Health management system, health management method, information processing device, and information processing program

Abstract

To enable the provision of appropriate information regarding users' health. [Solution] The health management system according to the embodiment includes: a biometric information acquisition unit that acquires biometric information of a user in a seated state, based on the measurement results of the seated sensor, from the time the user sits on a toilet seat equipped with a biometric sensor and a seated sensor until they leave the seat; a defecation information acquisition unit that acquires defecation information corresponding to the user's defecation; a health status calculation unit that calculates health data, which is numerical information indicating the user's health status, based on health indicator information based on the biometric information acquired by the biometric information acquisition unit and the defecation information acquired by the defecation information acquisition unit; a display unit that can be viewed by the user; a display processing unit that performs a process to display information related to the health score calculated by the health status calculation unit on the display unit; and a timer that measures the start time of at least one of the acquisition of biometric information and the acquisition of defecation information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a health management system, a health management method, an information processing device, and an information processing program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in order to be useful for health management, a system has been disclosed that measures the blood flow information of a toilet user sitting on the toilet seat and calculates and outputs a health index based on the measurement result (for example, displays it on a display terminal) (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] However, the above-mentioned conventional technology has room for improvement. For example, although the above-mentioned conventional technology uses the blood flow information (biological information) of the toilet user, the information regarding the stool of the toilet user is not considered, and there is room for improvement in terms of providing information regarding the health of the user.

[0005] The disclosed embodiments aim to provide a health management system, a health management method, an information processing device, and an information processing program that enable appropriate information provision regarding the health of a user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A health management system according to one embodiment is a health management system for collecting and managing information on excrement, and is characterized by comprising: a biometric information acquisition unit that acquires the user's biometric information; a defecation information acquisition unit that acquires defecation information corresponding to the user's defecation; a health status calculation unit that calculates a health score, which is numerical information indicating the user's health status, based on health indicator information based on the biometric information acquired by the biometric information acquisition unit and the defecation information acquired by the defecation information acquisition unit; a display unit that can be viewed by the user; and a display processing unit that performs a process to display information regarding the health score calculated by the health status calculation unit on the display unit.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the health management system, the user's health indicators and bowel movement information can be converted into a health score, which is numerical information indicating the user's health status, and presented quantitatively. For example, the health management system can grasp the user's health status, including bowel movement status, which could not be grasped quantitatively in the past. Therefore, with the health management system, the user can quantitatively grasp the effect of bowel movements and health indicators on their health, and increase their motivation to improve their health status. In this way, the health management system can provide appropriate information regarding the user's health. Generally, as is known from stool tests, bowel movement status has a strong correlation with health status, but general users who do not have knowledge of the properties of stool (also simply called "feces") cannot at a glance what kind of health status their stool status indicates. Furthermore, although there are known methods for measuring health status from biological information such as blood flow status, the relationship with bowel movement status has not been considered or shown. Therefore, by using both biological information and stool information, the health management system can manage the user's health status in order to present information on their health status for the purpose of improving their health.

[0008] In a health management system according to one embodiment, the display processing unit performs a process to display information relating to the health score, information relating to the health indicators, and information relating to bowel movements on the display unit.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the health management system, in addition to the overall health score, other information is displayed simultaneously, making it easier for users to understand specific items such as health indicators and bowel movement information. Therefore, the health management system can provide users with appropriate information regarding their health.

[0010] A health management system according to one embodiment further comprises a health indicator calculation unit that calculates health indicator information based on the user's blood flow information, the biological information acquisition unit acquires the user's blood flow information as the user's biological information, and the health status calculation unit calculates the health score using the health indicator information calculated by the health indicator calculation unit.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the health management system, it is possible to notify the user of an unprecedented comprehensive health assessment result based on two health-related items: stool and blood flow status. The comprehensive assessment is not limited to a health score; it may also include health information combining stool and blood flow status, and may notify the user of their overall health status based on stool and blood flow status, or it may be health advice based on the comprehensive assessment. Therefore, the health management system can enable the provision of appropriate information regarding the user's health.

[0012] A health management system according to one embodiment further comprises a defecation information calculation unit that calculates a defecation score, which is a numerical representation of the defecation information; a health indicator calculation unit that calculates a health indicator score, which is a numerical representation of the health indicator information; and a health status calculation unit that calculates a health score based on the defecation score and the health indicator score.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the health management system, by scoring bowel movement information, a health score (overall score) and an indicator score (individual score) are displayed, allowing for a quantitative understanding of the detailed health status at a glance. Therefore, the health management system can provide appropriate information regarding the user's health.

[0014] In a health management system according to one embodiment, the display processing unit performs a process to display information indicating the user's defecation status based on the defecation information on the display unit.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the health management system, since bowel movements vary from person to person, the system does not provide notifications based on bowel movement characteristics (type, color, and quantity) rather than a score, thereby accurately informing users of their health status. Therefore, the health management system can provide users with appropriate information regarding their health.

[0016] In a health management system according to one embodiment, the defecation information calculation unit calculates the defecation score based on a relative evaluation obtained by comparing the properties of the stool expelled in a single defecation with a standard property value.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the health management system, a bowel movement score tailored to individual differences is calculated, enabling accurate notification of health status at an individual level. Therefore, the health management system can provide appropriate information regarding the user's health.

[0018] In a health management system according to one embodiment, the display processing unit performs a process of displaying the health indicator score on the display unit.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the health management system, the state of health indicators can be grasped quantitatively at a glance. Therefore, the health management system can provide appropriate information regarding the user's health.

[0020] In a health management system according to one embodiment, the health indicator calculation unit calculates a plurality of health indicator information, and the display processing unit performs a process to display the plurality of health indicator information on the display unit.

[0021] According to the health management system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the user can comprehensively grasp a plurality of indicators. Therefore, the health management system can provide appropriate information regarding the user's health.

[0022] In the health management system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the display processing unit executes a process of displaying, on the display unit, at least the date and time when each of the defecation information and the health index information was last obtained.

[0023] According to the health management system according to one aspect of the embodiment, it is easy for the user to grasp which of the plurality of indicators has been updated and reflected in the health score. Therefore, the health management system can provide appropriate information regarding the user's health.

[0024] In the health management system according to one aspect of the embodiment, when not all of the health index information and the defecation information used for calculating the health score have been obtained, the display processing unit executes a process of making the health score non-displayed on the display unit.

[0025] Although toilets are used differently by users, according to the health management system according to one aspect of the embodiment, accurate information can be provided regardless of the measurement time. Therefore, the health management system can provide appropriate information regarding the user's health.

[0026] In the health management system according to one aspect of the embodiment, when there is an update in either the health index information or the defecation information used for calculating the health score, the display processing unit updates the health score.

[0027] Although toilets are used differently by users, according to the health management system according to one aspect of the embodiment, accurate information can be provided regardless of the measurement time. Therefore, the health management system can provide appropriate information regarding the user's health.

[0028] A health management system according to one embodiment further comprises a message display processing unit that determines the user's condition based on at least one of the health score, the health indicator information, and the bowel movement information, and performs a process of displaying a recommended message on the display unit according to the determined user's condition.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the health management system, users can be encouraged to make improvements to their health through recommendation messages. Therefore, the health management system can provide users with appropriate information regarding their health.

[0030] A health management system according to one embodiment further includes a highlight display processing unit that performs a process of highlighting a certain period of time on the display unit based on at least one of the health score, the health indicator information, and the bowel movement information.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the health management system, users can grasp their health trends through highlighting. Therefore, the health management system can provide users with appropriate health information.

[0032] A health management method according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by including: a biometric information acquisition step of acquiring biometric information of a user; a defecation information acquisition step of acquiring defecation information corresponding to the user's defecation; a health status calculation step of calculating a health score, which is numerical information indicating the user's health status, based on health indicator information based on the biometric information acquired by the biometric information acquisition step and the defecation information acquired by the defecation information acquisition step; and a display processing step of performing a process to display information regarding the health score calculated by the health status calculation step on a display unit that can be viewed by the user.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the health management method, the user's health indicators and bowel movement information can be converted into a health score, which is numerical information indicating the user's health status, and presented quantitatively. For example, the health management method makes it possible to understand the user's health status, including bowel movement status, which could not be quantitatively grasped in the past. Therefore, with the health management method, the user can quantitatively understand the effects of bowel movements and health indicators on their health, and increase their motivation to improve their health status. In this way, the health management method can enable the provision of appropriate information regarding the user's health.

[0034] An information processing device according to one embodiment is characterized by comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires a user's biometric information and defecation information corresponding to the user's defecation; and a health status calculation unit that calculates a health score, which is numerical information indicating the user's health status, based on health indicator information based on the biometric information and the defecation information.

[0035] According to an information processing device in one embodiment, health-related information can be presented quantitatively by calculating a health score, which is numerical information indicating the user's health status, consisting of the user's health indicator information and bowel movement information. For example, the information processing device can grasp the user's health status, including bowel movement status, which could not be grasped quantitatively in the past. Therefore, with the information processing device, the user can quantitatively grasp the effect of bowel movements and health indicators on their health, and increase their motivation to improve their health status. In this way, the information processing device can provide appropriate information regarding the user's health.

[0036] An information processing program according to one embodiment is an information processing program executed by a computer, characterized in that it causes the computer to execute an acquisition procedure for acquiring a user's biometric information and defecation information corresponding to the user's defecation, and a health status calculation procedure for calculating a health score, which is numerical information indicating the user's health status, based on health indicator information based on the biometric information and the defecation information.

[0037] According to an information processing program in one embodiment, health-related information can be presented quantitatively by calculating a health score, which is numerical information indicating the user's health status, consisting of the user's health indicator information and bowel movement information. For example, the information processing program makes it possible to grasp the health status, including bowel movement status, which could not be grasped quantitatively in the past. Therefore, with the information processing program, the user can quantitatively grasp the effect of bowel movements and health indicators on their health, and increase their motivation to improve their health status. In this way, the information processing program can provide appropriate information regarding the user's health.

[0038] A health management system according to one embodiment is a health management system comprising a toilet having a biosensor that acquires blood flow information of a user and a defecation sensor that acquires defecation information corresponding to the user's defecation, and is characterized by having a control unit that performs processing to display the acquired blood flow information and the defecation information on a display unit that can be viewed by the user.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the health management system, the system includes a toilet equipped with a biosensor that acquires the user's blood flow information and a defecation sensor that acquires defecation information corresponding to the user's bowel movements, and the blood flow information and defecation information are displayed on a display unit that the user can view. In this way, the health management system can provide appropriate information regarding the user's health.

[0040] In a health management system according to one embodiment, the biosensor and the defecation sensor are provided in a toilet seat device including the toilet seat and the main body.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the health management system, a biosensor and a defecation sensor are provided in the toilet seat device, including the toilet seat and main body, making it possible to acquire blood flow information and defecation information with high accuracy. Therefore, the health management system can provide appropriate information regarding the user's health.

[0042] In a health management system according to one embodiment, the biosensor and the defecation sensor are provided in a toilet seat device including the toilet seat and the main body.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the health management system, a biosensor and a defecation sensor are provided in the toilet seat device, including the toilet seat and main body, making it possible to acquire blood flow information and defecation information with high accuracy. Therefore, the health management system can provide appropriate information regarding the user's health.

[0044] A health management system according to one embodiment displays acquired blood flow information and a comprehensive evaluation of the health status based on the bowel movement information.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the health management system, by displaying an overall assessment of the user's health status based on acquired blood flow information and bowel movement information, it is possible to appropriately provide information about the user's overall health status. Therefore, the health management system can enable the provision of appropriate information about the user's health.

[0046] In a health management system according to one embodiment, the control unit determines the characteristics of defecation, including at least one of the type, color, or amount of stool, as defecation information, and displays an overall evaluation of the health status based on the characteristics of defecation and the blood flow information on the display unit.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the health management system, the system determines the characteristics of bowel movements, including at least one of the following: stool type, color, or quantity, as bowel movement information, and displays an overall evaluation of the user's health status based on the characteristics of bowel movements and blood flow information, thereby appropriately providing information about the user's overall health status. Therefore, the health management system can enable the provision of appropriate information about the user's health.

[0048] In a health management system according to one embodiment, the control unit calculates a plurality of health indicators from blood flow information and outputs a comprehensive evaluation of the health status based on the bowel movement information and the plurality of health indicators to the display unit.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the health management system, multiple health indicators are calculated from blood flow information, and a comprehensive evaluation of the user's health status is output based on bowel movement information and the multiple health indicators, thereby enabling the appropriate provision of information about the user's overall health status. Therefore, the health management system can provide appropriate information about the user's health. [Effects of the Invention]

[0050] According to one embodiment of the system, it is possible to provide users with appropriate information regarding their health. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0051] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the toilet system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the toilet system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of a health management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the process for calculating various health indicators based on measurement results from biosensors. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of how the numerical values ​​are calculated. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of how to calculate the numerical value. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of how to calculate the numerical value. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the steps performed by the health management system. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the steps performed by the health management system. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of how health scores are displayed. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of how health-related information is displayed. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows examples of displays depending on the period. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the steps performed by the health management system. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the steps performed by the health management system. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows an example of a display showing the measurement status. [Figure 16] Figure 16 shows an example of a display showing the measurement status. [Figure 17] Figure 17 shows an example of a display of the measurement status. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0052] The embodiments of the health management system, health management method, information processing device, and information processing program disclosed herein will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0053] <1. Health Management System Configuration> The configuration of the health management system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the toilet system according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the toilet system according to the embodiment. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the health management system according to the embodiment.

[0054] The health management system 1 according to each embodiment described below measures various information about the user using sensors and calculates a health score based on the measured information. The processing described below with the health management system 1 as the processing unit may be performed by any device capable of executing that processing, depending on the device configuration included in the health management system 1.

[0055] As shown in Figure 3, the health management system 1 includes a toilet 10 containing a biosensor 40, a seating sensor 50, and a defecation sensor 60, a control unit 100, and an external terminal 200. The health management system 1 may include multiple toilets 10, multiple control units 100, and multiple external terminals 200. Note that the device configuration shown in Figure 3 is merely an example, and for example, the health management system 1 may include a server device that provides the control unit 100 with information used by the control unit 100 to calculate various types of information such as health scores.

[0056] First, we will describe the configuration of toilet 10, including an overview of its external (physical) configuration, which is an example of a toilet system. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, toilet 10 comprises a toilet seat 20, a main body 12, and a toilet lid 14. The toilet seat 20 and the toilet lid 14 are each pivotally supported on the main body 12.

[0057] As shown in Figure 3, the toilet 10 includes a biosensor 40, a seating sensor 50, a defecation sensor 60, and a timer unit 70. As will be described in detail later, the biosensor 40 is a sensor for detecting (acquiring) the user's biometric information, the seating sensor 50 is a sensor for detecting when the user is seated, and the defecation sensor 60 is a sensor for detecting when the user defecates (also called "feces"). For example, the biosensor 40 is a laser sensor that measures a physical quantity that reflects the user's blood flow information, and the defecation sensor 60 is an imaging device (image sensor) that captures images of the user's defecation. The biosensor 40 and the seating sensor 50 are provided on the toilet seat 20, and the defecation sensor 60 is provided on the main unit 12. Details of the biosensor 40, the seating sensor 50, and the defecation sensor 60 will be described later.

[0058] The biosensor 40 and the defecation sensor 60 are not limited to being installed on the toilet seat 20 or the main body 12. For example, the biosensor 40 and the defecation sensor 60 may be installed on a toilet seat device including the toilet seat 20 and the main body 12. Also, for example, the biosensor 40 may be installed on an operating part (not shown) protruding from the toilet seat device. Furthermore, the defecation sensor 60 is not limited to the main body 12, but may be installed on the toilet seat 20. Blood flow information is subject to significant fluctuations in measurement results as the measurement site of the body changes in the direction of gravity relative to the heart. Therefore, it is preferable to measure at a position where the measurement site of the user seated on the toilet seat device does not change easily from the height of the heart. By installing the biosensor on the toilet seat device, measurement can be performed at a constant measurement height, and blood flow information can be obtained stably. Furthermore, it is preferable that the defecation sensor 60 be installed on the toilet seat device in order to image defecation. Thus, by arranging the biosensor 40 and the defecation sensor 60 on the toilet seat device, it becomes possible to acquire blood flow information and defecation information with high accuracy.

[0059] As shown in Figure 1, the toilet seat 20 has an opening 20a. An O-shaped opening 20a is formed in the center of the toilet seat 20. The opening of the toilet seat 20 is not limited to O-shape, but may be U-shaped, etc. The outer edge of the toilet seat 20 is formed to curve along the outer shape of the toilet bowl 4. The toilet seat 20 is generally made of an opaque resin material (for example, polypropylene) and has a seating surface 21 on which the user sits and a bottom surface 25 on the opposite side of the seating surface 21.

[0060] The seating surface 21 is the surface that is exposed facing upward when the toilet seat 20 is placed on the upper surface 4b of the toilet bowl 4, and is the surface on which the user sits. The bottom surface 25 is the surface that faces the upper surface 4b of the toilet bowl 4 when the toilet seat 20 is lowered. The toilet seat 20 is formed to be thick almost entirely, and locally thinner areas (also called "thin-walled areas") are formed at the position corresponding to the biosensor 40.

[0061] Furthermore, the toilet seat 20 may be equipped with a heater wire and insulation material to heat or keep the seating surface 21 warm. The heater wire is controlled by a toilet seat heating unit installed in the main body 12 and is routed inside the toilet seat 20 so as not to interfere with the biosensor 40, seating sensor 50, and defecation sensor 60. The insulation material is positioned below the heater wire, biosensor 40, and seating sensor 50.

[0062] The portion of the toilet seat 20 corresponding to the biosensor 40 (thin-walled portion) has a thickness that allows light emitted from the biosensor 40 and reflected light reflected from the user sitting on the seating surface 21 to pass through. The thickness of the thin-walled portion is determined by the intensity of the light emitted and reflected from the biosensor 40, as well as the durability of the toilet seat 20, and is, for example, about 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm.

[0063] In the following explanation, "upwards," "downwards," "forward," "backward," "left side," and "right side" refer to directions as seen from the perspective of a user sitting on the toilet seat 20 with their back to the open toilet lid 14.

[0064] The thin section is formed to the left of the center of the front-to-back length of the opening 20a of the toilet seat 20, and is positioned to the left of the center of gravity of the user seated on the toilet seat 20. As a result, as shown in Figure 2, the thin section faces (contacts) the back of the left thigh of the user (user U1 in Figure 2) seated on the toilet seat 20. Figure 2 shows user U1 holding the external terminal 200 in their left hand.

[0065] The thin-walled portion is formed to be as small as possible so that the biosensor 40 can detect the blood flow information of a user sitting on the toilet seat 20, and is, for example, circular in shape with a diameter of 12 mm or less (preferably 8 mm or less).

[0066] Furthermore, the main body 12 is located behind the bowl portion of the toilet 4 and is attached to the upper surface 4b of the toilet 4. Inside the main body 12 are an opening / closing unit that controls the opening and closing operation of the toilet seat 20 and the toilet lid 14, a toilet seat heating unit that controls the temperature of the toilet seat 20, a washing unit that washes the body parts, and a deodorizing unit that reduces odor components. For example, each unit 12a to 12d is controlled by the control unit 100. For example, the defecation sensor 60 is located in a position that overlooks the bowl portion of the toilet 4 from the main body 12 and is positioned so as not to interfere with each unit 12a to 12d.

[0067] The biosensor 40 functions as a bioinformation acquisition unit that acquires biological information. For example, the biosensor 40 is a laser sensor that acquires the user's blood flow information as the user's biological information. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the biosensor 40 is located inside the toilet seat 20, on the underside of the thin-walled portion. The biosensor 40 is a reflective sensor that irradiates infrared light toward the underside of the user's left thigh and detects reflected light (scattered light with Doppler shift due to red blood cells) reflected according to the blood flow state in the blood vessels under the skin.

[0068] For example, the biosensor 40 is a laser sensor that can measure the blood flow state in the skin based on dynamic light scattering. In Figure 2, the biosensor 40 is attached to the toilet seat 20 on the back of the user's thigh.

[0069] It should be noted that blood flow information is merely one example, and any sensor may be used as the biosensor 40 depending on the biosensor to be acquired. For example, if information regarding the user's heart rate (pulse wave) is to be acquired as the user's biosensor, the biosensor 40 may be a heart rate sensor. Also, if information regarding the user's respiration is to be acquired as the user's biosensor, the biosensor 40 may be a respiration sensor. Also, if information regarding the user's pulse (pulse wave) is to be acquired as the user's biosensor, the biosensor 40 may be a pulse rate sensor. Also, if information regarding the user's cardiac activity is to be acquired as the user's biosensor, the biosensor 40 may be an electrocardiogram sensor.

[0070] The biosensor 40 is connected to the control unit 100 via a predetermined network, either by wire or wireless communication. The biosensor 40 transmits various types of information to the control unit 100. For example, the biosensor 40 transmits the acquired biometric information of the user to the control unit 100. For example, the biosensor 40 may be connected to the control unit 100 via a predetermined wireless communication function such as Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi®. The connection between the control unit 100 and the biosensor 40 can be any type of connection, as long as information can be transmitted and received, and may be connected by wire or wireless communication. For example, the biosensor 40 may be connected to the control unit 100 via a communication unit 190, either by wire or wireless communication.

[0071] The seating sensor 50 has the function of detecting when a person sits on the toilet seat 20. The seating sensor 50 detects when a user sits on the toilet seat 20. The seating sensor 50 can detect when a user sits on the toilet seat 20. The seating sensor 50 also functions as a seat departure detection sensor that detects when a user leaves the toilet seat 20. The seating sensor 50 detects the state of the user sitting on the toilet seat 20.

[0072] For example, the seating sensor 50 is an electrostatic sensor. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the seating sensor 50 is formed to the right of the center of the front-to-back length of the opening 20a of the toilet seat 20, and is positioned to the right of the center of gravity of a user seated on the toilet seat 20. This allows the seating sensor 50 to detect the seated state when it comes into contact with the back of the right thigh of a user seated on the toilet seat 20.

[0073] The case where the seating sensor 50 is an electrostatic sensor is merely one example; the seating sensor 50 can be any detection method and can be placed anywhere, as long as it can detect when a user sits on the toilet seat 20. For example, if the seating sensor 50 is an infrared or μ (microwave) distance measuring sensor and detects sitting by distance, the seating sensor 50 may be placed in a position that detects a person's feet from the side of the toilet bowl 4 or in a position that detects a person's back from the tank attached to the toilet bowl 4. For example, if the seating sensor 50 detects sitting by distance, it may be placed on the ceiling of the space (toilet room) where the toilet bowl 4 is installed. Also, for example, if the seating sensor 50 is a contact switch and detects the sinking of the toilet seat due to sitting, the seating sensor 50 may be placed on the pivot point of the toilet seat 20. Also, for example, if the seating sensor 50 is a load sensor and detects sitting by the weight on the toilet seat, the seating sensor 50 may be placed on the underside of the toilet seat 20, on the surface that contacts the toilet bowl 4.

[0074] The seating sensor 50 is connected to the control unit 100 via a predetermined network, either by wire or wireless communication. The seating sensor 50 transmits various types of information to the control unit 100. For example, the seating sensor 50 transmits information about the user's seating (and unseating) status to the control unit 100. For example, the seating sensor 50 may be connected to the control unit 100 via a predetermined wireless communication function such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The connection between the control unit 100 and the seating sensor 50 can be any type of connection, as long as information can be transmitted and received; it may be connected by wire or wireless communication. For example, the seating sensor 50 may be connected to the control unit 100 via a communication unit 190, either by wire or wireless communication.

[0075] The defecation sensor 60 functions as a defecation information acquisition unit that acquires defecation information corresponding to the user's defecation. For example, the defecation sensor 60 is an image sensor that acquires defecation information corresponding to the user's defecation by imaging the inside of the toilet bowl 4. For example, the defecation sensor 60 is an image sensor installed at a position where it can see the bowl part of the toilet bowl 4 from the main unit 12. For example, the defecation sensor 60 can be any sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor.

[0076] For example, the defecation sensor 60 may be a line sensor (one-dimensional image sensor) that captures a one-dimensional image, or an area sensor (two-dimensional image sensor) that captures a two-dimensional image. For example, if it is a line sensor, the defecation sensor 60 is positioned to capture the area between the toilet seat 20 and the water seal area (the part where the water seal accumulates) of the toilet bowl 4. In this way, the defecation sensor 60 may be positioned to capture the stool as it falls from the time the user defecates until it hits the water seal area (the part where the water seal accumulates) of the toilet bowl 4.

[0077] Furthermore, for example, if it is an area sensor, the defecation sensor 60 is positioned to photograph the water seal of the toilet bowl 4. In this way, the defecation sensor 60 may be positioned to photograph the water seal of the toilet bowl 4. Note that the defecation sensor 60 may be positioned in any manner as long as it is capable of detecting (imaging) feces. The defecation sensor 60 may also capture still images or moving images. In addition, if the inside of the toilet bowl becomes dark when a user sits on the toilet seat and it is not possible to take an image with sufficient brightness, a light source (light-emitting part) may be provided.

[0078] The defecation sensor 60 is connected to the control unit 100 via a predetermined network, either by wire or wireless communication. The defecation sensor 60 transmits various types of information to the control unit 100. For example, the defecation sensor 60 transmits information about the user's defecation that it has acquired to the control unit 100. For example, the defecation sensor 60 may be connected to the control unit 100 via a predetermined wireless communication function such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The connection between the control unit 100 and the defecation sensor 60 can be any type of connection, as long as information can be transmitted and received, and may be connected by wire or wireless communication. For example, the defecation sensor 60 may be connected to the control unit 100 via a communication unit 190, either by wire or wireless communication.

[0079] In addition, when explaining information obtained by the biosensor 40 and information obtained by the defecation sensor 60 without distinguishing between them, the term "sensor information" may be used. Sensor information is a concept that includes information obtained by various sensors to estimate the user's health status, such as information obtained by the biosensor 40 and information obtained by the defecation sensor 60.

[0080] The timer unit 70 measures time. The timer unit 70 measures the time during which sensor information is acquired by the sensor. The timer unit 70 measures the time it takes for the seating sensor 50 to detect that the user has sat down. The timer unit 70 measures the time from the moment the user begins to sit down using the seating sensor 50. The timer unit 70 may also measure the time from the moment the biosensor 40 begins to acquire biometric information. The timer unit 70 may also measure the time it takes for the user to defecate, which is the difference between the time it takes for the user to sit down using the seating sensor 50 and the time it takes for the user to defecate using the defecation sensor 60.

[0081] The timer unit 70 is connected to the control unit 100 via a predetermined network, either by wire or wireless communication. The timer unit 70 transmits various types of information to the control unit 100. For example, the timer unit 70 transmits information about the measured time to the control unit 100. For example, the timer unit 70 may be connected to the control unit 100 via a predetermined wireless communication function such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The connection between the control unit 100 and the timer unit 70 can be any type of connection, as long as information can be transmitted and received; it may be connected by wire or by wireless communication. For example, the timer unit 70 may be connected to the control unit 100 via a communication unit 190, either by wire or wireless communication.

[0082] Furthermore, the toilet 10 may have a personal identification unit (identification device) that performs processing (personal identification) to identify the user who uses the toilet bowl 4. For example, the personal identification unit of the toilet 10 may acquire information to identify the user who uses the toilet bowl 4 for defecation, such as through communication with an external terminal 200 owned by the user or the user's operation of the remote control, and perform personal identification of the user. For example, the personal identification unit of the toilet 10 may communicate with an external terminal 200 owned by the user and receive user identification information from the external terminal 200 to identify the user. For example, the personal identification unit of the toilet 10 may also receive operation information indicating the user's operation from the remote control. In addition, the personal identification unit of the toilet 10 may identify the user by any method as long as it is possible to identify the user who uses the toilet bowl 4 for defecation.

[0083] The personal identification unit of toilet 10 is connected to the control unit 100 via a predetermined network, either by wire or wireless communication. The personal identification unit of toilet 10 transmits various types of information to the control unit 100. For example, the personal identification unit of toilet 10 transmits the user identification information of the acquired user to the control unit 100. For example, the personal identification unit of toilet 10 may be connected to the control unit 100 via a predetermined wireless communication function such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The connection between the control unit 100 and the personal identification unit of toilet 10 can be any type of connection, as long as information can be sent and received, and may be connected by wire or wireless communication. For example, the personal identification unit of toilet 10 may be connected to the control unit 100 via a communication unit 190, either by wire or wireless communication.

[0084] The control unit 100 is an information processing device (computer) that performs various information processing. The control unit 100 is connected to the external terminal 200 via a predetermined network (communication unit 190), such as the Internet, via a wired or wireless connection. The control unit 100 may be connected to the external terminal 200 in any way as long as it is capable of sending and receiving information; it may be connected via a wired connection or via a wireless connection. Furthermore, as described above, the control unit 100 is capable of sending and receiving information with each component of the toilet 10.

[0085] The control unit 100 may be placed in any location. The control unit 100 may be located within the space corresponding to the toilet 10 (toilet room), or it may be located outside the space corresponding to the toilet 10 (toilet room). The control unit 100 may be located within the main unit 12. For example, the control unit 100 may be located near the front end of the toilet seat 20 (relatively close to the biosensor 40). In this case, the control unit 100 can process the output signal of the biosensor 40 and convert it into a signal that is relatively resistant to noise.

[0086] Furthermore, the configuration and arrangement of the control unit 100 can be any form as long as it can communicate with the external terminal 200 and the toilet 10 and perform processing. For example, the control unit 100 may be a portable terminal (device) such as a laptop computer that can be carried by the administrator of the health management system 1. Alternatively, the control unit 100 may be located inside the toilet 10. The control unit 100 may be located (constructed) not within the main unit 12, but within the external terminal 200 or within an external network (for example, within a cloud CL) that communicates via the communication unit 190.

[0087] The control unit 100 calculates health indicators for the user seated on the toilet seat 20 based on the measurement results of the biosensor 40. The control unit 100 calculates the user's health indicators based on the user's biometric information acquired by the biosensor 40. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the process of calculating various health indicators based on the measurement results of the biosensor. The control unit 100 measures pulse rate, pulse rate variability, blood flow rate, etc., using the biosensor 40, which is a laser sensor capable of detecting blood flow. Then, based on the measurement results of the biosensor 40, the control unit 100 calculates multiple health indicators such as heart rate, stress level (calmness level), blood circulation status, fitness level, body water level, metabolic level, vascular age, and internal clock.

[0088] For example, heart rate is a health indicator that shows the number of times a user's heart beats in a certain period of time. Also, stress level (also called "relaxation level") is a health indicator that shows the level of stress a user is experiencing. Blood circulation status is a health indicator that shows the state of a user's blood circulation. For example, blood circulation status may refer to the blood circulation status of the user's lower limbs (lower limb blood circulation status). Note that blood circulation status is not limited to the lower limbs and may refer to the blood circulation status of any part of the user's body. Fitness level is a health indicator that shows the user's aerobic exercise capacity, for example. Body water level is a health indicator that shows the percentage of body water in relation to the user's body weight (body water percentage). Metabolic level is a health indicator that shows the user's metabolism, for example. Vascular age is a health indicator that shows the user's vascular age. Circadian rhythm is a health indicator that shows the user's circadian rhythm.

[0089] Furthermore, the control unit 100 determines the defecation characteristics (also called "stool characteristics") of the user seated on the toilet seat 20 based on the measurement results of the defecation sensor 60. Defecation characteristics (stool characteristics) are information that indicates the state of the user's defecation (stool). For example, defecation characteristics (also called "defecation state" or "stool state") include the type, color, and amount of stool. The control unit 100 determines the user's stool state based on the user's defecation information acquired by the defecation sensor 60. For example, the control unit 100 determines the stool state, including the type, color, and amount of stool, based on the measurement results of the defecation sensor 60 that takes images. The control unit 100 also calculates a stool score (defecation score) corresponding to that stool state based on the stool state.

[0090] Furthermore, the control unit 100 measures the time the user is seated on the toilet seat 20 based on the measurement results of the timer unit 70. The control unit 100 determines whether the time the user has been seated on the toilet seat 20 has reached the time required to acquire (measure) the information (also called "required time"). The control unit 100 determines whether the time the user has been seated on the toilet seat 20 has reached the first hour. The control unit 100 determines whether the time the user has been seated on the toilet seat 20 has reached the second hour.

[0091] <1-1. Health indicators, stool condition indicators, etc.> As described above, the control unit 100 derives various information such as multiple health indicators and stool condition. In the following, when health indicators and stool condition are not distinguished, they may be referred to simply as "indicators." For example, an indicator is a concept that includes information corresponding to each of multiple health indicators such as heart rate, stress level, blood circulation status, fitness level, body water level, metabolic level, vascular age, and circadian rhythm, as well as information corresponding to stool condition. In other words, an indicator includes various types of information that can be used to estimate the user's health status, such as information corresponding to each health indicator calculated based on biological information, and information corresponding to stool condition determined based on defecation information.

[0092] For example, the information corresponding to the indicator may be information that indicates a relative evaluation of that indicator, such as "high," "low," or "equal." Alternatively, the information corresponding to the indicator may be a specific numerical value of that indicator, such as "50 (bpm)" or "60 (%)." When it is explicitly stated that the information corresponding to the indicator is a numerical value, it may be written as "score," "numerical value," or "value." Furthermore, if the indicator is stool condition, the information corresponding to the indicator may be information that indicates the condition of the stool, such as "cracked," "dark brown," or "medium." When the indicator (also called a "stool indicator") is stool condition, and it is explicitly stated that the information corresponding to the indicator is a numerical value, it may be written as "defecation score."

[0093] The control unit 100 calculates a health score using information from various indicators, such as health indicators and stool condition. Details of the control unit 100 will be described later.

[0094] The communication unit 190 is implemented by, for example, a communication device, a communication circuit, etc. For example, the communication unit 190 may be provided within the main unit 12. The communication unit 190 is connected to any network by wire or wireless and transmits and receives information with an external information processing device. For example, the communication unit 190 transmits and receives information with a remote control, seating sensor 50, defecation sensor 60, biosensor 40, control unit 100, external terminal 200, etc. Note that the communication unit 190 may be included in the control unit 100. That is, the communication unit 190 may be provided integrated with the control unit 100.

[0095] The external terminal 200 displays various types of information. The external terminal 200 displays information received from the control unit 100. The external terminal 200 has a display unit 210 for displaying information. For example, the display unit 210 is a display screen of a tablet terminal, etc., realized by, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. For example, the external terminal 200 displays various types of information on the display unit 210, such as health indicators, bowel movement indicators (also called "stool indicators"), and health scores.

[0096] For example, the external terminal 200 is a device (computer) used by the user. The external terminal 200 can be implemented as, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a tablet device, or a notebook PC (Personal Computer). For example, the external terminal 200 is a smartphone (mobile device) used by the user.

[0097] For example, the external terminal 200 is connected to the control unit 100 via a wired or wireless connection through the communication unit 190. For example, the external terminal 200 may be connected to the control unit 100 via a predetermined wireless communication function such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The external terminal 200 sends and receives information to and from the control unit 100.

[0098] The external terminal 200 receives content containing various information from the control unit 100 and displays the received content. For example, the external terminal 200 receives content containing a health score from the control unit 100 and displays the received content. For example, the external terminal 200 uses an application (also called a "health management app") for displaying various health-related information, such as content containing a health score, to perform a process that displays various health-related information, such as content containing a health score.

[0099] The above is merely an example, and the health management system 1 can employ any device configuration as long as it can achieve the desired processing. For example, the remote control may function as a display unit for displaying information. Alternatively, both the remote control and the external terminal 200 may be included in the health management system 1 as devices that function as display units. Thus, the above system configuration is merely an example, and the health management system 1 can have any system configuration as long as it can achieve the desired processing.

[0100] Furthermore, the health management system 1 may include sensors other than the biosensor 40, the seating sensor 50, and the defecation sensor 60. For example, the health management system 1 may include a human body detection sensor. The human body detection sensor has the function of detecting a human body. For example, the human body detection sensor may be implemented by a pyroelectric sensor using an infrared signal. For example, the human body detection sensor may be implemented by a microwave sensor. Note that the above is just an example, and the human body detection sensor is not limited to the above and may detect a human body by various means. For example, the human body detection sensor detects a person (user, etc.) who has entered the space (toilet room) where the toilet 4 is installed. The human body detection sensor transmits a detection signal to the control unit 100.

[0101] <1-2. Configuration of the Control Unit (Information Processing Device)> The details of each component of the control unit 100 will now be described. The control unit 100 may be, for example, an information processing device (control device) that controls various configurations and processes. The control unit 100 may have, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and may be implemented by executing a program stored inside the control unit 100 (for example, an information processing program related to this disclosure) using RAM or the like as a working area. The control unit 100 may also have, for example, an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0102] As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 100 includes an acquisition unit 110, a storage unit 120, a health indicator calculation unit 130, a bowel movement information calculation unit 140, a health status calculation unit 150, and a display processing unit 160, and realizes or executes the information processing functions and operations described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 100 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 3, and other configurations are also possible as long as they perform the information processing described later. Also, the connection relationships of the various parts of the control unit 100 are not limited to the connection relationships shown in Figure 3, and other connection relationships are also possible.

[0103] The acquisition unit 110 acquires information. The acquisition unit 110 acquires various information from the storage unit 120. The acquisition unit 110 acquires various information from the toilet 10. The acquisition unit 110 acquires various information collected in the space (toilet room) corresponding to the toilet 10 from the toilet 10. The acquisition unit 110 acquires user identification information from the toilet 10 to identify the user. The acquisition unit 110 acquires biometric information from the toilet 10. The acquisition unit 110 acquires defecation information from the toilet 10.

[0104] The acquisition unit 110 acquires sensor information detected by the sensor. The acquisition unit 110 acquires the user's sensor information sensed by the sensor. The acquisition unit 110 acquires the user's biometric information. The acquisition unit 110 acquires the user's blood flow information as the user's biometric information. The acquisition unit 110 acquires defecation information corresponding to the user's defecation. The acquisition unit 110 receives biometric information acquired by the biometric sensor 40 from the biometric sensor 40. The acquisition unit 110 receives information indicating detection by the seating sensor 50 from the seating sensor 50. The acquisition unit 110 receives defecation information acquired by the defecation sensor 60 from the defecation sensor 60. The acquisition unit 110 receives various information indicating the user's operation, etc., from the remote control. The acquisition unit 110 stores the received various information in the storage unit 120.

[0105] The memory unit 120 is implemented by, for example, semiconductor memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and flash memory, or storage devices such as hard disks and optical discs. For example, the memory unit 120 is a computer-readable recording medium that non-temporarily records data used by information processing programs. The memory unit 120 stores various information such as information detected by the detection unit, and the memory unit 120 stores various information used in the determination process.

[0106] The memory unit 120 stores information related to the health score. The memory unit 120 stores various information used in the calculation process related to the health score. The memory unit 120 stores information such as functions (health score calculation functions) used in the calculation process of the health score.

[0107] The memory unit 120 stores a history of health scores (health score history information) for each user. The memory unit 120 stores information about health scores associated with the date and time they were acquired as health score history information. The memory unit 120 stores the health score of each user, associated with each user. For example, the memory unit 120 stores the health score of user U1, associated with user identification information that identifies user U1. Note that the above is just one example, and the memory unit 120 stores various kinds of information related to health scores.

[0108] The memory unit 120 stores information about various indicators, such as health indicators and indicators related to bowel movements (stool indicators). The memory unit 120 stores various information used in the calculation process for health indicators. The memory unit 120 stores information such as functions used in the calculation process for health indicators (health indicator calculation functions). The memory unit 120 stores various information used in the calculation process for bowel movement scores (stool indicators). The memory unit 120 stores information such as functions used in the calculation process for bowel movement scores (bowel movement score calculation functions).

[0109] The memory unit 120 stores a history of health indicators (health indicator history information) for each user. The memory unit 120 stores information about health indicators associated with the date and time they were acquired as health indicator history information. The memory unit 120 stores information about each user's health indicators, associated with each user. For example, the memory unit 120 stores information about each of user U1's health indicators, associated with user identification information that identifies user U1. Note that the above is just one example, and the memory unit 120 stores various types of information related to health indicators.

[0110] The memory unit 120 stores various information used for determining the state of stool, such as its properties. For example, the memory unit 120 stores thresholds used for determining stool. For example, the memory unit 120 stores various models (determination models) used for determining stool. For example, the memory unit 120 stores various determination models used for determining the type, color, and quantity of stool.

[0111] The memory unit 120 stores a history of stool condition (stool history information) for each user. The memory unit 120 stores information about stool condition associated with the date and time it was acquired as stool history information. The memory unit 120 stores the type (shape), color, and amount of stool for each bowel movement of each user, associated with each user. For example, the memory unit 120 stores the type, color, and amount of stool for each bowel movement of user U1, associated with user identification information that identifies user U1. Note that the above is just one example, and the memory unit 120 stores various kinds of information related to stool.

[0112] The storage unit 120 is not limited to the above and may store various types of information depending on the purpose. The storage unit 120 may store biological information and defecation information. The storage unit 120 may store biological information and defecation information in association with the date and time on which they were acquired. The storage unit 120 may store stool images as defecation information. The storage unit 120 stores information about the stool corresponding to the stool image in association with the stool image. The storage unit 120 stores the determination results (type, color, amount, etc.) determined for the stool corresponding to the stool image in association with the stool image. The storage unit 120 stores information such as the properties of the stool corresponding to the stool image and the amount of stool corresponding to the stool image. In addition, the storage unit 120 may store the date and time on which the stool image was acquired, information identifying the user who excreted the stool corresponding to the stool image, etc., in association with the stool image.

[0113] The health indicator calculation unit 130 functions as a generation unit that generates various types of information related to health indicators. The health indicator calculation unit 130 calculates the user's health indicators based on the measurement results of the biosensor 40. For example, the health indicator calculation unit 130 calculates multiple health indicators such as pulse wave, blood flow rate, and heart rate by applying a Fourier transform or the like to the output signal of the biosensor 40. The health indicator calculation unit 130 calculates health indicator information based on biometric information. The health indicator calculation unit 130 calculates health indicators based on biometric information. The health indicator calculation unit 130 calculates a health indicator score based on biometric information. The health indicator calculation unit 130 calculates health indicator information based on the user's blood flow information. The health indicator calculation unit 130 calculates a health indicator score that quantifies the health indicator information. The health indicator calculation unit 130 calculates multiple health indicator information. The health indicator calculation unit 130 calculates multiple indicator information based on sensor information.

[0114] The health indicator calculation unit 130 calculates heart rate based on the measurement results of the biosensor 40. The health indicator calculation unit 130 calculates stress level (calmness level) based on the measurement results of the biosensor 40. The health indicator calculation unit 130 calculates blood circulation status based on the measurement results of the biosensor 40. The health indicator calculation unit 130 calculates fitness level based on the measurement results of the biosensor 40. The health indicator calculation unit 130 calculates body water level based on the measurement results of the biosensor 40. The health indicator calculation unit 130 calculates metabolic level based on the measurement results of the biosensor 40. The health indicator calculation unit 130 calculates vascular age based on the measurement results of the biosensor 40. The health indicator calculation unit 130 calculates internal body clock based on the measurement results of the biosensor 40. The health indicator calculation unit 130 may generate the health indicator information by any method as long as it is possible to generate the information of the various health indicators described above. For example, the health indicator calculation unit 130 generates information on various health indicators from the measurement results of the biosensor 40, using various healthcare technologies as appropriate.

[0115] The defecation information calculation unit 140 functions as a generation unit that generates various types of information related to stool. The defecation information calculation unit 140 also functions as a defecation state determination unit that performs a stool state determination process. In other words, the defecation information calculation unit may be read as the defecation state determination unit. The defecation information calculation unit 140 performs a determination process using the information detected by the defecation sensor 60. The defecation information calculation unit 140 performs a determination process using the information stored in the storage unit 120.

[0116] The defecation information calculation unit 140 determines the amount of feces based on the image captured by the defecation sensor 60. For example, the defecation information calculation unit 140 determines the amount of feces based on the area or proportion of feces in the image. For example, the defecation information calculation unit 140 may determine the amount of feces using a score output by a feces determination model. The defecation information calculation unit 140 may determine the amount of feces as "small" if the score output by the feces determination model, which has been input with an image, is greater than or equal to the first threshold and less than the second threshold. The second threshold is set to a value greater than the first threshold. The defecation information calculation unit 140 may also determine the amount of feces as "medium" if the score output by the feces determination model, which has been input with an image, is greater than or equal to the second threshold and less than the third threshold. The third threshold is set to a value greater than the second threshold. Furthermore, the defecation information calculation unit 140 may determine the amount of stool to be "large" if the score output by the stool determination model, which receives the image as input, is greater than or equal to the third threshold but less than the fourth threshold. The fourth threshold is set to a value greater than the third threshold. Note that the above three-stage determination is merely an example, and the defecation information calculation unit 140 may use various information as appropriate to determine the amount of stool.

[0117] The defecation information calculation unit 140 determines the type of stool corresponding to the stool image based on the image captured by the defecation sensor 60. The defecation information calculation unit 140 uses the stool image to determine whether the type of stool corresponding to the image is one of several types based on shape (also simply called "form"). The defecation information calculation unit 140 may classify the stool type into seven types based on the Bristol Stool Scale. For example, the defecation information calculation unit 140 uses the stool image to determine whether the type of stool corresponding to the image is one of types 1 to 7 based on the Bristol Stool Scale. For example, type 1 is lumpy, type 2 is hard, type 3 is cracked (somewhat hard), type 4 is normal (banana-shaped), type 5 is somewhat soft, type 6 is muddy, and type 7 is liquid (watery). The defecation information calculation unit 140 uses various techniques to detect the shape of the stool by optical methods as appropriate to determine the type (shape) of the user's stool.

[0118] The defecation information calculation unit 140 may determine the type of stool using AI (artificial intelligence) technology. For example, the defecation information calculation unit 140 may determine the type of stool using a learning model (type determination model) generated by machine learning. In this case, the type determination model is trained in advance using training data that indicates classification judgments. This training data includes multiple combinations of stool images and labels (correct information) indicating the type of mass (stool) contained in the stool image (one of types 1 to 7). For example, the type determination model is a model that takes a stool image as input and outputs information indicating the type of mass (stool) contained in the input stool image. For example, the type determination model is trained to output information of a label (type of stool) corresponding to the input stool image when a stool image is input. The type determination model is trained using various methods related to so-called supervised learning as appropriate. In this case, the type determination model is stored in the memory unit 120, and the defecation information calculation unit 140 may determine the type of stool using the type determination model stored in the memory unit 120. For example, the control unit 100 may perform a learning process and generate a type determination model. The above is merely one example, and the defecation information calculation unit 140 may use various information as appropriate to determine the type of stool.

[0119] Furthermore, for example, the defecation information calculation unit 140 uses the stool image to determine the color of the stool corresponding to that image. The defecation information calculation unit 140 uses the stool image to determine whether the color of the stool corresponding to that image is one of several levels based on color. For example, the defecation information calculation unit 140 uses the stool image to determine whether the color of the stool corresponding to that image is one of yellow, light ochre, ochre, brown, dark brown, or dark dark brown.

[0120] The defecation information calculation unit 140 determines the color of the stool from the detection results of the defecation sensor 60. The defecation information calculation unit 140 determines the color of the user's stool by appropriately using various techniques for detecting the color of stool by optical methods. The defecation information calculation unit 140 determines whether the color of the stool is yellow, light ochre, ochre, brown, dark brown, or dark brown by appropriately using various techniques for classifying the color of stool. For example, the defecation information calculation unit 140 determines (judges) the color of the stool based on various information (feature quantities) such as brightness and lightness of a color image (RGB).

[0121] The defecation information calculation unit 140 may determine the color of the stool using AI (artificial intelligence) technology. For example, the defecation information calculation unit 140 may determine the color of the stool using a learning model (color determination model) generated by machine learning. In this case, the color determination model is trained in advance using training data that indicates classification judgments. This training data includes multiple combinations of stool images and labels (correct information) indicating the color of the lumps (stool) contained in the stool image (one of yellow, light ochre, ochre, brown, dark brown, and dark brown). For example, the color determination model takes a stool image as input and outputs information indicating the color of the lumps (stool) contained in the input stool image. For example, the color determination model is trained to output information of the label (color of the stool) corresponding to the input stool image when a stool image is input. The training of the color determination model is carried out using various methods related to so-called supervised learning as appropriate. In this case, the color determination model is stored in the memory unit 120, and the defecation information calculation unit 140 may determine the color of the stool using the color determination model stored in the memory unit 120. For example, the control unit 100 may perform a learning process and generate a color determination model. The above is merely an example, and the defecation information calculation unit 140 may determine the color of the stool using various information as appropriate. Furthermore, the six levels of yellow, light ochre, ochre, brown, dark brown, and dark brown mentioned above are merely examples of colors, and the defecation information calculation unit 140 may determine other colors, or it may determine five levels or fewer.

[0122] As described above, the defecation information calculation unit 140 determines the stool condition based on the defecation information. The defecation information calculation unit 140 calculates information regarding the stool index based on the sensor information. The defecation information calculation unit 140 determines the stool index based on the defecation information. The defecation information calculation unit 140 calculates a defecation score based on the stool condition. The defecation information calculation unit 140 calculates a defecation score that quantifies the defecation information. The defecation information calculation unit 140 calculates a defecation score based on a relative evaluation by comparing the properties of the stool expelled in one defecation with a standard property value.

[0123] The health status calculation unit 150 calculates a health score. The health status calculation unit 150 calculates a health score, which is numerical information indicating the user's health status, based on health indicator information based on biological information and bowel movement information. Note that the numerical information is not limited to scores such as a score out of 100, but also includes various information such as percentages. The health status calculation unit 150 calculates the health score using the health indicator information calculated by the health indicator calculation unit 130.

[0124] The health status calculation unit 150 calculates a health score using the health index score calculated by the health index calculation unit 130 and the defecation score calculated by the defecation information calculation unit 140. The health status calculation unit 150 calculates a health score based on the defecation score and the health index score. The health status calculation unit 150 calculates a health score based on multiple health index scores and the defecation score. The health status calculation unit 150 calculates a health score based on the sum of multiple health index scores and the defecation score.

[0125] The health status calculation unit 150 calculates a health score by taking the average value of multiple health indicator scores and the bowel movement score. The health status calculation unit 150 calculates the health score using multiple weight values ​​corresponding to each health indicator score and the bowel movement score. The health status calculation unit 150 calculates the health score based on the total value obtained by summing each weighted health indicator score, which is obtained by multiplying each health indicator score by each weight value corresponding to each health indicator score, and the weighted bowel movement score, which is obtained by multiplying the bowel movement score by the weight value corresponding to the bowel movement score.

[0126] The display processing unit 160 functions as an output control unit that controls the output of various types of information. The display processing unit 160 controls the display of the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200. The display processing unit 160 controls the display of the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200 by issuing instructions to the external terminal 200. The display processing unit 160 controls the display of the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200 by transmitting information to the external terminal 200.

[0127] The display processing unit 160 transmits information to the external terminal 200 via the communication unit 190. For example, the display processing unit 160 transmits information to be displayed on the external terminal 200. The display processing unit 160 functions as a determination unit that performs various determinations. The display processing unit 160 performs time-related determinations based on the time measured by the timer unit 70. The display processing unit 160 determines whether or not the seating sensor 50 has detected that a user has sat down. The display processing unit 160 determines whether or not the seating sensor 50 has detected that a user has sat down on the toilet seat 20.

[0128] The display processing unit 160 executes the process of displaying information related to the health score calculated by the health status calculation unit 150 on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200. The display processing unit 160 executes the process of displaying information related to the health score, information related to health indicators, and information related to bowel movement on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200. The display processing unit 160 executes the process of displaying information indicating the user's bowel movement status based on the bowel movement information on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200. The display processing unit 160 executes the process of displaying text information indicating the user's bowel movement status based on the bowel movement information on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200.

[0129] The display processing unit 160 executes the process of displaying the health indicator score on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200. The display processing unit 160 executes the process of displaying multiple health indicator information on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200. The display processing unit 160 executes the process of displaying on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200 the date and time on which at least the bowel movement information and the health indicator information were last obtained.

[0130] If the display processing unit 160 does not have all of the health indicator information and bowel movement information used to calculate the health score, it will execute a process to hide the health score on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200. If there is an update to either the health indicator information or the bowel movement information used to calculate the health score, the display processing unit 160 will update the health score.

[0131] The display processing unit 160 executes the process of displaying the indicator information calculated by the health indicator calculation unit 130 or the bowel movement information calculation unit 140 on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200. After the measurement of the first indicator (also called "primary measurement") is completed (finished), if the acquisition of the user's sensor information is finished, the display processing unit 160 executes the process of displaying information related to the first indicator (also called "first indicator information") on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200.

[0132] The display processing unit 160 executes a process to display the first indicator information and information related to the second indicator (also called "secondary measurement") on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200 after the completion of the measurement related to the second indicator (also called "secondary measurement"). If the first indicator information is updated between the completion of the primary measurement and the completion of the secondary measurement, the display processing unit 160 executes a process to display the updated first indicator information on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200.

[0133] Note that the first and second indicators are relative concepts, defined according to the length of time required to acquire (measure) the information. An indicator that takes longer to measure than one designated as the first indicator becomes the second indicator relative to that one indicator. For example, if the stool condition (stool indicator) takes longer to measure than one health indicator, and one health indicator is designated as the first indicator, then the stool indicator becomes the second indicator relative to that one health indicator. For example, if one health indicator takes longer to measure than another health indicator, and one of the other health indicators is designated as the first indicator, then that one health indicator becomes the second indicator relative to the other health indicators. As described above, when different sensors, the biosensor 40 and the defecation sensor 60, are used to calculate multiple health indicators, the measurement times for each sensor will differ. For example, when measuring health indicators with the biosensor 40 and measuring defecation condition (stool state) with the defecation sensor 60, if it takes a long time (e.g., several minutes) for the user to defecate, the time required for measuring stool condition (stool indicator) will be longer than the time required for measuring health indicators.

[0134] For example, if the time required to assess stool condition (stool index) is longer than the time required to assess stress, then, if stress is considered the first index, the stool index becomes the second index relative to stress. For instance, if it takes 90 seconds to acquire (determine) information on stool condition (stool index) and 60 seconds to acquire (calculate) information on stress, then, if stress is considered the first index, the stool index becomes the second index relative to stress. Similarly, if the time required to assess stress is longer than the time required to assess heart rate, then, if heart rate is considered the first index, stress becomes the second index relative to heart rate. For example, if it takes 50 seconds to acquire (calculate) information on stress and 15 seconds to acquire (calculate) information on heart rate, then, if heart rate is considered the first index, stress becomes the second index relative to heart rate. Thus, the first and second indexes are relative concepts; the first index becomes the second index for any index that takes less time to assess than itself. Even if an indicator is a secondary indicator relative to other indicators, it becomes the primary indicator if it takes longer to complete than the other indicator. In other words, the terms "primary indicator" and "secondary indicator" used here are names that allow for the distinction and expression of indicators based on the length of time required.

[0135] The display processing unit 160 functions as a generation unit that performs generation processing for various types of information. The display processing unit 160 generates content to be displayed on the external terminal 200. The display processing unit 160 generates content CT1 that shows a health score. For example, the display processing unit 160 generates content (image information) to be provided to the external terminal 200 by appropriately using various technologies related to image generation and image processing. For example, the display processing unit 160 generates a screen (image information) to be provided to the external terminal 200 by appropriately using various technologies such as Java (registered trademark). The display processing unit 160 may also generate content (image information) to be provided to the external terminal 200 based on the format of CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), JavaScript (registered trademark), or HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language). Furthermore, for example, the display processing unit 160 may generate content in various formats such as JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), GIF (Graphics Interchange Format), or PNG (Portable Network Graphics).

[0136] The display processing unit 160 transmits information. The display processing unit 160 transmits information to an external information processing device via the communication unit 190. For example, the display processing unit 160 transmits various information to the external terminal 200. The display processing unit 160 transmits the generated information to the external terminal 200, etc. The display processing unit 160 transmits content CT1 to the external terminal 200, etc.

[0137] The display processing unit 160 controls the display of the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200 so that content CT1 is displayed on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200. The process of displaying on the display unit 210 performed by the display processing unit 160, etc. herein includes the display processing unit 160, etc. transmitting information to the external terminal 200 having the display unit 210 so that the information is displayed on the external terminal 200.

[0138] The display processing unit 160 includes a health status display processing unit 161, a health indicator display processing unit 162, a bowel movement status display processing unit 163, a measurement status display processing unit 164, a message display processing unit 165, and a highlight display processing unit 166.

[0139] The health status display processing unit 161 executes the processing related to the display of health score information, which is performed by the display processing unit 160. The health score information to be displayed is not limited to numerical values ​​such as points out of 100 or percentages, but also includes information that visually displays points, percentages, etc., using gauge bars, etc. When displaying a score, it may be a numerical value as an absolute value (points out of 100) or as a numerical value as a relative percentage. Alternatively, instead of numerical information, it may be a display such as a gauge that visualizes numerical information. The health status display processing unit 161 executes the processing to display the health score information on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200. If there is an update to the health score SC1 in the content CT1 shown in Figure 10, the health status display processing unit 161 executes the processing to display the updated health score SC1 on the external terminal 200 by sending the updated health score SC1 to the external terminal 200.

[0140] The health indicator display processing unit 162 executes the processing related to the display of health indicator information, which is among the processing performed by the display processing unit 160. The health indicator display processing unit 162 executes the processing to display health indicator information on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200. If there is an update to any of the health indicators HX in the content CT1 shown in Figure 10, the health indicator display processing unit 162 executes the processing to display the updated health indicators HX on the external terminal 200 by sending the updated health indicators HX to the external terminal 200.

[0141] The health indicator display processing unit 162 executes the process of displaying the health indicator information calculated by the health indicator calculation unit 130 on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200. After the completion of the primary measurement, if the acquisition of the user's sensor information is complete, the health indicator display processing unit 162 executes the process of displaying the first indicator information on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200. After the completion of the secondary measurement, the health indicator display processing unit 162 executes the process of displaying the first indicator information and the second indicator information on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200.

[0142] The defecation status display processing unit 163 executes the processing related to the display of information regarding the defecation status, which is among the processing performed by the display processing unit 160. The defecation status display processing unit 163 executes the processing to display information regarding defecation on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200. If there is an update to the stool index DX in the content CT1 shown in Figure 10, the defecation status display processing unit 163 executes the processing to display the updated stool index DX on the external terminal 200 by sending the updated stool index DX to the external terminal 200.

[0143] The defecation status display processing unit 163 executes the process of displaying the stool index information calculated by the defecation information calculation unit 140 on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200. After the completion of the secondary measurement, the defecation status display processing unit 163 executes the process of displaying the second index information on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200.

[0144] The measurement status display processing unit 164 executes the processing related to displaying information about the measurement status, which is among the processing performed by the display processing unit 160. The measurement status display processing unit 164 executes the processing to display information about the measurement status on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200.

[0145] The measurement status display processing unit 164 notifies the external terminal 200 of the measurement status via the display unit 210. The measurement status display processing unit 164 notifies the external terminal 200 of the measurement status regarding multiple indicator information, including first indicator information that can be calculated in the first time and second indicator information that can be calculated in a second time that is longer than the first time, via the display unit 210. The measurement status display processing unit 164 notifies the completion of the primary measurement corresponding to the first time and also notifies the execution of the secondary measurement corresponding to the second time. When the secondary measurement is completed, the measurement status display processing unit 164 notifies the completion of the secondary measurement.

[0146] For example, the measurement status display processing unit 164 executes the process of displaying notification information NT1 shown in Figure 15 on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200. For example, the measurement status display processing unit 164 executes the process of displaying notification information NT2 shown in Figure 16 on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200. For example, the measurement status display processing unit 164 executes the process of displaying notification information NT3 shown in Figure 17 on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200.

[0147] The message display processing unit 165 determines the user's condition based on at least one of the health score, health indicator information, and bowel movement information, and executes a process to display a recommended message corresponding to the determined user's condition on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200. For example, the message display processing unit 165 executes a process to display the recommended information RC shown in Figure 11 on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200.

[0148] The highlighting processing unit 166 performs a process to highlight information on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200 for a certain period of time, based on at least one of the health score, health indicator information, and bowel movement information. For example, the highlighting processing unit 166 performs a process to display the highlighting information HL shown in Figure 11 on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200.

[0149] The configuration of the control unit 100 described above is merely an example, and the control unit 100 may have various configurations not limited to those described above. For example, if the control unit 100 has a function to display information, it may have a display unit. Also, if the external terminal 200 calculates the health score, the control unit 100 and the external terminal 200 may be integrated. For example, if the external terminal 200, such as a smartphone used by the user, calculates the health score using an information processing program, the external terminal 200 may have the functions of the control unit 100.

[0150] For example, an application including an information processing program (e.g., a health management app) may perform the process of calculating a health score. For example, if an application installed on an external terminal 200 (e.g., a health management app) calculates a health score, the external terminal 200 may have the configuration of the control unit 100.

[0151] <3. Calculation Example> From here, we will explain an example of how to calculate the numerical values ​​using Figures 5 to 7. Figures 5 to 7 are diagrams illustrating an example of how to calculate the numerical values. Below, we will explain how to calculate the numerical value (score) using body water content as an example.

[0152] <3-1. First calculation example (point allocation)> First, the first calculation example will be explained with reference to Figure 5. Specifically, Figure 5 shows the first calculation example in which points are assigned and a score is calculated. Graph GR11 in Figure 5 contains information for converting the measurement results to a score of 0 to 100. Specifically, Graph GR11 shows an example in which points corresponding to body water content are assigned to each measured value corresponding to body water content. In the example in Figure 5, a larger score is assigned to the smaller the measured value corresponding to body water content. In this case, the control unit 100 uses the information in Graph GR11 to calculate a health index score (body water content score) corresponding to body water content from the measured values ​​corresponding to body water content.

[0153] <3-2. Second calculation example (per user)> First, the second calculation example will be explained with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 shows an example of calculation using one's own health indicator information results. Specifically, Figure 6 shows the second calculation example in which a score is calculated by assigning points. Figure 6 shows the second calculation example in which a score is calculated using the history of only the target user. For example, Figure 6 shows the case in which points are assigned from the past 50 measurement results of the target user.

[0154] Graph GR12 in Figure 6 contains information for converting measurement results to a score between 0 and 100. For example, Graph GR12 uses an average value (base) of 50 points and converts the values ​​to one of the values ​​between 0 and 100 depending on the deviation from the base. Specifically, Graph GR12 shows an example where a score corresponding to body water content is assigned to each measured value (measured value) corresponding to body water content. In the example in Figure 6, a larger score is assigned to the smaller the measured value corresponding to body water content. In this case, the control unit 100 uses the information in Graph GR12 to calculate a health index score (body water content score) corresponding to body water content from the measured values ​​corresponding to body water content.

[0155] <3-3. Third calculation example (multiple users)> First, we will explain the third calculation example, referring to Figure 7. Figure 7 shows an example of calculation using health indicator information results from a user population (multiple users). Specifically, Figure 7 shows the third calculation example in which a score is calculated by assigning points. Figure 7 shows the third calculation example in which a score is calculated using the history of multiple users, not limited to the user being calculated (target user). For example, Figure 7 shows the case in which points are assigned based on the past 50 measurement results of each of 100 users.

[0156] Graph GR13 in Figure 7 contains information for converting measurement results to a score between 0 and 100. For example, Graph GR13 uses an average value (base) of 50 points and converts the deviation from the base to a value between 0 and 100. Specifically, Graph GR13 shows an example where each measured value corresponding to body water content is assigned a score corresponding to body water content. In the example in Figure 7, a larger score is assigned to the smaller the measured value corresponding to body water content. In this case, the control unit 100 uses the information in Graph GR13 to calculate a health index score (body water content score) corresponding to body water content from the measured values ​​corresponding to body water content.

[0157] The calculation described above is merely an example, and the control unit 100 may calculate the numerical value using various methods, not limited to those described above. For example, the control unit 100 may calculate the numerical value by absolute value evaluation. Furthermore, while Figures 5 to 7 illustrate the calculation of a numerical value (score) using body water content, one of the health indicators, as an example, health indicator scores may be calculated for other health indicators such as heart rate using similar processing.

[0158] Furthermore, the control unit 100 may also calculate the defecation score using the same method as in Figures 5 to 7. For example, the control unit 100 calculates a defecation score that ranges from 0 to 100 points. For example, the control unit 100 may calculate the defecation score based on a relative evaluation by comparing the properties of the stool expelled in a single defecation with a standard property value. For example, the control unit 100 uses the average of the user's past stool conditions as a standard and calculates the defecation score based on a comparison between that standard and the stool condition of the stool being calculated (also called the "target stool"). As mentioned above, the defecation score may be a numerical value calculated based on the characteristics of stool (stool condition) such as type, shape, and color, or it may be information that indicates the characteristics of stool (stool condition) such as type, shape, and color.

[0159] For example, the control unit 100 calculates a defecation score in which the value increases as the stool condition of the target stool approaches a standard. For example, the control unit 100 calculates a defecation score for the target stool such that it is 100 points when the stool condition of the target stool matches the standard, and the value decreases as the stool condition of the target stool deviates from the standard. For example, the control unit 100 calculates a defecation score of 100 points when the stool condition of the target stool matches the standard. For example, the control unit 100 calculates a defecation score for the target stool as smaller as the stool condition of the target stool deviates from the standard.

[0160] Alternatively, the control unit 100 may plot the stool in a three-dimensional space (also called the "stool state space") with type, color, and quantity as dimensions, and calculate a defecation score according to the position of the stool in that three-dimensional space (stool state space). For example, the control unit 100 may calculate the defecation score of the stool according to where the stool is located in the stool state space, which has type, color, and quantity as dimensions. For example, the control unit 100 may use the score of the location where the stool is located in the stool state space, which has type, color, and quantity as dimensions and assigns points to each location, as the defecation score of the stool.

[0161] <4. Processing Flow> From here, the processing flow of the embodiment will be explained using Figures 8 and 9. Figures 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing an example of the processing procedure performed by the health management system. Specifically, Figure 8 is a flowchart outlining the processing procedure related to health scores performed by the health management system. Figure 9 is a flowchart detailing the processing procedure related to health scores performed by the health management system. In the following explanation, the health management system 1 will be described as the processing entity, but the processing shown in Figures 8 and 9 may be performed by any of the devices, such as the control unit 100, external terminal 200, or various sensors, depending on the device configuration included in the health management system 1.

[0162] First, Figure 8 will be used to explain the overview of the processing flow related to health scores in the health management system 1.

[0163] The health management system 1 acquires the user's biometric information (step S101). For example, the biosensor 40 of the health management system 1 acquires the biometric information of a user using the toilet 10.

[0164] Furthermore, the health management system 1 acquires defecation information corresponding to the user's bowel movements (step S102). For example, the defecation sensor 60 of the health management system 1 acquires defecation information corresponding to the bowel movements of users using the toilet 10.

[0165] The health management system 1 then calculates a health score, which is numerical information indicating the user's health status, based on health indicator information derived from biometric information and bowel movement information (step S103). For example, the control unit 100 of the health management system 1 calculates a health score indicating the user's health status based on health indicator information derived from biometric information acquired by the biosensor 40 and bowel movement information acquired by the bowel movement sensor 60.

[0166] Then, the health management system 1 executes a process to display information related to the health score on the display unit (step S104). For example, the control unit 100 of the health management system 1 executes a process to display information related to the health score on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200. For example, the control unit 100 transmits information related to the health score to the external terminal 200 which has a display unit 210. The external terminal 200, having received the information related to the health score from the control unit 100, then displays the information related to the health score on the display unit 210.

[0167] Next, Figure 9 will be used to explain the details of the processing flow related to the health score in the health management system 1.

[0168] The health management system 1 starts measuring health indicator information using a laser sensor (step S201). For example, the health management system 1 starts measuring health indicator information using a biosensor 40.

[0169] Furthermore, the health management system 1 starts measuring bowel movement information using line sensors (step S202). For example, the health management system 1 starts line sensor measurement using the bowel movement sensor 60.

[0170] Then, the health management system 1 branches the processing depending on whether or not health indicator information and / or bowel movement information has been measured (step S203). If health indicator information and bowel movement information have not been measured (step S203: No), the health management system 1 branches the processing depending on whether or not all previous measurement results are available (step S204).

[0171] If all previous measurement results are available (step S204: Yes), the health management system 1 displays the previous measurement results (step S205). For example, the external terminal 200 of the health management system 1 displays the previous measurement results. Then, the health management system 1 calculates a health score based on the previous measurement results (step S206). For example, the control unit 100 of the health management system 1 calculates a health score based on the previous measurement results. Then, the health management system 1 displays the health score (step S207) and terminates the process. For example, the external terminal 200 of the health management system 1 displays the health score.

[0172] Furthermore, if previous measurement results are not available (step S204: No), the health management system 1 displays only those for which previous measurement results are available (step S208). For example, the external terminal 200 of the health management system 1 displays the indicators for which previous measurement results are available, from among several indicators (also called "items"), including health indicators and indicators related to bowel movements. The health management system 1 then does not calculate a health score (step S209). For example, the control unit 100 of the health management system 1 does not calculate a health score. The health management system 1 then terminates processing without displaying the health score (step S210). For example, the external terminal 200 of the health management system 1 does not display the health score.

[0173] Furthermore, if at least one of the health indicator information and / or bowel movement information is measured (step S203: Yes), the health management system 1 updates and displays the measured health indicator information and / or bowel movement information (step S211). For example, the external terminal 200 of the health management system 1 updates and displays the measured health indicator information and / or bowel movement information.

[0174] Then, the health management system 1 branches its processing depending on whether or not all measurement results have been updated (step S212). If all measurement results have not been updated (step S212: No), the health management system 1 branches its processing depending on whether or not there are previous results for the unupdated items (step S213).

[0175] If there are previous results for unupdated items (step S213: Yes), the health management system 1 calculates a health score from the measurement results and previous results (step S214). For example, the control unit 100 of the health management system 1 calculates the health score using the updated information for updated items (updated indicators) and the previous results for unupdated items. Then, the health management system 1 displays the health score (step S215) and terminates the process. For example, the external terminal 200 of the health management system 1 displays the health score. Alternatively, the external terminal 200 of the health management system 1 may update the display to show the updated information for updated items.

[0176] Furthermore, if there are no previous results for unupdated items (step S213: No), the health management system 1 does not calculate a health score (step S216). For example, the control unit 100 of the health management system 1 does not calculate a health score. Then, the health management system 1 terminates the process without displaying the health score (step S217). For example, the external terminal 200 of the health management system 1 does not display the health score.

[0177] Furthermore, if all measurement results are updated (step S212: Yes), the health management system 1 calculates a health score based on the latest all measurement items (step S218). For example, the control unit 100 of the health management system 1 calculates the health score using the updated information for all items (all indicators). Then, the health management system 1 displays the health score (step S219) and terminates the process. For example, the external terminal 200 of the health management system 1 displays the health score.

[0178] The above is merely an example, and the health management system 1 may perform various processes. The health management system 1 may output a health score at a predetermined time. For example, the health management system 1 may update the display of the health score at any interval, such as once a day. Also, if only previous results are available, the health management system 1 may recalculate (update) the health score, or it may not update the health score. For example, the health management system 1 may or may not perform the process in step S206. Thus, if there are no updates to the information used to calculate the health score, the health management system 1 may or may not recalculate (update) the health score.

[0179] Furthermore, the health management system 1 may determine whether or not to update the health score once at the end of the day (for example, at midnight). The health management system 1 will also update health indicator information and bowel movement information whenever measurements are taken. The health management system 1 may also use absolute values ​​for the bowel movement score. In this case, the health management system 1 can notify the health status based on general definitions. The health management system 1 may also calculate the health indicator score using either relative or absolute values.

[0180] <5. Example Display> From here, we will explain examples of how various types of information are displayed using Figures 10 to 12. Figure 10 shows an example of how a health score is displayed. Figure 11 shows an example of how health-related information is displayed. Figure 12 shows an example of how information is displayed according to the time period. In the following explanation, we will use the case where the target user is user U1 and the information is displayed on an external terminal 200 such as a smartphone used by user U1 as an example.

[0181] <5-1. Examples of displaying health scores, etc.> First, Figure 10 will be used to explain an example of displaying health scores, etc. For example, the control unit 100 displays information indicating the health score, health indicators, and stool condition for user U1 on the external terminal 200 used by user U1. The control unit 100 transmits information indicating the health score, health indicators, and stool condition for user U1 to the external terminal 200 used by user U1. The external terminal 200 used by user U1 displays the information indicating the health score, health indicators, and stool condition received from the control unit 100.

[0182] In Figure 10, the control unit 100 generates content CT1 for user U1, which includes information about the health score, information about health indicators, and information about bowel movements. Specifically, the control unit 100 generates content CT1 which includes information showing user U1's health score SC1, health indicators, and various indicators IX1 to IX8 such as stool condition.

[0183] Here, indicators IX1-IX5, IX7, and IX8 correspond to the health indicator HX, and indicator IX6 corresponds to the stool indicator DX. Specifically, indicator IX1 corresponds to the body water level, indicator IX2 corresponds to the fitness level, indicator IX3 corresponds to the relaxation level (stress state), and indicator IX4 corresponds to the metabolic level. In addition, indicator IX5 corresponds to heart rate (resting heart rate), indicator IX6 corresponds to stool condition, indicator IX7 corresponds to the body clock, and indicator IX8 corresponds to blood circulation condition (lower limb blood circulation condition).

[0184] Furthermore, when explaining indices IX1-IX5, IX7, and IX8 without making a specific distinction, they may be referred to as "Health Indicator HX," and when explaining indice IX6 without making a specific distinction, they may be referred to as "Stool Indicator DX." Also, when explaining indices IX1-IX8 without making a specific distinction, they may be referred to as "Indicator IX." Note that the above indices IX1-IX8 are merely examples, and any other indicator, such as indicator IX9 corresponding to vascular age, may be included.

[0185] Furthermore, the control unit 100 generates content CT1 which includes information indicating the date and time when user U1's health score SC1 and each of the indicators IX1 to IX8 were obtained. For example, the control unit 100 calculates the health score at a predetermined time (e.g., once a day). The control unit 100 calculates a health score SC1 of "72" points, as shown in Figure 10, on July 22, 2022. The control unit 100 calculates the health score SC1 as "72" points using the scores corresponding to each of the indicators IX. The control unit 100 calculates the health score SC1 as "72" points using the health indicator scores for each of the indicators IX1 to IX5, IX7 and IX8, and the bowel movement score for indicator IX6. The control unit 100 generates content CT1 which includes information indicating that the health score SC1 of "72" points, as shown in Figure 10, was calculated on July 22.

[0186] For example, the control unit 100 calculates information for each indicator at the time sensor information is acquired from the sensor. For example, the control unit 100 calculates information for each of the indicators IX1 to IX8 four hours before the generation of content CT1. The control unit 100 generates content CT1 that includes information indicating that the information for indicators IX1 to IX8 shown in Figure 10 was calculated four hours ago. Note that the information indicating the date and time corresponding to each of the indicators IX1 to IX8 may be the date and time when the sensor information corresponding to each of the indicators IX1 to IX8 was acquired.

[0187] In Figure 10, the control unit 100 generates content CT1 for health indicators HX IX1 to IX5, IX7, and IX8, which includes information showing the relative evaluation of the information used to calculate the health score SC1 (also called "first information") against predetermined criteria (also called "evaluation criteria"). For example, for user U1, the control unit 100 generates content CT1 which includes information showing the relative evaluation of the evaluation criteria calculated using information prior to the first information (also called "second information").

[0188] In Figure 10, the control unit 100 generates content CT1 for index IX1, which includes information indicating that the body water level is "90%" and that the first information used to calculate the health score SC1 is higher than the evaluation criteria such as past averages. The control unit 100 also generates content CT1 for index IX5, which includes information indicating that the heart rate is "55 bpm" and that the first information used to calculate the health score SC1 is lower than the evaluation criteria such as past averages.

[0189] Furthermore, the control unit 100 generates content CT1 that includes information indicating that the stool index DX, index IX6, is of type "cracked", color "dark brown", and quantity "medium". Note that the above is merely an example, and the control unit 100 may generate content CT1 that includes various types of information. For example, the control unit 100 may generate content CT1 that includes a health index score as information for each health index HX. For example, the control unit 100 may generate content CT1 that includes a defecation score as information for the stool index DX.

[0190] The control unit 100 then transmits content CT1 to the external terminal 200, and the external terminal 200 displays the received content CT1. The external terminal 200 displays content CT1 which includes information about user U1's health score SC1, information about health indicator HX, and information about stool indicator DX. The health management system 1 may also display the health indicator score as information about each health indicator HX.

[0191] Furthermore, while Figure 10 shows an example where information on all indicator IDs used to calculate the health score SC1 has been obtained, the control unit 100 may hide the health score SC1 if information on at least one of the indicators used to calculate the health score SC1 has not been obtained. For example, if information on at least one of the indicators used to calculate the health score SC1 has not been obtained, the control unit 100 generates content CT1 in which information indicating that the health score has not been calculated (e.g., "-") is placed in the position of the health score SC1. The control unit 100 sends content CT1 in which the health score SC1 has been hidden by placing "-" in the position of the health score SC1 to the external terminal 200, and the external terminal 200 displays content CT1 in which the health score SC1 has been hidden. The external terminal 200 displays content CT1 in which the health score SC1 has been hidden by placing "-" in the position of the health score SC1. Then, once the information for all indicator IDs used to calculate the health score SC1 has been obtained, the health management system 1 displays content CT1, which includes the calculated health score SC1, as shown in Figure 10.

[0192] <5-2. Examples of recommendation and highlighting displays> Next, Figure 11 will be used to explain examples of how recommendations and highlights are displayed.

[0193] For example, the control unit 100 determines the status of user U1 based on at least one of the following: health score, health indicator information, and bowel movement information, and displays a recommendation message on the external terminal 200 corresponding to the determined user status. The control unit 100 sends the recommendation message generated according to user U1's status to the external terminal 200 used by user U1. The external terminal 200 used by user U1 displays the recommendation message received from the control unit 100.

[0194] For example, if the control unit 100 determines that user U1 is sleep-deprived when the user U1's internal clock is out of sync by a predetermined threshold, it generates a recommendation message RC1 to encourage user U1 to get adequate sleep. In Figure 11, the control unit 100 generates content CT1 which includes the recommendation message RC1 to encourage user U1 to get adequate sleep.

[0195] For example, the control unit 100 causes the external terminal 200 used by user U1 to display a highlight for a certain period (e.g., 1 hour or 1 day) based on at least one of the health score, health indicator information, and bowel movement information. The control unit 100 transmits the highlight information generated based on at least one of the health score, health indicator information, and bowel movement information to the external terminal 200 used by user U1. The external terminal 200 used by user U1 displays the highlight information received from the control unit 100.

[0196] For example, if the control unit 100 determines that the percentage of user U1's bowel movements that occur before 9:00 AM during a predetermined period (e.g., one month) is above a predetermined threshold, it generates highlight information HL1 indicating that user U1's bowel movement rhythm is appropriate. In Figure 11, the control unit 100 generates content CT1 which includes the highlight information HL1 indicating that user U1's bowel movements are appropriate.

[0197] The control unit 100 then transmits content CT1 to the external terminal 200, and the external terminal 200 displays the received content CT1. The external terminal 200 displays content CT1 including a recommendation message RC1 and highlight information HL1 for user U1.

[0198] <5-3. Example of displaying health score history> In Figure 10, we have illustrated an example where only the most recently calculated health score SC1 is displayed. However, the health management system 1 may also display data based on the history of health scores. This point will be explained using Figure 12.

[0199] For example, the control unit 100 displays time-series information (also called "health score time series") based on the history of health scores calculated for user U1 over a predetermined period on the external terminal 200 used by user U1. The control unit 100 transmits information showing the health score time series, which is an aggregate of health scores calculated in the past for user U1 over a predetermined period (e.g., week, month, year, etc.), to the external terminal 200 used by user U1. The external terminal 200 used by user U1 displays the information showing the health score time series received from the control unit 100. As shown in contents CT11 to CT13, the health management system 1 displays the health score time series in a graph where the horizontal axis corresponds to time and the vertical axis corresponds to the health score.

[0200] In Figure 12, the control unit 100 generates content CT11 for user U1 that includes a health score time series showing the change in the health score over one week. Specifically, the control unit 100 generates content CT11 that includes a health score time series showing the change in user U1's health score over seven days from Monday to Sunday (for example, one week including July 22nd) in a bar graph. The control unit 100 then transmits content CT11 to an external terminal 200, and the external terminal 200 displays the received content CT11. The external terminal 200 displays content CT11 that includes a health score time series showing the change in user U1's health score over one week.

[0201] Furthermore, the control unit 100 generates content CT12 for user U1 that includes a health score time series showing the change in the health score over one month. Specifically, the control unit 100 generates content CT12 that includes a health score time series showing the change in user U1's health score over one month (for example, July 2022) in a bar graph. The control unit 100 then transmits content CT12 to the external terminal 200, and the external terminal 200 displays the received content CT12. The external terminal 200 displays content CT12 that includes a health score time series showing the change in user U1's health score over one month.

[0202] Furthermore, the control unit 100 generates content CT13 for user U1 that includes a health score time series showing the change in the health score over a year. Specifically, the control unit 100 generates content CT13 that includes a health score time series showing the change in user U1's health score over a year (for example, a year including July 2022) in a bar graph. For each of the 12 months of the year (January to December), the control unit 100 generates content CT13 that includes a health score time series showing the change in the average health score for that month. The control unit 100 then transmits content CT13 to the external terminal 200, and the external terminal 200 displays the received content CT13. The external terminal 200 displays content CT13 that includes a health score time series showing the change in user U1's health score over a year.

[0203] Furthermore, if user U1 has not yet obtained a health score, the control unit 100 generates content CT14 containing information encouraging the user to use toilet 10 in order to obtain a health score. The control unit 100 then transmits content CT14 to an external terminal 200, and the external terminal 200 displays the received content CT14. The external terminal 200 displays content CT14 containing information encouraging user U1 to use toilet 10 in order to obtain a health score.

[0204] The health management system 1 may also display content CT11 to CT13 in a switchable manner. The control unit 100 transmits content CT11 to CT13 to the external terminal 200, and the external terminal 200 displays the selected content from content CT11 to CT13 according to the user U1's selection.

[0205] <6. Notifications based on measurement status> Next, we will explain examples of notifications for each of the above-mentioned indicators, depending on the measurement situation. Note that explanations of points similar to those mentioned above will be omitted as appropriate.

[0206] In the health management system 1, the time required varies depending on the indicator. For example, in the health management system 1, the time required differs for each health indicator and for the stool indicator (stool condition). Furthermore, even among health indicators in the health management system 1, the amount of output signal from the biosensor 40, such as a laser sensor, which is necessary to calculate a health indicator with a certain degree of accuracy (reliability), that is, the measurement time by the biosensor 40, differs for each health indicator.

[0207] For example, for heart rate, one of the health indicators, a calculated value with a certain degree of accuracy (reliability) can be obtained from the output waveform signal corresponding to a 10-second (first hour) measurement. On the other hand, to obtain calculated values ​​with a certain degree of accuracy (reliability) for other health indicators such as relaxation level (stress state) and vascular age, it is necessary to use the output waveform signal corresponding to a 60-second (second hour) measurement.

[0208] Previously, output was only generated after all the information, including calculated values ​​for all the indicators requested by the user, had been collected. Therefore, if relaxation level (stress level) was requested, a sitting time of 60 seconds was required, and no indicator output may be generated for sitting times shorter than that. However, when no indicator output is generated in this way, it is difficult to distinguish it from a possible malfunction, such as a toilet malfunction.

[0209] Therefore, the health management system 1 enables the provision of information to users at the appropriate time by issuing notifications according to the time required for each indicator as shown below.

[0210] For example, after the completion of the primary measurement, the control unit 100 executes a process to display the first indicator information on the external terminal 200 when it has finished acquiring the user's sensor information. Also, after the completion of the secondary measurement, the control unit 100 executes a process to display the first indicator information and the second indicator information on the external terminal 200. Furthermore, if the information for the first indicator is updated between the completion of the primary measurement and the completion of the secondary measurement, the control unit 100 executes a process to display the updated information for the first indicator on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200.

[0211] Furthermore, if the control unit 100 is in the process of taking the first measurement, it executes a process to display information on the external terminal 200 indicating that measurement is in progress. After the first measurement is completed, if the user remains seated, the control unit 100 executes a process to display information on the external terminal 200 indicating that measurement will continue as long as the user remains seated. After the second measurement is completed, the control unit 100 executes a process to display information on the external terminal 200 indicating that the measurement is complete and the measurement data has been acquired.

[0212] <6-1. Processing Flow> From here, the processing flow of the embodiment will be explained using Figures 13 and 14. Figures 13 and 14 are flowcharts showing an example of the processing procedure performed by the health management system. Specifically, Figure 13 is a flowchart outlining the processing procedure for notifying measurement status performed by the health management system. Figure 14 is a flowchart detailing the processing procedure for notifying measurement status performed by the health management system. In the following explanation, the health management system 1 will be described as the processing entity, but the processing shown in Figures 13 and 14 may be performed by any of the devices, such as the control unit 100, external terminal 200, or various sensors, depending on the device configuration included in the health management system 1.

[0213] First, using Figure 13, we will explain the overview of the processing flow related to notification of measurement status in the health management system 1.

[0214] The health management system 1 acquires sensor information of the user sensed by the sensors (step S301). For example, the biosensor 40 of the health management system 1 acquires biometric information of the user using the toilet 10. For example, the defecation sensor 60 of the health management system 1 acquires defecation information corresponding to the defecation of the user using the toilet 10.

[0215] Furthermore, the health management system 1 measures the time during which sensor information is acquired by the sensors (step S302). For example, the timer unit 70 of the health management system 1 measures the time during which sensor information is acquired by the biosensor 40 or the defecation sensor 60, etc.

[0216] Then, the health management system 1 calculates multiple indicator information based on the sensor information (step S303). For example, the control unit 100 of the health management system 1 calculates health indicator information based on the biometric information acquired by the biometric sensor 40. For example, the control unit 100 of the health management system 1 calculates a defecation score based on the defecation information acquired by the defecation sensor 60.

[0217] The health management system 1 then notifies the user of the measurement status via a display unit that the user can view (step S304). For example, the control unit 100 of the health management system 1 executes a process to display information regarding the measurement status on the display unit 210 of the external terminal 200. For example, the control unit 100 transmits information regarding the measurement status to the external terminal 200 which has a display unit 210. The external terminal 200, having received the information regarding the measurement status from the control unit 100, then displays the information regarding the measurement status on the display unit 210.

[0218] The health management system 1 notifies the user of the completion status of the measurement via a display unit that can be viewed by the user, and notifies the user of the completion of the primary processing corresponding to the first hour. For example, when the primary processing is completed, the control unit 100 of the health management system 1 notifies the user of the completion of the primary processing. For example, the control unit 100 sends the completion notification of the primary processing to an external terminal 200 having a display unit 210. The external terminal 200, having received the completion notification of the primary processing from the control unit 100, then displays the completion notification of the primary processing on the display unit 210. For example, when the secondary processing is completed, the control unit 100 of the health management system 1 notifies the user of the completion of the secondary processing. For example, the control unit 100 sends the completion notification of the secondary processing to an external terminal 200 having a display unit 210. The external terminal 200, having received the completion notification of the secondary processing from the control unit 100, then displays the completion notification of the secondary processing on the display unit 210.

[0219] Next, using Figure 14, we will explain in detail the processing flow related to notification of measurement status in the health management system 1.

[0220] The health management system 1 determines whether a user is seated (step S401). For example, the health management system 1 determines whether a user is seated on the toilet seat 20 by the seating sensor 50. If there is no seating detection (step S401: No), the health management system 1 repeats step S401 until seating is detected. If seating is detected (step S401: Yes), the health management system 1 starts the timer (step S402). For example, the health management system 1 starts time measurement using the timer unit 70.

[0221] The health management system 1 then branches the process depending on whether the first hour (for example, 90 seconds) has elapsed (step S403). If the first hour has not elapsed (step S403: No), the health management system 1 branches the process depending on whether or not a departure from the seat has been detected (step S404). For example, if 90 seconds have not elapsed since the timer unit 70 started timing, the health management system 1 determines whether or not the seating sensor 50 has detected the user leaving the toilet seat 20 (for example, whether or not the detection of seating has ceased). If there is no detection of departure from the seat (step S404: No), the health management system 1 returns to step S403 and repeats the process.

[0222] If the health management system 1 detects that the person is not seated (step S404: Yes), it will notify the person that the initial measurement is incomplete and stop outputting the indicators (step S405), and then terminate the process. For example, the external terminal 200 of the health management system 1 will display a notification that the initial measurement is incomplete. Also, for example, the external terminal 200 of the health management system 1 will hide the indicators.

[0223] If the first time has elapsed (step S403: Yes), the health management system 1 executes a notification of completion of the primary measurement and a notification of continuation of the secondary measurement (step S406). For example, if 90 seconds have elapsed since the timer unit 70 started timing, the health management system 1 executes a notification of completion of the primary measurement and a notification of continuation of the secondary measurement. For example, the external terminal 200 of the health management system 1 displays a notification of completion of the primary measurement. Also, for example, the external terminal 200 of the health management system 1 displays a notification of continuation of the secondary measurement.

[0224] The health management system 1 then branches its processing depending on whether the secondary measurement is complete or not (step S407). That is, the health management system 1 branches its processing depending on whether the second time (for example, 180 seconds) has elapsed or not. If the secondary measurement is not complete (step S407: No), the health management system 1 branches its processing depending on whether or not a departure from the seat has been detected (step S408). For example, if 180 seconds have not elapsed since the timer unit 70 started timing, the health management system 1 determines whether or not the seating sensor 50 has detected the user leaving the toilet seat 20 (for example, whether or not the detection of seating has ceased). If there is no detection of departure from the seat (step S408: No), the health management system 1 returns to step S407 and repeats the processing.

[0225] If the health management system 1 detects that the patient is not seated (step S408: Yes), it issues a notification that the initial measurement is incomplete and outputs the first indicator (step S409), and then terminates the process. For example, the external terminal 200 of the health management system 1 displays a notification that the initial measurement is complete. Also, for example, the external terminal 200 of the health management system 1 displays the first indicator.

[0226] If the secondary measurement is completed (step S407: Yes), the health management system 1 executes a notification of completion of the secondary measurement (step S410). For example, the health management system 1 executes a notification of completion of the secondary measurement when 180 seconds have elapsed since the timer unit 70 started timing. For example, the external terminal 200 of the health management system 1 displays a notification of completion of the secondary measurement.

[0227] The health management system 1 then branches its processing depending on whether the primary measurement values ​​have been updated (step S411). If the primary measurement values ​​have not been updated (step S411: No), the health management system 1 outputs the first and second indicators (step S412) and terminates processing. For example, the external terminal 200 of the health management system 1 displays the first indicator. Alternatively, for example, the external terminal 200 of the health management system 1 displays the second indicator.

[0228] If the primary measurement values ​​have been updated (step S411: Yes), the health management system 1 performs an update of the primary measurement values ​​(step S413). The health management system 1 outputs the first and second indicators (step S414) and then terminates the process. For example, the external terminal 200 of the health management system 1 displays the first indicator. Also, for example, the external terminal 200 of the health management system 1 displays the second indicator.

[0229] The above is merely an example, and the health management system 1 may perform various processes. The health management system 1 may also terminate secondary measurements when it detects a stable value. For example, if the target of secondary measurement is an indicator related to blood flow, the health management system 1 may terminate secondary measurements when it detects a stable value for blood flow. For example, since blood pressure can be obtained as a stable value (stable numerical value) in a static state, the health management system 1 may terminate secondary measurements at that time.

[0230] Furthermore, the health management system 1 may terminate secondary measurement when it detects the condition of the stool. For example, if the target of secondary measurement is an indicator related to stool, the health management system 1 may terminate secondary measurement when it detects stool. For example, the health management system 1 may terminate secondary measurement when it detects defecation.

[0231] <6-2. Example of displaying measurement status> From here, we will explain examples of how the measurement status is displayed using Figures 15 to 17. Figures 15 to 17 are diagrams illustrating examples of how the measurement status is displayed. In the following explanation, we will use the case where the target user is user U1 and the information is displayed on an external terminal 200 such as a smartphone used by user U1 as an example. Furthermore, in the following explanation, we will use the case where the first indicator is heart rate and the second indicator is relaxation level (stress state) as an example. Note that for points that are the same as those explained in Figure 10, etc., explanations will be omitted as appropriate by using the same symbols, etc.

[0232] First, using Figure 15, we will explain an example of the display during the measurement of the first indicator, i.e., during the primary measurement. For example, the control unit 100 causes the external terminal 200 to display notification information NT1 indicating that measurement is in progress for user U1 during the primary measurement. In this case, the control unit 100 transmits the notification information NT1 to the external terminal 200 used by user U1. The external terminal 200 used by user U1 displays the notification information NT1 received from the control unit 100. The external terminal 200 displays the notification information NT1 during the primary measurement. For example, the external terminal 200 displays the notification information NT1 for the duration of the heart rate measurement (first hour). In Figure 15, the external terminal 200 displays the notification information NT1 superimposed on the content CT1.

[0233] Next, using Figure 16, we will explain an example of the display during the measurement of the second indicator (secondary measurement), i.e., during the secondary measurement, after the completion of the measurement of the first indicator (primary measurement). When the primary measurement is completed for user U1, the control unit 100 updates the information of the first indicator. For example, when the primary measurement is completed, the control unit 100 generates content CT1 with updated information for the first indicator. The control unit 100 updates the information of the heart rate, which is the first indicator, with information generated based on the data (information) from the primary measurement. In Figure 16, the control unit 100 generates content CT1 with updated information for indicator IX5, which corresponds to heart rate among indicator IX.

[0234] The control unit 100 may also generate content CT1 that includes information indicating that the information of index IX5 corresponding to the heart rate has been updated. For example, the control unit 100 generates content CT1 in which information indicating that the information of index IX5 corresponding to the heart rate has been updated (e.g., text information such as "New") is placed at the position corresponding to index IX5. For example, the control unit 100 generates content CT1 in which the date and time corresponding to the heart rate (4 hours ago in Figure 10) has been changed to the text information "New".

[0235] The control unit 100 transmits the updated content CT1, containing the information of index IX5 corresponding to heart rate, to the external terminal 200 used by user U1. The external terminal 200 used by user U1 displays the updated content CT1 containing the information of index IX5 that it received from the control unit 100. Alternatively, the control unit 100 may transmit only the updated information to the external terminal 200, and the external terminal 200 may update content CT1 with the information received from the control unit 100 and display the updated content CT1.

[0236] Furthermore, the control unit 100 displays notification information NT2 on the external terminal 200 for user U1 after the completion of the primary measurement and during the secondary measurement, indicating that the measurement of the first indicator is complete and that measurement will continue while seated. In this case, the control unit 100 transmits notification information NT2 to the external terminal 200 used by user U1. The external terminal 200 used by user U1 displays the notification information NT2 received from the control unit 100. The external terminal 200 displays notification information NT2 after the completion of the primary measurement and during the secondary measurement. For example, after the completion of heart rate measurement, the external terminal 200 displays notification information NT2 for the duration of the relaxation level (stress state) (second hour). In Figure 16, the external terminal 200 displays notification information NT2 superimposed on content CT1.

[0237] Next, using Figure 17, we will explain an example of the display after the completion of the measurement of the second indicator (secondary measurement). When the secondary measurement is completed for user U1, the control unit 100 updates the information of the second indicator. For example, when the secondary measurement is completed, the control unit 100 generates content CT1 with updated information of the second indicator. The control unit 100 updates the information of the relaxation level (stress state), which is the second indicator, with information generated based on the data (information) from the secondary measurement. In Figure 16, the control unit 100 generates content CT1 with updated information of indicator IX3, which corresponds to the relaxation level (stress state) among indicator IX.

[0238] The control unit 100 may also generate content CT1 that includes information indicating that the information of index IX3 corresponding to the relaxation level (stress state) has been updated. For example, the control unit 100 generates content CT1 in which information indicating that the information of index IX3 corresponding to the relaxation level (stress state) has been updated (e.g., text information such as "New") is placed at the position corresponding to index IX3. For example, the control unit 100 generates content CT1 in which the date and time corresponding to the relaxation level (stress state) (4 hours ago in Figure 10) has been changed to the text information "New".

[0239] The control unit 100 transmits the updated content CT1, containing the information of index IX3 corresponding to the relaxation level (stress state), to the external terminal 200 used by user U1. The external terminal 200 used by user U1 displays the updated content CT1 containing the information of index IX3 received from the control unit 100. Alternatively, the control unit 100 may transmit only the updated information of index IX3 to the external terminal 200, and the external terminal 200 may update content CT1 with the information of index IX3 received from the control unit 100 and display the updated content CT1.

[0240] Furthermore, after the secondary measurement is completed, the control unit 100 causes the external terminal 200 to display notification information NT3 indicating that the measurement of the second indicator is complete and the measurement data has been acquired. In this case, the control unit 100 transmits notification information NT3 to the external terminal 200 used by user U1. The external terminal 200 used by user U1 displays the notification information NT3 received from the control unit 100. The external terminal 200 displays notification information NT3 after the secondary measurement is completed. For example, the external terminal 200 displays notification information NT3 after the measurement of the relaxation level (stress state) is completed. In Figure 17, the external terminal 200 displays notification information NT3 superimposed on content CT1.

[0241] Furthermore, if the information for the first indicator is updated between the end of the primary measurement and the end of the secondary measurement, the control unit 100 will execute a process to display the updated information for the first indicator on the external terminal 200. For example, if the heart rate information is updated between the end of heart rate measurement and the end of relaxation level measurement, the control unit 100 will display the updated heart rate information on the external terminal 200 by transmitting the updated heart rate information to the external terminal 200.

[0242] Furthermore, if there are three or more indicators, for example, when the measurement of the indicator with the longest required time among multiple indicators is completed, the control unit 100 displays notification information NT3 on the external terminal 200. In this case, the control unit 100 transmits notification information NT3 to the external terminal 200 used by user U1. The external terminal 200 used by user U1 displays the notification information NT3 received from the control unit 100.

[0243] For example, if the internal clock is the indicator with the longest duration among several indicators, the control unit 100 displays notification information NT3 on the external terminal 200 after the internal clock measurement is complete. In this case, the control unit 100 sends notification information NT3 to the external terminal 200 used by user U1 after the internal clock measurement is complete. The external terminal 200 used by user U1 displays the notification information NT3 received from the control unit 100. The external terminal 200 displays notification information NT3 after the internal clock measurement is complete.

[0244] For example, the control unit 100 may display notification information NT2 on the external terminal 200 until the measurement of the internal clock, which is the indicator with the longest required time among the multiple indicators, is completed. In this case, the control unit 100 displays notification information NT1 on the external terminal 200 until the measurement of the indicator with the shortest required time among the multiple indicators is completed. For example, if the indicator with the shortest required time among the multiple indicators is heart rate, the control unit 100 displays notification information NT1 on the external terminal 200 until the measurement of heart rate is completed. Then, after the measurement of heart rate is completed, the control unit 100 displays notification information NT2 on the external terminal 200 until the measurement of the internal clock is completed.

[0245] Furthermore, the comprehensive health assessment is not limited to health scores, but includes health information combining stool and blood flow conditions, and only requires that the user be notified of their overall health condition based on stool and blood flow conditions. It may not only display the health condition, but also provide health advice based on the comprehensive assessment. In addition, blood flow conditions (blood flow information) may be some or all of the health indicator information, and stool (bowel movement information) may include characteristics of bowel movements, such as stool type, color, and quantity. By notifying the user of a comprehensive assessment based on this information, it is possible to provide appropriate and more detailed comprehensive information about the user's health condition.

[0246] Furthermore, the embodiments and modifications described above can be combined as appropriate, provided that the processing content is not inconsistent.

[0247] In the embodiments and modifications described above, we have shown examples where information for each indicator is automatically acquired, but the information for each indicator may also be manually entered by the user. For example, if the user manually enters information about stool, the user can visually or olfactorily check the stool after defecating and then enter the information about the stool by operating the external terminal 200.

[0248] 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.

[0249] The embodiments and modifications described above may also have the following configurations, but are not limited to them. (1) A biometric information acquisition unit that acquires the user's biometric information, A defecation information acquisition unit acquires defecation information corresponding to the user's defecation, A health status calculation unit calculates a health score, which is numerical information indicating the user's health status, based on health indicator information based on the biometric information acquired by the biometric information acquisition unit and the bowel movement information acquired by the bowel movement information acquisition unit. The aforementioned display unit that can be viewed by the user, A display processing unit that performs the process of displaying information regarding the health score calculated by the health status calculation unit on the display unit, A health management system characterized by having the following features. (2) The display processing unit, The process of displaying the health score information, the health indicator information, and the bowel movement information on the display unit is executed. A health management system according to (1), characterized in that it is a health management system. (3) A health indicator calculation unit calculates the health indicator information based on the blood flow information of the user. It further possesses, The aforementioned biological information acquisition unit is As the user's biological information, the user's blood flow information is acquired. The aforementioned health status calculation unit is The health score is calculated using the health indicator information calculated by the health indicator calculation unit. A health management system according to (1) or (2), characterized in that it is a health management system according to (1) or (2). (4) A defecation information calculation unit calculates a defecation score, which is a numerical representation of the aforementioned defecation information. It further possesses, The aforementioned health indicator calculation unit is: A health indicator score is calculated by quantifying the aforementioned health indicator information. The aforementioned health status calculation unit is Based on the bowel movement score and the health indicator score, the health score is calculated. The health management system described in (3), characterized by the above. (5) The display processing unit, The process of displaying text information indicating the user's defecation status based on the aforementioned defecation information on the display unit is executed. The health management system described in (4), characterized by the above. (6) The aforementioned defecation information calculation unit, The defecation score is calculated based on a relative evaluation by comparing the properties of the stool expelled in a single defecation with a standard property value. The health management system described in (4), characterized by the above. (7) The display processing unit, The process of displaying the aforementioned health indicator score on the display unit is executed. The health management system described in (4), characterized by the above. (8) The aforementioned health indicator calculation unit is: Calculate multiple health indicators, The display processing unit, The process of displaying the aforementioned multiple health indicator information on the display unit is executed. A health management system according to any one of (3) to (7), characterized by the above. (9) The display processing unit, The process of displaying the date and time on the display unit the last time each of the bowel movement information and the health indicator information was obtained is performed. A health management system according to any one of (1) to (8), characterized by the above. (10) The display processing unit, If all of the health indicator information and bowel movement information used to calculate the health score are not available, the display unit will execute a process to hide the health score. A health management system according to any one of (1) to (9), characterized by the above. (11) The display processing unit, If there is an update to either the health indicator information or the bowel movement information used to calculate the health score, the health score will be updated. A health management system according to any one of (1) to (10), characterized by the above. (12) A message display processing unit that determines the user's condition based on at least one of the health score, health indicator information, and bowel movement information, and performs the process of displaying a recommended message on the display unit according to the determined user's condition. A health management system according to any one of (1) to (11), further comprising the above. (13) A highlight display processing unit that performs a process to highlight the display unit for a certain period of time based on at least one of the health score, the health indicator information, and the bowel movement information. A health management system according to any one of (1) to (12), further comprising the above. (14) A biometric information acquisition process to acquire the user's biometric information, A step to acquire defecation information corresponding to the user's defecation, A health status calculation step calculates a health score, which is numerical information indicating the user's health status, based on the health indicator information obtained by the biometric information acquisition step and the bowel movement information obtained by the bowel movement information acquisition step. A display processing step of executing a process of displaying information regarding the health score calculated by the health state calculation step on a display unit viewable by the user; A health management method characterized by including the above. (15) An acquisition unit that acquires the user's biological information and defecation information corresponding to the user's defecation; A health state calculation unit that calculates a health score, which is numerical information indicating the health state of the user, based on the health index information based on the biological information and the defecation information; An information processing apparatus characterized by including the above. (16) An information processing program executed by a computer, An acquisition procedure for acquiring the user's biological information and defecation information corresponding to the user's defecation; A health state calculation procedure for calculating a health score, which is numerical information indicating the health state of the user, based on the health index information based on the biological information and the defecation information; An information processing program characterized by causing the computer to execute the above. (17) A health management system including a toilet having a biological sensor for acquiring the user's blood flow information and a defecation sensor for acquiring defecation information corresponding to the user's defecation, A control unit that executes a process of displaying the acquired blood flow information and the defecation information on a display unit viewable by the user; A health management system characterized by including the above. (18) The biological sensor and the defecation sensor are provided in a toilet seat device including a toilet seat and a main body part The health management system according to (17), characterized by the above. (19) Displaying a comprehensive evaluation of the health state based on the acquired blood flow information and the defecation information The health management system according to (17) or (18), characterized by the above. (20) The control unit determines the characteristics of defecation, including at least one of the stool type, color, or quantity, as defecation information, and displays the overall health status based on the defecation characteristics and blood flow information on the display unit. A health management system as described in (19), characterized by the above. (twenty one) The control unit calculates multiple health indicators from the blood flow information and outputs a comprehensive evaluation of the health status based on the bowel movement information and the multiple health indicators to the display unit. A health management system according to (19) or (20), characterized in that it is a health management system according to (19) or (20). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0250] 1. Health Management System 4 Toilet bowl 4b Top side 10 Toilets (Toilet Systems) 12 Main body 14 Toilet lid 20 toilet seats 20a opening 21 Seat surface 25 Bottom 40. Biosensor (Biometric Information Acquisition Unit) 50. Seating sensor (electrostatic sensor) 60 Bowel movement sensor 70 Timer section 100 Control Unit (Information Processing Device) 110 Acquisition Department 120 Storage section 130 Health Index Calculation Department 140. Bowel movement information calculation unit (bowel movement status determination unit) 150 Health Status Calculation Unit 160 Display Processing Unit 161 Health Status Display Processing Unit 162 Health Indicator Display Processing Unit 163 Bowel movement status display processing unit 164 Measurement Status Display Processing Unit 165 Message display processing unit 166 Highlight Display Processing Unit 190 Communications Department 200 External terminals CL Cloud

Claims

1. A biometric information acquisition unit acquires the user's biometric information during the period from when the user sits on a toilet seat equipped with a biometric sensor and a seating sensor until they leave the seat, based on the measurement results of the seating sensor. A defecation information acquisition unit acquires defecation information corresponding to the user's defecation, A health status calculation unit calculates health data indicating the user's health status based on health indicator information obtained by the biometric information acquisition unit and the bowel movement information acquired by the bowel movement information acquisition unit. A display unit that can be viewed by the user in the seated position, A display processing unit that performs the process of displaying the health data calculated by the health status calculation unit on the display unit, A timer that measures the start time of at least one of the acquisition of the aforementioned biological information and the acquisition of the aforementioned defecation information, Equipped with, The multiple indicators included in the aforementioned health indicator information and the aforementioned bowel movement information include a first indicator that requires a first hour to acquire, and a second indicator that requires a second hour longer than the first hour to acquire, The display processing unit has content that displays the latest health indicator information and the latest bowel movement information on the same screen, and when the user is seated, when the elapsed time measured by the timer has exceeded the first hour, it updates the first indicator on the same screen with the newly measured latest information and displays it, and for the second indicator, it executes a process to display notification information on the same screen indicating that measurement is continuing. A health management system characterized by the following features.

2. A memory unit that stores measurement results obtained in the past, A health status calculation unit calculates a health score, which is numerical information indicating the user's health status, based on the health indicator information based on the aforementioned biometric information and the aforementioned bowel movement information. Equipped with, The display processing unit, if at least one of the multiple measurement items, including the health indicator information and the bowel movement information used to calculate the health score, is not acquired or updated, determines whether or not there are previous measurement results stored in the storage unit for that unacquired or unupdated measurement item. If previous measurement results exist, the health score calculated by the health status calculation unit based on the newly acquired measurement results and the previous measurement results is displayed on the display unit. If no previous measurement results exist, the display unit will hide the health score and display content prompting the acquisition of information. The health management system according to feature 1.

3. A biometric information acquisition step involves acquiring biometric information of the user during the period from when the user sits on a toilet seat equipped with a biometric sensor and a seating sensor until they leave the seat, based on the measurement results of the seating sensor. A step to acquire defecation information corresponding to the user's defecation, A health status calculation step calculates health data indicating the user's health status based on health indicator information obtained by the biometric information acquisition step and the bowel movement information acquired by the bowel movement information acquisition step. A display processing step which performs a process to display the health data calculated by the health status calculation step on a display unit that the user can view in the seated position, The process includes measuring the start time of at least one of the acquisition of the biological information and the acquisition of the defecation information, The multiple indicators included in the aforementioned health indicator information and the aforementioned bowel movement information include a first indicator that requires a first hour to acquire, and a second indicator that requires a second hour longer than the first hour to acquire, The display processing step involves displaying the latest health indicator information and the latest bowel movement information on the same screen using content that displays both on the same screen. When the user is seated, and the elapsed time measured by the timer has exceeded the first hour, the first indicator is updated on the same screen with the newly measured latest information and displayed, while notification information indicating that measurement of the second indicator is continuing is displayed on the same screen. A health management method characterized by the following features.

4. An acquisition unit acquires the user's biometric information and defecation information corresponding to the user's defecation, based on the measurement results of the seating sensor, from the time the user sits down on a toilet seat equipped with a biosensor and a seating sensor until they leave the seat. A health status calculation unit calculates health data indicating the user's health status based on the health indicator information based on the aforementioned biometric information and the aforementioned bowel movement information. A display unit that can be viewed by the user in the seated position, A display processing unit that performs the process of displaying the health data calculated by the health status calculation unit on the display unit, A timer that measures the start time of at least one of the acquisition of the aforementioned biological information and the acquisition of the aforementioned defecation information, Equipped with, The multiple indicators included in the aforementioned health indicator information and the aforementioned bowel movement information include a first indicator that requires a first hour to acquire, and a second indicator that requires a second hour longer than the first hour to acquire, The display processing unit has content that displays the latest health indicator information and the latest bowel movement information on the same screen, and when the user is seated, when the elapsed time measured by the timer has exceeded the first hour, it updates the first indicator on the same screen with the newly measured latest information and displays it, and for the second indicator, it executes a process to display notification information on the same screen indicating that measurement is continuing. An information processing device characterized by the following:

5. An information processing program executed by a computer, An acquisition procedure for acquiring biometric information of the user during the seated state and defecation information corresponding to the user's defecation, based on the measurement results of the seated sensor, from the time the user sits down on a toilet seat equipped with a biosensor and a seated sensor until they leave the seat. A health status calculation procedure for calculating health data indicating the user's health status based on the aforementioned biometric information and the aforementioned bowel movement information, A measuring means for measuring the start time of at least one of the acquisition of the biological information and the acquisition of the defecation information, A display means that, when the user is seated, displays a notification indicating that at least one of the biometric information and the defecation information is being measured, on content that displays the latest health indicator information and the latest defecation information on the same screen, Have the computer run it, The multiple indicators included in the aforementioned health indicator information and the aforementioned bowel movement information include a first indicator that requires a first hour to acquire, and a second indicator that requires a second hour longer than the first hour to acquire. The display means has content that displays the latest health indicator information and the latest bowel movement information on the same screen, and when the user is seated, when the elapsed time measured by the timer has exceeded the first hour, the first indicator is updated and displayed on the same screen with the newly measured latest information, and a notification message indicating that the measurement of the second indicator is continuing is displayed on the same screen. An information processing program characterized by the following features.

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