Toilet system, radio wave device for toilet device, and toilet system state detection method

Abstract

A toilet system according to an embodiment comprises: a bowl part for receiving excrement; a trap part for forming sealing water on the bottom side of the bowl part; a radio wave sensor for detecting a change in state in the sealing water on the trap part side as a result of the excrement falling into the sealing water; and an estimation means for estimating information on urine or feces related to the excrement on the basis of a detection result from the radio wave sensor.

Description

Toilet system, radio wave device for toilet device, and method for detecting state of toilet system

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a toilet system, a radio wave device for a toilet system, and a method for detecting the state of a toilet system.

[0002] Conventionally, there have been proposed technologies for acquiring various information about users of toilets, including a technology for calculating urine volume based on image information captured by an imaging unit (camera) placed in the toilet drainage channel to capture an image of water overflowing from the water seal (also known as "overflow") (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] JP 2018-109285 A

[0004] However, the above-mentioned conventional technology has room for improvement. For example, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, a camera must be placed in the toilet drainage channel, i.e., the drain pipe (also simply called the "drain pipe"), to capture an image of overflow, which places restrictions on the placement of the sensor. In addition, the above-mentioned conventional technology is also required to ensure that the camera is not exposed to overflow, and in order to place the camera inside the drain pipe, the drain pipe must be long in the horizontal direction, which places restrictions on the structure of the drain pipe. As such, the above-mentioned conventional technology has many restrictions on properly detecting changes in conditions that occur in the toilet, and there is room for improvement.

[0005] The disclosed embodiments aim to provide a toilet system, a radio wave device for a toilet device, and a method for detecting the state of a toilet system that can appropriately detect state changes that occur in a toilet.

[0006] A toilet system according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by comprising a bowl portion for receiving excrement, a trap portion for forming a water seal on the bottom side of the bowl portion, a radio wave sensor for detecting a change in state that occurs in the water seal on the trap portion side when the excrement falls into the water seal, and an estimation means for estimating information about urine or feces related to the excrement based on the detection results of the radio wave sensor.

[0007] According to one aspect of the embodiment, a toilet system can appropriately detect changes in the state of the toilet by using a radio wave sensor that detects changes in the state of the trap seal due to excrement falling into the seal. For example, the toilet system can detect overflow behavior associated with changes in the state of the seal, such as the swaying of the trap seal, using a radio wave sensor such as a microwave sensor or millimeter wave sensor. By detecting changes in the state of the seal, such as the swaying of the seal, due to objects (feces, urine) falling into the seal on the bowl side, on the trap side, information on urine or feces can be easily obtained without placing a sensor in the drain pipe. Furthermore, the toilet system can estimate information on urine or feces related to excrement by detecting changes in the state of the seal in the trap using the radio wave sensor.

[0008] In one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet system is characterized in that the detection range of the radio wave sensor is set to an area including the apex of the trap portion.

[0009] According to one aspect of the embodiment of the toilet system, by setting the detection range of the radio wave sensor to an area including the apex of the trap section, it is possible to detect water overflowing (overflow) above the trap section, and to appropriately detect changes in the state that occur in the toilet.

[0010] In one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet system is characterized in that the radio wave sensor detects a change in the state of the seal water based on water overflowing from the apex of the trap section.

[0011] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet system detects changes in the state of the seal water based on overflow from the apex of the trap section, making it possible to detect water overflowing above the trap section (overflow), and appropriately detect changes in state that occur in the toilet.

[0012] In one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet system is characterized in that the estimation means estimates the urine flow rate or the feces volume based on a change in the state of the seal water.

[0013] According to one aspect of the embodiment of the toilet system, by estimating the urine flow rate or stool volume based on changes in the state of the seal water, information regarding excrement such as urine flow rate or stool volume can be appropriately estimated based on changes in the state that occur in the toilet.

[0014] In the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the estimation means estimates the urine flow rate based on information about standing waves output from the radio wave sensor.

[0015] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet system estimates the urine flow rate based on the information on standing waves output from the radio wave sensor, and thus information on excrement can be appropriately estimated based on the state changes occurring in the toilet.

[0016] In the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the radio wave sensor is a millimeter wave sensor or a microwave sensor.

[0017] According to a toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, a millimeter wave sensor or a microwave sensor is used as the radio wave sensor, thereby making it possible to appropriately detect state changes occurring in the toilet.

[0018] In one aspect of the embodiment, a toilet system has a drainage channel from the bowl section passing between the radio wave sensor and the apex of the trap section, and the radio wave sensor detects a change in the state of the seal water based on overflow from the apex of the trap section.

[0019] In one aspect of the embodiment, a toilet system has a drainage channel from the bowl section passing between the radio wave sensor and the apex of the trap section, and the radio wave sensor detects changes in the state of the seal water based on overflow from the apex of the trap section.By detecting changes in the state of the seal water based on overflow from the apex of the trap section, it is possible to detect water overflowing (overflow) passing between the radio wave sensor and the trap section, and to properly detect changes in state that occur in the toilet.

[0020] The toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment further includes a toilet seat device installed on top of the toilet body having the bowl portion, and the radio wave sensor is provided in the toilet seat device.

[0021] According to one aspect of the embodiment of the toilet system, a radio wave sensor is provided in a toilet seat device that is installed on top of the toilet body having a bowl portion, so that the radio wave sensor installed in the toilet seat device can appropriately detect changes in the state that occur in the toilet.

[0022] In a toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, an antenna portion of the radio wave sensor is disposed on the bottom side of the toilet seat device.

[0023] According to one aspect of the embodiment of the toilet system, the antenna part of the radio wave sensor is positioned on the bottom side of the toilet seat device, so that the antenna part of the radio wave sensor that transmits and receives radio waves can be positioned near the apex of the trap part, allowing for appropriate detection of changes in the state that occur in the toilet.

[0024] In one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet system is characterized in that the antenna portion of the radio wave sensor is provided on the outer wall of the drain pipe having the trap portion.

[0025] In one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet system has an antenna portion of the radio wave sensor provided on the outer wall of the drain pipe having the trap portion, thereby preventing the antenna portion of the radio wave sensor from coming into contact with the wastewater flowing through the drain pipe, and enabling proper detection of changes in conditions occurring in the toilet.

[0026] In one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet system is characterized in that the antenna portion of the radio wave sensor is positioned vertically above the trap portion.

[0027] According to one aspect of the embodiment of the toilet system, the antenna portion of the radio wave sensor is positioned vertically above the trap portion, so that the antenna portion of the radio wave sensor that transmits and receives radio waves can be positioned near the apex of the trap portion, allowing for appropriate detection of changes in conditions that occur in the toilet.

[0028] In one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet system is characterized in that the antenna portion of the radio wave sensor is positioned vertically above the water seal on the trap portion side.

[0029] In one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet system has an antenna portion of the radio wave sensor positioned vertically above the water seal on the trap side, so that the antenna portion of the radio wave sensor that transmits and receives radio waves can be positioned near the apex of the trap, allowing for appropriate detection of changes in condition that occur in the toilet.

[0030] A toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment further includes an optical sensor that detects changes in the state of the sealing water from the bowl side at multiple times, and the estimation means estimates information about the urine or feces based on the detection results of the radio wave sensor and the optical sensor.

[0031] According to one aspect of the embodiment of the toilet system, information about excrement can be more appropriately estimated by estimating information about urine or feces using the detection results of an optical sensor that detects changes in the state of the sealing water from the bowl side at multiple times.

[0032] In one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet system is characterized in that the estimation means estimates the urine or feces information when there is a correlation between the detection results of the radio wave sensor and the optical sensor.

[0033] According to one aspect of the embodiment, in a toilet system, when there is a correlation between the detection results of the radio wave sensor and the optical sensor, information about urine or feces can be estimated, thereby making it possible to more appropriately estimate information about excrement.

[0034] A toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment further includes an optical sensor that detects feces from the bowl side before it hits the sealed water, and the estimation means acquires information about the urine or feces based on the detection results of the radio wave sensor and the optical sensor.

[0035] According to one aspect of the embodiment of the toilet system, information about the excrement can be more appropriately estimated by obtaining information about the urine or feces using the detection results of an optical sensor that detects feces from the bowl side before they hit the sealed water.

[0036] In a toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the estimation means acquires information about feces based on the detection results of the optical sensor, and acquires information about the urine or feces based on the detection results of the radio wave sensor.

[0037] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet system obtains information about feces based on the detection results of the optical sensor, and obtains information about urine or feces based on the detection results of the radio wave sensor, thereby enabling more appropriate estimation of information about excrement.

[0038] A radio wave device for a toilet device according to one aspect of the embodiment is a radio wave device for a toilet device that is installed in a toilet device, and is characterized by being equipped with a radio wave sensor that detects a change in state that occurs in the seal on the trap section side that forms a seal on the bottom side of the bowl section when excrement falls into the seal on the bowl section of the toilet device.

[0039] According to one aspect of the embodiment, a radio wave device for a toilet apparatus uses a radio wave sensor that detects changes in the state of the trap seal caused by excrement falling into the seal water, thereby enabling appropriate detection of changes in the state of the toilet. For example, the radio wave device for a toilet apparatus detects overflow behavior accompanying changes in the state of the seal water, such as the swaying of the seal water on the trap side, using a radio wave sensor such as a microwave sensor or millimeter wave sensor. By detecting changes in the state of the seal water, such as the swaying of the seal water due to falling objects (feces, urine) into the seal water on the bowl side, on the trap side, information on urine or feces can be easily obtained without placing a sensor in the drain pipe.

[0040] A method for detecting the state of a toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment is characterized in that it includes a detection process for detecting a change in state that occurs in the seal water formed on the bottom side of the bowl section by a trap section provided downstream in the drainage direction from the bowl section of the toilet system, when excrement falls into the seal water on the bowl section side.

[0041] According to one aspect of the embodiment, a method for detecting the state of a toilet system uses a radio wave sensor that detects changes in the state of the trap seal caused by excrement falling into the seal water, thereby enabling appropriate detection of changes in the state of the toilet. For example, the method for detecting the state of the toilet system uses a radio wave sensor, such as a microwave sensor or a millimeter wave sensor, to detect overflow behavior accompanying changes in the state of the seal water, such as the swaying of the seal water on the trap side, and detects changes in the state of the seal water, such as the swaying of the seal water due to objects (feces, urine) falling into the seal water on the bowl side, on the trap side, thereby easily obtaining information on urine or feces without placing a sensor in the drain pipe.

[0042] According to one aspect of the embodiment, it is possible to appropriately detect state changes occurring in the toilet.

[0043] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a toilet system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a toilet seat device according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a toilet seat device according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a toilet device according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a toilet seat device and a radio wave sensor according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control device according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an overview of a process for estimating information related to excrement. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between flow rate and overflow height. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a state change accompanying a change in flow rate. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of detection information of a microwave sensor. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a wavelength relationship. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of characteristics of a radio wave sensor. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a method for detecting a change in water level. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a process for calculating a flow rate from a change in water level. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a method for calculating a flow rate. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a method for calculating a flow rate. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between an area and a total urine volume. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a process when defecation occurs during urination. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing an example of processing when defecation occurs during urination. Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of calculation using two outputs. Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a radio wave sensor. Fig. 22 is a diagram showing an example of processing using the relationship between two outputs.

[0044] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the toilet system disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment. Below, the process related to estimating information about a user's excrement, such as urine volume, performed by the toilet system 1 and the configuration for performing this process will be described. However, first, various configurations of the toilet system and other components that are the basis for this process will be described.

[0045] 1. Configuration of Toilet System First, the configuration of the toilet system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the toilet system according to the embodiment.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 1, the toilet system 1 includes a toilet device 20 and an operating device 10. As shown in Fig. 1, a toilet room R has a toilet bowl 7 installed on a floor surface F, and a toilet seat device 2 installed above the toilet bowl 7. In the following, the direction facing the interior of the toilet room R from the floor surface F will be described as "up."

[0047] The toilet bowl 7 is a so-called toilet bowl (Western-style toilet bowl) and is made of materials such as ceramic or resin. The toilet bowl 7 is formed with a bowl portion 8. The bowl portion 8 is recessed downward and is the portion that receives the user's excrement. In this way, the toilet bowl 7 functions as a toilet body having the bowl portion 8. The bottom side of the bowl portion 8 is connected to a drain pipe 81, which will be described later.

[0048] Furthermore, the toilet 7 is not limited to a floor-standing type as shown in the figure, and may be of any type, such as a wall-mounted type, as long as the toilet system 1 is applicable. The toilet 7 is provided with a rim 9 around the entire edge of the opening facing the bowl 8. In the toilet room R, for example, a flush water tank for storing flush water may be installed near the toilet 7, or a so-called tankless type may be used, in which no flush water tank is installed.

[0049] For example, when a user operates a flushing operation unit (not shown) provided in the toilet room R, toilet flushing is performed by supplying flush water to the bowl 8 of the toilet 7. The flushing operation unit may be an operation lever or a touch operation on a toilet flushing object displayed on the operation device 10. Note that the flushing operation unit is not limited to an operation lever or the like that causes toilet flushing to be performed manually by the user, but may also be one that causes toilet flushing to be performed by a human body detection sensor that detects the user, such as a seat sensor.

[0050] The toilet seat device 2 is attached to the top of a toilet bowl 7, and includes a main body 3, a toilet lid 4, a toilet seat 5, and a flushing nozzle 6. The toilet seat device 2 is placed on top of the toilet bowl 7, which is formed with a bowl 8 that receives excrement. The toilet seat device 2 is placed on top of the toilet bowl 7 so that the flushing nozzle 6 advances into the bowl 8 before spraying flushing water. The toilet seat device 2 may be detachably attached to the toilet bowl 7, or may be attached so as to be integrated with the toilet bowl 7. The main body 3 also functions as a functional unit in which components for executing various functions (e.g., a control device 100, etc.) are located within the main body cover 30.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 1, the toilet seat 5 is formed in an annular shape with an opening 50 in the center, and is positioned along the rim portion 9 so as to overlap the opening of the toilet bowl 7. A user sits on the toilet seat 5. The toilet seat 5 functions as a seating portion that supports the buttocks of the seated user. Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the toilet lid 4 and toilet seat 5 are each pivotally supported at one end by the main body portion 3, and are attached so as to be rotatable (openable and closable) around the pivotal portion of the main body portion 3. The toilet lid 4 is attached to the toilet seat device 2 as needed, and the toilet seat device 2 does not necessarily have to have a toilet lid 4.

[0052] The cleaning nozzle 6 is a nozzle for ejecting water for cleaning. The cleaning nozzle 6 is capable of spraying cleaning water. The cleaning nozzle 6 is capable of spraying cleaning water toward the user. The cleaning nozzle 6 is a nozzle for cleaning private parts. The cleaning nozzle 6 is configured to be able to advance and retreat relative to the main body cover 30, which is the housing of the main body 3, by driving a driving source such as an electric motor (such as the nozzle motor 61 in FIG. 5). The cleaning nozzle 6 is also connected to a water source such as a water pipe (not shown). When the cleaning nozzle 6 is in an advanced position (also referred to as the "advanced position") relative to the main body cover 30, which is the housing of the main body 3, as shown in FIG. 1, it sprays water from the water source onto the user's body to clean the private parts.

[0053] 1 shows the cleaning nozzle 6 in the advanced position. The cleaning nozzle 6 may also be used to clean the inside of the toilet bowl 7 (bowl portion 8, etc.). The cleaning nozzle 6 may be used to be switchable between a private parts cleaning mode for cleaning the private parts of the user and a toilet bowl cleaning mode for spraying water inside the toilet bowl 7. For example, the cleaning nozzle 6 may be used to be switchable between the private parts cleaning mode and the toilet bowl cleaning mode according to the control of the toilet seat device 2.

[0054] The operating device 10 is provided in the toilet room R. The operating device 10 is provided in a position where it can be operated by a user. The operating device 10 is provided in a position where it can be operated by a user when seated on the toilet seat 5. In FIG. 1 , the operating device 10 is provided on a wall surface W on the right side as seen from a user seated on the toilet seat 5. Note that the operating device 10 may be provided in various ways, not just on a wall surface, as long as it is usable by a user seated on the toilet seat 5. For example, the operating device 10 may be provided integrally with the toilet seat apparatus 2.

[0055] The operating device 10 is connected to the toilet seat device 2 via a predetermined network so as to be able to communicate with the toilet seat device 2 via a wired or wireless connection. For example, the toilet seat device 2 and the operating device 10 may be connected in any manner as long as they are able to send and receive information, and may be connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0056] The operation device 10 accepts various operations from a user via a display surface (e.g., a display screen 11) using, for example, a touch panel function. The operation device 10 may also include switches and buttons, and accept various operations via the switches and buttons. The display screen 11 is a display screen of a tablet terminal or the like, realized by, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, and is a display device for displaying various information. That is, the operation device 10 accepts input from the user via the display screen 11 and also outputs information to the user. At this time, the operation device 10 identifies which pre-registered user the user is. Subsequently, the control unit 130 links the user information with information related to excrement or information obtained from the information related to excrement, which will be described later, and transmits the information to the user's terminal. At this time, information on the date and time when the information related to excrement was acquired may also be transmitted to the user's terminal. The display screen 11 is a display device for displaying various information.

[0057] The operation device 10 accepts a user's operation to stop control currently being performed by the toilet seat device 2. The operation device 10 accepts a user's operation to start private parts washing performed by the toilet seat device 2. The operation device 10 accepts a user's instruction to the cleaning nozzle 6. The operation device 10 accepts a user's operation to cause the toilet seat device 2 to output a predetermined sound. The operation device 10 accepts a user's operation to perform a sterilization process to sterilize the cleaning nozzle 6 (see FIG. 1 ) of the toilet seat device 2 with disinfectant water. The operation device 10 accepts a user's operation to adjust the force of water spray during private parts washing by the toilet seat device 2. The operation device 10 accepts a user's operation to adjust the volume of the sound output by the toilet seat device 2. The operation device 10 accepts a user's operation to select a language when information regarding toilet usage is displayed on the operation device 10 or output as audio.

[0058] For example, the operation device 10 may display the above-described object that accepts user operations on the display screen 11, and execute various processes in response to the user touching the displayed object. For example, the operation device 10 may have a switch, button, etc. that accepts the above-described user operations, and execute various processes in response to the user touching the switch, button, etc. Note that the above is just an example, and the operation device 10 may also accept operations by the user that execute various processes.

[0059] 2. Configuration of the Toilet Device The configuration of the toilet device 20 will be described below. The toilet device 20 includes a toilet bowl 7 having a bowl portion 8, a radio wave sensor 200 (see FIG. 4), and a control device 100 (see FIG. 6) that functions as an estimation unit. The toilet device 20 detects a change in state of the water seal caused by excrement falling into the water seal using the radio wave sensor 200. The toilet device 20 also estimates information about the excrement, such as urine or feces, based on the detection results of the radio wave sensor 200, as will be described later. The toilet system 1 may provide information to a terminal device, such as a user's smartphone, based on the estimated information. The toilet system 1 may also provide information to an operating device 10 (or a display screen 11) of the toilet room R based on the estimated information.

[0060] 2-1. Configuration of Toilet Seat Device In FIG. 1, the toilet device 20 has a toilet seat device 2 that is installed on top of a toilet bowl 7. The configuration of the toilet seat device 2 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views showing an example of the configuration of a toilet seat device according to an embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 2 is a view showing a state in which the lid portion 110 of the toilet seat device 2 is closed (also referred to as the "closed state"). Also, FIG. 3 is a view showing a state in which the lid portion 110 of the toilet seat device 2 is removed.

[0061] 2, when the lid 110 is in the closed state, the optical sensor 34 is hidden behind the lid 110. When the lid 110 is in the closed state, the lid 110 is located in front of the optical sensor 34. In this way, the lid 110 is located in front of the optical sensor 34 when in the closed state.

[0062] 2 also shows the state in which the cleaning nozzle 6 (see FIG. 1) is in a position (also referred to as the "storage position") where it is stored within the main body cover 30. As shown in FIG. 2, when the cleaning nozzle 6 is in the storage position, the nozzle cover 60 is closed, and the cleaning nozzle 6 is hidden behind the nozzle cover 60. When cleaning is performed using the cleaning nozzle 6, the nozzle cover 60 is opened, and the cleaning nozzle 6 protrudes from the opening for the cleaning nozzle 6 in the main body cover 30, and the cleaning nozzle 6 transitions to an advanced state.

[0063] As shown in Figure 3, when the lid 110 is removed, the optical sensor 34 is exposed from the opening 31 of the main body cover 30. For example, when the lid 110 is open (also referred to as the "open state"), the lid 110 is not positioned in front of the optical sensor 34, as shown in Figure 3. As a result, when the lid 110 is in the open state, the optical sensor 34 is exposed. When the lid 110 is in the open state, the optical sensor 34 can detect changes in the state of the water seal in the toilet bowl 7. Note that the toilet seat device 2 does not need to have the lid 110. In this case, the toilet seat device 2 does not need to have the lid 110 and the actuator 111, and the optical sensor 34 may be always exposed.

[0064] <2-2. Configuration of the Drain Pipe and Arrangement of the Radio Wave Sensor in the Toilet Apparatus> Next, an example of the configuration of the drain pipe and the arrangement of the radio wave sensor in the toilet apparatus will be described using Figure 4. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the toilet apparatus according to the embodiment. Specifically, Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the toilet bowl 7, showing only the essential parts of the configuration of the toilet apparatus 20, such as the toilet bowl 7, in cross section, in order to show the configuration of the drain pipe 81 and the arrangement of the radio wave sensor 200. Note that the cross-sectional shape of the toilet bowl 7 in Figure 4 is merely an example, and the cavity inside the toilet bowl 7 may be in any form as long as the radio wave sensor 200 can be arranged in a desired position. For example, only the location where the radio wave sensor 200 is arranged may be hollow.

[0065] A drain pipe 81 communicates with an opening provided in the bottom of the bowl portion 8 of the toilet 7. The drain pipe 81 is a drain pipe from the bowl portion 8, and the internal space of the drain pipe 81 functions as a drainage channel. In FIG. 4, the drain pipe 81 has a U-shaped (V-shaped) shape that extends diagonally downward from the end connected to the bottom of the bowl portion 8, then diagonally upward, before continuing downward. This forms a trap portion 82 in the drain pipe 81. The trap portion 82 forms a water seal WT, including the bottom side of the bowl portion 8. Note that the configuration of the drain pipe 81 shown in FIG. 4 is merely one example, and any configuration can be used for the drain pipe 81 as long as it can form a trap that can perform the processing described below.

[0066] In Figure 4, the hatched areas in the bowl portion 8 of the toilet 7 and the drain pipe 81 are shown filled with a water seal WT (water). Also, in Figure 4, the water seal surface WS1 in Figure 4 indicates the upper surface formed on the bottom side of the bowl portion 8 by the water seal WT, and the water seal surface WS2 in Figure 4 indicates the upper surface formed on the trap portion 82 side by the water seal WT.

[0067] In Fig. 4 , an apex 821 is formed at the end of the trap portion 82 opposite the end of the discharge pipe 81 that is connected to the bottom of the bowl portion 8. The detection range DA11 of the radio wave sensor 200 is set to an area that includes the apex 821 of the trap portion 82. For example, the radio wave sensor 200 is positioned so that the detection range DA11 includes the apex 821 of the trap portion 82. Note that the range shown in Fig. 4 is merely an example of the detection range DA11 of the radio wave sensor 200, and the detection range DA11 of the radio wave sensor 200 is not limited to the range shown in Fig. 4 and may be any range as long as it includes the apex 821 of the trap portion 82.

[0068] For example, the radio wave sensor 200 is a microwave sensor. In the following, a case where the radio wave sensor 200 is a microwave sensor will be described as an example, but the radio wave sensor 200 is not limited to a microwave sensor. For example, any sensor, such as a millimeter wave sensor, can be used as the radio wave sensor 200 as long as it is capable of performing the desired detection.

[0069] The radio wave sensor 200 can be positioned in any manner as long as the detection range DA11 includes the apex 821 of the trap portion 82. For example, the radio wave sensor 200 is positioned vertically above the trap portion 82. For example, the radio wave sensor 200 is positioned vertically above the water seal (e.g., the water seal surface WS2) on the trap portion 82 side. For example, the radio wave sensor 200 is provided along the outer wall of the drain pipe 81 having the trap portion 82. In FIG. 4 , the radio wave sensor 200 is provided outside the drain pipe 81 and above the trap portion 82. In this case, the drainage channel from the bowl portion 8 passes between the radio wave sensor 200 and the apex 821 of the trap portion 82. As a result, the drainage channel from the bowl portion 8 provided in the toilet 7 passes between the antenna portion 210 (see FIG. 5 ) of the radio wave sensor 200 and the apex 821 of the trap portion 82.

[0070] The above-described arrangement is merely an example, and the radio wave sensor 200 may be arranged in various other ways. For example, the radio wave sensor 200 may be provided in the toilet seat device 2. When the radio wave sensor 200 is provided in the toilet seat device 2, the radio wave sensor 200 may be arranged on the bottom (lower side) of the toilet seat device 2. In this case, the antenna unit 210 of the radio wave sensor 200 is arranged on the bottom of the toilet seat device 2 on the toilet bowl 7 side. For example, the radio wave sensor 200 may be arranged in the main body unit 3, which is a functional unit. The radio wave sensor 200 may be arranged, for example, in the main body cover 30. Below, a configuration in which the radio wave sensor 200 is arranged on the upper side of the trap unit 82 as shown in FIG. 4 will be described as an example.

[0071] With the above-described arrangement, the radio wave sensor 200 detects a change in the state of the water seal on the trap portion 82 side. The radio wave sensor 200 detects a change in the state of the water seal, including water overflowing from the apex 821 of the trap portion 82. For example, the radio wave sensor 200 detects a change in the state of the water seal on the trap portion 82 side due to excrement falling into the water seal on the bowl portion 8 side. For example, the radio wave sensor 200 detects a change in the state of the water seal based on water overflowing from the apex 821 of the trap portion 82, as will be described later.

[0072] Note that radio wave sensor 200 may be separate from toilet device 20 and detachable from toilet device 20. In this case, for example, radio wave sensor 200 may be a toilet device radio wave device installed in toilet device 20. Radio wave sensor 200 detects a change in state that occurs in the water seal on the trap unit 82 side that forms the water seal on the bottom side of bowl unit 8 when excrement falls into the water seal in bowl unit 8 of toilet device 20.

[0073] 3. Configuration of Toilet Seat Device and Radio Wave Sensor Next, the configuration of the toilet seat device 2 and the radio wave sensor 200 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the toilet seat device and the radio wave sensor according to the embodiment.

[0074] <3-1. Functional Configuration of Toilet Seat Device> First, the functional configuration of the toilet seat device 2 will be described. As shown in Fig. 5, the toilet seat device 2 includes a human body detection sensor 32, a seating detection sensor 33, an optical sensor 34, a control device 100, a nozzle motor 61, a flushing nozzle 6, a solenoid valve 71, a lid 110, and an actuator 111. Note that Fig. 5 omits the illustration of some of the configuration of the toilet seat device 2 described in Fig. 1 (such as the main body 3, toilet seat 5, and toilet bowl 7).

[0075] 5 is merely an example, and any configuration can be adopted for the toilet seat device 2. The human body detection sensor 32, seating detection sensor 33, optical sensor 34, control device 100, etc. can be disposed in any desired locations. For example, the optical sensor 34 is provided in the main body 3 of the toilet seat device 2. The toilet seat device 2 transmits and receives information to and from an information processing device such as the operating device 10 via a predetermined network (such as the Internet) via a communication device (such as the communication unit 101 of the control device 100 in FIG. 6) in a wired or wireless manner.

[0076] The human body detection sensor 32 has a function of detecting a human body. For example, the human body detection sensor 32 is realized by a pyroelectric sensor using an infrared signal. For example, the human body detection sensor 32 may be realized by a μ (microwave) wave sensor. Note that the above is just an example, and the human body detection sensor 32 may detect a human body by various means, not limited to the above. For example, the human body detection sensor 32 detects a person (such as a user) who enters the toilet room R (see FIG. 1 ). The human body detection sensor 32 outputs a detection signal to the control device 100.

[0077] The seating detection sensor 33 has a function of detecting a person sitting on the toilet seat device 2. The seating detection sensor 33 detects that a user is sitting on the toilet seat 5. The seating detection sensor 33 can detect that the user is sitting on the toilet seat 5. The seating detection sensor 33 also functions as a seat-leaving detection sensor that detects that the user has left the toilet seat 5. The seating detection sensor 33 detects the state of the user sitting on the toilet seat 5.

[0078] For example, the seating detection sensor 33 uses a load sensor to detect that a user has sat on the toilet seat 5. For example, the seating detection sensor 33 may be an infrared light emitting / receiving distance measuring sensor, and may detect a human body near the toilet seat 5 just before the person (user) sits on the toilet seat 5, or the user sitting on the toilet seat 5. Note that the above is just one example, and the seating detection sensor 33 may detect that a person has sat on the toilet seat device 2 by various means other than the above. The seating detection sensor 33 outputs a seating detection signal to the control device 100.

[0079] The optical sensor 34 is a sensor that detects changes in the state of the toilet device 20. The optical sensor 34 detects changes in the state of the water seal in the toilet bowl 7. For example, the optical sensor 34 detects changes in the state of the water seal on the bowl portion 8 side. The optical sensor 34 detects changes in the state of the water seal from the bowl portion 8 side at multiple times. For example, the optical sensor 34 includes the water seal on the bowl portion 8 side (e.g., the water seal surface WS1, etc.) in its detection range. Note that the above-described detection mode is merely an example, and the optical sensor 34 may perform any detection as long as the desired detection is possible.

[0080] For example, the optical sensor 34 may detect feces before they hit the sealed water from the bowl portion 8 side. The optical sensor 34 detects feces falling inside the bowl portion 8 (falling feces). In this case, the optical sensor 34 includes the inside of the bowl portion 8 in its detection range.

[0081] The optical sensor 34 may have any configuration as long as it can detect the desired state change. For example, depending on the type of sensor used, the optical sensor 34 is disposed at a position appropriate for the detection mode of the sensor. The optical sensor 34 may be a non-contact sensor. For example, FIG. 4 shows a case where the optical sensor 34 is a non-contact sensor. In this case, the optical sensor 34 may be a camera, a line sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, or the like. The optical sensor 34 may also be a contact sensor. In this case, the optical sensor 34 may be a float sensor, a pressure sensor, or the like. Note that the above is merely an example, and any sensor may be used as the optical sensor 34 as long as it can detect the desired state change.

[0082] Furthermore, when the optical sensor 34 detects the presence or absence of feces, an imaging means such as a camera or a line sensor may be used for the optical sensor 34. In this case, for example, the optical sensor 34 may be a line sensor arranged facing the inside of the bowl portion 8, and may detect fallen objects such as excrement falling inside the bowl portion 8. Furthermore, the optical sensor 34 may be a camera arranged facing the water seal inside the bowl portion 8, and may detect fallen objects such as excrement that have landed on the water seal.

[0083] The control device 100 controls various components and processes. The control device 100 is a computer (information processing device) that executes various information processing such as estimating (calculating) information related to excrement, such as urine flow rate (urine volume) or feces volume. The control device 100 functions as an estimation means that estimates information related to excrement, such as urine or feces, based on the detection results of the radio wave sensor 200.

[0084] The control device 100 estimates the urine flow rate or feces volume based on changes in the state of the water seal. For example, the control device 100 estimates the urine flow rate based on information about standing waves output from the radio wave sensor 200. For example, the control device 100 estimates information about urine or feces based on the detection results of the radio wave sensor 200 and the optical sensor 34.

[0085] For example, the control device 100 estimates information about urine or feces when there is a correlation between the detection results of the radio wave sensor 200 and the optical sensor 34. For example, the control device 100 acquires information about urine or feces based on the detection results of the radio wave sensor 200 and the optical sensor 34. For example, the control device 100 acquires information about feces based on the detection results of the optical sensor 34, and acquires information about urine or feces based on the detection results of the radio wave sensor 200.

[0086] The control device 100 also controls various components of the toilet system 1. The control device 100 controls the nozzle motor 61, the solenoid valve 71, and the actuator 111. The control device 100 controls the nozzle motor 61, the solenoid valve 71, and the actuator 111 based on signals transmitted from the operating device 10.

[0087] The control device 100 controls the nozzle motor 61 based on a control instruction signal related to local cleaning transmitted from the operation device 10. The control device 100 controls the nozzle motor 61 to advance and retract the cleaning nozzle 6. The control device 100 controls the opening and closing of the solenoid valve 71.

[0088] The control device 100 controls the actuator 111 to open and close the lid 110. The control device 100 transmits control information to the actuator 111 to open the lid 110. The control device 100 transmits control information to the actuator 111 to close the lid 110. The control device 100 controls the lid 110 to be in the closed state while the optical sensor 34 is not detecting anything, such as before the user uses the toilet 7.

[0089] The control device 100 transmits control information to the nozzle motor 61, the solenoid valve 71, and the actuator 111 via wires. Note that the control device 100 may also transmit control information to the nozzle motor 61, the solenoid valve 71, and the actuator 111 wirelessly. For example, if the control device 100 is configured as a device separate from the toilet seat device 2, it may transmit control information for the nozzle motor 61, the solenoid valve 71, and the actuator 111 wirelessly to the toilet seat device 2. In this case, the nozzle motor 61, the solenoid valve 71, and the actuator 111 may be controlled based on the control information received by the control device of the toilet seat device 2.

[0090] The control device 100 controls the opening and closing operation of the lid portion 110. The control device 100 opens the lid portion 110 when a user starts using the toilet bowl 7 as detected by the human body detection sensor 32 or the seating detection sensor 33, and closes the lid portion 110 when the user finishes using the toilet bowl 7 as detected by the human body detection sensor 32 or the seating detection sensor 33. The control device 100 also opens the lid portion 110 when the seating detection sensor 33 detects that the user has sat on the toilet seat 5, and closes the lid portion 110 when the seating detection sensor 33 detects that the user has left the toilet seat 5. For example, the control device 100 opens the lid portion 110 when the human body detection sensor 32 detects that the user has entered the toilet room R, and closes the lid portion 110 when the human body detection sensor 32 detects that the user has left the toilet room R.

[0091] Note that the opening and closing of the lid portion 110 described above is merely an example, and the control device 100 may control the opening and closing of the lid portion 110 based on various information. The control device 100 may open the lid portion 110 when the human body detection sensor 32 detects that a user is approaching the toilet bowl 7. For example, the control device 100 may open the lid portion 110 when it detects that the user is located within a predetermined range (e.g., 50 cm) from the toilet bowl 7. The control device 100 also closes the lid portion 110 when the human body detection sensor 32 detects that the user has moved away from the toilet bowl 7. For example, the control device 100 closes the lid portion 110 when it detects that the user is located outside the predetermined range (e.g., 50 cm) from the toilet bowl 7.

[0092] The control device 100 closes the lid portion 110 in response to a user's instruction to operate the operating device 10 to operate the cleaning nozzle 6. The control device 100 closes the lid portion 110 in response to the operation of the cleaning nozzle 6. The control device 100 controls the lid portion 110 based on the user's operation of the operating device 10, which controls the cleaning nozzle 6. The control device 100 detects the operation of the cleaning nozzle 6 (the nozzle advancing into the bowl portion 8) and controls the lid portion 110.

[0093] The control device 100 controls the lid portion 110 to open upward when placed on the toilet bowl 7. The control device 100 controls the lid portion 110 to close when the cleaning nozzle 6 is in operation. The control device 100 controls the lid portion 110 to close when the cleaning nozzle 6 arranged on the toilet bowl 7 is in operation.

[0094] The control device 100 may also control the optical sensor 34. In this case, the optical sensor 34 starts or stops detection in accordance with the control of the control device 100. The control device 100 transmits control information to the optical sensor 34 for controlling the start or end of detection by the optical sensor 34. For example, when the human body detection sensor 32 or the seating detection sensor 33 detects that a user has started using the toilet 7, the control device 100 transmits control information to the optical sensor 34 to cause the optical sensor 34 to start detection. For example, when the human body detection sensor 32 or the seating detection sensor 33 detects that a user has stopped using the toilet 7, the control device 100 transmits control information to the optical sensor 34 to cause the optical sensor 34 to end detection.

[0095] The control device 100 may also control the radio wave sensor 200. In this case, the radio wave sensor 200 starts or stops detection in accordance with the control of the control device 100. The control device 100 transmits control information to the radio wave sensor 200 to control the start or end of detection by the radio wave sensor 200. For example, when the human body detection sensor 32 or the seating detection sensor 33 detects that a user has started using the toilet 7, the control device 100 transmits control information to the radio wave sensor 200 to cause the radio wave sensor 200 to start detection. For example, when the human body detection sensor 32 or the seating detection sensor 33 detects that a user has stopped using the toilet 7, the control device 100 transmits control information to the radio wave sensor 200 to cause the radio wave sensor 200 to end detection.

[0096] The control device 100 also controls the toilet lid 4 and toilet seat 5 as shown in Figure 1. The control device 100 controls the toilet lid 4 and toilet seat 5 based on signals transmitted from the operating device 10. The control device 100 controls the toilet lid 4 based on control instruction signals transmitted from the operating device 10 regarding the opening and closing of the toilet lid. The control device 100 controls the toilet seat 5 based on control instruction signals transmitted from the operating device 10 regarding the opening and closing of the seat. The control device 100 transmits control information to the toilet lid 4 and toilet seat 5 via a wired connection. The control device 100 may also transmit control information to the toilet lid 4 and toilet seat 5 wirelessly.

[0097] The control device 100 determines whether or not the human body detection sensor 32 has detected the entry of a user into the toilet room R. The control device 100 determines whether or not the human body detection sensor 32 has detected the entry of a user into the toilet room R. The control device 100 determines whether or not the seating detection sensor 33 has detected the sitting of a user. The control device 100 determines whether or not the seating detection sensor 33 has detected the sitting of a user on the toilet seat 5.

[0098] The solenoid valve 71 functions as a valve that electromagnetically controls the flow of a fluid. The solenoid valve 71 switches between supplying and stopping tap water from a water supply pipe, for example. The solenoid valve 71 controls opening and closing in response to instructions from the control device 100.

[0099] The nozzle motor 61 is a drive source (motor) that drives the cleaning nozzle 6 to advance and retract. The nozzle motor 61 controls the cleaning nozzle 6 to advance and retract relative to the main body cover 30 of the main body 3. The nozzle motor 61 controls the cleaning nozzle 6 to advance and retract in response to instructions from the control device 100.

[0100] The lid 110 can be positioned in front of the optical sensor 34 and functions as a lid. The lid 110 is preferably formed of an opaque material to reduce the possibility of the optical sensor 34 being visible and to ensure user privacy. For example, the lid 110 may be formed in an opaque state by coloring. The lid 110 may have an opaque material (paint) applied to its surface. Note that the lid 110 is not limited to an opaque structure and may be transparent. The lid 110 can be transitioned between an open state and a closed state by an actuator 111, and is positioned in front of the optical sensor 34 or exposes the optical sensor 34.

[0101] The actuator 111 is a drive source (motor) that opens or closes the lid 110. The actuator 111 controls the lid 110 to be open or closed in response to instructions from the control device 100. The actuator 111 closes the lid 110 when the cleaning nozzle 6 is operating. The actuator 111 closes the lid 110 when the cleaning nozzle 6 disposed on the toilet bowl 7 is operating.

[0102] In the configuration shown in FIG. 5 , the toilet seat device 2 includes the control device 100 and other components. However, the control device 100, the human body detection sensor 32, the seating detection sensor 33, and the optical sensor 34 may be configured as separate devices from the toilet seat device 2. For example, the control device 100 may be configured as a separate device from the toilet seat device 2. For example, the control device 100 may be a server device located at a location separate from the toilet seat device 2. In this case, the control device 100 communicates with each device, such as the toilet seat device 2, the human body detection sensor 32, the seating detection sensor 33, and the optical sensor 34, and receives information necessary for estimating information related to excrement, such as urine flow rate (urine volume) or feces volume, from each device. In this case, the toilet seat device 2 may also include a configuration (such as a control circuit) for controlling various components of the toilet seat device 2, such as the nozzle motor 61, the solenoid valve 71, and the actuator 111. Note that the above is merely an example, and the toilet system 1 can employ any device configuration as long as the desired processing is possible.

[0103] <3-2. Functional Configuration of Radio Wave Sensor> Next, a description will be given of the functional configuration of the radio wave sensor 200. As shown in FIG.

[0104] The antenna unit 210 has a function of transmitting and receiving radio waves, and includes a transmitting antenna 211 that transmits predetermined radio waves and a receiving antenna 212 that receives the radio waves.

[0105] Any arrangement may be adopted for the arrangement of the antenna unit 210. For example, the antenna unit 210 is arranged near the trap unit 82. For example, the antenna unit 210 is provided on the outer wall of the drain pipe 81 that has the trap unit 82. The antenna unit 210 is provided along the outer wall of the drain pipe 81 that has the trap unit 82. Furthermore, for example, the antenna unit 210 is arranged vertically above the trap unit 82. Furthermore, for example, the antenna unit 210 is arranged vertically above the seal water on the trap unit 82 side.

[0106] Furthermore, when the radio wave sensor 200 is provided in the toilet seat apparatus 2, for example, the antenna unit 210 is disposed on the bottom (lower side) of the toilet seat apparatus 2. Note that the above-described arrangement of the antenna unit 210 is merely an example, and any arrangement of the antenna unit 210 can be adopted as long as the desired detection is possible. For example, the antenna unit 210 may be disposed outside the drain pipe 81, such as on the outer wall of the drain pipe 81, or may be disposed inside the drain pipe 81, as long as the desired detection is possible.

[0107] The circuit unit 220 has a function of executing processes related to transmitting and receiving radio waves. The circuit unit 220 includes a transmitter circuit 221 that functions as an electronic circuit that generates repeated electrical vibrations, and a detector circuit 222 that detects signals received by the receiving antenna 212. Note that the configuration shown in FIG. 5 is merely an example, and the radio wave sensor 200 can have any configuration. For example, it may have multiple detector circuits 222 as shown in FIG. 21, etc., as will be described later. For example, the circuit configuration of the radio wave sensor 200 that uses one output may be a configuration that includes only one detector circuit 222 (e.g., detector circuit #1) by omitting the portion corresponding to detector circuit #2 from the circuit schematic diagram shown in FIG. 21.

[0108] The radio wave sensor 200 also has a function of transmitting information collected by detection to the control device 100. For example, the radio wave sensor 200 may be connected to the control device 100 by a wire and be able to communicate information with the control device 100. The radio wave sensor 200 may also be connected to the control device 100 and be able to communicate information with the control device 100. The radio wave sensor 200 may have a communication device for communicating with the control device 100.

[0109] 4. Functional Configuration of the Control Device The functional configuration of the control device will be described below with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device according to the embodiment.

[0110] 6, the control device 100 includes a communication unit 101, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130. The control device 100 may also include an input unit (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, etc.) that accepts various operations from an administrator of the control device 100, and a display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display, etc.) that displays various information.

[0111] The communication unit 101 is realized by, for example, a communication circuit or the like. The communication unit 101 is connected to a predetermined network by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from an external information processing device. For example, the communication unit 101 is connected to a predetermined network by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from another device such as the operating device 10. The control device 100 may also be connected to a radio wave sensor 200 by wire or wirelessly via the communication unit 101, and transmits and receives information to and from the radio wave sensor 200. The communication unit 101 may be configured as a device (communication device) separate from the control device 100, and may be included in the toilet seat device 2.

[0112] The storage unit 120 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. For example, the storage unit 120 is a computer-readable recording medium that non-temporarily records data used by various information processing programs and the like.

[0113] The storage unit 120 according to the embodiment stores various pieces of information required for processing. The storage unit 120 stores various pieces of information acquired from other devices such as various sensors. For example, the storage unit 120 stores information related to a learning model (also simply referred to as a "model") used in processing. For example, the storage unit 120 stores a model used in estimating information related to excrement, such as urine flow rate (urine volume) or feces volume. For example, the storage unit 120 stores various pieces of information (e.g., information related to thresholds) used in various types of information processing.

[0114] Returning to Fig. 6, the explanation will be continued. The control unit 130 is realized by, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU) executing a program stored inside the control device 100 (for example, various information processing programs related to the present disclosure) using a RAM or the like as a work area. The control unit 130 is also a controller, and is realized by, for example, an integrated circuit such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0115] 6, the control unit 130 has an acquisition unit 131, a measurement unit 132, a determination unit 133, an estimation unit 134, and an output unit 135, and realizes or executes the functions and actions of information processing described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 130 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 6, and may be any other configuration that performs the information processing described below.

[0116] The acquisition unit 131 acquires various types of information. The acquisition unit 131 acquires various types of information from the storage unit 120. The acquisition unit 131 receives information from other devices. The acquisition unit 131 receives information (detection information, etc.) detected by various sensors from the various sensors. The acquisition unit 131 receives information (detection information, etc.) detected by each sensor, such as the human body detection sensor 32, the seating detection sensor 33, the optical sensor 34, and the radio wave sensor 200, from each sensor. The acquisition unit 131 acquires information to be used for processing from the storage unit 120.

[0117] The measurement unit 132 performs various measurements. The measurement unit 132 performs various measurements using the information stored in the storage unit 120. The measurement unit 132 measures the sensor values ​​detected by the radio wave sensor 200 using the information acquired by the radio wave sensor 200.

[0118] The measuring unit 132 uses the information detected by the radio wave sensor 200 to measure information relating to a change in the state of the seal water on the trap section 82 side. The measuring unit 132 uses the information detected by the radio wave sensor 200 to measure information relating to a change in the state of the seal water based on the overflow from the apex 821 of the trap section 82.

[0119] The determination unit 133 performs a determination process using various pieces of information stored in the storage unit 120. The determination unit 133 performs a determination process using various pieces of information acquired by the acquisition unit 131.

[0120] The determination unit 133 determines the cause of the change in the state of the water seal of the toilet bowl 7 based on the detection results by the optical sensor 34. The determination unit 133 classifies the change in the state of the water seal of the toilet bowl 7 based on the detection results by the optical sensor 34. The determination unit 133 determines which object is causing the change in the state of the water seal of the toilet bowl 7 based on the detection results by the optical sensor 34.

[0121] The determination unit 133 determines whether an object has fallen (landed) into the seal water of the toilet bowl 7 based on the detection results of the optical sensor 34. The determination unit 133 determines whether an object has landed in the seal water of the toilet bowl 7 based on the detection results of the optical sensor 34. The determination unit 133 determines whether the object is excrement of the user based on the detection results of the optical sensor 34.

[0122] For example, the determination unit 133 classifies a plurality of types of changes in the state of the water seal, including a first type of change in the state of the water seal that is a change in the state of the water seal due to feces, a second type of change in the state of the water seal that is a change in the state of the water seal due to urine, and a third type of change in the state of the water seal that is a change in the state of the water seal due to feces and urine. For example, the determination unit 133 classifies the change in the state of the water seal detected by the optical sensor 34 as either a change in the state of the water seal due to feces, a change in the state of the water seal due to urine, or a change in the state of the water seal due to feces and urine.

[0123] The determination unit 133 may determine a change in the state of the seal water by any method. For example, the determination unit 133 may determine a change in the state of the seal water by exceeding a signal level threshold or by using AI (artificial intelligence). The determination unit 133 may determine a change in the state of the seal water by frequency analysis, image processing, machine learning, deep learning, etc.

[0124] For example, the determination unit 133 may determine a change in the seal water state using AI technology. For example, the determination unit 133 may determine a change in the seal water state using a model (also referred to as a "seal water state change determination model") generated by machine learning. In this case, the seal water state change determination model is trained in advance using training data that indicates a classification judgment. This training data includes multiple combinations of information (seal water change information), such as images, regarding the change in the seal water state, and labels (correct answer information) indicating the type of seal water state change corresponding to the seal water change information. The type here indicates, for example, the object that caused the change in the seal water state, such as feces, urine, or both feces and urine. For example, the training data includes multiple combinations of seal water change information and labels (correct answer information) indicating the object that landed (fell) on the seal water when the change in the seal water state corresponding to the seal water change information occurred in the seal water.

[0125] The seal water state change determination model is a model that receives seal water change information as input and outputs information indicating the type of seal water state change corresponding to the input seal water change information. For example, when seal water change information is input, the seal water state change determination model is trained to output information on a label (type of seal water state change) corresponding to the input seal water change information. The seal water state change determination model is trained using various techniques related to so-called supervised learning, as appropriate. In this case, the seal water state change determination model is stored in the memory unit 120, and the determination unit 133 may determine a change in the seal water state using the seal water state change determination model stored in the memory unit 120. For example, the control device 100 may perform a learning process to generate the seal water state change determination model. Note that the above is merely an example, and the determination unit 133 may determine a change in the seal water state using various information, as appropriate.

[0126] Furthermore, the determination unit 133 may determine whether or not a defecation (faecal discharge) has occurred based on information detected by a stool detection means. The determination unit 133 may determine whether or not the user has defecate using information detected by a stool detection means such as the optical sensor 34. The determination unit 133 determines whether or not a defecation has occurred based on an image captured by the stool detection means. Note that the above determination of whether or not a defecation has occurred is merely an example, and the determination unit 133 may determine whether or not a defecation has occurred by appropriately using various information when determining whether or not a defecation has occurred.

[0127] The estimation unit 134 performs estimation processing. For example, the estimation unit 134 performs estimation processing based on an arbitrary estimation method. For example, the estimation unit 134 performs estimation processing by calculating information through calculation processing based on an arbitrary calculation method. The estimation unit 134 performs estimation processing using various information stored in the storage unit 120. The estimation unit 134 performs estimation processing using various information acquired by the acquisition unit 131. The estimation unit 134 estimates (calculates) information related to excrement, such as urine flow rate (urine volume) or stool volume, based on the determination result by the determination unit 133.

[0128] For example, the estimation unit 134 estimates information about urine or feces related to excrement based on the detection results of the radio wave sensor 200. The estimation unit 134 estimates the urine flow rate or feces volume based on changes in the state of the water seal. The estimation unit 134 estimates the urine flow rate based on information about standing waves output from the radio wave sensor 200.

[0129] For example, the estimation unit 134 estimates information about urine or feces based on the detection results of the radio wave sensor 200 and the optical sensor 34. For example, the estimation unit 134 estimates information about urine or feces when there is a correlation between the detection results of the radio wave sensor 200 and the optical sensor 34. When the detection result of the optical sensor 34 indicates that the user's excrement is urine, the estimation unit 134 estimates information about urine based on the detection result of the radio wave sensor 200. When the detection result of the optical sensor 34 indicates that the user's excrement is urine, the estimation unit 134 estimates the amount of urine based on the detection result of the radio wave sensor 200. When the detection result of the optical sensor 34 indicates that the user's excrement is feces (stool), the estimation unit 134 estimates information about feces based on the detection result of the radio wave sensor 200. When the detection result of the optical sensor 34 indicates that the user's excrement is feces (stool), the estimation unit 134 estimates the amount of feces based on the detection result of the radio wave sensor 200.

[0130] For example, the estimation unit 134 acquires information about urine or feces based on the detection results of the radio wave sensor 200 and the optical sensor 34. For example, the estimation unit 134 acquires information about feces based on the detection results of the optical sensor 34, and acquires information about urine or feces based on the detection results of the radio wave sensor 200. The estimation unit 134 estimates the amount of feces based on the detection results of the optical sensor 34, and estimates the amount of urine based on the detection results of the radio wave sensor 200. For example, the estimation unit 134 estimates the amount of urine by subtracting the amount of feces estimated based on the detection results of the optical sensor 34 from the total amount of excrement estimated based on the detection results of the radio wave sensor 200.

[0131] The output unit 135 executes an output process to output various types of information. The output unit 135 functions as a transmission unit that transmits various types of information. The output unit 135 executes the output process by transmitting information to an external information processing device. The output unit 135 transmits information to an external information processing device. For example, the output unit 135 transmits various types of information to an administrator device such as a personal computer or smartphone used by the administrator. The output unit 135 may also execute the output process by transmitting information to the operation device 10 (or the display screen 11).

[0132] The output unit 135 transmits information relating to excrement such as the urine flow rate (urine volume) or stool volume estimated by the estimation unit 134. The output unit 135 transmits information indicating the urine volume estimated by the estimation unit 134. The output unit 135 outputs information indicating either "large," "medium," or "small," which indicates the total urine volume (level) categorized by the estimation unit 134. The output unit 135 transmits information indicating the level of the total urine volume.

[0133] 5. Processing Example Hereinafter, an example of processing based on detection by the radio wave sensor 200 will be described. Note that the processing described below is merely an example, and the toilet system 1 is not limited to the processing described below, and may estimate the urine volume by any processing based on detection by the radio wave sensor 200.

[0134] 5-1. Example of a Process for Estimating Information Related to Excrement First, an overview of a process for estimating information related to excrement based on detection by the radio wave sensor 200 will be described using Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an overview of the process for estimating information related to excrement. Note that in Fig. 7, in order to show an overview of detection by the radio wave sensor 200, some of the reference numerals and the like shown in Fig. 4 (e.g., vertex 821, detection range DA11, etc.) are omitted.

[0135] In Fig. 7, the radio wave sensor 200 detects overflow OF1 from the apex 821 of the trap portion 82. As a result, the toilet system 1 acquires trap overflow information, such as overflow OF1 from the apex 821 of the trap portion 82, using the radio wave sensor 200. For example, the overflow OF1 from the apex 821 of the trap portion 82 shown in Fig. 7 occurs in response to an inflow IF1 into the bowl portion 8 due to, for example, urination by a user. The toilet system 1 detects overflow OF1 from the apex 821 of the trap portion 82 using the radio wave sensor 200, and estimates information related to excrement, such as urine volume, based on the detection by the radio wave sensor 200.

[0136] As a premise, radio wave sensors such as microwave sensors and millimeter wave sensors can penetrate ceramics and resins but are reflected by water. Therefore, the toilet system 1 detects the distance from the water surface by detecting the waves reflected from the water using the radio wave sensor 200.

[0137] For example, if the sensor is placed above the trap, when the amount of water in the seal water increases due to urination, the water will flow over the top of the trap and into the drain. As the water flows, the water level near the top of the trap rises, and when detected from above, the distance to the water surface will decrease in accordance with the rise in water level. Therefore, by measuring the change in water level from the initial value (how much the distance has decreased) with the sensor, information that can be used to estimate information about excrement can be obtained. In this way, there is a correlation between the change in water level and the flow rate of urine. Therefore, the flow rate can be calculated from the sensor output using the relationship between the three pieces of information: sensor output, water level change, and flow rate.

[0138] In the toilet system 1, for example, if the radio wave sensor 200 is placed above the trap portion 82, when the amount of water in the seal water increases due to urination, the water will flow over the apex 821 of the trap portion 82 and into the drain. In the toilet system 1, when water flows into the drain pipe 81 in response to the increase in the amount of water in the seal water, the water level near the apex of the trap portion 82 (apex 821) rises, and when detected from above the trap portion 82, the distance between the radio wave sensor 200 and the water surface decreases in response to the rise in water level. Therefore, in the toilet system 1, the change in water level from the initial value (how much the distance has decreased) is measured by the radio wave sensor 200, thereby obtaining information used to estimate information related to excrement. In the toilet system 1, the flow rate is calculated (estimated) from the output of the radio wave sensor 200 using the relationship between the three pieces of information: the output of the radio wave sensor 200, the change in water level, and the flow rate.

[0139] <5-2. State changes accompanying flow rate changes> Here, an example of a state change accompanying a flow rate change will be described. For example, the relationship between the flow rate of water flowing (falling) into the seal water from the bowl portion 8 side of the toilet 7 and the height of the overflow water will be described.

[0140] First, an overview will be provided using Figure 8 . Figure 8 illustrates an example of the relationship between flow rate and overflow height. Figure 8 shows experimental results of observing the trap overflow behavior, which is behavior associated with changes in flow rate, when water is introduced from 200 mm above the top surface of the bowl portion 8. For example, Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the change in the seal water on the trap portion 82 side due to water inflow on the bowl portion 8 side. As shown in Figure 8 , the water level in the trap portion 82 changes depending on the inflow of water into the seal water from the bowl portion 8 side. For example, the water level in the trap portion 82 rose by approximately 5 mm when the inflow rate was 40 mL / s compared to when the inflow rate was 10 mL / s. This confirmed the rise in the water level in the trap due to the urine flow rate. Furthermore, when the flow rate was changed, changes in the movement of water over the apex 821 of the trap portion 82 were observed.

[0141] Next, the relationship between flow rate and water level change will be described, as shown in FIG. 9 . FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a change in state with a change in flow rate. Specifically, FIG. 9 illustrates an example of the relationship between flow rate and the height of each overflow point. The experimental results shown in FIG. 9 show the results of measurements of water level change with a change in flow rate at four discharge flow rates (inflow rates): 10 mL / s, 20 mL / s, 30 mL / s, and 40 mL / s. For example, each column in the row corresponding to the head (dash-dotted line) in FIG. 9 indicates the amount of change in water level at the head due to the corresponding discharge flow rate (inflow rate). Furthermore, each column in the row corresponding to the trap apex (dash-dotted line) in FIG. 9 indicates the amount of change in water level at the trap apex due to the corresponding discharge flow rate (inflow rate). Note that 0 mL / s in FIG. 9 indicates a state without inflow (initial state). In FIG. 9 , measurements were performed using a microwave sensor placed on the outer wall above the trap apex (apex portion 821).

[0142] The dashed-dotted lines shown on the drain pipe 81 corresponding to each flow rate in Figure 9 indicate the height of the water head. For example, the water head is the position of the tip of the water (overflow) that exceeds the apex 821 of the trap section 82. The dashed-two-dotted lines shown on the drain pipe 81 corresponding to each flow rate in Figure 9 indicate the height of the trap apex. For example, the trap apex is the position directly above the apex 821 of the trap section 82 of the water (overflow) that exceeds the apex 821 of the trap section 82. For all four quantities, the water head was found to have a higher height than the trap apex. Furthermore, the results showed that both the water head and the trap apex increased with increasing inflow. As shown in Figure 9, changes in the water levels at the water head level, trap apex, etc. were confirmed as the flow rate changed.

[0143] <5-3. Detection by Radio Wave Sensor> Next, information obtained by detection by a radio wave sensor (detection information) will be described using a microwave sensor as an example with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of detection information from a microwave sensor.

[0144] Examples of information (detection information) obtained by detection using a radio wave sensor such as a microwave sensor include information such as (1) to (5) in Fig. 10. For example, as shown in (1) in Fig. 10, detection by a radio wave sensor provides information on standing waves that can indicate the distance between the radio wave sensor and a target (such as the surface of water). Note that the graph corresponding to (1) in Fig. 10 shows the relationship between the DC component corresponding to the output value of the sensor and the angle corresponding to the spatial wavelength, but it may also be a graph showing the relationship between the sensor output (value) and distance, as shown in Fig. 12 and subsequent figures.

[0145] Here, an example of the characteristics of a standing wave will be briefly described using FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between wavelengths. Specifically, FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between a medium and a wavelength. As shown in FIG. 11, the wavelength λ in air (hereinafter also referred to as "spatial wavelength λ0") is calculated by dividing the speed of light by the transmission frequency. When the transmission frequency is 24.15 gigahertz (24.15×10^9 Hz), the wavelength λ in air is 0.0124 m (12.4 mm).

[0146] Furthermore, the wavelength λd when passing through a material changes depending on the material's dielectric constant. For example, when passing through a material such as resin (e.g., a dielectric constant of 2 to 3.5) or ceramic (e.g., a dielectric constant of 5 to 6), the wavelength λd becomes shorter than the spatial wavelength λ0, resulting in wavelength shortening. The wavelength λd is calculated by dividing the spatial wavelength λ0 by the square root (value) of the material's dielectric constant. The information (standing wave) in Figure 10 (1) makes it possible to estimate, for example, the distance between the radio wave sensor and an object that reflects the radio waves from the radio wave sensor; this will be discussed later.

[0147] Furthermore, as shown in (2) of Fig. 10, detection by the radio wave sensor provides information on fluctuations (vibrations) such as frequency. Furthermore, as shown in (3) of Fig. 10, detection by the radio wave sensor provides information on changes in distance, such as the approach or receding of the target, such as reflection intensity. Furthermore, as shown in (4) of Fig. 10, detection by the radio wave sensor provides information such as the distance traveled by the target. Furthermore, as shown in (5) of Fig. 10, detection by the radio wave sensor provides information such as the amount of reflection.

[0148] In the following, an example of processing will be described in which, of the information (1) to (5) in Fig. 10 obtained by the radio wave sensor of the microwave sensor, distance information (standing waves) conforming to the spatial wavelength corresponding to (1) in Fig. 10 is used. Note that any of the information (1) to (5) in Fig. 10, such as (2) to (5) in Fig. 10, may be used, not limited to (1) in Fig. 10. For example, when using the information on the amount of reflection corresponding to (5) in Fig. 10, the toilet system 1 may estimate the distance between the radio wave sensor and the target based on the relationship that the reflection amount increases as the distance decreases and the area increases, and then estimate information related to excrement, such as urine volume, based on the estimated distance.

[0149] 5-4. Example of Method for Calculating Urine Flow Rate Using a Radio Wave Sensor An example of a method for calculating urine flow rate using the radio wave sensor 200 in the toilet system 1 described above will now be described. First, an overview will be described with reference to FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the characteristics of a radio wave sensor. In the graph shown in FIG. 12, for example, the vertical axis corresponds to the output (value) of the radio wave sensor 200, and the horizontal axis corresponds to the distance between the radio wave sensor 200 and the water surface (e.g., water (overflow) exceeding the apex 821 of the trap section 82). As shown in FIG. 12, the sensor output is related to the distance from the water surface. Also, as shown in FIG. 12, the sensor output is a sine curve, and one period of the sine curve coincides with the wavelength of the radio wave sensor. For example, in the case of a 24 GHz microwave, one wavelength (one period) is approximately 12.5 mm.

[0150] Here, based on the contents described in FIG. 12 and other figures, an example of the processing executed by the toilet system 1 will be described using FIG. 13 . FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for detecting a change in water level. FIG. 13 illustrates a method for determining a change in water level due to urination from the output of one sensor. Below, an example is described in which the initial value of a sensor (e.g., the radio wave sensor 200), i.e., the value before the water level changes due to urination (e.g., the output value of the radio wave sensor 200), is 100. Here, since the water level rises when urination begins, the distance between the sensor and the water surface inevitably decreases due to urination. Therefore, the toilet system 1 determines the change in water level due to urination using the following processing. As described below, the processing shown in FIG. 13 aims to obtain information on the change rather than the absolute value of the water level, and therefore can obtain information on the initial value of the radio wave sensor 200 and the change in the value of the radio wave sensor 200 during urination.

[0151] 13, the candidate distances between a sensor (e.g., radio wave sensor 200) and the water surface are 124.0 mm, 126.0 mm, 136.5 mm, and 138.5 mm, based on the positions of the sensor and trap unit (e.g., trap unit 82) in the configuration. For example, based on the output of radio wave sensor 200, toilet system 1 estimates that the distance between radio wave sensor 200 and the water surface is one of 124.0 mm, 126.0 mm, 136.5 mm, and 138.5 mm.

[0152] If the output value decreases due to urination, the distance candidates can be narrowed down to either 124.0 mm or 136.5 mm, which is one wavelength away from 124.0 mm, as shown in Figure 13. For example, based on the output of radio wave sensor 200, toilet system 1 estimates that the distance between radio wave sensor 200 and the water surface is either 124.0 mm or 136.5 mm.

[0153] 13, if the value when the sensor output has changed the most is 70, the distance candidates are 119.0 mm or 130.5 mm, which is one wavelength away from 119.0 mm. For example, based on the output of radio wave sensor 200, toilet system 1 estimates that the distance between radio wave sensor 200 and the water surface when the output of radio wave sensor 200 has changed the most (for example, when the distance between radio wave sensor 200 and the water surface is closest) is either 119.0 mm or 130.5 mm.

[0154] 13, when the distance between the radio wave sensor 200 and the water surface changes from 124.0 mm to 119.0 mm, or when the distance between the radio wave sensor 200 and the water surface changes from 136.5 mm to 130.5 mm, the maximum change in water level is 5.0 mm. For example, based on the output of the radio wave sensor 200, the toilet system 1 estimates that the change in water level due to urination will be 5.0 mm.

[0155] 13, the purpose is not to know the absolute value of the water level but to know the change in the water level, and this can be determined from the initial value of the radio wave sensor and the change in the sensor value during urination. There are three key points to note when determining the urine flow rate using the radio wave sensor 200:

[0156] The first point about how changes in water level due to urination can be determined from the output of the radio wave sensor 200 is that when urination begins, the water level only rises and does not fall. Therefore, if the sensor is placed above the trap, the distance between the radio wave sensor 200 and the water surface will always be short.

[0157] The second point about how water level changes due to urination can be determined from the output of radio wave sensor 200 is that the flow rate of urine continuously rises and falls. However, the output value of radio wave sensor 200 does not deviate significantly from the previous output value. Therefore, by analyzing the signal from radio wave sensor 200 in a time series based on the characteristics of the first and second points, the distance between radio wave sensor 200 and the water surface can be narrowed down to a value for each wavelength.

[0158] The second point about determining water level changes due to urination from the output of the radio wave sensor 200 is that it is sufficient to know the water level change, not the absolute value of the water level. Also, even if there are multiple distances between the radio wave sensor 200 and the water surface per wavelength, the water level change will be the same regardless of the distance range. And because it is the water level change that is of interest, sufficient information can be obtained by measuring the distance with the radio wave sensor 200.

[0159] Based on the above-described premise, the toilet system 1 can estimate the amount of urine flowing into the bowl portion 8 (e.g., the amount of urine) from the change in water level determined by the radio wave sensor 200, as shown in Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a process for calculating the flow rate from the change in water level. For example, the toilet system 1 estimates the amount of urine from the change in water level determined by the radio wave sensor 200, based on the relationship between the flow rate and the water level shown in Fig. 9 and the information obtained by detecting the change in water level shown in Fig. 13.

[0160] In the graph shown in Fig. 14, for example, the vertical axis corresponds to the urine flow rate, i.e., the amount of urine, and the horizontal axis corresponds to the water level change determined by the radio wave sensor 200. The graph shown in Fig. 14 is derived from the relationship between the flow rate and the water level shown in Fig. 9. For example, the toilet system 1 determines the urine flow rate from a conversion formula or conversion table between the water level change and the urine flow rate. For example, information about the conversion formula or conversion table between the water level change and the urine flow rate may be stored in the memory unit 120, etc.

[0161] For example, the toilet system 1 estimates a water level change by the process shown in Fig. 13 and estimates the amount of urine using the estimated water level change and a conversion formula (function) corresponding to the graph shown in Fig. 14. For example, the toilet system 1 estimates a water level change by the process shown in Fig. 13 and estimates the amount of urine using the estimated water level change and a conversion table corresponding to the graph shown in Fig. 14. For example, if the toilet system 1 estimates that the water level change is 6 mm, it estimates the amount of urine to be, for example, 40 mL / s.

[0162] The flow rate (e.g., amount of urine) estimated by the toilet system 1 may be a number or may be expressed as several levels, such as large, medium, and small. When estimating the amount of urine in three levels, large, medium, and small, the toilet system 1 may estimate the estimated amount as small if it is less than 15 mL / s, medium if it is 15 mL / s or more but less than 30 mL / s, and large if it is 30 mL / s or more. Note that the correspondence between the above amount ranges and levels is merely an example, and any correspondence can be adopted.

[0163] 5-5. Example of method for calculating total urine volume Furthermore, the toilet system 1 may estimate the total volume of urine excreted by the user (also referred to as "total urine volume") based on the volume of urine estimated by the above-described process. An example of this point will be described with reference to FIG. 15. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a method for calculating a flow rate. Specifically, FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a method for estimating a total urine volume. The vertical axis of FIG. 15 corresponds to the estimated urine flow rate (per unit time), and the horizontal axis corresponds to time.

[0164] For example, as shown in Fig. 15, the toilet system 1 measures (estimates) the flow rate of urine over time based on the detection by the radio wave sensor 200. The toilet system 1 then integrates the flow rate over time to convert the amount (total amount). For example, the toilet system 1 estimates the total urine volume by calculating the area of ​​the region (diagram) formed by the waveform shown in Fig. 15 and the X-axis. In Fig. 15, the toilet system 1 estimates that the total volume of urine (total urine volume) is 144 mL.

[0165] Furthermore, the toilet system 1 may also estimate the total urine volume in a similar manner when the urine volume is estimated in several levels, such as large, medium, and small. An example of this point will be described with reference to FIG. 16. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a method for calculating the flow rate. Specifically, FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a method for estimating the total urine volume. The vertical axis of FIG. 16 corresponds to the level of the estimated urine flow rate (per unit time), and the horizontal axis corresponds to time.

[0166] For example, as shown in Fig. 16, the toilet system 1 measures (estimates) the urine flow rate (level) over time based on the detection by the radio wave sensor 200. The toilet system 1 then calculates the area of ​​the region enclosed by the horizontal axis and the lines connecting the points, and calculates the total urine volume from the area. In Fig. 16, the toilet system 1 calculates the area of ​​the hatched region and converts the area into urine volume to calculate the total urine volume.

[0167] In this case, the toilet system 1 may have a predetermined relationship between changes in the seal water state and urine flow rate. For example, the toilet system 1 may store information indicating the correspondence between each urine volume level and a numerical value indicating a specific volume (e.g., small volume = 10 mL / s, medium volume = 20 mL / s, large volume = 30 mL / s, etc.) in the memory unit 120. In this case, the toilet system 1 may calculate the total urine volume, for example, 220 mL, by converting the level at each time into a numerical value indicating a specific volume and integrating it based on the information indicating the correspondence between each urine volume level and a numerical value indicating a specific volume.

[0168] Furthermore, for example, the toilet system 1 may store information indicating the correspondence between each level of urine volume and a numerical value corresponding to the area, for example, in the storage unit 120. In this case, the toilet system 1 calculates the area by converting the level at each time into a numerical value corresponding to the area and integrating it based on the information indicating the correspondence between each level of urine volume and a numerical value corresponding to the area (e.g., 1 for small, 2 for medium, 3 for large, etc.). For example, the toilet system 1 calculates the area to be 22.

[0169] The toilet system 1 then calculates the total urine volume from the calculated area. For example, the toilet system 1 calculates the total urine volume using the area and a conversion formula based on the relationship shown in FIG. 17. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between area and total urine volume. For example, FIG. 17 shows an example of a calibration curve for calculating the total urine volume from the area. For example, the toilet system 1 calculates the total urine volume to be 220 mL from the calculated area of ​​"22."

[0170] The toilet system 1 may provide (display) information using any of the acquired information. For example, the toilet system 1 may display information in stages such as large, medium, and small instead of displaying numerical values.

[0171] 5-6. Example of Case Where Defecation Occurs During Urination Furthermore, if defecation occurs during urination, the toilet system 1 may perform processing to eliminate the influence of defecation. For example, the toilet system 1 may perform processing as shown in FIG. 18. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of processing when defecation occurs during urination. For example, FIG. 18 shows an example of a method for detecting feces from the output of the radio wave sensor 200. The vertical axis of FIG. 18 corresponds to the output value of the radio wave sensor 200, and the horizontal axis corresponds to time. FIG. 18 shows a case where defecation occurs during urination around 20 seconds into the graph.

[0172] As shown in FIG. 18 , when a person defecates, the output value of the radio wave sensor 200 becomes discontinuous. Therefore, the toilet system 1 estimates (estimates) the output value of the radio wave sensor 200 from the points before and after the discontinuous point, as shown by the dotted line in the enlarged view of the graph around 20 seconds. For example, the toilet system 1 estimates the output value of the radio wave sensor 200 for the discontinuous time period, excluding the influence of feces, based on the line connecting the start and end points of the discontinuous time period, as shown by the dotted line in the enlarged view of the graph around 20 seconds. The toilet system 1 may then use the estimated output value of the radio wave sensor 200 to estimate the amount of urine in that time period and estimate the total amount of urine. In FIG. 18 , the toilet system 1 calculates (estimates) the total amount of urine (total urine volume) to be 342 mL after converting it to a flow rate.

[0173] For example, the toilet system 1 may perform the process shown in Fig. 19. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the process when defecation occurs during urination. For example, Fig. 19 shows an example of a method for detecting feces after changing the output of the radio wave sensor 200 to a flow rate. The vertical axis of Fig. 19 corresponds to the urine flow rate, and the horizontal axis corresponds to time. Fig. 19 shows a case where defecation occurs during urination around 20 seconds on the graph.

[0174] As shown in Figure 19, the flow rate becomes discontinuous when a defecation occurs. Therefore, the toilet system 1 estimates the flow rate from points before and after the discontinuity, as shown by the dotted line in the enlarged view of the graph around 20 seconds. For example, the toilet system 1 estimates that the amount corresponding to the hatched area in the enlarged view of the graph around 20 seconds is the amount of feces. The toilet system 1 may calculate the amount of feces from the area of ​​the hatched area in the enlarged view of the graph around 20 seconds, and estimate the total amount of urine (total urine volume) by subtracting the amount of feces from the total excretion volume, which is the sum of the entire area. In Figure 19, the toilet system 1 estimates the maximum urine flow rate to be 23.1 mL / sec and calculates (estimates) the total amount of urine (total urine volume) to be 342 mL.

[0175] As mentioned above, whether the output of the radio wave sensor is viewed directly or converted into a water level or flow rate, the value becomes discontinuous when a defecation occurs. Therefore, when a discontinuous value occurs, the toilet system 1 deletes the discontinuous value and uses the value before or after the discontinuity, or averages the values ​​before and after the discontinuity, thereby eliminating the signal due to defecation. The toilet system 1 integrates all values, including those due to defecation, and may further extract only the signal portion corresponding to the defecation to calculate the amount of defecation, and then subtract the amount of defecation from the total amount of urine excreted.

[0176] <5-7. When Two Information Pieces with Different Phases Are Used> In the above example, a case where one output (information) is used has been described as an example, but the toilet system 1 may also use two pieces of information with different phases. For example, the toilet system 1 may determine the change in water level due to urination from two outputs with different phases. An example of this point will be described using FIG. 20. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of calculation using two outputs. Note that, regarding FIG. 20, explanations of points similar to those in FIGS. 12 and 13 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0177] In Figure 20, one output (first output) is shown by a solid line, and another output (second output) that is out of phase with the first output is shown by a dashed line. Figure 20 shows a method for determining the change in water level due to urination from two outputs of the sensor. The following describes an example in which the initial values ​​of the sensor are a first output of 100 and a second output of 50.

[0178] In Figure 20, the candidate distances between the sensor and the water surface are based on the positions of the sensor and trap unit (e.g., trap unit 82) in the configuration, and there are two candidate distances: 124.0 mm and 136.5 mm, which is one wavelength away from 124.0 mm. For example, based on the first output and the second output, the toilet system 1 estimates that the distance between the radio wave sensor 200 and the water surface is either 124.0 mm or 136.5 mm. The subsequent processing is the same as in the case of one output shown in Figure 13, and therefore will not be described here.

[0179] In this way, when there is one output from the sensor, the initial water level is determined by measuring the water level change over time at the beginning of urination, but when there are multiple (two) outputs, as shown in Figure 20, the water level can be narrowed down from those output values. For example, if the water level drops momentarily due to sitting down, there is a possibility that the initial water level will be misjudged with only one sensor output, but with multiple (two) outputs, this possibility can be reduced.

[0180] The toilet system 1 may be configured to obtain two outputs with different phases. For example, the toilet system 1 may obtain two outputs with different phases by using two radio wave sensors 200. In this case, the toilet system 1 may have two radio wave sensors 200: one radio wave sensor 200 (first radio wave sensor) that outputs the first output in FIG. 20, and another radio wave sensor 200 (second radio wave sensor) that outputs the second output in FIG. 20. In other words, the toilet system 1 may obtain outputs from each of the two radio wave sensors 200.

[0181] For example, with one sensor, the initial water level is determined by measuring the water level change over time at the beginning of urination, but with multiple sensors, the water level can be narrowed down from their output values. For example, if the water level drops momentarily due to sitting down, a single sensor may misjudge the initial water level, but with multiple sensors, this possibility can be reduced. Note that the toilet system 1 may use any information, such as differential information from signals from multiple sensors.

[0182] Furthermore, the toilet system 1 may obtain two outputs with different phases from a single radio wave sensor 200. An example of this point will be described using FIG. 21 . For example, the radio wave sensor 200 may have a configuration as shown in FIG. 21 . FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a radio wave sensor. Specifically, FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a radio wave sensor for obtaining two outputs.

[0183] When a single radio wave sensor 200 obtains two outputs with different phases, the radio wave sensor 200 may have two detection circuits 222. For example, the radio wave sensor 200 has two detection circuits 222: a detection circuit 222a shown as detection circuit #1 in FIG. 21 and a detection circuit 222b shown as detection circuit #2 in FIG. 21. In FIG. 21, the radio wave sensor 200 is configured such that the line length on the detection circuit 222b side is longer than the line length on the detection circuit 222a side so that the phase difference between the detection circuit 222a and the transmission circuit 221 is 60 degrees. This results in the detection circuit 222b (detection circuit #2) being shifted (delayed by 60 degrees) by the line length relative to the detection circuit 222a (detection circuit #1). This allows the toilet system 1 to estimate distance using the combination (relationship) of two wavelengths.

[0184] For example, the toilet system 1 may estimate the distance using the relationship between two outputs, as shown in FIG. 22 . FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of processing using the relationship between two outputs. In FIG. 22 , the output (first output) from the detection circuit 222a is shown by a solid line, and the output (second output) from the detection circuit 222b is shown by a dashed line. For example, the toilet system 1 may estimate the distance between the radio wave sensor 200 and the water surface based on the relationship between the first output and the second output at A in FIG. 22 , the first output and the second output at B in FIG. 22 , the first output and the second output at C in FIG. 22 , etc.

[0185] The above-described embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate within the scope of not causing any contradiction in the processing content.

[0186] Further advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0187] The above-described embodiments and variations may be configured as follows, but are not limited to the following: (1) A toilet system comprising: a bowl portion for receiving excrement; a trap portion for forming a water seal on the bottom side of the bowl portion; a radio wave sensor for detecting a change in state of the water seal on the trap portion side due to the excrement falling into the water seal; and estimation means for estimating urine or feces information related to the excrement based on the detection results of the radio wave sensor. (2) The toilet system described in (1), wherein the detection range of the radio wave sensor is set to an area including the apex of the trap portion. (3) The toilet system described in (1) or (2), wherein the radio wave sensor detects a change in state of the water seal based on overflow from the apex of the trap portion. (4) The toilet system described in (3), wherein the estimation means estimates the urine flow rate or feces volume based on the change in state of the water seal. (5) The toilet system described in (3) or (4), wherein the estimation means estimates the urine flow rate based on information on standing waves output from the radio wave sensor. (6) The toilet system according to any one of (1) to (5), characterized in that the radio wave sensor is a millimeter wave sensor or a microwave sensor. (7) The toilet system according to any one of (1) to (6), characterized in that a drainage path from the bowl portion passes between the radio wave sensor and the apex of the trap portion, and the radio wave sensor detects a change in the state of the seal water based on water overflowing from the apex of the trap portion. (8) The toilet system according to any one of (1) to (7), characterized in that it further includes a toilet seat device installed on top of a toilet body having the bowl portion, and the radio wave sensor is provided in the toilet seat device. (9) The toilet system according to (8), characterized in that an antenna unit of the radio wave sensor is located on the bottom side of the toilet seat device. (10) The toilet system according to any one of (1) to (9), characterized in that the antenna unit of the radio wave sensor is provided on the outer wall of a drain pipe having the trap portion.(11) The toilet system described in any one of (1) to (10), characterized in that the antenna part of the radio wave sensor is disposed vertically above the trap part. (12) The toilet system described in any one of (1) to (11), characterized in that the antenna part of the radio wave sensor is disposed vertically above the water seal on the trap part side. (13) The toilet system described in any one of (1) to (12), further comprising an optical sensor that detects changes in the state of the water seal from the bowl part side at multiple times, wherein the estimation means estimates the urine or feces information based on the detection results of the radio wave sensor and the optical sensor. (14) The toilet system described in (13), characterized in that the estimation means estimates the urine or feces information when there is a correlation between the detection results of the radio wave sensor and the optical sensor. (15) The toilet system described in any one of (1) to (14), further comprising an optical sensor that detects feces from the bowl portion side before it hits the water seal, wherein the estimation means acquires information about the urine or feces based on the detection results of the radio wave sensor and the optical sensor. (16) The toilet system described in (15), characterized in that the estimation means acquires information about the feces based on the detection results of the optical sensor, and acquires information about the urine or feces based on the detection results of the radio wave sensor. (17) A radio wave device for a toilet device that is installed in a toilet device, comprising: a radio wave sensor that detects a change in state that occurs in the water seal on the trap portion side that forms the water seal on the bottom side of the bowl portion when excrement falls into the water seal in the bowl portion of the toilet device. (18) A method for detecting the state of a toilet system, including a detection step of detecting a change in state of the water seal formed on the bottom side of a bowl section of the toilet system by a trap section provided downstream in the drainage direction from the bowl section, when excrement falls into the water seal on the bowl section side.

[0188] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Toilet system 2 Toilet seat device 3 Main body (functional part) 4 Toilet lid 5 Toilet seat 6 Cleaning nozzle 7 Toilet bowl (toilet body) 8 Bowl part 9 Rim part 20 Toilet device 34 Optical sensor 81 Drain pipe (drainage channel) 82 Trap part 100 Control device (estimation means) 200 Radio wave sensor (radio wave device for toilet device) 210 Antenna part 220 Circuit part R Toilet room

Claims

1. A toilet system comprising: a bowl portion for receiving excrement; a trap portion for forming a water seal on the bottom side of the bowl portion; a radio wave sensor for detecting a change in state that occurs in the water seal on the trap portion side when the excrement falls into the water seal; and an estimation means for estimating information about the excrement, such as urine or feces, based on the detection results of the radio wave sensor.

2. The toilet system according to claim 1, characterized in that the detection range of the radio wave sensor is set to an area including the apex of the trap section.

3. The toilet system according to claim 2, characterized in that the radio wave sensor detects a change in the state of the seal water based on water overflowing from the apex of the trap section.

4. The toilet system according to claim 3, characterized in that the estimation means estimates the urine flow rate or feces volume based on a change in the state of the seal water.

5. The toilet system according to claim 3, characterized in that the estimation means estimates the urine flow rate based on information about standing waves output from the radio wave sensor.

6. The toilet system according to claim 1, wherein the radio wave sensor is a millimeter wave sensor or a microwave sensor.

7. The toilet system described in claim 2, characterized in that a drainage path from the bowl portion passes between the radio wave sensor and the apex of the trap portion, and the radio wave sensor detects a change in the state of the seal water based on overflow from the apex of the trap portion.

8. The toilet system according to claim 1, further comprising a toilet seat device installed on an upper portion of the toilet body having the bowl portion, wherein the radio wave sensor is provided on the toilet seat device.

9. The toilet system according to claim 8, wherein the antenna portion of the radio wave sensor is disposed on the bottom side of the toilet seat device.

10. The toilet system according to claim 1, characterized in that the antenna portion of the radio wave sensor is provided on the outer wall of the drain pipe having the trap portion.

11. The toilet system according to claim 1, characterized in that the antenna portion of the radio wave sensor is positioned vertically above the trap portion.

12. The toilet system according to claim 1, characterized in that the antenna portion of the radio wave sensor is positioned vertically above the water seal on the trap portion side.

13. The toilet system described in claim 1, further comprising an optical sensor that detects changes in the state of the sealing water from the bowl portion side at multiple times, wherein the estimation means estimates information about the urine or feces based on the detection results of the radio wave sensor and the optical sensor.

14. The toilet system according to claim 13, characterized in that the estimation means estimates the urine or feces information when there is a correlation between the detection results of the radio wave sensor and the optical sensor.

15. The toilet system described in claim 1, further comprising an optical sensor that detects feces from the bowl side before it hits the sealed water, and wherein the estimation means obtains information about the urine or feces based on the detection results of the radio wave sensor and the optical sensor.

16. The toilet system described in claim 15, characterized in that the estimation means obtains information about feces based on the detection results of the optical sensor, and obtains information about the urine or feces based on the detection results of the radio wave sensor.

17. A radio wave device for a toilet device that is installed in a toilet device, comprising: a radio wave sensor that detects a change in state that occurs in the seal water on the trap section side that forms a seal water on the bottom side of the bowl section of the toilet device when excrement falls into the seal water in the bowl section of the toilet device.

18. A method for detecting the condition of a toilet system, comprising: a detection process for detecting a change in condition that occurs in the seal water on the trap section side, when excrement falls into the seal water on the bowl section side, of the seal water formed on the bottom side of the bowl section of the toilet system by a trap section provided downstream in the drainage direction from the bowl section.

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