Estimation system

Abstract

Provided is an estimation system capable of accurately estimating the state of a generation source of a target gas on the basis of components detected from the target gas. This estimation system comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires detection information corresponding to the concentration of a prescribed component contained in a gas originating from a subject; and an estimation unit that (1) estimates subject information pertaining to the health condition of the subject at a detection time point by using a first estimation model in which detection information pertaining to a single detection is included as an explanatory variable, or (2) estimates a change in the subject information from a first time point prior to the detection time point to the detection time point by using a second estimation model in which detection information at the detection time point and detection information at the first time point are included as explanatory variables. The estimation unit estimates the subject information by inputting the latest detection information to the first estimation model when the number of times the acquired detection information is detected is less than a first predetermined number, and estimates a change in the subject information by using the second estimation model by using the latest detection information as the detection information at the detection time point when the number of times is equal to or more than the first predetermined number.

Description

Estimation system

[0001] This disclosure relates to an estimation system for estimating the state of the source of a target gas.

[0002] Conventionally, intestinal state notification devices are known that inform the user of information regarding the intestinal state corresponding to the signal value output from a gas sensor that detects predetermined gas components in excreted gas (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-089857

[0004] An estimation system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: an acquisition unit that acquires detection information corresponding to the concentration of a predetermined component contained in a gas originating from a subject; and an estimation unit that (1) uses a first estimation model that includes the detection information for a single detection as an explanatory variable to estimate subject information relating to the subject's health status at the time of detection, or (2) uses a second estimation model that includes the detection information at the time of detection and the detection information at a first time prior to the time of detection as explanatory variables to estimate the change in subject information from the first time to the time of detection, wherein the estimation unit inputs the most recent detection information into the first estimation model to estimate the subject information if the number of detections of the acquired detection information is less than a first predetermined number, and if the number of detections is the first predetermined number or more, it uses the second estimation model to estimate the change in subject information using the most recent detection information as the detection information at the time of detection.

[0005] An estimation system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: an acquisition unit that acquires detection information corresponding to the concentration of a predetermined component contained in a gas originating from a subject; and an estimation unit that estimates subject information relating to the subject's health status at a first time point using at least one of the following: (1) a fourth estimation model that includes the detection information at a first time point as an explanatory variable; and (2) a fifth estimation model that includes the detection information at the first time point and the average value of the detection information over a predetermined period with the first time point as the last detection point as explanatory variables. The estimation unit estimates the subject information using the fourth estimation model if the number of times the detection information was acquired during the predetermined period is less than or equal to a third predetermined number, and estimates the subject information using the fifth estimation model if the number of times is greater than the third predetermined number.

[0006] An estimation system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: an acquisition unit that acquires detection information corresponding to the concentration of a predetermined component contained in a gas originating from a subject; and an estimation unit that estimates changes in subject information relating to the subject's health status from a first time to a second time using at least one of the following: (1) a sixth estimation model that includes the difference between the detection information at a first time and the detection information at a second time, after a predetermined period has elapsed from the first time, as an explanatory variable; and (2) a seventh estimation model that includes the difference between the detection information at a first time and the detection information at a second time, and the difference between the average value of the detection information during a predetermined period with the first time being the last detection time and the average value of the detection information during a predetermined period with the second time being the last detection time, as explanatory variables, wherein the estimation unit estimates changes in subject information using the sixth estimation model if the number of times the detection information was acquired during the predetermined period is less than or equal to a third predetermined number, and estimates changes in subject information using the seventh estimation model if the number of times is greater than the third predetermined number.

[0007] Each aspect of the estimation system described herein may be implemented by a computer. In this case, the control program for the estimation system, which enables the computer to implement the estimation system by operating the computer as each part (software element) of the estimation system, and a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded, are also included in the scope of this disclosure.

[0008] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of an estimation system according to one embodiment of this disclosure. This is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of detection information output from a gas detection device. This is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of detection data. This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a gas detection device. This is a block diagram showing the main components of the estimation system. This is a schematic diagram showing the main components of a gas detection device. This is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of contact information. This is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of estimation result information. This is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of intestinal information. This is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of health status information. This is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of information showing changes in subject information. This is a flowchart showing the processing flow performed by the estimation system. This is a graph showing the correspondence between the concentration of hydrogen sulfide, a gas that can be used as detection information, the average value of the concentration of said gas, and the date on which the detection information was detected. This is a graph showing the correspondence between the value of immunity as subject information scored and the date on which the subject information was detected. This is a diagram showing the result of estimating subject information using the fourth estimation model with the detection information at the first time point. This is a diagram showing the result of estimating subject information using the fourth estimation model with the detection information at the first time point. This is a diagram showing the result of estimating subject information based on the fifth estimation model using the detection information at the first time point and the average value of the detection information over a predetermined period with the first time point as the last detection point. This figure shows the results of estimating subject information based on the fifth estimation model using the detection information at the first time point and the average value of the detection information over a predetermined period with the first time point as the last detection point. This flowchart shows the processing flow performed by the estimation system according to Embodiment 2. This is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the detection system. This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the detection device provided by the detection system. This flowchart shows an example of the processing flow performed by the detection system. This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the detection device according to Embodiment 5. This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the detection device according to Embodiment 6. This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the detection device according to Embodiment 7. This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the detection device according to Embodiment 8. This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the detection device according to Embodiment 9. This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the detection device according to Embodiment 10. This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the detection device according to Embodiment 11.This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the detection device according to Embodiment 12. This is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the detection system according to Embodiment 13.

[0009] There is still room for improvement in techniques for estimating the state of the source of a target gas based on components detected from the gas. One aspect of this disclosure provides an estimation system capable of accurately estimating the state of the source of a target gas based on components detected from the gas. According to one aspect of this disclosure, an estimation system capable of accurately estimating the state of the source of a target gas based on components detected from the gas can be provided.

[0010] [Embodiment 1] (Overview of Estimation System 100) First, an overview of the estimation system 100 according to this disclosure will be described. The estimation system 100 according to this disclosure acquires detection information corresponding to the concentration of a predetermined component contained in a gas originating from a subject, and estimates subject information regarding the subject's health status, or changes in subject information.

[0011] "Subject" refers to a person who uses the estimation system 100 and whose health status is managed and monitored. "Sample gas" is the gas to be detected. "Sample gas" may, for example, be gas resulting from the subject's stool obtained during defecation, but is not limited to this. For example, "Sample gas" may be gas resulting from the subject's urine, breath, or sweat.

[0012] "Subject information" refers to information about the subject's health status. "Subject information" may also include intestinal information indicating the subject's gut environment.

[0013] "Intestinal information" may, but is not limited to, information regarding the quantity and proportion of at least one of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and metabolites of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria contained in the subject's stool. For example, "intestinal information" may be information regarding the quantity and proportion of at least one of at least one of the subject's intestinal bacteria and metabolites of intestinal bacteria.

[0014] Furthermore, "subject information" may also refer to information about the subject's health that can be identified based on the subject's gut environment. This information about the subject's health may include, for example, information about at least one of the following: the subject's physical condition, immunity, ease of muscle growth, tendency to gain weight, stress, concentration, anti-aging, skin health, mental health, and sleep.

[0015] The estimation system 100 (1) estimates subject information regarding the subject's health status at the time of detection using a first estimation model M1 that includes detection information related to a single detection as an explanatory variable. Alternatively, the estimation system 100 (2) estimates the change in subject information from the first time point to the time of detection using a second estimation model M2 that includes detection information at the time of detection and detection information at a first time point prior to the time of detection as explanatory variables.

[0016] The estimation system 100 can estimate subject information from a single detection result. Furthermore, the estimation system 100 can estimate the changes in subject information from the first time point to the current detection point, based on the detection result at the first time point and the information including the detection result at the current detection point.

[0017] Estimation using the first estimation model M1 allows us to obtain subject information, which is information about the subject's gut environment or health status at the time of detection. This subject information is an absolute value and can be compared with subject information of other individuals. However, estimation using only the above method makes it difficult to capture short-term changes in subject information. Furthermore, estimation using only the second estimation model M2 can capture short-term changes in gut environment or health status, but the error becomes large when attempting to capture long-term changes.

[0018] Therefore, the estimation system 100 switches which estimation model to use depending on the number of times the detection information has been detected. Specifically, if the number of detections of the acquired detection information is less than a first predetermined number, the estimation system 100 inputs the most recent detection information into the first estimation model M1 to estimate the subject information. If the number of detections of the acquired detection information is equal to or greater than the first predetermined number, the estimation system 100 uses the most recent detection information as the detection information at the time of detection and estimates the changes in the subject information using the second estimation model M2.

[0019] According to the above configuration, when the number of detections is less than the first predetermined number, that is, when the number of detections is relatively small, the estimation system 100 can estimate subject information that can be compared with the subject information of other persons using the first estimation model M1. Furthermore, when the number of detections is equal to or greater than the first predetermined number, that is, when the number of detections has increased to a certain extent, the estimation system 100 can estimate the changes in subject information since the previous detection using the second estimation model M2. In this way, the estimation system 100 can provide more accurate subject information to subjects or those who manage the health of subjects by outputting the estimated information or information that has undergone predetermined processing on the estimated information. Details of the estimation performed by the estimation system 100 and the predetermined processing on the estimation results will be described later.

[0020] (Outline Configuration of Estimation System 100) Hereinafter, an outline configuration of an estimation system 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the outline configuration of an estimation system 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Each figure referenced in this specification is a schematic diagram that simplifies only some of the components in order to explain the embodiment for the sake of convenience of explanation. Therefore, the estimation system 100 may include any components not shown in each figure referenced in this specification. Furthermore, the dimensions of the components in each figure do not faithfully represent the dimensions of the actual components and the dimensional ratios of each component.

[0021] The estimation system 100 comprises a gas detection device 1, an intestinal information estimation device 2, and an electronic device 3. In the estimation system 100, the gas detection device 1, the intestinal information estimation device 2, and the electronic device 3 may be connected to each other in a way that allows them to communicate with one another. The gas detection device 1 and the intestinal information estimation device 2, and the electronic device 3 and the intestinal information estimation device 2 may be connected by wireless communication or by wired communication.

[0022] The estimation system 100 may, for example, be a system that detects predetermined components from gases released from a subject's stool in a toilet. In this case, the gas detection device 1 may be installed in the toilet bowl 4, as shown in Figure 1. When the gas detection device 1 is installed in the toilet bowl 4, the estimation system 100 performs the process of detecting predetermined components from gases released from the subject's stool in the toilet. Therefore, a subject using the estimation system 100 does not need to perform troublesome tasks such as stool sampling, and can simply use the toilet.

[0023] Furthermore, the gas detection device 1 does not have to be fixedly installed in one place; for example, it may be portable by the user. Specifically, the user may carry the gas detection device 1 of the estimation system 100 and attach the gas detection device 1 to the toilet bowl each time the user uses the toilet. With the above configuration, the estimation system 100 can be used by users in any location (for example, when out and about).

[0024] (Gas Detection Device 1) Next, the gas detection device 1 will be described. The gas detection device 1 detects a predetermined component from the gas released from the subject's stool and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the concentration of the predetermined component. The gas detection device 1 may also calculate the concentration of the predetermined component corresponding to the detection signal and output information of the calculated concentration. In this disclosure, the information output by the gas detection device 1 is referred to as "detection information". The gas detection device 1 transmits the detection information to the intestinal information estimation device 2.

[0025] [Detection Information] The detection information output from the gas detection device 1 will be explained using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the detection information output from the gas detection device 1. As shown in Figure 2, the detection information may include the subject ID, detection data D1, sample gas ID, and the date and time of sample gas collection.

[0026] The subject ID is unique identification information for the subject. The subject ID may be the subject's name and unique identification information for each subject. If the subject is a user of the estimation system 100, the subject ID may be the user ID assigned to each user of the estimation system 100.

[0027] The gas detection device 1 may collect multiple sample gases at predetermined time intervals (for example, 30 seconds or 1 minute) for each bowel movement of the subject. Each collected sample gas may be assigned a sample gas ID. Figure 2 shows an example of detection information output from the gas detection device 1 used by a subject with subject ID "xxxx". For example, the sample gas collected at "7:32 AM on mm / dd day, 2021" is assigned the sample ID "samp1".

[0028] Furthermore, the detection information may also include a gas detection device ID unique to the gas detection device 1. As an example, Figure 2 shows detection information including the gas detection device ID "ppp" of the gas detection device 1 used by a subject whose subject ID is "xxxx".

[0029] The detection data D1 may include data indicating the concentration of a predetermined component for each sample, based on the detection signal output by the gas sensor 143 (detection unit). The predetermined component may be methyl mercaptan (CH4). ３ SH), hydrogen sulfide (H ２ S), hydrogen (H ２ ), and carbon dioxide (CO ２) contains at least one of the above. The predetermined component may also further include, for example, 2-propanol. Detection data D1 may be a detection signal output from the gas sensor 143. Detection data D1 may also be a numerical value indicating the concentration calculated from the detection signal. Here, the concentration of the predetermined component may be the concentration of the predetermined component in the gas collected by the gas detection device 1. The predetermined component may also include multiple components. The concentration of the predetermined component may be the sum of the concentrations of multiple components relative to the total amount of sample gas. The unit of concentration may be ppm as an example.

[0030] The gas detection device 1 may collect a sample gas each time the subject defecates and detect predetermined components contained in the sample gas. Alternatively, the gas detection device 1 may be configured not to collect a sample gas from the subject's stool or detect predetermined components for a predetermined period of time from the time a sample gas is collected from the subject's stool until a predetermined period of time has elapsed. For example, the predetermined period may be one day or more and one month or less. The gas detection device 1 may store the detection information in a storage unit 15, which will be described later.

[0031] The gas detection device 1 (for example, the detection control unit 102 described later) may be configured to determine whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the first time point each time the subject defecates after the first time point. If the gas detection device 1 determines that a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the first time point, it detects a predetermined component from the gas at the time of defecation and outputs a second detection signal corresponding to the concentration of the predetermined component. For example, the gas detection device 1 may determine whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the time a sample gas was collected from the subject's stool based on the subject ID of the detection information and the date and time of sample gas collection. For example, the gas detection device 1 may be configured to determine whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the previous sample gas collection date and time for the same subject, and only if the predetermined period of time has elapsed, it may collect a sample gas from the subject's stool and detect the predetermined component.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the detection data D1. As shown in FIG. 3, the detection data D1 may include the following detected from the sample gas with the sample ID "samp1". - Concentration d11 of methyl mercaptan - Concentration d12 of hydrogen sulfide - Concentration d13 of hydrogen - Concentration d14 of carbon dioxide.

[0033] [Configuration of Gas Detection Device 1] Next, an example of the configuration of the gas detection device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the gas detection device 1. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the estimation system 100. As shown in FIG. 4, the gas detection device 1 is installed, for example, in the flushing toilet 4. The toilet 4 includes a toilet bowl 4A and a toilet seat 4B. The toilet 4 can be installed in a toilet room of a house or a hospital. The gas detection device 1 may be installed at any location of the toilet 4. As an example, as shown in FIG. 4, the gas detection device 1 may be arranged from between the toilet bowl 4A and the toilet seat 4B to the outside of the toilet 4. A part of the gas detection device 1 may be embedded in the toilet seat 4B. Excrement of the subject can be discharged into the toilet bowl 4A of the toilet 4. The gas detection device 1 can collect a sample gas in which the gas generated from the excrement discharged into the toilet bowl 4A is mixed with the outside air. The gas detection device 1 can detect the type and concentration of a predetermined component contained in the sample gas.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 5, the gas detection device 1 includes a control unit 10, a subject detection unit 11, a first valve 131, a first pump 132, a second valve 141, a second pump 142, a gas sensor 143, a third valve 145, a storage unit 15, and a communication unit 16. The control unit 10 controls the operations of each part of the gas detection device 1 and detects each detected gas contained in the sample gas. Details of the control unit 10 will be described later.

[0035] The subject detection unit 11 may be configured to include at least any one of an image camera, a personal identification switch, an infrared sensor, a pressure sensor, a load sensor, etc. The subject detection unit 11 outputs the detection result to the control unit 10. The subject detection unit 11 may output a signal indicating that the subject has sat on the toilet seat 4B to the control unit 10 as a detection result.

[0036] The storage unit 15 is composed of, for example, a semiconductor memory or a magnetic memory. The storage unit 15 stores various information and programs for operating the gas detection device 1. The storage unit 15 may function as a work memory. Further, the storage unit 15 may store an estimation model used for various estimations performed in the control unit 10.

[0037] The communication unit 16 may be capable of communicating with the intestinal information estimation device 2. The communication method used in the communication between the communication unit 16 and the intestinal information estimation device 2 may be a short-range wireless communication standard, a wireless communication standard for connecting to a mobile phone network, or a wired communication standard.

[0038] The gas detection device 1 sucks (collects) and stores a sample gas together with outside air from the space in the toilet bowl 4A, and uses the sample gas to detect the type and concentration of each detected gas contained in the sample gas. Hereinafter, the main component configuration of the gas detection device 1 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the main component configuration of the gas detection device 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the gas detection device 1 includes a first valve 131, a first pump 132, a second valve 141, a second pump 142, a gas sensor 143, a sensor chamber 144, a third valve 145, and a storage tank 150. Further, each part of the gas detection device 1 is connected by a flow path.

[0039] The first valve 131 is located on the flow path 161 and is a valve that operates according to the control of the main control unit 101. The first valve 131 may be composed of a valve such as electromagnetic drive, piezo drive, or motor drive. The first valve 131 can adjust the communication state between the flow path 161 and the flow path 162 and between the flow path 162 and the flow path 166 by adjusting the degree of opening (degree of communication) of each flow path according to the control of the main control unit 101.

[0040] The first pump 132 is located between the flow path 161 and the flow path 162 and is connected to the storage tank 150 via the flow path 162. The first pump 132 operates based on the control of the main control unit 101. The first pump 132 sucks the sample gas in the toilet bowl 4A through the opening of the flow path 161 that opens toward the toilet bowl 4A and supplies it to the storage tank 150.

[0041] The storage tank 150 is a gas bag capable of storing sample gas. The storage tank 150 may be made of a flexible material. As shown in Figure 6, the storage tank 150 is connected to the sensor chamber 144 via a flow path 169, a third valve 145, and a flow path 167.

[0042] The flow path 161 is a tubular member that connects the toilet bowl 4A and the first pump 132. One end of the flow path 161 has an opening that opens inside the toilet bowl 4A, and the other end is connected to the first pump 132. The flow path 162 is a flow path located between the first pump 132 and the storage tank 150. When the first valve 131 is open and the first pump 132 is operating, gas can be supplied from the flow path 161 or the flow path 166 to the flow path 162.

[0043] The third valve 145 is located on the flow path 167 and operates according to the control of the main control unit 101. The third valve 145 may be configured as an electromagnetically driven, piezoelectric, or motor-driven valve. The third valve 145 can adjust the degree of opening (degree of communication) of each flow path according to the control of the main control unit 101, thereby adjusting the communication state between flow path 167 and flow path 167a, and between flow path 169 and flow path 167a. Thus, the inflow of sample gas and purge gas into the sensor chamber 144 can be adjusted.

[0044] The second pump 142 is located on the discharge passage 163 and operates according to the control of the main control unit 101. The second pump 142 operates based on the control of the main control unit 101 and can supply the sample gas or purge gas drawn in from the flow path 167a into the sensor chamber 144. The second pump 142 can also discharge the sample gas or purge gas from inside the sensor chamber 144 to the outside of the sensor chamber 144.

[0045] The sensor chamber 144 is a chamber that houses the gas sensor 143 inside. As shown in FIG. 5, one end of the flow path 162 is connected to the sensor chamber 144. In other words, the sensor chamber 144 is connected to the storage tank 150 via the flow path 162. Also, one end of the discharge path 163 and one end of the flow path 167 are connected to the sensor chamber 144.

[0046] The gas sensor 143 may be any sensor that outputs different detection signals according to the concentration of the detected gas. Hereinafter, as the gas sensor 143, a sensor whose detection signal intensity changes according to the concentration of the detected gas will be taken as an example for explanation, but it is not limited thereto. As an example, the gas sensor 143 can output a detection signal with an intensity corresponding to the concentration of the detected gas that may be contained in the sample gas. As shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of gas sensors 143 may be located in the gas detection device 1. Also, the plurality of gas sensors 143 may be able to output detection signals corresponding to the concentrations of different types of detected gases respectively. Thereby, the gas detection device 1 can analyze the concentrations of a plurality of types of detected gases.

[0047] For example, the gas sensor 143 includes a sensor element. As an example, the sensor element is any one of an electrochemical sensor, a photoacoustic sensor, and a semiconductor sensor. However, the sensor element is not limited to a semiconductor sensor. For example, the sensor element may be a catalytic combustion type sensor or a solid electrolyte sensor, etc.

[0048] The sensor element includes a gas-sensitive part. The gas-sensitive part includes a metal oxide semiconductor material according to the type of the gas sensor 143. As an example of the metal oxide semiconductor material, tin oxide (SnO ２ etc.), indium oxide (In ２ O ３ etc.), zinc oxide (ZnO etc.), tungsten oxide (WO ３ etc.) and iron oxide (Fe ２ O ３Examples include those containing one or more selected from the following. By appropriately adding impurities to the metal oxide semiconductor material of the gas-sensing part, the gas to be detected by the sensor element can be appropriately selected. The sensor element may further include a heater for heating the gas-sensing part.

[0049] The discharge passage 163 may be made of a tubular member such as a resin tube or a metal or glass pipe. One end (first end) of the discharge passage 163 is connected to the sensor chamber 144, and the other end (second end) of the discharge passage 163 is open to the outside of the housing C of the gas detection device 1.

[0050] The flow path 164 is a tubular member. One end of the flow path 164 has an opening that opens to an external space different from the inside of the toilet bowl 4A, and the other end of the flow path 164 is connected to the second valve 141.

[0051] The filter 35 is a filter provided on the flow path 164. The filter 35 may be a filter capable of adsorbing unwanted components contained in the outside air drawn in from the opening of the flow path 164, such as each of the detected gases contained in the outside air. Because the filter 35 is such a filter, the content of each of the detected gases can be reduced in the outside air (purge gas) passing through the flow path 164 by passing through the filter 35.

[0052] One end of the flow path 166 is connected to the second valve 141, and the other end is connected to the first valve 131. Similarly, one end of the flow path 167 is connected to the second valve 141, and the other end is connected to the sensor chamber 144.

[0053] With the first valve 131 and the second valve 141 open, and the flow paths 164, 166, 162, and 169 connected, the first pump 132 operates, drawing in air (purge gas) from the toilet room through the first end of flow path 164. The drawn-in purge gas is then purified by passing through the filter 35. The purified purge gas passes through flow paths 166, 162, and 169 and is supplied to the storage tank 150 and the sensor chamber 144, before being discharged through the discharge passage 163. As the purge gas passes through flow path 162 and is discharged together with the sample gas remaining in flow path 162, flow path 162 is cleaned by the purge gas. Furthermore, with the second valve 141 open, and flow paths 164 and 167 connected, the second pump 142 operates, drawing in purge gas, which is air from the toilet room, through the opening of flow path 164. Furthermore, the aspirated purge gas is purified by passing through the filter 35. The purified purge gas is then supplied to the sensor chamber 144 by passing through the flow path 167.

[0054] [Control Unit 10] Next, the configuration of the control unit 10 will be explained using Figure 5. As shown in Figure 5, the control unit 10 comprises a main control unit 101 and a detection control unit 102. The main control unit 101 controls the operation of each part of the gas detection device 1. Specifically, the main control unit 101 controls the operation of the subject detection unit 11, the defecation detection unit 12, the first valve 131, the first pump 132, the second valve 141, and the second pump 142. The main control unit 101 keeps the subject detection unit 11 running while power is supplied to the gas detection device 1, and when it receives a signal from the subject detection unit 11 indicating that a subject has sat on the toilet seat 4B, it starts the operation of the defecation detection unit 12.

[0055] When the main control unit 101 receives a signal from the defecation detection unit 12 indicating that stool has been discharged into the toilet bowl 4A, it starts collecting a sample gas from the toilet bowl 4A and detecting predetermined components contained in the gas.

[0056] Specifically, the main control unit 101 controls the third valve 145 to connect the flow path 169 and the flow path 167a, and operates the second pump 142. The main control unit 101 also controls the third valve 145 to connect the flow paths 164, 167, and 167a, and operates the second pump 142. As a result, the sample gas stored in the storage tank 150 and the purge gas drawn in from the outside are alternately supplied to the sensor chamber 144. The gas sensor 143 can detect predetermined components of each gas to be detected contained in each gas and output a signal corresponding to the concentration of the predetermined component. The main control unit 101 may, for example, supply the sample gas and purge gas to the sensor chamber 144 for 10 seconds, and then stop the operation of the second pump 142.

[0057] The detection control unit 102 acquires signals from the gas sensor 143 corresponding to the concentration of predetermined components of each gas to be detected contained in the sample gas. Here, the sensor chamber 144 is alternately supplied with a sample gas containing a large amount of the predetermined components and a purge gas containing a small amount of the gas to be detected. Therefore, the intensity of the signals acquired by the detection control unit 102 becomes waveform data indicating the concentration of the predetermined components. Based on this waveform data, the detection control unit 102 estimates the type and concentration of the predetermined components. For this estimation, a trained estimation model may be used, which has been trained using a dataset containing multiple pairs of waveform data as input data for learning and information indicating the type and concentration of the gas to be detected as training data. The training process of this estimation model may be performed by the intestinal information estimation device 2, or it may be performed by an external computer different from the intestinal information estimation device 2. The detection control unit 102 outputs information indicating the type and concentration of the detected predetermined components to the communication unit 16 and outputs information indicating that the detection of the predetermined components is complete to the main control unit 101.

[0058] The detection control unit 102 may store the detection data D1, which includes each piece of detected information, in the storage unit 15. The detection control unit 102 may create detection data each time it detects the type and concentration of a predetermined component contained in the sample gas, and store the detection data in the storage unit 15. The detection control unit 102 may store the detection data D1 in the storage unit 15 in association with various pieces of information related to the detection data D1. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the detection control unit 102 may store the detection data D1 in association with a subject ID and sample gas ID indicating the subject from whom the sample gas was collected, the date and time when these sample gases were collected, and a gas detection device ID indicating the gas detection device 1. The detection control unit 102 may also transmit the detection information, including the detection data D1, to the intestinal information estimation device 2.

[0059] (Intestinal Information Estimation Device 2) Next, the intestinal information estimation device 2 will be described. The intestinal information estimation device 2 shown in Figure 1 may be a computer managed by the administrator of the estimation system 100, or it may be a server device.

[0060] The gut microbiome information estimation device 2 inputs detection information detected by the gas detection device 1 at a certain point in time into the first estimation model M1 and estimates the subject information at that point in time. Alternatively, the gut microbiome information estimation device 2 inputs detection information detected by the gas detection device 1 at each of two point in time into the second estimation model M2 and estimates the change in the subject information between those two point in time.

[0061] For example, the gut microbiota information estimation device 2 uses a first estimation model M1 to estimate the subject's gut microbiota information, or information about the subject's health that can be identified based on said gut microbiota information, as subject information. Hereinafter, information about the subject's health will be referred to as health status information. Furthermore, the gut microbiota information estimation device 2 uses a second estimation model M2 to estimate changes in the subject's gut microbiota information, or changes in the subject's health status information that can be identified based on said gut microbiota information, as information indicating changes in the subject information.

[0062] Intestinal information may include information on the quantity and / or proportion of at least one of the short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and metabolites contained in the subject's stool. Short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria are a type of intestinal bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids. Specifically, short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria may be at least one of butyrate-producing bacteria and acetic acid-producing bacteria. Examples of butyrate-producing bacteria include *Faecalibacterium*, *Lachnospira*, and *Coprocococcus*. Examples of acetic acid-producing bacteria include *Bifidobacterium*.

[0063] Furthermore, the metabolites estimated by the intestinal information estimation device 2 may be at least one of butyric acid and acetic acid. Both butyric acid and acetic acid are substances involved in the metabolic pathways of the subject's intestinal bacteria. Examples of metabolites other than butyric acid and acetic acid include propionic acid, formic acid, succinic acid, ornithine, trimethylamine, and glucose 6-phosphate.

[0064] The intestinal information estimation device 2 may, for example, store contact information that associates each subject's ID, the gas detection device ID of the gas detection device 1 used by each subject, and each subject's contact information.

[0065] [Contact Information] Figure 7 shows an example of the data structure of contact information held in the intestinal information estimation device 2. The contact information of the subject may be the subject's email address. The intestinal information estimation device 2 refers to the contact information to identify the subject using the gas detection device 1, which is the source of the detection information, from the subject ID included in the detection information, and transmits the estimation result information to the subject's electronic device 3. The contact information shown in Figure 7 indicates that the gas detection device ID of the gas detection device 1 used by the subject with subject ID "xxxx" is "ppp", and the subject's contact information is "xxxx@xxx.xxx".

[0066] Alternatively, the gut microbiome estimation device 2 may be configured to create a unique webpage for each subject and allow each subject to view this webpage. The gut microbiome estimation device 2 may also allow each subject to set a unique password or the like to view their own webpage. In this case, the gut microbiome estimation device 2 refers to the contact information to identify the subject from the subject ID and transmits the URL of the webpage or the like to the subject's electronic device 3.

[0067] [Estimated Result Information] Estimated result information will be explained using Figure 8. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of estimated result information. Estimated result information includes information estimated by the intestinal information estimation device 2, and information identified based on said information. For example, estimated result information may include at least one of subject information and information showing changes in subject information. Estimated result information may include intestinal information D2 as subject information. Estimated result information may also include health status information D3 in addition to intestinal information D2, or in place of intestinal information D2, as subject information. Estimated result information may also include subject ID. Figure 8 shows an example of estimated result information that includes health status information D3 in addition to intestinal information D2 as subject information.

[0068] Figure 9 shows an example of the data structure of gut microbiota information D2. As shown in Figure 9, gut microbiota information D2 includes information on the amount or proportion c11 of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and the amount or proportion c12 of metabolites.

[0069] Here, the amount of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria may be the number of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria contained in a predetermined mass of the subject's stool, or it may be the mass of the short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria. The unit of quantity may be, for example, "pieces," "g," or "mg." Furthermore, the proportion of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria may be the ratio to the total number of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria contained in a predetermined mass of the subject's stool. Furthermore, the proportion of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria may be, for example, the sum of the masses of two or more short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria contained in a predetermined mass of the subject's stool.

[0070] The amount of metabolites may be the mass of metabolites contained in a predetermined mass of the subject's stool, or it may be the molecular weight. The proportion of metabolites may be the ratio to the total mass of metabolites contained in a predetermined mass of the subject's stool. The proportion of metabolites may, for example, be the sum of the masses of two or more metabolites contained in a predetermined mass of the subject's stool. The unit of quantity may be, for example, "g" or "mg".

[0071] Figure 10 shows an example of the data structure of health status information D3. As shown in Figure 10, health status information D3 may include evaluation, useful information, and remarks. In addition, health status information D3 may include a health status information ID assigned to each health status information D3.

[0072] Health information D3 may include, for example, information on at least one of the following: the subject's physical condition, immunity, muscle growth rate, tendency to gain weight, stress, concentration, anti-aging, skin health, mental health, and sleep. Information on the subject's physical condition may include, for example, information on the subject's nutritional status and any diseases they may have. Information on the subject's immunity may include information on the subject's ability to recover from fatigue and the presence or absence of allergies. Information on the subject's sleep may include information on the amount of sleep the subject gets and the quality of their sleep.

[0073] Health status information D3 may include an evaluation of at least one of the following: the subject's physical condition, immunity, muscle growth rate, tendency to gain weight, stress, concentration, anti-aging, skin health, mental health, and sleep. The evaluation may be based on a three-level scale, for example, A (good), B (acceptable), and C (caution). Figure 10 shows an example where the subject's health status was evaluated as "B".

[0074] Useful information may include information that is beneficial to improving the health of the target audience. Useful information may also include information on foods (ingredients and dishes) and exercise recommended for the target audience, as well as information on improving lifestyle habits.

[0075] The notes section may include various pieces of information provided to the target audience. For example, the notes section may include the following: • Contact information for a nutritionist who can be consulted regarding health matters. • Access information to videos demonstrating cooking methods using recommended ingredients. • Information on online stores where ingredients and exercise equipment can be purchased.

[0076] The estimated result information may include information indicating changes in subject information (change information). The estimated result information may include information indicating changes in gut information D2 or changes in health status information D3 as information indicating changes in subject information. Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of information indicating changes in subject information. As shown in Figure 11, the information indicating changes in subject information includes information e1 to e3 indicating how much the amount or proportion of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and the amount or proportion of metabolites have changed.

[0077] Information indicating changes in subject information may include information indicating changes in the subject information score. Furthermore, information indicating changes in subject information may include information accumulating changes in scores over multiple periods. The baseline for accumulating score changes may be the time when the subject information was most recently estimated. Additionally, information indicating changes in subject information may be associated with period information showing the dates and times of two points in time when the sample gas to be estimated was collected.

[0078] [Configuration of the Intestinal Information Estimation Device 2] Next, an example of the configuration of the intestinal information estimation device 2 will be explained using Figure 5. As shown in Figure 5, the intestinal information estimation device 2 includes a communication unit 21, a control unit 22, and a storage unit 23, which are communication modules for communicating with the gas detection device 1 and the electronic device 3. The control unit 22 controls the operation of each part of the intestinal information estimation device 2. The control unit 22 also includes an estimation unit 222 and an output unit 223.

[0079] The storage unit 23 is composed of, for example, a semiconductor memory or a magnetic memory. The storage unit 23 may store detection information 231 acquired from the gas detection device 1, a program for operating the gas detection device 1, estimation result information 232 output from the estimation unit 222, and a trained estimation model used in the estimation performed by the estimation unit 222. As described above, the estimation result information 232 may include at least one of subject information (subject information 233) and information indicating changes in subject information (change information 234). As shown in Figure 5, the storage unit 23 stores a first estimation model M1 and a second estimation model M2 as trained estimation models. The storage unit 23 may also store a third estimation model M3. The storage unit 23 may also store contact information. The storage unit 23 may also function as a work memory. In the following, unless specifically limited to the first estimated model M1, the second estimated model M2, or the third estimated model M3, the term "estimated model" may simply be used.

[0080] The gut microbiota information estimation device 2 may be configured to generate a trained estimation model by performing machine learning to construct an estimation model. In this case, the gut microbiota information estimation device 2 may include a learning unit 224 that performs processing for generating the trained estimation model. The storage unit 23 may store training data used to generate the first estimation model M1 and training data used to generate the second estimation model M2. Furthermore, if the storage unit 23 stores the third estimation model M3, the storage unit 23 may also store training data used to generate the third estimation model M3.

[0081] The estimation models do not necessarily have to be generated by the gut microbiome estimation device 2. For example, a computer different from the gut microbiome estimation device 2 may generate the first estimation model M1 and the second estimation model M2 by performing machine learning processing using training data. Alternatively, the first estimation model M1 and the second estimation model M2 generated by the computer may be installed in the gut microbiome estimation device 2.

[0082] The training data used to generate the first estimation model M1 may include the following combination of first sample detection information and sample subject information: • First sample detection information: Detection signals corresponding to sample gases collected at a given time from each arbitrary sample provider during defecation. • Sample subject information: Information obtained through prior analysis, including at least one of the quantity and proportion information of at least one of the short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and metabolites contained in the stool of each sample provider.

[0083] Information regarding the quantity and proportion of at least one of the short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and metabolites actually contained in each stool sample provided by the sample donor, prepared for learning purposes, may be obtained using various methods. For example, short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria may be determined using a next-generation sequencer, and metabolites may be determined using CE-MS. Other analytical methods such as GC-MS, LC-MS, and NMR may be used for the measurement of metabolites.

[0084] The first sample detection information and sample subject information may be modified according to the explanatory variables used in the first estimation model M1 and the subject information estimated using the first estimation model M1. For example, the training data used to generate the first estimation model M1 may include, in addition to the detection signal corresponding to the sample gas, information indicating the concentration of a predetermined component corresponding to the detection signal in the first sample detection information. Furthermore, the sample measurement information may include, in place of or in addition to the above-mentioned information, information regarding the health of pre-identified subjects.

[0085] The training data may include a combination of the above-mentioned first sample detection information, the second sample detection information below, and the sample change information below. • Second sample detection information: A detection signal corresponding to the sample gas from a stool defecated by each sample provider at a time prior to the detection of the first sample detection information. • Sample change information: Information indicating the change in at least one of the quantity and proportion information of at least one of the short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and metabolites contained in the stool of each sample provider, obtained by prior analysis, from the time the second sample detection information was detected to the time the first sample detection information was detected.

[0086] The second sample detection information and sample change information may be modified according to the explanatory variables used in the second estimation model M2 and the information indicating changes in subject information estimated using the second estimation model M2.

[0087] The acquisition unit 221 acquires detection information 231 corresponding to the concentration of a predetermined component contained in the gas originating from the subject. Specifically, the acquisition unit 221 may acquire the detection information 231 by receiving information including detection data D1 detected by the gas detection device 1 via the communication unit 21. The acquisition unit 221 stores the acquired detection information 231 in the storage unit 23.

[0088] The estimation unit 222 acquires detection information corresponding to the concentration of a predetermined component contained in the gas originating from the subject. Using the acquired detection information, the estimation unit 222 estimates subject information regarding the subject's health status, or changes in subject information. The estimation unit 222 outputs the estimated information and stores it in the storage unit 23. Alternatively, the estimation unit 222 may output information on which a predetermined process has been performed on the estimated information and store it in the storage unit 23. The predetermined process may be a process of adding information indicating changes in subject information from the first time point to the detection time to information indicating changes in subject information from the second time point to the first time point.

[0089] The estimation unit 222 (1) estimates subject information regarding the subject's health status at the time of detection using a first estimation model M1 that includes detection information related to a single detection as an explanatory variable. Alternatively, the estimation unit 222 (2) estimates the change in subject information from the first time point to the time of detection using a second estimation model M2 that includes detection information at the time of detection and detection information at a first time point prior to the time of detection as explanatory variables.

[0090] If the number of detections of the acquired detection information is less than a first predetermined number, the estimation unit 222 inputs the most recent detection information into the first estimation model M1 to estimate the subject information. If the number of detections of the acquired detection information is equal to or greater than the first predetermined number, the estimation unit 222 uses the most recent detection information as the detection information at the time of detection and estimates the changes in the subject information using the second estimation model M2.

[0091] According to the above configuration, the estimation unit 222 can estimate subject information from a single detection result by using the first estimation model M1. Furthermore, the estimation unit 222 can estimate the changes in subject information from the first time point to the current detection point by using the second estimation model M2, based on the detection result at the first time point and the detection result at the current detection point. Here, when the number of detections is less than a first predetermined number, that is, when the number of detections performed is relatively small, the estimation unit 222 can estimate subject information that can be compared with others using the first estimation model M1. On the other hand, when the number of detections is the first predetermined number or more, the estimation unit 222 can estimate the changes in subject information from the previous detection point using the second estimation model M2.

[0092] Furthermore, by outputting the estimated information, or information that has undergone predetermined processing on the estimated information, the estimation unit 222 can provide more accurate information about the subject, or the person managing the subject's health.

[0093] The first predetermined number may be two. When the number of detections is one and it is not possible to identify changes in the subject information, the estimation unit 222 can use the first estimation model M1 to estimate subject information that can be compared with others. Furthermore, when the number of detections is greater than or equal to the first predetermined number, that is, when the number of detections has increased to a certain extent, the estimation unit 222 can use the second estimation model M2 to estimate changes in the subject information since the previous detection.

[0094] The estimation unit 222 may estimate the subject's intestinal information as subject information using the first estimation model M1. Alternatively, the estimation unit 222 may estimate the subject's health status as subject information using the first estimation model M1. Furthermore, the estimation unit 222 may identify an index that shows the result of evaluating the subject's intestinal environment or health status based on the estimation results using the first estimation model M1. For example, an index may be set to evaluate the state of the intestinal environment, with C representing a poor state and A representing a good state. The estimation unit 222 may identify an index that shows the subject's intestinal environment based on the estimated subject information and the pre-set index.

[0095] The first estimation model M1 may include information representing at least one of the subject's gender, age, height, weight, eating habits, exercise habits, and sleep habits as explanatory variables. By using information that may be related to the subject's gut environment and health status as further explanatory variables, the accuracy of the estimation of subject information can be improved.

[0096] Furthermore, the estimation unit 222 may use the second estimation model M2 to estimate information indicating changes in the subject information from a second time point prior to the first time point to the first time point, and information indicating changes in the subject information from the first time point to the detection time point.

[0097] Furthermore, the estimation unit 222 may add information showing the changes in subject information from the first time point to the detection time to the information showing the changes in subject information from the second time point to the first time point, and output this as the changes in subject information from the second time point to the detection time. By performing the above processing, the estimation unit 222 can output information showing changes in subject information over a longer period of time.

[0098] If multiple estimations are performed using the second estimation model M2, the estimation unit 222 may use the results of each estimation to score and output the change in subject information during the period including the time when the multiple estimations were performed. A positive score may indicate that the subject information has improved, while a negative score may indicate that the subject information has deteriorated. Furthermore, a larger absolute value of the score may indicate a greater degree of improvement or deterioration. For example, if detection is performed in the order of time A, time B, and time C, and the change in score from time A to time B is +2, and the change in score from time B to time C is +3, the estimation unit 222 may output +5 as the estimation result. Furthermore, if the change in score from time C to time D is +1, the estimation unit 222 may add the change in score from time C to time D (+1) to the change in score from time A to time C (+5), and output +6 as information indicating the change in score from time A to time D.

[0099] Furthermore, if subject information has already been estimated using the first estimation model M1 with the detection information at time A as an explanatory variable, the gut information estimation device 2 may output the subject information at time A and the changes in the subject information from time A to time C. This allows the subject to understand whether their health has improved or worsened between time A when their subject information was estimated and time C. In addition, the subject can infer their health status at time C from the obtained information.

[0100] As described above, the estimation unit 222 may estimate changes in subject information multiple times using the second estimation model M2, and output the cumulative changes in subject information estimated multiple times. After estimating subject information using the first estimation model M1 at a certain point in time, the estimation unit 222 can perform the above processing up to the latest detection point, thereby outputting information showing the changes in subject information from the time the subject information was estimated to the time of detection.

[0101] Alternatively, the estimation unit 222 may directly estimate the changes in subject information from the first time point to the detection time point using the second estimation model M2. For example, when the estimation unit 222 estimates the changes in subject information from the first time point to the detection time point using the second estimation model M2, the first time point may be the time when the detection information used when estimating subject information using the first estimation model M1 was detected. This allows the estimation unit 222 to output information showing the changes in subject information from the time the subject information is estimated to the detection time point.

[0102] Furthermore, the estimation unit 222 may modify the subject information at a predetermined timing. Specifically, the estimation unit 222 may input detection information detected at a second reference point, which is more than a predetermined period after the first reference point when the detection information used to estimate the subject information using the first estimation model M1 was detected, into the first estimation model M1 to estimate the subject information. Here, if the number of detections after the second reference point is greater than or equal to a first predetermined number, the estimation unit 222 may use the most recent detection information as the detection information at the time of detection. In this case, the estimation unit 222 may use the second estimation model M2 to output the changes in the subject information from the second reference point to the time when the most recent detection information was detected.

[0103] If a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the subject information was estimated using the first estimation model M1, the subject's health status at the time of estimation may differ from their health status after that period. In this case, the subject's health status as determined from the output information may differ from the actual subject information.

[0104] According to the above configuration, at the second reference point, after a predetermined period has elapsed since the first estimation using the first estimation model M1 at the first reference point, the subject information is estimated again. Furthermore, after the subject information is estimated again, the changes in the subject information are estimated using the second reference point, which is the starting point for the period in which estimation is performed using the second estimation model M2, based on the second reference point where the first estimation model M1 was used again. In this way, by reestimating the subject information after a predetermined period has elapsed, it is possible to reduce the large discrepancies between the output estimation results and the actual health status of the subjects.

[0105] The "specified period" could be, for example, one month. Generally, it is said that the human gut environment changes in about two to four weeks. Therefore, by reestimating the subject information approximately every month, it is possible to provide subjects with information that more accurately reflects their gut environment.

[0106] The output unit 223 outputs the subject information estimated using the first estimation model M1 at the second time point, and information indicating the change in the subject information from the second time point to the detection time, which was output by the estimation unit 222.

[0107] According to the above configuration, the output unit 223 can output the subject information at the second time point and information indicating how much the subject information has changed between the second time point and the detection time to the electronic device 3, etc. The subject can use the electronic device 3, etc. to understand what their health status is at the time of detection.

[0108] (Electronic device 3) Returning to Figure 1, next we will describe the electronic device 3. The electronic device 3 may be a computer used by the subject. Alternatively, the electronic device 3 may be a computer used by a person who monitors the subject's health (for example, a family member). The electronic device 3 may be, for example, a personal computer, a tablet device, a smartphone, etc. The electronic device 3 has a communication function and is capable of receiving estimation result information from the intestinal information estimation device 2. The electronic device 3 may have, for example, an input unit such as a keyboard, a touch panel, and a microphone, and a display unit such as a monitor, etc.

[0109] As shown in Figure 5, the electronic device 3 comprises a communication unit 31, which is a communication module for communicating with the intestinal information estimation device 2; a control unit 32 for controlling the operation of each part of the electronic device 3; and a display unit 33. The control unit 32 can receive estimation result information or health status information D3 output by the intestinal information estimation device 2 via the communication unit 31. The electronic device 3 can display at least one of the received subject information and information indicating changes in the subject information on the display unit 33. The display unit 33 may include a display capable of displaying characters, etc., and a touchscreen capable of detecting contact by the user's (subject's) finger, etc.

[0110] <An example of the processing flow performed by the estimation system 100> Below, an example of the processing flow performed by the estimation system 100 according to this embodiment will be described using Figure 12. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the processing flow performed by the estimation system 100.

[0111] First, the gas detection device 1 detects detection information corresponding to the concentration of a predetermined component contained in the gas originating from the subject. Upon detecting the detection information, the gas detection device 1 transmits the detection information, the subject's identification information, and information indicating the date and time of detection to the intestinal information estimation device 2.

[0112] When the estimation unit 222 of the intestinal information estimation device 2 acquires detection information etc. via the communication unit 21 (S1), it refers to the storage unit 23. The estimation unit 222 identifies the subject corresponding to the newly acquired detection information and identifies the past detection information of that subject stored in the storage unit 23 (S2). Subsequently, the estimation unit 222 determines whether the number of detections of the subject's detection information is less than a first predetermined number based on the identified past detection information and the newly acquired detection information (S3).

[0113] If the number of detections of the subject's detection information is less than a first predetermined number (YES in S3), the estimation unit 222 determines the detection information at the time of detection, i.e., the new detection information obtained in step S1, as explanatory variables (S4). Then, the estimation unit 222 uses the determined explanatory variables and the first estimation model M1 to estimate the subject's information at the time of detection (S5). The estimation unit 222 stores the estimation result information, which shows the estimation result, in the storage unit 23. The estimation unit 222 also outputs the estimation result information, including the subject's information, to the electronic device 3 (S6). The control unit 32 of the electronic device 3 displays the subject's information obtained from the intestinal information estimation device 2 on the display unit 33.

[0114] On the other hand, if the number of detections of the subject's detection information is greater than a first predetermined number (NO in S3), the estimation unit 222 identifies the detection information at the first time point (S7). The detection information at the first time point may be the latest detection information stored in the storage unit 23. The estimation unit 222 then determines the detection information at the detection time and the detection information at the first time point as explanatory variables (S8). The estimation unit 222 then uses the determined explanatory variables and the second estimation model M2 to estimate the changes in the subject's information from the first time point to the detection time (S9). The estimation unit 222 stores the estimation result information showing the estimation results in the storage unit 23. The estimation unit 222 also outputs the estimation result information, including information showing the changes in the subject's information, to the electronic device 3 (S6). The control unit 32 of the electronic device 3 displays the information showing the changes in the subject's information obtained from the intestinal information estimation device 2 on the display unit 33.

[0115] After step S9, the estimation unit 222 may perform further predetermined processing after performing the estimation. For example, the estimation unit 222 may acquire information indicating the change in subject information from the second time point to the first time point, which is stored in the storage unit 23. Based on the information indicating the change in subject information from the second time point to the first time point and the information indicating the change in subject information from the first time point to the detection time, the estimation unit 222 may output information indicating the change in subject information from the second time point to the detection time. Alternatively, the estimation unit 222 may repeat the same processing and output information indicating the change in subject information from the time the subject information was previously estimated to the detection time, and transmit it to the electronic device 3 together with the previously estimated subject information. This allows the subject to understand the previously estimated subject information and how the subject information has changed from the time the subject information was estimated to the detection time.

[0116] [Embodiment 2] Another embodiment of the present disclosure is described below. For convenience of explanation, components having the same function as those described in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are not repeated.

[0117] Generally, the intestinal environment is said to change every two to four weeks based on factors such as the subject's health and stress levels. The detection information detected by the gas detection device 1 based on stool odor changes in accordance with the intestinal environment. However, the detection information detected by the gas detection device 1 also reflects short-term fluctuations due to factors such as the amount of stool at the time of defecation or the previous day's meals. Hereinafter, factors that have a long-term effect on the intestinal environment, such as the subject's health, will be referred to as "long-term factors." Conversely, factors that have a short-term effect on the intestinal environment, such as the amount of stool at the time of defecation or the previous day's meals, will be referred to as "short-term factors."

[0118] In a system that estimates subject information such as the intestinal environment from detection information based on fecal odor, there is a need to reduce the influence of short-term factors and perform estimations that purely reflect the intestinal environment based on the subject's health status.

[0119] The inventors investigated using a machine learning model that uses both "detection information at the time of detection" and "the average value of detection information over a predetermined period" as explanatory variables to estimate the gut environment. "Detection information at the time of detection" strongly reflects changes in the gut environment due to short-term factors, while "the average value of detection information over a predetermined period" reflects changes in the gut environment due to long-term factors. The inventors found that by using both "detection information at the time of detection" and "the average value of detection information over a predetermined period" as explanatory variables, it is possible to ensure high estimation accuracy in estimations that reflect changes in the gut environment over a long-term span of 2 to 4 weeks.

[0120] Figure 13 shows a graph (symbol A) showing the correspondence between the concentration of hydrogen sulfide, a gas that can be used as detection information, and the date on which the detection information was detected, and a graph (symbol B) showing the correspondence between the average concentration of the gas and the date on which the detection information was detected. Figure 14 shows a graph (symbol C) showing the correspondence between the score of immunity as subject information and the date on which the subject information was detected. In Figure 13, the average gas concentration is the average of the gas concentrations from the last detection date to two weeks prior to the plotted date.

[0121] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the graph showing the average value of the detection information shows less short-term fluctuation in values ​​compared to the graph showing detection information only at the time of detection, and is relatively close to the fluctuation in the score of the subject information. It can be seen that the average value of the detection information has a higher correlation with the score of the subject information than detection information only at the time of detection. Therefore, it is considered that the estimation accuracy of subject information can be improved by using the "average value of the detection information over a predetermined period" as an explanatory variable.

[0122] The estimation system 100A according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure includes an estimation unit 222A. The estimation unit 222A estimates subject information of a subject at a first time point using at least one of (1) a fourth estimation model M4 and (2) a fifth estimation model M5. The fourth estimation model M4 includes detection information at the first time point as an explanatory variable, and the fifth estimation model M5 includes detection information at the first time point and the average value of detection information over a predetermined period with the first time point as the last detection point as explanatory variables. Furthermore, if the number of times detection information is acquired during the predetermined period is less than or equal to a third predetermined number, the estimation unit 222A estimates subject information using the fourth estimation model M4. If the number of times detection information is acquired during the predetermined period is greater than the third predetermined number, the estimation unit 222A estimates subject information using the fifth estimation model M5.

[0123] According to the above configuration, the estimation system 100A can select an estimation model according to the number of times detection information has been acquired and perform estimation. If the number of times detection information has been acquired is less than or equal to the third predetermined number, estimation can be performed using the fourth estimation model M4 to estimate subject information that reflects the intestinal environment at the first time point, including the influence of short-term factors. On the other hand, if the number of times detection information has been acquired is greater than the third predetermined number, estimation can be performed using the fifth estimation model M5 to reduce the influence of short-term factors and estimate subject information that reflects the intestinal environment that changes over a long period of time.

[0124] In this embodiment, a machine learning model for estimating the intestinal environment is created using both "gas concentration at detection" and "average gas concentration" as explanatory variables, and the accuracy of estimating subject information is improved by performing estimation using this machine learning model.

[0125] The fifth estimation model M5 according to this embodiment is an estimation model in which the detection information at the first time point and the average value of the detection information over a predetermined period with the first time point as the last detection point are included as explanatory variables, and the subject information of the subject at the first time point is the dependent variable.

[0126] In the fifth estimation model M5, the following information may be used as explanatory variables: H ２ The concentration of S+MMC is H ２This refers to the sum of the concentrations of S and MMC (Methyl Mercaptan). • CO contained in a sample gas taken at a certain point in time. ２ H ２ H ２ S, MMC, and H ２ The respective concentrations of S + MMC. CO2 levels during a predetermined period, with the above time point being the last detection point. ２ H ２ H ２ S, MMC, and H ２ The average values ​​of the concentrations of S + MMC.

[0127] Furthermore, other features, such as age, gender, and BMI, may also be used as explanatory variables.

[0128] In the fifth estimation model M5, the explanatory variables are set such that a predetermined number and duration strongly correlate with changes in the gut environment.

[0129] For example, the third predetermined number may be four. For example, if four detections are performed during a predetermined period, the subject information can be estimated with sufficiently high accuracy by using the average value of the detection information based on the first detection and the detection information based on the fourth detection as explanatory variables and performing estimation using the fifth estimation model M5.

[0130] The specified period may be between two weeks and two months. Since a person's intestinal environment is said to change in about two weeks based on long-term factors, by using the average value of detection information over a period of two weeks or more, it is possible to estimate subject information that reduces the influence of short-term factors.

[0131] The basis for setting the predetermined period is explained below. The inventors investigated the correlation between detection information or the average value of detection information and each of the multiple subject information, and found that the average value after 4 weeks had a higher correlation with the subject information than the detection information at a single point in time. Specifically, as detection information, CO ２ H ２ H ２ S, MMC, and H ２We investigated cases where the total concentration of S and MMC was detected. Furthermore, the average value of all detection data detected between days 3, 7, 14, 28, and 56 was used as the average of the detection data.

[0132] For example, it was found that the average value after four weeks had a higher correlation with the subject information than the detection information at a single point in time. Therefore, by setting a predetermined period of about four weeks, for example, two to eight weeks, it is possible to perform estimations using information that correlates with the subject information as an explanatory variable.

[0133] For example, it was found that the correlation between the average values ​​of detection data and subject information was particularly high when the 14-day average and the 28-day average, i.e., when the specified period was 2 to 4 weeks. From this, it can be seen that the average value over 2 to 4 weeks is suitable as an explanatory variable for estimation.

[0134] Furthermore, the fourth estimation model M4 may include the detection information for each of the multiple types of gases at the first time point as explanatory variables. Furthermore, the fifth estimation model M5 may include the detection information for each of the multiple types of gases at the first time point, and the average value of the detection information for each of the multiple types of gases over a predetermined period with the first time point as the last detection time, as explanatory variables.

[0135] As explanatory variables for the estimation model, appropriate explanatory variables may be selected according to the items of information estimated as subject information. For example, the explanatory variables used in an estimation model for estimating the abundance ratio of Bifidobacteria may differ from those used in an estimation model for estimating a subject's susceptibility to obesity. The estimation system 100A may store estimation models corresponding to the items to be estimated as subject information. During the training of the estimation model, explanatory variables may be selected from multiple candidate explanatory variables using a stepwise method or the like, and an appropriate estimation model may be created for each item to be estimated.

[0136] In the fifth estimation model M5, the predetermined period for calculating the average value of detection information may differ for each gas. For example, if the average values ​​of detection information for two types of gases are used as explanatory variables for estimating information about a certain subject, the average value of 7 days of detection information may be used for one gas, and the average value of 2 weeks of detection information may be used for the other gas.

[0137] Furthermore, the information used as explanatory variables by the fifth estimation model M5 may differ depending on the gas components. For example, the fifth estimation model M5 may include both the detection information at the first time point and the average value of the detection information over a predetermined period with the first time point as the last detection point as explanatory variables for a certain component. Alternatively, the fifth estimation model M5 may include only one of the following as explanatory variables for a different component: the detection information at the first time point and the average value of the detection information over a predetermined period with the first time point as the last detection point.

[0138] The following explains the effect of using the fifth estimation model M5 on improving the accuracy of the estimation results.

[0139] Figures 15 and 16 show the results of estimating subject information using the fourth estimation model M4 with only the detection information at the first time point. Figures 17 and 18 show the results of estimating subject information based on the fifth estimation model M5 using the detection information at the first time point and the average value of the detection information over a predetermined period with the first time point as the last detection point.

[0140] Figures 15 and 17 show examples of estimating the abundance ratio of intestinal bacteria as subject information. In the example shown in Figure 17, the explanatory variables used were the detection information at the first time point, the average value of the detection information over a predetermined period with the first time point as the last detection point, and information about the subject at the first time point. Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 17, the abundance ratio of the types of intestinal bacteria described in Figure 17 was estimated using the fifth estimation model M5 with these explanatory variables. In the example shown in Figure 15, the explanatory variables used in the example shown in Figure 17 were used with the average value removed, and the abundance ratio of the types of intestinal bacteria described in Figure 15 was estimated using the fourth estimation model M4.

[0141] Figures 16 and 18 show examples of estimating the health status of subjects as subject information. In the example shown in Figure 18, the explanatory variables used were the detection information at the first time point, the average value of the detection information over a predetermined period with the first time point as the last detection point, and information about the subject at the first time point. Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 18, these explanatory variables were used to estimate the health status information for the items listed in Figure 18 using the fifth estimation model M5. In the example shown in Figure 16, the explanatory variables used in the example shown in Figure 18 were used with the average value removed, and the health status information for the items listed in Figure 16 was estimated using the fourth estimation model M4. Then, the accuracy rate of the estimation results was calculated by considering values ​​within a predetermined range from the actual abundance ratio of intestinal bacteria and health status information measured by stool tests, etc., as the correct answer. Specifically, the actual abundance ratio of intestinal bacteria and health status information of the subjects, and the abundance ratio of intestinal bacteria and health status information estimated using the fourth estimation model M4 or the fifth estimation model M5, were evaluated on a five-point scale. Then, the actual ratio of gut bacteria and health status information were considered correct if they were within one stage of the corresponding stage, and it was determined whether the estimated result was correct or not.

[0142] As shown in Figures 15 to 18, the estimation results using the average value of detection information over a predetermined period, with the first time point being the last detection point, showed a higher accuracy than the estimation results using only the detection information at the first time point. This indicates that it is possible to improve the accuracy by using both the detection information at the first time point and the average value of the detection information as explanatory variables, and employing the fifth estimation model M5.

[0143] <An example of the processing flow performed by the estimation system 100> Below, an example of the processing flow performed by the estimation system 100A according to this embodiment will be described using Figure 19. Figure 19 is a flowchart showing the processing flow performed by the estimation system 100A according to Embodiment 2.

[0144] First, the gas detection device 1 detects detection information corresponding to the concentration of a predetermined component contained in the gas originating from the subject. Upon detecting the detection information, the gas detection device 1 transmits the detection information, the subject's identification information, and information indicating the date and time of the first time the detection information was detected to the intestinal information estimation device 2.

[0145] The estimation unit 222A of the intestinal information estimation device 2 obtains detection information, etc., at a first time point via the communication unit 21 (S11), and then refers to the storage unit 23. The estimation unit 222A identifies the subject corresponding to the newly acquired detection information at the first time point and obtains the subject's past detection information stored in the storage unit 23. Subsequently, the estimation unit 222A identifies the number of times detection information has been obtained during a predetermined period with the first time point as the last detection point (S12). Subsequently, the estimation unit 222A determines whether the number of detections of the detection information is less than or equal to a third predetermined number (S13).

[0146] If the number of detections of the subject's detection information is less than or equal to the third predetermined number (YES in S13), the estimation unit 222A determines the detection information at the first time point, i.e., the new detection information obtained in step S11, as explanatory variables (S14). Then, the estimation unit 222A uses the determined explanatory variables and the fourth estimation model M4 to estimate the subject's information at the time of detection (S15). The estimation unit 222A stores the estimation result information, which shows the estimation result, in the storage unit 23. The estimation unit 222A also outputs the estimation result information, including the subject's information, to the electronic device 3 (S16). The control unit 32 of the electronic device 3 displays the subject's information obtained from the intestinal information estimation device 2 on the display unit 33.

[0147] On the other hand, if the number of detections of the subject's detection information is greater than the third predetermined number (NO in S13), the estimation unit 222A calculates the average value of the detection information over a predetermined period with the first time point as the last detection point (S17). The estimation unit 222A then determines the detection information at the detection point and the average value of the detection information over the predetermined period as explanatory variables (S18). The estimation unit 222A then uses the determined explanatory variables and the fifth estimation model M5 to estimate the change in the subject's information at the first time point (S19). The estimation unit 222A stores the estimation result information, which shows the estimation results, in the storage unit 23. The estimation unit 222A also outputs the estimation result information, including the subject's information, to the electronic device 3 (S16). The control unit 32 of the electronic device 3 displays the subject's information acquired from the intestinal information estimation device 2 on the display unit 33.

[0148] [Embodiment 3] In the estimation system 100A according to Embodiment 2, the intestinal environment was estimated using the average value of the detected information, but a configuration in which the amount of change in the intestinal environment is estimated using the average value of the detected information is also possible. When estimating the amount of change in the intestinal environment, information showing the amount of change in the average value of the detected information may be used.

[0149] The estimation unit 222B may estimate the changes in subject information regarding the subject's health status from the second time point to the first time point using at least one of (1) the sixth estimation model M6 and (2) the seventh estimation model M7. The sixth estimation model M6 includes the difference between the detected information at the first time point and the detected information at the second time point, which is earlier than the first time point, as an explanatory variable. The seventh estimation model M7 includes the difference between the detected information at the first time point and the detected information at the second time point, and the difference between the average value of the detected information over a predetermined period with the first time point as the last detection point and the average value of the detected information over a predetermined period with the second time point as the last detection point, as explanatory variables.

[0150] Furthermore, if the number of times detection information is acquired during a predetermined period is less than or equal to the third predetermined number, the estimation unit 222B estimates the change in subject information using the sixth estimation model M6. If the number of times detection information is acquired during a predetermined period is greater than the third predetermined number, the estimation unit 222B may estimate the change in subject information using the seventh estimation model M7.

[0151] According to the above configuration, if the number of times detection information is acquired during a predetermined period is less than or equal to the third predetermined number, it is possible to estimate the changes in subject information influenced by short-term factors at the first and second time points. Furthermore, if the number of times detection information is acquired during a predetermined period is greater than the third predetermined number, it is possible to estimate the changes in subject information where the influence of short-term factors at the first and second time points has been reduced.

[0152] [Embodiment 4] <Overview of Detection System 200> The detection system 200 according to Embodiment 4 will be described in detail below. The detection system 200 according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure is a system that collects a first gas (sample gas), which is a gas in a predetermined space, and detects the type and concentration of a specific gas (gas to be detected) contained in the first gas. Hereinafter, the detection of the type or concentration of a specific gas will also be referred to as "gas detection". As an example, the detection system 200 may be applied to a toilet 4, but is not limited to this. Hereinafter, the detection system 200 will be described using an example configuration applied to a toilet 4.

[0153] Figure 20 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the detection system 200 according to Embodiment 4. As shown in Figure 20, the detection system 200 comprises a gas detection device 1C (detection device) for detecting the type and concentration of a specific gas, and an electronic device 3 for acquiring and presenting the detection results of the detection device 1C. Hereinafter, "gas detection device" will also be referred to as "detection device".

[0154] In the following description, the detection system 200 will be explained using an example configuration in which the detection system 200 comprises a detection device 1C and an electronic device 3, and the electronic device 3 presents information regarding a specific gas detected by the detection device 1C. However, the system is not limited to this configuration. The configuration of the detection system 200 may function as part of the estimation system 100 or 100A described in Embodiments 1 to 3. For example, the estimation system 100 or 100A described in Embodiments 1 to 3 may include the detection device 1C according to this embodiment instead of the gas detection device 1. In this case, the detection device 1C transmits information regarding the detected specific gas to the intestinal information estimation device 2, and this information may be used for estimation in the intestinal information estimation device 2.

[0155] The detection device 1C is located in a toilet room (a predetermined space), as shown in Figure 4, for example. In this embodiment, the detection device 1 is installed in the toilet bowl 4A inside the toilet room. For example, part or all of the detection device 1C may be incorporated inside the toilet bowl 4A or the toilet seat 4B.

[0156] The specified gas is a gas originating from the subject and may be contained in the first gas. In this disclosure, the specified gas may be, for example, a predetermined component contained in the gas generated from the subject's stool. The detection device 1C collects the gas containing the gas generated from the subject's stool as the first gas in a predetermined space, which is a toilet room, and detects the type and concentration of the specified gas contained in the first gas. The detection result of the specified gas may be used, for example, to present to the subject, or to estimate the state of the subject's intestinal environment, etc., using the detection result.

[0157] The applications of the detection system 200 are not limited to those described above. For example, the detection device 1C may be installed in a refrigerator, which is a predetermined space. In this case, the detection system 200 can acquire a gas containing a specific gas generated from food as the first gas. For example, the detection device 1C may be installed in a factory or laboratory, which is a predetermined space. In this case, the detection system 200 can acquire a gas containing a specific gas generated from chemicals, etc., as the first gas.

[0158] In this embodiment, the electronic device 3 is connected to the detection device 1C in a communicative manner, and may receive detection results from the detection device 1C via wireless or wired communication, and display the received detection results on the display unit 33.

[0159] <Detection Device 1C> Figure 21 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the detection device 1C provided in the detection system 200. In Figure 21, the direction of gas flow in each flow path is indicated by arrows. Each part of the detection device 1C is located inside the housing C shown in Figure 4. The housing C may be made of any material. For example, the housing C may be made of a material such as metal or resin. The housing C is not shown in the drawings from Figure 21 onward.

[0160] The detection device 1C according to this embodiment includes a first path, a sensor 31, a second path, an opening, a supply unit 50 for taking in a first gas, and a discharge unit 60 for discharging the first gas and the second gas. The first path is the path through which the first gas passes. The sensor 31 is located in the first path and is capable of outputting a signal corresponding to the type or concentration of a specific gas contained in the first gas. The sensor 31 may be the same sensor as the gas sensor 143 described in Embodiment 1. The second path branches off from a branching section (first branching section P1) located upstream of the sensor 31 in the first path, and is the path in which a storage section 20 capable of storing the first gas is located. The opening is an opening that allows a second gas, different from the first gas, to flow in downstream of the branching section of the first path. In addition, in the detection device 1C, the supply unit 50 is located in the first or second path upstream of the branching section, and the discharge unit 60 is located downstream of the branching section.

[0161] Furthermore, the detection device 1C may include a fourth valve 81 located at the branching point, which can switch between allowing the first gas to pass downstream of the branching point of the first path and allowing it to pass through the second path. In the detection device 1C, the second path may merge with the first path at a first junction Q1 located between the branching point of the first path and the sensor 31. The detection device 1C may also include a fifth valve 82 located at the first junction Q1, which can switch between allowing the first gas in the storage section 20 to pass downstream of the first junction Q1. The first path may include a first flow path 71 and a fifth flow path 75. The second path may include a second flow path 72 and a fourth flow path 74. The detection device 1C may also include a third flow path 73 having a second opening 42 as an opening. The sensor 31 may be located in a sensor chamber 30 capable of housing the sensor 31. Details of each possible configuration of the detection device 1C will be described later.

[0162] In the following description, we will use as an example a configuration in which the detection device 1C comprises a first flow path 71 and a fifth flow path 75 as a first path, a second flow path 72 and a fourth flow path 74 as a second path, and a third flow path 73, and the sensor 31 is located in a sensor chamber 30 capable of housing the sensor 31. However, the configuration of the detection device 1C is not limited to this. For example, the detection device 1C may have an opening downstream of the branching point of the first path that allows the second gas to flow in, and may not have a third flow path 73. If the detection device 1C does not have a third flow path, the opening may be located, for example, on the first path and may be configured to open and close as needed. Also, in the detection device 1C, the sensor 31 may be located in the first path and may not be located in the sensor chamber 30. As an example, if the detection device 1C does not have a sensor chamber 30, the sensor 31 may be located in the first flow path 71.

[0163] As shown in Figure 21, the detection device 1C includes a storage section 20, a sensor chamber 30, a plurality of openings 40, a supply section 50, a discharge section 60, a plurality of flow paths 70 connecting the sections, and a valve capable of switching the path through which the gas flows. Each opening and each flow path may be made of a tubular member such as a resin tube or a metal or glass pipe. The storage section 20 may be a storage tank similar to the storage tank 150.

[0164] The detection device 1C has multiple openings 40, namely a first opening 41, a second opening 42, and a third opening 43. The detection device 1C also has multiple flow paths 70, namely a first flow path 71, a second flow path 72, a third flow path 73, a fourth flow path 74, and a fifth flow path 75. The detection device 1C also includes a fourth valve 81 and a fifth valve 82 as valves that can switch the path through which the gas flows.

[0165] As shown in Figure 20, in the detection system 200, the detection device 1C includes a circuit board 90. The circuit board 90 includes a control unit 91, a storage unit 15, and a communication unit 16. The control unit 91 may include the main control unit 101 and the detection control unit 102 described in Embodiment 1.

[0166] The first opening 41 is an opening for taking in the first gas to be supplied to the sensor chamber 30. As shown in Figure 4, the first opening 41 may be exposed to the inside of the toilet bowl 4A. Part of the first opening 41 may be embedded in the toilet seat 4B. The first opening 41 takes in a gas containing a specific gas generated from the stool discharged into the toilet bowl 4A as the first gas. It is supplied to the sensor chamber 30 via the first flow path 71. When the first gas is supplied to the sensor chamber 30, the first gas is supplied to the sensor 31 inside the sensor chamber 30. Hereinafter, supplying gas to the sensor chamber 30 and supplying gas to the sensor 31 inside the sensor chamber 30 will be collectively referred to as "supplying to the sensor chamber 30". The first gas taken in by the first opening 41 is supplied to and stored in the storage section 20 via the second flow path 72 as shown in Figure 21. As shown in Figure 4, the first opening 41 may open toward the inside of the toilet bowl 4A.

[0167] The second opening 42 is an opening for introducing a second gas, different from the first gas, into the detection device 1C. The second gas may be used to purge the gas in various parts of the detection device 1C, such as the sensor chamber 30, the storage section 20, and each flow path. The second opening 42 may be exposed to the outside of the toilet bowl 4A, as shown in Figure 4. Part of the second opening 42 may be embedded in the toilet seat 4B. The second opening 42 takes in, for example, the air (environmental gas) from the toilet room outside the toilet bowl 4A as the second gas. The second gas taken in by the second opening 42 is supplied to the sensor chamber 30 via the third flow path 73, as shown in Figure 21. As shown in Figure 4, the second opening 42 may open outwards from the toilet bowl 2.

[0168] The third opening 43 is an opening for discharging gas located inside the sensor chamber 30. As shown in Figure 4, the third opening 43 may be exposed to the outside of the toilet bowl 4A. As shown in Figure 21, the third opening 43 discharges exhaust gas from the sensor chamber 30 to the outside via the fifth flow path 75. This exhaust gas may contain the first and second gases after the detection process. The third opening 43 can also discharge residual gas and the like in the storage section 20 to the outside of the detection device 1C via the fourth flow path 74, the first flow path 71, the sensor chamber 30, and the fifth flow path 75.

[0169] As shown in Figure 21, the first flow path 71 includes a first opening 41. The first flow path 71 is a flow path that is not connected to the storage section 20. The first flow path 71 branches off from the second flow path 72 at the first branching section P1. The first flow path 71 merges with the fourth flow path 74 at the first merging section Q1. The first flow path 71 includes a first portion 711, a second portion 712, and a third portion 713. The first portion 711 is the portion between the first opening 41 and the first branching section P1. The second portion 712 is the portion between the first branching section P1 and the first merging section Q1. The second portion 712 connects the fourth valve 81 and the fifth valve 82. The third portion 713 is the portion between the first merging section Q1 and the sensor chamber 30. The third portion 713 connects the fifth valve 82 and the sensor chamber 30.

[0170] The second flow path 72 is a flow path that supplies the first gas to the storage section 20. The second flow path 72 branches off from the first flow path 71 at the first branching section P1 and is connected to the storage section 20. The second flow path 72 connects the fourth valve 81 to the storage section 20.

[0171] The third flow path 73 includes a second opening 42. The third flow path 73 is a flow path that supplies the second gas to the sensor chamber 30. As shown in Figure 21, the third flow path 73 is connected to the second section 712 between the first branch section P1 and the first junction section Q1. The first connector 111 is located at the second junction section Q2 where the third flow path 73 and the first flow path 71 merge. The first connector 111 is a connector that connects the third flow path 73 and the first flow path 71. For example, the first connector 111 may be a three-way connector.

[0172] The fourth channel 74 is a channel that connects the storage section 20 and the first channel 71 at the first confluence section Q1, which is located downstream of the first branch section P1. The fourth channel 74 is used to supply the first gas stored in the storage section 20 to the sensor chamber 30. In this specification, when we refer to "upstream (side)" or "downstream (side)," we basically assume that the gas flows in the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 21. Therefore, downstream of the first branch section P1 means the side where the first confluence section Q1 is located, not the side where the first opening 41 is located, with respect to the first branch section P1.

[0173] The fifth flow path 75 is a flow path equipped with a third opening 43 and is connected to the sensor chamber 30. The fifth flow path 75 is a flow path for discharging gas located inside the sensor chamber 30 through the third opening 43.

[0174] The fourth valve 81 is located at the first branch P1. The fourth valve 81 is a valve that connects the first section 711, the second section 712, and the second flow path 72. The fourth valve 81 is a valve that can switch between a state in which the first gas taken in from the first opening 41 passes downstream of the first branch P1 in the first flow path 71 (first state) and a state in which it passes through the second flow path 72 (second state), according to the control of the control unit 91.

[0175] The first state is a state in which the first part 711 and the second part 712 are in communication, and the first part 711 and the second flow path 72 are not in communication. The second state is a state in which the first part 711 and the second flow path 72 are in communication, and the first part 711 and the second part 712 are not in communication. For example, the fourth valve 81 may be a three-port solenoid valve that connects the first part 711, the second part 712, and the second flow path 72, and can switch between the first state and the second state according to the control of the control unit 91. The fourth valve 81 may be switchable between the first state and the second state by the application of current. For example, the fourth valve 81 may be in the first state when no current is applied, and switch to the second state when current is applied according to the control of the control unit 91.

[0176] The fifth valve 82 is located in the first confluence Q1 and is a valve that connects the first part 711, the second part, and the fourth flow path 74. The fifth valve 82 is a valve that can switch whether or not to allow the first gas in the storage section 20 to pass downstream of the first confluence Q1, according to the control of the control unit 91. Downstream of the first confluence Q1 means the side where the sensor chamber 30 is located, rather than the side where the first branch section P1 is located, with respect to the first confluence Q1.

[0177] The state in which the first gas in the storage section 20 is passed downstream of the first confluence section Q1 (third state) is the state in which the fourth flow path 74 and the third section 713 are in communication, and the second section 712 and the third section 713 are not in communication. The state in which the first gas in the storage section 20 is not passed downstream of the first confluence section Q1 (fourth state) is the state in which the second section 712 and the third section 713 are in communication, and the fourth flow path 74 and the third section 713 are not in communication. As an example, the fifth valve 82 may be a three-port solenoid valve that connects the second section 712, the third section and the fourth flow path 74, and can switch between the third state and the fourth state according to the control of the control unit 91. The fifth valve 82 may be switchable between the third state and the fourth state by the application of current. For example, the fifth valve 82 may be in the third state when no current is applied, and switch to the fourth state when current is applied by the control unit 91.

[0178] The storage section 20 is capable of storing the first gas. For example, the storage section 20 may be a gas bag made of a flexible material. As shown in Figure 21, the storage section 20 is connected to the second flow path 72 and the fourth flow path 74. The first gas taken in through the first opening 41 is stored in the storage section 20 via the first section 711 and the second flow path 72. The first gas stored in the storage section 20 is then supplied to the sensor chamber 30 via the fourth flow path and the third section 713.

[0179] The sensor chamber 30 is a chamber equipped with a sensor 31 capable of outputting a signal corresponding to the type or concentration of a specific gas. As shown in Figure 21, the sensor chamber 30 is connected to a third section 713 and a fifth flow path 75. The first gas taken in through the first opening 41 is supplied to the sensor chamber 30 via the first section 711, the second section 712, and the third section 713. The first gas stored in the storage section 20 is also supplied to the sensor chamber 30 via the fourth flow path 74 and the third section 713. The second gas taken in through the second opening 42 is also supplied to the sensor chamber 30 via the third flow path 73 and the third section 713. The first or second gas in the sensor chamber 30 is discharged from the third opening 43 via the fifth flow path 75.

[0180] As shown in Figure 21, at least one sensor 31 is located inside the sensor chamber 30. The sensor 31 outputs a signal to the control unit 91 according to the concentration of a specific gas. For example, the sensor 31 outputs a voltage, current, or resistance value to the control unit 91 according to the concentration of the specific gas. The specific gas includes specific gases to be detected and specific gases not to be detected. When the first gas is a gas generated from feces, examples of specific gases to be detected include methane, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, dimethyl sulfide, methyl mercaptan, hydrogen sulfide, acetic acid, and trimethylamine. Also, when the first gas is a gas generated from feces, examples of specific gases not to be detected include ammonia and water. When multiple sensors 31 are provided, each of the multiple sensors 31 can output a signal to the control unit 91 according to the concentration of at least one of these gases.

[0181] The supply unit 50 is a pump that operates according to the control of the control unit 91. As shown in Figure 21, the supply unit 50 is located in the first flow path 71 between the first opening 41 and the first branch P1. Specifically, the supply unit 50 is located in the first section 711. The supply unit 50 operates according to the control of the control unit 91 and can flow the gas from the first opening 41 side of the first flow path 71 to the first branch P1 side. As a result, the supply unit 50 can supply the first gas taken in by the first opening 41 to the storage unit 20. When the supply unit 50 is stopped, the supply unit 50 may close the first flow path 71. As a result, when the supply unit 50 is stopped, the gas on the upstream side of the supply unit 50 and the gas on the downstream side of the supply unit 50 cannot move back and forth in the first flow path 71. In the first flow path 71, the upstream side of the supply unit 50 is the side where the first opening 41 is located relative to the supply unit 50. Furthermore, the downstream side of the supply unit 50 is the side on which the first branching unit P1 is located relative to the supply unit 50.

[0182] The discharge unit 60 may be, for example, a pump that operates according to the control of the control unit 91. As shown in Figure 21, the discharge unit 60 is located downstream of the sensor chamber 30 in the fifth flow path 75. The discharge unit 60 is located between the sensor chamber 30 and the third opening 43. The discharge unit 60 operates according to the control of the control unit 91 and can cause the gas from the sensor chamber 30 side to flow towards the third opening 43 side. As a result, the discharge unit 60 can discharge the first gas or the second gas from inside the sensor chamber 30 through the third opening 43. In addition, by discharging the first gas or the second gas from inside the sensor chamber 30, the discharge unit 60 can also draw the first gas taken in from the first opening 41 or the second gas taken in from the second opening into the sensor chamber 30.

[0183] In the detection device 1C, the flow rate per unit time of the supply unit 50 may be greater than the flow rate per unit time of the discharge unit 60. This ensures that when the supply unit 50 and the discharge unit 60 operate simultaneously, the rate at which the first gas flows into the storage unit 20 is greater than the rate at which the second gas flows into the sensor chamber 30. This allows the storage of the first gas in the storage unit 20 to be completed before the purging of the gas in the sensor chamber 30 is finished.

[0184] The control unit 91 performs various processes in the detection device 1C. For example, the control unit 91 controls the operation of the supply unit 50 and the discharge unit 60, and the state of the fourth valve 81 and the fifth valve 82. The control unit 91 also detects the type or concentration of a specific gas contained in the first gas based on the waveform of the signal output by the sensor 31.

[0185] Furthermore, the detection device 1C according to this disclosure may also have a function to automatically start gas detection. For example, the control unit 91 monitors the first gas during periods when gas detection is not being performed. For example, the control unit 91 may monitor signal values ​​corresponding to the type and concentration of a specific gas contained in the first gas. If the signal value exceeds a predetermined value, the control unit 91 automatically starts gas detection.

[0186] The control unit 91 may start monitoring the first gas if it detects that the subject has used the toilet during a period when gas detection is not being performed. In this case, the detection device 1C may be equipped with a sensor such as the subject detection unit 11. For example, the control unit 91 may start monitoring the first gas if it detects that the subject has entered the toilet room by a motion sensor such as the subject detection unit 11, or if it detects that the subject has sat on the toilet seat 4B by a motion sensor.

[0187] When monitoring of the first gas is initiated, the control unit 91 operates the supply unit 50 and supplies the first gas to the sensor chamber 30 via the first flow path 71. Specifically, the control unit 91 sets the state of the fourth valve 81 to the first state and the state of the fifth valve 82 to the fourth state and drives the supply unit 50. As a result, the first gas taken in from the first opening 41 is supplied to the sensor chamber 30 via the first section 711, the second section 712, and the third section 713. The flow rate per unit time of the supply unit 50 may be greater than the flow rate per unit time of the discharge unit 60. In this case, by supplying the first gas to the sensor chamber 30 with the supply unit 50, the time from when the first gas is taken in from the first opening 41 until it is supplied to the sensor chamber 30 can be shortened.

[0188] Sensor 31 outputs a signal to control unit 91 corresponding to the type and concentration of a specific gas contained in the first gas. Control unit 91 receives this signal from sensor 31. If the value of the signal output by sensor 31 exceeds a predetermined value, control unit 91 starts an operation to store the first gas in storage unit 20.

[0189] If the signal output by the sensor 31 exceeds a predetermined value, the control unit 91 operates the supply unit 50 and the discharge unit 60 to control the state of the fourth valve 81 and the fifth valve 82. As a result, the detection device 1C stores the first gas in the storage unit 20 via the second flow path 72 and supplies the second gas to the sensor chamber 30 via the third flow path 73.

[0190] Specifically, the control unit 91 sets the fourth valve 81 to the second state, the fifth valve 82 to the fourth state, and then operates the supply unit 50. As a result, the first gas is stored in the storage unit 20 via the first section 711 and the second flow path 72. In addition, when the control unit 91 operates the discharge unit 60 in the above state, the second gas is supplied to the sensor chamber 30 via the third flow path 73, the second section 712, and the third section 713, and the first gas inside the sensor chamber 30 is discharged from the third opening 43. As a result, the gas inside the sensor chamber 30 is purged. The control unit 91 may operate the supply unit 50 and the discharge unit 60 for at least 30 seconds, until a sufficient amount of the first gas is stored in the storage unit 20.

[0191] Here, when the fourth valve 81 is in the second state, the first gas cannot enter the first branching point P1 or beyond in the first flow path 71. Also, when the fifth valve 82 is in the fourth state, the first gas in the storage section 20 cannot enter the third section 713. Therefore, the possibility of the first gas taken in from the first opening 41 entering the sensor chamber 30 is reduced. Furthermore, in the second state, the first section 711 and the second section 712 are not in communication. Therefore, even if the second gas in the third flow path 73 reaches the first branching point P1 via the second section 712, it cannot enter the storage section 20 from there.

[0192] In this way, the detection device 1C can simultaneously store the first gas in the storage unit 20 and purge the gas in the sensor chamber 30 with the second gas by switching the states of the fourth valve 81 and the fifth valve 82 and operating the supply unit 50 and the discharge unit 60.

[0193] Therefore, with the above configuration, the time required for detection in the detection device 1C can be shortened and convenience can be improved. Furthermore, with the above configuration, while storage and purging are performed simultaneously, the possibility of mixing between the first gas for storage in the storage section 20 and the second gas for purging the gas in the sensor chamber 30 can be reduced.

[0194] After the storage of the first gas and the purging of the gas in the sensor chamber 30 by the second gas are completed, the control unit 91 controls the supply unit 50 to alternately supply the first gas and the second gas to the sensor chamber 30.

[0195] Specifically, first, the control unit 91 stops the supply unit 50. The control unit 91 also sets the fourth valve 81 to the first state. This prevents the first gas in the storage unit 20 from entering the first passage 71 via the second passage 72. The control unit 91 then sets the fifth valve 82 to the third state and operates the discharge unit 60. As a result, the first gas stored in the storage unit 20 is supplied to the sensor chamber 30 via the fourth passage 74 and the third section 713.

[0196] The control unit 91 supplies the first gas to the sensor chamber 30 for a predetermined period of time, and then sets the fifth valve 82 to the fourth state. As a result, the supply of the first gas to the sensor chamber 30 stops, and the second gas taken in from the second opening 42 is supplied to the sensor chamber 30 via the third flow path 73, the second section 712, and the third section 713.

[0197] The control unit 91 switches the state of the fifth valve 82 from the fourth state to the third state, and from the third state to the fourth state, at least once each. In the detection device 1C, the control unit 91 drives the discharge unit 60 to discharge gas from the third opening 43, thereby drawing in the first or second gas into the sensor chamber 30. When the discharge unit 60 is a pump, the flow rate of the gas discharged downstream of the discharge unit 60 may fluctuate to some extent, but the flow rate of the gas drawn in from upstream of the discharge unit 60 is relatively constant. Here, by drawing gas into the sensor chamber 30 using the discharge unit 60 located downstream of the sensor chamber 30, the flow rate of the gas supplied into the sensor chamber 30 can be kept relatively constant. This reduces the influence of the flow rate of the gas supplied into the sensor chamber 30 on the signal value of the sensor 31. For example, when the discharge unit 60 is a diaphragm pump, the influence on the signal value of the sensor 31 is large.

[0198] Sensor 31 outputs a signal to control unit 91 corresponding to the type and concentration of specific gases contained in the first and second gases. Upon receiving this signal, control unit 91 detects the type or concentration of specific gases contained in the first gas based on the waveform of the signal output by sensor 31.

[0199] The control unit 91 acquires a signal waveform based on the signal output from the sensor 31 by alternately supplying the first gas and the second gas to the sensor chamber 30. Based on the signal waveform, the control unit 91 detects the type and concentration of a specific gas contained in the first gas. For example, the control unit 91 detects the type and concentration of a specific gas contained in the first gas by machine learning applied to the signal waveform acquired from the sensor 31. The control unit 91 may transmit the detected type and concentration of the specific gas to the electronic device 3 via the communication unit 93 as a detection result.

[0200] As described above, the control unit 91 detects the specific gas contained in the first gas. After the detection of the specific gas is complete, the control unit 91 may set the fifth valve 82 to the fourth state, drive the discharge unit 60, and supply the second gas to the sensor chamber 30 to clean the sensor chamber 30.

[0201] <Example of the processing flow of the detection system 200> Figure 22 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by the detection system 200. The processing performed by the detection system 200 according to this embodiment will be explained below using Figure 22.

[0202] The detection device 1C monitors the first gas, and if the signal value based on the specific gas exceeds a predetermined value, it starts an operation to store the first gas in the storage unit 20.

[0203] First, when a human presence sensor (not shown) or the like detects that a subject has sat on the toilet seat 4B, the control unit 91 starts monitoring the first gas. Specifically, the control unit 91 controls the fourth valve 81, the fifth valve 82, and the supply unit 50 to supply the first gas to the sensor chamber 30 (S21). Specifically, the control unit 91 sets the state of the fourth valve 81 to the first state and the state of the fifth valve 82 to the fourth state, and drives the supply unit 50. As a result, the first gas taken in from the first opening 41 is supplied to the sensor chamber 30 via the first part 711, the second part 712, and the third part 713.

[0204] The sensor 31 in the sensor chamber 30 outputs a signal to the control unit 91 corresponding to the type and concentration of a specific gas contained in the first gas. When the control unit 91 receives a signal from the sensor 31, it determines whether the value of the signal exceeds a predetermined value (S22).

[0205] If the signal value does not exceed a predetermined value (NO in S22), the process returns to S21. In this case, gas detection is not started in the detection device 1C.

[0206] If the signal value exceeds a predetermined value (YES in S22), the control unit 91 controls each part of the detection device 1C. Specifically, the control unit 91 controls the fourth valve 81 and the fifth valve 82 (S23), setting the fourth valve 81 to the second state and the fifth valve 82 to the fourth state.

[0207] Next, the control unit 91 drives the supply unit 50 (S24). When the supply unit 50 is driven, the first gas taken in from the first opening 41 is stored in the storage unit 20 via the first section 711 and the second flow path 72 (S25).

[0208] Furthermore, the control unit 91 drives the discharge unit 60 at the same time as driving the supply unit 50 (S26). When the discharge unit 60 is driven, the second gas taken in from the second opening 42 is supplied to the sensor chamber 30 via the third flow path 73 and the third section 713 (S27), and the first gas inside the sensor chamber 30 is discharged from the third opening 43 via the fifth flow path 75. As a result, the first gas inside the sensor chamber 30 is purged.

[0209] In other words, the control unit 91 drives the supply unit 50 and the discharge unit 60 for a predetermined time to complete the storage of the first gas in the storage unit 20 and the purging of the gas in the sensor chamber 30 with the second gas. Once the storage of the first gas in the storage unit 20 is complete, the control unit 91 stops the supply unit 50 (S28).

[0210] Next, the control unit 91 drives the discharge unit 60 while controlling the fourth valve 81 and the fifth valve 82. The control unit 91 sets the fourth valve 81 to the first state and alternately switches the state of the fifth valve 82 between the third state and the fourth state at predetermined intervals (S29). As a result, the first gas stored in the storage unit 20 and the second gas taken in from the second opening 42 are alternately supplied to the sensor chamber 30. In S29, the control unit 91 performs control to set the fifth valve 82 to the third state and control to set the fifth valve 82 to the fourth state at least once each.

[0211] Sensor 31 outputs a signal to control unit 91 corresponding to the type and concentration of specific gases contained in the first and second gases. Upon receiving the signal, control unit 91 detects the type or concentration of specific gases contained in the first gas based on the waveform of the signal output by sensor 31 (S30). The processes in S28 and S29 may be performed multiple times.

[0212] As described above, the control unit 91 detects a specific gas contained in the first gas.

[0213] [Embodiment 5] The detection system 200D according to Embodiment 5 of the present disclosure is equipped with a detection device 1D in place of the detection device 1C provided in the detection system 200 according to Embodiment 4. Figure 23 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the detection device 1D provided in the detection system 200D according to Embodiment 5 of the present disclosure. The configuration of the detection device 1D will be described below with reference to Figure 23.

[0214] As shown in Figure 23, the detection device 1D includes, in addition to the configuration of the detection device 1C, a first check valve 121, a second check valve 122, a sixth flow path 76, a seventh flow path 77, a second connector 112, a third connector 113, a sixth valve 83, and a purification unit 123. In the following description, the detection device 1D will be described using as an example a configuration in which the first path includes a first flow path 71, a fifth flow path 75, and a sixth flow path 76, and the second path includes a second flow path 72 and a fourth flow path 74.

[0215] The first check valve 121 is a check valve located on the third flow path 73. By including the first check valve 121 in the detection device 1D, the possibility of gas in the sensor chamber 30 flowing back into the third flow path 73 is reduced. Furthermore, by including the first check valve 121 in the detection device 1D, the possibility of gas in the third flow path 73 entering the storage unit 20 when the supply unit 50 is in operation can be reduced.

[0216] The sixth flow path 76 connects the sensor chamber 30 and the fourth opening 44. The sixth flow path 76 is a flow path that does not pass through the discharge section 60. The second check valve 122 is a check valve located on the sixth flow path 76. The fourth opening 44 is an opening for discharging gas from the sixth flow path 76. The sixth flow path 76 branches off from the fifth flow path 75 at the second branching section P2 between the sensor chamber 30 and the discharge section 60. The sixth flow path 76 may also extend directly from the sensor chamber 30 without branching off from the fifth flow path 75. The second connector 112 is a three-way connector located at the second branching section P2. The fifth flow path 75 and the sixth flow path 76 are connected by the second connector 112 at the second branching section P2 located between the sensor chamber 30 and the third opening 43.

[0217] In the detection device 1D, when monitoring the first gas, the supply unit 50 is driven to draw in the first gas from the first opening 41. Here, the detection device 1D is equipped with a sixth flow path 76 and a second check valve 122, which allows the gas discharged from the sensor chamber 30 to be discharged from the fourth opening 44 without passing through the discharge unit 60.

[0218] The seventh flow path 77 is a flow path connecting the second opening 42 and the storage section 20. The seventh flow path 77 branches off from the third flow path 73 and merges with the first flow path 71. The seventh flow path 77 branches off from the third flow path 73 at the third branching section P3, which is located between the second opening 42 and the first check valve 121. The seventh flow path 77 merges with the first section 711 at the third merging section Q3, which is located between the first opening 41 and the supply section 50. The third connector 113 is a three-way connector located at the third branching section P3. The third flow path 73 and the seventh flow path 77 are connected at the third branching section P3 by the third connector 113.

[0219] The sixth valve 83 is a valve that can switch whether or not to pass the second gas from the seventh passage 77 to the first passage 71. The sixth valve 83 is located in the third junction Q3 and connects the first section 711 and the third passage 73.

[0220] The state in which the second gas is passed from the seventh channel 77 to the first channel 71 (fifth state) is a state in which the seventh channel 77 and the first channel 71 are in communication, and the upstream side of the third confluence Q3 of the first channel 71 and the downstream side of the third confluence Q3 are not in communication. The upstream side of the third confluence Q3 in the first channel 71 is the side of the first channel 71 where the first opening 41 is located with respect to the third confluence Q3. Also, the downstream side of the first channel 71 where respect to the third confluence Q3 is the side where the supply unit 50 is located. The state in which the second gas is not passed from the seventh channel 77 to the first channel 71 (sixth state) is a state in which the upstream side of the third confluence Q3 of the first channel 71 and the downstream side of the third confluence Q3 are in communication, and the seventh channel 77 and the first channel 71 are not in communication. For example, the sixth valve 83 may be a three-port solenoid valve that connects the first flow path 71 and the seventh flow path 77 and can switch between a fifth state and a sixth state according to the control of the control unit 91. The sixth valve 83 may be in the fifth state when no current is applied, and switch to the sixth state when current is applied by the control unit 91.

[0221] The detection device 1D is equipped with a seventh flow path 77 and a sixth valve 83, so that after the detection of the specific gas is complete, the detection device 1D can be cleaned and any remaining first gas in each part can be purged.

[0222] Specifically, the control unit 91 sets the fourth valve 81 to the second state, the fifth valve 82 to the fourth state, and the sixth valve 83 to the fifth state, and drives the supply unit 50. As a result, the second gas taken in from the third opening 43 is supplied to the storage unit 20 via the third flow path, the seventh flow path 77, the first section 711, and the second flow path 72.

[0223] After sufficient supply of the second gas to the storage unit 20, the control unit 91 stops the supply unit 50, sets the fourth valve 81 to the first state, sets the fifth valve 82 to the third state, and drives the discharge unit 60. As a result, the gas, which is a mixture of the first gas remaining in the storage unit 20 and the newly stored second gas, is discharged from the third opening 43 through the fourth flow path 74, the third section 713, the sensor chamber 30, and the fifth flow path 75. This purges the first gas from the storage unit 20. The control unit 91 may repeat the control to purge the first gas from the storage unit 20 multiple times. Along with the purging of the first gas from the storage unit 20, the first gas remaining in other parts of the detection device 1C, specifically the first section 711, the third section 713, the second flow path 72, the fourth flow path 74, the sensor chamber 30, and the fifth flow path 75, is also purged. As described above, purging the first gas remaining in the detection device 1D helps maintain the accuracy of subsequent gas detections.

[0224] The purification unit 123 is located on the third flow path 73 and purifies the second gas that has passed through the purification unit 123. For example, the purification unit 123 is filled with activated carbon and purifies the second gas by adsorbing any specific gases that have entered the second gas that has passed through the purification unit 123. The purification unit 123 may be a filter similar to the filter 35 described in Embodiment 1. Even if the second gas near the second opening 42 is contaminated with a specific gas, the second gas taken into the detection device 1D is purified by the purification unit 123. This reduces the possibility that the sensor chamber 30 may be contaminated by the specific gas contained in the second gas before detection using the first gas, which could affect the detection accuracy.

[0225] [Embodiment 6] The detection system 200E according to Embodiment 6 of the present disclosure includes a detection device 1E instead of the detection device 1C included in the detection system 200 according to Embodiment 4. Figure 24 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the detection device 1E included in the detection system 200E according to Embodiment 6 of the present disclosure. In the drawings from Figure 24 onward, the sensor 31 in the sensor chamber 30 is not shown. The configuration of the detection device 1E will be described below using Figure 24.

[0226] As shown in Figure 24, the detection device 1E is equipped with a third flow path 73E in place of the third flow path 73 of the detection device 1C according to Embodiment 4. Furthermore, the detection device 1E does not have a first connector 111, but is equipped with a seventh valve 84.

[0227] The third channel 73E connects with the first channel 71 between the first junction Q1 and the sensor chamber 30. The third channel 73E is a channel that supplies the second gas taken in from the second opening 42 to the sensor chamber 30. As shown in Figure 24, the third channel 73E merges with the third section 713 at the second junction Q2E between the first junction Q1 and the sensor chamber 30.

[0228] The seventh valve 84 is located at the second junction Q2E where the third flow path 73E and the first flow path 71 merge. The seventh valve 84 is a valve that can switch whether or not to allow the second gas to pass through the first flow path 71. The seventh valve 84 may be a three-port solenoid valve that can switch between allowing the second gas in the third flow path 73E to pass through the first flow path 71 and not allowing it to pass through, according to the control of the control unit 91. The seventh valve 84 may be in a state where the second gas passes through the first flow path 71 when no current is applied, and switch to a state where the second gas does not pass through the first flow path 71 when current is applied by the control unit 91.

[0229] The state in which the second gas is passed through the first channel 71 may be such that the third channel 73E and the downstream side of the third section 713 beyond the second confluence Q2E are in communication, while the upstream side of the third section 713 beyond the second confluence Q2E and the downstream side of the third section 713 beyond the second confluence Q2E are not in communication. The state in which the second gas is not passed through the first channel 71 may be such that the third channel 73E and the downstream side of the third section 713 beyond the second confluence Q2E are not in communication, while the upstream side of the third section 713 beyond the second confluence Q2E and the downstream side of the third section 713 beyond the second confluence Q2E are in communication. The downstream side of the third section 713 beyond the second confluence Q2E is the side of the third section 713 in which the sensor chamber 30 is located with reference to the second confluence Q2E. Furthermore, the upstream side of the second confluence Q2E in the third section 713 is the side of the third section 713 where the first confluence Q1 is located relative to the second confluence Q2E.

[0230] [Embodiment 7] The detection system 200F according to Embodiment 7 of the present disclosure includes a detection device 1F instead of the detection device 1C included in the detection system 200 according to Embodiment 4. Figure 25 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the detection device 1F included in the detection system 200F according to Embodiment 7 of the present disclosure. The configuration of the detection device 1F will be described below with reference to Figure 25.

[0231] As shown in Figure 25, the detection device 1F is equipped with a third flow path 73F instead of the third flow path 73 of the detection device 1C according to Embodiment 4. Furthermore, the detection device 1F does not have a first connector 111, but is equipped with an eighth valve 85.

[0232] The third channel 73F is connected to the sensor chamber 30, and the first channel 71 and the third channel 73F do not merge. As shown in Figure 25, the third channel 73F is connected to the sensor chamber 30 at the second merging section Q2F.

[0233] The eighth valve 85 is located between the third flow path 73F and the sensor chamber 30. The eighth valve 85 is a valve that can switch whether or not to pass the second gas through the sensor chamber 30. The eighth valve 85 may be a two-port solenoid valve that can switch between a state in which the second gas in the third flow path 73F passes through the sensor chamber 30 and a state in which it does not, according to the control of the control unit 91. The state in which the second gas passes through the sensor chamber 30 may be a state in which the third flow path 73F and the sensor chamber 30 are in communication. The state in which the second gas does not pass through the sensor chamber 30 may be a state in which the third flow path 73F and the sensor chamber 30 are not in communication. The eighth valve 85 may be a valve that passes the second gas through the sensor chamber 30 when no current is applied, and switches to a state in which it does not pass the second gas through the sensor chamber 30 when current is applied by the control of the control unit 91.

[0234] [Embodiment 8] The detection system 200G according to Embodiment 8 of the present disclosure is equipped with a detection device 1G instead of the detection device 1C provided in the detection system 200 according to Embodiment 4. Figure 26 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the detection device 1G provided in the detection system 200G according to Embodiment 8 of the present disclosure. The configuration of the detection device 1G will be described below with reference to Figure 26.

[0235] As shown in Figure 26, the detection device 1G is equipped with a discharge unit 60G in place of the discharge unit 60 of the detection device 1C according to Embodiment 4.

[0236] The discharge section 60G is a pump located between the first confluence section Q1 and the sensor chamber 30, specifically on the third section 713, and operates according to the control of the control unit 91. In other words, the discharge section 60G may be located upstream of the sensor chamber 30.

[0237] Even in a configuration where the discharge unit 60G is located upstream of the sensor chamber 30, as in the detection device 1G, the gas inside the sensor chamber 30 can be discharged from the third opening 43 in the same way as the discharge unit 60 according to Embodiment 4.

[0238] [Embodiment 9] The detection system 200H according to Embodiment 9 of the present disclosure is equipped with a detection device 1H instead of the detection device 1C equipped with the detection system 200 according to Embodiment 4. Figure 27 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the detection device 1H equipped with the detection system 200H according to Embodiment 6 of the present disclosure. The configuration of the detection device 1H will be described below with reference to Figure 27.

[0239] As shown in Figure 27, the detection device 1H is equipped with a supply unit 50H instead of the supply unit 50 of the detection device 1C according to Embodiment 4. The supply unit 50H is a pump located on the second flow path 72 and operates according to the control of the control unit 91.

[0240] Even if the pump is located downstream of the first confluence Q1, as in the supply unit 50H, the first gas can still be supplied to the storage unit 20. The supply unit 50H only needs to be capable of supplying the first gas to the storage unit 20, and may be located, for example, on the fourth flow path 74.

[0241] When monitoring the first gas in the detection device 1H, the control unit 91 may set the fourth valve 81 to the first state and the fifth valve 82 to the fourth state, and operate the discharge unit 60 instead of the supply unit 50H. This allows the first gas to be supplied into the sensor chamber 30.

[0242] [Embodiment 10] The detection system 200I according to Embodiment 10 of the present disclosure is equipped with a detection device 1I in place of the detection device 1D provided in the detection system 200D according to Embodiment 5. Figure 28 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the detection device 1I provided in the detection system 200I according to Embodiment 10 of the present disclosure. The configuration of the detection device 1I will be described below with reference to Figure 28.

[0243] As shown in Figure 28, the detection device 1I is equipped with a ninth valve 86 in place of the second connector 112 of the detection device 1D according to Embodiment 5. The detection device 1I is equipped with a tenth valve 87 in place of the third connector 113. Furthermore, the detection device 1I does not have a first check valve 121 and a second check valve 122.

[0244] The ninth valve 86 is located at the second branch P2. The ninth valve 86 is a valve that can switch between a state in which gas passes downstream of the second branch P2 in the fifth flow path 75 and a state in which gas passes through the sixth flow path 76, according to the control of the control unit 91. The ninth valve 86 may be a three-port solenoid valve connecting the fifth flow path 75 and the sixth flow path 76. The ninth valve 86 may be in a state in which gas passes downstream of the second branch P2 in the fifth flow path 75 when no current is applied, and may switch to a state in which gas passes through the sixth flow path 76 when current is applied by the control of the control unit 91. The downstream side of the fifth flow path 75 is the side of the fifth flow path 75 where the discharge section 60 is located with respect to the second branch P2. The upstream side of the fifth flow path 75 is the side of the fifth flow path 75 where the sensor chamber 30 is located with respect to the second branch P2.

[0245] The tenth valve 87 is located at the third branch P3. The tenth valve 87 is a valve that can switch between a state in which gas passes through the third channel 73 downstream of the third branch P3 and a state in which gas passes through the seventh channel 77, according to the control of the control unit 91. The tenth valve 87 may be a three-port solenoid valve connecting the third channel 73 and the seventh channel 77. The tenth valve 87 may be in a state in which gas passes through the third channel 73 downstream of the third branch P3 when no current is applied, and switch to a state in which gas passes through the seventh channel 77 when current is applied by the control of the control unit 91. The side of the third channel 73 downstream of the third branch P3 is the side of the third channel 73 where the second merging section Q2 is located with respect to the third branch P3.

[0246] The detection device 1I is equipped with a ninth valve 86 and a tenth valve 87, and switches the state of the ninth valve 86 and the tenth valve 87 as needed. As a result, the detection device 1I can reduce the possibility of gas backflow even without the first check valve 121 and the second check valve 122.

[0247] [Embodiment 11] The detection system 200J according to Embodiment 11 of the present disclosure is equipped with a detection device 1J instead of the detection device 1C provided in the detection system 200 according to Embodiment 4. Figure 29 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the detection device 1J provided in the detection system 200J according to Embodiment 11 of the present disclosure. The configuration of the detection device 1J will be described below with reference to Figure 29.

[0248] As shown in Figure 29, the detection device 1J includes a storage section 20, a sensor chamber 30, a first opening 41, a second opening 42, a third opening 43, a supply section 50, a discharge section 60, a first flow path 71, a third flow path 73, and a fifth flow path 75. The detection device 1J also includes a second flow path 72J and an eleventh valve 88. In the following description, the detection device 1J will be explained using an example configuration in which the first path includes the first flow path 71 and the fifth flow path 75, and the second path includes the second flow path 72J.

[0249] The second channel 72J is a channel that branches off from the first channel 71 at the first branching section P1J and connects to the sensor chamber 30. The second channel 72J can also be described as merging with the first channel 71 at the first merging section Q1J, which is the same section as the first branching section P1J. The second channel 72J also functions as the second channel 72 and the fourth channel 74 in the detection device 1C according to Embodiment 4, and supplies the first gas to the storage section 20 or supplies the first gas in the storage section 20 to the sensor chamber 30 depending on the state of the 11th valve 88.

[0250] The 11th valve 88 is a valve that can switch between three states: one that allows the first gas taken in from the first opening 41 to pass downstream of the first branch P1J of the first flow path 71 (7th state), one that allows it to pass through the second flow path 72J (8th state), and one that allows the first gas in the storage section 20 to pass downstream of the first confluence Q1J (9th state). The 11th valve 88 may be a 3-port solenoid valve that can switch between each state according to the control of the control unit 91. The 11th valve 88 can also be described as having the functions of the 4th valve 81 and the 5th valve 82 in the detection device 1C according to Embodiment 4. The 11th valve 88 may be in the 7th state when no current is applied, and may switch to the 8th or 9th state when current is applied under the control of the control unit 91.

[0251] The seventh state is a state in which the first part 711 and the second part 712 are in communication, and the first channel 71 and the second channel 72J are not in communication. The eighth state is a state in which the first part 711 and the second channel 72J are in communication, and the first part 711 and the second channel 72J are not in communication with the second part 712. The ninth state is a state in which the second channel 72J and the second part 712 are in communication, and the second part 712 and the second channel 72J are not in communication with the first part 711.

[0252] When monitoring the first gas, the control unit 91 sets the 11th valve 88 to the 7th state and operates the supply unit 50. As a result, the first gas taken in from the first opening 41 is supplied to the sensor chamber 30 via the first flow path 71.

[0253] When storing the first gas and purging the gas in the sensor chamber 30, the control unit 91 sets the 11th valve 88 to state 8 and operates the supply unit 50 and the discharge unit 60. As a result, the first gas taken in from the first opening 41 is stored in the storage unit 20 via the first section 711 and the second flow path 72J. In addition, the second gas taken in from the second opening 42 is supplied to the sensor chamber 30, and the gas in the sensor chamber 30 is purged.

[0254] When detecting the first gas, the control unit 91 alternately switches the state of the 11th valve 88 between the 9th state and the 8th state, and operates the discharge unit 60. This alternately switches between a state in which the first gas in the storage unit 20 is supplied to the sensor chamber 30 via the second flow path 72J, the second section 712, and the third section 713, and a state in which the second gas taken in from the second opening 42 is supplied to the sensor chamber 30. As a result, the control unit 91 can detect the type and concentration of a specific gas based on the signal value acquired from the sensor 31. In the detection device 1J, the second junction Q2 may have a valve that can switch whether or not to pass the second gas from the third flow path 73 to the sensor chamber 30 instead of the first connector 111. When supplying the first gas in the storage unit 20 to the sensor chamber 30, the control unit 91 may set the valve to a state where the second gas from the third flow path 73 does not pass to the sensor chamber 30. This reduces the possibility that the second gas from the third channel 73 may enter the sensor chamber 30 at the same time as the first gas.

[0255] As described above, the configuration of the detection device 1J according to Embodiment 11 also allows for the detection of the type and concentration of a specific gas contained in the first gas. Furthermore, the configuration of the detection device 1J also allows for the simultaneous storage of the first gas and the purging of the gas in the sensor chamber 30.

[0256] [Embodiment 12] The detection system 200K according to Embodiment 12 of the present disclosure includes a detection device 1K instead of the detection device 1C included in the detection system 200 according to Embodiment 4. Figure 30 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the detection device 1K included in the detection system 200K according to Embodiment 12 of the present disclosure. The configuration of the detection device 1K will be described below with reference to Figure 30.

[0257] As shown in Figure 30, the detection device 1K includes a second flow path 72K and an eighth flow path 78 instead of the second flow path 72 and fourth flow path 74 of the detection device 1D according to Embodiment 5. Furthermore, the detection device 1K does not include a fifth valve 82, but instead includes a twelfth valve 89 and a fourth connector 114. The fourth connector 114 is a three-way connector that connects the first flow path 71 and the eighth flow path 78 at the first junction Q1. In addition, in the detection device 1K, the third flow path 73 is connected to the first flow path 71 at the second junction Q2 between the fourth valve 81 and the fourth connector 114. In the following description, the detection device 1K will be described using as an example a configuration in which the first path includes the first flow path 71, the fifth flow path 75, and the sixth flow path 76, and the second path includes the second flow path 72K and the eighth flow path 78.

[0258] The second channel 72K branches off from the first channel 71 at the first branching point P1 and connects the first channel 71 to the storage tank 20. The eighth channel 78 is located downstream of the first branching point P1 and connects the first channel 71 to the second channel 72K.

[0259] The 12th valve 89 is located at the connection point R where the 8th passage 78 and the 2nd passage 72K connect, and is a valve that can switch whether or not to allow the first gas in the storage section 20 to pass downstream of the connection point R. The 12th valve 89 may be a 3-port solenoid valve that can switch between a state in which the first gas passes downstream of the connection point R (10th state) and a state in which the first gas does not pass downstream of the connection point R (11th state) according to the control of the control unit 91. The 12th valve 89 may be in the 10th state when no current is applied, and switch to the 11th state when current is applied by the control unit 91. Downstream of the connection point R is the side on which the 8th passage 78 is located relative to the connection point R.

[0260] The tenth state is a state in which the downstream side of the connection R of the second channel 72K and the eighth channel 78 are in communication, and the upstream side of the connection R of the second channel 72K and the downstream side of the connection R of the second channel 72K are not in communication. The eleventh state is a state in which the upstream side of the connection R of the second channel 72K and the downstream side of the connection R of the second channel 72K are in communication, and the second channel 72K and the eighth channel 78 are not in communication. The upstream side of the connection R of the second channel 72K is the side of the second channel 72K in which the first branch P1 is located relative to the connection R. The downstream side of the connection R of the second channel 72K is the side of the second channel 72K in which the storage section 20 is located relative to the connection R.

[0261] When monitoring the first gas, the control unit 91 sets the fourth valve 81 to the first state and the twelfth valve 89 to the tenth state, and operates the supply unit 50. As a result, the first gas taken in from the first opening 41 is supplied to the sensor chamber 30 via the first flow path 71. By setting the twelfth valve 89 to the tenth state, the risk of the first gas flowing back from the eighth flow path 78 and mixing into the storage unit 20 when the supply unit 50 is operated can be reduced.

[0262] When storing the first gas and purging the gas in the sensor chamber 30, the control unit 91 sets the fourth valve 81 to the second state and the twelfth valve 89 to the eleventh state, and operates the supply unit 50 and the discharge unit 60. As a result, the first gas taken in from the first opening 41 is stored in the storage unit 20 via the first section 711 and the second flow path 72K. In addition, the second gas taken in from the third opening 43 is supplied to the sensor chamber 30, and the gas in the sensor chamber 30 is purged.

[0263] When detecting the first gas, the control unit 91 stops the operation of the supply unit 50 and sets the fourth valve 81 to the second state. The control unit 91 also alternately switches the state of the fourth valve 81 between the eleventh state and the tenth state and operates the discharge unit 60. As a result, the state in which the first gas in the storage unit 20 is supplied to the sensor chamber 30 via the second flow path 72K, the eighth flow path 78, and the third section 713 alternates with the state in which the second gas taken in from the second opening 42 is supplied to the sensor chamber 30. As a result, the control unit 91 can detect the type and concentration of a specific gas contained in the first gas based on the signal value acquired from the sensor 31. The detection device 1K may also further include a valve located on the third flow path 73. When detecting the first gas, the control unit 91 may alternately switch between (1) a state in which the 12th valve 89 is in the 11th state and the valve located on the third flow path 73 is closed, and (2) a state in which the 12th valve 89 is in the 10th state and the valve located on the third flow path 73 is open.

[0264] As described above, the type and concentration of a specific gas contained in the first gas can also be detected by the configuration of the detection device 1K according to Embodiment 12. Furthermore, unlike detection device 1D and the like, the detection device 1K does not have a fifth valve 82 located at the first confluence Q1. However, by including a fourth valve 81 and a twelfth valve 89, the detection device 1K can simultaneously store the first gas and purge the gas in the sensor chamber 30.

[0265] [Embodiment 13] Figure 31 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the detection system 200L according to Embodiment 13 of the present disclosure. The configuration of the detection system 200L will be described below using Figure 31. As shown in Figure 31, the detection system 200L comprises a detection device 1L, an electronic device 3, and an information processing device 5.

[0266] The information processing device 5 is a device that is communicatively connected to the detection device 1L and the electronic device 3L, and performs at least a part of the processing performed by the detection device 1C according to Embodiment 4. The information processing device 5 may be, for example, a cloud server. The detection system 200L may not include the information processing device 5, and the electronic device 3 may perform the processing performed by the information processing device 5.

[0267] In the detection system 200L, the control unit 91L of the detection device 1L may determine whether or not to start gas detection. If it is decided to start gas detection, the control unit 91L may transmit the signal acquired from the sensor 31 to the information processing device 5. As shown in Figure 31, the circuit board 90L of the detection device 1L does not need to have a storage unit 92. Furthermore, the configuration of the detection device 1L other than the circuit board 90L may be any configuration that is provided in any of the detection devices 1C to 1K according to embodiments 4 to 12.

[0268] The information processing device 5 may perform gas detection related to a specific gas based on the waveform obtained from the signal received from the detection device 1L. The information processing device 5 may also transmit the detection result to the electronic device 3L. In the detection system 200L, the information processing device 5 may transmit a control signal to the detection device 1L, and the control unit 91L of the detection device 1L may operate each part based on the received control signal. For example, the detection system 200L may include the intestinal information estimation device 2 described in Embodiment 4 as the information processing device 5. In this case, the intestinal information estimation device 2 may be capable of further performing the above processing.

[0269] As described above, the processing that was performed by the control unit 91 in the detection device 1C may be performed by an external device, such as the information processing device 5. With the above configuration, since the information processing device 5 performs at least a part of the processing that was performed by the detection device 1C according to Embodiment 4, the processing load on the detection device 1L can be reduced.

[0270] Conventionally, systems for detecting odorous gases generated from feces excreted by a subject, and devices used in such systems, are known (for example, International Publication No. 2020 / 218256). There is still room for improvement in the configuration of detection devices for detecting gases. According to embodiments 4 to 13 of this disclosure, a detection system with improved convenience can be provided.

[0271] [Example of implementation by software] The functions of the estimation systems 100, 100A and detection systems 200, 200C to 200L (hereinafter referred to as "the system") can be realized by a program that causes a computer to function as the system, and by a program that causes a computer to function as each control block of the system (particularly each part included in the control units 22, 91, and 91L).

[0272] In this case, the system includes a computer having at least one control device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., memory) as hardware for executing the program. By executing the program using this control device and storage device, the functions described in each of the embodiments are realized.

[0273] The above program may be recorded on one or more computer-readable recording media, not temporary ones. These recording media may or may not be provided by the system. In the latter case, the program may be supplied to the device via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0274] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of each of the above control blocks can also be implemented by logic circuits. For example, an integrated circuit in which logic circuits functioning as each of the above control blocks are formed is also included in the scope of this disclosure. In addition, it is also possible to implement the functions of each of the above control blocks by, for example, a quantum computer.

[0275] Furthermore, each process described in the above embodiments may be performed by AI (Artificial Intelligence). In this case, the AI ​​may operate on the control device described above, or it may operate on another device (for example, an edge computer or a cloud server).

[0276] The inventions described in this disclosure have been explained above based on the drawings and embodiments. However, the inventions described in this disclosure are not limited to the embodiments described above. That is, the inventions described in this disclosure can be modified in various ways within the scope shown in this disclosure, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the inventions described in this disclosure. In other words, it should be noted that it is easy for those skilled in the art to make various modifications or alterations based on this disclosure. Furthermore, it should be noted that these modifications or alterations are included in the scope of this disclosure.

[0277] For example, the configuration of the detection device 1C according to Embodiment 4 may be combined with the configurations of the detection devices 1D to 1L according to Embodiments 5 to 13. As an example, the third flow path 73 of the detection device 1C may be configured as the third flow path 73E or third flow path 73F according to Embodiment 6 or 7.

[0278] [Summary] An estimation system according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure includes: an acquisition unit that acquires detection information corresponding to the concentration of a predetermined component contained in a gas originating from a subject; and an estimation unit that (1) uses a first estimation model that includes the detection information for a single detection as an explanatory variable to estimate subject information relating to the health status of the subject at the time of detection, or (2) uses a second estimation model that includes the detection information at the time of detection and the detection information at a first time prior to the time of detection as explanatory variables to estimate the change in subject information from the first time to the time of detection. The estimation unit estimates the subject information by inputting the most recent detection information into the first estimation model if the number of detections of the acquired detection information is less than a first predetermined number, and estimates the change in subject information using the second estimation model with the most recent detection information as the detection information at the time of detection if the number of detections is the first predetermined number or more.

[0279] In the estimation system according to aspect 2 of this disclosure, the first predetermined number may be two in aspect 1.

[0280] In the estimation system according to aspect 3 of the present disclosure, in aspect 1 or 2, the first estimation model may include as explanatory variables information indicating at least one of the subject's gender, age, height, weight, eating habits, exercise habits, and sleep habits.

[0281] The estimation system according to aspect 4 of the present disclosure, in any of aspects 1 to 3 above, may have the estimation unit use the second estimation model to estimate information showing the change in the subject information from a second time point prior to the first time point to the first time point, and information showing the change in the subject information from the first time point to the detection time, and output the change in the subject information from the second time point to the detection time by adding the information showing the change in the subject information from the first time point to the detection time to the information showing the change in the subject information from the second time point to the first time point.

[0282] In the estimation system according to embodiment 5 of the present disclosure, in any of embodiments 1 to 4, when the estimation unit estimates the change in the subject information from the first time point to the detection time point using the second estimation model, the time point at which the detection information used when estimating the subject information using the first estimation model was detected may be set as the first time point.

[0283] The estimation system according to aspect 6 of the present disclosure, in any of aspects 1 to 5 above, estimates the change in subject information from a second time point to the detection time using a third estimation model that includes as explanatory variables information indicating the change in the detection information from a second time point prior to the first time point to the first time point, and information indicating the change in the detection information from the first time point to the detection time. The estimation unit may perform a predetermined process on at least one of the information indicating the change in the detection information from a second time point prior to the first time point to the first time point, and the information indicating the change in the detection information from the first time point to the detection time, and input this into the third estimation model.

[0284] The estimation system according to embodiment 7 of the present disclosure may include, in any of embodiments 4 to 6 above, an output unit that outputs the subject information estimated using the first estimation model at a second time point prior to the first time point, and information indicating the change in the subject information from the second time point output by the estimation unit to the detection time point.

[0285] The estimation system according to aspect 8 of the present disclosure, in any of aspects 4 to 6 above, may, in any of the above aspects, input the detection information detected at a second reference point, which is more than a predetermined period after the first reference point in which the detection information used when estimating the subject information using the first estimation model was detected, into the first estimation model to estimate the subject information, and if the number of times since the second reference point is greater than or equal to the first predetermined number, the second estimation model may use the most recent detection information as the detection information at the time of detection to output the changes in the subject information from the second reference point to the time when the most recent detection information was detected.

[0286] An estimation system according to aspect 9 of the present disclosure includes: an acquisition unit that acquires detection information corresponding to the concentration of a predetermined component contained in a gas originating from a subject; and an estimation unit that estimates subject information relating to the subject's health status at a first time point using at least one of the following: (1) a fourth estimation model that includes the detection information at a first time point as an explanatory variable; and (2) a fifth estimation model that includes the detection information at the first time point and the average value of the detection information over a predetermined period with the first time point as the last detection point as explanatory variables. The estimation unit estimates the subject information using the fourth estimation model if the number of times the detection information was acquired during the predetermined period is less than or equal to a third predetermined number, and estimates the subject information using the fifth estimation model if the number of times is greater than the third predetermined number.

[0287] In the estimation system according to aspect 10 of this disclosure, the third predetermined number may be 4 in aspect 9.

[0288] In the estimation system according to aspect 11 of this disclosure, the predetermined period may be two weeks or more and two months or less in aspect 9 or 10 above.

[0289] The estimation system according to embodiment 12 of the present disclosure may, in any of embodiments 9 to 11, include as explanatory variables the fourth estimation model the detection information for each of the multiple types of gas at a first time point, and the fifth estimation model the detection information for each of the multiple types of gas at a first time point, and the average value of the detection information for each of the multiple types of gas over a predetermined period with the first time point as the last detection time, as explanatory variables.

[0290] In the estimation system according to embodiment 13 of the present disclosure, in any of embodiments 9 to 12, the predetermined period for calculating the average value of the detection information in the fifth estimation model may differ for each gas.

[0291] An estimation system according to embodiment 14 of the present disclosure includes: an acquisition unit that acquires detection information corresponding to the concentration of a predetermined component contained in a gas originating from a subject; and an estimation unit that estimates changes in subject information relating to the subject's health status from a first time to a second time using at least one of the following: (1) a sixth estimation model that includes the difference between the detection information at a first time and the detection information at a second time, after a predetermined period has elapsed from the first time, as an explanatory variable; and (2) a seventh estimation model that includes the difference between the detection information at a first time and the detection information at a second time, and the difference between the average value of the detection information during a predetermined period with the first time being the last detection time and the average value of the detection information during a predetermined period with the second time being the last detection time, as explanatory variables, wherein the estimation unit estimates changes in subject information using the sixth estimation model if the number of times the detection information was acquired during the predetermined period is less than or equal to a third predetermined number, and estimates changes in subject information using the seventh estimation model if the number of times is greater than the third predetermined number.

[0292] In the estimation system according to aspect 15 of this disclosure, in any of aspects 1 to 14 above, the subject information may be information indicating the subject's intestinal environment, or information regarding the subject's health identified based on the intestinal environment.

[0293] In any of the embodiments 1 to 15 described above, the estimation system according to embodiment 16 of this disclosure may include information that indicates at least one of the following: a change in the amount of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and metabolites, or a change in the proportion of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and metabolites.

[0294] In the estimation system according to aspect 17 of this disclosure, in any of aspects 1 to 16 above, the gas may be gas resulting from the feces of the subject.

[0295] [Note] The detection device according to embodiment 18 of the present disclosure comprises: a first path through which a first gas passes; a sensor located in the first path and capable of outputting a signal corresponding to the type or concentration of a specific gas contained in the first gas; a second path branching off from a branch located upstream of the sensor in the first path and having a storage section capable of storing the first gas located therein; an opening downstream of the branch in the first path for introducing a second gas different from the first gas; a supply section for taking in the first gas; and a discharge section for discharging the first gas and the second gas, wherein the supply section is located in the first path or the second path upstream of the branch, and the discharge section is located downstream of the branch.

[0296] The detection device according to embodiment 19 of the present disclosure may include a fourth valve located at the branching portion in embodiment 18, which can switch between a state in which the first gas passes downstream of the branching portion in the first path and a state in which it passes through the second path.

[0297] In the detection device according to embodiment 20 of the present disclosure, in embodiment 18 or 19, the second path may merge with the first path at a first merging point located between the branching point and the sensor of the first path.

[0298] The detection device according to embodiment 21 of the present disclosure may include a fifth valve located at a first confluence downstream of the branching portion, which can switch whether or not to allow the first gas in the storage portion to pass downstream of the first confluence portion, in any of embodiments 18 to 20.

[0299] A detection device according to aspect 22 of the present disclosure, in aspect 18, the first path includes a first flow path having a first opening for taking in the first gas and not connected to the storage section, and a fifth flow path having a third opening for discharging gas located at the sensor, the second path is a flow path for supplying the first gas to the storage section and includes a second flow path branching off from the first flow path at a branching section and connected to the storage section, and a fourth flow path connecting the storage section and the first flow path at a first confluence located downstream of the branching section, the supply section is, The discharge section may include a third flow path having a second opening for supplying the second gas to the sensor, a third flow path having a second opening for supplying the second gas to the sensor, a fourth valve located at the branching section that can switch between allowing the first gas taken in from the first opening to pass downstream of the branching section of the first flow path and allowing it to pass through the second flow path, and a fifth valve located at the first confluence section that can switch between allowing the first gas in the storage section to pass downstream of the first confluence section.

[0300] In the detection device according to embodiment 23 of the present disclosure, the third flow path may be connected to the first flow path between the branching portion and the first merging portion, as described in embodiment 22.

[0301] In the detection device according to embodiment 24 of the present disclosure, in embodiment 22 or 23, the discharge unit may be located in the fifth flow path between the sensor and the third opening.

[0302] In the detection device according to embodiment 25 of the present disclosure, in any of embodiments 22 to 24, the supply unit may be located in the first flow path between the first opening and the branching unit.

[0303] In the detection device according to embodiment 26 of the present disclosure, in any of embodiments 22 to 25, the flow rate per unit time of the supply unit may be greater than the flow rate per unit time of the discharge unit.

[0304] The detection device according to embodiment 27 of the present disclosure may further include a first check valve located on the third flow path, as in any of embodiments 22 to 26.

[0305] The detection device according to embodiment 28 of the present disclosure may, in any of embodiments 22 to 27, include a sixth flow path connecting the sensor and the third opening and not passing through the discharge section, and a second check valve located on the sixth flow path.

[0306] The detection device according to embodiment 29 of the present disclosure may further include a seventh flow path connecting the second opening and the storage section, which branches off from the third flow path and merges with the first flow path, in any of embodiments 22 to 28 above.

[0307] The detection device according to embodiment 30 of the present disclosure may further include a sixth valve that can switch whether or not to pass the second gas from the seventh flow path to the first flow path, as in embodiment 29.

[0308] The detection device according to embodiment 31 of the present disclosure, in any of embodiments 22 to 30, further comprises a seventh valve located at a second confluence where the third flow path and the first flow path merge, which is connected to the first flow path between the first confluence and the sensor, and which can switch whether or not to pass the second gas through the first flow path.

[0309] In any of the embodiments 22 to 30 described above, without reference to embodiment 23, the detection device according to embodiment 32 of the present disclosure further comprises an eighth valve located between the third flow path and the sensor, which is connected to the sensor and is capable of switching whether or not to pass the second gas through to the sensor.

[0310] In the detection device according to embodiment 33 of the present disclosure, if embodiment 24 is not referenced, the discharge unit may be located between the first confluence unit and the sensor in any of embodiments 22 to 31.

[0311] In the detection device according to embodiment 34 of the present disclosure, if embodiment 25 is not referenced, the supply unit may be located on the second flow path in any of embodiments 22 to 32.

[0312] A detection device according to embodiment 35 of the present disclosure, in embodiment 18, the first path includes a first flow path having a first opening for taking in the first gas to be supplied to the sensor and not connected to the storage section, and a fifth flow path having a third opening for discharging the gas located at the sensor, the second path is a flow path for supplying the first gas to the storage section and includes a second flow path that branches off from the first flow path at a branching section and is connected to the storage section, the supply section takes in the first gas from the first opening, the discharge section discharges the first gas or the second gas from the third opening and has a second opening as the opening, and a third flow path for supplying the second gas to the sensor, and at least one valve that can switch between a state in which the first gas taken in from the first opening passes downstream of the first flow path, a state in which it passes through the second flow path, and a state in which the first gas in the storage section passes downstream of the branching section.

[0313] A detection system according to embodiment 36 of the present disclosure comprises a detection device according to any of embodiments 22 to 34, and a control unit that controls the operation of the supply unit and the discharge unit, and the state of the fourth valve and the fifth valve, wherein the control unit controls the discharge unit and alternately supplies the first gas and the second gas to the sensor, and detects the type or concentration of the specific gas based on the waveform of the signal output by the sensor.

[0314] In the detection system according to embodiment 37 of the present disclosure, in embodiment 36, the control unit may operate the supply unit to supply the first gas to the sensor via the first flow path, and if the value of the signal output by the sensor exceeds a predetermined value, the control unit may operate the supply unit to store the first gas in the storage unit via the second flow path, and control the fourth valve and the fifth valve to supply the second gas to the sensor via the third flow path.

[0315] A detection system according to embodiment 38 of the present disclosure comprises a detection device according to embodiment 35, and a control unit that controls the operation of the supply unit and the discharge unit and the state of the valve, wherein the control unit controls the discharge unit and alternately supplies the first gas and the second gas to the sensor, and detects the type or concentration of the specific gas based on the waveform of the signal output by the sensor.

[0316] In the detection system according to embodiment 39 of the present disclosure, in embodiment 38, the control unit may operate the supply unit to supply the first gas to the sensor via the first flow path, and if the value of the signal output by the sensor exceeds a predetermined value, the control unit may operate the supply unit to store the first gas in the storage unit via the second flow path, and control the valve to supply the second gas to the sensor via the third flow path.

[0317] 100, 100A Estimation System 221 Acquisition Unit 222, 222A Estimation Unit 223 Output Unit M1 First Estimation Model M2 Second Estimation Model M3 Third Estimation Model M4 Fourth Estimation Model M5 Fifth Estimation Model M6 Sixth Estimation Model M7 Seventh Estimation Model

Claims

1. An estimation system comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires detection information corresponding to the concentration of a predetermined component contained in a gas originating from a subject; (1) an estimation unit that uses a first estimation model that includes the detection information related to a single detection as an explanatory variable to estimate subject information relating to the subject's health status at the time of the detection, or (2) an estimation unit that uses a second estimation model that includes the detection information at the time of the detection and the detection information at a first time prior to the time of the detection as explanatory variables to estimate the change in subject information from the first time to the time of the detection, wherein the estimation unit, if the number of detections of the acquired detection information is less than a first predetermined number, inputs the most recent detection information into the first estimation model to estimate the subject information; and if the number of detections is the first predetermined number or more, estimates the change in subject information using the second estimation model with the most recent detection information as the detection information at the time of the detection.

2. The estimation system according to claim 1, wherein the first predetermined number is 2.

3. The estimation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first estimation model includes information indicating at least one of the subject's gender, age, height, weight, eating habits, exercise habits, and sleep habits as explanatory variables.

4. The estimation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the estimation unit estimates information showing the change in the subject information from a second time point prior to the first time point to the first time point, and information showing the change in the subject information from the first time point to the detection time, using the second estimation model, and adds the information showing the change in the subject information from the first time point to the detection time to the information showing the change in the subject information from the second time point to the first time point, and outputs the change in the subject information from the second time point to the detection time.

5. The estimation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the estimation unit estimates the change in the subject information from the first time point to the detection time point using the second estimation model, the time point at which the detection information used when estimating the subject information using the first estimation model was detected is defined as the first time point.

6. The estimation system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the estimation unit estimates the change in the subject information from the second time point to the detection time using a third estimation model that includes as explanatory variables information indicating the change in the detection information from the second time point prior to the first time point to the first time point, and information indicating the change in the detection information from the first time point to the detection time, and the estimation unit performs a predetermined process on at least one of the information indicating the change in the detection information from the second time point prior to the first time point to the first time point, and the information indicating the change in the detection information from the first time point to the detection time, and inputs it into the third estimation model.

7. The estimation system according to any one of claims 4 to 6, comprising an output unit that outputs the subject information estimated using the first estimation model at a second time point prior to the first time point, and information indicating the change in the subject information from the second time point to the detection time, output by the estimation unit.

8. The estimation system according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the estimation unit inputs the detection information detected at a second reference point, which is more than a predetermined period after the first reference point in which the detection information used when estimating the subject information using the first estimation model was detected, into the first estimation model to estimate the subject information, and if the number of times since the second reference point is more than or equal to the first predetermined number, the second estimation model is used to output the changes in the subject information from the second reference point to the time when the most recent detection information was detected, using the most recent detection information as the detection information at the time of detection.

9. An estimation system comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires detection information corresponding to the concentration of a predetermined component contained in a gas originating from a subject; and an estimation unit that estimates subject information relating to the subject's health status at a first time point, using at least one of the following: (1) a fourth estimation model that includes the detection information at a first time point as an explanatory variable; and (2) a fifth estimation model that includes the detection information at the first time point and the average value of the detection information over a predetermined period with the first time point as the last detection point as explanatory variables, wherein the estimation unit estimates the subject information using the fourth estimation model if the number of times the detection information was acquired during the predetermined period is less than or equal to a third predetermined number; and estimates the subject information using the fifth estimation model if the number of times is greater than the third predetermined number.

10. The estimation system according to claim 9, wherein the third predetermined number is 4.

11. The estimation system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the predetermined period is two weeks or more and two months or less.

12. The estimation system according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the fourth estimation model includes the detection information for each of the multiple types of gas at a first time point as explanatory variables, and the fifth estimation model includes the detection information for each of the multiple types of gas at a first time point and the average value of the detection information for each of the multiple types of gas over a predetermined period with the first time point as the last detection time, as explanatory variables.

13. The estimation system according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein in the fifth estimation model, the predetermined period for calculating the average value of the detection information differs for each gas.

14. An estimation system comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires detection information corresponding to the concentration of a predetermined component contained in a gas originating from a subject; a sixth estimation model that includes the difference between the detection information at a first time point and the detection information at a second time point after a predetermined period has elapsed from the first time point as an explanatory variable; and a seventh estimation model that includes the difference between the detection information at a first time point and the detection information at a second time point, and the difference between the average value of the detection information during a predetermined period with the first time point as the last detection point and the average value of the detection information during a predetermined period with the second time point as the last detection point as explanatory variables, wherein the estimation unit estimates the change in subject information using the sixth estimation model if the number of times the detection information was acquired during the predetermined period is less than or equal to a third predetermined number, and estimates the change in subject information using the seventh estimation model if the number of times is greater than the third predetermined number.

15. The estimation system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the subject information is information indicating the intestinal environment of the subject, or information regarding the health of the subject identified based on the intestinal environment.

16. The estimation system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the subject information is information indicating at least one of a change in the amount of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and metabolites, and a change in the relative abundance of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and metabolites.

17. The estimation system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the gas is a gas resulting from the feces of the subject.

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