Health management system, toilet seat device, and toilet device

Abstract

To provide a health management system, toilet seat device, and toilet device that can improve the accuracy of estimating information related to the female menstrual cycle. [Solution] A health management system provided in a toilet room, comprising: a first information acquisition unit that acquires first information of the user; a second information acquisition unit that acquires second information different from the first information of the user; an estimation unit that estimates information regarding the user's menstrual cycle based on the first and second information; and a notification unit that provides notification based on the information regarding the user's menstrual cycle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects of the present invention generally relate to a health management system, a toilet seat device, and a toilet device.

Background Art

[0002] There is a technique for determining the menstrual cycle from the usage information of bidet washing. It is desirable to improve the estimation accuracy of information related to the female cycle such as the menstrual cycle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present invention has been made based on the recognition of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a health management system, a toilet seat device, and a toilet device capable of improving the estimation accuracy of information related to the female cycle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A first invention is a health management system provided in a toilet room, comprising: a first information acquisition unit configured to acquire first information of a user; a second information acquisition unit configured to acquire second information different from the first information of the user; an estimation unit configured to estimate information related to the female cycle of the user based on the first information and the second information; and a notification unit configured to perform notification based on the information related to the female cycle of the user.

[0006] According to this health management system, by estimating information about the female menstrual cycle based on first information acquired in the toilet room and second information different from the first information, the accuracy of the estimation can be improved compared to estimating information about the female menstrual cycle based on only one piece of information. Furthermore, since the first information acquisition unit is installed in the toilet room, the first information can be acquired during daily toilet use, making it easier to estimate information about the female menstrual cycle.

[0007] The second invention is a health management system in which, in the first invention, the second information acquisition unit is provided outside the toilet room.

[0008] According to this health management system, by installing a second information acquisition unit outside the toilet room, it is possible to estimate information about the female menstrual cycle based on the first information acquired in the toilet room and the second information acquired outside the toilet room. This allows for the estimation of information about the female menstrual cycle not only based on information such as toilet usage information acquired in the toilet room, but also based on information acquired outside the toilet room, such as bathroom usage information and hormone concentrations in the blood. Therefore, the accuracy of the estimation can be further improved.

[0009] The third invention is a health management system in which, in the first invention, the estimation unit estimates whether the user is menstruating or not based on the first information and the second information.

[0010] According to this health management system, by estimating whether a user is menstruating based on first and second information, the accuracy of the estimation can be improved compared to estimating whether a user is menstruating based on only one piece of information. Furthermore, by estimating whether a user is menstruating based on first information obtained in the toilet room and second information obtained in or outside the toilet room, the accuracy of the estimation can be improved compared to estimating whether a user is menstruating based on multiple pieces of information obtained outside the toilet room.

[0011] The fourth invention is a health management system that, in the first invention, further comprises a storage unit for storing information about the user's menstrual cycle, and the estimation unit calculates the user's menstrual cycle based on the user's past menstrual periods.

[0012] According to this health management system, the accuracy of calculating (estimating) a user's menstrual cycle can be improved by calculating the user's menstrual cycle based on the user's past menstrual cycles.

[0013] The fifth invention is a health management system in which, in the fourth invention, the estimation unit predicts when the user's next menstrual period will be based on the user's menstrual cycle.

[0014] According to this health management system, the accuracy of predicting (estimating) when the user's next menstrual period will occur can be improved by predicting when the user's next menstrual period will occur based on the user's menstrual cycle.

[0015] The sixth invention is a health management system in which, in the first invention, the estimation unit estimates whether the user is ovulating or not based on the first information and the second information.

[0016] According to this health management system, by estimating whether or not a user is ovulating based on first and second information, the accuracy of the estimation can be improved compared to estimating whether or not a user is ovulating based on only one piece of information. Furthermore, by estimating whether or not a user is ovulating based on first information obtained in the toilet room and second information obtained in or outside the toilet room, the accuracy of the estimation can be improved compared to estimating whether or not a user is ovulating based on multiple pieces of information obtained outside the toilet room.

[0017] The seventh invention is a health management system that, in the first invention, further comprises a storage unit for storing information about the user's female menstrual cycle, wherein the estimation unit calculates the user's ovulation cycle based on the user's past multiple ovulation periods.

[0018] According to this health management system, the accuracy of calculating (estimating) a user's ovulation cycle can be improved by calculating the user's ovulation cycle based on the user's past multiple ovulation periods.

[0019] The eighth invention is a health management system in which, in the seventh invention, the estimation unit predicts when the user's next ovulation period will be based on the user's ovulation cycle.

[0020] According to this health management system, by predicting when the user's next ovulation period will occur based on the user's ovulation cycle, the accuracy of the prediction (estimation) of when the user's next ovulation period will occur can be improved.

[0021] The ninth invention is a health management system that, in the first invention, further comprises a storage unit for storing information relating to the user's female menstrual cycle, wherein the estimation unit calculates a first period from a past menstrual period to an ovulation period and a second period from a past ovulation period to a menstrual period based on the user's multiple past menstrual periods and multiple past ovulation periods, and calculates the user's menstrual cycle based on the first period and the second period.

[0022] According to this health management system, based on the user's past menstrual cycles and ovulation cycles, it calculates a first period from past menstrual cycles to ovulation and a second period from past ovulation to menstruation. By calculating the user's menstrual cycle based on these two periods, the accuracy of calculating (estimating) the user's menstrual cycle can be improved.

[0023] The tenth invention is a health management system in which, in the ninth invention, the estimation unit predicts when the user's next menstrual period will be based on the first period and the second period.

[0024] According to this health management system, based on the first period and the second period, by predicting when the user's next menstrual period will be, the accuracy of predicting (estimating) when the user's next menstrual period will be can be improved. For example, the first period corresponding to the first half of the menstrual cycle is prone to variations among users and cycles, while the second period corresponding to the second half of the menstrual cycle is less prone to variations among users and cycles. Therefore, for example, by predicting when the user's next menstrual period will be based on the previous ovulation date (the last day of the first period) and the second period, the accuracy of prediction (estimation) can be improved.

[0025] The eleventh invention is a toilet seat device including a toilet seat, a first information acquisition unit that acquires first information of a user, an estimation unit that estimates information regarding the female cycle of the user based on the first information and second information different from the first information of the user, and an output unit that outputs information regarding the female cycle of the user.

[0026] According to this toilet seat device, by estimating information regarding the female cycle based on the first information acquired in the toilet seat device and second information different from the first information, the accuracy of estimation can be improved compared to the case of estimating information regarding the female cycle based on only one piece of information. In addition, since the first information acquisition unit is provided in the toilet seat device, the first information can be acquired during daily toilet use, so that information regarding the female cycle can be estimated more easily.

[0027] The twelfth invention is a toilet device including a toilet bowl, a toilet seat provided on the toilet bowl, a first information acquisition unit that acquires first information of a user, an estimation unit that estimates information regarding the female cycle of the user based on the first information and second information different from the first information of the user, and an output unit that outputs information regarding the female cycle of the user.

[0028] This toilet device allows for the estimation of information regarding the female menstrual cycle based on first information acquired by the toilet device and second information different from the first information. This improves the accuracy of the estimation compared to estimating information regarding the female menstrual cycle based on only one piece of information. Furthermore, since the first information acquisition unit is provided in the toilet device, the first information can be acquired during normal toilet use, making it easier to estimate information regarding the female menstrual cycle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] According to aspects of the present invention, a health management system, a toilet seat device, and a toilet device are provided that can improve the accuracy of estimating information regarding the female menstrual cycle. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0030] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a health management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a toilet device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram illustrating an estimation device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the health management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram illustrating how to estimate whether or not a woman is in her menstrual period. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the estimation of menstrual period duration. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram explaining the calculation of the menstrual cycle and the prediction of the next menstrual period. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the health management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the estimation of whether or not ovulation is occurring. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the estimation of the ovulation period. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the calculation of the ovulation cycle and the prediction of the next ovulation period. [Figure 12]This is a schematic diagram explaining the calculation of the menstrual cycle and the prediction of the next menstrual period. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted as appropriate. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a health management system according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a toilet device according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the health management system 200 according to this embodiment includes a toilet device 10, a first information acquisition unit 40, a second information acquisition unit 60, an estimation device 100, and a notification unit 50. The estimation device 100 estimates information regarding the user's menstrual cycle based on first information of the user acquired by the first information acquisition unit 40 and second information of the user acquired by the second information acquisition unit 60.

[0032] The toilet device 10 is installed in a toilet room TR. A toilet room TR is, for example, a toilet room installed in a house. A toilet room TR may also be a space partitioned off as an individual room (toilet booth) within a room.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, the toilet device 10 includes a toilet bowl 11 and a toilet seat device 20. The toilet bowl 11 has a concave bowl portion 12 that is recessed downwards. The bowl portion 12 is a toilet bowl that receives the user's excrement, such as urine and feces.

[0034] The toilet seat device 20 is installed on top of the toilet bowl 11. The toilet seat device 20 may be installed integrally with the toilet bowl 11, or it may be detachably attached to the toilet bowl 11. The toilet seat device 20 has a toilet seat 24 on which the user sits. The toilet seat device 20 has a main body part including a functional part 22 provided in the casing 21.

[0035] The functional unit 22 has a cleaning function unit 23 (cleaning device) including a nozzle 23a. The nozzle 23a moves back and forth between a position where it is housed inside the casing 21 and a position where it protrudes forward from the casing 21 and enters the bowl unit 12. The cleaning function unit has a posterior cleansing function, a bidet cleansing function, and so on. The posterior cleansing function performs a posterior cleansing operation by discharging water from the nozzle 23a that has entered the bowl unit 12 toward the user's buttocks and other private parts. The bidet cleansing function performs a bidet cleansing operation by discharging water from the nozzle 23a that has entered the bowl unit 12 toward the user's female private parts.

[0036] The functional unit 22 may have at least one of the following: a deodorizing unit (deodorizing device), a warm air blowing unit (blower), and a toilet seat heating unit (toilet seat heating device). The deodorizing unit has a deodorizing fan, and by operating the deodorizing fan, it sucks in the air from inside the bowl 12 and reduces odor components such as fecal odor contained in the sucked-in air. The warm air blowing unit has a blower fan, and by operating the blower fan, it blows air towards a part of the human body to dry that part of the human body. The toilet seat heating unit has a heater, and by energizing the heater, it warms the seating surface of the toilet seat.

[0037] The functional unit 22 includes a seating detection unit 25 and a human body detection unit 27. The seating detection unit 25 detects when a user sits on the toilet seat 24 and when they leave the toilet seat 24. The seating detection unit 25 detects when the user is seated on the toilet seat 24 or when they are away from the toilet seat 24. For example, the seating detection unit 25 may use a mechanical switch or an electrostatic sensor.

[0038] The human body detection unit 27 detects a human body approaching the toilet device 10. In other words, the human body detection unit 27 detects a human body entering the toilet room TR. The human body detection unit 27 detects when a user enters the toilet room TR and when they leave the toilet room TR. The human body detection unit 27 detects when a user is inside the toilet room TR and when they are leaving the toilet room TR. For example, a pyroelectric sensor, a radio wave sensor, or an infrared sensor may be used for the human body detection unit 27.

[0039] The toilet system 10 has a toilet bowl flushing unit (toilet bowl flushing device). The toilet bowl flushing unit supplies flushing water to the toilet bowl 11 to flush the toilet bowl 11. This causes waste to be discharged from the bowl portion 12. The toilet bowl flushing unit is installed, for example, in the water tank of the toilet bowl 11 or in the water supply pipe of the toilet bowl 11. The toilet bowl flushing unit can perform a full flush by supplying a large amount of flushing water, and a small flush by supplying less flushing water compared to the full flush.

[0040] The toilet device 10 has a control unit 29. The control unit 29 controls the operation of each part of the functional unit 22 (washing function unit 23, seat detection unit 25, human body detection unit 27, deodorizing unit, warm air blowing unit, toilet seat heating unit) and the toilet bowl washing unit. The control unit 29 receives the detection results of the seat detection unit 25 and the human body detection unit 27. The control unit 29 may control the functions of the functional unit 22 based on these detection results. For example, the control unit 29 may perform posterior washing or bidet washing when a user is seated, based on the detection result of the seat detection unit 25. The control unit 29 can use a control circuit including, for example, a microcontroller.

[0041] The remote control 28 (input device) has, for example, multiple switches and sensors, which are operating units (input units), and receives instructions from the user. The remote control 28 is connected to the functional unit 22 via wired or wireless means so as to be able to communicate. The control unit 29 of the functional unit 22 receives instructions from the remote control 28 that have been input to the remote control 28 by the user. The control unit 29 controls the operation of the functional unit 22 according to the received instructions. In this way, the functional unit 22 performs each operation according to the user's instructions. Specifically, for example, the remote control 28 is provided with a posterior wash button for inputting instructions to perform a posterior wash, a bidet wash button for inputting instructions to perform a bidet wash, and a toilet flush button for inputting instructions to perform a toilet flush.

[0042] As shown in Figure 1, the health management system 200 has a first information acquisition unit 40. The first information acquisition unit 40 acquires the user's first information. The first information acquisition unit 40 is installed in the toilet room TR. The first information is the user's information acquired in the toilet room TR. Specifically, the functional unit 22 of the toilet seat device 20 can be used as the first information acquisition unit 40. The first information acquisition unit 40 may be part of the toilet seat device 20 or the toilet device 10. The first information acquisition unit 40 may be part of an item other than the toilet device 10 installed in the toilet room TR (for example, a sanitary box or a feminine hygiene product storage box). The first information acquisition unit 40 may be installed in the toilet room TR separately from the toilet device 10.

[0043] The first type of information includes, for example, usage information that shows how the user used the toilet. Usage information includes, for example, the manner and content of use, such as how the user used the toilet. The usage information is a log of how the user used the toilet.

[0044] For example, usage information includes information about the actions taken by the user while using the toilet. Actions taken while using the toilet include, for example, entering the toilet room TR, leaving the toilet room TR, sitting on the toilet seat 24, leaving the toilet seat 24, using the posterior wash, using the bidet wash, using the toilet bowl flush, urination, and defecation. Usage information may also include time information (start time and / or end time) for each action. Specifically, usage information may include at least one of the following: time of entry, time of exit, time of sitting, time of leaving, time of posterior wash execution, and time of bidet wash execution. Usage information may also include information about the manner in which the toilet device 10 operates, such as information about the washing mode used for posterior wash and bidet wash. For example, bidet wash has a normal washing mode and a wide-area washing mode (wide bidet) that sprays water over a wider area. Usage information may also include information about the set temperature and flow rate of the washing water.

[0045] The first information acquisition unit 40 includes, for example, a part of the functional unit 22 (such as the washing function unit 23, the seat detection unit 25, the human body detection unit 27, and the toilet bowl washing unit).

[0046] Based on the detection results of the human body detection unit 27, usage information such as whether the user entered the toilet room TR, whether they left the toilet room TR, the time of entry, and the time of exit can be obtained. This allows information on the number of times the user used the toilet and the duration of toilet use. Note that one toilet use is defined as the period from when the user enters the toilet room until when they leave. For example, the number of toilet uses is the number of times the user entered or exited the toilet room. The toilet use duration is the time from the time of entry to the time of exit.

[0047] The operation of the cleaning function unit 23 provides usage information such as whether bidet cleaning was used, the time of use, and the cleaning mode used. This allows for obtaining information on the number of times bidet cleaning was used and the duration of bidet cleaning. The operation of the washing function unit 23 provides usage information such as whether the posterior wash function was used, the time of use, and the washing mode used. This allows for obtaining information on the number of times the posterior wash function was used and the duration of use.

[0048] The seating detection unit 25 provides usage information such as whether the user sat down, left the seat, the time of sitting down, and the time of leaving the seat. This allows for obtaining information about the seating time, that is, the time from the time of sitting down to the time of leaving the seat.

[0049] Based on the detection results from the human body detection unit 27 and the seating detection unit 25, information on dressing time and undressing time can be obtained. Undressing time is the time from the time of entering the room to the time of sitting down. Dressing time is the time from the time of leaving the seat to the time of leaving the room.

[0050] The first information may include information about the user's urine. This information may include, for example, information about the concentration (or presence) of luteinizing hormone (LH) in the urine. The concentration of LH in the urine can be detected, for example, by an antibody test strip. In other words, the first information acquisition unit 40 may include an antibody test strip. The antibody test strip is provided, for example, in the toilet device 10. The antibody test strip is used, for example, in the toilet device 10, and the test results may be stored in the information terminal by the user inputting them via an application on an information terminal (for example, a smartphone).

[0051] The first information may include information about the user's menstrual blood. This information may include, for example, information about the presence or absence of menstrual blood. The presence or absence of menstrual blood can be detected, for example, by an image sensor or a line sensor. In other words, the first information acquisition unit 40 may include an image sensor or a line sensor. The image sensor or line sensor may be provided, for example, in the toilet device 10.

[0052] The first information may include information about the user's exhaust gas. This information may include, for example, information about the concentration (or presence or absence) of odor components derived from menstrual blood in the exhaust gas. The concentration of odor components derived from menstrual blood in the exhaust gas can be detected, for example, by an odor sensor. In other words, the first information acquisition unit 40 may include an odor sensor. The odor sensor is provided, for example, in the toilet device 10.

[0053] The usage information may include information about the user's sweat. This information may include, for example, information about the concentration (or presence) of LH in the sweat. The concentration of LH in the sweat can be detected, for example, by an optical sensor. In other words, the first information acquisition unit 40 may include an optical sensor. The optical sensor is provided, for example, on the toilet seat 24.

[0054] The first information may include information about the user's skin gas. This information may include, for example, information about the concentration (or presence) of lactones in the skin gas. The concentration of lactones in the skin gas can be detected, for example, by a skin gas sensor. In other words, the first information acquisition unit 40 may include a skin gas sensor. The skin gas sensor is provided, for example, on the toilet seat 24.

[0055] The first information may include information about the user's blood flow. This information may include, for example, information about blood flow velocity. Blood flow velocity can be detected, for example, by a blood flow sensor. In other words, the first information acquisition unit 40 may include a blood flow sensor. The blood flow sensor may be provided, for example, on the toilet seat 24.

[0056] The first information may include information about the user's center of gravity. This information may include, for example, information about the load on the toilet seat 24. The load on the toilet seat 24 can be detected, for example, by a load sensor. In other words, the first information acquisition unit 40 may include a load sensor. The load sensor may be provided, for example, on the toilet seat 24.

[0057] The first information may include information regarding the user's use of sanitary products. This information may include, for example, information regarding the use of a sanitary box in the toilet room TR and the use of a sanitary product storage box in the toilet room TR. The use of the sanitary box can be detected, for example, by a load sensor installed in the sanitary box. The use of the sanitary product storage box can be detected, for example, by a load sensor installed in the sanitary product storage box. In other words, the first information acquisition unit 40 may include load sensors. Sanitary products include, for example, sanitary napkins.

[0058] For example, the first information acquisition unit 40 may include an entry / exit detection sensor, such as a door sensor installed on the door of the toilet room TR to detect the opening and closing of the door. The door sensor can obtain usage information such as the time of entry and the time of exit. Also, for example, the human body detection unit 27 may be provided as a separate device from the toilet equipment 10.

[0059] The first information acquisition unit 40 may include, for example, devices such as sensors or switches installed in the toilet room TR. For example, the first information acquisition unit 40 may include a remote control 28. Based on the user's input to the remote control 28, usage information regarding bidet washing and posterior washing is obtained. The user's toilet usage information may also be information indicating what the user did when operating the remote control 28. Toilet usage may include not only the use of the toilet device 10, but also the use of the toilet room TR and the use of equipment installed in the toilet room TR. Furthermore, the first information is one of the various types of information described above.

[0060] As shown in Figure 1, the health management system 200 has a second information acquisition unit 60. The second information acquisition unit 60 acquires second information of the user. The second information is different from the first information. The second information acquisition unit 60 is installed, for example, in a location other than the toilet room TR. In this case, the second information is user information acquired in a location other than the toilet room TR.

[0061] The second piece of information may include information about the user's female hormones. This information may include, for example, information about the concentration (or presence) of female hormones (estrogen) in the hair. The concentration of female hormones in the hair can be detected, for example, by a mass spectrometer. The mass spectrometer is, for example, a device that performs mass analysis using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC / MS / MS).

[0062] The second piece of information may include information regarding the user's LH or follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This information may include, for example, information regarding the concentration (or presence) of LH or FSH in the blood, the concentration (or presence) of LH in vaginal discharge, or the concentration (or presence) of LH or FSH in saliva. The concentration of LH or FSH in the blood can be detected, for example, by a blood hormone testing device. The concentration of LH in vaginal discharge can be detected, for example, by an antibody test strip or a panty liner. The concentration of LH or FSH in saliva can be detected, for example, by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit.

[0063] The second piece of information may include information about the user's follicles. This information may include, for example, information about the size of the follicles. The size of the follicles can be detected, for example, by an ultrasound machine.

[0064] The second piece of information may include information regarding the user's use of the bathroom. This information may include, for example, information regarding bathing time, whether the bathtub is filled with water, and whether or not menstrual blood is present. Bathing time is the time spent immersed in the bathtub and can be detected, for example, by a water level sensor attached to the water heater. Whether or not the bathtub is filled with water can be detected, for example, by a water level sensor. The presence or absence of menstrual blood can be detected, for example, by a color sensor.

[0065] The second type of information may include information about the user's use of the sink. This information may include, for example, the presence or absence of clothing stained with menstrual blood, skin condition, and facial condition. The presence or absence of clothing stained with menstrual blood can be detected, for example, by a color sensor. Skin condition includes information such as skin luster, firmness, and amount of sebum. For example, during menstruation, hormonal influences can weaken the skin's barrier function, making it prone to dryness and reducing skin luster and firmness. Also, before menstruation, sebum is more easily secreted due to the influence of progesterone. Skin condition can be detected, for example, by a skin diagnostic device. A skin diagnostic device may, for example, detect skin condition using visible light or ultraviolet light, or it may analyze skin condition using an application based on images taken with the camera of an information terminal (e.g., a smartphone). Facial condition includes information such as facial acne, rough skin, and swelling. For example, before menstruation, sebum is more easily secreted, and skin problems such as acne and rough skin are more likely to occur. Furthermore, before and during menstruation, the face tends to retain water, causing swelling, and changes may occur due to stress caused by menstrual symptoms. Facial condition can be detected, for example, by a facial recognition camera. A facial recognition camera could, for example, acquire images and analyze the facial condition using AI.

[0066] The second piece of information may include information about the user's use of the bed. This information may include, for example, information about the user's sleeping posture. The sleeping posture can be detected, for example, by a load sensor installed in the mattress.

[0067] The second information may be transmitted to a communication device, for example, from a sensor that detects the second information, and then transmitted from the communication device to the estimation device 100. In this case, the second information acquisition unit 60 includes a sensor that detects the second information. Alternatively, the second information may be input by a user, for example, via an application on an information terminal, and then transmitted from the information terminal to the estimation device 100. In this case, the second information acquisition unit 60 includes an information terminal to which the second information is input.

[0068] The second information acquisition unit 60 may be provided inside the toilet room TR. In this case, the second information is user information acquired inside the toilet room TR, and is different from the first information. The second information is, for example, one of the pieces of information listed above as the first information. An example of the second information acquisition unit 60 is the same as the example given for the first information acquisition unit 40.

[0069] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating an estimation device according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the estimation device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a processing unit 130, and a storage unit 120 (storage unit). For example, a computer device can be used for the estimation device 100. A server (for example, a cloud server) may also be used for the estimation device 100. The estimation device 100 is communicated with the toilet device 10, the remote control 28, the second information acquisition unit 60, and the notification unit 50 via the communication unit 110. The communication unit 110 is, for example, a communication module. Any method can be used for communication, such as wireless, wired, or a combination of wireless and wired.

[0070] The storage unit 120 includes a first information storage unit 121, a second information storage unit 122, a user information storage unit 123, and an estimation result storage unit 124. The user information storage unit 123 stores identification information (e.g., user ID) for identifying the user of the toilet. The first information storage unit 121 stores past first information for each user identified by the identification information. The second information storage unit 122 stores past second information for each user identified by the identification information. The estimation result storage unit 124 stores the estimation results of the estimation unit 132 (i.e., information about the user's menstrual cycle). The estimation result storage unit 124 includes, for example, an area for storing estimation results based on first information and an area for storing estimation results based on second information. Any storage device can be used for the storage unit 120, such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0071] The processing unit 130 can be an arithmetic unit such as a circuit including a CPU. The processing unit 130 has an acquisition unit 131, an estimation unit 132, a notification unit 133, and a personal identification unit 134. The acquisition unit 131 acquires identification information to identify the user using the toilet via the communication unit 110. In this example, as shown in Figure 1, when the user uses the toilet, the user inputs identification information (signal S1) to the remote control 28 to identify themselves. The acquisition unit 131 acquires the identification information from the remote control 28.

[0072] The personal identification unit 134 identifies the user using the toilet based on the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit 131. In other words, the personal identification unit 134 performs personal authentication to authenticate the user. For example, the personal identification unit 134 compares the identification information with the identification information stored in the user information storage unit 123 and identifies the identification information corresponding to the identification information. As a result, the personal identification unit 134 identifies the user who entered the identification information as the user indicated by the identification information corresponding to the identification information.

[0073] The specific information entered by the user is, for example, a user ID. This specific information is entered, for example, by a button on the remote control 28. Personal authentication may also be done by voice authentication. For example, a microphone is provided, and the user's voice entered into the microphone is used as the specific information. For example, the user is identified based on the characteristics of their voice or the content of their speech. The specific information may also be entered into a device in the toilet room TR, such as the toilet device 10, or into an information terminal such as a smartphone or wearable device. The acquisition unit 131 may acquire the specific information from the device in the toilet room TR or from the information terminal. The method of personal authentication is not limited to the above, and any method that can identify the user can be used.

[0074] The acquisition unit 131 acquires the first information acquired by the first information acquisition unit 40. In this example, as shown in Figure 1, the estimation device 100 (acquisition unit 131) acquires the first information (signal S2) from the toilet device 10 (first information acquisition unit 40). For example, the first information is acquired each time a user uses the toilet.

[0075] The first information storage unit 121 of the storage unit 120 stores the first information of the user acquired by the acquisition unit 131. For example, the processing unit 130 can determine that the acquired first information is the information of the user identified by the personal identification unit 134 during the toilet use in which the first information was acquired. The storage unit 120 stores the first information of the user in association with the identification information (first ID) of the user identified by the personal identification unit 134. As a result, for example, each time a user uses the toilet, a log of the first information is accumulated for each user.

[0076] In the memory unit 120, "storing the first information" may mean storing the first information acquired by the acquisition unit 131 (for example, the detection result of a sensor), or it may mean storing parameters based on the acquired first information.

[0077] The acquisition unit 131 acquires the second information acquired by the second information acquisition unit 60. In this example, as shown in Figure 1, the estimation device 100 (acquisition unit 131) acquires the second information (signal S3) from the second information acquisition unit 60. For example, the second information is acquired at a predetermined time. For example, the second information may be acquired after a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous acquisition of the second information. For example, the second information may be acquired each time the second information is detected. For example, the second information may be acquired each time the second information is input.

[0078] The second information storage unit 122 of the storage unit 120 stores the second user information acquired by the acquisition unit 131. The storage unit 120 stores the second user information in association with the user's identification information (second ID). As a result, for example, a log of the second information is accumulated for each user. The processing unit 130 determines that the user who acquired the first information and the user who acquired the second information are the same user by associating the first ID with the second ID.

[0079] In the memory unit 120, "storing second information" may mean storing second information acquired by the acquisition unit 131 (for example, sensor detection results), or it may mean storing parameters based on the acquired second information.

[0080] The estimation unit 132 estimates (determines) information regarding the user's menstrual cycle based on the first and second pieces of information. That is, for example, the estimation unit 132 of the processing unit 130 estimates information regarding the user's menstrual cycle based on the first piece of information obtained in the toilet room TR and the second piece of information which is different from the first piece of information.

[0081] In this specification, the female cycle refers to the period including the menstrual phase, follicular phase, ovulation phase, and luteal phase. In other words, the female cycle is the period from the first day of one menstrual phase to the day before the first day of the next menstrual phase.

[0082] For example, the estimation unit 132 estimates whether or not the user is in their menstrual period. Based on this, the estimation unit 132 may estimate the user's menstrual period and menstrual cycle. The menstrual period refers to the duration of the menstrual period (when it starts and when it ends). The menstrual period includes, for example, information on the first and last days of the menstrual period. The menstrual cycle is the length of a woman's cycle (the number of days from the first day of one menstrual period to the day before the first day of the next menstrual period).

[0083] For example, the estimation unit 132 estimates whether or not the user is ovulating. Based on this, the estimation unit 132 may estimate the user's ovulation period and ovulation cycle. The ovulation period refers to the duration of the ovulation period (when ovulation occurs and when it ends). The ovulation period includes, for example, information on the first and last days of the ovulation period. The ovulation cycle is the length of the female cycle (the number of days from the first day of one ovulation period to the day before the first day of the next ovulation period).

[0084] For example, the estimation unit 132 may estimate the follicular phase and the luteal phase. For example, based on the estimated menstrual period and ovulation period, and the estimated or entered menstrual cycle and ovulation cycle, the unit may estimate whether the user is in the follicular phase or the luteal phase, and whether the follicular period (when the follicular phase begins and ends) and the luteal period (when the luteal phase begins and ends).

[0085] The notification unit 133 (output unit) of the processing unit 130 outputs information about the female menstrual cycle estimated by the estimation unit 132. For example, the notification unit 133 outputs a signal S6 (see Figure 1) based on the estimation result S5 (see Figure 1) of the estimation unit 132 to the notification unit 50. Based on the output signal from the notification unit 133, the notification unit 50 notifies the user of the information based on the estimation result of the estimation unit 132.

[0086] For example, the notification unit 50 is an information terminal such as a portable information terminal. The information terminal is any information terminal such as a smartphone, tablet, smartwatch or other wearable device, or a personal computer. The information terminal includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The notification unit 50 displays the estimation result of the estimation unit 132 on the display device. The notification unit 50 notifies the user of information regarding their menstrual cycle. In this way, the notification unit 50 provides notification based on the information regarding the menstrual cycle estimated by the estimation unit 132.

[0087] For example, as shown in Figure 1, the user can input user information (signal S4) such as menstrual period, ovulation period, menstrual cycle, and ovulation cycle into the system from an information terminal (notification unit 50).

[0088] Note that in Figure 1, the user of the toilet in toilet room TR and the user holding the notification unit 50 are shown separately, but these users may be the same person.

[0089] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the health management system according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, in the health management system according to this embodiment, the estimation unit 132 estimates whether or not the user is in the menstrual period based on the first information and the second information.

[0090] When a user enters the toilet room TR to use the toilet, a signal for personal authentication is input. The personal identification unit 134 identifies the user based on the input signal for personal authentication (step S101).

[0091] For example, a user uses the toilet equipment 10 as needed and leaves the toilet room TR. In such a user's toilet use, the first information acquisition unit 40 acquires the first information of the user. The acquisition unit 131 acquires the first information from the first information acquisition unit 40. In this example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires the number of times the toilet has been used as the first information (step S102).

[0092] The estimation unit 132 determines whether the first information satisfies the criteria for determining the menstrual period. In this example, the estimation unit 132 determines whether the number of toilet uses is equal to or greater than a first threshold (step S103). If the number of toilet uses is equal to or greater than the first threshold (step S103: YES), the estimation unit 132 estimates that the user is in the menstrual period (step S104). The first threshold is, for example, 8 times / day.

[0093] If the number of toilet uses is less than the first threshold (step S103: NO), the acquisition unit 131 acquires second information from the second information acquisition unit 60. In this example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires the bathing time as the second information (step S105).

[0094] The estimation unit 132 determines whether the second information satisfies the criteria for determining the menstrual period. In this example, the estimation unit 132 determines whether the bathing time is less than the second threshold (step S106). If the bathing time is less than the second threshold (step S106: YES), the estimation unit 132 estimates that the user is in the menstrual period (step S104). The second threshold is, for example, 5 minutes.

[0095] If the bathing time is above the second threshold (step S106: NO), the estimation unit 132 estimates that the user is not in the menstrual period (step S107).

[0096] Subsequently, the notification unit 133 notifies the notification unit 50 of the information based on the estimation result. The notification unit 50 then notifies the user of the notified information.

[0097] In this example, the estimation unit 132 obtains the number of toilet uses in step S102, and in step S103, estimates that the user is in their menstrual period if the number of toilet uses is equal to or greater than a first threshold. The estimation unit 132 may also obtain the toilet usage time in step S102, and in step S103, estimate that the user is in their menstrual period if the toilet usage time is equal to or greater than a threshold. For example, during menstruation, the number of toilet uses and the time spent in the toilet tend to increase and increase compared to other periods (i.e., the follicular phase, ovulation phase, and luteal phase) because of the need to change sanitary products and wash away menstrual blood.

[0098] The estimation unit 132 may, for example, obtain the number of times the bidet wash was used or the duration of bidet wash in step S102, and in step S103, estimate that the user is in the menstrual period if the number of times the bidet wash was used or the duration of bidet wash is above a threshold. For example, during menstruation, the number of times the bidet wash is used and the duration of bidet wash tend to be higher and longer compared to other periods (i.e., the follicular phase, ovulation phase, and luteal phase) because menstrual blood washing is performed.

[0099] The estimation unit 132 may, for example, acquire the sitting time in step S102, and in step S103, estimate that the user is in the menstrual period if the sitting time is above a threshold. For example, during menstruation, sitting time tends to be longer than during other periods (i.e., the follicular phase, ovulation phase, and luteal phase) because of the need to change sanitary products and wash away menstrual blood.

[0100] The estimation unit 132 may, for example, obtain the dressing time or undressing time in step S102, and in step S103, estimate that the user is in the menstrual period if the dressing time or undressing time is above a threshold. For example, during the menstrual period, the dressing time and undressing time tend to be longer than during other periods (i.e., the follicular phase, ovulation phase, and luteal phase) because sanitary products are changed.

[0101] The estimation unit 132 may, for example, acquire the presence or absence of menstrual blood in the toilet device 10 in step S102, and in step S103, when it detects menstrual blood in the toilet device 10, it may estimate that the user is in their menstrual period.

[0102] The estimation unit 132 may, for example, obtain the concentration of odor components derived from menstrual blood in the excreted gas in step S102, and in step S103, estimate that the user is in their menstrual period if the concentration of odor components derived from menstrual blood in the excreted gas is above a threshold. For example, during menstruation, the consistency of stool tends to be diarrheal compared to other periods (i.e., the follicular phase, ovulation phase, and luteal phase).

[0103] The estimation unit 132 may, for example, obtain blood flow velocity in step S102 and, in step S103, estimate that the user is in menstruation if the blood flow velocity is below a threshold. For example, during menstruation, blood vessels constrict due to an increase in the secretion of prostaglandins that contract the uterus, so blood flow velocity tends to be lower compared to other periods (i.e., follicular phase, ovulation phase, and luteal phase).

[0104] The estimation unit 132 may, for example, acquire the load on the toilet seat 24 in step S102, and in step S103, estimate that the user is menstruating if the left-right imbalance in the load on the toilet seat 24 is above a threshold. For example, during menstruation, the user disposes of used sanitary products in the sanitary box while seated on the toilet seat 24, so the left-right imbalance in the load on the toilet seat 24 is more likely to occur compared to periods other than menstruation (i.e., the follicular phase, ovulation phase, and luteal phase).

[0105] The estimation unit 132 may, for example, acquire the change in weight of the sanitary box in step S102, and in step S103, estimate that the user is menstruating when the increase in the weight of the sanitary box exceeds a threshold. For example, during menstruation, the weight of the sanitary box tends to increase because used sanitary products are disposed of.

[0106] The estimation unit 132 may, for example, acquire the change in weight of the sanitary product storage box in step S102, and in step S103, estimate that the user is menstruating when the decrease in weight of the sanitary product storage box is greater than or equal to a threshold. For example, during menstruation, the weight of the sanitary product storage box tends to decrease because sanitary products are used.

[0107] In this example, the estimation unit 132 obtains the bathing time in step S105, and in step S106, estimates that the user is in the menstrual period if the bathing time is less than the second threshold. For example, during menstruation, people tend not to soak in the bathtub for long periods, so the bathing time tends to be shorter compared to other periods (i.e., the follicular phase, ovulation phase, and luteal phase).

[0108] The estimation unit 132 may, for example, obtain whether or not the bathtub is filled with water in step S105, and in step S106, if the bathtub is not filled with water, estimate that the user is in the menstrual period. For example, during the menstrual period, people do not soak in the bathtub, so the bathtub is less likely to be filled with water compared to other periods (i.e., the follicular phase, ovulation phase, and luteal phase).

[0109] The estimation unit 132 may, for example, acquire the presence or absence of menstrual blood in the bathroom in step S105, and in step S106, when it detects menstrual blood in the bathroom, it may estimate that the user is in their menstrual period.

[0110] For example, in step S105, the estimation unit 132 may acquire whether or not there is clothing stained with menstrual blood in the washbasin, and in step S106, when it detects clothing stained with menstrual blood in the washbasin, it may estimate that the user is menstruating.

[0111] The estimation unit 132 may, for example, acquire the user's initial sleeping position in the bed in step S105, and in step S106, estimate that the user is menstruating if the user's initial sleeping position in the bed is on their back. For example, during menstruation, users are concerned about menstrual leakage, so they are more likely to start sleeping on their back rather than on their side compared to other periods (i.e., the follicular phase, ovulation phase, and luteal phase).

[0112] The estimation unit 132, for example, uses the acquisition of first information as a trigger to estimate whether the user is menstruating or not. In this case, the estimation unit 132 may, for example, perform the estimation based on the first information acquired at the time the first information is acquired and the second information that is available at that time. That is, the second information may be acquired from the second information acquisition unit 60 when performing the estimation. Alternatively, the estimation unit 132 may, for example, perform the estimation based on the first information acquired at the time the first information is acquired and the second information that was previously acquired and stored in the storage unit 120. That is, the second information does not have to be acquired from the second information acquisition unit 60 when performing the estimation. The second information may, for example, be stored in the storage unit 120 periodically, or it may be stored in the storage unit 120 each time the second information is detected.

[0113] Furthermore, the estimation unit 132 may, for example, use the acquisition of the second piece of information as a trigger to estimate whether or not the user is menstruating. In this case, the estimation unit 132 may, for example, perform the estimation based on the second piece of information acquired at the time the second piece of information is acquired and the first piece of information acquired previously and stored in the storage unit 120. The first piece of information may, for example, be stored in the storage unit 120 periodically, or it may be stored in the storage unit 120 each time the first piece of information is detected.

[0114] In this example, the estimation based on the second piece of information is performed after the estimation based on the first piece of information. However, the estimation based on the second piece of information may be performed before the estimation based on the first piece of information. In other words, steps S105 and S106 may be performed before steps S102 and S103.

[0115] As explained above, the estimation unit 132 estimates whether the user is menstruating or not based on the first information acquired by the first information acquisition unit 40 and the second information acquired by the second information acquisition unit 60.

[0116] In this way, by estimating information about the female menstrual cycle (for example, whether the user is menstruating or not) based on the first information acquired in the toilet room TR and the second information which is different from the first information, the accuracy of the estimation can be improved compared to when the information about the female menstrual cycle (for example, whether the user is menstruating or not) is estimated based on only one piece of information. Furthermore, since the first information acquisition unit 40 is provided in the toilet room TR, the first information can be acquired during daily toilet use, making it easier to estimate information about the female menstrual cycle (for example, whether the user is menstruating or not).

[0117] Furthermore, by providing the second information acquisition unit 60 outside the toilet room TR, it is possible to estimate information related to the female menstrual cycle (for example, whether the user is menstruating or not) based on the first information acquired in the toilet room TR and the second information acquired outside the toilet room TR. This allows for the estimation of information related to the female menstrual cycle (for example, whether the user is menstruating or not) based not only on information such as toilet usage information acquired in the toilet room TR, but also on information such as bathroom usage information acquired outside the toilet room TR. Therefore, the accuracy of the estimation can be further improved.

[0118] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the estimation of whether or not a person is in the menstrual period. In Figure 5, "○" represents a day estimated to be during menstruation, and "×" represents a day estimated not to be during menstruation. As shown in Figure 5, the estimation unit 132 performs estimation of the menstrual period based on the first information and estimation of the menstrual period based on the second information, and determines that the day estimated to be the menstrual period based on at least one of the first and second information is the menstrual period.

[0119] For example, in the example in Figure 5, the estimated menstrual period for November 1st and November 7th is "×" because both the estimated menstrual period based on the first information and the estimated menstrual period based on the second information are "×". For November 2nd, the estimated menstrual period is "〇" because both the estimated menstrual period based on the first information and the estimated menstrual period based on the second information are "〇". For November 3rd and November 6th, the estimated menstrual period is "×" based on the first information, but the estimated menstrual period is "〇" because the estimated menstrual period based on the second information is "〇". For November 4th and November 5th, the estimated menstrual period is "〇" because although the estimated menstrual period based on the second information is "×", the estimated menstrual period based on the first information is "〇".

[0120] In this way, by determining that a day is the menstrual period based on at least one of the first and second pieces of information, the menstrual period can be identified more reliably.

[0121] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the estimation of menstrual period. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the calculation of the menstrual cycle and the prediction of the next menstrual period. In Figure 6, each square represents one day. Shaded days are estimated to be menstrual days. Unshaded days are estimated to be non-menstrual days. In Figure 7, each day of the menstrual period is represented by a dot below the menstrual period.

[0122] As shown in Figure 6, the estimation unit 132 estimates the last day of the menstrual period to be the most recent day estimated to be the last day of the menstrual period if there are a predetermined number of non-menstrual days (3 days in this example). The estimation unit 132 estimates the first day (the oldest day) that was estimated to be the menstrual period within a predetermined number of days prior to the estimated last day of the menstrual period (for example, about 2 weeks) to be the first day of the menstrual period. The estimation unit 132 estimates the period from the day estimated to be the first day to the first day estimated to be the last day thereafter as one menstrual period.

[0123] As shown in Figure 7, the estimation unit 132 calculates the menstrual cycle based on the length from the estimated first day of menstruation to the estimated first day of the next menstrual cycle. For example, the estimation unit 132 calculates the user's menstrual cycle based on the user's past menstrual cycles. The menstrual cycle is calculated, for example, as an average value. In this way, the estimation unit 132 can calculate the user's menstrual cycle based on the user's first and second information. That is, the estimation unit 132 can calculate the menstrual cycle for each user.

[0124] The notification unit 133 notifies the notification unit 50 of the calculation result (menstrual cycle) from the estimation unit 132. The notification unit 50 then notifies the user of the notified calculation result (menstrual cycle).

[0125] In this way, by calculating the user's menstrual cycle based on multiple past menstrual periods, the accuracy of calculating (estimating) the user's menstrual cycle can be improved.

[0126] As shown in Figure 7, the estimation unit 132 may predict when the user's next (future) menstrual period will be based on the estimated user's menstrual cycle. For example, the estimation unit 132 predicts when the next menstrual period will be based on the estimated last menstrual period and the estimated menstrual cycle. In the initial stages of operating the health management system 200, the user's menstrual cycle cannot be estimated, so the user may input the last menstrual period and the menstrual cycle (or a typical menstrual cycle) into the health management system 200. In this case, the estimation unit 132 may predict when the next menstrual period will be based on the input last menstrual period and the input menstrual cycle.

[0127] The notification unit 133 notifies the notification unit 50 of the prediction result (when the next menstrual period will occur) from the estimation unit 132. The notification unit 50 then notifies the user of the notified prediction result (when the next menstrual period will occur).

[0128] In this way, by predicting when the user's next menstrual period will occur based on the user's menstrual cycle, the accuracy of the prediction (estimation) of when the user's next menstrual period will occur can be improved.

[0129] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the health management system according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, in the health management system according to this embodiment, the estimation unit 132 estimates whether or not the user is ovulating based on the first information and the second information.

[0130] When a user enters the toilet room TR to use the toilet, a signal for personal authentication is input. The personal identification unit 134 identifies the user based on the input signal for personal authentication (step S201).

[0131] For example, the user uses the toilet device 10 as needed and leaves the toilet room TR. During such toilet use by the user, the first information acquisition unit 40 acquires the first information of the user. The acquisition unit 131 acquires the first information from the first information acquisition unit 40. In this example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires the concentration of lactone in the skin gas as the first information (step S202).

[0132] The estimation unit 132 determines whether the first information satisfies the ovulation period determination criteria. In this example, the estimation unit 132 determines whether the lactone concentration in the skin gas is above the third threshold (step S203). If the lactone concentration in the skin gas is above the third threshold (step S203: YES), the estimation unit 132 estimates that the user is in the ovulation period (step S204). The third threshold is, for example, 2.0 ngcm. -2 h -1 The third threshold may be a different value for each user, for example. The third threshold may be a value calculated based on the user's past information, for example. The estimation unit 132 may also estimate based on the change in the concentration of lactone in the skin gas.

[0133] If the concentration of lactone in the skin gas is below the third threshold (step S203: NO), the acquisition unit 131 acquires second information from the second information acquisition unit 60. In this example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires the concentration of LH in the blood as second information (step S205).

[0134] The estimation unit 132 determines whether the second information satisfies the ovulation period determination criteria. In this example, the estimation unit 132 determines whether the concentration of LH in the blood is above the fourth threshold (step S206). If the concentration of LH in the blood is above the fourth threshold (step S206: YES), the estimation unit 132 estimates that the user is ovulating (step S204). The fourth threshold is, for example, 40 mIU / ml. The fourth threshold may be a different value for each user, for example. The fourth threshold may be a value calculated based on the user's past information, for example. The estimation unit 132 may also estimate based on the change in the concentration of LH in the blood.

[0135] If the concentration of LH in the blood is below the fourth threshold (step S206: NO), the estimation unit 132 estimates that the user is not ovulating (step S207).

[0136] Subsequently, the notification unit 133 notifies the notification unit 50 of the information based on the estimation result. The notification unit 50 then notifies the user of the notified information.

[0137] In this example, the estimation unit 132 obtains the concentration of lactone in the skin gas in step S202, and in step S203, estimates that the user is ovulating when the concentration of lactone in the skin gas is above a third threshold. For example, during ovulation, lactone is produced by the metabolism of female hormones, so the concentration of lactone in the skin gas tends to be higher than during other periods (i.e., the follicular phase, menstrual phase, and luteal phase).

[0138] The estimation unit 132 may, for example, obtain the concentration of LH in the urine in step S202, and in step S203, estimate that the user is ovulating if the concentration of LH in the urine is above a threshold. For example, during ovulation, the amount of LH secreted increases, so the concentration of LH in the urine tends to be higher than during other periods (i.e., the follicular phase, menstrual phase, and luteal phase).

[0139] The estimation unit 132 may, for example, obtain the concentration of LH in sweat in step S202, and in step S203, estimate that the user is ovulating if the concentration of LH in sweat is above a threshold. For example, during ovulation, the amount of LH secreted increases, so the concentration of LH in sweat tends to be higher than during other periods (i.e., the follicular phase, menstrual phase, and luteal phase).

[0140] In this example, the estimation unit 132 obtains the concentration of LH in the blood in step S205, and in step S206, estimates that the user is ovulating when the concentration of LH in the blood is above the fourth threshold. For example, during ovulation, the concentration of LH in the blood tends to be higher than during other periods (i.e., the follicular phase, menstrual phase, and luteal phase).

[0141] The estimation unit 132 may, for example, acquire the user's skin condition at the washbasin in step S205, and in step S206, estimate that the user is ovulating if the user's skin condition at the washbasin is good. For example, during ovulation, skin condition tends to be better than during other periods (i.e., the follicular phase, menstrual phase, and luteal phase) due to an increase in ovarian hormones.

[0142] The estimation unit 132 may, for example, acquire the user's facial condition at the sink in step S205, and in step S206, estimate that the user is ovulating if the user's facial condition at the sink is good. For example, during ovulation, the secretion of estrogen increases, and due to the effect of promoting skin activation, the facial condition tends to be better compared to other periods (i.e., the follicular phase, menstrual phase, and luteal phase).

[0143] The estimation unit 132 may, for example, obtain the concentration of FSH in the user's blood, the concentration of LH in the vaginal discharge, or the concentration of LH or FSH in the saliva in step S205, and in step S206, estimate that the user is ovulating if the concentration of FSH in the user's blood, the concentration of LH in the vaginal discharge, or the concentration of LH or FSH in the saliva is above a threshold. For example, during ovulation, the concentration of FSH in the blood, the concentration of LH in the vaginal discharge, and the concentration of LH or FSH in the saliva tend to be higher than during other periods (i.e., the follicular phase, menstrual phase, and luteal phase).

[0144] The estimation unit 132 may, for example, obtain the size of the user's follicles in step S205, and in step S206, estimate that the user is ovulating if the size of the user's follicles is above a threshold. For example, during ovulation, the size of the follicles tends to be larger than during other periods (i.e., the follicular phase, menstrual phase, and luteal phase).

[0145] The estimation unit 132 may, for example, obtain the concentration of female hormones (estrogen) in the user's hair in step S205, and in step S206, estimate that the user is ovulating if the concentration of female hormones in the user's hair is above a threshold. For example, during ovulation, the concentration of female hormones in the hair tends to be higher than during other periods (i.e., the follicular phase, menstrual phase, and luteal phase).

[0146] Similar to the estimation of whether the user is in the menstrual period, the estimation unit 132 may, for example, use the acquisition of first information as a trigger to estimate whether the user is ovulating, or use the acquisition of second information as a trigger to estimate whether the user is ovulating.

[0147] Furthermore, in this example, the estimation based on the second piece of information is performed after the estimation based on the first piece of information. The estimation based on the second piece of information may also be performed before the estimation based on the first piece of information. In other words, steps S205 and S206 may be performed before steps S202 and S203.

[0148] As explained above, the estimation unit 132 estimates whether or not the user is ovulating based on the first information acquired by the first information acquisition unit 40 and the second information acquired by the second information acquisition unit 60.

[0149] In this way, by estimating information about the female cycle (for example, whether the user is ovulating or not) based on the first information acquired in the toilet room TR and the second information which is different from the first information, the accuracy of the estimation can be improved compared to when the information about the female cycle (for example, whether the user is ovulating or not) is estimated based on only one piece of information. Furthermore, since the first information acquisition unit 40 is provided in the toilet room TR, the first information can be acquired during daily toilet use, making it easier to estimate information about the female cycle (for example, whether the user is ovulating or not).

[0150] Furthermore, by providing the second information acquisition unit 60 outside the toilet room TR, it is possible to estimate information related to the female menstrual cycle (for example, whether the user is ovulating or not) based on the first information acquired in the toilet room TR and the second information acquired outside the toilet room TR. This allows for the estimation of information related to the female menstrual cycle (for example, whether the user is ovulating or not) based not only on information such as toilet usage information acquired in the toilet room TR, but also on information such as the concentration of LH in the blood acquired outside the toilet room TR. Therefore, the accuracy of the estimation can be further improved.

[0151] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the estimation of whether or not ovulation is occurring. In Figure 9, "○" represents a day estimated to be during ovulation, and "×" represents a day estimated not to be during ovulation. As shown in Figure 9, the estimation unit 132 performs estimation of the ovulation period based on the first information and estimation of the ovulation period based on the second information, and determines that the day estimated to be the ovulation period based on at least one of the first and second information is the ovulation period.

[0152] For example, in the example in Figure 9, for November 13th and November 17th, the estimated ovulation period is "×" because both the estimated ovulation period based on the first information and the estimated ovulation period based on the second information are "×". For November 14th and November 15th, although the estimated ovulation period based on the second information is "×", the estimated ovulation period based on the first information is "〇", so the estimated ovulation period for November 14th and November 15th is "〇". For November 16th, although the estimated ovulation period based on the first information is "×", the estimated ovulation period based on the second information is "〇", so the estimated ovulation period for November 16th is "〇".

[0153] In this way, by determining the day estimated to be the ovulation period based on at least one of the first and second pieces of information as the ovulation period, the ovulation period can be determined more reliably.

[0154] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the estimation of the ovulation period. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating the calculation of the ovulation cycle and the prediction of the next ovulation period. In Figure 10, each square represents one day. Shaded days are estimated to be ovulation days. Unshaded days are estimated to be non-ovulation days. In Figure 11, each day of the ovulation period is represented by a dot below the ovulation period.

[0155] As shown in Figure 10, if there are a predetermined number of non-ovulatory days (3 days in this example), the estimation unit 132 estimates the most recent day estimated to be the ovulatory period as the last day of the ovulatory period (ovulation day). The estimation unit 132 estimates the first day (the oldest day) within a predetermined number of days prior to the estimated last day of the ovulatory period (for example, about 2 weeks) that it estimated to be the ovulatory period as the first day of that ovulatory period. The estimation unit 132 estimates the period from the day estimated to be the first day to the first day estimated to be the last day after that day as one ovulatory period.

[0156] As shown in Figure 11, the estimation unit 132 calculates the ovulation cycle based on the length from the estimated last day of the ovulation period (ovulation day) to the estimated last day of the next ovulation period (ovulation day). For example, the estimation unit 132 calculates the user's ovulation cycle based on the user's past multiple ovulation periods. The ovulation cycle is calculated, for example, as an average value. In this way, the estimation unit 132 can calculate the user's ovulation cycle based on the user's first and second information. That is, the estimation unit 132 can calculate the ovulation cycle for each user.

[0157] The notification unit 133 notifies the notification unit 50 of the calculation result (ovulation cycle) from the estimation unit 132. The notification unit 50 then notifies the user of the notified calculation result (ovulation cycle).

[0158] In this way, by calculating the user's ovulation cycle based on multiple past ovulation periods, the accuracy of calculating (estimating) the user's ovulation cycle can be improved.

[0159] As shown in Figure 11, the estimation unit 132 may predict when the user's next (future) ovulation period will be based on the estimated user's ovulation cycle. For example, the estimation unit 132 predicts when the next ovulation period will be based on the estimated last ovulation period and the estimated ovulation cycle. In the initial stages of using the health management system 200, the user's ovulation cycle cannot be estimated, so the user may input the last ovulation period and the ovulation cycle (or a typical ovulation cycle) into the health management system 200. In this case, the estimation unit 132 may predict when the next ovulation period will be based on the input last ovulation period and the input ovulation cycle. The last ovulation period can be estimated by estimating the last day of the ovulation period from the results of a commercially available ovulation test kit or basal body temperature, and estimating the period from the last day of the ovulation period to 3-4 days before as the ovulation period. Furthermore, by estimating multiple past ovulation periods in this way, the ovulation cycle can be estimated.

[0160] The notification unit 133 notifies the notification unit 50 of the prediction result (when the next ovulation period will be) from the estimation unit 132. The notification unit 50 then notifies the user of the notified prediction result (when the next ovulation period will be).

[0161] In this way, by predicting when the user's next ovulation period will occur based on the user's ovulation cycle, the accuracy of the prediction (estimation) of when the user's next ovulation period will occur can be improved.

[0162] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the calculation of the menstrual cycle and the prediction of the next menstrual period. In Figure 12, each day of the menstrual period is represented by a dot below the menstrual period. In Figure 12, each day of the ovulation period is represented by a dot below the ovulation period.

[0163] As shown in Figure 12, the estimation unit 132 calculates a first period based on the length from the day estimated to be the first day of the menstrual period to the day estimated to be the last day of the next ovulation period (ovulation day). The first period corresponds to the first half of the menstrual cycle. The estimation unit 132 calculates a second period based on the length from the day estimated to be the last day of the ovulation period (ovulation day) to the day estimated to be the first day of the next menstrual period. The second period corresponds to the second half of the menstrual cycle. For example, the estimation unit 132 calculates a first period from a past menstrual period to an ovulation period, and a second period from a past ovulation period to a menstrual period, based on the user's past menstrual periods and past ovulation periods. The first period and the past second period are calculated, for example, as average values. The estimation unit 132 calculates the user's menstrual cycle based on the first and second periods. The sum of the first and second periods corresponds to the menstrual cycle. In this way, the estimation unit 132 can calculate the user's menstrual cycle based on the user's first and second information. That is, the estimation unit 132 can calculate the menstrual cycle for each user.

[0164] The notification unit 133 notifies the notification unit 50 of the calculation result (menstrual cycle) from the estimation unit 132. The notification unit 50 then notifies the user of the notified calculation result (menstrual cycle).

[0165] In this way, based on the user's past multiple menstrual periods and past multiple ovulation periods, a first period from past menstrual periods to ovulation periods and a second period from past ovulation periods to menstruation periods are calculated, and the user's menstrual cycle is calculated based on the first and second periods, thereby improving the accuracy of calculating (estimating) the user's menstrual cycle.

[0166] As shown in Figure 12, the estimation unit 132 may predict when the user's next (future) menstrual period will be based on the estimated first and second periods of the user's past. For example, the estimation unit 132 predicts when the next menstrual period will be based on the estimated last ovulation period and the estimated second period. In the initial stages of operating the health management system 200, the user's menstrual cycle and ovulation cycle cannot be estimated, so the user may input the last menstrual period, last ovulation period, menstrual cycle (or general menstrual cycle), and ovulation cycle (or general ovulation cycle) into the health management system 200. In this case, the estimation unit 132 may predict when the next menstrual period will be based on the input last ovulation period and the input menstrual cycle and ovulation cycle.

[0167] The notification unit 133 notifies the notification unit 50 of the prediction result (when the next menstrual period will occur) from the estimation unit 132. The notification unit 50 then notifies the user of the notified prediction result (when the next menstrual period will occur).

[0168] In this way, by predicting when the user's next menstrual period will occur based on the first and second periods, the accuracy of the prediction (estimation) of when the user's next menstrual period will occur can be improved. For example, the first period, which corresponds to the first half of the menstrual cycle, is prone to variation from user to user and from cycle to cycle, while the second period, which corresponds to the second half of the menstrual cycle, is less prone to variation from user to user and from cycle to cycle. Therefore, for example, by predicting when the user's next menstrual period will occur based on the previous ovulation day (the last day of the first period) and the second period, the accuracy of the prediction (estimation) can be improved.

[0169] In this embodiment, the components such as the functional blocks shown in Figure 3 are conceptual in function and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. For example, some or all of the components of the health management system 200 may be aggregated in the estimation device 100 and the toilet device 10 as appropriate, or each component may be distributed to multiple devices that are connected to each other via a network for communication. Each component of the embodiment may be distributed or integrated as appropriate, functionally or physically.

[0170] For example, at least a part of the estimation device 100 may be a device provided outside the toilet room TR, separate from the toilet device 10, or it may be provided in the toilet device 10 or the toilet seat device 20. That is, the toilet device 10 or the toilet seat device 20 may have an estimation unit 132, a notification unit 133, a personal identification unit 134, and a storage unit 120, etc. The processing unit 130 and the storage unit 120 may be provided separately. For example, the processing unit 130 may be provided in the toilet device 10 and the storage unit 120 may be provided in a cloud server.

[0171] The toilet seat device 20 may include, for example, a toilet seat 24, a first information acquisition unit 40 that acquires first information about the user, an estimation unit 132 that estimates information about the user's menstrual cycle based on the first information and second information different from the user's first information, and an output unit (notification unit 133) that outputs information about the user's menstrual cycle.

[0172] In this way, by estimating information about the female menstrual cycle based on the first information acquired by the toilet seat device 20 and the second information which is different from the first information, the accuracy of the estimation can be improved compared to when the information about the female menstrual cycle is estimated based on only one piece of information. Furthermore, since the first information acquisition unit 40 is provided in the toilet seat device 20, the first information can be acquired during daily toilet use, making it easier to estimate information about the female menstrual cycle.

[0173] The toilet device 10 may include, for example, a toilet bowl 11, a toilet seat 24 provided on the toilet bowl 11, a first information acquisition unit 40 that acquires first information of the user, an estimation unit 132 that estimates information regarding the user's menstrual cycle based on the first information and second information different from the user's first information, and an output unit (notification unit 133) that outputs information regarding the user's menstrual cycle.

[0174] By estimating information about the female menstrual cycle based on first information acquired by the toilet device 10 and second information different from the first information, the accuracy of the estimation can be improved compared to estimating information about the female menstrual cycle based on only one piece of information. Furthermore, since the first information acquisition unit 40 is provided in the toilet device 10, the first information can be acquired during daily toilet use, making it easier to estimate information about the female menstrual cycle.

[0175] Personal authentication may be performed in the toilet device 10 or the first information acquisition unit 40. That is, at least a part of the personal identification unit 134 and the storage unit 120 may be provided in the toilet device 10 or the first information acquisition unit 40 separately from the estimation device 100. For example, the toilet device 10 or the first information acquisition unit 40 may acquire usage information by a user after identifying that user. The toilet device 10 or the first information acquisition unit 40 may transmit the usage information by the user, along with the user identification information (e.g., user ID), to the estimation device 100.

[0176] Furthermore, while the above example described the estimation of information regarding the user's menstrual cycle based on the first and second information, information regarding the user's menstrual cycle may also be estimated based on a third piece of information in addition to the first and second information. The third piece of information is different from the first and second information. The third piece of information may be user information obtained in the toilet room TR, or user information obtained outside the toilet room TR. The third piece of information may include, for example, at least one of the pieces of information listed as examples of the first information or the second information above. The third piece of information may be one piece of information or may include multiple pieces of information. The third information acquisition unit that acquires the third piece of information may be the same as the example of the first information acquisition unit 40 or the example of the second information acquisition unit 60.

[0177] The embodiment may include the following configurations. (Composition 1) A first information acquisition unit is installed in the toilet room to acquire the first information of the user, A second information acquisition unit that acquires second information different from the first information of the user, An estimation unit that estimates information regarding the user's menstrual cycle based on the first and second information, A notification unit that provides notification based on information regarding the user's menstrual cycle, A health management system equipped with [features / equipment]. (Configuration 2) The second information acquisition unit is provided outside the toilet room, and is part of the health management system described in Configuration 1. (Composition 3) The health management system according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the estimation unit estimates whether the user is in the menstrual period based on the first information and the second information. (Composition 4) The system further includes a storage unit that stores information regarding the user's menstrual cycle, The estimation unit calculates the user's menstrual cycle based on the user's past menstrual periods, according to one of the configurations 1 to 3. (Composition 5) The health management system according to configuration 4, wherein the estimation unit predicts when the user's next menstrual period will be based on the user's menstrual cycle. (Composition 6) The estimation unit estimates whether the user is ovulating or not based on the first information and the second information, according to one of the configurations 1 to 5. (Composition 7) The system further includes a storage unit that stores information regarding the user's menstrual cycle, The estimation unit calculates the user's ovulation cycle based on the user's past multiple ovulation periods, according to one of the configurations 1 to 6. (Composition 8) The health management system according to configuration 7, wherein the estimation unit predicts when the user's next ovulation period will be based on the user's ovulation cycle. (Composition 9) The system further includes a storage unit that stores information regarding the user's menstrual cycle, The estimation unit, Based on the user's past menstrual periods and past ovulation periods, the first period from a past menstrual period to an ovulation period and the second period from a past ovulation period to a menstrual period are calculated. A health management system according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, which calculates the user's menstrual cycle based on the first and second periods. (Composition 10) The health management system according to configuration 9, wherein the estimation unit predicts when the user's next menstrual period will occur based on the first period and the second period. (Composition 11) Toilet seat and A first information acquisition unit that acquires the first information of the user, An estimation unit that estimates information regarding the user's menstrual cycle based on the first information and second information different from the first information of the user, An output unit that outputs information regarding the user's menstrual cycle, A toilet seat device equipped with a toilet seat. (Composition 12) Toilet bowl and A toilet seat provided on top of the aforementioned toilet bowl, A first information acquisition unit that acquires the first information of the user, An estimation unit that estimates information regarding the user's menstrual cycle based on the first information and second information different from the first information of the user, An output unit that outputs information regarding the user's menstrual cycle, A toilet system equipped with [specific features / equipment].

[0178] Embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. Modifications made by those skilled in the art to the above-described embodiments are also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as they retain the features of the present invention. For example, the shape, arrangement, and installation configuration of each element are not limited to those exemplified and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, the elements of each of the embodiments described above can be combined to the extent technically possible, and these combinations are also included within the scope of the present invention insofar as they include the features of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0179] 10: Toilet equipment 11: Toilet 12: Bowl Section 20: Toilet seat device 21: Casing 22: Functional Section 23: Cleaning function unit 23a: Nozzle 24: Toilet seat 25: Seating detection unit 27: Human body detection unit 28: Remote control 29: Control Unit 40: 1st Information Acquisition Department 50: Hochi Department 60:Second Information Acquisition Department 100: Estimation device 110: Communications Department 120: Storage section 121:First information storage unit 122:Second information storage unit 123: User information storage unit 124: Estimation result storage unit 130: Processing Unit 131: Acquisition Department 132: Estimation part 133: Notification Department 134:Personal identification section 200: Health Management System S1~S4, S6: Signal S5: Estimated results S101~S107, S201~S207: Step TR: Toilet room

Claims

1. A first information acquisition unit is installed in the toilet room to acquire the first information of the user, A second information acquisition unit that acquires second information different from the first information of the user, An estimation unit that estimates information regarding the user's menstrual cycle based on the first and second information, A notification unit that provides notification based on information regarding the user's menstrual cycle, A health management system equipped with [features / equipment].

2. The health management system according to claim 1, wherein the second information acquisition unit is provided outside the toilet room.

3. The health management system according to claim 1, wherein the estimation unit estimates whether the user is menstruating or not based on the first information and the second information.

4. The system further includes a storage unit that stores information regarding the user's menstrual cycle, The health management system according to claim 1, wherein the estimation unit calculates the user's menstrual cycle based on the user's past menstrual periods.

5. The health management system according to claim 4, wherein the estimation unit predicts when the user's next menstrual period will be based on the user's menstrual cycle.

6. The health management system according to claim 1, wherein the estimation unit estimates whether the user is ovulating or not based on the first information and the second information.

7. The system further includes a storage unit that stores information regarding the user's menstrual cycle, The health management system according to claim 1, wherein the estimation unit calculates the user's ovulation cycle based on the user's past multiple ovulation periods.

8. The health management system according to claim 7, wherein the estimation unit predicts when the user's next ovulation period will be based on the user's ovulation cycle.

9. The system further includes a storage unit that stores information regarding the user's menstrual cycle, The estimation unit, Based on the user's past menstrual periods and past ovulation periods, the first period from a past menstrual period to an ovulation period and the second period from a past ovulation period to a menstrual period are calculated. A health management system according to claim 1, which calculates the user's menstrual cycle based on the first period and the second period.

10. The health management system according to claim 9, wherein the estimation unit predicts when the user's next menstrual period will be based on the first period and the second period.

11. Toilet seat and A first information acquisition unit that acquires the first information of the user, An estimation unit that estimates information regarding the user's menstrual cycle based on the first information and second information different from the first information of the user, An output unit that outputs information regarding the user's menstrual cycle, A toilet seat device equipped with a toilet seat.

12. Toilet bowl and A toilet seat provided on top of the aforementioned toilet bowl, A first information acquisition unit that acquires the first information of the user, An estimation unit that estimates information regarding the user's menstrual cycle based on the first information and second information different from the first information of the user, An output unit that outputs information regarding the user's menstrual cycle, A toilet system equipped with [specific features / equipment].

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