JP7609686B2 - Detection System - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a detection system technology for determining physical condition.

Technology for assessing physical condition has been publicly known. For example, see Patent Document 1.

The breath testing device described in Patent Document 1 comprises an airway member with a flow path formed therein, a gas sensor for measuring the carbon dioxide concentration of the air flowing through the flow path, and a straw-shaped mouthpiece that is connected to the flow path. When using the breath testing device, the user holds the breath testing device in their hand and breathes into the mouthpiece. The breath testing device uses the gas sensor to measure the carbon dioxide concentration of the user's exhaled breath flowing through the flow path, thereby testing for changes in physical condition (whether or not the user has developed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

When conducting a test using the breath testing device described in Patent Document 1, the user must act consciously (hold the breath testing device and breathe). For this reason, there has been a demand for technology that can more easily determine the user's physical condition (without the user being aware of it).

JP 2017-187365 A

The present invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and the problem it aims to solve is to provide a detection system that can determine the user's physical condition without the user being aware of it.

The problem that the present invention aims to solve is as described above, and the means for solving this problem will be explained next.

That is, in claim 1, the device comprises a circulation path through which air from an indoor space can flow, a collection unit provided in the circulation path for collecting components related to the physical condition of a user using the indoor space which are contained in the air flowing through the circulation path, and a detector provided downstream of the collection unit in the circulation path for detecting the components collected by the collection unit, and the circulation path branches off from a ventilation path through which air can flow from the indoor space to an outdoor space .

In claim 2 , the system further includes at least one valve operable to switch the air flow states in the ventilation path and the distribution path, and further includes a control unit which, by controlling the operation of the valves, switches the air flow states between a ventilation state in which the air of the indoor space is ventilated to the outdoor space via the ventilation path without passing through the distribution path, a collection state in which the collection unit collects the components, and a detection state in which the detector detects the components collected by the collection unit.

In claim 3 , the valve includes a first valve provided at a branching portion between the circulation path and the ventilation path, and the control unit operates the first valve in the ventilation state so that all of the air circulating through the ventilation path circulates to the outdoor space without passing through the circulation path, and operates the first valve in the collection state so that at least a portion of the air circulating through the ventilation path circulates to the circulation path.

In a fourth aspect of the present invention, the control section operates the first valve in the detection state so that at least a portion of the air flowing through the ventilation path flows into the flow path.

In claim 5 , the valve includes a second valve provided in the flow path between the collection section and the detector, and the control section operates the second valve in the collection state so that air flowing through the flow path does not flow to the detector.

In a sixth aspect of the present invention, the control section operates the second valve in the detection state so that air flowing through the flow path flows to the detector.

In claim 7 , the circulation path branches at a portion where the second valve is provided, the detector is provided in one of the branched circulation paths, and the other branched circulation path is arranged to merge with the ventilation path, and the control unit operates the second valve so that, in the capture state, air circulating through the circulation path flows into the ventilation path via the other branched circulation path.

In an eighth aspect of the present invention, the device further comprises a heating section capable of heating the collection section in the detection state.

In claim 9 , the indoor space is a toilet space.

In claim 10 , the collection unit collects odor components as components related to the physical condition, and the detector has a plurality of sensors that react to the odor components and detects the odor components based on the response patterns of the plurality of sensors.

The effects of the present invention are as follows:

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the user can determine his/her physical condition without being aware of it. Also, air in the indoor space can be easily supplied to the collection section.

In the second aspect, ventilation of the indoor space, collection of the components by the collection section, and detection of the components by the detector can be switched at any timing.

In the third aspect, the ventilation state and the collection state can be easily switched.

In the fourth aspect, air can be easily supplied from the collection section to the detector.

In the fifth aspect, the valve can be appropriately controlled.

In the sixth aspect, the valve can be appropriately controlled.

In the seventh aspect, the indoor space can be ventilated efficiently.

In the eighth aspect, the time required for the detector to detect the components can be shortened.

In the ninth aspect, components related to physical condition can be efficiently collected.

In the tenth aspect, various changes in physical condition can be detected.

1 is a diagram showing a building to which a detection system according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. (a) is a diagram showing the configuration of a detection system, and (b) is a diagram showing the configuration of a concentration unit. 1A is a diagram showing a sensor of a detector, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing how the sensor reacts to odor components. (a) A diagram showing the aeration process, (b) A diagram showing the concentration process, and (c) A diagram showing the detection process. 13A is a diagram showing a detection system according to another embodiment, and FIG.

In the following explanation, the up/down, left/right, and front/rear directions are defined according to the arrows in the diagram.

Below, the configuration of the building 1 in which the detection system 20 according to this embodiment is installed will be described with reference to FIG. 1.

The building 1 is, for example, a house where people live. The inside of the building 1 is divided into a living/dining room 2, a washroom 3, a bathroom 4, a toilet 5, etc. by partition walls or the like.

The living/dining room 2 is a room where people mainly stay. The living/dining room 2 is provided with an air intake 2a for introducing air from the outdoor space (the space outside the building 1). The washroom 3, bathroom 4, and toilet 5 are rooms that people use temporarily. The washroom 3, bathroom 4, and toilet 5 are provided with exhaust vents 3a, 4a, and 5a for discharging air from the internal space (indoor space). The toilet 5 is also provided with a human sensor 5b for detecting the presence of a user.

The building 1 configured as described above is equipped with a ventilation system 10. The ventilation system 10 is for ventilating the building 1. The ventilation system 10 is equipped with a ventilation path 11 and a ventilation fan 12.

The ventilation path 11 is a path through which air can flow from the indoor space to the outdoor space. The ventilation path 11 is provided to connect the exhaust ports 3a, 4a, and 5a to the outdoor space. The ventilation path 11 is configured by appropriately connecting ducts. The ventilation path 11 includes a first path 11a that connects the exhaust ports 3a, 4a, and 5a and the ventilation fan 12 described later, and a second path 11b that connects the ventilation fan 12 and the outdoor space. The ventilation fan 12 draws air from the indoor space through the exhaust ports 3a, 4a, and 5a of the washroom 3, etc. through the first path 11a, and sends the air to the outdoor space through the second path 11b. Air from the living/dining room 2 flows into the washroom 3, etc. through a corridor, etc. In addition, outside air is introduced into the living/dining room 2 through the air intake port 2a. In this way, the ventilation fan 12 can ventilate the building 1. The ventilation fan 12 operates all day long, ventilating the building 1 24 hours a day.

Next, the configuration of the detection system 20 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

The detection system 20 is for judging the physical condition of a person using an indoor space (hereinafter referred to as the "user"). As described below, the detection system 20 detects odor components contained in the person's breath in the air of the indoor space and can judge the physical condition based on the odor components. The detection system 20 includes a concentration system 30, a detector 40, and a display 50.

The concentration system 30 is for collecting components related to the user's physical condition contained in the air from the indoor space. The components related to the physical condition are components that can determine the physical condition of the user. The components related to the physical condition include, for example, components whose characteristics change depending on the user's physical condition (for example, before and after becoming ill). In the concentration system 30 of this embodiment, odor components contained in the user's breath are collected as components related to the physical condition. In addition, the concentration system 30 collects and concentrates the odor components by continuously collecting the odor components in a collection process described below. The concentration system 30 is provided in the ventilation path 11 (first path 11a) and is disposed between the exhaust port 5a of the toilet 5 and the exhaust fan 12. In FIG. 2, the first path 11a connecting the exhaust port 5a and the exhaust fan 12 is depicted as a straight line extending in the left-right direction of the page. As shown in FIG. 2, the concentration system 30 includes a distribution path 31, a concentration unit 32, a heating unit 33, a first valve 34, a second valve 35, and a control unit 36.

The circulation path 31 is a path through which air from the indoor space can circulate. The circulation path 31 is configured by appropriately connecting ducts. The circulation path 31 is provided so as to branch off from the first path 11a of the ventilation path 11, which connects the exhaust port 5a of the toilet 5 to the ventilation fan 12. In this way, the circulation path 31 is connected to the toilet space S5 (the internal space of the toilet 5) via the ventilation path 11. In addition, the middle part of the circulation path 31 branches into two. Of the two branches, one path is provided so as to merge with the ventilation path 11 downstream of the branch point with the circulation path 31. In addition, the other path is connected to the detector 40 described later.

In the following, the portion where the flow path 31 branches off from the ventilation path 11 is referred to as the "first branch portion P1." The portion where the flow path 31 branches off into two is referred to as the "second branch portion P2." Of the two branches, the path that merges from the second branch portion P2 into the ventilation path 11 is referred to as the "merging path 31a." Of the two branches, the path that connects the second branch portion P2 to the detector 40 is referred to as the "connecting path 31b."

The concentration unit 32 is a part that collects odor components (components related to the user's physical condition). The concentration unit 32 is provided in the distribution path 31 and is arranged between the first branch part P1 and the second branch part P2. The concentration unit 32 is configured to allow air to pass through. The concentration unit 32 is configured, for example, by filling a container with a carrier capable of adsorbing a specific component (silica gel capable of adsorbing odor components in this embodiment). The concentration unit 32 of this embodiment can collect (adsorb) and concentrate odor components when the temperature is relatively low (for example, room temperature). In addition, the odor components collected in the concentration unit 32 are separated from the concentration unit 32 when the concentration unit 32 is at a relatively high temperature (for example, about 60°C).

The heating unit 33 is for heating the concentration unit 32. The heating unit 33 is, for example, composed of a heater or the like arranged near the concentration unit 32.

The first valve 34 is for switching the air flow state in the ventilation path 11 and the circulation path 31. The first valve 34 is provided at the first branch portion P1 of the circulation path 31. The first valve 34 is configured to be capable of opening and closing the ventilation path 11 and the circulation path 31, respectively. The first valve 34 is configured to be switchable between a first state in which the ventilation path 11 is opened and the circulation path 31 is closed, and a second state in which the ventilation path 11 is closed and the circulation path 31 is opened.

The second valve 35 is for switching the destination of the air that has passed through the concentration unit 32 (the state of air flow in the flow path 31). The second valve 35 is provided in the second branch portion P2 of the flow path 31 (between the concentration unit 32 and the detector 40). The second valve 35 is configured to be capable of opening and closing the merging path 31a and the connecting path 31b. The second valve 35 is configured to be switchable between a third state in which the merging path 31a is opened and the connecting path 31b is blocked, and a fourth state in which the merging path 31a is blocked and the connecting path 31b is opened.

The control unit 36 is for controlling the heating unit 33, the first valve 34, and the second valve 35. The control unit 36 is equipped with an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU, and a storage device such as a RAM or ROM. The control unit 36 stores various programs for operating the detection system 20 in the storage device. The control unit 36 is configured to be able to receive a signal from the human presence sensor 5b of the toilet 5. The control unit 36 can grasp the presence of a user in the toilet 5 based on the signal from the human presence sensor 5b. The control unit 36 is configured to be able to transmit signals to the heating unit 33, the first valve 34, the second valve 35, and the detector 40.

The control unit 36 can switch between heating and stopping the heating of the concentration unit 32 by the heating unit 33 by sending a signal to the heating unit 33. The control unit 36 can switch between the first state and the second state by sending a signal to the first valve 34. The control unit 36 can switch between the third state and the fourth state by sending a signal to the second valve 35. The control unit 36 can switch between starting and stopping the operation of the detector 40 (such as detecting odor components, which will be described later) by sending a signal to the detector 40.

The detector 40 is for detecting odor components (components related to the user's physical condition) collected by the concentration unit 32. The detector 40 is provided downstream of the concentration unit 32 in the flow path 31. More specifically, the detector 40 is provided at the downstream end of the connection path 31b of the flow path 31. As shown in FIG. 3(a), the detector 40 includes a plurality of sensors 41 that react to odor components. The plurality of sensors 41 are arranged at intervals from one another. The plurality of sensors 41 are configured to react differently depending on the odor components. For example, some of the plurality of sensors 41 react strongly to a particular odor component and glow strongly. In contrast, the other sensors 41 react weakly to the particular odor component (glow faintly) or do not react (do not glow).

When detecting odor components, the detector 40 configured as described above sucks air from the distribution path 31 with a pump (not shown) and blows it onto the sensor 41. As shown in FIG. 3(b), the sensor 41 reacts to the odor components contained in the blown air. For example, the sensor 41 may glow darkly (see the sensor 41 in the first row from the top in FIG. 3(b)) or glow lightly (see the sensor 41 in the second row from the top in FIG. 3(b)). The detector 40 can detect odor components by acquiring the reaction pattern of the sensor 41 according to such odor components (information on the sensor 41 that reacts, the color intensity, etc.). The air blown onto the sensor 41 is discharged from the detector 40 to the outdoor space through a specified path.

The detector 40 is also configured to be able to determine the user's physical condition from the detection results of the odor components. Specifically, when the user becomes ill (when their physical condition changes), the odor components contained in the breath change. For example, when the liver function declines due to illness, the liver is unable to completely break down harmful substances, causing the odor components in the breath to change (to have a distinctive smell). Therefore, the reaction pattern of the breath after the user has contracted an illness will reflect the change in odor components caused by the illness. The detector 40 stores in advance the characteristics of the reaction pattern after such a change in physical condition has occurred. For example, the detector 40 stores in advance characteristics such as a certain color being strongly emitted by some of the multiple sensors 41 when the user has a certain disease.

The detector 40 determines whether the above-mentioned characteristics are present in the odor component detection results (results of the acquired reaction pattern). For example, it determines whether the intensity of a predetermined color exceeds a threshold value in some of the sensors 41. This allows the detector 40 to determine the user's physical condition (whether or not the user is feeling unwell) from the odor component detection results.

The detector 40 is also configured to be able to identify a user who uses the toilet 5. For example, the detector 40 is configured to be able to identify a user by receiving a signal from an identification unit (not shown) that can identify a user by analyzing an image captured by a camera installed near the toilet 5.

The display device 50 shown in FIG. 2 is a device for presenting the results of a physical condition judgment. The display device 50 is configured with a smartphone or the like. The display device 50 is carried by a person who manages the detection system 20 (e.g., the owner of the building 1, etc.). The display device 50 is configured to be able to communicate with the detector 40 via an internet line or the like.

The device that determines the physical condition from the detection results of odor components is not limited to the detector 40, but may be another device (e.g., a display 50, etc.). Also, the configuration for identifying the user is not particularly limited.

The toilet 5 of the building 1 to which the detection system 20 configured as described above is applied is used by users as appropriate. The detection system 20 uses the concentration unit 32 to capture odor components from the breath of the user when using the toilet 5, and can determine the physical condition of the user who has used the toilet 5 using the detector 40.

Below, the process of determining physical condition by the detection system 20 will be explained with reference to Figures 2 to 4.

The determination process is constantly performed by the control unit 36. In the determination process, the control unit 36 controls the operation of the first valve 34 and the like depending on the presence of a user in the toilet 5. This allows the control unit 36 to switch the air flow state and execute multiple processes with different flow states. Specifically, the control unit 36 can execute an aeration process, a concentration process, and a detection process.

The ventilation process is a process for ventilating the toilet space S5 using the ventilation system 10. The control unit 36 executes the ventilation process when the concentration process and the detection process described below are not executed. As shown in FIG. 4(a), when the ventilation process is executed, the control unit 36 stops the operation of the heating unit 33 and the detector 40. In addition, the control unit 36 switches the first valve 34 to the first state to open the ventilation path 11 (first path 11a) and close the circulation path 31.

When the ventilation fan 12 (see FIG. 1) of the ventilation system 10 operates in this state, the air from the toilet space S5 is ventilated only through the ventilation path 11 and discharged to the outdoor space (ventilated without passing through the ventilation path 31). In this way, the control unit 36 can ventilate the toilet space S5 through the ventilation process.

The concentration process is a process in which the concentration unit 32 captures and concentrates odor components. The control unit 36 executes the concentration process when capturing odor components in the breath of the user. Specifically, the control unit 36 executes the ventilation process, for example, when the human presence sensor 5b detects a user while the ventilation process is being executed. At this time, as shown in FIG. 4(b), the control unit 36 stops the operation of the heating unit 33 and the detector 40 following the ventilation process. The control unit 36 also switches the first valve 34 to the second state to close the ventilation path 11 and open the circulation path 31. The control unit 36 also switches the second valve 35 to the third state to open the junction path 31a and close the connection path 31b.

As described above, the ventilation fan 12 (see FIG. 1) operates all day. In the concentration process, the operation of the ventilation fan 12 causes the air in the toilet space S5 to flow from the ventilation path 11 (first branch part P1) into the circulation path 31. At this time, all of the air in the toilet space S5 flows into the circulation path 31 without flowing through the ventilation path 11. The air passes through the concentration unit 32. The concentration unit 32 is not heated by the heating unit 33 and is at a relatively low temperature, so it is in a state in which it can capture odor components. Therefore, the concentration unit 32 captures (concentrates) the odor components contained in the air from the toilet space S5 in the concentration process. The air that has passed through the concentration unit 32 is returned to the ventilation path 11 via the confluence path 31a, sucked into the ventilation fan 12, and discharged to the outdoor space. In this way, the control unit 36 captures the odor components by the concentration unit 32 in the concentration process and ventilates the toilet space S5. Additionally, the control unit 36 stops the supply of air to the detector 40 so that air does not flow through the detector 40 during the concentration process.

The detection process is a process for detecting odor components collected (concentrated) by the concentration unit 32. The control unit 36 executes the detection process after collecting odor components in the breath of the user. Specifically, the control unit 36 executes the detection process, for example, when the human sensor 5b transitions from a state in which it detects a user to a state in which it does not detect a user. At this time, as shown in FIG. 4(c), the control unit 36 operates the heating unit 33 to heat the concentration unit 32. The control unit 36 also maintains the state (second state) of the first valve 34. The control unit 36 also switches the second valve 35 to a fourth state to block the junction path 31a and open the connection path 31b. The control unit 36 also operates the detector 40. The detector 40 receives a signal from the identification unit and identifies the user using the toilet 5. The detector 40 also sucks air in the circulation path 31 by operating the pump.

As a result, air from the toilet space S5 flows from the ventilation path 11 (first branch part P1) into the circulation path 31. The air passes through the concentration unit 32. Here, the concentration unit 32 is heated by the heating unit 33 to a relatively high temperature (for example, 60°C). Therefore, the odor components captured in the concentration unit 32 in the concentration process are separated from the concentration unit 32. Therefore, as the air passes through the concentration unit 32, the odor components flow downstream. The odor components flow through the connection path 31b and are sucked into the detector 40. The detector 40 detects the odor components by spraying the sucked odor components against the sensor 41 and acquiring a reaction pattern (see FIG. 3(b)). The detector 40 judges the physical condition of the identified user by judging whether or not the detection result of the odor components shows the characteristics of the reaction pattern after a change in physical condition occurs. Specifically, the detector 40 judges that the user is not in poor physical condition if it is determined that the characteristics are not shown. On the other hand, if the detector 40 determines that the above characteristics are present, it determines that the person is in poor health.

The detector 40 transmits a signal indicating the result of the judgment to the display 50. When the display 50 receives a judgment result indicating poor health, it displays the received result and notifies the manager of the health condition of the user who used the toilet 5 (whether the user is suffering from an illness, etc.).

After judging the physical condition, the control unit 36 executes the aeration process shown in FIG. 4(a). For example, the control unit 36 executes the aeration process after transmitting the judgment result to the display 50. In this way, the control unit 36 repeats the aeration process, the concentration process, and the detection process to continuously judge the physical condition.

The detection system 20 according to this embodiment is capable of detecting odor components in the breath contained in the toilet space S5 (indoor space) to determine the user's physical condition. This allows the user's physical condition to be determined without the user being aware of it (without performing any action to determine the user's physical condition, for example, without blowing into the detector 40). It is also possible to detect users who are feeling unwell within the building 1, and provide an opportunity for the user to undergo a detailed examination at a medical institution, etc.

Here, if odor components are made detectable without the user being aware of it (unconsciously) as in this embodiment, there is a concern that the odor components may not be detectable by the detector 40 (detection process) depending on the concentration of the odor components. In this regard, the detection system 20 concentrates the odor components of the breath contained in the toilet space S5 in the concentration process. This increases the concentration of the odor components drawn into the detector 40 in the detection process, allowing the odor components to be detected reliably.

Furthermore, if the detector 40 stores in advance the characteristics of the reaction patterns of odor components for multiple diseases, it will be able to detect multiple diseases from the odor components. Furthermore, if the relationship (characteristics) between the reaction patterns and the diseases is compiled into a database and the detector 40 is configured to be able to provide the latest information, it will be able to quickly detect any new diseases that occur in the future.

In addition, the detection system 20 uses the circulation path 31 that branches off from the ventilation path 11, and can utilize the ventilation path 11 to supply air from the toilet space S5 to the concentration unit 32 and the detector 40. This makes it possible to easily supply air from the toilet space S5 to the concentration unit 32, etc., without providing an opening in the toilet 5 specifically for the detection system 20.

The detection system 20 also supplies air to the concentration unit 32 from the toilet space S5, which is relatively small within the building 1 and where it is expected that the door will be closed when the user uses the toilet. This makes it easier to introduce the user's breath into the concentration unit 32 compared to supplying air from a relatively large living room, etc. This allows the concentration unit 32 to capture odor components in a short period of time.

In addition, in the detection process, the concentration unit 32 is heated by the heating unit 33 (see FIG. 4(c)). In this way, by changing the state of the concentration unit 32 so that the odor components are easily separated from the concentration unit 32 in the detection process, the time it takes for the detector 40 to detect the odor components can be shortened.

As described above, the detection system 20 according to this embodiment includes a circulation path 31 through which air from an indoor space can flow, a concentration unit 32 (collection section) that is provided in the circulation path 31 and that collects components (odor components) related to the physical condition of a user using the indoor space that are contained in the air flowing through the circulation path 31, and a detector 40 that is provided downstream of the concentration unit 32 in the circulation path 31 and that detects the components collected by the concentration unit 32.

By configuring it in this way, components related to physical condition can be detected from the air in an indoor space. This allows the user to judge their physical condition without even realizing it.

The circulation path 31 branches off from the ventilation path 11, which allows air to flow from the indoor space to the outdoor space.

By configuring it in this way, air from the indoor space can be easily supplied to the concentration unit 32.

The detection system 20 further includes at least one valve (first valve 34 and second valve 35) operable to switch the air flow state in the ventilation path 11 and the distribution path 31, and further includes a control unit 36 that controls the operation of the valves to switch the air flow state between a ventilation state (ventilation process shown in FIG. 4(a)) in which the air in the indoor space is ventilated to the outdoor space via the ventilation path 11 without passing through the distribution path 31, a capture state (concentration process shown in FIG. 4(b)) in which the concentration unit 32 captures the components, and a detection state (detection process shown in FIG. 4(c)) in which the detector 40 detects the components captured by the concentration unit 32.

By configuring it in this way, it is possible to switch between ventilation of the indoor space, collection of components by the concentration unit 32, and detection of components by the detector 40 at any time.

The valves also include a first valve 34 (first valve) provided at a branching portion (first branching portion P1) between the flow path 31 and the ventilation path 11, and the control unit 36 operates the first valve 34 in the ventilation state so that all of the air flowing through the ventilation path 11 flows to the outdoor space without passing through the flow path 31, and operates the first valve 34 in the collection state so that at least a portion of the air flowing through the ventilation path 11 flows to the flow path 31.

By configuring it in this way, the ventilation state and collection state can be easily switched by controlling the first valve 34.

In addition, in the detection state, the control unit 36 operates the first valve 34 so that at least a portion of the air flowing through the ventilation path 11 flows into the flow path 31.

In this way, by circulating the air in the ventilation path 11 to the circulation path 31, it is possible to create an air flow that flows from the ventilation path 11 to the circulation path 31 and then into the detector 40. This makes it easier to supply air from the concentration unit 32 to the detector 40.

The valves also include a second valve 35 (second valve) provided in the flow path 31 between the concentration unit 32 and the detector 40, and the control unit 36 operates the second valve 35 in the collection state so that air flowing through the flow path 31 does not flow to the detector 40.

By configuring it in this way, the supply of air to the detector 40 can be stopped during a collection state in which there is no need to detect components, allowing the valve to be appropriately controlled.

In addition, in the detection state, the control unit 36 operates the second valve 35 so that the air flowing through the flow path 31 flows to the detector 40.

This configuration allows air to be supplied to the detector 40 when in the detection state for detecting components, allowing the valve to be appropriately controlled.

The circulation path 31 branches at the portion where the second valve 35 is provided, and the detector 40 is provided in one of the branched circulation paths 31 (connection path 31b), while the other branched circulation path 31 (merging path 31a) is provided to merge with the ventilation path 11, and the control unit 36 operates the second valve 35 in the collection state so that the air flowing through the circulation path 31 flows to the ventilation path 11 via the other branched circulation path 31.

By configuring it in this way, the air in which components have been collected by the concentration unit 32 can be returned to the ventilation path 11, allowing efficient ventilation of the indoor space. In addition, air from the toilet space S5 can be easily supplied to the concentration unit 32 by using the ventilation path 11 (exhaust fan 12) (without using a separate suction pump, etc.).

In addition, the detection system 20 further includes a heating unit 33 (heating section) capable of heating the concentration unit 32 in the detection state.

By configuring it in this way, the time it takes for the detector 40 to detect the components can be shortened.

The indoor space is the space of toilet 5 (toilet space S5).

By configuring it in this way, components related to physical condition can be collected efficiently.

The concentration unit 32 also collects odor components as components related to the physical condition, and the detector 40 is equipped with a plurality of sensors 41 that react to the odor components and detects the odor components based on the reaction patterns of the plurality of sensors 41.

By configuring it in this way, it is possible to detect various changes in physical condition according to odor components (reaction patterns).

The concentration unit 32 according to this embodiment is one embodiment of a collection section according to the present invention.
Moreover, the first valve 34 according to this embodiment is one embodiment of the first valve according to the present invention.
Moreover, the second valve 35 according to this embodiment is one embodiment of the second valve according to the present invention.
The heating unit 33 according to this embodiment is one embodiment of a heating section according to the present invention.

Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims.

For example, the detection system 20 has been applied to a house, but the application of the detection system 20 is not particularly limited. The detection system 20 can be applied to, for example, accommodation facilities, commercial facilities, sports facilities, elderly care facilities, dormitories, etc. By applying the detection system 20 to accommodation facilities, commercial facilities, and sports facilities, it is possible to easily screen users of the accommodation facilities, etc. who may be in poor health. This makes it possible to prevent users who may be infected with an infectious disease from staying in the accommodation facilities, etc. for long periods of time, and to stop the spread of the infectious disease at the border. In addition, by applying the detection system 20 to elderly care facilities and dormitories, it is possible to detect abnormalities in health conditions in group living at an early stage.

Although the detection system 20 supplies air from the toilet space S5 to the concentration unit 32, the source of the air supply to the concentration unit 32 may be an indoor space other than the toilet space S5. It is preferable that the concentration unit 32 be supplied from a relatively small indoor space or an indoor space that is expected to be used with the door closed (for example, a space such as the toilet 5 or a washroom). This makes it easier for the concentration unit 32 to collect the breath of the user.

In addition, in the concentration process, all of the air from the toilet space S5 is supplied to the concentration unit 32 (FIG. 4(b)), but this is not limited to this, and at least a portion of the air from the indoor space may be supplied to the concentration unit 32. For example, the detection system 20 may be provided with a valve capable of adjusting the amount of air supplied to the distribution path 31 instead of the first valve 34, and a portion of the air from the toilet space S5 may be supplied to the concentration unit 32 in the concentration process.

In the concentration step, all of the air that has passed through the concentration unit 32 is returned to the ventilation path 11 (FIG. 4(b)), but this is not limited thereto, and at least a portion of the air that has passed through the concentration unit 32 may be returned to the ventilation path 11. For example, the detection system 20 may be provided with a valve capable of adjusting the amount of air returned to the ventilation path 11 instead of the second valve 35, and a portion of the air that has passed through the concentration unit 32 may be returned to the ventilation path 11. In the concentration step, it is sufficient that the odor components are captured by the concentration unit 32, and the air that has passed through the concentration unit 32 may be circulated through a path other than the ventilation path 11 (it does not have to be returned to the ventilation path 11).

In addition, in the detection process, all of the air that has passed through the concentration unit 32 is supplied to the detector 40 (FIG. 4(c)), but this is not limited thereto, and at least a portion of the air that has passed through the concentration unit 32 may be supplied to the detector 40. For example, the detection system 20 may be provided with a valve capable of adjusting the amount of air supplied to the connection path 31b instead of the second valve 35, and a portion of the air that has passed through the concentration unit 32 in the detection process may be supplied to the concentration unit 32.

Although the detector 40 judges the physical condition from the odor components (reaction pattern) acquired in one detection process, the method of judging the physical condition from the odor components is not particularly limited. For example, the detector 40 may judge the physical condition from the odor components acquired in multiple detection processes. In this case, the detector 40 can judge the physical condition to be poor if the odor components acquired in the latest detection process are significantly different from the odor components acquired in previous detection processes.

Although the detector 40 transmits the result of the physical condition judgment to the display 50, the destination of the result of the judgment is not particularly limited. The detector 40 may transmit the result of the judgment to a specified cloud server, for example. With this configuration, multiple related parties (those who wish to know the result of the physical condition judgment, such as the owner of the building 1 or family members who spend a long time in the building 1, etc.) can confirm the result of the judgment of the user's physical condition.

Although the detector 40 is disposed at a distance downstream of the concentration unit 32 in the air flow direction, it does not necessarily have to be disposed at a distance as long as it is disposed downstream of the concentration unit 32. The detector 40 may be disposed adjacent to the concentration unit 32, for example.

The detector 40 may also return the sucked air to the ventilation path 11. With this configuration, in the detection process, air from the toilet 5 can be passed through the detector 40 from the circulation path 31 and returned to the ventilation path 11. This allows air to be efficiently supplied to the detector 40 using the ventilation system 10.

Although the heating unit 33 is configured by a heater, its configuration is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of heating the concentration unit 32. For example, the heating unit 33 may heat the concentration unit 32 with microwaves. Furthermore, the heating unit 33 may heat the concentration unit 32 in stages (raise the temperature in a gradational manner) in the detection process as necessary (for example, depending on the target component (component to be detected in the detection process)). This allows the target component to be efficiently separated from the concentration unit 32.

Although the concentration unit 32 is constructed by filling a carrier into a case, the configuration of the concentration unit 32 is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of capturing odor components. Although the concentration unit 32 captures or separates odor components by temperature changes, the odor components may be captured and separated by a concentration unit having other characteristics. Furthermore, the concentration unit 32 only needs to capture components that can be used to determine the body's condition, and does not necessarily need to capture odor components.

The detection system 20 does not necessarily have to use the ventilation system 10. The detection system 20 may use, for example, an air conditioning system. In this case, the detection system 20 may be provided, for example, in a pipe (air conditioning path) that connects an air conditioning facility to the indoor space of the building 1. The detection system 20 may also use a system that circulates air indoors (within one room). Figure 5 shows a detection system 120 (another embodiment of the detection system 20) that uses a sterilization system 110 that circulates air indoors.

The sterilization system 110 sterilizes viruses and other harmful substances contained in the air in an indoor space. The sterilization system 110 is installed in the living/dining room 2. The sterilization system 110 includes an acrylic panel 111, piping 112, a case 113, a fan 114, and an irradiation unit 115.

Two acrylic plates 111 are arranged upright on the desk A1 to prevent the spread of droplets from the user. The two acrylic plates 111 are arranged facing each other with a predetermined gap. The pipe 112 is provided to connect the gap between the two acrylic plates 111 and the case 113. The case 113 is formed in a hollow, approximately box-like shape. The case 113 is arranged under the desk A1. Openings 113a and 113b are formed on the top and side surfaces of the case 113. The case 113 is provided with a pipe 113c that connects the openings 113a and 113b. In addition, a filter 113d capable of collecting droplets is provided in the pipe 113c. The fan 114 is provided on the side of the case 113. The irradiation unit 115 is connected to the fan 114, and air is introduced from the fan 114. The irradiation unit 115 can irradiate the introduced air with deep ultraviolet rays.

The sterilization system 110 operates the fan 114 to introduce air from the indoor space into the pipe 112 through the gap between the two acrylic panels 111. The sterilization system 110 passes the air through the filter 113d in the case 113 to capture droplets, and also introduces the air from the fan 114 to the irradiation unit 115, where it is sterilized by deep ultraviolet light to sterilize viruses and other contaminants contained in the air.

When using the sterilization system 110 as described above, the flow path 31 of the detection system 120 is provided so as to branch off from the pipe 113c of the case 113. The flow path 31 is provided with a concentration unit 32, a first valve 34, etc.

The detection system 120 shown in FIG. 5 controls the first valve 34 and the like to appropriately circulate the air introduced into the pipe 113c of the case 113. Specifically, when odor components are captured by the concentration unit 32, the air sucked into the pipe 113c is made to flow from the pipe 113c into the distribution path 31, passed through the concentration unit 32, and returned to the pipe 113c. When the physical condition is judged by the detector 40, the air sucked into the pipe 113c is made to flow from the pipe 113c into the distribution path 31, passed through the concentration unit 32, and supplied to the detector 40.

The detection system 120 shown in FIG. 5 can be installed in an indoor space, and therefore can be easily installed in an existing building 1. In addition, the detection system 120 can be installed in a place visited by unspecified users (for example, the front desk of an accommodation facility) to determine the physical condition of the users, thereby encouraging users who may be infected with an infectious disease to visit a medical institution and preventing the spread of the infectious disease.

The sterilization system 110 shown in FIG. 5 is an example of a system for circulating air indoors, and various modifications are possible. For example, the sterilization system 110 may be provided with a plate material made of a material other than acrylic, instead of the acrylic plate 111. The positional relationship between the fan 114, the case 113, and the irradiation unit 115 is not particularly limited, and for example, the fan 114 may be disposed downstream of the case 113 and the irradiation unit 115. The irradiation unit 115 may irradiate ultraviolet light with a general UV-C wavelength if it is capable of sterilizing viruses and the like contained in the air (if it has a sterilizing effect). The sterilization system 110 may be provided with a filter for collecting viruses and the like, instead of the irradiation unit 115.

The detection system 20 does not necessarily need to utilize another system (such as the ventilation system 10) and may be provided independently of the other system. In this case, the detection system 20 can, for example, provide a concentration unit 32 in a path that is directly connected to the indoor space, and detect odor components captured by the concentration unit 32 with a detector 40.

Although the control unit 36 switches between the ventilation process, the concentration process, and the detection process in response to the presence of a user (detection result of the human sensor 5b), there is no particular limitation on how to switch between the processes, and the process can be changed as appropriate depending on the purpose of the indoor space. For example, the control unit 36 may switch between various processes in response to the presence of a user as in this embodiment, when detecting odor components from a place where it is expected that a user will mainly use alone, such as a private toilet. The control unit 36 may also switch between each process depending on time, when detecting odor components from a place where multiple users can use simultaneously, such as a public toilet. In this case, for example, the control unit 36 may switch to the next process when a predetermined time has passed since starting each process. For example, the control unit 36 may switch to the concentration process when a predetermined time has passed since starting the ventilation process.

20 Detection system 31 Distribution channel 32 Concentration unit (collection section)
40 Detector S5 Toilet space (indoor space)

Claims (10)

A circulation path through which air from an indoor space can circulate;
A collection unit provided in the air flow path and configured to collect components related to the physical condition of a user using the indoor space, the components being contained in the air flowing through the air flow path;
a detector provided downstream of the collection unit in the flow path and detecting the components collected by the collection unit;
Equipped with
The distribution channel is
A ventilation path through which air can flow from the indoor space to the outdoor space is branched off.
Detection system. Further comprising at least one valve operable to switch the air flow state in the ventilation path and the air flow path;
By controlling the operation of the valve,
a ventilation state in which the air in the indoor space is ventilated to the outdoor space by the ventilation path without passing through the circulation path;
a collection state in which the collection portion collects the component;
a detection state in which the detector detects the component collected by the collection unit; and
Further, a control unit that switches the air flow state is provided.
The detection system of claim 1 . The valve includes:
a first valve provided at a branching portion between the flow path and the ventilation path;
The control unit is
In the ventilation state, the first valve is operated so that all of the air circulating through the ventilation path is circulated to the outdoor space without passing through the circulation path;
In the collection state, the first valve is operated so that at least a portion of the air flowing through the ventilation path is flowed into the flow path.
The detection system of claim 2 . The control unit is
In the detection state, the first valve is operated so that at least a portion of the air flowing through the ventilation path is flowed to the flow path.
The detection system of claim 3 . The valve includes:
a second valve provided in the flow path between the collection unit and the detector;
The control unit is
operating the second valve so that air flowing through the flow path does not flow to the detector in the collection state;
A detection system according to any one of claims 2 to 4 . The control unit is
operating the second valve so that air flowing through the flow path flows to the detector in the detection state;
The detection system of claim 5 . The circulation path is branched at a portion where the second valve is provided, and the detector is provided in one of the branched circulation paths, and the other branched circulation path is provided so as to merge with the ventilation path,
The control unit is
the second valve is operated so that, in the collection state, the air flowing through the flow path flows into the ventilation path via the other of the branched flow paths;
A detection system according to claim 5 or claim 6. The detection state further includes a heating unit capable of heating the collection unit.
A detection system according to any one of claims 2 to 7 . The indoor space is:
The toilet space,
A detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 8 . The collection unit is
Collecting odor components as components related to the physical condition;
The detector comprises:
a plurality of sensors that react to the odor components are provided, and the odor components are detected based on the reaction patterns of the plurality of sensors;
A detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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