Information gathering device

Abstract

The present invention provides an information collection device that can be attached to any toilet or toilet seat already on the market, and that can collect information about excrement, including details about defecation at the outlet. [Solution] The information gathering device comprises an information gathering unit that collects information on excrement in the toilet bowl, and a housing on which the information gathering unit is installed. The information gathering device comprises a bridging component that is partially placed on the upper surface of the rim of the toilet bowl and bridges the inside and outside of the rim by sandwiching the rim, and a mounting fixture that is attached to the end of the bridging component in the direction toward the inside of the rim and to which the housing is attached. The information gathering device comprises a changing mechanism that changes the distance from the end to the housing in the direction along the inner wall that forms the inside of the rim.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an information collection device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a toilet seat disposed above a toilet bowl, an image sensor provided on the back surface of the toilet seat for imaging the internal space of the toilet bowl during excretion, and a reflection prevention unit for preventing a human body from being reflected in the target image imaged by the image sensor. Patent Document 1 also describes a technique for controlling the imaging of the internal space of the toilet bowl with an image sensor in conjunction with a seating sensor such as a load sensor that detects when a user sits on the toilet seat, and imaging the internal space of the toilet bowl with the image sensor when seating is detected.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the toilet seat device described in Patent Document 1 is a device in which an image sensor and a lighting unit for photographing excrement are fixed to the back surface of the toilet seat, and depending on the arrangement interval of the convex portions of the elastic member that is on the back surface of the toilet seat and contacts the upper surface of the edge of the toilet bowl, the same image sensor and lighting unit may not be able to be attached. This is because this arrangement interval varies depending on the type of toilet seat in circulation, and depending on the arrangement interval, the image sensor and the lighting unit may interfere with the convex portions. Therefore, in the toilet seat device described in Patent Document 1, it was necessary to develop dedicated products for each type of toilet bowl and toilet seat that were already in circulation for photographing excrement.

[0005] Furthermore, in order to recognize the excrement all the way to the outlet where the feces are expelled, it would be necessary to install the device behind the toilet. However, with the toilet seat device described in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to install it in such a position, making it difficult to photograph the excrement all the way to the outlet where the feces are expelled.

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an information collection device and a method for installing the device that can be attached to any toilet and toilet seat already on the market, and that can collect information about excrement, including information about defecation at the outlet. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An information gathering device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a seating sensor that detects when a user of a toilet bowl sits on a toilet seat placed on the upper surface of the rim of the toilet bowl, and an information gathering unit that collects information on excrement in the toilet bowl. The information gathering device includes a housing in which the information gathering unit and the seating sensor are disposed, and a bridging component that is partially placed on the upper surface of the rim of the toilet bowl, sandwiching the rim and bridging the inside of the rim and the outside of the rim. The information gathering device includes a mounting fixture attached to the inner end of the bridging component in the direction of the rim and to which the housing is attached, and a changing mechanism that changes the distance from the end to the housing in the direction along the inner wall forming the inside of the rim.

[0008] A device mounting method according to a second aspect of the present disclosure comprises the step of placing a part of a bridging component on the upper surface of the rim of a toilet bowl, thereby bridging the inside and outside of the rim by sandwiching the rim with the bridging component. The device mounting method comprises the step of attaching a mounting fixture to the inner end of the bridging component in the direction of the rim. The device mounting method comprises the step of attaching a housing, which is provided with a seating sensor that detects when a user of the toilet bowl sits on a toilet seat placed on the upper surface of the rim, and an information collection unit that collects information on excrement in the toilet bowl, to the mounting fixture. The device mounting method comprises the step of changing the distance from the end to the housing in the direction along the inner wall forming the inside of the rim using a changing mechanism. The changing mechanism is a mechanism that fixes the bridging component and the mounting fixture, and fixes the housing and the mounting fixture. The changing mechanism is a mechanism that changes the distance by using a mounting fixture selected from a plurality of mounting fixtures with different lengths in the direction along the inner wall as the mounting fixture to be fixed.

[0009] A device mounting method according to a third aspect of the present disclosure comprises the steps of: placing a part of a bridging component on the upper surface of the rim of a toilet bowl, thereby bridging the inside and outside of the rim by sandwiching the rim with the bridging component; and attaching a mounting fixture to the end of the bridging component in the direction toward the inside of the rim. The device mounting method comprises the step of attaching a housing, which is provided with a seating sensor that detects when a user of the toilet bowl sits on a toilet seat placed on the upper surface of the rim, and an information collection unit that collects information on excrement in the toilet bowl, to the mounting fixture. The device mounting method comprises the step of changing the distance from the end to the housing in the direction toward the inner wall forming the inside of the rim using a changing mechanism. The changing mechanism is a sliding mechanism that slides the position of the housing relative to the end in the direction toward the inner wall.

[0010] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for mounting a device, comprising the step of placing a part of a bridging component on the upper surface of the rim of a toilet bowl, thereby bridging the inside and outside of the rim by sandwiching the rim with the bridging component. The method for mounting the device further comprises the step of attaching a mounting fixture to the inner end of the bridging component in the direction of the rim. The method for mounting the device further comprises the step of attaching a housing, which comprises a seating sensor that detects when a user of the toilet bowl sits on a toilet seat placed on the upper surface of the rim, and an information collection unit that collects information on excrement in the toilet bowl, to the mounting fixture. The method for mounting the device further comprises the step of changing the distance from the end to the housing in the direction along the inner wall forming the inside of the rim using a modification mechanism. The modification mechanism is an extension / retraction mechanism provided on the mounting fixture that extends or retracts the length in the direction along the inner wall. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] This disclosure provides an information collection device and a method for installing the device that can be attached to any toilet or toilet seat already on the market, and that can collect information about excrement, including details about defecation at the outlet. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a top view showing an example configuration of a toilet equipped with an information gathering device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example configuration of a toilet bowl including the lid and water tank. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a mounting fixture in the information gathering device. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a side view showing an example of a mounting fixture in the information gathering device. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing how the information gathering device is installed in the toilet. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing how the information gathering device is installed in the toilet. [Figure 7]It is a perspective view showing the state of installation of the information collection device in FIG. 1 on the toilet bowl. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view showing the state of installation of the information collection device in FIG. 1 on the toilet bowl. [Figure 9] It is a top view showing a configuration example of the information collection device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 10] It is a top view showing a configuration example of the information collection device according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 11] It is a side view showing a configuration example of a toilet bowl installed with the information collection device according to Embodiment 4.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments, the same or equivalent elements may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0014] <Embodiment 1> Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a top view showing a configuration example of a toilet bowl installed with the information collection device according to Embodiment 1, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration example in which a lid portion and a water supply tank are added to the toilet bowl of FIG. 1.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the information collection device 10 according to the present embodiment is installed on the toilet bowl 1 of the toilet, and can include a housing 21, a seating sensor 22, an information collection unit 24, a fixture 30, a bridging component (bridging member) 40, and a control unit (not shown). This control unit can control the seating sensor 22 and the information collection unit 24.

[0016] The toilet bowl 1 can be provided with an edge portion 1c for forming a water-stagnant portion 1d between it and its side surface, and can also be provided with a flat portion 1b continuous from the edge portion 1c. A toilet seat 2 can be installed on this flat portion 1b. For example, on the flat portion 1b, a mounting portion 1e in the form of a recess or a hole for attaching the toilet seat 2 is formed, and the toilet seat 2 is provided with a convex portion having a shape that fits into the mounting portion 1e. Alternatively, the toilet seat 2 and the toilet bowl 1 can be attached via a rod-shaped member having a shape that fits into the mounting portion 1e. As shown in FIG. 2, the toilet bowl 1 may be provided with a water supply tank 1f.

[0017] The toilet seat 2 can be attached to the flat portion 1b in this way. The toilet seat 2 can include a mounting portion 2a attached to a position corresponding to the flat portion 1b, and a toilet seat main body 2b attached to the mounting portion 2a with a hinge so as to be able to contact or separate from the upper surface of the edge portion 1c of the toilet bowl 1. Further, the toilet seat 2 can be provided with a convex portion 2c attached to the back surface (the surface on the back side of the seating surface) of the toilet seat main body 2b. That is, the toilet seat 2 can be installed so as to be openable and closable such that it contacts the upper surface of the edge portion 1c and the convex portion 2c when the user uses the toilet seat 2. Note that the toilet bowl 1 and the toilet seat 2 are not limited to those shown in the drawings, and their shapes are not limited. Also, the shape of the toilet seat 2 that can be installed on the toilet bowl 1 is not limited to one, and can be appropriately selected and installed by the installer. The convex portion 2c can be configured to include an elastic member such as rubber, and may be referred to as a rubber foot or the like. As shown in FIG. 2, the toilet seat 2 can be provided with a lid portion 2f, and the lid portion 2f can be attached to the toilet seat main body 2b so as to be openable and closable.

[0018] The housing 21 is a housing for disposing the seating sensor 22 and the information collection unit 24 by incorporating the whole or a part other than the sensor surface of the seating sensor 22 and the information collection unit 24, and a mounting portion 23 for placing on the upper surface of the edge portion 1c of the toilet bowl 1 can also be disposed. Since the housing 21 is a housing disposed inside the toilet bowl 1, it will be referred to as the inner housing 21 hereinafter. Also, the inner housing 21 can be provided with a lighting unit such as an LED (light emitting diode) for illuminating the excrement to be collected by the information collection unit 24.

[0019] The sensor box (sensor unit) 20 is comprised of at least an inner housing 21, a seating sensor 22, and an information collection unit 24. Since the sensor box 20 is equipped with an information collection unit 24 that collects information on the excrement of the person being cared for (excretion information), it can also be called an excretion detection unit (excretion information collection unit), a sanitary sensor (sanitary use record sensor), or a toilet sensor. The information collection device 10 itself may also be called a sanitary sensor or a toilet sensor.

[0020] The seating sensor 22 detects when a user of the toilet bowl 1 sits on the toilet seat 2 which is placed on the upper surface of the rim 1c of the toilet bowl 1. The following explanation assumes that the seating sensor 22 is a distance sensor, but for example, it could also be a weight sensor placed on the mounting part 23 between the underside of the toilet seat 2 and the upper surface of the rim 1c of the toilet bowl 1.

[0021] The seat sensor 22 can be a distance sensor and measures the distance to an object located in the direction of the inside of the toilet seat 2. The measurement can be performed at least when the toilet seat 2 installed on the toilet bowl 1 is placed on the upper surface of the rim 1c of the toilet bowl 1. The distance sensor can be, for example, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or an optical sensor. If an optical sensor is used as the distance sensor, the transmitting and receiving elements should be arranged so that light (not limited to visible light) can be transmitted and received through a hole provided in the inner housing 21. The transmitting and receiving elements here may be configured as separate transmitting and receiving elements, or they may be integrated.

[0022] The object measured by the distance sensor will be the user's buttocks. Of course, if the user is not using the toilet, there will be no object to measure, or it will be a distant wall or ceiling. The distance measurement method used in the distance sensor is not limited to optical distance sensors. Furthermore, the distance sensor can also be referred to as a distance measuring sensor. Additionally, a switch that detects (or activates the seating sensor 22 upon detection) that the toilet seat 2 is placed on the upper surface of the rim 1c by pressure from the underside of the toilet seat 2 may be provided in the inner housing 21 where the distance sensor is installed.

[0023] The information gathering unit 24 collects information about the excrement in the toilet bowl 1. The information gathering unit 24 can be, for example, an imaging device that collects information about the contents of the excrement, such as its shape and color, through an optical lens, or a distance sensor that optically measures distance. Figure 2 shows an example in which the information gathering unit 24 is a camera positioned in the inner housing 21 facing the direction from which the excrement is excreted. Excretion information can be information indicating the contents of the excrement, and in a simpler example, it can be information indicating whether the excrement is feces or urine. Excretion information can also include other information, such as information indicating the color of the excrement, and if it is a solid, its shape. The information gathering unit 24 may simply be configured to detect and collect whether or not excretion has occurred as information about the excrement.

[0024] The information collection unit 24 can collect data from an area including the water-filled portion of the toilet bowl (the excretion area), which can also be called the planned excretion area. By positioning the information collection unit 24 to include such an excretion area in its imaging range, the captured imaging data will include excrement and other waste as subjects. The information collection unit 24 is positioned so that it can collect data from the water-filled portion of the toilet bowl 1 (the area where excrement is excreted), for example, by exposing the information collection surface of the information collection unit 24 through an opening in the inner housing 21. The information collection surface refers to, for example, the lens surface in the case of a camera, or the detection surface in the case of a sensor. Of course, it is preferable that the excretion area is an area in which the user is not captured, and it is also preferable that the information collection unit 24 is positioned so that the lens and other components are not visible to the user.

[0025] By including the information gathering unit 24, information about the excrement excreted by the user can be collected without the need to interview the toilet user. The seat sensor 22 also collects information indicating the seated state, so it can also be included as part of the information gathering unit.

[0026] Furthermore, Figures 1 and 2 show an example where the control unit is located outside the sensor box 20 and connected to a cord 26 that is routed out from the inner housing 21. The cord 26 is routed through an area of ​​the toilet seat body 2b where there are no protrusions 2c, and is brought out to the outside of the toilet bowl 1. Wireless communication can also be used instead of the cord 26.

[0027] The control unit described above is connected to the seat sensor 22 and the information collection unit 24 by wired or wireless communication and controls the seat sensor 22 and the information collection unit 24. This control unit can be installed in the inner housing 21, that is, in the sensor box 20, but it can also be installed in the outer housing 43 or other outer housing provided to be placed outside the toilet bowl 1.

[0028] The control unit described above can be implemented, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), working memory, and a non-volatile storage device that stores the program. This program can be, for example, a program that causes the CPU to execute processes such as determining whether a person is seated or unseated, and collecting excretion information. Alternatively, the control unit described above can also be implemented by an integrated circuit (Integrated Circuit).

[0029] The mounting bracket 30 and the bridge component 40 are parts used to attach the inner housing 21 to the toilet bowl 1. The mounting bracket 30 may be made of metal, i.e., a metal fitting, but the material is not specified. Similarly, the material of the bridge component 40 is also not specified.

[0030] The bridging component 40 is a component that rests on the upper surface of the rim 1c of the toilet bowl 1, sandwiching the rim 1c and bridging the inside and outside of the rim 1c, and can be, for example, a clamping mechanism. The mounting bracket 30 is attached to the inner end 41 of the bridging component 40 on the rim 1c and is a component for attaching the inner housing 21. The inner housing 21 can be attached to the toilet bowl 1 by the bridging component 40 and the mounting bracket 30.

[0031] Furthermore, the information gathering device 10 according to this embodiment includes a changing mechanism that changes the distance from the end portion 41 to the inner housing 21 in the direction along the inner wall forming the inside of the edge portion 1c. This distance may be defined as the distance along the surface of the inner wall, whether it is a curved surface (i.e., an elliptical toilet) or a flat surface (a rectangular toilet), or it may be defined as a straight-line distance.

[0032] In this embodiment, the following modification mechanism will be described as an example of the above modification mechanism. In other words, the above modification mechanism is a mechanism for fixing the bridge component 40 and the mounting fixture 30, and for fixing the inner housing 21 and the mounting fixture 30. Furthermore, the above modification mechanism is a mechanism for changing the above distance by using a mounting fixture selected from a plurality of mounting fixtures with different lengths in the direction along the inner wall as the mounting fixture 30 to be fixed. That is, the modification mechanism changes the above distance by selecting a mounting fixture of a length that matches the toilet bowl 1 and toilet seat 2 from among the mounting fixtures of a plurality of lengths and attaching it.

[0033] Here, with reference to Figures 3 and 4, an example of the mounting fixture 30 and bridge component 40 that constitute the modification mechanism applicable to the information acquisition device 10 will be described. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the mounting fixture 30 and bridge component 40 in the information acquisition device 10 of Figure 1. Figure 4 is a side view showing an example of the mounting fixture 30 and bridge component 40 in the information acquisition device 10.

[0034] The bridge component 40 can be a fitting for fixing the sensor box 20 to the rim 1c of the toilet bowl 1, and as shown in the upper and lower figures of Figure 3, it can comprise a tip portion 41, a bridge portion 42, and an outer housing 43. The outer housing 43 is provided with a handle (a dial-type knob 43f, described later), and by turning this handle, it clamps onto the rim 1c of the toilet bowl 1 to secure it. An example of this clamping mechanism for securing will be described later with reference to Figure 4. In addition, the tip portion 41 is provided with a fixing portion 41b for fixing the mounting fixture 30a with screws or the like, as shown in the upper figure of Figure 3, and as shown in the lower figure of Figure 3, it is also possible to fix mounting fixtures 30b of different lengths with screws or the like to this fixing portion 41b.

[0035] The mounting bracket 30 can be, for example, a plate-shaped or rod-shaped member, with one end attached to the tip 41 of the bridge component 40 and the other end attached to the inner housing 21. The longitudinal shape of the mounting bracket 30 can be similar to the shape of the inside of the rim 1c of the toilet bowl 1 (rounded in the example of Figure 1). In other words, the mounting bracket 30 has an extension that follows the shape of the inner wall forming the inside of the rim 1c, and the inner housing 21 can be attached to the tip of this extension.

[0036] In this embodiment, two or more mounting brackets 30 are provided. Here, mounting bracket 30a is described as the long type and mounting bracket 30b as the short type, but it is also possible to prepare three or more types of mounting brackets 30 in advance. Both mounting brackets 30a and 30b are attachments for connecting the sensor box 20 and the bridge component 40. The installer can select either the long type mounting bracket 30a or the short type mounting bracket 30b and use the selected mounting bracket to connect the sensor box 20 and the bridge component 40.

[0037] The mounting bracket 30a is provided with fixing parts 30aa, such as holes, for fixing the bridge component 40 at its end 41, and also with fixing parts 30ab, such as holes, for fixing the inner housing 21. On the other hand, the shorter type mounting bracket 30b is provided with fixing parts 30bb, such as holes, for simultaneously fixing the end 41 of the bridge component 40 and the inner housing 21.

[0038] An example of a fixing clamp mechanism in bridge component 40 will be described. As shown in Figure 4, the fixing clamp mechanism may include a connecting member such as an L-shaped bent connecting plate, a sliding member 43c for clamping the rim 1c of the toilet bowl 1 between itself and the tip portion 41, and a storage portion 43d for sliding the sliding member 43c horizontally. The tip portion 41 and the bridge portion 42 can be formed by bending the connecting member such as a connecting plate into an L-shape. The tip portion 41 serves as a component for hooking onto the rim 1c of the toilet bowl 1. The outer housing 43 comprises a housing body 43a, which also serves as a cover to protect fixing clamp mechanisms such as fixing brackets. The end of the bridge portion 42 opposite to the tip portion 41 is fixed to the housing body 43a.

[0039] Furthermore, the fixing clamp mechanism can be provided with one or more slide grooves 43e in the storage section 43d so that the slide member 43c can move horizontally between the upper and lower diagrams of Figure 4. The fixing clamp mechanism also includes a dial-type knob 43f that is rotatable around the sliding direction for adjusting and fixing the amount of movement. By using the dial-type knob 43f, adjustment can be made simply by turning the dial with light force, eliminating the need for tools and allowing for easy attachment and detachment. Additionally, using a torque-limiter-equipped knob as the dial-type knob 43f makes it easy to confirm proper installation. However, instead of the dial-type knob 43f, an adjustment knob and a fixing member can also be provided.

[0040] Furthermore, an elastic member 43g can be provided on the toilet bowl 1 side (tip 41 side) of the sliding member 43c for gripping the edge 1c, and an elastic member 41a can also be provided on the housing body 43a side of the tip 41 for gripping the edge 1c. The shape and material of the elastic members 43g and 41a should be such that they firmly grip the edge 1c and do not shift at the contact point with the edge 1c. Also, the distance between them should be such that the maximum length expected for the edge 1c is secured when the sliding member 43c is fully stored in the storage section 43d (the state shown in the lower diagram of Figure 4).

[0041] The bridging section 42 is a part that bridges the inside and outside of the rim 1c by resting at least a portion of it on the upper surface of the rim 1c of the toilet bowl 1 and sandwiching the rim 1c. The bridging section 42 connects the tip section 41 and the outer housing 43 and is the part that rests on the upper surface of the rim 1c, and can also be called a transverse section or bridge. In this way, the bridging component 40 is fixed to the rim 1c at the tip section 41 and the outer housing 43 by adjusting the distance between it and the inside of the rim 1c via the bridging section 42 and sandwiching it. This allows the bridging component 40 to accommodate the width of the rim 1c.

[0042] Furthermore, Figure 4 shows an example in which the mounting bracket 30 (mounting bracket 30a or 30b in this example) is fixed to the opposite side of the tip portion 41 from the housing body 43a, but the mounting bracket 30 can also be fixed between the tip portion 41 and the elastic member 41a. In other words, the tip portion 41 should be structured to which the mounting bracket 30 to which the inner housing 21 is attached can be attached.

[0043] This allows the inner housing 21 of the information gathering device 10 to be securely fixed and installed, regardless of the shape of the toilet bowl 1, such as the shape of the rim 1c. While the example shown for the fixing clamp mechanism has its main components mounted on the outer housing 43, any mechanism capable of such fixing is acceptable, regardless of its shape or components. Furthermore, while Figure 4 shows an example using a C-type clamp as the fixing clamp mechanism, this is not the only option.

[0044] Furthermore, by employing such a fixing clamp mechanism, the device can be made smaller, have fewer grooves, and be easier to wipe clean, thus reducing cleaning time. In addition, while it is desirable for the fixing clamp mechanism to be made of metal, except for the elastic members 43g and 41a, from the standpoint of strength, the storage section 43d and / or the sliding member 43c can also be made of other materials such as resin.

[0045] As can be seen from the above explanation, the attachment / detachment of the information gathering device 10, mainly the inner housing 21, to the toilet bowl 1 can be performed by rotating the dial-type knob 43f clockwise / counterclockwise. When attaching, the mounting fixture 30 is attached to the tip 41, and from the state shown in the lower part of Figure 4, the tip 41 of the bridge section 42 (actually the elastic member 41a) is hooked onto the rim 1c of the toilet bowl 1, and then the dial-type knob 43f is rotated counterclockwise to fix it in place. This allows the distance between the sliding member 43c and the tip 41 to be reduced and the device to be installed as shown in the upper part of Figure 4. The attachment of the mounting fixture 30 to the inner housing 21 may be performed prior to this, or after fixing by the above rotation. When removing, the fixing of the structure is released by rotating the dial-type knob 43f clockwise to release the fixation, and the device can be removed as shown in the lower part of Figure 4. In particular, by using a knob with a torque limiter as the dial-type knob 43f, it is possible to easily confirm that the attachment and detachment are performed correctly.

[0046] As described above, by providing such a fixing clamp mechanism, the information collection device 10 can be easily installed and removed from a wide variety of toilets 1 available on the market without the use of tools or the replacement of the toilet bowl with a specially designed one. Furthermore, by rotating the dial-type knob 43f, the toilet bowl 1 and sensor box 20 can be easily attached and removed with a large force, even with little force required for opening and closing. In addition, there is no need to add a device series for each type of toilet bowl, and the device vendor can reduce its management costs. Moreover, by providing the fixing clamp mechanism described above, the device can be easily removed and reinstalled, for example, when cleaning the toilet bowl 1. Furthermore, by providing the fixing clamp mechanism described above, even cleaning staff wearing gloves can easily remove and reinstall the device, improving the efficiency of cleaning work.

[0047] Furthermore, while some toilets have handrails next to the toilet bowl, the information gathering device 10 can be installed on such toilets without particularly reducing the width of the outer casing 43. Also, for example, a control box equipped with the above-mentioned control unit can be placed separately on the rear side of the toilet bowl 1, so the components attached to the toilet bowl 1 do not need to be particularly thin when installing.

[0048] Furthermore, the example of the bridge component 40 is not limited to this, and could be, for example, a clamping mechanism installed between the side of the toilet bowl 1 and the part corresponding to the outer housing 43. This clamping mechanism can be a mechanism that contacts the side of the toilet bowl 1 and the toilet bowl 1 side of the part corresponding to the outer housing 43, and adjusts the length between them.

[0049] Next, an example of how to install the information gathering device 10 using the mounting bracket 30 and bridge component 40 will be described, with reference to Figures 5 to 8. Figures 5 to 8 are perspective views showing the installation of the information gathering device 10 on the toilet bowl 1.

[0050] The device mounting method according to this embodiment comprises the following bridging step, first mounting step, second mounting step, and modification step.

[0051] The bridging step involves placing a portion of the bridging component 40 on the upper surface of the rim 1c of the toilet bowl 1, thereby bridging the inside and outside of the rim 1c by sandwiching the rim 1c with the bridging component 40. The first mounting step involves attaching the mounting fixture 30 to the end portion 41 of the bridging component 40 that faces inward towards the rim 1c. The second mounting step involves attaching the inner housing 21, which houses the seating sensor 22 and the information collection unit 24, to the mounting fixture 30. The modification step involves changing the distance from the end portion 41 to the inner housing 21 in the direction along the inner wall that forms the inside of the rim 1c, using the modification mechanism described above (i.e., by selecting the mounting fixture 30 to be used).

[0052] The order of these steps is irrelevant, except that the modification step is performed before the first mounting step and before the second mounting step during the final installation. Note that the modification step may not be performed if the appropriate mounting fixture 30 was originally selected.

[0053] Let's look at a specific example of the order of these steps. First, as shown in Figure 5, with the sensor box 20 and bridge component 40 fixed together with the mounting bracket 30a, the bridge component 40 is attached to the toilet bowl 1 so that the sensor box 20 is positioned at the rear inside the toilet bowl 1 (see the white arrow in Figure 5). Next, as shown in Figure 6, after attachment, the handle (dial-type knob 43f) of the bridge component 40 is turned to narrow the usable width of the bridge section 42 and clamp it onto the rim 1c of the toilet bowl 1 to secure it.

[0054] As shown in Figure 7, when attaching the sensor box 20 to the toilet bowl 1, if the protrusion 2c of the toilet seat 2 interferes with the bridge component 40, there is a risk of damaging the toilet seat and the bridge component 40, making attachment impossible. It is possible to attach the bridge component 40 by shifting it, but if it is shifted by more than 2 cm, for example, the sensor box 20 will be removed from its optimal fixed position, making accurate detection of excrement impossible.

[0055] To avoid this, as shown in Figure 8, mounting bracket 30b is used instead of mounting bracket 30a by attaching it to the inner housing 21 and the bridge component 40. This makes it possible to fix the sensor box 20 in the optimal position without interfering with the protrusion 2c of the toilet seat 2.

[0056] In this way, by connecting the sensor box 20 and the bridge component 40 with one of the mounting brackets 30a or 30b, the sensor box 20 can be mounted in the correct position without interfering with the protrusion 1c (rubber foot portion) of the toilet seat 1. Furthermore, by installing the sensor box 20 in the optimal position (a position where information on excrement, including defecation at the outlet, can be collected), accurate excrement detection and seating detection can be performed. In addition, by making the mounting bracket 30 changeable, it can be compatible with various toilet seats from major manufacturers on the market.

[0057] As described above, the information collection device 10 according to this embodiment can be attached to any toilet and toilet seat that is already on the market, and can collect information about excrement, including information about defecation at the outlet. In other words, the information collection device 10 according to this embodiment has a structure that allows it to be attached while adjusting the distance regardless of the shape of the toilet 1, so it is possible to install the sensor box 20 in the optimal position for toilets of various shapes. For example, according to this embodiment, the sensor box 20 can be installed in the optimal position regardless of the environment of the toilet in the home of a person requiring care. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the sensor box 20 can be attached in the optimal position for toilets of various shapes without the need to increase the number of types of information collection devices with different shapes, and the management and manufacturing costs of the information collection device 10 can be reduced.

[0058] Furthermore, the mounting bracket 30 can be a component that mounts the inner housing 21 so that it is positioned inside the edge 1c and vertically below the toilet seat 2 when the toilet seat 2 is placed on the upper surface of the edge 1c, as illustrated in Figure 1. In other words, the mounting bracket 30 and the bridging component 40 allow the inner housing 21 to be mounted so that, when viewed from above, the entire or at least the seat sensor 22 is positioned inside the edge 1c and is hidden by the toilet seat 2 placed on the upper surface of the edge 1c. The mounting bracket 30 and the bridging component 40 will have a shape that allows for such mounting of the inner housing 21. In this example, the shape of the inner housing 21 is not limited, but in this example, it should have a shape that maintains the above-described positional relationship with the toilet seat 2 in conjunction with the mounting bracket 30 and the bridging component 40.

[0059] By adopting this arrangement, the seat sensor 22 and the information collection unit 24 are positioned so that they are hidden by the toilet seat 2. In particular, the sensor surface is hidden by the toilet seat 2, making it easier to clean the sensor surface of the seat sensor 22, which is positioned slightly upward. Furthermore, even in this arrangement example, the distance can be changed using a modification mechanism to accommodate various combinations of toilet bowls and toilet seats, which is beneficial.

[0060] Furthermore, this embodiment can be suitably used in the fields of healthcare and medical care, for example, in the placement of structures equipped with functions for detecting excrement and seating on toilet bowls.

[0061] <Embodiment 2> Embodiment 2 will be explained with reference to Figure 9, focusing on the differences from Embodiment 1, but various examples described in Embodiment 1 can be applied. Figure 9 is a top view showing one example configuration of an information gathering device according to Embodiment 2.

[0062] The modification mechanism in this embodiment is a sliding mechanism that slides the position of the inner housing 21 relative to the end portion 41 in a direction along the inner wall forming the inside of the edge portion 1c. As shown by the difference between the upper and lower figures in Figure 9, this sliding mechanism can be configured to allow the position of the inner housing 21 relative to the end portion 41 to slide by inserting and removing a mounting bracket 31 (corresponding to mounting bracket 30) through the end portion 41. Alternatively, although not shown, this sliding mechanism can be configured to slide the inner housing 21 relative to the mounting bracket 31. Furthermore, by configuring the sliding mechanism to be able to lock in multiple positions, it becomes easier to fix the position of the sensor box 20, making it less likely for the sensor box 20 to shift position after installation and preventing a decrease in detection accuracy.

[0063] The device mounting method according to this embodiment comprises the following bridging step, first mounting step, second mounting step, and modification step. The order of these steps is not important.

[0064] The bridging step involves placing a portion of the bridging component 40 on the upper surface of the rim 1c of the toilet bowl 1, thereby bridging the inside and outside of the rim 1c by sandwiching the rim 1c with the bridging component 40. The first mounting step involves attaching a mounting fixture 31 to the end portion 41 of the bridging component 40 that faces inward towards the rim 1c. The second mounting step involves attaching the inner housing 21, which houses the seating sensor 22 and the information gathering unit 24, to the mounting fixture 31. The modification step uses a sliding mechanism to change the distance from the end portion 41 to the inner housing 21, along the inner wall that forms the inside of the rim 1c.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the replacement of the mounting fixture described in Embodiment 1 can also be applied. For example, by preparing multiple mounting fixtures 31 of different lengths, the fixtures can be installed at the appropriate length depending on the length of the mounting fixture 31 and the amount of slide.

[0066] <Embodiment 3> Embodiment 3 will be explained with reference to Figure 10, focusing on the differences from Embodiment 1, but various examples described in Embodiments 1 and 2 can be applied. Figure 10 is a top view showing one example configuration of an information collection device according to Embodiment 3.

[0067] The modification mechanism in this embodiment is an expandable / contractible mechanism provided on the mounting fixture 32. This expandable / contractible mechanism expands or contracts the length in the direction along the inner wall that forms the inside of the edge portion 1c. As shown by the difference between the upper and lower figures of Figure 10, this expandable / contractible mechanism is constructed by two members 32a and 32b to form the mounting fixture 32 (a buildable / contractible version of the mounting fixture 30), and expands or contracts by changing the position of member 32b relative to member 32a. For example, member 32b is constructed in a cylindrical shape, and member 32a is constructed as a cylinder with a smaller diameter than member 32b, so that member 32a can be fitted inside member 32b. This makes it possible to change the length of the mounting fixture 32 by the length to which member 32a is inserted into member 32b.

[0068] Of course, the shape of members 32a and 32b is not limited to cylindrical; any member that can extend and retract as a mounting fixture 32 is acceptable. Furthermore, the mounting fixture 32 can be composed of three or more members. Additionally, by configuring the extension and retraction mechanism to lock at multiple positions, the position of the sensor box 20 can be easily fixed, making it less likely for the sensor box 20 to shift position after installation, thus maintaining detection accuracy.

[0069] The device mounting method according to this embodiment comprises the following bridging step, first mounting step, second mounting step, and modification step. The order of these steps is not important.

[0070] The bridging step involves placing a portion of the bridging component 40 on the upper surface of the rim 1c of the toilet bowl 1, thereby bridging the inside and outside of the rim 1c by sandwiching the rim 1c with the bridging component 40. The first mounting step involves attaching a mounting fixture 32 to the end portion 41 of the bridging component 40 that faces inward towards the rim 1c. The second mounting step involves attaching the inner housing 21, which houses the seating sensor 22 and the information gathering unit 24, to the mounting fixture 32. The modification step involves using an extension mechanism to change the distance from the end portion 41 to the inner housing 21 in the direction along the inner wall that forms the inside of the rim 1c.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the replacement of the mounting fixture described in Embodiment 1 can also be applied. For example, by providing multiple mounting fixtures 32 with different maximum and / or minimum lengths, the mounting fixtures 32 can be installed at an appropriate length depending on their length and extension / retraction amount. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the sliding mechanism described in Embodiment 2 can also be applied. For example, by providing a sliding mechanism as well, the mounting fixtures 32 can be installed at an appropriate length depending on their length and extension / retraction amount.

[0072] <Embodiment 4> Embodiment 4 will be explained with reference to Figure 11, focusing on the differences from Embodiment 1, but various examples described in Embodiments 1 to 3 can be applied. Figure 11 is a side view showing one example configuration of a toilet equipped with the information gathering device according to Embodiment 4.

[0073] The information collection device according to this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as "this device") is an information collection device according to Embodiment 1 that has a function to identify the user and can manage the collected excretion information on a user-by-user basis.

[0074] As shown in Figure 11, this device is installed in a distributed manner on or outside the toilet bowl 1, with the sensor box 20 attached to the rim 1c of the toilet bowl 1 by a mounting bracket 30 and a bridge component 40. This device can further include a control box 60 equipped with a control unit 61 as described above, and a human detection / identification box 70 equipped with an imaging device 71 and a human presence sensor 72. Note that Figure 11 shows an example in which the toilet seat 2 does not have a lid.

[0075] The imaging device 71 is a device that captures images of the toilet user's face, and can be, for example, a camera that takes still images and / or videos. Furthermore, the imaging device 71 is not limited to a visible light camera, but may also be an infrared light camera or the like. The imaging device 71 can, for example, have its lens exposed from the person detection / identification box 70 so that it can capture the toilet user's face, but it is sufficient if it can capture a face.

[0076] The motion sensor 72 can be installed to obtain the timing for activating or taking a picture of the imaging device 71. The motion sensor 72 is a sensor that detects the presence of a person (entry or exit of a room) in a specific area (the measurement area range of the motion sensor 72), and regardless of the detection method, it can employ, for example, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or an optical sensor. The motion sensor 72 can have its detection surface exposed from the person detection / identification box 70 so that it can detect toilet users, but it is sufficient if it can detect a person.

[0077] The information gathering unit 24 inside the sensor box 20 can be a camera, and the imaging device 71 can also be a camera; these will be referred to as the first camera 24 and the second camera 71, respectively.

[0078] The control box 60 can be a housing (part of the outer housing) that houses the control unit 61, and can be connected to the sensor box 20 by cable K1 (code 26) and placed on the side of the side 1a of the toilet bowl 1.

[0079] The control unit 61 controls the seat sensor 22 and the first camera 24 in the sensor box 20, and the second camera 71 and the human presence sensor 72 in the human detection / identification box 70. For example, the control unit 61 can receive the detection result from the human presence sensor 72, instruct the second camera 71 to take images and receive the captured images, and instruct the first camera 24 to collect information on excrement and receive the collected information. The seat sensor 22, the first camera 24, the human presence sensor 72, and the second camera 71 are shown as being connected to the control unit 61 by wire, but they can also be connected by wireless communication. The control box 60 can also be equipped with a CPU for analyzing information from each sensor and a communication unit such as a WiFi (registered trademark; the same applies hereinafter) interface for communicating with a server (not shown).

[0080] The human detection / identification box 70 can be provided as a separate enclosure located outside the outer enclosure, connected to the control unit 61 of the control box 60 by cable K2, and can be placed on the toilet wall W (the wall directly in front when the toilet door is opened). Of course, the shape and arrangement of the control box 60 and the human detection / identification box 70 are not limited to those shown in Figure 11; for example, the control box 60 can be installed behind the toilet bowl 1.

[0081] This device can be configured with a wirelessly connected server (not shown) to form a system. This system can also include a terminal device (not shown) wirelessly connected to the server, which is used by a monitor of toilet users. These connections can be made, for example, within a single wireless LAN (Local Area Network). In this system, the device, server, and terminal device can work together to record excrement, display (notify, etc.) excrement information to the terminal device, and predict excrement. Recording, display, and prediction can be implemented in any configuration, and while details are omitted here, this device can function as a toilet-installed recording, notification, and excrement prediction system, or as a device responsible for collecting such information, and can also be referred to as a toilet sensor. Furthermore, this device can be referred to as a defecation and urination observation device, and if it also stores information, it can be referred to as a defecation and urination observation and recording device.

[0082] When the motion sensor 72 detects a person in a specific area, it transmits the detection result to the control unit 61. The detection result can be transmitted to the server via the WiFi interface by the control unit 61. Furthermore, the control unit 61 can issue a shooting instruction to the second camera 71 upon receiving this detection result.

[0083] The second camera 71 is an example of a camera that captures a user's face image to identify the toilet user and obtains face image data, and can be installed so as to include the user's face in the imaging range. The control unit 61 can also obtain the person detection result from the human presence sensor 72, or the result of user authentication by the server by capturing a face image, and then instruct the seat sensor 22 to take measurements.

[0084] The seating sensor 22 measures the distance to the object (the user's buttocks) of the toilet bowl 1, either based on instructions from the control unit 61 or continuously. The control unit 61 obtains this measurement result and detects that the object has sat on the toilet seat if the distance exceeds a threshold value and a certain period of time has elapsed. Furthermore, if the distance to the object changes after sitting, it is detected that the user has left the toilet seat. The control unit 61 can control the first camera 24 to take an image when it detects sitting, and to stop taking an image when it detects leaving the seat.

[0085] The first camera 24 is an example of a camera that captures images of excrement and transmits the image data to the control unit 61. It is installed so as to include the area where excrement is excreted in the toilet bowl 1 in its imaging range. By placing the human detection / identification box 70 in front of the user when they are seated, it is possible to capture the face after they are seated instead of before they are seated, in which case the human motion sensor 72 can be omitted.

[0086] Furthermore, the control box 60 may also be equipped with a Bluetooth (registered trademark; hereinafter the same) module. The Bluetooth module is an example of a receiver that receives identification data for identifying the user from a Bluetooth tag held by the user, and can be replaced with a module based on other short-range communication standards. The Bluetooth tag held by the user will have a different ID for each user and can be kept by the user, for example, by embedding it in a wristband.

[0087] The WiFi interface described above is an example of a communication unit (communication device) that transmits various acquired data to the server, and can be replaced with a module that employs other communication standards. Face image data acquired by the second camera 71 and identification data obtained by the Bluetooth module can be transmitted to the server via the WiFi interface by the control unit 61. Furthermore, if the control unit 61 detects that the user is seated, it can also notify the server or the terminal device of a monitor that is monitoring the user via the WiFi interface. This allows the monitor to be notified of toilet use and, if necessary, directed to the toilet.

[0088] The control unit 61 and the server obtain excretion information based on the image data captured by the first camera 24. In this case, the server can be primarily responsible for obtaining excretion information from the image data. For example, the server inputs the image data into a trained model and obtains excretion information. The server then obtains, for example, information indicating whether the image data contains foreign objects other than feces and urine as subjects, excluding the toilet bowl and its cleaning liquid, as at least part of the excretion information.

[0089] The server receives facial image data acquired by the second camera 71 via the WiFi interface, compares it with pre-stored authentication data, such as its feature points, and performs facial authentication processing to obtain identification data associated with the matching authentication data. In this way, the server can obtain identification data (identification data that identifies the user), that is, it can identify the user.

[0090] The server can obtain facial image data of the user of toilet 1 at the time of image acquisition from the device along with the image data. Based on this facial image data, the user can be identified, and excretion information for each user can be managed in the internal storage device. The server can also generate presentation information for each user. Through this facial recognition process, the user who most closely matches can be identified as the current toilet user. Thus, the identification data described above can be made into user-identified data by performing facial recognition processing based on facial image data captured by the second camera 71 in toilet 1 or the room in which toilet 1 is installed (toilet stall). It is preferable not to store the facial image data captured by the second camera 71 in consideration of privacy.

[0091] The terminal device can output the displayed information to each user. Furthermore, if the server pre-determines one or more target recipients for each user (for example, the assigned supervisor if the user is a care recipient), it can output the displayed information to the terminal device used by those target recipients. Examples of supervisors include caregivers, and in some cases, doctors, but other caregivers can also be included. Depending on the application environment of this system, the supervisor may be someone other than a caregiver.

[0092] Furthermore, the server receives identification data (personal authentication data) obtained from the Bluetooth module via the WiFi interface and performs user authentication by comparing it with pre-stored authentication identification data. For example, if a caregiver carrying their own Bluetooth tag and a person receiving care who also carries their own Bluetooth tag enter the toilet together, the server should select the latter as the user. In this way, the server can obtain identification data (identification data that identifies the user), that is, it can identify the user.

[0093] The server can obtain identification data from the device, along with the imaging data, to identify the user of toilet 1 at the time the imaging data was acquired. Based on this identification data, the server can manage excretion information for each user in its internal storage device. The server can also generate presentation information for each user. The terminal device can then output this presentation information for each user. Furthermore, if the server pre-determines one or more target users for presentations for each user, it can output the presentation information to the terminal device used by those target users.

[0094] In this example, the user is identified using two types of data: facial image data and identification data. Therefore, it can be said that the system has two identification functions. However, it is certainly possible to identify the user using either one of these two methods. For example, this system could be equipped with both identification functions, allowing users to select one during operation. Alternatively, the system could be equipped with only one of the identification functions.

[0095] <Other Embodiments> In each embodiment, the information gathering device, the toilet and server (server device) equipped with it, and the method of use thereof have been described, but the examples provided are not exhaustive. For example, the shape of each component in the information gathering device, toilet, and toilet seat, and the positional relationships between components, are acceptable as long as each component can perform its function, except for the positional relationships specifically mentioned. Also, the method of mounting the device in the information gathering device may include, for example, additional steps.

[0096] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and may be modified as appropriate without departing from its spirit. Furthermore, this disclosure may be implemented by combining the embodiments as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0097] 1 toilet bowl 1a side 1b Plane part 1c edge 1d Water retention area 1e Mounting part 1F Water Tank 2 toilet seats 2a Mounting part 2b Toilet seat body 2c convex part 2f Lid 10. Information gathering device (excretion information gathering device) 20 Sensor Box (Sensor Unit) 21 enclosure (inner enclosure) 22 Distance Sensor 23 Mounting section 24. Information Gathering Unit (Camera 1) 26 Codes 30, 30a, 30b, 31, 32 Mounting hardware 30aa, 30ab, 30bb fixed part 32a, 32b members 40 Bridge parts 41 Tip 41a, 43g Elastic members 42 Bridge section 43 Outer housing 43a Main enclosure 43c Sliding member 43d Storage compartment 43e Slide groove 43f Dial-type knob 60 Control Box 61 Control Unit 70-person detection / identification box 71 Imaging device (second camera) 72 motion sensors K1, K2 Cable

Claims

1. An information collection unit that collects information on excrement in the toilet bowl, A housing on which the aforementioned information gathering unit is installed, A bridging component is provided which a portion of the rim of the toilet bowl is placed on the upper surface of the rim, sandwiching the rim and bridging the inner side of the rim and the outer side of the rim, A mounting bracket attached to the inner end of the edge of the bridge component and for attaching the housing, A changing mechanism that changes the distance from the end portion to the housing in the direction along the inner wall forming the inside of the edge portion, Equipped with, The modification mechanism is configured to adjust the distance so as to position the housing in a location that avoids interference with the protrusion provided on the underside of the toilet seat placed on the upper surface of the edge. Information gathering device.

2. The aforementioned modification mechanism is a mechanism for fixing the bridge component and the mounting fixture, and for fixing the housing and the mounting fixture, wherein the distance is changed by using a mounting fixture selected from a plurality of mounting fixtures with different lengths in the direction along the inner wall as the mounting fixture to be fixed. The information gathering device according to claim 1.

3. The modification mechanism includes a sliding mechanism that slides the position of the housing relative to the end in a direction along the inner wall. The information gathering device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The aforementioned modification mechanism is an extension / retraction mechanism provided on the mounting fixture that extends or retracts in the direction along the inner wall. An information gathering device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The mounting fixture is a jig for mounting the housing so as to be positioned on the inside of the edge and vertically below the toilet seat when the toilet seat is placed on the upper surface of the edge. An information gathering device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A control unit that controls the information gathering unit, A housing for placement on the outside of the toilet bowl, comprising an outer housing for housing the control unit, Furthermore, An information gathering device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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