Toilet system

Abstract

A toilet system according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first detection sensor that is provided to a toilet device and detects odorless gas; a second detection sensor that is provided to the toilet device and detects odorous gas; and an estimation means for estimating, on the basis of detection results from the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor, at least one of the intestinal bacteria, metabolites of intestinal bacteria, or pH of a user who uses the toilet device.

Description

Toilet System

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a toilet system.

[0002] Conventionally, technologies have been provided for collecting data by detecting sensors in wet spaces such as toilets. For example, there is provided a toilet seat device equipped with a gas sensor that can detect fecal gas (such as farts) emitted when a toilet user (hereinafter also referred to as a "user") excretes feces (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003] JP 2005-315836 A JP 2016-145806 A

[0004] However, the above-mentioned conventional techniques have room for improvement. For example, in Patent Document 1, processing is performed using data obtained from a sensor that reacts to hydrogen gas, and in Patent Document 2, processing is performed using data obtained from a sensor that reacts to odorous gases containing sulfur components. However, it is difficult to make estimations from a multifaceted perspective, and there are cases in which information related to human health cannot be appropriately estimated. Therefore, it is desired to appropriately estimate information related to human health based on the detection results of multiple sensors that detect different components, for example.

[0005] The disclosed embodiments aim to provide a toilet system that can appropriately estimate information related to a person's health.

[0006] A toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment is characterized by having a first detection sensor provided in a toilet device for detecting odorless gas, a second detection sensor provided in the toilet device for detecting foul-smelling gas, and an estimation means for estimating at least one of the intestinal bacteria, intestinal bacterial metabolites, and pH of a user using the toilet device based on the detection results of the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor.

[0007] According to one aspect of the embodiment, a toilet system estimates at least one of the intestinal bacteria, intestinal bacterial metabolites, and pH of a user using the toilet device based on the detection results of two sensors: a first detection sensor that detects odorless gases and a second detection sensor that detects malodorous gases. This allows the toilet system to more accurately estimate the user's intestinal environment by estimating the intestinal bacteria, intestinal bacterial metabolites, or pH (potential hydrogen). Therefore, the toilet system can appropriately estimate information related to a person's health.

[0008] Our research has revealed that the temporal changes in the ratio of odorless gases (composed of hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide) to foul-smelling gases (composed of hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan) contained in farts (defecation gas) during defecation indirectly capture temporal changes in the intestinal environment. The intestinal environment is known to change depending on factors such as dietary habits and physical activity. Accurately estimating the state of the intestinal environment can promote lifestyle improvements for toilet users. Therefore, more accurate measurement of the components of fecal gas is important, and the inventors have developed various hardware devices to improve this. The intestinal environment refers to the environment created by the intestinal bacteria that inhabit the intestine. These bacteria are commonly known as beneficial bacteria, harmful bacteria, and opportunistic bacteria. Recent research has revealed that short-chain fatty acids produced by beneficial bacteria have beneficial effects on the mind and body, and it is also known that an environment rich in short-chain fatty acids leads to an acidic intestinal pH. Therefore, in order to accurately estimate the intestinal environment, intestinal bacteria, their metabolites, and intestinal pH are important, but it has been difficult to estimate these using conventional excretory gas measurement techniques.

[0009] Therefore, in one aspect of the embodiment, a toilet system estimates at least one of the intestinal bacteria, intestinal bacterial metabolites, and pH of a user using the toilet device based on the detection results of two sensors, a first detection sensor that detects odorless gases and a second detection sensor that detects malodorous gases, i.e., information on gases with different components. This allows the toilet system to accurately estimate the intestinal bacteria, intestinal bacterial metabolites, or pH, thereby enabling appropriate estimation of information related to a person's health.

[0010] In one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet system is configured such that the estimation means estimates at least one of the intestinal bacteria, intestinal bacterial metabolites, and pH of the user using the toilet device based on the component ratio of the excretory gas obtained from the detection results of the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor.

[0011] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet system can appropriately eliminate variations due to the amount of excreta gas by using the ratio of components of the excreta gas obtained from the detection results of the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor, and therefore can appropriately estimate information related to human health.

[0012] The toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment further includes a third detection sensor that detects stool characteristics, and estimates at least one of the intestinal bacteria, intestinal bacterial metabolites, and pH of the user using the toilet device based on the detection results of the first, second, and third detection sensors.

[0013] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet system can estimate the user's intestinal environment more accurately by estimating intestinal bacteria, intestinal bacterial metabolites, or pH, taking into account a third detection sensor that detects stool characteristics. For example, the toilet system can more accurately estimate the intestinal environment by combining data on stool characteristics, such as stool volume, shape, and color. Therefore, the toilet system can appropriately estimate information related to a person's health.

[0014] A toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment includes a first detection unit that detects feces, a second detection unit that has at least one of the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor, and a control device that performs an estimation process to estimate at least one of the provided information or score related to the user's health based on the detection results of the first detection unit and the detection results of the second detection unit, and controls the output of the results of the estimation process to the outside.

[0015] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet system can appropriately estimate information about the user's health by estimating at least one of the provided information or the score related to the user's health based on the detection results of the first detection unit and the second detection unit. Therefore, the toilet system can appropriately estimate information about the user's health.

[0016] The health status of the intestine is determined by the peristaltic movement of the outer wall of the intestine, which is primarily affected by stress, sleep, infections, etc., and the intestinal environment inside the intestine, which is primarily affected by diet. Furthermore, stool information (fecal properties) is one indicator of peristaltic movement, and bowel gas information (amount or concentration of bowel gas) is one indicator of the intestinal environment. Therefore, according to one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet system outputs information and scores related to the user's health based on stool information related to the user's peristaltic movement and bowel gas information related to the user's intestinal environment. This allows the toilet system to output information and scores related to the user's health that take into account the condition of the outer wall and the condition of the inner intestine, thereby enabling more accurate health support for the user.

[0017] A toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment includes a gas detection device including a first detection sensor that is a first gas sensor that reacts to hydrogen gas contained in a gas, and a second detection sensor that is a second gas sensor that reacts to an odorous gas containing a sulfur component and hydrogen gas, and a control device that controls the gas detection device, wherein the control device calculates a second calculated value corresponding to hydrogen gas of the second gas sensor based on a plurality of calculated values ​​corresponding to hydrogen gas contained in the gas, and calculates a third calculated value corresponding to the odorous gas based on the detection result of the second gas sensor and the second calculated value, and the toilet system estimates the health condition of the user or information about the health condition based on the third calculated value, and the plurality of calculated values ​​include a first calculated value corresponding to hydrogen gas obtained based on the detection result of the first gas sensor.

[0018] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet system obtains a second calculated value based on an estimated value obtained from multiple hydrogen gas-derived calculations, including a first hydrogen gas-derived calculation value obtained based on the detection results of the first gas sensor. This reduces the influence of measurement variations in the hydrogen gas sensor (corresponding to the first gas sensor) and allows for a calculation of a hydrogen gas amount closer to the true value. Therefore, according to one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet system calculates the amount of odorous gas based on the amount of hydrogen gas detected by the hydrogen gas sensor by removing the influence of hydrogen gas from the detection value of a gas sensor (also referred to as an "odorous gas sensor") that detects odorous gases (such as foul-smelling gases). Even if the amount of detected hydrogen gas fluctuates due to measurement variations in the hydrogen gas sensor, the detected amount of odorous gas is prevented from falling below zero due to hydrogen gas, allowing for accurate calculation of health conditions, such as the state of the intestinal environment. Therefore, the toilet system can appropriately perform processing based on gas measurements. This allows the toilet system to appropriately estimate information about a person's health.

[0019] A toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment includes a gas detection device including a first detection sensor that is a first gas sensor that reacts to hydrogen gas contained in a gas, and a second detection sensor that is a second gas sensor that reacts to an odorous gas containing a sulfur component and hydrogen gas, and a control device that controls the gas detection device. The control device calculates a first calculated value corresponding to hydrogen gas based on the detection result of the first gas sensor, calculates a second calculated value corresponding to hydrogen gas of the second gas sensor based on the first calculated value, and calculates a third calculated value corresponding to an odorous gas based on the detection result of the second gas sensor and the second calculated value. The toilet system estimates the health condition of the user or information related to the health condition based on the third calculated value, and the control device makes corrections to at least one of the zero calculated value corresponding to the odorous gas and hydrogen gas calculated based on the detection result of the second gas sensor, the second calculated value, and the third calculated value.

[0020] According to one aspect of the embodiment, a toilet system is configured to calculate the amount of odorous gas based on the amount of hydrogen gas detected by a hydrogen gas sensor (corresponding to a first gas sensor) by removing the influence of hydrogen gas from the detection value of an odorous gas sensor (corresponding to a second gas sensor). Even if the amount of detected hydrogen gas fluctuates due to measurement variations in the hydrogen gas sensor, the detected amount of odorous gas is prevented from falling below zero due to hydrogen gas, and health conditions such as the state of the intestinal environment can be accurately calculated. Therefore, the toilet system can appropriately perform processing based on gas measurements. This allows the toilet system to appropriately estimate information related to a person's health.

[0021] A toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment includes a gas detection device including a first detection sensor, which is a first gas sensor that reacts to hydrogen gas contained in a gas, and a second detection sensor, which is a second gas sensor that reacts to an odorous gas containing a sulfur component and hydrogen gas; a control device that controls the gas detection device; and an output means that outputs information related to the processing results by the control device. The control device calculates a first calculated value corresponding to hydrogen gas based on the detection result of the first gas sensor, calculates a second calculated value corresponding to hydrogen gas of the second gas sensor based on the first calculated value, and calculates a third calculated value corresponding to an odorous gas based on the detection result of the second gas sensor and the second calculated value. The toilet system estimates the health condition of the user or information related to the health condition based on the third calculated value. When at least one of the first calculated value, the second calculated value, and the third calculated value satisfies a predetermined condition, the control device controls to change the first information, which is the health condition of the user or information related to the health condition and is output by the output means, independently of the third calculated value.

[0022] According to one aspect of the embodiment, even if the amount of detected hydrogen gas measured by the hydrogen gas sensor (corresponding to the first gas sensor) varies, the amount of odorous gas is prevented from falling below zero. This prevents a situation where no data is available when displaying daily health information, such as the state of the intestinal environment, to the user, thereby improving usability. Therefore, the toilet system can appropriately perform processing based on the gas measurement. This allows the toilet system to appropriately estimate information related to a person's health.

[0023] A toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment comprises a gas detection device having at least one of the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor, which are gas sensors that react to gas contained in a gas, and a control device that controls the gas detection device, wherein the gas sensor comprises a sensor element and a resistance element for measurement, the control device controls the gas detection device so that the measurement value obtained by the gas sensor falls within a predetermined range when the user is not using the toilet, and performs reference value control that controls the measurement value used as a reference value to a predetermined value, and the gas detection device performs processing related to fecal gas measurement using the reference value controlled by the reference value control.

[0024] According to one aspect of the embodiment, even if the detection value of the gas sensor during non-defecation periods fluctuates due to the temperature and humidity conditions in the toilet space or the presence of an air freshener, the change in resolution between measurements can be suppressed by controlling the reference value of the gas sensor within a predetermined range at a predetermined timing. Therefore, according to one aspect of the embodiment, even if the environmental conditions in the toilet space differ between measurements during defecation, the toilet system can accurately detect defecation gas, and can standardize the measurement conditions for defecation gas every day, accurately capturing changes over time in the user's physical condition obtained from defecation gas. Therefore, the toilet system can appropriately perform processing related to gas measurement. As a result, the toilet system can appropriately estimate information related to a person's health.

[0025] A toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment includes a suction device that sucks gas from within a toilet bowl, a gas flow path through which the gas sucked by the suction device passes, a gas detection device that includes at least one of the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor, which are gas sensors that react to gas contained in the gas passing through the gas flow path, a control device that controls the suction device and the gas detection device, and a pressure loss generating unit that causes a higher pressure loss to occur when the gas passes downstream of the location of the gas sensor in the direction of travel of the gas passing through the gas flow path.

[0026] In one embodiment of the toilet system, a pressure loss generating unit generates a pressure loss downstream of the gas sensor, and the gas contacts the sensor. This pressure loss generates downstream turbulence, allowing the gas to contact the sensor with a uniform concentration gradient. This allows the toilet system to accurately measure the gas. This allows the toilet system to accurately estimate information related to a person's health.

[0027] A toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment has a gas flow path that sucks in and passes through gas within a toilet bowl, and a sensor-sensitive unit that reacts to gas contained in the gas passing through the gas flow path, the gas flow path including a main flow path and a secondary flow path provided within the main flow path through which gas flowing in from the main flow path passes at a slower flow rate than the main flow path, and the sensor-sensitive unit is disposed within the secondary flow path.

[0028] In one embodiment of the toilet system, the sensor sensitive portion is separated by a secondary flow path, and by temporarily retaining the fecal gas around the sensor sensitive portion, the concentration gradient is made uniform, resulting in a more accurate gas sensor signal. Furthermore, since the majority of the flow passes through the main flow path, the gas in the bowl can be collected in the gas flow path. Therefore, the toilet system can appropriately measure the gas, thereby enabling the toilet system to appropriately estimate information related to a person's health.

[0029] A toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment comprises a suction device that sucks gas from within the bowl of a toilet, a gas flow path through which the gas sucked in by the suction device passes, a gas detection device having at least one of the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor which are gas sensors that react to gas contained in the gas passing through the gas flow path, a deodorizing member that is provided in the gas flow path and deodorizes and removes odorous components of the gas, and a control device that controls the suction device and the gas detection device, wherein the gas flow path includes an inlet section that allows gas to flow into the gas flow path, and an outlet section that is provided downstream of the inlet section and discharges the gas in the gas flow path out of the gas flow path, the gas sensor being located between the inlet section and the outlet section, the inlet section being located at a position where it can collect defecation gas from within the bowl, and the outlet section being located so as to discharge the gas in the gas flow path out of the toilet from a position behind the seating position of a user of the toilet.

[0030] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet system is configured such that the gas flow path exhaust section exhausts gas from the gas flow path behind the seating position of the toilet user. This prevents odorous components accumulated in deodorizing components such as deodorizing filters from circulating through the gas flow path and immediately exhausts them into the toilet space, thereby stabilizing the measurement accuracy of the gas sensor. Therefore, the toilet system can prevent a decrease in gas measurement accuracy. Furthermore, by exhausting gas behind the user (human body) seated on the toilet seat, the toilet system can prevent the exhausted gas from returning into the bowl. Furthermore, because the toilet system exhausts gas behind the human body, the user is less likely to detect odors. This allows the toilet system to appropriately estimate information related to a person's health.

[0031] A toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment comprises a suction device that sucks in fecal gas discharged into a toilet bowl, a gas flow path through which the gas sucked in by the suction device passes, a gas detection device that includes at least one of the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor, which are gas sensors that react to a specific gas component contained in the gas passing through the gas flow path, and a control device that controls the suction flow rate of the suction device, wherein when the suction flow rate of the suction device is x (L / min), the relationship 10≦x≦200 is satisfied.

[0032] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet system controls the suction flow rate of the suction device (hereinafter also referred to as "flow rate") so that x (L (liters) / min (minutes)) satisfies 10 ≦ x ≦ 200, thereby controlling the suction flow rate of the fecal gas discharged into the toilet bowl within an appropriate range. For example, by controlling the suction flow rate of the suction device within the above-mentioned range, the toilet system can reduce the possibility of an increase in the suction flow rate to the gas flow path in which the gas sensor is located, resulting in a sudden increase or decrease in concentration, making accurate measurement impossible, or a decrease in the suction flow rate to the gas flow path in which the gas sensor is located, affecting the measurement of the next user and making accurate measurement impossible. In this way, the toilet system can reduce the possibility of an increase in the possibility of an inaccurate measurement. This allows the toilet system to appropriately estimate information about a person's health.

[0033] For example, if the suction flow rate is greater than 200 L / min, the size of the suction device will increase and driving noise will become a problem. Furthermore, if the suction flow rate is less than 10 L / min, fecal gas will leak out of the bowl, making proper detection impossible. As described above, the toilet system can suction fecal gas from the bowl without affecting measurement accuracy if the flow rate is 200 L / min or less. Furthermore, as described above, if the flow rate is 10 L / min or more, the toilet system can control the time it takes for the sensor signal to return to the baseline after reaching its peak, without affecting the measurement of the next user.

[0034] For example, the suction device described in Patent Document 2 makes it possible to supply a larger amount of fecal gas to the gas sensor while preventing the gas from diffusing outside the bowl. However, considering the relationship between the suction flow rate and measurement accuracy, as the suction flow rate increases, the resolution of the gas sensor cannot keep up with the rapid concentration changes, leading to problems such as the peak value not being accurately read (making it difficult to obtain an accurate sensor signal). Similarly, it is recognized that as the suction flow rate decreases, it takes longer for the sensor signal to return to the baseline after reaching its peak, which can affect measurements for the next user.

[0035] Therefore, in the toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, the suction flow rate of the suction device is controlled to be within the above-mentioned range, thereby solving the above problem and suppressing the increase in the possibility of inaccurate measurement, and thereby the toilet system can appropriately estimate information related to a person's health.

[0036] In one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet system is configured such that the control device controls the suction flow rate to be equal to or greater than 50 L / min and equal to or less than 170 L / min.

[0037] For example, if the flow rate is 170 L / min or less, fecal gas in the bowl can be aspirated without affecting measurement accuracy. Furthermore, if the flow rate is 50 L / min or more, the time it takes for the sensor signal to return to the baseline after reaching a peak can be controlled without affecting the measurement of the next user. Therefore, according to one aspect of the toilet system, by controlling the suction flow rate to be between 50 L / min and 170 L / min, the suction flow rate of fecal gas discharged into the toilet bowl can be controlled within an appropriate range. This allows the toilet system to appropriately estimate information related to a person's health.

[0038] A toilet system according to one embodiment includes a suction device that sucks in fecal gas discharged into a toilet bowl, a gas flow path through which the gas sucked in by the suction device passes, a gas detection device including at least one of a first detection sensor and a second detection sensor that react to a predetermined gas component contained in the gas passing through the gas flow path, and a control device that controls the suction flow rate of the suction device. When the set condition for driving the gas detection device is y, the suction flow rate of the suction device is x1 (L / min), and the number of signal processing times when converting the electrical signal detected by the gas detection device into a digital signal is x2 (Hz), the following formula 1 satisfies 0≦y≦500, where α, β, and b are 0.025≦α≦0.045, -11≦β≦-7, and 1.5≦b≦3.0. [Formula 1] y = e(α*x1+β*x2+b)

[0039] In a toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment, if the suction flow rate (hereinafter also referred to as "flow rate") of the suction device is x1 (L (liters) / min (minutes)), the number of signal processing times (sampling rate) when converting the electrical signal detected by the gas detection device into a digital signal is x2 (Hz), and in the above formula 1, the variables α, β, and b are respectively set to 0.025≦α≦0.045, -11≦β≦-7, and 1.5≦b≦3.0, then by controlling the setting condition y for driving the gas detection device to satisfy 0≦y≦500, the suction flow rate of defecation gas discharged into the toilet bowl and the number of signal processing times (sampling rate) when converting the electrical signal detected by the gas detection device into a digital signal can be controlled within appropriate ranges. In this way, by controlling to satisfy the above-mentioned conditions, the toilet system can control the flow rate of defecation gas and the number of processing times of the gas sensor within appropriate ranges so that the setting condition for driving the gas detection device satisfies the reference value. This allows the toilet system to appropriately estimate information about a person's health.

[0040] A toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment comprises a suction device that sucks gas from within a toilet bowl, a gas flow path through which the gas sucked by the suction device passes, a gas detection device that includes at least one of the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor, which are gas sensors that react to a predetermined gas component contained in the gas passing through the gas flow path, a state detection means that detects changes in the state of the toilet room in which the toilet is installed, and a waiting time setting means that sets the waiting time from the end of measurement by the previous user until measurement by the next user becomes possible, based on the toilet state history detected by the gas detection device or the state detection means.

[0041] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet system sets a waiting time until fecal gas measurement becomes possible based on the toilet status history, allowing the user to avoid the influence of various noises in the toilet space and perform accurate measurement. Therefore, the toilet system can suppress the influence of noise in processing using gas information. This allows the toilet system to appropriately estimate information related to a person's health.

[0042] For example, according to the method described in Patent Document 2, if only odorous noise is the target, it may be possible to take measures such as having the subject wait before defecation until the odorous noise stabilizes, or displaying an error even if the subject is affected by noise during defecation. However, it is difficult to accurately measure fecal gas unless consideration is given to noise caused by the sterilization function, automatic flushing, and other operations provided in general toilets in addition to odorous noise.

[0043] Therefore, in one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet system sets an appropriate waiting time until fecal gas measurement becomes possible based on the toilet status history, thereby enabling accurate signals to be obtained from the gas sensor that measures fecal gas components, allowing the user to avoid the influence of various noises in the toilet space and perform accurate measurements, thereby enabling the toilet system to appropriately estimate information related to the person's health.

[0044] A toilet system according to one aspect of the embodiment comprises a suction device that sucks gas from within a toilet bowl, a gas flow path through which the gas sucked by the suction device passes, a gas detection device that includes at least one of the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor, which are gas sensors that react to a predetermined gas component contained in the gas passing through the gas flow path, a state detection means that detects changes in the state of the toilet room in which the toilet is installed, and a data acquisition range setting means that sets the acquisition range of the measurement data of the gas components to be analyzed by a data analysis means based on the toilet state history detected by the gas detection device or the state detection means.

[0045] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet system minimizes the data acquisition range required for analyzing gas components based on the toilet status history, thereby avoiding the influence of various noises in the toilet space and enabling accurate measurements. Therefore, the toilet system can suppress the influence of noise in processing using gas information. Furthermore, the toilet system minimizes the data volume required for analyzing gas components, thereby reducing the memory capacity and data communication volume used for analysis. This allows the toilet system to appropriately estimate information related to a person's health.

[0046] As mentioned above, it is difficult to accurately measure fecal gas unless noise caused by the sterilization function, automatic flushing, and other functions that are equipped in typical toilets is also taken into consideration, in addition to odorous noise.

[0047] Therefore, in one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet system minimizes the data acquisition range required for analyzing gas components, enabling accurate signals to be acquired from the gas sensor that measures fecal gas components, and allowing the user to avoid the influence of various noises in the toilet space and perform accurate measurements, thereby enabling the toilet system to appropriately estimate information related to a person's health.

[0048] According to one aspect of the embodiment, information about a person's health can be appropriately estimated.

[0049] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a toilet room according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of a measurement device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an overall outline of a toilet system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the toilet system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a toilet seat device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an overview of processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a gas generation mechanism. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of processing executed by the toilet system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a gas sensor. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a second evaluation based on a plurality of data. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an estimation of a first evaluation according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an estimation of a second evaluation according to the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of estimation of provided information according to the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of information used to estimate a score according to the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of information used to estimate the provided information according to the first embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of information used to estimate the provided information according to the first embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of information provided by the toilet system. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of information provided by the toilet system. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of information provided by the toilet system. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of information according to an estimation result. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of information according to an estimation result. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of information related to a user's intestinal activity. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of recommended information for a user. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of recommended information for a user. FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of information about other users provided to a user. FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of information provided to a user. FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of recommended information for a user. FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of information about other users provided to a user. FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of information about users who have a relationship with the user. FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of rank information related to a user. FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an example of information notification to a user.FIG. 33 is a diagram showing an example of information notification according to a user's usage status. FIG. 34 is a diagram showing an example of information notification according to a user's usage status. FIG. 35 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a toilet room according to a second embodiment. FIG. 36 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of a measurement device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 37 is a diagram showing an example of an overall outline of a toilet system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 38 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between a user's behavior and the operation of the system. FIG. 39 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a toilet seat device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 40 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between a value based on measurement by a gas sensor and the amount of gas. FIG. 41 is a diagram showing an example of a gas sensor and a reactive component. FIG. 42 is a diagram showing an example of a calculation process for the amount of odorous gas. FIG. 43 is a diagram showing an overview of the calculation of the amount of odorous gas. FIG. 44 is a diagram showing an example of the effect of measurement variation by a gas sensor on calculation. FIG. 45 is a diagram showing an example of the effect of measurement variation by a gas sensor on calculation. FIG. 46 is a diagram showing a first measurement example using a gas sensor. FIG. 47 is a diagram showing a second measurement example using a gas sensor. FIG. 48 is a diagram showing a third measurement example using a gas sensor. FIG. 49 is a diagram showing a fourth measurement example using a gas sensor. FIG. 50 is a diagram showing fifth and sixth measurement examples using a gas sensor. FIG. 51 is a diagram showing a seventh measurement example using a gas sensor. FIG. 52 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration and control corresponding to the third measurement example. FIG. 53 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration and control corresponding to the fourth measurement example. FIG. 54 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration and control corresponding to the fourth measurement example. FIG. 55 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration and control corresponding to the fourth measurement example. FIG. 56 is a diagram showing a first change of information by the toilet system. FIG. 57 is a diagram showing an example of the display of information after change by the toilet system. FIG. 58 is a diagram showing an example of score correction by the toilet system. FIG. 59 is a diagram showing a second change of information by the toilet system. FIG. 60 is a diagram showing a third change of information by the toilet system. FIG. 61 is a diagram showing an example of reference value control. FIG. 62 is a diagram showing an example of the timing of reference value control. FIG. 63 is a diagram showing feedback control of the reference value. FIG. 64 is a diagram showing an example of behavior before defecation.FIG. 65 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a toilet room according to the third embodiment. FIG. 66 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of a measurement device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 67 is a diagram showing an example of an overall overview of a toilet system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 68 is a diagram showing an example of the influence of a concentration gradient on measurement. FIG. 69 is a diagram showing an example of a first configuration. FIG. 70 is a diagram showing an example of turbulence generation in the first configuration. FIG. 71 is a diagram showing an example of turbulence generation in the first configuration. FIG. 72 is a diagram showing another example of the first configuration. FIG. 73 is a diagram showing an example of a second configuration. FIG. 74 is a diagram showing an example of turbulence generation in the second configuration. FIG. 75 is a diagram showing an example of turbulence generation in the second configuration. FIG. 76 is a diagram showing another example of the second configuration. FIG. 77 is a diagram showing an example of a third configuration. FIG. 78 is a diagram showing an example of a fourth configuration. FIG. 79 is a diagram showing an example of a case where the suction flow rate is low. FIG. 80 is a diagram showing an example of a control mode. FIG. 81 is a diagram showing an example of a sampling rate. FIG. 82 is a diagram showing an example of flow rate calculation. FIG. 83 is a diagram showing an example of measurement results. Fig. 84 is a diagram showing an example of a measurement result. Fig. 85 is a diagram showing an example of a process for setting a waiting time. Fig. 86 is a diagram showing an example of a toilet status history. Fig. 87 is a diagram showing an example of a process for setting a waiting time. Fig. 88 is a diagram showing an example of a process for setting a waiting time. Fig. 89 is a diagram showing an example of a process for setting a waiting time. Fig. 90 is a diagram showing an example of a fluctuation in waiting time. Fig. 91 is a diagram showing an example of a process for setting an acquisition range. Fig. 92 is a diagram showing an example of a process for setting an acquisition range. Fig. 93 is a diagram showing an example of a process for setting an acquisition range. Fig. 94 is a diagram showing an example of a process for setting an acquisition range.

[0050] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the toilet system disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0051] 1. First embodiment The toilet system according to the first embodiment described below manages information relating to the user's health estimated based on the detection results of a first detection unit 21, which is a detection unit that detects feces, and a second detection unit 22, which is a detection unit that detects defecation gas.

[0052] In the following example, the second detection unit 22 is a first gas sensor 40 that detects odorless gas. １ is the first detection sensor, and the second gas sensor 40 detects the malodorous gas. ２ As an example, a case where the first gas sensor 40 is used as the second detection sensor will be described. For example, odorless gases include hydrogen (H2), methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), etc. Furthermore, for example, malodorous gases include hydrogen sulfide (H2S), methyl mercaptan (CH3SH), etc. Note that the above is merely an example, and odorless gases and malodorous gases will be described in detail later. In the following, the first gas sensor 40 １ and the second gas sensor 40 ２ When the description is made without distinction between the above, they may be referred to as "gas sensors 40."

[0053] In the following example, the first detector 21 will be described as having a line sensor for detecting stool characteristics. The first detector 21 and the second detector 22 can have any configuration as long as they can acquire (detect) the desired information, as will be described later. The term "defecation gas" used here refers to gas released from the intestines, and includes, for example, gas released simultaneously with defecation and gas not released simultaneously with defecation. If the toilet system 1 estimates health-related information without using information on stool characteristics, the toilet system 1 does not need to have the first detector 21.

[0054] From here, an overview of the toilet system 1 etc. will be explained, followed by an explanation of the various processes executed by the toilet system 1 and the configuration for executing those processes.

[0055] <1-1. Example of toilet room configuration> First, the configuration of the toilet system according to the first 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 first embodiment. Note that Fig. 1 illustrates the toilet seat 5 and toilet lid 9 in a see-through manner in order to illustrate the configuration of the measuring device 4 and the first detection unit 21.

[0056] As shown in Figure 1, a toilet room R has a toilet bowl 7 installed on a floor surface F. In the following, the direction facing the interior of the toilet room R from the floor surface F may be referred to as "up." In the toilet room R, components of the toilet system 1, such as a suction device 10, a measuring device 4 that detects gas including a second detection unit 22 that is a gas detection device, and a first detection unit 21, are arranged.

[0057] The toilet bowl 7 is a toilet bowl, and is formed with a bowl portion 8. The bowl portion 8 is concave downwards and is the portion that receives the user's excrement. The toilet bowl 7 is not limited to a floor-standing type as shown in the figure, and may be of any type, such as a wall-mounted type, as long as the toilet system 1 is applicable. The toilet bowl 7 is provided with a rim portion around the entire edge of the opening that faces the bowl portion 8. For example, a flush water tank that stores flush water may be installed near the toilet bowl 7 in the toilet room R, or a so-called tankless type may be used, in which no flush water tank is installed.

[0058] 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 30. 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 presence of a user, such as a seat sensor.

[0059] The toilet seat device 2 is an example of a toilet device, and is attached to the top of a toilet bowl 7. It includes a main body 3, a measuring device 4, a toilet seat 5, a flushing nozzle 6, and a first detector 21. The measuring device 4 and the first detector 21 may be provided as separate devices from the toilet seat device 2, as will be described later. 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 integrally with the toilet bowl 7. For example, if the toilet seat device 2 is attached integrally with the toilet bowl 7, the toilet device may include the toilet seat device 2 and the toilet bowl 7.

[0060] The toilet seat device 2, using components such as the measuring device 4, measures the biological information of a user of the toilet room R based on the feces gas discharged into the bowl portion 8 of the toilet 7 installed in the toilet room R. The measuring device 4 has a suction device 10 and a second detection unit 22. The toilet seat device 2, using components such as the first detection unit 21, measures the biological information of a user of the toilet room R based on the feces discharged into the bowl portion 8 of the toilet 7 installed in the toilet room R. The measuring device 4 and the first detection unit 21 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2.

[0061] As shown in Figure 1, the toilet seat 5 is formed in an annular shape and is arranged along the edge (rim) of the bowl portion 8 in a position overlapping 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. A toilet lid 9 is attached to the toilet seat device 2 as needed, but the toilet seat device 2 does not necessarily have to have a toilet lid 9.

[0062] The cleaning nozzle 6 is a nozzle for spraying water for cleaning. The cleaning nozzle 6 is configured to be movable forward and backward relative to the housing of the main body 3 by being driven by a drive 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 relative to the housing of the main body 3 (also referred to as the "advanced position") as shown in FIG. 1, it sprays water from the water source onto the user's body to cleanse the private parts.

[0063] 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 by the toilet seat device 2.

[0064] The operating device 30 is provided in the toilet room R. The operating device 30 is provided in a position where it can be operated by a user. The operating device 30 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 30 is provided on a wall surface W on the left side as seen from a user seated on the toilet seat 5. Note that the operating device 30 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 30 may be provided integrally with the toilet seat apparatus 2.

[0065] The operating device 30 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 30 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.

[0066] The operation device 30 accepts various operations from a user via a display surface (e.g., a display screen 31) using, for example, a touch panel function. The operation device 30 may also be provided with switches and buttons, and may accept various operations via the switches and buttons. The display screen 31 is a display screen of a tablet terminal or the like realized by, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, and is a display device for displaying various information. In other words, the operation device 30 accepts input from the user via the display screen 31 and also outputs information to the user. The display screen 31 is a display device that displays various information.

[0067] The operation device 30 accepts user operations to control various functions provided in the toilet room R. The operation device 30 accepts user operations to control the execution of private parts washing by the toilet seat device 2. For example, the operation device 30 may have switches, buttons, etc. that accept the above-mentioned user operations, and may execute various processes in response to the user's contact with the switches, buttons, etc. Note that the above is just an example, and the operation device 30 may also accept user operations to execute various processes. Furthermore, a user terminal such as a user's smartphone (corresponding to the display device 300 in FIG. 3 ) may have functions equivalent to those of the operation device 30.

[0068] The toilet system 1 measures biological information of a user of the toilet room R based on the feces and defecation gas discharged into the bowl portion 8 of the toilet 7 installed in the toilet room R, using various configurations and processes described below. The toilet system 1 executes control to appropriately measure the feces and defecation gas. The toilet system 1 provides information to a user terminal (corresponding to the display device 300 in FIG. 3 ) such as the user's smartphone based on the information collected by measurement, etc. The toilet system 1 may also provide information to an operating device 30 (or display screen 31) of the toilet room R based on the information collected by measurement, etc.

[0069] <1-2. Configuration of Measuring Device> Next, the configuration of the measuring device 4 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of the measuring device according to the first embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the measuring device 4 and the first detecting unit 21 are disposed inside the main body 3. In FIG. 2, the housing (cover) of the main body 3 at the location where the measuring device 4 and the first detecting unit 21 are disposed is removed to illustrate the configuration of the measuring device 4 and the first detecting unit 21.

[0070] The measuring device 4 has a suction device 10 that sucks gas from within the bowl portion 8 of the toilet 7, and a second detection unit 22 that detects the components of the sucked gas.

[0071] The suction device 10 has a fan for sucking gas within the bowl portion 8 of the toilet bowl 7. A duct 101 that communicates with the inside of the bowl portion 8 of the toilet bowl 7 is connected to the suction device 10. The duct 101 functions as a flow path that allows gas within the bowl portion 8 to flow into the measuring device 4. By driving the fan, the suction device 10 sucks gas within the bowl portion 8 using the duct 101 as a flow path. For example, the suction device 10 performs suction-related processing under the control of the control device 100. Note that when the suction device 10 is used in common with a deodorizing device or the like that is incorporated into the toilet seat device 2, the suction device 10 may be controlled by a control means (device) separate from the control device 100.

[0072] The second detection unit 22 detects fecal gas. The second detection unit 22 detects information related to the intestinal environment. The second detection unit 22 executes processing related to the detection of components of gas aspirated by the suction device 10. In FIG. 2, the second detection unit 22 is disposed downstream of the suction device 10 as viewed from the bowl portion 8 side. Note that FIG. 2 is merely an example, and the second detection unit 22 may be disposed in any position as long as it is capable of introducing gas aspirated by the suction device 10. The second detection unit 22 is connected to a duct 102 that communicates with the outside of the main body 3. The duct 102 functions as a flow path for discharging gas in the second detection unit 22 from the measurement device 4. For example, in response to the operation of the suction device 10, gas in the second detection unit 22 is released to the outside of the measurement device 4 via the duct 102 as a flow path.

[0073] For example, the second detection unit 22 executes a process related to gas detection under the control of the control device 100. The second detection unit 22 detects the first gas sensor 40. １ and the second gas sensor 40 ２ The first gas sensor 40 has two gas sensors 40. １ is provided in the toilet seat device 2 and functions as a first detection sensor that detects odorless gas. ２ is provided in the toilet seat device 2 and functions as a second detection sensor that detects foul-smelling gas. Note that the term "odorless gas" does not necessarily mean completely odorless, but the odorless gas may also be a gas other than a foul-smelling gas, such as a gas that does not have a foul odor, such as a gas derived from bacteria that have a negative effect on the human body (also called "bad bacteria").

[0074] As described above, the first gas sensor 40 １ is a gas sensor 40 that detects odorless gases such as hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide. １ The first gas sensor 40 detects odorless gases derived from so-called beneficial bacteria (also called "first type bacteria") such as lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria. For example, the first type bacteria are bacteria that produce (create) short-chain fatty acids, which are an example of metabolic products (also called "short-chain fatty acid producing bacteria"). Note that the first type bacteria are not limited to lactic acid bacteria, bifidobacteria, etc., and may be various bacteria as long as they have beneficial effects on the human body. For example, the first gas sensor 40 １ The device detects odorless gases, which are examples of gases derived from intestinal fermentation and indicative of high health (also called "health-related gases"). For example, health-related gases may be gases derived from intestinal fermentation and whose levels increase as the level of intestinal health increases. Examples of health-related gases include hydrogen, methane, carbon dioxide, acetic acid, ethanol, and water.

[0075] As described above, the second gas sensor 40 ２ is a gas sensor 40 that detects malodorous gases such as hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan. ２ The second gas sensor 40 detects malodorous gases originating from so-called bad bacteria (also called "second type bacteria") such as Clostridium perfringens and Staphylococcus aureus. For example, the second type bacteria are bacteria that produce (create) putrefactive products, which are an example of metabolites (also called "putrefactive product-producing bacteria"). Note that the second type bacteria are not limited to Clostridium perfringens, Staphylococcus aureus, etc., and may be various other bacteria as long as they have an adverse effect on the human body. For example, the second gas sensor 40 ２ The sensor detects foul-smelling gases, which are an example of gases (also called "smelly gases") derived from intestinal putrefaction and indicating poor health. For example, the smelly gas may be a gas containing sulfur components in fecal gas. Examples of smelly gases include hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, ammonia, trimethylamine, indole, and skatole.

[0076] As described above, the second detection unit 22 includes a gas sensor 40 that reacts to gas contained in the gas. The gas sensor 40 detects specific components of the gas. For example, a semiconductor gas sensor is used as the gas sensor 40. Note that the above is merely an example, and the gas sensor is not limited to the semiconductor gas sensor 40, and multiple types of sensors of any type may be used. Note that the gas sensor 40 may be used as a single unit that combines sensors based on multiple principles, such as a semiconductor type and an infrared absorption type. For example, the gas sensor 40 detects fecal gas, which indicates the user's intestinal environment; this point will be described later.

[0077] The first detection unit 21 functions as a third detection sensor that detects stool properties. The first detection unit 21 detects stool. While the first detection unit 21, an example of a third detection sensor, detects an image as information related to stool properties in the following description, any configuration can be adopted for a third detection sensor such as the first detection unit 21, as long as it is capable of detecting stool properties. The first detection unit 21 detects stool (defecation) excreted by the user by capturing an image of the interior of the bowl portion 8 of the toilet 7. For example, the first detection unit 21 detects information related to intestinal peristalsis. For example, the first detection unit 21 has the configuration of an image sensor. The first detection unit 21 has a light receiving unit 210. For example, the light receiving element is a line sensor in which a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor is arranged in a row. The light receiving element is not limited to a line sensor (one-dimensional image sensor), and various types of sensors such as an area sensor (two-dimensional image sensor) may be used. The first detection unit 21 may have a configuration that emits light of a predetermined wavelength (such as the light emitting element 220 in FIG. 9), but this will be described later.

[0078] In Figure 2, the light receiving unit 210 of the first detection unit 21 is positioned to receive light from area AD1 within the bowl portion 8 of the toilet bowl 7. For example, the light receiving unit 210 is positioned to receive light reflected from stool falling within the bowl portion 8 of the toilet bowl 7. The imaging of falling stool by the first detection unit 21 will be described in Figure 9. Note that the light receiving unit 210 of the first detection unit 21 may detect stool in any state, such as after it has hit water, as long as it is possible to obtain information necessary for estimating (determining) the properties of the stool, not just while it is falling.

[0079] For example, the light receiving unit 210 may detect feces after it has fallen. In this case, the light receiving unit 210 may be positioned to capture an image of the water seal portion of the toilet bowl 7 (for example, the portion of the bowl portion 8 where the water seal collects). The light receiving unit 210 may be an area sensor (a two-dimensional image sensor). In this way, the first detection unit 21 may be positioned in any location and any image sensor may be used as long as it is capable of detecting feces excreted in the toilet bowl 7 and is capable of estimating the desired information.

[0080] <1-3. Example of Overall Outline of Toilet System> Next, an example of an overall outline of the toilet system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an overall outline of the toilet system according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the toilet system according to the first embodiment. Note that Figs. 3 and 4 only show a portion of the configuration of the toilet system 1 that is necessary for explanation, and explanations of points similar to those described above will be omitted as appropriate.

[0081] 4 , the toilet system 1 includes a toilet seat device 2 having components such as a first detection unit 21, a second detection unit 22, and a control device 100, a display device 300, and a server device 400. The toilet system 1 may include a plurality of toilet seat devices 2, a plurality of display devices 300, and a plurality of server devices 400.

[0082] The toilet seat device 2 is a device disposed in the toilet room R. The toilet seat device 2 communicates with other devices such as the display device 300 and the server device 400. The toilet seat device 2 may perform a process (personal identification) to acquire information for identifying a user who defecates using the toilet bowl 7 in the toilet room R. The toilet seat device 2 collects information on each of multiple users, such as a family, separately through personal identification. For example, the toilet seat device 2 acquires information for identifying a user who defecates using the toilet bowl 7 by communicating with the display device 300 owned by the user or by the user's operation of the operating device 30, thereby identifying the user. For example, the toilet seat device 2 communicates with the display device 300 owned by the user and receives from the display device 300 a user ID (also simply referred to as "ID"), which is user identification information for identifying the user. The toilet seat device 2 may identify a user by any method as long as it is possible to identify a user who defecates using the toilet bowl 7 in the toilet room R.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 3, the first detector 21 has a light receiving unit 210 and detects feces. The second detector 22 has a gas sensor 40 and detects fecal gas. The control device 100 is a computer (information processing device) that executes a process of estimating health-related information (also referred to as "estimation process"). The control device 100 detects the first gas sensor 40. １ and the second gas sensor 40 ２ The control device 100 functions as an estimation means that performs an estimation process (also referred to as an "intestinal environment-related estimation process") to estimate at least one of the intestinal bacteria, intestinal bacterial metabolites, and pH of a user who uses the toilet seat device 2 based on the detection results of the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22. In this way, the control device 100 estimates information about a person's intestinal environment (also referred to as "intestinal environment information"), such as intestinal bacteria, intestinal bacterial metabolites, and pH. Note that the intestinal environment information is not limited to intestinal bacteria, intestinal bacterial metabolites, and pH, and may include various information as long as it is information about a person's intestinal environment. For example, the control device 100 estimates at least one of the intestinal environment information, including the user's intestinal bacteria, intestinal bacterial metabolites, and pH, based on the detection results of the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22.

[0084] The control device 100 also communicates with a device that displays information to a user, such as the display device 300, using a short-range wireless communication function such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), or infrared. The control device 100 may be able to communicate with the display device 300 without going through the network N. Note that the control device 100 may be connected to a device such as the display device 300 in any way as long as it is possible to send and receive information. For example, the control device 100 may be connected to a device such as the display device 300 so as to be able to communicate with the device via a predetermined network (such as the network N) such as the Internet, either wired or wirelessly.

[0085] 4 shows a case where the toilet seat device 2 has the first detection unit 21, the second detection unit 22, and the control device 100, but is not limited to this. For example, the control device 100 may be provided separately from the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22, and may control the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22 and acquire each piece of information by communicating with the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22 wirelessly or via a wire.

[0086] The control device 100 may also be a device located outside the toilet room R. In this case, the control device 100 may be communicably connected to devices located inside the toilet room R, such as the toilet seat device 2, the first detection unit 21, and the second detection unit 22, via a predetermined network (such as the network N) such as the Internet, either wired or wirelessly, and may be able to acquire desired information.

[0087] Furthermore, the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22 may be controlled by a control means separate from the control unit 100. In this case, the control unit 100 is a first control unit that performs various types of information processing such as estimation processing, and the toilet system 1 may have a second control unit that is a device separate from the control unit 100 as a device that controls the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22. In this way, the toilet system 1 may have the control unit 100, which is a first control unit that performs various types of information processing such as estimation processing using information from the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22, and a detection unit control unit, which is a second control unit that controls the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22.

[0088] For example, the first control device and the second control device may be connected to each other via a predetermined network (e.g., network N) such as the Internet so as to be able to communicate with each other via a wired or wireless connection, and the first control device may perform the estimation process using the detection result information of the first detection unit 21 and the detection result information of the second detection unit 22 received from the second control device. For example, the first control device may be a mobile terminal (device) such as a smartphone or laptop computer that can be carried by a manager of the toilet system 1 or the like.

[0089] The display device 300 is a display device (computer) that displays information to be provided to a user. For example, the display device 300 may be a user terminal (mobile terminal) owned by the user. In this case, the display device 300 is realized by, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a tablet terminal, or a notebook PC (Personal Computer). For example, the display device 300 is connected to devices included in the toilet system 1, such as the control device 100, via a predetermined network (such as network N) in a wired or wireless manner so as to be able to communicate with them.

[0090] The display device 300 transmits and receives information to and from the control device 100. The display device 300 receives information to be provided to the user from the control device 100. The display device 300 receives information about the user's health estimated by the estimation process of the control device 100. The display device 300 receives provided information or a score about the user's health (hereinafter also referred to as "intestinal score") as information about the user's health. The display device 300 displays the information about the user's health received from the control device 100. Examples of information displayed by the display device 300 will be described later.

[0091] As shown in Fig. 3, the server device 400 is a computer such as a cloud server. The server device 400 is communicably connected to devices such as the display device 300 via a predetermined network (e.g., network N) such as the Internet, either wired or wirelessly. Note that the server device 400 may be connected to devices such as the display device 300 in any manner as long as it is possible to send and receive information, and may be communicatively connected via a wired or wireless connection. The server device 400 may also be communicatively connected to the control device 100, etc., to receive raw data from measurements, process the data, and transmit the results to the display device 300.

[0092] The server device 400 stores the information collected from the display device 300 in a storage unit. The server device 400 collects information about the health of each user for each user and stores the information in the storage unit. For example, the server device 400 stores the information about the health of each user in the storage unit in association with information (such as an ID) that identifies the user.

[0093] <1-3-1. Other Configuration Examples of Toilet System> Note that the above is merely an example, and any device configuration can be adopted for the toilet system 1 as long as it can achieve the desired processing. In this regard, several examples of system configurations other than those described above are described below.

[0094] Furthermore, the toilet system 1 does not necessarily have to include at least one of the first detector that detects feces and the second detector that detects fecal gas. In this case, the control device 100 receives information from a detector that is not included in the toilet system 1 and performs various information processing such as estimation processing using the received information. For example, the toilet system 1 does not necessarily have to include at least one of the measuring device 4 and the first detector 21.

[0095] For example, if the toilet system 1 does not have a measuring device 4, the control device 100 of the toilet system 1 is communicatively connected to the measuring device 4 via wired or wireless communication, and receives information about the fecal gas detected by the second detection unit 22 from the measuring device 4. In this case, the control device 100 of the toilet system 1 performs the estimation process using the information about the fecal gas received from the measuring device 4 that is not included in the toilet system 1.

[0096] For example, if the toilet system 1 does not have the first detection unit 21, the control device 100 of the toilet system 1 is communicatively connected to the first detection unit 21 via wire or wirelessly, and receives from the first detection unit 21 information related to the feces detected by the first detection unit 21. In this case, the control device 100 of the toilet system 1 performs the estimation process using information related to the fecal gas received from the first detection unit 21 that is not included in the toilet system 1.

[0097] In addition, if the toilet system 1 does not have both the measuring device 4 and the first detection unit 21, the control device 100 of the toilet system 1 performs the estimation process using information regarding fecal gas received from the measuring device 4 and information regarding feces received from the first detection unit 21.

[0098] Alternatively, the toilet system 1 may only have a configuration for acquiring detected information and performing estimation processing using the acquired information. In this case, the toilet system 1 may only have the control device 100, and the control device 100 may acquire (receive) desired information by communicating with another device, perform various information processing such as estimation processing using the acquired information, and transmit the desired information to the other device.

[0099] Furthermore, the display device 300 does not have to be included in the toilet system 1, but may be included in the toilet system 1. For example, if the display device 300 is the operation device 30 of the toilet room R, the display device 300 may be included in the toilet system 1. In this case, the operation device 30 has a function of displaying information related to the health of the user.

[0100] Furthermore, the configuration and arrangement of the server device 400 in the toilet system 1 can be any configuration as long as it can communicate with devices such as the display device 300 and perform processing. For example, when the server device 400 is configured on the cloud as shown in FIG. 3 , it may be configured by multiple computers (servers). For example, the server device 400 may be a mobile terminal (device) such as a laptop computer that can be carried by an administrator of the toilet system 1. The server device 400 may also be located in the toilet room R.

[0101] <1-4. Functional Configuration of Toilet Seat Device> Next, the functional configuration of the toilet seat device 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a toilet seat device according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, the toilet seat device 2 includes a human presence sensor 32, a seating sensor 33, an illuminance sensor 34, a control device 100, a nozzle motor 61, and a cleaning nozzle 6.

[0102] Note that the configuration of the toilet seat device 2 shown in FIG. 5 is merely an example, and when each component is provided separately, the toilet seat device 2 may include only the toilet seat 5. Thus, the configuration of the toilet seat device 2 shown in FIG. 5 is merely an example, and any configuration can be adopted for the toilet seat device 2. The human presence sensor 32, seating sensor 33, illuminance sensor 34, etc. may be disposed in any location as long as the desired sensing is possible. Furthermore, the toilet seat device 2 only needs to be able to detect a user sitting on the toilet seat 5, and it is sufficient to include at least one of the human presence sensor 32, seating sensor 33, and illuminance sensor 34. The toilet seat device 2 transmits and receives information to and from information processing devices such as the display device 300 and the server device 400 via a predetermined network (such as the Internet) via a communication device (e.g., the communication unit 110 of the control device 100 in FIG. 6 ) in a wired or wireless manner.

[0103] The human presence sensor 32 has a function of detecting a human body. For example, the human presence sensor 32 is used as a seating detection means for detecting a user sitting on the toilet seat 5. For example, the human presence sensor 32 is realized by a pyroelectric sensor using an infrared signal. For example, the human presence sensor 32 may be realized by a μ (microwave) wave sensor. For example, the human presence sensor 32 is an infrared light emitting / receiving distance measuring sensor, and may detect a human body present near the toilet seat 5 just before the person (user) sits on the toilet seat 5, or a user who has sat on the toilet seat 5.

[0104] The human presence sensor 32 also functions as a seat-leaving detection sensor that detects when a user leaves the toilet seat 5. The human presence sensor 32 detects whether the user is seated on the toilet seat 5. The human presence sensor 32 outputs a detection signal to the control device 100. Note that the above is just one example, and the human presence sensor 32 may detect a human body by various means other than the above. For example, the human presence sensor 32 detects a person (such as a user) approaching the toilet seat 5.

[0105] The seating sensor 33 has a function of detecting a person sitting on the toilet seat device 2. For example, the seating sensor 33 is used as a seating detection means that detects a user sitting on the toilet seat 5. For example, the seating sensor 33 is realized by a load sensor or the like. The seating sensor 33 detects that a user is sitting on the toilet seat 5. The seating sensor 33 can detect that a user is sitting on the toilet seat 5.

[0106] The seating sensor 33 also functions as a seating detection sensor that detects when a user leaves the toilet seat 5. The seating sensor 33 detects the user's seated state on the toilet seat 5. Note that the above is just an example, and the seating sensor 33 may detect whether a person is sitting on the toilet seat device 2 by various means other than the above. The seating sensor 33 outputs a seating detection signal to the control device 100.

[0107] The illuminance sensor 34 is a sensor that detects illuminance. For example, the illuminance sensor 34 is used as a seating detection means that detects a user sitting on the toilet seat 5. For example, the illuminance sensor 34 is disposed in a position facing the bowl portion 8 and detects the illuminance inside the bowl portion 8.

[0108] The illuminance sensor 34 also functions as a seat-off detection sensor that detects when a user leaves the toilet seat 5. The illuminance sensor 34 detects whether the user is seated on the toilet seat 5. Note that the above is only an example, and the illuminance sensor 34 may be placed in any position as long as it can detect whether a user is seated on the toilet seat 5 based on the illuminance.

[0109] The control device 100 controls various components and processes. The control device 100 is a computer (information processing device) that executes various information processes related to the detection (measurement) of feces and gas, etc. The control device 100 may be any device that has the components necessary for control, and may be, for example, a microcomputer.

[0110] The control device 100 controls various components for detecting (measuring) stool. The control device 100 controls the first detection unit 21. The control device 100 transmits control information to the first detection unit 21 for controlling the function of the electronic shutter of the light receiving unit 210. Note that the shutter function of the light receiving unit 210 is not limited to an electronic shutter, and any method such as a mechanical shutter can be adopted as long as the desired detection is possible. Furthermore, when the first detection unit 21 has a light emitting unit such as the light emitting element 220 of FIG. 9 , the control device 100 may transmit control information to the first detection unit 21 for controlling the turning on and off of the light emitting unit.

[0111] For example, the control device 100 causes the first detection unit 21 to emit light and receive light. The control device 100 controls the first detection unit 21 to cause the light-emitting unit to emit light and the light-receiving unit 210 to receive light. The control device 100 causes the first detection unit 21 to emit light and receive light during the period when the seating sensor 33 detects that a user is sitting on the toilet seat 5.

[0112] The control device 100 controls various components for detecting (measuring) gas. The control device 100 controls the second detection unit 22. The control device 100 transmits control information to the second detection unit 22 via a wired connection. The control device 100 may also transmit control information to the second detection unit 22 wirelessly. For example, when the control device 100 is configured as a separate device from the toilet seat device 2, the control device 100 may transmit control information for the second detection unit 22 to the toilet seat device 2 wirelessly. In this case, the control device of the toilet seat device 2 may control the second detection unit 22 based on the control information received.

[0113] For example, the control device 100 may control the second detection unit 22 so that the measurement value of the gas sensor 40 falls within a predetermined range when the user is not using the toilet 7, and may perform reference value control to control the measurement value used as a reference value (baseline) to a predetermined value. The control device 100 may perform reference value control to control the reference value to a predetermined value by changing the resistance value of the resistive element of the gas sensor 40.

[0114] The control device 100 may also control the suction device 10. For example, the control device 100 controls the start and stop of suction by the suction device 10. The control device 100 transmits control information to the suction device 10 via a wired connection. The control device 100 may also transmit control information to the suction device 10 wirelessly. For example, if the control device 100 is configured as a separate device from the toilet seat device 2, it may transmit control information for the suction device 10 to the toilet seat device 2 wirelessly. In this case, the control device of the toilet seat device 2 may control the suction device 10 based on the control information received.

[0115] In addition to the above, the control device 100 may also control various other components of the toilet system 1. The control device 100 controls the nozzle motor 61, etc. The control device 100 controls the nozzle motor 61, etc. based on a signal transmitted from the operating device 30.

[0116] The control device 100 controls the nozzle motor 61 based on a control instruction signal related to local cleaning transmitted from the operating device 30. The control device 100 controls the nozzle motor 61 to advance and retract the cleaning nozzle 6. Note that the control device 100 may control various mechanisms other than the nozzle motor 61. For example, the control device 100 controls the opening and closing of a solenoid valve that functions as a valve that electromagnetically controls the flow of a fluid. For example, the control device 100 controls the solenoid valve to switch on and off the supply of tap water from a water supply pipe, for example.

[0117] The control device 100 transmits control information to the nozzle motor 61 etc. via a wired connection. The control device 100 may also transmit control information to the nozzle motor 61 etc. wirelessly. For example, if the control device 100 is configured as a separate device from the toilet seat device 2, it may transmit control information for the nozzle motor 61 etc. to the toilet seat device 2 wirelessly. In this case, the control device of the toilet seat device 2 may control the nozzle motor 61 etc. based on the control information received.

[0118] 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 3. The nozzle motor 61 controls the cleaning nozzle 6 to advance and retract in accordance with instructions from the control device 100.

[0119] The control device 100 may also control the toilet lid 9 and toilet seat 5 as shown in FIG. 1 . In this case, the control device 100 controls the toilet lid 9 and toilet seat 5 based on signals transmitted from the operation device 30. The control device 100 controls the toilet lid 9 based on control instruction signals regarding the opening and closing of the toilet lid transmitted from the operation device 30. The control device 100 controls the toilet seat 5 based on control instruction signals regarding the opening and closing of the seat transmitted from the operation device 30. The control device 100 transmits control information to the toilet lid 9 and toilet seat 5 via a wired connection. Note that the control device 100 may also transmit control information to the toilet lid 9 and toilet seat 5 wirelessly.

[0120] The control device 100 determines whether or not a user is seated by seat detection means such as the human sensor 32, the seat sensor 33, and the illuminance sensor 34. For example, the control device 100 determines whether or not a user is seated by the detection by the seat sensor 33.

[0121] 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 presence sensor 32, the seating sensor 33, and the illuminance 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 distance 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 presence sensor 32, the seating sensor 33, and the illuminance sensor 34, and receives various pieces of information from each device. In this case, the toilet seat device 2 may also have a configuration (such as a control circuit) for controlling various components of the toilet seat device 2, such as the nozzle motor 61. 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.

[0122] <1-5. 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 first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the control device 100 has a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130. Note that the configuration of the control device 100 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 6, and other configurations may be used as long as the desired processing can be realized. For example, the control device 100 does not need to have the communication unit 110.

[0123] The communication unit 110 is realized by, for example, a communication circuit or the like. The communication unit 110 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 110 is connected to a predetermined network by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from other devices such as the operation device 30. Note that the communication unit 110 may be configured as a device (communication device) separate from the control device 100, and may be included in the toilet seat device 2.

[0124] 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.

[0125] The storage unit 120 according to the first 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. The storage unit 120 stores various pieces of information used in various types of information processing. The storage unit 120 stores information used in intestinal environment-related estimation processing. For example, the storage unit 120 stores functions (calculation formulas) used to calculate intestinal environment information.

[0126] For example, the memory unit 120 stores a function (also referred to as an "intestinal environment estimation function") that receives as input the detection results of odorless gas (e.g., a value indicating the amount of odorless gas) and the detection results of malodorous gas (e.g., a value indicating the amount of malodorous gas) and outputs a value indicating the intestinal environment. For example, the memory unit 120 stores information used to estimate at least one of the user's intestinal bacteria, intestinal bacterial metabolites, and pH. The memory unit 120 stores a function (also referred to as an "intestinal bacteria estimation function") that is an intestinal environment estimation function used to calculate a value related to the amount of intestinal bacteria.

[0127] For example, the storage unit 120 stores the first gas sensor 40 １ The first type bacteria estimation function is an intestinal bacteria estimation function that takes a value based on the detection of the first type bacteria (also called "gas value") as an input (independent variable) and outputs a value (dependent variable) indicating the amount of the first type bacteria of the intestinal bacteria. The gas value here may be any value based on the detection of the gas sensor 40, and may be various values ​​such as a value output by the gas sensor 40 (a measured voltage value, etc.), a calculated resistance value of the sensor element, an estimated amount of gas, etc. For example, １ The value (gas value) based on the detection of the first gas sensor 40 １The first type bacteria estimation function may be various values ​​such as a value output by the first gas sensor 40 (a measured voltage value, etc.), a calculated resistance value of the sensor element, an estimated amount of gas, etc. １ In addition to the value based on the detection, it may also be a function that takes a value indicating the stool property (also called a "stool property value") as an input (independent variable) and outputs a value indicating the amount of the first type of intestinal bacteria (dependent variable). In this way, each of the intestinal estimation functions may be a function that takes a stool property value based on the detection of a third detection sensor such as the first detection unit 21 as an input, in addition to the gas value.

[0128] For example, the memory unit 120 stores the second gas sensor 40 ２ The second gas sensor 40 stores a second species bacteria estimation function, which is an intestinal bacteria estimation function that takes a value (gas value) based on the detection of the second gas sensor 40 as an input (independent variable) and outputs a value (dependent variable) indicating the amount of the second species bacteria of the intestinal bacteria. ２ The value (gas value) based on the detection of the second gas sensor 40 ２ The second species bacteria estimation function may be various values ​​such as a value output by the second gas sensor 40 (measured voltage value, etc.), a calculated resistance value of the sensor element, an estimated amount of gas, etc. ２ It may also be a function that takes as input a stool property value, such as a value indicating the type of stool based on detection by the first detection unit 21, in addition to a value based on detection by the first detection unit 21.

[0129] The storage unit 120 stores a function (also referred to as a "metabolite estimation function") that is an intestinal estimation function used to calculate values ​​related to the metabolites of intestinal bacteria. For example, the storage unit 120 stores the first gas sensor 40 １ The short-chain fatty acid estimation function is a metabolite estimation function that takes a value based on the detection of the first gas sensor 40 as an input (independent variable) and outputs a value (dependent variable) indicating the amount of short-chain fatty acids, which are metabolites derived from fermentation. １ It may also be a function that takes as input a stool property value, such as a value indicating the type of stool based on detection by the first detection unit 21, in addition to a value based on detection by the first detection unit 21.

[0130] For example, the memory unit 120 stores the second gas sensor 40 ２The putrefaction product estimation function is a metabolite estimation function that takes a value based on the detection of the second gas sensor 40 as an input (independent variable) and outputs a value (dependent variable) indicating the amount of putrefaction products, which are metabolites derived from putrefaction. ２ It may also be a function that takes as input a stool property value, such as a value indicating the type of stool based on detection by the first detection unit 21, in addition to a value based on detection by the first detection unit 21.

[0131] The storage unit 120 stores a function (also referred to as a "pH estimation function") that is an intestinal estimation function used to calculate a value related to pH. For example, the storage unit 120 stores a function (also referred to as a "pH estimation function") that is used to calculate a value related to pH. １ and the second gas sensor 40 ２ The pH estimation function is stored in the memory, and takes a value based on the detection of the first gas sensor 40 as an input (independent variable) and outputs a value indicating the pH in the intestine (dependent variable). １ and the second gas sensor 40 ２ The function may be a function that uses only one of the above as an independent variable and outputs a value indicating the pH in the intestine (dependent variable).

[0132] For example, the pH estimation function may be based on the gas value of the first gas sensor 40 １ and the second gas sensor 40 ２ The function may be a function that inputs a stool property value, such as a value indicating the type of stool based on the detection by the first detection unit 21, in addition to at least one of the values ​​based on the detection by the first detection unit 21. Note that the stool property value is not limited to the type of stool, but may also be a value calculated based on various factors such as stool color and amount. The stool property value may be calculated using a stool property value estimation function that inputs (independent variables) values ​​indicating the type of stool, the color of stool, the amount of stool, etc., and outputs a value indicating the stool property (dependent variable). In this case, the storage unit 120 stores the stool property value estimation function, and the control device 100 calculates the stool property value using the stool property value estimation function and performs estimation processing using the calculated stool property value.

[0133] The above is merely an example, and the storage unit 120 may store any information for estimating the intestinal environment. １ and the second gas sensor 40２ The storage unit 120 may store a machine learning model (also simply referred to as a "model") that outputs information indicating the intestinal environment as at least one of the outputs. In this case, each of the above functions may be read as a machine learning model (model). Furthermore, for example, the storage unit 120 stores information regarding reference value control such as target values.

[0134] The memory unit 120 stores various information used in the estimation process related to stool, such as the properties of stool. For example, the memory unit 120 stores thresholds used in the estimation process related to stool. For example, the memory unit 120 stores various models (also referred to as "estimation models") used in the estimation of the properties of stool. For example, the memory unit 120 stores various estimation models used to estimate the shape, color, amount, etc. of stool. Note that the above is merely an example, and the memory unit 120 stores various information related to the detection of stool.

[0135] The memory unit 120 stores various information used in the gas estimation process, such as the amount or concentration of gas. For example, the memory unit 120 stores thresholds used in the gas estimation process. For example, the memory unit 120 stores various functions (also referred to as "gas estimation functions") used to estimate (calculate) the amount or concentration of gas. For example, the memory unit 120 stores various gas estimation functions used to estimate the amount or concentration of gas of a specified component. For example, the memory unit 120 stores a function (also referred to as "evaluation estimation function") that calculates (estimates) the evaluation of defecation gas from the amount or concentration of gas of a specified component. Note that the above is merely an example, and the memory unit 120 stores various information related to gas detection.

[0136] Returning to Fig. 6, the explanation will be continued. The control unit 130 is realized by, for example, an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) or a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 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 may also be realized by, for example, an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0137] 6, the control unit 130 has an acquisition unit 131, a processing unit 132, and an output unit 133, and realizes or executes the functions and actions of the 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 other configurations may be used as long as they perform the information processing described below.

[0138] The acquisition unit 131 according to the first embodiment 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.

[0139] The acquisition unit 131 acquires information (detection information, etc.) detected by the seating detection unit from the seating detection unit. The acquisition unit 131 receives information (detection information, etc.) detected by at least one of the human presence sensor 32, the seating sensor 33, and the illuminance sensor 34 from that sensor.

[0140] The acquisition unit 131 acquires the detection results from the first detection unit 21 that detects stool. The acquisition unit 131 acquires the detection results from the first detection unit 21 that detects information related to intestinal peristaltic movement. The acquisition unit 131 acquires the detection results from the second detection unit 22 that detects defecation gas. The acquisition unit 131 acquires the detection results from the second detection unit 22 that detects information related to the intestinal environment.

[0141] The acquisition unit 131 receives, from the first detection unit 21, information based on the detection by the first detection unit 21. The acquisition unit 131 receives information indicating the detection result related to stool detected by the first detection unit 21. The acquisition unit 131 also receives, from the second detection unit 22, information based on the detection by the second detection unit 22. The acquisition unit 131 receives information indicating the detection result related to defecation gas detected by the second detection unit 22.

[0142] The acquisition unit 131 acquires information used to estimate the intestinal environment information. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires information such as a function or model used to estimate the intestinal environment information. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires a function (intestinal environment estimation function) that receives as input the detection result of odorless gas (e.g., a value indicating the amount of odorless gas) and the detection result of malodorous gas (e.g., a value indicating the amount of malodorous gas) and outputs a value indicating the intestinal environment.

[0143] For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires information used to estimate at least one of the user's intestinal bacteria, intestinal bacterial metabolites, and pH. The acquisition unit 131 acquires a function (intestinal estimation function) used to calculate a value related to the amount of intestinal bacteria. The acquisition unit 131 acquires a function (intestinal estimation function) used to calculate a value related to the intestinal bacterial metabolites. The acquisition unit 131 acquires a function (intestinal estimation function) used to calculate a value related to pH.

[0144] The processing unit 132 according to the first embodiment performs various types of processing. The processing unit 132 performs various types of processing using information stored in the storage unit 120. The processing unit 132 performs estimation processing such as intestinal environment-related estimation processing. The processing unit 132 performs estimation processing using the various types of information stored in the storage unit 120.

[0145] The processing unit 132 executes an estimation process to estimate information related to the health of the user based on the detection result of the gas sensor 40. For example, the processing unit 132 executes the estimation process using information acquired in the toilet system 1.

[0146] The processing unit 132 detects the first gas sensor 40 １ and the second gas sensor 40 ２The processing unit 132 estimates the intestinal bacteria of the user who uses the toilet seat device 2 based on the detection result of the first gas sensor 40. １ and the second gas sensor 40 ２ The processing unit 132 estimates the metabolites of the intestinal bacteria of the user who uses the toilet seat device 2 based on the detection result of the first gas sensor 40. １ and the second gas sensor 40 ２ For example, the processing unit 132 estimates the pH (in the intestines) of the user who uses the toilet seat device 2 based on the detection result of the first gas sensor 40. １ and the second gas sensor 40 ２ Based on the component ratio of the excretory gas obtained from the detection result of (1), at least one of the intestinal bacteria, the metabolites of the intestinal bacteria, and the pH of the user using the toilet seat device 2 is estimated.

[0147] The processing unit 132 receives the detection result of the first detection unit 21 and the first gas sensor 40 １ and the second gas sensor 40 ２ The processing unit 132 estimates at least one of the intestinal bacteria, the metabolites of the intestinal bacteria, and the pH of the user who uses the toilet seat device 2 based on the detection result of the second detection unit 22 having the first detection unit 21. The processing unit 132 may perform the estimation process using the information detected by the first detection unit 21. For example, the processing unit 132 performs the estimation process using an image captured by the first detection unit 21. The processing unit 132 estimates (determines) whether feces are included in the image captured by the first detection unit 21. The processing unit 132 estimates whether feces are included in the image using image recognition technology.

[0148] The processing unit 132 calculates various pieces of information related to the gas. The processing unit 132 calculates values ​​based on the measurement values ​​measured by the second detection unit 22. The processing unit 132 calculates the resistance value of the sensor element based on the voltage value measured by the gas sensor 40. The processing unit 132 calculates various pieces of information related to the gas ... based on the measurement values ​​measured by the second detection unit 22. The processing unit 132 calculates the resistance value of the sensor element based on the voltage value measured by the gas sensor 40. １ The processing unit 132 calculates the resistance value of the sensor element based on the voltage value measured by the second gas sensor 40. ２The processing unit 132 calculates the resistance value of the sensor element based on the voltage value measured by the voltage measurement unit 132. For example, the processing unit 132 calculates the resistance value of the sensor element from the measured voltage value using a function that indicates the relationship between the voltage value and the resistance value of the sensor element. The processing unit 132 calculates the resistance value of the sensor element using equation (1) described below.

[0149] The processing unit 132 calculates the amount of gas based on the calculated resistance value of the sensor element. The processing unit 132 estimates (calculates) the amount of gas from the calculated resistance value using a function (gas estimation function) that indicates the relationship between the resistance value and the amount of gas. For example, the processing unit 132 calculates the amount of gas from the calculated resistance value. １ The processing unit 132 calculates the amount of odorless gas from the calculated resistance value using a gas estimation function that indicates the relationship between the sensor element and the amount of gas, which is calculated based on the voltage value measured by the second gas sensor 40. ２ The amount of the malodorous gas is calculated from the calculated resistance value using a gas estimation function that indicates the relationship between the sensor element calculated based on the voltage value measured by the method described above and the amount of gas.

[0150] The above is merely an example, and the processing unit 132 may use various information to estimate the amount of odorless gas, malodorous gas, etc. For example, the processing unit 132 may calculate the amount of gas associated with the intestinal environment from the amount of change from a baseline of the sensor data detected by the second detection unit 22 (for example, a voltage value before measurement of fecal gas).

[0151] For example, the processing unit 132 receives an image as input and uses a model (feces estimation model) that outputs information (score) indicating whether the input image contains feces to estimate whether the image contains feces. In this case, the processing unit 132 compares the score output by the feces estimation model to which the image is input with a threshold (first threshold), and if the score is equal to or greater than the first threshold, estimates that the image contains feces. Furthermore, the processing unit 132 compares the score output by the feces estimation model to which the image is input with the first threshold, and if the score is less than the first threshold, estimates that the image does not contain feces. Note that the above is merely an example, and the processing unit 132 may appropriately use various information to estimate whether the image contains feces.

[0152] The processing unit 132 estimates (classifies) the stool property from the detection result by the first detection unit 21. The processing unit 132 estimates the classification of the stool property as first biological information. The processing unit 132 classifies the stool property corresponding to an image of stool captured by the first detection unit 21 (also referred to as a "stool image") based on the image. For example, the processing unit 132 uses the stool image to classify the shape (also simply referred to as "shape") of the stool corresponding to the stool image. For example, the processing unit 132 uses the stool image to classify the shape of the stool corresponding to the stool image into multiple types (7 levels) based on the Bristol scale. In this case, the processing unit 132 classifies the stool into categories based on the banana-shaped stool (normal stool), which is the middle section (i.e., the fourth level) of the 7 levels, corresponding to the best condition, and categories further away from this point corresponding to worse conditions.

[0153] The processing unit 132 uses a stool image to classify the shape of the stool corresponding to the stool image into one of multiple shape-based levels. For example, the processing unit 132 uses a stool image to classify the shape of the stool corresponding to the stool image into one of the following: round, hard, cracked, banana-shaped, soft (semi-paste-like), muddy, and watery. For example, the processing unit 132 may classify (determine) the shape of the stool based on various information (feature amounts) such as the length of the stool image in the falling direction and the number of stool pieces (lumps).

[0154] The processing unit 132 may classify the shape of stool using AI (artificial intelligence) technology. For example, the processing unit 132 may classify the shape of stool using a learning model (shape estimation model) generated by machine learning. In this case, the shape estimation model is trained in advance using training data indicating classification judgments. This training data includes multiple combinations of stool images and labels (correct answer information) indicating the shape of the clumps (stool) contained in the stool images (either round, hard, cracked, banana-shaped, soft, muddy, or watery). For example, the shape estimation model is a model that receives a stool image as input and outputs information indicating the shape of the clumps (stool) contained in the input stool image. For example, the shape estimation model is trained to output label (stool shape) information corresponding to the input stool image when a stool image is input. The shape estimation model is trained using various so-called supervised learning techniques as appropriate.

[0155] In this case, the shape estimation model may be stored in the memory unit 120, and the processing unit 132 may classify the stool shape using the shape estimation model stored in the memory unit 120. The control device 100 may perform a learning process to generate various estimation models, or the control device 100 may acquire various estimation models from an external device such as the server device 400. The above is merely an example, and the processing unit 132 may classify the stool shape using various information as appropriate. The seven levels of round, hard, cracked, banana-shaped, soft, muddy, and watery are merely examples of shapes, and the processing unit 132 may classify shapes other than these, or may classify stool into six levels or less. While an example of classifying stool shapes into one of multiple levels has been shown here, this is not limiting, and if multiple stool shapes are included in a single excretion act, multiple stool shapes may be classified.

[0156] Furthermore, the processing unit 132 may estimate various information other than the shape of the stool. For example, the processing unit 132 may estimate (classify) the amount of stool based on the image captured by the first detection unit 21. For example, the processing unit 132 may classify the amount of stool based on the proportion of stool in the image. For example, the processing unit 132 may classify the amount of stool using a score output by a stool estimation model. If the score output by the stool estimation model to which an image is input is equal to or greater than a first threshold and less than a second threshold, the processing unit 132 may classify the amount of stool as "very small." The second threshold is assumed to be a value greater than the first threshold. Furthermore, the processing unit 132 may classify the amount of stool as "small" if the score output by the stool estimation model to which an image is input is equal to or greater than a second threshold and less than a third threshold. The third threshold is assumed to be a value greater than the second threshold.

[0157] Furthermore, the processing unit 132 may classify the amount of stool as "medium" if the score output by the stool estimation model to which an image is input is equal to or greater than a third threshold and less than a fourth threshold. The fourth threshold is assumed to be a value greater than the third threshold. Furthermore, the processing unit 132 may classify the amount of stool as "large" if the score output by the stool estimation model to which an image is input is equal to or greater than a fourth threshold and less than a fifth threshold. The fifth threshold is assumed to be a value greater than the fourth threshold. Furthermore, the processing unit 132 may classify the amount of stool as "very large" if the score output by the stool estimation model to which an image is input is equal to or greater than the fifth threshold. Note that the above five-level classification is merely an example, and the processing unit 132 may classify the amount of stool using various information as appropriate. For example, the processing unit 132 may perform three-level classification using four thresholds.

[0158] Furthermore, for example, the processing unit 132 may use a stool image to estimate (classify) the color of the stool corresponding to the stool image. The processing unit 132 uses the stool image to classify whether the color of the stool corresponding to the stool image is one of multiple color-based levels. For example, the processing unit 132 uses the stool image to classify whether the color of the stool corresponding to the stool image is one of yellow, light ochre, ochre, brown, dark brown, and dark dark brown.

[0159] The processing unit 132 classifies the color of the stool based on the detection result by the first detection unit 21. The processing unit 132 appropriately uses various techniques for classifying stool colors to classify the color of the stool as yellow, light ochre, ochre, brown, dark brown, or dark dark brown. For example, the processing unit 132 classifies (determines) the color of the stool based on various information (features) such as the brightness and lightness of the color image (RGB). For example, the processing unit 132 may classify the color of the stool using a learning model (color estimation model) generated by machine learning.

[0160] Here, an example of the intestinal environment-related estimation process will be described using Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an overview of the process according to the first embodiment. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a gas generation mechanism. Below, a case where the processing unit 132 (control device 100) executes the estimation process will be described as an example, but the estimation process may be executed by any component (device) included in the toilet system 1.

[0161] As shown in FIG. 7, the processing unit 132 detects the first gas sensor 40 １ The processing unit 132 functions as an estimation unit EM that executes estimation processing using the first detection result FD related to odorless gas, which is the detection result of the second gas sensor 40. ２ The processing unit 132 functions as an estimation means EM that executes an estimation process using a second detection result SD related to malodorous gases, which is the detection result of the first detection unit 21 that is the third detection sensor. The processing unit 132 also functions as an estimation means EM that executes an estimation process using a third detection result TD related to stool properties, which is the detection result of the first detection unit 21 that is the third detection sensor. The processing unit 132 also functions as an estimation means EM that executes an estimation process to generate an estimation result ERS that indicates information on at least one of the user's intestinal bacteria, intestinal bacterial metabolites, and pH.

[0162] The digestive process in the human body, as shown in FIG. 8 , produces gases and metabolites. For example, nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids ingested through food undergo digestive processes such as fermentation and putrefaction by beneficial bacteria (type 1 bacteria), harmful bacteria (type 2 bacteria), and opportunistic bacteria (type 3 bacteria) present in the intestinal environment, resulting in the production of fecal gases and metabolites. As described above, fermentation by type 1 bacteria in the human body produces components such as short-chain fatty acids such as acetic acid, butyric acid, and propionic acid, as well as odorless gases (also referred to as "fermentation-derived components"). Furthermore, putrefaction by type 2 bacteria in the human body produces putrefaction products such as indole and skatrol, as well as components such as foul-smelling gases (also referred to as "putrefaction-derived components"). For example, the more fermentation-derived components there are, the more acidic (weakly acidic) the pH (in the intestine) becomes, and the more putrefaction-derived components there are, the more alkaline (weakly alkaline) the pH (in the intestine) becomes. The processing unit 132 estimates information indicating the user's intestinal environment through the following process.

[0163] For example, the processing unit 132 uses an intestinal estimation function to estimate information about at least one of the user's intestinal bacteria, metabolites of the intestinal bacteria, and pH. The processing unit 132 uses the intestinal estimation function to estimate information about the user's intestinal bacteria. The processing unit 132 uses a metabolite estimation function to estimate information about metabolites of the user's intestinal bacteria. The processing unit 132 uses a pH estimation function to estimate information about the user's (intestinal) pH.

[0164] For example, the processing unit 132 estimates the amount of the first type bacteria among the intestinal bacteria of the user using the first type bacteria estimation function. １ The value based on the detection of the first type bacteria is input to the first type bacteria estimation function, and the value output by the first type bacteria estimation function is estimated as the amount of the first type bacteria among the intestinal bacteria. １ The value based on the detection by the first detection unit 21 and the stool property value based on the detection by the first detection unit 22 are input into a first type of bacteria estimation function, and the value output by the first type of bacteria estimation function is estimated as the amount of the first type of bacteria among the intestinal bacteria.

[0165] For example, the processing unit 132 estimates the amount of the second type bacteria among the intestinal bacteria of the user using the second type bacteria estimation function. ２ The value based on the detection of the second type of bacteria is input to the second type of bacteria estimation function, and the value output by the second type of bacteria estimation function is estimated as the amount of the second type of bacteria among the intestinal bacteria. ２ The value based on the detection of the first detection unit 21 and the stool property value based on the detection of the first detection unit 22 are input into a second species bacteria estimation function, and the value output by the second species bacteria estimation function is estimated as the amount of the second species bacteria among the intestinal bacteria.

[0166] Furthermore, the processing unit 132 may estimate information indicating the balance of intestinal bacteria based on the amount of the first type bacteria and the amount of the second type bacteria. The processing unit 132 may estimate a value indicating the balance of intestinal bacteria (also referred to as an "intestinal bacteria balance value") based on the amount of the first type bacteria and the amount of the second type bacteria. In this case, the processing unit 132 may calculate the ratio between the amount of the first type bacteria and the amount of the second type bacteria as the intestinal bacteria balance value. Note that the processing unit 132 may calculate the ratio between the amount of the first type bacteria and the amount of the second type bacteria based on the amount of the first gas sensor 40. １ and the second gas sensor 40 ２ The intestinal bacteria balance value may be calculated using a function (intestinal bacteria balance estimation function) that inputs a value based on the detection and outputs an intestinal bacteria balance value.

[0167] For example, the processing unit 132 estimates the amount of short-chain fatty acids among the metabolites of the intestinal bacteria of the user using a short-chain fatty acid estimation function. １ The value based on the detection of the first gas sensor 40 is input to the short-chain fatty acid estimation function, and the value output by the short-chain fatty acid estimation function is estimated as the amount of short-chain fatty acids among the metabolites of the intestinal bacteria. １ The value based on the detection of the first detection unit 21 and the stool property value based on the detection of the first detection unit 22 are input into a short-chain fatty acid estimation function, and the value output by the short-chain fatty acid estimation function is estimated as the amount of short-chain fatty acids among the metabolites of intestinal bacteria.

[0168] For example, the processing unit 132 estimates the amount of putrefaction products among the metabolites of the intestinal bacteria of the user using the putrefaction product estimation function.２ The value based on the detection of the putrefaction product is input to the putrefaction product estimation function, and the value output by the putrefaction product estimation function is estimated as the amount of putrefaction products among the metabolites of the intestinal bacteria. ２ The value based on the detection by the first detection unit 21 and the stool property value based on the detection by the first detection unit 22 are input into a putrefaction product estimation function, and the value output by the putrefaction product estimation function is estimated as the amount of putrefaction products among the metabolites of intestinal bacteria.

[0169] The processing unit 132 may also estimate information indicating the balance of metabolites of the intestinal bacteria based on the amount of short-chain fatty acids and the amount of putrefaction products. The processing unit 132 may also estimate a value indicating the balance of metabolites of the intestinal bacteria (also referred to as a "metabolite balance value") based on the amount of short-chain fatty acids and the amount of putrefaction products. In this case, the processing unit 132 may calculate the ratio of the amount of short-chain fatty acids to the amount of putrefaction products as the metabolite balance value. The processing unit 132 may also calculate the ratio of the amount of short-chain fatty acids to the amount of putrefaction products based on the amount of short-chain fatty acids and the amount of putrefaction products. １ and the second gas sensor 40 ２ The metabolite balance value may be calculated using a function (metabolite balance estimation function) that takes a value based on the detection as an input and outputs a metabolite balance value.

[0170] For example, the processing unit 132 estimates the pH (value) in the intestines of the user using a pH estimation function. １ and the second gas sensor 40 ２ The value based on the detection of the first gas sensor 40 is input to the pH estimation function, and the value output by the pH estimation function is estimated as the pH in the intestines. １ The value based on the detection of the second gas sensor 40 ２ The value based on the detection by the first detection unit 21 and the stool property value based on the detection by the first detection unit 22 are input to a pH estimation function, and the value output by the pH estimation function is estimated as the pH in the intestines.

[0171] The processing unit 132 also detects the first gas sensor 40 １ and a value relating to the odorless gas based on the value based on the detection of the second gas sensor 40. ２The intestinal environment may be estimated using a value related to the malodorous gas based on a value based on the detection of the odorous gas. For example, as shown in estimation example EX in Fig. 7, the processing unit 132 may estimate the intestinal environment using a value based on the component ratio between the amount of odorless gas and the amount of malodorous gas. In this case, the processing unit 132 may estimate the intestinal environment using a value obtained by dividing the amount of odorless gas by the amount of malodorous gas (also referred to as "gas component ratio").

[0172] For example, the processing unit 132 may estimate the user's intestinal bacteria using a function (intestinal bacteria balance estimation function) that takes a gas component ratio as input and outputs an intestinal bacteria balance value. Furthermore, for example, the processing unit 132 may estimate the metabolites of the user's intestinal bacteria using a function (metabolite balance estimation function) that takes a gas component ratio as input and outputs a metabolite balance value. Furthermore, for example, the processing unit 132 may estimate the user's intestinal pH using a function (pH estimation function) that takes a gas component ratio as input and outputs a pH (value).

[0173] The above-described process is merely an example, and the processing unit 132 may execute various processes. In this regard, some process examples will be described below.

[0174] For example, the processing unit 132 executes an estimation process to estimate at least one of the provided information or the score related to the user's health based on the detection result of the first detection unit 21 and the detection result of the second detection unit 22. The processing unit 132 executes control to output the result of the estimation process to an external device. The processing unit 132 executes control to output the result of the estimation process to the output unit 133 by instructing the output unit 133.

[0175] The processing unit 132 estimates first biological information based on the properties of the stool from the detection result of the first detection unit 21. The processing unit 132 estimates second biological information based on the amount or concentration of fecal gas from the detection result of the second detection unit 22. The processing unit 132 executes control to output the first biological information and the second biological information.

[0176] The processing unit 132 performs the estimation process using a larger number of samples of the detection results from the second detection unit 22 than the number of samples of the detection results from the first detection unit 21. The processing unit 132 estimates the first biological information using the detection results from the first detection unit 21, which are data obtained from a single toilet use. The processing unit 132 estimates the second biological information using the detection results from the second detection unit 22, which are data obtained from multiple toilet use.

[0177] The processing unit 132 estimates a higher score as the first evaluation corresponding to each classification of stool properties based on the detection results of the first detection unit 21 increases. The processing unit 132 estimates a higher score as the second evaluation based on the detection results of the second detection unit 22 increases.

[0178] The processing unit 132 estimates an evaluation of peristaltic movement (also referred to as a "first evaluation") using the stool properties based on the detection by the first detection unit 21. Here, a case where the stool properties are classified into seven stages based on the Bristol scale will be described as an example.

[0179] The processing unit 132 estimates the first evaluation highest when the stool property is banana-shaped (normal stool), which is the middle level (i.e., level 4) of the seven-level scale. Furthermore, the processing unit 132 estimates the first evaluation lower as the stool property moves away from the middle level of the seven-level scale. The processing unit 132 estimates the first evaluation low when the stool property is hard (hard stool), which is the lowest level (i.e., level 1) of the seven-level scale. Furthermore, the processing unit 132 estimates the first evaluation low when the stool property is watery (watery stool), which is the highest level (i.e., level 7) of the seven-level scale.

[0180] Note that the above is merely an example, and the processing unit 132 may estimate the first evaluation in any manner. For example, in the case of the Bristol scale described above, the center corresponds to the best condition and the extreme levels correspond to the worst. However, depending on the classification mode, the lowest level (classification) may correspond to the worst condition, and the higher levels (classifications) may correspond to better conditions, with the highest level (classification) corresponding to the worst condition. In this case, the processing unit 132 may estimate the first evaluation to be the lowest when the stool property is in the lowest level (classification), and the first evaluation to be the highest when the stool property is in the highest level (classification). In this way, the processing unit 132 estimates the first evaluation using a method corresponding to the classification mode of the stool property.

[0181] Furthermore, the processing unit 132 performs estimation processing using information detected by the second detection unit 22. The processing unit 132 performs estimation processing using information on the gas detected by the second detection unit 22. The processing unit 132 performs calculation processing. The processing unit 132 performs calculation processing using various types of information stored in the storage unit 120. The processing unit 132 performs calculation processing using various types of information acquired by the acquisition unit 131.

[0182] The processing unit 132 may calculate various information, not limited to the amount of gas, based on the calculated resistance value of the sensor element. For example, the processing unit 132 calculates the gas concentration based on the calculated resistance value of the sensor element. The processing unit 132 estimates (calculates) the gas concentration from the calculated resistance value using a function (gas estimation function) that indicates the relationship between the resistance value and the gas concentration. For example, the processing unit 132 may calculate the concentration of gas associated with the intestinal environment from the amount of change from a baseline of the sensor data detected by the second detection unit 22 (e.g., a voltage value before measurement of fecal gas). For example, the processing unit 132 may convert the amount or concentration of gas into a unique score (e.g., an intestinal environment score) and generate information indicating changes over time.

[0183] The processing unit 132 estimates an evaluation of the intestinal environment (also referred to as a "second evaluation") using the amount or concentration of gas detected by the second detection unit 22. For example, the processing unit 132 estimates the second evaluation based on the amount or concentration of defecation gas as second biological information. For example, the processing unit 132 estimates the second biological information using an evaluation estimation function that receives the amount or concentration of gas detected by the second detection unit 22 as input and outputs an evaluation of defecation gas (second evaluation).

[0184] When a gas (health-related gas) whose amount or concentration indicates a high probability of a good intestinal environment is detectable, the processing unit 132 estimates the second evaluation using the amount or concentration of the health-related gas. For example, the processing unit 132 estimates a higher second evaluation as the amount or concentration of the health-related gas increases. The processing unit 132 estimates (calculates) the second evaluation using a gas estimation function that increases the value of the second evaluation as the amount or concentration of the health-related gas increases.

[0185] When a gas (odor gas) is detectable, the greater the amount or concentration of which indicates a higher likelihood of a poor intestinal environment, the processing unit 132 estimates the second evaluation using the amount or concentration of the odor gas. For example, the processing unit 132 estimates a lower second evaluation as the amount or concentration of the odor gas increases. The processing unit 132 estimates the second evaluation using a gas estimation function that decreases the value of the second evaluation as the amount or concentration of the odor gas increases.

[0186] Note that the above is merely an example, and the processing unit 132 may estimate the second rating in any manner. For example, the processing unit 132 may estimate the second rating based on the ratio between the amount or concentration of health-related gases and the amount or concentration of odorous gases in the user's defecation gas. Based on the calculated ratio, the processing unit 132 estimates a higher second rating the more the health-related gases are contained in the user's defecation gas relative to the odorous gases. Based on the calculated ratio, the control device 100 estimates a lower second rating the more the odorous gases are contained in the user's defecation gas relative to the health-related gases. Note that the above is merely an example, and the control device 100 may perform any estimation based on the calculated score. Furthermore, when the toilet system 1 includes an estimation unit 200, as in the second embodiment or the third embodiment, the estimation unit 200 may perform the estimation process.

[0187] The processing unit 132 controls the components that perform various detections. For example, the processing unit 132 controls the first detection unit 21. Also, for example, the processing unit 132 controls the second detection unit 22. The processing unit 132 controls the second detection unit 22 so that the measurement value of the gas sensor 40 falls within a predetermined range when the user is not using the toilet 7, and performs reference value control to control the measurement value used as the reference value to a predetermined value. The processing unit 132 performs reference value control to control the reference value to a predetermined value by changing the resistance value of the resistive element of the gas sensor 40. The processing unit 132 performs reference value control every time a fecal gas measurement is completed. The processing unit 132 performs reference value control by processing to feed back the measurement value of the gas sensor 40.

[0188] The output unit 133 according to the first embodiment executes an output process that outputs various types of information. The output unit 133 functions as a transmission unit that transmits various types of information. The output unit 133 executes the output process by transmitting information to an external information processing device. The output unit 133 transmits information to the external information processing device. For example, the output unit 133 transmits various types of information to the display device 300. For example, the output unit 133 transmits various types of information to an administrator device such as a personal computer or smartphone used by the administrator. The output unit 133 may also execute the output process by transmitting information to the operation device 30 (or the display screen 31).

[0189] The output unit 133 transmits information indicating the processing results by the processing unit 132. The output unit 133 transmits various information to the display device 300 that is used for display by the display device 300. The output unit 133 outputs the results of the estimation process to the outside. The output unit 133 transmits the results of the estimation process to the outside via the communication unit 110. The output unit 133 controls the display device 300 to output the results of the estimation process by transmitting the results of the estimation process to the display device 300. For example, the output unit 133 transmits the results of the estimation process to the display device 300 and causes the display device 300 to display the results of the estimation process.

[0190] <1-6. Processing Examples> From here, various processing examples will be described based on the configuration of the above-described toilet system 1. Note that explanations of points similar to those described above will be omitted as appropriate.

[0191] <1-6-1. Processing Overview> First, an overall overview of the processing will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of processing executed by the toilet system according to the first embodiment.

[0192] Below, an example of the detection of stool by the first detection unit 21 and the detection of defecation gas by the second detection unit 22 will be described, followed by an outline of the estimation process based on that detection. Note that the detection of stool by the first detection unit 21 and the detection of defecation gas by the second detection unit 22 are merely examples, and any detection mode can be adopted for the detection by the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22 as long as the desired information can be detected.

[0193] <1-6-1-1. Detection of Feces> First, an example of feces detection by the first detection unit 21 will be described. Below, specific operations of a method for acquiring feces images (data) by the first detection unit 21 will be described with reference to first detection processing MS1 in Fig. 9. The first detection processing MS1 in Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a method for acquiring data.

[0194] The elements shown in the first detection process MS1 in FIG. 9 will be described. Objects OB1 and OB2 are schematic representations of falling feces (excrement) to be detected (measured). Specifically, object OB1, shown by a solid line, is a schematic representation of the position of the feces falling at a certain point in time (first point in time), and object OB2, shown by a dotted line, is a schematic representation of the position of the feces falling at a point in time later than the first point in time (second point in time). That is, object OB1 and object OB2 in FIG. 9 represent a single piece of feces falling at different times, and object OB2 corresponds to a piece of feces at a later time than object OB1. Hereinafter, when objects OB1 and OB2 are described without distinction, they will be referred to as object OB.

[0195] 9 illustrates a case where the first detection unit 21 has three light-emitting elements 220a, 220b, and 220c. For example, the light-emitting elements 220a, 220b, and 220c are light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that emit light of different wavelengths. When the light-emitting elements 220a, 220b, and 220c are not distinguished from one another, they are referred to as light-emitting elements 220.

[0196] The first detection process MS1 in Figure 9 conceptually illustrates a process in which light from the light-emitting element 220 is irradiated onto the falling object OB, and a stool image (two-dimensional image) is acquired (generated) based on the light reception results by the light-receiving unit 210. The dotted line extending from the light-emitting element 220 to the object OB schematically illustrates the light being irradiated from the light-emitting element 220 to the object OB, and the dotted line extending from the object OB to the light-receiving unit 210 schematically illustrates the light reflected from the object OB and received by the light-receiving unit 210. That is, the first detection process MS1 in Figure 9 schematically illustrates a case in which, in the detection of the object OB corresponding to object OB1, data (one-dimensional image) of the bottom end of the object OB (the leading end in the falling direction) is detected, and, in the detection of the object OB corresponding to object OB2, data (one-dimensional image) of the top end of the object OB (the rear end in the falling direction) is detected.

[0197] 9, the first detection unit 21 generates stool information (two-dimensional image) by arranging in time series data (one-dimensional images) acquired over time for each wavelength emitted by each of the light-emitting elements 220a, 220b, and 220c. Note that various processes are possible for generating color images using light-emitting elements of different wavelengths and a line sensor, and detailed explanations will be omitted here, but an example of the process will be briefly described.

[0198] The first detection unit 21 generates a two-dimensional image corresponding to the first light-emitting element (light-emitting element 220a) by arranging in chronological order the light reception data (one-dimensional image) obtained by emitting light from the light-emitting element 220a, which is a first light-emitting element that emits light of a first wavelength. For example, the first detection unit 21 generates flight information (first two-dimensional image) corresponding to the first wavelength by arranging in chronological order the light reception data (one-dimensional image) obtained by emitting light of a first wavelength, such as 590 nm.

[0199] The first detection unit 21 also generates a two-dimensional image corresponding to the second light-emitting element (light-emitting element 220b) by arranging in chronological order the light reception data (one-dimensional image) obtained by emitting light from the second light-emitting element 220b, which is a second light-emitting element that emits light of the second wavelength. For example, the first detection unit 21 generates flight information (second two-dimensional image) corresponding to the second wavelength by arranging in chronological order the light reception data (one-dimensional image) obtained by emitting light at a second wavelength, such as 670 nm.

[0200] The first detection unit 21 also generates a two-dimensional image corresponding to the third light-emitting element (light-emitting element 220c) by arranging in chronological order the light reception data (one-dimensional images) obtained by emitting light from the third light-emitting element 220c, which is a third light-emitting element that emits light of a third wavelength. For example, the first detection unit 21 generates flight information (third two-dimensional image) corresponding to the third wavelength by arranging in chronological order the light reception data (one-dimensional images) obtained by emitting light at a third wavelength, such as 870 nm.

[0201] In this way, the first detection unit 21 can acquire a color image by generating two-dimensional images for each of the three wavelengths corresponding to the first light-emitting element, the second light-emitting element, and the third light-emitting element. For example, the first detection unit 21 may generate a color image by combining the first two-dimensional image, the second two-dimensional image, and the third two-dimensional image described above. Furthermore, the light-receiving element of the light-receiving unit 210, such as a line sensor, may be a color light-receiving element, and light-emitting elements of multiple colors may simultaneously emit light, and the light-receiving unit may detect the colors of the reflected light to generate a color image.

[0202] The first detection unit 21 may be a camera that captures an image and generates a two-dimensional image. For example, the first detection unit 21 may have, as the light receiving unit 210, an area sensor (two-dimensional image sensor) in which CCD sensors or CMOS sensors are arranged in a planar (two-dimensional) shape.

[0203] <1-6-1-2. Detection of Defecation Gas> Next, an example of detection of defecation gas by the second detection unit 22 will be described. Specific operations of a method for acquiring gas information by the second detection unit 22 will be described below with reference to the second detection process MS2 in Fig. 9. The second detection process MS2 in Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a method for acquiring data. Explanations of points similar to those described above will be omitted where appropriate.

[0204] As shown in the second detection process MS2 in Fig. 9, the gas sensor 40 of the second detection unit 22 detects information indicating the amount of the gas component to be detected related to the fecal gas. The second detection unit 22 may have three or more gas sensors 40. For example, the second detection unit 22 may have three or more gas sensors 40, such as a hydrogen gas sensor, an odorous gas sensor, and a methane gas sensor.

[0205] For example, the toilet system may detect (estimate) the amount or concentration of odorous gas by removing the influence of the amount or concentration of gas (health-related gas) detected by the health-related gas possessed by the second detection unit 22 from the amount or concentration of gas detected by the odorous gas possessed by the second detection unit 22.

[0206] Next, an example of the configuration of a gas sensor will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a gas sensor. Specifically, Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration CR of a semiconductor gas sensor 40.

[0207] The gas sensor 40 includes a sensor element and a resistance element for measurement. In Fig. 10, the gas sensor 40 has a circuit configuration CR in which the sensor element (corresponding to the sensor resistor RS in Fig. 10) and the resistance element for measurement (corresponding to the resistance element RL in Fig. 10) are connected in series.

[0208] In the semiconductor gas sensor 40, a value related to the gas amount is calculated using the following formula (1): Formula (1) corresponds to the circuit configuration CR shown in Fig. 10 and is the same formula as the function FC1 in Fig. 10.

[0209] RS = ((Vc-Vout) / Vout)×RL... (1)

[0210] "RS" in formula (1) represents the resistance value of the sensor element. For example, "RS" in formula (1) represents the resistance value of the sensor resistor RS, which is an example of a value calculated based on measurements by the gas sensor 40. In this way, formula (1) is a formula for calculating the resistance value.

[0211] "RL" in equation (1) represents the resistance value of the resistive element RL. "Vc" in equation (1) represents the voltage value of the circuit voltage Vc. "Vout" in equation (1) represents the voltage value of the output voltage Vout at the resistive element. For example, "Vout" in equation (1) represents the voltage value of the resistive element RL, which is an example of a measurement value measured by the gas sensor 40.

[0212] The resistance value of the sensor resistor RS in equation (1) is an index related to the amount or concentration of fecal gas. The toilet system 1 calculates an index (resistance value) related to the amount or concentration of fecal gas from the measured value (voltage value), and calculates the amount of gas from the calculated resistance value. Although a detailed explanation of the principles of semiconductor gas sensors will be omitted, for example, "RH" shown only in the circuit configuration CR in Figure 10 corresponds to a heater (resistance) for heating the sensor element, and "V Ｈ" corresponds to the heater voltage. The gas sensor in the present invention is not limited to a semiconductor sensor, and any sensor that satisfies the above formula (1) can be used instead.

[0213] The above is merely an example, and the second detection unit 22 may have any type of gas sensor other than the above. For example, the second detection unit 22 may have an infrared CO ２ The second detection unit 22 may have a gas sensor such as an infrared CO 2 concentration measuring device. The second detection unit 22 may also have a plurality of types of gas sensors of any type. For example, the second detection unit 22 may have an infrared CO 2 concentration measuring device. ２ In addition to the sensor, an electrochemical gas sensor may be included.

[0214] <1-6-1-3. Estimation Process> Hereinafter, an example of estimation process based on the detection of stool by the first detection unit 21 and the detection of defecation gas by the second detection unit 22 will be described. The control device 100 executes the estimation process as shown below. Note that explanations of points similar to those described above will be omitted as appropriate.

[0215] The control device 100 estimates the classification of the stool properties as first biological information based on the stool detection by the first detection unit 21. In Figure 9, as shown in the first biological information DT1 based on the stool detection information, the control device 100 estimates that the detected stool is banana-shaped, in the middle section of the seven-level Bristol scale. For example, the first biological information DT1 is information (first information) related to peristaltic movement.

[0216] The control device 100 then estimates a first evaluation regarding peristaltic movement using the estimated stool properties. An example of this process will be described later with reference to FIG. 12 and other figures.

[0217] The control device 100 estimates the amount or concentration of gas used to estimate the second evaluation based on the detection of defecation gas by the second detection unit 22. In Fig. 9, the control device 100 estimates the amount or concentration of gas X (e.g., an odorous gas) used to estimate the second evaluation from the calculated resistance value using a function (gas estimation function) that indicates the relationship between the resistance value and the amount or concentration of the gas X.

[0218] The control device 100 then estimates the second evaluation as second biological information using an evaluation estimation function that inputs the estimated amount or concentration of gas X and outputs a second evaluation. In FIG. 9 , the control device 100 estimates, based on the estimated amount or concentration of gas X, a value indicated by a black circle (●) in the time-series data DT2 based on the fecal gas detection information as the second evaluation (also referred to as the "intestinal environment score"). For example, the time-series data DT2 is time-series data from one month ago (1M ago) to the day of processing, and is information about the intestinal environment (second evaluation). The second evaluation may also be calculated from multiple intestinal environment scores, as will be described later.

[0219] The control device 100 estimates at least one of the provided information or score related to the user's health based on the first evaluation and the second evaluation. While FIG. 9 illustrates both intestinal score information INF1 related to the intestinal score or intestinal rank, which are examples of scores related to the user's health, and recommendation information INF2, which are examples of provided information, the control device 100 may estimate either one of them. For example, in FIG. 10 , since both the first evaluation and the second evaluation are good, the control device 100 estimates that the intestinal score or intestinal rank is high, as shown in intestinal score information INF1. For the sake of explanation, FIG. 10 illustrates a case in which both a "90-point" intestinal score and an "A"-rated intestinal rank are estimated as scores, but the control device 100 may estimate only one of the 90-point or A-rated scores depending on the score type. When the intestinal score and intestinal rank are not distinguished, they are collectively referred to as the intestinal score.

[0220] Furthermore, when the second evaluation of the first evaluation and the second evaluation is getting worse, the control device 100 estimates, as the information to be provided, information indicating a deterioration of the intestinal environment, as shown in the recommendation information INF2. Furthermore, the control device 100 estimates, as the information to be provided, information indicating a recommended action to address the deterioration of the intestinal environment.

[0221] In this way, the toilet system 1 can estimate the health condition of the user's intestines based on information on both peristalsis and the intestinal environment, thereby making it possible to appropriately estimate the health condition of the user. In other words, the toilet system 1 can estimate the health condition of the user's intestines based on information on both the movement of the intestines themselves and the balance of intestinal bacteria living in the intestines.

[0222] In the above example, the toilet system 1 estimates the characteristics of stool based on detection by the line sensor and estimates the intestinal environment based on detection by the gas sensor. For example, by sensing the shape, amount, color, and bowel gas (such as farts), the toilet system 1 visualizes the state of the intestines from peristalsis and the intestinal environment, and by understanding the state of the intestines, it can notify the user of the state of the intestines, which is related to the state of physical and mental health. In this way, the toilet system 1 can estimate and notify the user of daily intestinal conditions and changes based on stool and bowel gas, and provide awareness of lifestyle improvements.

[0223] Furthermore, in the above example, the toilet system 1 can estimate the state and changes of the user's entire intestines based on the user's daily excretory behavior and provide the user with information based on the estimation results. For example, with regard to peristalsis, the toilet system 1 can display information on the estimated stool properties (color, shape, and amount). The toilet system 1 displays first biometric information indicating the stool properties on the user's display device 300. In FIG. 9, the toilet system 1 displays the first biometric information DT1 on the user's display device 300. For example, the toilet system 1 displays information indicating the estimated stool properties, as shown in the first biometric information DT1, on the user's display device 300.

[0224] With regard to the intestinal environment, the toilet system 1 can acquire the composition of fecal gas using a gas sensor and display changes over time. For example, the toilet system 1 displays second biological information, such as a second evaluation, on the user's display device 300. In Figure 9, the toilet system 1 displays time-series data DT2 on the user's display device 300. For example, the toilet system 1 displays information on the estimated intestinal environment score, as shown in the time-series data DT2, on the user's display device 300.

[0225] 9, the toilet system 1 displays a score such as intestinal score information INF1 or provided information such as recommendation information INF2 on the user's display device 300. This allows the toilet system 1 to display a combination of peristalsis and the intestinal environment. In this way, the toilet system 1 estimates and displays information related to the user's health from information on both stool properties and defecation gas, thereby enabling the toilet system 1 to appropriately estimate and display information related to the user's health.

[0226] 1-6-2. Estimation Examples The provided information or score related to the user's health shown in Figure 9 is merely an example, and the toilet system 1 may estimate the provided information or score using various information as appropriate. In this regard, several examples are described below. Note that explanations of points similar to those described in Figure 9 and elsewhere will be omitted where appropriate.

[0227] <1-6-2-1. Example of Evaluation Estimation> First, an example of evaluation estimation by the toilet system 1 will be described using FIGS. 11 to 13 . For example, the toilet system 1 may perform an estimation process by using a larger number of samples for estimating the second evaluation than for estimating the first evaluation. For example, the toilet system 1 may use data obtained from multiple toilet uses to estimate the second evaluation. For example, the data used to estimate the first evaluation may be data obtained from a single toilet use, and the data used to estimate the second evaluation may be data obtained from multiple toilet uses. For example, the number of toilet uses referred to here may be the number of uses of the toilet room R, where one use is defined as the time from when the user enters the toilet room R to when they leave. In this case, if multiple pieces of information are obtained from one toilet use, the average or representative value may be used as the information for that single toilet use. For example, if the amount or concentration of gas is detected twice during one toilet use, the toilet system 1 may use the average of the two detected gas amounts or concentrations as the amount or concentration of gas for that single toilet use. Any information can be used as the number of times the toilet is used, and it may be, for example, the number of times the user has had a bowel movement.

[0228] For example, the toilet system 1 estimates the second evaluation based on multiple data, as shown in FIG. 11 . FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a second evaluation based on multiple data. Points PT indicated by white circles in the time-series data DT21 in FIG. 11 indicate the intestinal environment scores corresponding to each toilet use, and calculated values ​​CV indicated by black circles indicate second evaluations calculated using information from multiple points PT. In FIG. 11 , the toilet system 1 estimates the calculated value CV, which is information calculated using multiple data such as a moving average, as the second evaluation, as shown in the time-series data DT21. The curve in the time-series data DT21 in FIG. 11 indicates the time-series change in the second evaluation calculated using multiple data such as a moving average.

[0229] In this way, the toilet system 1 estimates the second evaluation regarding the intestinal environment based on multiple detection results, thereby enabling appropriate estimation of the second evaluation regarding the intestinal environment.

[0230] Next, the estimation of the first evaluation will be described using FIG. 12 . FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the estimation of the first evaluation according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12 , the toilet system 1 estimates that the middle (median) stage of a seven-level scale of stool properties is the best, and estimates the first evaluation so that the further away from the center the stage, the lower the first evaluation. In this case, the toilet system 1 estimates that the closer the estimation result based on the stool properties is to the median, the better the first evaluation. The toilet system 1 estimates (determines) that the middle stage of stool properties is the best. For example, when the stool properties are banana, which is the middle stage of a seven-level scale, the control device 100 estimates the first evaluation to be the highest. For example, when the first evaluation is a scale of 0 to 100 points, the control device 100 may estimate the first evaluation to be 100 points when the stool properties are banana. Furthermore, if the first evaluation is based on seven ranks (scales) from S to A to F, with S being the best evaluation and the evaluations getting worse from A to F, the control device 100 may estimate that the first evaluation will be S if the stool has banana-like properties. As described above, the classification and evaluation based on the Bristol scale are merely an example, and any classification such as "hard," "ideal," or "soft" can be used, and any resolution (number of classifications) and notation can be used. Furthermore, as described above, the center does not necessarily correspond to the best state and the extreme stages correspond to the worst state. Any correspondence may be used as long as a corresponding evaluation is associated with each classification, and the highest evaluation does not necessarily have to be associated with the median.

[0231] Next, the estimation of the second evaluation will be described with reference to FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the estimation of the second evaluation according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, the toilet system 1 estimates a higher second evaluation the larger the value estimated based on the defecation gas, such as the intestinal environment score. In this case, the toilet system 1 estimates that the larger the value indicated by the estimation result based on the defecation gas, the better the second evaluation. In this way, the toilet system 1 estimates (determines) that the higher the score of the information based on the defecation gas (odor information), the better.

[0232] <1-6-2-2. Information Output Example> The toilet system 1 outputs information according to the results of the estimation process. For example, if the information (e.g., evaluation) on the properties of the user's excrement (stool) is poor, the toilet system 1 may provide the user with advice on stress and sleep. For example, the toilet system 1 may generate provision information including content such as "Your peristalsis is getting worse. Please get enough sleep," and provide the generated provision information to the user.

[0233] Furthermore, if the odor information of the user's defecation gas is bad, the toilet system 1 may provide the user with dietary advice. For example, the toilet system 1 may generate provision information including content such as "Your intestinal environment is getting worse. Eat yogurt," and provide the generated provision information to the user.

[0234] For example, when the toilet system 1 acquires information about a user, such as the time-series data DT12 on stool properties and the time-series data DT22 on intestinal environment scores shown in FIG. 14 , it generates information to be provided INF22 based on the time-series data DT12 and DT22. The toilet system 1 then displays the generated information to be provided INF22 on the display device 300 of the target user. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of estimation of information to be provided according to the first embodiment. For example, the time-series data DT12 and DT22 are time-series data from one month ago (1M ago) to the day of processing.

[0235] 14 , as the intestinal environment score is decreasing as shown in the time-series data DT12 and the time-series data DT22, the toilet system 1 generates provided information INF22 including content such as "Your intestinal environment is deteriorating. Take healthy actions," and provides the generated provided information INF22 to the user. In this way, the toilet system 1 compares two pieces of information on changes over time, namely, information on changes over time in the properties of excrement (stool) as shown in the time-series data DT12 and information on changes over time in odor as shown in the time-series data DT22, and generates provided information that prioritizes advice related to the information showing a greater tendency toward deterioration, and displays the generated provided information.

[0236] <1-6-2-3. Examples of Provided Information and Score Estimation> Hereinafter, examples of provided information or score estimation by the toilet system 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 15 to 17. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of information used to estimate a score according to the first embodiment. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of information used to estimate provided information according to the first embodiment. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of information used to estimate provided information according to the first embodiment.

[0237] The estimation table MT1 shown in Figure 15 is a list of estimated intestinal ranks based on a combination of the classification shown in the "fecal properties" section and the intestinal environment ranks A to D based on the intestinal environment score shown in the "odor" section. The "fecal properties" section corresponds to an estimation based on the detection results (fecal detection) by the first detection unit 21. The "odor" section corresponds to an estimation based on the detection results (defecation gas detection) by the second detection unit 22.

[0238] In Figure 15, the intestinal rank is divided into seven ranks (stages) from S to A to F, with S being the best intestinal condition, A being the next best after S, and F being the worst intestinal condition. Note that the health score is not limited to the intestinal rank, and any information (e.g., a numerical value (score) such as 0 to 100 points) can be used. For example, the toilet system 1 may output the intestinal score by adding up information on the properties of the stool (e.g., evaluation) and odor information.

[0239] In FIG. 15 , the "Odor" category includes four levels of intestinal environment rank, A to D. For example, the intestinal environment rank is a four-level evaluation in which A is the best and D is the worst. For example, the toilet system 1 may estimate the four levels of intestinal environment rank by converting the estimated intestinal environment score. In this case, for example, the toilet system 1 may estimate the intestinal environment rank as A if the intestinal environment score is 75 points or higher.

[0240] Furthermore, the toilet system 1 estimates the intestinal environment rank as B if the intestinal environment score is 50 or more and less than 75 points, as C if the intestinal environment score is 25 or more and less than 50 points, and as D if the intestinal environment score is less than 25 points. Note that the intestinal environment ranks shown in Figure 15 are merely examples, and any information (e.g., intestinal environment score, second evaluation, etc.) can be used for the "odor" item.

[0241] In Figure 15, the "fecal characteristics" item includes four taxonomic groups: the first taxonomic group of "banana," the second taxonomic group of "cracked" and "soft," the third taxonomic group of "hard" and "mud," and the fourth taxonomic group of "solid" and "watery." Note that the taxonomic groups shown in Figure 15 are merely an example, and any combination of taxonomic groups can be used. Furthermore, any information (e.g., first evaluation, etc.) can be used for the "fecal characteristics" item.

[0242] 15, the toilet system 1 estimates the user's intestinal rank as a score using the user's intestinal environment rank, the classification of the stool properties, and the estimation table MT1. For example, if the user's intestinal environment rank is A and the stool properties are banana, the toilet system 1 estimates the user's intestinal rank to be S based on the corresponding elements in the estimation table MT1.

[0243] The estimation table MT2 shown in Fig. 16 is a list of provided information based on combinations of two categories, good and bad, shown in the "feces properties" category and two categories, good and bad, shown in the "odor" category. Fig. 16 shows four pieces of provided information corresponding to the number of combinations of the two categories of "feces properties" and the two categories of "odor." Note that the provided information shown in Fig. 16 is merely an example, and each piece of provided information may include any content corresponding to the state of the stool properties or the state of the odor.

[0244] In Fig. 16, the "smell" category has two categories: "good" and "bad." Note that the "smell" categories shown in Fig. 16 are merely an example, and any combination of categories can be adopted.

[0245] For example, if the second evaluation is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the toilet system 1 classifies the odor as "good" as shown in Fig. 16, and if the second evaluation is less than the predetermined value, the toilet system 1 classifies the odor as "poor" as shown in Fig. 16. Note that the classification process described above is merely an example, and the toilet system 1 may use various information to classify the odor as either "good" or "poor" as shown in Fig. 16. For example, if the intestinal environment score is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the toilet system 1 may classify the odor as "good" as shown in Fig. 16, and if the intestinal environment score is less than the predetermined value, the toilet system 1 may classify the odor as "poor" as shown in Fig. 16.

[0246] In Fig. 16, the item "fecal properties" has two categories: "good" and "bad." Note that the categories of "fecal properties" shown in Fig. 16 are merely examples, and any combination of categories can be used.

[0247] For example, if the first evaluation is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the toilet system 1 classifies the stool as "good" as shown in Fig. 16 , and if the first evaluation is less than the predetermined value, the toilet system 1 classifies the stool as "bad" as shown in Fig. 16 . Note that the classification process described above is merely an example, and the toilet system 1 may use various information to classify the stool properties as either "good" or "bad" as shown in Fig. 16 . For example, if the stool properties are "banana," the toilet system 1 may classify the stool as "good" as shown in Fig. 16 , and if the stool properties are other than "banana," the toilet system 1 may classify the stool as "bad" as shown in Fig. 16 .

[0248] 16, the toilet system 1 estimates the information to be provided for a user using the user's odor classification, the stool property classification, and the estimation table MT2. For example, if the "smell" item for a user is "bad" and the "stool property" item is "bad," the toilet system 1 estimates, based on the corresponding elements in the estimation table MT2, that the information to be provided for the user would be "Your intestinal condition tends to be very bad. Why don't you start by reconsidering your diet?"

[0249] The estimation table MT3 shown in Fig. 17 is a list of provided information based on combinations of the three categories shown in the "feces properties" section and the three categories shown in the "odor" section. Fig. 17 shows nine pieces of provided information corresponding to the number of combinations of the three categories of "feces properties" and the three categories of "odor." Note that the provided information shown in Fig. 17 is merely an example, and each piece of provided information may include any content corresponding to the state of the stool properties or the state of the odor.

[0250] In Fig. 17, the "smell" category has three categories: "good," "average," and "bad." Note that the "smell" categories shown in Fig. 17 are merely examples, and any combination of categories can be adopted.

[0251] For example, if the second evaluation is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the toilet system 1 classifies the result as "good" as shown in FIG. 17; if the second evaluation is less than the first threshold and equal to or greater than the second threshold, the toilet system 1 classifies the result as "average" as shown in FIG. 17; and if the second evaluation is less than the second threshold, the toilet system 1 classifies the result as "poor" as shown in FIG. 17. Any value can be used as the first threshold, and any value smaller than the first threshold can be used as the second threshold. Note that the toilet system 1 may use the intestinal environment score to classify the "odor" category into one of three categories: "good," "average," or "poor."

[0252] In Figure 17, the item "fecal properties" includes three taxonomic groups: a first taxonomic group of "muddy" and "watery," a second taxonomic group of "cracked," "banana," and "soft," and a third taxonomic group of "hard" and "hard." Note that the taxonomic groups shown in Figure 17 are merely an example, and any combination of taxonomic groups can be used.

[0253] 17, the toilet system 1 estimates the information to be provided to a user using the user's odor classification, the stool property classification, and the estimation table MT3. For example, if the "smell" category for a user is "normal" and the "stool properties" category is the third classification group of "hard and hard," the toilet system 1 estimates, based on the corresponding elements in the estimation table MT3, that information such as "Start exercising twice a week" is appropriate as information to be provided to the user.

[0254] <1-6-3. Example of information provision> Based on the above-described processing, an example of information provision to a user by the toilet system 1 will now be described. For example, the toilet system 1 generates the various pieces of information shown below and displays the generated information on the display device 300 used by the corresponding user. For example, the display device 300 used by the user has installed thereon a health management application (also called a "intestinal activity app") for displaying information related to the user's health, and the intestinal activity app displays various pieces of information related to the user's health.

[0255] Note that, as long as the display device 300 is capable of displaying information related to the health of the user, the display device 300 may display information related to the health of the user using an application other than the intestinal activity app. In the following, an example will be described in which the user U is the user of the display device 300 that displays information.

[0256] First, an example of information relating to the basic functions of the intestinal activity app provided by the toilet system 1 and displayed by the display device 300 will be shown with reference to Fig. 18. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of information provided by the toilet system.

[0257] The content CT1 in Fig. 18 corresponds to, for example, the home screen of an intestinal health app displayed on the display device 300. The content CT1 includes a display area AR1 that displays various information. In Fig. 18, intestinal condition information IM1 including the intestinal rank at the time of display, a schematic diagram of a person, and an illustration of the intestine corresponding to the intestinal rank at the time of display is displayed in the display area AR1. Fig. 18 shows a case where the intestinal rank of user U at the time of display is A.

[0258] Content CT1 includes a button IC1 labeled "Recommended information for you." Content CT1 also includes a button IC2 labeled "What is intestinal rank?" Content CT1 includes a button IC3 labeled "Intestinal movement." Content CT1 includes a button IC4 labeled "Intestinal environment." Content CT1 includes a button IC5 labeled "Intestinal activity diary." Content CT1 includes a button IC6 labeled with information about user U's family. Examples of information displayed when buttons IC1 to IC6 are selected (designated) will be described later.

[0259] For example, when a button IC3 in content CT1 displayed on the display device 300 is selected, the display device 300 displays information such as content CT2 shown in Fig. 19. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing an example of information provided by the toilet system.

[0260] 19 corresponds to, for example, a screen relating to intestinal movement displayed by the display device 300. The content CT2 includes feature information FT1 to FT3 indicating information relating to the stool of the user U at the time of display. Note that, although FIG. 19 shows a case in which the feature information FT1 to FT3 are text information, the feature information FT1 to FT3 may be displayed in any manner, such as an icon, as long as it can indicate the corresponding information.

[0261] For example, characteristic information FT1 indicates the amount of stool of user U at the time of display, and in Fig. 19 indicates that the amount of stool is large. For example, characteristic information FT2 indicates the color of user U's stool at the time of display, and in Fig. 19 indicates that the color of the stool is brown. For example, characteristic information FT3 indicates the nature of user U's stool at the time of display, and in Fig. 19 indicates that the nature of the stool is normal (such as banana). Fig. 19 shows a case where the nature of the stool is displayed as one of three types: soft stool, normal stool, and hard stool, but the nature of the stool may also be displayed as the Bristol scale content, such as banana or hard.

[0262] The content CT2 includes a button IC11 labeled "Calendar display." For example, when the button IC11 in the content CT2 displayed on the display device 300 is selected, the display device 300 displays a calendar related to the measurement results of intestinal movement (e.g., stool properties, etc.).

[0263] The content CT2 includes a button IC12 labeled "Today's Commentary: Peristaltic Movement Version." For example, when the button IC12 in the content CT2 displayed on the display device 300 is selected, the display device 300 displays today's commentary on peristaltic movement.

[0264] The content CT2 includes a button IC13 labeled "Related Column." For example, when the button IC13 in the content CT2 displayed on the display device 300 is selected, the display device 300 displays a related column about intestinal movement (e.g., stool properties).

[0265] The content CT2 includes a button IC14 labeled “Score.” For example, when the button IC14 in the content CT2 displayed on the display device 300 is selected, the display device 300 displays information about the score related to bowel movement (for example, the first evaluation, etc.).

[0266] For example, when a button IC4 in content CT1 displayed on the display device 300 is selected, the display device 300 displays information such as content CT3 shown in Fig. 20. Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of information provided by the toilet system.

[0267] 20 corresponds to, for example, a screen relating to the intestinal environment displayed by the display device 300. The content CT3 includes time-series data showing the transition of the intestinal environment index indicating the intestinal environment of the user U up to the time of display, and provided information based on the transition. Note that in FIG. 20, the intestinal environment index may be any index such as an intestinal environment score or an intestinal environment rank.

[0268] The content CT3 includes a button IC21 labeled "Today's Commentary: Intestinal Environment Version." For example, when the button IC21 in the content CT3 displayed on the display device 300 is selected, the display device 300 displays today's commentary on the intestinal environment.

[0269] The content CT3 includes a button IC22 labeled "Related Column." For example, when the button IC22 in the content CT3 displayed on the display device 300 is selected, the display device 300 displays a related column about the intestinal environment.

[0270] The content CT3 includes a button IC23 labeled "Explanation of intestinal environment index." For example, when the button IC23 in the content CT3 displayed on the display device 300 is selected, the display device 300 displays an explanation of the intestinal environment index displayed in the content CT3.

[0271] Furthermore, the information displayed in the display area AR1 is not limited to the information shown in Fig. 18 and may be any information. In this regard, examples will be described using Fig. 21 and Fig. 22. Fig. 21 and Fig. 22 are diagrams showing examples of information according to the estimation result.

[0272] As shown in FIG. 21 , the display device 300 may display in the display area AR1 provided information suggesting maintaining the current state, such as "You're in good condition!", and intestinal condition information IM2 including a schematic diagram of a person and an illustration of the intestines corresponding to the intestinal rank at the time of display. In this case, the display device 300 displays the intestinal condition information IM2 in place of the intestinal condition information IM1 in the display area AR1 in the content CT1 shown in FIG. 18 . Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 22 , the display device 300 may display in the display area AR1 provided information suggesting maintaining the current state, such as "You're getting better!", and intestinal condition information IM3 including an illustration of the intestines showing changes in the intestinal condition. In this case, the display device 300 displays the intestinal condition information IM3 in place of the intestinal condition information IM1 in the display area AR1 in the content CT1 shown in FIG. 18 .

[0273] In this way, the display device 300 displays any information in the display area AR1. For example, the display device 300 displays information indicating the overall condition of the intestines, such as a score or a ranking, a good or bad judgment, or changes from the past, in the display area AR1. In this way, the display device 300 may display a score or a ranking as an index representing the intestinal condition. Furthermore, the display device 300 may display a graph of the above-mentioned trend of change over time along with the above-mentioned information.

[0274] For example, when a button IC5 in content CT1 displayed on the display device 300 is selected, the display device 300 displays information such as content CT4 shown in Fig. 23. Fig. 23 is a diagram showing an example of information related to the user's intestinal health.

[0275] 23 corresponds to, for example, a screen relating to intestinal activity displayed by the display device 300. The content CT4 includes calendar information of an intestinal activity diary showing the intestinal activity of the user U up to the time of display.

[0276] The content CT4 includes a button IC31 labeled "Intestinal Health Related Column." For example, when the button IC31 in the content CT4 displayed on the display device 300 is selected, the display device 300 displays the intestinal health related column.

[0277] The content CT4 includes a button IC32 labeled "Everyone's Intestinal Health." For example, when the button IC32 in the content CT4 displayed on the display device 300 is selected, the display device 300 displays information about the intestinal health of users other than the user U, and an example of this will be described later.

[0278] The content CT4 includes a button IC33 labeled "Looking back on past intestinal health activities." For example, when the button IC33 in the content CT4 displayed on the display device 300 is selected, the display device 300 displays the history information of the intestinal health activities of the user U, etc.

[0279] For example, when a button IC1 in content CT1 displayed on the display device 300 is selected, the display device 300 displays information such as content CT5 shown in Fig. 24. Fig. 24 is a diagram showing an example of recommended information for a user. Fig. 24 shows an example of a display when the intestinal condition of user U is poor (for example, intestinal rank D, etc.).

[0280] 24 corresponds to, for example, a screen related to provided information such as recommended information displayed by the display device 300. The content CT5 includes provided information INF5 corresponding to the intestinal condition of the user U up to the time of display. The content CT5 includes provided information INF5 including suggestions for improving eating habits such as "You're feeling worse than before" and "Your intestinal environment indicators tend to be getting worse. Is your eating habits out of whack?"

[0281] The content CT5 includes a button IC41 labeled "Recommended Information." For example, when the button IC41 in the content CT5 displayed on the display device 300 is selected, the display device 300 displays various information such as the content CT6 shown in Fig. 25. Fig. 25 is a diagram showing an example of recommended information for the user.

[0282] 25 corresponds to, for example, a screen related to provided information such as recommended information displayed by the display device 300. The content CT6 includes provided information INF6 including suggestions on foods to be ingested, such as "It is said that the intestinal environment is affected by diet. Water-soluble dietary fiber is said to be good!" The content CT6 also includes information on related websites, videos, recommended products, etc. that may lead to improvements in diet.

[0283] For example, when button IC32 in content CT4 displayed on the display device 300 is selected, the display device 300 displays information such as content CT7 shown in Fig. 26. Fig. 26 is a diagram showing an example of information about other users provided to a user.

[0284] 26 corresponds to, for example, a screen related to information about other users displayed by the display device 300. The content CT7 includes information about intestinal health of other users who have similar attributes, such as age, sex, physique, and lifestyle, to user U. In FIG. 26, the content CT7 includes information about intestinal health recorded in an intestinal health app by other users in their 30s who have similar attributes to user U, who is in their 30s, and information about intestinal health posted on a social networking service (SNS).

[0285] Note that other users similar to user U are not limited to users with similar attributes, but may also be users with similar evaluations such as intestinal scores. For example, if user U has a intestinal score of B, other users similar to user U may also be users with a intestinal score of B. In this way, the display device 300 displays intestinal health methods of people with similar attributes or intestinal scores. For example, the toilet system 1 may acquire records in intestinal health apps or SNS information of other people that are linked to attributes or intestinal scores associated with information that identifies the user (such as an ID), and use this information as information regarding the intestinal health of other users similar to user U.

[0286] Content CT8 in Fig. 27 corresponds to a screen that appears when, for example, a specific date is selected from the calendar of the intestinal activity diary included in content CT4. Fig. 27 is a diagram showing an example of the display mode of information provided to a user. Content CT8 includes calendar information of the intestinal activity diary that shows the intestinal activity of user U up to the time of display, as well as an intestinal score and an icon corresponding to the selected date.

[0287] For example, the display device 300 may prompt the user U to manually input or select an icon for the user's sensory information. In FIG. 27 , the display device 300 may prompt the user U to select an overall rating of A to E based on the user's own (subjective) sensory information. The display device 300 may also display subjective icons based on the user's own (subjective) sensory information, prompting the user U to select from the icons. The toilet system 1 may then use the sensory information acquired through the user's selection to reevaluate or correct the user U's score, or set a target score for the user U.

[0288] The display device 300 may also prompt the user U to manually input or select an icon for each of multiple items. In FIG. 27 , the display device 300 may display icons for each item, such as diet, lifestyle habits, and exercise, and prompt the user U to select from those icons. Additionally, the display device 300 may acquire information by linking with other applications on a smartphone or a smartwatch. In this way, the toilet system 1 collects information to determine whether to exclude outliers (such as outliers) from the intestinal activity information and measurement values. The toilet system 1 may then manage the information acquired through the user's selection by linking it to the estimation results as information indicating intestinal activity events or conditions. The toilet system 1 may also perform outlier exclusion processing based on the information acquired from the user.

[0289] The display device 300 may also provide information according to changes in the user's intestinal condition. In Fig. 28, the display device 300 displays content CT9 including provided information according to changes in the user U's score (intestinal score), diet, and exercise, and a button IC91 that encourages the user to purchase a product corresponding to the provided information. Fig. 28 is a diagram showing an example of recommended information for the user.

[0290] 28 , the toilet system 1 estimates that the user U's score is good when he or she consumes XX yogurt, and therefore XX yogurt is suitable for the user U. Therefore, the toilet system 1 generates content CT9 including provided information suggesting that XX yogurt is suitable for the user U and that the user U consumes it, and a button IC91 for purchasing XX yogurt, and displays the content CT9 on the display device 300.

[0291] When a button IC91 in content CT9 displayed on the display device 300 is selected, the display device 300 displays information such as an EC (electronic commerce) site selling XX yogurt. In this way, when the score starts to deteriorate, the display device 300 displays information suggesting products related to intestinal health tools that have been effective in the past.

[0292] When button IC32 in content CT4 displayed on display device 300 is selected, display device 300 may display information other than content CT7 shown in Fig. 26. For example, when button IC32 in content CT4 displayed on display device 300 is selected, display device 300 may display information such as content CT10 shown in Fig. 29. Fig. 29 is a diagram showing an example of information about other users provided to a user.

[0293] The content CT10 in Fig. 29 corresponds to, for example, a screen related to information about other users displayed by the display device 300. The content CT10 includes information related to the intestinal activity of other users who are similar to the user U. In Fig. 29, the content CT10 includes information related to the intestinal activity records of other users in their 30s who have similar attributes to the user U who is in his 30s.

[0294] For example, the display device 300 outputs a group of information linked to attributes and intestinal scores associated with information (such as IDs) that identifies other users similar to user U. For example, the display device 300 displays content CT10 including intestinal activity records showing the intestinal activity content and duration of each of the other users, as well as information such as fluctuations in the intestinal score during that intestinal activity period. In this way, the display device 300 allows the user to view information linked to the intestinal activity events and results of other users (people).

[0295] For example, when button IC6 in content CT1 displayed on the display device 300 is selected, the display device 300 displays information such as content CT11 shown in FIG. 30. FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of information about users who have relationships with the user. FIG. 30 shows an example of a display in which user U's family consists of four people: user U (user U), his spouse (father), and two children (child A and son B). For example, the toilet system 1 manages, for each user, information (e.g., ID) identifying users who have relationships with that user by linking that information (e.g., ID) to the information identifying that user, thereby making it possible to identify users who have relationships with each user.

[0296] The content CT11 in FIG. 30 corresponds to, for example, a screen displaying a list of users who have relationships with the user, displayed on the display device 300. The content CT11 includes four ranks for each of the user U's family members up to the time of display. The content CT11 includes a button IC101 indicating that the spouse (father) is ranked B and that reads "→View Details." The content CT11 also includes a button IC102 indicating that the user U (me) is ranked A and that reads "→View Details." The content CT11 also includes a button IC103 indicating that the child (child A) is ranked B and that reads "→View Details." The content CT11 also includes a button IC104 indicating that the child (boy B) is ranked C and that reads "→View Details."

[0297] When a "View details" button corresponding to a user is selected, the display device 300 transitions the display to display information showing the results for that individual user. For example, when button IC101 is selected, the display device 300 displays information showing the individual estimation results for the spouse (father). For example, the display device 300 switches the information displayed in the display area AR1 from information about the user U (me) to information about the spouse (father).

[0298] In this way, the toilet system 1 can display the results of other people through ID linkage. The toilet system 1 transmits data to a third party when predetermined conditions, such as ID linkage, are met. In the above example, family members are used as examples of users who have a relationship with the user, but users who have a relationship with the user are not limited to family members; they may also be users who belong to a common institution, such as a hospital or gym, or people who provide health management support to the user, such as doctors or gym trainers.

[0299] For example, when a button IC2 in content CT1 displayed on the display device 300 is selected, the display device 300 displays information such as content CT12 shown in Fig. 31. Fig. 31 is a diagram showing an example of rank information related to a user.

[0300] The content CT12 in FIG. 31 corresponds to, for example, a screen related to intestinal health displayed by the display device 300. The content CT12 includes rank information based on the intestinal rank of user U at the time of display. In FIG. 31, the content CT12 includes information regarding the distribution of intestinal ranks among a group of users in their 30s who have attributes similar to user U's. In this case, the toilet system 1 extracts information about users in their 30s from the user information it manages, generates information indicating the distribution of intestinal ranks among the group of users in their 30s based on the extracted information, and generates content CT12 by adding information indicating the rank to which user U corresponds to the generated distribution information. In FIG. 31, the display device 300 displays content CT12 indicating that user U's intestinal rank is C, which is average for a group of users in their 30s. This allows the display device 300 to allow the user to compare evaluations such as ranks with other users (people) who are similar (in attributes, etc.). In addition, CT12 may also be a rank evaluation regarding a score related to intestinal movement (for example, a first evaluation, etc.) or a rank evaluation regarding an intestinal environment index.

[0301] The toilet system 1 may also notify the user at a predetermined timing. The toilet system 1 may display any information in the display area AR11 of the display device 300 shown in Fig. 32. Fig. 32 is a diagram showing an example of information notification to the user.

[0302] For example, if the score of the user (the user) using the display device 300 starts to deteriorate, the display device 300 displays content CT13 in the display area AR11, including information such as "Caution! Your bowel rank is dropping!" For example, if the bowel rank of user U starts to deteriorate, the display device 300 of user U displays content CT13 in the display area AR11. In this way, the display device 300 calls the user's attention when their own score starts to deteriorate.

[0303] Furthermore, when the score of another person (another user) who has a relationship with the user (the user himself / herself) using the display device 300 starts to deteriorate, the display device 300 displays content CT14 in the display area AR11, including information such as "Caution! Boy B's intestinal rank is dropping! Let's check it out." For example, when the intestinal rank of Boy B, a child of user U, starts to deteriorate, the display device 300 of user U displays content CT14 in the display area AR11. In this way, the display device 300 calls attention when the score of another person who has a relationship with the user starts to deteriorate.

[0304] The toilet system 1 may also notify the user based on the user's usage status. This point will be described using Figures 33 and 34. Figures 33 and 34 are diagrams showing examples of information notifications based on the user's usage status. For example, the toilet system 1 may send push notifications based on the user's login history to the intestinal health app. The toilet system 1 may also evaluate the user's level of interest in intestinal health based on the number of times the user logs in to the intestinal health app or the frequency of inputting intestinal health information.

[0305] For example, if a user is actively engaged in intestinal health activities, the toilet system 1 may evaluate the user's level of interest in intestinal health and notify the user of information praising the user's active activities. In FIG. 33 , if a user logs in to the intestinal health app for 10 consecutive days, the toilet system 1 notifies the user of information such as content CT15. For example, if user U logs in to the intestinal health app for 10 consecutive days, the display device 300 of user U displays content CT15. For example, when user U logs in to the intestinal health app on the 10th day, the display device 300 displays content CT15 (pop-up display) superimposed on content CT1.

[0306] For example, if a user has not logged in to the intestinal health app for a period of time (e.g., no login for one week), the toilet system 1 may evaluate the user's level of interest in intestinal health as low and notify the user of information encouraging active activity. If the toilet system 1 evaluates the user's level of interest in intestinal health as low, it displays information encouraging the user to be active in the display area AR12 of the display device 300 shown in Fig. 34.

[0307] For example, if a user of the display device 300 has not logged in to the intestinal activity app for a predetermined period of time (e.g., seven days), the display device 300 displays content CT16 in the display area AR12, including information such as "You haven't logged in for xx days. Why not restart your intestinal activity?" For example, if user U has not logged in to the intestinal activity app for xx days, the display device 300 of user U displays content CT16 in the display area AR12. In this way, the toilet system 1 may provide notifications according to the user's level of interest in intestinal activity in order to maintain the user's motivation.

[0308] As described above, the toilet system 1 can provide various types of information to inform the user of desired information. For example, if the user's intestinal condition is poor, the toilet system 1 can prompt the user to improve the condition. The toilet system 1 can satisfy the user's desire to know when their health condition is deteriorating, and by notifying the user that their score is decreasing, the toilet system 1 can motivate the user to reconsider their lifestyle.

[0309] Furthermore, if the user's intestinal condition is good, the toilet system 1 can encourage the user to maintain that condition. The toilet system 1 can fulfill the user's desire to manage their health by linking it to their lifestyle habits, and by informing the user that their score is good, it can give the user a sense of security. Furthermore, the toilet system 1 can fulfill the desires of users who want to use it to help manage the health of their family members and patients, for example, to know the state of their family's stomachs and plan their meal plans.

[0310] Furthermore, if the user's intestinal condition shows signs of improvement, the toilet system 1 can encourage the user to further improve their condition. The toilet system 1 can satisfy the user's desire to find an intestinal activity that suits their body and to use it as an indicator of the effectiveness of intestinal activity, and can recognize the effects of foods such as yogurt that the user has started eating and encourage the user to continue consuming those foods. Furthermore, the toilet system 1 can serve as a tool to maintain motivation for intestinal activity, motivating the user to work hard to achieve their goals.

[0311] The toilet system 1 may also output an alert when the score is lower than a predetermined value by comparing it with past data. The toilet system 1 may also notify the completion of measurement when the first biological information, the second biological information, the provided information, or the score are all collected. The toilet system 1 may also prioritize and output information with poor results from the first biological information and the second biological information, along with the reasons for the results. The toilet system 1 may also update the recommendation information or score after each excretion act. The toilet system 1 also detects the characteristics of the stool using an image sensor and detects fecal gas using a gas sensor.

[0312] In addition to the characteristics of the stool, the toilet system 1 may also detect the user's subjective information such as the amount, color, density, and degree of relief after defecation as information regarding intestinal peristalsis, and may also detect the user's subjective information regarding the color and odor of the stool as information regarding the intestinal environment in addition to defecation gas.

[0313] The toilet system 1 generates various types of content as described above and provides the generated content to users. For example, the control device 100 of the toilet system 1 generates various types of information such as content CT1 to CT16. The control device 100 then transmits the generated information such as content CT1 to CT16 to the user's display device 300. The display device 300 receives the information such as content CT1 to CT16 and displays the received information such as content CT1 to CT16.

[0314] In this case, for example, the processing unit 132 of the control device 100 functions as a generating unit that performs processing to generate various types of information. The processing unit 132 generates various types of information, such as content to be displayed on the display device 300. The processing unit 132 generates the screens (content) shown in FIGS. 18 to 34. For example, the processing unit 132 generates the content (image information) to be provided to the display device 300 by appropriately using various technologies related to image generation, image processing, etc. For example, the processing unit 132 generates the screen (image information) to be provided to the display device 300 by appropriately using various technologies such as Java (registered trademark). Note that the processing unit 132 may generate the content (image information) to be provided to the display device 300 based on the format of CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), JavaScript (registered trademark), or HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language). Furthermore, for example, the processing unit 132 may generate content in various formats such as JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), GIF (Graphics Interchange Format), and PNG (Portable Network Graphics).

[0315] 2. Second Embodiment Note that the above-described process is merely an example, and the toilet system may perform various processes to appropriately estimate health-related information. This example will be described below as a second embodiment. Below, an overview of the toilet system 1A will be described, followed by a description of the various processes performed by the toilet system 1A and the configuration for performing those processes. Note that descriptions of similar aspects to the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate. The toilet system according to the second embodiment may be combined with the toilet system according to the first embodiment. For example, the correction of gas values ​​described below may be performed in the toilet system according to the first embodiment. Furthermore, when stool information is used in the estimation process, the toilet system according to the second embodiment may include a third detection sensor (e.g., the first detection unit 21) that detects stool properties. Furthermore, gases derived from intestinal fermentation and indicating high health (such as odorless gases) may be considered healthy gases, and gases derived from intestinal putrefaction and indicating low health (such as foul-smelling gases) may be considered odorous gases.

[0316] For example, a health-related gas is a gas produced by fermentation by beneficial bacteria in the intestines. For example, a health-related gas may be a gas derived from intestinal fermentation, and the amount increases as the health of the intestines increases. Specific examples of health-related gases include hydrogen, carbon dioxide, acetic acid, methane, ethanol, water, etc. Note that the above is merely an example, and a health-related gas may be various gases. For example, a health-related gas may be an odorless gas, and the health-related gas may be read as an odorless gas.

[0317] Furthermore, for example, odorous gases are gases produced by fermentation by harmful bacteria in the intestines. For example, odorous gases may be fecal gases containing sulfur components. Examples of odorous gases include ammonia, trimethylamine, hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, indole, and skatole. Note that the above are merely examples, and odorous gases may be various gases. For example, odorous gases may be malodorous gases, and odorous gases may be read as malodorous gases.

[0318] <2-1. Example of Toilet Room Configuration> First, the configuration of a toilet system according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 35. Fig. 35 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a toilet system according to the second embodiment. Note that the toilet system 1A shown in Fig. 35, which is an example of the toilet system according to the second embodiment, has the same configuration as the toilet system 1 shown in Fig. 1 except that it does not have the first detection unit 21, and description of this point will be omitted. Note that the toilet system according to the second embodiment may have the first detection unit 21 when performing processing using feces information.

[0319] The toilet system 1A executes control to appropriately measure fecal gas. The toilet system 1A may provide information to a user terminal (corresponding to the display device 300 in FIG. 37 ) such as a user's smartphone based on information collected by measurement, etc. The toilet system 1A may also provide information to an operating device 30 (or a display screen 31) in the toilet room R based on information collected by measurement, etc.

[0320] <2-2. Configuration of Measuring Device> Next, the configuration of the measuring device 4 will be described with reference to Fig. 36. Fig. 36 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of a measuring device according to the second embodiment. In the example shown in Fig. 36, the measuring device 4 is disposed inside the main body 3. Note that explanations of points similar to those described in Fig. 2 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0321] The measuring device 4 has a suction device 10 that sucks gas from within the bowl portion 8 of the toilet 7, and a gas detection device 20 that detects the components of the sucked gas.

[0322] Gas detection device 20 executes processing related to the detection of components of the gas sucked by suction device 10. In FIG. 36 , gas detection device 20 is disposed downstream of suction device 10 when viewed from the bowl portion 8 side. Note that FIG. 36 is merely an example, and gas detection device 20 may be disposed at any position as long as it is a position where gas sucked by suction device 10 can be introduced. Gas detection device 20 is connected to duct 102 that communicates with the outside of main body 3. Duct 102 functions as a flow path that allows gas within gas detection device 20 to flow out of measurement device 4. For example, in response to the driving of suction device 10, gas within gas detection device 20 is released to the outside of measurement device 4 using duct 102 as a flow path.

[0323] For example, the gas detection device 20 executes a process related to gas detection under the control of the control device 100. The gas detection device 20 includes a gas sensor 40 that reacts to a gas contained in the atmosphere. The gas sensor 40 detects a specific component of the gas. For example, the gas detection device 20 includes a first gas sensor 40 that reacts to a gas contained in the atmosphere. １ and the second gas sensor 40 ２ The gas detection device 20 includes a first gas sensor 40 that is a first gas sensor that reacts to hydrogen gas contained in the gas. １ and a second gas sensor 40 that is a second gas sensor that reacts to odorous gases (malodorous gases) containing sulfur components and hydrogen gas. ２ Equipped with.

[0324] For example, a semiconductor gas sensor is used as the gas sensor 40. The gas sensor 40 may be a hydrogen gas sensor capable of detecting hydrogen. The gas sensor 40 may be an odorous gas sensor capable of detecting odorous gas. The gas sensor 40 may be a methane gas sensor capable of detecting methane. For example, the gas detection device 20 has a plurality of gas sensors 40. The plurality of gas sensors 40 may include a gas sensor 40a which is a hydrogen gas sensor, a gas sensor 40b which is an odorous gas sensor, and a gas sensor 40c which is a methane gas sensor. When the gas sensors 40a to 40c are not particularly distinguished from one another, they will be described as gas sensors 40. For example, the gas sensor 40a may be the first gas sensor 40. １ The gas sensor 40b is used as the second gas sensor 40. ２ The gas sensor 40c is used as the first gas sensor 40 １ It may also be used as

[0325] The above is merely an example, and the gas sensor is not limited to the semiconductor gas sensor 40, and any type of sensor may be used. For example, the gas detection device 20 may be a CO 2 concentration measuring device such as an infrared type. ２ The gas sensor may include any one or more gas sensors such as a gas sensor.

[0326] <2-3. Example of Overall Overview of Toilet System> Next, an example of an overall overview of the toilet system 1A will be described with reference to Fig. 37. Fig. 37 is a diagram showing an example of an overall overview of the toilet system according to the second embodiment. Note that explanations of points similar to those described in Figs. 35 and 36 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0327] In Fig. 37 , toilet system 1A includes suction device 10, gas detection device 20, control device 100, and estimation means 200. Although Figs. 35 and 36 show the case where toilet seat device 2 includes suction device 10, gas detection device 20, and control device 100, this is not limiting. For example, control device 100 may be provided separately from suction device 10 and gas detection device 20, and may control suction device 10 and gas detection device 20 by wirelessly or wired communication with suction device 10 and gas detection device 20. Furthermore, as described above, suction device 10 may be controlled by control means separate from control device 100.

[0328] The estimation means 200 is a computer (information processing device) having a function of executing estimation processing based on information acquired by detection by the gas detection device 20. For example, the estimation means 200 may be a cloud server (server device) located outside the toilet room R. In this case, the estimation means 200 is communicably connected to a device (also referred to as an "in-toilet device") located inside the toilet room R, such as the toilet seat device 2 or the gas detection device 20, via a predetermined network such as the Internet, either wired or wirelessly.

[0329] Furthermore, the estimation means 200 is communicably connected to a device that displays information to a user, such as the display device 300, via a predetermined network such as the Internet, either wired or wirelessly. Note that the estimation means 200 may be connected to devices such as the toilet device and the display device 300 in any manner as long as it is possible to send and receive information, and may be communicably connected via wired or wirelessly. Note that the estimation means 200 may be communicable with the control device 100.

[0330] The estimation means 200 performs an estimation process regarding the user's health condition using information received from the toilet device. The data acquired thus far may be stored by the estimation means 200 or the display device 300. The estimation means 200 generates information for estimating the user's health condition (also referred to as "health estimation information") or related information based on the amount of health-related gases (odorless gases) and odorous gases (bad-smelling gases) in the user's defecation gas. The estimation means 200 calculates a score as the user's health estimation information based on the ratio between the amount of health-related gases (odorless gases) and the amount of odorous gases (bad-smelling gases) in the user's defecation gas. For example, the estimation means 200 may use any information, such as a ratio or a single odor. The above is merely an example, and the estimation means 200 may generate any information as the user's health estimation information. For example, the estimation means 200 may generate the following information as the user's health estimation information, or may generate the health estimation information based on the following processing results:

[0331] For example, the estimation means 200 may estimate information regarding the state of the user's intestines from the measured values. For example, the estimation means 200 may estimate information regarding the state of bacteria. In this case, for example, the estimation means 200 may estimate the occupancy rate of a certain bacteria, the amount or ratio of good bacteria to bad bacteria, etc. Furthermore, for example, the estimation means 200 may estimate the state of metabolites. In this case, for example, the estimation means 200 may estimate the amount or ratio of useful substances and harmful substances, etc. For example, the estimation means 200 may estimate the state of intestinal pH. Furthermore, the estimation means 200 may generate information by scoring the above information or evaluating it as good or bad. For example, the estimation means 200 may generate the above information as estimated health information of the user.

[0332] Furthermore, for example, the estimation means 200 may generate information related to the user's health condition from the measurement values. In this case, for example, the estimation means 200 may generate information evaluating a score or the quality of the user's intestinal environment. For example, the estimation means 200 may generate information related to the user's intestinal environment. For example, the estimation means 200 may generate information related to the user's immunity. For example, the estimation means 200 may generate information related to the user's ease of weight loss. For example, the estimation means 200 may generate information related to a cholesterol index. For example, the estimation means 200 may generate information related to a metabolic score. For example, the estimation means 200 may generate the above-mentioned information as estimated health information for the user. Note that the above-mentioned examples are merely illustrative, and the estimation means 200 may generate various information related to the user's health condition, not limited to the above.

[0333] Based on the calculated ratio, the estimation means 200 estimates that the greater the amount of healthy gases (odorless gases) in the user's defecation gases than the odorous gases (bad smelling gases), the healthier the user. Based on the calculated ratio, the estimation means 200 estimates that the greater the amount of odorous gases (bad smelling gases) in the user's defecation gases than the healthy gases (odorless gases), the unhealthier the user. Note that the above is merely an example, and the estimation means 200 may make any estimation based on the calculated score. The estimation means 200 transmits information to be provided to the user to the display device 300. The estimation means 200 transmits the calculated score as the user's health estimation information to the display device 300 used by the user.

[0334] The estimation means 200 is not limited to a cloud server (server device), and may be any device. In other words, the device configuration and arrangement of the estimation means 200 may be any form as long as the desired processing can be realized. For example, the estimation means 200 may be a mobile terminal (device) such as a laptop computer that can be carried by an administrator of the toilet system 1A. The estimation means 200 may also be disposed in the toilet room R. For example, the estimation means 200 may be configured to be disposed in the toilet room R. For example, the function of the estimation means 200 may be provided by the toilet seat device 2. In this case, the control device 100 may have the function of the estimation means 200.

[0335] The display device 300 is a display device (computer) that displays information to be provided to a user. For example, the display device 300 may be a user terminal (mobile terminal) owned by the user. In this case, the display device 300 is realized by, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a tablet terminal, or a notebook PC (Personal Computer). For example, the display device 300 is connected to devices included in the toilet system 1A, such as the estimation means 200, via a predetermined network so as to be able to communicate with each other via wired or wireless communication.

[0336] The display device 300 transmits and receives information to and from the estimation means 200. The display device 300 receives information to be provided to the user from the estimation means 200. The display device 300 receives a score calculated as estimated health information of the user from the estimation means 200. The display device 300 displays information including the score calculated as estimated health information of the user.

[0337] In Figure 37, the display device 300 displays the score calculated as the user's health estimation information as the user's intestinal environment score. For example, the display device 300 displays the user's intestinal environment score in chronological order by date and time of excretion. The display device 300 displays the target score value, information indicating the change in the user's intestinal environment score over time, and text information indicating the evaluation. For example, the display device 300 may request information from the estimation means 200 and display the information obtained from the estimation means 200.

[0338] Note that the above is merely an example, and the toilet system 1A can employ any device configuration as long as it can achieve the desired processing. In the toilet system 1A, the toilet seat device 2 may have a configuration other than the display device 300. For example, the toilet seat device 2 may have a measuring device 4, a control device 100, and an estimation means 200. Also, for example, the display device 300 does not have to be included in the toilet system 1A, or may be included in the toilet system 1A. For example, if the display device 300 is the operation device 30 of the toilet room R, the display device 300 may be included in the toilet system 1A. In this case, the operation device 30 has a function of displaying estimated health information of the user.

[0339] <2-4. User Behavior and System Operation> Next, an example of the relationship between the behavior (behavior) of a user using the toilet system 1A and the behavior (operation) of the toilet system 1A will be described with reference to Fig. 38. Fig. 38 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the behavior of a user and the operation of the system.

[0340] First, with reference to Fig. 38, a description will be given of the flow of actions of a user who defecates using the toilet R. The user of the toilet R performs actions in stages 1 to 7 as shown in Fig. 38.

[0341] First, the user performs the first stage of action, which is to enter the toilet room R. After entering the toilet room R, the user performs the second stage of action, which is to undress inside the toilet room R. After undressing, the user performs the third stage of action, which is to sit on the toilet seat 5 of the toilet room R. After sitting on the toilet seat 5, the user performs the fourth stage of action, which is to defecate into the bowl portion 8 of the toilet 7.

[0342] After defecating, the user performs finishing actions such as using the local cleanser of the toilet seat device 2 or using toilet paper to cleanse the local area after defecation, as a fifth stage of action. After completing finishing after defecation, the user performs the sixth stage of action, standing up and leaving the toilet seat 5. After leaving the toilet, the user performs the seventh stage of action, such as flushing the toilet bowl 7, leaving the toilet room R, and checking the results of the defecation gas analysis by the toilet system 1A.

[0343] Next, the flow of operations of the toilet system 1A in response to the above-described user behavior will be described. The toilet system 1A begins suctioning gas before the user who has entered the toilet room R begins to defecate. In FIG. 38 , the toilet system 1A begins suctioning gas between the first and third stages. This allows the toilet system 1A to complete measurement preparation before the user defecates. For example, the toilet system 1A suctions gas in the bowl portion 8 before the user defecates, thereby suctioning gas that serves as a reference (baseline) for comparison with gas after the user defecates. For example, the toilet system 1A calculates the increment (increase) from the baseline to estimate (calculate) the amount of components contained in defecation gas.

[0344] The toilet system 1A measures the user's defecation gas from the time the user defecates until the time the user leaves the seat. In Figure 38, the toilet system 1A measures the user's defecation gas from before the fourth stage to the fifth stage. This allows the toilet system 1A to aspirate gas and acquire data at any time while the user is seated.

[0345] After the measurement of the defecation gas is completed, the toilet system 1A performs an analysis of the defecation gas. In FIG. 38 , the toilet system 1A performs an analysis of the user's defecation gas between the sixth and seventh stages. As a result, after the user finishes defecation, the toilet system 1A performs an analysis based on the defecation gas (result) information acquired about the user and calculates a score. The toilet system 1A analyzes the user's defecation gas and provides the analysis results to the user. The analysis and the provision of the results are not limited to the sixth and seventh stages, and may be performed at any timing as long as the information can be provided. For example, the toilet system 1A may provide various information such as the analysis and results at any timing, such as during measurement or upon completion of measurement.

[0346] <2-5. Functional configuration of the toilet seat device> Next, the functional configuration of the toilet seat device 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 39. Fig. 39 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a toilet seat device according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 39, the toilet seat device 2 includes a human presence sensor 32, a seating sensor 33, an illuminance sensor 34, a control device 100, a nozzle motor 61, and a cleaning nozzle 6.

[0347] 35, which is an example of a toilet seat device according to the second embodiment, has substantially the same configuration as the toilet seat device 2 shown in FIG. 1, except that it does not have the first detection unit 21, and therefore a description of this point will be omitted. The toilet seat device according to the second embodiment may have the first detection unit 21 when performing processing using stool information.

[0348] The control device 100 according to the second embodiment controls various components for measuring gas. For example, the control device 100 controls various valves such as a switching valve and a shut-off valve. For example, the control device 100 controls a flow path through which gas flows by controlling a switching valve. For example, the control device 100 switches the flow path through which gas flows by switching a switching valve. The control device 100 controls the gas detection device 20.

[0349] The control device 100 controls the gas detection device 20 to start or stop defecation gas measurement in accordance with the user's use of the toilet room R. For example, the control device 100 instructs the gas detection device 20 to start defecation gas measurement in accordance with the user sitting on the toilet seat 5, and instructs the gas detection device 20 to stop defecation gas measurement in accordance with the user leaving the toilet seat 5.

[0350] The control device 100 transmits control information to the gas detection device 20 via a wired connection. Note that the control device 100 may also transmit the control information to the gas detection device 20 wirelessly. For example, when the control device 100 is configured as a separate device from the toilet seat device 2, the control device 100 may transmit the control information of the gas detection device 20 wirelessly to the toilet seat device 2. In this case, the control device of the toilet seat device 2 may control the gas detection device 20 based on the received control information.

[0351] <2-6. Functional configuration of the control device> The functional configuration of the control device will be described below. Note that a block diagram of the control device according to the second embodiment is similar to the block diagram of the control device according to the first embodiment (such as the control device 100 in FIG. 6), and therefore will not be shown in the figure, and descriptions of similarities with the control device according to the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate. The control device 100 according to the second embodiment has a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130.

[0352] The storage unit 120 according to the second embodiment stores various pieces of information necessary for processing, similar to the storage unit 120 according to the first embodiment. The storage unit 120 stores various pieces of information acquired from other devices such as various sensors. The storage unit 120 stores various pieces of information used in various types of information processing. The storage unit 120 stores information used in various types of processing. For example, the storage unit 120 stores information related to thresholds used in processing, such as a first threshold and a second threshold.

[0353] The memory unit 120 stores information indicating predetermined conditions used to determine whether or not the information can be changed. The memory unit 120 stores information indicating the predetermined conditions including at least one of the following: the first calculated value or the second calculated value being greater than a first threshold, or the third calculated value being below a second threshold that is smaller than the first threshold. The memory unit 120 stores information indicating the predetermined conditions including the second calculated value being greater than a zero calculated value corresponding to an odorous gas (malodorous gas) and hydrogen gas calculated based on the detection result of the second gas sensor. The memory unit 120 functions as a storage means for storing past first information. The memory unit 120 stores various historical information such as results of past estimation processes and information output in the past.

[0354] The acquisition unit 131 according to the second embodiment acquires various types of information in the same manner as the acquisition unit 131 according to the first embodiment. The acquisition unit 131 acquires defecation action use prediction information based on detection by a seating detection means. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires defecation action use prediction information indicating that the user is seated.

[0355] The processing unit 132 according to the second embodiment performs various processes similarly to the processing unit 132 according to the first embodiment. The processing unit 132 performs various processes using information stored in the storage unit 120. The processing unit 132 controls the gas detection device 20.

[0356] The processing unit 132 performs a determination process using various pieces of information stored in the storage unit 120. The processing unit 132 uses various pieces of information acquired by the acquisition unit 131 to determine whether or not to execute reference value control.

[0357] The processing unit 132 performs a calculation process using various pieces of information stored in the storage unit 120. The processing unit 132 performs a calculation process using various pieces of information acquired by the acquisition unit 131.

[0358] The processing unit 132 calculates various pieces of information related to the gas. The processing unit 132 calculates values ​​based on the measurement values ​​measured by the gas detection device 20. The processing unit 132 calculates the resistance value of the sensor element based on the voltage value measured by the gas sensor 40. For example, the processing unit 132 calculates the resistance value of the sensor element from the measured voltage value using a function that indicates the relationship between the voltage value and the resistance value of the sensor element. The processing unit 132 calculates the reciprocal (also referred to as the "calculated value") of the resistance value of the sensor element using equation (1).

[0359] The processing unit 132 may calculate the gas concentration based on the calculated resistance value of the sensor element. In this case, the processing unit 132 calculates the gas concentration from the calculated resistance value using a function that indicates the relationship between the resistance value and the gas concentration.

[0360] The processing unit 132 performs an estimation process to estimate information related to the user's health based on the detection results of the gas sensor 40. For example, the processing unit 132 estimates information for estimating the user's health state (health estimation information) or related information based on a first calculated value corresponding to hydrogen gas and a third calculated value corresponding to an odorous gas (malodorous gas) obtained based on the detection results of the first gas sensor, gas sensor 40a. When the processing unit 132 performs the health estimation process in this manner, the processing unit 132 performs the estimation process using information acquired in the toilet system 1A. For example, the processing unit 132 estimates information related to the user's health using information measured by the measurement process. For example, the processing unit 132 estimates information related to the user's health using corrected information. In this manner, the processing unit 132 according to the second embodiment may perform the estimation process in the same manner as the processing unit 132 according to the first embodiment. Note that if the estimation unit 200 performs the estimation process, the processing unit 132 does not need to perform the estimation process.

[0361] The processing unit 132 calculates a second calculated value corresponding to hydrogen gas detected by the gas sensor 40b based on the multiple calculated values ​​corresponding to hydrogen gas contained in the gas. The processing unit 132 calculates a third calculated value corresponding to an odorous gas (malodorous gas) based on the detection result of the gas sensor 40b and the second calculated value. The processing unit 132 calculates the second calculated value using multiple calculated values ​​including the first calculated value corresponding to hydrogen gas obtained based on the detection result of the gas sensor 40a.

[0362] The processing unit 132 calculates a second calculated value which is a statistical value of multiple calculated values ​​obtained by measuring the gas in the sealed space multiple times with the gas sensor 40a. The processing unit 132 calculates the second calculated value which is a statistical value of multiple calculated values ​​obtained by measuring the gas in the storage unit multiple times. The processing unit 132 calculates the second calculated value which is a statistical value of one or more calculated values ​​obtained by measuring the gas in the flow path once or multiple times.

[0363] The processing unit 132 calculates a second calculation value using a plurality of calculation values ​​including the first calculation value and a fourth calculation value corresponding to hydrogen gas obtained based on the detection result of the gas sensor 40c. For example, the processing unit 132 determines that the user's defecation gas does not contain methane gas if the difference between the amount or concentration calculated from the first calculation value and the amount or concentration calculated from the fourth calculation value is equal to or less than a predetermined value. For example, the processing unit 132 determines that the user's defecation gas contains methane gas if the difference between the amount or concentration calculated from the first calculation value and the amount or concentration calculated from the fourth calculation value is greater than a predetermined value.

[0364] If the processing unit 132 determines that the user's fecal gas contains methane gas, it uses the gas sensor 40c as a sensor for detecting methane gas. If the processing unit 132 determines that the user's fecal gas does not contain methane gas, it uses the gas sensor 40c as a sensor for detecting hydrogen gas.

[0365] The processing unit 132 calculates a first calculated value corresponding to hydrogen gas based on the detection result of the first gas sensor, gas sensor 40a. The processing unit 132 calculates a second calculated value corresponding to hydrogen gas of the second gas sensor, gas sensor 40b, based on the first calculated value. When gas sensor 40c is used as a sensor for detecting hydrogen gas, the processing unit 132 calculates the second calculated value based on the first calculated value and the fourth calculated value. The processing unit 132 calculates a third calculated value corresponding to an odorous gas (malodorous gas) based on the detection result of gas sensor 40b and the second calculated value.

[0366] The processing unit 132 corrects at least one of the zeroth calculated value, the second calculated value, and the third calculated value corresponding to the odorous gas (bad smell gas) and hydrogen gas calculated based on the detection results of the gas sensor 40 b. As the correction, the processing unit 132 decreases the second calculated value or increases the zeroth calculated value.

[0367] The processing unit 132 performs a correction when the first calculated value or the second calculated value exceeds a first threshold value, or when the third calculated value falls below a second threshold value that is smaller than the first threshold value. The processing unit 132 performs a correction when the second calculated value exceeds a zero calculated value. The processing unit 132 has a correction value preset as a value corresponding to an odorous gas (malodorous gas), and when the third calculated value falls below the third threshold value, the processing unit 132 replaces the third calculated value with the correction value as a correction.

[0368] When at least one of the first calculated value, the second calculated value, and the third calculated value satisfies a predetermined condition, the processing unit 132 controls to change the first information, which is the user's health condition or information related to the health condition and is output by the output unit, without being based on the third calculated value. When the predetermined condition is satisfied, the processing unit 132 changes the value included in the first information to a preset setting value.

[0369] The processing unit 132 changes the first information based on the past first information stored in the storage unit. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the processing unit 132 determines to output the second information related to the measurement accuracy. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the processing unit 132 determines to output the third information related to the measurement error.

[0370] The output unit 133 according to the second embodiment executes output processing to output various types of information, similar to the output unit 133 according to the first embodiment. When the estimation means 200 executes the estimation processing, the output unit 133 transmits to the estimation means 200 various types of information used by the estimation means 200 in the estimation processing. The output unit 133 transmits information indicating the measurement values ​​measured by the gas detection device 20. The output unit 133 transmits information indicating the calculation values ​​calculated by the processing unit 132.

[0371] The output unit 133 outputs each piece of information such as content. If a predetermined condition is satisfied, the output unit 133 outputs information including a modified score obtained by modifying the score that is the original data. If a predetermined condition is not satisfied, the output unit 133 outputs information including the score that is the original data. If a predetermined condition is satisfied, the output unit 133 outputs second information related to measurement accuracy. If a predetermined condition is satisfied, the output unit 133 outputs third information related to measurement error.

[0372] <2-7. Gas Sensor> Here, an example of the configuration of a gas sensor will be described. For example, the toilet system 1A of the second embodiment uses a gas sensor 40 having the circuit configuration CR described in Fig. 10. Note that the details of the configuration of the gas sensor 40 are the same as those described in Fig. 10, and therefore will not be described in detail again.

[0373] <2-8. Overview of Processing in Toilet System> Hereinafter, a processing example based on the configuration of the toilet system 1A described above will be described. First, before describing the various processes in the toilet system 1A, the gas sensor and the relationship between the value based on the measurement of the gas sensor and the amount of gas will be described. Note that explanations of points similar to those described above will be omitted as appropriate.

[0374] <2-8-1. Example of Relationship Between Gas Sensor Measurement and Amount> First, the relationship between gas sensor measurement and amount will be described with reference to Fig. 40. Fig. 40 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between a value based on sensor measurement and the amount of gas.

[0375] For example, Fig. 40 shows a graph GR11, which is a double logarithmic graph of the calculated value (reciprocal of the resistance value) of component A based on measurement by a gas sensor and the gas amount (also simply referred to as "amount") of component A. Specifically, in Fig. 40, the vertical axis of graph GR11 represents the calculated value of component A "1 / kΩ" and the horizontal axis represents the amount of component A "mL."

[0376] The points (◯) in graph GR11 correspond to the results of actual measurements made to derive the relationship between gas sensor measurements and quantities, and indicate the calculated values ​​of component A obtained from the results of actual measurements made with the gas sensor for gases containing the amount of component A corresponding to the horizontal axis. Note that, for the sake of explanation, only five points (measurement results) are shown in Figure 40, but the number of measurement results may be six or more, or four or less.

[0377] Line LN1 of graph GR11 shows the relationship between the calculated value derived from component A and the gas amount of component A. The equation (function) corresponding to line LN1 is a regression equation for calculating (estimating) the gas amount from the calculated value for component A. For example, the equation (function) corresponding to line LN1 is derived by regression analysis using points (actual measurement results) in graph GR11.

[0378] Thus, the calculated value derived from component A based on gas sensor measurement and the amount of component A both have a linear correlation on the log scale. Therefore, the amount of component A can be calculated from calculated values ​​such as peak values ​​of the gas sensor. That is, the amount of each gas can be calculated from calculated values ​​based on measurements from multiple gas sensors. By calculating the amount of each component, the toilet system 1A can calculate the ratio between the amount of health-related gas (odorless gas), which is the sum of the amounts of components corresponding to health-related gas (odorless gas), and the amount of odorous gas (malodorous gas), which is the sum of the amounts of components corresponding to odorous gas (malodorous gas).

[0379] <2-8-2. Examples of Gas Sensors and Reactive Components> Next, examples of gas sensors and reactive components will be described using FIG. 41. FIG. 41 is a diagram showing an example of gas sensors and reactive components. A correspondence table TB11 in FIG. 41 shows the correspondence between each gas sensor and the component to which the gas sensor reacts. In FIG. 41, cases in which the gas sensor reacts to that component are indicated by "O", and cases in which the gas sensor does not react to that component are indicated by "X". As shown in the correspondence table TB11 in FIG. 41, the components to which each gas sensor reacts are different.

[0380] In FIG. 41, the first gas sensor (hydrogen gas sensor) detects hydrogen (H ２ ) is a sensor that responds only to hydrogen. For example, the gas sensor 40a of the toilet system 1A is a first gas sensor (hydrogen gas sensor). For example, the gas sensor 40a of the toilet system 1A is a gas sensor that responds only to hydrogen, i.e., the resistance value of the sensor resistor RS in equation (1) changes with changes in the amount of hydrogen.

[0381] When a gas sensor reacts only to hydrogen, as in the first gas sensor shown in FIG. 41, the calculated value derived from hydrogen contained in the user's bowel gas is expressed by the following equation (2).

[0382] 1 / R ｓ＿１ = 1 / R ａｉｒ +1 / R Ｈ２＿１ … (2)

[0383] "R" in formula (2) ｓ＿１ " corresponds to the resistance value of the sensor resistor RS of the first gas sensor. For example, "R ｓ＿１ " is the resistance value of the sensor resistor RS calculated from the measurement value of the first gas sensor.

[0384] "R" in formula (2) ａｉｒ " corresponds to the resistance value derived from the baseline in the first gas sensor. For example, "R ａｉｒ " is the resistance value due to the air in the bowl portion 8 before the user's bowel movements are released.

[0385] In addition, "R Ｈ２＿１ " corresponds to the resistance value due to hydrogen gas in the first gas sensor. For example, "R Ｈ２＿１ " is the resistance value derived from hydrogen contained in the bowel gas released by the user.

[0386] "R" in formula (2) ｓ＿１ " and "R ａｉｒ " is a calculated value based on the measurement by the first gas sensor, and is detected (acquired) by the measurement by the first gas sensor. Therefore, the toilet system 1A can obtain "R Ｈ２＿１ " is calculated.

[0387] On the other hand, in FIG. 41, the second gas sensor (odor gas sensor) detects odor gas (H ２ S, etc.), but hydrogen (H ２) is also responsive to the odorous gas. For example, the gas sensor 40b of the toilet system 1A is a second gas sensor (odorous gas sensor). For example, the gas sensor 40b is a gas sensor that responds to odorous gases and hydrogen, i.e., the resistance value of the sensor resistor RS in equation (1) changes with changes in the amount of odorous gas and the amount of hydrogen. In this second embodiment, the components of the detection unit used in the hydrogen gas sensor are adjusted so that it responds strongly to hydrogen gas, and the detection unit used in the odorous gas sensor is adjusted so that it responds strongly to odorous gas.

[0388] In the case of the second gas sensor shown in Figure 41, which reacts to odorous gases and hydrogen, the calculated value derived from the odorous gas contained in the user's fecal gas is expressed by the following equation (3).

[0389] 1 / R ｓ＿２ = 1 / R ａｉｒ +1 / R Ｈ２＿２ +1 / R Ｈ２Ｓ＿２ … (3)

[0390] "R" in formula (3) ｓ＿２ " corresponds to the resistance value of the sensor resistor RS of the second gas sensor. For example, "R ｓ＿２ " is the resistance value of the sensor resistor RS calculated from the measurement value of the second gas sensor.

[0391] "R" in formula (3) ａｉｒ " corresponds to the resistance value derived from the baseline in the second gas sensor. For example, "R ａｉｒ " is the resistance value due to the air in the bowl portion 8 before the user's bowel movements are released.

[0392] In addition, "R Ｈ２＿２ " corresponds to the resistance value due to hydrogen gas in the second gas sensor. For example, "R Ｈ２＿２ " is the resistance value derived from hydrogen contained in the bowel gas released by the user.

[0393] In addition, "R Ｈ２Ｓ＿２ " corresponds to the resistance value due to the odorous gas in the second gas sensor. For example, "R Ｈ２Ｓ＿２" is the resistance value derived from odorous gases such as hydrogen sulfide contained in the fecal gas emitted by the user.

[0394] "R" in formula (3) ｓ＿２ " and "R" in formula (3) ａｉｒ " is a calculated value based on the measurement by the second gas sensor, and is detected (obtained) by the measurement by the second gas sensor. Ｈ２＿２ " and "R Ｈ２Ｓ＿２ " are undetermined. Therefore, in the toilet system 1A, the two variables "R Ｈ２Ｓ＿２ Therefore, the toilet system 1A calculates (estimates) the amount of odorous gas using information from gas sensors other than the second gas sensor, as will be described later.

[0395] In addition, in FIG. 41, the third gas sensor (methane gas sensor) detects methane (CH ４ etc.), but hydrogen (H ２ For example, the gas sensor 40c of the toilet system 1A is a third gas sensor (methane gas sensor). For example, the gas sensor 40c is a gas sensor that responds to methane and hydrogen, i.e., the resistance value of the sensor resistor RS in equation (1) changes with changes in the amount of methane and the amount of hydrogen.

[0396] In addition, in FIG. 41, the fourth gas sensor (carbon dioxide gas sensor) detects carbon dioxide (CO ２ ) is a sensor that responds only to CO ２ The sensor is a fourth gas sensor (carbon dioxide gas sensor). For example, CO ２ The sensor is an infrared gas sensor that responds only to carbon dioxide.

[0397] 2-8-3. Example of Calculation of the Amount of Odorous Gas As described above, the calculated value (reciprocal of the resistance value) of the second gas sensor (odorous gas sensor) is the sum of several types of components. For example, the calculated value (reciprocal of the resistance value) of the second gas sensor is the sum of the calculated value (reciprocal of the resistance value) of the baseline and the calculated value (reciprocal of the resistance value) derived from the reactive components (odorous gas + health-related gas). Therefore, the toilet system 1A derives the calculated value derived from each component by simultaneous equations with equations corresponding to multiple gas sensors. This point will be explained using FIG. 42. FIG. 42 is a diagram showing an example of the calculation process for the amount of odorous gas.

[0398] A function group FG11 in FIG. 42 shows the equations (2) to (6) used to calculate (estimate) the amount of odorous gas and their corresponding relationships.

[0399] Equations (2) and (4) show the breakdown of the calculated value for the first gas sensor (hydrogen gas sensor) and the relationship between the calculated value and the gas amount. Note that equation (2) in Figure 42 is the same as equation (2) described above, and a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0400] LogH2 amount = log(1 / R Ｈ２＿１ )*CE1+CS1... (4)

[0401] In equation (4), the "H2 amount" is the amount of hydrogen gas calculated (estimated) by measurement with the first gas sensor, and the "logH2 amount" corresponds to the logarithmic expression (logarithmic value) of the amount of hydrogen gas.

[0402] "R" in formula (4) Ｈ２＿１ " is the resistance value derived from hydrogen gas based on the measurement by the first gas sensor, and "log(1 / R Ｈ２＿１ ) corresponds to the logarithmic expression (logarithmic value) of the calculated value (the reciprocal of the resistance value) derived from hydrogen gas.

[0403] "CE1" in formula (4) is "log(1 / R Ｈ２＿１ ) and is set to an arbitrary value such as "-0.4...". Also, "CS1" in equation (4) is a coefficient related to "log(1 / R Ｈ２＿１) * CE1, and is set to an arbitrary value such as "1.1...". For example, the manager of the toilet system 1A derives the coefficient "CE1" and constant "CS1" included in equation (4) through actual measurements, and sets equation (4).

[0404] Equations (3), (5), and (6) show the breakdown of the calculated value for the second gas sensor (odor gas sensor) and the relationship between the calculated value and the amount of gas. Note that equation (3) in Figure 42 is the same as equation (3) described above, and a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0405] LogH2 amount = log(1 / R Ｈ２＿２ )*CE2+CS2... (5)

[0406] In equation (5), the "H2 amount" is the amount of hydrogen gas calculated (estimated) by measurement with the second gas sensor, and the "logH2 amount" corresponds to the logarithmic expression (logarithmic value) of the amount of hydrogen gas.

[0407] "R" in formula (5) Ｈ２＿２ " is the resistance value derived from hydrogen gas based on the measurement by the second gas sensor, and "log(1 / R Ｈ２＿２ ) corresponds to the logarithmic expression (logarithmic value) of the calculated value (the reciprocal of the resistance value) derived from hydrogen gas.

[0408] "CE2" in formula (5) is "log(1 / R Ｈ２＿２ ) and is set to an arbitrary value such as "-0.8...". Also, "CS2" in equation (5) is a coefficient related to "log(1 / R Ｈ２＿２ ) * CE2" and is set to an arbitrary value such as "2.0...". For example, the manager of the toilet system 1A derives the coefficient "CE2" and the constant "CS2" included in equation (5) through actual measurements, and sets equation (5).

[0409] logH2S amount = log(1 / R Ｈ２Ｓ＿２ )*CE3+CS3... (6)

[0410] In equation (6), the "H2S amount" is the amount of odorous gas calculated (estimated) by measurement with the second gas sensor, and the "logH2S amount" corresponds to the logarithmic expression (logarithmic value) of the amount of odorous gas.

[0411] "R" in formula (6) Ｈ２Ｓ＿２ " is the resistance value derived from the odorous gas based on the measurement by the second gas sensor, and "log(1 / R Ｈ２Ｓ＿２ ) corresponds to the logarithmic expression (logarithmic value) of the calculated value (the reciprocal of the resistance value) derived from the odorous gas.

[0412] "CE3" in formula (6) is "log(1 / R Ｈ２Ｓ＿２ ) and is set to an arbitrary value such as "-0.7...". Also, "CS3" in equation (6) is a coefficient related to "log(1 / R Ｈ２Ｓ＿２ ) * CE3" and is set to an arbitrary value such as "1.8...". For example, the manager of the toilet system 1A derives the coefficient "CE3" and constant "CS3" included in equation (6) through actual measurements, and sets equation (6).

[0413] Hereinafter, an example of the process in which the toilet system 1A calculates (estimates) the amount of odorous gas will be described using equations (2) to (6).

[0414] First, the toilet system 1A uses the formulas (2) and (4) to calculate a value related to the amount of hydrogen gas based on the measurement of the first gas sensor. For example, the toilet system 1A calculates the value obtained by the measurement of the gas sensor 40a ("R ｓ＿１ " and "R ａｉｒ "), equations (2) and (4) are used to determine the value of "logH2 amount" in equation (4).

[0415] Then, the toilet system 1A substitutes the value of the "logH2 amount" in the formula (4) into the formula (5) to obtain the "R Ｈ２＿２ " is calculated.

[0416] Then, the toilet system 1A calculates "R Ｈ２＿２ " is substituted into the formula (3), and "R Ｈ２Ｓ＿２ For example, the toilet system 1A calculates the value of "R Ｈ２＿２ " value, the value obtained by measurement with the gas sensor 40b ("R ｓ＿２ " and "R ａｉｒ " value) into formula (3), andＨ２Ｓ＿２ For example, the toilet system 1A calculates the value of "R Ｈ２Ｓ＿２ " is substituted into equation (6) to determine the value of "amount of H2S" in equation (6).

[0417] In this way, the toilet system 1A calculates (estimates) the amount of odorous gas by subtracting the influence of hydrogen gas from the output of the second gas sensor (odorous gas sensor). Note that the above-described process is merely an example, and the toilet system 1A may perform any process that can calculate (estimate) the amount of odorous gas.

[0418] <2-8-4. Issues in Calculating the Amount of Odorous Gas> Next, issues that arise when calculating the amount of odorous gas using measurements with the hydrogen gas sensor as described above will be described with reference to Fig. 43. Fig. 43 is a diagram showing an overview of calculation of the amount of odorous gas.

[0419] The measurement MS2 in FIG. 43 corresponds to the measurement of the second gas sensor (the odorous gas sensor). For example, the waveform in the measurement MS2 indicates the sensor output (e.g., a voltage value). In the odorous gas calculation process, the zeroth calculated value ZV1 is calculated as the zeroth calculated value corresponding to hydrogen gas and odorous gas obtained based on the detection results of the measurement MS2 of the second gas sensor (step S10). For example, the length of the zeroth calculated value ZV1 indicates the magnitude of the zeroth calculated value ZV1. The zeroth calculated value ZV1 in FIG. 43 includes a first mixed value HV1, which is a value corresponding to hydrogen gas, and a second mixed value OV1, which is a value corresponding to odorous gas.

[0420] For example, the first mixed value HV1 is calculated by the formula (3) Ｈ２＿２ ” in the formula (3). Ｈ２Ｓ＿２ 43 illustrates the breakdown of the first mixed value HV1 and the second mixed value OV1 in the zeroth calculated value ZV1 for the sake of explanation, but in reality, this is estimated based on the third calculated value described later.

[0421] The measurement MS1 in FIG. 43 corresponds to the measurement by the first gas sensor (hydrogen gas sensor). For example, the waveform in the measurement MS1 indicates the sensor output (for example, a voltage value). In the odorous gas calculation process, the first calculated value FV1 is calculated as a first calculated value corresponding to hydrogen gas obtained based on the detection result in the measurement MS1 by the first gas sensor (step S11). For example, the first calculated value FV1 is calculated as "R Ｈ２＿１ " corresponds to ". A calculated value relating to the amount of hydrogen gas calculated from the measurement value of the first gas sensor is referenced. Note that the numbers such as step S11 are used to distinguish and explain each process, and do not indicate the order. For example, step S11 may be executed before step S10.

[0422] In the odorous gas calculation process, the second calculation value SV1 is calculated as a second calculation value corresponding to hydrogen gas of the second gas sensor based on the first calculation value FV1 (step S12). For example, the second calculation value SV1 is calculated by subtracting "R" from "R" in equation (3). Ｈ２＿２ " is an estimated value corresponding to ". A second calculated value derived from hydrogen gas contained in the second gas sensor is calculated from the first calculated value FV1. For example, if the processing unit 132 determines that the user's fecal gas does not contain methane gas, it calculates a second calculated value SV1 corresponding to hydrogen gas in the second gas sensor based on the first calculated value FV1.

[0423] In the odorous gas calculation process, the third calculation value TV1 is calculated as a third calculation value corresponding to the odorous gas based on the zeroth calculation value ZV1 and the second calculation value SV1 (step S13). The third calculation value TV1 is calculated as the third calculation value corresponding to the odorous gas by subtracting the second calculation value SV1 from the zeroth calculation value ZV1. For example, the third calculation value TV1 is calculated as the third calculation value corresponding to the odorous gas by subtracting the "R Ｈ２Ｓ＿２ " is an estimated value corresponding to ". In the odorous gas calculation process, the amount of odorous gas is calculated (estimated) using the third calculation value TV1 calculated by the process described above, so measurement variations in the first gas sensor affect the final calculation (estimate) of the amount of odorous gas. Therefore, problems may arise in calculating the amount of odorous gas in the odorous gas calculation process.

[0424] Next, specific examples of problems in calculating the amount of odorous gas will be described using Figures 44 and 45. Figures 44 and 45 are diagrams showing an example of the effect on calculation due to measurement variations of gas sensors. Note that explanations of points similar to those explained in Figure 43 etc. will be omitted as appropriate.

[0425] First, problems that may arise even when a certain amount of odorous gas is present will be described with reference to FIG.

[0426] The zeroth calculated value ZV2 is a zeroth calculated value corresponding to hydrogen gas and odorous gas obtained based on the detection results of the measurement by the second gas sensor. The zeroth calculated value ZV2 in Figure 44 includes a first mixed value HV2, which is a value corresponding to hydrogen gas, and a second mixed value OV2, which is a value corresponding to odorous gas.

[0427] For example, the first mixed value HV2 is calculated by the formula (3) Ｈ２＿２ ” in the formula (3). Ｈ２Ｓ＿２ 44 illustrates the breakdown of the first mixed value HV2 and the second mixed value OV2 in the zeroth calculated value ZV2 for the sake of explanation, but in reality, this is estimated based on the third calculated value described later.

[0428] The second calculated value SV2 in FIG. 44 is calculated based on the first calculated value corresponding to hydrogen gas obtained based on the detection result of the measurement by the first gas sensor. The second calculated value SV2 is the second calculated value corresponding to hydrogen gas of the second gas sensor. For example, the second calculated value SV2 is calculated based on the "R Ｈ２＿２ " is the estimated value corresponding to

[0429] Here, if there is measurement variation in the first gas sensor, that measurement variation will also be reflected in the second calculated value SV2. Figure 44 shows an example in which the measurement error in the second calculated value SV2 caused by measurement variation in the first gas sensor is ±20%. The measurement error ME2 in Figure 44 visualizes the measurement error of ±20% in the second calculated value SV2, and the value of the second calculated value SV2 can fluctuate between the upper and lower limits of the measurement error ME2.

[0430] When the measurement error of the first gas sensor is at its negative maximum (for example, a measurement error of -20%), the second calculated value SV2 corresponds to the length to the upper end of the measurement error ME2. In this case, the second calculated value SV2 is the smallest value, and the amount of hydrogen gas is estimated to be low.

[0431] When the measurement error of the first gas sensor is at its maximum in the positive direction (for example, a measurement error of +20%), the second calculated value SV2 corresponds to the length to the lower end of the measurement error ME2. In this case, the second calculated value SV2 is the largest, and the amount of hydrogen gas is estimated to be large.

[0432] The third calculated value TV2 is calculated as a third calculated value corresponding to the odorous gas based on the zeroth calculated value ZV2 and the second calculated value SV2 (step S21). For example, the third calculated value TV2 is calculated by subtracting "R" from "R" in equation (3). Ｈ２Ｓ＿２ " is the estimated value corresponding to

[0433] Here, a measurement error of ±20% in the second calculated value SV2 affects the third calculated value TV2. The error range ER2 in Fig. 44 visualizes an error that may occur in the third calculated value TV2 due to a measurement error in the second calculated value SV2. When the measurement error in the second calculated value SV2 is ±20%, the value of the third calculated value TV2 may fluctuate between the upper and lower ends of the error range ER2.

[0434] When the measurement error in the second calculation value SV2 is −20%, the third calculation value TV2 is a value corresponding to the length to the upper end of the error range ER2. In this case, the third calculation value TV2 is the largest value, and the amount of odorous gas is estimated to be large.

[0435] When the measurement error in the second calculation value SV2 is +20%, the third calculation value TV2 is a value corresponding to the length to the lower end of the error range ER2. In this case, the third calculation value TV2 is the smallest value, and the amount of odorous gas is estimated to be low.

[0436] Next, problems that may arise when the amount of hydrogen gas is large and the amount of odorous gas is small will be described with reference to FIG.

[0437] The zeroth calculated value ZV3 is a zeroth calculated value corresponding to hydrogen gas and odorous gas obtained based on the detection results of the measurement by the second gas sensor. The zeroth calculated value ZV3 in Figure 45 includes a first mixed value HV3, which is a value corresponding to hydrogen gas, and a second mixed value OV3, which is a value corresponding to odorous gas.

[0438] For example, the first mixed value HV3 is calculated by the formula (3) Ｈ２＿２ ” in the formula (3). Ｈ２Ｓ＿２ 45 illustrates the breakdown of the first mixed value HV3 and the second mixed value OV3 in the zeroth calculated value ZV3 for the sake of explanation, but in reality, this is estimated based on the third calculated value described later.

[0439] The second calculated value SV3 in FIG. 45 is calculated based on the first calculated value corresponding to hydrogen gas obtained based on the detection result of the measurement by the first gas sensor. The second calculated value SV3 is the second calculated value corresponding to hydrogen gas of the second gas sensor. For example, the second calculated value SV3 is calculated based on the "R Ｈ２＿２ " is the estimated value corresponding to

[0440] Here, if there is measurement variation in the first gas sensor, that measurement variation will also be reflected in the second calculated value SV3. Figure 45 shows an example in which the measurement error in the second calculated value SV3 caused by measurement variation in the first gas sensor is ±20%. The measurement error ME3 in Figure 45 visualizes the measurement error of ±20% in the second calculated value SV3, and the second calculated value SV3 may fluctuate between the upper and lower limits of the measurement error ME3.

[0441] When the measurement error of the first gas sensor is at its negative maximum (for example, a measurement error of -20%), the second calculated value SV3 corresponds to the length to the upper end of the measurement error ME3. In this case, the second calculated value SV3 is the smallest value, and the amount of hydrogen gas is estimated to be low.

[0442] When the measurement error of the first gas sensor is at its maximum in the positive direction (e.g., a measurement error of +20%), the second calculated value SV3 corresponds to the length to the lower end of the measurement error ME3. In this case, the second calculated value SV3 is the largest, and the amount of hydrogen gas is estimated to be higher. In the example of Figure 45, because the amount of hydrogen gas is high and the amount of odorous gas is low, when the measurement error of the first gas sensor is in the positive direction, the second calculated value SV3 may be larger than the zeroth calculated value ZV3.

[0443] The third calculated value TV3 is calculated as a third calculated value corresponding to the odorous gas based on the zeroth calculated value ZV3 and the second calculated value SV3 (step S22). For example, the third calculated value TV3 is calculated by subtracting "R Ｈ２Ｓ＿２ " is the estimated value corresponding to

[0444] Here, a measurement error of ±20% in the second calculated value SV3 affects the third calculated value TV3. The error range ER3 in Fig. 45 visualizes an error that may occur in the third calculated value TV3 due to a measurement error in the second calculated value SV3. When the measurement error in the second calculated value SV3 is ±20%, the third calculated value TV3 may fluctuate between the upper and lower ends of the error range ER3.

[0445] When the measurement error in the second calculation value SV3 is −20%, the third calculation value TV3 is a value corresponding to the length to the upper end of the error range ER3. In this case, the third calculation value TV3 is the largest value, and the amount of odorous gas is estimated to be large.

[0446] When the measurement error in the second calculated value SV3 is +20%, the third calculated value TV3 corresponds to the length to the lower end of the error range ER3. In this case, the third calculated value TV3 may become larger than the zeroth calculated value ZV3, and the amount of odorous gas may become 0 or less.

[0447] Thus, if the first gas sensor has measurement variability, the measurement variability of the first gas sensor affects the estimated value of the amount of odorous gas. For example, in the case of the above-described FIG. 45 , the measurement variability of the hydrogen gas amount of the first gas sensor may have a significant effect, and in some cases, the calculated value derived from the odorous gas may be 0 or less, making it impossible to properly calculate the score. In such cases, it is difficult to properly execute processing based on gas measurement. Therefore, the toilet system 1A solves the above-described problem by performing one of the following first, second, and third processes, thereby enabling proper execution of processing based on gas measurement.

[0448] 2-9. First Process (Multiple Measurements) The toilet system 1A executes a first process using a plurality of pieces of information to suppress the influence of measurement variations in the first gas sensor. Specifically, the toilet system 1A calculates a second calculated value corresponding to hydrogen gas detected by the second gas sensor based on a plurality of calculated values, including a first calculated value corresponding to hydrogen gas obtained based on the detection result of the first gas sensor.

[0449] As a result, the toilet system 1A can suppress the influence of measurement variability by performing measurements multiple times. An example of the configuration of the toilet system 1A and an example of measurements when performing measurements multiple times in this way will be described below.

[0450] <2-9-1. First Measurement Example> First, the first measurement example will be described using FIG. 46. FIG. 46 is a diagram showing a first measurement example using a gas sensor. Specifically, FIG. 46 is a diagram showing an overview of the first measurement example, which is processing using a plurality of data. In FIG. 46, only a portion of the configuration of the toilet system 1A is illustrated to provide an image of the processing. In FIG. 46, the gas detection device 20 has a gas sensor 40a which is a hydrogen gas sensor and a gas sensor 40b which is an odorous gas sensor. Note that explanations of points similar to those described above will be omitted as appropriate.

[0451] Measurement MS11 in Figure 46 corresponds to a measurement by gas sensor 40a. For example, line LN11 in measurement MS11 indicates the sensor output, which is the measurement value (voltage value) of gas sensor 40a. The hatched portion in measurement MS11 corresponds to one measurement process and indicates the change in sensor output caused by defecation gas expelled simultaneously with one bowel movement, one fart, etc. For example, toilet system 1A uses the maximum value (peak value) of one measurement process as the measurement value (voltage value) to calculate the calculated value.

[0452] In the first measurement example, the toilet system 1A obtains and averages multiple data sets of defecation gas from a single defecation or fart using the gas sensor 40a. For example, the toilet system 1A performs multiple measurements using the gas sensor 40a, obtains multiple measured values, and averages the multiple calculated values. For example, the toilet system 1A averages the calculated values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple measurements using the gas sensor 40a, and calculates the average value as "R" in equation (2). Ｈ２＿１ " (also called "determined value") to calculate the second calculated value.

[0453] In this way, the toilet system 1A calculates a second calculated value, which is a statistical value of multiple calculated values ​​obtained by measuring the gas multiple times using the gas sensor 40a. In this case, the second calculated value is a statistical value of multiple calculated values ​​obtained by measuring the gas multiple times using the gas sensor 40a. As a result, the toilet system 1A can average multiple data to reduce measurement variability and calculate (estimate) an amount of hydrogen gas that is closer to the true value. Note that in the above example, an average value is used as the determined value for calculating the second calculated value. However, the determined value used for calculating the second calculated value is not limited to the average value, and may be any value, such as a median, as long as it is determined based on multiple data.

[0454] <2-9-2. Second Measurement Example> Next, a second measurement example will be described using Figure 47. Figure 47 is a diagram showing a second measurement example using a gas sensor. Specifically, Figure 47 is a diagram showing an overview of the second measurement example performed by the toilet system 1A having a specific configuration for acquiring multiple data. Note that explanations of points similar to those described above will be omitted as appropriate.

[0455] In Figure 47, the toilet system 1A has a sealing means 500, which is a mechanism for retaining gas. The sealing means 500 has an internally sealed space and is capable of retaining gas in the sealed space. In Figure 47, the sealing means 500 is disposed between the gas detection device 20 and the suction device 10. That is, the sealing means 500 is disposed in the flow path between the gas detection device 20 and the suction device 10. The sealing means 500 retains the gas sucked in by the suction device 10 in the sealed space. For example, the sealing means 500 has a storage unit that stores the gas sucked in by the suction device 10. The storage unit has an internally sealed space and is capable of storing the gas in the sealed space.

[0456] In the second measurement example, the toilet system 1A stores the fecal gas in the sealing means 500 for multiple measurements. In this case, the toilet system 1A measures the retained gas multiple times using a gas retention mechanism such as the sealing means 500. For example, if the toilet system 1A detects an output greater than a predetermined value from the gas sensor, it closes the shut-off valve (not shown). Then, the toilet system 1A stops the suction device 10 and retains the gas in the storage unit. Then, the toilet system 1A brings the retained gas into contact with the gas sensor 40a.

[0457] Measurement MS12 in Figure 47 corresponds to a measurement by gas sensor 40a. For example, line LN12 in measurement MS12 indicates the sensor output, which is the measurement value (voltage value) of gas sensor 40a. The hatched portion in measurement MS12 corresponds to one measurement process and indicates the change in sensor output caused by defecation gas expelled simultaneously with one bowel movement, one fart, etc. For example, toilet system 1A uses the maximum value (peak value) of one measurement process as the measurement value (voltage value) to calculate the calculated value.

[0458] In the second measurement example, the toilet system 1A retains the fecal gas within the flow path (such as the sealing means 500), and then obtains and averages multiple calculated values ​​by performing multiple measurements using the gas sensor 40a, which is a hydrogen gas sensor.

[0459] In this way, the toilet system 1A calculates a second calculated value that is a statistical value of multiple calculated values ​​obtained by measuring the gas in the sealed space multiple times using the gas sensor 40a. The second calculated value is a statistical value of multiple calculated values ​​obtained by measuring the gas in the sealed space multiple times using the gas sensor 40a. Specifically, the toilet system 1A calculates a second calculated value that is a statistical value of multiple calculated values ​​obtained by measuring the gas in the storage unit multiple times. The second calculated value is a statistical value of multiple calculated values ​​obtained by measuring the gas in the storage unit multiple times.

[0460] As a result, the toilet system 1A can measure the fecal gas multiple times with the hydrogen gas sensor by retaining the fecal gas in the flow path, and by averaging multiple signals, the effects of measurement variations in the sensor can be reduced. The processing after calculating the second calculated value is the same as in the first measurement example, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0461] <2-9-3. Third Measurement Example> Next, a third measurement example will be described using Fig. 48. Fig. 48 is a diagram showing a third measurement example using a gas sensor. Specifically, Fig. 48 is a diagram showing an outline of the third measurement example performed by toilet system 1A in which gas detection device 20 is arranged inside sealing means 500. Note that explanations of points similar to those described above will be omitted as appropriate.

[0462] In Fig. 48, toilet system 1A has sealing means 500. In Fig. 48, sealing means 500 houses gas detection device 20. In toilet system 1A in the third measurement example, gas detection device 20 is disposed inside sealing means 500. Sealing means 500 has a flow path that can be switched to a closed flow path by opening and closing means (for example, a switching valve, etc.), and this point will be described later.

[0463] In the third measurement example, the toilet system 1A measures the gas trapped within the sealing means 500 multiple times using the gas detection device 20 within the sealing means 500. In this case, the toilet system 1A acquires data multiple times from a state in which the gas fills the sensor surface and the sensor output is stable.

[0464] Measurement MS13 in Figure 48 corresponds to a measurement by gas sensor 40a. For example, line LN13 in measurement MS13 indicates the sensor output, which is the measurement value (voltage value) of gas sensor 40a. The hatched portion in measurement MS13 corresponds to a portion of the section where the sensor output (power value) peaks (maximum) due to gas trapped within sealing means 500. For example, toilet system 1A performs measurement processes multiple times (three times, indicated by dotted circles in Figure 48) in the section where the sensor output (power value) peaks (maximum), and calculates a calculated value corresponding to each measurement process.

[0465] In the third measurement example, the toilet system 1A stores the fecal gas in the sealing means 500 for multiple measurements. The toilet system 1A stores the fecal gas within the sealing means 500 that houses the gas detection device 20, and obtains and averages multiple calculated values ​​through multiple measurements using the gas sensor 40a, which is a hydrogen gas sensor.

[0466] In this way, the toilet system 1A calculates a second calculated value, which is a statistic of multiple calculated values ​​obtained by measuring the gas in the sealing means 500 multiple times with the gas sensor 40a. The second calculated value is a statistic of multiple calculated values ​​obtained by measuring the gas in the sealing means 500 multiple times with the gas sensor 40a.

[0467] As a result, the toilet system 1A can continuously bring the fecal gas into contact with the hydrogen gas sensor, thereby obtaining a signal with a stable sensor output, and by averaging the signal, the effects of measurement variations in the gas sensor can be further reduced. The processing after calculating the second calculated value is the same as in the first measurement example, and therefore a detailed description will be omitted.

[0468] <2-9-4. Fourth Measurement Example> Next, a fourth measurement example will be described using Fig. 49. Fig. 49 is a diagram showing a fourth measurement example using a gas sensor. Fig. 49 is a diagram showing an outline of a fourth measurement example performed by toilet system 1A having a configuration similar to that of the second measurement example shown in Fig. 47. Specifically, Fig. 49 is a diagram showing a fourth measurement example in which gas trapped in the flow path between gas detection device 20 and suction device 10 by sealing means 500 is measured. Note that explanations of points similar to those described above will be omitted as appropriate.

[0469] The configuration of the toilet system 1A in the fourth measurement example is similar to the configuration of the toilet system 1A in the second measurement example, and therefore will not be illustrated or described in detail.

[0470] Measurement MS14 in Figure 49 corresponds to a measurement by gas sensor 40a. For example, line LN14 in MS14 indicates the sensor output, which is the measurement value (voltage value) of gas sensor 40a. For example, toilet system 1A performs a measurement process (three times in Figure 49) at each point when the sensor output (power value) indicated by the dotted circle in Figure 49 reaches its peak (maximum), and calculates a calculated value corresponding to each measurement process. For example, toilet system 1A repeatedly exposes the sensor to gas and obtains multiple pieces of data corresponding to the peak values ​​of the sensor output.

[0471] In the fourth measurement example, the toilet system 1A stores the defecation gas in the flow path between the gas detection device 20 and the suction device 10 using the sealing means 500 so that multiple measurements can be taken. The toilet system 1A stores the defecation gas in the flow path between the gas detection device 20 and the suction device 10, and obtains and averages multiple calculated values ​​through multiple measurements with the gas sensor 40a, which is a hydrogen gas sensor. That is, the toilet system 1A stores the defecation gas in a location other than the gas detection device 20, and then repeatedly brings the gas into contact with the gas sensor 40a, which is a hydrogen gas sensor, and obtains and averages multiple calculated values ​​through multiple measurements with the gas sensor 40a.

[0472] In this way, the toilet system 1A calculates a second calculated value that is a statistic of multiple calculated values ​​obtained by measuring the gas in the flow path multiple times. The second calculated value is a statistic of multiple calculated values ​​obtained by measuring the gas in the flow path multiple times.

[0473] As a result, the toilet system 1A can reduce the influence of measurement errors by repeatedly measuring the retained fecal gas with the hydrogen gas sensor to obtain multiple first calculation values ​​and averaging them. The processing after calculating the second calculation value is the same as in the first measurement example, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0474] <2-9-5. Fifth Measurement Example> Next, a fifth measurement example will be described using Fig. 50. Fig. 50 is a diagram showing a fifth measurement example using a gas sensor. Specifically, Fig. 50 is a diagram showing an outline of the fifth measurement example performed by toilet system 1A in which gas detection device 20 (hereinafter referred to as "gas detection device 20A") having gas sensor 40c, which is a third gas sensor, is disposed. Note that explanations of points similar to those described above will be omitted as appropriate.

[0475] 50, the toilet system 1A includes a gas detection device 20A including a gas sensor 40c. For example, the gas sensor 40c, which is a third gas sensor, is a gas sensor that is more sensitive to hydrogen gas and less sensitive to odorous gases than the gas sensor 40b. In the fifth measurement example, the gas sensor 40c may be a hydrogen gas sensor.

[0476] In the fifth measurement example, the toilet system 1A acquires values ​​(e.g., calculated values) indicating the amount and concentration of hydrogen gas from the gas sensor 40a, which is a hydrogen gas sensor, and the gas sensor 40c, which is a third gas sensor, and averages them.

[0477] The toilet system 1A calculates a calculated value (also referred to as a "fourth calculated value") corresponding to hydrogen gas based on the detection result of the gas sensor 40c. For example, the toilet system 1A uses equation (1) to calculate the fourth calculated value corresponding to hydrogen gas from the measurement value (voltage value) of the gas sensor 40c. The toilet system 1A applies the fourth calculated value to a regression equation to calculate (estimate) the amount of hydrogen gas based on the measurement of the gas sensor 40c.

[0478] 50 corresponds to measurements made by gas sensor 40a and gas sensor 40c. For example, line LN151 in measurement MS15 indicates the sensor output, which is the measurement value (voltage value) of gas sensor 40a. For example, line LN152 in measurement MS15 indicates the sensor output, which is the measurement value (voltage value) of gas sensor 40c.

[0479] For example, the toilet system 1A performs a measurement process when the sensor output (power value) of the gas sensor 40a, indicated by the dotted circle on the line LN151 in Fig. 50, reaches a peak (maximum), and calculates a first calculated value corresponding to the measurement process. Furthermore, for example, the toilet system 1A performs a measurement process when the sensor output (power value) of the gas sensor 40c, indicated by the dotted circle on the line LN152 in Fig. 50, reaches a peak (maximum), and calculates a fourth calculated value corresponding to the measurement process. For example, the toilet system 1A acquires data corresponding to the peak values ​​of the hydrogen gas sensor and the third gas sensor.

[0480] In the fifth measurement example, the toilet system 1A calculates a second calculated value using a first calculated value based on the measurement of gas sensor 40a and a fourth calculated value based on the measurement of gas sensor 40c.

[0481] In this way, the toilet system 1A calculates the second calculated value, which is a statistical value obtained using the multiple calculated values ​​obtained by measurements using the multiple gas sensors 40, i.e., the gas sensor 40a and the gas sensor 40c. The second calculated value is obtained from the statistical value of the multiple calculated values ​​obtained by measurements using the multiple gas sensors 40.

[0482] As a result, the toilet system 1A calculates values ​​(e.g., calculated values) indicating the amount of hydrogen gas from multiple gas sensors and averages them, thereby reducing individual variation and enabling a more accurate calculation of the amount of hydrogen gas. The processing after calculating the second calculated value is the same as in the first measurement example, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0483] <2-9-6. Sixth Measurement Example> Next, a sixth measurement example will be described. The toilet system 1A of the sixth measurement example differs from the toilet system 1A of the fifth measurement example in that the gas detection device 20A has a third gas sensor, gas sensor 40c, which is a type of gas sensor different from the hydrogen gas sensor. Note that explanations of points similar to those described above will be omitted as appropriate.

[0484] In the sixth measurement example, the toilet system 1A includes a gas detection device 20A including a gas sensor 40c that is a methane gas sensor, different from the gas sensor 40a that is a hydrogen gas sensor. For example, the methane gas sensor 40c is a gas sensor that reacts easily with hydrogen and methane but does not react easily with odorous gases. For example, the methane gas sensor 40c is installed in the gas detection device 20A to measure methane gas in feces gas.

[0485] Here, the proportion of people who have methane-producing bacteria is low, and the proportion of people whose fecal gas contains methane gas is low. For example, in the case of people who do not produce methane gas, it is possible to calculate the amount of hydrogen gas using a methane gas sensor.

[0486] Therefore, in the sixth measurement example, when the person to be measured is a person who emits methane gas, the toilet system 1A uses the gas sensor 40c as a methane gas measurement sensor. When the toilet system 1A determines that the user's fecal gas contains methane gas, it uses the gas sensor 40c as a sensor for detecting methane gas.

[0487] On the other hand, when the person to be measured does not emit methane gas, the toilet system 1A uses the gas sensor 40c as a hydrogen gas measurement sensor.When the toilet system 1A determines that the user's fecal gas does not contain methane gas, the toilet system 1A uses the gas sensor 40c as a sensor for detecting hydrogen gas.

[0488] As described above, even if a gas sensor is intended to measure other components, if the gas sensor is not being used for the intended purpose, the toilet system 1A can further improve the measurement accuracy of the hydrogen gas sensor by repurposing it as a sensor to measure hydrogen gas.

[0489] For example, when calculating the fourth calculated value of the gas sensor 40c, which is a methane gas sensor, the toilet system 1A may calculate the fourth calculated value by using an equation for a methane gas sensor instead of the above-described equations (3), (5), and (6) for odorous gases. In this case, the calculation of the fourth calculated value is the same as the calculation of the second calculated value for odorous gases, except for the different equations used, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0490] <2-9-6. Seventh Measurement Example> Next, the seventh measurement example will be described using Figure 51. Figure 51 is a diagram showing a seventh measurement example using a gas sensor. Figure 51 is a diagram showing an overview of the seventh measurement example performed by a toilet system 1A having a configuration similar to any of the first to sixth measurement examples described above. For example, the seventh measurement example is performed by a toilet system 1A having the configuration of the second measurement example shown in Figure 47. Note that explanations of points similar to those described above will be omitted as appropriate.

[0491] Measurement MS16 in Figure 51 corresponds to measurements made by gas sensor 40a and gas sensor 40b. For example, line LN161 in measurement MS16 indicates the sensor output, which is the measurement value (voltage value) of gas sensor 40a. For example, line LN162 in measurement MS16 indicates the sensor output, which is the measurement value (voltage value) of gas sensor 40b. The reactivity of each gas sensor 40 is determined by any means. For example, the reactivity of each gas sensor 40 is set such that the peak value is 100% and the value before defecation is 0%.

[0492] For example, a measurement value TM11 on the line LN161 in Fig. 51 indicates a measurement value when the reactivity of the gas sensor 40a is at a first degree (e.g., 30% of the peak value). A measurement value TM12 on the line LN161 in Fig. 51 indicates a measurement value when the reactivity of the gas sensor 40a is at a second degree (e.g., 50% of the peak value). A measurement value TM13 on the line LN161 in Fig. 51 indicates a measurement value when the reactivity of the gas sensor 40a is at a third degree (e.g., the peak value).

[0493] For example, a measurement value TM21 on the line LN162 in Fig. 51 indicates a measurement value when the reactivity of the gas sensor 40b is at a first degree (e.g., 30% of the peak value). A measurement value TM22 on the line LN162 in Fig. 51 indicates a measurement value when the reactivity of the gas sensor 40b is at a second degree (e.g., 50% of the peak value). A measurement value TM23 on the line LN162 in Fig. 51 indicates a measurement value when the reactivity of the gas sensor 40b is at a third degree (e.g., the peak value).

[0494] 51, the toilet system 1A uses sets of gas sensor values ​​at the same timing of reactivity to defecation gas for multiple gas sensors 40. For example, the toilet system 1A uses a measurement value TM11 of gas sensor 40a and a measurement value TM21 of gas sensor 40b, which have the same first degree of reactivity, as one set.

[0495] In this case, the toilet system 1A calculates a first calculation value (referred to as the "first calculation value FV71") and a third calculation value (referred to as the "third calculation value TV71") based on the measurement values ​​TM11 and TM21. Then, the toilet system 1A calculates the amount of hydrogen gas (referred to as the "hydrogen gas amount VL11") and the amount of odorous gas (referred to as the "odorous gas amount VL21") based on the calculated first calculation value FV71 and third calculation value TV71. Then, the toilet system 1A calculates a primary score (referred to as the "primary score TS1") by determining the ratio between the calculated hydrogen gas amount VL11 and the odorous gas amount VL21.

[0496] Furthermore, the toilet system 1A uses the measurement value TM12 of the gas sensor 40a and the measurement value TM22 of the gas sensor 40b, which have the same second reactivity, as a set. In this case, the toilet system 1A calculates a first calculation value FV72 and a third calculation value TV72 based on the measurement values ​​TM12 and TM22, and calculates the amount of hydrogen gas (referred to as the "hydrogen gas amount VL12") and the amount of odorous gas (referred to as the "odorous gas amount VL22") based on the calculated first calculation value FV72 and third calculation value TV72. The toilet system 1A then calculates a primary score (referred to as the "primary score TS2") by calculating the ratio between the calculated hydrogen gas amount VL12 and the calculated odorous gas amount VL22.

[0497] Furthermore, the toilet system 1A uses the measurement value TM13 of gas sensor 40a and the measurement value TM23 of gas sensor 40b, which have the same reactivity (peak value) of the third degree, as a set. In this case, the toilet system 1A calculates a first calculation value FV73 and a third calculation value TV73 based on the measurement values ​​TM13 and TM23, and calculates the amount of hydrogen gas (referred to as the "hydrogen gas amount VL13") and the amount of odorous gas (referred to as the "odorous gas amount VL23") based on the calculated first calculation value FV72 and third calculation value TV72. The toilet system 1A then calculates a primary score (referred to as the "primary score TS3") by calculating the ratio of the calculated hydrogen gas amount VL13 to the calculated odorous gas amount VL23.

[0498] As a result, the toilet system 1A obtains multiple ratios of values ​​based on measurements from the hydrogen gas sensor and the odorous gas sensor. The toilet system 1A then calculates a score by averaging the obtained multiple ratios (e.g., primary scores). In Figure 51, the toilet system 1A calculates the score as the average value of the primary scores TS1, TS2, and TS3.

[0499] As described above, in the seventh measurement example, the toilet system 1A acquires multiple values ​​based on measurements by the hydrogen gas sensor and the odorous gas sensor at the same time, calculates a ratio, and averages the ratios. The toilet system 1A estimates the user's health condition or information related to the health condition using a first calculated value corresponding to hydrogen gas obtained based on the detection result of the first gas sensor and a score calcula...

Claims

1. A toilet system comprising: a first detection sensor provided in a toilet device for detecting odorless gas; a second detection sensor provided in the toilet device for detecting foul-smelling gas; and estimation means for estimating at least one of the intestinal bacteria, intestinal bacterial metabolites, and pH of a user using the toilet device based on the detection results of the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor.

2. The toilet system described in claim 1, characterized in that the estimation means estimates at least one of the intestinal bacteria, intestinal bacterial metabolites, and pH of the user using the toilet device based on the component ratio of the excretory gas obtained from the detection results of the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor.

3. The toilet system described in claim 1 further comprises a third detection sensor that detects stool characteristics, and estimates at least one of the intestinal bacteria, intestinal bacterial metabolites, and pH of the user using the toilet device based on the detection results of the first detection sensor, the second detection sensor, and the third detection sensor.

4. The toilet system described in claim 3, characterized in that it comprises: a first detection unit that detects feces; a second detection unit that has at least one of the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor; and a control device that executes an estimation process that estimates at least one of the provided information or score related to the user's health based on the detection results of the first detection unit and the detection results of the second detection unit, and executes control to output the results of the estimation process to the outside.

5. A toilet system as described in claim 1, comprising: a gas detection device including the first detection sensor, which is a first gas sensor that reacts to hydrogen gas contained in a gas, and the second detection sensor, which is a second gas sensor that reacts to an odorous gas containing a sulfur component and hydrogen gas; and a control device that controls the gas detection device, wherein the control device calculates a second calculation value corresponding to hydrogen gas of the second gas sensor based on a plurality of calculation values ​​corresponding to hydrogen gas contained in the gas, and calculates a third calculation value corresponding to the odorous gas based on the detection result of the second gas sensor and the second calculation value, and the toilet system estimates the health condition of the user or information related to the health condition based on the third calculation value, and the plurality of calculation values ​​include a first calculation value corresponding to hydrogen gas obtained based on the detection result of the first gas sensor.

6. A toilet system as described in claim 1, comprising: a gas detection device including a first detection sensor which is a first gas sensor that reacts to hydrogen gas contained in gas, and a second detection sensor which is a second gas sensor that reacts to an odorous gas containing a sulfur component and hydrogen gas; and a control device that controls the gas detection device, wherein the control device calculates a first calculated value corresponding to hydrogen gas based on the detection result of the first gas sensor, calculates a second calculated value corresponding to hydrogen gas of the second gas sensor based on the first calculated value, and calculates a third calculated value corresponding to an odorous gas based on the detection result of the second gas sensor and the second calculated value, and the toilet system estimates the health condition of the user or information related to the health condition based on the third calculated value, and the control device makes corrections to at least one of the zeroth calculated value corresponding to the odorous gas and hydrogen gas calculated based on the detection result of the second gas sensor, the second calculated value, and the third calculated value.

7. A toilet system according to claim 1, comprising: a gas detection device including a first detection sensor which is a first gas sensor that reacts to hydrogen gas contained in gas, and a second detection sensor which is a second gas sensor that reacts to an odorous gas containing a sulfur component and hydrogen gas; a control device that controls the gas detection device; and output means that outputs information related to the processing results by the control device, wherein the control device calculates a first calculated value corresponding to hydrogen gas based on the detection result of the first gas sensor, calculates a second calculated value corresponding to hydrogen gas of the second gas sensor based on the first calculated value, and calculates a third calculated value corresponding to an odorous gas based on the detection result of the second gas sensor and the second calculated value, and the toilet system estimates the health condition of the user or information related to the health condition based on the third calculated value, and the control device controls to change the first information, which is the health condition of the user or information related to the health condition, output by the output means, regardless of the third calculated value, when at least one of the first calculated value, the second calculated value, and the third calculated value satisfies a predetermined condition.

8. A toilet system as described in claim 1, comprising: a gas detection device equipped with at least one of the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor, which are gas sensors that react to gas contained in air; and a control device that controls the gas detection device, wherein the gas sensor is equipped with a sensor element and a resistance element for measurement, the control device controls the gas detection device so that the measurement value measured by the gas sensor is within a predetermined range when the user is not using the toilet, and performs reference value control that controls the measurement value used as a reference value to a predetermined value, and the gas detection device performs processing related to fecal gas measurement using the reference value controlled by the reference value control.

9. The toilet system described in claim 1, comprising: a suction device that sucks gas within the bowl of the toilet; a gas flow path through which the gas sucked by the suction device passes; a gas detection device having at least one of the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor which are gas sensors that react to gas contained in the gas passing through the gas flow path; a control device that controls the suction device and the gas detection device; and a pressure loss generating unit that makes the pressure loss generated when the gas passes higher downstream of the location of the gas sensor in the direction of travel of the gas passing through the gas flow path.

10. A toilet system as described in claim 1, comprising: a gas flow path that sucks in and passes through gas within the bowl of a toilet; and a sensor sensitive part that reacts to gas contained in the gas passing through said gas flow path, wherein said gas flow path includes a main flow path and a sub-flow path that is provided within said main flow path and through which gas flowing in from said main flow path passes at a slower flow rate than said main flow path, and wherein said sensor sensitive part is disposed within said sub-flow path.

11. A toilet system as described in claim 1, comprising: a suction device that sucks gas within the bowl of a toilet; a gas flow path through which the gas sucked by the suction device passes; a gas detection device having at least one of the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor which are gas sensors that react to gas contained in the gas passing through the gas flow path; a deodorizing member that is provided in the gas flow path and deodorizes and removes odorous components of the gas; and a control device that controls the suction device and the gas detection device, wherein the gas flow path includes an inlet section that allows gas to flow into the gas flow path, and an outlet section that is provided downstream of the inlet section and discharges the gas within the gas flow path outside the gas flow path, the gas sensor is located between the inlet section and the outlet section, the inlet section is located at a position where it can collect defecation gas within the bowl, and the outlet section is located so as to discharge the gas within the gas flow path outside the toilet from a position behind a seating position of a user of the toilet.

12. A toilet system as described in claim 1, comprising: a suction device that sucks in fecal gas discharged into the bowl of a toilet; a gas flow path through which the gas sucked in by the suction device passes; a gas detection device having at least one of the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor which are gas sensors that react to a predetermined gas component contained in the gas passing through the gas flow path; and a control device that controls the suction flow rate of the suction device, wherein when the suction flow rate of the suction device is x (L / min), the relationship 10≦x≦200 is satisfied.

13. The toilet system according to claim 12, wherein the control device controls the suction flow rate to be equal to or greater than 50 L / min and equal to or less than 170 L / min.

14. The toilet system according to claim 1, comprising: a suction device that sucks in fecal gas discharged into the bowl of a toilet; a gas flow path through which the gas sucked in by the suction device passes; a gas detection device having at least one of the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor that are gas sensors that react to a predetermined gas component contained in the gas passing through the gas flow path; and a control device that controls the suction flow rate of the suction device, wherein the setting condition for driving the gas detection device is y, the suction flow rate of the suction device is x1 (L / min), and the number of signal processing times when converting the electrical signal detected by the gas detection device into a digital signal is x2 (Hz), and when the variables α, β, and b in the following formula 1 are set to 0.025≦α≦0.045, -11≦β≦-7, and 1.5≦b≦3.0, the following relationship is satisfied: 0≦y≦500. [Formula 1] y = e(α*x1+β*x2+b) 15. A toilet system as described in claim 1, comprising: a suction device that sucks gas from within the bowl of the toilet; a gas flow path through which the gas sucked by the suction device passes; a gas detection device that includes at least one of the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor, which are gas sensors that react to a predetermined gas component contained in the gas passing through the gas flow path; a state detection means that detects changes in the state of the toilet room in which the toilet is installed; and a waiting time setting means that sets the waiting time from the end of measurement by the previous user until measurement by the next user becomes possible, based on the toilet state history detected by the gas detection device or the state detection means.

16. The toilet system described in claim 1, comprising: a suction device that sucks gas from within the bowl of the toilet; a gas flow path through which the gas sucked by the suction device passes; a gas detection device that includes at least one of the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor, which are gas sensors that react to a predetermined gas component contained in the gas passing through the gas flow path; a state detection means that detects changes in the state of the toilet room in which the toilet is installed; and a data acquisition range setting means that sets the acquisition range of data to be analyzed by a data analysis means from the measurement data of the gas components based on the toilet state history detected by the gas detection device or the state detection means.

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