Intestinal Information Estimation System

Abstract

The present invention estimates intestinal information for a subject with high accuracy from components contained in gas generated from excrement of the subject. The present invention comprises: a detection unit that detects a predetermined component from a gas emitted from excrement of a subject and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the concentration of the predetermined component; and an estimation unit that inputs the detection signal or the concentration of the predetermined component corresponding to the detection signal into a prediction model and estimates the amount and / or information related to the proportion of a short-chain fatty acid producing bacteria and / or metabolites contained in the excrement of the subject, wherein the predetermined component is at least one among methyl mercaptan, hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an intestinal information estimation system for estimating intestinal information of a subject.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an intestinal condition notification device that notifies a user of information regarding the intestinal flora balance corresponding to a signal value output from a gas sensor that detects a predetermined gas component in excreted gas. The intestinal condition notification device stores correspondence data representing the correspondence between the signal value output from the gas sensor and the information regarding the intestinal flora balance of the user, and based on the correspondence data, notifies the user of the information regarding the intestinal flora balance corresponding to the signal value output from the gas sensor.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0004] An intestinal information estimation system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a detection unit that detects a predetermined component from gas released from the feces of a subject and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the concentration of the predetermined component, and the detection signal or the concentration of the predetermined component corresponding to the detection signal is input to a prediction model to estimate at least one of the amount and the presence ratio of at least one of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and metabolites contained in the feces of the subject. The detection unit includes an estimation unit, and the predetermined component is at least one of methyl mercaptan, hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0005]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Figure 19

Figure 20

Figure 21

Figure 22

Figure 23

Figure 24

Figure 25

Figure 26

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0006] It is required to accurately estimate the intestinal information of a subject from the components contained in the gas generated from the feces of the subject.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the intestinal information of a subject can be accurately estimated from the components contained in the gas generated from the feces of the subject.

[0008] 〔Embodiment 1〕 The inventors have found that it is possible to obtain information regarding the intestine of a subject by analyzing the concentrations of methyl mercaptan, hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide detected from the sample gas released from the feces of the subject.

[0009] The inventors have developed an intestinal information estimation system 100 that estimates at least one of the amount and the presence ratio of at least one of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and metabolites contained in feces from the concentration of a predetermined component detected from the gas released from the feces of a subject.

[0010] The "subject" is a person who uses the intestinal information estimation system 100 described below, and is intended to be a subject whose health condition is managed and monitored. The "sample gas" is a gas to be detected, and is the defecation gas of the subject.

[0011] The intestinal information estimation system 100 according to one aspect of the present disclosure detects a predetermined component from the gas released from the feces of a subject, outputs a detection signal corresponding to the concentration of the predetermined component, and inputs the detection signal or the concentration of the predetermined component corresponding to the detection signal into a prediction model. Thereby, the intestinal information estimation system 100 is a system capable of estimating at least one of the amount and the presence ratio of at least one of the short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and metabolites contained in the feces of the subject.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the intestinal information estimation system 100 may be, for example, a system that detects a predetermined component from the gas released from the feces of a subject in a toilet. In this case, the gas detection device 1 for detecting a predetermined component from the gas, which will be described later, may be installed in the toilet bowl 4 of the toilet. According to the above configuration, the intestinal information estimation system 100 performs the process of detecting a predetermined component from the gas released from the feces of the subject in the toilet. Therefore, the user who uses the intestinal information estimation system 100 does not need to perform troublesome operations such as stool inspection, and only needs to use the toilet.

[0013] Further, as shown in FIG. 25, the intestinal information estimation system 100 may be, for example, a system that detects a predetermined component from the gas released from the feces of a subject in the bed 5 for a person requiring care. In this case, the gas detection device 1 (detection unit 102) for detecting a predetermined component from the gas, which will be described later, may be installed in the bed 5 of the person requiring care. As shown in FIG. 25, when the bed 5 and the toilet bowl 4C are integrated, it may be installed in the toilet bowl 4C. According to the above configuration, the intestinal information estimation system performs the process of detecting a predetermined component from the gas released from the feces of the subject in the bed of the person requiring care. Thereby, the subject who is a person requiring care can be made to use the intestinal information estimation system 100 without difficulty.

[0014] In addition, the detection unit 102 of the intestinal information estimation system 100 does not have to be fixedly installed at one location. For example, it may be portable by the subject. Specifically, it may be a mode in which the subject carries the gas detection device 1 of the intestinal information estimation system 100 and attaches the gas detection device 1 to the toilet bowl of the toilet each time the subject uses the toilet. According to the above configuration, the user can be made to use the intestinal information estimation system 100 at an arbitrary location (for example, when away from home, etc.).

[0015] <Configuration of the intestinal information estimation system 100> Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail. Hereinafter, as an example, a system in which the intestinal information estimation system 100 detects a predetermined component in a toilet will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the intestinal information estimation system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Each figure referred to in this specification is a schematic diagram showing only some members in a simplified manner for the convenience of explanation of the embodiment. Therefore, the intestinal information estimation system 100 may include any constituent members not shown in each figure referred to in this specification. Also, the dimensions of the members in each figure do not faithfully represent the dimensions of the actual constituent members and the dimensional ratios of the respective members.

[0016] The intestinal information estimation system 100 includes a gas detection device 1, an intestinal information estimation device 2, and an electronic device 3. In the intestinal information estimation system 100, the gas detection device 1, the intestinal information estimation device 2, and the electronic device 3 may be connected to be communicable with each other. The gas detection device 1 and the intestinal information estimation device 2, and the electronic device 3 and the intestinal information estimation device 2 may be connected by wireless communication or by wired communication.

[0017] (Gas detection device 1) The gas detection device 1 detects a predetermined component from the gas emitted from the feces of the subject and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the concentration of the predetermined component. Further, the gas detection device 1 may calculate the concentration of the predetermined component corresponding to the detection signal and output the information on the calculated concentration. Here, the information output by the gas detection device 1 is referred to as "detection information". The gas detection device 1 transmits the detection information to the intestinal information estimation device 2.

[0018] [Detection Information] The detection information output from the gas detection device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the detection information output from the gas detection device 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the detection information may include a subject ID, detection data D1, a sample gas ID, and a sample gas collection date and time.

[0019] The subject ID is identification information unique to the subject. The subject ID may be the name of the subject and identification information unique to each subject. When the subject is a user who uses the intestinal information estimation system 100, the subject ID may be the user ID assigned to each user who uses the intestinal information estimation system 100.

[0020] The gas detection device 1 may collect a plurality of sample gases at a predetermined time interval (for example, 30 seconds or 1 minute) for each defecation of the subject. Each of the collected sample gases may be assigned a sample gas ID. FIG. 2 illustrates the detection information output from the gas detection device 1 used by a subject whose subject ID is "xxxx". As an example, the sample gas collected at "AM7:32 on mm / dd / 2021" is assigned a sample ID of "samp1".

[0021] The detection data D1 may include data indicating the concentration of a predetermined component for each sample based on the detection signal output by the detection unit 102. The predetermined components include methyl mercaptan (CH 3 SH), hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S), hydrogen (H 2 ), and carbon dioxide (CO 2At least one of them is included. Further, the predetermined component may further contain 2-propanol. The detection data D1 may be a detection signal output from the detection unit 102, or may be a numerical value indicating the concentration calculated from the detection signal. Here, the concentration of the predetermined component may be the concentration of the predetermined component in the gas collected by the gas detection device 1. Further, the predetermined component may include a plurality of components, and the concentration may be the sum concentration of the plurality of components with respect to the total amount of the sample gas. The unit of concentration may be ppm, for example.

[0022] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the detection data D1. As shown in Figure 3, the detection data D1 may include the following detected from the sample gas with the sample ID "samp1". · Concentration d11 of methyl mercaptan · Concentration d12 of hydrogen sulfide · Concentration d13 of hydrogen · Concentration d14 of carbon dioxide Further, the detection information may further include a gas detection device ID unique to the gas detection device 1. In Figure 2, as an example, detection information including the gas detection device ID "ppp" of the gas detection device 1 used by a subject with the subject ID "xxxx" is shown.

[0023] (Intestinal information estimation device 2) The intestinal information estimation device 2 shown in Figure 1 may be a computer managed by the administrator of the intestinal information estimation system 100, or may be a server device. The intestinal information estimation device 2 inputs the detection signal acquired from the gas detection device 1 or the concentration of the predetermined component corresponding to the detection signal into the prediction model. Further, the intestinal information estimation device 2 estimates at least one of the amount and the presence ratio of at least one of the short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and metabolites contained in the feces of the subject. That is, the intestinal information estimation device 2 estimates the intestinal information regarding the intestinal environment of the subject. The information output by the intestinal information estimation device 2 is referred to as "estimated result information".

[0024] The short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria estimated by the intestinal information estimation device 2 are a type of intestinal bacteria and are bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids. The short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria may specifically be at least one of butyric acid-producing bacteria and acetic acid-producing bacteria.

[0025] Examples of butyric acid-producing bacteria include Faecalibacterium, Ruminococcus, Coprococcus, and the like.

[0026] Examples of acetic acid-producing bacteria include Bifidobacterium and the like.

[0027] In addition, the metabolite estimated by the intestinal information estimation device 2 may be a substance involved in the metabolic system of the intestinal bacteria of the subject. Examples of metabolites include butyric acid, acetic acid, ornithine, trimethylamine, glucose 6-phosphate, and the like.

[0028] The intestinal information estimation device 2 may hold, for example, subject information in which the ID of each subject, the gas detection device ID of the gas detection device 1 used by each subject, and the contact information of each subject are associated with each other.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the subject information held in the intestinal information estimation device 2. The contact information of the subject may be the email address of the subject. The intestinal information estimation device 2 refers to the subject information, identifies the subject who uses the gas detection device 1 that is the transmission source of the detection information from the subject ID included in the detection information, and transmits the estimation result information to the electronic device 3 of the subject. The subject information shown in FIG. 4 indicates that the gas detection device ID of the gas detection device 1 used by the subject with the subject ID "xxxx" is "ppp", and the contact information of the subject is "xxxx@xxx.xxx".

[0030] Alternatively, the intestinal information estimation device 2 may be configured to create a web page unique to each subject and allow each subject to view this web page. Each subject may be allowed to set a unique password or the like for viewing their own web page. In this case, the intestinal information estimation device 2 refers to the subject information, identifies the subject from the subject ID, and transmits the URL of the web page or the like to the electronic device 3 of the subject.

[0031] The intestinal information estimation device 2 may be provided with a function of estimating the health state of the subject from the intestinal information.

[0032] [Estimation result information] The estimation result information will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the estimation result information. As shown in FIG. 5, the estimation result information may include a subject ID, a sample gas ID, intestinal information D2, and health information D3.

[0033] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the intestinal information D2. As shown in FIG. 6, the intestinal information D2 includes information regarding the amount or presence ratio c11 of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and the amount or presence ratio c12 of metabolites.

[0034] Here, the amount of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria may be the number of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria contained in a predetermined mass of the subject's feces, or may be the mass of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria. The unit of the amount may be, for example, "number", "g", or "mg".

[0035] Also, the presence ratio of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria may be the ratio to the total number of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria contained in a predetermined mass of the subject's feces. Also, the presence ratio of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria may be, for example, the sum of the masses of two or more short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria contained in a predetermined mass of the subject's feces.

[0036] The amount of the metabolite may be the mass of the metabolite contained in the feces of a subject of a predetermined mass, or may be the molecular weight. Also, the proportion of the metabolite may be the ratio to the total mass of the metabolite contained in the feces of a subject of a predetermined mass. The proportion of the metabolite may be, for example, the sum of the masses of two or more metabolites contained in the feces of a subject of a predetermined mass. The unit of the amount may be, for example, "g" or "mg".

[0037] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the health information D3. As shown in FIG. 7, the health information D3 may include an evaluation, useful information, and a note. Also, it may include a health information ID assigned to each health information.

[0038] The evaluation may be a determination result regarding the health state of the subject estimated by the intestinal information estimation device 2 based on the amount or proportion c11 of the short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and the amount or proportion c12 of the metabolite. The evaluation may be a determination result regarding the state of the intestinal flora (also referred to as the intestinal flora) of the subject estimated based on the amount or proportion c11 of the short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and the amount or proportion c12 of the metabolite. For the evaluation of the health state of the subject, for example, determination in three stages of A (good), B (within the allowable range), and C (attention required) may be applied. FIG. 7 shows an example in which the health state of the subject is evaluated as "B".

[0039] The useful information may be useful information contributing to the improvement of the health state of the subject. The useful information may include information on foods (food ingredients and dishes) and exercises recommended for the subject, information on the improvement of lifestyle habits, and the like.

[0040] The note may include various information provided to the subject. The note may include, for example, the following information. · Contact information of a dietitian who can be consulted on health issues. · Access information to a video introducing the cooking method of a dish using the recommended food ingredients. · Information on an e-commerce site where food ingredients and exercise equipment can be purchased.

[0041] (Electronic device 3) Returning to FIG. 1, the electronic device 3 may be a computer used by the subject. Alternatively, the electronic device 3 may be a computer used by a person (such as a family member, etc.) who monitors the health status of the subject. The electronic device 3 may be, for example, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like.

[0042] The electronic device 3 has a communication function and is capable of receiving estimation result information from the intestinal information estimation device 2. The electronic device 3 may have, for example, an input unit such as a keyboard, a touch panel, and a microphone, and a display unit such as a monitor. The electronic device 3 may be installed inside the toilet room where the toilet 4 is installed. In this case, the electronic device 3 may be portable outside the toilet room.

[0043] <Gas detection device 1> As described above, the gas detection device 1 is a device that collects a sample gas emitted from the feces of the subject, detects a predetermined component from each of the collected sample gases, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the concentration of the predetermined component. Further, the gas detection device 1 may perform the collection of the sample gas and the detection of the predetermined component a plurality of times, and based on each result, transmit the detection result to the intestinal information estimation device 2. Hereinafter, the gas detection device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the appearance of the gas detection device 1 included in the intestinal information estimation system 100. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the intestinal information estimation system 100 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the gas detection device 1.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 8, for example, the gas detection device 1 is installed in a flush toilet 4. The toilet 4 includes a toilet bowl 4A and a toilet seat 4B. The toilet 4 can be installed in a toilet room of a house or a hospital. The gas detection device 1 can be installed at any location of the toilet 4. As an example, as shown in FIG. 8, the gas detection device 1 may be arranged from between the toilet bowl 4A and the toilet seat 4B to the outside of the toilet 4. A part of the gas detection device 1 may be embedded in the toilet seat 4B. Feces of the subject can be discharged into the toilet bowl 4A of the toilet 4. The gas detection device 1 can acquire a sample gas in which the gas generated from the feces discharged into the toilet bowl 4A is mixed with the outside air. The gas detection device 1 can detect the type and concentration of a predetermined component contained in the sample gas.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 9, the gas detection device 1 includes a control unit 10, a subject detection unit 11, a defecation detection unit 12, a sampling system 13, an analysis system 14, a memory unit 15, and a communication unit 16. The control unit 10 controls the operations of each part of the gas detection device 1 and detects each detected gas contained in the sample gas. Details of the control unit 10 will be described later.

[0046] The subject detection unit 11 may be configured to include at least any one of an image camera, a personal identification switch, an infrared sensor, a pressure sensor, and the like. The subject detection unit 11 outputs the detection result to the control unit 10. In addition, the subject detection unit 11 may include any sensor for authenticating the subject. Examples of the sensor include a load sensor for detecting weight, a sensor for detecting seat height, a sensor for detecting pulse, a sensor for detecting blood flow, a sensor for detecting face, and a sensor for detecting voice.

[0047] For example, when the subject detection unit 11 includes an infrared sensor, the subject detection unit 11 can detect that the subject has entered the toilet room by detecting the reflected light of the infrared rays irradiated by the infrared sensor from the object. The subject detection unit 11 outputs a signal indicating that the subject has entered the toilet room to the control unit 10 as a detection result.

[0048] For example, when the subject detection unit 11 includes a pressure sensor, it can detect that the subject has sat on the toilet seat 4B by detecting the pressure applied to the toilet seat 4B as shown in FIG. 8. As a detection result, the subject detection unit 11 outputs a signal indicating that the subject has sat on the toilet seat 4B to the control unit 10.

[0049] For example, when the subject detection unit 11 includes a pressure sensor, it can detect that the subject has stood up from the toilet seat 4B by detecting a decrease in the pressure applied to the toilet seat 4B as shown in FIG. 8. As a detection result, the subject detection unit 11 outputs a signal indicating that the subject has stood up from the toilet seat 4B to the control unit 10.

[0050] For example, when the subject detection unit 11 includes an image camera, a personal identification switch, etc., it collects data such as face images, sitting height, and weight. The subject detection unit 11 identifies and detects an individual from the collected data. As a detection result, the subject detection unit 11 outputs a signal indicating the specifically identified individual to the control unit 10.

[0051] For example, when the subject detection unit 11 includes a personal identification switch, etc., it identifies (detects) an individual based on the operation of the personal identification switch. In this case, personal information may be registered (stored) in the control unit 10 in advance. As a detection result, the subject detection unit 11 outputs a signal indicating the identified individual to the control unit 10.

[0052] The defecation detection unit 12 is a member that detects the excretion (defecation) of a specimen (feces) from the subject. The defecation detection unit 12 starts operating according to the control of the main control unit 101, and when it detects that the specimen has been discharged into the toilet bowl 4A, it outputs a signal indicating that the specimen has been discharged into the toilet bowl 4A to the control unit 10. The defecation detection unit 12 may be, for example, a sensor that detects the sound when the specimen lands in the water stored in the toilet bowl 4A. In this case, the defecation detection unit 12 outputs a signal indicating the information indicating the detected sound to the control unit 10. Alternatively, the defecation detection unit 12 may be a pressure sensor capable of detecting that the specimen has fallen into the toilet bowl 4A.

[0053] The sampling system 13 sucks (collects) and stores the sample gas together with the outside air from the space inside the toilet bowl 4A. Details of the sampling system 13 will be described later. The analysis system 14 detects the types and concentrations of each detected gas contained in the sample gas using the sample gas collected by the sampling system 13. Details of the analysis system 14 will be described later.

[0054] The storage unit 15 is composed of, for example, a semiconductor memory or a magnetic memory. The storage unit 15 stores various information and programs for operating the gas detection device 1. The storage unit 15 may function as a work memory. Further, the storage unit 15 may store an estimation model used for various estimations performed in the control unit 10.

[0055] The communication unit 16 may be capable of communicating with the intestinal information estimation device 2. The communication method used in the communication between the communication unit 16 and the intestinal information estimation device 2 may be a short-range wireless communication standard or a wireless communication standard for connecting to a mobile phone network, or a wired communication standard. The short-range wireless communication standard may include, for example, WiFi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), infrared rays, and NFC (Near Field Communication). The wireless communication standard for connecting to a mobile phone network may include, for example, LTE (Long Term Evolution) or a mobile communication system of the fourth generation or higher. Further, the communication method used in the communication between the communication unit 16 and the intestinal information estimation device 2 may be a communication standard such as LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) or LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network).

[0056] (Sampling system 13) Hereinafter, details of the sampling system 13 will be described. As shown in FIG. 10, the sampling system 13 includes a first valve 131 and a first pump 132. Also, as shown in FIG. 10, each part of the sampling system 13 is connected by a flow path 31 and a flow path 32.

[0057] The first valve 131 provided in the extraction system 13 is a valve that is located on the flow path 31 and operates according to the control of the main control unit 101. The first valve 131 may be constituted by a valve such as electromagnetic drive, piezo drive, or motor drive. The first valve 131 can adjust the communication state between the flow path 31 and the flow path 32, and between the flow path 32 and the flow path 36 (described later) by adjusting the degree of opening (degree of communication) of each flow path according to the control of the main control unit 101. Therefore, the flow paths of the sample gas and the purge gas and the inflow into the sensor chamber 144 (described later) can be adjusted.

[0058] The first pump 132 is provided between the flow path 31 and the flow path 32 and is connected to the sensor chamber 144 via the flow path 32. The first pump 132 operates based on the control of the main control unit 101. The first pump 132 sucks the sample gas in the toilet bowl 4A through the opening of the flow path 31 that opens into the toilet bowl 4A and supplies it to the flow path 32. The first pump 132 shown in FIG. 10 may be constituted by a piezo pump, a motor pump, or the like. Also, as will be described later, the first pump 132 may also be used when supplying the purge gas to the flow path 32.

[0059] The flow path 31 is a tubular member provided to connect between the toilet bowl 4A and the first pump 132. One end of the flow path 31 has an opening that opens in the toilet bowl 4A, and the opposite end is connected to the first pump 132. The flow path 32 is a flow path provided between the first pump 132 and the sensor chamber 144. When the first pump 132 operates with the first valve 131 in the open state, gas can be supplied from the flow path 31 or the flow path 36 (described later) to the flow path 32.

[0060] (Analysis system 14) Hereinafter, the details of the analysis system 14 will be described. As shown in FIG. 10, the analysis system 14 includes a second valve 141, a second pump 142, a gas sensor 143, and a sensor chamber 144. Also, as shown in FIG. 11, the analysis system 14 is connected to the outside by a discharge path 33 and a flow path 34. Also, each part of the analysis system is connected by a flow path 37.

[0061] The second valve 141 is a valve provided on the flow path 34. The second valve 141 operates according to the control of the main control unit 101 and can switch between a state in which the flow path 34 and the flow path 36 communicate and a state in which the flow path 34 and the flow path 37 communicate.

[0062] The second pump 142 is a pump provided on the flow path 37 and connected to the sensor chamber 144 via the flow path 37. The second pump 142 operates based on the control of the main control unit 101 and can supply the outside air sucked from the flow path 34 to the sensor chamber 144.

[0063] The gas sensor 143 may be any sensor that outputs different detection signals according to the concentration of the gas to be detected. Hereinafter, as the gas sensor 143, a sensor in which the intensity of the detection signal changes according to the concentration of the gas to be detected will be described as an example, but it is not limited thereto. As an example, the gas sensor 143 can output a detection signal having an intensity corresponding to the concentration of the gas to be detected that may be included in the sample gas. As shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of gas sensors 143 may be located in the gas detection device 1. Further, the plurality of gas sensors 143 may each be capable of outputting a detection signal corresponding to the concentration of a different type of gas to be detected. Thereby, the gas detection device 1 can analyze the concentrations of a plurality of types of gases to be detected.

[0064] The gas sensor 143 includes a sensor element and a resistance element. The sensor element and the resistance element are connected in series between the power supply terminal and the ground terminal. A constant voltage value VC is applied between the power supply terminal and the ground terminal. The same current value IS flows through each of the sensor element and the resistance element. The current value IS can be determined according to the resistance value RS of the sensor element and the resistance value RL of the resistance element. The voltage output by the gas sensor 143 may be the voltage value VS applied to the sensor element or the voltage value VRL applied to the resistance element.

[0065] The power supply terminal is connected to a power supply such as a battery included in the gas detection device 1. The ground terminal is connected to the ground of the gas detection device 1. One end of the sensor element is connected to the power supply terminal. The opposite end of the sensor element is connected to one end of the resistance element. As an example, the sensor element is a semiconductor sensor. However, the sensor element is not limited to a semiconductor sensor. For example, the sensor element may be a catalytic combustion type sensor or a solid electrolyte sensor or the like.

[0066] The sensor element includes a gas-sensitive part. The gas-sensitive part includes a metal oxide semiconductor material according to the type of the gas sensor 143. As an example of the metal oxide semiconductor material, tin oxide (SnO 2 etc.), indium oxide (In 2 O 3 etc.), zinc oxide (ZnO etc.), tungsten oxide (WO 3 etc.) and iron oxide (Fe 2 O 3 etc.) and the like include one or more selected therefrom. By appropriately adding impurities to the metal oxide semiconductor material of the gas-sensitive part, the gas detected by the sensor element can be appropriately selected. The sensor element may further include a heater for heating the gas-sensitive part.

[0067] When the sensor element is exposed to the sample gas, the detected gas contained in the sample gas and the oxygen adsorbed on the surface of the gas-sensitive part of the sensor element are replaced, and a reduction reaction may occur. When the reduction reaction occurs, the oxygen adsorbed on the surface of the gas-sensitive part can be removed. When the oxygen adsorbed on the surface of the gas-sensitive part is removed, the resistance value RS of the sensor element decreases, and the voltage value VS applied to the sensor element may decrease. That is, when the sample gas is supplied to the gas sensor 143, the voltage value VS applied to the sensor element may decrease according to the concentration of the detected gas contained in the sample gas. Here, the sum of the voltage value VS and the voltage value VRL is constant. Therefore, when the sample gas is supplied to the gas sensor 143, the voltage value VRL may increase according to the concentration of the detected gas contained in the sample gas.

[0068] The resistive element is a variable resistive element. The resistance value RL of the resistive element can be changed by a control signal from the control unit 10. One end of the resistive element is connected to the opposite end of the sensor element. The opposite end of the resistive element is connected to the ground terminal.

[0069] By adjusting the resistance value RL of the resistive element, the voltage value VS applied to the sensor element can be adjusted. For example, when the resistance value RL is made equal to the resistance value RS of the sensor element, the fluctuation range of the voltage value VS applied to the sensor element can approach the maximum value.

[0070] The sensor chamber 144 is a chamber that houses the gas sensor 143 inside. As shown in FIG. 10, one end of the flow path 32 is connected to the sensor chamber 144. In other words, the sensor chamber 144 is connected to the first pump 132 via the flow path 32. Also, one end of the discharge path 33 and one end of the flow path 37 are connected to the sensor chamber 144.

[0071] The discharge path 33 may be composed of a tubular member such as a resin tube or a metal or glass pipe. One end (the first end) of the discharge path 33 is connected to the sensor chamber 144, and the opposite end (the second end) of the discharge path 33 opens toward the outside of the housing 30 of the gas detection device 1. The discharge path 33 discharges the exhaust gas from the sensor chamber 144 to the outside of the gas detection device 1 by the operation of the first pump 132. A part of the opening side of the discharge path 33 can be exposed to the outside of the toilet bowl 4A as shown in FIG. 8.

[0072] The flow path 34 is a tubular member. One end of the flow path 34 has an opening that opens toward an external space different from the inside of the toilet bowl 4A, and the opposite end of the flow path 34 is connected to the second valve 141. As an example, the outside is the periphery of the space where the gas detection device 1 is located, such as the space inside the toilet.

[0073] The filter 35 is a filter provided on the flow path 34. The filter 35 may be a filter capable of adsorbing unnecessary components contained in the outside air sucked from the opening of the flow path 34, such as each detected gas contained in the outside air. Since the filter 35 is such a filter as described above, the outside air (purge gas) passing through the flow path 34 can have the content of the components of each detected gas reduced by passing through the filter 35.

[0074] One end of the flow path 36 is connected to the second valve 141, and the other end is connected to the first valve 131. Also, one end of the flow path 37 is connected to the second valve 141, and the other end is connected to the sensor chamber 144.

[0075] When the first valve 131 and the second valve 141 are opened and the flow paths 34, 36, and 32 are in communication, by operating the first pump 132, the air (purge gas) in the toilet room is sucked from the first end of the flow path 34. Also, the sucked purge gas is purified by passing through the filter 35, and the purified purge gas passes through the flow paths 36 and 32 and is supplied to the sensor chamber 144, and then is discharged from the discharge path 33. Since the purge gas passes through the flow path 32 and is discharged together with the sample gas remaining in the flow path 32, the flow path 32 through which the sample gas has passed is cleaned by the purge gas. Also, when the second valve 141 is opened and the flow paths 34 and 37 are in communication, by operating the second pump 142, the purge gas in the toilet room is sucked from the opening of the flow path 34. Also, the sucked purge gas is purified by passing through the filter 35, and the purified purge gas passes through the flow path 37 and is supplied to the sensor chamber 144.

[0076] (Control unit 10) Hereinafter, the details of the control unit 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 10 includes a main control unit 101 and a detection unit 102. The main control unit 101 controls the operations of each part of the gas detection device 1. Specifically, the main control unit 101 controls the operations of the subject detection unit 11, the defecation detection unit 12, the first valve 131, the first pump 132, the second valve 141, and the second pump 142. While power is supplied to the gas detection device 1, the main control unit 101 operates the subject detection unit 11 and, when a signal indicating that the subject has seated on the toilet seat 4B is obtained from the subject detection unit 11, starts the operation of the defecation detection unit 12.

[0077] When the main control unit 101 obtains a signal from the defecation detection unit 12 indicating that feces have been discharged into the toilet bowl 4A, it starts collecting the sample gas in the toilet bowl 4A and detecting a predetermined component contained in the gas.

[0078] Specifically, the main control unit 101 opens the first valve 131 to put the flow path 31 and the flow path 32 in a communicating state. Also, the main control unit 101 opens the second valve 141 to put the flow path 34 and the flow path 37 in a communicating state. In this state, the main control unit 101 operates the first pump 132 and the second pump 142 alternately for a predetermined time each. Thereby, the sample gas in the toilet bowl 4A is collected from the opening at the end of the flow path 31 on the toilet bowl 4A side, passes through the flow path 32, and is supplied to the sensor chamber 144. Also, purge gas is sucked from the outside and supplied to the sensor chamber 144 via the flow path 34 and the flow path 37. Thereby, a predetermined amount of sample gas and purge gas are alternately supplied to the sensor chamber 144, and the gas sensor 143 can detect a predetermined component of each detected gas contained in each gas and output a signal corresponding to the concentration of the predetermined component. The main control unit 101 may supply the sample gas and the purge gas to the sensor chamber 144 for, for example, 10 seconds, and then stop the operations of the first pump 132 and the second pump 142.

[0079] When the main control unit 101 acquires information indicating that the detection of a predetermined component has been completed from the detection unit 102, the main control unit 101 controls each unit to clean the flow path 32. Specifically, the main control unit 101 controls the first valve 131 and the second valve 141 to put the flow paths 34, 36, and 32 in a communicating state, and operates the first pump 132. As a result, purge gas is supplied to the flow path 32, and the sample gas remaining in the flow path 32 passes through the sensor chamber 144 together with the purge gas and is discharged from the discharge path 33, achieving the cleaning of the flow path 32. In addition, the main control unit 101 controls each unit to clean the sensor chamber 144. Specifically, the main control unit 101 controls the second valve 141 to put the flow path 34 and the flow path 37 in a communicating state, and operates the second pump 142. As a result, purge gas is supplied to the sensor chamber 144 and discharged from the discharge path 33, achieving the cleaning of the sensor chamber 144.

[0080] The detection unit 102 detects the type and concentration of a predetermined component contained in the sample gas. Specifically, first, the detection unit 102 acquires a signal corresponding to the concentration of a predetermined component of each detected gas contained in the sample gas from the gas sensor 143. Here, since a sample gas containing a large amount of a predetermined component and a purge gas containing a small amount of the detected gas are alternately supplied to the sensor chamber 144, the intensity of the signal acquired by the detection unit 102 becomes waveform data indicating the concentration of the predetermined component. The detection unit 102 estimates the type and concentration of the predetermined component based on the waveform data. For this estimation, a learned estimation model obtained by learning using a data set including a plurality of sets of waveform data as learning input data and information indicating the type and concentration of the detected gas as teacher data may be used. The learning process of this estimation model may be configured to be performed by the intestinal information estimation device 2, or may be configured to be performed by an external computer different from the intestinal information estimation device 2. The detection unit 102 outputs information indicating the type and concentration of the detected predetermined component to the communication unit 16, and outputs information indicating that the detection of the predetermined component has been completed to the main control unit 101.

[0081] The detection unit 102 may store the detection data D1 including the detected information in the storage unit 15. The detection data D1 may include information indicating the concentration of a predetermined component. Further, the detection unit 102 may store the detection data D1 and various information related to the detection data D1 in the storage unit 15 in association with each other. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the detection unit 102 may store the detection data D1 in association with the subject ID indicating the subject from whom the sample gas was collected, the sample gas ID, the date and time when these sample gases were collected, and the gas detection device ID indicating the gas detection device 1.

[0082] <Intestinal information estimation device 2> As shown in FIG. 9, the intestinal information estimation device 2 includes a communication unit 21, which is a communication module for communicating with the gas detection device 1 and the electronic device 3, a control unit 22, and a storage unit 23. The control unit 22 controls the operations of the respective units of the intestinal information estimation device 2. Further, the control unit 22 includes an estimation unit 221 and a health information generation unit 222.

[0083] The storage unit 23 is composed of, for example, a semiconductor memory or a magnetic memory. The storage unit 23 stores various information and programs for operating the gas detection device 1. The storage unit 23 may function as a work memory. The storage unit 23 stores the learned prediction model M1 used in the estimation performed by the estimation unit 221.

[0084] The learning unit 24 performs machine learning to construct the prediction model M1.

[0085] The estimation unit 221 inputs the detection signal or the concentration of a predetermined component corresponding to the detection signal into the prediction model M1, and estimates at least one of the quantity and the presence ratio of at least one of the short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and metabolites contained in the feces of the subject. Specifically, the estimation unit 221 receives detection data corresponding to the concentration of a predetermined component, a sample gas ID, a subject ID, etc. from the gas detection device 1 via the communication unit 21. The estimation unit 221 estimates at least one of the quantity and the presence ratio of at least one of the short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and metabolites contained in the feces of the subject based on the information.

[0086] The prediction model M1 may be generated in the learning unit 24 by machine learning processing using the combination of the following (1) and (2) as learning data.

[0087] (1) When the gas released from each of a plurality of feces is supplied to the detection unit 102, the detection signal output from the detection unit 102 or the concentration of a predetermined component corresponding to the detection signal (2) Measurement information including at least one of the quantity and the presence ratio of at least one of the short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and metabolites contained in each of the plurality of feces described in (1) obtained by preliminary analysis In FIG. 9, as an example, an aspect in which the learning unit 24 has a function of performing machine learning processing is shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the learned prediction model M1 may be introduced into the intestinal information estimation device 2 in advance.

[0088] Information on the quantity and presence ratio of the short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and metabolites actually contained in each feces prepared for learning may be obtained using, for example, a next-generation sequencer for the short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria, and CE-MS for the metabolites. Other analysis methods such as GC-MS, LC-MS, and NMR may be used for the measurement of metabolites.

[0089] The intestinal information estimation device 2 uses the prediction model M1 generated by the above-described machine learning. According to this, the intestinal information estimation device 2 can estimate at least one of the amount and the presence ratio of at least one of the short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and metabolites contained in the feces of the subject from the detection signal corresponding to the concentration of a predetermined component.

[0090] Specifically, the estimation unit 221 may estimate the following (A) to (H). (A) Estimate at least one of the amount and the presence ratio of fecalibacterium from the concentration of methyl mercaptan. (B) Estimate at least one of the amount and the presence ratio of butyric acid from the concentration of hydrogen sulfide. (C) Estimate at least one of the amount and the presence ratio of bifidobacterium from the concentration of at least one of carbon dioxide and hydrogen. (D) Estimate at least one of the amount and the presence ratio of acetic acid from the concentration of hydrogen. (E) Estimate at least one of the amount and the presence ratio of ornithine from the concentration of at least one of carbon dioxide and methyl mercaptan. (F) Estimate at least one of the amount and the presence ratio of cocccus from the concentration of carbon dioxide. (G) Estimate at least one of the amount and the presence ratio of at least one of streptococcus, lachnospiraceae bacterium, lactococcus bacterium, and trimethylamine from the concentration of methyl mercaptan. (H) Estimate at least one of the amount and the presence ratio of bilophila from the concentration of 2-propanol.

[0091] Further, the intestinal information estimation device 2 may estimate at least one of the amount and the presence ratio of at least one of the short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and metabolites contained in the feces of the subject from the detection signal corresponding to the concentration of a predetermined component according to the preset nature of the subject.

[0092] Examples of the properties of the subject include the following. · Gender · Age · Presence or absence of exercise habits · Attributes (e.g., whether the subject is an athlete or not) · Presence or absence of underlying diseases (e.g., cancer, etc.), constitution (e.g., whether overweight, prone to diarrhea, prone to constipation, etc.), presence or absence of antibiotic intake · Diet (e.g., frequency of dairy product intake, frequency of meat-based diet, amount and frequency of vegetable intake, etc.) · Results of health checkups (e.g., measurement results such as height, weight, and blood pressure, and results of stress checks, etc.) The health information generation unit 222 generates health information based on the estimation result (intestinal information) estimated by the estimation unit 221. The health information may be, for example, information indicating the state of the subject's intestinal environment, specifically, an index indicating whether the intestinal environment is in a good state or a bad state. Also, the amounts and proportions of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and metabolites contained in the feces reflect the amounts and proportions of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and metabolites in the intestinal flora of the subject who excreted the feces. Therefore, the health information generation unit 222 may generate an index indicating the composition of bacteria in the intestinal flora, for example, the balance between good bacteria and bad bacteria, estimated from the amounts and proportions of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and metabolites contained in the feces of the subject. Further, the health information generation unit 222 may generate indices indicating the physical condition, health status, immunity, and tendency to gain weight, etc., of the subject that can be estimated from the subject's intestinal environment based on the above-mentioned information. Furthermore, the health information generation unit 222 may output information indicating advice to promote diet and exercise, etc., in order to improve the subject's intestinal environment. Also, the health information may include evaluations, useful information, and remarks. The health information generation unit 222 transmits each generated information to the electronic device 3 via the communication unit 21. Also, the health information generation unit 222 may store the estimation result information including the intestinal information estimated by the estimation unit 221 in the storage unit 23 in association with the subject ID and the sample gas ID.

[0093] The memory unit 23 may store a plurality of prediction models M1 for each property (attribute) of the subject. For example, the memory unit 23 may store a plurality of prediction models M1 corresponding to at least one or more of gender, age, presence or absence of exercise habits, and diet as properties (attributes) of the subject. The estimation unit 221 may estimate at least one of the amount and the presence ratio of at least one of the short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and metabolites contained in the subject's feces by using any one of the plurality of prediction models M1 stored in the memory unit 23 according to the property of the subject. For example, the estimation unit 221 may select any one of the plurality of prediction models M1 according to the gender of the subject.

[0094] The prediction model M1 may be generated in the learning unit 24 by using, as learning data, the property (attribute) of the human who excreted each of the feces prepared for learning and the information regarding at least one of the amount and the presence ratio of at least one of the short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and metabolites contained in the feces. The estimation unit 221 may estimate at least one of the amount and the presence ratio of at least one of the short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and metabolites contained in the subject's feces by inputting information regarding the property of the subject, in addition to the detection signal or the concentration of a predetermined component corresponding to the detection signal, into the prediction model M1.

[0095] The subject information held by the intestinal information estimation device 2 may include information regarding the property (attribute) of the subject. The estimation unit 221 may perform the estimation by using any one of the plurality of prediction models M1 according to the property of the subject included in the subject information corresponding to the individual specified and identified by the subject detection unit 11.

[0096] <Electronic device 3> As shown in FIG. 9, the electronic device 3 includes a communication unit 311 which is a communication module for communicating with the intestinal information estimation device 2, a control unit 312 for controlling the operations of each part of the electronic device 3, and a display unit 313. The control unit 312 can receive the estimation result or health information output by the intestinal information estimation device 2 via the communication unit 311 by wireless communication or wired communication. The electronic device 3 can display the received estimation result or health information on the display unit 313. The display unit 313 may be configured to include a display capable of displaying characters and the like and a touch screen capable of detecting contact with a finger or the like of a user (subject). The display may be configured to include a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic EL display (OELD), or an inorganic EL display (IELD). The detection method of the touch screen may be any method such as a capacitance method, a resistive film method, a surface acoustic wave method (or ultrasonic method), an infrared method, an electromagnetic induction method, or a load detection method.

[0097] <An example of the processing flow of the intestinal information estimation system 100> Next, the flow of the processing (gas detection method) performed in the intestinal information estimation system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed in the intestinal information estimation system 100. In the following description, the gas detection device 1 is configured to include pressure sensors as the subject detection unit 11 and the defecation detection unit 12, respectively.

[0098] First, when the subject sits on the toilet seat 4B to defecate into the toilet 4, the subject detection unit 11 outputs a signal indicating that it has detected the subject's sitting on the toilet seat 4B to the main control unit 101. When the main control unit 101 acquires the signal, it detects that the subject has sat on the toilet seat 4B (S1), starts the operation of the defecation detection unit 12, and waits until it detects the subject's defecation (S2). The defecation detection unit 12 outputs a signal indicating that it has detected the discharge of the specimen (the subject's defecation) by the subject to the main control unit 101. When the main control unit 101 acquires the signal (YES in S2), it controls the first valve 131 to put the state where the flow path 31 and the flow path 32 are in communication.

[0099] Also, the main control unit 101 operates the first pump 132 to collect sample gas from the opening on the toilet bowl 4A side of the flow path 31 (S3), and supplies the sample gas to the sensor chamber 144 (S4). Also, the main control unit 101 operates the first pump 132 for a predetermined time, stops the first pump 132 after supplying a predetermined amount of the first sample gas to the sensor chamber 144. Also, the main control unit 101 controls the first valve 131 to put the state where the flow path 31 and the flow path 32 are not in communication. Then, the main control unit 101 controls the second valve 141 and the second pump 142 to suck purge gas in the toilet room from the flow path 34 and supply it to the sensor chamber 144. The main control unit 101 alternately performs the supply of the first sample gas to the sensor chamber 144 by the first pump 132 and the supply of the purge gas to the sensor chamber 144 by the second pump 142 for about 10 seconds in total.

[0100] The detection unit 102 detects each of the predetermined components (at least one of methyl mercaptan, hydrogen sulfide, and carbon dioxide) contained in the sample gas, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the predetermined component (S5: detection step). The detection unit 102 transmits a detection signal corresponding to the concentration of the predetermined component contained in the detected sample gas to the intestinal information estimation device 2 via the communication unit 16. The detection unit 102 outputs information indicating that the first detection step has been completed to the main control unit 101.

[0101] When the main control unit 101 acquires information indicating that the detection step has been completed, it may control the first valve 131, the first pump 132, the second valve 141, and the second pump 142 to clean the flow path 32 and the sensor chamber 144.

[0102] The estimation unit 221 of the intestinal information estimation device 2 receives, via the communication unit 21, a detection signal corresponding to the concentration of a predetermined component from the gas detection device 1. The estimation unit 221 estimates at least one of the amount and the presence ratio of at least one of the short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and the metabolite contained in the subject's feces from the detection signal corresponding to the concentration of the predetermined component or the concentration of the predetermined component corresponding to the detection signal (S6: estimation step). The estimation unit 221 outputs the estimated intestinal information.

[0103] The health information generation unit 222 generates health information regarding the health state of the subject based on the intestinal information estimated by the estimation unit 221 (S7). The health information generation unit 222 transmits the estimation result information including the intestinal information and the health information to the electronic device 3 via the communication unit 21.

[0104] The control unit 312 of the electronic device 3 receives, via the communication unit 311, the estimation result information including the intestinal information estimated based on the predetermined component contained in the gas released from the feces and the health information generated based on the intestinal information from the intestinal information estimation device 2. The control unit 312 notifies the subject by, for example, displaying the received estimation result information on the display unit 313.

[0105] <Effect of the intestinal information estimation system 100> As described above, the intestinal information estimation method according to the present embodiment includes a detection step (S5) of outputting a detection signal corresponding to the concentration of a predetermined component (at least one of methyl mercaptan, hydrogen sulfide, and carbon dioxide) from the gas released from the feces discharged from the subject. Further, the intestinal information estimation method according to the present embodiment includes an estimation step (S6) of estimating at least one of the amount and the presence ratio of at least one of the short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and the metabolite contained in the subject's feces.

[0106] The intestinal information estimation system 100 estimates at least one of the amount and the presence ratio of at least one of the short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and metabolites contained in the feces of the subject based on the concentration of a predetermined component detected from the gas released from the feces of the subject. The predetermined component is at least one of methyl mercaptan, hydrogen sulfide, and carbon dioxide. Thereby, the intestinal information estimation system 100 can estimate the information regarding the intestine of the subject simply and with high accuracy.

[0107] <Modification example> In the intestinal information estimation system 100 in the above-described embodiment, the gas detection device 1 detects a predetermined component contained in the gas and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the concentration of the predetermined component. Further, the intestinal information estimation device 2 estimates at least one of the amount and the presence ratio of at least one of the short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and metabolites contained in the feces of the subject. However, the intestinal information estimation system 100 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the gas detection device 1 may include an estimation unit 221 and perform the process performed in the intestinal information estimation device 2. In this case, the estimation of the information regarding the amount and the presence ratio of at least one of the short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and metabolites contained in the feces of the subject from the collection of the sample gas can be completed only by the gas detection device 1. In this case, the intestinal information estimation system 100 may not include the intestinal information estimation device 2, and the gas detection device 1 may transmit the estimated information to the electronic device 3.

[0108] FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an intestinal information estimation system 100A, which is a modified example of the intestinal information estimation system 100. As shown in FIG. 26, the intestinal information estimation system 100A includes a gas detection device 1A and an intestinal information estimation device 2A instead of the gas detection device 1 and the intestinal information estimation device 2. As shown in FIG. 26, the gas detection device 1A may not be communicably connected to the intestinal information estimation device 2A via a communication network. In the intestinal information estimation system 100A, the gas detection device 1A is communicably connected only to the electronic device 3. In this case, the gas detection device 1A may transmit various information such as concentration information to the electronic device 3, and the electronic device 3 may transmit the concentration information and the like received from the gas detection device 1A to the intestinal information estimation device 2A. As an example, the gas detection device 1A transmits concentration information to the electronic device 3 via a communication device such as a LAN. Further, the electronic device 3 transmits the detection information to the intestinal information estimation device 2A. The intestinal information estimation device 2A transmits the estimation result information to the electronic device 3 that is the transmission source of the detection information.

[0109] 〔Example of Realization by Software〕 The functions of the intestinal information estimation systems 100 and 100A (hereinafter referred to as "systems") can be realized by a program for causing a computer to function as the system, and by a program for causing a computer to function as each control block of the system (particularly each part included in the control units 10, 10A, and 22).

[0110] In this case, the above system includes a computer having at least one control device (for example, a processor) and at least one storage device (for example, a memory) as hardware for executing the above program. By executing the above program by this control device and storage device, each function described in the above embodiments is realized.

[0111] The above program may be recorded on one or more computer-readable recording media, rather than being temporary. This recording medium may or may not be provided in the above device. In the latter case, the above program may be supplied to the above device via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0112] In addition, part or all of the functions of each of the above control blocks can also be realized by a logic circuit. For example, an integrated circuit in which a logic circuit functioning as each of the above control blocks is formed is also included in the scope of the present disclosure. In addition to this, for example, it is also possible to realize the functions of each of the above control blocks by a quantum computer.

[0113] As described above, the invention according to the present disclosure has been described based on the drawings and examples. However, the invention according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. That is, the invention according to the present disclosure can be variously modified within the scope shown in the present disclosure, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the invention according to the present disclosure. That is, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can easily make various deformations or modifications based on the present disclosure. Also, note that these deformations or modifications are included in the scope of the present disclosure.

Example

[0114] One embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below.

[0115] <Estimation by the intestinal information estimation system 100> (1) 60 g of feces from 7 subjects were collected and used as feces for learning. The gas released from each feces was supplied to the gas detection device 1, and the amount of butyric acid (unit: nmol / g) contained in the feces of the subject was estimated by the intestinal information estimation device 2 from the concentration (unit: ppm) of H 2 S in the sample gas output from the detection unit 102. In FIG. 12, H of each sample gas 2The amount of butyric acid was plotted as "●" against the concentration of S. Using the plotted results, a regression line was obtained from the least squares method, and a prediction formula was obtained from the regression line (dotted line).

[0116] (2) 60 g of feces from 6 subjects were collected and used as training feces. The gas released from each feces was supplied to the gas detection device 1, and from the concentration ratio of CH 3 SH in the total gas contained in the sample gas output from the detection unit 102, the ratio of the sum of Ruminococcus bacteria and Ruminospira bacteria contained in the feces to the mass of the feces of the subject was estimated by the intestinal information estimation device 2. In FIG. 13, the ratio of Ruminococcus bacteria was plotted as "●" against the concentration ratio of CH 3 SH in each sample gas. Using the plotted results, a regression line was obtained from the least squares method, and a prediction formula was obtained from the regression line (dotted line).

[0117] (3) 60 g of feces from 6 subjects were collected and used as training feces. The gas released from each feces was supplied to the gas detection device 1. From the ratio of the sum of H 2 S and CH 3 SH in the total gas contained in the sample gas output from the detection unit 102, the amount of glucose 6-phosphate (unit: nmol / g) contained in the feces of the subject was estimated by the intestinal information estimation device 2. In FIG. 14, the amount of glucose 6-phosphate was plotted as "●" against the ratio of the sum of H 2 S and CH 3 SH in each sample gas. Using the plotted results, a regression line was obtained from the least squares method, and a prediction formula was obtained from the regression line (dotted line).

[0118] (4) 60 g of feces from 6 subjects were collected and used as training feces. The gas released from each feces was supplied to the gas detection device 1. From the ratio of the sum of H 2 S and CH 3From the ratio of the sum with SH, the ratio of the sum of fecal bacteria and Ruminococcus bacteria contained in the feces of the subject was estimated by the intestinal information estimation device 2. In FIG. 15, for the entire gas contained in each sample gas, H 2 S and CH 3 The ratio of the sum of fecal bacteria and Ruminococcus bacteria to the ratio of the sum with SH was plotted with "●". Using the plotted results, a regression line was obtained from the least squares method, and a prediction formula was obtained from the regression line (dotted line).

[0119] <Verification> To verify the obtained prediction formulas (1) to (4), 60 g of feces from subjects A, B, and C were collected respectively, and the concentration or concentration ratio of a predetermined component contained in the sample gas released from each feces was measured. In addition, information on the amount and presence ratio of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and metabolites actually contained in each feces was obtained. The presence ratio of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria was determined using a next-generation sequencer, and the amount and presence ratio of metabolites were determined using CE-MS. Information on the amount and presence ratio of metabolites may be obtained using another analytical method such as GC-MS, LC-MS, or NMR for the measurement of metabolites.

[0120] The actually obtained data (true values) correspond to the "□" plotted in FIGS. 12 to 15. When a straight line parallel to the y-axis is drawn from each point of the true value toward the regression line, the intersection with the regression line corresponds to the predicted value. Table 1 shows the results of calculating the difference (residual) between each true value and the predicted value and the ratio of each residual to the measurement range (the difference between the maximum and minimum values of the measurement data).

[0121]

Table 1

[0122] From Table 1, the ratio of each residual was about 45% even for the worst accuracy. It can be said that the smaller the ratio of the residual, the higher the prediction accuracy indicated by the regression line. From this, it was proved that the short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria, and the amount and presence ratio of metabolites estimated by the intestinal information estimation system 100 are highly accurate.

[0123] <Other estimations by the intestinal information estimation system 100> Also, regarding the following (5) to (13), using the intestinal information estimation system 100, a predetermined component was detected from the gas emitted from the feces of the subject, and the amount and proportion of the short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and metabolites were estimated from the concentration of the predetermined component. Regarding (11), as the property of the subject, the gender was limited, and the estimation was made using only the data of women. Thus, it is clear that the amount and proportion of the short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and metabolites can be estimated using the intestinal information estimation system 100 from the regression line obtained from each plot.

[0124] (5) CH 3 Estimating the ratio of fecalibacterium from the concentration of CH4SH (ppm) (Figure 16) (6) CH 3 Estimating the ratio of lachnospira from the concentration of CH4SH (ppm) (Figure 17) (7) CH 3 Estimating the ratio of lactobacillus from the ratio of CH4SH (Figure 18) (8) CH 3 Estimating the amount of ornithine (unit: nmol / g) from the concentration of CH4SH (ppm) (Figure 19) (9) CH 3 Estimating the amount of trimethylamine (unit: nmol / g) from the ratio of CH4SH (Figure 20) (10) CH 3 Estimating the ratio of streptococcus from the ratio of CH4SH (Figure 21) (11) CO 2 Estimating the ratio of bifidobacterium from the concentration (ppm) (Figure 22) (12) CH 3 Estimating the amount of ornithine (unit: nmol / g) from the concentration of CH4SH (ppm) (Figure 23) (13) CO 2 Estimating the ratio of coprococcus from the concentration (ppm) (Figure 24)

Explanation of symbols

[0125] 1, 1A Gas detection device 2, 2A Intestinal information estimation device 3 Electronic device 4 Toilet 102 Detection unit 221 Estimation unit 222 Health information generation unit

Claims

1. A detection unit that detects a predetermined component from the gas emitted from the feces of a subject and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the concentration of the predetermined component; An estimation unit that inputs the detection signal or the concentration of the predetermined component corresponding to the detection signal into a prediction model, and estimates at least one of the amount and the proportion of at least one of the short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and metabolites contained in the feces of the subject; and The predetermined component is at least one of methyl mercaptan, hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide; Estimating at least one of the amount and the proportion of fecal bacteria from the concentration of methyl mercaptan detected from the gas emitted from the feces of the subject; An intestinal information estimation system.

2. A detection unit that detects a predetermined component from the gas emitted from the feces of a subject and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the concentration of the predetermined component; An estimation unit that inputs the detection signal or the concentration of the predetermined component corresponding to the detection signal into a prediction model, and estimates at least one of the amount and the proportion of at least one of the short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and metabolites contained in the feces of the subject; and The predetermined component is at least one of methyl mercaptan, hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide; Estimating at least one of the amount and the proportion of butyric acid from the concentration of hydrogen sulfide detected from the gas emitted from the feces of the subject; An intestinal information estimation system.

3. A detection unit that detects a predetermined component from the gas emitted from the feces of a subject and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the concentration of the predetermined component; An estimation unit that inputs the detection signal or the concentration of the predetermined component corresponding to the detection signal into a prediction model, and estimates at least one of the amount and the proportion of at least one of the short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and metabolites contained in the feces of the subject; and The predetermined component is at least one of methyl mercaptan, hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide; Estimating at least one of the amount and the proportion of Coprococcus bacteria from the concentration of carbon dioxide detected from the gas emitted from the feces of the subject; An intestinal information estimation system.

4. A detection unit that detects a predetermined component from the gas emitted from the feces of a subject and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the concentration of the predetermined component; An estimation unit that inputs the detection signal or the concentration of the predetermined component corresponding to the detection signal into a prediction model to estimate at least one of the amount and the presence ratio of at least one of the short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and metabolites contained in the feces of the subject. The predetermined component is at least one of methyl mercaptan, hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide. Estimating at least one of the amount and the presence ratio of at least one of Streptococcus, Luminococcus, Ruminococcus, and trimethylamine from the concentration of methyl mercaptan detected from the gas released from the feces of the subject. Intestinal information estimation system.

5. The prediction model includes (1) the detection signal output from the detection unit or the concentration of the predetermined component corresponding to the detection signal when the gas released from each of a plurality of feces is supplied to the detection unit, and (2) the amount and the presence ratio of at least one of the short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and metabolites contained in each of the plurality of feces obtained by pre-analysis. It is generated by machine learning using learning data including a combination with at least one of the information regarding the above. The intestinal information estimation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria is at least one of butyric acid-producing bacteria and acetic acid-producing bacteria. The intestinal information estimation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The metabolite is at least one of butyric acid and acetic acid. The intestinal information estimation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. Estimating at least one of the amount and the presence ratio of Fecalibacterium from the concentration of methyl mercaptan detected from the gas released from the feces of the subject. The intestinal information estimation system according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

9. Estimating at least one of the amount and the presence ratio of butyric acid from the concentration of hydrogen sulfide detected from the gas released from the feces of the subject. The intestinal information estimation system according to claim 1, 3, or 4.

10. Estimating at least one of the amount and the presence ratio of Coprococcus from the concentration of carbon dioxide detected from the gas released from the feces of the subject. The intestinal information estimation system according to claim 1, 2, or 4.

11. Estimating at least one of the amount and the percentage of presence of at least one of Streptococcus, Luminococcus, Ruminococcus, and trimethylamine from the concentration of methyl mercaptan detected from the gas emitted from the feces of the subject. The intestinal information estimation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

12. Further comprising a health information generation unit that generates health information based on the estimation result by the estimation unit. The intestinal information estimation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

13. The detection unit is installed in the toilet bowl of the toilet. The intestinal information estimation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

14. The detection unit is installed on the bed of the care recipient. The intestinal information estimation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

15. The detection unit is portable by the subject. The intestinal information estimation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

16. The estimation unit inputs the detection signal or the concentration of the predetermined component corresponding to the detection signal into a prediction model according to the nature of the subject. The intestinal information estimation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

17. The estimation unit inputs information regarding the nature of the subject into a prediction model. The intestinal information estimation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

Images