JP7675699B2 - Emissions determination method, emission determination device, and emission determination program - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to technology for determining emissions.

The presence or absence of excrement such as stool, urine and flatulence, the type of excrement, and the number and time of excretion are important pieces of information in managing the health of the care recipient. Caregivers record information about the care recipient's excrement, but recording this information is a burden on both the caregiver and the care recipient. Furthermore, when information about excrement is recorded based on the care recipient's report, it is difficult to obtain accurate information about excrement from care recipients with dementia.

Therefore, there has been a demand for an excretion management system that objectively manages excretion. For example, the excretion management system of Patent Document 1 includes a temperature measurement unit that non-contactly measures the spatial distribution of temperature within the bowl of the toilet, and a control unit that determines the presence or absence of excretion within the bowl based on the temperature data. In addition, the conventional excretion management system further includes an odor measurement unit that measures odor within the bowl. Then, based on the odor data measured by the odor measurement unit and the temperature data, the control unit determines whether the excretion discharged within the bowl is at least one of feces, urination, and flatus.

However, with the above-mentioned conventional technology, it was difficult to accurately determine whether or not the farter had farted, and further improvements were needed.

JP 2015-178764 A

The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problem, and aims to provide technology that can accurately determine whether or not a farter has farted.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for determining emissions involves a computer acquiring first time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl measured by an internal sensor placed within the toilet bowl, determining whether the emitter has farted based on the first time series data of the hydrogen concentration, and outputting a determination result.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not a farter has farted.

1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a discharge management system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; 4 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement positions of an internal sensor and an emission determination device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for illustrating an emission determination process in the emission determination device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of first time-series data of hydrogen concentration when urination and defecation occurred but no flatus occurred in the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of first time-series data of hydrogen concentration when urination and flatus are present but no defecation occurs in the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a discharge management system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. 13 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement positions of an internal sensor, an external sensor, and an emission determination device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for illustrating an emission determination process in an emission determination device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the first time series data and the second time series data of hydrogen concentration in a case where urination and flatus have occurred but no defecation has occurred in the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the first time series data and the second time series data of hydrogen concentration when urination and defecation occurred but no flatus occurred in the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of a discharge management system according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. 13 is a flowchart for illustrating an emission determination process in an emission determination device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of first time-series data of hydrogen concentration in a case where flatus is present but defecation does not occur in the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of first time-series data of hydrogen concentration when defecation occurs but no flatus occurs in the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of a discharge management system in a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. 13 is a first flowchart for illustrating an emission determination process in an emission determination device according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. 13 is a second flowchart for illustrating the emission determination process in the emission determination device according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of first time-series data of hydrogen concentration in a case where flatus is present but defecation does not occur in the fourth embodiment.

(Foundations underlying this disclosure)
In the above-described conventional excretion management system, the control unit compares the temperature data Ti _,ch at each time point in the temperature time series data with a temperature threshold value _Tn , and if Ti _,ch ≦ _Tn , it determines that excretion has not occurred, and if Ti _,ch > _Tn , it determines that excretion has occurred.

The odor measuring unit includes a hydrogen sulfide odor sensor having high sensitivity to hydrogen sulfide odor and an ammonia odor sensor having high sensitivity to ammonia odor. The control unit compares odor data _O1i at each time in the odor time-series data of the hydrogen sulfide odor sensor with a first odor threshold _On1 , and compares odor data _O2i at each time in the odor time-series data of the ammonia odor sensor with a second odor threshold _On2 . When temperature data T1 _,ch at each time in the temperature time-series data is T1 _,ch > _Tn, that is, when excretion has occurred, if _O1i > _On1 or _O2i > _On2 , the control unit determines that the excretion is feces, and when _O1i ≦ _On1 and _O2i ≦ _On2 , the control unit determines that the excretion is urination. In addition, when the temperature data Ti _,ch at each time in the temperature time series data is Ti _,ch ≦ _Tn , i.e., when no excretion is occurring, if O _1i > O _n1 or O _2i > O _n2 , the control unit determines that fart has occurred.

As described above, in conventional technology, it is determined whether the excrement is feces, urine, or flatulence based on temperature data, odor data from a hydrogen sulfide odor sensor, and odor data from an ammonia odor sensor.

However, the concentration of hydrogen sulfide contained in the gas excreted from the excretor's anus varies depending on the excretor's physical condition, such as whether the excretor is constipated. The concentration of hydrogen sulfide contained in the excreted gas also varies greatly depending on the foods the excretor has eaten, as well as the medications he or she has taken.

Therefore, it is difficult to accurately determine whether or not a person has farted using the concentration of hydrogen sulfide contained in the excreta.

In order to solve the above problems, a method for determining emissions according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a computer acquiring first time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl measured by an internal sensor placed within the toilet bowl, determining whether the emitter has farted based on the first time series data of the hydrogen concentration, and outputting a determination result.

The hydrogen concentration contained in the gas excreted from the anus of the human body is not easily affected by the food eaten by the human body or the medicine taken by the human body. Therefore, by determining whether the excretor has farted based on the first time-series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet bowl, it is possible to accurately determine whether the excretor has farted.

In addition, in the above-mentioned emission determination method, if the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data exceeds a threshold value in the determination, it may be determined that the emitter has farted.

When a person farts into the toilet bowl, the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet bowl increases. Therefore, by determining whether the hydrogen concentration value in the first time-series data exceeds a threshold value, it is possible to easily determine whether the person has farted.

In addition, in the above-mentioned emission determination method, if the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data exceeds a threshold value, and the rising slope of the first time series data until it reaches a peak is greater than the threshold value, and the falling slope of the first time series data after it reaches the peak is smaller than the threshold value, it may be determined that the emitter has farted.

Gas released into the toilet bowl does not remain inside the bowl, but diffuses outside the bowl. Therefore, when a person farts into the toilet bowl, the first time series data of the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet bowl rises sharply, reaches a peak, and then falls sharply. Therefore, when the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data exceeds a threshold value, and the rising slope of the first time series data until it reaches the peak is greater than the threshold value, and the falling slope of the first time series data after it reaches the peak is less than the threshold value, it can be determined that the person has farted.

In addition, in the above-mentioned discharge determination method, second time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet measured by an external sensor placed outside the toilet may be further acquired, and in the determination, it may be determined whether the emitter has farted based on the first time series data and the second time series data.

The gas discharged into the toilet bowl does not remain inside the bowl, but diffuses outside. Therefore, by measuring the hydrogen concentration not only in the space inside the toilet bowl, but also in the space outside the toilet bowl, it is possible to more accurately determine whether the person has farted.

In addition, in the above-mentioned emission determination method, if the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data exceeds a threshold value and the hydrogen concentration value in the second time series data exceeds a threshold value, it may be determined that the emitter has farted.

When a fart is released into the toilet, the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet increases. In addition, because the gas released into the toilet diffuses outside the toilet, the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet also increases. Therefore, by determining whether the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data has exceeded a threshold value and determining whether the hydrogen concentration value in the second time series data has exceeded a threshold value, it is possible to more accurately determine whether the fart is released by the fart.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned discharge determination method, a first time when the first time series data reaches a peak may be obtained, and a second time when the first time series data converges after reaching a peak may be obtained, and in the determination, it may be determined whether the person has discharged feces or farts based on the first time and the second time.

Gas discharged into the toilet bowl is diffused outside the toilet bowl. Therefore, when a person farts into the toilet bowl, the first time series data of the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl reaches a peak and then drops sharply. On the other hand, the feces discharged into the toilet bowl remains within the toilet bowl. Therefore, when a person defecates into the toilet bowl, the first time series data of the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl reaches a peak and then drops gradually. Therefore, the time elapsed from the first time when the first time series data reaches a peak to the second time when the first time series data converges differs between flatus and defecation. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the person has discharged feces or fart, based on the time elapsed from when the hydrogen concentration value peaked to when it converges.

In addition, in the above-mentioned excrement determination method, if the difference between the second time and the first time is less than or equal to a predetermined time, it may be determined that the person has farted, and if the difference is longer than the predetermined time, it may be determined that the person has defecate.

The time that elapses from when the hydrogen concentration value in the space inside the toilet reaches its peak until it converges is longer when the person defecates into the toilet than when the person farts into the toilet. Therefore, by comparing the time that elapses from when the hydrogen concentration value reaches its peak until it converges with a predetermined time, it is possible to determine whether the person has excreted feces or farts.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned method for determining emissions, second time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet measured by an external sensor placed outside the toilet may be acquired, a third time at which the second time series data reaches a peak may be acquired, and a fourth time at which the second time series data converges after reaching its peak may be acquired, and in the determination, it may be determined whether the person has excreted feces or farts based on the first time, the second time, the third time, and the fourth time.

The gas discharged into the toilet is diffused outside the toilet. Therefore, when the person farts into the toilet, the second time series data of the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet reaches a peak and then drops sharply, similar to the first time series data. On the other hand, when the person defecates into the toilet, the second time series data of the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet reaches a peak and then drops gradually, similar to the first time series data. Therefore, it is possible to more accurately determine whether the person has discharged feces or farts, based on the elapsed time from the first time when the first time series data reaches its peak to the second time when the first time series data converges, and the elapsed time from the third time when the second time series data reaches its peak to the fourth time when the second time series data converges.

In addition, in the above-mentioned discharge determination method, if the first difference between the second time and the first time is equal to or less than a predetermined time and the second difference between the fourth time and the third time is equal to or less than a predetermined time, it may be determined that the person has farted, and if the first difference is longer than the predetermined time and the second difference is longer than the predetermined time, it may be determined that the person has defecate.

The time that elapses between the hydrogen concentration value in the space inside the toilet reaching its peak and converging is longer when the person defecates into the toilet than when the person farts into the toilet. Similarly, the time that elapses between the hydrogen concentration value in the space outside the toilet reaching its peak and converging is longer when the person defecates into the toilet than when the person farts into the toilet. Therefore, by comparing the time that elapses between the hydrogen concentration value in the space inside the toilet reaching its peak and converging with a predetermined time, and by comparing the time that elapses between the hydrogen concentration value in the space outside the toilet reaching its peak and converging with a predetermined time, it is possible to more accurately determine whether the person has excreted feces or farts.

An emission determination device according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires first time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl measured by an internal sensor disposed within the toilet bowl, a determination unit that determines whether the emitter has farted based on the first time series data of the hydrogen concentration, and an output unit that outputs the determination result.

The hydrogen concentration contained in the gas excreted from the anus of the human body is not easily affected by the food eaten by the human body or the medicine taken by the human body. Therefore, by determining whether the excretor has farted based on the first time-series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet bowl, it is possible to accurately determine whether the excretor has farted.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is an emission determination program that causes a computer to acquire first time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl measured by an internal sensor placed within the toilet bowl, determine whether the emitter has farted based on the first time series data of the hydrogen concentration, and output the determination result.

The hydrogen concentration contained in the gas excreted from the anus of the human body is not easily affected by the food eaten by the human body or the medicine taken by the human body. Therefore, by determining whether the excretor has farted based on the first time-series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet bowl, it is possible to accurately determine whether the excretor has farted.

An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiment is an example of a specific embodiment of the present disclosure and does not limit the technical scope of the present disclosure.

(Embodiment 1)
Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an emission management system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement positions of an internal sensor 1 and an emission determination device 2 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

The emission management system shown in Figure 1 comprises an internal sensor 1, an emission determination device 2 and a server 3.

The internal sensor 1 is disposed within the toilet bowl 101 and is sensitive to hydrogen. As shown in FIG. 2, the internal sensor 1 is hung on the edge of an opening formed at the top of the toilet bowl 101 that receives stool and urine. The internal sensor 1 measures the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl 101. The internal sensor 1 is connected to the emission determination device 2 via wire or wirelessly so that they can communicate with each other. The internal sensor 1 transmits first time series data of the measured hydrogen concentration to the emission determination device 2.

A drainage channel (not shown) is provided at the bottom of the toilet bowl 101. Feces and urine discharged into the toilet bowl 101 are flushed through the drainage channel. A toilet seat 102 on which the person discharges is provided at the top of the toilet bowl 101. The toilet seat 102 rotates up and down. The person sits with the toilet seat 102 lowered over the toilet bowl 101. A water tank 103 that stores water for flushing feces and urine is provided at the rear of the toilet bowl 101.

The internal sensor 1 may constantly transmit the first time series data of the measured hydrogen concentration to the emission determination device 2. The internal sensor 1 may also transmit the first time series data of the hydrogen concentration measured during the period from when the emitter sits on the toilet seat 102 to when the emitter leaves the toilet seat 102 to the emission determination device 2. For example, a pressure sensor may be provided on the toilet seat 102, and whether or not the emitter has sat on the toilet seat 102 may be determined based on the output from the pressure sensor. In addition, the determination of whether or not the emitter has sat on the toilet seat 102 may utilize the fact that the inside of the toilet bowl 101 becomes dark when the emitter sits on the toilet seat 102. That is, a light sensor may be provided inside the toilet bowl 101, and when it is detected by the light sensor that it has become dark, it may be determined that the emitter has sat on the toilet seat 102, and when it is detected by the light sensor that it has become bright, it may be determined that the emitter has left the toilet seat 102.

The emission determination device 2 is disposed, for example, on the side of the water tank 103. Note that the location of the emission determination device 2 is not limited to the above, and it may be anywhere in the toilet. Furthermore, if the internal sensor 1 and the emission determination device 2 are connected wirelessly, the emission determination device 2 does not have to be disposed in the toilet, but may be disposed in a location in the house where it can wirelessly communicate with the internal sensor 1.

The emission determination device 2 comprises a processor 21, a memory 22 and a communication unit 23.

The memory 22 is a storage device capable of storing various types of information, such as a random access memory (RAM), a solid state drive (SSD), or a flash memory. The memory 22 stores the first time series data transmitted by the internal sensor 1.

The processor 21 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). The processor 21 realizes a data acquisition unit 211, an emission determination unit 212, and a determination result output unit 213.

The data acquisition unit 211 acquires first time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl 101 measured by the internal sensor 1 disposed within the toilet bowl 101. The data acquisition unit 211 acquires the first time series data from the memory 22. The data acquisition unit 211 reads out the first time series data stored in the memory 22.

The emission determination unit 212 determines whether the emitter has farted based on the first time series data of hydrogen concentration. If the value of the hydrogen concentration in the first time series data exceeds a threshold value, the emission determination unit 212 determines that the emitter has farted.

The judgment result output unit 213 outputs the judgment result of whether or not the emitter has farted. The judgment result output unit 213 transmits the judgment result information indicating whether or not the emitter has farted to the server 3 via the communication unit 23.

When it is determined that the emitter has farted, the judgment result output unit 213 may transmit judgment result information indicating that the emitter has farted and date and time information indicating the date and time when the emitter farted to the server 3 via the communication unit 23. When it is determined that the emitter has not farted, the judgment result output unit 213 may not transmit judgment result information indicating that the emitter has not farted to the server 3.

The communication unit 23 transmits the result of the determination as to whether the emitter has farted or not to the server 3. The emission determination device 2 is connected to the server 3 via a network 4 so that they can communicate with each other. The network 4 is, for example, the Internet.

The server 3 receives the determination result information transmitted by the emission determination device 2, indicating whether or not the emitter has farted. The server 3 may receive the determination result information indicating that the emitter has farted, and date and time information indicating the date and time when the emitter farted. The server 3 has a database that stores, in association with each other, identification information that identifies the room or house in which the emission determination device 2 is located, the determination result information indicating that the emitter has farted, and the date and time information indicating the date and time when the emitter farted. The identification information may be identification information that identifies the occupant (emitter) of the room or house in which the emission determination device 2 is located.

For example, the caregiver uses the database of server 3 when creating monitoring data for the care recipient. That is, the terminal device used by the caregiver acquires judgment result information and date and time information corresponding to the identification information of the care recipient from server 3 and creates monitoring data for the care recipient. For example, the terminal device may create monitoring data on the number of times farting occurred in a day, the number of times farting occurred in a week, or the number of times farting occurred in a month. Also, for example, the terminal device may create monitoring data on the time of farting occurred in a day, the date and time of farting occurred in a week, or the date and time of farting occurred in a month.

Next, we will explain the emission determination process in the emission determination device 2 relating to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure.

Figure 3 is a flowchart for explaining the emission determination process in the emission determination device 2 relating to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure.

First, in step S1, the data acquisition unit 211 acquires from the memory 22 first time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl 101 measured by the internal sensor 1. For example, the emission determination process shown in FIG. 3 is performed once a day. The data acquisition unit 211 acquires one day's worth of first time series data, for example, at midnight. Note that the time at which the first time series data is acquired is not limited to midnight. In addition, the emission determination process shown in FIG. 3 is not limited to once a day, and may be performed multiple times a day, once a week, or at predetermined intervals.

The data acquisition unit 211 may also acquire first time series data for the period from when the person sits on the toilet seat 102 to when the person leaves the toilet seat 102. If waste is excreted multiple times in a day, the data acquisition unit 211 may acquire multiple first time series data for one day. Then, an excretion determination process may be performed for each of the multiple first time series data.

Next, in step S2, the emission determination unit 212 determines whether the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data exceeds a threshold value. If it is determined that the hydrogen concentration value exceeds the threshold value (YES in step S2), then in step S3, the emission determination unit 212 determines that the emitter has farted. On the other hand, if it is determined that the hydrogen concentration value does not exceed the threshold value (NO in step S2), then in step S4, the emission determination unit 212 determines that the emitter has not farted.

In conventional technology, it is determined whether a fart emitter has passed a gas based on temperature data, odor data from a hydrogen sulfide odor sensor, and odor data from an ammonia odor sensor. However, the concentrations of hydrogen sulfide and ammonia components contained in the gas exhaled from the fart emitter's anus vary depending on the exhaler's physical condition, such as whether the exhaler is constipated. In addition, the concentrations of hydrogen sulfide and ammonia components contained in the exhaled gas vary greatly depending on what the exhaler has eaten, and also on the medicines they have taken.

In response to this, the inventors have discovered that the hydrogen concentration contained in the gas excreted from the human anus is not easily affected by the food eaten or medicines taken by the human body. The inventors have also discovered that by measuring the time-series changes in the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet bowl, it is possible to determine whether the excretor has farted.

Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of first time series data of hydrogen concentration when urination and defecation occur but no flatus in this embodiment 1, and Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of first time series data of hydrogen concentration when urination and flatus occur but no defecation in this embodiment 1.

4 and 5, the vertical axis represents the concentration of each component (sensor output value), and the horizontal axis represents time (seconds). Note that the internal sensor 1 may measure not only the hydrogen concentration, but also the ammonia concentration and the hydrogen sulfide concentration. In Figs. 4 and 5, the solid line represents the first time series data of the hydrogen concentration measured by the internal sensor 1, the dashed line represents the time series data of the ammonia concentration measured by the internal sensor 1, and the dashed line represents the time series data of the hydrogen sulfide concentration measured by the internal sensor 1.

In Figure 4, the person sits on the toilet seat after about 15 seconds, and begins urination and defecation after about 30 seconds. As urination and defecation begin, the ammonia concentration and hydrogen sulfide concentration increase. Meanwhile, the hydrogen concentration is hardly affected by urination or defecation, remaining at an almost constant value.

In Figure 5, the person sits on the toilet seat after about 10 seconds has passed, and urination begins after about 20 seconds. As urination begins, the ammonia concentration increases. Furthermore, the first flatus occurs after about 120 seconds has passed, and the second flatus occurs after about 190 seconds. As a result of the flatus, the hydrogen concentration and hydrogen sulfide concentration increase.

Comparing the hydrogen concentrations in Figures 4 and 5, the hydrogen concentration changes significantly when flatulence occurs, but changes very little when only urination and defecation occur. From this, the excretion determination unit 212 can determine whether the emitter has flatulenced by determining whether the hydrogen concentration value exceeds a threshold value.

Returning to FIG. 3, next, in step S5, the judgment result output unit 213 outputs the judgment result as to whether or not the emitter has farted. For example, when the emission judgment unit 212 judges that the emitter has farted, the judgment result output unit 213 transmits judgment result information indicating that the emitter has farted and date and time information indicating the date and time when the emitter farted to the server 3 via the communication unit 23.

When the emission determination unit 212 determines that the emitter has farted, the determination result output unit 213 may store in the memory 22 determination result information indicating that the emitter has farted and date and time information indicating the date and time when the emitter farted. The emission determination device 2 may also be equipped with a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port. The determination result output unit 213 may store in a USB memory connected to the USB port the determination result information indicating that the emitter has farted and date and time information indicating the date and time when the emitter farted.

In this way, the hydrogen concentration contained in the gas excreted from the anus of the human body is not easily affected by the food eaten by the human body or the medicine taken by the human body. Therefore, by determining whether the excretor has farted based on the first time-series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl 101, it is possible to accurately determine whether the excretor has farted.

In the present embodiment 1, the emission determination unit 212 determines whether the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data exceeds a threshold value, but the present disclosure is not particularly limited to this. The emission determination unit 212 may determine that the emitter has farted if the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data exceeds a threshold value, the rising slope of the first time series data until it reaches a peak is greater than the threshold value, and the falling slope of the first time series data after it reaches a peak is smaller than the threshold value.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the emitter farts, the hydrogen concentration rises sharply, reaches a peak, and then falls sharply. Therefore, the emission determination unit 212 may determine whether the value of the hydrogen concentration in the first time series data exceeds a threshold value. If the emission determination unit 212 determines that the value of the hydrogen concentration in the first time series data exceeds the threshold value, it may determine whether the rising slope of the first time series data until the peak is reached is greater than the threshold value. If the emission determination unit 212 determines that the rising slope of the first time series data until the peak is reached is greater than the threshold value, it may determine whether the falling slope of the first time series data after the peak is reached is smaller than the threshold value. If the emission determination unit 212 determines that the falling slope of the first time series data after the peak is reached is smaller than the threshold value, it may determine that the emitter has farted. This makes it possible to more accurately determine whether the emitter has farted.

(Embodiment 2)
The emission determination device in the first embodiment acquires first time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl measured by an internal sensor placed inside the toilet bowl. In contrast, the emission determination device in the second embodiment acquires first time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl measured by an internal sensor placed inside the toilet bowl, and second time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet bowl measured by an external sensor placed outside the toilet bowl.

Figure 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of an emission management system in embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. Figure 7 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement positions of the internal sensor 1, the external sensor 5, and the emission determination device 2A in embodiment 2 of the present disclosure.

The emission management system shown in Figure 6 comprises an internal sensor 1, an emission determination device 2A, a server 3 and an external sensor 5. In this embodiment 2, the same components as those in embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals and will not be described.

The external sensor 5 is disposed outside the toilet bowl 101 and is sensitive to hydrogen. As shown in FIG. 7, the external sensor 5 is attached to a wall inside the toilet. The external sensor 5 measures the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet bowl 101. The external sensor 5 is connected to the emission determination device 2A via wire or wirelessly so that they can communicate with each other. The external sensor 5 transmits second time series data of the measured hydrogen concentration to the emission determination device 2A.

The placement location of the external sensor 5 is not limited to a wall surface within the toilet, and may be anywhere within the toilet that is outside the toilet bowl 101. The external sensor 5 may constantly transmit second time series data of the measured hydrogen concentration to the emission determination device 2A. The external sensor 5 may also transmit second time series data of the hydrogen concentration measured during the period from when the emitter sits on the toilet seat 102 to when the emitter leaves the toilet seat 102 to the emission determination device 2A.

The emission determination device 2A comprises a processor 21A, a memory 22 and a communication unit 23.

The processor 21A is, for example, a CPU. The processor 21A realizes a data acquisition unit 211A, an emission determination unit 212A, and a determination result output unit 213.

The data acquisition unit 211A acquires first time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet bowl 101, measured by an internal sensor 1 arranged inside the toilet bowl 101. The data acquisition unit 211A also acquires second time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet bowl 101, measured by an external sensor 5 arranged outside the toilet bowl 101. The data acquisition unit 211A acquires the first time series data and the second time series data from the memory 22. The data acquisition unit 211A reads out the first time series data and the second time series data stored in the memory 22. The data acquisition unit 211A acquires the first time series data and the second time series data synchronized with the first time series data.

The emission determination unit 212A determines whether the emitter has farted based on the first time series data and the second time series data. The emission determination unit 212A determines that the emitter has farted when the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data exceeds a threshold value and the hydrogen concentration value in the second time series data exceeds a threshold value.

The threshold value for comparing with the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data and the threshold value for comparing with the hydrogen concentration value in the second time series data may be the same. Also, the threshold value for comparing with the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data and the threshold value for comparing with the hydrogen concentration value in the second time series data may be different.

Next, we will explain the emission determination process in the emission determination device 2A relating to embodiment 2 of the present disclosure.

Figure 8 is a flowchart for explaining the emission determination process in the emission determination device 2A relating to embodiment 2 of the present disclosure.

First, in step S11, the data acquisition unit 211A acquires from the memory 22 first time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl 101 measured by the internal sensor 1.

Next, in step S12, the data acquisition unit 211A acquires from the memory 22 second time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet bowl 101 measured by the external sensor 5.

For example, the emission determination process shown in FIG. 8 is performed once a day. The data acquisition unit 211A acquires one day's worth of first time series data and second time series data, for example, at midnight. Note that the time at which the first time series data and second time series data are acquired is not limited to midnight. In addition, the emission determination process shown in FIG. 8 is not limited to once a day, and may be performed once a week, or at predetermined intervals.

The data acquisition unit 211A may also acquire first time series data and second time series data for the period from when the emitter sits on the toilet seat 102 to when the emitter leaves the toilet seat 102. If waste is emitted multiple times in a day, the data acquisition unit 211A may acquire multiple first time series data and multiple second time series data for one day. Then, an excretion determination process may be performed for each of the multiple first time series data and multiple second time series data.

Next, in step S13, the emission determination unit 212A determines whether the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data exceeds a threshold value. If it is determined that the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data does not exceed the threshold value (NO in step S13), the emission determination unit 212A determines in step S14 that the emitter has not farted. On the other hand, if it is determined that the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data exceeds the threshold value (YES in step S13), the emission determination unit 212A determines in step S15 whether the hydrogen concentration value in the second time series data exceeds the threshold value.

Here, if it is determined that the hydrogen concentration value in the second time series data exceeds the threshold value (YES in step S15), then in step S16, the emission determination unit 212A determines that the emitter has farted. On the other hand, if it is determined that the hydrogen concentration value in the second time series data does not exceed the threshold value (NO in step S15), then in step S17, the emission determination unit 212A determines that the emitter has defecate.

Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of the first time series data and the second time series data of hydrogen concentration when urination and defecation occur but no defecation occurs in this embodiment 2, and Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of the first time series data and the second time series data of hydrogen concentration when urination and defecation occur but no defecation occurs in this embodiment 2.

9 and 10, the vertical axis represents the concentration of each component (sensor output value), and the horizontal axis represents time (seconds). Note that the internal sensor 1 may measure not only the hydrogen concentration, but also the ammonia concentration and the hydrogen sulfide concentration. In Figs. 9 and 10, the solid line represents the first time series data of the hydrogen concentration measured by the internal sensor 1, the dashed line represents the time series data of the ammonia concentration measured by the internal sensor 1, the dashed line represents the time series data of the hydrogen sulfide concentration measured by the internal sensor 1, and the dashed line represents the second time series data of the hydrogen concentration measured by the external sensor 5.

In Figure 9, the person sits on the toilet seat after about 20 seconds has passed, and begins urinating after about 30 seconds. With the start of urination, the ammonia concentration rises. Also, after about 30 seconds, flatulence occurs. As a result of the flatulence, the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet bowl 101 rises. Also, as a result of the flatulence, the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet bowl 101 rises. This is because gas expelled from the person's anus diffuses outside the toilet bowl 101, and an increase in hydrogen concentration due to the influence of flatulence was observed outside the toilet bowl 101 as well as inside the toilet bowl 101.

Therefore, when the emission determination unit 212A determines that the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data exceeds the threshold value and also determines that the hydrogen concentration value in the second time series data exceeds the threshold value, it determines that the emitter has farted. This makes it possible to more reliably determine that the emitter has farted.

On the other hand, in Figure 10, the person sits on the toilet seat after about 30 seconds, starts urinating after about 40 seconds, and starts defecation after about 260 seconds. With the start of urination, the ammonia concentration rises, and with the start of defecation, the hydrogen sulfide concentration rises. At this time, the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet bowl 101 rises with the start of defecation, but the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet bowl 101 is hardly affected by defecation and shows an almost constant value. From this, when the discharge determination unit 212A determines that the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data has exceeded the threshold value and determines that the hydrogen concentration value in the second time series data has not exceeded the threshold value, it can determine that the person has defecate.

Returning to FIG. 8, next, in step S18, the judgment result output unit 213 outputs the judgment result of whether the emitter has passed flatus or not, or the judgment result of whether the emitter has defecated or not. For example, when the excretion judgment unit 212A judges that the emitter has passed flatus, the judgment result output unit 213 transmits judgment result information indicating that the emitter has passed flatus and date and time information indicating the date and time when the emitter passed flatus to the server 3 via the communication unit 23. Also, when the excretion judgment unit 212A judges that the emitter has defecated, the judgment result output unit 213 transmits judgment result information indicating that the emitter has defecated and date and time information indicating the date and time when the emitter defecated to the server 3 via the communication unit 23.

In addition, the emission determination unit 212A may determine that the emitter has farted if the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data exceeds a threshold value, and the rising slope of the first time series data until it reaches a peak is greater than the threshold value and the falling slope of the first time series data after it reaches a peak is smaller than the threshold value, and the hydrogen concentration value in the second time series data exceeds a threshold value, and the rising slope of the second time series data until it reaches a peak is greater than the threshold value and the falling slope of the second time series data after it reaches a peak is smaller than the threshold value.

(Embodiment 3)
The emission determination device in the first embodiment determines that the emitter has passed flatus when the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data exceeds a threshold value. In contrast, the emission determination device in the third embodiment obtains a first time when the first time series data reaches a peak and a second time when the first time series data converges after reaching its peak, and determines whether the emitter has passed feces or flatus based on the first time and the second time.

Figure 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of an emission management system in embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. Note that the positions of the internal sensor 1 and the emission determination device 2B in embodiment 3 of the present disclosure are the same as the positions of the internal sensor 1 and the emission determination device 2 in embodiment 1.

The emission management system shown in Figure 11 includes an internal sensor 1, an emission determination device 2B, and a server 3. In this embodiment 3, the same components as those in embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals and will not be described.

The emission determination device 2B has a processor 21B, a memory 22 and a communication unit 23.

The processor 21B is, for example, a CPU. The processor 21B realizes a data acquisition unit 211, an emission determination unit 212B, a determination result output unit 213, a first time acquisition unit 214, and a second time acquisition unit 215.

The first time acquisition unit 214 acquires the first time at which the first time series data reaches a peak.

The second time acquisition unit 215 acquires the second time at which the first time series data converges after the first time series data reaches a peak.

The discharge determination unit 212B determines whether the person has discharged feces or fart based on the first time acquired by the first time acquisition unit 214 and the second time acquired by the second time acquisition unit 215. The discharge determination unit 212B determines that the person has discharged fart if the difference between the second time and the first time is less than or equal to a predetermined time, and determines that the person has discharged feces if the difference is longer than the predetermined time.

Next, we will explain the emission determination process in the emission determination device 2B relating to embodiment 3 of the present disclosure.

Figure 12 is a flowchart for explaining the emission determination process in the emission determination device 2B relating to embodiment 3 of the present disclosure.

First, in step S21, the data acquisition unit 211 acquires from the memory 22 first time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl 101 measured by the internal sensor 1. For example, the emission determination process shown in FIG. 12 is performed once a day. The data acquisition unit 211 acquires one day's worth of first time series data, for example, at midnight. Note that the time at which the first time series data is acquired is not limited to midnight. Furthermore, the emission determination process shown in FIG . 12 is not limited to once a day, and may be performed once a week, or at predetermined intervals.

The data acquisition unit 211 may also acquire first time series data for the period from when the person sits on the toilet seat 102 to when the person leaves the toilet seat 102. If waste is excreted multiple times in a day, the data acquisition unit 211 may acquire multiple first time series data for one day. Then, an excretion determination process may be performed for each of the multiple first time series data.

Next, in step S22, the emission determination unit 212B determines whether the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data exceeds a threshold value. If it is determined that the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data does not exceed the threshold value (NO in step S22), in step S23, the emission determination unit 212B determines that the emitter has not farted.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the hydrogen concentration value in the first time series data exceeds the threshold value (YES in step S22), in step S24, the first time acquisition unit 214 acquires the first time at which the first time series data acquired by the data acquisition unit 211 reached a peak.

Next, in step S25, the second time acquisition unit 215 acquires the second time at which the first time series data acquired by the data acquisition unit 211 converges after the first time series data reaches a peak.

Next, in step S26, the emission determination unit 212B calculates the difference between the second time and the first time.

Next, in step S27, the emission determination unit 212B determines whether the difference is less than or equal to a predetermined time.

Here, if it is determined that the difference is less than or equal to the predetermined time (YES in step S27), in step S28, the emission determination unit 212B determines that the emitter has farted.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the difference is longer than the predetermined time (NO in step S27), in step S29, the excretion determination unit 212B determines that the person has defecate.

Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of the first time series data of hydrogen concentration when there is flatus but no defecation in this embodiment 3, and Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of the first time series data of hydrogen concentration when there is defecation but no flatus in this embodiment 3.

13 and 14, the vertical axis represents hydrogen concentration (sensor output value) and the horizontal axis represents time (seconds). In Fig. 13 and Fig. 14, the solid line represents the first time series data of hydrogen concentration measured by internal sensor 1.

In Figure 13, the person farts after about 20 seconds has passed and sits on the toilet seat, and after about 30 seconds has passed, the person farts. When the person farts, the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl 101 rises sharply, reaches a peak, and then falls sharply again. This is because the gas discharged from the person's anus diffuses. When the person farts, the period from the first time t1, when the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl 101 reaches its peak, to the second time t2, when the hydrogen concentration value converges, is about 20 seconds. Note that the second time when the hydrogen concentration value converges is, for example, the point in time when the decrease from the peak value becomes 80% of the increase from the rise to the peak.

On the other hand, in Figure 14, the person defecates on the toilet seat after about 30 seconds has passed, and begins to defecate after about 260 seconds has passed. When defecation occurs, the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl 101 rises sharply, reaches a peak, and then gradually decreases. This is because feces is present within the toilet bowl 101. When the person defecates, the period from the first time t1, when the hydrogen concentration value in the space within the toilet bowl 101 reaches its peak, to the second time t2, when the hydrogen concentration value converges, is about 60 seconds.

From the above, the time that elapses from when the hydrogen concentration value reaches its peak until it converges differs between flatus and defecation. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the person has expelled feces or flatus based on the time that elapses from when the hydrogen concentration value reaches its peak until it converges. The excretion determination unit 212B may determine that the person has expelled flatus if the difference between the second time and the first time is, for example, 30 seconds or less. The excretion determination unit 212B may also determine that the person has expelled defecation if the difference between the second time and the first time is, for example, longer than 30 seconds.

Returning to FIG. 12, next, in step S30, the judgment result output unit 213 outputs the judgment result of whether the emitter has passed flatus or not, or the judgment result of whether the emitter has defecated or not. For example, when the excretion judgment unit 212B judges that the emitter has passed flatus, the judgment result output unit 213 transmits judgment result information indicating that the emitter has passed flatus and date and time information indicating the date and time when the emitter passed flatus to the server 3 via the communication unit 23. Also, when the excretion judgment unit 212B judges that the emitter has defecated, the judgment result output unit 213 transmits judgment result information indicating that the emitter has defecated and date and time information indicating the date and time when the emitter defecated to the server 3 via the communication unit 23.

(Embodiment 4)
The excretion determination device in embodiment 3 determines whether the person has excreted feces or farts based on the first time when the first time series data reaches a peak and the second time when the first time series data converges after the first time series data reaches a peak. In contrast, the excretion determination device in embodiment 4 acquires first time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space inside the toilet bowl measured by an internal sensor placed inside the toilet bowl and second time series data indicating the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet bowl measured by an external sensor placed outside the toilet bowl, and determines whether the person has excreted feces or farts based on the first time when the first time series data reaches a peak, the second time when the first time series data converges after the first time series data reaches a peak, the third time when the second time series data reaches a peak, and the fourth time when the second time series data converges after the second time series data reaches a peak.

Figure 15 is a diagram showing the configuration of an emission management system in embodiment 4 of the present disclosure. Note that the positions of the internal sensor 1, external sensor 5, and emission determination device 2C in embodiment 4 of the present disclosure are the same as the positions of the internal sensor 1, external sensor 5, and emission determination device 2A in embodiment 2.

The emission management system shown in Figure 15 comprises an internal sensor 1, an external sensor 5, an emission determination device 2C, and a server 3. Note that in this embodiment 4, the same components as those in embodiments 1 to 3 are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof are omitted.

The emission determination device 2C includes a processor 21C, a memory 22 and a communication unit 23.

The processor 21C is, for example, a CPU. The processor 21C realizes a data acquisition unit 211A, an emission determination unit 212C, a determination result output unit 213, a first time acquisition unit 214, a second time acquisition unit 215, a third time acquisition unit 216, and a fourth time acquisition unit 217.

The third time acquisition unit 216 acquires the third time at which the second time series data reaches a peak.

The fourth time acquisition unit 217 acquires the fourth time at which the second time series data converges after the second time series data reaches a peak.

The discharge determination unit 212C determines whether the person has discharged feces or fart based on the first time acquired by the first time acquisition unit 214, the second time acquired by the second time acquisition unit 215, the third time acquired by the third time acquisition unit 216, and the fourth time acquired by the fourth time acquisition unit 217. The discharge determination unit 212C determines that the person has discharged fart if the first difference between the second time and the first time is less than or equal to a predetermined time and the second difference between the fourth time and the third time is less than or equal to a predetermined time, and determines that the person has defecate if the first difference is longer than the predetermined time and the second difference is longer than the predetermined time.

The predetermined time for comparison with the first difference and the predetermined time for comparison with the second difference may be the same. Also, the predetermined time for comparison with the first difference and the predetermined time for comparison with the second difference may be different.

Next, we will explain the emission determination process in the emission determination device 2C relating to embodiment 4 of the present disclosure.

Figure 16 is a first flowchart for explaining the emission determination processing in the emission determination device 2C relating to embodiment 4 of the present disclosure, and Figure 17 is a second flowchart for explaining the emission determination processing in the emission determination device 2C relating to embodiment 4 of the present disclosure.

Note that the processing from steps S41 to S45 is the same as the processing from steps S11 to S15 in Figure 8, so the explanation will be omitted.

If it is determined that the hydrogen concentration value in the second time series data does not exceed the threshold value (NO in step S45), in step S58, the emission determination unit 212C determines that the emitter has defecate.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the hydrogen concentration value in the second time series data exceeds the threshold value (YES in step S45), in step S46, the first time acquisition unit 214 acquires the first time at which the first time series data acquired by the data acquisition unit 211A reached a peak.

Next, in step S47, the second time acquisition unit 215 acquires the second time at which the first time series data acquired by the data acquisition unit 211A converges after the first time series data reaches a peak.

Next, in step S48, the third time acquisition unit 216 acquires the third time at which the second time series data acquired by the data acquisition unit 211A reaches a peak.

Next, in step S49, the fourth time acquisition unit 217 acquires the fourth time at which the second time series data acquired by the data acquisition unit 211A converges after reaching a peak.

Next, in step S50, the emission determination unit 212C calculates a first difference between the second time and the first time.

Next, in step S51, the emission determination unit 212C calculates a second difference between the fourth time and the third time.

Next, in step S52, the emission determination unit 212C determines whether the first difference is less than or equal to a predetermined time.

Here, if it is determined that the first difference is equal to or less than the predetermined time (YES in step S52), in step S53, the discharge determination unit 212C determines whether the second difference is equal to or less than the predetermined time. If it is determined that the second difference is equal to or less than the predetermined time (YES in step S53), in step S54, the discharge determination unit 212C determines that the emitter has farted. On the other hand, if it is determined that the second difference is longer than the predetermined time (NO in step S53), in step S55, the discharge determination unit 212C determines that the emitter has defecate.

If it is determined that the first difference is longer than the predetermined time (NO in step S52), then in step S56, the discharge determination unit 212C determines whether the second difference is equal to or shorter than the predetermined time. If it is determined that the second difference is equal to or shorter than the predetermined time (YES in step S56), then in step S57, the discharge determination unit 212C determines that the emitter has farted. On the other hand, if it is determined that the second difference is longer than the predetermined time (NO in step S56), then in step S58, the discharge determination unit 212C determines that the emitter has defecate.

Figure 18 shows an example of the first time series data of hydrogen concentration when flatulence is present but no defecation occurs in this embodiment 4.

18, the vertical axis represents hydrogen concentration (sensor output value) and the horizontal axis represents time (seconds). In FIG. 18, the solid line represents the first time series data of hydrogen concentration measured by the internal sensor 1, and the two-dot chain line represents the second time series data of hydrogen concentration measured by the external sensor 5.

In Figure 18, the person farts after about 20 seconds has passed and sits on the toilet seat, and after about 30 seconds has passed, the person farts. When the person farts, the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl 101 rises sharply, reaches a peak, and then falls sharply again. This is because the gas discharged from the person's anus diffuses. When the person farts, the period from the first time t1, when the hydrogen concentration in the space within the toilet bowl 101 reaches its peak, to the second time t2, when the hydrogen concentration value converges, is about 20 seconds. Note that the second time when the hydrogen concentration value converges is, for example, the point in time when the decrease from the peak value becomes 80% of the increase from the rise to the peak.

Furthermore, as a result of the farting, the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet bowl 101 also increases. This is because the gas expelled from the person's anus diffuses outside the toilet bowl 101, and an increase in the hydrogen concentration due to the influence of the farting was observed outside the toilet bowl 101 as well as inside the toilet bowl 101. When a fart is emitted, the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet bowl 101 also rises sharply, reaches a peak, and then falls sharply. When the person farts, the period from the third time t3, when the hydrogen concentration in the space outside the toilet bowl 101 reaches its peak, to the fourth time t4, when the hydrogen concentration converges, is approximately 20 seconds.

Whether the person has emitted feces or fart can be determined more accurately based on the time elapsed from when the hydrogen concentration value in the space inside the toilet bowl 101 reaches its peak until it converges, and the time elapsed from when the hydrogen concentration value in the space outside the toilet bowl 101 reaches its peak until it converges. That is, the discharge determination unit 212C may determine that the person has emitted fart if the first difference between the second time and the first time is, for example, 30 seconds or less and the second difference between the fourth time and the third time is, for example, 30 seconds or less.

In addition, the discharge determination unit 212C may determine that the person has defecate if the first difference between the second time and the first time is longer than, for example, 30 seconds, and the second difference between the fourth time and the third time is longer than, for example, 30 seconds.

In this way, by using not only the measurement data from the internal sensor 1 but also the measurement data from the external sensor 5, it is possible to more accurately determine whether the person has excreted fart or feces.

Furthermore, the discharge determination unit 212C may determine that the person has defecate if the first difference between the second time and the first time is, for example, 30 seconds or less and the second difference between the fourth time and the third time is, for example, longer than 30 seconds. The discharge determination unit 212C may also determine that the person has farted if the first difference between the second time and the first time is, for example, longer than 30 seconds and the second difference between the fourth time and the third time is, for example, 30 seconds or less.

This means that, for example, even if erroneous data is measured by the internal sensor 1, a correct judgment can be made using the data from the external sensor 5.

In addition, the measurement data of the external sensor 5 may be affected by the fragrance installed in the toilet or the cleaning agent used to clean the toilet. Therefore, when the comparison result of the first difference and the comparison result of the second difference are different, the discharge determination unit 212C may prioritize the comparison result of the first difference. For example, when it is determined that the first difference is less than a predetermined time and the second difference is longer than a predetermined time (YES in step S52 and NO in step S53), the discharge determination unit 212C may determine that the emitter has farted. Also, for example, when it is determined that the first difference is longer than a predetermined time and the second difference is less than a predetermined time (NO in step S52 and YES in step S56), the discharge determination unit 212C may determine that the emitter has defecate. This makes it possible to accurately determine whether the emitter has excreted fart or feces, even if the accuracy of the measurement data of the external sensor 5 is low.

Returning to FIG. 17, next, in step S59, the judgment result output unit 213 outputs the judgment result of whether the emitter has passed flatus or not, or the judgment result of whether the emitter has defecated or not. For example, when the excretion judgment unit 212C judges that the emitter has passed flatus, the judgment result output unit 213 transmits judgment result information indicating that the emitter has passed flatus and date and time information indicating the date and time when the emitter passed flatus to the server 3 via the communication unit 23. Also, when the excretion judgment unit 212C judges that the emitter has defecated, the judgment result output unit 213 transmits judgment result information indicating that the emitter has defecated and date and time information indicating the date and time when the emitter defecated to the server 3 via the communication unit 23.

Note that, although in the first to fourth embodiments, only one person uses one toilet, the present disclosure is not particularly limited to this, and multiple people may use one toilet. In this case, the discharge management system may further include a recognition device for recognizing the person using the toilet. The recognition device may be, for example, a camera that captures an image of the face of the person using the toilet, and recognizes the person using the toilet from the facial image obtained by capturing the image.

In each of the above embodiments, each component may be configured with dedicated hardware, or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory. In addition, the program may be executed by another independent computer system by recording the program on a recording medium and transferring it, or by transferring the program via a network.

Some or all of the functions of the device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure are typically realized as an LSI (Large Scale Integration), which is an integrated circuit. These may be individually integrated into one chip, or may be integrated into one chip that includes some or all of the functions. Furthermore, the integrated circuit is not limited to an LSI, and may be realized by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) that can be programmed after LSI manufacture, or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connections and settings of circuit cells inside the LSI, may be used.

In addition, some or all of the functions of the device relating to the embodiments of the present disclosure may be realized by a processor such as a CPU executing a program.

In addition, all numbers used above are examples to specifically explain this disclosure, and this disclosure is not limited to the exemplified numbers.

In addition, the order in which the steps are executed as shown in the above flowchart is merely an example for specifically explaining the present disclosure, and other orders may be used as long as similar effects are obtained. In addition, some of the steps may be executed simultaneously (in parallel) with other steps.

The technology disclosed herein is useful as a technology for determining excrement, as it can accurately determine whether or not a person has farted.

Claims (10)

The computer
acquiring first time-series data indicating a hydrogen concentration in a space within the toilet bowl measured by an internal sensor disposed within the toilet bowl;
acquiring second time-series data indicating a hydrogen concentration in a space outside the toilet bowl measured by an external sensor disposed outside the toilet bowl;
determining whether the person has farted based on the first time series data and the second time series data ;
Output the judgment result.
Emission determination method. In the determination, when the value of the hydrogen concentration in the first time-series data exceeds a threshold value, it is determined that the emitter has farted.
The method for determining emissions according to claim 1. In the determination, if the value of the hydrogen concentration in the first time series data exceeds a threshold, and a rising slope of the first time series data until it reaches a peak is greater than the threshold, and a falling slope of the first time series data after it reaches the peak is smaller than the threshold, it is determined that the farter has passed.
The method for determining emissions according to claim 1. In the determination, when the value of the hydrogen concentration in the first time series data exceeds a threshold and the value of the hydrogen concentration in the second time series data exceeds a threshold, it is determined that the emitter has farted.
The method for determining emissions according to claim 1 . Furthermore, a first time when the first time series data reaches a peak is obtained;
Further, a second time when the first time series data converges after the first time series data reaches a peak is acquired;
In the determination, it is determined whether the person has excreted feces or fart based on the first time and the second time.
The method for determining emissions according to claim 1. In the determination, if a difference between the second time and the first time is equal to or less than a predetermined time, it is determined that the person has passed flatus, and if the difference is longer than the predetermined time, it is determined that the person has defecate.
The method for determining emissions according to claim 5 . Furthermore , a third time when the second time series data reaches a peak is obtained;
Further, a fourth time point at which the second time series data converges after the second time series data reaches a peak is obtained;
In the determination, it is determined whether the person has excreted feces or fart based on the first time, the second time, the third time, and the fourth time.
The method for determining emissions according to claim 5 . In the determination, if a first difference between the second time and the first time is equal to or less than a predetermined time and a second difference between the fourth time and the third time is equal to or less than a predetermined time, it is determined that the person has passed flatus, and if the first difference is longer than the predetermined time and the second difference is longer than the predetermined time, it is determined that the person has defecate.
The method for determining emissions according to claim 7 . a first acquisition unit that acquires first time-series data indicating a hydrogen concentration in a space within the toilet bowl measured by an internal sensor disposed within the toilet bowl;
a second acquisition unit that acquires second time-series data indicating a hydrogen concentration in a space outside the toilet bowl measured by an external sensor disposed outside the toilet bowl;
A determination unit that determines whether or not a person has farted based on the first time series data and the second time series data ;
an output unit that outputs a determination result;
An emission determination device comprising: acquiring first time-series data indicating a hydrogen concentration in a space within the toilet bowl measured by an internal sensor disposed within the toilet bowl;
acquiring second time-series data indicating a hydrogen concentration in a space outside the toilet bowl measured by an external sensor disposed outside the toilet bowl;
determining whether the person has farted based on the first time series data and the second time series data ;
causing the computer to output a determination result;
Emissions determination program.

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