Toilet system

Abstract

To ensure proper coordination between the toilet seat device and the measuring device. [Solution] The toilet system according to the embodiment comprises a first device attached to a toilet bowl and a second device attached to a toilet bowl. The first device includes at least one of a deodorizing unit that captures odorous gases among the gas components in the bowl and a washing unit that washes the target, and includes a first control unit that controls at least one of the deodorizing unit and the washing unit, and a first communication unit that can transmit the control contents of the first control unit to the outside. The second device includes a suction unit for drawing in fecal gases discharged from the user into the second device, a sensor unit that detects specific gas components contained in the fecal gases, a second control unit that controls the suction unit and the sensor unit, and a second communication unit that can transmit the control contents of the second control unit to the outside. The first communication unit and the second communication unit are characterized in that they transmit the control contents of their own devices to other devices.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a toilet system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a toilet seat device equipped with a gas sensor capable of detecting flatulence (defecation gas) discharged simultaneously with feces has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above conventional technology, there are cases where the toilet seat device and the measuring device cannot be appropriately coordinated. For example, the toilet seat device performs washing, deodorizing, sterilizing, etc. to remove the defecation gas of the user and not give the user discomfort, while the measuring device measures and detects the defecation gas of the user. Therefore, when the measuring device is provided in the toilet seat device, it is considered that the functions performed by each device interfere with each other and have an impact. Thus, there is room for improvement in the method of effectively functioning and coordinating each of the toilet seat device and the measuring device.

[0005] An object of the disclosed embodiments is to provide a toilet system that appropriately coordinates a toilet seat device and a measuring device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A toilet system according to one embodiment includes a first device attached to a toilet bowl and a second device attached to the toilet bowl, wherein the first device includes at least one of a deodorizing unit that captures odorous gases among the gas components in the bowl and a washing unit that washes the target, and includes a first control unit that controls at least one of the deodorizing unit and the washing unit, and a first communication unit that can transmit the control contents of the first control unit to an external device, wherein the second device includes a suction unit for drawing in fecal gases discharged from the user into the second device, a sensor unit that detects specific gas components contained in the fecal gases, a second control unit that controls the suction unit and the sensor unit, and a second communication unit that can transmit the control contents of the second control unit to an external device, and at least one of the first communication unit and the second communication unit transmits the control contents of its own device to other devices.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the toilet system, at least one of a toilet seat device equipped with at least one of a washing unit and a deodorizing unit, and an add-on defecation gas measuring device having a gas sensor, can transmit signals, thus enabling appropriate coordination between the toilet seat device and the measuring device. In other words, by coordinating the functions of the toilet seat device, which cleans defecation gas to avoid causing discomfort to the user, and the measuring device, which measures and detects defecation gas, while suppressing interference between their respective functions, each device can function effectively.

[0008] In a toilet system according to one embodiment, the first control unit controls the first device based on a signal from the second control unit received from the first communication unit.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the toilet system, the toilet seat device can receive the operating signal of an add-on measuring device, and the toilet seat device can be operated based on the operating status of the add-on measuring device. This suppresses interference with the function of the measuring device, allowing the toilet seat device to function properly.

[0010] In a toilet system according to one embodiment, the first control unit controls at least one of the washing unit and the deodorizing unit based on a signal from the second control unit received from the first communication unit.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the toilet system, the cleaning / deodorizing function of the toilet seat device, which may interfere with the function of the retrofitted measuring device, can be performed during a period when it does not interfere with the function of the measuring device. Therefore, the toilet seat device can perform the cleaning / deodorizing function without interfering with the function of the measuring device.

[0012] In a toilet system according to one embodiment, the first device further includes a disinfection unit for disinfecting the inside of the bowl, and the first control unit controls the disinfection unit based on a signal from the second control unit received from the first communication unit.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the toilet system, the sterilization function of the toilet seat device, which may interfere with the function of the retrofitted measuring device, can be performed during a period that does not interfere with the function of the measuring device. Therefore, the toilet seat device can perform the sterilization function without interfering with the function of the measuring device.

[0014] In a toilet system according to one embodiment, the second device further includes a storage tank for storing the fecal gas drawn in from the suction unit, the first communication unit receives a signal from the second communication unit indicating the completion of gas storage in the storage tank, and the first control unit controls the first device based on the signal indicating the completion of gas storage.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the toilet system, the toilet seat device can receive a signal from an add-on measuring device indicating that the storage of gas in the storage tank is complete. Based on the gas storage status in the storage tank as measured by the add-on measuring device, the toilet seat device can be operated, allowing it to function without interfering with the function of the measuring device.

[0016] In a toilet system according to one embodiment, the first control unit does not perform at least one of the washing operation by the washing unit or the deodorizing operation by the deodorizing unit until it receives a signal indicating that gas storage is complete.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the toilet system, the cleaning / deodorizing function of the toilet seat device, which may interfere with the function of the retrofitted measuring device, can be performed after the measuring device receives a signal indicating the completion of gas storage in the storage tank. Therefore, the toilet seat device can perform the cleaning / deodorizing function without interfering with the function of the measuring device.

[0018] In a toilet system according to one embodiment, the first device further includes a disinfection unit for disinfecting the inside of the bowl, and the first control unit does not perform the disinfection operation by the disinfection unit until it receives a signal indicating that gas storage is complete.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the toilet system, the sterilization function of the toilet seat device, which may interfere with the function of the retrofitted measuring device, can be performed after the measuring device receives a signal indicating the completion of gas storage in the storage tank. Therefore, the toilet seat device can perform the sterilization function without interfering with the function of the measuring device.

[0020] In a toilet system according to one embodiment, the sensor unit outputs a voltage corresponding to the specific gas component to the second control unit, the first communication unit receives a signal from the second communication unit indicating the detection of the specific gas component when the voltage output to the second control unit is equal to or greater than a first threshold, and the first control unit controls the first device based on the signal indicating the detection of the specific gas component.

[0021] According to the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, when the voltage corresponding to the specific gas component is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the toilet seat device is controlled by receiving a signal indicating the detection of the specific gas component from the measuring device, so that it is possible to operate the toilet seat device after confirming that sufficient output is obtained from the gas sensor. As a result, even if the measuring device fails to collect defecation gas, it is possible to collect it again. That is, by the toilet seat device functioning after the function of the measuring device is executed, the toilet seat device can function without interfering with the function of the measuring device.

[0022] In the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the first control unit does not execute at least one of the cleaning operation by the cleaning unit and the deodorizing operation by the deodorizing unit until it receives a signal indicating the detection of a specific gas component.

[0023] According to the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, it is possible to execute the cleaning / deodorizing function of the toilet seat device that may interfere with the function of the retrofittable measuring device after confirming that sufficient output is obtained from the gas sensor. Therefore, the toilet seat device can function without interfering with the function of the measuring device.

[0024] In the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the first device further includes a sterilizing unit that sterilizes the inside of the bowl unit, and the first control unit does not execute the sterilizing operation by the sterilizing unit until it receives a signal indicating the detection of a specific gas component.

[0025] According to the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, it is possible to execute the sterilizing function of the toilet seat device that may interfere with the function of the retrofittable measuring device after confirming that sufficient output is obtained from the gas sensor. Therefore, the toilet seat device can function without interfering with the function of the measuring device.

[0026] In the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the first device further includes a toilet seat portion on which the user of the toilet sits and a seating detection sensor that detects the seating on the toilet seat portion, and the second control unit executes the suction operation of the suction portion in response to the signal of the completion of the user's seating transmitted from the first communication unit.

[0027] According to the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, by starting the collection of the measurement target gas in response to the timing when the seating of the user on the toilet seat is detected, the collection of unnecessary gas can be suppressed. Further, by using the seating sensor provided in the toilet seat device 100, the seating of the user can be detected without providing a seating sensor in the measuring device.

[0028] In the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, it further includes an estimation unit that estimates the health state of the user based on the detection result of the sensor unit.

[0029] According to the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, by estimating the health state of the user using the result of detecting the gas with high accuracy, it is possible to improve the health awareness of the user and promote activities to improve the health state.

Effects of the Invention

[0030] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet seat device and the measuring device can be appropriately coordinated.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a gas detection system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a toilet system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a measuring device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view of a toilet equipped with a measuring device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5]Figure 5 shows an example of the functional configuration of the measuring device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the physical configuration of the measuring device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of the physical configuration of the measuring device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of the physical configuration of the measuring device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of the valves, pumps, and their operation from gas collection to cleaning according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by the gas detection system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of the configuration of a gas detection system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of the functional configuration of the measuring device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows an example of the functional configuration of a toilet seat device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows an example of the processing flow performed by the gas detection system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows an example of the processing flow performed by the gas detection system according to the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the gas detection system 1, which is an example of a toilet system disclosed in this application, will be described in detail. In the first embodiment, the process of switching the type of gas supplied to the gas sensor by the gas detection system 1 will be described. In the second embodiment, the process by which the gas detection system 1 estimates the user's health condition will be described. In the third embodiment, the cooperation between the toilet seat device 100 and the measuring device 200 of the gas detection system 1 will be described. However, this invention is not limited to the embodiments shown below.

[0033] <First Embodiment> [Example configuration of a gas detection system] First, an example of the configuration of the gas detection system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the gas detection system 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the gas detection system 1 has a toilet seat device 100 installed in the toilet of the toilet system 10 that performs cleaning, etc. after the user defecates, and a measuring device 200 attached to the toilet bowl 2 that measures the components of the gas. The toilet seat device 100 may be connected to a network N for communication. The network N may be implemented by any type of communication network, such as the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network), whether wired or wireless. It is also conceivable that the toilet seat device 100 and the measuring device 200 be configured as a single unit, but in the following embodiment, an example in which the toilet seat device 100 and the measuring device 200 are configured separately will be used for explanation. Note that the configuration of the gas detection system 1 shown in Figure 1 is merely an example, and any device configuration can be adopted as long as the gas detection system 1 can perform the desired processing.

[0034] [Toilet system] Before moving on to a description of each component of the gas detection system 1, we will describe the toilet system 10 equipped with a toilet seat device 100 and a measuring device 200 with reference to Figure 2. Note that the measuring device 200, which is configured separately from the toilet seat device 100, is not shown in Figure 2 and will be described in Figure 3. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the toilet system 10 in the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the toilet system 10 includes a toilet bowl 2 installed on the floor F of the toilet room R, a bowl portion 2a for receiving excrement, a toilet seat device 100 placed on the toilet bowl 2, a toilet seat 4 on which the user sits when using the toilet, a toilet lid 5 which is the lid of the toilet bowl, a nozzle 6 for washing the user's private parts, and a remote control 8 for operating the toilet seat device 100. Hereafter, the toilet system 10, or the configuration of the toilet system 10 excluding the remote control 8, will be referred to as a toilet. In the following, "upward," "downward," "forward," "backward," "left side," and "right side" refer to directions viewed from the perspective of a toilet user sitting on the toilet seat 4 with their back to the open toilet lid 5. For example, upward is the direction from the floor surface F towards the space of the toilet room R, downward is the direction from the space of the toilet room R towards the floor surface F, forward is the direction from the back to the chest of a user sitting on the toilet seat 4 towards the back of a user sitting on the toilet seat 4, back is the direction from the chest to the right arm of a user sitting on the toilet seat 4 towards the right side, and left is the direction from the chest to the left arm of a user sitting on the toilet seat 4 towards the left side.

[0035] The toilet seat device 100 is a device that is placed on top of the toilet bowl 2, which has a bowl portion 2a for receiving excrement, and functions as a toilet seat. The toilet seat device 100 may be detachably attached to the toilet bowl 2, or it may be attached so as to be integrated with the toilet bowl 2. For example, if the toilet seat device 100 is attached so as to be integrated with the toilet bowl 2, the toilet has the toilet seat device 100 and the toilet bowl 2. The toilet seat device 100 can communicate with an external information processing device such as a measuring device 200 via a communication unit 110 realized by a communication device, communication circuit, etc.

[0036] The toilet seat device 100 transmits the detection result of a user, such as someone sitting down, to the measuring device 200. The toilet seat device 100 can communicate with external information processing devices such as the measuring device 200 via a communication unit 110, which is implemented by a communication device, communication circuit, etc. For example, the toilet seat device 100 sends and receives information with the measuring device 200 via wireless communication. For example, the toilet seat device 100 communicates with the measuring device 200 via wireless communication and transmits to the measuring device 200 information that the toilet seat device 100 has detected a user by someone sitting down. The toilet seat device 100 also receives control of operations such as flushing from the measuring device 200 via wireless communication.

[0037] The measuring device 200 is a device for measuring the components and concentration of gases. For example, the measuring device 200 is installed in a toilet and includes a gas sensor that measures the fecal gases expelled by the toilet user during defecation and the environmental gases present in the toilet room R, and outputs a signal corresponding to the components and concentration of the gases. The measuring device 200 may be integrated with the toilet or the toilet seat device 100 installed in the toilet, but below we will describe an example in which the measuring device 200 is separate from the toilet or the toilet seat device 100 installed in the toilet.

[0038] The gas sensor in the measuring device 200 measures the gaseous components of fecal gas and environmental gases by utilizing the infrared absorption bands unique to each gas molecule. In addition to the above example, the gas sensor may also measure gaseous components and gas concentrations using known methods such as a semiconductor method, which involves adsorbing gas onto a metal oxide surface; a detection method that involves an oxidation-reduction reaction of the detection electrode gas; or an electrochemical method. Examples of gases measured by the gas sensor in the measuring device 200 include health-related gases such as hydrogen, carbon dioxide, acetic acid, methane, and ethanol, as well as odorous gases such as hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, ammonia, trimethylamine, indole, and skatole.

[0039] Here, with reference to Figure 3, the external appearance of the measuring device 200 is shown. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the measuring device 200 in the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the measuring device 200 includes a duct 218a mounted on the top surface of the device so as to extend laterally and whose tip is bent downward, and a power cord 282 connected to the device. Gas drawn in from the duct 218a is deodorized and released from a deodorized air outlet provided on the bottom surface of the measuring device 200. Various gas sensors, a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, a sensor heating heater, and a fan are provided inside the duct 218a. With this configuration, the measuring device 200 can obtain detection data corresponding to the various gas components and concentrations contained in the fecal gas.

[0040] The measuring device 200 can communicate with an external information processing device such as a toilet seat device 100 via a communication unit 210, which is implemented by a communication device, communication circuit, etc.

[0041] Here, with reference to Figure 4, an example of a configuration in which the measuring device 200 is installed on the toilet bowl 2 is shown. Figure 4 is a side view of a toilet system equipped with the measuring device 200. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the measuring device 200 is fixed in a state where the tip of the duct 218a is positioned inside the bowl portion 2a by hooking the tip of the duct 218a onto the side wall of the bowl portion 2a of the toilet bowl 2.

[0042] In this embodiment, the toilet seat device 100 is preferably a toilet seat with a washing function that includes a toilet lid opening / closing mechanism, a nozzle driving mechanism, a nozzle cleaning mechanism, a toilet bowl cleaning mechanism, and a toilet bowl sterilization mechanism, and is capable of communicating with the measuring device 200. By using such a toilet seat together with the measuring device 200, it becomes possible to perform various cleaning and sterilization operations, such as when an odorous gas is detected.

[0043] [Example of a measuring device configuration] Next, an example of the functional configuration of the measuring device 200 will be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the measuring device 200 according to the first embodiment. The measuring device 200 shown in Figure 5 has a communication unit 210, a storage unit 220, and a control unit 230. The measuring device 200 may also have an input unit (e.g., a keyboard or mouse) for receiving various operations from the administrator of the measuring device 200, and a display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display) for displaying various information.

[0044] The communication unit 210 is implemented, for example, by a communication device, a communication circuit, etc. The communication unit 210 is connected to any network, such as the Internet, by wired or wireless connection and transmits and receives information with an external information processing device. The communication unit 210 may also be connected to an external information processing device, such as a toilet seat device 100, via a predetermined wireless communication function such as Wi-Fi. For example, the communication unit 210 transmits and receives information with other devices such as the toilet seat device 100. In this way, the communication unit 210 is a connection means to which the measuring device 200 is connected to communicate via a predetermined network.

[0045] The memory unit 220 is implemented by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or optical disc. For example, the memory unit 220 is a computer-readable recording medium that non-temporarily records data used by an information processing program. The memory unit 220 stores various predetermined values, predetermined times, thresholds, as well as information necessary for gas suction, gas storage in the storage unit 232, gas supply to the sensor unit 234, and switching of the gas supplied to the sensor unit 234.

[0046] The control unit 230 may be, for example, an information processing device (control device) that controls various configurations and processes. The control unit 230 may have, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and may be implemented by executing a program stored inside the control unit 230 using RAM or the like as a working area. Alternatively, the control unit 230 may have, for example, an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0047] As shown in Figure 5, the control unit 230 includes a suction unit 231, a storage unit 232, a supply unit 233, a sensor unit 234, and a second control unit 235, and realizes or executes the information processing functions and operations described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 230 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 5, and other configurations are also acceptable as long as they perform the information processing described later.

[0048] The suction unit 231 draws gas into the measuring device 200 (hereinafter referred to as "collecting" as appropriate). For example, the suction unit 231 collects gas into the measuring device 200 by using a pump to create negative pressure in a storage tank or flow path inside the measuring device 200. The suction unit 231 collects, for example, the target gas, which is the fecal gas discharged from toilet users, and the environmental gas, which is the gas present in the toilet room R where the toilet is installed. The pump used by the suction unit 231 is an existing pump such as a piezo pump or a motor pump.

[0049] The time that the suction unit 231 takes to collect gas can be set to different times depending on the type of gas. For example, the suction unit 231 can be set so that the first time for collecting the target gas is shorter than the second time for collecting the ambient gas. In other words, the suction unit 231 collects the target gas in a shorter time than it does for collecting the ambient gas.

[0050] As an alternative example, the flow rate of the suction unit 231 when collecting gas can be set to different rates depending on the type of gas. Here, flow rate refers to the volume of gas flowing per unit time. For example, the flow rate when collecting gas is adjusted by the degree of negative pressure in the pump of the suction unit 231. For example, the suction unit 231 is set so that the first flow rate when collecting the target gas is greater than the second flow rate when collecting the ambient gas. In other words, the suction unit 231 collects the target gas at a flow rate greater than the flow rate when collecting the ambient gas.

[0051] The storage unit 232 stores gas. For example, the storage unit 232 is a storage tank that stores gas collected by the suction unit 231. The storage tank has a hollow shape capable of storing gas, such as a bag, cylinder, or rectangular parallelepiped. Details of the storage tank will be described later in [Physical Configuration of the Measuring Device]. There may be one or more storage tanks. If the storage unit 232 has multiple storage tanks, the storage unit 232 can store different types of gas in each storage tank. For example, the storage unit 232 stores the gas to be measured in the first storage tank. The storage unit 232 also stores environmental gas in the second storage tank.

[0052] (Supply Department) The supply unit 233 supplies gas to the sensor unit 234. For example, the supply unit 233 has a valve and a flow path for supplying the gas to be measured or the ambient gas to the sensor unit 234. More specifically, based on control from the second control unit 235, the supply unit 233 opens the flow path from the storage tank where the gas to be measured or the ambient gas is stored to the sensor unit 234 by operating a valve located on the flow path leading to the sensor unit 234, thereby supplying the gas to be measured or the ambient gas to the sensor unit 234.

[0053] Alternatively, the supply unit 233 can further supply gas to the sensor unit 234 using a pump. Here, the pump used by the supply unit 233 is an existing pump such as a piezo pump or a motor pump. For example, based on control from the second control unit 235, the supply unit 233 opens a valve located in the flow path from the storage tank where the gas to be measured or the ambient gas is stored to the sensor unit 234, and operates the pump so that the gas flows from the storage tank towards the sensor unit 234, thereby supplying the gas to be measured or the ambient gas to the sensor unit 234.

[0054] As an alternative example, the supply unit 233 can switch the gas supplied to the sensor unit 234. For example, to illustrate the case where the supply unit 233 switches the gas supplied to the sensor unit 234 from the gas to be measured to the ambient gas, when the supply unit 233 is supplying the gas to be measured to the sensor unit 234, the supply unit 233, under control from the second control unit 235, closes a valve located in the flow path from the first storage tank that stores the gas to be measured to the sensor unit 234, and opens a valve located in the flow path from the second storage tank that stores the ambient gas to the sensor unit 234.

[0055] Conversely, to illustrate an example where the supply unit 233 switches the gas supplied to the sensor unit 234 from ambient gas to the gas to be measured, when the supply unit 233 is supplying ambient gas to the sensor unit 234, the supply unit 233, under control from the second control unit 235, closes a valve located in the flow path from the second storage tank that stores ambient gas to the sensor unit 234, and opens a valve located in the flow path from the first storage tank that stores the gas to be measured to the sensor unit 234.

[0056] The sensor unit 234 detects gas and outputs a signal value. The sensor unit 234 is a gas sensor that detects various gases. For example, the sensor unit 234 is a gas sensor that detects hydrogen gas and outputs a signal value corresponding to the concentration of hydrogen gas to the second control unit 235. Although the above example uses a hydrogen gas sensor that detects hydrogen, the sensor unit 234 is also a gas sensor that targets health-related gases such as hydrogen, carbon dioxide, acetic acid, methane, and ethanol, as well as odorous gases such as hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, ammonia, trimethylamine, indole, and skatole.

[0057] The second control unit 235 controls the storage unit 232, the supply unit 233, and the sensor unit 234. For example, the second control unit 235 controls the supply unit 233 to alternately supply the target gas and the ambient gas to the sensor unit 234. More specifically, when the signal value meets a predetermined condition and the supply unit 233 switches from supplying the target gas to the sensor unit 234 to supplying the ambient gas to the sensor unit 234, the second control unit 235 controls the supply unit 233 to stop the supply of the target gas to the sensor unit 234 and to start the supply of the ambient gas to the sensor unit 234. Conversely, when the signal value meets a predetermined condition and the supply unit 233 switches from supplying the ambient gas to the sensor unit 234 to supplying the target gas to the sensor unit 234, the second control unit 235 controls the supply unit 233 to stop the supply of the ambient gas to the sensor unit 234 and to start the supply of the target gas to the sensor unit 234.

[0058] The second control unit 235 acquires the signal value output by the sensor unit 234 and switches the supply of the target gas and the ambient gas when the signal value satisfies predetermined conditions. For example, the second control unit 235 switches the supply of the target gas and the ambient gas to the sensor unit 234 when the signal value or the maximum value of the signal value output by the sensor unit 234 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. The second control unit 235 also switches the supply of the target gas and the ambient gas to the sensor unit 234 when the slope of the change in the signal value output by the sensor unit 234 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. Furthermore, the second control unit 235 switches the supply of the target gas and the ambient gas to the sensor unit 234 when the duration of the stable state of the signal value output by the sensor unit 234 is greater than or equal to a predetermined time. Note that a stable state of the signal value means a state in which the change in the signal value is small, for example, a state in which the absolute value of the slope of the change in the signal value is less than a predetermined value.

[0059] Here, a time limit may be set for determining whether to switch the supply of the target gas and the ambient gas. For example, if the signal value does not meet a predetermined condition within a predetermined time, the second control unit 235 switches the supply of the target gas and the ambient gas according to the elapsed time. For example, if the signal value does not meet a predetermined condition within a predetermined time, and a predetermined time has elapsed since the sensor unit 234 started outputting a signal value, the second control unit 235 switches the supply of the target gas and the ambient gas to the sensor unit 234. To give one example, if the condition that the maximum value of the signal value (voltage) output from the sensor unit 234 is 4V or more is not met within 5 minutes from the start of signal value output by the sensor unit 234, the second control unit 235 switches the supply of the target gas and the ambient gas to the sensor unit 234. Note that each of the above predetermined values ​​and predetermined times can be freely set according to purposes such as noise reduction or improving the accuracy of gas detection.

[0060] As an alternative example, the second control unit 235 controls the sensor unit 234 to terminate gas detection based on the characteristics of the signal value. For example, the second control unit 235 extracts characteristics from the signal value, and controls the sensor unit 234 to terminate gas detection when the variation in characteristics falls below a predetermined value. Here, the characteristics extracted from the signal value include the signal value, the maximum value of the signal value, the slope of the change in the signal value, and the duration of the stable state of the signal value. The variation in characteristics is the variance of the characteristics. For example, the second control unit 235 first extracts characteristics such as the signal value, the maximum value of the signal value, the slope of the change in the signal value, and the duration of the stable state of the signal value output from the sensor unit 234. Here, the signal value from which characteristics are extracted may be the signal value output by the sensor unit 234 that detected the target gas or environmental gas. For example, the second control unit 235 extracts characteristics from the signal value output by the sensor unit 234 that detected the target gas.

[0061] Next, the second control unit 235 calculates the variability of the extracted features. For example, the second control unit 235 calculates the variance of the extracted features. Then, the second control unit 235 compares the calculated variability of the features with a predetermined value and controls the sensor unit 234 to terminate gas detection if the variability of the features is below a predetermined threshold. At this time, the second control unit 235 may also control the supply unit 233 to stop the supply of gas to the sensor unit 234.

[0062] The second control unit 235 controls the suction unit 231 and the supply unit 233 to set the time for collecting gas into the storage tank and the time for supplying gas to the sensor unit 234. For example, the second control unit 235 controls the time for supplying gas to the sensor unit 234 to be shorter than the time for supplying the target gas and ambient gas to the first and second storage tanks. In other words, the second control unit 235 supplies gas to the sensor unit 234 in a shorter time than the time for collecting gas into the storage tank.

[0063] The second control unit 235 controls the suction unit 231 and the supply unit 233 to set the flow rate when collecting gas into the storage tank and the flow rate when supplying gas to the sensor unit 234. For example, the second control unit 235 controls the gas supply flow rate to the sensor unit 234 to be smaller than the supply flow rates of the target gas and ambient gas to the first and second storage tanks. In other words, the second control unit 235 supplies gas to the sensor unit 234 at a flow rate smaller than the flow rate when collecting gas into the storage tank.

[0064] The second control unit 235 can set the sampling rate of the sensor unit 234 to a predetermined value. For example, the second control unit 235 controls the sampling rate of the sensor unit 234 to 0.25 Hz or higher. In addition to the above example, the second control unit 235 can freely set the sampling rate value of the sensor unit 234 according to purposes such as noise reduction, improvement of gas detection accuracy, and improvement of gas detection efficiency.

[0065] The second control unit 235 controls the flow rates of the target gas and ambient gas supplied to the sensor unit 234 in conjunction with the sampling rate of the sensor unit 234. For example, the second control unit 235 controls the supply unit 233 to increase the flow rates of the target gas and ambient gas supplied to the sensor unit 234 in accordance with the timing of gas detection at the sampling rate of the sensor unit 234. Here, increasing the flow rate means, for example, increasing the volume of gas flowing per unit time. The second control unit 235 also controls the supply unit 233 to decrease the flow rates of the target gas and ambient gas supplied to the sensor unit 234 in accordance with the timing when gas detection does not occur at the sampling rate of the sensor unit 234. Here, decreasing the flow rate means decreasing the volume of gas flowing per unit time. At this time, the second control unit 235 may stop supplying the target gas and ambient gas.

[0066] The second control unit 235 controls the sensor unit 234 so that the value obtained by multiplying the sampling rate of the sensor unit 234 by the gas supply time to the sensor unit 234 is 3.0 or greater. In other words, the second control unit 235 controls the supply unit 233 and the sensor unit 234 to set the relationship between the sampling rate of the sensor unit 234 and the gas supply time to the sensor unit 234 so that gas detection by the sensor unit 234 is possible three or more times during a single gas supply time. The relationship between the sampling rate and the gas supply time can be expressed by equation 1.

[0067] (Equation 1) Sampling rate × Gas supply time ≥ 3.0

[0068] For example, the second control unit 235 sets the sampling rate of the sensor unit 234 and the gas supply time of the supply unit 233 so that the relationship between the sampling rate of the sensor unit 234 and the gas supply time of the supply unit 233 is as shown in Equation 1.

[0069] The above example shows how to control the sensor unit 234 so that the value obtained by multiplying the sampling rate of the sensor unit 234 by the gas supply time to the sensor unit 234 is 3.0 or greater. However, the value to which the value obtained by multiplying the sampling rate of the sensor unit 234 by the gas supply time to the sensor unit 234 is controlled can be freely set according to the purpose of improving detection accuracy or detection efficiency.

[0070] [Physical configuration of the measuring device] Next, an example of the physical configuration of the measuring device 200 will be explained using Figure 6. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the physical configuration of the measuring device 200 according to the first embodiment. First, the physical configuration of the measuring device 200 will be explained, and then the content of the control performed by the measuring device 200 will be explained. As shown in Figure 6, the measuring device 200 includes a first storage tank C1, a second storage tank C2, suction ports M1 and M2, flow paths F11, F12, F13, F21, F22, F23, F3, F4, F5, and F6, pumps P1, P2, and P3, valves V11, V12, V21, V22, and V3, a sensor chamber S, and a sensor unit 234. The measuring device 200 includes one or more sensor units 234 inside the sensor chamber S. The configuration of each part of the measuring device 200 will be explained below.

[0071] The first storage tank C1 and the second storage tank C2 are hollow in shape and capable of storing gas, such as bag-shaped, cylindrical, or rectangular parallelepiped-shaped containers. The first storage tank C1 is capable of storing the target gas. The second storage tank C2 is capable of storing ambient gas. Adsorbents C1a and C1b may be placed inside the first storage tank C1. Adsorbent C1a is a material that adsorbs non-detectable gases contained in the target gas, such as silica gel and zeolite. Adsorbent C1b is a material that adsorbs the target gas contained in the target gas, such as activated carbon, molecular sieves, and porous materials.

[0072] Similarly, adsorbents C2a and C2b may be placed inside the second storage tank C2. Adsorbent C2a is a material that adsorbs non-detectable gases contained in the environmental gas, specifically silica gel and zeolite. Adsorbent C2b is a material that adsorbs the target gases contained in the environmental gas, specifically activated carbon and molecular sieves, porous materials, etc. The materials used for adsorbents C1a, C1b, C2a, and C2b can be appropriately changed according to the properties of the gas to be adsorbed, such as the polarity of the gas molecules to be adsorbed.

[0073] In this way, by placing adsorbent C1a inside the first storage tank C1 and adsorbent C2a inside the second storage tank C2, even if non-detectable gases are mixed into the target gas and ambient gas, adsorbents C1a and C2a adsorb the non-detectable gases that have been mixed in, thereby purifying the target gas in the first storage tank C1 and the ambient gas in the second storage tank C2.

[0074] The adsorbents C1a and C1b may be placed in the first storage tank C1 in a section partitioned by a partition C1c. That is, by partitioning the inside of the first storage tank C1 with a longer flow path by the partition C1c, the contact time between the gas to be measured and the adsorbents C1a and C1b is increased, thereby improving the adsorption efficiency.

[0075] Similarly, adsorbents C2a and C2b may be placed in the second storage tank C2 in sections partitioned by partition C2c. That is, by partitioning the inside of the second storage tank C2 with partition C2c to create longer flow paths, the time that the environmental gas is in contact with the adsorbents C2a and C2b is increased, thereby improving the adsorption efficiency.

[0076] Furthermore, the entire first storage tank C1 may be partitioned by a partition C1c. By partitioning the entire first storage tank C1 by a partition C1c, the cross-sectional area of ​​the gas flow path in the first storage tank C1 becomes smaller relative to the volume of the gas flow path, thereby reducing the mixing of different gases with the target gas in the first storage tank C1.

[0077] Similarly, the entire second storage tank C2 may be partitioned by a partition C2c. By partitioning the entire second storage tank C2 by a partition C2c, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path within the second storage tank C2 becomes smaller relative to the volume of the flow path, thereby reducing the mixing of different gases into the environmental gas within the second storage tank C2.

[0078] Furthermore, the first storage tank C1 may be provided with a heater for heating at least one of the inner wall of the first storage tank C1, adsorbent C1a, and adsorbent C1b. Similarly, the second storage tank C2 may be provided with a heater for heating at least one of the inner wall of the second storage tank C2, adsorbent C2a, and adsorbent C2b. Heating with the heaters can improve the adsorption efficiency of adsorbents C1a, C1b, C2a, and C2b.

[0079] From the viewpoint of adsorption efficiency, in the first storage tank C1, the adsorbent C1a may be placed on the side where the target gas is collected. In the first storage tank C1, the adsorbent C1b may be placed on the side where the target gas is discharged. Similarly, in the second storage tank C2, the adsorbent C2a may be placed on the side where the ambient gas is collected. In the second storage tank C2, the adsorbent C2b may be placed on the side where the ambient gas is discharged.

[0080] The suction ports M1 and M2, the outlet port E, and the flow paths F11, F12, F13, F21, F22, F23, F3, F4, F5, and F6 are composed of tubular members such as glass pipes, metal pipes, and resin tubes.

[0081] One end of the suction port M1 may be exposed to the inside of the bowl portion 2a. The other end of the suction port M1 is connected to the flow path F11. The suction port M1 may have a blower W1 on its outside. The blower W1 includes a fan and a motor. The suction port M2 may be exposed to the outside of the bowl portion 2a. One end of the suction port M2 may be directed outwards from the toilet bowl 2. The other end of the suction port M2 is connected to the flow path F21. The suction port M2 may have a blower W2 on its outside. The blower W2 includes a fan and a motor.

[0082] One end of flow path F4 is connected to valve V12, and the other end of flow path F4 is connected to valve V3. One end of flow path F5 is connected to valve V22, and the other end of flow path F5 is connected to valve V3. One end of flow path F6 is connected to valve V3, and the other end of flow path F6 is connected to outlet E. One end of outlet E is connected to flow path F6. The other end of outlet E may be directed outwards from the toilet bowl 2. Alternatively, the other end of outlet E may be exposed to the outside of the bowl portion 2a.

[0083] One end of flow path F11 is connected to the suction port M1. The other end of flow path F11 is connected to the first storage tank C1. One end of flow path F12 is connected to the first storage tank C1. The other end of flow path F12 is connected to valve V12. One end of flow path F13 is connected to valve V12. The other end of flow path F13 is connected to the sensor chamber S. One end of flow path F21 is connected to the suction port M2. The other end of flow path F21 is connected to the second storage tank C2. One end of flow path F22 is connected to the outlet of the second storage tank C2. The other end of flow path F22 is connected to valve V22. One end of flow path F23 is connected to valve V22. The other end of flow path F23 is connected to the sensor chamber S.

[0084] Pumps P1, P2, and P3 are composed of pumps such as piezo pumps and motor pumps. Pump P1 is attached to flow path F13. Pump P2 is attached to flow path F23. Pump P3 is attached to flow path F6.

[0085] Valves V11, V12, V21, V22, and V3 are composed of valves driven by a drive method such as electromagnetic drive, piezo drive, or motor drive. Valve V11 is located between the flow path F11 and the first storage tank C1. Valve V11 includes a connection port connected to the flow path F11 and a connection port connected to the first storage tank C1. Valve V12 is located between the flow path F12, the flow path F13, and the flow path F4. Valve V12 includes a connection port connected to the flow path F12, a connection port connected to the flow path F13, and a connection port connected to the flow path F4.

[0086] Valve V21 is located between flow path F21 and the second storage tank C2. Valve V21 includes a connection port connected to flow path F21 and a connection port connected to the inlet of the second storage tank C2. Valve V22 is located between flow path F22, flow path F23 and flow path F5. Valve V22 includes a connection port connected to flow path F22, a connection port connected to flow path F23 and a connection port connected to flow path F5. Valve V3 is located between flow path F3, flow path F4 and flow path F5 and flow path F6. Valve V3 includes a connection port connected to flow path F3, a connection port connected to flow path F4, a connection port connected to flow path F5 and a connection port connected to flow path F6.

[0087] The sensor chamber S has a sensor unit 234 inside. The sensor chamber S may have multiple sensor units 234. Although not shown in the diagram, the sensor chamber S may be divided into multiple units. Also, each sensor unit 234 may be arranged in each of the multiple divided sensor chambers S. The multiple divided sensor chambers S may be connected to each other. The sensor chamber S is connected to a flow path F13, a flow path F23, and a flow path F3.

[0088] Next, we will explain the control performed by the measuring device 200. First, we will explain the storage of the gas to be measured. As shown in Figure 6, the suction port M1 draws in the gas generated from the stool discharged into the bowl section 2a as the gas to be measured. The gas to be measured drawn in by the suction port M1 is stored in the first storage tank C1 via the valve 11.

[0089] The blower W1 attached to the suction port M1 drives a motor and rotates a fan based on the control of the second control unit 235. As the blower W1 rotates the fan, the gas to be measured is drawn into the vicinity of the suction port M1. With the blower W1 drawing the gas to be measured into the vicinity of the suction port M1, and the valve V12 connecting the flow path F12 and the flow path F13, and simultaneously the pump P1 being driven, the suction port M1 draws the gas to be measured from the bowl section 2a.

[0090] Valve V11 switches the connection state between the flow path F11 and the first storage tank C1 based on the control of the second control unit 235. For example, valve V11 switches the connection state between them to a state where the flow path F11 and the first storage tank C1 are connected, or to a state where the flow path F11 and the first storage tank C1 are not connected.

[0091] When the suction port M1 draws in the gas to be measured, valve V11 connects the flow path F11 to the first storage tank C1 based on the control of the second control unit 235. When the gas to be measured is stored in the first storage tank C1, valve V11 disconnects the flow path F11 from the first storage tank C1 based on the control of the second control unit 235. By disconnecting the flow path F11 from the first storage tank C1, the probability of the gas to be measured in the first storage tank C1 coming into contact with the outside air is reduced, making it possible to store the gas to be measured in the first storage tank C1. The gas to be measured is stored in the first storage tank C1 in this manner.

[0092] Next, the storage of environmental gas will be explained. The suction port M2 draws in, for example, the air from the toilet room R located outside the bowl section 2a as environmental gas. The environmental gas drawn in by the suction port M2 is supplied to the second storage tank C2 via the valve V21 and stored there. The other end of the suction port M2 is connected to a flow path F21 which is connected to the second storage tank C2.

[0093] The blower W2 in the suction port M2 can rotate its fan by driving a motor based on the control of the second control unit 235. When the blower W2 rotates its fan, air from inside the toilet room R is drawn in near the suction port M2. With the blower W2 drawing in air from inside the toilet room R near the suction port M2, and with the valve V22 connecting the flow path F22 and the flow path F23, and with the pump P2 driven, the suction port M2 draws in the air from inside the toilet room R as an ambient gas.

[0094] Valve V21 switches the connection state between the flow path F21 and the second storage tank C2 based on the control of the second control unit 235. For example, valve V21 switches the connection state between them to a state where the flow path F21 and the second storage tank C2 are connected, or to a state where the flow path F21 and the second storage tank C2 are not connected.

[0095] When the suction port M2 draws in ambient gas, valve V21 connects the flow path F21 to the second storage tank C2 based on the control of the second control unit 235. When ambient gas is stored in the second storage tank C2, valve V21 disconnects the flow path F21 from the second storage tank C2 based on the control of the second control unit 235. By disconnecting the flow path F21 from the second storage tank C2, the probability of ambient gas in the second storage tank C2 coming into contact with the outside air is reduced, making it possible to store ambient gas in the second storage tank C2. The storage of ambient gas in the second storage tank C2 is carried out in this manner.

[0096] Next, the supply of gas to the sensor chamber S will be described. The gas to be measured, stored in the first storage tank C1, is supplied to the sensor chamber S via the flow paths F12 and F13 and the pump P1. Valve V12 switches the connection state between flow paths F12, F13, and F4 based on the control of the second control unit 235. For example, valve V12 switches the connection state between flow paths F12, F13, and F4 to a state where flow paths F12 and F13 are connected, flow paths F12 and F4 are connected, and no connection is made to any of the flow paths.

[0097] When valve V12 connects flow path F12 and flow path F13, the gas to be measured stored in the first storage tank C1 is supplied to the sensor chamber S by the drive of pump P1.

[0098] Meanwhile, the environmental gas stored in the second storage tank C2 is supplied to the sensor chamber S via the flow paths F22 and F23 and the pump P2. Based on the control of the second control unit 235, the valve V22 switches the connection state between flow paths F22, F23, F5, and 28. For example, the valve V22 switches the connection state between these flow paths to a state where flow paths F22 and F23 are connected, a state where flow paths F22 and F5 are connected, and a state where none of the flow paths are connected.

[0099] When valve V22 connects flow path F22 and flow path F23, the environmental gas stored in the second storage tank C2 is supplied to the sensor chamber S by driving pump P2.

[0100] As described above, the sensor chamber S is supplied with the gas to be measured from the connected channel F13. In addition, the sensor chamber S is supplied with the ambient gas from the connected channel F23.

[0101] Next, the sensor unit 234 located inside the sensor chamber S will be described. The sensor unit 234 detects gas and outputs a voltage to the second control unit 235 according to the detection result. The gas includes gases to be detected and gases not to be detected. For example, in the case of gases to be measured, methane, ammonia, methyl mercaptan, hydrogen sulfide, acetic acid, and trimethylamine are examples of gases to be detected, while carbon dioxide and hydrogen are examples of gases not to be detected. Each of the multiple sensor units 234 outputs a voltage to the second control unit 235 according to the concentration of at least one of these gases.

[0102] Next, the discharge of gas will be explained. The sensor chamber S discharges the target gas and ambient gas after detection processing through flow path F3, flow path F6, and outlet E. Flow paths F3, F6, and outlet E discharge exhaust gas from the sensor chamber S containing the target gas and ambient gas after measurement processing to the outside. In addition, flow path F6 and outlet E can discharge residual gas etc. in the first storage tank C1 to the outside via flow path F12, valve V12, flow path F4, and pump P3. Furthermore, flow path F6 and outlet E can discharge residual gas etc. in the second storage tank C2 to the outside via flow path F22, valve V22, flow path F5, and pump P3.

[0103] Next, pump P will be described. When valve V12 connects flow path F12 and flow path F13, pump P1 can supply the gas to be measured stored in the first storage tank C1 to the sensor chamber S. For example, pump P1 supplies the gas to be measured stored in the first storage tank C1 to the sensor chamber S at a predetermined timing based on the control of the second control unit 235.

[0104] Pump P2 can supply the environmental gas stored in the second storage tank C2 to the sensor chamber S when valve V22 connects the flow path F22 and flow path F23. For example, pump P2 supplies the environmental gas stored in the second storage tank C2 to the sensor chamber S at a predetermined timing based on the control of the second control unit 235.

[0105] Pump P3 can supply residual gas, etc., from the first storage tank C1 to the flow path F3 when valve V12 connects flow path F12 and flow path F4. Pump P3 can also supply residual gas, etc., from the second storage tank C2 to the flow path F3 when valve V22 connects flow path F22 and flow path F5. Pump P3 supplies residual gas, etc., from at least one of the first storage tank C1 and the second storage tank C2 to the flow path F3 based on the control of the second control unit 235.

[0106] Pump P3 can supply the gas to be measured from the suction port M1 to the first storage tank C1 when valve V11 is connected to the suction port M1 and the first storage tank C1, and valve V12 is connected to the flow path F12 and the flow path F4. Pump P3 can also supply the ambient gas from the suction port M2 to the second storage tank C2 when valve V21 is connected to the suction port M2 and the second storage tank C2, and valve V22 is connected to the flow path F22 and the flow path F5.

[0107] Although an example of the physical configuration of the measuring device 200 has been explained with reference to Figure 6, the physical configuration of the measuring device 200 is not limited to the above. For example, configurations without pumps P1 and P2, as shown in Figure 7, or configurations without a second storage tank C2 and with a different number of storage tanks, as shown in Figure 8, are also conceivable.

[0108] [Operation of pumps and valves] Next, the operation of the pumps and valves will be explained with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the pumps and valves from gas collection to cleaning according to the first embodiment. Here, cleaning is the process of discharging the gas stored in the first storage tank C1 and the second storage tank C2 after the gas measurement is completed, in preparation for the next gas collection and measurement. Figure 9 shows the operation of pumps P1, P2, P3 and valves V1 (V11 and V12), V2 (V21 and V22), and V3 in the process from gas collection to cleaning in the physical configuration of the measuring device 200 shown in Figure 6.

[0109] First, let's explain pumps P1-3 in Figure 9. The upward protrusions of pumps P1, P2, and P3 indicate the operation of the pumps. The upward protrusion of pump P1 indicates suction from the first storage tank C1 towards the sensor unit 234. The upward protrusion of pump P2 indicates suction from the second storage tank C2 towards the sensor unit 234. The upward protrusion of pump P3 indicates suction from the sensor unit 234 towards the outlet.

[0110] Next, we will explain valve V1 in Figure 9. The upward protrusion of valve V1 indicates the opening of the flow path from the suction port M1 to the first storage tank C1 and the flow path from the first storage tank C1 to the sensor unit 234. The downward protrusion of valve V1 indicates the opening of the flow path from the suction port M1 to the first storage tank C1 and the flow path from the first storage tank C1 to the outlet. The portion of valve V1 that does not have an upward or downward protrusion indicates the closure of the flow path from the suction port M1 to the first storage tank C1, the flow path from the first storage tank C1 to the sensor unit 234, and the flow path from the first storage tank C1 to the outlet.

[0111] Next, valve V2 in Figure 9 will be explained. The upward protrusion of valve V2 indicates the opening of the flow path from the suction port M2 to the second storage tank C2 and the flow path from the second storage tank C2 to the sensor unit 234. The downward protrusion of valve V2 indicates the opening of the flow path from the suction port M2 to the second storage tank C2 and the flow path from the second storage tank C2 to the outlet. The portion of valve V3 that does not have an upward or downward protrusion indicates the closure of the flow path from the suction port M2 to the second storage tank C2, the flow path from the second storage tank C2 to the sensor unit 234, and the flow path from the second storage tank C2 to the outlet.

[0112] Next, we will explain valve V3 in Figure 9. The upward protrusion of valve V3 indicates the opening of the flow path from the first storage tank C1 to the outlet. The downward protrusion of valve V3 indicates the opening of the flow path from the second storage tank C2 to the outlet. The portion of valve V3 that does not have any upward or downward protrusions indicates the opening of the flow path from the sensor unit 234 to the outlet.

[0113] Next, each period will be explained. Tα indicates the collection period for the target gas. Tβ indicates the collection period for the ambient gas. T1 indicates the measurement period for the target gas. T2 indicates the measurement period for the ambient gas. Tγ indicates the cleaning period. For example, during Tα, which is the collection period for the target gas, pumps P1 and P3 and valve 1 are driven, and suction is performed from the first storage tank C1 towards the sensor unit 234 and from the sensor unit 234 towards the outlet. At the same time, the flow path from the suction port M1 towards the first storage tank C1 and the flow path from the first storage tank C1 towards the outlet are opened, and the target gas is drawn in from the suction port M1. After that, the driving of pumps P1 and P3 is stopped and valve V1 is closed, so that the target gas is stored in the first storage tank C1.

[0114] Next, during the environmental gas collection period Tβ, pumps P2 and P3 and valve V2 are driven to draw gas from the second storage tank C2 towards the sensor unit 234 and from the sensor unit 234 towards the outlet. Simultaneously, the flow path from the suction port M2 towards the second storage tank C2 and the flow path from the second storage tank C2 towards the outlet are opened, allowing environmental gas to be drawn in from the suction port M2. After that, the operation of pumps P2 and P3 is stopped and valve V2 is closed, allowing the environmental gas to be stored in the second storage tank C2.

[0115] Next, during the measurement period T1 for the target gas, pump P1 and valve V1 are driven, drawing gas from the first storage tank C1 towards the sensor unit 234. Simultaneously, the flow path from the suction port M1 towards the first storage tank C1 and the flow path from the first storage tank C1 towards the sensor unit 234 are opened, supplying the target gas to the sensor unit 234. The sensor unit 234 then measures the target gas. After that, pump P1 is stopped and valve V1 is closed, stopping the supply of the target gas to the sensor unit 234.

[0116] Next, during the environmental gas measurement period T2, pump P2 and valve V2 are driven, drawing gas from the second storage tank C2 towards the sensor unit 234. At the same time, the flow path from the suction port M2 towards the second storage tank C2 and the flow path from the second storage tank C2 towards the sensor unit 234 are opened, supplying environmental gas to the sensor unit 234. The sensor unit 234 then measures the environmental gas. After that, pump P2 is stopped and valve V2 is closed, stopping the supply of environmental gas to the sensor unit 234.

[0117] The period T1 for measuring the target gas and the period T2 for measuring the ambient gas are repeated until predetermined conditions are met, for example, when the variation in the characteristic quantities of the signal values ​​output from the sensor unit 234 falls below a predetermined value.

[0118] During the cleaning period Tγ, pumps P1 and P2 are driven to draw gas from the first storage tank C1 towards the sensor unit 234 and from the second storage tank C2 towards the sensor unit 234. Simultaneously, the flow paths from suction port M1 to the first storage tank C1, from the first storage tank C1 to the sensor unit 234, from suction port M2 to the second storage tank C2, and from the second storage tank C2 to the sensor unit 234 are opened, thereby discharging the gas stored inside the first storage tank C1 and the second storage tank C2. After that, the driving of pumps P1 and P2 is stopped, and valves V1 and V2 are closed, completing the cleaning of the first storage tank C1 and the second storage tank C2.

[0119] 〔flowchart〕 Next, with reference to Figure 10, the processing flow of the gas detection system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by the gas detection system 1 according to the first embodiment. Each step in the flowchart may be rearranged within a consistent range, and some steps may not be performed.

[0120] First, the gas detection system 1 draws in the target gas from outside the measuring device 200 (step S101). Next, it stores the target gas in the first storage tank C1 (step S102). Next, the gas detection system 1 draws in the ambient gas from outside the measuring device 200 (step S103). Next, the gas detection system 1 stores the ambient gas in the second storage tank C2 (step S104). Next, the gas detection system 1 supplies the target gas or ambient gas to the gas sensor (step S105). Next, the gas detection system 1 measures the target gas or ambient gas and outputs a signal value corresponding to the gas components and gas concentration (step S106).

[0121] Next, the gas detection system 1 extracts feature quantities of the signal value (step S107). Subsequently, if the gas detection system 1 determines that the variation in the feature quantities is not below a predetermined value (step S108; No), it determines whether the signal value satisfies a predetermined condition (step S109). If it is determined that the predetermined condition is not met (step S109; No), the gas detection system 1 performs the process in S106 again. On the other hand, if it is determined that the predetermined condition is met (step S109; Yes), the gas detection system 1 switches the gas supplied to the sensor unit 234 (step S110) and performs the process in S106 again.

[0122] Returning to step S108, if the gas detection system 1 determines that the variation in the feature quantities is less than or equal to a predetermined value (step S108; Yes), it terminates the process.

[0123] <Second Embodiment> In the first embodiment, the process of switching between the gas to be measured and the ambient gas supplied to the sensor unit 234 was described, but the measuring device 200 can estimate the user's health condition. In the second embodiment, this point will be explained. Note that the contents described in the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0124] First, an example of the configuration of the gas detection system according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 11. Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the gas detection system 1 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 11, the gas detection system 1 according to the second embodiment further includes, in addition to the system configuration of Figure 1, a terminal device 300 that displays the detection results and estimation results from the measuring device 200, and a cloud 400 that acquires the detection results from the measuring device 200 and displays them on the terminal device 300. Note that the configuration of the gas detection system 1 shown in Figure 11 is merely an example, and any device configuration can be adopted as long as the gas detection system 1 can perform the desired processing.

[0125] The terminal device 300 is an information processing terminal used by users of the toilet, and is implemented using a tablet device, smartphone, or the like. For example, the terminal device 300 has the function of displaying detection results or estimation results transmitted from the measuring device 200 and the cloud 400.

[0126] Cloud 400 is a cloud server that manages measurement results. For example, Cloud 400 acquires detection results from the measuring device 200. Cloud 400 also transmits the detection results to the terminal device 300 and displays the detection results on the terminal device 300. Cloud 400 may also perform the estimation processing performed by the estimation unit 236 and the output processing performed by the output unit 237, which will be described later. In this case, Cloud 400 performs estimation processing based on the acquired measurement results, transmits the estimation results to the terminal device 300, and displays the estimation results on the terminal device 300.

[0127] [Example of a measuring device configuration] Next, with reference to Figure 12, an example of the configuration of the measuring device 200 according to the second embodiment will be described. Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the measuring device 200 according to the second embodiment. Note that the configuration of the measuring device 200 shown in Figure 12 is merely an example, and any configuration can be adopted as long as the measuring device 200 can perform the desired processing.

[0128] The memory unit 220 stores the gas concentration calculation formula, the health status estimation formula, explanatory variables, dependent variables, gas information, user physical information, health information, and other information necessary for estimating the user's health status. The gas concentration calculation formula is calculated by performing an analysis such as multiple regression analysis using the explanatory variables described later and the known concentration, based on the signal value obtained when a gas of a known concentration is supplied to the gas sensor. The health status estimation formula is calculated by detecting the gas concentration in the stool gas of many users using the gas sensor, linking the detection results to each user's health status, and performing an analysis such as multiple regression analysis.

[0129] Gas information includes the concentration of each specific gas. Physical information includes at least one of the user's age, sex, height, weight, and body fat percentage. Intestinal bacteria include at least one of the following genera: Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Clostridium, Bacteroides, Prevotella, Ruminococcus, and Escherichia. Bacterial classification includes at least one of the following: beneficial bacteria, harmful bacteria, opportunistic bacteria, immune-related bacteria, fat-promoting bacteria, and lean bacteria.

[0130] Health information is information that indicates the state of the user's gut in relation to their health status, and includes, for example, the number of bacteria of each type of gut bacteria, the proportion of each bacterial category into which each type of gut bacteria is classified, and at least one of the health status and advice regarding the health status based on the state of the gut bacteria.

[0131] As shown in Figure 12, the control unit 230 has, in addition to the functional configuration of the control unit 230 of the measuring device 200 described in Figure 5 of the first embodiment, an estimation unit 236 and an output unit 237, and realizes or executes the information processing functions and operations described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 230 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 12, and other configurations are also acceptable as long as they perform the information processing described later.

[0132] The estimation unit 236 estimates the user's health status based on the detection results of the sensor unit 234. For example, the estimation unit 236 calculates the concentration of a specific gas from the signal value obtained from the gas sensor, and estimates information about the intestinal environment, such as the types and proportions of intestinal bacteria, based on the calculated specific gas concentration. The estimation process performed by the estimation unit 236 will be described below.

[0133] First, the estimation unit 236 generates gas information using the gas concentration calculation formula and the explanatory variables in the formula. The gas information includes the concentrations of each specific gas. The explanatory variables are, for example, the signal values ​​for each time interval obtained by dividing the period during which the target gas is supplied to the gas sensor into multiple time intervals. Alternatively, the explanatory variables are the signal values ​​for each time interval obtained by dividing the period during which the ambient gas is supplied to the gas sensor into multiple time intervals. The estimation unit 236 calculates the concentration of a specific gas by substituting the latest explanatory variables stored in the storage unit 220 into the calculation formula stored in the storage unit 220.

[0134] For example, the estimation unit 236 calculates the concentration of a specific gas by adding the coefficient for the specific gas type to the sum of the values ​​obtained by multiplying "a coefficient of an explanatory variable for calculating the concentration of a gas corresponding to a specific type of gas to be calculated" and "a specific type of numerical value based on the signal output by a specific gas sensor in a specific time interval," for each time interval, each type of gas sensor, and each type of numerical value.

[0135] The time interval refers to the period during which the target gas or ambient gas is supplied to the sensor unit 234. The type of numerical value refers to the type of numerical value to which the explanatory variable corresponds, and examples include signal value, mean, median, slope, the difference between these values ​​over different time intervals, and the ratio of these values ​​for each sensor.

[0136] The estimation unit 236 stores the calculated information on the concentration of a specific gas in the memory unit 220 as an explanatory variable in the health status estimation formula. The estimation unit 236 calculates the number of bacteria of each type of intestinal bacteria, or the proportion of each bacterial category into which each type of intestinal bacteria is divided, as health information by substituting the concentration of the specific gas newly stored in the memory unit 220 into the health status estimation formula stored in the memory unit 220. The estimation unit 236 calculates the target variable, for example, using the health status estimation formula stored in the memory unit 220.

[0137] The estimation unit 236 calculates the number of bacteria by type of intestinal bacteria, or the proportion of each bacterial category into which each type of intestinal bacteria is divided, by adding the coefficient for a specific bacterial number or bacterial category to the sum of the values ​​obtained by multiplying the coefficient of the explanatory variable for calculating the proportion of bacterial number or category corresponding to the calculated objective variable by the concentration of a specific type of gas.

[0138] The estimation unit 236 can create health information using at least one of the user's physical information and the user's food intake information, provided that the detection time is close to the time of gas information generation. More specifically, the estimation unit 236 can calculate the number of bacteria or the percentage of bacterial species by adding the user's age, height, weight, and body fat percentage to the explanatory variables of the health status estimation formula.

[0139] The estimation unit 236 can further generate health information, such as advice on the user's health status based on the calculated number of bacteria or the proportion of bacterial categories, and the state of the intestinal flora. For example, as advice on the user's health status, the estimation unit 236 can create an image showing the user's position in a matrix where the balance of beneficial and harmful bacteria is on the vertical axis, and the balance of fat-promoting and lean-promoting bacteria is on the horizontal axis. In the matrix, for example, advice on the user's health status is assigned to each axis of the horizontal and vertical axes.

[0140] The output unit 237 outputs the user's health status estimated by the estimation unit 236. For example, the output unit 237 displays the user's health status estimated by the estimation unit 236 on the screen of the terminal device 300. For example, the output unit 237 outputs the types and proportions of intestinal bacteria calculated based on the type and classification of bacteria on the screen of the terminal device 300.

[0141] <Third Embodiment> In the first and second embodiments, processing performed without coordination between the measuring device 200 and the toilet seat device 100 was described. However, in the third embodiment, coordination processing that appropriately coordinates the measuring device 200 and the toilet seat device 100, which may interfere with each other's functions, such as gas measurement and toilet flushing, will be described. Details described in the first and second embodiments will be omitted as appropriate.

[0142] [Example of toilet seat device configuration] Next, an example of the configuration of the toilet seat device 100 will be described with reference to Figure 13. Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the toilet seat device 100 according to the third embodiment.

[0143] As shown in Figure 13, the toilet seat device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130. The toilet seat device 100 may also include an input unit (e.g., a keyboard or mouse) for receiving various operations from the administrator of the toilet seat device 100, and a display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display) for displaying various information.

[0144] The communication unit 110 is implemented, for example, by a communication device, a communication circuit, etc. The communication unit 110 is connected to any network such as the Internet by wired or wireless connection and transmits and receives information with an external information processing device. The communication unit 110 may also be connected to an external information processing device in a communicative manner by a predetermined wireless communication function such as Wi-Fi.

[0145] For example, the communication unit 110 transmits and receives information with other devices such as the measuring device 200 and the terminal device 300. More specifically, the communication unit 110 transmits the control contents of the first control unit 136 to the measuring device 200. The communication unit 110 also receives a signal from the measuring device 200 indicating the completion of gas storage in the storage tank. The communication unit 110 also receives a signal from the measuring device 200 indicating the detection of gas components. In this way, the communication unit 110 is a connection means to which the toilet seat device 100 is connected in a way that enables communication via a predetermined network.

[0146] The storage unit 120 is implemented by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as RAM or flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or optical disc. For example, the storage unit 120 is a computer-readable recording medium that non-temporarily records data used by an information processing program. The storage unit 120 stores information necessary for controlling the toilet seat device 100, such as opening and closing the toilet lid, detecting the user, deodorizing operation, washing operation, disinfection operation, and other related information.

[0147] The control unit 130 may be, for example, an information processing device (control device) that controls various configurations and processes. The control unit 130 may have, for example, a CPU or GPU, and may be implemented by executing a program stored inside the control unit 130 (for example, an information processing program related to this disclosure) using RAM or the like as a working area. Alternatively, the control unit 130 may have, for example, an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA.

[0148] As shown in Figure 13, the control unit 130 includes a toilet lid opening / closing unit 131, a deodorizing unit 132, a washing unit 133, a sterilization unit 134, a user detection unit 135, and a first control unit 136, and realizes or executes the information processing functions and operations described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 130 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 13, and other configurations are also acceptable as long as they perform the information processing described later.

[0149] The toilet lid opening / closing unit 131 opens and closes the toilet lid based on the detection signal from the user detection unit 135. For example, the toilet lid opening / closing unit 131 opens the toilet lid when the user detection unit 135 detects that a user has entered the toilet room R. The toilet lid opening / closing unit 131 also opens the toilet lid when the user detection unit 135 detects that a user is approaching the toilet. Furthermore, the toilet lid opening / closing unit 131 opens the toilet lid when the user detection unit 135 has authenticated the user's identity.

[0150] The deodorizing unit 132 captures odorous gases from the gas components in the bowl section 2a. For example, the deodorizing unit 132 includes a deodorizing filter, which is a catalytic filter that adsorbs odorous gases such as odorous gases, a motor, and a fan. The deodorizing unit 132 uses the motor to drive the fan and suck in the gas in the bowl section 2a, passing it through the deodorizing filter. The deodorizing unit 132 then recirculates the gas that has passed through the deodorizing filter back into the bowl section 2a. In this way, the deodorizing unit 132 captures only odorous gases and returns the other gases back into the bowl section 2a, thereby deodorizing the bowl section 2a.

[0151] The cleaning unit 133 cleans the target. For example, the cleaning unit 133 discharges cleaning water supplied from a cleaning water tank or the like into the inside of the toilet bowl 2 and swirls it around the inner surface of the bowl 2a, thereby cleaning the bowl 2a, which is the target of cleaning. The cleaning unit 133 also drives the nozzle 6 and sprays cleaning water onto the user's private parts from the tip of the nozzle 6, thereby cleaning the user's private parts. The cleaning unit 133 also cleans the nozzle 6, which is the target of cleaning, by spraying cleaning water onto the nozzle 6.

[0152] The disinfection unit 134 disinfects the inside of the bowl portion 2a. For example, the disinfection unit 134 sprays disinfectant water, such as hypochlorous acid water, onto the bowl portion 2a of the toilet bowl 2. The disinfectant water may be generated from tap water or the like by the disinfection unit 134.

[0153] The user detection unit 135 detects the user. For example, the user detection unit 135 detects the user sitting on the toilet seat using a seating detection sensor. The seating detection sensor is, for example, an infrared sensor or a pressure sensor, and detects whether or not the user is sitting on the toilet seat. The user detection unit 135 also detects the user entering the toilet room R using an entry detection sensor, for example, a microwave sensor or an infrared sensor. The user detection unit 135 also detects the user approaching the toilet using a proximity detection sensor, for example, a microwave sensor or an infrared sensor. Furthermore, the user detection unit 137 can detect the user's operation of the remote control 8 using an operation sensor, for example, a pressure sensor.

[0154] Furthermore, the user detection unit 135 detects defecation and urination by the user using a defecation / urination detection sensor, such as a microwave sensor. The defecation / urination detection sensor may be configured to detect the state of the stool expelled by the user, such as whether it is urine or feces, whether the feces are floating or sinking in the water seal, and whether the stool is diarrheal or not.

[0155] In addition to the above example, the user detection unit 135 can also detect users through personal authentication. For example, the user detection unit 135 communicates with a terminal device that the user brings into the toilet room R via the communication unit 110 and detects the user by performing personal authentication.

[0156] The first control unit 136 controls at least one of the deodorizing unit 132 and the washing unit 133. For example, the first control unit 136 controls the deodorizing unit 132 to perform a deodorizing operation. The first control unit 136 also controls the washing unit 133 to perform a washing operation. Alternatively, the first control unit 136 controls the deodorizing unit 132 to perform a deodorizing operation and controls the washing unit 133 to perform a washing operation.

[0157] The first control unit 136 controls the toilet seat device 100 based on signals from the second control unit 235 received from the communication unit 110. For example, the first control unit 136 controls at least one of the deodorizing unit 132 and the washing unit 133 based on signals from the second control unit 235 received from the communication unit 110. The first control unit 136 also controls the sterilization unit 134 based on signals from the second control unit 235 received from the communication unit 110. Here, the signals from the second control unit 235 include, for example, a signal indicating the completion of gas storage in the storage tank, a signal indicating the detection of a specific gas component (detection completion signal), etc.

[0158] For example, the first control unit 136 controls the toilet seat device 100 based on a signal indicating the completion of gas storage in the storage tank. To give one example, the first control unit 136 will not perform at least one of the washing operation by the washing unit 133 or the deodorization operation by the deodorization unit 132 until it receives a signal indicating the completion of gas storage. More specifically, the first control unit 136 controls the deodorization unit 132 to perform the deodorization operation when it receives a signal indicating the completion of gas storage transmitted from the communication unit 210 via the communication unit 110. On the other hand, the first control unit 136 controls the deodorization unit 132 not to perform the deodorization operation when it does not receive a signal indicating the completion of gas storage transmitted from the communication unit 210 via the communication unit 110.

[0159] The first control unit 136 does not perform the disinfection operation by the disinfection unit 134 until it receives a signal indicating that gas storage is complete. For example, the first control unit 136 controls the disinfection unit 134 to perform the disinfection operation when it receives a signal indicating that gas storage is complete, transmitted from the communication unit 210, via the communication unit 110. On the other hand, the first control unit 136 controls the disinfection unit 134 not to perform the disinfection operation if it does not receive a signal indicating that gas storage is complete, transmitted from the communication unit 210, via the communication unit 110.

[0160] The first control unit 136 controls the toilet seat device 100 based on a signal indicating the detection of a specific gas component. For example, the first control unit 136 controls the toilet seat device 100 so as not to perform at least one of the washing operation by the washing unit 133 and the deodorizing operation by the deodorizing unit 132 until it receives a signal indicating the detection of a specific gas component. For example, the first control unit 136 controls the washing unit 133 so as not to perform the washing operation until it receives a signal from the communication unit 210 indicating the completion of detection of a specific gas component via the communication unit 110, and then controls the washing unit 133 to perform the washing operation once it receives the signal indicating the completion of detection of a specific gas component.

[0161] For example, the first control unit 136 controls the deodorization unit 132 not to perform the deodorization operation until it receives a signal from the communication unit 210 indicating the completion of detection of a specific gas component via the communication unit 110. Once the signal indicating the completion of detection of a specific gas component is received, it controls the deodorization unit 132 to perform the deodorization operation.

[0162] The first control unit 136 controls the sterilization unit 134 not to perform sterilization operations until it receives a signal indicating the detection of a specific gas component. For example, the first control unit 136 controls the sterilization unit 134 not to perform sterilization operations until it receives a signal from the communication unit 210 indicating the completion of detection of a specific gas component via the communication unit 110, and then controls the sterilization unit 134 to perform sterilization operations once it receives the signal indicating the completion of detection of a specific gas component.

[0163] [Example of a measuring device configuration] The communication unit 210 transmits and receives information with the toilet seat device 100. It transmits the control contents of the second control unit 235 to the outside. For example, the communication unit 210 transmits the control contents of the second control unit 235 to the toilet seat device 100. The communication unit 210 also receives a signal from the toilet seat device 100 indicating that a user has been detected by a seating detection sensor or the like. The communication unit 210 also transmits a signal to the toilet seat device 100 indicating that the storage of the target gas has been completed. Furthermore, if the voltage output from the sensor unit 234 to the second control unit 235 is above a first threshold, the communication unit 210 transmits a signal to the toilet seat device 100 indicating the detection of a gas component.

[0164] The sensor unit 234 detects specific gas components contained in fecal gas. For example, the sensor unit 234 detects the concentration of hydrogen gas components contained in fecal gas. The sensor unit 234 also outputs a voltage corresponding to the specific gas component to the second control unit 235. For example, the sensor unit 234 outputs a voltage value, which is a signal value corresponding to the concentration of the detected hydrogen gas component, to the second control unit 235. The above example shows the detection of hydrogen gas components, but the sensor unit 234 can also detect health-related gases such as hydrogen, carbon dioxide, acetic acid, methane, and ethanol, as well as odorous gas components such as hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, ammonia, trimethylamine, indole, and skatole.

[0165] The second control unit 235 controls the suction unit 231 and the sensor unit 234. For example, the second control unit 235 executes a suction operation of the suction unit 231 in response to a signal from the communication unit 110 indicating that the user has finished sitting down. For example, the second control unit 235 controls the suction unit 231 to execute a suction operation when it receives a signal from the communication unit 110 indicating that the user has finished sitting down via the communication unit 210.

[0166] The second control unit 235 can execute the suction operation of the suction unit 231 in response to signals indicating that the user has finished sitting down, as well as signals indicating that the user has entered the toilet room R, approached the toilet, been personally authenticated by the user, or operated the remote control 8 by the user.

[0167] 〔flowchart〕 From here, the processing flow of the gas detection system 1 in the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 14 and 15. Figures 14 and 15 are flowcharts showing an example of the processing flow performed by the gas detection system 1 according to the third embodiment. Each step in the flowchart may be rearranged within a consistent range, and some steps may be omitted.

[0168] The process by which the toilet seat device 100 performs operations such as flushing after receiving a signal from the measuring device 200 indicating the completion of storage of the target gas will be explained with reference to Figure 14. First, the measuring device 200 draws in ambient gas (step S201). Next, the measuring device 200 stores the drawn-in ambient gas (step S202). Meanwhile, the toilet seat device 100 detects when a user sits down (step S203). Next, the toilet seat device 100 transmits a seat detection signal to the measuring device 200 indicating that a user has sat down (step S204). Next, the measuring device 200 receives the seat detection signal from the toilet seat device 100 (step S205). Next, the measuring device 200 draws in the target gas (step S206). Next, the measuring device 200 stores the drawn-in target gas (step S207).

[0169] Next, when the measuring device 200 has finished storing the gas to be measured, it transmits a storage completion signal to the toilet seat device 100 (step S208). Subsequently, the toilet seat device 100 receives the storage completion signal from the measuring device 200 (step S209). Subsequently, the toilet seat device 100 performs one or more of the following operations: washing, deodorizing, or disinfecting (step S210), and then terminates the process.

[0170] On the other hand, the measuring device 200 that transmitted the storage completion signal alternately supplies the target gas and the ambient gas to the gas sensor (step S211). Next, the measuring device 200 acquires the signal value from the gas sensor (step S212). Subsequently, the measuring device 200 estimates the user's health status based on the signal value from the gas sensor (step S213). Then, the measuring device 200 outputs the estimated user's health status (step S214) and terminates the process.

[0171] Next, the process by which the toilet seat device 100 performs operations such as flushing after receiving a signal from the measuring device 200 indicating the completion of gas detection will be explained with reference to Figure 15. First, the measuring device 200 draws in ambient gas (step S301). Next, the measuring device 200 stores the drawn-in ambient gas (step S302). Meanwhile, the toilet seat device 100 detects that a user has sat down (step S303). Next, the toilet seat device 100 transmits a seat detection signal to the measuring device 200 indicating that a user has sat down (step S304). Next, the measuring device 200 receives the seat detection signal from the toilet seat device 100 (step S305). Next, the measuring device 200 draws in the gas to be measured (step S306). Next, the measuring device 200 stores the drawn-in gas to be measured (step S307).

[0172] Next, the measuring device 200 alternately supplies the gas to be measured and the ambient gas to the gas sensor (step S308). Subsequently, the measuring device 200 acquires the signal value from the gas sensor (step S309).

[0173] Next, the measuring device 200 transmits a gas detection completion signal to the toilet seat device 100 (step S310). Subsequently, the toilet seat device 100 receives the gas detection completion signal from the measuring device 200 (step S311). Next, the toilet seat device 100 performs one or more of the following operations: washing, deodorizing, or disinfecting (step S312), and then terminates the process. Meanwhile, the measuring device 200 estimates the user's health status based on the signal value of the gas sensor (step S313). Then, the measuring device 200 outputs the estimated user's health status (step S314), and terminates the process.

[0174] In the linked processing between the toilet seat device 100 and the measuring device 200 shown in Figures 14 and 15 above, an example was shown in which the toilet seat device 100 transmits its control information to the measuring device 200, and the measuring device 200 transmits its control information to the toilet seat device 100, thereby exchanging information. However, it is also conceivable that in the gas detection system 1, only one device transmits its control information to the other device. For example, the toilet seat device 100 transmits its control information to the measuring device 200. Also, the measuring device 200 transmits its control information to the toilet seat device 100.

[0175] Furthermore, the embodiments and modifications described above can be combined as appropriate, provided that the processing content is not inconsistent.

[0176] The various types of information, such as usage data, in each of the embodiments and modifications described above may be manually entered by the user. For example, although the embodiments and modifications described above were described as examples of generating information to be displayed based on analysis processing, the information to be displayed may also be manually entered by the user. For example, if information regarding stool is to be manually entered by the user, the user may visually or olfactorily confirm the excrement, such as feces, after defecating, and then enter the information regarding the stool by operating a terminal device or the like.

[0177] Further effects and modifications can be readily derived by those skilled in the art. Therefore, broader aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments expressed and described above. Accordingly, various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the overall concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0178] 1. Gas detection system 2 toilet bowls 2a Bowl section 4 toilet seats 5 Toilet lid 6 nozzles 8 Remote control 10 Toilet System 100 Toilet seat device 110 Communications Department 120 Storage section 130 Control Unit 131 Toilet lid opening / closing part 132 Deodorizing section 133 Cleaning section 134 Disinfection Section 135 User detection unit 136 First Control Unit 200 measuring devices 210 Communications Department 220 Storage section 230 Control Unit 231 Suction part 232 Storage section 233 Supply section 234 Sensor section 235 Second Control Unit 300 terminal devices 400 Cloud C1, C2 storage tanks C1a, C1b, C2a, C2b adsorbents C1c, C2c divider F11, F12, F21, F22, F3, F4, F5, F6 channel M1, M2 suction port P1, P2, P3 pumps S Sensor Chamber V11, V12, V21, V22, V3 valves

Claims

1. It comprises a first device attached to a toilet bowl and a second device attached to the toilet bowl, The first apparatus is The bowl comprises at least one of a deodorizing unit that captures odorous gases from the gas components within the bowl and a washing unit that washes the target, and a first control unit that controls at least one of the deodorizing unit and the washing unit, A first communication unit capable of transmitting the control contents of the first control unit to an external party. It has, The second apparatus described above is A suction unit for drawing in the fecal gas discharged from the user into the second device, A sensor unit for detecting specific gaseous components contained in the aforementioned fecal gas, A second control unit that controls the suction unit and the sensor unit, A second communication unit capable of transmitting the control contents of the second control unit to an external source, It has, At least one of the first communication unit and the second communication unit transmits the control contents of its own device to another device. A toilet system characterized by the following features.

2. The toilet system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first control unit controls the first device based on a signal from the second control unit received from the first communication unit.

3. The toilet system according to claim 2, characterized in that the first control unit controls at least one of the washing unit and the deodorizing unit based on a signal from the second control unit received from the first communication unit.

4. The first apparatus further includes a sterilization unit for sterilizing the inside of the bowl, The toilet system according to claim 2, characterized in that the first control unit controls the sterilization unit based on a signal from the second control unit received from the first communication unit.

5. The second apparatus further includes a storage tank for storing the defecation gas drawn in from the suction section, The first communication unit receives a signal from the second communication unit indicating the completion of gas storage in the storage tank, The first control unit controls the first device based on a signal indicating the completion of gas storage. The toilet system according to claim 2, characterized in that it is as described above.

6. The toilet system according to claim 2, characterized in that the first control unit does not perform at least one of the cleaning operation by the cleaning unit and the deodorization operation by the deodorization unit until it receives a signal indicating that gas storage is complete.

7. The first apparatus further includes a sterilization unit for sterilizing the inside of the bowl, The toilet system according to claim 2, characterized in that the first control unit does not perform the sterilization operation by the sterilization unit until it receives a signal indicating that gas storage is complete.

8. The sensor unit outputs a voltage corresponding to the specific gas component to the second control unit. The first communication unit receives a signal from the second communication unit indicating the detection of the specific gas component when the voltage output to the second control unit is equal to or greater than a first threshold. The first control unit controls the first device based on a signal indicating the detection of the specific gas component. The toilet system according to claim 2, characterized in that it is as described above.

9. The first control unit is, The toilet system according to claim 2, characterized in that at least one of the cleaning operation by the cleaning unit and the deodorizing operation by the deodorizing unit is not performed until a signal indicating the detection of a specific gas component is received.

10. The first apparatus further includes a sterilization unit for sterilizing the inside of the bowl, The first control unit will not perform the sterilization operation by the sterilization unit until it receives a signal indicating the detection of a specific gas component. The toilet system according to claim 2, characterized in that it is as described above.

11. The first apparatus is The toilet further comprises a toilet seat on which the user sits, and a seating detection sensor that detects when the user sits on the toilet seat. The second control unit executes the suction operation of the suction unit in response to the signal from the first communication unit indicating that the user has finished sitting down. The toilet system according to feature 1.

12. The toilet system according to claim 1, further comprising an estimation unit that estimates the user's health condition based on the detection results of the sensor unit.

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