JP7850367B2 - Western-style toilet and toilet seat equipment - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a Western-style toilet and toilet seat device.

Conventionally, a Western-style toilet device has been proposed that detects dirt adhering to the surface of the cleaning nozzle of the local cleaning unit based on an image captured from the cleaning nozzle (see Patent Document 1). For example, a dirt detection unit, composed of a program or similar, can determine the presence of dirt by comparing the captured image with a reference image.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-160640

However, because the cleaning nozzle is very small, and depending on the position of the optical sensor, only a portion of the contaminated area may be imaged, there is a risk that the contamination may not be accurately detected even when compared with a reference image. Furthermore, even if contamination is detected, the water sprayed from the cleaning nozzle may not be abnormal, or conversely, even if no contamination is detected, the water spray from the cleaning nozzle may be abnormal, potentially leading to a failure to detect abnormal water spray.

This disclosure was proposed in consideration of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a Western-style toilet and toilet seat device that can determine the type of dirt that may be causing abnormal spraying of the cleaning nozzle in the local cleaning section.

To achieve the above objective, the Western-style toilet device of the present disclosure comprises a bowl for receiving excrement, a local cleaning unit having a cleaning nozzle, an optical sensor, and a dirt detection unit for detecting dirt on the cleaning nozzle, wherein the imaging range of the optical sensor includes the state of water ejection from the cleaning nozzle, and the dirt detection unit detects the amount of water ejected based on the image of the ejection state captured by the optical sensor, determines that there is dirt on the nozzle if the detected amount of water ejected does not reach a standard amount, and notifies that there is dirt on the nozzle.

The toilet seat device of this disclosure is a toilet seat device that constitutes a Western-style toilet device by being assembled to a toilet unit having a bowl portion for receiving excrement and a local washing portion having a washing nozzle, and comprises an optical sensor and a dirt determination unit for detecting dirt on the washing nozzle, wherein the imaging range of the optical sensor includes the state of water ejection from the washing nozzle, the dirt determination unit detects the amount of water ejected based on the image of the ejection state captured by the optical sensor, and determines that there is dirt on the nozzle if the detected amount of water ejected has not reached a standard amount, and notifies that there is dirt on the nozzle.

Since the Western-style toilet and toilet seat apparatus of this disclosure have the configuration described above, it is possible to determine the presence of dirt that may be causing abnormal spraying from the cleaning nozzle of the local washing section.

This is a basic block diagram of a Western-style toilet device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the same Western-style toilet unit. (a) is a schematic perspective view of the Western-style toilet unit, and (b) is a partial side view of the cleaning nozzle of the local cleaning section. Figures (a) and (b) show two examples of the installation positions of the optical sensor and lighting unit in the Western-style toilet device, with (a) being a schematic plan view and (b) being a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view. This is a basic flowchart showing the operation flow of the Western-style toilet device, including the imaging of excrement. This is a flowchart showing one operation mode (foreign object detection) of the Western-style toilet device. This is a flowchart showing one operation mode (nozzle contamination detection) of the Western-style toilet device. This is a flowchart showing one operation mode (detergent depletion detection) of the Western-style toilet device. This is a flowchart showing one operation mode (clogging detection) of the Western-style toilet device. This is a basic block diagram of a Western-style toilet device and a toilet seat device used therein according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the same Western-style toilet unit.

Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.
First, the basic configuration of the Western-style toilet device 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

This Western-style toilet device 1 comprises a bowl portion 44 for receiving excrement, a local cleaning portion 32 having a cleaning nozzle 32a, an optical sensor 21, and a dirt detection unit 12 for detecting dirt on the cleaning nozzle 32a. The imaging range of the optical sensor 21 includes the water jet state of the cleaning nozzle 32a. The dirt detection unit 12 detects the jet volume based on the image of the jet state captured by the optical sensor 21. If the detected jet volume does not reach a standard amount, it determines that the nozzle is dirty and notifies the user of the presence of nozzle dirt.

The Western-style toilet device 1 may have, in addition to the aforementioned soil detection function, a function to image the excrement received in the bowl 44, and may also have the following three functions: a function to detect the presence of foreign matter E in the bowl 44, a function to detect when the detergent tank 55a is depleted, and a function to detect blockage in the bowl 44.

A Western-style toilet device 1 with the function of imaging excrement may include a bowl portion 44 for receiving excrement, an optical sensor 21, and an excrement image control unit 10. The optical sensor 21 should be configured to image the excrement falling into the bowl portion 44. The excrement image control unit 10 may be configured to store the captured excrement images, transfer the excrement images to other terminals, and perform various analyses based on the excrement images.

A Western-style toilet device 1 with a foreign object contamination detection function may include a bowl 44 for receiving excrement, a toilet seat 43, a seat sensor 23, a human presence sensor 22, an optical sensor 21, and a foreign object contamination detection unit 11 that determines whether a foreign object E has entered the bowl 44. The optical sensor 21 should be configured to capture images of objects falling into the bowl 44. The foreign object contamination detection unit 11 may have the following configuration: In other words, when the human presence sensor 22 detects a person and the seat sensor 23 does not detect a seat, the unit should determine whether the fallen object is a foreign object E based on the image captured by the optical sensor 21, and if it is determined to be a foreign object E, it should notify the unit of foreign object contamination.

A Western-style toilet device 1 with a detergent depletion detection function may include a bowl 44 for receiving waste, a detergent tank 55a for storing detergent to supply foam to the water surface A in the bowl 44, and an optical sensor 21. The Western-style toilet device 1 may further include a detergent depletion detection unit 13 for determining when the detergent tank 55a is depleted. The imaging range of the optical sensor 21 should include the water surface in the bowl 44. The detergent depletion detection unit 13 should detect the amount of foam on the water surface based on the image of the water surface captured by the optical sensor 21 in a water-sealed state, and should determine that the detergent is depleted and notify the user of the detergent depletion if the detected amount of foam has not reached a standard amount.

A Western-style toilet device 1 with a blockage detection function may include a bowl portion 44 for receiving waste, an optical sensor 21, and a blockage detection unit 14 for detecting blockages in the bowl portion 44. The imaging range of the optical sensor 21 should include the water surface A within the bowl portion 44. The blockage detection unit 14 should detect the water level of the water surface A based on the image of the water surface A captured by the optical sensor 21 in a water-sealed state. If the detected water level is higher than a standard level, it should determine that a blockage has occurred and notify the user of the blockage.

The Western-style toilet device 1 according to this embodiment is equipped with all five functions described above. The optical sensor 21 used to realize these functions can be one that is common to all functions.
Next, I will describe the detailed configuration of this Western-style toilet unit 1.

As shown in Figure 1, the Western-style toilet unit 1 is equipped with a CPU 5, which forms the core of the computer processing. The CPU 5 controls the execution of various programs, and through program execution, controls and monitors the operation of the following parts. Furthermore, the Western-style toilet unit 1 is equipped with a timing unit 7 that handles various timer processes (periodic processing and delay processing).

The Western-style toilet device 1 is equipped with a waste image control unit 10, a foreign object contamination detection unit 11, a soiling detection unit 12, a detergent depletion detection unit 13, and a blockage detection unit 14 to perform the five functions described above. Each unit is composed of a program, and the operation of each function is performed in cooperation with the CPU 5. Furthermore, the waste image control unit 10 includes an analysis unit 10a that generates waste analysis information based on the waste image captured by the optical sensor 21.

The Western-style toilet device 1 is equipped with various detection units, including an optical sensor 21, a human presence sensor 22, and a seating sensor 23. The optical sensor 21 is an image sensor (electronic camera) or the like, used to capture images of various objects in order to perform the five functions described above. In this embodiment, the optical sensor 21 is common to all five functions, but individual sensors may also be provided.

The motion sensor 22, for example, is composed of an infrared sensor and detects the presence or absence of a person in the toilet room. It can detect the timing of entry into the toilet room by changing the sensor's state from off to on, and the timing of exit by changing the sensor's state from on to off.

Examples of seating sensors 23 include a load sensor built into the toilet seat 43 that detects sitting/standing, and an infrared sensor that detects sitting/standing near the rotation axis of the toilet seat 43. The seating detected by the seating sensor 23 acts as a trigger for the toilet flushing unit 31, which will be described later. This seating trigger, together with the flushing buttons for solid waste and urination (described later), constitutes a flushing instruction means.

Details of the optical sensor 21 will be described later, along with the explanation in Figure 4. While the optical sensor 21 is used for excrement analysis, various other sensors, such as odor sensors and radio wave sensors, may also be provided.

Furthermore, the various detection units 20 also include a toilet lid opening/closing detection unit 24 that detects when the toilet lid 42 stops in the open/closed position, and a toilet seat opening/closing detection unit 25 that detects when the toilet seat stops in the open/closed position.

The Western-style toilet unit 1 is equipped with a lighting unit 26 that illuminates the inside of the bowl portion 44, which is imaged by an optical sensor 21.

The Western-style toilet device 1 is equipped with a notification unit 27 for informing the user of various events. The notification method may include, for example, buzzer sounding, synthesized voice output, or LED display. Alternatively, the notification may be transmitted to a mobile terminal (not shown) via a communication unit 28. The communication unit 28 may consist of, for example, a short-range communication unit capable of communication via infrared, Bluetooth®, or Wi-Fi, or a long-range communication unit via the internet, or both.

The Western-style toilet device 1 is equipped with a storage unit 29. The storage unit 29 stores various data, such as image data and analysis data captured by the optical sensor 21, as well as reference images 29a for comparison with the captured images. Examples of reference images 29a include comparison images for nozzle contamination detection, comparison images for detergent depletion detection, and comparison images for blockage detection.

The Western-style toilet unit 1 is equipped with an operating unit 30. The operating unit 30 includes flushing buttons for defecation and urination (neither shown), which output flushing instructions to the toilet flushing unit 31 via the CPU 5 and a program. The operating unit 30 also includes a toilet seat operating unit for electrically opening and closing the toilet seat 43, and a toilet lid operating unit for electrically opening and closing the toilet lid 42 (neither shown).

The control unit 30 is equipped with various operation switches and buttons for other operations and settings. It is desirable that the control unit 30 be located on either the main unit control unit (not shown) or the remote control (not shown). An infrared communication remote control is preferably used.

The Western-style toilet unit 1 further comprises a toilet bowl flushing unit 31 and a local flushing unit 32. These, as well as other structural components, will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3.

The Western-style toilet unit 1 is a seated toilet unit fixed to the floor or wall of a toilet space. The main body of this Western-style toilet unit has a bowl section that opens upwards, enclosed by a skirt section 41. Above the bowl section 44 are a toilet lid 42 and a toilet seat 43, which are foldable relative to the opening of the bowl section 44 and share the same axis of rotation. The toilet lid 42 and toilet seat 43 can be opened and closed electrically or manually. Electrical operation is performed by the operation of various drive units (not shown) based on instruction signals from various opening/closing operation units (not shown) located on the operation unit 30.

The internal space of the skirt portion 41 houses the mechanism of the toilet bowl flushing unit 31, which supplies flushing water from the water inlet 46 into the bowl portion 44 and flushes the inside of the bowl portion 44. This mechanism includes both a water supply mechanism and a drainage mechanism.

The water supply mechanism includes a water inlet 46, a water supply passage 47 that supplies cleaning water from the water pipe into the bowl section 44 through the water inlet 46, and a water supply valve 48 located in the middle of the water supply passage 47 that supplies or shuts off cleaning water to the bowl section 44.

The drainage mechanism of the Western-style toilet unit 1 according to this embodiment has a movable trap 49. This trap 49 is rotated by a drive mechanism 50 to form either a drainage state or a water seal state. In the illustrated example, the trap 49 is in the position when the water is in a water seal state, and in the drainage state, the drain port 49a on the open end of the trap 49 rotates to face the outlet 52.

Furthermore, the trap 49 is enclosed in the trap case 51 to prevent wastewater and odors from leaking to the outside. Alternatively, the drainage mechanism may be a siphon type, siphon jet type, siphon vortex type, or wash-down type.

Furthermore, while the diagram shows an example where the Western-style toilet unit 1 is a tankless type directly connected to the water supply and does not have a flush tank (low tank), a configuration with a flush tank is also possible.

Furthermore, in the flushing water supply passage 47, a foam forming unit 54 is provided downstream of the water supply valve 48 (towards the water inlet 46) to mix detergent and air bubbles with the flushing water and form foam B. In this Western-style toilet device 1, the foam forming unit 54 consists of a foam mixing unit 56 that mixes air bubbles with the flushing water and a detergent mixing unit 55 that takes detergent from the detergent tank 55a and mixes it with the flushing water.

In this Western-style toilet device 1, when a flushing instruction is received via the flushing instruction means, foam B is mixed with the flushing water by the foam forming unit 54, and this mixed flushing water is supplied to the bowl unit 44 to create a water-sealed state.

The bubble mixing section 56 comprises a rapid pressure change section 56a having a venturi structure and a gas supply valve 56b, and has a cleaning water channel (not shown) formed inside through which cleaning water from the cleaning water supply passage flows.

These factors generate shear force at the interface between the gas and the jet of cleaning water, creating bubbles. Furthermore, in the bubble mixing section 56, negative pressure is generated by the cleaning water flowing through the cleaning water channel, allowing the gas supplied from the gas supply valve 56b to be efficiently mixed with the cleaning water flowing through the cleaning water channel via the ejector effect.

The detergent mixing unit 55 mixes a predetermined amount of detergent into the washing water supply passage 47. The detergent mixing unit 55 comprises a detergent tank 55a for storing detergent, a detergent supply passage 55c connected to the washing water supply passage 47, and a detergent supply valve 55b positioned in the middle of the detergent supply passage 55c for supplying or shutting off the detergent to the washing water supply passage 47.

In this embodiment, the detergent is a surfactant. Furthermore, the detergent may contain a fragrance so that the fragrance is further mixed into the washing water. In this embodiment, the detergent mixing unit 55 is located downstream of the bubble mixing unit 56, but it may also be located upstream of the bubble mixing unit 56. The washing water, mixed with detergent and bubbles, is discharged into the bowl section 44 from the water inlet 46 of the washing water supply passage 47.

In this way, when the cleaning water containing detergent and air bubbles is supplied to the bowl section 44, the air bubbles collide with the inner surface of the bowl section 44. At this time, the ultrasonic waves generated by the bursting of the air bubbles remove dirt from inside the bowl section 44. Furthermore, since detergent is supplied to the cleaning water, the inner surface of the bowl section 44 is cleaned even more thoroughly.

The foam B, formed by detergent and air bubbles supplied to the bowl section 44, remains on the water surface A, which is sealed. The amount of foam B gradually decreases over time. While foam B remains on the water surface A, it cleans and protects the inner surface of the bowl section 44.

Next, the details of the local cleaning unit 32 will be explained with reference to Figures 2 and 3(a) and 3(b).

The local cleaning unit 32 comprises a nozzle case 32b and a cleaning nozzle 32a housed within it. The nozzle case 32b is located at the rear of the rim 45 of the bowl portion 44 (near the shaft of the toilet seat 43), and a rotatably supported nozzle cover 45a is provided on the rim 45, allowing it to open and close. The cleaning nozzle 32a is retractable from the nozzle case 32b, pushing open the nozzle cover 45a from the inside, protruding, advancing towards the center of the bowl portion 44 and stopping, and spraying water C from the nozzle opening 32c.

Tap water is used as the cleaning water for the localized cleaning unit 32, and is supplied, for example, via a localized cleaning water supply channel (not shown) branched off from the cleaning water supply channel.

The retraction and advancement of the cleaning nozzle 32a of the local cleaning unit 32 is performed by the local cleaning operation on the operation unit 30. Specifically, when the user performs the local cleaning operation after defecation, the cleaning nozzle 32a advances toward the center of the bowl portion 44, stops at a predetermined position, and performs the cleaning operation with the sprayed water C until the cleaning stop operation is performed. In this embodiment, the local cleaning unit 32 also performs a nozzle cleaning operation to clean the cleaning nozzle 32a itself before and after the cleaning operation.

Next, the configuration and mounting position of the optical sensor 21 will be explained with reference to Figures 4(a) and 4(b).

The optical sensor 21 includes an image sensor (electronic camera) and a control circuit (not shown) that controls the electronic camera. The control circuit is configured to control the opening of the electronic shutter at intervals of 20 to 120 times/second, preferably 20 to 240 times/second, relative to the light-receiving element (not shown), thereby enabling image capture.

The optical sensor 21 can be installed in various locations, such as the bowl portion 44. For example, as shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), it can be placed in or near the cavity of the rim portion 45 (see Figure 2) on the underside of the toilet seat 43.

In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4(a), the optical sensor 21 is provided, for example, near the pivot axis of the toilet seat 43 on the rim portion 45, and adjacent to the local washing portion 32. The illumination unit 26 is provided adjacent to the optical sensor 21, on the opposite side from the local washing portion 32. The illumination unit 26 is for illuminating the inside of the bowl portion 44 for imaging. As will be described later, the timing of illumination will differ depending on the object being imaged, but it is sufficient to control the illumination to occur, for example, while seated or when the toilet lid 42 is closed.

As described above, these optical sensors 21 include the water surface A within the bowl section 44, particularly the water surface A in a sealed state, as part of their imaging range. Furthermore, it is sufficient for them to image objects falling into the bowl section 44, especially objects falling that are located below the rim section 45 and above the water surface A. Additionally, the imaging range should include the ejection state of the water C ejected from the cleaning nozzle 32a (see Figure 3) (see Figure 4(b) above).

In short, the objects of imaging for the optical sensor 21 include the falling excrement (feces D), foreign matter E mixed into the bowl section 44, the ejection state of the water C ejected by the washing nozzle 32a, the state of the bubbles B on the water surface A, and the water level of the water surface A in the sealed state.

Furthermore, the excrement to be imaged may include feces D excreted into the inner bottom of the bowl portion 44, or urine during defecation in a standing position by a male. Therefore, the optical sensor 21 may have an imaging range from above the rim portion 45 to the inner bottom of the bowl portion 44, and such an imaging range may be covered by combining multiple optical sensors 21.

Next, we will explain the following functions with reference to Figures 5 to 9: (1) image acquisition of excrement, (2) detection of foreign matter contamination, (3) nozzle contamination detection, (4) detergent depletion detection, and (5) blockage detection.

Here, function (1) uses the excrement (feces D) received in the bowl section 44 as the object to be imaged. Function (2) uses the foreign object E received in the bowl section 44 as the object to be imaged. Function (3) uses the water C ejected from the washing nozzle 32a as the object to be imaged. Function (4) uses the bubbles B on the water surface A in the bowl section 44 as the object to be imaged. Function (5) uses the water level of the water surface A as the object to be imaged.

Figure 5 is a flowchart (steps S1 to S9) showing a time-series example of the execution timing of each function (1) to (5).

When the motion sensor 22 changes from off to on, and a person enters the toilet room, continuous imaging by the optical sensor 21 for capturing images of the excrement begins (steps S1 and S2 in Figure 5). Continuous imaging continues until the person leaves the room (the motion sensor 22 changes from on to off).

In the Western-style toilet device 1 of this embodiment, the following functions are performed between entering and leaving the room: (1) image capture of excrement (excrement image control) (step S3 in Figure 5), (2) detection of foreign matter contamination (step S4 in Figure 5), and (3) nozzle contamination detection (step S5 in Figure 5). Note that the timing of each of these functions differs from that of the others and will be described later in the explanation of each part.

(4) The detergent depletion detection function (step S7 in Figure 5) detects the state (amount of foam) of foam B supplied into the bowl section 44 while maintaining a water seal during toilet flushing. Therefore, considering that foam B gradually decreases, it is desirable to perform this function in the initial stages of foam B supply. Furthermore, (5) the blockage detection function (step S8 in Figure 5) detects the water level of the flushing water supplied into the bowl section 44 while maintaining a water seal during toilet flushing. Therefore, it is desirable to perform this function in the initial stages after flushing.

In this embodiment, these functions are executed simultaneously with or after a predetermined time (e.g., a few seconds) the timing of exiting the room when continuous imaging stops (step S6 in Figure 5) or the timing of leaving the seat. If the toilet lid 42 closes at the time of leaving the seat, these functions may be triggered by the closing of the toilet lid 42.

Furthermore, continuous imaging by the optical sensor 21 may not be limited to the time of exiting the room, but may be limited to the end of whichever is later: (4) detergent depletion detection or (5) blockage detection. In other words, since this Western-style toilet device 1 uses the same optical sensor 21 for the execution of the five functions described above, it is desirable to use the optical sensor 21 in a way that does not cause the continuous imaging to be driven and stopped more often than necessary, so that the optical sensor 21 is used efficiently for all functions.
The operation of each function is explained below.

(1) Control of excrement images First, when a person enters the toilet room and the human presence sensor 22 detects the entrant, continuous imaging of the inside of the bowl 44 by the optical sensor 21 begins. Until the human presence sensor 22 detects the person leaving the room, the excrement images captured by the optical sensor 21 are taken up at predetermined intervals, such as a 100 msec cycle, and these excrement images are sequentially saved in the storage unit 29 along with the date and time. Note that only images showing excrement may be saved.

The imaging of the bowl portion 44 by the optical sensor 21 may be started at the ON timing of the seating sensor 23 and stopped at the OFF timing, instead of at the timing of entry/exit.

When a person urinates or defecates, the analysis unit 10a generates excrement analysis information based on the image of the excrement, and this information is also stored in the memory unit, corresponding to the image of the excrement. The excrement analysis information may include information generated based on data detected by odor sensors and radio wave sensors.

The analysis information for excrement may include characteristics and volume for stool (D), and volume and urination time for urine. For stool (D), it is desirable to detect samples classified according to the Bristol Stool Physiology Classification (hard stool, firm stool, slightly firm stool, normal stool, slightly soft stool, muddy stool, watery stool). Stool volume, urine volume, and urination time can be calculated from excrement images and the number of images.

This excrement analysis information can then be transmitted to the management server (not shown) via the communication unit 28 when the person leaves the room, as detected by the motion sensor 22.

Furthermore, images of excrement and excrement analysis information may be saved to a mobile terminal (not shown) via the communication unit 28, or to a USB drive (not shown) via the USB connection unit (not shown). It goes without saying that, since images of excrement concern the user's privacy, authorization based on identification information is required for transmission to the mobile terminal.

If excrement images and analysis information are linked and stored for each user in this way, their health status can be assessed based on this information. Furthermore, if this information is stored on a management server (not shown) at a medical institution, it can be used for medical treatment.

(2) Detection of foreign matter contamination As mentioned above, detection of foreign matter contamination can be performed during continuous imaging from entry to exit, and the foreign matter contamination detection unit 11 should operate at a predetermined period, such as a 100 msec period, to monitor for foreign matter contamination in the bowl section 44. The following will be explained in accordance with the flowchart in Figure 6 (steps S100 to S110).

First, the most recent image captured by the optical sensor 21 is acquired, and the presence or absence of a fallen object is determined from this image data (steps S100 to S102). If no fallen object is found, the operation ends (steps S102N and S110). If a fallen object is found, the motion sensor 22 determines whether a person has been detected, and the seating sensor 23 determines whether a person is seated on the toilet seat 43 (steps S102Y, S103, and S104). If motion detection is not in progress, or if a person is seated, the operation ends (steps S103N, S104Y, and S110). Note that the image used to determine the presence or absence of a fallen object may be multiple images taken immediately before the execution timing of the foreign object contamination detection unit 11.

If human presence is detected and no one is seated, that is, if a person is in the room and not seated on the toilet seat 43, the fallen object is determined to be something other than excrement (feces D or urine while seated) (a potential foreign object) (step S103 Y, S104 N). In that case, a detailed assessment is performed (step S103 Y, S104 N, S105).

The detailed determination involves excluding toilet paper and urine from a standing male as foreign object E. This determination can be made based on at least one of the following characteristics of the fallen object recognized in the captured image: color, size, or shape. For example, toilet paper can be identified by its color (such as white or a light color) or size (wider than stool D). Urine can be identified by its shape (longer and thinner than stool D) or color (semi-transparent).

If the dropped object is determined to be toilet paper or urine from a standing position, it is determined that the dropped object is not a foreign object E, and the operation ends (steps S106N, S110). If the dropped object is a foreign object E, it is determined that a foreign object E has entered the bowl section 44, this is reported via the notification unit, the flushing prohibition mode is set, and the operation ends (steps S107N, S108-S110).

Furthermore, objects other than toilet paper or urine in a standing position may be considered as foreign objects E. These objects should also be judged based on at least one of the following criteria: color, size, or shape. Alternatively, non-foreign objects E could be registered as comparison images, and the determination of whether an object is foreign object E could be made by comparing the captured image with these comparison images.

Notification methods include buzzer sounding and flashing lights. Notification may also be sent to a mobile terminal via the communication unit 28, or a combination of these methods may be used. Notification to the mobile terminal may be made through either the short-range communication unit, the long-range communication unit, or both.

The flushing disable mode is a mode in which, even if a flushing command is issued, neither the supply of flushing water to the bowl 44 nor the drainage from the bowl 44 based on the operation of the trap 49 occurs. Note that the operating configuration may not require changing the setting to flushing disable mode.

Furthermore, it is desirable that the cleaning prohibition mode be deactivated by operating the mode reset button (not shown) on the control unit 30 after foreign matter removal. It is also desirable that the buzzer sounds and the lamp flashes continuously until the mode reset button is pressed.

With this foreign object detection mechanism, if a foreign object E enters the bowl section 44, the user is notified immediately after the foreign object enters, allowing them to instantly know that a foreign object has entered the bowl. As a result, the user can take prompt action against the foreign object and prevent clogging of the bowl section 44 by the foreign object E.

In this embodiment, since the foreign object detection is initiated between entering and leaving the room (see Figure 5), it is not necessary to determine whether or not human presence detection is in progress during the predetermined periodic processing shown in Figure 6.

Furthermore, the open state of the toilet lid 42, as detected by the toilet lid opening/closing detection unit 24, may be added as a condition for detecting potential foreign objects. However, if the imaging range of the optical sensor 21 is limited to below the rim portion 45, the fallen object will not be included in the captured image if the toilet lid 42 is closed, so the open state of the toilet lid 42 does not need to be a condition.

(3) Nozzle contamination detection As mentioned above, nozzle contamination detection can be performed during continuous imaging from entry to exit, and the contamination detection unit 12 should operate at the timing of the start of local cleaning. The following will be explained in accordance with the flowchart in Figure 7 (steps S200 to S210).

First, when a person is seated on the toilet seat 43 and the flushing operation is performed, the flushing nozzle 32a extends towards the center of the bowl portion 44 and begins to spray flushing water from the nozzle 32a directed towards the area (steps S200-S202). During the predetermined time while the water is spraying, an image captured by the optical sensor 21, which is imaging the inside of the bowl portion 44, is acquired and compared with a reference image 29a stored in the memory unit 29 to determine whether or not there is any dirt (steps S203-S205).

Furthermore, since nozzle contamination is determined using images captured during cleaning by the localized cleaning unit 32, that is, images of the inside of the bowl 44 are taken while the user is seated on the toilet seat 43. Therefore, it is desirable to illuminate the inside of the bowl 44 with the lighting unit 26 while the user is seated.

Reference image 29a is image data capturing the appropriate spray state (spray volume) during localized cleaning. By comparing the spray state of the captured image with reference image 29a, it is determined whether the spray volume at that time has reached the appropriate level. For example, by comparing the spray height and spray width of the sprayed water, it is possible to determine whether the standard volume has been reached or not. Note that reference image 29a does not necessarily have to be image data actually captured; for example, it may be image data generated by image synthesis.

Furthermore, the optical sensor 21 continuously captures images at a rate of approximately 20 to 240 times per second while the water C is being ejected from the cleaning nozzle 32a. Therefore, it is desirable to extract multiple data points from the continuously captured images during the predetermined time period and compare each of these data points with the reference image 29a.

If the amount of water ejected (C) does not reach the standard amount, it is determined that there is contamination (step S205, Y). In this case, the presence of contamination is notified via the notification unit 27, and a special cleaning mode is performed on the cleaning nozzle 32a. Once the special cleaning is completed, localized cleaning resumes, and the operation ends (steps S206-S210). If it is determined that there is no contamination, localized cleaning continues, and the operation ends (steps S205, N, S209, S210).

If the captured image indicates that there is little or no water being ejected due to dirt, the cleaning nozzle 32a may be retracted after performing special cleaning, or without performing special cleaning.

Notification methods include buzzer sounding and flashing lights. Notification may also be sent to a mobile terminal via the communication unit 28, or a combination of these methods may be used. Notification to the mobile terminal may be made through either the short-range communication unit, the long-range communication unit, or both.

A special cleaning mode is a cleaning process that cleans the cleaning nozzle itself, similar to the nozzle cleaning performed before and after localized cleaning. It is preferable to perform this cleaning at a position behind the localized cleaning position (e.g., the nozzle cleaning position). Examples of special cleaning modes include cleaning for a longer duration than normal nozzle cleaning, cleaning with a higher water volume per unit time, and cleaning using detergent.

Therefore, if dirt is detected and special cleaning is performed, the cleaning nozzle 32a will retract temporarily, and then advance to a predetermined position for localized cleaning after the special cleaning is complete. Alternatively, after the special cleaning is completed, the optical sensor 21 may be used to take another image to confirm whether the dirt has been removed.

In this embodiment, nozzle contamination is determined during the user's localized cleaning as described above. However, it may also be performed during nozzle cleaning before or after localized cleaning. That is, the determination of whether the spray volume is appropriate may be made based on an image of the nozzle spray state during cleaning. In that case, it goes without saying that the reference image used for comparison should be an image capturing an appropriate spray volume during nozzle cleaning.

This nozzle contamination detection mechanism allows the user to detect contamination on the cleaning nozzle 32a during actual localized cleaning. Furthermore, because the presence or absence of contamination is determined by an image of the spray pattern, the user can quickly identify contamination that could lead to spray abnormalities and address the issue promptly.

Furthermore, while systems using images of dirt on the surface of the cleaning nozzle 32a may fail to detect dirt that leads to spray abnormalities, or may detect dirt that does not cause spray abnormalities, this embodiment allows for the detection of dirt that directly leads to spray abnormalities.

Furthermore, if contamination is detected, in addition to notification, a special cleaning procedure is performed to remove the contamination. If the cleaning nozzle is cleaned through this special cleaning, localized cleaning can be immediately resumed.

(4) Detergent depletion determination Detergent depletion determination can be made after the person leaves the room or leaves their seat, as mentioned above. Note that the operation in this example assumes that continuous imaging by the optical sensor is stopped at the time of departure. The following explanation follows the flowchart in Figure 8 (steps S300 to S307).

First, the illumination unit 26 is turned on, and the inside of the bowl section 44 is imaged by the optical sensor 21. Then, the illumination is turned off (steps S300 to S303). In this case, the imaging is performed as continuous imaging for a predetermined period of time. At this time, the image captured by the optical sensor 21 is compared with a reference image stored in the memory unit 29 to determine whether or not the foam B has reached the reference amount (step S304).

Points to consider when determining the appropriate amount of foam B include the presence or absence of breaks in foam B on the water surface A, the surface area of foam B, the area of areas without foam B, and the thickness of foam B at the breaks. A reference image 29a based on these factors should be prepared. Alternatively, instead of comparing with reference image 29a, the amount of foam can be calculated numerically based on the presence or absence of breaks in foam B on the water surface A, the surface area of foam B, the area of areas without foam B, and the thickness of foam B at the breaks, and then compared to the reference value.

If the foam volume is determined not to have reached the standard amount, it is determined that the detergent in the detergent tank 55a has run out, and this is reported by the notification unit 27, at which point the operation ends (steps S305 Y, S306, S307). If it is not determined that the detergent has run out, the operation ends (steps S305 N, S307).

Considering that the user has already left the room, the notification method should preferably be a buzzer sound, notification to a mobile terminal via the communication unit 28 (preferably the long-distance communication unit), or a combination of these.

This detergent depletion detection mechanism allows users to know when to replenish the detergent without having to directly check the detergent tank 55a. Furthermore, because the device automatically detects when the detergent is depleted, it reduces the need for manual inspection of the detergent tank 55a, enabling timely replenishment of the detergent.

The operation shown in this example is a procedure for restarting the optical sensor 21, but it may also be performed while continuous imaging by the optical sensor 21 is ongoing. In that case, it is sufficient that imaging data is acquired at the timing of this decision. For example, bubble volume detection may be performed using the most recent multiple image data.

(5) Blockage detection Blockage detection should be initiated after the person leaves the room or leaves their seat, as described above. Note that the operation in this example assumes that continuous imaging by the optical sensor 21 is stopped at the time of the person leaving the room. The following explanation follows the flowchart in Figure 9 (steps S400 to S411).

First, the lighting unit 26 is turned on, and the inside of the bowl section 44 is imaged by the optical sensor 21. Then, the lighting is turned off (steps S400 to S403). In this case, the image is continuously captured for a predetermined period of time. At this time, the image data captured by the optical sensor 21 is compared with the reference image 29a stored in the storage unit 29 to determine whether the water level in the bowl section 44 exceeds the reference level (step S404).

The reference image 29a can be an image of the appropriate water level, previously captured by the optical sensor 21 attached to the bowl section 44. The reference level can be set to the upper threshold of the appropriate level.

If the water level is determined to be above the standard level, it is determined that a blockage has occurred in the bowl section 44 or trap 49, and this is notified by the notification unit 27. The system is then set to the flushing prohibition mode, and the operation ends (steps S405 Y, S406, S407, S411).

The notification method should preferably involve a buzzer sound, notification to a mobile terminal via the communication unit 28 (preferably the long-distance communication unit), or a combination of these, considering that the user has already left the room. Furthermore, a flashing light notification may be maintained to allow for detection of an anomaly when someone enters the room.

The flushing prohibition mode is a mode in which, even if a flushing command is issued, flushing (i.e., the supply of flushing water to the bowl 44) and drainage from the bowl 44 based on the operation of the trap 49) are not performed. Note that the operating configuration may not require changing the setting to flushing prohibition mode.

Furthermore, it is desirable that the cleaning prohibition mode be deactivated by operating a mode reset button (not shown) on the control unit 30 after the blockage has been cleared. It is also desirable that the buzzer sounds and the lamp flashes continuously until the mode reset button is pressed.

If a blockage is not detected, the next step is to compare the captured image data with another reference image 29a (an image indicating the seal break level) to determine whether the water level in the bowl section 44 has reached the seal break level (lower limit level) (step S408).

In this case, the reference image 29a can be an image of the water level at the seal-breaking level, which was previously captured by the optical sensor 21 attached to the bowl section 44. Here, the seal-breaking level may be set slightly higher than the actual water level at which the seal breaks.

If the water level is determined to be below the seal break level, it is determined that the seal has broken, and at least one of the following is performed: additional water supply or notification that the seal has broken, and the operation ends (steps S409 Y, S410, S411). If it is not determined that the seal has broken, the operation ends (steps S409 N, S411).

This type of blockage detection operation allows for easy assessment of abnormal water levels, enabling rapid detection of blockages. Furthermore, if multiple past image data are stored in the memory unit 29, the factors causing the water level rise can be investigated based on this data.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the level of seal breakage is also checked using images, allowing for quick responses not only to blockages but also to seal breakage.

In this example, the operations (4) detergent depletion detection and (5) blockage detection are procedures that first restart the optical sensor 21, but they may also be performed while continuous imaging by the optical sensor 21 is continuing. For example, instead of stopping continuous imaging by the optical sensor 21 at the time of exit, the continuous imaging may be stopped after acquiring the captured images in operations (4) and (5) after exiting the room.

This Western-style toilet device 1 uses images from an optical sensor 21 for the operations (1) to (5) described above, and the same sensor is used for all of them. Therefore, the optical sensor 21 can be utilized efficiently. For example, by reusing the optical sensor 21, which is provided for imaging excrement, for detergent depletion detection, the manufacturing cost of a multi-functional toilet with health management and nozzle contamination monitoring functions can be reduced.

The Western-style toilet unit 1 described above integrates the toilet lid 42 and toilet seat 43. However, a Western-style toilet unit 1A is also acceptable, in which a toilet seat unit 60, which integrates the toilet lid 42 and toilet seat 43, can be retrofitted to the toilet unit 61 (see Figures 10 and 11). The following explanation will be based on Figures 10 and 11.

This Western-style toilet device 1A has components that are generally the same as those in Figure 1. In this embodiment, the human motion sensor 22, the operating unit 30, the toilet flushing unit 31, and the local flushing unit 32 are provided on the toilet unit 61 (see Figure 10). The detailed structure and operation of the Western-style toilet device 1A are the same as those in Figures 2 to 9, so their explanation will be omitted.
The basic configuration of the toilet seat device 60 is described below.

This toilet seat device 60 is assembled to a toilet unit 61, which has a bowl portion 44 for receiving excrement and a local washing portion 32 with a washing nozzle 32a, thereby constituting a Western-style toilet device 1A. The toilet seat device 60 includes an optical sensor 21 and a dirt detection unit 12 for detecting dirt on the washing nozzle 32a. The imaging range of the optical sensor 21 includes the water jet state of the washing nozzle 32a. The dirt detection unit 12 detects the amount of water jetted based on the image of the jet state captured by the optical sensor 21, and if the detected amount of water jetted does not reach a standard amount, it determines that the nozzle is dirty and notifies the user of the presence of nozzle dirt.

Furthermore, either the optical sensor 21 or the dirt detection unit 12 may be provided on the toilet bowl unit 61 instead of the toilet seat device 60, and the local washing unit 32 may be provided on the toilet seat device 60 instead of the toilet bowl unit 61.

This Western-style toilet device 1A may have, in addition to the aforementioned soil detection function, a function to image the excrement received in the bowl 44, and may also have the following three functions: a function to detect foreign matter contamination in the bowl 44, a function to detect when the detergent tank 55a is depleted, and a function to detect blockage in the bowl 44.

A Western-style toilet device 1A with the function of imaging excrement may include a bowl portion 44 for receiving excrement, an optical sensor 21, and an excrement image control unit 10. The optical sensor 21 may be configured to image the excrement falling into the bowl portion 44. The excrement image control unit 10 may be configured to save the excrement images, transfer them to other terminals, and perform various analyses based on the excrement images.

The toilet unit 61 of the Western-style toilet device 1A, which has a foreign object detection function, only needs to include a bowl portion 44 for receiving excrement and a human motion sensor 22. The toilet seat device 60, which will be described next, can then be assembled to this toilet unit 61.

The toilet seat device 60 of the Western-style toilet device 1A, which has a foreign object contamination detection function, may be equipped with an optical sensor 21, a seating sensor 23, and a foreign object contamination detection unit 11 that determines whether a foreign object E has entered the bowl 44. The optical sensor 21 may be configured to capture an image of an object that has fallen into the bowl 44. The foreign object contamination detection unit 11 may have the following configuration: In other words, when the human presence sensor 22 detects a person and the seating sensor 23 does not detect a seat, the unit should determine whether the fallen object is a foreign object E based on the image captured by the optical sensor 21, and if it is determined to be a foreign object E, it should notify the unit of foreign object contamination.

Furthermore, to achieve this function, either the optical sensor 21 or the foreign object detection unit 11 may be installed on the toilet bowl unit 61 instead of the toilet seat device 60.

The toilet unit 61 of the Western-style toilet device 1A, which has a detergent depletion detection function, only needs to include a bowl section 44 for receiving waste and a detergent tank 55a containing detergent for supplying foam to the water surface A in the bowl section 44. The toilet seat device 60, which will be described next, can then be assembled to this toilet unit 61.

The toilet seat device 60 of the Western-style toilet device 1A, which has a detergent depletion detection function, may be equipped with an optical sensor 21 and a detergent depletion detection unit 13 that determines whether the detergent in the detergent tank 55a has run out. The imaging range of the optical sensor 21 should include the water surface A in the bowl 44. The detergent depletion detection unit 13 should detect the amount of foam on the water surface A based on the image of the water surface A captured by the optical sensor 21 in a water-sealed state, and should determine that the detergent has run out and notify the user if the detected amount of foam does not reach a predetermined amount.

Furthermore, to achieve this function, one of the optical sensor 21 and the detergent depletion detection unit 13 may be installed on the toilet bowl unit 61 instead of the toilet seat device 60.

The toilet unit 61 of the Western-style toilet device 1A, which has a blockage detection function, only needs to be equipped with a bowl portion 44 for receiving waste, and the toilet seat device 60 described below can be assembled to this toilet unit 61.

The toilet seat device 60 of the Western-style toilet device 1A with a blockage detection function only needs to be equipped with an optical sensor 21 and a blockage detection unit 14 that detects blockages in the bowl 44. Furthermore, the imaging range of the optical sensor 21 only needs to include the water surface A within the bowl 44. The blockage detection unit 14 should detect the water level of the water surface A based on the image of the water surface A captured by the optical sensor 21 in a water-sealed state, and if the detected water level is higher than a predetermined level, it should determine that a blockage has occurred and notify the user of the blockage.

Furthermore, to achieve this function, one of the optical sensor 21 and the blockage detection unit 14 may be provided on the toilet bowl unit 61 instead of the toilet seat device 60.

The Western-style toilet device 1A according to this embodiment includes all four other functions in addition to the soil detection function. The optical sensor 21 used to realize these functions can be the same one used for all functions.

The operation and effects of the five functions described above are the same as those of the Western-style toilet device 1 shown in Figure 1, therefore, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

1, 1A Western-style toilet unit 3 Floor 5 CPU
7 Timer 10 Excrement Image Control Unit 10a Analysis Unit 11 Foreign Matter Contamination Detection Unit 12 Nozzle Dirt Detection Unit 13 Detergent Running Out Detection Unit 14 Clogging Detection Unit 20 Various Detection Units 21 Optical Sensor 22 Human Motion Sensor 23 Seating Sensor 24 Toilet Lid Open/Close Detection Unit 25 Toilet Seat Open/Close Detection Unit 26 Lighting Unit 27 Notification Unit 28 Communication Unit 29 Memory Unit 29a Reference Image 30 Operation Unit 31 Toilet Bowl Cleaning Unit 32 Local Cleaning Unit 32a Cleaning Nozzle 32b Nozzle Case 32c Nozzle Opening 40 Main Body 41 Skirt 42 Toilet Lid 43 Toilet Seat 44 Bowl 45 Rim 45a Nozzle Cover 46 Water Inlet 47 Cleaning Water Supply Channel 48 Water Supply Valve 49 Trap 49a Drain outlet 50 Drive mechanism 51 Trap case 52 Discharge outlet 54 Foam forming section 55 Detergent mixing section 55a Detergent tank 55b Detergent supply valve 55c Detergent supply passage 56 Foam mixing section 56a Rapid pressure change section 56b Gas supply valve 60 Toilet seat device 61 Toilet bowl unit A Water level B Foam C Spray water D Feces E Foreign matter

Claims (14)

A bowl section for receiving waste,
A local cleaning unit having a cleaning nozzle,
Optical sensors and
The system includes a dirt detection unit for detecting dirt on the cleaning nozzle,
The imaging range of the optical sensor includes the ejection state of the water sprayed from the cleaning nozzle.
The aforementioned soiling detection unit detects the amount of spray based on the image of the spraying state captured by the optical sensor, determines that there is nozzle soiling if the detected amount of spray does not reach a standard amount, and notifies the presence of nozzle soiling. In claim 1,
The aforementioned soiling detection unit is characterized by determining whether the standard amount has been reached or not based on at least one of the spray height and spray width of the sprayed water. In claim 1 or 2 ,
The aforementioned soiling detection unit determines whether the amount of discharged material has not reached the standard amount by comparing the captured image with a pre-stored standard image. In any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
A Western-style toilet device characterized in that, when the dirt detection unit determines that dirt is present, it outputs an instruction to the local cleaning unit to execute a special cleaning mode for special cleaning of the cleaning nozzle. In any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
It is equipped with a communication unit that communicates with external communication terminals.
The Western-style toilet device is characterized in that, when the dirt detection unit determines that dirt is present, it notifies the communication terminal of the nozzle dirt via the communication unit. In any one of claims 1 to 5,
A Western-style toilet device characterized in that the optical sensor can also be used for imaging excrement. A toilet seat device that constitutes a Western-style toilet device by being assembled to a toilet unit having a bowl portion for receiving excrement and a local washing portion having a washing nozzle,
Optical sensors and
The system includes a dirt detection unit for detecting dirt on the cleaning nozzle,
The imaging range of the optical sensor includes the ejection state of the water sprayed from the cleaning nozzle.
The toilet seat device is characterized in that the dirt detection unit detects the amount of spray based on the image of the spraying state captured by the optical sensor, and determines that there is nozzle dirt if the detected amount of spray does not reach a standard amount, and notifies that there is nozzle dirt. In claim 7,
The toilet seat device is characterized in that the soil detection unit determines whether the standard amount has been reached or not based on at least one of the spray height and spray width of the sprayed water. In claim 7 or 8 ,
The toilet seat device is characterized in that the soiling detection unit determines whether the amount of discharged material has not reached the standard amount by comparing the captured image with a pre-stored standard image. In any one of claims 7 to 9 ,
The toilet seat device is characterized in that, when the dirt detection unit determines that there is dirt, it outputs an instruction to the local cleaning unit to execute a special cleaning mode for special cleaning of the cleaning nozzle. In any one of claims 7 to 10 ,
It is equipped with a communication unit that connects wirelessly to external communication terminals.
The toilet seat device is characterized in that, when the dirt detection unit determines that there is dirt, it notifies the communication terminal of the nozzle dirt via the communication unit. In any one of claims 7 to 11 ,
The toilet seat device is characterized in that the optical sensor can also be used for imaging excrement. In any one of claims 7 to 12 ,
A toilet seat device characterized in that one of the optical sensor and the dirt detection unit is provided in the toilet bowl unit instead of the toilet seat device. In any of claims 7 to 13 ,
A toilet seat device characterized in that the aforementioned local washing section is provided in the toilet seat device instead of the toilet bowl unit.