meals, and exercise information AC3 indicating the user's exercise, as external data to the cloud server 100. Note that the external data is not limited to sleep, meals, and exercise, but may include various other types of data. For example, the external data may include various user-related data such as the user's weight, height, and body fat percentage.

[0122] The external data provider 240 can communicate with an external information processing device such as a cloud server 100 via a communication unit implemented by a communication device, communication circuit, etc. The external data provider 240 is connected to a predetermined network such as the Internet by wired or wireless connection and transmits and receives information with the external information processing device. The external data provider 240 may also be connected to the external information processing device via a predetermined wireless communication function such as Wi-Fi.

[0123] For example, the external data provider 240 sends and receives information with the cloud server 100, etc., via the internet. For example, the external data provider 240 sends external data to the cloud server 100 via the internet.

[0124] (User terminal) The user terminal 300 is a device (computer) used by the user. The user terminal 300 can be, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a tablet device, or a notebook PC (Personal Computer). Figure 1 shows an example where the user terminal 300 used by user U is a smartphone.

[0125] The user terminal 300 displays various types of information. The user terminal 300 displays information received from other devices such as the cloud server 100 and the external provider device 400. For example, the user terminal 300 executes a process to display various health-related information, such as content related to the user's health status, using an application (also called a "health management app") for displaying various health-related information, such as content related to the user's health status.

[0126] The user terminal 300 can communicate with external information processing devices such as the cloud server 100 and the external service provider device 400 via a communication unit implemented by a communication device, communication circuit, etc. The user terminal 300 is connected to a predetermined network such as the Internet by wired or wireless connection and transmits and receives information with the external information processing device. The user terminal 300 may also be connected to the external information processing device via a predetermined wireless communication function such as Wi-Fi.

[0127] For example, the user terminal 300 sends and receives information between the cloud server 100 and the external service provider device 400 via the internet. For example, the user terminal 300 receives information from the cloud server 100 via the internet.

[0128] (User-related terminals) The user-related terminal 301 is a device (computer) used by an entity related to the user (also called a "user-related entity"). For example, user-related entities include the user's family, the delivery person for the meal delivery service used by the user, the security company from which the user provides security services, and the local government in the area where the user resides. Note that the above is merely an example, and the user-related entity can be any entity related to the user. The user-related terminal 301 can be implemented as, for example, a smartphone, mobile phone, PDA, tablet device, or notebook PC. Figure 1 shows an example where the user-related terminal 301 used by user-related entity RU is a smartphone.

[0129] The user-related terminal 301 displays various types of information. The user-related terminal 301 displays information received from other devices such as the cloud server 100 and the external provider device 400. For example, the user-related terminal 301 executes a process to display various health-related information, such as content related to the user's health status, using an application (health management app) for displaying various health-related information, such as content related to the user's health status.

[0130] The user-related terminal 301 can communicate with external information processing devices such as the cloud server 100 and the external service provider device 400 via a communication unit implemented by a communication device, communication circuit, etc. The user-related terminal 301 is connected to a predetermined network such as the Internet by wired or wireless connection and transmits and receives information with the external information processing device. The user-related terminal 301 may also be connected to the external information processing device via a predetermined wireless communication function such as Wi-Fi to enable communication.

[0131] For example, the user-related terminal 301 sends and receives information between the cloud server 100 and the external service provider device 400 via the internet. For example, the user-related terminal 301 receives information from the cloud server 100 via the internet.

[0132] (external provision destination device) Data processing units DP21, DP22, and DP23 are data processing units not included in data processing system 1. For example, data processing units DP21, DP22, and DP23 are data processing units (also called "external data processing units") used by service providers outside of data processing system 1 (also called "external service providers") to provide services. For example, external data processing units are data processing units that are not included in data processing system 1. When describing external data processing units such as data processing units DP21, DP22, and DP23 used by external service providers to provide services without distinction, they will be referred to as data processing unit DP2. Each data processing unit DP2 provides services using data supplied from data processing system 1. In addition, each data processing unit DP2 may acquire information from other data processing units DP2 and provide services using the acquired data.

[0133] For example, each of the data processing units DP2 is implemented by an external service provider device 400, as shown in Figure 2. The external service provider device 400 is an information processing device (computer), such as a server, used by an external service provider to provide services. For example, the external service provider device 400 manages information acquired from other devices.

[0134] The external provider device 400 can communicate with external information processing devices such as the cloud server 100, user terminal 300, user-related terminal 301, and other external provider devices 400 via a communication unit implemented by a communication device, communication circuit, etc. The external provider device 400 is connected to a predetermined network such as the Internet by wired or wireless connection and transmits and receives information with the external information processing device. The external provider device 400 may also be connected to the external information processing device in a way that enables communication via a predetermined wireless communication function such as Wi-Fi.

[0135] For example, the external provider device 400 sends and receives information via the internet with the cloud server 100, the user terminal 300, the user-related terminal 301, and other external provider devices 400. For example, the external provider device 400 receives information from the cloud server 100 via the internet. For example, the external provider device 400 sends information to the user terminal 300 via the internet.

[0136] The data processing unit DP21 provides services related to the sale of data (data sales in Figure 1). For example, the data processing unit DP21 is a data processing unit in an external service provider device 400 used by an external service provider, such as a pharmaceutical company. The data processing unit DP21 provides a service of selling data to other service providers, users, etc., using usage data received from a device (such as a cloud server 100) within the data processing system 1. For example, the data processing unit DP21 provides a service of selling data to other service providers, users, etc., using data acquired from the cloud server 100 (data supply means DS). The data processing unit DP21 may also provide a service of selling data to other service providers, users, etc., using data acquired from another data processing unit DP2.

[0137] Furthermore, there may be multiple data processing units DP21. In this case, each of the multiple data processing units DP21 may provide a different data sales service. For example, each of the multiple data processing units DP21 may provide a data sales service to other service providers, users, etc., using at least partially different data. For example, each of the multiple data processing units DP21 may have at least different data provision conditions and receive data for provision from the data supply means DS based on different data provision conditions.

[0138] The data processing unit DP22 provides services related to sales promotion collaboration (sales promotion collaboration in Figure 1). For example, the data processing unit DP22 is a data processing unit in an external service provider device 400 used by an external service provider, such as a life insurance company. The data processing unit DP22 provides a service to other service providers, users, etc., that performs sales promotion collaboration using usage data received from a device (cloud server 100, etc.) within the data processing system 1. For example, the data processing unit DP22 provides a service to other service providers, users, etc., that performs sales promotion collaboration using data acquired from the cloud server 100 (data supply means DS). The data processing unit DP22 may also provide a service to other service providers, users, etc., that performs sales promotion collaboration using data acquired from another data processing unit DP2.

[0139] Furthermore, there may be multiple data processing units DP22. In this case, each of the multiple data processing units DP22 may provide a different service for promotional collaboration. For example, each of the multiple data processing units DP22 may provide a service for promotional collaboration to other service providers, users, etc., using at least partially different data. For example, each of the multiple data processing units DP22 may have at least different data provision conditions and receive data for provision from the data supply means DS based on different data provision conditions.

[0140] The data processing unit DP23 provides services related to service coordination (service coordination in Figure 1). For example, the data processing unit DP23 is a data processing unit in an external service provider device 400 used by an external service provider such as a hospital or a care monitoring service provider. The data processing unit DP23 works in conjunction with the data processing system 1 to provide services related to the user's health, such as care services and monitoring services. The data processing unit DP23 provides a service coordination service to other service providers and users using usage data received from a device within the data processing system 1 (such as a cloud server 100). For example, the data processing unit DP23 provides a service coordination service to other service providers and users using data acquired from the cloud server 100 (data supply means DS). The data processing unit DP23 may also provide a service coordination service to other service providers and users using data acquired from other data processing units DP2.

[0141] There may be multiple data processing units DP23. In this case, each of the multiple data processing units DP23 may provide a different service for service collaboration. For example, each of the multiple data processing units DP23 may provide a service for service collaboration to other service providers, users, etc., using at least partially different data. For example, each of the multiple data processing units DP23 may have at least different data provision conditions and receive data for provision from the data supply means DS based on different data provision conditions.

[0142] As described above, data processing units DP21, DP22, DP23, and other external data processing units DP2 may acquire information from storage means DBS, data processing unit DP1, other data processing units DP2, etc., and provide services using the acquired data. For example, each data processing unit DP2's external service provider device 400 transmits information about the services provided by that data processing unit DP2 to the cloud server 100, user terminal 300, user-related terminal 301, other external service provider devices 400, etc. When explaining without distinguishing between the internal data processing unit DP1 and the external data processing unit DP2, they will be referred to as data processing unit DP.

[0143] <1-1-2. Processing Example> From here, we will describe an example of the processing performed by data processing system 1. Note that the processing shown below is merely one example of the processing performed by data processing system 1, and data processing system 1 may perform various other processes using the data used, etc., not limited to the processing shown below.

[0144] As described above, the data supply means DS supplies data to the data processing unit that provides services using data based on usage data stored in the storage means DBS, based on the conditions for providing data to the data processing unit. The following explanation will take the case where the first plumbing fixture is a toilet 211 and the second plumbing fixture is a bathroom 221 as an example. In the example shown below, the first plumbing fixture and the second plumbing fixture are any two fixtures selected from a toilet, bathroom, washbasin, or kitchen.

[0145] In this case, the database DB1 of the storage means DBS functions as a first storage means that stores usage data (also called "first usage data") acquired from the first plumbing equipment, the toilet device 211. The database DB2 of the storage means DBS functions as a second storage means that stores usage data (also called "second usage data") acquired from the second plumbing equipment, the bathroom device 221.

[0146] The data supply means DS supplies provision data to each data processing unit DP that provides services using provision data based on at least one of the first and second usage data, based on the data provision conditions of that data processing unit DP. The data provision conditions may be pre-set conditions or modified conditions. The data provision conditions may be set by the entity providing services using each data processing unit DP (service provider, etc.) or by the entity receiving services from each data processing unit DP (user, etc.). The data supply means DS may generate data provision conditions for each data processing unit DP based on the service provision specifications of each data processing unit DP.

[0147] The following explanation will use the case where the first data processing unit is the internal data processing unit DP11, and the second data processing unit is the external data processing unit DP23, as an example.

[0148] As described above, the data processing unit DP11 is a data processing unit DP that provides health-related recommendations. For example, the data processing unit DP11 provides a service that offers health-related recommendations to users. In this way, the data processing unit DP11 uses the first provision data to provide a service related to the user's health status corresponding to the first provision data.

[0149] As described above, the data processing unit DP23 is a data processing unit DP that provides services related to the user's health, such as care services and monitoring services. For example, the data processing unit DP23 is a data processing unit DP that provides services related to the user's health in cooperation with the data processing system 1. In this way, the data processing unit DP23 uses the second provision data to provide services related to the user's health status corresponding to the second provision data. Also, as described above, the data processing unit DP11 and the data processing unit DP23 each provide different types of services, such as recommendation provision and monitoring services.

[0150] The data supply means DS supplies data to the data processing unit DP11, which is the first data processing unit, for use in the service (also called "first provision data"), based on the data provision conditions (also called "first data provision conditions") of the data processing unit DP11, which is the first data processing unit. The data supply means DS passes the first provision data, such as usage data of the type indicated by the first data provision conditions of the data processing unit DP11, which is the internal data processing unit, to the data processing unit DP11. For example, the data supply means DS supplies data such as stool consistency, color, and quantity included in the usage data acquired from the toilet device 211 to the data processing unit DP11. As a result, the data processing unit DP11 acquires the first provision data from the data supply means DS based on the first data provision conditions.

[0151] Furthermore, if the first data provision conditions include a supply timing condition, the data supply means DS will transfer the first data to the data processing unit DP11 at a timing that satisfies the supply timing condition of the first data provision conditions (for example, 12:00 every day).

[0152] For example, the data processing unit DP11 provides recommendation data (also called "recommendation information") regarding nutrition, sleep, or exercise using data for a predetermined period, such as the most recent week. In this case, the data supply means DS may supply the data processing unit DP11 with first data for provision based on the user's bowel movement data for a predetermined period, such as the most recent week.

[0153] Furthermore, specifying a predetermined period, such as the most recent week, may be included in the first data provision conditions. In this case, the data supply means DS supplies data based on usage data collected during the predetermined period, such as the most recent week, to the data processing unit DP11 as first data for provision, based on the first data provision conditions. For example, the data supply means DS retrieves usage data acquired within the predetermined timeframe, such as the most recent week, from the storage means DBS, and supplies data based on the acquired usage data to the data processing unit DP11 as first data for provision.

[0154] The data supply means DS may exclude defective data from the usage data stored in the storage means DBS based on predetermined criteria. For example, the data supply means DS may determine that usage data whose detection accuracy (reliability) by the sensor is below a predetermined standard is defective data, and exclude the determined defective data from the data stored in the storage means DBS. For example, the data supply means DS may determine that data is defective if the noise value based on the signal-to-noise ratio of the data exceeds a standard value, and exclude the determined defective data from the data stored in the storage means DBS. In addition, the data supply means DS may determine that usage data for which a predetermined period (e.g., 1 year, 5 years, etc.) has elapsed since the date and time of collection is defective data, and exclude the determined defective data from the data stored in the storage means DBS.

[0155] In this case, the data supply means DS may supply data to each data processing unit DP using the data set after removing defective data. Thus, the data supply means DS may supply data to the data processing unit DP based on usage data from which defective data has been removed from the usage data stored in the storage means DBS based on predetermined criteria.

[0156] The data supply means DS supplies data to the data processing unit DP23, which is the second data processing unit, for use in the service (also called "second data provision data"), based on the data provision conditions (also called "second data provision conditions") of the data processing unit DP23, which is the second data processing unit. The data supply means DS transmits the second data provision data, such as usage data of the type indicated by the second data provision conditions of the data processing unit DP23, which is an external data processing unit, to the data processing unit DP23. For example, the data supply means DS supplies the data processing unit DP23 with data such as the number of times the user uses the bathroom 220 and the frequency of use, which are included in the usage data acquired from the bathroom device 221. As a result, the data processing unit DP23 acquires the second data provision data from the data supply means DS based on the second data provision conditions.

[0157] Thus, the data supply means DS functions as a data collection means that collects second data to be provided, which is data for external output, from the storage means DBS based on predetermined data collection conditions, which are second data provision conditions. Furthermore, the data supply means DS transmits the second data to be provided, which is data for external output, to the external recipient device 400 corresponding to the data processing unit DP23 by instructing a communication device (communication unit 101, etc.) that functions as an external output means.

[0158] Furthermore, if the second data provision conditions include a supply timing condition, the data supply means DS transmits the second data to the data processing unit DP23 at a timing that satisfies the supply timing condition of the second data provision conditions (for example, Monday at 12:00).

[0159] In the example described above, the first data processing unit is data processing unit DP11 and the second data processing unit is data processing unit DP23. However, the first and second data processing units may be data processing units DP that provide any service. In other words, the first and second data processing units are not limited to the above and may be any combination.

[0160] For example, the first data processing unit may be a data processing unit DP that generates health-related data concerning the user's health status using provision data based on at least one of the first or second usage data over a predetermined period. In this case, the first data processing unit may be a data processing unit DP12. For example, the second data processing unit may be a data processing unit DP that provides recommendation data concerning nutrition, sleep, or exercise based on the health-related data generated by the first data processing unit. In this case, the second data processing unit may be a data processing unit DP11, and the data processing unit DP11 may generate recommendation data using the health-related data generated by the data processing unit DP12 and provide the generated recommendation data.

[0161] Furthermore, the above example described the case where the first plumbing fixture is a toilet 211 and the second plumbing fixture is a bathroom 221. In other words, the above example described the case where the first and second plumbing fixtures are plumbing fixtures 201 such as a toilet, bathroom, washbasin, and kitchen, but the first and second plumbing fixtures may be any plumbing fixtures. That is, the first and second plumbing fixtures are not limited to the above and may be any combination.

[0162] For example, the first plumbing fixture and the second plumbing fixture may be functional devices 202. In this case, the first plumbing fixture and the second plumbing fixture may be functional devices 202 of a single plumbing device 201. Hereinafter, a toilet device 211, which is a single plumbing device 201, will be described as an example in which a toilet sensor 212 ("feces sensor 212a") used for the excrement detection function and a toilet sensor 212 ("gas sensor 212b") used for the gas detection function will be described. In this way, a single plumbing device 201 may be equipped with multiple functional devices 202 that constitute plumbing fixtures.

[0163] In this case, the toilet unit 211, which is a single plumbing device 201, may have a stool sensor 212a as the first plumbing device (functional device 202) and a gas sensor 212b as the second plumbing device (functional device 202). The stool sensor 212a, which is the first plumbing device (functional device 202), acquires usage data related to stool from users of the toilet unit 211 and transmits it to the cloud server 100. The gas sensor 212b, which is the second plumbing device (functional device 202), acquires usage data related to gas from users of the toilet unit 211 and transmits it to the cloud server 100. In this case, the cloud server 100 may register each functional device 202, such as the stool sensor 212a and the gas sensor 212b, in the storage means DBS.

[0164] Similar to the process described above, the data supply means DS supplies the first data processing unit with first data to be used by the first data processing unit for the service, based on the first conditions for providing data to the first data processing unit. The data supply means DS supplies the second data to be used by the second data processing unit for the service, based on the second conditions for providing data to the second data processing unit.

[0165] The first data processing unit is a data processing unit DP that provides services related to the user's health status corresponding to the first provided data using the first provided data. For example, the first data processing unit may be a data processing unit DP1 (e.g., data processing unit DP14) which is an internal data processing unit that provides services related to the user's health status corresponding to stool using usage data related to stool.

[0166] For example, the second data processing unit is a data processing unit DP that provides services related to the health status of users corresponding to the second provision data using the second provision data. For example, the second data processing unit may be an external data processing unit DP2 (e.g., data processing unit DP24) that provides services related to the health status of users corresponding to gas using gas usage data.

[0167] The above-described process is merely an example, and the processes executed by data processing system 1 are not limited to those described above. Data processing system 1 may perform various processes using the information (data) it has acquired. Furthermore, each data processing unit DP may perform various processes according to the services it provides, but some examples are given below.

[0168] First, using the data processing unit DP11 as an example, we will describe an example of processing for a recommendation service. For example, the data processing unit DP11 generates recommendation data for health improvement that includes at least one of the following: nutrition, sleep, and exercise, and transmits the generated recommendation data to the user terminal 300, etc. For example, if the data provided, such as user data obtained from the data supply means DS, satisfies the recommendation conditions (also called "recommendation conditions"), the data processing unit DP11 generates recommendation data for health improvement that includes at least one of the following: nutrition, sleep, and exercise.

[0169] For example, if the data processing unit DP11 finds that the data to be provided satisfies the recommendation conditions, it generates recommendation data using the recommendation generation information corresponding to the improvement type corresponding to the recommendation conditions from the recommendation generation information stored in the storage means DBS. In this case, the data processing unit DP11 extracts the recommendation generation information corresponding to the improvement type corresponding to the recommendation conditions from the recommendation generation information stored in the storage means DBS, and generates recommendation data using the extracted recommendation generation information.

[0170] The data processing unit DP11 generates recommendation data to improve the user's health status, which is analyzed (estimated) based on blood flow derived from biometric data included in the provided data. The data processing unit DP11 generates recommendation data for health improvement that includes at least one of the following: nutrition, sleep, and exercise, in order to improve the user's health status based on blood flow. For example, the data processing unit DP11 generates recommendation data that recommends increasing sleep time to improve the user's health status. For example, the data processing unit DP11 generates recommendation data that recommends continuing to perform a predetermined exercise to improve the user's health status.

[0171] For example, the data processing unit DP11 generates recommendation data to improve the user's health indicators. The data processing unit DP11 generates recommendation data for health improvement that includes at least one of the following: nutrition, sleep, and exercise, in order to improve the user's health indicators based on blood flow. For example, the data processing unit DP11 generates recommendation data that recommends increasing sleep time to improve the user's health indicators. For example, the data processing unit DP11 generates recommendation data that recommends continuing to perform a predetermined exercise to improve the user's health indicators.

[0172] The data processing unit DP11 generates recommendation data to improve the user's health status, which is analyzed (estimated) based on the state of the excrement, which is included in the data provided. The data processing unit DP11 generates recommendation data for health improvement, which includes at least one of the following: nutrition, sleep, and exercise, in order to improve the user's health status based on the state of the excrement. For example, the data processing unit DP11 generates recommendation data that recommends the user consuming foods that improve the intestinal environment in order to improve the user's health status. For example, the data processing unit DP11 generates recommendation data that recommends the user continuing to perform a predetermined exercise in order to improve the user's health status.

[0173] For example, the data processing unit DP11 generates recommendation data to improve the user's excretion indicators. The data processing unit DP11 generates recommendation data for health improvement that includes at least one of the following: nutrition, sleep, and exercise, in order to improve the user's excretion indicators based on the state of their excretions. For example, the data processing unit DP11 generates recommendation data that recommends the user consuming foods that improve the intestinal environment in order to improve the user's excretion indicators. For example, the data processing unit DP11 generates recommendation data that recommends the user continuing to perform a predetermined exercise in order to improve the user's excretion indicators.

[0174] The recommendation data described above is merely an example, and the data processing unit DP11 may generate recommendation data using various types. Several examples are provided below.

[0175] For example, if the amount of stool a user has produced during a predetermined period (e.g., the last few weeks) is less than a predetermined amount, the data processing unit DP11 generates recommendation data for the user to relieve constipation. In this case, for example, the data processing unit DP11 may generate recommendation data indicating exercises that the user should do to relieve constipation. For example, the data processing unit DP11 may generate recommendation data indicating nutrition (foods, etc.).

[0176] For example, if the data processing unit DP11 detects a tendency for the odor of gases related to a user's excretion to become stronger over a predetermined period (e.g., the last few weeks), it generates recommendation data to improve the user's intestinal environment. In this case, for example, the data processing unit DP11 may generate recommendation data indicating exercise to improve the user's intestinal environment. For example, the data processing unit DP11 may generate a second type of recommendation data indicating nutrition (food, etc.).

[0177] For example, if the data processing unit DP11 detects that the user's blood circulation status, as indicated by the user's blood flow information over a predetermined period (e.g., the last few months), is showing a worsening trend, it generates recommendation data to improve the user's blood circulation. In this case, for example, the data processing unit DP11 may generate recommendation data indicating exercises to improve the user's blood circulation. For example, the data processing unit DP11 may generate a second type of recommendation data indicating nutrition (foods, etc.).

[0178] For example, if the average pulse rate indicated by the user's pulse information over a predetermined period (e.g., the last few weeks) is above a predetermined number, the data processing unit DP11 generates recommendation data to improve the user's pulse. In this case, for example, the data processing unit DP11 may generate recommendation data indicating exercises to improve the user's pulse. For example, the data processing unit DP11 may generate a second type of recommendation data indicating nutrition (food, etc.).

[0179] The above-described generation of recommendation data is merely one example, and the data processing unit DP11 may generate recommendation data by combining various types of information. For example, the data processing unit DP11 may generate recommendation data by combining biological data and excretion data.

[0180] For example, the data processing unit DP11 may generate recommendation data based on multiple biological data and at least one excretion data. For example, the data processing unit DP11 may generate recommendation data based on blood flow information, pulse rate information, and stool volume. For example, if the analysis results satisfy recommendation conditions related to blood flow, recommendation conditions related to pulse rate, and recommendation conditions related to stool volume, the data processing unit DP11 may generate recommendation data using recommendation generation information related to blood flow, recommendation generation information related to pulse rate, and recommendation generation information related to stool volume. In this case, the data processing unit DP11 may generate recommendation data by selecting different types of recommendation data from each recommendation generation information.

[0181] For example, the data processing unit DP11 may generate recommendation data based on at least one biological data and multiple excretion data. For example, the data processing unit DP11 may generate recommendation data based on blood flow information, stool volume, and gas odor. For example, if the analysis results satisfy recommendation conditions related to blood flow, recommendation conditions related to pulse rate, and recommendation conditions related to stool volume, the data processing unit DP11 may generate recommendation data using recommendation generation information related to blood flow, recommendation generation information related to stool volume, and recommendation generation information related to gas odor. In this case, the data processing unit DP11 may generate recommendation data by selecting different types of recommendation data from each recommendation generation information.

[0182] Next, using the data processing unit DP12 as an example, we will describe an example of processing for a health status estimation service. For example, the data processing unit DP12 estimates the health status of users of plumbing equipment based on provision data such as usage data obtained from the data supply means DS. The data processing unit DP12 estimates the health status of users of plumbing equipment based on predetermined criteria that associate toilet usage status obtained from the provision data with predetermined health status patterns.

[0183] The data processing unit DP12 estimates the health status of users of plumbing equipment based on predetermined estimation conditions, such as health status estimation conditions that associate toilet usage status obtained from the provided data with predetermined health conditions. The data processing unit DP12 estimates the stress level of users of plumbing equipment as part of their health status.

[0184] The data processing unit DP12 estimates the health status of users of plumbing equipment based on the analysis results of the provided data. The data processing unit DP12 performs the estimation of the health status of users of plumbing equipment based on the provided data showing the usage status of toilets multiple times. For example, the provided data includes data showing the usage status of toilets multiple times. For example, the provided data includes provided data showing the start and end of use of the toilet device 211.

[0185] The data processing unit DP12 estimates the health status of the user of the plumbing equipment based on at least one piece of information from the number of urinations or defecations, date and time, quantity, and characteristics included in the data provided. The data processing unit DP12 estimates the intestinal condition, including constipation or diarrhea, as the health status of the user of the plumbing equipment based on the data on defecation (also called "defecation records") included in the data provided. In addition to the defecation records, the data processing unit DP12 estimates the intestinal condition based on the urination records included in the data provided. The data processing unit DP12 estimates constipation if the number of defecations within a predetermined period does not meet the predetermined number conditions, and the number of urinations within a predetermined period does meet the predetermined number conditions.

[0186] The data processing unit DP12 estimates constipation if the sitting time recorded in the data provided for the toilet unit 211 is longer than a predetermined sitting condition. The predetermined sitting condition is the average time that users of the plumbing equipment sat on the toilet unit 211 during a predetermined period.

[0187] The data processing unit DP12 estimates constipation if the number of times the flushing function of the toilet device 211 included in the provided data is used exceeds a predetermined flushing frequency condition. The predetermined flushing frequency condition includes the average number of times the flushing function was used by users of the plumbing equipment over a predetermined period. If the number of times the user is estimated to be constipated satisfies the predetermined condition, the data processing unit DP12 estimates the user of the plumbing equipment to be frail.

[0188] The data processing unit DP12 estimates nocturia as the health condition of the user of the plumbing equipment if toilet usage during a predetermined time period exceeds the health condition estimation conditions determined based on toilet usage during a predetermined time period within a predetermined period included in the data provided. The data processing unit DP12 refers to the number of times the toilet is used during time periods other than the predetermined time period included in the data provided, changes the health condition estimation conditions or judgment algorithm, and estimates nocturia. The data processing unit DP12 estimates the presence or absence of nocturia based on the defecation records and urination records included in the data provided.

[0189] The data processing unit DP12 estimates frailty based on the estimated number of nocturia episodes and the estimated number of constipation episodes. The data processing unit DP12 estimates frailty if the estimated number of nocturia episodes exceeds a predetermined number.

[0190] The data processing unit DP12 estimates the presence or absence of an overactive bladder as a health condition of the user of the plumbing equipment based on the number of urinations included in the data provided. The data processing unit DP12 also estimates the menstrual cycle as a health condition of the user of the plumbing equipment based on at least one toilet usage condition included in the data provided: bidet washing, washing time, sitting time, and time entering and leaving the toilet.

[0191] The data processing unit DP12 estimates the stress state as the health state of users of plumbing equipment based on toilet usage data obtained from the provided data, based on health status estimation conditions determined based on toilet usage data obtained from the provided data. The data processing unit DP12 estimates a stress state if a defecation record or urination record is found within the specified period that does not meet the health status estimation conditions. The data processing unit DP12 estimates whether there is a disruption in the daily rhythm if a change occurs in toilet usage data within a specified time period that does not meet the health status estimation conditions, and estimates a stress state if the disruption in the daily rhythm continues for a specified period or frequency.

[0192] The data processing unit DP12 estimates frailty based on the estimated number of stressful states. The data processing unit DP12 estimates the state of frailty as the health status of users of plumbing equipment based on at least one toilet usage condition included in the provided data: number of bowel movements, urination records, sitting time, and nocturia. Note that the above is merely an example, and each data processing unit DP may perform various processes depending on the service it provides.

[0193] <1-2. Cloud Server> From here, we will explain the details of the cloud server 100. The cloud server 100 is an information processing device (computer) that performs information processing such as data processing. Below, we will explain an example of each configuration of the cloud server 100 with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a cloud server according to the embodiment.

[0194] The cloud server 100 shown in Figure 3 includes a communication unit 101, a storage unit 102, and a control unit 103. The cloud server 100 may also have an input unit (e.g., a keyboard or mouse) for receiving various operations from the administrator of the cloud server 100, and a display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display) for displaying various information.

[0195] The communication unit 101 is implemented, for example, by a communication device, a communication circuit, etc. The communication unit 101 is connected to any network such as the Internet by wired or wireless connection and transmits and receives information with an external information processing device. The communication unit 101 may also be connected to an external information processing device in a communicative manner by a predetermined wireless communication function such as Wi-Fi.

[0196] For example, the communication unit 101 transmits and receives information with other devices in the water-related space 200, such as the water-related equipment 201, functional equipment 202, user terminal 300, user-related terminal 301, and external provider equipment 400. For example, the communication unit 101 is connected to multiple water-related equipment such as the water-related equipment 201 and functional equipment 202 via the Internet to transmit and receive information. In this way, the communication unit 101 is a connection means that enables multiple water-related equipment to communicate via a predetermined network.

[0197] For example, the communication unit 101 functions as a data output means that outputs data based on usage data (e.g., recommendation data) to a user terminal 300 owned by a user identified based on the user's identification information (user ID, etc.). The communication unit 101 transmits the specified data to the destination (device) corresponding to the instruction, such as the user terminal 300, user-related terminal 301, or external provider device 400, in response to an instruction from the supply unit 108 or processing unit 109.

[0198] The communication unit 101 outputs data based on usage data based on the personal authentication result, which is an authentication of whether or not the user's identification information is associated with the user's personal information. For example, if the communication unit 101 finds that the user's identification information stored in the storage unit 102 is associated with the user's personal information, it determines that the user's personal authentication has been successful and outputs data based on usage data (e.g., recommendation data). For example, if the supply unit 108 finds that the user's identification information stored in the storage unit 102 is associated with the user's personal information, it determines that the user's personal authentication has been successful and causes the communication unit 101 to output data based on usage data (e.g., recommendation data).

[0199] The storage unit 102 is implemented by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as RAM or flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or optical disc. For example, the storage unit 102 is a computer-readable recording medium that non-temporarily records data used by information processing programs. The storage unit 102 also functions as an identification information management means that stores identification information (user ID, etc.) of users of plumbing equipment. The storage unit 102 stores usage data acquired from plumbing equipment in association with identification information (user ID, etc.) of users of plumbing equipment.

[0200] Furthermore, the memory unit 102 functions as a means of managing personal information of users who use plumbing equipment. For example, the user identification information managed by the memory unit 102 is information associated with the user's personal information. The memory unit 102 stores various information used for various information processing, such as data processing. The memory unit 102 also stores various information used for determination processing, such as data provision conditions.

[0201] The memory unit 102 stores user information for each user, such as user U. The user information includes various information about the user associated with an account identifier that identifies the corresponding user. For example, the user information includes information indicating the user terminal 300 used by that user. The user information may also include various personal information such as name and address. Furthermore, the user information may also include demographic information such as the user's age and gender, as well as psychographic information. The demographic information such as age and gender, as well as psychographic information, may be used for analysis or for providing (selecting, etc.) recommendation data.

[0202] Furthermore, user information may include user-related entity information relating to the user-related entity corresponding to that user. For example, user-related entity information may include information for identifying the user-related entity (e.g., business name, business ID, etc.) and information indicating the user-related terminal 301 used by that user-related entity.

[0203] Furthermore, the storage unit 102 stores data supply destination information relating to the recipients of information (data) from internal data processing units, external data processing units, etc. For example, the storage unit 102 stores information such as services provided by an internal data processing unit, such as a data processing unit DP1, as data supply destination information, associated with identification information (such as a data processing unit ID) that identifies the data processing unit DP1. If an internal data processing unit such as a data processing unit DP1 is located in a device other than the cloud server 100, the storage unit 102 stores the data supply destination information associated with identification information (such as a device ID) that identifies the device having that internal data processing unit.

[0204] Furthermore, for example, the storage unit 102 stores information such as services provided by an external data processing unit, such as the data processing unit DP2, as data supply destination information for that external data processing unit, as associated with identification information (such as a data processing unit ID) that identifies the data processing unit DP2. The storage unit 102 also stores data supply destination information associated with identification information (such as an equipment unit ID) that identifies an external provider device 400 having an external data processing unit such as the data processing unit DP2.

[0205] Furthermore, for example, the storage unit 102 stores information indicating the data provision conditions for providing (supplying) data to an internal data processing unit such as the data processing unit DP1, as data supply destination information for that internal data processing unit, associated with identification information (such as a data processing unit ID) that identifies the data processing unit DP1. For example, the data provision conditions include various conditions related to providing data to the data processing unit DP1.

[0206] For example, the data provision conditions include information indicating the data used by the data processing unit DP1 for the service. For example, the data provision conditions include information indicating whether the data processing unit DP1 uses excretion data, and if so, which type of excretion data (stool consistency, stool volume, stool color, urine consistency, urine volume, urine color, excretory gas characteristics, etc.) is used. Also, for example, the data provision conditions include information indicating whether the data processing unit DP1 uses biometric data, and if so, which type of biometric data (heart rate (pulse), respiration, body temperature, electroencephalogram, muscle, etc.) is used. Also, for example, the data provision conditions include information indicating whether the data processing unit DP1 uses log data, and if so, which type of log data (number of uses, frequency of use, usage time, etc.) is used.

[0207] Furthermore, for example, the storage unit 102 stores information indicating the data provision conditions for providing (supplying) data to an external data processing unit such as the data processing unit DP2, as data supply destination information for that external data processing unit, associated with identification information (such as a data processing unit ID) that identifies the data processing unit DP2. For example, the data provision conditions include various conditions related to providing data to the data processing unit DP2.

[0208] For example, the data provision conditions include information indicating the data used by the data processing unit DP2 for the service. For example, the data provision conditions include information indicating whether the data processing unit DP2 uses excretion data, and if so, which type of excretion data (stool consistency, stool volume, stool color, urine consistency, urine volume, urine color, excretory gas characteristics, etc.) is used. Also, for example, the data provision conditions include information indicating whether the data processing unit DP2 uses biometric data, and if so, which type of biometric data (heart rate (pulse), respiration, body temperature, electroencephalogram, muscle, etc.) is used. Also, for example, the data provision conditions include information indicating whether the data processing unit DP2 uses log data, and if so, which type of log data (number of uses, frequency of use, usage time, etc.) is used.

[0209] The memory unit 102 stores various information, such as user usage data. The memory unit 102 functions as a data storage means for storing usage data acquired from the water-related space 200. The memory unit 102 functions as a data storage means for storing usage data received from multiple water-related devices such as water-related devices 201 and functional devices 202. For example, the memory unit 102 functions as a first storage means for storing usage data acquired from a first water-related device such as a toilet device 211 as first usage data. For example, the memory unit 102 functions as a second storage means for storing usage data acquired from a second water-related device such as a bathroom device 221 as second usage data.

[0210] The storage unit 102 stores usage data such as biometric data and excretion data, associated with an account identifier (user ID, etc.) used to identify each user. For example, when a user uses plumbing equipment such as the plumbing device 201, the storage unit 102 stores the user's usage data in association with the account identifier identified by the user's own operation. The storage unit 102 also stores the usage data in association with the date and time information on which the usage data was acquired.

[0211] The memory unit 102 stores usage data related to the toilet 210. The memory unit 102 also stores usage data related to the bathroom 220. Furthermore, the memory unit 102 stores usage data related to the washbasin 230. The memory unit 102 also stores external data acquired from the external data provision device 240. Additionally, the memory unit 102 stores usage data related to the kitchen. In this way, the memory unit 102 stores usage data acquired from each plumbing fixture.

[0212] Furthermore, for example, the storage unit 102 may store account management data used as an integrated infrastructure. For instance, the storage unit 102 may store user identification information, such as an account identifier (user ID, etc.), to identify each user's account, and be used to manage each user's account.

[0213] Furthermore, the memory unit 102 may store various types of information depending on the purpose, not limited to those described above. For example, when the cloud server 100 provides services, the memory unit 102 may store content engines (programs, etc.) for realizing various functions such as a health-related recommendation generation engine, a health status estimation engine, and a product recommendation generation engine. In this case, the memory unit 102 may store programs for realizing various functions such as a health-related recommendation generation program, a health status estimation program, and a product recommendation generation program.

[0214] The control unit 103 may be, for example, an information processing device (control device) that controls various configurations and processes. The control unit 103 may have, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and may be implemented by executing a program (for example, the information processing program related to this disclosure) stored inside the control unit 103 using RAM or the like as a working area. The control unit 103 may also have, for example, an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0215] As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 103 includes an acquisition unit 107, a supply unit 108, and a processing unit 109, and realizes or executes the information processing functions and operations described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 103 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 3, and other configurations are also acceptable as long as they perform the information processing described later.

[0216] The acquisition unit 107 acquires information. The acquisition unit 107 receives various types of information from other devices via the communication unit 101, which is a connection means. The acquisition unit 107 acquires information from plumbing equipment 201, functional equipment 202, user terminal 300, user-related terminal 301, external provider device 400, etc. in the plumbing space 200. For example, the acquisition unit 107 acquires usage data from plumbing equipment such as plumbing equipment 201 and functional equipment 202 in the plumbing space 200.

[0217] The acquisition unit 107 acquires various information from the storage unit 102. The acquisition unit 107 acquires user information from the storage unit 102. The acquisition unit 107 acquires data supply destination information from the storage unit 102. For example, the acquisition unit 107 acquires information indicating data supply conditions from the storage unit 102. The acquisition unit 107 acquires data such as usage data and external data from the storage unit 102. For example, the acquisition unit 107 acquires information (data) to be supplied to the data supply destination.

[0218] The supply unit 108 performs supply processing to supply information (data). The supply unit 108 performs processing of the data supply means DS. The supply unit 108 supplies data to the data processing unit DP, which provides services using the information (data). The data processing unit DP also provides services using external data. The supply unit 108 supplies data such as usage data and external data stored in the storage unit 102 to the data processing unit DP that uses that data.

[0219] The supply unit 108 supplies provision data to each of the data processing units DP that provide services using provision data based on at least one of the first and second usage data, based on the data provision conditions of the data processing unit DP. The supply unit 108 executes the processing of the data supply means DS as described in Figure 1.

[0220] The supply unit 108 supplies the first data to be used by the data processing unit DP11, which is the first data processing unit, to the data processing unit DP11, which is the first data processing unit, based on the first data provision conditions of the data processing unit DP11. The supply unit 108 passes the first data to the data processing unit DP11, which is the internal data processing unit, such as usage data of the type indicated by the first data provision conditions of the data processing unit DP11. For example, the supply unit 108 supplies the data processing unit DP11 with data such as stool consistency, color, and quantity data included in the usage data acquired from the toilet device 211.

[0221] Furthermore, if the first data provision conditions include a supply timing condition, the supply unit 108 will transfer the first data to the data processing unit DP11 at a timing that satisfies the supply timing condition of the first data provision conditions (for example, 12:00 every day). For example, the supply unit 108 may supply the first data to the data processing unit DP11 based on the user's bowel movement data for a predetermined period, such as the past week.

[0222] Furthermore, if the first data provision conditions include specifying a predetermined period such as the most recent week, the supply unit 108 supplies data based on usage data collected during that predetermined period, such as the most recent week, to the data processing unit DP11 as first data for provision, based on the first data provision conditions. For example, the supply unit 108 retrieves usage data acquired within a predetermined time frame, such as the most recent week, from the storage unit 102, and supplies data based on the acquired usage data to the data processing unit DP11 as first data for provision.

[0223] The supply unit 108 may exclude defective data from the usage data stored in the storage unit 102 based on predetermined criteria. For example, the supply unit 108 may determine that usage data with a sensor detection accuracy below a predetermined standard is defective data and exclude the determined defective data from the data stored in the storage unit 102. Alternatively, the supply unit 108 may determine that usage data for which a predetermined period (e.g., 1 year, 5 years, etc.) has elapsed since the date and time of collection is defective data and exclude the determined defective data from the data stored in the storage unit 102.

[0224] In this case, the supply unit 108 may supply data to each data processing unit DP using the data set after removing defective data. Thus, the supply unit 108 may supply data to the data processing unit DP based on usage data obtained by removing defective data from the usage data stored in the storage unit 102 based on predetermined criteria.

[0225] The supply unit 108 supplies the second data provision data to the data processing unit DP23, which is the second data processing unit, based on the second data provision conditions of the data processing unit DP23, which is the second data processing unit. The supply unit 108 transmits the second data provision data, such as usage data of the type indicated by the second data provision conditions of the data processing unit DP23, which is the external data processing unit, to the data processing unit DP23. For example, the supply unit 108 supplies the data processing unit DP23 with data such as the number of times the user uses the bathroom 220 and the frequency of use, which are included in the usage data acquired from the bathroom device 221.

[0226] Thus, the supply unit 108 functions as a data collection means that collects second data provision data, which is data for external output, from the storage unit 102 based on a second data provision condition, which is a predetermined data collection condition. The supply unit 108 also transmits the second data provision data, which is data for external output, to the external recipient device 400 corresponding to the data processing unit DP23 by instructing the communication unit 101, which functions as an external output means.

[0227] Furthermore, if the second data provision conditions include a supply timing condition, the supply unit 108 transmits the second data provision data to the data processing unit DP23 at a timing that satisfies the supply timing condition of the second data provision conditions (for example, Monday at 12:00).

[0228] The processing unit 109 performs various data processing operations. For example, the processing unit 109 performs data processing to provide services. The processing unit 109 performs data processing using data supplied from the supply unit 108. For example, the processing unit 109 provides services using data supplied from the supply unit 108.

[0229] For example, the processing unit 109 executes processing corresponding to each of the internal data processing units DP1. In this case, the processing unit 109 may have multiple sections depending on the services provided by each data processing unit DP1. The processing unit 109 may have a health-related recommendation generation service provision section that executes processing corresponding to data processing unit DP11. The processing unit 109 may also have a health status estimation service provision section that executes processing corresponding to data processing unit DP12. Furthermore, the processing unit 109 may have a product recommendation generation service provision section that executes processing corresponding to data processing unit DP13.

[0230] The processing unit 109 may use a health status estimation engine (health status estimation program) to perform health status estimation processing such as that of the data processing unit DP12.

[0231] For example, the processing unit 109 generates various information about the user's health status through analysis processing. The processing unit 109 generates analysis results regarding stool through analysis processing that analyzes biological information (biometric data) detected by the biosensor. The processing unit 109 performs various analysis processes depending on the target measured by the biosensor. The processing unit 109 functions as a data analysis means that analyzes excretion data stored in the storage unit 102. The processing unit 109 functions as a stool analysis unit that analyzes stool characteristics patterns based on the excretion data.

[0232] The processing unit 109 functions as a data analysis means for analyzing usage data stored in the memory unit 102. For example, if the processing unit 109 uses biological data, such as blood flow data, it may perform a blood flow state determination process. The processing unit 109 performs a determination process related to blood flow using the blood flow data. The processing unit 109 performs a determination process related to blood flow using the blood flow data stored in the memory unit 102.

[0233] For example, the processing unit 109 determines the user's blood flow status based on the pulse rate, pulse rate variability, blood flow rate, etc., indicated by the blood flow data. The processing unit 109 uses various techniques for classifying blood flow status as appropriate to determine whether the user's blood flow is one of several blood flow types, such as poor circulation, normal, excessive circulation, or irregular. The processing unit 109 may also determine the user's blood flow status when the user is not seated in the toilet device 211.

[0234] The processing unit 109 may determine the blood flow state using AI (artificial intelligence) technology. For example, the processing unit 109 may determine the blood flow state using a learning model (blood flow state determination model) generated by machine learning. In this case, the blood flow state determination model is trained in advance using training data that indicates classification judgments. This training data includes multiple combinations of numerical values ​​shown by blood flow data and labels (correct information) that indicate the blood flow type (one of the following: poor circulation, normal, excessive circulation, or irregular) corresponding to the numerical values ​​shown by the blood flow data. For example, the blood flow state determination model is a model that takes numerical values ​​shown by blood flow data as input and outputs information indicating the blood flow type corresponding to the numerical values ​​shown by the input blood flow data.

[0235] For example, the blood flow state determination model is trained to output information about a label (blood flow state) corresponding to the numerical value of the input blood flow data when a numerical value of the blood flow data is input. The training of the blood flow state determination model is carried out using various supervised learning methods as appropriate. In this case, the blood flow state determination model is stored in the memory unit 102, and the processing unit 109 may use the blood flow state determination model stored in the memory unit 102 to determine the blood flow state. For example, the cloud server 100 may perform the training process and generate the blood flow state determination model.

[0236] The above is merely an example, and the processing unit 109 may use various information as appropriate to determine the blood flow state. Furthermore, the four blood flow types described above—poor circulation, normal circulation, excessive circulation, and irregular circulation—are merely examples of blood flow states, and the processing unit 109 may determine five or more blood flow types, or three or fewer blood flow types. In addition, the processing unit 109 may determine (classify) the blood flow state by various processes, not limited to those described above, as long as a desired classification of the blood flow state is possible. Moreover, in the above example, blood flow data was described as an example of biological data, but biological data is not limited to blood flow data; it may be various types of biological data, and the processing unit 109 may use various types of biological data to estimate the user's health state.

[0237] The processing unit 109 generates analysis results regarding stool through analysis processing of excretion data. The processing unit 109 performs various analysis processes depending on the information contained in the excretion data. For example, if the excretion data includes information about the user's stool, the processing unit 109 may perform a stool condition determination process. The processing unit 109 performs a stool determination process using the excretion data. The processing unit 109 performs a stool determination process using the information stored in the storage unit 102.

[0238] The processing unit 109 determines the amount of feces based on the image of the feces included in the excretion data (also called the "feces image"). For example, the processing unit 109 determines the amount of feces based on the area or proportion of the feces that occupies in the image. For example, the processing unit 109 may determine the amount of feces using the score output by the feces determination model. The processing unit 109 may determine the amount of feces as "small" if the score output by the feces determination model, to which the image has been input, 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 processing unit 109 may also determine the amount of feces as "medium" if the score output by the feces determination model, to which the image has been input, 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. The processing unit 109 may also determine the amount of feces as "large" if the score output by the feces determination model, to which the image has been input, is greater than or equal to the third threshold and 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 processing unit 109 may use various information as appropriate to determine the amount of feces.

[0239] The processing unit 109 determines the type of stool corresponding to a stool image based on the stool image included in the excretion data. The processing unit 109 uses the stool image to determine whether the type of stool corresponding to that image is one of several types based on shape (also simply called "form"). The processing unit 109 may classify the stool type into seven types based on the Bristol Stool Scale. For example, the processing unit 109 uses the stool image to determine whether the type of stool corresponding to that image is one of types 1 to 7 based on the Bristol Stool Scale. For example, type 1 is lumpy, type 2 is hard, type 3 is cracked (somewhat hard), type 4 is normal (banana-shaped), type 5 is somewhat soft, type 6 is muddy, and type 7 is liquid (watery). The processing unit 109 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.

[0240] The processing unit 109 may determine the type of stool using AI (artificial intelligence) technology. For example, the processing unit 109 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 the label (type of stool) corresponding to the input stool image when a stool image is input. The training of the type determination model is carried out using various methods related to so-called supervised learning as appropriate. In this case, the type determination model is stored in the memory unit 102, and the processing unit 109 may determine the type of stool using the type determination model stored in the memory unit 102. Note that the above is just one example, and the processing unit 109 may determine the type of stool using various information as appropriate.

[0241] Furthermore, for example, the processing unit 109 uses the stool image to determine the color of the stool corresponding to that image. The processing unit 109 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 processing unit 109 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.

[0242] The processing unit 109 determines the color of the stool from the detection results of the stool image included in the excretion data. The processing unit 109 determines the color of the user's stool by appropriately using various techniques for detecting the color of stool using optical methods. The processing unit 109 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 processing unit 109 determines (judges) the color of the stool based on various information (feature quantities) such as brightness and lightness of the color image (RGB).

[0243] The processing unit 109 may determine the color of the stool using AI (artificial intelligence) technology. For example, the processing unit 109 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 decisions. This training data includes multiple combinations of stool images and labels (correct information) indicating the color of the lumps (stool) contained in the stool images (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 102, and the processing unit 109 may determine the color of the stool using the color determination model stored in the memory unit 102. For example, the cloud server 100 may perform a learning process and generate a color determination model, or it may use a color determination model provided by an external device. The above is merely an example, and the processing unit 109 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 processing unit 109 may determine other colors, or even five levels or fewer.

[0244] As described above, the processing unit 109 determines the stool condition based on the excretion information. The processing unit 109 calculates information regarding the excretion index based on the usage data (sensor information). The processing unit 109 determines the excretion index based on the excretion information. The processing unit 109 calculates the excretion index based on the stool condition. The processing unit 109 calculates the excretion index, which is a numerical representation of the excretion information. The processing unit 109 calculates the excretion index based on a relative evaluation by comparing the properties of the stool excreted in a single bowel movement with a standard property value.

[0245] The processing unit 109 may perform analysis related to excretion, not limited to defecation, but also including various substances produced in response to the user's excretion, such as urination and excretory gases. For example, the processing unit 109 may perform analysis on urination. In this case, the processing unit 109 may analyze urination and generate information indicating the color, amount, etc. of the urine as analysis results. For example, the processing unit 109 may analyze excretory gases. In this case, the processing unit 109 may analyze excretory gases and generate information indicating the components, amount, etc. of the excretory gases as analysis results.

[0246] For example, if the excretion data includes gas information, the processing unit 109 may perform a gas state determination process. The processing unit 109 uses the gas information included in the excretion data to perform a determination process related to gas. The processing unit 109 uses the information stored in the storage unit 102 to perform a determination process related to gas.

[0247] The processing unit 109 performs a determination process using the gas information contained in the excretion data. The processing unit 109 determines the odor (gas state) at the time of excretion by the user. The processing unit 109 determines the gas state at the time of excretion by the user using the gas information contained in the excretion data. The processing unit 109 determines the gas state at the time of excretion from the gas information contained in the excretion data.

[0248] The processing unit 109 determines the user's gas state at the time of excretion based on information indicating the gas state, such as the presence or concentration of certain gas components included in the excretion data, or the ratio of the components of healthy gases to the concentrations of other components of healthy gases. The processing unit 109 appropriately uses various techniques related to gas state classification to determine whether the user's gas at the time of excretion is odorless, odorless, slightly odorous, odorous, or very odorous. The processing unit 109 may also determine the gas state at times other than when feces or urine are determined to be present, that is, when only gas is released from the body (in the case of flatulence).

[0249] The processing unit 109 may determine the gas state using AI (artificial intelligence) technology. For example, the processing unit 109 may determine the gas state using a learning model (gas state determination model) generated by machine learning. In this case, the gas state determination model is trained in advance using training data that indicates classification decisions. This training data includes multiple combinations of gas values ​​contained in excretion data and labels (correct information) indicating the gas state corresponding to the gas values ​​contained in the excretion data (one of the following: no odor, not smelly, slightly smelly, smelly, and very smelly). For example, the gas state determination model is a model that takes gas values ​​contained in excretion data as input and outputs information indicating the gas state corresponding to the gas values ​​contained in the input excretion data.

[0250] For example, the gas state determination model is trained to output information on a label (gas state) corresponding to the numerical value of the gas contained in the input excretion data when the numerical value of the gas contained in the excretion data is input. The training of the gas state determination model is carried out using various methods related to so-called supervised learning as appropriate. In this case, the gas state determination model is stored in the memory unit 102, and the processing unit 109 may determine the gas state using the gas state determination model stored in the memory unit 102. For example, the cloud server 100 may perform the training process and generate the gas state determination model.

[0251] The above is merely an example, and the processing unit 109 may determine the gas state using various information as appropriate. Furthermore, the above five levels—odorless, not smelly, slightly smelly, smelly, and very smelly—are merely examples of gas states, and the processing unit 109 may determine the type of gas state (strongly smelling component), or it may classify it into four or fewer levels, or six or more levels. In addition, the processing unit 109 may determine (classify) the gas state by various processes, not limited to the above, as long as a desired classification of the gas state is possible.

[0252] The processing unit 109 may estimate urine flow rate or stool volume by analyzing information detected by the radio wave sensor. For example, the processing unit 109 may estimate urine flow rate or stool volume based on changes in the state of the water seal detected by the radio wave sensor. For example, the processing unit 109 estimates urine flow rate based on standing wave information output from the radio wave sensor. For example, the processing unit 109 estimates urine or stool information based on the detection results of the radio wave sensor.

[0253] Furthermore, the processing unit 109 may perform various information generation processes. The processing unit 109 may use a recommendation generation engine (recommendation generation program) to perform health-related recommendation provision processing, such as the data processing unit DP11. For example, the processing unit 109 may use a product recommendation generation engine (product recommendation generation program) to perform product recommendation provision processing, such as the data processing unit DP13.

[0254] For example, the processing unit 109 generates information based on the analysis results. The processing unit 109 generates information indicating health status such as excretion. The processing unit 109 generates information indicating the user's bowel movement status based on excretion information. The processing unit 109 generates textual information indicating the user's bowel movement status based on excretion information.

[0255] The processing unit 109 may generate recommendation information to improve the user's health condition based on the analysis results of the data analysis means. The processing unit 109 generates recommendation information based on the analysis results of the data analysis means based on the color, composition, shape, or quantity of excrement, including at least one of feces and urine. The processing unit 109 generates recommendation information regarding the improvement of the intestinal environment based on the analysis results of the data analysis means based on the composition of the gas excreted or the gas components caused by the excrement.

[0256] The processing unit 109 does not generate recommendation information if there is no usage data for a predetermined period in the data stored in the storage unit 102. The processing unit 109 generates recommendation information after the supply unit 108 adds usage data for a predetermined period to the storage unit 102. The processing unit 109 may also generate content that includes recommendation information.

[0257] The processing unit 109 generates content to be provided to external devices such as the user terminal 300, user-related terminal 301, and external provider device 400. The processing unit 109 generates content that shows recommendation information regarding the user's health status. The processing unit 109 generates content that shows the user's health status.

[0258] For example, the processing unit 109 generates content (image information) to be provided to external devices such as the user terminal 300, user-related terminal 301, and external provider device 400, using various technologies related to image generation and image processing as appropriate. For example, the processing unit 109 generates screens (image information) to be provided to external devices, using various technologies such as Java (registered trademark) as appropriate. For example, the processing unit 109 generates various types of content. The processing unit 109 may also generate content (image information) to be provided to external devices based on formats such as CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), JavaScript (registered trademark), and HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language). Furthermore, for example, the processing unit 109 may generate content in various formats such as JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), GIF (Graphics Interchange Format), and PNG (Portable Network Graphics).

[0259] The processing unit 109 provides a service to provide information to external devices. The processing unit 109 transmits information. The processing unit 109 transmits information to an external information processing device via the communication unit 101. For example, the processing unit 109 transmits various types of information to the user terminal 300. For example, the processing unit 109 transmits recommendation information to the user terminal 300.

[0260] <1-3. Processing Flow> From here, the processing flow of the embodiment will be explained using Figure 4. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure performed by the data processing system. In the following explanation, the data processing system 1 will be described as the processing entity, but the processing shown in Figure 4 may be performed by any device, such as the cloud server 100, depending on the device configuration included in the data processing system 1.

[0261] First, the data processing system 1 connects multiple plumbing fixtures to each other via a predetermined network so that they can communicate (step S101). For example, the cloud server 100 of the data processing system 1 is connected to the plumbing fixtures 201, functional equipment 202, etc. of the plumbing space 200 so that they can communicate.

[0262] Furthermore, the data processing system 1 stores the first usage data obtained from the first plumbing fixture, which is included in the multiple plumbing fixtures (step S102). For example, the cloud server 100 of the data processing system 1 stores the first usage data obtained from the first plumbing fixture.

[0263] Furthermore, the data processing system 1 stores second usage data acquired from a second plumbing fixture included in a group of plumbing fixtures (step S103). For example, the cloud server 100 of the data processing system 1 stores second usage data acquired from a second plumbing fixture.

[0264] Then, the data processing system 1 supplies data to each of the multiple data processing units based on the conditions for data provision to each of them (step S104). For example, the cloud server 100 of the data processing system 1 supplies data to each of the multiple data processing units DP based on the conditions for data provision to each of them.

[0265] In Figure 1, the database DB6 for account management is not shown, but the data processing system 1 has a database DB6 for account management as shown in Figure 5. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an overview of the system according to the embodiment. For example, Figure 5 is a diagram that explicitly shows the database DB6 of the data processing system 1. Note that the data processing system 1 shown in Figure 5 is the same as the data processing system 1 shown in Figure 1 except that the database DB6 is explicitly shown, so the explanation is omitted. In addition, the data processing system 1 may have a database DB7 for personal information management as described above, or it may have a database DB6 that is integrated with database DB7.

[0266] <2. Variant> The embodiments described above (configuration and processing of data processing system 1 and data supply system 2, etc.) are merely examples, and any configuration can be adopted for the data processing system and data supply system as long as the desired processing can be performed. In this regard, several embodiments will be described below as modifications.

[0267] <2-1. First variation> For example, the data processing system and the data supply system may provide various services in addition to those described above. An example of this will be described as the data supply system 2A according to the first modified example. Note that explanations and illustrations of aspects similar to those of the embodiments described above will be omitted as appropriate.

[0268] As shown in Figure 6, the data supply system 2A according to the first modified example includes at least a data processing system 1A. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an overview of the system according to the first modified example. The data supply system 2A includes a toilet 210, a bathroom 220, a user terminal 300, and a service provider terminal 302, etc. Note that the configuration shown in Figure 6 is merely an example, and the data supply system 2A may also include a washbasin 230, an external data supply device 240, a user-related terminal 301, and a data processing unit DP2, etc.

[0269] For example, the user terminal 300 executes a process to display various information related to plumbing equipment, such as content containing information about the status of plumbing equipment, using an application for displaying various information about plumbing equipment (also called the "plumbing equipment management application"). In Figure 6, as an example, the service provider terminal 302 is shown as a smartphone used by a repair company RS, which is a company that provides plumbing equipment failure response (repair, etc.) services. However, the service provider terminal 302 may be a terminal device used by any service provider. Furthermore, the repair company RS may be a company that provides various services related to plumbing equipment, not limited to plumbing equipment failure response, such as maintenance as described later.

[0270] The data processing system 1A includes a cloud server 100A. The cloud server 100A has a storage means DBS, a data supply means DS, data processing units DP15, DP16, DP17, etc. The storage means DBS of the cloud server 100A includes databases DB1, DB2, and DB6, etc. Database DB1 stores usage data for the toilet 210, including account identifiers (user IDs, etc.). Database DB2 stores usage data for the bathroom 220, including account identifiers (user IDs, etc.). Database DB6 is an integrated database for managing accounts. Note that the databases DB shown in Figure 6 are just examples, and the storage means DBS may also include databases DB3 to DB5, database DB7, and database DB8, which will be described later.

[0271] The data processing units DP15, DP16, and DP17 are data processing units included in the data processing system 1A. For example, the data processing units DP15, DP16, and DP17 are data processing units (internal data processing units) that enable the data processing system 1A to provide services. The cloud server 100A may also have other data processing units DP1 in addition to the data processing units DP15, DP16, and DP17.

[0272] The data processing unit DP15 provides a predetermined service (usage status estimation in Figure 6). The data processing unit DP15 provides a service to estimate the usage status of plumbing equipment using usage data acquired from plumbing equipment. For example, the data processing unit DP15 provides a service to estimate the usage status of toilet 210 using usage data acquired from toilet 210, which is an example of plumbing equipment. For example, the data processing unit DP15 provides a service to estimate the usage status of toilet 210 using at least one of the number of large flushes and the number of small flushes (also called "large / small flush count") included in the usage data acquired from toilet 210.

[0273] For example, the data processing unit DP15 provides a service that recommends cleaning and / or inspecting water-related equipment using estimated usage status information (usage status information). For example, if the number of times a toilet is flushed for a large volume of water, as recorded in the usage data obtained from the toilet 210, the data processing unit DP15 recommends cleaning and / or inspecting the toilet 210.

[0274] For example, if the number of times toilet 210 has been flushed for a large amount of waste exceeds a predetermined threshold, the cloud server 100A sends information (also called "maintenance recommendation information") to the user terminal 300 recommending that at least one of cleaning and / or inspecting the toilet 210 be performed. The user terminal 300 notifies the user of the maintenance recommendation information by displaying or outputting the received maintenance recommendation information as audio. The user terminal 300 also notifies the user U of the maintenance recommendation information through the plumbing equipment management application.

[0275] User U of user terminal 300 operates user terminal 300 in response to a notification of maintenance recommendation information. Upon receiving the operation, user terminal 300 transmits information indicating a maintenance request, such as a request for cleaning the toilet 210 (also referred to as "maintenance request information"), to the cloud server 100A. The data supply means DS supplies the maintenance request information received from user terminal 300 to data processing unit DP1, such as data processing unit DP17, which provides services related to the maintenance of plumbing equipment.

[0276] The data processing unit DP16 provides a predetermined service (fault estimation in Figure 6). The data processing unit DP16 provides a service to estimate the failure of plumbing equipment using usage data obtained from plumbing equipment. For example, the data processing unit DP16 provides a service to estimate the failure of toilet 210 using usage data obtained from toilet 210, which is an example of plumbing equipment. For example, the data processing unit DP16 provides a service to estimate the failure of toilet 210 using at least one of the following included in the usage data obtained from toilet 210: the number of times the toilet lid is opened and closed, the number of times a large flush is performed, and the number of times a small flush is performed (total number of large and small flushes).

[0277] For example, the data processing unit DP16 provides a service that provides information about malfunctions of plumbing equipment using estimated information indicating malfunctions of plumbing equipment (malfunction information). For example, the data processing unit DP16 provides a service that provides information about malfunctions of plumbing equipment using the number of times the toilet lid is opened and closed and the number of times the toilet is flushed (large and small) included in the usage data obtained from the toilet 210. For example, the data processing unit DP16 may determine that the toilet 210 is malfunctioning if the relationship between the number of times the toilet lid is opened and closed and the number of times the toilet 210 is flushed (large and small) satisfies predetermined conditions.

[0278] For example, when the difference between the number of times the toilet lid of toilet 210 is opened and closed and the number of times of large and small flushes of that toilet 210 exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the data processing unit DP16 may determine that the toilet 210 has failed. Note that the above is only an example, and the data processing unit DP16 may determine whether the toilet 210 has failed using various information. For example, when the number of times the toilet lid is opened and closed included in the usage data obtained from the toilet 210 exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the data processing unit DP16 may determine that the toilet 210 has failed.

[0279] For example, when the relationship between the number of times the toilet lid of toilet 210 is opened and closed and the number of times of large and small flushes satisfies a predetermined condition, the cloud server 100A transmits failure information indicating the failure of that toilet 210 to the user terminal 300. The user terminal 300 notifies the failure information by displaying or voice-outputting the received failure information. The user terminal 300 notifies the user U of the failure information through the plumbing equipment management application.

[0280] The user U of the user terminal 300 operates the user terminal 300 in response to the notification of the failure information, and the user terminal 300 that has received the operation transmits information indicating a repair request for the toilet 210 (also referred to as "repair request information") to the cloud server 100A. The data supply means DS supplies the repair request information to the data processing unit DP1, such as the data processing unit DP17, which provides services related to the repair of plumbing equipment, according to the repair request information received from the user terminal 300.

[0281] Note that the maintenance recommendation information and failure information of plumbing equipment may be provided not only to users of plumbing equipment such as the user U, but also to various people. For example, the failure information of plumbing equipment may be provided to developers who develop plumbing equipment and manufacturers who manufacture plumbing equipment (hereinafter also simply referred to as "developers etc. of plumbing equipment"). In this case, the developers etc. of plumbing equipment who have received the provision of the failure information of plumbing equipment may use the failure information of plumbing equipment to improve the plumbing equipment. Thus, the developers etc. of plumbing equipment may conduct improvement studies by viewing failure information etc.

[0282] The data processing unit DP17 provides a predetermined service (service coordination in Figure 6). The data processing unit DP17 uses the data supplied by the data supply means DS to provide a service coordination service with the plumbing equipment failure response service. For example, the data processing unit DP17 uses the failure information supplied by the data supply means DS to provide coordination service with the plumbing equipment failure response service. For example, if the data processing unit DP17 receives failure information for toilet 210 from the data supply means DS, it provides a service that requests the plumbing equipment failure response service provider (repair company RS in Figure 6) to repair the toilet 210.

[0283] For example, the data processing unit DP17 transmits fault information of the toilet 210, supplied by the data supply means DS, to the service provider terminal 302 used by the repair company RS, requesting repair of the toilet 210 (also called "repair request information"). The service provider terminal 302 notifies the repair request information by displaying or outputting the received repair request information. The repair company RS at the service provider terminal 302 performs the repair work on the toilet 210. For example, the repair company RS at the service provider terminal 302 may contact user U or visit the property where the toilet 210 is installed (for example, user U's house) to repair the toilet 210.

[0284] From here, we will explain an example of the processing flow in the data supply system 2A using Figure 7. Figure 7 is a diagram showing the processing flow in the system according to the first modified example.

[0285] In the data supply system 2A, the use of plumbing equipment is recorded (step S201). Then, in the data supply system 2A, the cloud server 100A acquires the usage data of the plumbing equipment as log data (step S202). For example, the cloud server 100A stores the usage data related to the toilet 210 as log data in the database DB1.

[0286] In the data supply system 2A, the data supply means DS of the cloud server 100A sorts the usage data of plumbing equipment and supplies the data (step S203). For example, the data supply means DS of the cloud server 100A identifies the usage data to be provided to the data processing unit DP15 and the usage data to be provided to the data processing unit DP16, and provides the usage data of plumbing equipment to the data processing unit DP15 and the data processing unit DP16. In the case of usage data for the toilet 210, the data supply means DS identifies the usage data indicating the number of times the toilet 210 is flushed (large and small) as the usage data to be provided to the data processing unit DP15, and provides the usage data indicating the number of times the toilet 210 is flushed (large and small) to the data processing unit DP15. Also, in the case of usage data for the toilet 210, the data supply means DS identifies the usage data indicating the number of times the toilet lid of the toilet 210 is opened and closed and the number of times the toilet 210 is flushed (large and small) as the usage data to be provided to the data processing unit DP16, and provides the usage data indicating the number of times the toilet lid of the toilet 210 is opened and closed and the number of times the toilet 210 is flushed (large and small) to the data processing unit DP16.

[0287] In the data supply system 2A, the data processing unit DP15 of the cloud server 100A determines whether the number of large and small wash cycles exceeds the specified number of uses (step S204). If the number of large and small wash cycles does not exceed the specified number of uses (step S204: No), the data processing unit DP15 terminates the process.

[0288] Meanwhile, the data processing unit DP15 sends a cleaning recommendation notification to the app if the number of large and small washes exceeds the specified number of uses (step S204: Yes) (step S205). For example, if the number of large and small washes exceeds the specified number of uses, the cloud server 100A sends notification information recommending cleaning of the plumbing equipment to the user terminal 300 on which the plumbing equipment management app is installed. Then, user U using the user terminal 300 requests cleaning using the plumbing equipment management app (step S206). User U using the user terminal 300 operates the user terminal 300, and the user terminal 300, having received the operation, sends information requesting cleaning to the cloud server 100A.

[0289] Upon receiving information requesting cleaning, the cloud server 100A performs cleaning request coordination (step S207). For example, the data processing unit DP17 of the cloud server 100A requests the repair company RS to perform cleaning in response to the cleaning request. In this case, the cloud server 100A sends information requesting cleaning to the repair company RS's service provider terminal 302 in response to the cleaning request.

[0290] Furthermore, in the data supply system 2A, the data processing unit DP16 of the cloud server 100A determines whether or not the plumbing equipment is malfunctioning (step S211). For example, the data processing unit DP16 determines that the plumbing equipment is malfunctioning if the number of times the toilet lid is opened and closed is abnormally high compared to the number of times the toilet is flushed. For example, the data processing unit DP16 compares the number of times the toilet is flushed for a large bowel movement with the number of times the toilet lid is opened and closed, and determines that the plumbing equipment is malfunctioning if the number of times the toilet lid is opened and closed is more than a predetermined value higher than the number of times the toilet is flushed for a large bowel movement. Note that the above is just one example, and the data processing unit DP16 may use various information to determine (estimate) whether or not the plumbing equipment is malfunctioning. If the data processing unit DP16 determines that the plumbing equipment is not malfunctioning (step S211: No), it terminates the process.

[0291] Meanwhile, if the data processing unit DP16 determines that a plumbing fixture is malfunctioning (step S211: Yes), it notifies the app of the malfunction (step S212). For example, if it determines that a plumbing fixture is malfunctioning, the cloud server 100A sends malfunction information about the plumbing fixture to the user terminal 300 on which the plumbing fixture management app is installed. Then, user U, using the user terminal 300, requests repair using the plumbing fixture management app (step S213). User U, using the user terminal 300, operates the user terminal 300, and the user terminal 300, having received the operation, sends information requesting repair (malfunction response) to the cloud server 100A.

[0292] Upon receiving information requesting fault response, the cloud server 100A performs a repair request coordination (step S214). For example, the data processing unit DP17 of the cloud server 100A requests repair (fault response) from the repair company RS in response to the repair request. In this case, the cloud server 100A sends information requesting repair (fault response) to the service provider terminal 302 of the repair company RS in response to the repair request.

[0293] As described above, in the data supply system 2A, the cloud server 100A estimates (determines) a malfunction of plumbing equipment based on usage data of the plumbing equipment and notifies the user terminal 300 (plumbing equipment management app) of the malfunction information. Then, in the data supply system 2A, the cloud server 100A receives a repair request from the user terminal 300 (plumbing equipment management app) and requests the repair company RS to repair the plumbing equipment.

[0294] As described above, in the data supply system 2A, the cloud server 100A estimates the usage status of plumbing equipment based on usage data and notifies the user terminal 300 (plumbing equipment management app) of recommendations for maintenance (cleaning, inspection, etc.) of the plumbing equipment. Then, in the data supply system 2A, the cloud server 100A receives maintenance (cleaning, inspection, etc.) requests from the user terminal 300 (plumbing equipment management app) and requests maintenance from a maintenance company (e.g., repair company RS).

[0295] <2-2. Second variation> Furthermore, the data processing system and data supply system may provide various services in addition to those described above. An example of this will be explained as the second modified data supply system 2B. Note that explanations and illustrations of aspects similar to those of the above-described embodiment and the first modified example will be omitted as appropriate.

[0296] As shown in Figure 8, the data supply system 2B according to the second modified example includes at least a data processing system 1B. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an overview of the system according to the second modified example. The data supply system 2B includes a kitchen 250 and a user terminal 300, etc. Note that the configuration shown in Figure 8 is merely an example, and the data supply system 2B may also include a toilet 210, a bathroom 220, a washbasin 230, an external data supply device 240, a user-related terminal 301, a service provider terminal 302, and a data processing unit DP2, etc.

[0297] (kitchen) Kitchen 250 is a kitchen space used by kitchen users to perform kitchen-related activities, and is a water-related space where usage data, including biometric data and log data such as kitchen usage time, is collected. Kitchen 250 is equipped with kitchen appliances, kitchen sensors, etc. For example, at least one of the kitchen appliances, kitchen sensors, etc., transmits user usage data related to the kitchen to the cloud server 100B. Note that Kitchen 250 may have multiple kitchen appliances or multiple kitchen sensors.

[0298] Kitchen 250 collects user usage data related to Kitchen 250 through devices such as kitchen equipment and kitchen sensors. For example, Kitchen 250 collects various information regarding the user's use of Kitchen 250. Kitchen equipment includes a water outlet, sink, stove, etc., and is the main kitchen unit where the user performs tasks such as cooking and washing dishes. It is equipment used by the kitchen user to perform kitchen-related activities.

[0299] The kitchen appliance can communicate with other devices such as the cloud server 100B via a communication unit implemented by a communication device, communication circuit, etc. The kitchen appliance is connected to a predetermined network such as the Internet by wired or wireless connection and transmits and receives information with other devices. The kitchen appliance may also be connected to other devices via predetermined wireless communication functions such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

[0300] The kitchen device is a plumbing device (plumbing equipment) that is communicably connected to the cloud server 100B via a predetermined network. For example, the kitchen device transmits and receives information to and from the cloud server 100B via a predetermined network. For example, the kitchen device transmits usage data related to the use of the kitchen to the cloud server 100B. The kitchen device may transmit the usage data to the cloud server 100B together with the date and time information when the usage data was acquired.

[0301] In addition, the kitchen device collects usage data for each plumbing equipment user. The kitchen device may have a function of authenticating (identifying) the user who uses the kitchen 250. The kitchen device may identify which user among the registered users the user is using an account identifier (user ID, etc.) received from a remote control device or the like that receives an operation related to the kitchen by the kitchen user (plumbing equipment user). For example, the kitchen device associates the acquired usage data with the date and time when the usage data was acquired and an account identifier that identifies the user corresponding to the usage data, and transmits it to the cloud server 100B. In this case, when the kitchen device receives a user designation from the cloud server 100B, the kitchen device may transmit the usage data corresponding to the user to the cloud server 100B.

[0302] The kitchen sensor is a sensor device that detects the user's use of the kitchen 250. For example, the kitchen sensor may be a sensor device mounted on the kitchen equipment. For example, the kitchen sensor may be a sensor device such as a sensor that detects the use of the kitchen equipment. For example, the kitchen sensor may be a sensor device such as a sensor that detects the user's entry into or exit from the kitchen 250. For example, the kitchen sensor may be a sensor device such as a sensor that detects the user's usage time of the kitchen 250. For example, the kitchen sensor may be a sensor device such as a motion sensor that detects kitchen use of the kitchen equipment. Note that the above are just examples, and the kitchen sensor may be a sensor device such as a sensor device provided separately from the kitchen equipment. For example, the kitchen sensor may be a sensor device such as a pyroelectric sensor using infrared signals or a μ (microwave) sensor (motion sensor, etc.).

[0303] The kitchen sensor can communicate with other devices such as the cloud server 100B via a communication unit implemented by a communication device, communication circuit, etc. The kitchen sensor is connected to a predetermined network such as the internet by wired or wireless connection and transmits and receives information with other devices. The kitchen sensor may also be connected to other devices via predetermined wireless communication functions such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

[0304] The kitchen sensor is a functional device (water-related equipment) that is connected to a cloud server 100B via a predetermined network. For example, the kitchen sensor sends and receives information to and from the cloud server 100B via the predetermined network. For example, the kitchen sensor sends usage data related to kitchen use to the cloud server 100B. The kitchen sensor may also send the usage data to the cloud server 100B along with the date and time information on when the usage data was acquired.

[0305] Furthermore, the kitchen sensor collects usage data for each user of the plumbing fixtures. The kitchen sensor may have a storage means (such as a memory device) for managing (registering) usage data for each user of the plumbing fixtures. The kitchen sensor may also have a function for authenticating (identifying) users who use the kitchen 250. The kitchen sensor may use an account identifier (such as a user ID) received from a remote control device or the like that accepts operations related to the kitchen by the kitchen user (user of the plumbing fixtures) to identify which of the registered users the user is. For example, the kitchen sensor associates the collected usage data with the date and time the usage data was acquired and an account identifier that identifies the user corresponding to the usage data, and transmits it to the cloud server 100B. In this case, if the kitchen sensor receives a user designation from the cloud server 100B, it may transmit the usage data corresponding to that user to the cloud server 100B.

[0306] As described above, the data supply system 2B includes kitchen equipment and kitchen sensors, etc. Furthermore, the kitchen 250 is not limited to the data processing system 1B, but may also be included in data processing system 1, data processing system 1A, etc.

[0307] For example, the user terminal 300 executes a process to display various information related to plumbing equipment, such as content containing information about the status of plumbing equipment, using an application (plumbing equipment management application) for displaying various information about plumbing equipment.

[0308] The data processing system 1B includes a cloud server 100B. The cloud server 100B has a storage means DBS, a data supply means DS, data processing units DP15 and DP18, etc. The storage means DBS of the cloud server 100B includes database DB5 and database DB6, etc. Database DB5 stores usage data of kitchen 250, including account identifiers (user IDs, etc.). Database DB6 is a database that serves as an integrated platform for managing accounts. Note that the database DB shown in Figure 8 is just an example, and the storage means DBS may also include databases DB1 to DB4, database DB7, and database DB8, which will be described later.

[0309] The data processing units DP15 and DP18 are data processing units included in the data processing system 1B. For example, the data processing units DP15 and DP18 are data processing units (internal data processing units) that enable the data processing system 1B to provide services. The cloud server 100B may also have other data processing units DP1 in addition to the data processing units DP15 and DP18.

[0310] The data processing unit DP15 provides a predetermined service (usage status estimation in Figure 8). The data processing unit DP15 provides a service to estimate the usage status of plumbing equipment using usage data acquired from plumbing equipment. For example, the data processing unit DP15 provides a service to estimate the usage status of kitchen 250 using usage data acquired from kitchen 250, which is an example of plumbing equipment. For example, the data processing unit DP15 provides a service to estimate the usage status of kitchen 250 using the number of times kitchen 250 is used, which is included in the usage data acquired from kitchen 250.

[0311] For example, the data processing unit DP15 provides a service that recommends the purchase of consumables related to the kitchen 250 using information indicating the estimated usage status of plumbing equipment (usage status information). For example, if the number of times the kitchen 250 is used, as included in the usage data obtained from the kitchen 250, exceeds a predetermined threshold, the data processing unit DP15 recommends the purchase of consumables related to that kitchen 250.

[0312] For example, if the number of times kitchen 250 is used exceeds a predetermined threshold, the cloud server 100B sends information recommending the purchase of consumables related to kitchen 250 (also called "consumable purchase recommendation information") to the user terminal 300. The user terminal 300 notifies the user of the consumable purchase recommendation information by displaying or outputting the received consumable purchase recommendation information. The user terminal 300 then notifies the user U of the consumable purchase recommendation information via the plumbing equipment management application.

[0313] User U of user terminal 300 operates user terminal 300 in response to a notification of recommended consumable purchase information. Upon receiving the operation, user terminal 300 transmits information indicating a request to purchase consumables related to kitchen 250 (also called "consumable purchase request information") to cloud server 100B. The data supply means DS supplies the consumable purchase request information received from user terminal 300 to data processing unit DP1, such as data processing unit DP18, which provides services related to the purchase of consumables. For example, the consumable purchase request information includes information indicating the consumables that user U wishes to purchase, payment information used by user U for the purchase (credit card number, etc.), and information indicating the delivery address of the purchased consumables.

[0314] The data processing unit DP18 provides a predetermined service (service linkage parts shop in Figure 8). The data processing unit DP18 uses data supplied from the data supply means DS to provide a service linkage with a service selling consumables for plumbing fixtures (such as an EC (Electronic Commerce) service). For example, the data processing unit DP18 uses consumable purchase request information supplied from the data supply means DS to provide a service linkage with a service selling consumables for plumbing fixtures. For example, if the data processing unit DP18 receives consumable purchase request information for kitchen 250 from the data supply means DS, it provides the service requested from a provider (EC service provider) that provides services such as purchasing and delivering the consumables for that kitchen 250.

[0315] For example, the data processing unit DP18 transmits the consumable purchase request information for the kitchen 250, supplied by the data supply means DS, to the service provider's (EC service provider's) service provision device (server device, terminal device, etc.) that provides services such as purchasing and delivering the consumables for the kitchen 250. The EC service provider's service provision device notifies the consumable purchase request information by displaying or outputting the received consumable purchase request information. The EC service provider then carries out the purchase and delivery of the consumables for the kitchen 250. For example, based on the consumable purchase request information, the EC service provider's service provision device executes processes related to settlement of the purchase of consumables and arrangement of delivery of the purchased consumables.

[0316] From here, we will explain an example of the processing flow in data supply system 2B using Figure 9. Figure 9 is a diagram showing the processing flow in a system relating to the second modified example.

[0317] In the data supply system 2B, the use of plumbing equipment is recorded (step S301). Then, in the data supply system 2B, the cloud server 100B acquires the usage data of the plumbing equipment as log data (step S302). For example, the cloud server 100B stores the usage data related to kitchen 250 as log data in database DB5.

[0318] In the data supply system 2B, the data supply means DS of the cloud server 100B sorts the usage data of plumbing equipment and supplies the data. For example, the data supply means DS of the cloud server 100B identifies the usage data to be provided to the data processing unit DP15 and provides the plumbing equipment usage data to the data processing unit DP15. In the case of kitchen 250 usage data, the data supply means DS identifies the usage data indicating the number of times the kitchen 250 has been used as the usage data to be provided to the data processing unit DP15 and provides the usage data indicating the number of times the kitchen 250 has been used to the data processing unit DP15.

[0319] In the data supply system 2B, the data processing unit DP15 of the cloud server 100B determines whether the number of uses of the kitchen 250 exceeds the specified number of uses (step S303). For example, the data processing unit DP15 determines whether the consumables of the kitchen 250 need to be replaced depending on whether the number of uses of the kitchen 250 exceeds the specified number of uses. If the number of uses of the kitchen 250 does not exceed the specified number of uses (step S303: No), the data processing unit DP15 terminates the process.

[0320] On the other hand, if the number of times the kitchen 250 has been used exceeds the specified number of uses (step S303: Yes), the data processing unit DP15 sends a notification to the app recommending the purchase of consumables (step S304). For example, if the number of times the kitchen 250 has been used exceeds the specified number of uses, the cloud server 100B sends notification information to the user terminal 300 on which the plumbing equipment management app is installed, recommending the purchase of consumables for the plumbing equipment. For example, if the number of times the kitchen 250 has been used exceeds the specified number of uses, the data processing unit DP15 determines that the water filter cartridge needs to be replaced and sends notification information recommending the purchase of a water filter cartridge for the kitchen 250.

[0321] Then, user U, who is using user terminal 300, requests the purchase of consumables using the plumbing equipment management app. User U, using user terminal 300, operates user terminal 300, and user terminal 300, having received the operation, sends information requesting the purchase of consumables to cloud server 100B.

[0322] Upon receiving information requesting the purchase of consumables, the cloud server 100B performs a consumables purchase coordination (step S305). For example, the data processing unit DP18 of the cloud server 100B requests the parts shop PS, which is an e-commerce service provider for consumables, to purchase and deliver the consumables in response to the consumables purchase request. In this case, the cloud server 100B sends information to the service provider device of the parts shop PS requesting the purchase and delivery of consumables in response to the consumables purchase request.

[0323] As described above, in the data supply system 2B, the cloud server 100B estimates the usage status of plumbing equipment based on usage data and notifies the user terminal 300 (plumbing equipment management app) of recommendations for purchasing consumables for plumbing equipment. Then, in the data supply system 2B, the cloud server 100B receives a request for consumable purchase from the user terminal 300 (plumbing equipment management app) and requests the EC service provider (e.g., parts shop PS) to purchase and deliver the consumables. In this way, the data supply system 2B estimates the usage status from usage data, notifies the app of consumable purchase recommendations, and enables the user to make purchases from the app.

[0324] <2-3. Third variation> Furthermore, the data processing system and data supply system may provide various services in addition to those described above. An example of this will be explained as the data supply system 2C according to the third modified example. Note that explanations and illustrations of the same points as those in the above-described embodiments, the first modified example, the second modified example, etc., will be omitted as appropriate.

[0325] As shown in Figure 10, the data supply system 2C according to the third modified example includes at least a data processing system 1C. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an overview of the system according to the third modified example. The data supply system 2C includes a bathroom 220 and a user terminal 300, etc. Note that the configuration shown in Figure 10 is merely an example, and the data supply system 2C may also include a toilet 210, a washbasin 230, an external data supply device 240, a kitchen 250, a user-related terminal 301, a service provider terminal 302, and a data processing unit DP2, etc.

[0326] For example, the user terminal 300 executes a process to display various information related to plumbing equipment, such as content containing information about the status of plumbing equipment, using an application (plumbing equipment management application) for displaying various information about plumbing equipment.

[0327] The data processing system 1C includes a cloud server 100C. The cloud server 100C has a storage means DBS, a data supply means DS, data processing units DP15, DP18, DP19, etc. The storage means DBS of the cloud server 100C includes database DB2 and database DB6, etc. Database DB2 stores usage data of the bathroom 220, including account identifiers (user IDs, etc.). Database DB6 is a database that serves as an integrated platform for managing accounts. Note that the database DB shown in Figure 10 is merely an example, and the storage means DBS may also include database DB1, databases DB3 to DB5, database DB7, and database DB8, which will be described later.

[0328] The data processing units DP15, DP18, and DP19 are data processing units included in the data processing system 1C. For example, the data processing units DP15, DP18, and DP19 are data processing units (internal data processing units) that the data processing system 1C uses to provide services. The cloud server 100C may also have other data processing units DP1 in addition to the data processing units DP15, DP18, and DP19.

[0329] The data processing unit DP15 provides a predetermined service (usage status estimation in Figure 10). The data processing unit DP15 provides a service that estimates the usage status of plumbing equipment using usage data acquired from plumbing equipment. For example, the data processing unit DP15 provides a service that estimates the usage status of bathroom 220 using usage data acquired from bathroom 220, which is an example of plumbing equipment. For example, the data processing unit DP15 provides a service that estimates the usage status of bathroom 220 using at least one of the number of times the shower in bathroom 220 is used and the amount of water used, which are included in the usage data acquired from bathroom 220.

[0330] For example, the data processing unit DP15 provides a service that recommends the purchase of products related to the bathroom 220 using information indicating the estimated usage status of plumbing equipment (usage status information). For example, if the number of times the shower in the bathroom 220 is used, as included in the usage data obtained from the bathroom 220, the data processing unit DP15 recommends the purchase of products related to that bathroom 220.

[0331] For example, if the number of times the shower in bathroom 220 is used exceeds a predetermined threshold, the cloud server 100C sends information recommending the purchase of products related to bathroom 220 (product purchase recommendation information) to the user terminal 300. The user terminal 300 notifies the user of the product purchase recommendation information by displaying or outputting the received product purchase recommendation information. The user terminal 300 then notifies the user U of the product purchase recommendation information via the plumbing equipment management application.

[0332] User U of user terminal 300 operates user terminal 300 in response to a notification of recommended product purchase information. Upon receiving the operation, user terminal 300 transmits information indicating a purchase request for products related to the bathroom 220 (product purchase request information) to the cloud server 100C. The data supply means DS supplies the product purchase request information received from user terminal 300 to data processing unit DP1, such as data processing unit DP18, which provides services related to product purchase. For example, the product purchase request information includes information indicating the product that user U wishes to purchase, payment information used by user U for the purchase (credit card number, etc.), and information indicating the delivery address of the purchased product.

[0333] Furthermore, for example, if the number of times the shower in bathroom 220 is used exceeds a predetermined threshold, the cloud server 100C sends information recommending a consultation appointment regarding bathroom 220 (consultation appointment recommendation information) to the user terminal 300. The user terminal 300 notifies the user of the consultation appointment recommendation information by displaying or outputting the received information audibly. The user terminal 300 then notifies the user U of the consultation appointment recommendation information via the plumbing equipment management application.

[0334] User U of user terminal 300 operates user terminal 300 in response to a notification of recommended consultation appointment information. Upon receiving the operation, user terminal 300 transmits information indicating a request for a consultation appointment regarding the bathroom 220 (consultation appointment request information) to the cloud server 100C. The data supply means DS supplies the consultation appointment request information received from user terminal 300 to a data processing unit DP1, such as the data processing unit DP19, which provides consultation services related to plumbing.

[0335] The data processing unit DP18 provides a predetermined service (service linkage parts shop in Figure 10). The data processing unit DP18 uses data supplied from the data supply means DS to provide a service linkage with a product sales service for plumbing fixtures (e.g., e-commerce service). For example, the data processing unit DP18 uses product purchase request information supplied from the data supply means DS to provide a service linkage with a product sales service for plumbing fixtures. For example, when the data processing unit DP18 receives product purchase request information for a bathroom 220 from the data supply means DS, it provides the service requested from a company (e-commerce service provider) that provides services such as purchasing and delivery of the bathroom 220.

[0336] For example, the data processing unit DP18 transmits the product purchase request information for the bathroom 220, supplied by the data supply means DS, to the service provider's (EC service provider's) service provision device (server device, terminal device, etc.) that provides services such as purchasing and delivering the product for the bathroom 220. The EC service provider's service provision device notifies the customer of the received product purchase request information by displaying or outputting it as sound. The EC service provider then carries out the purchase and delivery of the product for the bathroom 220. For example, based on the product purchase request information, the EC service provider's service provision device executes processes related to payment for the purchase and arrangements for delivery of the purchased product.

[0337] The data processing unit DP19 provides a predetermined service (service collaboration sales / marketing SR in Figure 10). The data processing unit DP19 uses data supplied from the data supply means DS to provide a service collaboration service with a plumbing consultation service (such as a plumbing showroom). For example, the data processing unit DP19 uses consultation reservation request information supplied from the data supply means DS to provide a collaboration service with a plumbing consultation service. For example, when the data processing unit DP19 receives consultation reservation request information for a bathroom 220 from the data supply means DS, it provides the service requested from the entity providing the plumbing consultation service (plumbing showroom). For example, the consultation reservation request information includes information indicating that user U wishes to consult about plumbing, information identifying user U (such as name), and information indicating the desired date and time for the consultation reservation.

[0338] For example, the data processing unit DP19 transmits the consultation reservation request information for the bathroom 220, supplied by the data supply means DS, to the service provision device (server device, terminal device, etc.) of the entity providing the consultation service related to plumbing (plumbing showroom). The service provision device of the plumbing showroom notifies the user of the consultation reservation request information by displaying or outputting it as sound. The manager of the plumbing showroom then handles the consultation reservation process for user U. For example, the service provision device of the plumbing showroom executes the process of registering user U's consultation reservation based on the consultation reservation request information.

[0339] From here, we will explain an example of the processing flow in the data supply system 2C using Figure 11. Figure 11 is a diagram showing the processing flow in a system relating to the third modified example.

[0340] In the data supply system 2C, plumbing equipment is used (step S401). Then, in the data supply system 2C, the cloud server 100C acquires the usage data of the plumbing equipment as log data (step S402). For example, the cloud server 100C stores the usage data related to the bathroom 220 as log data in the database DB2.

[0341] In the data supply system 2C, the data supply means DS of the cloud server 100C sorts the usage data of plumbing equipment and supplies the data. For example, the data supply means DS of the cloud server 100C identifies the usage data to be provided to the data processing unit DP15 and provides the plumbing equipment usage data to the data processing unit DP15. In the case of usage data for the bathroom 220, the data supply means DS identifies the usage data indicating at least one of the number of times the shower in the bathroom 220 is used and the amount of water used as the usage data to be provided to the data processing unit DP15, and provides the usage data indicating at least one of the number of times the shower in the bathroom 220 is used and the amount of water used to the data processing unit DP15.

[0342] In the data supply system 2C, the data processing unit DP15 of the cloud server 100C determines whether at least one of the frequency and amount of use of the bathroom 220 is high (step S403). For example, the data processing unit DP15 of the cloud server 100C determines whether at least one of the number of times the shower in the bathroom 220 is used and the amount of water used exceeds a predetermined number of times. The following explanation will describe the case where the amount of water used in the bathroom 220 is used as an example. In this case, the data processing unit DP15 determines whether the amount of water used in the bathroom 220 exceeds a predetermined amount. When the number of times the shower in the bathroom 220 is used, the data processing unit DP15 determines whether the number of times (frequency) the shower in the bathroom 220 is used exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0343] For example, the data processing unit DP15 determines whether at least one of the following is necessary: ​​purchasing products for the bathroom 220 or consulting about plumbing, depending on whether at least one of the following—the number of times the shower in the bathroom 220 is used or the amount of water used—exceeds a specified number of uses. If the amount of water used in the bathroom 220 does not exceed a specified amount (step S403: No), the data processing unit DP15 terminates the process.

[0344] Meanwhile, if the water usage in the bathroom 220 exceeds a predetermined amount (step S403: Yes), the data processing unit DP15 sends a product recommendation notification to the app (step S404). For example, if the water usage in the bathroom 220 exceeds a predetermined amount, the cloud server 100C sends notification information recommending a water-related equipment product to the user terminal 300 on which the water-related equipment management app is installed. For example, if the water usage in the bathroom 220 exceeds a predetermined amount, the data processing unit DP15 determines that a water-saving shower head is needed and sends notification information recommending a water-saving shower head for the bathroom 220.

[0345] For example, user U using user terminal 300 requests the purchase of a product using the plumbing equipment management app. User U operates user terminal 300, and user terminal 300, upon receiving the operation, sends the information requesting the purchase of the product to the cloud server 100C.

[0346] Upon receiving information requesting the purchase of a product, the cloud server 100C performs a product purchase coordination (step S405). For example, the data processing unit DP18 of the cloud server 100C requests the parts shop PS, which is the e-commerce service provider for the product, to purchase and deliver the product in response to the product purchase request. In this case, the cloud server 100C sends information to the service provider device of the parts shop PS requesting the purchase and delivery of the product in response to the product purchase request.

[0347] For example, user U using user terminal 300 requests a showroom (SR) visit reservation through the plumbing equipment management app. User U operates user terminal 300, and upon receiving the operation, user terminal 300 sends information requesting a showroom visit reservation to cloud server 100C.

[0348] When the cloud server 100C receives information requesting a showroom visit reservation, it performs sales coordination (step S406). For example, the data processing unit DP19 of the cloud server 100C requests the SR Visit Reservation VR, which is responsible for showroom visit reservations, to handle the showroom visit reservation. For example, the SR Visit Reservation VR is a service provision device (computer) for the showroom. In this case, the cloud server 100C sends information to the SR Visit Reservation VR, which is the service provision device for the showroom, requesting that it handle the showroom visit reservation. The SR Visit Reservation VR may also be a person in charge of showroom visit reservations (showroom visit reservation person).

[0349] As described above, in the data supply system 2C, the cloud server 100C estimates the usage status of plumbing equipment based on usage data and notifies the user terminal 300 (plumbing equipment management app) of recommendations for purchasing plumbing equipment. For example, in the data supply system 2C, the cloud server 100C receives a request for product purchase from the user terminal 300 (plumbing equipment management app) and requests the e-commerce service provider (e.g., parts shop PS) to purchase and deliver the product. Also, for example, in the data supply system 2C, the cloud server 100C receives a request for a showroom visit reservation from the user terminal 300 (plumbing equipment management app) and requests the plumbing showroom service provider (e.g., SR visit reservation VR) to handle the showroom visit reservation. In this way, the data supply system 2C estimates usage status from usage data, notifies the app of product recommendations, and enables users to make purchases from the app or to collaborate with sales and marketing teams, such as making showroom visit reservations.

[0350] <2-4. Fourth variation> Furthermore, the data processing system and the data supply system may accept manual input of usage data. An example of this will be described as the data supply system 2D according to the fourth modified example. Note that explanations and illustrations of the same aspects as those described above in the embodiments and the first and second modified examples will be omitted as appropriate.

[0351] As shown in Figure 12, the data supply system 2D according to the fourth modified example includes at least a data processing system 1D. Figure 12 is a diagram showing an overview of the system according to the fourth modified example. The data supply system 2D shown in Figure 12 is the same as the data supply system 2 shown in Figure 1, except that the data processing system 1D (cloud server 100D) has a database DB8, so an explanation of the similarities will be omitted. Note that the configuration shown in Figure 12 is merely an example, and the data supply system 2D may also include a kitchen 250, a service provider terminal 302, etc.

[0352] For example, the user terminal 300 executes a process to display a manual input screen for accepting manual input from the user, using an application (water-related equipment management application) for displaying various information about water-related equipment. The user terminal 300 sends the input information entered by the user on the displayed manual input screen, along with information identifying the user (user ID), to the cloud server 100D as usage data. For example, the input information includes information identifying water-related equipment such as the toilet 210, bathroom 220, washbasin 230, and kitchen 250, as well as information indicating how they are used.

[0353] For example, the user-related terminal 301 executes a process to display a manual input screen for accepting manual input from the user-related entity using an application (water-related equipment management application) for displaying various information about plumbing equipment. The user-related terminal 301 sends the input information entered by the user-related entity on the displayed manual input screen, along with information identifying the user (user ID), to the cloud server 100D as usage data.

[0354] The data processing system 1D includes a cloud server 100D. The cloud server 100D has storage means DBS, data supply means DS, data processing units DP11, DP12, DP13, etc. The storage means DBS of the cloud server 100D includes databases DB1 to DB5 and database DB8, etc.

[0355] Database DB8 is a database (manual input database) where manually entered data is registered. For example, database DB8 stores usage data manually entered by users, user-related entities, etc. Database DB8 stores usage data related to toilets 210, bathrooms 220, washbasins 230, kitchens 250, etc. For example, database DB8 stores usage data that includes information identifying plumbing equipment such as toilets 210, bathrooms 220, washbasins 230, and kitchens 250, as well as information identifying users (user ID, etc.). Note that the database DB shown in Figure 12 is just one example, and the storage means DBS may also include databases DB6 and DB7, etc.

[0356] The cloud server 100D registers usage data received from the user terminal 300 or user-related terminal 301 into the manual input database DB8. The cloud server 100D then uses the usage data stored in the manual input database DB8 to perform various processes.

[0357] For example, the data supply means DS of the cloud server 100D supplies various data, such as usage data stored in databases DB1 to DB5 and database DB8, to the data processing unit. For example, regarding the usage data of the toilet 210, the data supply means DS of the cloud server 100D supplies the usage data of the toilet 210 from the usage data stored in database DB8 and the usage data stored in database DB1 to the data processing unit as the usage data of the toilet 210.

[0358] As described above, in the data supply system 2D, usage data is received from the application (water supply equipment management application), and the cloud server 100D stores the usage data received through manual input into the manual input database, database DB8. Then, in the data supply system 2D, the cloud server 100D sorts the usage data, including the usage data stored in the manual input database, database DB8, and supplies the sorted data to the data processing unit. For example, in the data supply system 2D, the data processing unit DP (data processing unit DP11, etc.) that provides recommendation services uses the usage data, including the usage data stored in database DB8, to provide services such as recommendation generation.

[0359] <2-5. Fifth variation> In the embodiments and modifications described above, only one toilet 210, bathroom 220, washbasin 230, kitchen 250, etc., is shown. However, the data supply system may include multiple toilets 210, bathrooms 220, washbasins 230, kitchens 250, etc. An example of this will be described as the data supply system 2E according to the fifth modification. Points similar to those described above in the embodiments and modifications 1 to 4 will be omitted from explanation and illustration as appropriate.

[0360] As shown in Figure 13, the data supply system 2E according to the fifth modified example includes at least a data processing system 1E. Figure 13 is a diagram showing an overview of the system according to the fifth modified example. The data supply system 2E shown in Figure 13 is the same as the data supply system 2 shown in Figure 1, except that the diagram clearly shows that it includes multiple toilets 210, so the explanation of the similarities is omitted. Note that the configuration shown in Figure 13 is merely an example, and the data supply system 2E may also include a bathroom 220, a washbasin 230, an external data supply device 240, a kitchen 250, a service provider terminal 302, etc.

[0361] The data supply system 2E includes toilets 2101, 2102, 2103, and 2104, etc. When describing toilets 2101, 2102, 2103, and 2104, etc., without specific distinction, they may be referred to simply as "toilet 210." While Figure 13 illustrates four toilets 210, the data supply system 2E is not limited to four toilets; it may include five or more toilets 210, or three or fewer toilets 210.

[0362] For example, toilet 2101 labeled "Toilet #1" in Figure 13, and toilet 2102 labeled "Toilet #2" in Figure 13 are toilets 210 located in the same building Fa (for example, user U's residence). Also, toilet 2103 labeled "Toilet #3" in Figure 13 is a toilet 210 located in a different building Fb (for example, user U's parents' house). Furthermore, toilet 2104 labeled "Toilet #4" in Figure 13 is a toilet 210 located in a different building Fc (for example, user U's workplace building).

[0363] Toilet 2101 collects user usage data related to toilet 2101 using devices such as toilet equipment 2111 and toilet sensor 2121. Toilet 2102 collects user usage data related to toilet 2102 using devices such as toilet equipment 2112 and toilet sensor 2122. Toilet 2103 collects user usage data related to toilet 2103 using devices such as toilet equipment 2113 and toilet sensor 2123. Toilet 2104 collects user usage data related to toilet 2104 using devices such as toilet equipment 2114 and toilet sensor 2124.

[0364] In addition, when describing toilet devices 2111, 2112, 2113, and 2114 without making a specific distinction, they may be referred to as "toilet device 211." Similarly, when describing toilet sensors 2121, 2122, 2123, and 2124 without making a specific distinction, they may be referred to as "toilet sensor 212."

[0365] Each of the multiple toilet devices 211 shown in Figure 13 is the same as the toilet device 211 shown in Figure 1, and each of the multiple toilet sensors 212 shown in Figure 13 is the same as the toilet sensor 212 shown in Figure 1. Thus, each of the multiple toilets 210 shown in Figure 13 has the same configuration as the toilet 210 shown in Figure 1, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0366] The data processing system 1E includes a cloud server 100E. The cloud server 100E has a storage means DBS, a data supply means DS, data processing units DP11, DP12, DP13, etc. The storage means DBS of the cloud server 100E includes a database DB1, etc.

[0367] Database DB1 stores usage data acquired from multiple toilets 210. Note that database DB1 shown in Figure 13 is merely an example, and the storage means DBS may include databases DB2 to DB8, etc. The processing by data processing system 1E (cloud server 100E) is the same as the processing by data processing system 1 (cloud server 100) etc. described above, so the explanation is omitted.

[0368] Furthermore, the embodiments and modifications described above can be combined as appropriate, provided that the processing content is not inconsistent.

[0369] The various types of information, such as usage data, in each of the embodiments and modifications described above may be manually entered by the user. For example, although the embodiments and modifications described above were described as examples of generating information to be displayed based on analysis processing, the information to be displayed may also be manually entered by the user. For example, if information about stool is to be manually entered by the user, the user may visually or olfactorily confirm the excrement, such as feces, after defecating, and then enter the information about the stool by operating the user terminal 300 or the like.

[0370] 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.

[0371] The embodiments and modifications described above may also have the following configurations, but are not limited to them. (1) A connection means that enables multiple plumbing fixtures to communicate via a predetermined network, A first storage means for storing first usage data obtained from a first plumbing fixture included in the plurality of plumbing fixtures, A second storage means for storing second usage data obtained from a second plumbing fixture included in the plurality of plumbing fixtures, A data supply means that supplies the provision data to each of a plurality of data processing units that provide services using provision data based on at least one of the first usage data and the second usage data stored in the first storage means or the second storage means, based on conditions relating to the provision of data to each of the plurality of data processing units, A data processing system characterized by comprising the following features. (2) The aforementioned plurality of data processing units include a first data processing unit and a second data processing unit, each providing a different type of service. The data supply means supplies first data to be used by the first data processing unit for the service to the first data processing unit based on first conditions relating to data provision to the first data processing unit, and supplies second data to be used by the second data processing unit for the service to the second data processing unit based on second conditions relating to data provision to the second data processing unit. The first data processing unit provides services related to the user's health status corresponding to the first data using the first data provided, and the second data processing unit provides services related to the user's health status corresponding to the second data provided using the second data provided. The data processing system according to (1), characterized in that (3) The first plumbing equipment that acquires the first usage data and the second plumbing equipment that acquires the second usage data are all plumbing fixtures that have the following characteristics: The aforementioned plurality of data processing units include a first data processing unit and a second data processing unit, each providing a different type of service. The data supply means supplies first data to be used by the first data processing unit for the service to the first data processing unit based on first conditions relating to data provision to the first data processing unit, and supplies second data to be used by the second data processing unit for the service to the second data processing unit based on second conditions relating to data provision to the second data processing unit. The first data processing unit provides services related to the user's health status corresponding to the first data using the first data provided, and the second data processing unit provides services related to the user's health status corresponding to the second data provided using the second data provided. The data processing system according to (1) or (2), characterized in that (4) The aforementioned plurality of data processing units include a first data processing unit and a second data processing unit, each providing a different type of service. The first plumbing fixture and the second plumbing fixture are any two fixtures selected from a toilet, bathroom, washbasin, or kitchen. A data processing system according to any one of (1) to (3), characterized in that... (5) An identification information management means for storing identification information of users who use the aforementioned plumbing equipment, Equipped with, The first and second storage means store the usage data obtained from the plumbing equipment in association with the identification information of the user using the plumbing equipment. A data processing system according to any one of (1) to (4), characterized in that (6) Of the plurality of data processing units, the first data processing unit generates health-related data concerning the user's health status using data for provision based on at least one of the first or second usage data during a predetermined period. Of the aforementioned plurality of data processing units, the second data processing unit provides recommendation data regarding nutrition, sleep, or exercise based on the health-related data generated by the first data processing unit. A data processing system according to any one of (1) to (5), characterized in that (7) At least one of the plurality of data processing units provides recommendation data related to nutrition, sleep, or exercise using provision data based on at least one of the first or second usage data during a predetermined period. A data processing system according to any one of (1) to (6), characterized in that (8) The data supply means retrieves one or more usage data from the acquired usage data within a predetermined time from the first storage means or the second storage means, and supplies the data to be provided based on the acquired usage data to the data processing unit. A data processing system according to any one of (1) to (7), characterized in that (9) The data supply means supplies the data processing unit with data for provision based on usage data obtained by removing defective data from usage data stored in the first storage means or the second storage means based on predetermined criteria. A data processing system according to any one of (1) to (8), characterized in that (10) An identification information management means for storing identification information of users who use the aforementioned plumbing equipment, A data output means that outputs data based on the usage data to the user terminal owned by the user, based on the user's identification information, A data processing system according to any one of (1) to (9), characterized by comprising the following: (11) A personal information management means for managing the personal information of users who use the aforementioned plumbing equipment, Equipped with, The user identification information managed by the identification information management means is information associated with the user's personal information managed by the personal information management means. The data output means outputs data based on the usage data based on the personal authentication result, which is an authentication of whether or not the user's identification information is associated with the user's personal information managed by the personal information management means. The data processing system according to (10), characterized in that (12) A data collection means that collects data for external output from the first storage means or the second storage means based on predetermined data collection conditions, An external output means that outputs the data for external output collected by the data collection means to a predetermined destination, A data processing system according to any one of (1) to (11), characterized by comprising the following: (13) A connection means that enables plumbing fixtures to communicate via a predetermined network, A storage means for storing usage data acquired from the aforementioned plumbing equipment, A data supply means provides the data to a data processing unit that provides services using the data to be provided based on the usage data stored in the storage means, based on the conditions for providing data to the data processing unit. A data processing system characterized by comprising the following features. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0372] 1. Data Processing System 2. Data Supply System 100 Cloud Servers 101 Communications Department 102 Storage section 103 Control Unit 107 Acquisition Department 108 Supply section 109 Processing Unit 210 Toilets 220 Bathroom 230 Washbasin 240 External data provision device 300 user terminals 301 User-related terminals 400 External destination device

Claims

1. A connection means that enables multiple plumbing fixtures to communicate via a predetermined network, A first storage means for storing first usage data obtained from a first plumbing fixture included in the plurality of plumbing fixtures, A second storage means for storing second usage data obtained from a second plumbing fixture included in the plurality of plumbing fixtures, A data supply means that supplies the provision data to each of a plurality of data processing units that provide services using provision data based on at least one of the first usage data and the second usage data stored in the first storage means or the second storage means, based on conditions relating to the provision of data to each of the plurality of data processing units, A data processing system characterized by comprising the following features.

2. The aforementioned plurality of data processing units include a first data processing unit and a second data processing unit, each providing a different type of service. The data supply means supplies first data for use by the first data processing unit for the service to the first data processing unit based on first conditions relating to data provision to the first data processing unit, and supplies second data for use by the second data processing unit for the service to the second data processing unit based on second conditions relating to data provision to the second data processing unit. The first data processing unit provides services related to the user's health status corresponding to the first data using the first data provided, and the second data processing unit provides services related to the user's health status corresponding to the second data provided using the second data provided. The data processing system according to feature 1.

3. The first plumbing equipment that acquires the first usage data and the second plumbing equipment that acquires the second usage data are all plumbing fixtures that have the following characteristics: The aforementioned plurality of data processing units include a first data processing unit and a second data processing unit, each providing a different type of service. The data supply means supplies first data for use by the first data processing unit for the service to the first data processing unit based on first conditions relating to data provision to the first data processing unit, and supplies second data for use by the second data processing unit for the service to the second data processing unit based on second conditions relating to data provision to the second data processing unit. The first data processing unit provides services related to the user's health status corresponding to the first data using the first data provided, and the second data processing unit provides services related to the user's health status corresponding to the second data provided using the second data provided. The data processing system according to feature 1.

4. The aforementioned plurality of data processing units include a first data processing unit and a second data processing unit, each providing a different type of service. The first plumbing fixture and the second plumbing fixture are any two fixtures selected from a toilet, bathroom, washbasin, or kitchen. The data processing system according to feature 1.

5. An identification information management means for storing identification information of users who use the aforementioned plumbing equipment, Equipped with, The first storage means and the second storage means store the usage data obtained from the plumbing equipment and the identification information of the user using the plumbing equipment in association with each other. The data processing system according to feature 1.

6. Of the plurality of data processing units, the first data processing unit generates health-related data concerning the user's health status using data for provision based on at least one of the first or second usage data during a predetermined period. Of the aforementioned plurality of data processing units, the second data processing unit provides recommendation data regarding nutrition, sleep, or exercise based on the health-related data generated by the first data processing unit. The data processing system according to feature 1.

7. At least one of the plurality of data processing units provides recommendation data related to nutrition, sleep, or exercise using provision data based on at least one of the first or second usage data during a predetermined period. The data processing system according to feature 1.

8. The data supply means retrieves one or more usage data from the acquired usage data within a predetermined time from the first storage means or the second storage means, and supplies the data to be provided based on the acquired usage data to the data processing unit. The data processing system according to feature 1.

9. The data supply means supplies the data processing unit with data for provision based on usage data obtained by removing defective data from usage data stored in the first storage means or the second storage means based on predetermined criteria. The data processing system according to feature 1.

10. An identification information management means for storing identification information of users who use the aforementioned plumbing equipment, A data output means that outputs data based on the usage data to the user terminal owned by the user, based on the user's identification information, The data processing system according to claim 1, characterized by comprising the following:

11. A personal information management means for managing the personal information of users who use the aforementioned plumbing equipment, Equipped with, The user identification information managed by the identification information management means is information associated with the user's personal information managed by the personal information management means. The data output means outputs data based on the usage data based on the personal authentication result, which is an authentication of whether or not the user's identification information is associated with the user's personal information managed by the personal information management means. The data processing system according to claim 10.

12. A data collection means that collects data for external output from the first storage means or the second storage means based on predetermined data collection conditions, An external output means that outputs the data for external output collected by the data collection means to a predetermined destination, The data processing system according to claim 1, characterized by comprising the following:

13. A connection means that enables plumbing fixtures to communicate via a predetermined network, A storage means for storing usage data acquired from the aforementioned plumbing equipment, A data supply means provides the data to a data processing unit that provides services using the data to be provided based on the usage data stored in the storage means, based on the conditions for providing data to the data processing unit. A data processing system characterized by comprising the following features.

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