System consisting of a toilet seat and an evaluation unit

Abstract

A system comprising a toilet seat and an evaluation unit (20), wherein a sensor system (10) for detecting a plurality of vital parameters is integrated into the toilet seat, and the toilet seat has a technology box (4) in which a control unit for controlling the sensor system (10) and for the individualized detection of the measurement data detected by the sensor system (10), in particular vital parameters, and a communication interface for receiving and transmitting data are accommodated, wherein the communication interface is in data communication with the evaluation unit (20), which is designed with a diagnostic unit configured to evaluate the detected vital parameters on the basis of databases stored in the evaluation unit (20) or connected via a further communication interface, and to output corresponding information or recommendations to the user or a unit operating the toilet seat (1) via an output interface, characterized in that the sensors (10) sensors for recording an ECG, the Body temperature, blood oxygen saturation and pulse rate, and wherein the evaluation unit (20) is designed with an artificial intelligence (AI) which is designed to output a finding according to a class based on the recorded measurement data, The AI ​​issues a Class 1 finding if a normal ECG, normal oxygen saturation, normal body temperature, normal weight and normal BMI are detected, the AI ​​issues a Class 2 finding if an increased heart rate, reduced oxygen saturation, elevated temperature, increased weight and / or abnormal BMI is detected, the AI ​​issues a Class 3 finding if a cardiac arrhythmia or atrial fibrillation, or low oxygen saturation, high temperature, significantly excessive weight or BMI is detected, The AI ​​is designed to detect a certain trend by comparing it with the user's existing data, indicating an improvement or deterioration in vital signs, and the AI ​​can determine whether a medication is working.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a toilet seat with integrated sensors, a toilet equipped with such a toilet seat and a method for operating such a toilet seat.

[0002] A generic toilet seat assembly is described in the document DE 10 2016 108 379 A1, which originates from the applicant. Such a toilet seat assembly has a toilet seat into which sensors are integrated for the direct or indirect recording of physiological or health-related parameters / characteristics of a user – hereinafter referred to as "user." These parameters / characteristics are also referred to in the literature as vital signs. A docking station is provided to process the measured values ​​recorded by the sensors. The toilet seat assembly is attached to this docking station and contains a control unit for controlling the sensors and recording the data recorded by the sensors. The technology box also has a communication interface via which the data can be transmitted to an evaluation unit, for example, a smartphone.This data can then be read out to inform the user or other interested parties.

[0003] The document US 10 292 658 B2 describes a toilet seat in which sensors are integrated to record blood pressure, stroke volume and blood oxygenation as well as other vital parameters, such as the weight and pulse of the user.

[0004] A similar concept is described in DE 10 2018 102 585 A1, in which sensors for detecting signals representative of body function (vital parameters) are also integrated into a toilet seat. These sensors can, for example, be electrodes for detecting potential differences, particularly for recording an ECG between the user's extremities, so that critical conditions such as atrial fibrillation can be detected.

[0005] A toilet seat with sensors is also known from US 2018 / 0 020 984 A1. The sensors are mounted in a belt that runs across the user's torso, like a seatbelt in a car. The measured values ​​recorded by the sensors are evaluated by an evaluation unit, and the evaluation results are provided to the user.

[0006] US 5,410,471 A discloses a networked system for health monitoring in which a user's vital information is transmitted from an instrument such as a toilet to a server. The system of US 5,410,471 A has a control or evaluation unit that can evaluate the acquired vital information.

[0007] US 10 376 246 B2 discloses a toilet seat that optically detects excretions and classifies the consistency of the excretions, for example, into healthy and unhealthy.

[0008] Such medical toilet seats are optimized for the specific application area both in terms of sensors and the evaluation units for processing the measurement signals, although comprehensive monitoring of vital parameters and dynamic evaluation, taking into account even the latest analysis and therapy methods, is not possible.

[0009] In contrast, the invention is based on the object of creating a toilet seat set that enables flexible recording and comprehensive evaluation of vital parameters.

[0010] This object is achieved with regard to a system by the features of patent claim 1.

[0011] Advantageous further developments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims.

[0012] The toilet seat according to the invention has a sensor system for detecting several vital parameters and a technology box in which a control unit for controlling the sensor system and for the individualized detection of the data detected by the sensor system, in particular vital parameters, and a communication interface for receiving and transmitting data are accommodated.This communication interface has a data connection with an evaluation unit, which can be designed as an external evaluation unit or as an evaluation unit integrated into the technology box, whereby this evaluation unit is designed with a diagnostic unit which is configured to individually evaluate the recorded vital parameters on the basis of databases stored in the evaluation unit or databases connected via a further communication interface and to output corresponding information, diagnoses, findings or evaluations to the user, another person / facility or a Unity operating the toilet seat set, so that, for example, in the case of vital parameters which do not correspond to an individual specification, a warning or a treatment recommendation can be issued to the user or the Unity.

[0013] The sensor system includes sensors for recording an ECG, body temperature, blood oxygen saturation, and pulse rate. The evaluation unit is equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) that is designed to output a class-based diagnosis based on the recorded measurement data. The AI ​​outputs a class 1 diagnosis if a normal ECG, normal oxygen saturation, normal body temperature, normal weight, and normal BMI are detected. The AI ​​outputs a class 2 diagnosis if an elevated heart rate, reduced oxygen saturation, elevated temperature, elevated weight, and / or an abnormal BMI are detected. The AI ​​outputs a class 3 diagnosis if a cardiac arrhythmia or atrial fibrillation, or low oxygen saturation, high temperature, significantly excessive weight, or excessively high BMI is detected.The AI ​​is designed to identify a certain trend by comparing it with the user's existing data, indicating an improvement or deterioration in vital signs, and the AI ​​can then determine whether a medication is working.

[0014] In other words, this evaluation unit is equipped with AI (artificial intelligence), whereby the toilet seat communicates with the evaluation unit, for example a computer, a tablet, a smartphone, etc., which in turn stores diagnostic data. The evaluation unit, which is equipped with AI, can use the recorded vital parameters and their temporal progression (resulting from the evaluations during a usage period) to check a database for any illnesses or risks. If necessary, an appropriate warning, for example, "See a doctor," can be issued to the user / the unit. According to the invention, it is also possible to update the databases or access them online, so that the wealth of diagnostic experience can be accessed worldwide in order to obtain the best possible diagnosis.The AI ​​is designed in such a way that it can, so to speak, “develop itself” based on the recorded vital parameters and the dynamic development of the databases.

[0015] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the technology box or the evaluation unit can be connected via a further communication interface to an external device for recording vital parameters, for example a scale, a blood pressure or blood glucose meter and / or a device for measuring characteristic values, ingredients of excretions, so that the vital parameters recorded via the integrated sensor system are supplemented and thus the diagnostic accuracy is improved.

[0016] With such further training, a diagnostic station with a toilet seat and associated external equipment is provided.

[0017] The sensors integrated into the toilet seat can, for example, include sensors for recording an ECG, body temperature, oxygen saturation in the blood, pulse rate, etc.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the Kl evaluation unit is designed such that the data resulting from a use are compared with corresponding data from previous uses and, depending on a development of this data, instructions are issued to the user or the unit.

[0019] As explained above, the evaluation unit according to the invention can be designed with an AI in such a way that changes in the databases underlying the evaluation or results of previous uses are taken into account in the evaluation diagnostic algorithms or data from additional databases are taken into account or corresponding information is output.

[0020] It is particularly advantageous if the toilet seat is equipped with an initiation unit that allows the user to initiate the individual, customized analysis. Instead of this manual initiation, automatic user recognition can of course also be implemented.

[0021] This initiation unit can, for example, be a handheld device to which the information resulting from the diagnosis is also output and / or which forms at least part of the evaluation unit.

[0022] To ensure optimal accessibility of the toilet seat for multiple users, the evaluation unit and / or the control unit can have an input device for entering individual data for one or more users. This data may also include medication.

[0023] Accordingly, the toilet seat is also designed with an individual memory for storing the resulting individual data, so that the vital parameters recorded once can be taken into account in the next diagnosis.

[0024] As explained above, the advice given based on the diagnosis may also include a request to call an external station to record vital signs.

[0025] In one embodiment, the toilet seat is additionally equipped with a vital data interface designed to transmit vital parameters recorded or evaluated by the sensor system or the diagnostic unit to a doctor's office, a hospital information system, or the like, so that, for example, a treating physician can evaluate the vital parameters and, if necessary, contact the patient / user. Accordingly, such a toilet seat makes it possible, on the one hand, to inform the user about the vital parameters and, on the other hand, to involve medically competent facilities without the user's direct involvement. This also makes it possible to maintain a central patient file, with the vital parameters of different people recorded across multiple toilet seats being able to be stored in this central system.

[0026] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the toilet seat can be designed with an alert interface which is designed to send a warning to another person, for example a relative of the user or a central facility, such as a doctor's office or a hospital, when a predetermined limit value of at least one vital parameter is exceeded.

[0027] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a three-dimensional, highly simplified schematic diagram of a toilet seat assembly according to the invention and Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 a block diagram to illustrate the inventive recording of vital parameters.

[0028] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic 3D view of a toilet seat assembly 1 supported on a ceramic element 2. This toilet seat assembly 1 is hinged to a technology box 4 via a seat hinge assembly, which is anchored to the ceramic element 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the toilet seat assembly has a toilet lid 6 and a toilet seat 8, with the latter integrating a sensor 10 that enables the measurement of vital parameters. In addition, the toilet seat 8, as shown in Fig. 1, can be equipped with a seat heater 12 or other functional elements. The power supply for the seat heater 12 and the sensor system 10 is provided, for example, via a power source integrated into the technology box 4, such as a battery. Of course, the power supply can also be provided in the conventional manner via a 230V power supply.

[0029] The sensor system 10 is designed so that, in addition to an ECG, other vital parameters such as pulse, body temperature, oxygen saturation, etc. can be recorded. Furthermore, an additional station, such as a Bluetooth scale 14, can be provided to record weight or other additional vital parameters. This additional station 14 is also connected to the technology box 4 or to an evaluation unit 20 described in more detail below. Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, a sensor 16 is also provided to detect the use of the toilet seat. This makes it possible, for example, to only switch on the power supply when the toilet seat is in use. Furthermore, a display 18 can be provided, which informs the user about the operating status or provides information about recorded vital parameters or diagnostic data.

[0030] The measurement signals recorded by the sensor system 10 can be transmitted via a radio module or by cable to the evaluation unit 20, which in turn is connected to a cloud 21 or internet-based databases. Fig. Figure 1 shows a variant in which the evaluation unit 20 is designed as a tablet that receives the measurement signals 22 wirelessly, for example, via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, or via NFC technology or the like. This evaluation unit 20 then stores the AI-based evaluation software, which evaluates the measurement signals 22 using the databases stored in the cloud 20 and then reads them out for the information of the user or other interested parties, or a unit operating the toilet.

[0031] The operation of the toilet seat according to the invention is explained in more detail in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 shown flow chart.

[0032] If a user wishes to obtain a diagnosis or record their vital parameters, they open an app, for example on a smartphone, which then acts as the initiation unit. This app then wakes the sensors integrated into the toilet seat 8 from deep sleep mode. This then initiates automatic pairing between the toilet seat 8 and the smartphone, generating a signal to start the measurement. Depending on the user or the specifications, this measurement can include the recording of a multi-channel ECG, a temperature measurement, pulse oximetry, or the like. The measurement signals corresponding to these vital parameters are recorded via the control unit integrated in the technology box 4, which also controls the sensors accordingly. This raw data is then transmitted via Bluetooth to the smartphone, which is accordingly designed as an evaluation unit 20.

[0033] As indicated in the parallel branch of the flow chart, for a specific diagnosis, the user can be prompted via smartphone, for example, to have their weight determined at station 14, which in this embodiment is designed as a scale. These vital parameters are then also transmitted to the smartphone / tablet via Bluetooth. Accordingly, the smartphone is in data communication with the sensors and the control unit controlling them, as well as station 20. The smartphone receives these measurement data accordingly, and the measurement data / vital parameters are then visualized in real time.

[0034] After the measurement is completed, the measurement result, specifically the recorded vital parameters, is evaluated using a predetermined, AI-based algorithm and interpreted accordingly by the AI. Depending on this interpretation of the measured values ​​by the AI ​​of the evaluation unit 20 (smartphone, tablet, PC, etc.), a recommendation for action / diagnosis is then generated. This recommendation for action / diagnosis can, as in Fig. 3, according to several alternatives.

[0035] In the optimal case for the user, a Class 1 report is issued if a normal ECG, normal oxygen saturation, normal body temperature, normal weight and normal BMI (Body Mass Index) are detected.

[0036] A Class 2 finding is made if the ECG reveals an increased heart rate or tachycardia, reduced oxygen saturation, elevated temperature, increased weight and / or abnormal BMI.

[0037] In the worst case scenario for the user, a Class 3 diagnosis is made. This diagnosis occurs, for example, if the ECG shows that there is a cardiac arrhythmia or atrial fibrillation, or if low oxygen saturation, a high temperature (fever), a significantly excessive weight or an excessively high BMI (obesity) is detected.

[0038] The result of these findings is then calculated according to the Fig. The part of the flow chart shown in Figure 3 is stored in an individual patient diary assigned to the user.

[0039] Depending on the settings, a report can be automatically generated in a predefined data format, such as PDF. The report can then be sent by the user or directly via the evaluation unit via email or data export to a physician or other institution, which can then initiate further action.

[0040] As in Fig. As indicated in Figure 3, the AI ​​is designed according to the invention so that, in addition to or as an alternative to creating the findings, it can determine a certain trend by comparing it with the user's existing data, for example, indicating an improvement or deterioration in vital signs. As mentioned above, an older measurement or a reference measurement from the user can then be used as a reference for this trend.

[0041] If the user is taking medication, the AI ​​can also determine whether the medication is working. This could be a beta-blocker, for example. By comparing the actual ECG with a reference ECG, such as an older ECG, it can then be determined whether the medication is working or not, for example, if vital signs improve or worsen. In the latter case, the AI ​​analysis can be used to adjust the dosage of the medication or even prescribe a new, alternative medication.

[0042] The trend values ​​are then presented to a physician via the evaluation unit, allowing the physician to determine whether the medication is working or needs adjustment. The summarized results are then filed and communicated to physicians, etc., in the manner described above.

[0043] As in Fig. 3 As indicated on the right, the toilet seat can be designed with a vital data interface, via which the evaluated vital parameters are transmitted, for example, to a hospital information system or a corresponding system in a doctor's office or the like. In this way, it is possible to manage and evaluate the vital parameters of several people in a central file. The vital parameters recorded with several toilet seats can also be stored. A scenario could be as follows: a treating doctor can give the toilet seat to a patient as a follow-up tool, for example, after a hospital stay. Since such toilet seats are usually designed with a FastFix system, which allows the existing toilet seat to be replaced with the toilet seat according to the invention without the need for tools, the patient can easily carry out this conversion of their toilet.This makes it possible to monitor the patient away from the clinical setting. This allows the physician to detect any deterioration in their health early and respond quickly, thus allowing serious relapses or similar conditions to be identified early and prevented.

[0044] The inventive concept is also a “comfort feature” for the patient, as it can reduce the frequency of clinical examinations in person.

[0045] This hospital / practice information system also offers the advantage that the attending physician can evaluate the recorded vital signs using the automatically generated digital patient record, while also ensuring proper filing. Therefore, there is no need to manage individual emails with PDF reports and enter them into the system.

[0046] Furthermore, this hospital / practice information system also provides access for the toilet seat to the inpatient clinical environment. This means that the toilet seat assembly according to the invention is installed as standard in hospital rooms / sanitary facilities, for example, so that vital signs can be recorded and evaluated automatically during patient use, without the assistance of nurses. In this way, a daily routine can be automated, provided the patient's health permits. This form of automation is also conceivable in outpatient care through the appropriate installation of retrofitted toilet seat assembly.

[0047] As further stated in Fig.As indicated in Figure 3, the toilet seat according to the invention can be designed with an alert interface that is configured to send a warning to another person, for example a relative, or to an institution, for example the doctor's office of the treating physician, if a predetermined limit value of at least one parameter is exceeded. This alarm mode is particularly helpful for people living alone who are limited in their mobility due to age or illness. The toilet seat can then be installed on the patient's premises, for example, by a close contact person, for example a relative. This contact person then stores an emergency contact to be alerted in a suitable app of the evaluation or initiation unit, so that an alarm signal is automatically sent to this emergency contact if a limit value is exceeded.

[0048] In principle, this alert interface can also be used to easily detect that the patient in question hasn't used the restroom for several hours. A corresponding warning signal, for example, as a push notification, is then sent to the contact person's smartphone, allowing them to respond quickly to check the patient's current situation. Of course, this push notification can also be sent to a central facility, which then initiates appropriate measures.

[0049] The inventive concept thus makes it possible, with the aid of a toilet seat according to the invention, which is supplemented, for example, by suitable external diagnostic stations, to record the user's state of health with high precision and, depending on this diagnosis made by the AI, to make therapy recommendations, if necessary.

[0050] Disclosed are a toilet seat, a toilet equipped with such a toilet seat and a method for operating such a toilet seat, wherein findings or therapy recommendations are issued via an AI based on an evaluation of vital parameters recorded via the seat. List of reference symbols: 1 toilet seat set 2 ceramic / WC 4 technology box 6 toilet lids 8 toilet seat 10 Sensor technology 12 Seat heating 14 stations 16 sensors 18 Advertisement 20 Evaluation unit 21 Cloud 22 measurement signal

Claims

[1] A system comprising a toilet seat and an evaluation unit (20), wherein a sensor system (10) for detecting a plurality of vital parameters is integrated into the toilet seat and the toilet seat has a technology box (4) in which a control unit for controlling the sensor system (10) and for the individualized detection of the measurement data detected by the sensor system (10), in particular vital parameters, and a communication interface for receiving and transmitting data are accommodated, wherein the communication interface is in data connection with the evaluation unit (20), which is designed with a diagnostic unit designed to evaluate the detected vital parameters on the basis of databases stored in the evaluation unit (20) or connected via a further communication interface and to output corresponding information or recommendations to the user or a unit operating the toilet seat (1) via an output interface, characterized by , that the sensors (10) sensors for recording an ECG, the Body temperature, blood oxygen saturation and pulse rate, and wherein the evaluation unit (20) is designed with an artificial intelligence (AI) which is designed to output a finding according to a class based on the recorded measurement data, The AI ​​issues a Class 1 finding if a normal ECG, normal oxygen saturation, normal body temperature, normal weight and normal BMI are detected, the AI ​​issues a Class 2 finding if an increased heart rate, reduced oxygen saturation, elevated temperature, increased weight and / or abnormal BMI is detected, the AI ​​issues a Class 3 finding if a cardiac arrhythmia or atrial fibrillation, or low oxygen saturation, high temperature, significantly excessive weight or BMI is detected, The AI ​​is designed to detect a certain trend by comparing it with the user's existing data, indicating an improvement or deterioration in vital signs, and the AI ​​can determine whether a medication is working. [2] System according to claim 1, wherein the technology box (4) or the evaluation unit (20) is connected via a communication interface to an external station (14) for recording vital parameters, for example with a scale, a blood pressure or blood sugar measuring device and / or a device for analyzing characteristic values, ingredients of excretions. [3] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the evaluation unit (20) independently takes into account changes in the databases underlying the evaluation or results of previous uses in the evaluation algorithms or draws on data from additional databases or outputs corresponding information. [4] System according to one of the preceding claims with an initiation unit via which a user starts an individual evaluation / analysis. [5] System according to claim 4, wherein the initiation unit is a handheld to which the instructions / recommendations / findings / diagnoses are also output and / or which forms at least part of the evaluation unit (20). [6] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the evaluation unit (20) and / or the control unit has an input device for entering individual data of one or more users. [7] System according to claim 6, wherein said data includes a medication. [8] System according to one of the preceding claims with an individual memory for storing the resulting individual data of a user. [9] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the indication / recommendation comprises a request to consult an external station (14) for recording vital parameters. [10] System according to one of the preceding claims with a vital data interface which is designed to transmit vital parameters recorded or evaluated by means of the sensor system and / or the diagnostic unit to a practice / hospital information system or the like. [11] System according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an alert interface which is designed to send a warning to another person or facility when a predetermined limit value of at least one vital parameter is exceeded.

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