Information processing system, information processing device, information processing method, and non-transient computer readable medium
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies fail to accurately collect excretion information from a toilet bowl without user intervention and cannot distinguish between excrement and foreign bodies, leading to potential flushing of non-excrement items and inaccurate recording.
Innovation Solution
An information processing system with an image capture apparatus installed in the toilet bowl captures imaging data of the excretion area, using a learned model to identify the content of excretion and detect foreign bodies, which then generates alert information and controls the washing function to prevent flushing of non-excrement items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If observation of excretion behavior is performed to ensure accurate information collection, then accuracy of excretion diary is improved, but dignity of care receiver is damaged and burden on caregiver increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual observation and recording by caregivers with an automated image recognition system using cameras and AI algorithms. The system automatically captures images in the toilet bowl, identifies excretion content and foreign bodies, and records information without human intervention, thereby maintaining accuracy while eliminating dignity damage and caregiver burden.
2Ease of operation
If manual recording by hearing from care receiver is performed, then burden on caregiver is reduced, but accuracy of excretion diary decreases due to shame and inaccurate application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual hearing and recording process with an automated visual recognition system. The image capture apparatus and learned model automatically identify and record excretion information, eliminating the need for caregivers to interview care receivers and ensuring accurate data collection regardless of the care receiver's ability or willingness to communicate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-recording of excretion information through automated image capture and analysis. The toilet facility performs the recording function autonomously by capturing images and using AI to identify excretion content, making the system self-sufficient without requiring caregiver intervention or care receiver participation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If washing function operates continuously to maintain cleanliness, then hygiene is improved, but foreign bodies are flushed causing drain pipe clogging and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the image recognition results are used to control the washing function. When foreign bodies are detected in the toilet bowl, the system sends a stop command to the washing function, preventing flushing that would cause drain pipe clogging. When no foreign bodies are present, normal washing operations continue to maintain hygiene.
Data Source
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AI summary
To collect excretion information indicating a content of excrement in a toilet bowl without having to ask a user of a toilet and prevent flushing of a foreign body other than the excrement, even when the foreign body is present in the toilet bowl. The information processing system (1) includes an acquisition unit (1a) that acquires excretion information on the basis of imaging data captured by an image capture apparatus installed in such a way as to include, in an image capture range, an excretion range of excrement in a toilet bowl of a toilet, a generation unit (1b) that generates presentation information on the basis of the excretion information, an output unit (1c) that outputs the presentation information, and a washing control unit (1d) that controls a washing function of the toilet bowl. The acquisition unit (1a) acquires information that indicates whether a foreign body being an object other than feces and urine is included in the imaging data as a subject excluding the toilet bowl and washing liquid for the toilet bowl, as at least a part of the excretion information. When information including the foreign body is acquired, the washing control unit (1d) outputs a stop command for stopping the washing function to the toilet bowl side, and the generation unit (1b) generates alert information as at least a part of the presentation information.