JP7650365B2 - Gas detection method, gas detection device, gas detection system, control program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a gas detection method, a gas detection device, and a gas detection system for analyzing gas.

Patent Document 1 shown below discloses a vital sign measuring system that can detect hydrogen gas and odorous gases contained in the fecal gas discharged into the toilet bowl and output detection data that separates the influence of hydrogen contained in the fecal gas.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-143171

<1> In order to solve the above problem, a gas detection method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first collection step of collecting a first sample gas released from a specimen after the specimen is excreted from the subject, a first detection step of detecting the concentrations of a first detectable gas and a second detectable gas contained in the first sample gas, a second collection step of collecting a second sample gas released from the specimen after the first collection step, a second detection step of detecting the concentration of the first detectable gas contained in the second sample gas, and a calculation step of calculating the concentrations of the first detectable gas and the second detectable gas from the time the first detectable gas is released from the specimen excreted from the subject to the time the first sample gas is collected, based on a change in the concentration of the first detectable gas calculated from the concentration of the first detectable gas detected in the first detection step and the second detection step.

<2> Furthermore, a gas detection device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a gas detection device that collects a sample gas released from a specimen after the specimen is excreted from a subject, and detects the concentrations of a first detectable gas and a second detectable gas contained in the sample gas, and includes a detection unit that detects the concentrations of the first detectable gas and the second detectable gas contained in a first sample gas collected a first time, and the concentration of the first detectable gas contained in a second sample gas released from the same specimen after the first collection, and a calculation unit that calculates the concentrations of the first detectable gas and the second detectable gas from the time the specimen is released from the subject until the first sample gas is collected, based on a change in the concentration of the first detectable gas calculated based on the concentration of the first detectable gas detected from the first sample gas and the concentration of the first detectable gas detected from the second sample gas.

<3> Furthermore, a gas detection system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises the gas detection device described in <2> above, and an estimation device having an estimation unit that estimates information regarding the health condition of the subject who excreted the specimen based on the concentrations of the first detectable gas and the second detectable gas from the time when the first sample gas is collected after being released from the specimen excreted from the subject, wherein the estimation unit uses as input data the ratio between the concentration of the first detectable gas and the concentration of the second detectable gas contained in the past sample gas released from a past specimen excreted from each of the multiple subjects, and performs the estimation using a learned estimation model that has been trained using teacher data regarding the health condition of each of the multiple subjects at the time when the past specimen was excreted by each of the multiple subjects.

<4> Furthermore, a gas detection system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a gas detection device that collects a first sample gas released from a specimen excreted from the subject and a second sample gas released from the specimen after the first sample gas is released, and detects the concentrations of the first detectable gas and the second detectable gas contained in the first sample gas, and the concentration of the first detectable gas contained in the second sample gas, respectively; and a server device that calculates the concentrations of the first detectable gas and the second detectable gas from the time the gas is released from the specimen excreted from the subject to the time the first sample gas is collected, based on a change in the concentration of the first detectable gas calculated based on the concentration of the first detectable gas detected from the first sample gas and the concentration of the first detectable gas detected from the second sample gas.

The gas detection device and gas detection system according to each aspect of the present disclosure may be realized by a computer. In this case, the gas detection device control program that causes a computer to operate as each unit (software element) of the gas detection device and the gas detection system to realize the gas detection device and the gas detection system on a computer, and a computer-readable recording medium on which the control program is recorded, also fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a gas detection system according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of concentration information. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of detection data. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of uncorrected density information. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of corrected density information. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of subject information. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of analysis result information. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of health information. 2 is a diagram showing the appearance of a gas detection device provided in the gas detection system shown in FIG. 1 . 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a gas detection system; 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a gas detection device. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of processes performed in the gas detection system. 1 is a graph plotting the attenuation of the concentration of _H2 released from a specimen over a predetermined time period versus the mass (feces volume) of the specimen. 1 is a graph plotting the attenuation of the concentration of _CO2 released from a sample over a predetermined time period versus the mass (feces volume) of the sample. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a gas detection system including a gas detection device according to another embodiment. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of the gas detection device shown in FIG. 15 . FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a gas detection system including a gas detection device according to another embodiment. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of the gas detection device shown in FIG. 17. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of processes performed in the gas detection system shown in FIG. 17 . FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of the gas detection system. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of the gas detection system.

[Embodiment 1]
<Application range of gas detection system 100>
In the conventional systems, there is room for improvement in terms of analytical accuracy with respect to the measurement of collected gas. One aspect of the present disclosure provides a gas detection method, a gas detection device, a gas detection system, and the like, with improved analytical accuracy of gas.

The inventors have discovered that the multiple gas components to be detected (hereinafter referred to as detection gases) contained in the gas released from a subject's specimen (hereinafter referred to as sample gas) include at least (1) and (2) shown below.

(1) A detectable gas (hereinafter referred to as the first detectable gas) whose concentration in the sample gas released from the specimen varies significantly (e.g., decreases) over time.

(2) A detectable gas (hereinafter referred to as the second detectable gas) whose concentration in the sample gas released from the specimen does not vary significantly over time.

The inventors then focused on the concentrations of the first detectable gas and the second detectable gas, and the concentration ratio between each detectable gas, and came to invent the gas detection method, gas detection system 100, and gas detection device 1, etc., according to the present disclosure.

The "subject" is intended to be a person who uses the gas detection system 100 described below, and whose health condition is managed and monitored. The "specimen" may be waste material excreted by the subject. For example, if the "specimen" is the subject's feces, the sample gas may be fecal gas. The "specimen" may also be a secretion from the subject. For example, if the "specimen" is a secretion from the subject's sebaceous glands, the sample gas may be the subject's body odor. The "specimen" may also be a part of the subject's tissue.

Furthermore, "detectable gas" refers to a chemical substance that is the target of detection and that can exist as a gas. "Concentration of detectable gas" refers to the concentration of detectable gas in the sample gas. Hereinafter, when the detectable gas is not specifically specified as being the first detectable gas or the second detectable gas, it will be referred to as "detectable gas" or "each detectable gas."

A gas detection system 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a system capable of detecting the concentrations of a first detectable gas and a second detectable gas contained in a sample gas and correcting the concentrations of each detected detectable gas. The corrected concentrations of each detectable gas can be used to estimate the health condition of a subject. In this specification, "correcting the concentrations" means correcting the concentrations (detection results) of each detected detectable gas.

In this specification, we use as an example a gas detection system 100 that can correct the concentrations of each detectable gas from the detection results of a first detectable gas and a second detectable gas contained in a sample gas released from stool excreted from a subject.

<Configuration of gas detection system 100>
First, the configuration of a gas detection system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described using FIG. 1 with reference to FIGS. 2 to 8. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a gas detection system 100 according to an embodiment. Each figure referred to in this specification is a schematic diagram showing only some members in a simplified form in order to explain the embodiment for the convenience of explanation. Therefore, the gas detection system 100 may include any component member not shown in each figure referred to in this specification. In addition, 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.

The gas detection system 100 includes a gas detection device 1, a server device 2, and an electronic device 3. In the gas detection system 100, the gas detection device 1, the server device 2, and the electronic device 3 may be communicatively connected to each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the server device 2 may be communicatively connected to the gas detection device 1 and the electronic device 3 via a communication network. The gas detection device 1 and the server device 2, and the electronic device 3 and the server device 2 may be connected by wireless communication or by wired communication.

(Gas detection device 1)
The gas detection device 1 collects sample gases released from the stool of a subject at least twice, detects the concentrations of each detectable gas contained in each collected sample gas, and is capable of calculating the concentrations of a first detectable gas and a second detectable gas released from a specimen after it has been excreted from the subject by correcting the concentrations of each detectable gas.

The gas detection device 1 may be a device that can be attached to the toilet 4 used by the subject. The gas detection device 1 transmits concentration information including the corrected concentrations of the first detectable gas and the second detectable gas to the server device 2. The gas detection device 1 may calculate the mass of the sample excreted by the subject based on the change in the concentration of the first detectable gas, etc., and transmit information indicating the mass together with the concentration information to the server device 2.

[Density Information]
The concentration information output from the gas detection device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of the concentration information output from the gas detection device 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the concentration information may include a subject ID, detection data D1, a sample gas ID, uncorrected concentration information D2, and corrected concentration information D3.

The subject ID is identification information unique to the subject. The subject ID may be the subject's name and identification information unique to each subject. If the subject is a user who uses the gas detection system 100, the subject ID may be a user ID assigned to each user who uses the gas detection system 100.

The gas detection device 1 collects sample gas multiple times (at least twice) at a predetermined time interval (e.g., 30 seconds, 1 minute, etc.) for each defecation of the subject. A sample gas ID may be assigned to each collected sample gas. FIG. 2 illustrates an example of concentration information output from the gas detection device 1 used by a subject with a subject ID of "xxxx". The sample gas collected at "8:24 AM on mm/dd/2021" is assigned a sample ID of "samp1", and the sample gas collected one minute later is assigned a sample ID of "samp2".

The detection data D1 includes data indicating the concentration of the first detection gas and the concentration of the second detection gas detected for each sample gas. The detection gas may include hydrogen (H ₂ ), carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ), methane (CH ₄ ), sulfide-based gases, etc. The sulfide-based gas may include hydrogen sulfide (H ₂ S) and methyl mercaptan (CH ₃ SH), etc. For example, H ₂ or CO ₂ corresponds to the first detection gas, and CH ₄ , sulfide-based gases, etc. correspond to the second detection gas. The detection data D1 may be a detection signal output from the gas sensor 143 described later, or may include a numerical value indicating the concentration calculated from the detection signal.

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.
Concentration d11 of the first detected gas and concentration d12 of the second detected gas detected from the sample gas with sample ID "samp1".
Concentration d21 of the first detected gas and concentration d22 of the second detected gas detected from the sample gas with sample ID "samp2".

The concentration information may further include a gas detection device ID that is unique to the gas detection device 1. Figure 2 shows concentration information including the gas detection device ID "ppp" of the gas detection device 1 used by a subject with a subject ID of "xxxx".

The uncorrected concentration information D2 is the uncorrected concentration of the first detected gas and the uncorrected concentration of the second detected gas calculated without correction from the detection data D1.

4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the uncorrected density information D2. As shown in FIG. 4, the uncorrected density information D2 may include the following.
An uncorrected concentration g11 of the first detected gas and an uncorrected concentration g12 of the second detected gas detected from the sample gas with sample ID "samp1".
An uncorrected concentration g21 of the first detected gas and an uncorrected concentration g22 of the second detected gas detected from the sample gas with sample ID "samp2".

The corrected concentration information D3 is the corrected concentration of the first detected gas and the second detected gas calculated based on the detection data D1.

7 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the corrected density information D3. As shown in FIG. 7, the corrected density information D3 may include the following.
A corrected concentration c11 of the first detected gas and a corrected concentration c12 of the second detected gas detected from the sample gas with the sample ID "samp1".
Corrected concentration c21 of the first detected gas and corrected concentration c22 of the second detected gas detected from the sample gas with sample ID "samp2".

(Server device 2)
1 may be a computer managed by an administrator of gas detection system 100. Server device 2 generates analysis result information based on the concentration information acquired from gas detection device 1.

For example, the server device 2 may store subject information that associates the ID of each subject, the gas detection device ID of the gas detection device 1 used by each subject, and the contact information of each subject. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of subject information stored in the server device 2. The contact information of the subject may be the subject's email address. The server device 2 refers to the subject information, identifies the subject using the gas detection device 1 that is the sender of the concentration information from the subject ID included in the concentration information, and transmits analysis result information to the electronic device 3 of the subject. The subject information shown in FIG. 6 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 contact information of the subject is "xxxx@xxx.xxx".

Alternatively, the server device 2 may be configured to create a web page unique to each subject and allow each subject to view this web page. Each subject may be required to set a unique password or the like for viewing his/her own web page. In this case, the server device 2 refers to the subject information, identifies the subject from the subject ID, and transmits the URL or the like of the web page to the electronic device 3 of the subject.

The server device 2 may have a function of estimating the health condition of the subject from the concentration of the first detectable gas and the concentration of the second detectable gas.

[Analysis result information]
The analysis result information will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of the analysis result information. As shown in Fig. 6, the analysis result information may include a subject ID, corrected concentration information D3, and health information D4. The analysis result information may also include a sample gas ID.

Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of health information D4. As shown in Figure 8, health information D4 may include an evaluation, useful information, and notes. It may also include a health information ID assigned to each health information.

The evaluation may be a judgment result of the subject's health condition estimated by the server device 2 based on the corrected concentrations c11 and c21 of the first detected gas and the corrected concentrations c12 and c22 of the second detected gas. The evaluation may be a judgment result of the state of the subject's intestinal flora (also called intestinal flora) estimated based on the corrected concentrations c11 and c21 of the first detected gas and the corrected concentrations c12 and c22 of the second detected gas. The evaluation of the subject's health condition may be applied to three levels, for example, A (good), B (within an acceptable range), and C (caution required). FIG. 8 shows an example in which the subject's health condition is evaluated as "B".

The server device 2 may be configured to estimate the subject's health condition based on the uncorrected concentration of the first detected gas and the uncorrected concentration of the second detected gas. That is, the evaluation may be a judgment result about the subject's health condition estimated by the server device 2 based on the uncorrected concentrations g11 and g21 of the first detected gas and the uncorrected concentrations g12 and g22 of the second detected gas.

The useful information may be information that is beneficial for improving the health of the subject. The useful information may include information about foods (ingredients and dishes) and exercise recommended for the subject, information about improving lifestyle habits, etc.

The notes may include various information provided to the subject. For example, the notes may include the following information:
- Contact details of a nutritionist who can provide health advice.
- Access to videos that show how to prepare dishes using the recommended ingredients.
- Information on online shopping sites where you can purchase food ingredients and exercise equipment.

(Electronic device 3)
1, 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 (e.g., a family member) who monitors the health condition of the subject. The electronic device 3 may be, for example, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like.

The electronic device 3 has a communication function and can receive analysis result information from the server 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. The electronic device 3 may be installed inside a toilet room in which the toilet 4 is installed. In this case, the electronic device 3 may be capable of being taken outside the toilet room.

<Gas detection device 1>
As described above, the gas detection device 1 is a device that collects sample gas emitted from a specimen discharged from a subject and detects the type and concentration of the first detection gas and the second detection gas contained in the sample gas. The gas detection device 1 also collects the sample gas and detects each detection gas at least twice, corrects the concentration of each detection gas based on each result, and transmits the result to the server device 2. Hereinafter, the gas detection device 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 9 to 11. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the appearance of the gas detection device 1 provided in the gas detection system 100. Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of the gas detection system 100 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the gas detection device 1.

As shown in FIG. 9, the gas detection device 1 is installed in, for example, a flush toilet 4. The toilet 4 includes a toilet bowl 4A and a toilet seat 4B. The toilet 4 may be installed in a toilet room in a house or a hospital. The gas detection device 1 may be installed at any location in the toilet 4. As an example, the gas detection device 1 may be arranged between the toilet bowl 4A and the toilet seat 4B and outside the toilet 4 as shown in FIG. 9. A part of the gas detection device 1 may be embedded in the toilet seat 4B. The subject's feces may be discharged into the toilet bowl 4A of the toilet 4. The gas detection device 1 may obtain a sample gas in which gas generated from the feces discharged into the toilet bowl 4A is mixed with outside air. The gas detection device 1 may detect the type and concentration of each detection gas contained in the sample gas.

As shown in Figure 10, the gas detection device 1 comprises a control unit 10, a subject detection unit 11, a defecation detection unit 12, a sampling system 13, an analysis system 14, a memory unit 15, and a communication unit 16. The control unit 10 controls the operation of each unit of the gas detection device 1 and detects each detectable gas contained in the sample gas. Details of the control unit 10 will be described later.

The subject detection unit 11 may be configured to include at least one of an image camera, a personal identification switch, an infrared sensor, and a pressure sensor. The subject detection unit 11 outputs the detection result to the control unit 10. In addition, the subject detection unit 11 may include any sensor for authenticating the subject. Examples of such sensors include a load sensor that detects weight, a sensor that detects sitting height, a sensor that detects pulse, a sensor that detects blood flow, a sensor that detects a face, and a sensor that detects voice.

For example, if the subject detection unit 11 is configured to include an infrared sensor, it can detect that the subject has entered the toilet room by detecting reflected light from the object of infrared light irradiated by the infrared sensor. As a detection result, the subject detection unit 11 outputs a signal indicating that the subject has entered the toilet room to the control unit 10.

For example, if the subject detection unit 11 is configured to include a pressure sensor, it can detect that the subject has sat on the toilet seat 4B by detecting the pressure on the toilet seat 4B as shown in Figure 9. As a detection result, the subject detection unit 11 outputs a signal indicating that the subject has sat on the toilet seat 4B to the control unit 10.

For example, if the subject detection unit 11 is configured to include a pressure sensor, it can detect that the subject has stood up from the toilet seat 4B by detecting a reduction in pressure on the toilet seat 4B as shown in Figure 9. As a detection result, the subject detection unit 11 outputs a signal indicating that the subject has stood up from the toilet seat 4B to the control unit 10.

For example, if the subject detection unit 11 is configured to include an image camera or the like, it collects data such as facial images, sitting height, and weight. The subject detection unit 11 identifies and detects individuals from the collected data. The subject detection unit 11 outputs a signal indicating the identified individual to the control unit 10 as a detection result.

For example, if the subject detection unit 11 is configured to include a personal identification switch or the like, it identifies (detects) an individual based on the operation of the personal identification switch. In this case, personal information may be registered (stored) in advance in the control unit 10. The subject detection unit 11 outputs a signal indicating the identified individual to the control unit 10 as the detection result.

The defecation detection unit 12 is a member that detects the discharge of a specimen from a subject. Here, the "specimen" is feces, and the "discharge of the specimen" refers to defecation. The defecation detection unit 12 starts operating under the control of the main control unit 101, and when it detects that the specimen has been discharged into the toilet bowl 4A, it outputs a signal indicating that the specimen has been discharged into the toilet bowl 4A to the control unit 10. The defecation detection unit 12 may be, for example, a sensor that detects the sound of the specimen landing on water stored in the toilet bowl 4A. In this case, the defecation detection unit 12 outputs a signal indicating information indicating the detected sound to the control unit 10. Alternatively, the defecation detection unit 12 may be a pressure sensor that can detect that the specimen has fallen into the toilet bowl 4A.

The sampling system 13 samples and stores sample gas together with outside air from the space within the toilet bowl 4A. The sampling system 13 may sample the sample gas, for example, by aspirating the sample gas. The analysis system 14 uses the sample gas sampled by the sampling system 13 to detect the type and concentration of each detectable gas contained in the sample gas. Details of the sampling system 13 and the analysis system 14 will be described later.

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

The communication unit 16 may be capable of communicating with the server device 2. The communication method used in the communication between the communication unit 16 and the server device 2 may be a short-range wireless communication standard or a wireless communication standard connecting to a mobile phone network, or may be a wired communication standard. The short-range wireless communication standard may include, for example, WiFi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), infrared, and NFC (Near Field Communication). The wireless communication standard connecting to a mobile phone network may include, for example, LTE (Long Term Evolution) or a fourth-generation or higher mobile communication system. In addition, the communication method used in the communication between the communication unit 16 and the server device 2 may be, for example, a communication standard such as LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) or LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network).

The housing 30 houses various components of the gas detection device 1. The housing 30 may be made of any material. For example, the housing 30 may be made of a material such as metal or resin.

(Collection System 13)
The following describes the details of the collection system 13. As shown in Fig. 11, the collection system 13 includes a first valve 131 and a first pump 132. As shown in Fig. 11, each part of the collection system 13 is connected by a flow path 31 and a flow path 32.

The first valve 131 provided in the sampling system 13 is located on the flow path 31 and is a valve that operates according to the control of the main control unit 101. The first valve 131 may be configured as a valve that is electromagnetically driven, piezoelectrically driven, motor-driven, or the like. The first valve 131 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 the flow path 31 and the flow path 32, and between the flow path 32 and the flow path 36 (described later). Thus, the inflow of the sample gas and the purge gas into the flow path 32 and the sensor chamber 144 (described later) can be adjusted.

The first pump 132 is provided between the flow path 31 and the flow path 32, and is connected to the sensor chamber 144 via the flow path 32. The first pump 132 operates under the control of the main control unit 101. The first pump 132 draws in the sample gas in the toilet bowl 4A through the opening of the flow path 31 that opens toward the inside of the toilet bowl 4A, and supplies it to the flow path 32. The first pump 132 shown in FIG. 11 may be composed of a piezoelectric pump, a motor pump, or the like. The first pump 132 may also be used to supply purge gas to the flow path 32, as described below.

The flow path 31 is a tubular member provided to connect between the toilet bowl 4A and the first pump 132. One end of the flow path 31 has an opening that opens into the toilet bowl 4A, and the opposite end is connected to the first pump 132. The flow path 32 is a flow path provided between the first pump 132 and the sensor chamber 144. When the first pump 132 operates with the first valve 131 open, gas can be supplied to the flow path 32 from the flow path 31 or the flow path 36 (described later).

(Analysis System 14)
The analytical system 14 will be described in detail below. As shown in Fig. 11, the analytical system 14 includes a second valve 141, a second pump 142, a gas sensor 143, and a sensor chamber 144. As shown in Fig. 11, the analytical system 14 is connected to the outside via a discharge path 33 and a flow path 34. Each part of the analytical system is connected to each other via a flow path 37.

The second valve 141 is a valve provided on the flow path 34. The second valve 141 operates according to the control of the main control unit 101, and can switch between a state in which the flow paths 34 and 36 are connected to each other and a state in which the flow paths 34 and 37 are connected to each other.

The second pump 142 is a pump provided on the flow path 37 and connected to the sensor chamber 144 via the flow path 37. The second pump 142 operates based on the control of the main control unit 101, and can supply outside air sucked from the flow path 34 to the sensor chamber 144.

The gas sensor 143 may be a sensor that outputs a different detection signal depending on the concentration of the detected gas. In the following, the gas sensor 143 will be described using an example of a sensor whose detection signal intensity changes depending on the concentration of the detected gas, but is not limited to this. As an example, the gas sensor 143 can output a detection signal whose intensity corresponds to the concentration of the detected gas that may be contained in the sample gas. As shown in FIG. 11, the gas detection device 1 may be provided with multiple gas sensors 143. Furthermore, the multiple gas sensors 143 may each be capable of outputting a detection signal corresponding to the concentration of a different type of detected gas. This allows the gas detection device 1 to analyze the concentrations of multiple types of detected gas.

The gas sensor 143 includes a sensor element and a resistor element. The sensor element and the resistor element are connected in series between a power supply terminal and a ground terminal. A constant voltage value V _C is applied between the power supply terminal and the ground terminal. The same current value I _S flows through each of the sensor element and the resistor element. The current value I _S can be determined according to the resistance value R _S of the sensor element and the resistance value R _L of the resistor element. The voltage output by the gas sensor 143 may be the voltage value V _S applied to the sensor element or the voltage value V _RL applied to the resistor element.

The power supply terminal is connected to a power supply such as a battery provided in the gas detection device 1. The ground terminal is connected to the ground of the gas detection device 1. One end of the sensor element is connected to the power supply terminal. The opposite end of the sensor element is connected to one end of the resistive element. As an example, the sensor element is a semiconductor sensor. However, the sensor element is not limited to a semiconductor sensor. For example, the sensor element may be a catalytic combustion sensor or a solid electrolyte sensor, etc.

The sensor element includes a gas-sensing portion. The gas-sensing portion includes a metal oxide semiconductor material according to the type of the gas sensor 143. An example of the metal oxide semiconductor material includes one or more selected from tin oxide ( _SnO2 , etc.), indium oxide ( _{In2O3 ,} etc.), zinc oxide (ZnO, etc.), tungsten oxide ( _WO3 , etc.), and iron oxide ( _Fe2O3 , _etc. ). By appropriately adding impurities to the metal oxide semiconductor material of the gas-sensing portion, 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 portion.

When the sensor element is exposed to a sample gas, the gas to be detected contained in the sample gas is replaced with oxygen adsorbed on the surface of the gas-sensing portion of the sensor element, and a reduction reaction may occur. The reduction reaction may remove the oxygen adsorbed on the surface of the gas-sensing portion. When the oxygen adsorbed on the surface of the gas-sensing portion is removed, the resistance value R _S of the sensor element may decrease, and the voltage value V _S applied to the sensor element may decrease. In other words, when a sample gas is supplied to the gas sensor 143, the voltage value V _S applied to the sensor element may decrease depending on the concentration of the gas to be detected contained in the sample gas. Here, the sum of the voltage value V S and the voltage value V RL is constant. Therefore, when a sample gas is supplied to the gas sensor 143, the voltage value V _RL may increase depending on the concentration of the gas to be detected contained in the sample gas.

The resistive element is a variable resistive element. The resistance value R _L of the resistive element can be changed by a control signal from the control unit 10. One end of the resistive element is connected to the opposite end of the sensor element. The opposite end of the resistive element is connected to a ground terminal.

The voltage value V _S applied to the sensor element can be adjusted by adjusting the resistance value R _L of the resistor element. For example, when the resistance value R _L is set equal to the resistance value R _S of the sensor element, the amplitude of the voltage value V _S applied to the sensor element can be close to the maximum value.

The sensor chamber 144 is a chamber that houses the gas sensor 143 inside. As shown in FIG. 11, one end of the flow path 32 is connected to the sensor chamber 144. In other words, the sensor chamber 144 is connected to the first pump 132 via the flow path 32. In addition, one end of the discharge path 33 and one end of the flow path 37 are connected to the sensor chamber 144.

The exhaust passage 33 may be composed of a tubular member such as a resin tube or a metal or glass pipe. One end (first end) of the exhaust passage 33 is connected to the sensor chamber 144, and the opposite end (second end) of the exhaust passage 33 opens toward the outside of the housing 30 of the gas detection device 1. The exhaust passage 33 discharges exhaust gas from the sensor chamber 144 to the outside of the gas detection device 1 by the operation of the first pump 132. A part of the opening side of the exhaust passage 33 may be exposed to the outside of the toilet bowl 4A as shown in FIG. 9.

The flow path 34 is a tubular member. One end of the flow path 34 has an opening that opens toward an external space different from the inside of the toilet bowl 4A, and the opposite end of the flow path 34 is connected to the second valve 141. As an example, the outside is the surroundings of the space in which the gas detection device 1 is located, such as the space inside the toilet room.

The filter 35 is a filter provided on the flow path 34. The filter 35 may be a filter capable of adsorbing unnecessary components contained in the outside air sucked in from the opening of the flow path 34, such as each detectable gas contained in the outside air. By using the filter 35 as described above, the content of each detectable gas component in the outside air (purge gas) passing through the flow path 34 can be reduced by passing through the filter 35.

One end of flow path 36 is connected to second valve 141 and the opposite end is connected to first valve 131. One end of flow path 37 is connected to second valve 141 and the opposite end is connected to sensor chamber 144.

When the first valve 131 and the second valve 141 are opened and the flow paths 34, 36, and 32 are connected, the first pump 132 operates to suck air (purge gas) from the toilet room through the first end of the flow path 34. The sucked purge gas is purified by passing through the filter 35, and the purified purge gas passes through the flow paths 36 and 32 to be supplied to the sensor chamber 144, and then is discharged from the discharge path 33. The purge gas passes through the flow path 32 and is discharged together with the sample gas remaining in the flow path 32, so that the flow path 32 through which the sample gas has passed is cleaned by the purge gas. When the second valve 141 is opened and the flow paths 34 and 37 are connected, the second pump 142 operates to suck purge gas from the toilet room through the opening of the flow path 34. The sucked purge gas is purified by passing through the filter 35, and the purified purge gas passes through the flow path 37 to be supplied to the sensor chamber 144.

(Control unit 10)
Hereinafter, the control unit 10 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 10. As shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 10 includes a main control unit 101, a detection unit 102, a first calculation unit 103, a specimen estimation unit 104, and a second calculation unit 105 (calculation unit). The main control unit 101 controls the operation of each unit 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 operates the subject detection unit 11 while power is being supplied to the gas detection device 1, and when it acquires a signal from the subject detection unit 11 indicating that the subject has sat on the toilet seat 4B, it starts the operation of the defecation detection unit 12.

When the main control unit 101 receives a signal from the defecation detection unit 12 indicating that a sample has been discharged into the toilet bowl 4A, it starts the first collection of sample gas in the toilet bowl 4A and the detection of each detectable gas. Hereinafter, the sample gas collected for the first time after the discharge of the sample is detected is referred to as the "first sample gas."

Specifically, the main control unit 101 opens the first valve 131 to put the flow path 31 and the flow path 32 in communication. The main control unit 101 also opens the second valve 141 to put the flow path 34 and the flow path 37 in communication. In this state, the main control unit 101 alternately operates the first pump 132 and the second pump 142 for a predetermined time each. As a result, the sample gas in the toilet bowl 4A is collected from the opening at the end of the flow path 31 on the toilet bowl 4A side, passes through the flow path 32, and is supplied to the sensor chamber 144. In addition, the purge gas is sucked from the outside and supplied to the sensor chamber 144 via the flow paths 34 and 37. As a result, a predetermined amount of the sample gas and the purge gas are alternately supplied to the sensor chamber 144, and the gas sensor 143 can output a signal according to the type and concentration of each detection gas contained in each gas. The main control unit 101 may supply the sample gas and the purge gas to the sensor chamber 144 for, for example, 10 seconds, and then stop the operation of the first pump 132 and the second pump 142.

When the main control unit 101 acquires information from the detection unit 102 indicating that the detection of the concentrations of the first and second detectable gases contained in the first sample gas has been completed, the main control unit 101 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the collection of the first sample gas. Hereinafter, the "detection of the concentrations of the first and second detectable gases contained in the first sample gas" is also referred to as "detection using the first sample gas" or "first detection". The above-mentioned predetermined time is set, for example, from a range of about 30 seconds to 1 minute. If a predetermined time or more has elapsed since the collection of the first sample gas, the main control unit 101 may operate the first pump 132 and the second pump 142 again to alternately supply the sample gas and the purge gas to the sensor chamber 144. This causes the detection unit 102 to collect the sample gas for the second time and detect the first detectable gas. The sample gas collected the second time is referred to as the "second sample gas". The second sample gas is a gas released from the same specimen from which the first sample gas was collected, and is collected at a later time than the time at which the first sample gas was collected.

When the main control unit 101 acquires information from the detection unit 102 indicating that the detection of the first detected gas using the second sample gas has been completed, the main control unit 101 controls each unit to clean the flow path 32. Specifically, the main control unit 101 controls the first valve 131 and the second valve 141 to make the flow path 34, the flow path 36, and the flow path 32 communicate with each other, and operates the first pump 132. As a result, the purge gas is supplied to the flow path 32, and the sample gas remaining in the flow path 32 passes through the sensor chamber 144 together with the purge gas and is discharged from the discharge path 33, thereby achieving cleaning of the flow path 32. In addition, the main control unit 101 controls each unit to clean the sensor chamber 144. Specifically, the main control unit 101 controls the second valve 141 to make the flow path 34 and the flow path 37 communicate with each other, and operates the second pump 142. As a result, the purge gas is supplied to sensor chamber 144 and exhausted from exhaust path 33, thereby achieving cleaning of sensor chamber 144. Main control unit 101 may also perform the above-mentioned cleaning of flow path 32 and sensor chamber 144 after the detection of each detection target gas using the first sample gas is completed and before sampling of the second sample gas is started.

The detection unit 102 detects the type and concentration of each detectable gas contained in the sample gas. The detectable gas includes a first detectable gas and a second detectable gas, which is a gas other than the first detectable gas and is released from the specimen. Specifically, the detection unit 102 first acquires a signal corresponding to the concentration of each detectable gas contained in the first sample gas from the gas sensor 143. Here, the first sample gas containing a large amount of the detectable gas and the purge gas containing a small amount of the detectable gas are alternately supplied to the sensor chamber 144, so that the intensity of the signal acquired by the detection unit 102 becomes waveform data indicating the concentration of the detectable gas. The detection unit 102 estimates the type and concentration of the detectable gas based on the waveform data. For the estimation, a learned estimation model that has been learned using a data set including a plurality of sets of waveform data as input data for learning and information indicating the type and concentration of the detectable gas as teacher data may be used. The learning process of this estimation model may be configured to be performed by the server device 2, or may be configured to be performed by an external computer different from the server device 2. The detection unit 102 outputs information indicating the type and concentration of the detected gas to the first calculation unit 103 and the second calculation unit 105, and outputs information indicating that detection using the first sample gas has been completed to the main control unit 101.

Moreover, the detection unit 102 obtains a signal corresponding to the concentration of the first detection gas contained in the second sample gas from the gas sensor 143, and detects the type and concentration of the first detection gas contained in the second sample gas in the same manner as the first time. The detection unit 102 outputs information indicating the type and concentration of the detected first detection gas to the first calculation unit 103 and the second calculation unit 105, and outputs information indicating that the detection using the second sample gas is completed to the main control unit 101. Furthermore, the detection unit 102 may store detection data D1 including each piece of detected information in the storage unit 15. The detection data D1 may include information indicating the concentration of the first detection gas and the concentration of the second detection gas contained in the first sample gas, as well as information indicating the concentration of the first detection gas contained in the second sample gas. Furthermore, the detection 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. 2, the detection unit 102 may store, in association with each other, the detection data D1, a subject ID indicating the subject from whom the sample gas was collected, a sample gas ID, the date and time when the sample gas was collected, and a gas detection device ID indicating the gas detection device 1. Here, the detection data D1 may include the following.
First detection data in which a first detection target gas contained in a first sample gas is detected.
Second detection data in which a second detection target gas contained in the first sample gas is detected.
Third detection data in which the first detection target gas contained in the second sample gas sampled after the first sample gas is sampled is detected.
The fourth detection data indicates that the second detection target gas contained in the second sample gas is detected.

The first calculation unit 103 first obtains information indicating the type and concentration of each of the two detected gases from the detection unit 102. Next, the first calculation unit 103 calculates the change between the concentration of the first detected gas contained in each detected gas in the detection using the first sample gas and the concentration in the detection using the second sample gas. Specifically, the first calculation unit 103 calculates the difference between the concentration of the first detected gas contained in the first sample gas and the concentration of the first detected gas contained in the second sample gas. The first calculation unit 103 outputs information indicating the change between the concentration of the first detected gas contained in the first sample gas and the concentration of the first detected gas contained in the second sample gas to the specimen estimation unit 104. The first calculation unit 103 may calculate the ratio of the concentrations of the first detected gas contained in the first sample gas and the first detected gas contained in the second sample gas instead of the difference between these concentrations. In this case, in the subsequent processing, the ratio between the concentrations of the first detected gas contained in the first sample gas and the first detected gas contained in the second sample gas is used instead of the difference between these concentrations.

The specimen estimation unit 104 acquires information indicating a change in concentration of the first detection gas detected using the first sample gas and the second sample gas from the first calculation unit 103. The specimen estimation unit 104 estimates the mass of the specimen based on the change in concentration of the first detection gas. As an example, the specimen estimation unit 104 estimates the mass of the specimen based on the difference between the concentration of H ₂ as the first detection gas detected using the first sample gas and the concentration detected using the second sample gas (the degree of attenuation of H ₂ released from the specimen). For this estimation, a learned estimation model that has been learned in advance using the input data and teacher data shown below may be used.
Input data: data showing the attenuation over time of the concentration of the first detected gas contained in each of the sample gases (past sample gases) collected from past specimens of multiple subjects (which may include the target person).
Teacher data: Mass data obtained by measuring the mass of the specimen corresponding to each past sample gas. Here, the term "subject" refers to a person who has undergone analysis of the past sample gas released from the past specimen, and whose mass was measured at the time the past sample gas was collected.

The learning process of this estimation model may be performed by the gas detection device 1, or may be performed by an external computer different from the gas detection device 1. The specimen estimation unit 104 outputs information indicating the estimated mass of the specimen to the second calculation unit 105. In addition, the specimen estimation unit 104 may store the information indicating the estimated mass of the specimen in further correspondence with concentration information as shown in FIG. 2.

The second calculation unit 105 calculates the concentrations of the first detectable gas and the second detectable gas based on the information indicating the mass of the specimen, and generates corrected concentration information D3. Specifically, the second calculation unit 105 acquires information indicating the type and concentration of each detectable gas from the detection unit 102. The detectable gases include the first detectable gas and the second detectable gas, which is a gas other than the first detectable gas and is released from the specimen. The second calculation unit 105 also acquires information indicating the mass of the specimen from the specimen estimation unit 104. The second calculation unit 105 calculates the concentrations of the first detectable gas and the second detectable gas from the time they are released from the specimen discharged from the subject until the first sample gas is collected. The second calculation unit 105 calculates the concentrations of the first and second detectable gases from the time when the gas is released from the specimen discharged from the subject until the first sample gas is collected based on the change in the concentration of the first detectable gas contained in the first and second sample gases. The second calculation unit 105 may correct the concentrations of the first and second detectable gases contained in the first sample gas based on the mass of the specimen. The information indicating the concentrations of the first and second detectable gases calculated by the second calculation unit 105 is also referred to as corrected concentration information D3. The second calculation unit 105 may store the calculated corrected concentration information D3 in the storage unit 15 in further correspondence with the concentration information. The second calculation unit 105 transmits the corrected concentration information, information indicating the type of gas detected as each detectable gas, information indicating the mass of the specimen, and the subject ID to the server device 2 via the communication unit 16.

As described above, the second calculation unit 105 corrects the respective concentrations of the multiple types of detectable gases based on the change in concentration of the first detectable gas, and calculates the concentrations of the first detectable gas and the second detectable gas from the time they are released from the specimen excreted from the subject to the time the first sample gas is collected.

The second calculation unit 105 may also correct the concentration of the second detection gas contained in the second sample gas using the concentration of CO ₂ as the first detection gas. Specifically, the second calculation unit 105 may estimate the degree of attenuation of the concentration _of each detection gas in the detection using the second sample gas relative to the concentration of each detection gas in the detection using the first sample gas based on the difference between the concentration of CO ₂ in the detection using the first sample gas and the concentration of CO 2 in the detection using the second sample gas. The second calculation unit 105 may correct the concentration of each detection gas in the detection using the first sample gas to correspond to the concentration of each detection gas after the specimen is discharged based on the degree of attenuation of the concentration of the first detection gas by the estimation. This makes it possible to calculate the concentration of each detection gas before attenuation. The detection unit 102 may also detect the concentration of the second detection gas contained in the second sample gas, and the second calculation unit 105 may correct the concentration of the second detection gas contained in the second sample gas. The second calculation unit 105 may transmit, for a certain detection gas, either the calculated concentration of the detection gas contained in the first sample gas or the calculated concentration of the detection gas contained in the second sample gas as the corrected concentration information to the server device 2. For example, the second calculation unit 105 may take the _H2 concentration in the detection using the first sample gas as the concentration of _H2 released from the specimen, and may take the sulfide-based gas concentration in the detection using the corrected second sample gas as the concentration of the sulfide-based gas released from the specimen.

Known gas sensors include gas sensors that react to H ₂ and gas sensors that do not react to H _2. A gas sensor that reacts to H ₂ may be adopted as the gas sensor 143. In this case, a problem may occur in that the gas sensor 143 reacts strongly to H ₂ contained in the sample gas, making it difficult to read the reaction to substances other than H _2. Therefore, the second calculation unit 105 may be capable of correcting the concentrations of the first and second detection gases contained in the first or second sample gas based on the change between the concentration of the first detection gas in the first sample gas and the concentration in the second sample gas. Specifically, the change may be the difference or ratio between the concentrations of the first and second detection gases contained in the first sample gas and the concentrations of the first and second detection gases contained in the second sample gas. In the gas detection device 1, the concentration of each detection gas contained in any sample gas of the first or second sample gas may be corrected. This makes it possible to accurately determine the concentration of a substance that decays quickly and reacts at low concentrations, such as _H2 , from the first detection result. In addition, since the concentration of _H2 has decayed when the second sample gas is collected, it is possible to accurately determine the concentration of other substances, such as sulfide gases, from the second detection result.

The second calculation unit 105 may include a learning model generated by performing machine learning using the first teacher data. This learning model receives the concentrations of the first detectable gas detected in the first sample gas and the second sample gas as input data. The learning model then outputs the concentrations of the first detectable gas and the second detectable gas from the time the gas is released from the specimen excreted from the subject until the first sample gas is collected. Here, the first teacher data may include the following (1) to (3a).

(1) Sample gas released from multiple past specimens, including first detection data detecting a first detectable gas contained in a first sample gas collected after the past specimens are discharged, and second detection data detecting a second detectable gas contained in the first sample gas collected after the past specimens are discharged.

(2) Third detection data detecting a first detectable gas contained in a second sample gas collected after the first sample gas is collected, and fourth detection data detecting a second detectable gas contained in the second sample gas collected after the first sample gas is collected.

(3a) The concentrations of the first detectable gas and the second detectable gas contained in the first sample gas, and the concentrations of the first detectable gas and the second detectable gas contained in the second sample gas.

The first teacher data may further include first correction data calculated based on the first detection data and the third detection data, and second correction data calculated based on the second detection data and the fourth detection data.

Alternatively, the second calculation unit 105 may include a learning model generated by performing machine learning using the second teacher data. This learning model receives the concentrations of the first detectable gas detected in the first sample gas and the second sample gas as input data. The learning model then outputs the concentrations of the first detectable gas and the second detectable gas from the time the gas is released from the specimen discharged from the subject until the first sample gas is collected. Here, the second teacher data may include the following (1) to (3b).

(1) Sample gas released from multiple past specimens, including first detection data detecting a first detectable gas contained in a first sample gas collected after the past specimens are discharged, and second detection data detecting a second detectable gas contained in the first sample gas collected after the past specimens are discharged.

(2) Third detection data detecting a first detectable gas contained in a second sample gas collected after the first sample gas is collected, and fourth detection data detecting a second detectable gas contained in the second sample gas collected after the first sample gas is collected.

(3b) The concentration of the first detectable gas and the concentration of the second detectable gas contained in the third sample gas collected from the time it was released from the past specimen until the first sample gas was collected.

<Server device 2>
10 , the server device 2 includes a communication unit 21, which is a communication module for communicating with the gas detection device 1 and the electronic device 3, a control unit 22, and a storage unit 23. The control unit 22 controls the operation of each unit of the server device 2. The control unit 22 also includes an estimation unit 221.

The estimation unit 221 estimates the intestinal environment of the subject who excreted the sample, or information that can be estimated from the intestinal environment, based on the types and concentrations of multiple types of detectable gases, and generates analysis result information. Specifically, the estimation unit 221 receives information such as the type and corrected concentration of the detectable gas, the mass of the sample, and the subject ID from the gas detection device 1 via the communication unit 21. The estimation unit 221 calculates the concentration ratio (composition ratio) between the multiple types of detectable gases based on this information. Hereinafter, the intestinal environment of the subject estimated by the estimation unit 221, or information that can be estimated from the intestinal environment, is referred to as "information regarding the subject's health condition."

The estimation unit 221 performs estimation based on the type of each detectable gas, the concentration ratio between the multiple types of detectable gases, and the mass of the sample, using an estimation model stored in the memory unit 23. The estimation model may be a trained estimation model that has been trained in advance using at least one of the following input data (1), (2) and (3), and teacher data.
Input data (1): The type of each detected gas contained in each sample gas (past sample gas) collected from a past specimen (past specimen) after it was excreted from each of multiple subjects (which may include the target person).
Input data (2): Information indicating the concentration ratio between each of the detected gases contained in the past sample gas.
Input data (3): Information indicating the mass of the specimen corresponding to each of the past sample gases.
Teacher data: Information indicating at least one of the composition of bacteria measured from specimens corresponding to each of the past sample gases and the composition of metabolites of the bacteria.
Here, the term "subject" refers to a person who has undergone an analysis of a past sample gas released from a past specimen, and whose health condition and bacterial composition at the time the past sample gas was collected were analyzed. In addition, when the above-mentioned input data (3) is used as input data, the estimation model may be trained using information indicating the concentration value of each detected gas contained in the past sample gas as further input data. In this case, the estimation unit 221 may use information indicating the concentration of each detected gas after correction calculated based on the first sample gas and the second sample gas released from the subject's specimen in the above-mentioned estimation.

Furthermore, the above-mentioned teacher data is not limited to information indicating the bacterial composition, but may be information regarding the health condition of each of the multiple subjects at the time when the previous sample was excreted by each of the multiple subjects, such as an index indicating the subject's physical condition and an index indicating the state of the subject's intestinal environment. The information regarding the health condition may be information indicating the physical condition of each of the multiple subjects at the time when the previous sample was excreted by each of the multiple subjects. The index indicating the subject's physical condition may be an index set based on information measurable from the subject, such as the subject's body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, etc.

Here, the health condition of the subject may be at least one of the composition of bacteria in the intestinal flora of the subject and the composition of metabolites of bacteria in the intestinal flora of the subject. That is, the "information on the health condition of the subject" output by estimation may be, for example, information indicating the state of the intestinal environment of the subject, specifically, an index indicating whether the intestinal environment is in a good state or a bad state. In addition, the composition of bacteria in the sample reflects the composition of bacteria in the intestinal flora of the subject who excreted the sample. Therefore, the estimation unit 221 may estimate an index indicating the composition of bacteria in the intestinal flora estimated from the composition of bacteria contained in the subject's sample, for example, the balance of good bacteria and bad bacteria. In addition, the estimation unit 221 may estimate an index indicating the physical condition, health condition, immunity, and tendency to gain weight of the subject that can be estimated from the intestinal environment of the subject based on the above-mentioned information. Furthermore, the estimation unit 221 may output information indicating advice to encourage diet, exercise, etc. in order to improve the intestinal environment of the subject. In addition, the estimated information may include evaluation, useful information, and remarks. The estimation unit 221 transmits analysis result information including each estimated information to the electronic device 3 via the communication unit 21. The estimation unit 221 may also store the health information including the analysis result information in the storage unit 23 in association with the subject ID, the sample gas ID, and the corrected concentration information D3.

The memory unit 23 is composed of, for example, a semiconductor memory or a magnetic memory. The memory unit 23 stores various information and programs for operating the server device 2. The memory unit 23 may function as a work memory. The memory unit 23 stores a learned estimation model used in the estimation performed by the estimation unit 221.

<Electronic device 3>
As shown in FIG. 10, the electronic device 3 includes a communication unit 311, which is a communication module for communicating with the server device 2, a control unit 312 that controls the operation of each unit of the electronic device 3, and a display unit 313. The control unit 312 may receive the estimation result from the server device 2 via the communication unit 311 by wireless communication or wired communication. The electronic device 3 may display the received estimation result on the display unit 313. The display unit 313 may include a display capable of displaying characters and the like, and a touch screen capable of detecting the contact of a user's (subject's) finger or the like. The display may include a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electroluminescence display (OELD), or an inorganic electroluminescence display (IELD). The detection method of the touch screen may be any method such as a capacitance method, a resistive film method, a surface acoustic wave method (or an ultrasonic method), an infrared method, an electromagnetic induction method, or a load detection method.

<Example of Processing Flow of Gas Detection System 100>
Next, the flow of processing (gas detection method) performed in gas detection system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed in gas detection system 100. In the following description, gas detection device 1 is configured to include pressure sensors as subject detection unit 11 and defecation detection unit 12.

First, when the subject sits on the toilet seat 4B to discharge a sample (i.e., feces) into the toilet bowl 4, the subject detection unit 11 outputs a signal to the main control unit 101 indicating that it has detected the subject sitting on the toilet seat 4B. When the main control unit 101 receives this signal, it detects that the subject has sat on the toilet seat 4B (S1), starts the operation of the defecation detection unit 12, and waits until it detects the subject's defecation (S2). The defecation detection unit 12 outputs a signal to the main control unit 101 indicating that it has detected the discharge of a sample (i.e., defecation) by the subject. When the main control unit 101 receives this signal (YES in S2), it controls the first valve 131 to bring the flow paths 31 and 32 into communication with each other. The main control unit 101 also operates the first pump 132 to collect the first sample gas from the opening of the flow path 31 on the toilet bowl 4A side (S3: first collection step), and supplies the first sample gas to the sensor chamber 144 (S4). The main control unit 101 also operates the first pump 132 for a predetermined time, supplies a predetermined amount of the first sample gas to the sensor chamber 144, and then stops the first pump 132. The main control unit 101 also controls the first valve 131 to make the flow path 31 and the flow path 32 not communicate with each other. After that, the main control unit 101 controls the second valve 141 and the second pump 142 to suck the purge gas in the toilet room from the flow path 34 and supply it to the sensor chamber 144. The main control unit 101 alternately supplies the first sample gas to the sensor chamber 144 by the first pump 132 and supplies the purge gas to the sensor chamber 144 by the second pump 142 for a total of about 10 seconds.

When the first sample gas or purge gas is supplied to the sensor chamber 144, a signal having an intensity corresponding to the type and concentration of each detectable gas contained in these gases is output from the gas sensor 143. When the detection unit 102 acquires the signal, it detects the type and concentration of each detectable gas contained in the first sample gas (S5: first detection step). When the detection is completed, the detection unit 102 outputs information indicating the type and concentration of each detectable gas contained in the detected first sample gas to the first calculation unit 103 and the second calculation unit 105. In addition, the detection unit 102 outputs information indicating that the first detection step has been completed to the main control unit 101.

When the main control unit 101 obtains information indicating that the first detection step has been completed, it controls the first valve 131, the first pump 132, the second valve 141, and the second pump 142 to clean the flow path 32 and the sensor chamber 144.

When the main control unit 101 acquires information indicating that the first detection step is completed, it determines whether a predetermined time, for example, about 30 seconds, has elapsed since the collection of the first sample gas (S6). If the predetermined time has elapsed since the collection of the first sample gas, the main control unit 101 starts the collection of the second sample gas in a manner similar to the first collection step (S3) (S7: second collection step). The second sample gas and the purge gas are alternately supplied to the sensor chamber 144 (S8), and the detection unit 102 detects the type and concentration of the first detection gas contained in the second sample gas in a manner similar to the first detection step (S5) (S9: second detection step). The detection unit 102 outputs information indicating the type and concentration of the first detection gas contained in the second sample gas detected in the second detection step to the first calculation unit 103 and the second calculation unit 105.

In addition, the detection unit 102 outputs information indicating that the second detection step has been completed to the main control unit 101. Upon receiving this information, the main control unit 101 controls the first valve 131, the first pump 132, the second valve 141, and the second pump 142 to clean the flow path 32 and the sensor chamber 144.

The first calculation unit 103 calculates the change in concentration of the first detection gas, for example, _H2 , among the detection gases detected in the first detection step and the second detection step (S10). The first calculation unit 103 outputs information indicating the calculated change in concentration of the first detection gas to the specimen estimation unit 104. When the specimen estimation unit 104 acquires the information indicating the change in concentration of the first detection gas, the specimen estimation unit 104 estimates the mass of the specimen using the estimation model stored in the storage unit 15 based on the information (S11: estimation step). The specimen estimation unit 104 outputs information indicating the estimated mass of the specimen to the second calculation unit 105. However, as described later, if the gas detection device 1 does not include the specimen estimation unit 104, the estimation step (S11) may not be performed. In this case, the gas detection system 100 may use other information that can be substituted for information indicating the mass of the specimen, for example, information indicating the difference in concentration of the first detection gas contained in the first sample gas and the second sample gas.

The second calculation unit 105 acquires information indicating the type and concentration of each detectable gas detected in the first detection step and the second detection step from the detection unit 102, and acquires information indicating the mass of the sample from the sample estimation unit 104. The second calculation unit 105 calculates the concentrations of the first detectable gas and the second detectable gas from the time they are released from the sample discharged from the subject to the time the first sample gas is collected based on the mass of the sample (S12: calculation step). The second calculation unit 105 transmits the calculated information indicating the type and concentration of each detectable gas and information indicating the mass of the sample to the server device 2 via the communication unit 16.

The estimation unit 221 of the server device 2 receives information indicating the type and concentration of each detected gas calculated from the gas detection device 1 via the communication unit 21. The estimation unit 221 may also be configured to receive information indicating the mass of the sample from the gas detection device 1. Below, a server device 2 having a configuration in which the server device 2 receives the mass of the sample in addition to the information indicating the type and concentration of each detected gas will be described as an example, but is not limited to this. For example, the estimation unit 221 can also estimate the subject's health condition, specifically the intestinal environment, etc., from only the information indicating the type and concentration of each detected gas. The estimation unit 221 estimates the subject's health condition, specifically the intestinal environment, etc., using the received information indicating the type and concentration of each detected gas and the information indicating the mass of the sample (S13). The estimation unit 221 transmits the information indicating the estimated health condition of the subject to the electronic device 3 via the communication unit 21.

The control unit 312 of the electronic device 3 receives information indicating the subject's health condition estimated based on the concentration of each detectable gas contained in the sample gas released from the specimen from the server device 2 via the communication unit 311. The control unit 312 notifies the subject of the received information indicating the subject's health condition by displaying it on the display unit 313, for example.

<Effects of the gas detection system 100>
As described above, the gas detection method of this embodiment includes a first collection step (S3) of collecting a first sample gas released from a specimen excreted from the subject, a first detection step (S5) of detecting the concentrations of the first detectable gas and the second detectable gas contained in the first sample gas, a second collection step (S7) of collecting a second sample gas released from the specimen after the first collection step, a second detection step (S9) of detecting the concentration of the first detectable gas contained in the second sample gas, and a calculation step (S12) of calculating the concentrations of the first detectable gas and the second detectable gas from when they are released from the specimen excreted from the subject to when the first sample gas is collected, based on the change in the concentration of the first detectable gas calculated from the concentration of the first detectable gas detected in the first detection step and the second detection step.

In addition, the gas detection device 1 for performing the above-mentioned gas detection method is a gas detection device that collects sample gas released from a specimen discharged from a subject and detects the concentrations of a first detectable gas and a second detectable gas contained in the sample gas, and is equipped with a detection unit 102 that detects the concentrations of the first detectable gas and the second detectable gas contained in the first sample gas collected the first time and the concentration of the first detectable gas contained in the second sample gas released from the same specimen after the first collection, and a second calculation unit 105 that calculates the concentrations of the first detectable gas and the second detectable gas from the time they are released from the specimen discharged from the subject to the time the first sample gas is collected, based on a change in the concentration of the first detectable gas calculated based on the concentration of the first detectable gas detected from the first sample gas and the concentration of the first detectable gas detected from the second sample gas.

13 is a graph plotting the attenuation of the concentration of H ₂ released from the specimen and the mass (feces) of the specimen after a predetermined time (e.g., 20 minutes). FIG. 14 is a graph plotting the attenuation of the concentration of CO ₂ released from the specimen and the mass (feces) of the specimen after a predetermined time (e.g., 20 minutes). As shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, each detection gas (H ₂ , CO ₂ , CH ₄ , sulfide gas, etc.) released from the specimen may attenuate as time passes from the time the subject excretes the specimen. Therefore, the concentration of each detection gas detected in the first sample gas and the concentration ratio between each detection gas are different from each detection gas detected in the second sample gas.

Furthermore, among the detection gases, the attenuation rate and amount of attenuation according to time differ depending on the type. For example, _H2 released from the specimen is more easily attenuated than sulfide gases (e.g., hydrogen sulfide, etc.). Here, according to the gas detection method of this embodiment, the concentrations of the multiple types of detection gases contained in these sample gases are detected, so that the change (attenuation amount and attenuation rate) of the first detection gas according to time can be specified. In addition, based on the change, the concentrations of the first detection gas and the second detection gas from the time they are released from the specimen discharged from the subject to the time the first sample gas is collected can be calculated. Therefore, according to the above-mentioned configuration, the concentrations of the first detection gas and the second detection gas released from the specimen after being discharged from the subject (e.g., immediately after discharge) can be calculated with high accuracy.

In addition, in the above-mentioned gas detection method, in the calculation step, the respective concentrations of the first detectable gas and the second detectable gas contained in the first sample gas may be corrected based on the difference or ratio between the concentration of the first detectable gas contained in the first sample gas and the concentration of the first detectable gas contained in the second sample gas, thereby calculating the concentrations of the first detectable gas and the second detectable gas from the time they are released from the specimen excreted from the subject to the time the first sample gas is collected.

The concentration of the first detectable gas contained in the second sample gas is lower than the concentration of the first detectable gas contained in the first sample gas. Therefore, by performing a correction based on the temporal change in concentration of the first detectable gas, it is possible to more accurately determine the concentrations of the first detectable gas and the second detectable gas contained in the sample gas.

The above-mentioned gas detection method may also include an estimation step of estimating the mass of the specimen based on the concentration of the first detectable gas. In addition, in the method, in the correction step, the concentrations of the first detectable gas and the second detectable gas may be corrected based on information indicating the mass of the specimen estimated in the estimation step. The gas detection device 1 may also include a specimen estimation unit 104 that estimates information indicating the mass of the specimen based on a change from the concentration of the first detectable gas in the first sample gas to the concentration of the first detectable gas in the second sample gas. The second calculation unit 105 may correct the concentrations of the first detectable gas in the first sample gas and the second detectable gas in the first sample gas using the information indicating the mass of the specimen. The second calculation unit 105 may perform this correction to calculate the concentrations of the first detectable gas and the second detectable gas from the time they are released from the specimen discharged from the subject to the time the first sample gas is collected.

For example, if the concentration of the first detectable gas in the second sample gas is lower than the concentration of the first detectable gas in the first sample gas, the change in the concentration of the first detectable gas is calculated as the attenuation of the concentration of the first detectable gas. The attenuation (or attenuation rate) of the concentration of the first detectable gas within a predetermined time varies depending on the type of the first detectable gas and depends on the mass of the specimen. Therefore, if the relationship between the type of the first detectable gas and the attenuation of the concentration of the first detectable gas (see Figures 13 and 14) is known, an estimation model can be generated that machine-learns this relationship. Then, by inputting the attenuation of the first detectable gas calculated from the concentration of the first detectable gas in the first sample gas released from the subject's specimen and the concentration of the first detectable gas in the second sample gas into the learned estimation model, information indicating the mass of the specimen can be estimated.

The concentration of the first detected gas in the first sample gas and the concentration of the first detected gas in the second sample gas are actually measured values, whereas the information indicating the mass of the specimen is output by the estimation model. In other words, the information indicating the mass of the specimen is not derived from the concentration of the first detected gas in the first sample gas and the concentration of the first detected gas in the second sample gas using a specific relational equation. Therefore, the information indicating the mass of the specimen can be treated as an independent explanatory variable. Therefore, if the concentration of each detected gas is corrected using the information indicating the mass of the specimen in addition to the attenuation amount of the first detected gas, the same effect as when the explanatory variables in the regression calculation are increased can be expected. This can further improve the measurement accuracy of each detected gas.

In the above-mentioned gas detection method, in the second collection step, the second sample gas may be collected after a time of 30 seconds to 1 minute has elapsed since the end of the first collection step. The predetermined time may be any time set within a range of approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute. According to this configuration, the first collection step and the second collection step are performed at approximately the same time interval each time. By detecting each detection target gas at the same time interval each time, the mass of the specimen can be estimated relatively easily, and the measurement accuracy can be improved.

In the above-mentioned gas detection method, the sample may be feces excreted by the subject. Furthermore, the first detectable gas may include at least one of hydrogen and carbon dioxide, and the second detectable gas may include at least one of methane, hydrogen sulfide, and methyl mercaptan. With this configuration, the feces excreted by the subject is used as the sample, and the components contained in the gas released from the feces are used as the detectable gases, and detection can be performed.

In addition, the gas detection system 100 according to the present embodiment may include, in addition to the gas detection device 1 that executes the above-mentioned gas detection method, a server device (estimation device) 2 including an estimation unit 221 that estimates information about the health condition of the subject who discharged the specimen based on the concentrations of the first and second detection gases released from the specimen after being discharged from the subject, which are calculated by the gas detection device 1. The server device 2 may also perform estimation using a learned estimation model that has been trained using the ratio of the concentration of the first detection gas and the concentration of the second detection gas contained in the past sample gas released from the past specimen after being discharged from each of the multiple subjects as input data, and information about the health conditions of each of the multiple subjects at the time when the past specimen was discharged by each of the multiple subjects as teacher data. According to this configuration, the health condition of the subject who discharged the specimen, for example, the intestinal environment such as the composition of bacteria in the intestinal flora of the subject, can be estimated from the concentrations of each detection gas detected by the gas detection device 1.

The estimation unit 221 may also perform estimation using a trained estimation model that has been trained using the ratio of the concentration of the first detected gas to the concentration of the second detected gas contained in the past sample gas released from the past specimen after it was discharged from each of the multiple subjects, and information indicating the mass of the past specimen as input data, and information regarding the health conditions of each of the multiple subjects at the time the past specimen was discharged by each of the multiple subjects as teacher data. This increases the amount of information used for estimation, making it possible to more accurately estimate the intestinal condition of the subject.

As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the concentration and attenuation of each detected gas also change depending on the mass of the sample. Conventionally, when estimating the composition of bacteria contained in a sample of a subject based on the concentration of each detected gas, the mass of the sample was not taken into consideration, so the estimation used the concentration ratio between each detected gas rather than the concentration value of each detected gas. Here, the gas detection system 100 can calculate the mass of the sample and perform estimation using information indicating the mass. Therefore, in the estimation, by performing estimation taking into consideration the mass of the sample and the concentration of each detected gas, the concentration value of each detected gas itself can be used when estimating the health condition of the subject. Therefore, the gas detection device 1 can more accurately estimate the intestinal condition of the subject.

[Embodiment 2]
Other embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. For convenience of explanation, the same reference numerals will be given to components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

Figure 15 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a gas detection system 100A including a gas detection device 1A according to another embodiment. Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the gas detection device 1A. As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the gas detection device 1A differs from the gas detection device 1 in that it includes a control unit 10A, a sampling system 13A, and an analysis system 14A instead of the control unit 10, the sampling system 13, and the analysis system 14. The control unit 10A differs from the main control unit 101 in that it includes a main control unit 101A. The sampling system 13A includes a first sample chamber (first storage tank) 38 in addition to the configuration of the sampling system 13. Also, the analysis system 14A includes a third valve 145 and a third pump 146 in addition to the configuration of the analysis system 14.

The first sample chamber 38 is a chamber that can temporarily store the sample gas collected by the operation of the first pump 132. As shown in FIG. 16, the first sample chamber 38 is provided between the first pump 132 and the sensor chamber 144. The first pump 132 and the first sample chamber 38 are connected by a flow path 39 instead of the flow path 32. The first sample chamber 38 and the sensor chamber 144 are also connected by a flow path 40. The first sample chamber 38 may be made of a flexible material whose internal volume changes by expanding, contracting, or deforming depending on the amount of gas stored therein.

The third valve 145 is a valve provided on the flow path 40, and operates under the control of the main control unit 101A. The third pump 146 is a pump provided on the flow path 40 between the third valve 145 and the sensor chamber 144, and operates under the control of the main control unit 101A.

The main control unit 101A controls the operation of the third valve 145 and the third pump 146 in addition to the various parts controlled by the main control unit 101. The processing performed by the main control unit 101A differs in part from that of the main control unit 101, as described below. Specifically, in the first collection step or the second collection step, the main control unit 101A controls the third valve 145 in addition to the first valve 131 and the first pump 132. As a result, the first sample gas or the second sample gas is collected in the flow path 40 without communication between the first sample chamber 38 and the sensor chamber 144. As a result, the first sample gas or the second sample gas is stored in the first sample chamber 38.

The main control unit 101A also controls the third valve 145 to bring the first sample chamber 38 and the sensor chamber 144 into communication with each other. The main control unit 101A also operates the third pump 146 instead of the first pump 132. As a result, the first sample gas or the second sample gas stored in the first sample chamber 38 is supplied to the sensor chamber 144. If a predetermined time has elapsed after the main control unit 101A supplies the first sample gas to the sensor chamber 144, the second collection step may be started without waiting for the completion of the first detection step. As a result, the second sample gas can be stored in the first sample chamber 38 after the first sample gas is discharged from the first sample chamber 38.

When cleaning flow paths 39 and 40, main control unit 101A controls third valve 145 to bring first sample chamber 38 and sensor chamber 144 into communication, and then operates third pump 146. This cleans first sample chamber 38 in addition to flow paths 39 and 40. When cleaning sensor chamber 144, main control unit 101A controls third valve 145 to bring first sample chamber 38 and sensor chamber 144 into non-communication. This reduces the possibility of purge gas flowing back from sensor chamber 144 to first sample chamber 38.

<Effects of gas detection system 100A>
As described above, gas detection system 100A includes gas detection device 1A having third valve 145 and third pump 146. Gas detection device 1A also includes first sample chamber (first storage tank) 38 capable of storing a first sample gas, and stores a second sample gas in first sample chamber 38 after discharging the first sample gas from the first storage tank. With this configuration, gas detection device 1A can collect the second sample gas after the first collection step is finished and before the first detection step is completed. Therefore, with this configuration, even if the completion of the first detection step is delayed, the second sample gas can be collected, making it possible to perform detection twice more reliably.

[Embodiment 3]
<Configuration of gas detection system 100B>
FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a gas detection system 100B including a gas detection device 1B according to another embodiment. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the gas detection device 1B. As shown in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, the gas detection device 1B differs from the gas detection device 1 in that it includes a control unit 10B, a collection system 13B, and an analysis system 14B instead of the control unit 10, the collection system 13, and the analysis system 14. The control unit 10B differs from the main control unit 101 in that it includes a main control unit 101B. In addition to the configuration of the collection system 13, the collection system 13B includes a first sample chamber (first storage tank) 38B, a second sample chamber (second storage tank) 41, and a fourth valve 133. In addition to the configuration of the analysis system 14, the analysis system 14A includes a third valve 145B and a third pump 146. The main control unit 101B controls the fourth valve 133 in addition to the components controlled by the main control unit 101A. Furthermore, the processing performed in main control unit 101B is different from that performed in main control units 101 and 101A, as will be described later.

The first sample chamber 38B is provided between the first pump 132 and the sensor chamber 144, similar to the first sample chamber 38. The first sample chamber 38B differs from the first sample chamber 38 in that it is capable of storing only the first sample gas.

The second sample chamber 41 is a chamber provided between the first pump 132 and the sensor chamber 144. The second sample chamber 41 is a chamber formed from the same material as the first sample chamber 38B, and is capable of storing only the second sample gas. The second sample chamber 41 is connected to the first pump 132 by a flow path 42, and is connected to the sensor chamber 144 by a flow path 43.

The fourth valve 133 is a valve provided on the flow path 39 and the flow path 42, and operates according to the control of the main control unit 101B. As shown in FIG. 18, the flow path 39 and the flow path 42 may be a single flow path between the first pump 132 and the fourth valve 133, or may be separate flow paths. The fourth valve 133 may be capable of switching between a state in which the first pump 132 and the first sample chamber 38 are in communication with each other, and a state in which the first pump 132 and the second sample chamber 41 are in communication with each other.

The third valve 145B is a valve provided on the flow path 40 and the flow path 43, and operates according to the control of the main control unit 101B. As shown in FIG. 18, the flow path 40 and the flow path 43 may be a single flow path between the sensor chamber 144 and the fourth valve 133, or may be separate flow paths. The fourth valve 133 may be capable of switching between a state in which the first sample chamber 38B and the sensor chamber 144 are in communication with each other, and a state in which the second sample chamber 41 and the sensor chamber 144 are in communication with each other.

<Example of Processing Flow of Gas Detection System 100B>
Fig. 19 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of processing performed in gas detection system 100B. Below, an example of the flow of processing (gas detection method) performed in gas detection system 100B will be described with reference to Fig. 19. First, processing of S21 to S22 is performed in gas detection device 1B. This processing is similar to the processing of S1 to S2 shown in Fig. 12, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

When discharge of a specimen from the subject is detected (YES in S22), the main controller 101B controls the first valve 131 and the fourth valve 133 to connect the flow paths 31 and 39 and allow gas to flow into the first sample chamber 38B from the opening of the flow path 31. In this state, the main controller 101B operates the first pump 132 to collect the first sample gas (S23: first collection step) and store it in the first sample chamber 38B.

After S23, the main control unit 101B determines whether a predetermined time has passed since the first sample gas was collected (S24). If the predetermined time has passed since the first sample gas was collected (YES in S24), the main control unit 101B switches the flow path through which the sample gas flows. Specifically, the main control unit 101B controls the fourth valve 133 to communicate between the first pump 132 and the second sample chamber 41, but not with the first sample chamber 38B.

Next, the main control unit 101B operates the first pump 132 to collect the second sample gas (S25: second collection step). At this time, the second sample gas is stored in the second sample chamber 41. The main control unit 101B operates the first pump 132 for a predetermined time, and stops the first pump 132 when a sufficient amount of the second sample gas has been collected.

After S25, the main control unit 101B controls the third valve 145B and the fourth valve 133 to put the first pump 132 and the first sample chamber 38B in a state where they are not in communication with each other, and put the first sample chamber 38B and the sensor chamber 144 in a state where they are in communication with each other. In this state, the main control unit 101B controls the second pump 142, the second valve 141, and the third pump 146 to alternately supply the first sample gas and the purge gas to the sensor chamber 144 (S26). Then, the process of S27 is performed. The process of S27 is the same as the process of S9 shown in FIG. 12, so the explanation is omitted. After the process of S27, the main control unit 101B controls the second valve 141 to operate the second pump 142 in a state where the flow path 34 and the flow path 37 are in communication with each other. This cleans the sensor chamber 144.

Next, the main control unit 101B controls the third valve 145B and the fourth valve 133 to put the first pump 132 and the second sample chamber 41 in a state of not communicating with each other, and put the second sample chamber 41 and the sensor chamber 144 in a state of communicating with each other. In this state, the main control unit 101B controls the second pump 142, the second valve 141, and the third pump 146 to alternately supply the second sample gas and the purge gas to the sensor chamber 144 (S28). Then, the process of S29 is performed. The process of S29 is the same as the process of S9 shown in FIG. 12, so a description thereof will be omitted. After the process of S29, the sensor chamber 144 is cleaned.

Next, processing of S30 to S33 is performed. Processing of S30 to S33 is similar to processing of S10 to S13 shown in FIG. 12, and therefore description thereof is omitted. After each processing in the gas detection device 1B is completed, cleaning of the first sample chamber 38B and the second sample chamber 41 is performed. The cleaning of the first sample chamber 38B and the second sample chamber 41 is not limited to this timing, and may be performed at any time after completion of S28.

The main control unit 101B controls the first valve 131, the second valve 141, the third valve 145B, and the fourth valve 133 to make the flow path 34, the flow path 36, the flow path 39, and the flow path 40 communicate with each other. The main control unit 101B operates the third pump 146 in this state. As a result, the purge gas passes through each flow path, the first sample chamber 38B, and the sensor chamber 144, and is exhausted to the outside through the exhaust path 33, cleaning the first sample chamber 38B, the flow path 39, and the flow path 40. The main control unit 101B also controls the first valve 131, the second valve 141, the third valve 145B, and the fourth valve 133 to make the flow path 34, the flow path 36, the flow path 42, and the flow path 43 communicate with each other. The main control unit 101B operates the third pump 146 in this state. As a result, the purge gas passes through each flow path, second sample chamber 41 and sensor chamber 144 and is exhausted to the outside through exhaust path 33, thereby cleaning second sample chamber 41, flow path 42 and flow path 43.

<Effects of gas detection system 100B>
As described above, the gas detection device 1B includes the first sample chamber (first storage tank) 38B capable of storing the first sample gas and the second sample chamber (second storage tank) 41 capable of storing the second sample gas chamber. This allows the second sample gas to be collected even if the detection of the first sample gas has not been completed. Therefore, gas for two measurements can be collected more reliably. In addition, after the subject finishes using the toilet 4 and performs an operation to flush the toilet 4 in order to leave the toilet 4, the sample is flushed and sample gas cannot be collected. However, by storing the second sample gas before the sample is flushed, the concentration of the first detection gas can be detected even later.

<Modification>
In each of the above-described embodiments, the specimen estimation unit 104 may not estimate the mass of the specimen. In this case, the second calculation unit 105 may use information indicating the change in concentration of the first detected gas between two detections, specifically, information indicating the difference or ratio of the concentrations, as information indicating the mass of the specimen, instead of information indicating the mass of the specimen, and may correct the concentration of each detected gas. In addition, the second calculation unit 105 may use the waveform data itself acquired in the first and second detections as information indicating the mass of the specimen. In this case, the specimen estimation unit 104 is not necessary.

Furthermore, when making an estimation, the estimation unit 221 of the server device 2 may use information indicating the change in concentration of the first detected gas in two detections as information indicating the mass of the sample, instead of information indicating the mass of the sample. Or, in addition to the information indicating the mass of the sample, information indicating the change in concentration may be used. Furthermore, the waveform data itself acquired in the first detection and the second detection may be used as input data. The estimation model may be trained to correspond appropriately.

In the gas detection systems 100, 100A, and 100B in each of the above-described embodiments, the concentration of each detected gas is corrected in the gas detection devices 1, 1A, and 1B, and the intestinal environment of the subject is estimated in the server device 2. However, the gas detection systems 100, 100A, and 100B are not limited to this configuration. For example, the gas detection device 1, 1A, or 1B may be provided with an estimation unit 221 and perform the processing performed in the server device 2. In this case, the estimation of the intestinal environment of the subject from the collection of the sample gas can be completed only by the gas detection device 1, 1A, or 1B. In this case, the gas detection system 100, 100A, or 100B may not be provided with the server device 2, and the gas detection device 1, 1A, or 1B may transmit the estimated information to the electronic device 3.

Figure 20 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a gas detection system 100C, which is a modified example of the gas detection system 100. As shown in Figure 20, the gas detection system 100C includes a gas detection device 1C and a server device 2C instead of the gas detection device 1 and the server device 2. In the gas detection system 100C, the gas detection device 1C may transmit detection information to the server device 2 instead of concentration information. Specifically, the gas detection device 1C may transmit information indicating the concentration of the first detected gas and the concentration of the second detected gas as the detection information. In this case, the server device 2C may correct the concentrations of these detected gases based on the concentration of the first detected gas and the concentration of the second detected gas. In other words, in the gas detection system 100C, the gas detection device 1C may not include the second calculation unit 105, and the server device 2C may include the second calculation unit 105.

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a gas detection system 100D, which is a modified example of the gas detection system 100. As shown in FIG. 21, the gas detection system 100D includes a gas detection device 1D and a server device 2D instead of the gas detection device 1 and the server device 2. As shown in FIG. 21, the gas detection device 1 does not need to be communicatively connected to the server device 2 via a communication network. In the gas detection system 100D, the gas detection device 1D is communicatively connected only to the electronic device 3. In this case, the gas detection device 1D may transmit various information such as concentration information to the electronic device 3, and the electronic device 3 may transmit the concentration information received from the gas detection device 1D to the server device 2D. As an example, the gas detection device 1D transmits concentration information to the electronic device 3 via a communication device such as a LAN. In addition, the electronic device 3 transmits the concentration information to the server device 2D. The server device 2D transmits analysis result information to the electronic device 3 that is the source of the concentration information.

[Software implementation example]
The functions of gas detection systems 100, 100A-100D (hereinafter referred to as the "systems") can be realized by a program for causing a computer to function as the system, and a program for causing a computer to function as each control block of the system (particularly each part included in control units 10, 10A, 10B, and 22).

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., a memory) as hardware for executing the program. The program is executed by the control device and the storage device, thereby realizing each of the functions described in each of the above embodiments.

The program may be stored in one or more computer-readable storage media, not temporarily. The storage media may or may not be included in the device. In the latter case, the program may be provided to the device via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

In addition, some or all of the functions of each of the control blocks can be realized by a logic circuit. For example, the scope of this disclosure also includes an integrated circuit in which a logic circuit that functions as each of the control blocks is formed. In addition, the functions of each of the control blocks can also be realized by, for example, a quantum computer.

The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure.

1, 1A to 1D Gas detection device 2 Server device (estimation device)
38, 38B First sample chamber (first reservoir)
41 Second sample chamber (second reservoir)
100, 100A to 100D Gas detection system 102 Detection section 103 First calculation section 104 Specimen estimation section 105 Second calculation section (calculation section)
221 Estimation unit S3, S23 First collection step S5, S27 First detection step S7, S25 Second collection step S9, S29 Second detection step S11, S31 Estimation step S12, S32 Calculation step

Claims (22)

a first sampling step of sampling a first sample gas emitted from a subject after the subject has excreted the subject;
a first detection step of detecting concentrations of a first detection gas and a second detection gas contained in the first sample gas;
a second sampling step of sampling a second sample gas released from the specimen after the first sampling step;
a second detection step of detecting a concentration of the first detection target gas contained in the second sample gas;
a calculation step of calculating concentrations of the first detection gas and the second detection gas from the time the first detection gas is released from the specimen discharged from the subject to the time the first sample gas is collected, based on a change in concentration of the first detection gas calculated from the concentration of the first detection gas detected in the first detection step and the second detection step;
A gas detection method comprising: The gas detection method of claim 1, wherein in the calculation step, the concentrations of the first detectable gas and the second detectable gas from the time they are released from the specimen exhaled from the subject to the time the first sample gas is collected are calculated based on the difference or ratio between the concentration of the first detectable gas contained in the first sample gas and the concentration of the first detectable gas contained in the second sample gas. The gas detection method of claim 1, further comprising: calculating, in the calculation step, the concentration of the second detected gas in the second sample gas based on the difference or ratio between the concentration of the first detected gas in the first sample gas and the concentration of the first detected gas in the second sample gas. The method further includes an estimation step of estimating a mass of the specimen based on a concentration of the first detection gas detected in the first detection step and the second detection step,
4. The gas detection method according to claim 1, wherein in the calculation step, the concentrations of the first detectable gas and the second detectable gas are corrected based on the mass of the specimen estimated in the estimation step. A gas detection method as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sample is feces excreted by the subject. the first detection gas includes at least one of hydrogen and carbon dioxide,
6. The gas detection method according to claim 1, wherein the second detection target gas includes at least one of methane, hydrogen sulfide, and methyl mercaptan. The calculation step includes:
(1) sample gas released from a plurality of past specimens, the first detection data detecting the first detectable gas and the second detection data detecting the second detectable gas contained in the first sample gas collected after the past specimens were discharged; (2) third detection data detecting the first detectable gas and the fourth detection data detecting the second detectable gas contained in the second sample gas collected after the first sample gas was collected; and (3) concentrations of the first detectable gas and the second detectable gas contained in the first sample gas, and concentrations of the first detectable gas and the second detectable gas contained in the second sample gas,
The gas detection method described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the learning model receives as input data the concentrations of the first detectable gas detected in the first sample gas and the second sample gas, respectively, and outputs the concentrations of the first detectable gas and the second detectable gas from the time when the first detectable gas is released from a specimen excreted from the subject to the time when the first sample gas is collected. The gas detection method of claim 7, wherein the first teacher data further includes first correction data calculated based on the first detection data and the third detection data, and second correction data calculated based on the second detection data and the fourth detection data. The calculation step includes:
(1) sample gas released from a plurality of past specimens, the first detection data detecting the first detectable gas and the second detection data detecting the second detectable gas contained in the first sample gas collected after the past specimens were discharged; (2) third detection data detecting the first detectable gas and the fourth detection data detecting the second detectable gas contained in the second sample gas collected after the first sample gas was collected; and (3) a process executed by a learning model generated by machine learning using second teacher data including the concentrations of the first detectable gas and the second detectable gas contained in the third sample gas collected from the time of release from the past specimens until the first sample gas is collected,
The gas detection method described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the learning model receives as input data the concentrations of the first detectable gas detected in the first sample gas and the second sample gas, respectively, and outputs the concentrations of the first detectable gas and the second detectable gas from the time when the first detectable gas is released from a specimen excreted from the subject to the time when the first sample gas is collected. A gas detection device that, after a specimen is excreted from a subject, collects a sample gas emitted from the specimen and detects concentrations of a first detection gas and a second detection gas contained in the sample gas,
a detection unit that detects concentrations of the first detection gas and the second detection gas contained in a first sample gas collected for a first time, and a concentration of the first detection gas contained in a second sample gas released from the same specimen after the first collection;
a calculation unit that calculates the concentrations of the first detectable gas and the second detectable gas from the time the gas is released from the specimen exhaled from the subject to the time the first sample gas is collected based on a change in concentration of the first detectable gas calculated based on the concentration of the first detectable gas detected from the first sample gas and the concentration of the first detectable gas detected from the second sample gas. a specimen estimation unit that estimates information indicating a mass of the specimen based on a change from a concentration of the first detection gas in the first sample gas to a concentration of the first detection gas in the second sample gas,
11. The gas detection device according to claim 10, wherein the calculation unit uses information indicating the mass of the specimen to correct the respective concentrations of the first detectable gas in the first sample gas and the second detectable gas in the first sample gas, and calculates the concentrations of the first detectable gas and the second detectable gas from the time they are released from the specimen exhaled from the subject to the time the first sample gas is collected. a first storage tank capable of storing the first sample gas;
12. The gas detection device according to claim 10, wherein the second sample gas is stored in the first storage tank after the first sample gas is discharged from the first storage tank. The gas detection device of claim 10 or 11, further comprising a first storage tank capable of storing the first sample gas, and a second storage tank capable of storing the second sample gas. The calculation unit is
(1) A learning model generated by performing machine learning using first teacher data including: (1) first detection data detecting the first detectable gas and second detection data detecting the second detectable gas contained in the first sample gas collected after the past sample gas is discharged, the first detection data being sample gas released from a plurality of past sample gases; (2) third detection data detecting the first detectable gas and fourth detection data detecting the second detectable gas contained in the second sample gas collected after the first sample gas is collected; and (3) concentrations of the first detectable gas and the second detectable gas contained in the first sample gas, and concentrations of the first detectable gas and the second detectable gas contained in the second sample gas;
The gas detection device described in any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the learning model receives as input data the concentrations of the first detectable gas detected in the first sample gas and the second sample gas, respectively, and outputs the concentrations of the first detectable gas and the second detectable gas from the time the first detectable gas is released from a specimen excreted from a subject to the time the first sample gas is collected. The first teacher data further includes first correction data calculated based on the first detection data and the third detection data, and second correction data calculated based on the second detection data and the fourth detection data.
15. The gas detection device according to claim 14. (1) a learning model generated by performing machine learning using second teacher data including: (1) first detection data detecting the first detectable gas and second detection data detecting the second detectable gas contained in the first sample gas collected after the past sample gas is discharged, the first detection data being sample gas released from a plurality of past sample gases; (2) third detection data detecting the first detectable gas and fourth detection data detecting the second detectable gas contained in the second sample gas collected after the first sample gas is collected; and (3) a concentration of the first detectable gas and a concentration of the second detectable gas contained in the third sample gas collected from the time the sample gas is released from the past sample gas until the first sample gas is collected;
The gas detection device described in any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the learning model receives as input data the concentrations of the first detectable gas detected in the first sample gas and the second sample gas, respectively, and outputs the concentrations of the first detectable gas and the second detectable gas from the time the first detectable gas is released from a specimen excreted from a subject to the time the first sample gas is collected. A gas detection device according to any one of claims 10 to 16,
an estimation device including an estimation unit that estimates information regarding a health condition of the subject who excreted the specimen, based on concentrations of the first detectable gas and the second detectable gas calculated by the gas detection device during a period from when the first sample gas is released from the specimen excreted from the subject to when the first sample gas is collected;
The estimation unit is
A gas detection system in which the ratio of the concentration of the first detected gas to the concentration of the second detected gas contained in past sample gas released from past specimens discharged from each of a plurality of subjects is used as input data, and the estimation is performed using a trained estimation model that has been trained using information on the health conditions of each of the plurality of subjects at the time the past specimen was discharged by each of the plurality of subjects as teacher data. The gas detection system of claim 17, wherein the estimation unit receives as input data the ratio between the concentration of the first detected gas and the concentration of the second detected gas contained in past sample gas released from past specimens discharged from each of a plurality of subjects, and information indicating the mass of the past specimen, and performs the estimation using a learned estimation model that has been trained using teacher data information regarding the health conditions of each of the plurality of subjects at the time the past specimen was discharged by each of the plurality of subjects. The gas detection system according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the health condition of the subject is at least one of the composition of bacteria in the intestinal flora of the subject and the composition of metabolites of bacteria in the intestinal flora of the subject. a gas detection device that collects a first sample gas emitted from a specimen excreted from a subject and a second sample gas emitted from the specimen after the first sample gas is released, and detects the concentrations of a first detectable gas and a second detectable gas contained in the first sample gas, and the concentration of the first detectable gas contained in the second sample gas;
a server device that calculates the concentrations of the first detectable gas and the second detectable gas from the time the gas is released from the specimen exhaled from the subject to the time the first sample gas is collected based on a change in concentration of the first detectable gas calculated based on the concentration of the first detectable gas detected from the first sample gas and the concentration of the first detectable gas detected from the second sample gas. A control program for causing a computer to function as a gas detection device according to any one of claims 10 to 16, the control program causing a computer to function as the detection unit and the calculation unit. A computer-readable recording medium having the control program according to claim 21 recorded thereon.

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