Excretion information management system

Abstract

To suitably record and display information regarding excretion performed at a plurality of toilet bowls.SOLUTION: An excretion information management system comprises a detection part which is installed at the upper part of a toilet bowl and which detects at least one of the presence of evacuation of feces, and color, shape and volume of feces, as excretion information, a display part for displaying excretion records of a user, inputting means, a clock part for acquiring date / time information of excretion, and a storage part for automatically recording excretion records including excretion information detected by the detection part and date / time information of excretion acquired by the clock part. The inputting means can additionally input excretion records for excretion at toilet bowls other than the toilet bowl, to the storage part and the display part displays excretion records recorded in the storage part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The disclosed embodiment relates to an excretion information management system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, toilet devices that automatically measure the shape (properties) and volume of feces (hereinafter also referred to as "stool") in the toilet to manage the health condition of the user are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Since the presence or absence of excretion and the properties (color, shape, amount) of the stool indicate the health condition, excretion is said to be a barometer of health. Note that the state of health is not only represented by the state of excretion once, but also the stability of the properties of the stool over multiple excretion acts, such as excretion over multiple days (e.g., one month), and the stability of the time of excretion, are related to the health condition. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-146244 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-mentioned conventional technology does not take into consideration the case where a user defecates in multiple different toilets, and it is not necessarily possible to properly record and display information regarding defecation that occurs in multiple toilets.

[0005] An object of the disclosed embodiment is to provide an excretion information management system that appropriately records and displays information regarding excretion occurring in multiple toilets. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An excretion information management system according to one aspect of the embodiment includes a detection unit that is installed above the toilet and detects at least one of the excretion information, including the presence or absence of stool, the color, shape, and amount of stool, a display unit that displays the user's excretion record, an input means, a clock unit that acquires date and time information of excretion, and a memory unit that automatically records excretion records including the excretion information detected by the detection unit and the date and time information of excretion acquired by the clock unit, wherein the input means is capable of additionally inputting excretion records of excretion on toilets other than the toilet into the memory unit, and the display unit displays the excretion records recorded in the memory unit.

[0007] According to the excretion information management system according to one aspect of the embodiment, information on excretion in a toilet bowl in which a toilet seat device capable of detecting the user's defecation information is arranged is automatically recorded in a storage unit, excretion records of excretion in toilet bowls other than the toilet bowl are also added and can be input to the storage unit, and the excretion records recorded in the storage unit are displayed. In this way, the excretion information management system can appropriately record and display information on excretion in multiple toilet bowls. Here, in daily life, the number of toilets used is not limited to one. For example, even if a toilet is in a house, if a person goes out for a long time for school or work, the person excretes in a toilet at the destination. In other words, even if a toilet used daily (e.g., a toilet in a residence) has a function for automatically acquiring an excretion record, data will be lost if the person excretes in another toilet. The health condition cannot be inferred from only one excretion record, but is inferred based on the excretion history for multiple days (e.g., one month). If there is a gap in the excretion history, the health condition cannot be correctly interpreted from the history data. For example, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is diagnosed based on the frequency of constipation and diarrhea in a month (e.g. Rome III, etc.). Therefore, if there are many gaps in the excretion history, it will be insufficient as a health management record. On the other hand, the excretion information management system automatically acquires bowel and urination information as daily excretion record data to be used for health management, etc., records (accumulates) that data, and allows the user to view the recorded data on a display device. Furthermore, the excretion information management system can add data acquired in other toilets and eliminate data gaps, so more sufficient history data can be acquired and is useful for health management.

[0008] In the excretion information management system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the display unit displays the excretion records recorded in the memory unit in chronological order.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the excretion information management system, the excretion record is displayed in chronological order. This allows the excretion information management system to make the excretion record recognizable in chronological order. For example, the excretion information management system displays time-series data without missing data, allowing the user to confirm and interpret the daily progress and stability of excretion.

[0010] In the excretion information management system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the input unit receives a manual input of an excretion record of excretion in a toilet other than the toilet.

[0011] According to an excretion information management system according to one aspect of the embodiment, by accepting manual input of excretion records of excretion in a toilet other than a toilet, excretion that occurs in a toilet without an automatic recording function can also be registered as an excretion record. This allows the excretion information management system to appropriately record and display information about excretion that occurs in multiple toilets. In this way, in the excretion information management system, by manually recording the results of visual confirmation of stool, it is possible to register information about excretion no matter where the excretion occurs. Since it is possible to prevent loss of excretion records, the information becomes useful for health management.

[0012] In one aspect of an embodiment, in the excretion information management system, the memory unit assigns a first label to an excretion record that is automatically recorded, and assigns a second label to an excretion record input by the input means and stores the excretion record.

[0013] According to the excretion information management system according to one aspect of the embodiment, by managing the excretion records in a manner that allows distinction between the automatically recorded excretion records and the manually inputted excretion records, the processing manner can be made different between the automatically recorded excretion records and the manually inputted excretion records. In this way, in the excretion information management system, since visual data input (manual input) is more likely to cause variability in the records of excretion time and characteristics than information obtained in the toilet (automatic recording), it is easier to analyze past information if it is possible to know whether the data was input manually or automatically.

[0014] In the excretion information management system according to one aspect of the embodiment, when no record is made in the memory unit for a predetermined period of time, a notification is given to prompt input to the memory unit.

[0015] According to the excretion information management system according to one aspect of the embodiment, when there is no record in the memory unit for a predetermined period of time, a notification is issued to prompt input to the memory unit, thereby preventing missed entries of excretion records. For example, the excretion information management system can prevent forgetting to input when there is a high possibility that the user has forgotten to input information even though the user has used another toilet.

[0016] In the excretion information management system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the predetermined period is calculated based on the date and time information of the excretion recorded in the memory unit.

[0017] According to the excretion information management system according to one aspect of the embodiment, a predetermined period for determining the notification timing for prompting input to the storage unit is calculated from the date and time information of excretion, so that a notification can be issued to prompt manual input at an appropriate timing. For example, some people defecate more than twice a day, while others defecate once every three days. Therefore, the excretion information management system prompts input at an appropriate timing for the user. In the excretion information management system, the user is prompted to input information, but since the prompting is made at an appropriate timing, the user can be prevented from forgetting to input information without feeling bothered.

[0018] In an excretion information management system according to one aspect of the embodiment, an excretion record is estimated from the excretion record recorded in the memory unit, and the estimated excretion record is input to the input means before accepting the manual input of an excretion record of excretion in a toilet other than the toilet.

[0019] According to the excretion information management system according to one aspect of the embodiment, by inputting (displaying) the estimated information in advance to the input means, the user only needs to confirm the estimated information and correct any information that is different, which reduces the complexity of manual input and promotes manual input by the user. In this way, by inputting (displaying) the estimated information in advance to the input means before the user manually inputs the information, the user can easily register the excretion record without the hassle of manual input.

[0020] In an excretion information management system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the memory unit stores information on the position of the toilet together with the excretion record, and the display unit displays information on the position of the toilet where the excretion occurred together with the excretion record.

[0021] According to an excretion information management system according to one aspect of the embodiment, by displaying the location information of the toilet bowl where the excretion took place along with the excretion record, it is possible to allow the user to check the excretion history taking into account the location where the excretion took place. For example, when living a different lifestyle from everyday life, such as traveling, the excretion habits may be disturbed. In other words, the location of the toilet bowl where the excretion took place is an important parameter for managing the excretion habits. Therefore, the excretion information management system also displays the location information, which is useful for analyzing the excretion habits and, ultimately, for health management. Effect of the Invention

[0022] According to one aspect of the embodiment, information regarding excretion occurring in multiple toilets can be appropriately recorded and displayed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration inside a toilet room. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of an arrangement of sensors according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the excretion information management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the toilet seat device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a server device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a defecation information database according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of manual input of defecation information. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of manual input of defecation information. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of information display. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of information display. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an excretion information management system according to a modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a process of the excretion information management system. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display of an excretion record. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a display of an excretion record. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a display of an excretion record. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a mapped display. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a notification that prompts the user to make an input. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a display of estimated information. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the excretion information management system disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below.

[0025] <1. Embodiment> The excretion information management system according to each embodiment described below manages excretion information (hereinafter also referred to as "excretion record") related to the user's excretion based on information detected by a sensor. In the following example, a camera (two-dimensional image sensor) is used as an example of the stool property sensor 302, which is the detection unit (sensor). Note that any sensor can be used as the stool property sensor 302 as long as it can detect at least one of the presence or absence of stool excretion, the color, shape, and amount of stool, which will be described later.

[0026] <1-1. Configuration of the Excretion Information Management System> The configuration of the excretion information management system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration inside a toilet room. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the arrangement of sensors according to the embodiment. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the excretion information management system according to the embodiment.

[0027] First, an example of the configuration inside the toilet room R common to each embodiment of the excretion information management system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Hereinafter, the configuration inside the toilet room R shown in Figs. 1 and 2 may be collectively referred to as a toilet system TS. As shown in Fig. 1, in the toilet room R, a Western-style toilet bowl (hereinafter referred to as "toilet bowl") 7 is installed on a floor surface F. In the following, the direction facing the space of the toilet room R from the floor surface F is described as "up". The toilet seat device 2 is provided above the toilet bowl 7.

[0028] The toilet bowl 7 is made of ceramic, for example. A bowl portion 8 is formed in the toilet bowl 7. The bowl portion 8 is concave downwards and is the portion that receives the user's excrement. The toilet bowl 7 is not limited to a floor-standing type as shown in the figure, and may be of any type as long as the toilet system TS is applicable, such as a wall-mounted type. The toilet bowl 7 is provided with a rim portion 9 around the entire periphery of the edge of the opening facing the bowl portion 8. In the toilet room R, for example, a flush water tank that stores flush water may be installed near the toilet bowl 7, or a so-called tankless type in which no flush water tank is installed may be used.

[0029] For example, when a user operates a flushing operation unit (not shown) for flushing provided in the toilet room R, a toilet flush is performed by supplying flush water to the bowl portion 8 of the toilet 7. The flushing operation unit may be an operation lever, or a touch operation on a toilet flushing object displayed on the operation device 10. Note that the flushing operation unit is not limited to one that causes the toilet flush to be performed manually by the user, such as an operation lever, but may also be one that causes the toilet flush to be performed by human body detection by a sensor that detects the user, such as seat sensor 301.

[0030] The toilet seat device 2 is attached to the top of a toilet bowl 7, and includes a main body 3, a toilet lid 4, a toilet seat 5, and a flushing nozzle 6. The toilet seat device 2 is placed on top of the toilet bowl 7, which is formed with a bowl portion 8 that receives excrement. The toilet seat device 2 is placed on top of the toilet bowl 7 so that the flushing nozzle 6 advances into the bowl portion 8 before spraying flushing water. The toilet seat device 2 may be attached detachably to the toilet bowl 7, or may be attached so as to be integrated with the toilet bowl 7.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the toilet seat 5 is formed in an annular shape with an opening 50 in the center, and is positioned along the rim portion 9 so as to overlap the opening of the toilet bowl 7. A user sits on the toilet seat 5. The toilet seat 5 functions as a seating portion that supports the buttocks of the seated user. Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the toilet lid 4 and the toilet seat 5 are each pivotally supported at one end by the main body portion 3, and are attached so as to be rotatable (openable and closable) around the pivotal portion of the main body portion 3. The toilet lid 4 is attached to the toilet seat device 2 as necessary, and the toilet seat device 2 does not have to have a toilet lid 4.

[0032] The cleaning nozzle 6 is a nozzle for discharging water for cleaning. The cleaning nozzle 6 is capable of spraying cleaning water. The cleaning nozzle 6 is capable of spraying cleaning water toward the user. The cleaning nozzle 6 is a nozzle for cleaning private parts. The cleaning nozzle 6 is configured to be movable forward and backward with respect to the body cover 30, which is the housing of the main body 3, by driving a driving source such as an electric motor (such as the nozzle motor 61 in FIG. 4). The cleaning nozzle 6 is also connected to a water source such as a water pipe (not shown). Then, when the cleaning nozzle 6 is in a position advanced with respect to the body cover 30, which is the housing of the main body 3, as shown in FIG. 1 (hereinafter also referred to as the "advanced position"), it sprays water from the water source onto the user's body to clean the private parts.

[0033] 1 shows the cleaning nozzle 6 in the advanced position. The cleaning nozzle 6 may also be used to clean the inside of the toilet bowl 7 (bowl portion 8, etc.). The cleaning nozzle 6 may be used switchably between a private parts cleaning mode for cleaning the private parts of the user and a toilet bowl cleaning mode for spraying water inside the toilet bowl 7. For example, the cleaning nozzle 6 may be used switchably between the private parts cleaning mode and the toilet bowl cleaning mode under the control of the control unit 23 of the toilet seat device 2 (see FIG. 4).

[0034] The operating device 10 is provided in the toilet room R. The operating device 10 is provided in a position where it can be operated by a user. The operating device 10 is provided in a position where it can be operated when the user is seated on the toilet seat 5. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the operating device 10 is provided on a wall surface W on the right side as seen from a user seated on the toilet seat 5. Note that the operating device 10 may be provided in various ways, not limited to on a wall surface, as long as it is usable by a user seated on the toilet seat 5. For example, the operating device 10 may be provided integrally with the toilet seat device 2.

[0035] An example of the arrangement of the sensors will now be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 shows the toilet seat 5 in a raised state in order to illustrate the arrangement of the sensors, with the toilet lid 4 removed and the underside 51 of the toilet seat 5 opposite the surface on which the user sits (the seating surface).

[0036] 2 shows a state in which the cleaning nozzle 6 (see FIG. 1) is in a position where it is stored inside the main body cover 30 (hereinafter also referred to as the "storage position"). As shown in FIG. 2, when the cleaning nozzle 6 is in the storage position, the nozzle lid 60 is closed, and the cleaning nozzle 6 is hidden behind the nozzle lid 60. When cleaning is performed using the cleaning nozzle 6, the nozzle lid 60 is opened and the cleaning nozzle 6 protrudes from an opening in the main body cover 30 (an opening covered by the nozzle lid 60 in the closed state in FIG. 2), and the cleaning nozzle 6 transitions to an advanced state.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 2, a seating sensor 301 and a stool condition sensor 302, which are sensors used in the excretion information management system 1, are disposed on the back surface 51 side of the toilet seat 5. The seating sensor 301 may be detachable from the back surface 51 of the toilet seat 5, or may be fixed to the back surface 51 of the toilet seat 5. The seating sensor 301 may be included in the configuration of the toilet seat device 2. In addition, the stool condition sensor 302 may be detachable from the back surface 51 of the toilet seat 5, or may be fixed to the back surface 51 of the toilet seat 5. The stool condition sensor 302 may be included in the configuration of the toilet seat device 2.

[0038] The seating sensor 301 may use any detection method and may be placed in any location as long as it can detect a user sitting on the toilet seat 5. For example, if the seating sensor 301 is an infrared or μ (microwave) type distance sensor and detects a user sitting on the toilet seat 5 by distance, the seating sensor 301 may be placed in a position to detect a person's feet from the side of the toilet bowl 7 or in a position to detect a person's back from a tank attached to the toilet bowl 7. For example, if the seating sensor 301 detects a person's feet from the side of the toilet bowl 7, the seating sensor 301 may be placed near the outer periphery of the toilet bowl 7 shown in FIG. 2. For example, if the seating sensor 301 detects a person's back from a tank attached to the toilet bowl 7, the seating sensor 301 may be placed on the outer periphery of the tank provided at the rear of the toilet bowl 7 shown in FIG. 2. For example, if the seating sensor 301 is a distance sensor and detects a user sitting on the toilet seat 5 by distance, the seating sensor 301 may be placed around the toilet bowl 7. For example, if the seating sensor 301 detects sitting based on distance, it may be placed on the ceiling of the toilet room R. Or, for example, if the seating sensor 301 is a contact switch and detects the sinking of the toilet seat due to sitting, the seating sensor 301 may be placed on the pivot support part of the toilet seat 5. Or, for example, if the seating sensor 301 is a load sensor and detects sitting based on the weight placed on the toilet seat, the seating sensor 301 may be placed on the underside of the toilet seat 5, on the surface that comes into contact with the toilet bowl 7. Also, the stool condition sensor 302 may be placed anywhere as long as it is possible to detect stool excreted in the toilet bowl 7.

[0039] 3, the excretion information management system 1 includes a toilet system TS including a toilet seat device 2, an operating device 10, a seating sensor 301, and a stool condition sensor 302, a user terminal 200, and a server device 400. The excretion information management system 1 may include multiple toilet systems TS, multiple user terminals 200, and server devices 400. The case where multiple toilet systems TS are included will be described later.

[0040] The toilet seat device 2 is a device disposed in a toilet room R. The toilet seat device 2 communicates with each device (the operation device 10, the seating sensor 301, and the stool property sensor 302) of the toilet system TS, the user terminal 200, and the server device 400.

[0041] The toilet seat device 2 performs a process (personal identification) of acquiring information for identifying a user who uses the toilet bowl 7 in the toilet room R to perform excretion. For example, the toilet seat device 2 acquires information for identifying a user who uses the toilet bowl 7 to perform excretion by communicating with a user terminal 200 owned by the user, or by the user operating the operating device 10, and performs personal identification of the user. For example, the toilet seat device 2 communicates with the user terminal 200 owned by the user, and receives user identification information (user ID, etc.) for identifying the user from the user terminal 200. Note that the toilet seat device 2 may use any method to identify a user who uses the toilet bowl 7 in the toilet room R as long as it is possible to identify the user.

[0042] Furthermore, the toilet seat device 2 manages the acquired user identification information and excretion information (defecation information) related to the detected excretion (defecation) in association with each other. For example, the toilet seat device 2 transmits the acquired user identification information and excretion information (defecation information) to the server device 400 in association with each other. The server device 400 registers the received excretion information in the storage unit 420 in association with the received user identification information. Furthermore, the toilet seat device 2 may transmit the user identification information and the excretion information (defecation information) to the server device 400 in association with toilet seat identification information (toilet seat identification information) for identifying the toilet seat device 2. In this case, the server device 400 registers the received user identification information and information indicating a position (for example, a home or a school) corresponding to the toilet seat identification information in association with the received user identification information in the storage unit 420. Furthermore, the toilet seat device 2 may transmit the user identification information and the excretion information (defecation information) to the server device 400 in association with information (position information) indicating the arrangement position of the toilet seat device 2 in association with each other. In this case, the server device 400 associates the received user identification information with the received excretion information and position information, and registers them in the storage unit 420. Details of the configuration of the toilet seat device 2 will be described later.

[0043] The operation device 10 is connected to the toilet seat device 2 via a predetermined network so as to be able to communicate with it in a wired or wireless manner. For example, the operation device 10 may be connected to the toilet seat device 2 so as to be able to communicate with it by a predetermined wireless communication function such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Note that the toilet seat device 2 and the operation device 10 may be connected in any manner so long as they are able to transmit and receive information, and may be connected to each other in a wired or wireless manner so as to be able to communicate with each other. For example, the operation device 10 may be connected to the toilet seat device 2 via a network N so as to be able to communicate with each other in a wired or wireless manner.

[0044] The operation device 10 accepts various operations from the user via a display surface (e.g., display screen 11) using, for example, a touch panel function. The operation device 10 may also be provided with switches and buttons, and accept various operations via the switches and buttons. The display screen 11 is, for example, a display screen of a tablet terminal or the like realized by a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, and is a display device for displaying various information. In other words, the operation device 10 accepts input from the user via the display screen 11, and also outputs to the user. The display screen 11 is a display device for displaying various information.

[0045] The operation device 10 accepts a user's operation to stop a control being executed by the toilet seat device 2. The operation device 10 accepts a user's operation to start execution of private parts washing by the toilet seat device 2. The operation device 10 accepts an instruction from the user to the washing nozzle 6. The operation device 10 accepts a user's operation to cause the toilet seat device 2 to output a predetermined sound. The operation device 10 accepts a user's operation to perform a sterilization process to sterilize the washing nozzle 6 (see FIG. 1) of the toilet seat device 2 with disinfectant water. The operation device 10 accepts a user's operation to adjust the force of water discharged during private parts washing by the toilet seat device 2. The operation device 10 accepts a user's operation to adjust the volume of the sound output by the toilet seat device 2. The operation device 10 accepts a user's operation to select a language when information regarding toilet usage is displayed on the operation device 10 or output as audio.

[0046] For example, the operation device 10 may display an object that accepts the above-mentioned user's operation on the display screen 11, and execute various processes in response to the user's touch on the displayed object. For example, the operation device 10 may have a switch, button, etc. that accepts the above-mentioned user's operation, and execute various processes in response to the user's touch on the switch, button, etc. Note that the above is an example, and the operation device 10 may accept a user's operation that executes various processes.

[0047] The seating sensor 301 has a function of detecting a person sitting on the toilet seat device 2. The seating sensor 301 detects that a user has sat (seated) on the toilet bowl 7. The seating sensor 301 can detect the user sitting on the toilet seat 5. The seating sensor 301 also functions as a leaving detection sensor that detects the user leaving the toilet seat 5. The seating sensor 301 detects the seated state of the user on the toilet seat 5.

[0048] The seating sensor 301 is, for example, a switch that switches ON / OFF depending on the weight of a user sitting on the toilet seat 5. When the user sits down and the toilet seat 5 sinks, the seating sensor 301 is switched on, thereby detecting that the user has sat on the toilet bowl 7.

[0049] The above is just an example, and the seating sensor 301 may detect a person sitting on the toilet seat device 2 by various means other than the above. The seating sensor 301 transmits a seating detection signal to the toilet seat device 2.

[0050] The seating sensor 301 is connected to the toilet seat device 2 via a predetermined network so as to be able to communicate with it in a wired or wireless manner. For example, the seating sensor 301 may be connected to the toilet seat device 2 so as to be able to communicate with it by a predetermined wireless communication function such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Note that the toilet seat device 2 and the seating sensor 301 may be connected in any manner so long as they are able to transmit and receive information, and may be connected to each other in a wired or wireless manner so as to be able to communicate with each other. For example, the seating sensor 301 may be connected to the toilet seat device 2 via a network N so as to be able to communicate with each other in a wired or wireless manner.

[0051] The stool condition sensor 302 functions as a detector that detects defecation by capturing an image of the inside of the toilet bowl 7. The stool condition sensor 302 is a camera that captures images and generates a two-dimensional image. For example, the stool condition sensor 302 has an area sensor (two-dimensional image sensor) in which a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor is arranged in a planar (two-dimensional) manner.

[0052] The stool property sensor 302 photographs the water seal part of the toilet bowl 7 (for example, the part where the water seal part of the bowl part 8 accumulates). The stool property sensor 302 is disposed on the underside 51 of the toilet seat 5 in a position and orientation that allows it to detect (image) the water seal part of the toilet bowl 7. For example, the stool property sensor 302 is provided on the toilet seat 5 with its directivity directed toward the water seal part of the toilet bowl 7 when the toilet seat 5 is in a lowered state (a state in which a user is seated on the toilet seat 5 and can defecate). The stool property sensor 302 may be disposed in any manner as long as it is capable of detecting (imaging) the water seal part of the toilet bowl 7. The stool property sensor 302 may be disposed in any location as long as it is capable of photographing the water seal part of the toilet bowl 7. The stool property sensor 302 may photograph still images or may photograph moving images. The stool property sensor 302 may be disposed so as to photograph (detect) stool as it falls. In addition, if the inside of the toilet becomes dark when the user sits on the toilet seat and it is not possible to take a photograph with sufficient brightness, a light source (light-emitting unit) may be provided.

[0053] The stool property sensor 302 is connected to the toilet seat device 2 via a predetermined network so as to be able to communicate with the toilet seat device 2 in a wired or wireless manner. For example, the stool property sensor 302 may be connected to the toilet seat device 2 in a wired or wireless manner by a predetermined wireless communication function such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The toilet seat device 2 and the stool property sensor 302 may be connected in any manner as long as they are capable of transmitting and receiving information, and may be connected to each other in a wired or wireless manner so as to be able to communicate with each other. For example, the stool property sensor 302 may be connected to the toilet seat device 2 via a network N so as to be able to communicate with each other in a wired or wireless manner.

[0054] The stool property sensor 302 is not limited to an area sensor (two-dimensional image sensor) that captures two-dimensional images, and may be various sensors as long as it can detect at least one of the presence or absence of stool excretion, and the color, shape, and amount of stool. For example, the stool property sensor 302 may be a water level sensor. In this case, the stool property sensor 302 detects defecation by detecting a change in the water level in the water seal part of the toilet bowl 7. The stool property sensor 302 may also be a radiation thermometer. In this case, the stool property sensor 302 detects defecation by receiving infrared rays emitted from the defecation and detecting the radiation temperature.

[0055] Also, for example, the stool property sensor 302 may be a line sensor that captures a one-dimensional image. In this case, the toilet seat device 2 may capture images of the falling stool over time using the stool property sensor 302, generate a two-dimensional image from the one-dimensional image captured by the stool property sensor 302, and perform image processing based on the generated two-dimensional image. For example, the stool property sensor 302 may be an ultrasonic sensor. In this case, the stool property sensor 302 detects defecation by emitting ultrasonic waves to the defecation and receiving waves (ultrasound) reflected from the defecation. Note that the stool property sensor 302 may include a plurality of the above-mentioned sensors. For example, the stool property sensor 302 may include a camera and a radiation thermometer, and when defecation is detected by the radiation thermometer, the camera may capture a two-dimensional image. Note that the above is merely an example, and the stool property sensor 302 may have any configuration as long as it can detect at least one of the presence or absence of defecation, the color, shape, and amount of the stool.

[0056] The user terminal 200 functions as a display unit (display device) that displays various information (excretion information) related to the user's excretion, such as an excretion record. The user terminal 200 receives information indicating the excretion record from the toilet seat device 2, and displays the received information indicating the excretion record. For example, the user terminal 200 displays the excretion record in chronological order by the date and time of excretion.

[0057] For example, the user terminal 200 is a user terminal (computer) used by a user. The user terminal 200 is realized by, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a tablet terminal, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), or the like. For example, the user terminal 200 is connected to the toilet seat device 2 via a network N so as to be able to communicate with each other by wire or wirelessly. For example, the user terminal 200 may be connected to the toilet seat device 2 so as to be able to communicate with each other by a predetermined wireless communication function such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0058] The user terminal 200 transmits and receives information between the toilet seat device 2 and the server device 400. For example, the user terminal 200 receives information related to the user's excretion from the server device 400 and displays the received information. For example, the user terminal 200 receives content indicating the user's excretion record from the server device 400 and displays the received content.

[0059] The user terminal 200 may also have a sensor (position sensor) that detects the position of the user terminal 200. For example, the user terminal 200 may have a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor and detect the position of the user terminal 200 (user). For example, the user terminal 200 acquires information on the excretion site using a GPS function. The user terminal 200 may also acquire position information of a base station with which the user terminal 200 is communicating, or position information of the user terminal 200 (user) estimated using radio waves of WiFi (registered trademark) (Wireless Fidelity).

[0060] The user terminal 200 accepts input of excretion records of excretion in a toilet bowl other than the toilet bowl 7 of the toilet system TS. The user terminal 200 accepts manual input of excretion records of excretion in a toilet bowl other than the toilet bowl. The user terminal 200 displays the excretion records recorded in the defecation information database 421 of the server device 400. The user terminal 200 displays the excretion records in chronological order. The user terminal 200 displays information indicating the position of the toilet bowl where the excretion occurred together with the excretion records.

[0061] The server device 400 associates the received excretion information with the received user identification information and registers the same in the storage unit 420. Furthermore, when the received excretion information is an automatic record detected by the toilet seat device 2 of the toilet system TS, the server device 400 associates information indicating the automatic record (first label) with the received excretion information and registers the same in the storage unit 420. Furthermore, when the received excretion information is manually input by the user, the server device 400 associates information indicating the manual input (second label) with the received excretion information and registers the same in the storage unit 420.

[0062] The server device 400 is connected to the toilet seat device 2 and the user terminal 200 so as to be able to communicate with them via a wired or wireless connection via a predetermined network (network N) such as the Internet. Note that the server device 400 may be connected to the toilet seat device 2 and the user terminal 200 in any manner as long as it is possible to transmit and receive information, and may be connected to them so as to be able to communicate with them via a wired connection or wireless connection.

[0063] The server device 400 may have any configuration and arrangement as long as it can communicate with the toilet seat device 2 and the user terminal 200 and perform processing. For example, the server device 400 may be a portable terminal (device) such as a laptop computer that can be carried by an administrator of the excretion information management system 1. The server device 400 may also be arranged in the toilet room R.

[0064] Note that the above is merely an example, and the excretion information management system 1 can adopt any device configuration as long as it can realize the desired processing. For example, if the user terminal 200 has the function of the server device 400, the excretion information management system 1 does not need to have the server device 400. In this case, the user terminal 200 also functions as a recording unit (storage device) that manages defecation records and generates information to be displayed. In this case, the user terminal 200 communicates with the toilet seat device 2 and acquires the user's excretion information from the toilet seat device 2. For example, the user terminal 200 stores the user's excretion information acquired from the toilet seat device 2 in a storage unit of the user terminal 200 (corresponding to the storage unit 420 of the server device 400) and manages it as the user's excretion record.

[0065] Also, for example, the operation device 10 may function as a display unit that displays the excretion record. Also, both the operation device 10 and the user terminal 200 may be included in the excretion information management system 1 as devices that function as display units. Also, sensors (detection units) such as the stool condition sensor 302 included in the excretion information management system 1 may be included in the toilet seat device 2. Note that the above system configuration is merely an example, and the excretion information management system 1 may have any system configuration as long as the desired processing is possible.

[0066] Furthermore, the excretion information management system 1 may include sensors other than the seating sensor 301 and the stool condition sensor 302. For example, the excretion information management system 1 may include a human body detection sensor. The human body detection sensor has a function of detecting a human body. For example, the human body detection sensor is realized by a pyroelectric sensor using an infrared signal. For example, the human body detection sensor may be realized by a μ (microwave) wave sensor. Note that the above is 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 (such as a user) who has entered the toilet room R (see FIG. 1). The human body detection sensor transmits a detection signal to the toilet seat device 2.

[0067] <1-2. Functional configuration of the toilet seat device> Next, the functional configuration of the toilet seat device 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a toilet seat device according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the toilet seat device 2 includes a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, a control unit 23, a solenoid valve 71, a nozzle motor 61, and a cleaning nozzle 6. For example, the communication unit 21, the storage unit 22, and the control unit 23 are provided in the main body unit 3 of the toilet seat device 2. Note that Fig. 4 omits illustration of some of the configuration of the toilet seat device 2 described in Fig. 1 (such as the main body unit 3, the toilet seat 5, and the toilet bowl 7).

[0068] The communication unit 21 is realized by, for example, a communication device, a communication circuit, etc. The communication unit 21 is connected to a network N (see FIG. 3) by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from an external information processing device. For example, the communication unit 21 transmits and receives information to and from the operation device 10, the seating sensor 301, the stool property sensor 302, the user terminal 200, the server device 400, etc.

[0069] The communication unit 21 communicates with the server device 400 according to the control of the control unit 23. The communication unit 21 transmits excretion information acquired by detection by the stool condition sensor 302 to the server device 400. In addition, the communication unit 21 receives operation information indicating an operation by the user from the operation device 10.

[0070] The storage unit 22 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. For example, the storage unit 22 is a computer-readable recording medium that non-temporarily records data used by a program for determining stool characteristics, etc. The storage unit 22 stores various information such as information detected by the detection unit, and stores various information used in the determination process.

[0071] The memory unit 420 stores various information used in the judgment process related to stool, such as the properties of stool. For example, the memory unit 420 stores a threshold value used in the judgment process related to stool. For example, the memory unit 420 stores various models (judgment models) used in judgment related to stool. For example, it stores various judgment models used to judge the shape, color, amount, etc. of stool. The memory unit 22 stores information related to the measured time. The memory unit 22 stores information indicating the time required for defecation. Note that the above is merely an example, and the memory unit 22 stores various information related to stool.

[0072] The control unit 23 may be, for example, a control device that controls various configurations and processes. The control unit 23 is realized, for example, by a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU) executing a program (for example, a program for determining stool characteristics, etc., as disclosed herein) stored in the toilet seat device 2 using a RAM or the like as a working area. The control unit 23 is also realized, for example, by an integrated circuit such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0073] As shown in Fig. 4, control unit 23 has an acquisition unit 231, a clock unit 232, and a request unit 233, and realizes or executes the functions and actions of information processing described below. Note that the internal configuration of control unit 23 is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 4, and may be other configurations as long as they perform information processing described below.

[0074] The acquisition unit 231 acquires information. The acquisition unit 231 acquires various information from the memory unit 22. The acquisition unit 231 acquires detection information from a detection unit (sensor). The acquisition unit 231 receives information indicating detection by the seating sensor 301 from the seating sensor 301. The acquisition unit 231 receives information indicating detection by the stool property sensor 302 from the stool property sensor 302. The acquisition unit 231 receives various information indicating user operations, etc. from the operating device 10. The acquisition unit 231 stores the received various information in the memory unit 22.

[0075] The clock unit 232 acquires the time related to defecation. The clock unit 232 acquires the date and time when the excretion act was performed. The clock unit 232 acquires information indicating the date and time of excretion (date and time information). The clock unit 232 generates excretion information based on information detected by the sensor. The clock unit 232 transmits information to the server device 400 via the communication unit 21. For example, the clock unit 232 transmits excretion information of a user who uses the toilet seat device 2 to the server device 400. The clock unit 232 measures the time required for the user to defecate based on the information detected by the sensor. The clock unit 232 measures the time required for defecation.

[0076] The clock unit 232 detects the time. The clock unit 232 measures the time when the seating sensor 301 detects that the user has sat down. The clock unit 232 measures the time when the stool property sensor 302 first detects stool. The clock unit 232 acquires an excretion record consisting of the difference between the time when the seating sensor 301 detects that the user has sat down and the time when the stool property sensor 302 first detects stool. The clock unit 232 measures the time required for excretion in chronological order for each date and time of excretion. The clock unit 232 measures defecation over time based on detection by the stool property sensor 302.

[0077] The clock unit 232 functions as a determination unit that performs various determination processes. The clock unit 232 performs the determination process using information detected by the stool property sensor 302. The clock unit 232 performs the determination process using information stored in the storage unit 22. The clock unit 232 determines whether or not stool is included in the image captured by the stool property sensor 302. The clock unit 232 uses image recognition technology to determine whether or not stool is included in the image.

[0078] For example, the clock unit 232 uses an image as input and a model (feces determination model) that outputs information (score) indicating whether or not feces is included in the input image to determine whether or not feces is included in the image. In this case, the clock unit 232 compares the score output by the feces determination model to which the image is input with a threshold (first threshold), and determines that the image contains feces if the score is equal to or greater than the first threshold. The clock unit 232 also compares the score output by the feces determination model to which the image is input with the first threshold, and determines that the image does not contain feces if the score is less than the first threshold. Note that the above is merely an example, and the clock unit 232 may determine whether or not feces is included in the image by appropriately using various information.

[0079] The clock unit 232 also determines the amount of stool based on the image captured by the stool property sensor 302. For example, the clock unit 232 determines the amount of stool based on the proportion of stool in the image. For example, the clock unit 232 may determine the amount of stool using a score output by a stool determination model. When the score output by the stool determination model to which an image is input is equal to or greater than a first threshold and less than a second threshold, the clock unit 232 may determine the amount of stool to be "very small." The second threshold is assumed to be a value greater than the first threshold. When the score output by the stool determination model to which an image is input is equal to or greater than a second threshold and less than a third threshold, the clock unit 232 may determine the amount of stool to be "small." The third threshold is assumed to be a value greater than the second threshold.

[0080] In addition, the clock unit 232 may determine the amount of stool as "medium" or "standard" when the score output by the stool determination model to which the image is input is equal to or greater than the third threshold and less than the fourth threshold. The fourth threshold is assumed to be a value greater than the third threshold. In addition, the clock unit 232 may determine the amount of stool as "large" when the score output by the stool determination model to which the image is input is equal to or greater than the fourth threshold and less than the fifth threshold. The fifth threshold is assumed to be a value greater than the fourth threshold. In addition, the clock unit 232 may determine the amount of stool as "very large" when the score output by the stool determination model to which the image is input is equal to or greater than the fifth threshold. Note that the above five-level determination is merely an example, and the clock unit 232 may determine the amount of stool using various information as appropriate.

[0081] The clock unit 232 determines the properties of the stool from the detection result by the sensor. The clock unit 232 determines the properties of the user's stool by appropriately using various technologies that detect the properties of stool by optical methods. The clock unit 232 determines the properties of the stool corresponding to the stool image based on the stool image. For example, the clock unit 232 uses the stool image to determine the shape (also simply called "shape") of the stool corresponding to the stool image. The clock unit 232 uses the stool image to determine whether the shape of the stool corresponding to the stool image is one of multiple levels based on the shape. For example, the clock unit 232 uses the stool image to determine whether the shape of the stool corresponding to the stool image is one of the following: rolling, hard, cracked, banana-shaped, soft, muddy, and watery.

[0082] The clock unit 232 determines the shape of the stool from the detection result by the stool property sensor 302. The clock unit 232 determines the shape of the user's stool by appropriately using various techniques for detecting the shape of the stool by optical methods. The clock unit 232 determines whether the shape of the stool is round, hard, cracked, banana-shaped, soft, muddy, or watery by appropriately using various techniques related to classifying the shape of the stool. For example, the clock unit 232 may determine (judge) the shape of the stool based on various information (feature amounts) such as the length of the stool image in the falling direction and the number of stool pieces (lumps).

[0083] The clock unit 232 may determine the shape of the stool using a technique related to AI (artificial intelligence). For example, the clock unit 232 may determine the shape of the stool using a learning model (shape determination model) generated by machine learning. In this case, the shape determination model is trained in advance using teacher data indicating classification judgment. This teacher data includes multiple combinations of a stool image and a label (correct answer information) indicating the shape of the lump (stool) contained in the stool image (any of round, hard, cracked, banana-shaped, soft, muddy, and watery). For example, the shape determination model is a model that receives a stool image as input and outputs information indicating the shape of the lump (stool) contained in the input stool image. For example, the shape determination model is trained to output information of the label (shape of the stool) corresponding to the input stool image when a stool image is input. The shape determination model is trained appropriately using various techniques related to so-called supervised learning. In this case, the shape determination model is stored in the storage unit 22, and the clock unit 232 may determine the shape of the stool using the shape determination model stored in the storage unit 22. For example, the toilet seat device 2 may perform a learning process and generate a shape determination model. The above is merely an example, and the clock unit 232 may determine the shape of the stool by appropriately using various information. The above seven stages of rolling, hard, cracked, banana-shaped, soft, muddy, and watery are merely examples of shapes, and the clock unit 232 may determine other shapes, or may determine the shape to six stages or less. In addition, an example of determining whether the shape of the stool is one of multiple levels is shown here, but this is not the only option, and if multiple stool shapes are included in one excretion act, multiple stool shapes may be determined.

[0084] Also, for example, the clock unit 232 uses a stool image to determine the color of the stool corresponding to the stool image. The clock unit 232 uses the stool image to determine whether the color of the stool corresponding to the stool image is one of a plurality of levels based on color. For example, the clock unit 232 uses the stool image to determine whether the color of the stool corresponding to the stool image is one of yellow, light ochre, ochre, brown, dark brown, and dark dark brown.

[0085] The clock unit 232 determines the color of the stool from the detection result by the stool property sensor 302. The clock unit 232 determines the color of the user's stool by appropriately using various techniques for detecting the color of stool by optical methods. The clock unit 232 determines whether the color of the stool is yellow, light ochre, ochre, brown, dark brown, or dark dark brown by appropriately using various techniques related to classification of stool color. For example, the clock unit 232 determines (judges) the color of the stool based on various information (feature amounts) such as the brightness and lightness of a color image (RGB).

[0086] The clock unit 232 may determine the color of the stool using a technique related to AI (artificial intelligence). For example, the clock unit 232 may determine the color of the stool using a learning model (color judgment model) generated by machine learning. In this case, the color judgment model is trained in advance using teacher data indicating classification judgment. This teacher data includes a plurality of combinations of a stool image and a label (correct answer information) indicating the color of the lump (stool) contained in the stool image (any of yellow, light ochre, ochre, brown, dark brown, and dark dark brown). For example, the color judgment model is a model that receives a stool image as input and outputs information indicating the color of the lump (stool) contained in the input stool image. For example, the color judgment model is trained to output information of the label (color of stool) corresponding to the input stool image when a stool image is input. The learning of the color judgment model is performed by appropriately using various techniques related to so-called supervised learning. In this case, the color judgment model is stored in the storage unit 22, and the clock unit 232 may determine the color of the stool using the color judgment model stored in the storage unit 22. For example, the toilet seat device 2 may perform a learning process and generate a color determination model. The above is merely an example, and the clock unit 232 may appropriately use various information to determine the color of the stool. The above six stages of yellow, light ochre, ochre, brown, dark brown, and dark dark brown are merely an example of the color, and the clock unit 232 may determine other shapes or may determine five stages or less. In addition, an example of determining whether the color of the stool is one of multiple stages has been shown here, but this is not limited to this, and if multiple colors of stool are included in one excretion act, the multiple colors of stool may be determined. The various determination processes described above may be performed by the server device 400. For example, the determination of the stool properties such as the color of the stool may be performed by the server device 400 side, not by the toilet seat device 2 side. In this case, the server device 400 has the information used in the above-mentioned determination process and the function of the determination process, and the toilet seat device 2 transmits the information detected by the stool property sensor 302 to the server device 400. In this way, the server device 400 may have a function of the determination process of the clock unit 232. For example, the server device 400 may have the clock unit 232. In this case, the toilet seat device 2 does not need to include the clock unit 232.

[0087] The request unit 233 requests the server device 400 to register the excretion information of the detected user. The request unit 233 requests the server device 400 to register the excretion information by transmitting the excretion information to the server device 400 via the communication unit 21. The request unit 233 requests the server device 400 to register the excretion information as information of the user identified by the user identification information by transmitting the excretion information to the server device 400 together with the user identification information.

[0088] The control unit 23 also controls the nozzle motor 61 and the solenoid valve 71. The control unit 23 controls the nozzle motor 61 and the solenoid valve 71 based on a signal transmitted from the operating device 10. The control unit 23 controls the nozzle motor 61 based on a control instruction signal related to local washing transmitted from the operating device 10. The control unit 23 controls the nozzle motor 61 to advance and retract the cleaning nozzle 6. The control unit 23 controls the opening and closing of the solenoid valve 71. The control unit 23 transmits control information for controlling the stool property sensor 302 to the stool property sensor 302.

[0089] The control unit 23 also controls the toilet lid 4 and toilet seat 5 as shown in Fig. 1. The control unit 23 controls the toilet lid 4 and toilet seat 5 based on a signal transmitted from the operating device 10. The control unit 23 controls the toilet lid 4 based on a control instruction signal transmitted from the operating device 10 regarding the opening and closing of the toilet lid. The control unit 23 controls the toilet seat 5 based on a control instruction signal transmitted from the operating device 10 regarding the opening and closing of the seat. The control unit 23 transmits control information to the toilet lid 4 and toilet seat 5 via a wired connection. The control unit 23 may also transmit control information to the toilet lid 4 and toilet seat 5 wirelessly.

[0090] The control unit 23 determines whether or not the seating sensor 301 detects that a user is seated on the toilet seat 5. The control unit 23 determines whether or not the seating sensor 301 detects that a user is seated on the toilet seat 5. The control unit 23 has various components such as a calculation unit that executes calculations related to the above-mentioned control and a memory unit.

[0091] The solenoid valve 71 has a function of controlling the flow of a fluid by an electromagnetic method. The solenoid valve 71 switches between supplying and stopping tap water from a water supply pipe, for example. The solenoid valve 71 executes control of opening and closing in response to an instruction from the control unit 23.

[0092] The nozzle motor 61 is a drive source (motor) that drives the cleaning nozzle 6 to advance and retract. The nozzle motor 61 executes control to advance and retract the cleaning nozzle 6 relative to the body cover 30 of the main body 3. The nozzle motor 61 executes control to advance and retract the cleaning nozzle 6 in response to an instruction from the control unit 23.

[0093] <1-3. Functional configuration of server device> Next, the functional configuration of the server device will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server device according to the embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a server device 400, which is an example of the server device.

[0094] 5, the server device 400 includes a communication unit 410, a storage unit 420, and a control unit 430. The server device 400 may also include an input unit (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, etc.) for receiving various operations from an administrator of the server device 400, and a display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display, etc.) for displaying various information.

[0095] The communication unit 410 is realized by, for example, a communication circuit or the like. The communication unit 410 is connected to a network N (see FIG. 3) by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from an external information processing device. For example, the communication unit 410 transmits and receives information to and from the toilet seat device 2, the user terminal 200, and the like. For example, the communication unit 410 transmits information (content) indicating an excretion record to the user terminal 200.

[0096] The storage unit 420 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. For example, the storage unit 420 is a computer-readable recording medium that non-temporarily records data and the like used by a management program that manages excretion information and a generation program that generates information such as content to be provided. The storage unit 420 according to the embodiment has a defecation information database 421 as shown in FIG. 5. Note that the storage unit 420 stores various information, not limited to the defecation information database 421.

[0097] The defecation information database according to the embodiment stores various information related to the defecation of the user. For example, the defecation information database stores the defecation history of the user. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the defecation information database according to the embodiment. The defecation information database shown in FIG. 6 includes items such as "date", "time", "label", "location", "shape", "color", and "amount".

[0098] "Date" indicates the date (day) on which the excretory act took place. "Time" indicates the time (hour) on which the excretory act took place.

[0099] The "label" indicates the type of acquisition mode of the excretion information. For example, "automatic" is a first label indicating that the excretion information was automatically detected, and indicates that the excretion information was automatically detected by the toilet seat device 2. Also, "manual" is a second label indicating that the excretion information was manually input by the user, and indicates that the user who performed the excretory act input the excretion information. In this way, the data detected by the detection unit (sensor) is recorded with the label of automatically recorded data (first label). On the other hand, the manually input data is recorded with the label of manually recorded data (second label) assigned.

[0100] "Location" indicates the location where the excretion behavior corresponding to the excretion information occurred. Note that in the example of Fig. 6, information indicating the relationship between the user and the location, such as home or school, is registered as the "location," but the "location" may be various types of information related to the location (position), such as specific latitude and longitude (latitude and longitude information), information indicating the area, or the name of the building where the excretion behavior occurred.

[0101] "Shape" indicates the shape of the obtained stool. For "shape", classification results into multiple shapes such as "hard", "cracked", "banana-shaped", "soft", "mudgy", and "watery" are registered. Note that the above is merely an example, and "shape" is not limited to the above, and information indicating various shapes may be registered.

[0102] "Color" indicates the color of the acquired stool. For example, the "color" is registered as a classification result into a plurality of colors such as "yellow," "light ocher," "ocher," "brown," "dark brown," and "dark brown." For example, the colors are darker in the order of "yellow," "light ocher," "ocher," "brown," "dark brown," and "dark brown," with "dark brown" being the darkest color. Note that the above is merely an example, and "color" is not limited to the above, and information indicating various colors may be registered.

[0103] "Amount" indicates the amount of stool obtained. For example, the "amount" is registered as a classification into multiple colors such as "very large," "large," "medium," "small," and "very small." For example, the amount decreases in order of "very large," "large," "medium," "small," and "very small," with "very small" being the smallest amount of stool. Note that the above is merely an example, and the "amount" is not limited to the above, and information indicating various amounts may be registered.

[0104] The example in Fig. 6 shows a state in which excretion information of an excretion act performed at 7:15 on January 5th, and excretion information of an excretion act performed at 7:30 on January 7th, etc. are registered. Note that for the sake of explanation, Fig. 6 shows a state in which excretion information of one user (hereinafter referred to as "user U") is registered, but when managing excretion information of multiple users, identification information for identifying the user (user identification information) is registered in association with each piece of excretion information.

[0105] For example, the excretion information of the excretion act performed at 7:30 on January 7th indicates that it was automatically registered. In other words, the excretion information of the excretion act performed at 7:30 on January 7th indicates that it was excretion information detected by the toilet seat device 2. Also, it indicates that the place where the excretion act performed at 7:30 on January 7th was performed was at home. Also, it indicates that the characteristics of the stool of the excretion act performed at 7:30 on January 7th were banana-shaped, dark brown in color, and a small amount.

[0106] For example, the excretion information of the excretion act performed at 7:15 on January 5th indicates that it was manually registered. In other words, the excretion information of the excretion act performed at 7:15 on January 5th indicates that it was excretion information entered by user U. In addition, it indicates that the location of the excretion act performed at 7:15 on January 5th was school. In addition, it indicates that the characteristics of the stool of the excretion act performed at 7:15 on January 5th were banana-shaped, yellowish in color, and a large amount.

[0107] The defecation information database 121 may store various information according to the purpose, not limited to the above. As described above, the defecation information database 121 in FIG. 6 stores the defecation information of a plurality of users. For example, the defecation information database 421 may store a stool image as the defecation information. The defecation information database 421 stores information about the stool corresponding to the stool image in association with the stool image. The defecation information database 421 stores the judgment result (shape, color, amount, etc.) judged about the stool corresponding to the stool image in association with the stool image. The defecation information database 421 stores information such as the properties of the stool corresponding to the stool image and the amount of the stool corresponding to the stool image. The defecation information database 421 may also store the date and time when 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.

[0108] The control unit 430 is realized, for example, by a CPU, a GPU, or the like executing a program (for example, a management program or a generation program according to the present disclosure) stored in the server device 400 using a RAM or the like as a working area. The control unit 430 is also realized, for example, by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA.

[0109] 5, control unit 430 has reception unit 431, registration unit 432, and provision unit 433, and realizes or executes the functions and actions of information processing described below. Note that the internal configuration of control unit 430 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 5, and may be other configurations as long as they perform information processing described below.

[0110] The reception unit 431 receives information. The reception unit 431 receives information to be stored in the memory unit 420. The reception unit 431 receives information manually input by the user. The reception unit 431 receives information input by the user operating the user terminal 200. The reception unit 431 receives input of excretion records to be added to and registered in the defecation information database 421. The reception unit 431 receives input of excretion records of excretion in a toilet other than the toilet bowl 7 of the toilet system TS. The reception unit 431 receives, from the user terminal 200, input of defecation records manually input by the user to the user terminal 200. The reception unit 431 receives manual input of excretion records of the user's excretion in a toilet other than the toilet bowl 7 of the toilet system TS.

[0111] The reception unit 431 also functions as an acquisition unit that acquires information. The reception unit 431 acquires various information from the storage unit 420. The reception unit 431 receives various information from the toilet seat device 2 and the user terminal 200. The reception unit 431 receives information related to stool from the toilet seat device 2. The reception unit 431 receives an excretion record from the toilet seat device 2. The reception unit 431 receives stool images (data) from the toilet seat device 2. The reception unit 431 is provided in the toilet seat device 2 that is placed on top of the toilet bowl 7 in which the bowl portion 8 that receives excrement is formed, and acquires stool images based on information from the stool property sensor 302 to detect stool. The reception unit 431 stores the acquired stool images in the defecation information database 421.

[0112] The registration unit 432 performs a process of registering various types of information. The registration unit 432 registers the excretion information (excretion record) acquired from the toilet seat device 2. The registration unit 432 stores the excretion information in the storage unit 420. For example, the registration unit 432 registers the excretion information in the defecation information database 421 in association with the user identification information.

[0113] The registration unit 432 registers the information received by the reception unit 431 in the storage unit 420. The registration unit 432 stores the excretion record of the manual excretion on a toilet other than the toilet 7 received by the reception unit 431 in the defecation information database 421. The registration unit 432 automatically records the excretion record including the excretion information detected by various sensors (detection units) and the date and time information of the excretion acquired by the clock unit 232 in the defecation information database 421. For example, the registration unit 432 assigns a first label to the excretion record acquired by detection of the toilet seat device 2 and stores it in the defecation information database 421. For example, the registration unit 432 assigns a second label to the excretion record manually input by the user using the user terminal 200 and stores it in the defecation information database 421. For example, the registration unit 432 assigns a first label to the excretion record received from the toilet seat device 2 and stores it in the defecation information database 421, and assigns a second label to the excretion record received from the user terminal 200 and stores it in the defecation information database 421. The registration unit 432 stores information on the position of the toilet bowl together with the excretion record in the defecation information database 421.

[0114] The providing unit 433 provides information. The providing unit 433 transmits information to an external information processing device via the communication unit 410. For example, the providing unit 433 transmits various information to the user terminal 200 and the toilet seat device 2. The providing unit 433 transmits the excretion record stored in the storage unit 420 to the user terminal 200, etc.

[0115] The providing unit 433 functions as a generating unit that performs a generating process of various information. The providing unit 433 generates content showing the excretion record to be displayed on the user terminal 200. The providing unit 433 generates a screen (content) showing the excretion record. For example, the providing unit 433 generates content (image information) to be provided to the user terminal 200 by appropriately using various technologies related to image generation, image processing, etc. For example, the providing unit 433 generates a screen (image information) to be provided to the user terminal 200 by appropriately using various technologies such as Java (registered trademark). Note that the providing unit 433 may generate content (image information) to be provided to the user terminal 200 based on the format of CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), JavaScript (registered trademark), or HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language). For example, the providing unit 433 may generate content in various formats such as JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), GIF (Graphics Interchange Format), and PNG (Portable Network Graphics). The providing unit 433 transmits the generated content to the user terminal 200 etc. For example, the providing unit 433 generates a manual input screen and transmits the generated manual input screen to the user terminal 200.

[0116] The providing unit 433 functions as a notification unit (alert unit) that performs notification processing of various information. When there is no record in the defecation information database 421 for a predetermined period of time, the providing unit 433 issues an alert to encourage input to the defecation information database 421. When there is no registration of the user's excretion record for a period of time that exceeds the user's excretion interval, the providing unit 433 transmits notification content (for example, the display screen of the user terminal 200 in FIG. 17) to the user terminal 200 to encourage the user to input excretion information, and causes the user terminal 200 to display the notification content.

[0117] The providing unit 433 functions as an estimation unit that performs estimation processing of various information. The providing unit 433 calculates a predetermined period based on an estimated date and time of excretion estimated from the date and time information of excretion recorded in the defecation information database 421. For example, the providing unit 433 calculates a predetermined period based on the date and time information of excretion recorded in the defecation information database 421. The providing unit 433 calculates the user's excretion interval from the date and time information of excretion recorded in the defecation information database 421. The providing unit 433 calculates the average interval between excretions recorded in the defecation information database 421 as the user's excretion interval.

[0118] For example, the providing unit 433 estimates the next excretion date and time (estimated date and time) from the user's latest (last) excretion date and time and the user's excretion interval. For example, if the last excretion date and time is January 5th, 8:00 and the user's excretion interval is 24 hours, the providing unit 433 estimates that the expected next excretion date and time (estimated date and time) is January 6th, 8:00. In this case, the providing unit 433 calculates the difference (24 hours) between the last excretion date and time "January 5th, 8:00" and the estimated date and time "January 6th, 8:00" as the predetermined period. For example, if an excretion record has not been registered 24 hours after January 5th, 8:00, the providing unit 433 notifies the user to prompt him to input an excretion record.

[0119] The providing unit 433 estimates an excretion record from the excretion record recorded in the defecation information database 421, and inputs the estimated excretion record to the input means. The providing unit 433 provides content including the estimated information. The providing unit 433 generates a manual input screen (content) in which estimated information corresponding to the user is preset, and provides it to the user terminal 200. The estimation of information will be described later.

[0120] <1-4. Manual input example> Here, acquisition of excretion information regarding excretion performed by a user in a toilet (toilet bowl) that does not have an automatic recording function, such as a toilet other than the toilet system TS (also called a "healthy toilet"), will be described. For example, when a user performs an excretion act in a normal toilet (toilet bowl) in which a toilet seat device 2 is not arranged, the excretion information management system 1 accepts manual input of excretion information by the user. This point will be described with reference to Figs. 7 and 8. Figs. 7 and 8 are diagrams showing an example of manual input of defecation information. Specifically, Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a transition of display in manual input of defecation information. Also, Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for selecting manual input. Note that in Fig. 7, the user terminal 200 is shown as a user terminal 200-1 and a user terminal 200-2 according to the transition of display, but when the same user terminal 200 is described without distinction, it may be described as "user terminal 200".

[0121] In the example of FIG. 7, the user U excretes in a normal toilet (toilet bowl TL) without an automatic recording function. In this case, the excretion information management system 1 accepts manual input of excretion information by the user, as shown in the user terminal 200-1. For example, the excretion information management system 1 causes the user terminal 200 to display a button BT1 indicating "Enter excretion in another toilet" along with information INF1 indicating the previous excretion record, as shown in the user terminal 200-1. Note that the server device 400 may generate content including the information indicated in the user terminal 200-1 and transmit it to the user terminal 200. The received information may then be displayed on the user terminal 200.

[0122] In the example shown in FIG. 7, the user terminal 200-1 displays information INF1 indicating the excretion record at 7:30 on January 7 as the latest excretion record of the user U. The user terminal 200-1 also displays a button BT1 for allowing the user to perform manual input. When the button BT1 is selected by the user U, the user terminal 200 transitions the display to a screen that accepts the input of excretion information (also referred to as a "manual input screen"), as shown in the user terminal 200-2. For example, the user U transitions the display of the user terminal 200 to the manual input screen by touching the area of ​​the user terminal 200 where the button BT1 is displayed with the hand UA. For example, when the button BT1 is selected, the user terminal 200 requests the manual input screen from the server device 400 and displays the manual input screen received from the server device 400.

[0123] In the example shown in FIG. 7, the user terminal 200-2 displays a manual input screen for accepting manual input of each item such as excretion time, stool shape, stool amount, stool color, and excretion location. The user U manually inputs each item such as excretion time, stool shape, stool amount, stool color, and excretion location displayed on the user terminal 200-2. After completing the manual input, the user U causes the user terminal 200 to register the manually input information. For example, the user U causes the user terminal 200 to register the manually input information by selecting a button (such as button BT31 in FIG. 18) for registering the manually input information. For example, the user terminal 200 transmits the excretion information manually input by the user U to the server device 400, thereby requesting the server device 400 to register the excretion information manually input by the user U. The server device 400 receives the excretion information manually input by the user U from the user terminal 200, and registers the excretion information manually input by the user U in the defecation information database 421 by correlating the excretion information manually input by the user U with information indicating manual input (second label) and the user identification information of the user U.

[0124] For example, if the toilet where a person regularly uses the toilet, such as at home, has a function for acquiring (automatically recording) excretion information, a lot of data can be acquired automatically, and there is no need to go through the trouble of keeping an excretion record. However, if the person uses the toilet at another place, such as at work or school, data will be lost and the excretion record cannot be interpreted correctly. Therefore, the excretion information management system 1 can acquire more sufficient history data by having the user manually input data from other toilets, eliminating data loss.

[0125] The excretion information management system 1 may collect excretion information by various means. This point will be described with reference to FIG. 8. The user terminal 200 in FIG. 8 displays a first button BT2 for allowing the user to perform manual input and a second button BT3 for communicating with other toilets. For example, when the first button BT2 is selected by the user U, the user terminal 200 transitions the display to a manual input screen that accepts input of excretion information, as shown in the user terminal 200-2 in FIG. 7.

[0126] Also, for example, when the second button BT3 is selected by the user U, the user terminal 200 executes a process of searching for whether or not there is a toilet with an automatic recording function that can communicate. For example, the user terminal 200 determines whether or not there is a toilet that can communicate nearby by short-range communication or the like. For example, the user U holds the user terminal 200 such as his / her smartphone over the toilet bowl, temporarily registers an ID (user identification information, etc.) on the toilet bowl, collates the ID, and associates the detection result (excretion information) with information (first label) indicating automatic recording and stores it in the server device 400. Also, when there is a toilet with an automatic recording function that can communicate, the user terminal 200 may register the toilet in advance, and by selecting the registered toilet when using the toilet, the excretion information detected by the toilet may be registered in the server device 400 as information on excretion by the user U. By registering the toilet in advance, the effort of temporary registration and collation of IDs can be eliminated. As a result, the excretion information management system 1 may increase the number of toilets that can automatically record to a plurality of toilets like the excretion information management system 1A. For example, if there is a toilet with an automatic recording function with which the user terminal 200 can communicate, the user terminal 200 may communicate with the toilet to receive excretion information detected by the toilet from the toilet, and transmit the received excretion information to the server device 400. Note that the above is merely an example, and the excretion information management system 1 may acquire and manage excretion information of users in toilets other than the toilet system TS by various processes as long as it is possible to acquire excretion information of users.

[0127] <1-5. Information display example> Here, an example of information display will be described with reference to Figs. 9 and 10. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of information display. Specifically, Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of information display on the user terminal 200 of a user who is using a toilet system TS (healthy toilet) in which the toilet seat device 2 is arranged. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing another example of information display. Specifically, Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of information display on the user terminal 200 of a user who is not using the toilet system TS (healthy toilet) in which the toilet seat device 2 is arranged, for example, who is using a normal toilet (toilet bowl) in which the toilet seat device 2 is not arranged.

[0128] 9 and 10 may be generated by the server device 400 and provided to the user terminal 200. For example, the server device 400 may determine whether or not the user is using the toilet system TS (healthy toilet) in which the toilet seat device 2 is arranged based on the location information of the user terminal 200 acquired from the user terminal 200, and provide the information to the user terminal 200 based on the determination result. In this case, when the server device 400 determines that the user is using the toilet system TS (healthy toilet) in which the toilet seat device 2 is arranged, it provides the information as shown in FIG. 9 to the user terminal 200. Also, when the server device 400 determines that the user is not using the toilet system TS (healthy toilet) in which the toilet seat device 2 is arranged, it provides the information as shown in FIG. 10 to the user terminal 200. The user terminal 200 displays the information received from the server device 400. In addition, the user terminal 200 may determine whether or not the user is using the toilet system TS (healthy toilet) in which the toilet seat device 2 is arranged, without going through the server device 400, and display either Figure 9 or Figure 10 based on the determination result.

[0129] First, Fig. 9 will be described. The user terminal 200 in Fig. 9 shows an example of a display when a user is using a toilet system TS (healthy toilet) in which the toilet seat device 2 is arranged. The button BT11 displayed with "View Results Now" is used when viewing data in the toilet. For example, when the button BT11 is selected, the user terminal 200 displays the latest detection result (excretion information).

[0130] Moreover, the button BT12 indicating "download results" is used to view data that has been automatically acquired and stored in a storage unit (e.g., defecation information database 421). For example, when the button BT12 is selected, the user terminal 200 requests the user's latest unconfirmed excretion information from the server device 400, and displays the latest excretion information acquired from the server device 400.

[0131] Moreover, the button BT13 indicating "View past results" is used to view data that has been automatically and manually acquired and stored in a storage unit (e.g., defecation information database 421). For example, when the button BT13 is selected, the user terminal 200 requests the user's past excretion information from the server device 400, and displays the past excretion information acquired from the server device 400.

[0132] Moreover, button BT14 displayed as "Manually register result" is used when the user manually inputs. When the user is using the toilet system TS (healthy toilet) in which the toilet seat device 2 is arranged, button BT14 is displayed in an unselectable state. In FIG. 9, the user terminal 200 displays button BT14 in an unselectable state. In this way, when the user is using the toilet system TS (healthy toilet), the user terminal 200 displays buttons BT11, BT12, and BT13 other than button BT14 in a selectable state.

[0133] Next, Fig. 10 will be described. The user terminal 200 in Fig. 10 shows a display example in which a user is using a normal toilet (a toilet other than a health toilet) in which the toilet seat device 2 is not installed. Note that the description of the same points as in Fig. 9 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0134] When the user is using a normal toilet (a toilet other than a health toilet) in which the toilet seat device 2 is not installed, the button BT11 is displayed in an unselectable state. In Fig. 10, since the user is using a normal toilet (a toilet other than a health toilet) in which the toilet seat device 2 is not installed, the user terminal 200 displays the button BT11 in an unselectable state.

[0135] Furthermore, when the user is using a normal toilet (a toilet other than a health toilet) in which the toilet seat device 2 is not installed, the user terminal 200 displays buttons BT12, BT13, and BT14 other than button BT11 in a selectable state. For example, when button BT12 is selected, the user terminal 200 requests the server device 400 for the user's latest unconfirmed excretion information, and displays the latest excretion information acquired from the server device 400. For example, when button BT13 is selected, the user terminal 200 requests the server device 400 for the user's past excretion information, and displays the past excretion information acquired from the server device 400. Furthermore, when button BT14 is selected, the user terminal 200 displays a screen for accepting input of excretion information (for example, a manual input screen of the user terminal 200-2 in FIG. 7).

[0136] <2. Modifications> As described above, there may be a plurality of toilet systems TS that automatically record excretion records. This point will be described below. In the excretion information management system 1A according to the modified example, the description of the same points as those of the excretion information management system 1 according to the embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0137] <2-1. Configuration of the Excretion Information Management System> The configuration of the excretion information management system according to the modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the excretion information management system according to the modified example.

[0138] 11, the excretion information management system 1A includes a toilet system TS1, a toilet system TS2, a user terminal 200, and a server device 400. Like the toilet system TS described in the embodiment, the toilet system TS1 and the toilet system TS2 include a toilet seat device 2, an operating device 10, a seating sensor 301, and a stool property sensor 302. When the toilet system TS1 and the toilet system TS2 are described without distinction, they may be referred to as the toilet system TS.

[0139] In this way, the excretion information management system 1A includes multiple toilet systems TS having an automatic recording function, such as the toilet system TS1 and the toilet system TS2. That is, the excretion information management system 1A shows an example of a system in which there are multiple toilet systems TS (healthy toilets) in which toilet seat devices 2 are arranged. Note that the toilet system TS of the excretion information management system 1A may be registered as a toilet system TS (healthy toilet) that automatically records the excretion information of a user U, for example, by the user U holding a user terminal 200 such as his / her smartphone over the toilet seat device 2 or the like to perform registration. For example, the toilet system TS2 may be registered as a toilet system TS (healthy toilet) that automatically records the excretion information of a user U, for example, by the user U holding the user terminal 200 over the toilet seat device 2 or the like during use to register the toilet system TS2.

[0140] <2-1. Example of processing in the excretion information management system> An example of processing in the excretion information management system will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of processing in the excretion information management system.

[0141] In the example of Fig. 12, a user U performs an excretory act on the toilet bowl 7 on which the toilet seat device 2 of the toilet system TS1 is disposed. Then, the toilet seat device 2 transmits the detected excretion information of the user U to the server device 400 (step S1). The toilet seat device 2 of the toilet system TS1 transmits the excretion information including the detected date and time in association with user identification information for identifying the user U to the server device 400. The toilet seat device 2 of the toilet system TS1 may also transmit information indicating the position of the toilet system TS1 (position information) to the server device 400.

[0142] Then, the server device 400 associates the received user identification information of the user U with the received excretion information and information (first label) indicating automatic recording, and registers them in the defecation information database 421 (step S2).

[0143] The user U then performs an excretory act on the toilet bowl 7 on which the toilet seat device 2 of the toilet system TS2 is disposed. The toilet seat device 2 then transmits the detected excretion information of the user U to the server device 400 (step S3). The toilet seat device 2 of the toilet system TS2 associates the excretion information including the detected date and time with user identification information for identifying the user U and transmits them to the server device 400. The toilet seat device 2 of the toilet system TS2 may also transmit information indicating the position of the toilet system TS2 (position information) to the server device 400.

[0144] Then, the server device 400 associates the received user identification information of the user U with the received excretion information and information indicating automatic recording (first label) and registers them in the defecation information database 421 (step S4). This allows the server device 400 to register the excretion information of the user U detected in different toilet systems TS, such as the toilet system TS1 and the toilet system TS2, as the excretion history of the same person, user U.

[0145] The server device 400 provides information indicating the excretion history of the user U to the user terminal 200 used by the user U (step S5). For example, in response to a request from the user terminal 200 used by the user U, the server device 400 transmits information indicating the excretion history of the user U to the user terminal 200 used by the user U. The user terminal 200 then displays the information received from the server device 400 (step S6). This allows the user U to check the excretion records of excretion performed in multiple different toilet systems TS (toilets), such as the toilet system TS1 and the toilet system TS2, all at once.

[0146] <3. Display example> From here, an example of display of the excretion record by the user terminal 200 will be described with reference to Figs.

[0147] First, examples of display of excretion records by type such as shape, color, and amount of stool are shown with reference to Figs. 13 to 15. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of display of excretion records. Specifically, Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of display of excretion records related to shape of stool. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of display of excretion records. Specifically, Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of display of excretion records related to color of stool. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of display of excretion records. Specifically, Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of display of excretion records related to amount of stool. Figs. 13 to 15 show a line graph as an example of display mode of excretion records. Note that the display mode of excretion records is not limited to line graphs, and may be other types of graphs such as bar graphs, pie charts, radar charts, and bubble charts showing the count number of each shape by the size of a circle, calendar format, or character information, or may be a display mode in which a plurality of these are displayed.

[0148] <3-1. Example of stool shape display> First, a description will be given of Fig. 13. For example, the server device 400 generates a graph GR1 in which shape information from the excretion information (excretion record) stored for each date and time is arranged in chronological order. The server device 400 generates the graph GR1, which is a line graph whose vertical axis indicates one of "rolly," "hard," "cracked," "banana-shaped," "soft," "muddy," and "watery," and whose horizontal axis indicates the date.

[0149] In the example of FIG. 13, the server device 400 uses the user U's excretion records for about 10 days from December 26th to January 7th to generate a graph GR1 that chronologically arranges the shapes of the user U's stool for about 10 days. The server device 400 generates the graph GR1 to which information manually input by the user U from the user U's excretion records for about 10 days from December 26th to January 7th is added, indicating that the information was manually input. The server device 400 refers to the defecation information database 421, and generates the graph GR1 to which information indicating that the information was manually input for December 28th and January 5th, which are associated with the second label (manual), is added, from the user U's excretion records for about 10 days from December 26th to January 7th is added, from which the server device 400 generates the graph GR1.

[0150] Then, the server device 400 transmits information (contents) including the graph GR1 shown in Fig. 13 to the user terminal 200. The user terminal 200 receives the information (contents) including the graph GR1 shown in Fig. 13 from the server device 400. Then, the user terminal 200 displays the information (contents) including the graph GR1 shown in Fig. 13. Note that the user terminal 200 may accept re-input by the user for December 28 and January 5, which are associated with the second label (manual).

[0151] For example, when December 28 or January 5 in the displayed graph GR1 is selected by the user, the user terminal 200 may display a screen for accepting input of stool shape (e.g., the manual input screen of the user terminal 200-2 in FIG. 7) and accept re-input of stool shape by the user. When the user re-inputs stool shape, the user terminal 200 transmits the stool shape information re-input by the user from the server device 400 together with the corresponding date and time information. The server device 400 updates the received date and time information of the stool shape to the stool shape information re-input by the user.

[0152] <3-2. Example of stool color display> Next, Fig. 14 will be described. For example, the server device 400 generates a graph GR2 in which color information from the excretion information (excretion record) stored for each date and time is arranged in chronological order. The server device 400 generates the graph GR2, which is a line graph whose vertical axis indicates any one of yellow, light yellow ochre, yellow ochre, brown, dark brown, and dark dark brown, and whose horizontal axis indicates the date.

[0153] In the example of FIG. 14, the server device 400 uses the user U's excretion records for about 10 days from December 26th to January 7th to generate a graph GR2 that chronologically arranges the colors of the user U's stool for about 10 days. The server device 400 generates the graph GR2 to which information manually input by the user U from the user U's excretion records for about 10 days from December 26th to January 7th is added, indicating that the information was manually input. The server device 400 refers to the defecation information database 421, and generates the graph GR2 to which information indicating that the information was manually input for December 28th and January 5th, which are associated with the second label (manual), is added, from the user U's excretion records for about 10 days from December 26th to January 7th.

[0154] Then, the server device 400 transmits information (contents) including the graph GR2 shown in Fig. 14 to the user terminal 200. The user terminal 200 receives the information (contents) including the graph GR2 shown in Fig. 14 from the server device 400. Then, the user terminal 200 displays the information (contents) including the graph GR2 shown in Fig. 14. Note that the user terminal 200 may accept re-input by the user for December 28 and January 5, which are associated with the second label (manual).

[0155] For example, when December 28 or January 5 in the displayed graph GR2 is selected by the user, the user terminal 200 may display a screen for accepting input of stool color (e.g., the manual input screen of the user terminal 200-2 in FIG. 7) and accept re-input of the stool color by the user. When the user re-inputs the stool color, the user terminal 200 transmits the stool color information re-input by the user from the server device 400 together with the corresponding date and time information. The server device 400 updates the stool color information for the received date and time to the stool color information re-input by the user.

[0156] <3-3. Example of stool volume display> Next, Fig. 15 will be described. For example, the server device 400 generates a graph GR3 in which the amount of information among the excretion information (excretion record) stored for each date and time is arranged in chronological order. The server device 400 generates the graph GR3, which is a line graph whose vertical axis indicates either very much, much, medium, little, or very little, and whose horizontal axis indicates the date.

[0157] In the example of FIG. 15, the server device 400 uses the user U's excretion records for about 10 days from December 26th to January 7th to generate a graph GR3 that chronologically arranges the amount of stool of the user U during those about 10 days. The server device 400 generates the graph GR3 to which information manually input by the user U from the excretion records for about 10 days from December 26th to January 7th is added, indicating that the information was manually input. The server device 400 refers to the defecation information database 421, and generates the graph GR3 to which information indicating that the information was manually input for December 28th and January 5th, which are associated with the second label (manual), is added, from the user U's excretion records for about 10 days from December 26th to January 7th is added, from which the server device 400 generates the graph GR3.

[0158] Then, the server device 400 transmits information (contents) including the graph GR3 shown in Fig. 15 to the user terminal 200. The user terminal 200 receives the information (contents) including the graph GR3 shown in Fig. 15 from the server device 400. Then, the user terminal 200 displays the information (contents) including the graph GR3 shown in Fig. 15. Note that the user terminal 200 may accept re-input by the user for December 28 and January 5, which are associated with the second label (manual).

[0159] For example, when December 28 or January 5 in the displayed graph GR3 is selected by the user, the user terminal 200 may display a screen for accepting input of the amount of feces (e.g., the manual input screen of the user terminal 200-2 in FIG. 7) and accept re-input of the amount of feces by the user. When the user re-inputs the amount of feces, the user terminal 200 transmits information on the amount of feces re-input by the user from the server device 400 together with information on the corresponding date and time. The server device 400 updates the information on the amount of feces for the received date and time to the information on the amount of feces re-input by the user.

[0160] <3-4. Location display examples> The display mode of the excretion records is not limited to by type, and may be various display modes. For example, the user terminal 200 may display the characters and numbers of the excretion records in chronological order. In this case, the server device 400 generates content (content CX) in which the characters and numbers of the excretion records are arranged in chronological order, and transmits it to the user terminal 200. Then, the user terminal 200 displays the received content CX. For example, the user terminal 200 may display the defecation information database 421 shown in FIG. 6.

[0161] Furthermore, the user terminal 200 may display the excretion record in association with the location. This will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a map display.

[0162] For example, the server device 400 refers to the excretion information (excretion records) stored for each date and time, and counts the number of excretion acts for each location (area). In the example of FIG. 16, the server device 400 counts the number of excretion acts for each location (area) by prefecture. Then, the server device 400 generates a content CY in which the points increase as the number of excretion acts increases. In the example of FIG. 16, the server device 400 generates a content CY including the largest point P1 corresponding to Tokyo, which has the highest number of excretion acts. The server device 400 also generates a content CY including point P2 corresponding to Tochigi, point P3 corresponding to Hokkaido, and point P4 corresponding to Ehime, which are other locations where excretion acts have occurred.

[0163] The server device 400 transmits the content CY to the user terminal 200. Then, the user terminal 200 displays the received content CY.

[0164] <3-5. Example of notification prompting input> The excretion information management system 1 may issue a notification to prompt the user to input excretion information if the user's excretion record has not been registered for a predetermined period (e.g., a period longer than the user's excretion interval, such as 24 hours). This will be described with reference to FIG. 17. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a notification to prompt the user to input information. The predetermined period is calculated based on the date and time information of excretion. The server device 400 may use the excretion interval estimated from the interval between the dates and times of excretion as the predetermined period.

[0165] 17 may be generated by the server device 400 and provided to the user terminal 200. The server device 400 refers to the defecation information database 421, and when the difference between the date and time of the user's last defecation and the current date and time exceeds the user's defecation interval, instructs the user terminal 200 of the user to issue a notification prompting input. For example, the server device 400 may transmit content including the text information TX1 and button BT21 in FIG. 17 to the user terminal 200 and cause the content to be displayed on the user terminal 200, thereby instructing the user terminal 200 to issue a notification prompting input.

[0166] In the example shown in FIG. 17, the user terminal 200 displays text information TX1 such as "24 hours have passed since the last excretion. Have you forgotten to enter anything?" and a button BT21 labeled "Enter manually." The text information TX1 is information for notifying the user that an excretion record has not been registered since the user's excretion interval (24 hours in the example of FIG. 17) was exceeded. The button BT21 is a button for making the user perform manual input, and when the button BT21 is selected by the user, the user terminal 200 displays a screen for accepting input of excretion information (for example, the manual input screen of the user terminal 200-2 in FIG. 7). This allows the excretion information management system 1 to prompt the user to enter information manually, and to prevent data loss. Note that even if the user is notified that an excretion record has not been registered for a predetermined period of time, there may be cases where there is truly no excretion, rather than a user forgetting to enter information. In this case, the fact that there has been no excretion for a predetermined period of time may be registered by inputting into the user terminal 200 that there was no forgetting to enter information.

[0167] <3-6. Example of estimated information display> When displaying the manual input screen, the excretion information management system 1 may display estimated information (estimated information) that has been set in advance. This point will be described with reference to Fig. 18. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the display of estimated information.

[0168] 18 may be generated by the server device 400 and provided to the user terminal 200. For example, when the user selects button BT1 in FIG. 7 or button BT21 in FIG. 17, the server device 400 generates a manual input screen (content) in which estimated information corresponding to the user is preset, and provides the manual input screen (content) to the user terminal 200. For example, the server device 400 transmits to the user terminal 200 content including information for registering the manually input information in FIG. 18 and button BT31.

[0169] In the example shown in FIG. 18, the user terminal 200 displays a manual input screen on which the estimated information is preset with the time of excretion "7 o'clock", shape of stool "soft", amount of stool "100g-250g" (medium), and color of stool "brown". The time of excretion "7 o'clock" may be, for example, the time at the time of display, or the time obtained by adding the excretion interval of the user to the date and time of the last excretion. For example, the server device 400 calculates the excretion time to be set by adding the excretion interval of the user to the date and time of the last excretion of the user.

[0170] In addition, the stool shape "soft" may be, for example, the shape that occurs most frequently in the user's defecation record or the shape of the last excretion. For example, the server device 400 counts each shape in the user's defecation record stored in the defecation information database 421, and estimates the shape that occurs most frequently as the shape of the user's stool.

[0171] The amount of stool "100g to 250g" may be, for example, the average amount in the user's defecation record or the amount in the last excretion. For example, the server device 400 calculates the average amount in the user's defecation record stored in the defecation information database 421, and estimates the average amount as the amount of stool of the user.

[0172] In addition, the stool color "brown" may be, for example, the most frequently occurring color in the user's defecation record or the color of the last excretion. For example, the server device 400 counts each color in the user's defecation record stored in the defecation information database 421, and estimates the most frequently occurring color as the color of the user's stool.

[0173] In the example of FIG. 18, the server device 400 generates a manual input screen (contents) in which the excretion time is set to "7:00", the shape of the stool is "soft", the amount of the stool is "100g to 250g", and the color of the stool is "brown", and transmits it to the user terminal 200. Then, as shown in FIG. 18, the user terminal 200 displays the manual input screen (contents) in which the excretion time is set to "7:00", the shape of the stool is "soft", the amount of the stool is "100g to 250g", and the color of the stool is "brown". In this way, when a user wants to register excretion information related to excretion performed in a toilet (toilet bowl) that does not have an automatic recording function, such as a toilet other than the toilet system TS (healthy toilet), by setting and displaying (inputting) estimated information in advance, the user can correct the estimated information if it is incorrect, and register the estimated information if it is correct. Therefore, the excretion information management system 1 can reduce the complexity of manual input by the user and can promote manual input by the user.

[0174] <3-6-1. Estimation example> The excretion information management system 1 may estimate information using various information, not limited to the above. For example, the excretion information management system 1 may calculate the time and stool properties from the average over the past few weeks. For example, if a user has a tendency to have a normal bowel movement at 8 o'clock on average over the past week, the excretion information management system 1 may estimate (guess) that the user will also have a normal bowel movement at 8 o'clock next time.

[0175] For example, the excretion information management system 1 may estimate from the previous excretion result. For example, if a user has a tendency to pass hard stool in the morning and soft stool in the evening, the excretion information management system 1 may estimate that the user will pass soft stool in the evening if the user passes hard stool in the morning. Also, for example, the excretion information management system 1 may estimate that the user will pass normal stool in the morning and soft stool in the evening if the user has a tendency to pass normal stool in the next morning if the user passes normal stool in the morning. Note that the estimation may not be made only from the previous excretion result, but may be made from the tendency of the past two or more excretion results or the tendency of the user's defecation record stored in the defecation information database.

[0176] For example, the excretion information management system 1 may estimate based on the tendency for each day of the week. For example, if a user has a tendency to have hard stool on Monday mornings, the excretion information management system 1 may estimate that the user will have hard stool on Monday mornings. For example, if a user has a tendency to have normal stool on Friday evenings, the excretion information management system 1 may estimate that the user will have normal stool on Friday evenings.

[0177] For example, the excretion information management system 1 may acquire location information and make an estimate based on the tendency for each location. For example, if a user tends to have normal stool in the morning when at home, and the user is at home during the morning hours (e.g., 7:00 to 10:00, etc.), the excretion information management system 1 may estimate that the user will have normal stool. For example, if a user tends to have loose stool in the evening when out, and the user is at a location different from the home and workplace during the evening hours (e.g., 4:00 to 7:00, etc.), the excretion information management system 1 may estimate that the user will have loose stool.

[0178] For example, the excretion information management system 1 may estimate a tendency in conjunction with a schedule. For example, if a user has a tendency to have loose stools before a meeting, the excretion information management system 1 may estimate that the user will have loose stools before a meeting.

[0179] <4. System configuration example> As described above, the configuration of the excretion information management system 1 is merely an example, and the excretion information management system 1 can adopt any device configuration as long as it can realize the desired processing. For example, the clock unit 232 and the memory unit 22 described above may be included in a device other than the toilet seat device 2. For example, the device that realizes the function of the clock unit 232 and the device that realizes the function of the memory unit 22 may be located at any position. For example, the server device 400 may have all or part of the functions of the clock unit 232. Also, for example, the server device 400 may have all or part of the functions of the memory unit 22. Determination of stool condition

[0180] FIG. 4 shows an example in which the toilet seat device 2 has the clock unit 232, but the clock unit 232 may be included in another device included in the excretion information management system 1. For example, the clock unit 232 may be included in the server device 400, or may be included in another device (stool property determining device) that communicates with the toilet seat device 2, the server device 400, etc. In this case, for example, the excretion information management system 1 may include a stool property determining device. In addition, for example, when the server device 400 has the clock unit 232, the server device 400 also functions as a stool property determining device. In addition, the server device 400 may have only the function of determining the stool property, such as the color of the stool, of the clock unit 232, and the toilet seat device 2 may have the other functions of the clock unit 232. In this way, the excretion information management system 1 may distribute the functions of the clock unit 232 to multiple devices. Note that the above is merely an example, and the excretion information management system 1 may adopt any device configuration as long as it is possible to perform the desired processing.

[0181] The above-described embodiments and modifications can be appropriately combined as long as the processing contents are not contradictory.

[0182] Further advantages and modifications may readily occur to those skilled in the art. Thus, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0183] R Toilet Room 1. Excretion information management system 2 Toilet seat device 21 Communications Department 22 Memory section 23 Control Unit 231 Acquisition Department 232 Clock section 233 Request part 3 Main body 30 Main unit cover 4 Toilet lid 5 Toilet seats 6 Cleaning nozzle 60 Nozzle cover 7 Western-style toilet (toilet bowl) 71 Solenoid valve 8 Bowl section 9 Rim 10 Operating device 11 Display screen 200 User terminals 301 Seat Sensor 302 Feces condition sensor 400 Server device 410 Communications Department 420 Storage section 421 Defecation Information Database 430 Control Unit 431 Reception 432 Registration Department 433 Providing Department

Claims

1. A detection unit that is installed on the toilet bowl and detects at least one of the following excretion information: the presence or absence of feces, and the color, shape, and amount of the feces; A display unit that displays the user's excretion record; An input means; A clock unit that acquires information on the date and time of excretion; a memory unit that automatically records an excretion record including the excretion information detected by the detection unit and the date and time information of the excretion acquired by the clock unit; An excretion information management system comprising: The input means includes: The excretion records of excretion in toilets other than the toilet can be additionally input to the storage unit, The display unit is Displaying the excretion record recorded in the memory unit; The input means Accepting manual input of an excretion record of an excretion in a toilet other than the toilet; If there is no recording in the storage unit for a predetermined period of time, a notification is given to prompt input to the storage unit; The predetermined period is calculated based on the date and time information of the excretion recorded in the storage unit. The excretion information management system is characterized by the above.

2. A detection unit that is installed on the toilet bowl and detects at least one of the following excretion information: the presence or absence of feces, and the color, shape, and amount of the feces; A display unit that displays the user's excretion record; An input means; A clock unit that acquires information on the date and time of excretion; a memory unit that automatically records an excretion record including the excretion information detected by the detection unit and the date and time information of the excretion acquired by the clock unit; An excretion information management system comprising: The input means includes: The excretion records of excretion in toilets other than the toilet can be additionally input to the storage unit, The display unit is Displaying the excretion record recorded in the memory unit; The input means Accepting manual input of an excretion record of an excretion in a toilet other than the toilet; An excretion record is estimated from the excretion record recorded in the storage unit, and the estimated excretion record is input to the input means before the manual input of the excretion record of the excretion in a toilet bowl other than the toilet bowl is accepted. The excretion information management system is characterized by the above.

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