Western-style toilet bowl and seat device

Abstract

To provide a western-style toilet device and a toilet seat device capable of preventing blockage by swiftly detecting the state that a pooled water is contaminated with foreign matters.SOLUTION: A western-style toilet device 1 includes: a bowl 44 for receiving excrement; a toilet seat 43; a seat sensor 23; a human sensor 22; one or more optical sensors 21; and a contamination detection unit 11 that determines a foreign matter E having entered bowl 44. The optical sensor 21 is configured to pick up an image of objects falling into the bowl 44. The contamination detection unit 11 is configured to: when the human sensor 22 has detected a person and the seat sensor 23 has not detected a sitting position, determine whether or not the falling object is the foreign matter E based on the image captured by the optical sensor 21; and when the foreign matter E is determined, notify of the presence of the foreign matter.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a toilet bowl apparatus and a toilet seat apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a Western-style toilet device has been proposed that uses a water level sensor to detect abnormalities in the water level in the bowl and issues an alarm to prompt the user to quickly remove foreign matter (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-282538 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the detection of an abnormal water level indicates that a blockage is occurring or is imminent, and the detection of an abnormal water level may not be enough to prevent a blockage. Furthermore, if the notification of the abnormal water level detection is overlooked, there is a risk that a more serious problem, such as a water leak due to a blockage, may occur.

[0005] The present disclosure has been proposed in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a Western-style toilet bowl device and toilet seat device that can detect the presence of foreign matter in accumulated water more quickly and prevent clogging. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the Western-style toilet device of the present disclosure comprises a bowl portion for receiving excrement, a toilet seat, a seat sensor, a human presence sensor, an optical sensor, and a foreign object contamination determination unit for determining whether a foreign object has been introduced into the bowl portion, wherein the optical sensor is configured to capture an image of an object that has fallen into the bowl portion, and when the human presence sensor has detected a person but the seat sensor has not detected a person sitting, the foreign object contamination determination unit determines whether the fallen object is a foreign object based on the image captured by the optical sensor, and if it is determined to be a foreign object, it alerts the user that a foreign object has been introduced.

[0007] The toilet seat device disclosed herein is a toilet seat device that constitutes a Western-style toilet device by being assembled to a toilet unit having a bowl portion that receives excrement and a human presence sensor, and is equipped with an optical sensor, a seating sensor, and a foreign object detection unit that determines whether a foreign object has been introduced into the bowl portion, the optical sensor being configured to capture an image of an object that has fallen into the bowl portion, and the foreign object detection unit being characterized in that when the human presence sensor has detected a person but the seating sensor has not detected a person sitting, the foreign object detection unit determines whether the fallen object is a foreign object based on the image captured by the optical sensor, and if it is determined to be a foreign object, it alerts the user that a foreign object has been introduced. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] Because the Western-style toilet bowl device and toilet seat device of the present disclosure have the above-described configuration, it is possible to detect the presence of foreign matter in the accumulated water more quickly and prevent clogging before it occurs. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a basic block diagram of a Western-style toilet device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the Western-style toilet device. [Figure 3] 1(a) is a schematic perspective view of the Western-style toilet device, and FIG. 1(b) is a partial side view of the cleaning nozzle of the private parts cleaning section. [Figure 4]1(a) and 1(b) are diagrams showing two examples of the installation positions of the optical sensor and the lighting unit in the Western-style toilet device, where 1(a) is a schematic plan view and 1(b) is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view. [Figure 5] 10 is a basic flowchart showing the operational flow of the Western-style toilet device, including capturing images of excrement. [Figure 6] 6 is a flowchart showing one operation mode (determination of foreign matter contamination) of the Western-style toilet device. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing one operation mode (determination of nozzle dirt) of the Western-style toilet device. [Figure 8] 6 is a flowchart showing one operation mode (determination of detergent shortage) of the Western-style toilet device. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart showing one operation mode (clogging determination) of the Western-style toilet device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a basic block diagram of a Western-style toilet device and a toilet seat device used therein according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the Western-style toilet device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, the basic configuration of the Western-style toilet device 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0011] This Western-style toilet device 1 comprises a bowl portion 44 that receives excrement, a toilet seat 43, a seating sensor 23, a human presence sensor 22, an optical sensor 21, and a foreign object intrusion determination unit 11 that determines whether a foreign object E has entered the bowl portion 44. The optical sensor 21 is configured to capture an image of an object that has fallen into the bowl portion 44, and when the human presence sensor 22 has detected a person and the seating sensor 23 has not detected a person sitting, the foreign object intrusion determination unit 11 determines whether the fallen object is a foreign object E based on the image captured by the optical sensor 21, and if it determines that the object is a foreign object E, it issues a warning that a foreign object has entered the bowl portion 44.

[0012] In addition to the foreign object detection function, the Western-style toilet device 1 may have a function for capturing images of excrement received in the bowl portion 44, and may further have the following three functions: a function for determining whether the cleaning nozzle 32a of the pubic cleaning portion 32 is dirty, a function for determining whether the detergent tank 55a has run out of detergent, and a function for determining whether the bowl portion 44 is clogged.

[0013] The Western-style toilet device 1 having the function of capturing images of excrement may include a bowl portion 44 for receiving excrement, an optical sensor 21, and an excrement image control unit 10. The optical sensor 21 may be configured to capture images of excrement falling into the bowl portion 44. The excrement image control unit 10 may be configured to store the captured excrement images, transfer the excrement images to another terminal, and perform various analyses based on the excrement images.

[0014] A Western-style toilet apparatus 1 having a function for determining the dirtiness of the flushing nozzle 32a may comprise a bowl section 44 for receiving excrement, a private parts washing section 32 having the flushing nozzle 32a, an optical sensor 21, and a dirt determination section 12 for detecting the dirtiness of the flushing nozzle 32a. The imaging range of the optical sensor 21 may include the state of water being sprayed from the flushing nozzle 32a. The dirt determination section 12 may be configured to detect the amount of water being sprayed based on an image of the spraying state captured by the optical sensor 21, and if the detected amount of water being sprayed does not reach a reference amount, determine that the nozzle is dirty and issue a notification that the nozzle is dirty.

[0015] A Western-style toilet apparatus 1 with a detergent-out detection function may comprise a bowl portion 44 for receiving excrement, a detergent tank 55a containing detergent for supplying foam to the water surface A in the bowl portion 44, and an optical sensor 21. The Western-style toilet apparatus 1 may further comprise a detergent-out detection unit 13 for determining whether the detergent tank 55a has run out of detergent. The imaging range of the optical sensor 21 may include the water surface in the bowl portion 44. The detergent-out detection unit 13 may be configured to detect the amount of foam on the water surface based on an image of the water surface captured by the optical sensor 21 in a sealed state, and to determine that the detergent has run out if the detected amount of foam does not reach a reference amount, and to issue a warning that the detergent has run out.

[0016] A Western-style toilet device 1 with a clog detection function may include a bowl portion 44 for receiving excrement, an optical sensor 21, and a clog detection unit 14 for detecting a clog in the bowl portion 44. The imaging range of the optical sensor 21 may include the water surface A in the bowl portion 44. The clog detection unit 14 may be configured to detect the water level of the water surface A based on an image of the water surface A captured by the optical sensor 21 in a sealed state, and to determine that a clog has occurred if the detected water level is higher than a reference level and to notify the user of the clog.

[0017] The Western-style toilet device 1 according to this embodiment has all of the above five functions. The optical sensor 21 used to realize these functions can be a sensor that is common to all of the functions. Next, the detailed configuration of the Western-style toilet device 1 will be described.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1, the Western-style toilet device 1 is equipped with a CPU 5, which is the core of computer processing. The CPU 5 controls the execution of various programs, and by executing the programs, it controls and monitors the operation of the following parts. The Western-style toilet device 1 also has a timing unit 7 that handles various timer processes (periodic processing and delay processing).

[0019] In order to execute the operations of the five functions, the Western-style toilet device 1 is equipped with an excrement image control unit 10, a foreign matter detection unit 11, a dirt detection unit 12, a detergent shortage detection unit 13, and a clogging detection unit 14. Each unit is configured with a program or the like, and executes the operation of each function in cooperation with the CPU 5. The excrement image control unit 10 also includes an analysis unit 10a that generates excrement analysis information based on excrement images captured by the optical sensor 21.

[0020] The Western-style toilet device 1 is equipped with various detection units such as an optical sensor 21, a human presence sensor 22, and a seating sensor 23. The optical sensor 21 is an image sensor (electronic camera) or the like for capturing images of various objects in order to perform the five functions. In this embodiment, the optical sensor 21 is common to the five functions, but individual optical sensors may also be provided.

[0021] The human presence sensor 22 is composed of, for example, an infrared sensor, and detects the presence or absence of a person in the toilet room, and detects the timing of entry into the toilet room by the change of the sensor's state from off to on, and detects the timing of exit from the toilet room by the change of the sensor's state from on to off.

[0022] Examples of the seating sensor 23 include a load sensor that is built into the toilet seat 43 and detects whether the user is sitting or leaving the seat, and an infrared sensor that detects whether the user is sitting or leaving the seat near the rotation axis of the toilet seat 43. The seating detected by the seating sensor 23 acts as a trigger for the toilet flushing unit 31, which will be described later. This seating trigger, together with the defecation flush button and urination flush button, which will be described later, constitutes the flush instruction means.

[0023] Details of the optical sensor 21 will be described later with reference to Fig. 4. Although the optical sensor 21 is used for analyzing excrement, various other sensors such as an odor sensor and a radio wave sensor may also be provided.

[0024] The various detectors 20 also include a toilet lid open / close detector 24 that detects when the toilet lid 42 stops in the open / close position, and a toilet seat open / close detector 25 that detects when the toilet seat stops in the open / close position.

[0025] The Western-style toilet device 1 is provided with an illumination unit 26 that illuminates the inside of the bowl unit 44 that is imaged by the optical sensor 21.

[0026] The Western-style toilet device 1 is equipped with a notification unit 27 for notifying the user of various events. Notification may be made, for example, by sounding a buzzer, outputting a synthesized voice, or displaying an LED. Notification may also be made by transmitting information to a mobile terminal (not shown) via a communication unit 28. The communication unit 28 may be configured as one or both of a short-range communication unit capable of communication via infrared, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or Wi-Fi, and a long-range communication unit via the Internet.

[0027] The Western-style toilet apparatus 1 is equipped with a memory unit 29. The memory unit 29 stores various data such as image data captured by the optical sensor 21 and analysis data, as well as a reference image 29a for comparison with the captured image. Examples of the reference image 29a include a comparison image for determining whether the nozzle is dirty, a comparison image for determining whether the detergent has run out, and a comparison image for determining whether the nozzle is clogged.

[0028] The Western-style toilet device 1 is equipped with an operation unit 30. The operation unit 30 is equipped with a defecation flush button and a urination flush button (neither of which are shown) that output flushing instructions to the toilet bowl flushing unit 31 via the CPU 5 and a program. The operation unit 30 also includes a toilet seat operation unit for electrically opening and closing the toilet seat 43, and a toilet lid operation unit (neither of which are shown) for electrically opening and closing the toilet lid 42.

[0029] The operation unit 30 is provided with operation switches and operation buttons for performing various other operations and settings. It is desirable that the operation unit 30 be provided on both the main body operation unit (not shown) and the remote control (not shown). An infrared communication remote control is preferably used.

[0030] The Western-style toilet device 1 further comprises a toilet bowl cleansing section 31 and a private parts cleansing section 32. These and other structural components will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0031] The Western-style toilet device 1 is a seat-type toilet device that is fixed to the floor or wall within a toilet space. The main body of this Western-style toilet device is built in such a way that the bowl portion, which opens upward, is surrounded by a skirt portion 41, and above the bowl portion 44, a toilet lid 42 and a toilet seat 43 are provided, which can be raised and lowered relative to the opening of the bowl portion 44 and which share the same rotation axis. The toilet lid 42 and toilet seat 43 can be opened and closed electrically or manually. For electrically operated operation, each drive portion (not shown) operates based on command signals from each opening and closing operation portion (not shown) provided in the operation portion 30.

[0032] The internal space of the skirt portion 41 houses the mechanism of the toilet flushing portion 31, which supplies flush water from the water supply port 46 into the bowl portion 44 to clean the inside of the bowl portion 44. This mechanism has a water supply mechanism and a drainage mechanism.

[0033] The water supply mechanism includes a water supply port 46, a flushing water supply path 47 that supplies flushing water from a water pipe into the bowl portion 44 through the water supply port 46, and a water supply valve 48 arranged midway along the flushing water supply path 47 that supplies or cuts off the flushing water to the bowl portion 44.

[0034] The drainage mechanism of the Western-style toilet device 1 according to this embodiment has a structure that includes a movable trap 49. This trap 49 is rotated by a drive mechanism 50 to establish a draining state or a water-sealing state. In the illustrated example, the trap 49 is in a position when the accumulated water is in a water-sealing state, and in the draining state, it rotates so that the drain outlet 49a on the open end of the trap 49 faces the discharge outlet 52.

[0035] The trap 49 is surrounded by a trap case 51 to prevent sewage and odors from leaking to the outside. The drainage mechanism may be a siphon type, a siphon jet type, a siphon vortex type, or a wash-down type.

[0036] In addition, in the illustrated example, the Western-style toilet device 1 is shown as a tankless type that is directly connected to the water supply and does not have a flush tank (low tank), but it may also be configured with a flush tank.

[0037] Furthermore, in the flush water supply passage 47, downstream of the water supply valve 48 (on the water supply port 46 side), there is provided a foam forming section 54 that mixes detergent and air bubbles into the flush water to form foam B. In this Western-style toilet device 1, the foam forming section 54 is made up of an air bubble mixing section 56 that mixes air bubbles into the flush water, and a detergent mixing section 55 that takes detergent from a detergent tank 55a and mixes it with the flush water.

[0038] In this Western-style toilet device 1, when a flush command is given by the flush command means, the foam forming section 54 mixes foam B with flush water, and the mixed flush water is supplied to the bowl section 44 to create a water reservoir (sealed water) state.

[0039] The bubble mixer 56 includes a sudden pressure change section 56a having a venturi structure and a gas supply valve 56b, and is formed therein with a cleaning water flow path (not shown) through which cleaning water flows from a cleaning water supply path.

[0040] As a result, shear force is generated at the interface between the gas and the jet of cleansing water, generating bubbles. Furthermore, in the bubble mixer 56, negative pressure is generated by the cleansing water flowing through the cleansing water flow path, and the gas supplied from the gas supply valve 56b can be efficiently mixed into the cleansing water flowing through the cleansing water flow path due to the ejector effect.

[0041] Detergent mixing section 55 mixes a predetermined amount of detergent into wash water supply path 47. Detergent mixing section 55 includes detergent tank 55a that stores detergent, detergent supply path 55c that is connected to wash water supply path 47, and detergent supply valve 55b that is arranged midway along detergent supply path 55c and that supplies or cuts off the supply of detergent to wash water supply path 47.

[0042] In this embodiment, the detergent is a surfactant. The detergent may also be mixed with an aromatic so that the aromatic is further mixed into the wash water. In this embodiment, the detergent mixing section 55 is located downstream of the air bubble mixing section 56, but it may also be located upstream of the air bubble mixing section 56. The wash water mixed with the detergent and air bubbles is discharged into the bowl section 44 from the water supply port 46 of the wash water supply passage 47.

[0043] When the cleaning water containing detergent and air bubbles is supplied to the bowl portion 44 in this manner, the air bubbles collide with the inner surface of the bowl portion 44. At this time, ultrasonic waves generated by the bursting of the air bubbles remove dirt from inside the bowl portion 44. Furthermore, since detergent is supplied to the cleaning water, the inner surface of the bowl portion 44 is further cleaned.

[0044] The foam B, which is made up of detergent and air bubbles supplied to the bowl portion 44, remains on the surface A of the water that is sealed off. The amount of foam B gradually decreases over time. While foam B remains on the surface A of the water, it cleans and protects the inner surface of the bowl portion 44.

[0045] Next, the details of the local area washing section 32 will be described with reference to FIG. 2 and FIGS. 3(a) and (b).

[0046] The private parts washing section 32 has a nozzle case 32b and a washing nozzle 32a housed therein. The nozzle case 32b is provided at the rear of the rim section 45 of the bowl section 44 (near the axis of the toilet seat 43), and a nozzle lid 45a is rotatably supported on the rim section 45 and is openable and closable. The washing nozzle 32a is retractable from the nozzle case 32b, pushes open the nozzle lid 45a from the inside, protrudes, advances to the center of the bowl section 44 and stops, and sprays water C from the nozzle opening 32c.

[0047] Tap water is used as the washing water used in the private parts washing section 32, and is configured to be supplied via a private parts washing water supply channel (not shown) branching off from the washing water supply channel, for example.

[0048] The advancement and retraction of the cleaning nozzle 32a of the private parts cleaning unit 32 is performed by the private parts cleaning operation of the operating unit 30. Specifically, when the user performs the private parts cleaning operation after excretion, the cleaning nozzle 32a advances to the center of the bowl part 44, stops at a predetermined position, and performs the cleaning operation with the jetted water C until the cleaning stop operation is performed. Note that the private parts cleaning unit 32 of this embodiment performs a nozzle cleaning operation to clean the cleaning nozzle 32a itself before and after the cleaning operation.

[0049] Next, the configuration and mounting position of the optical sensor 21 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0050] The optical sensor 21 has an image sensor (electronic camera) and a control circuit (not shown) that controls the electronic camera. The control circuit is configured to control the light receiving element (not shown) to open the electronic shutter at intervals of 20 to 120 times per second, preferably 20 to 240 times per second, to take pictures.

[0051] This optical sensor 21 may be installed in various positions such as the bowl portion 44, for example, in or near the cavity of the rim portion 45 (see Figure 2) on the underside of the toilet seat 43, as shown in Figures 4(a) and (b).

[0052] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4(a), the optical sensor 21 is provided, for example, near the rotation axis of the toilet seat 43 on the rim portion 45, adjacent to the private parts cleansing portion 32. The lighting portion 26 is provided adjacent to the optical sensor 21 on the opposite side from the private parts cleansing portion 32. The lighting portion 26 is used to illuminate the inside of the bowl portion 44 for imaging, and although the timing of illumination varies depending on the object to be imaged as will be described later, it may be controlled to illuminate when, for example, a person is sitting or the toilet lid 42 is closed.

[0053] As described above, the imaging range of these optical sensors 21 includes the water surface A in the bowl portion 44, particularly the water surface A in a sealed state. Furthermore, it is sufficient if the imaging range can capture images of objects that have fallen into the bowl portion 44, particularly objects that are falling and are located below the rim portion 45 and above the water surface A. Furthermore, the imaging range can also include the state in which the water C is being sprayed from the cleaning nozzle 32a (see FIG. 3) (for the above, see FIG. 4(b)).

[0054] In other words, the objects that the optical sensor 21 captures include falling excrement (feces D), foreign matter E mixed into the bowl portion 44, the state of water C sprayed by the cleaning nozzle 32a, the state of bubbles B on the pooled water surface A, and the water level of the pooled water surface A in the sealed state.

[0055] Furthermore, excrement to be imaged may include feces D excreted on the inner bottom of bowl portion 44 and urine excreted by a man in a standing position. Therefore, optical sensor 21 may have an imaging range from an upper position of rim portion 45 to the inner bottom of bowl portion 44, and multiple optical sensors 21 may be combined to cover such an imaging range.

[0056] Next, the functions of (1) capturing an image of excrement, (2) determining whether foreign matter is present, (3) determining whether the nozzle is dirty, (4) determining whether the detergent is out, and (5) determining whether clogging has occurred will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0057] Here, the function of (1) is that the object to be imaged is excrement (feces D) received in the bowl portion 44. The function of (2) is that the object to be imaged received in the bowl portion 44 is a foreign object E. The function of (3) is that the object to be imaged is water C sprayed from the cleaning nozzle 32a. The function of (4) is that the object to be imaged is bubbles B on the surface A of the water stored in the bowl portion 44. The function of (5) is that the object to be imaged is the water level of the surface A of the water stored in the bowl portion 44.

[0058] FIG. 5 is a flowchart (steps S1 to S9) showing an example of the execution timing of each of the functions (1) to (5) in chronological order.

[0059] When a person entering the toilet room is detected at the timing when the human presence sensor 22 changes state from off to on, continuous imaging by the optical sensor 21 for capturing excrement images is started (steps S1 and S2 in FIG. 5). Continuous imaging is continued until the person exits the toilet room (when the human presence sensor 22 changes state from on to off).

[0060] In the Western-style toilet device 1 of this embodiment, from the time of entering the room to the time of leaving the room, the following functions are executed: (1) capturing an image of excrement (excrement image control) (step S3 in FIG. 5), (2) determining whether foreign matter is present (step S4 in FIG. 5), and (3) determining whether the nozzle is dirty (step S5 in FIG. 5). Note that the timing of each of these functions differs from one another, and will be described later in the explanation of each part.

[0061] The operation of (4) the detergent run-out determination function (step S7 in FIG. 5) detects the state (amount of foam) of foam B supplied into bowl portion 44 in a sealed state during toilet flushing, and therefore is desirably performed in the initial state of supplying foam B, taking into consideration that foam B gradually decreases. Also, the operation of (5) the clogging determination function (step S8 in FIG. 5) detects the level of flush water supplied into bowl portion 44 in a sealed state during toilet flushing, and therefore is desirably performed in the initial state after flushing.

[0062] In this embodiment, these functions are executed simultaneously with the timing of leaving the room (step S6 in FIG. 5) when continuous imaging stops, or when the user leaves the seat, or a predetermined time (e.g., several seconds) after that. In the case where the toilet lid 42 closes when the user leaves the seat, these functions may be executed using the closing of the toilet lid 42 as a trigger.

[0063] Furthermore, the optical sensor 21 may continue to capture images continuously not until the time to leave the room, but until the end of either (4) the detergent run-out determination or (5) the clogging determination, whichever is later. In other words, since the Western-style toilet device 1 uses the same optical sensor 21 to perform the five functions, it is desirable to use the optical sensor 21 so that it is efficiently used for all functions and not to repeatedly start and stop the continuous capture more than necessary. The operation of each function will be explained below.

[0064] (1)Excrement image control First, when a person enters the toilet room and the human presence sensor 22 detects this person, the optical sensor 21 starts continuously capturing images of the inside of the bowl portion 44. Until the human presence sensor 22 detects that the person has left the room, the optical sensor 21 captures excrement images at a predetermined cycle, such as every 100 msec, and the excrement images are sequentially stored in the memory unit 29 together with the date and time. Note that it is also possible to store only images that include excrement.

[0065] The imaging of the inside of the bowl section 44 by the optical sensor 21 may start when the seating sensor 23 is turned on and stop when it is turned off, instead of when the user enters / exits the bowl section 44.

[0066] When the person entering the room defecates, the analysis unit 10a generates excrement analysis information based on the excrement image, and the information is also stored in the storage unit in association with the excrement image. The excrement analysis information may include information generated based on information detected by an odor sensor or a radio wave sensor.

[0067] The excrement analysis information may include the characteristics and amount in the case of stool D, and the amount and urination time in the case of urine. As the characteristics of stool D, it is desirable to detect a classification according to the Bristol stool characteristics classification (hard stool, hard stool, slightly hard stool, normal stool, slightly soft stool, muddy stool, watery stool). The amount of stool, amount of urine, and urination time can be calculated from excrement images and the number of images.

[0068] Such excrement analysis information may then be transmitted to a management server (not shown) via the communication unit 28 when the human presence sensor 22 detects that the person has left the room.

[0069] Furthermore, the excrement images and excrement analysis information may be stored in a mobile terminal (not shown) via the communication unit 28, or in a USB (not shown) via a USB connection unit (not shown). Since the excrement images relate to the privacy of the user, it goes without saying that approval based on the identification information is required when transmitting the images to the mobile terminal.

[0070] If excrement images and excrement analysis information are linked and saved for each user in this way, it will be possible to understand the user's health condition based on them. Furthermore, if this information is saved in a management server (not shown) at a medical institution or the like, it can be used for medical treatment.

[0071] (2) Judgment of foreign matter contamination The foreign matter contamination determination may be performed during continuous imaging from entry to exit as described above, and foreign matter contamination determination unit 11 may operate at a predetermined cycle, such as 100 msec, to monitor the contamination of foreign matter in bowl portion 44. The following will explain the process along the flowchart in FIG. 6 (steps S100 to S110).

[0072] First, the most recent images continuously captured by the optical sensor 21 are captured, and the presence or absence of a fallen object is determined based on the image data (steps S100 to S102). If there is no fallen object, the operation ends (steps S102: N, S110). If there is a fallen object, the human presence sensor 22 determines whether a person has been detected, and further the seating sensor 23 determines whether the person is seated on the toilet seat 43 (steps S102: Y, S103, S104). If there is no human presence being detected or if the person is seated, the operation ends (steps S103: N, S104: Y, S110). Note that the images used to determine the presence or absence of a fallen object may be a plurality of images taken immediately prior to the execution timing of the foreign object contamination determination unit 11.

[0073] If human presence is being detected and the person is not sitting, that is, if a person is in the room and not sitting on the toilet seat 43, the fallen object is determined to be an object (candidate foreign object) other than excrement (feces D or urine while sitting) (Y in steps S103, N in S104). In this case, a detailed determination is made (Y in steps S103, N in S104, S105).

[0074] The detailed judgment is a judgment to exclude toilet paper and urine of a man in a standing position from foreign objects E, and may be made based on at least one of the color, size, and shape of the fallen objects recognized in the captured image. Toilet paper may be judged, for example, by its color (a light color such as white) or size (wider than feces D). Urine may be judged, for example, by its shape (longer and thinner than feces D) or color (semi-transparent).

[0075] If the fallen object is determined to be toilet paper or urine from a standing position, it is determined that the fallen object is not foreign object E, and the operation ends (N in steps S106, S110). If the fallen object is foreign object E, it is determined that foreign object E has entered bowl portion 44, and this fact is notified via the notification unit, the flush prohibition mode is set, and the operation ends (N in steps S107, S108 to S110).

[0076] Note that objects other than toilet paper and urine in a standing position are also assumed to be objects that are not foreign object E. Such objects may also be determined based on at least one of color, size, and shape. Furthermore, an object that is not foreign object E may be registered as a comparison image, and the captured image may be compared with the comparison image to determine that it is foreign object E.

[0077] The notification may be made by sounding a buzzer or flashing a lamp. The notification may be made to the mobile terminal via the communication unit 28, or a combination of these. The notification to the mobile terminal may be made via one or both of the short-range communication unit and the long-range communication unit.

[0078] The flush prohibition mode is a mode in which, even when a flush command is given, toilet flushing, i.e., the supply of flush water to bowl portion 44, and drainage from bowl portion 44 based on the operation of trap 49, are not performed. Note that the operating configuration may not require a setting change to the flush prohibition mode.

[0079] It is also desirable that the cleaning prohibition mode be released by providing a mode reset button (not shown) on the operation unit 30 and operating the mode reset button after removing foreign matter. It is also desirable that the buzzer sound and lamp flashing continue to operate until the mode reset button is operated.

[0080] According to this foreign object detection operation, if foreign object E is mixed into bowl portion 44, the foreign object is notified immediately after the mixing, so the user can immediately know that a foreign object has been mixed in. As a result, the user can take early action to prevent the foreign object from mixing in, and bowl portion 44 can be prevented from clogging with foreign object E.

[0081] In this embodiment, since the foreign object detection is an operation that is initiated between entering and leaving the room (see FIG. 5), it is not necessary to determine whether human presence is being detected in the predetermined periodic processing of FIG.

[0082] Additionally, the open state of the toilet lid 42 detected by the toilet lid open / close detection unit 24 may be added as a condition for detecting a potential foreign object. Note that if the imaging range of the optical sensor 21 is limited to below the rim portion 45, the open state of the toilet lid 42 does not need to be a condition, because fallen objects will not be included in the captured image if the toilet lid 42 is closed.

[0083] (3) Nozzle contamination detection The nozzle contamination determination may be performed during the continuous imaging from the time of entering the room to the time of leaving the room, as described above, and the contamination determination unit 12 may operate at the timing when local cleaning starts. The following will explain this with reference to the flowchart in Figure 7 (steps S200 to S210).

[0084] First, when a person performs a flushing operation while seated on toilet seat 43, flushing nozzle 32a advances toward the center of bowl portion 44 and begins to spray wash water from flushing nozzle 32a toward the private parts (steps S200 to S202). During the predetermined time during the spraying, an image captured by optical sensor 21 capturing an image of the inside of bowl portion 44 is captured and compared with reference image 29a stored in memory portion 29 to determine whether or not there is dirt (steps S203 to S205).

[0085] Furthermore, since the nozzle dirt determination uses images captured during cleaning by the private parts cleaning unit 32, that is, images of the inside of the bowl unit 44 are captured while the user is sitting on the toilet seat 43, it is desirable to illuminate the inside of the bowl unit 44 with the lighting unit 26 while the user is sitting.

[0086] Reference image 29a is image data capturing an appropriate spray state (amount of spray) during local cleansing, and by comparing the spray state of the captured image with reference image 29a, it is possible to determine whether the amount of spray at that timing has reached the appropriate amount. For example, by comparing the height and width of the sprayed water, it is possible to determine whether the standard amount has been reached. Note that reference image 29a does not have to be image data that has actually been captured, and may be image data generated by synthesis, for example.

[0087] The optical sensor 21 continuously captures images at a rate of about 20 to 240 times per second while the water C is being ejected from the cleaning nozzle 32a. Therefore, it is desirable to extract a plurality of data from the continuously captured images during the predetermined time period and compare each of the data with the reference image 29a.

[0088] If the amount of sprayed water C does not reach the standard amount, it is determined that there is dirt (Y in step S205). In that case, the presence of dirt is notified through the notification unit 27, cleaning in the special cleaning mode is performed on the cleaning nozzle 32a, and when the special cleaning is completed, local cleaning is resumed and the operation is terminated (steps S206 to S210). If it is determined that there is no dirt, local cleaning is continued and the operation is terminated (N in steps S205, S209, S210).

[0089] If the captured image indicates that the stain is such that little water is being sprayed out, the cleaning nozzle 32a may be retracted after special cleaning is performed or without special cleaning.

[0090] The notification may be made by sounding a buzzer or flashing a lamp. The notification may be made to the mobile terminal via the communication unit 28, or a combination of these. The notification to the mobile terminal may be made via one or both of the short-range communication unit and the long-range communication unit.

[0091] The special cleaning mode is a cleaning that cleans the cleaning nozzle itself, similar to the nozzle cleaning that is performed before and after the local cleaning, and is preferably performed at a position behind the local cleaning position (for example, the nozzle cleaning position). Examples of special cleaning modes include cleaning that takes longer than normal nozzle cleaning, cleaning that uses more water per unit time, and cleaning that uses detergent.

[0092] Therefore, when it is determined that there is dirt and special cleaning is performed, the cleaning nozzle 32a retreats once, and then advances to a predetermined position for local cleaning after the special cleaning is completed. After the special cleaning is completed, an image may be captured again by the optical sensor 21 to check whether the dirt has been removed.

[0093] In this embodiment, the nozzle contamination judgment is performed when the user's local area is washed as described above, but it may also be performed when the nozzle is washed before or after the local area is washed. In other words, it may be determined whether the spray amount is appropriate or not based on an image of the spray state of the nozzle cleaning. In that case, it goes without saying that the reference image to be compared is an image of the appropriate spray amount of the nozzle cleaning.

[0094] This nozzle contamination detection operation allows the user to discover contamination on the cleaning nozzle 32a when actually cleaning the area. In addition, since the presence or absence of contamination can be determined from an image of the spraying state, the user can quickly identify contamination that may lead to abnormal spraying and take action early.

[0095] Furthermore, while methods that use images of dirt on the surface of the cleaning nozzle 32a may fail to detect dirt that leads to abnormal spraying or may detect dirt that does not lead to abnormal spraying, the method of this embodiment makes it possible to discover dirt that directly leads to abnormal spraying.

[0096] Furthermore, if it is determined that there is dirt, in addition to issuing an alert, special cleaning is performed to remove the dirt, so if the cleaning nozzle can be cleaned by this special cleaning, local cleaning can be resumed immediately.

[0097] (4) Detergent run-out detection As mentioned above, the detergent shortage determination may be made after a person leaves the room or leaves their seat. Note that the operation of this example assumes that the continuous imaging of the optical sensor is stopped when the person leaves the room. The following explains the process along the flowchart in Figure 8 (steps S300 to S307).

[0098] First, illumination unit 26 is turned on, optical sensor 21 captures an image of the inside of bowl portion 44, and then illumination is turned off (steps S300 to S303). In this case, imaging is performed continuously for a predetermined period of time. The captured image captured by optical sensor 21 is compared with a reference image stored in memory unit 29 to determine whether foam B has reached the reference amount (step S304).

[0099] The key points for determining the appropriate amount of foam B include the presence or absence of breaks in foam B on the surface A of the pooled water, the surface area of ​​foam B, the area of ​​the parts without foam B, and the thickness of foam B at the breaks in foam B, and a reference image 29a can be prepared based on these. Also, instead of comparing with the reference image 29a, the amount of foam may be calculated numerically based on the presence or absence of breaks in foam B on the surface A of the pooled water, the surface area of ​​foam B, the area of ​​the parts without foam B, and the thickness of foam B at the breaks in foam B, and then compared with the reference value.

[0100] If it is determined that the amount of foam has not reached the reference amount, it is determined that detergent tank 55a is out of detergent, and this is notified by notification unit 27, and the operation ends (Y in steps S305, S306, S307). If it is not determined that detergent is out of detergent, the operation ends (N in steps S305, S307).

[0101] Considering that the user has already left the room, the notification should be made by sounding a buzzer, sending a notification to a mobile terminal via communication unit 28 (preferably a long-distance communication unit), or a combination of these.

[0102] This type of detergent-out determination operation allows a person to know when to replenish the detergent without having to directly check the detergent tank 55a. Furthermore, because the device is configured to automatically determine whether the detergent has run out, it is possible to reduce the time and effort required for a person to directly check the detergent tank 55a, and detergent can be replenished in the detergent tank 55a in a timely manner.

[0103] The operation in this example is a procedure for restarting the optical sensor 21, but it may also be performed while the optical sensor 21 is continuing to take continuous images. In that case, it is sufficient to simply capture the image data at the timing when this determination is made. For example, the amount of foam may be detected using the most recent multiple image data.

[0104] (5) Clogging detection As described above, the determination of a blockage may be started after a person leaves the room or leaves their seat. Note that the operation in this example is based on the premise that the continuous imaging of the optical sensor 21 is stopped when the person leaves the room. The following description will be given along the flowchart in FIG. 9 (steps S400 to S411).

[0105] First, illumination unit 26 is turned on, optical sensor 21 captures an image of the inside of bowl portion 44, and then illumination is turned off (steps S400 to S403). In this case, imaging is performed continuously for a predetermined period of time. By comparing the captured image data acquired by optical sensor 21 with reference image 29a stored in memory unit 29, it is determined whether the water level in bowl portion 44 exceeds the reference level (step S404).

[0106] As the reference image 29a, an image of the appropriate water level captured in advance by the optical sensor 21 attached to the bowl portion 44 may be used, and the reference level may be set to an upper threshold value of the appropriate level.

[0107] If it is determined that the water level exceeds the reference level, it is determined that a blockage has occurred in the bowl section 44, the trap 49, etc., and this fact is notified by the alarm section 27, the cleaning prohibition mode is set, and the operation ends (Y in steps S405, S406, S407, S411).

[0108] Considering that the user has already left the room, the notification should be made by sounding a buzzer, sending a notification to a mobile terminal via the communication unit 28 (preferably a long-distance communication unit), or a combination of these. Also, the notification may be made by flashing a lamp continuously so that an abnormality can be detected when someone enters the room.

[0109] The flush prohibition mode is a mode in which, even if a flush command is given, toilet flushing, i.e., supply of flush water to bowl portion 44 and drainage from bowl portion 44 based on operation of trap 49, is not performed. Note that the operating configuration may not require a setting change to the flush prohibition mode.

[0110] It is also desirable that the cleaning prohibition mode be released by operating a mode reset button (not shown) on the operation unit 30 after the blockage has been cleared. It is also desirable that the buzzer sound and lamp flashing continue to operate until the mode reset button is operated.

[0111] If no blockage is detected, the captured image data is then compared with another reference image 29a (an image showing the seal breaking level) to determine whether the water level in the bowl section 44 has reached the seal breaking level (lower limit level) (step S408).

[0112] In this case, the reference image 29a may be an image of the water level at the seal breaking level captured in advance by the optical sensor 21 attached to the bowl portion 44. Here, the seal breaking level may be set to a level slightly higher than the water level at which the seal will actually be broken.

[0113] If it is determined that the water level has not reached the seal breaking level, it is determined that the seal has been broken, and at least one of additional water supply or notification that the seal has been broken is executed, and the operation ends (Y in step S409, S410, S411). If it is not determined that the seal has been broken, the operation ends (N in step S409, S411).

[0114] This type of clogging detection operation allows for easy detection of water level abnormalities, enabling clogging to be detected quickly. Also, if multiple past image data are stored in the memory unit 29, the cause of the rise in water level can be investigated based on these.

[0115] In addition, in this embodiment, the seal breaking level is also checked using images, so not only can a response be made to a clog, but also to a seal breaking, quickly.

[0116] In the illustrated example, the operations (4) Determination of Detergent Runout and (5) Determination of Clogging are procedures for first restarting the optical sensor 21, but they may also be performed while continuous image capturing by the optical sensor 21 is continuing. For example, instead of stopping continuous image capturing by the optical sensor 21 when you leave the room, continuous image capturing may be stopped after capturing the captured images in the operations (4) and (5) after you leave the room.

[0117] The Western-style toilet device 1 uses images from the optical sensor 21 for the above operations (1) to (5), and is configured using the same sensor. This allows for efficient use of the optical sensor 21. For example, by using the optical sensor 21, which is provided for capturing images of excrement, to also determine whether detergent has run out, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing costs of a multi-function toilet that has both a health management function and a foreign object contamination monitoring (clogging prevention) function.

[0118] The Western-style toilet apparatus 1 shown above is an integrated toilet lid 42 and toilet seat 43, but it may also be a Western-style toilet apparatus 1A in which a toilet seat apparatus 60 in which the toilet lid 42 and toilet seat 43 are integrated can be retrofitted to a toilet unit 61 (see Figures 10 and 11). The following will be explained based on Figures 10 and 11.

[0119] This Western-style toilet device 1A has roughly the same components as those in Figure 1. In this embodiment, of these components, the human sensor 22, operating unit 30, toilet bowl cleaning unit 31, and private parts cleaning unit 32 are provided in a toilet unit 61 (see Figure 10). The detailed structure and operation of the Western-style toilet device 1A are the same as those in Figures 2 to 9, so a description thereof will be omitted. The basic configuration of the toilet seat device 60 will be described below.

[0120] This toilet seat device 60 constitutes a Western-style toilet device 1A by being assembled to a toilet unit 61 which has a bowl portion 44 for receiving excrement and a human presence sensor 22. The toilet seat device 60 is equipped with an optical sensor 21, a seating sensor 23, and a foreign object detection unit 11 which determines whether a foreign object E has entered the bowl portion 44. The optical sensor 21 is configured to capture an image of an object that has fallen into the bowl portion 44. When the human presence sensor 22 has detected a person but the seating sensor 23 has not detected a person sitting, the foreign object detection unit 11 determines whether the fallen object is a foreign object E based on the image captured by the optical sensor 21, and if it determines that the object is a foreign object E, it issues an alert that a foreign object has entered the toilet.

[0121] In addition, one of the optical sensor 21 and the foreign matter detection unit 11 may be provided in the toilet unit 61 instead of the toilet seat device 60.

[0122] In addition to the foreign object detection function, the Western-style toilet apparatus 1A may also have a function for capturing images of excrement received in the bowl portion 44, and may further have the following three functions: a function for determining whether the cleaning nozzle 32a of the pubic cleaning portion 32 is dirty, a function for determining whether the detergent tank 55a has run out of detergent, and a function for determining whether the bowl portion 44 is clogged.

[0123] The Western-style toilet apparatus 1A having the function of capturing images of excrement may be any apparatus that includes a bowl portion 44 for receiving excrement, an optical sensor 21, and an excrement image control unit 10. The optical sensor 21 may be configured to capture images of excrement falling into the bowl portion 44. The excrement image control unit 10 may be configured to store the excrement images, transfer them to another terminal, and perform various analyses based on the excrement images.

[0124] The toilet unit 61 of the Western-style toilet apparatus 1A having the function of determining the soiling level of the flushing nozzle 32a may be any toilet unit that includes a bowl portion 44 for receiving excrement and a private parts washing portion 32 having a flushing nozzle 32a. The toilet seat apparatus 60, which will be described next, may be assembled to this toilet unit 61.

[0125] The toilet seat apparatus 60 of the Western-style toilet apparatus 1A having the function of determining the dirtiness of the flushing nozzle 32a may be provided with an optical sensor 21 and a dirt determination unit 12 that detects the dirtiness of the flushing nozzle 32a. The imaging range of the optical sensor 21 may include the state of water being sprayed from the flushing nozzle 32a. The dirt determination unit 12 may be configured to detect the amount of water being sprayed based on an image of the spraying state captured by the optical sensor 21, and if the detected amount of water being sprayed does not reach a reference amount, determine that the nozzle is dirty and issue a notification that the nozzle is dirty.

[0126] In addition, to realize this function, either the optical sensor 21 or the dirt determination unit 12 may be provided in the toilet unit 61 instead of the toilet seat device 60, and the private parts cleaning unit 32 may be provided in the toilet seat device 60 instead of the toilet unit 61.

[0127] The toilet unit 61 of the Western-style toilet device 1A, which has the function of determining whether detergent has run out, may be any device that includes a bowl portion 44 for receiving excrement and a detergent tank 55a that stores detergent for supplying foam to the water surface A in the bowl portion 44, and the toilet seat device 60, which will be described next, may be assembled to this toilet unit 61.

[0128] The toilet seat apparatus 60 of the Western-style toilet apparatus 1A having a detergent shortage detection function may be any apparatus equipped with an optical sensor 21 and a detergent shortage detection unit 13 that detects whether the detergent tank 55a has run out of detergent. The imaging range of the optical sensor 21 may include the water surface A in the bowl portion 44. The detergent shortage detection unit 13 may be configured to detect the amount of foam on the water surface A based on an image of the water surface A captured by the optical sensor 21 in a sealed state, and to determine that the detergent has run out if the detected amount of foam does not reach a predetermined amount, and to notify the user that the detergent has run out.

[0129] In order to realize this function, either the optical sensor 21 or the detergent shortage determining unit 13 may be provided in the toilet unit 61 instead of the toilet seat device 60.

[0130] The toilet unit 61 of the Western-style toilet device 1A with a clogging detection function may be any device that has a bowl portion 44 for receiving excrement, and the toilet seat device 60 described below may be assembled to this toilet unit 61.

[0131] The toilet seat device 60 of the Western-style toilet device 1A with a clogging detection function may be any device that includes an optical sensor 21 and a clogging detection unit 14 that detects clogging in the bowl portion 44. The imaging range of the optical sensor 21 may include the water surface A in the bowl portion 44. The clogging detection unit 14 may be configured to detect the water level of the water surface A based on an image of the water surface A captured by the optical sensor 21 in a water-sealed state, and to determine that a clogging has occurred if the detected water level is higher than a predetermined level and to notify the user of the clogging.

[0132] In order to realize this function, either the optical sensor 21 or the clogging determination unit 14 may be provided in the toilet unit 61 instead of the toilet seat device 60.

[0133] The Western-style toilet apparatus 1A according to this embodiment has all four functions in addition to the foreign object detection function. The optical sensor 21 used to realize these functions can be a sensor that is common to all functions.

[0134] The operations and effects of the above five functions are the same as those of the Western-style toilet device 1 shown in FIG. 1, so a description thereof will be omitted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 1,1A Western-style toilet equipment 3 beds 5 CPU 7 Timing section 10. Excretion image control unit 10a Analysis Department 11 Foreign matter detection section 12 Nozzle contamination detection unit 13 Detergent run-out detection unit 14 Clogging detection unit 20 Various detection units 21 Optical Sensor 22 Human Sensor 23 Seat sensor 24 Toilet lid opening / closing detector 25 Toilet seat opening / closing detector 26 Lighting Department 27. Information Department 28 Communications Department 29 Memory section 29a Reference image 30 Control section 31 Toilet flushing section 32 Local cleaning section 32a Cleaning nozzle 32b Nozzle case 32c nozzle opening 40 Main body 41 Skirt Club 42 Toilet lid 43 Toilet seat 44 Bowl section 45 rim section 45a Nozzle cover 46 Water inlet 47 Cleaning water supply channel 48 Water supply valve 49 Trap 49a Drain 50 Drive mechanism 51 Trap Case 52 Outlet 54 Bubble forming part 55 Detergent mixing section 55a Detergent tank 55b Detergent supply valve 55c Detergent supply channel 56 Bubble mixing section 56a Sudden pressure change 56b Gas supply valve 60 Toilet seat device 61 Toilet unit A. Reservoir water surface B bubbles C gushing water D flight E Foreign matter

Claims

1. a bowl portion for receiving excrement; Toilet seat and A seating sensor; A human presence sensor, an optical sensor; a foreign matter contamination determination unit that determines whether a foreign matter has been introduced into the bowl portion, The optical sensor is configured to capture an image of an object that falls into the bowl portion, The foreign object detection unit is characterized in that when the human presence sensor detects a person and the seat sensor does not detect a person sitting, it determines whether a fallen object is a foreign object based on the image captured by the optical sensor, and if it determines that the object is a foreign object, it alerts the user that a foreign object has been detected.

2. In claim 1, The foreign object detection unit uses at least one of the color, size, and shape of the fallen object contained in the image captured by the optical sensor as a criterion for determining whether the object is a foreign object.

3. In claim 2, The foreign object detection unit detects that the fallen object is toilet paper based on the captured image, and does not determine that the fallen object is a foreign object.

4. In claim 2 or 3, The foreign matter detection unit detects that the fallen object is urine based on the captured image, and does not determine that the fallen object is a foreign object.

5. In any one of claims 1 to 4, The foreign matter detection unit is configured to prohibit the supply of flush water to the bowl portion when it detects that a foreign matter has been detected.

6. In any one of claims 1 to 5, The western-style toilet device is characterized in that the optical sensor is also used to capture images of excrement.

7. A toilet seat device that constitutes a Western-style toilet device by being assembled to a toilet unit having a bowl portion for receiving excrement and a human presence sensor, an optical sensor; A seating sensor; a foreign matter contamination determination unit that determines whether a foreign matter has been introduced into the bowl portion, The optical sensor is configured to capture an image of an object that falls into the bowl portion, The foreign object detection unit, when the human presence sensor detects a person and the seat sensor does not detect a person sitting, determines whether a fallen object is a foreign object based on the image captured by the optical sensor, and if it determines that the object is a foreign object, alerts the user that a foreign object has been detected.

8. In claim 7, The toilet seat device is characterized in that the foreign object detection unit uses at least one of the color, size, and shape of the fallen object contained in the image captured by the optical sensor as a criterion for determining whether it is a foreign object.

9. In claim 8, The toilet seat device is characterized in that the foreign object detection unit detects that the fallen object is toilet paper based on the captured image, and does not determine that the fallen object is a foreign object.

10. In claim 8 or 9, The toilet seat device is characterized in that the foreign object detection unit detects that the fallen object is urine based on the captured image, and does not determine that the fallen object is a foreign object.

11. In any one of claims 7 to 10, The toilet seat apparatus is characterized in that the foreign matter detection unit prohibits the supply of flush water to the bowl portion when it determines that a foreign matter has been detected.

12. In any one of claims 7 to 11, The toilet seat device is characterized in that the optical sensor is also used to capture images of excrement.

13. In any one of claims 7 to 12, A toilet seat device, wherein one of the optical sensor and the foreign matter detection unit is provided in the toilet unit instead of the toilet seat device.

Images