Emissions determination method, emission determination device, and emission determination program

Abstract

This excreta determination device (2) comprises: a data acquisition unit (211) which acquires first time-series data that indicates a hydrogen concentration in a space inside a toilet, the concentration being measured by an internal sensor (1) disposed inside the toilet; an excreta determination unit (212) which determines, on the basis of the first time-series data of the hydrogen concentration, whether a discharger flatulates; and a determination result output unit (213) which outputs the determination result, wherein the excreta determination unit (212) determines the discharger has flatulated, when the value of the hydrogen concentration in the first time-series data is greater than a threshold.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for determining emissions. [Background technology]

[0002] The presence or absence of excrement such as feces, urine, and farts, the type of excrement, the number of excrements, and the time of excrement are important information for managing the health of the care recipient. Caregivers record information about the care recipient's excrement, but recording this information is a burden on both the caregiver and the care recipient. In addition, when information about excrement is recorded based on the care recipient's report, it is difficult to obtain accurate information about excrement from a care recipient with dementia.

[0003] Therefore, there has been a demand for an excretion management system that objectively manages excretion. For example, the excretion management system of Patent Document 1 includes a temperature measurement unit that non-contactly measures the spatial distribution of temperature in the bowl of the toilet, and a control unit that determines the presence or absence of excretion in the bowl based on the temperature data. The conventional excretion management system also includes an odor measurement unit that measures odors in the bowl. The control unit then determines whether the excretion discharged in the bowl is at least one of feces, urination, and flatus, based on the odor data measured by the odor measurement unit and the temperature data.

[0004] However, with the above-mentioned conventional technology, it is difficult to accurately determine whether or not a person has farted, and further improvements are needed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-178764 A Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and aims to provide a technique that can accurately determine whether or not a farter has passed a fart.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for determining emissions includes a computer acquiring first time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl measured by an internal sensor placed within the toilet bowl, determining whether the emitter has farted based on the first time series data of the hydrogen concentration, and outputting a determination result.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not a farter has passed a fart. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a discharge management system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 3 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement positions of an internal sensor and an emission determination device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Diagram 3] 5 is a flowchart for illustrating an emission determination process in the emission determination device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of first time-series data of hydrogen concentration when urination and defecation occurred but no flatus occurred in the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of first time-series data of hydrogen concentration in a case where urination and flatus have occurred but no defecation has occurred in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a discharge management system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 11 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement positions of an internal sensor, an external sensor, and an emission determining device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart for illustrating an emission determination process in an emission determination device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9]FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the first time series data and the second time series data of hydrogen concentration in a case where urination and flatus occurred but no defecation occurred in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the first time series data and the second time series data of hydrogen concentration in a case where urination and defecation occurred but no flatus occurred in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a discharge management system according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 11 is a flowchart for illustrating an emission determination process in an emission determination device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the first time-series data of hydrogen concentration when flatus is present but defecation does not occur in the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of first time-series data of hydrogen concentration when defecation occurs but no flatus occurs in the third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a discharge management system according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] 13 is a first flowchart for illustrating an emission determination process in an emission determination device according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] 13 is a second flowchart for illustrating the emission determination process in the emission determination device according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the first time-series data of hydrogen concentration when flatus is present but defecation does not occur in the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] (Findings on which this disclosure is based) In the above conventional excretion management system, the control unit calculates temperature data T i,ch and the temperature threshold T n Compare with T i,ch ≦T nIf so, it is determined that excretion is not occurring, and T i,ch >T n If so, it is determined that excretion has occurred.

[0011] The odor measuring unit includes a hydrogen sulfide odor sensor having high sensitivity to hydrogen sulfide odor and an ammonia odor sensor having high sensitivity to ammonia odor. The control unit calculates odor data O at each time in the odor time series data of the hydrogen sulfide odor sensor. 1i and the first odor threshold O n1 The odor data O of each time in the odor time series data of the ammonia odor sensor is compared with that of the 2i and the second odor threshold O n2 The control unit compares the temperature data T i,ch T i,ch >T n In the case where excretion occurs, 1i >O n1 Or O 2i >O n2 If so, the excretion is judged to be feces, and 1i ≦O n1 , and O 2i ≦O n2 If so, the control unit determines that the excretion is urination. i,ch T i,ch ≦T n In the absence of excretion, i.e., 1i >O n1 Or O 2i >O n2 If so, it is determined that fart has occurred.

[0012] As described above, in the conventional technology, it is determined whether the excrement is feces, urine, or flatus based on temperature data, odor data from the hydrogen sulfide odor sensor, and odor data from the ammonia odor sensor.

[0013] However, the concentration of hydrogen sulfide contained in the gas excreted from the excretor's anus varies depending on the excretor's physical condition, such as constipation. The concentration of hydrogen sulfide contained in the excreted gas also varies greatly depending on the foods the excretor has eaten and the medicines he or she has taken.

[0014] Therefore, it is difficult to accurately determine whether or not a person has farted using the concentration of the hydrogen sulfide component contained in the excreta.

[0015] In order to solve the above problems, a method for determining emissions according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a computer acquiring first time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl measured by an internal sensor placed within the toilet bowl, determining whether the emitter has farted based on the first time series data of the hydrogen concentration, and outputting a determination result.

[0016] The hydrogen concentration contained in the gas discharged from the anus of the human body is not easily affected by the food eaten by the human body or the medicine taken by the human body. Therefore, by determining whether the person has farted based on the first time-series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet bowl, it is possible to accurately determine whether the person has farted.

[0017] In the above emission determination method, when the value of the hydrogen concentration in the first time-series data exceeds a threshold, it may be determined that the emitter has farted.

[0018] When a person farts into the toilet bowl, the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet bowl increases, so by determining whether the hydrogen concentration value in the first time-series data exceeds a threshold value, it is possible to easily determine whether the person has farted.

[0019] In addition, in the above-mentioned emission determination method, if the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data exceeds a threshold value, and the rising slope of the first time series data until it reaches a peak is greater than the threshold value, and the falling slope of the first time series data after it reaches the peak is smaller than the threshold value, it may be determined that the emitter has farted.

[0020] The gas discharged into the toilet does not remain inside the toilet, but is diffused outside the toilet. Therefore, when a person farts into the toilet, the first time series data of the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet rises sharply, reaches a peak, and then falls sharply. Therefore, when the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data exceeds a threshold, and the rising slope of the first time series data until it reaches the peak is greater than the threshold, and the falling slope of the first time series data after it reaches the peak is smaller than the threshold, it can be determined that the person has farted.

[0021] In addition, in the above-mentioned exhaust determination method, second time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet measured by an external sensor placed outside the toilet may be obtained, and in the determination, it may be determined whether the emitter has farted based on the first time series data and the second time series data.

[0022] The gas discharged into the toilet bowl does not remain inside the bowl but diffuses outside the bowl, so by measuring the hydrogen concentration not only in the space inside the toilet bowl but also in the space outside the bowl, it is possible to more accurately determine whether the farter has passed a fart.

[0023] In addition, in the above-mentioned emission determination method, if the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data exceeds a threshold value and the hydrogen concentration value in the second time series data exceeds a threshold value, it may be determined that the emitter has farted.

[0024] When a fart is released into the toilet, the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet increases. In addition, the gas released into the toilet diffuses outside the toilet, so the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet also increases. Therefore, by determining whether the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data exceeds a threshold value and determining whether the hydrogen concentration value in the second time series data exceeds a threshold value, it is possible to more accurately determine whether the fart is released by the fart.

[0025] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned excretion determination method, a first time when the first time series data reaches a peak may be obtained, and a second time when the first time series data converges after reaching its peak may be obtained, and in the determination, it may be determined whether the person has excreted feces or fart based on the first time and the second time.

[0026] The gas discharged into the toilet is diffused outside the toilet. Therefore, when the person farts into the toilet, the first time series data of the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet reaches a peak and then drops sharply. On the other hand, the feces discharged into the toilet remains in the toilet. Therefore, when the person defecates into the toilet, the first time series data of the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet reaches a peak and then drops gradually. Therefore, the elapsed time from the first time when the first time series data reaches a peak to the second time when the first time series data converges differs between flatus and defecation. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the person has discharged feces or flatus, based on the elapsed time from when the hydrogen concentration value reaches a peak to when it converges.

[0027] In addition, in the above-mentioned excrement determination method, if the difference between the second time and the first time is less than or equal to a predetermined time, it may be determined that the person has farted, and if the difference is longer than the predetermined time, it may be determined that the person has defecate.

[0028] The time that elapses from when the hydrogen concentration value in the space inside the toilet reaches its peak until it converges is longer when the person defecates into the toilet than when the person farts into the toilet. Therefore, by comparing the time that elapses from when the hydrogen concentration value reaches its peak until it converges with a predetermined time, it is possible to determine whether the person has excreted feces or farts.

[0029] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned discharge determination method, second time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet measured by an external sensor placed outside the toilet may be further acquired, a third time at which the second time series data reaches a peak may be further acquired, and a fourth time at which the second time series data converges after reaching its peak may be further acquired, and in the determination, it may be determined whether the person has discharged feces or farts based on the first time, the second time, the third time, and the fourth time.

[0030] The gas discharged into the toilet is diffused outside the toilet. Therefore, when the person farts into the toilet, the second time series data of the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet reaches a peak and then drops sharply, similar to the first time series data. On the other hand, when the person defecates into the toilet, the second time series data of the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet reaches a peak and then drops gradually, similar to the first time series data. Therefore, it is possible to more accurately determine whether the person has discharged feces or farts, based on the elapsed time from the first time when the first time series data reaches a peak to the second time when the first time series data converges, and the elapsed time from the third time when the second time series data reaches a peak to the fourth time when the second time series data converges.

[0031] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned excrement determination method, if a first difference between the second time and the first time is equal to or less than a predetermined time and a second difference between the fourth time and the third time is equal to or less than a predetermined time, it may be determined that the person has farted, and if the first difference is longer than the predetermined time and the second difference is longer than the predetermined time, it may be determined that the person has defecate.

[0032] The time that elapses from when the hydrogen concentration value in the space inside the toilet reaches a peak until it converges is longer when the person discharges a bowel movement into the toilet than when the person discharges a flatulence into the toilet. Similarly, the time that elapses from when the hydrogen concentration value in the space outside the toilet reaches a peak until it converges is longer when the person discharges a bowel movement into the toilet than when the person discharges a flatulence into the toilet. Therefore, by comparing the time that elapses from when the hydrogen concentration value in the space inside the toilet reaches a peak until it converges with a predetermined time, and by comparing the time that elapses from when the hydrogen concentration value in the space outside the toilet reaches a peak until it converges with a predetermined time, it is possible to more accurately determine whether the person discharges a bowel movement or a bowel movement.

[0033] An emission determination device according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires first time series data indicating a hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl measured by an internal sensor placed within the toilet bowl, a determination unit that determines whether the emitter has farted based on the first time series data of the hydrogen concentration, and an output unit that outputs a determination result.

[0034] The hydrogen concentration contained in the gas discharged from the anus of the human body is not easily affected by the food eaten by the human body or the medicine taken by the human body. Therefore, by determining whether the person has farted based on the first time-series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet bowl, it is possible to accurately determine whether the person has farted.

[0035] An emission determination program according to another aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to acquire first time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl measured by an internal sensor placed within the toilet bowl, determine whether the emitter has farted based on the first time series data of the hydrogen concentration, and output a determination result.

[0036] The hydrogen concentration contained in the gas discharged from the anus of the human body is not easily affected by the food eaten by the human body or the medicine taken by the human body. Therefore, by determining whether the person has farted based on the first time-series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet bowl, it is possible to accurately determine whether the person has farted.

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are examples of the present disclosure and do not limit the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0038] (Embodiment 1) Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an emission management system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement positions of an internal sensor 1 and an emission determination device 2 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] The emission management system shown in FIG. 1 includes an internal sensor 1, an emission determination device 2, and a server 3.

[0040] The internal sensor 1 is disposed in the toilet bowl 101 and is sensitive to hydrogen. As shown in FIG. 2, the internal sensor 1 is hung on the edge of an opening formed in the upper part of the toilet bowl 101 that receives feces and urine. The internal sensor 1 measures the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl 101. The internal sensor 1 is connected to the emission determination device 2 by wire or wirelessly so that they can communicate with each other. The internal sensor 1 transmits first time-series data of the measured hydrogen concentration to the emission determination device 2.

[0041] A drainage channel (not shown) is provided at the bottom of the toilet bowl 101. Feces and urine excreted into the toilet bowl 101 are flushed through the drainage channel. A toilet seat 102 on which a person sits is provided at the top of the toilet bowl 101. The toilet seat 102 rotates up and down. The person sits with the toilet seat 102 lowered over the toilet bowl 101. A water tank 103 that stores water for flushing feces and urine is provided at the rear of the toilet bowl 101.

[0042] The internal sensor 1 may constantly transmit the first time series data of the measured hydrogen concentration to the emission determination device 2. The internal sensor 1 may also transmit the first time series data of the hydrogen concentration measured during the period from when the emitter sits on the toilet seat 102 to when the emitter leaves the toilet seat 102 to the emission determination device 2. For example, a pressure sensor may be provided on the toilet seat 102, and it may be determined whether the emitter has sat on the toilet seat 102 based on the output from the pressure sensor. In addition, the determination of whether the emitter has sat on the toilet seat 102 may utilize the fact that the inside of the toilet bowl 101 becomes dark when the emitter sits on the toilet seat 102. That is, a light sensor may be provided inside the toilet bowl 101, and when it is detected by the light sensor that it has become dark, it may be determined that the emitter has sat on the toilet seat 102, and when it is detected by the light sensor that it has become bright, it may be determined that the emitter has left the toilet seat 102.

[0043] The emission determination device 2 is disposed, for example, on the side surface of the water tank 103. The location of the emission determination device 2 is not limited to the above, and may be anywhere in the toilet. In addition, when the internal sensor 1 and the emission determination device 2 are connected wirelessly, the emission determination device 2 does not have to be disposed in the toilet, and may be disposed in a place in the house where it can wirelessly communicate with the internal sensor 1.

[0044] The emission determining device 2 includes a processor 21, a memory 22, and a communication unit .

[0045] The memory 22 is a storage device capable of storing various information, such as a random access memory (RAM), a solid state drive (SSD), a flash memory, etc. The memory 22 stores the first time-series data transmitted by the internal sensor 1.

[0046] The processor 21 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). The processor 21 realizes a data acquisition unit 211, an emission determination unit 212, and a determination result output unit 213.

[0047] The data acquisition unit 211 acquires first time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl 101 measured by the internal sensor 1 arranged within the toilet bowl 101. The data acquisition unit 211 acquires the first time series data from the memory 22. The data acquisition unit 211 reads out the first time series data stored in the memory 22.

[0048] The emission determination unit 212 determines whether the emitter has farted based on the first time-series data of the hydrogen concentration. When the value of the hydrogen concentration in the first time-series data exceeds a threshold, the emission determination unit 212 determines that the emitter has farted.

[0049] The determination result output unit 213 outputs the determination result as to whether or not the emitter has farted. The determination result output unit 213 transmits the determination result information indicating whether or not the emitter has farted to the server 3 via the communication unit 23.

[0050] When it is determined that the emitter has farted, the determination result output unit 213 may transmit, to the server 3 via the communication unit 23, determination result information indicating that the emitter has farted and date and time information indicating the date and time when the emitter farted. When it is determined that the emitter has not farted, the determination result output unit 213 may not transmit, to the server 3, determination result information indicating that the emitter has not farted.

[0051] The communication unit 23 transmits the determination result as to whether or not the emitter has emitted flatus to the server 3. The emission determination device 2 is connected to the server 3 via a network 4 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The network 4 is, for example, the Internet.

[0052] The server 3 receives the determination result information transmitted by the emission determination device 2, which indicates whether the emitter has farted or not. The server 3 may receive the determination result information indicating that the emitter has farted, and date and time information indicating the date and time when the emitter farted. The server 3 includes a database that stores, in association with each other, identification information for identifying the room or house in which the emission determination device 2 is located, the determination result information indicating that the emitter has farted, and the date and time information indicating the date and time when the emitter farted. Note that the identification information may be identification information for identifying the resident (emitter) of the room or house in which the emission determination device 2 is located.

[0053] For example, the caregiver uses the database of the server 3 when creating monitoring data for the care recipient. That is, the terminal device used by the caregiver acquires the judgment result information and the date and time information corresponding to the identification information of the care recipient from the server 3, and creates the monitoring data for the care recipient. For example, the terminal device may create the monitoring data of the number of times the care recipient farts in a day, the number of times the care recipient farts in a week, or the number of times the care recipient farts in a month. Also, for example, the terminal device may create the monitoring data of the time of farts in a day, the date and time of farts in a week, or the date and time of farts in a month.

[0054] Next, the emission determination process in the emission determination device 2 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0055] FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the emission determination process in the emission determination device 2 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] First, in step S1, the data acquisition unit 211 acquires from the memory 22 first time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl 101 measured by the internal sensor 1. For example, the emission determination process shown in FIG. 3 is performed once a day. The data acquisition unit 211 acquires one day's worth of first time series data, for example, at midnight. Note that the time at which the first time series data is acquired is not limited to midnight. Also, the emission determination process shown in FIG. 3 is not limited to once a day, and may be performed multiple times a day, once a week, or at predetermined intervals.

[0057] Furthermore, the data acquiring unit 211 may acquire first time series data for a period from when the person sits on the toilet seat 102 to when the person leaves the toilet seat 102. When waste is discharged multiple times in one day, the data acquiring unit 211 may acquire multiple pieces of first time series data for one day. Then, the discharge determination process may be performed for each of the multiple pieces of first time series data.

[0058] Next, in step S2, the emission determination unit 212 judges whether or not the hydrogen concentration value in the first time-series data exceeds a threshold value. If it is judged that the hydrogen concentration value exceeds the threshold value (YES in step S2), then in step S3, the emission determination unit 212 judges that the emitter has farted. On the other hand, if it is judged that the hydrogen concentration value does not exceed the threshold value (NO in step S2), then in step S4, the emission determination unit 212 judges that the emitter has not farted.

[0059] In the conventional technology, it is determined whether or not a farter has passed a gas based on temperature data, odor data from a hydrogen sulfide odor sensor, and odor data from an ammonia odor sensor. However, the concentrations of hydrogen sulfide and ammonia components contained in the gas discharged from the anus of a farter vary depending on the physical condition of the farter, such as constipation. In addition, the concentrations of hydrogen sulfide and ammonia components contained in the gas discharged vary greatly depending on what the farter has eaten and also on the medicines he or she has taken.

[0060] In response to this, the inventors have found that the hydrogen concentration contained in the gas excreted from the human anus is not easily affected by the food eaten or the medicines taken by the human body, and have discovered that it is possible to determine whether the excretor has farted by measuring the time-series change in the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet bowl.

[0061] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the first time series data of hydrogen concentration when urination and defecation occur but no flatus in this embodiment 1, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the first time series data of hydrogen concentration when urination and defecation occur but no defecation in this embodiment 1.

[0062] 4 and 5, the vertical axis represents the concentration of each component (sensor output value), and the horizontal axis represents time (seconds). Note that the internal sensor 1 may measure not only the hydrogen concentration, but also the ammonia concentration and the hydrogen sulfide concentration. In Figs. 4 and 5, the solid line represents the first time series data of the hydrogen concentration measured by the internal sensor 1, the dashed line represents the time series data of the ammonia concentration measured by the internal sensor 1, and the dashed-dotted line represents the time series data of the hydrogen sulfide concentration measured by the internal sensor 1.

[0063] In Figure 4, the person sits on the toilet seat after about 15 seconds, and starts urinating and defecation after about 30 seconds. As urination and defecation begin, the ammonia concentration and hydrogen sulfide concentration increase. On the other hand, the hydrogen concentration is hardly affected by urination or defecation, and remains at a nearly constant value.

[0064] In Figure 5, the person sits on the toilet seat after about 10 seconds, and starts urinating after about 20 seconds. As urination begins, the ammonia concentration rises. The first flatus occurs after about 120 seconds, and the second flatus occurs after about 190 seconds. As a result of the flatus, the hydrogen concentration and hydrogen sulfide concentration rise.

[0065] 4 and 5, the hydrogen concentration changes significantly when flatulence occurs, but changes little when only urination and defecation occur. From this, the discharge determination unit 212 can determine whether the emitter has flatulence or not by determining whether the hydrogen concentration value exceeds the threshold value.

[0066] 3, next, in step S5, the judgment result output unit 213 outputs the judgment result as to whether the emitter has farted or not. For example, when the emission judgment unit 212 judges that the emitter has farted, the judgment result output unit 213 transmits judgment result information indicating that the emitter has farted and date and time information indicating the date and time when the emitter farted to the server 3 via the communication unit 23.

[0067] When the discharge determination unit 212 determines that the emitter has farted, the determination result output unit 213 may store, in the memory 22, determination result information indicating that the emitter has farted and date and time information indicating the date and time when the emitter farted. The discharge determination device 2 may also include a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port. The determination result output unit 213 may store, in a USB memory connected to the USB port, the determination result information indicating that the emitter has farted and the date and time information indicating the date and time when the emitter farted.

[0068] In this way, the hydrogen concentration contained in the gas discharged from the anus of the human body is not easily affected by the food eaten by the human body or the medicine taken by the human body. Therefore, by determining whether the person has passed a flatus based on the first time-series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet 101, it is possible to accurately determine whether the person has passed a flatus.

[0069] In the first embodiment, the emission determining unit 212 determines whether the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data exceeds a threshold value, but the present disclosure is not particularly limited to this. The emission determining unit 212 may determine that the emitter has farted if the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data exceeds a threshold value, the rising slope of the first time series data until it reaches a peak is greater than the threshold value, and the falling slope of the first time series data after it reaches the peak is smaller than the threshold value.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 5, when the emitter farts, the hydrogen concentration rises sharply, reaches a peak, and then falls sharply. Therefore, the emission determination unit 212 may determine whether the value of the hydrogen concentration in the first time series data exceeds a threshold value. If the emission determination unit 212 determines that the value of the hydrogen concentration in the first time series data exceeds a threshold value, the emission determination unit 212 may determine whether the rising slope of the first time series data until the peak is reached is greater than the threshold value. If the emission determination unit 212 determines that the rising slope of the first time series data until the peak is reached is greater than the threshold value, the emission determination unit 212 may determine whether the falling slope of the first time series data after the peak is reached is smaller than the threshold value. If the emission determination unit 212 determines that the falling slope of the first time series data after the peak is reached is smaller than the threshold value, the emission determination unit 212 may determine that the emitter farts. This makes it possible to more accurately determine whether the emitter has farted.

[0071] (Embodiment 2) The emission determination device in the first embodiment acquires first time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl measured by an internal sensor placed inside the toilet bowl. In contrast, the emission determination device in the second embodiment acquires first time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl measured by an internal sensor placed inside the toilet bowl, and second time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet bowl measured by an external sensor placed outside the toilet bowl.

[0072] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of an emission management system according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 7 is a diagram for explaining the positions of an internal sensor 1, an external sensor 5, and an emission determining device 2A according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0073] 6 includes an internal sensor 1, a discharge determination device 2A, a server 3, and an external sensor 5. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0074] The external sensor 5 is disposed outside the toilet bowl 101 and is sensitive to hydrogen. As shown in FIG. 7, the external sensor 5 is attached to a wall surface inside the toilet. The external sensor 5 measures the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet bowl 101. The external sensor 5 is connected to the emission determination device 2A by wire or wirelessly so that they can communicate with each other. The external sensor 5 transmits second time-series data of the measured hydrogen concentration to the emission determination device 2A.

[0075] The location of the external sensor 5 is not limited to a wall surface inside the toilet, and may be anywhere inside the toilet outside the toilet bowl 101. The external sensor 5 may constantly transmit the second time series data of the measured hydrogen concentration to the emission determination device 2A. The external sensor 5 may also transmit the second time series data of the hydrogen concentration measured during the period from when the emitter sits on the toilet seat 102 to when the emitter leaves the toilet seat 102 to the emission determination device 2A.

[0076] The emission determining device 2A includes a processor 21A, a memory 22, and a communication unit .

[0077] The processor 21A is, for example, a CPU. A data acquisition unit 211A, a discharge determination unit 212A, and a determination result output unit 213 are realized by the processor 21A.

[0078] The data acquisition unit 211A acquires first time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet bowl 101, measured by an internal sensor 1 arranged inside the toilet bowl 101. The data acquisition unit 211A also acquires second time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet bowl 101, measured by an external sensor 5 arranged outside the toilet bowl 101. The data acquisition unit 211A acquires the first time series data and the second time series data from the memory 22. The data acquisition unit 211A reads out the first time series data and the second time series data stored in the memory 22. The data acquisition unit 211A acquires the first time series data and the second time series data synchronized with the first time series data.

[0079] The emission determination unit 212A determines whether the emitter has farted based on the first time series data and the second time series data. When the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data exceeds a threshold and the hydrogen concentration value in the second time series data exceeds a threshold, the emission determination unit 212A determines that the emitter has farted.

[0080] The threshold value compared with the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data and the threshold value compared with the hydrogen concentration value in the second time series data may be the same, or the threshold value compared with the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data and the threshold value compared with the hydrogen concentration value in the second time series data may be different.

[0081] Next, an emission determination process in the emission determination device 2A according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0082] FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the emission determination process in the emission determination device 2A according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0083] First, in step S11, the data acquisition unit 211A acquires from the memory 22 the first time-series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl 101 measured by the internal sensor 1.

[0084] Next, in step S12, the data acquisition unit 211A acquires from the memory 22 second time-series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet bowl 101 measured by the external sensor 5.

[0085] For example, the discharge determination process shown in Fig. 8 is performed once a day. The data acquisition unit 211A acquires the first time series data and the second time series data for one day, for example, at midnight. Note that the time at which the first time series data and the second time series data are acquired is not limited to midnight. In addition, the discharge determination process shown in Fig. 8 is not limited to once a day, and may be performed once a week or at predetermined intervals.

[0086] Furthermore, the data acquiring unit 211A may acquire first time series data and second time series data for a period from when the waste generator sits on the toilet seat 102 to when the waste generator leaves the toilet seat 102. When waste is discharged multiple times in one day, the data acquiring unit 211A may acquire multiple pieces of first time series data and multiple pieces of second time series data for one day. Then, the waste determination process may be performed for each of the multiple pieces of first time series data and multiple pieces of second time series data.

[0087] Next, in step S13, the emission determining unit 212A judges whether or not the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data exceeds the threshold value. If it is judged that the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data does not exceed the threshold value (NO in step S13), the emission determining unit 212A judges in step S14 that the emitter has not farted. On the other hand, if it is judged that the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data exceeds the threshold value (YES in step S13), the emission determining unit 212A judges in step S15 whether or not the hydrogen concentration value in the second time series data exceeds the threshold value.

[0088] If it is determined that the hydrogen concentration value in the second time series data exceeds the threshold value (YES in step S15), then in step S16, the emission determination unit 212A determines that the emitter has farted. On the other hand, if it is determined that the hydrogen concentration value in the second time series data does not exceed the threshold value (NO in step S15), then in step S17, the emission determination unit 212A determines that the emitter has defecate.

[0089] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the first and second time series data of hydrogen concentration when urination and defecation occur but no defecation occurs in this embodiment 2, and FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the first and second time series data of hydrogen concentration when urination and defecation occur but no defecation occurs in this embodiment 2.

[0090] 9 and 10, the vertical axis represents the concentration of each component (sensor output value), and the horizontal axis represents time (seconds). Note that the internal sensor 1 may measure not only the hydrogen concentration, but also the ammonia concentration and the hydrogen sulfide concentration. In FIGS. 9 and 10, the solid line represents the first time series data of the hydrogen concentration measured by the internal sensor 1, the dashed line represents the time series data of the ammonia concentration measured by the internal sensor 1, the dashed line represents the time series data of the hydrogen sulfide concentration measured by the internal sensor 1, and the dashed line represents the second time series data of the hydrogen concentration measured by the external sensor 5.

[0091] In FIG. 9, the person sits on the toilet seat after about 20 seconds has passed, and starts urinating after about 30 seconds. With the start of urination, the ammonia concentration rises. Also, after about 30 seconds has passed, flatus is emitted. As a result of the flatus, the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet bowl 101 rises. Also, as a result of the flatus, the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet bowl 101 rises. This is because gas discharged from the person's anus diffuses outside the toilet bowl 101, and an increase in hydrogen concentration due to the influence of flatus was observed outside the toilet bowl 101 as well as inside the toilet bowl 101.

[0092] Therefore, when the emission determination unit 212A determines that the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data exceeds the threshold value and also determines that the hydrogen concentration value in the second time series data exceeds the threshold value, it determines that the emitter has farted. This makes it possible to more reliably determine that the emitter has farted.

[0093] On the other hand, in FIG. 10, the person sits on the toilet seat after about 30 seconds, starts urinating after about 40 seconds, and starts defecation after about 260 seconds. With the start of urination, the ammonia concentration rises, and with the start of defecation, the hydrogen sulfide concentration rises. At this time, the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet bowl 101 rises with the start of defecation, but the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet bowl 101 is hardly affected by defecation and shows an almost constant value. From this, when the discharge determination unit 212A determines that the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data exceeds the threshold value and determines that the hydrogen concentration value in the second time series data does not exceed the threshold value, it can determine that the person has defecate.

[0094] Returning to FIG. 8, next, in step S18, the judgment result output unit 213 outputs the judgment result of whether the emitter has passed flatus or not, or the judgment result of whether the emitter has defecated or not. For example, when the excretion judgment unit 212A judges that the emitter has passed flatus, the judgment result output unit 213 transmits judgment result information indicating that the emitter has passed flatus and date and time information indicating the date and time when the emitter passed flatus to the server 3 via the communication unit 23. Also, when the excretion judgment unit 212A judges that the emitter has defecated, the judgment result output unit 213 transmits judgment result information indicating that the emitter has defecated and date and time information indicating the date and time when the emitter defecated to the server 3 via the communication unit 23.

[0095] In addition, the emission determination unit 212A may determine that the emitter has farted if the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data exceeds a threshold value, and the rising slope of the first time series data until it reaches a peak is greater than the threshold value and the falling slope of the first time series data after it reaches a peak is smaller than the threshold value, and the hydrogen concentration value in the second time series data exceeds a threshold value, and the rising slope of the second time series data until it reaches a peak is greater than the threshold value and the falling slope of the second time series data after it reaches a peak is smaller than the threshold value.

[0096] (Embodiment 3) The emission determination device in the first embodiment determines that the emitter has passed flatus when the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data exceeds a threshold value. In contrast, the emission determination device in the third embodiment obtains a first time when the first time series data reaches a peak and a second time when the first time series data converges after reaching its peak, and determines whether the emitter has passed feces or flatus based on the first time and the second time.

[0097] 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of an emission management system according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that the positions of the internal sensor 1 and the emission determination device 2B according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure are the same as the positions of the internal sensor 1 and the emission determination device 2 according to the first embodiment.

[0098] 11 includes an internal sensor 1, an emission determination device 2B, and a server 3. In the third embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0099] The emission determining device 2B includes a processor 21B, a memory 22, and a communication unit .

[0100] The processor 21B is, for example, a CPU. A data acquisition unit 211, a discharge determination unit 212B, a determination result output unit 213, a first time acquisition unit 214, and a second time acquisition unit 215 are realized by the processor 21B.

[0101] The first time acquiring unit 214 acquires the first time when the first time series data reaches a peak.

[0102] The second time acquiring unit 215 acquires the second time at which the first time series data converges after the first time series data reaches a peak.

[0103] The excretion determination unit 212B determines whether the person has excreted feces or fart, based on the first time acquired by the first time acquisition unit 214 and the second time acquired by the second time acquisition unit 215. The excretion determination unit 212B determines that the person has excreted fart if the difference between the second time and the first time is equal to or less than a predetermined time, and determines that the person has defecate if the difference is longer than the predetermined time.

[0104] Next, an emission determination process in the emission determination device 2B according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0105] FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the emission determination process in the emission determination device 2B according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0106] First, in step S21, the data acquisition unit 211 acquires from the memory 22 first time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl 101 measured by the internal sensor 1. For example, the discharge determination process shown in FIG. 12 is performed once a day. The data acquisition unit 211 acquires the first time series data for one day, for example, at midnight. Note that the time at which the first time series data is acquired is not limited to midnight. Also, in FIG. 12 The discharge determination process shown in is not limited to being performed once a day, but may be performed once a week, or may be performed at predetermined intervals.

[0107] Furthermore, the data acquiring unit 211 may acquire first time series data for a period from when the person sits on the toilet seat 102 to when the person leaves the toilet seat 102. When waste is discharged multiple times in one day, the data acquiring unit 211 may acquire multiple pieces of first time series data for one day. Then, the discharge determination process may be performed for each of the multiple pieces of first time series data.

[0108] Next, in step S22, emission determination unit 212B determines whether the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data exceeds the threshold value. If it is determined that the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data does not exceed the threshold value (NO in step S22), emission determination unit 212B determines in step S23 that the emitter has not farted.

[0109] On the other hand, if it is determined that the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data exceeds the threshold value (YES in step S22), in step S24, the first time acquisition unit 214 acquires the first time at which the first time series data acquired by the data acquisition unit 211 reached a peak.

[0110] Next, in step S25, second time acquiring section 215 acquires a second time at which the first time series data acquired by data acquiring section 211 converges after the first time series data reaches a peak.

[0111] Next, in step S26, the discharge determining unit 212B calculates the difference between the second time and the first time.

[0112] Next, in step S27, the discharge determining unit 212B determines whether the difference is equal to or less than a predetermined time.

[0113] Here, if it is determined that the difference is equal to or less than the predetermined time (YES in step S27), in step S , the discharge determining unit 212B determines that the emitter has farted.

[0114] On the other hand, if it is determined that the difference is longer than the predetermined time (NO in step S27), in step S29, the excreta determining unit 212B determines that the excretor has defecate.

[0115] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the first time series data of hydrogen concentration when there is flatus but no defecation in this embodiment 3, and FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the first time series data of hydrogen concentration when there is defecation but no flatus in this embodiment 3.

[0116] 13 and 14, the vertical axis represents hydrogen concentration (sensor output value) and the horizontal axis represents time (seconds). In Fig. 13 and Fig. 14, the solid line represents the first time series data of the hydrogen concentration measured by internal sensor 1.

[0117] In FIG. 13, the person farts after about 20 seconds has passed and sits on the toilet seat, and then farts after about 30 seconds. When the person farts, the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet 101 rises sharply, reaches a peak, and then falls sharply. This is because the gas discharged from the person's anus diffuses. When the person farts, the period from the first time t1 when the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet 101 reaches its peak to the second time t2 when the hydrogen concentration converges is about 20 seconds. For example, the second time when the hydrogen concentration converges is the time when the decrease from the peak value becomes 80% of the increase from the rise to the peak.

[0118] On the other hand, in Figure 14, the person sits on the toilet seat after about 30 seconds have passed, and starts to defecate after about 260 seconds have passed. When defecation occurs, the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet bowl 101 rises sharply, reaches a peak, and then gradually decreases. This is because feces is present inside the toilet bowl 101. When the person defecates, the period from the first time t1, when the hydrogen concentration value in the space inside the toilet bowl 101 reaches its peak, to the second time t2, when the hydrogen concentration value converges, is about 60 seconds.

[0119] From the above, the time that elapses from when the hydrogen concentration value reaches its peak until it converges differs between flatus and defecation. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the person has discharged feces or flatus, based on the time that elapses from when the hydrogen concentration value reaches its peak until it converges. The discharge determination unit 212B may determine that the person has discharged flatus if the difference between the second time and the first time is, for example, 30 seconds or less. The discharge determination unit 212B may also determine that the person has discharged defecation if the difference between the second time and the first time is, for example, longer than 30 seconds.

[0120] Returning to FIG. 12, next, in step S30, the judgment result output unit 213 outputs the judgment result of whether the emitter has passed flatus or not, or the judgment result of whether the emitter has defecated or not. For example, when the excretion judgment unit 212B judges that the emitter has passed flatus, the judgment result output unit 213 transmits judgment result information indicating that the emitter has passed flatus and date and time information indicating the date and time when the emitter passed flatus to the server 3 via the communication unit 23. Also, when the excretion judgment unit 212B judges that the emitter has defecated, the judgment result output unit 213 transmits judgment result information indicating that the emitter has defecated and date and time information indicating the date and time when the emitter defecated to the server 3 via the communication unit 23.

[0121] (Embodiment 4) The excretion determination device in the third embodiment determines whether the person has excreted feces or farts based on the first time when the first time series data reaches a peak and the second time when the first time series data converges after the first time series data reaches a peak. In contrast, the excretion determination device in the fourth embodiment acquires first time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet bowl measured by an internal sensor placed inside the toilet bowl and second time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet bowl measured by an external sensor placed outside the toilet bowl, and determines whether the person has excreted feces or farts based on the first time when the first time series data reaches a peak, the second time when the first time series data converges after the first time series data reaches a peak, the third time when the second time series data reaches a peak, and the fourth time when the second time series data converges after the second time series data reaches a peak.

[0122] 15 is a diagram showing the configuration of an emission management system according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that the positions of the internal sensor 1, the external sensor 5, and the emission determination device 2C according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure are the same as the positions of the internal sensor 1, the external sensor 5, and the emission determination device 2A according to the second embodiment.

[0123] 15 includes an internal sensor 1, an external sensor 5, a discharge determination device 2C, and a server 3. In the fourth embodiment, the same components as those in the first to third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0124] The emission determining device 2C includes a processor 21C, a memory 22, and a communication unit .

[0125] The processor 21C is, for example, a CPU. The processor 21C realizes a data acquisition unit 211A, a discharge determination unit 212C, a determination result output unit 213, a first time acquisition unit 214, a second time acquisition unit 215, a third time acquisition unit 216, and a fourth time acquisition unit 217.

[0126] The third time acquiring unit 216 acquires the third time at which the second time series data reaches a peak.

[0127] The fourth time acquiring unit 217 acquires a fourth time at which the second time series data converges after reaching a peak.

[0128] The discharge determination unit 212C determines whether the person has discharged feces or fart based on the first time acquired by the first time acquisition unit 214, the second time acquired by the second time acquisition unit 215, the third time acquired by the third time acquisition unit 216, and the fourth time acquired by the fourth time acquisition unit 217. The discharge determination unit 212C determines that the person has discharged fart if a first difference between the second time and the first time is equal to or less than a predetermined time and a second difference between the fourth time and the third time is equal to or less than a predetermined time, and determines that the person has discharged feces if the first difference is longer than the predetermined time and the second difference is longer than the predetermined time.

[0129] The predetermined time for comparing with the first difference and the predetermined time for comparing with the second difference may be the same, or the predetermined time for comparing with the first difference and the predetermined time for comparing with the second difference may be different.

[0130] Next, an emission determination process in the emission determination device 2C according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0131] FIG. 16 is a first flowchart for explaining the emission determination processing in the emission determination device 2C according to embodiment 4 of the present disclosure, and FIG. 17 is a second flowchart for explaining the emission determination processing in the emission determination device 2C according to embodiment 4 of the present disclosure.

[0132] The processing from step S41 to step S45 is the same as the processing from step S11 to step S15 in FIG. 8, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0133] If it is determined that the hydrogen concentration value in the second time-series data does not exceed the threshold value (NO in step S45), in step S58, the discharge determining unit 212C determines that the emitter has defecate.

[0134] On the other hand, if it is determined that the hydrogen concentration value in the second time series data exceeds the threshold value (YES in step S45), in step S46, the first time acquisition unit 214 acquires the first time at which the first time series data acquired by the data acquisition unit 211A reached a peak.

[0135] Next, in step S47, second time acquiring section 215 acquires a second time at which the first time series data acquired by data acquiring section 211A converges after the first time series data reaches a peak.

[0136] Next, in step S48, third time acquiring section 216 acquires the third time at which the second time series data acquired by data acquiring section 211A reaches a peak.

[0137] Next, in step S49, fourth time acquiring section 217 acquires a fourth time at which the second time series data acquired by data acquiring section 211A converges after the second time series data reaches a peak.

[0138] Next, in step S50, the discharge determining unit 212C calculates a first difference between the second time and the first time.

[0139] Next, in step S51, the discharge determining unit 212C calculates a second difference between the fourth time and the third time.

[0140] Next, in step S52, the emission determining unit 212C determines whether the first difference is equal to or less than a predetermined time.

[0141] Here, if it is determined that the first difference is equal to or less than the predetermined time (YES in step S52), in step S53, the discharge determination unit 212C determines whether or not the second difference is equal to or less than the predetermined time. If it is determined that the second difference is equal to or less than the predetermined time (YES in step S53), in step S54, the discharge determination unit 212C determines that the emitter has farted. On the other hand, if it is determined that the second difference is longer than the predetermined time (NO in step S53), in step S55, the discharge determination unit 212C determines that the emitter has defecate.

[0142] If it is determined that the first difference is longer than the predetermined time (NO in step S52), in step S56, the discharge determination unit 212C determines whether the second difference is equal to or shorter than the predetermined time. If it is determined that the second difference is equal to or shorter than the predetermined time (YES in step S56), in step S57, the discharge determination unit 212C determines that the emitter has farted. On the other hand, if it is determined that the second difference is longer than the predetermined time (NO in step S56), in step S58, the discharge determination unit 212C determines that the emitter has defecate.

[0143] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the first time-series data of hydrogen concentration in a case where flatus is present but defecation does not occur in the fourth embodiment.

[0144] 18, the vertical axis represents hydrogen concentration (sensor output value) and the horizontal axis represents time (seconds). In Fig. 18, the solid line represents first time series data of hydrogen concentration measured by internal sensor 1, and the two-dot chain line represents second time series data of hydrogen concentration measured by external sensor 5.

[0145] In FIG. 18, the person farts after sitting on the toilet seat about 20 seconds have passed, and farts after about 30 seconds have passed. When farts, the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet 101 rises sharply, reaches a peak, and then falls sharply. This is because gas discharged from the anus of the person farts. When the person farts, the period from the first time t1, when the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet 101 reaches its peak, to the second time t2, when the hydrogen concentration value converges, is about 20 seconds. For example, the second time when the hydrogen concentration value converges is the time when the decrease from the peak value becomes 80% of the increase from the rise to the peak.

[0146] Furthermore, as a result of the farting, the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet bowl 101 also increases. This is because the gas discharged from the anus of the person farting diffuses outside the toilet bowl 101, and an increase in the hydrogen concentration due to the influence of the farting was observed both inside and outside the toilet bowl 101. When a person farts, the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet bowl 101 also rises sharply, reaches a peak, and then falls sharply. When a person farts, the period from the third time t3, when the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet bowl 101 reaches its peak, to the fourth time t4, when the hydrogen concentration converges, is approximately 20 seconds.

[0147] Whether the person has emitted feces or fart can be determined more accurately based on the time elapsed from when the hydrogen concentration value in the space inside the toilet 101 reaches its peak until it converges, and the time elapsed from when the hydrogen concentration value in the space outside the toilet 101 reaches its peak until it converges. That is, the excretion determination unit 212C may determine that the person has emitted fart if the first difference between the second time and the first time is, for example, 30 seconds or less and the second difference between the fourth time and the third time is, for example, 30 seconds or less.

[0148] In addition, the excretion determination unit 212C may determine that the person has defecate if the first difference between the second time and the first time is longer than, for example, 30 seconds and the second difference between the fourth time and the third time is longer than, for example, 30 seconds.

[0149] In this way, by using not only the measurement data of the internal sensor 1 but also the measurement data of the external sensor 5, it is possible to more accurately determine whether the person has excreted fart or feces.

[0150] Furthermore, the discharge determination unit 212C may determine that the person has defecate if the first difference between the second time and the first time is, for example, 30 seconds or less and the second difference between the fourth time and the third time is, for example, longer than 30 seconds. Also, the discharge determination unit 212C may determine that the person has farted if the first difference between the second time and the first time is, for example, longer than 30 seconds and the second difference between the fourth time and the third time is, for example, 30 seconds or less.

[0151] As a result, even if erroneous data is measured by the internal sensor 1, a correct determination can be made using the data from the external sensor 5, for example.

[0152] The measurement data of the external sensor 5 may be affected by an aromatic agent provided in the toilet or a cleaning agent used to clean the toilet. Therefore, when the comparison result of the first difference and the comparison result of the second difference are different, the excretion determination unit 212C may prioritize the comparison result of the first difference. For example, the excretion determination unit 212C may determine that the person has farted when it is determined that the first difference is equal to or less than a predetermined time and the second difference is longer than a predetermined time (YES in step S52 and NO in step S53). Also, for example, the excretion determination unit 212C may determine that the person has defecate when it is determined that the first difference is longer than a predetermined time and the second difference is equal to or less than a predetermined time (NO in step S52 and YES in step S56). This makes it possible to accurately determine whether the person has excreted fart or feces, even if the accuracy of the measurement data of the external sensor 5 is low.

[0153] Returning to FIG. 17, next, in step S59, the judgment result output unit 213 outputs the judgment result of whether the emitter has passed flatus or not, or the judgment result of whether the emitter has defecated or not. For example, when the excretion judgment unit 212C judges that the emitter has passed flatus, the judgment result output unit 213 transmits judgment result information indicating that the emitter has passed flatus and date and time information indicating the date and time when the emitter passed flatus to the server 3 via the communication unit 23. Also, when the excretion judgment unit 212C judges that the emitter has defecated, the judgment result output unit 213 transmits judgment result information indicating that the emitter has defecated and date and time information indicating the date and time when the emitter defecated to the server 3 via the communication unit 23.

[0154] In the first to fourth embodiments, only one person uses one toilet, but the present disclosure is not particularly limited to this, and multiple people may use one toilet. In this case, the waste management system may further include a recognition device for recognizing the person using the toilet. The recognition device may be, for example, a camera, which captures an image of the face of the person using the toilet, and recognizes the person using the toilet from the facial image obtained by capturing the image.

[0155] In each of the above embodiments, each component may be configured with dedicated hardware, or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory. In addition, the program may be executed by another independent computer system by recording the program on a recording medium and transferring the program, or by transferring the program via a network.

[0156] A part or all of the functions of the device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure are typically realized as an LSI (Large Scale Integration), which is an integrated circuit. These may be individually integrated into one chip, or may be integrated into one chip that includes some or all of the functions. The integrated circuit is not limited to an LSI, and may be realized by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) that can be programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connections and settings of circuit cells inside the LSI, may be used.

[0157] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may be realized by a processor such as a CPU executing a program.

[0158] Furthermore, all the numbers used above are merely examples for the purpose of specifically explaining the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the numbers exemplified.

[0159] In addition, the order in which each step is performed shown in the above flowchart is merely an example for specifically explaining the present disclosure, and an order other than the above may be used as long as the same effect is obtained. In addition, some of the steps may be performed simultaneously (in parallel) with other steps. [Industrial Applicability]

[0160] The technology disclosed herein can accurately determine whether or not a person has farted, and is therefore useful as a technology for determining excrement.

Claims

1. The computer acquiring first time-series data indicating a hydrogen concentration in a space within the toilet bowl measured by an internal sensor disposed within the toilet bowl; acquiring second time-series data indicating a hydrogen concentration in a space outside the toilet bowl measured by an external sensor disposed outside the toilet bowl; determining whether the person has farted based on the first time series data and the second time series data; Output the judgment result. Emission determination method.

2. In the determination, when the value of the hydrogen concentration in the first time-series data exceeds a threshold value, it is determined that the emitter has farted. The method for determining emissions according to claim 1.

3. In the determination, if the value of the hydrogen concentration in the first time series data exceeds a threshold, and a rising slope of the first time series data until it reaches a peak is greater than the threshold, and a falling slope of the first time series data after it reaches the peak is smaller than the threshold, it is determined that the farter has passed. The method for determining emissions according to claim 1.

4. In the determination, when the value of the hydrogen concentration in the first time series data exceeds a threshold and the value of the hydrogen concentration in the second time series data exceeds a threshold, it is determined that the emitter has farted. The method for determining emissions according to claim 1.

5. Furthermore, a first time when the first time series data reaches a peak is obtained; Further, a second time when the first time series data converges after the first time series data reaches a peak is acquired; In the determination, it is determined whether the person has excreted feces or fart based on the first time and the second time. The method for determining emissions according to claim 1.

6. In the determination, if a difference between the second time and the first time is equal to or less than a predetermined time, it is determined that the person has passed flatus, and if the difference is longer than the predetermined time, it is determined that the person has defecate. The method for determining emissions according to claim 5.

7. Further, a third time at which the second time series data reaches a peak is obtained, Further, a fourth time point at which the second time series data converges after the second time series data reaches a peak is obtained; In the determination, it is determined whether the person has excreted feces or fart based on the first time, the second time, the third time, and the fourth time. The method for determining emissions according to claim 5.

8. In the determination, if a first difference between the second time and the first time is equal to or less than a predetermined time and a second difference between the fourth time and the third time is equal to or less than a predetermined time, it is determined that the person has passed flatus, and if the first difference is longer than the predetermined time and the second difference is longer than the predetermined time, it is determined that the person has defecate. The method for determining emissions according to claim 7.

9. a first acquisition unit that acquires first time-series data indicating a hydrogen concentration in a space within the toilet bowl measured by an internal sensor disposed within the toilet bowl; a second acquisition unit that acquires second time-series data indicating a hydrogen concentration in a space outside the toilet bowl measured by an external sensor disposed outside the toilet bowl; A determination unit that determines whether or not a person has farted based on the first time series data and the second time series data; an output unit that outputs a determination result; An emission determination device comprising:

10. acquiring first time-series data indicating a hydrogen concentration in a space within the toilet bowl measured by an internal sensor disposed within the toilet bowl; acquiring second time-series data indicating a hydrogen concentration in a space outside the toilet bowl measured by an external sensor disposed outside the toilet bowl; determining whether the person has farted based on the first time series data and the second time series data; causing the computer to output a determination result; Emissions determination program.

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