Analysis of bodily emissions

Abstract

An apparatus and method are described comprising one or more sensors coupled to a toilet and configured to detect one or more parameters regarding a subject's bodily effluent. A computer processor receives one or more parameters regarding a subject's bodily effluent from one or more sensors, derives the concentration of pterin and / or pterin derivatives within the subject's bodily effluent, and determines the level of inflammation of the subject in response, at least partially. Other applications are also described.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] Cross-reference regarding related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application No. 63 / 767,073 of Kapp-Barnea, filed on March 5, 2025, titled "Analysis of Bodily Emissions," which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] Some applications of the present disclosure generally relate to the analysis of bodily excretions. Specifically, some applications of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus and method for detecting and classifying biomarkers in the bodily excretions of a subject. Background Technology

[0005] Among the substances that may be found in human bodily excretions, there are substances that indicate a specific condition. For example, a subject's urine or feces may contain one or more physical properties, chemical compounds, and / or trace components that indicate an underlying disease.

[0006] Pterin is a series of metabolites with a cyclic nitrogen-containing ring structure derived from the precursor guanosine triphosphate (GTP). Derivatives of the parent compound, such as pteridines, contain small substituents that may be present in urine, such as neopterin and biopterin, and are referred to as "unbound pteridines." Derivatives with larger residues, such as folic acid, riboflavin, and methanopterin, are referred to as "bound pteridines."

[0007] Several biological functions of unbound pteridins are known. For example, biopterin functions as a cofactor for mammalian aromatic amino acid monooxygenase and arginine conversion. Aromatic amino acid monooxygenase is involved in the hydroxylation of phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan. These substances not only control the biosynthesis of neurotransmitters including dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin but also affect phenylketonuria.

[0008] In healthy human subjects, urinary neopterin concentrations exhibit a circadian rhythm; for example, the concentration of pterin per mole of creatinine fluctuates within a specific range (approximately 100 to 175 micromoles of pterin per mole of creatinine). Neopterin is produced by activated macrophages and is considered a pro-inflammatory and atherosclerotic agent. For example, immune system activation and additional high levels of pteridin secretion have been observed during endurance exercise infections, autoimmune processes, myodegenerative and neurodegenerative processes, and malignant tumors.

[0009] According to some applications of the present disclosure, a sensor module is placed inside a toilet and comprises one or more sensors configured to detect one or more parameters regarding a subject's bodily discharge, e.g., one or more urine-related parameters and / or one or more fecal-related parameters. In some applications, one or more sensors detect at least some of the aforementioned parameters while the bodily discharge is released into the toilet by the subject. Alternatively or additionally, one or more sensors detect at least some of the aforementioned parameters when the bodily discharge is placed into the toilet following the discharge by the subject. In some applications, similar analysis is applied mutatis mutandis to one or more other bodily discharges, such as the subject's saliva, sweat, nasal discharge, mucus, sputum, vaginal fluid, and / or tears.

[0010] In some applications, urinary neopterin concentrations and / or urinary biopterin concentrations are derived and used as diagnostic and / or prognostic biomarkers, as described in more detail below. In some applications, urinary neopterin concentrations and / or urinary biopterin concentrations are derived and used as markers for monitoring a subject's health status, screening a subject, and / or generating a training program for a subject (which may include guidance on exercise, sleep, and / or nutrition).

[0011] In some applications, a computer processor receives one or more urine-related parameters and / or stool-related parameters of a subject (e.g., a subject suffering from a chronic inflammatory disease) and derives the concentrations of one or more types of pterins in the subject's urine and / or stool. For example, the computer processor may derive the absolute concentrations of prostaglandin E-major urinary metabolites (PGE-MUM) and / or neopterin, and / or the normalized concentrations of prostaglandin E-major urinary metabolites (PGE-MUM) and / or neopterin (e.g., concentrations of prostaglandin E-major urinary metabolites (PGE-MUM) and / or neopterin normalized with respect to creatinine concentration and / or urine specific gravity). In some applications, the concentrations of prostaglandin E-major urinary metabolites (PGE-MUM) and / or neopterin in the subject's urine and / or stool are derived using the technique described below.

[0012] In some applications, a computer processor determines the level of inflammation in a subject by responding at least partially to the concentration of pterin and / or pterin derivatives in the subject's bodily excretions (e.g., the subject's urine and / or stool). In some applications, a computer processor determines the level of systemic inflammation in a subject by responding at least partially to the concentration of pterin and / or pterin derivatives in the subject's bodily excretions. In some applications, a computer processor monitors the progression of a subject's chronic inflammatory disease by responding at least partially to the concentration of pterin and / or pterin derivatives in the subject's bodily excretions.

[0013] In some applications, the computer processor receives one or more urine-related parameters from one or more sensors. In some applications, based at least partially on one or more urine-related parameters, the computer processor determines that the subject has elevated creatinine by deriving the urinary creatinine concentration, for example, using the technique described below. In some applications, the computer processor derives the concentration of one or more additional entities in the subject's urine and, in at least partially in response to deriving the concentration of one or more additional entities in the subject's urine, determines that the possible cause of the elevated creatinine concentration is a catabolic process. In some of these applications, one or more additional entities include neopterin and / or biopterin. Alternatively or additionally, one or more additional entities include myoglobin. In some applications, one or more additional entities include NT-titin. In some applications, the concentration of one or more additional entities is derived using the technique described below.

[0014] In some applications, a computer processor derives the concentration of one or more entities in the urine of a subject indicating catabolic processes (e.g., neopterin, biopterin, myoglobin and / or NT-titin, or the concentration of creatinine in addition to the concentrations of neopterin, biopterin, myoglobin and / or NT-titin). In some applications, the concentration of one or more entities in the urine of a subject indicating catabolic processes is derived using the technique described below. In some applications, the computer processor determines a strain-recovery interval for the subject, at least in response.

[0015] In some applications, a computer processor periodically receives one or more urine-related parameters from one or more sensors and determines strain-recovery intervals for a subject in at least partial response to them. The computer processor dynamically develops a training schedule for the subject based on the subject's strain-recovery intervals. For example, the computer processor can generate an output that provides guidance to the subject regarding exercise, sleep, and / or nutrition.

[0016] In some applications, a computer processor receives one or more urine-related parameters from one or more sensors and derives the concentrations of one or more types of pterins in the subject's urine. For example, the computer processor may derive the absolute concentrations of neopterin and / or biopterin, and / or the normalized concentrations of neopterin and / or biopterin (e.g., concentrations of neopterin and / or biopterin normalized with respect to creatinine concentration and / or urine specific gravity). In some applications, the concentrations of one or more types of pterins in the subject's urine are derived using the technique described below.

[0017] In some applications, a computer processor detects a subject's neurodegenerative process in response at least partially to the concentration of pterin and / or pterin derivatives in the subject's urine.

[0018] Accordingly, according to some applications of the present disclosure, a device for use with a subject's bodily excretions is provided, and the device,

[0019] One or more sensors coupled to a toilet and configured to detect one or more parameters regarding the subject's bodily excretions; and

[0020] It includes at least one computer processor, and the at least one computer processor,

[0021] Receiving one or more parameters regarding the subject's body excretions from one or more sensors, and

[0022] Determining the concentration of pterin and / or pterin derivatives in the subject's bodily excretions, and

[0023] It is configured to determine the level of inflammation in the subject in response, at least partially.

[0024] In some applications, at least one computer processor is configured to determine the level of systemic inflammation in a subject in response, at least partially, to the concentration of pterin and / or pterin derivatives in the subject's body excretions.

[0025] In some applications, at least one computer processor is configured to monitor the progression of a subject's chronic inflammatory disease by responding at least partially to the concentration of pterin and / or pterin derivatives in the subject's body excretions.

[0026] In some applications, the body excretion includes urine, and the computer processor is configured to derive the concentration of pterin and / or pterin derivatives in the subject's body excretion by deriving the concentration of prostaglandin E-major urinary metabolites in the urine.

[0027] In some applications, body excretions include urine, and a computer processor is configured to derive the concentration of pterin and / or pterin derivatives in the subject's body excretions by deriving the concentration of neopterin in the urine.

[0028] In some applications, body excretions include feces, and a computer processor is configured to derive the concentration of pterin and / or pterin derivatives in the subject's body excretions by deriving the concentration of neopterin in the feces.

[0029] In some applications, one or more sensors include one or more light sensors configured to detect light in the range of 200 nm to 400 nm, and a computer processor is configured to derive the concentration of pterin and / or pterin derivatives in the subject's body excretions by detecting the optical signature of pterin and / or pterin derivatives in the detected light.

[0030] In some applications, a computer processor is configured to detect optical signatures of pterins and / or pterin derivatives in detected light by detecting light intensity exhibiting one or more absorbance characteristics selected from the group consisting of:

[0031] Absorbance trough centered between 240 nm and 265 nm,

[0032] Absorbance peak centered between 265 nm and 285 nm,

[0033] An absorbance trough centered between 285 nm and 310 nm, and

[0034] Absorbance peak centered between 330 nm and 360 nm.

[0035] In some applications, a computer processor is configured to detect the optical signature of an acidic form of pterin and / or pterin derivative in the detected light by detecting the ratio between the light intensity at at least one of the absorbance valleys and the light intensity at at least one of the absorbance peaks.

[0036] In some applications, a computer processor is configured to detect the optical signature of a pterin and / or pterin derivative in its base form within the detected light by detecting a light intensity exhibiting one or more absorbance characteristics selected from the group consisting of:

[0037] Absorbance trough centered between 220 nm and 240 nm,

[0038] Absorbance peak centered between 245 nm and 265 nm,

[0039] An absorbance trough centered between 290 nm and 310 nm, and

[0040] Absorbance peak centered between 350 nm and 370 nm.

[0041] In some applications, a computer processor is configured to detect the optical signature of the basic form of pterin and / or pterin derivative in the detected light by detecting the ratio between the light intensity at at least one of the absorbance valleys and the light intensity at at least one of the absorbance peaks.

[0042] According to some applications of the present disclosure, a method for use with a subject's bodily excretions is further provided, and the method is,

[0043] Using at least one computer processor:

[0044] A step of receiving one or more parameters regarding the subject's body excretions from one or more optical sensors coupled to a toilet,

[0045] A step of deriving the concentration of pterin and / or pterin derivatives in the body excretions of a subject, and

[0046] It includes a step of determining the level of inflammation in the subject in response to at least partially.

[0047] In some applications, the step of determining the level of inflammation in a subject in response at least partially to the concentration of pterin and / or pterin derivatives in the subject's body excretions includes the step of determining the level of systemic inflammation in a subject in response at least partially to the concentration of pterin and / or pterin derivatives in the subject's body excretions.

[0048] In some applications, the step of determining the level of inflammation in a subject in at least partially responding to the concentration of pterin and / or pterin derivatives in the subject's body excretions includes the step of monitoring the progression of a chronic inflammatory disease in a subject in at least partially responding to the concentration of pterin and / or pterin derivatives in the subject's body excretions.

[0049] In some applications, the body excretion includes urine, and the step of deriving the concentration of pterin and / or pterin derivatives in the subject's body excretion includes the step of deriving the concentration of prostaglandin E-major urinary metabolites in the urine.

[0050] In some applications, the body excretions include urine, and the step of deriving the concentration of pterin and / or pterin derivatives in the subject's body excretions includes the step of deriving the concentration of neopterin in the urine.

[0051] In some applications, the body excretions include feces, and the step of deriving the concentration of pterin and / or pterin derivatives in the subject's body excretions includes the step of deriving the concentration of neopterin in the feces.

[0052] In some applications, one or more optical sensors are configured to detect light in the range of 200 nm to 400 nm, and the step of deriving the concentration of pterin and / or pterin derivatives in the subject's body excretions includes the step of detecting the optical signature of pterin and / or pterin derivatives in the detected light.

[0053] In some applications, the step of detecting the optical signature of pterin and / or pterin derivative in detected light comprises detecting the optical signature of the acidic form of pterin and / or pterin derivative in detected light by detecting a light intensity exhibiting one or more absorbance characteristics selected from the group consisting of:

[0054] Absorbance trough centered between 240 nm and 265 nm,

[0055] Absorbance peak centered between 265 nm and 285 nm,

[0056] An absorbance trough centered between 285 nm and 310 nm, and

[0057] Absorbance peak centered between 330 nm and 360 nm.

[0058] In some applications, the step of detecting the optical signature of an acidic form of pterin and / or a pterin derivative in the detected light includes the step of detecting the ratio between the light intensity at at least one of the absorbance valleys and the light intensity at at least one of the absorbance peaks.

[0059] In some applications, the step of detecting an optical signature of pterin and / or a pterin derivative in detected light comprises detecting an optical signature of a basic form of pterin and / or a pterin derivative in detected light by detecting a light intensity exhibiting one or more absorbance characteristics selected from the group consisting of:

[0060] Absorbance trough centered between 220 nm and 240 nm,

[0061] Absorbance peak centered between 245 nm and 265 nm,

[0062] An absorbance trough centered between 290 nm and 310 nm, and

[0063] Absorbance peak centered between 350 nm and 370 nm.

[0064] In some applications, the step of detecting the optical signature of the basic form of pterin and / or pterin derivative in the detected light includes the step of detecting the ratio between the light intensity at at least one of the absorbance valleys and the light intensity at at least one of the absorbance peaks.

[0065] According to some applications of the present disclosure, a device is further provided, and the device is,

[0066] One or more sensors coupled to a toilet and configured to detect one or more urine-related parameters regarding the subject's urine; and

[0067] It includes at least one computer processor, and the at least one computer processor,

[0068] Periodically, receiving one or more urine-related parameters from one or more sensors, and

[0069] At least partially in response to that, determine the strain-recovery interval for the subject, and

[0070] It is configured to dynamically develop a training schedule for a subject based on the subject's strain-recovery interval.

[0071] In some applications, at least one computer processor is configured to periodically receive one or more urine-related parameters from one or more sensors by periodically receiving one or more urine-related parameters representing the concentration of myoglobin in the urine of a subject, and at least one computer processor is configured to derive the urinary myoglobin concentration therefrom.

[0072] In some applications, at least one computer processor is configured to periodically receive one or more urine-related parameters from one or more sensors by periodically receiving one or more urine-related parameters representing the concentration of NT-titin in the urine of a subject from one or more sensors, and at least one computer processor is configured to derive the urinary NT-titin concentration therefrom.

[0073] In some applications, at least one computer processor is configured to generate an output that provides guidance to a subject regarding the scheduling of activities selected from a group consisting of exercise, sleep, mindfulness, stress relief activities, and nutrition intake.

[0074] In some applications, at least one computer processor is configured to receive inputs representing the activities of a subject selected from a group consisting of exercise, sleep, mindfulness, stress relief activities, and nutrition intake, and the computer processor is configured to dynamically develop a training schedule for the subject based on the subject's strain-recovery intervals and the received inputs.

[0075] In some application examples, the computer processor is configured to receive input from a subject.

[0076] In some application examples, the computer processor is configured to be used with a device configured to automatically monitor selected activities, and the computer processor is configured to receive input from the device.

[0077] In some applications, at least one computer processor is configured to periodically receive one or more urine-related parameters from one or more sensors by periodically receiving one or more urine-related parameters from one or more sensors representing the concentration of pterin and / or pterin derivatives in the urine of a subject, and at least one computer processor is configured to derive the concentration of pterin and / or pterin derivatives from one or more urine-related parameters.

[0078] In some applications, at least one computer processor is configured to periodically receive one or more urine-related parameters from one or more sensors by periodically receiving one or more urine-related parameters from one or more sensors representing the concentration of neopterin in the urine of a subject, and at least one computer processor is configured to derive the urine neopterin concentration therefrom.

[0079] In some applications, at least one computer processor is configured to periodically receive one or more urine-related parameters from one or more sensors by periodically receiving one or more urine-related parameters representing the concentration of biopterin in the urine of a subject, and at least one computer processor is configured to derive the urinary biopterin concentration therefrom.

[0080] In some applications, one or more sensors include one or more light sensors configured to detect light in the range of 200 nm to 400 nm, and a computer processor is configured to derive the concentration of pterin and / or pterin derivatives in the urine of a subject by detecting the optical signature of pterin and / or pterin derivatives within the detected light.

[0081] In some applications, a computer processor is configured to detect optical signatures of pterins and / or pterin derivatives in detected light by detecting light intensity exhibiting one or more absorbance characteristics selected from the group consisting of:

[0082] Absorbance trough centered between 240 nm and 265 nm,

[0083] Absorbance peak centered between 265 nm and 285 nm,

[0084] An absorbance trough centered between 285 nm and 310 nm, and

[0085] Absorbance peak centered between 330 nm and 360 nm.

[0086] In some applications, a computer processor is configured to detect the optical signature of an acidic form of pterin and / or pterin derivative in the detected light by detecting the ratio between the light intensity at at least one of the absorbance valleys and the light intensity at at least one of the absorbance peaks.

[0087] In some applications, a computer processor is configured to detect the optical signature of a basic form of pterin and / or pterin derivative in the detected light by detecting a light intensity exhibiting one or more absorbance characteristics selected from the group consisting of:

[0088] Absorbance trough centered between 220 nm and 240 nm,

[0089] Absorbance peak centered between 245 nm and 265 nm,

[0090] An absorbance trough centered between 290 nm and 310 nm, and

[0091] Absorbance peak centered between 350 nm and 370 nm.

[0092] In some applications, a computer processor is configured to detect the optical signature of the basic form of pterin and / or pterin derivative in the detected light by detecting the ratio between the light intensity at at least one of the absorbance valleys and the light intensity at at least one of the absorbance peaks.

[0093] According to some applications of the present disclosure, a method is further provided, and the method is,

[0094] Using at least one computer processor:

[0095] Step of periodically receiving one or more urine-related parameters regarding the subject's urine from one or more optical sensors coupled to a toilet,

[0096] At least partially in response thereto, a step of determining a strain-recovery interval for a subject, and

[0097] It includes the step of dynamically developing a training schedule for a subject based on the subject's strain-recovery interval.

[0098] According to some applications of the present disclosure, a device for use with a subject's urine is further provided, and the device is,

[0099] One or more sensors coupled to a toilet and configured to detect one or more urine-related parameters regarding the subject's urine; and

[0100] It includes at least one computer processor, and the at least one computer processor,

[0101] Receiving one or more urine-related parameters from one or more sensors, and

[0102] Determining the concentration of pterin and / or pterin derivatives in the urine of subjects, and

[0103] It is configured to detect the subject's neurodegenerative processes in response, at least partially.

[0104] In some applications, one or more sensors include one or more light sensors configured to detect light in the range of 200 nm to 400 nm, and a computer processor is configured to derive the concentration of pterin and / or pterin derivatives in the urine of a subject by detecting the optical signature of pterin and / or pterin derivatives within the detected light.

[0105] In some applications, a computer processor is configured to detect the optical signature of an acidic form of pterin and / or pterin derivative in the detected light by detecting a light intensity exhibiting one or more absorbance characteristics selected from the group consisting of the following:

[0106] Absorbance trough centered between 240 nm and 265 nm,

[0107] Absorbance peak centered between 265 nm and 285 nm,

[0108] An absorbance trough centered between 285 nm and 310 nm, and

[0109] Absorbance peak centered between 330 nm and 360 nm.

[0110] In some applications, a computer processor is configured to detect the optical signature of an acidic form of pterin and / or pterin derivative in the detected light by detecting the ratio between the light intensity at at least one of the absorbance valleys and the light intensity at at least one of the absorbance peaks.

[0111] In some applications, a computer processor is configured to detect the optical signature of a basic form of pterin and / or pterin derivative in the detected light by detecting a light intensity exhibiting one or more absorbance characteristics selected from the group consisting of:

[0112] Absorbance trough centered between 220 nm and 240 nm,

[0113] Absorbance peak centered between 245 nm and 265 nm,

[0114] An absorbance trough centered between 290 nm and 310 nm, and

[0115] Absorbance peak centered between 350 nm and 370 nm.

[0116] In some applications, a computer processor is configured to detect the optical signature of the basic form of pterin and / or pterin derivative in the detected light by detecting the ratio between the light intensity at at least one of the absorbance valleys and the light intensity at at least one of the absorbance peaks.

[0117] According to some applications of the present disclosure, a method is further provided, and the method is,

[0118] Using at least one computer processor:

[0119] A step of receiving one or more urine-related parameters regarding the subject's urine from one or more optical sensors coupled to a toilet,

[0120] A step of deriving the concentration of pterin and / or pterin derivatives in the urine of a subject, and

[0121] It includes a step of detecting the subject's neurodegenerative process in response to at least partially.

[0122] According to some applications of the present disclosure, a device is further provided, and the device is,

[0123] One or more sensors coupled to a toilet and configured to detect one or more urine-related parameters regarding the subject's urine; and

[0124] It includes at least one computer processor, and the at least one computer processor,

[0125] Receiving one or more urine-related parameters from one or more sensors, and

[0126] Deriving the concentration of one or more entities in the urine of a subject indicating a catabolic process, and

[0127] It is configured to determine the strain-recovery interval for the subject in response to this, at least partially.

[0128] In some applications, at least one computer processor is configured to derive the concentration of one or more entities in a subject's urine that indicate catabolic processes by deriving the concentration of myoglobin in the subject's urine.

[0129] In some applications, at least one computer processor is configured to derive the concentration of one or more entities in a subject’s urine that indicate a catabolic process by deriving the concentration of NT-titin in the subject’s urine.

[0130] In some applications, at least one computer processor is configured to derive the concentration of one or more entities in a subject’s urine that indicate a catabolic process by deriving the concentration of pterin and / or pterin derivatives in the subject’s urine.

[0131] In some applications, at least one computer processor is configured to derive the concentration of one or more entities in a subject’s urine that indicate a catabolic process by deriving the concentration of neopterin in the subject’s urine.

[0132] In some applications, at least one computer processor is configured to derive the concentration of one or more entities in a subject’s urine that indicate a catabolic process by deriving the concentration of biophterin in the subject’s urine.

[0133] In some applications, one or more sensors include one or more light sensors configured to detect light in the range of 200 nm to 400 nm, and a computer processor is configured to detect the concentration of pterin and / or pterin derivatives in the urine of a subject by detecting the optical signature of pterin and / or pterin derivatives within the detected light.

[0134] In some applications, a computer processor is configured to detect the optical signature of an acidic form of pterin and / or pterin derivative in the detected light by detecting a light intensity exhibiting one or more absorbance characteristics selected from the group consisting of the following:

[0135] Absorbance trough centered between 240 nm and 265 nm,

[0136] Absorbance peak centered between 265 nm and 285 nm,

[0137] An absorbance trough centered between 285 nm and 310 nm, and

[0138] Absorbance peak centered between 330 nm and 360 nm.

[0139] In some applications, a computer processor is configured to detect the optical signature of an acidic form of pterin and / or pterin derivative in the detected light by detecting the ratio between the light intensity at at least one of the absorbance valleys and the light intensity at at least one of the absorbance peaks.

[0140] In some applications, a computer processor is configured to detect the optical signature of a basic form of pterin and / or pterin derivative in the detected light by detecting a light intensity exhibiting one or more absorbance characteristics selected from the group consisting of:

[0141] Absorbance trough centered between 220 nm and 240 nm,

[0142] Absorbance peak centered between 245 nm and 265 nm,

[0143] An absorbance trough centered between 290 nm and 310 nm, and

[0144] Absorbance peak centered between 350 nm and 370 nm.

[0145] In some applications, a computer processor is configured to detect the optical signature of the basic form of pterin and / or pterin derivative in the detected light by detecting the ratio between the light intensity at at least one of the absorbance valleys and the light intensity at at least one of the absorbance peaks.

[0146] According to some applications of the present disclosure, a method is further provided, and the method is,

[0147] Using at least one computer processor:

[0148] A step of receiving one or more urine-related parameters regarding the subject's urine from one or more optical sensors coupled to a toilet,

[0149] A step of deriving the concentration of one or more entities in the urine of a subject indicating a catabolic process, and

[0150] At least partially in response thereto, it includes the step of determining a strain-recovery interval for the subject.

[0151] The present disclosure will be more fully understood by considering the following detailed description of embodiments and drawings together. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0152] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for analyzing body excretions according to some applications of the present disclosure. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0153] Now, referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a device (20) for analyzing body discharge (26) according to some applications of the present disclosure. As illustrated, in some applications, the device (20) includes a sensor module (22) placed inside a toilet (23). In some applications (not illustrated), the sensor module (and / or additional components of the device) is integrated into the toilet. The sensor module includes one or more sensors (24). In some applications, the one or more sensors are configured to detect one or more urine-related parameters (e.g., frequency of urination, volume of urine, color of urine, and / or concentration of urine, etc.) and / or one or more stool-related parameters (e.g., shape, size, texture of stool, etc.).

[0154] In some applications, one or more sensors detect at least some of the aforementioned parameters while body discharge is released into the toilet by the subject. Alternatively or additionally, one or more sensors detect at least some of the aforementioned parameters when the body discharge is placed into the toilet following the release by the subject. In some applications, similar detection and analysis are applied as needed to one or more other body discharges, such as the subject's saliva, sweat, nasal discharge, mucus, sputum, vaginal fluid, and / or tears.

[0155] In some applications, the sensors include imaging components such as RGB cameras, spectral cameras, and / or hyperspectral cameras. Alternatively or additionally, one or more sensors include one or more light sensors configured to receive light from body emissions. In some applications, the sensor module includes one or more lighting components (25). According to each application, these lighting components include lighting components configured to illuminate body emissions in given spectral bands (e.g., LEDs and / or lasers), and / or broadband light sources. In some applications, the broadband light source is used in combination with one or more bandpass filters (which may be used to filter emitted and / or detected light).

[0156] In some applications, the computer processor receives one or more urine-related parameters from one or more sensors and / or receives one or more stool-related parameters from one or more sensors. According to each application, the computer processor performing the analysis described herein is a computer processor (28) placed inside the housing (30) (which may also accommodate a sensor module) or a different computer processor communicating with the sensor module. Accordingly, while some processing steps are described below as being performed by the processor (28), the scope of the disclosure includes using one or more additional processors to perform these steps as an alternative to or in addition to the processor (28).

[0157] In some applications, the device (20) includes a power source (e.g., battery, small battery, capacitor, chemical energy storage device, etc.) placed outside the toilet inside the housing (30). Alternatively or additionally, the sensor module is connected to main electricity (not shown). In some applications, the power source and the sensor module (22) are connected via wired or wireless connection. According to each application, a computer processor performing the analysis described herein is placed inside the toilet (e.g., a computer processor (28) placed inside the housing (30) which may also accommodate the sensor module) or remotely. For example, as illustrated, the sensor module may communicate wirelessly with a user interface device (32) that includes a computer processor. Such a user interface device may include, but is not limited to, a telephone (34), a tablet computer (36), a laptop computer (38), or other types of personal computing devices. In some applications, the user interface device acts as both an input device and an output device, thereby allowing the user to interact with the sensor module (22). The sensor module can transmit data to a user interface device, and the computer processor of the user interface device can execute a program configured to analyze the received data.

[0158] In some applications, the sensor module (22) and / or user interface device (32) communicates with a third-party device, for example, by communicating with a remote server. For example, the device may communicate with a doctor or an insurance company via a communication network or through a third-party device without intervention from the subject. The doctor or insurance company may evaluate the results and determine whether additional testing or intervention is appropriate for the subject.

[0159] In some applications, data regarding the received sensor signals is stored in memory. For example, the memory may be located inside the toilet (e.g., inside the sensor unit), inside the housing (30), or remotely. In some applications, an associated memory within the computer processor (28) stores data regarding the received signals. Periodically, the subject may submit the stored data to a third-party facility, such as a healthcare facility (e.g., a doctor's office, or a pharmacy) or an insurance company, and then the computer processor of the remote device at this facility may perform the aforementioned analysis on a batch of data regarding the subject's multiple bodily excretions acquired over a period of time.

[0160] Note that for some applications, the apparatus and method described herein include screening tests in which the subject does not need to physically contact the bodily discharge. Additionally, for some applications, the subject is required to periodically touch any part of the dedicated detection device, for example, to install the device or to change or recharge the device battery. (Note that while the subject may handle a user interface device, this is a device (e.g., a telephone) that the subject handles even when not using the detection device.) For some applications, the apparatus and method described herein do not require anything to be added to the toilet after the subject discharges the discharge to facilitate the analysis of the discharge and / or the determination of whether the subject is experiencing symptoms of dehydration and its classification. For some applications, the subject does not need to perform any action after the device is installed in the toilet. The test is automatic and processed by the apparatus, and monitoring of the subject's discharge does not cause inconvenience to the subject and does not require cooperation from the subject unless an abnormality is detected.

[0161] In some applications, after a subject releases bodily waste into the toilet (and optionally, when the subject has fully released the bodily waste and at least partially placed within the toilet water), the bodily waste is imaged by receiving light reflected and / or transmitted from the toilet, without requiring any action to be performed by any person after release. In some applications, the bodily waste is analyzed during the release of bodily waste into the toilet.

[0162] In some applications, for each of the subject's emissions, if any finding is present, the device reports the finding to the subject through an output device, for example, through a user interface device (32). In some applications, the output device includes an output component (e.g., light (e.g., LED) or a screen) built into the device (20).

[0163] In some applications, the sensor module (22) is placed inside the toilet. In some applications, the sensor module includes an imaging component, which includes one or more light sensors configured to receive light from bodily waste emitted by a subject and placed inside the toilet. In some applications, the sensor module is housed in a waterproof housing. In some applications, the side of the sensor module where the imaging component is mounted underneath is covered with a transparent waterproof cover. It can be seen that FIG. 1 shows a sensor module placed above the water level inside the toilet. However, in some applications, at least a portion of the sensor module (e.g., the entire sensor module) is submerged in the water inside the toilet.

[0164] In some applications, the sensor module (22) includes a subject sensor. The subject sensor is configured to detect when the subject is on or near the toilet and / or when the subject has defecated and / or urinated into the toilet. For example, the subject sensor may include a motion sensor configured to detect movement of feces, urine, the subject, or water within the toilet. Alternatively or additionally, the subject sensor may include a light sensor configured to detect when the lights in the bathroom are switched on or when the subject sits on the toilet. In some applications, a light sensor used to detect light from bodily discharge is also used for the aforementioned functions. In some of these applications, the sensor module is configured to remain in standby mode for most of the time (so that the sensor module uses a reduced amount of power). The sensor module is switched on in response to detecting when the subject is on or near the toilet or / or has defecated and / or urinated into the toilet. In some applications, the imaging and / or sensing components of the sensor module acquire data in response to detecting that a subject is on or near the toilet or that the subject has defecated and / or urinated into the toilet. In some applications, the subject manually switches on the sensor module.

[0165] In some applications, the computer processor (28) receives one or more urine-related parameters from one or more sensors. In some applications, based at least partially on one or more urine-related parameters, the computer processor determines that the subject has elevated creatinine by deriving the urinary creatinine concentration, for example, using the technique described below. In some applications, the computer processor derives the concentration of one or more additional entities in the subject's urine and, in at least partially in response to deriving the concentration of one or more additional entities in the subject's urine, determines that the possible cause of the elevated creatinine concentration is catabolic processes. In some of these applications, one or more additional entities include pterin and / or pterin derivatives. In some of these applications, one or more additional entities include neopterin and / or biopterin. Alternatively or additionally, one or more additional entities include myoglobin. In some applications, one or more additional entities include NT-titin. In some applications, the concentration of one or more additional entities is derived using the technique described below.

[0166] In some applications, a computer processor (28) derives the concentration of one or more entities in the urine of a subject (e.g., neopterin, biopterin, myoglobin, and / or NT-titin, or the concentration of creatinine in addition to the concentrations of neopterin, biopterin, myoglobin, and / or NT-titin) representing a catabolic process, that is, a sequence of enzyme-catalyzed reactions in which relatively large molecules are broken down or altered in living cells.

[0167] It should be noted that as athletes strive to improve performance, modifications in exercise, sleep, mindfulness (and / or other stress-relief activities), and / or nutrition are necessary. Extreme exercise places a strain on the body and can lead to damage such as orthopedic trauma, muscle injury, an increased risk of heart disease, and inflammatory responses. During intensive exercise, concentrations of pterin and / or pterin derivatives (and / or pterin derivative concentrations when normalized to creatinine) tend to increase, indicating strain recovery. Even after exercise, concentrations of pterin and / or pterin derivatives remain elevated at a peak for several days (e.g., 3–4 days) before gradually decreasing toward baseline levels (over an additional period of 5–10 days).

[0168] In some applications, the concentration of one or more entities in the subject's urine indicating catabolic processes is derived using the technique described below. In some applications, a computer processor determines the strain-recovery interval for the subject in response, at least partially.

[0169] In some applications, the computer processor (28) periodically receives one or more urine-related parameters from one or more sensors and determines strain-recovery intervals for the subject in at least partial response to them. The computer processor dynamically develops a training schedule for the subject based on the subject's strain-recovery intervals. For example, the computer processor may generate an output that provides guidance to the subject on exercise, sleep, mindfulness (and / or other stress-relieving activities) and / or nutrition.

[0170] In some applications, in addition to receiving one or more urine-related parameters from one or more sensors, the computer processor is configured to receive inputs from the subject or other monitoring device (e.g., a smartwatch or smartphone) indicating the subject's exercise, sleep, mindfulness (and / or other stress-relief activities), and / or nutrition. In some applications, the computer processor is configured to identify patterns between (a) the subject's exercise, sleep, mindfulness (and / or other stress-relief activities), and / or nutrition, and (b) strain-recovery intervals for the subject. In some applications, based on the identified patterns, the computer processor generates outputs that provide guidance to the subject regarding the subject's exercise, sleep, mindfulness (and / or other stress-relief activities), and / or nutrition. In some applications, these outputs are configured to reduce the subject's strain-recovery intervals (indicated by urinary pterin concentration and / or urinary pterin derivative concentration). By dynamically monitoring urinary pterin concentration (and / or urinary pterin-derived concentration) and the subject's exercise, sleep, mindfulness (and / or other stress-relieving activities) and / or nutrition, the computer processor is configured to identify activity patterns that reduce the subject's strain-recovery interval (as indicated by urinary pterin concentration and / or urinary pterin-derived concentration).

[0171] In some applications, the computer processor (28) receives one or more urine-related parameters from one or more sensors and derives the concentrations of one or more types of pterins and / or pterin derivatives in the subject's urine. For example, the computer processor may derive the absolute concentration of neopterin and / or biopterin, and / or the normalized concentration of neopterin and / or biopterin (e.g., the concentration of neopterin and / or biopterin in the subject's urine normalized with respect to creatinine concentration and / or urine specific gravity). Alternatively or additionally, the computer processor (28) receives one or more stool-related parameters from one or more sensors and derives the concentrations of one or more types of pterins and / or pterin derivatives in the subject's stool. For example, a computer processor can derive the absolute concentrations of prostaglandin E-major urinary metabolite (PGE-MUM) and / or neopterin, and / or the normalized concentrations of prostaglandin E-major urinary metabolite (PGE-MUM) and / or neopterin (e.g., concentrations of prostaglandin E-major urinary metabolite (PGE-MUM) and / or neopterin normalized with respect to creatinine concentration and / or urine specific gravity). In some applications, the concentrations of prostaglandin E-major urinary metabolite (PGE-MUM) and / or neopterin in the subject's urine and / or stool are derived using the techniques described below. In some applications, the computer processor determines the level of systemic inflammation in the subject, at least in part, in response.

[0172] It should be noted that serum C-reactive protein (CRP) is a well-established and commonly used indicator of systemic inflammation. By using the technique described herein to derive the concentrations of one or more types of pterins in a subject's urine to determine the level of systemic inflammation in the subject, it can be used as a screening technique for a general population (or a subpopulation with risk factors), thereby enabling continuous non-invasive monitoring of the general population.

[0173] In some applications, the computer processor (28) receives one or more urine-related parameters from one or more sensors and derives the concentrations of one or more types of pterins and / or pterin derivatives in the subject's urine. For example, the computer processor may derive the absolute concentration of neopterin and / or biopterin, and / or the normalized concentration of neopterin and / or biopterin (e.g., the concentration of neopterin and / or biopterin in the subject's urine normalized with respect to creatinine concentration and / or urine specific gravity). Alternatively or additionally, the computer processor (28) receives one or more stool-related parameters from one or more sensors and derives the concentrations of one or more types of pterins and / or pterin derivatives in the subject's stool. For example, a computer processor can derive the absolute concentrations of prostaglandin E-major urinary metabolites (PGE-MUM) and / or neopterin, and / or the normalized concentrations of prostaglandin E-major urinary metabolites (PGE-MUM) and / or neopterin (e.g., concentrations of prostaglandin E-major urinary metabolites (PGE-MUM) and / or neopterin normalized with respect to creatinine concentration and / or urine specific gravity). In some applications, the concentrations of prostaglandin E-major urinary metabolites (PGE-MUM) and / or neopterin in the subject's urine and / or stool are derived using the techniques described below. In some applications, the computer processor monitors the progression of the subject's chronic inflammatory disease at least partially in response.

[0174] In some applications, a computer processor receives one or more urine-related parameters from one or more sensors and derives the concentrations of one or more types of pterins and / or pterin derivatives in the subject's urine. For example, the computer processor may derive the absolute concentration of neopterin and / or biopterin, and / or the normalized concentration of neopterin and / or biopterin (e.g., the concentration of neopterin and / or biopterin normalized with respect to creatinine concentration and / or urine specific gravity). In some applications, the concentrations of one or more types of pterins and / or pterin derivatives in the subject's urine are derived using the techniques described below. In some applications, the computer processor detects the subject's neurodegenerative process at least partially in response.

[0175] In some applications, the sensors (24) within the sensor module (22) include imaging components such as RGB cameras, spectral cameras, and / or hyperspectral cameras. Alternatively or additionally, one or more sensors may include one or more light sensors configured to receive light from body emissions. In some applications, the sensor module includes one or more lighting components. According to each application, such lighting components include lighting components configured to illuminate body emissions in given spectral bands (e.g., LEDs and / or lasers) and / or broadband light sources. In some applications, the broadband light source is used in combination with one or more bandpass filters (which may be used to filter emitted and / or detected light).

[0176] In some applications, the toilet is illuminated with broadband light, and the absorption of light within a given spectral range is detected to determine the concentration of one or more components in the subject's body effluent. In some applications, the toilet is illuminated with light within a specific wavelength band of interest to determine the concentration of one or more components in the subject's body effluent. In some applications, ambient light is used to illuminate the body effluent.

[0177] In some applications, the sensors are configured to detect light within the visible range, and the computer processor is configured to determine the concentration of one or more components in the subject's body excretions based on the light detected in the visible range. Alternatively or additionally, the sensors are configured to detect light in the near-infrared and / or mid-infrared range, and the computer processor is configured to determine the concentration of one or more components in the subject's body excretions based on the light detected in the near-infrared and / or mid-infrared range. Additionally, alternatively or additionally, the sensors are configured to detect light in the ultraviolet range, and the computer processor is configured to determine the concentration of one or more components in the subject's body excretions based on the light detected in the ultraviolet range.

[0178] As described above, for some applications, a computer processor is configured to determine the concentrations of urinary creatinine, NT-titin, urinary pterin, urinary neopterin, urinary biopterin, fecal pterin, fecal neopterin, fecal biopterin, and / or prostaglandin E-major urinary metabolites based on detected light.

[0179] In some of these applications, the computer processor derives the concentration of creatinine by detecting an absorbance peak centered between 500 nm and 570 nm (e.g., 510 nm to 550 nm). In some applications, the computer processor derives the concentration of creatinine based on the absorbance at the aforementioned absorbance peak compared to the absorbance at other wavelengths. In some applications, the computer processor identifies the optical signature of creatinine within the visible light range, for example, within the spectral range of 350 nm to 700 nm. In some of these applications, a computer processor detects the ratio between (a) light intensity in a wavelength band within this range where creatinine is expected to have an absorbance peak (e.g., 500 nm to 570 nm, and / or 510 nm to 550 nm) and (b) light intensity in a wavelength band within this range where creatinine is expected to have an absorbance trough (e.g., 600 to 680 nm, and / or 360 nm to 440 nm).

[0180] In some of these applications, a computer processor derives the concentration of pterin and / or pterin derivatives (e.g., urinary pterin, urinary neopterin, urinary biopterin, and / or prostaglandin E-major urinary metabolites) by means of a light sensor that detects light within a spectral range of 200 nm to 400 nm (e.g., within a spectral range of 240 nm to 360 nm). In some applications, a computer processor identifies the optical signature of pterin and / or pterin derivatives (e.g., urinary pterin, urinary neopterin, urinary biopterin, and / or prostaglandin E-major urinary metabolites) within a spectral range of 200 nm to 400 nm (e.g., within a spectral range of 240 nm to 360 nm).

[0181] In some applications, a computer processor derives the concentration of pterin and / or pterin derivatives (e.g., urinary pterin, urinary neopterin, urinary biopterin, and / or prostaglandin E-major urinary metabolite) by detecting the optical signature of acidic forms of pterin and / or pterin derivatives within the detected light. For example, a computer processor can detect an absorbance trough centered at 240 nm to 265 nm (e.g., 250 nm to 260 nm), an absorbance peak centered at 265 nm to 285 nm (e.g., 270 nm to 280 nm), an absorbance trough centered at 285 nm to 310 nm (e.g., 290 nm to 300 nm), and / or an absorbance peak centered at 330 nm to 360 nm (e.g., 340 nm to 350 nm), according to "New Results on the Photochemistry of Biopterin and Neopterin Aqueous Solution" by Vignoni et al. (Photochemistry and Photobiology, 85: 365-373). In some applications, a computer processor derives the concentration of pterin and / or pterin derivatives (e.g., urinary pterin, urinary neopterin, urinary biopterin, and / or prostaglandin E-major urinary metabolites) based on absorbance at the aforementioned absorbance peaks and / or troughs compared to absorbance at other wavelengths. In some of these applications, the computer processor detects the ratio between (a) the light intensity in a wavelength band where pterin or pterin derivatives are expected to have an absorption peak (e.g., as described above) and (b) the light intensity in a wavelength band where pterin or pterin derivatives are expected to have an absorption trough (e.g., as described above).

[0182] It should be noted that the term "absorbance peak" should be interpreted to refer to a part of the absorbance curve that exhibits a local maximum (e.g., a maximum within a range of plus or minus 25 nm from a part of the curve). Similarly, the term "absorbance trough" should be interpreted to refer to a part of the absorbance curve that exhibits a local minimum (e.g., a minimum within a range of plus or minus 25 nm from a part of the curve).

[0183] In some applications, a computer processor derives the concentration of pterin and / or pterin derivatives (e.g., urinary pterin, urinary neopterin, urinary biopterin, and / or prostaglandin E-major urinary metabolite) by detecting the optical signature of the basic form of pterin and / or pterin derivatives within the detected light. For example, according to "New Results on the Photochemistry of Biopterin and Neopterin Aqueous Solution" by Vignoni et al. (Photochemistry and Photobiology, 85: 365-373), a computer processor can detect an absorbance trough centered at 220 nm to 240 nm (e.g., 225 nm to 235 nm), an absorbance peak centered at 245 nm to 265 nm (e.g., 250 nm to 260 nm), an absorbance trough centered at 290 nm to 310 nm (e.g., 295 nm to 305 nm), and / or an absorbance peak centered at 350 nm to 370 nm (e.g., 355 nm to 365 nm). In some applications, a computer processor derives the concentration of pterin and / or pterin derivatives (e.g., urinary pterin, urinary neopterin, urinary biopterin, and / or prostaglandin E-major urinary metabolites) based on absorbance at the aforementioned absorbance peaks and / or troughs compared to absorbance at other wavelengths. In some of these applications, the computer processor detects the ratio between (a) the light intensity in a wavelength band where pterin or pterin derivatives are expected to have an absorbance peak (e.g., as described above) and (b) the light intensity in a wavelength band where pterin or pterin derivatives are expected to have an absorbance trough (e.g., as described above).

[0184] In some applications, one or more probes (e.g., one or more biosynthetic probes) are added to body effluent (e.g., via a solution or substrate dispensed into a toilet) and used to detect pterin and / or pterin derivatives (e.g., urinary pterin, urinary neopterin, urinary biopterin, and / or prostaglandin E-major uric acid metabolites) in the subject's body effluent. For example, molecularly imprinted polymers, antibodies, and / or chemical molecules configured to target pterin or pterin derivatives (or specific types of pterin and / or pterin derivatives (e.g., urinary pterin, urinary neopterin, urinary biopterin, and / or prostaglandin E-major urinary metabolites)) are added to the body effluent, and a sensor module is configured to detect parameters indicating the concentration of pterin and / or pterin derivatives by detecting the parameters of the probes.

[0185] In some applications, the probe is configured such that, when a targeted pterin and / or pterin derivative is present in body excretions, (a) the probe binds to the targeted pterin and / or pterin derivative, (b) the pterin and / or pterin derivative is thereby placed in a proximity state where it can react with a reporter molecule, and (c) the pterin or pterin derivative reacts with the reporter molecule to cause the reporter molecule to undergo a change. In some applications, the reporter molecule undergoes a color change, which is detected by a sensor. In some applications, the reporter molecule undergoes a change in physical properties, which may include a change in impedance, a change in sound wave attenuation by the molecule, and / or a change in microwave activity in the presence of the pterin or pterin derivative. In some applications, one or more sensors are configured to detect these changes in the physical properties of the reporter molecule. In some applications, a computer processor receives signals from one or more sensors and analyzes the received signals.

[0186] In some applications, the concentration of myoglobin in body excretions is derived by detecting a spectral band centered at wavelengths in the range of 530 nm to 785 nm (e.g., 530 nm to 600 nm). In some applications, two or more spectral bands centered around approximately 540 nm, 565 nm, and 575 nm are detected. In some applications, the width of the spectral band is greater than 3 nm (e.g., greater than 5 nm, or greater than 8 nm) and / or less than 40 nm (e.g., less than 20 nm, or less than 12 nm), e.g., 3 nm to 40 nm, 5 nm to 20 nm, or 8 nm to 12 nm. In some applications, one or more ratios of the intensities of the aforementioned spectral bands relative to one another are determined. For example, the ratio of the intensity of a spectral band centered around approximately 565 nm to the intensity of a band centered around approximately 575 nm (or vice versa) can be determined, and / or the ratio of the intensity of a spectral band centered around approximately 565 nm to the intensity of a band centered around approximately 540 nm (or vice versa) can be determined. For some applications, different relationships between the intensities of the aforementioned spectral bands relative to one another are determined.

[0187] In some applications, one or more sensors (24) are configured to derive the concentration of NT-titin by detecting light in the range of 190 nm to 250 nm (e.g., 200 nm to 240 nm). Within this range, NT-titin has an optical signature including a peak at approximately 200 nm, a trough at 210 nm to 230 nm, and another peak at approximately 240 nm. In some applications, a computer processor determines the concentration of NT-titin in urine based on absorbance exhibiting the aforementioned optical signature, which is compared with absorbance at other wavelengths. In some applications, in response to a determination that a subject has elevated urinary NT-titin (e.g., by detecting that the concentration of urinary NT-titin exceeds a predetermined threshold, such as a threshold of 1.5 to 20 ng / mL), the computer processor determines that the subject's elevated creatinine is caused at least partially by catabolic processes (step 42b).

[0188] Urine specific gravity is a measure of the concentration of solutes in urine by measuring the ratio of urine density to water density. In some applications, a computer processor measures the urine specific gravity of a subject. The urine of a healthy adult will often have a specific gravity in the range of 1.010 to 1.030. In some applications, a sensor module is configured to generate a signal indicating light absorption by the subject's urine, and a computer processor derives the specific gravity of the subject's urine based on this signal. In some applications, a computer processor derives the specific gravity of the subject's urine based on a sensor signal indicating the absorption of cyan-green light (e.g., light within the wavelength band of 480–520 nm) by the subject's urine.

[0189] In some applications, a computer processor normalizes the concentrations of entities such as neopterin, biopterin, prostaglandin E-major urinary metabolites, different pterin derivatives, myoglobin, and / or NT-titin. For example, the concentrations of one or more of these entities are normalized by dividing the urinary concentration by the urinary creatinine concentration and / or urinary specific gravity. In some applications, the urinary creatinine concentration and urinary specific gravity are determined as described above.

[0190] The applications of the disclosure described herein may take the form of a computer program product accessible from a computer-usable or computer-readable medium (e.g., a non-transient computer-readable medium) that provides program code for use by or in connection with a computer or any instruction execution system, such as a computer processor of a user interface device (32), a computer processor (28) placed within a housing (30), or a remote cloud-based computer processor. For the purposes of this description, the computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be any device capable of containing, storing, communicating, propagating, or transmitting a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, device, or device. The medium may be an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system (or device or device) or a radio medium. In some applications, the computer-usable or computer-readable medium is a non-transient computer-usable or computer-readable medium.

[0191] Examples of computer-readable media include semiconductor or solid-state memory, magnetic tape, removable computer diskettes, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), rigid magnetic disks, and optical disks. Current examples of optical disks include CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory), CD-R / W (Compact Disk-Read / Write), and DVD. For some applications, cloud storage is used.

[0192] A data processing system suitable for storing and / or executing program code will include at least one processor (e.g., a computer processor of the user interface device (32), a computer processor (28) placed within the housing (30), or a remote cloud-based computer processor) coupled directly or indirectly to memory elements (e.g., memory of the user interface device (32)) via a system bus. The memory elements may include local memory used during the actual execution of the program code, bulk storage, and cache memories that provide temporary storage for at least some of the program code to reduce the number of times the code must be retrieved from the bulk storage during execution. The system may read instructions of the present invention on program storage devices and follow these instructions to execute the methods of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0193] Network adapters can be coupled to a processor to enable the processor to be coupled to other processors, remote printers, or storage devices through intervening private or public networks. Modems, cable modems, and Ethernet cards are just some of the types of network adapters currently available.

[0194] Computer program code for performing the operations of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Java, Smalltalk, C++, etc., and conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as the C programming language or similar programming languages.

[0195] It will be understood that the algorithms described herein may be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or another programmable data processing device to create a machine, and instructions executed through the processor of the computer (e.g., a computer processor of a user interface device (32), a computer processor (28) placed within a housing (30), or a remote cloud-based computer processor) or another programmable data processing device create means for implementing the functions / operations specified in the algorithms described in this application. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable medium (e.g., a non-transient computer-readable medium) capable of instructing the computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a specific manner, and instructions stored in the computer-readable medium create a manufactured article comprising means of instruction for implementing the functions / operations specified in the algorithms. Computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device, so that a series of operational steps are performed on the computer or other programmable device to create a computer-implemented process, thereby enabling the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device to provide processes for implementing the functions / operations specified in the algorithms described in this application.

[0196] In some embodiments, the computer processors described herein are hardware devices programmed with computer program instructions to create a special-purpose computer. For example, when programmed to perform the algorithms described herein, the computer processor acts as a special-purpose body discharge analysis computer processor. In some applications, the operations described herein performed by the computer processors convert the physical state of memory, which is an actual physical article, to have different magnetic polarity, charge, etc., depending on the technology of the memory used.

[0197] A person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will find that the present invention is obvious to a person skilled in the art according to the present invention. Rather, the scope of the present disclosure includes combinations and sub-combinations of the various features described above, as well as variations and modifications not found in the prior art that may arise to a person skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description.

Claims

Claim 1 A device for use with a subject's bodily excrement, wherein the device comprises: one or more sensors coupled to a toilet and configured to detect one or more parameters relating to the subject's bodily excrement; and at least one computer processor, wherein the at least one computer processor, Receiving one or more parameters regarding the subject's body excretions from the one or more sensors mentioned above, and Deriving the concentration of pterin and / or pterin derivatives in the body excretions of the above subject, and A device configured to determine the level of inflammation of a subject in response, at least partially, to the concentration of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative in the body excretions of the subject. Claim 2 A device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one computer processor is configured to determine the level of systemic inflammation of the subject by at least partially responding to the concentration of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative in the subject's bodily excretions. Claim 3 A device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one computer processor is configured to monitor the progression of a subject's chronic inflammatory disease by responding at least partially to the concentration of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative in the subject's body excretions. Claim 4 An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the body excretion comprises urine, and the computer processor is configured to derive the concentration of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative in the body excretion of the subject by deriving the concentration of the prostaglandin E-major urinary metabolite in the urine. Claim 5 An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the body excretion comprises urine, and the computer processor is configured to derive the concentration of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative in the body excretion of the subject by deriving the concentration of neopterin in the urine. Claim 6 An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the body excretion comprises feces, and the computer processor is configured to derive the concentration of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative in the body excretion of the subject by deriving the concentration of neopterin in the feces. Claim 7 An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the one or more sensors comprise one or more optical sensors configured to detect light in the range of 200 nm to 400 nm, and the computer processor is configured to derive the concentration of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative in the body excretions of the subject by detecting the optical signature of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative within the detected light. Claim 8 An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the computer processor is configured to detect an optical signature of the acidic form of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative in the detected light by detecting a light intensity exhibiting one or more absorbance characteristics selected from the group consisting of an absorbance trough centered between 240 nm and 265 nm, an absorbance peak centered between 265 nm and 285 nm, an absorbance trough centered between 285 nm and 310 nm, and an absorbance peak centered between 330 nm and 360 nm. Claim 9 An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the computer processor is configured to detect the optical signature of the acidic form of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative in the detected light by detecting the ratio between the light intensity at at least one of the absorbance valleys and the light intensity at at least one of the absorbance peaks. Claim 10 An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the computer processor is configured to detect an optical signature of the basic form of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative in the detected light by detecting a light intensity exhibiting one or more absorbance characteristics selected from the group consisting of an absorbance trough centered between 220 nm and 240 nm, an absorbance peak centered between 245 nm and 265 nm, an absorbance trough centered between 290 nm and 310 nm, and an absorbance peak centered between 350 nm and 370 nm. Claim 11 An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the computer processor is configured to detect the optical signature of the basic form of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative in the detected light by detecting the ratio between the light intensity at at least one of the absorbance valleys and the light intensity at at least one of the absorbance peaks. Claim 12 As a method for use with bodily excretions of a subject, the method comprises, using at least one computer processor, A step of receiving one or more parameters regarding the subject's body excretions from one or more optical sensors coupled to a toilet, A step of deriving the concentration of pterin and / or pterin derivatives in the body excretions of the subject, and A method comprising the step of determining the level of inflammation of a subject in response, at least partially, to the concentration of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative in the body excretions of the subject. Claim 13 In claim 12, the step of determining the level of inflammation of the subject in response at least partially to the concentration of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative in the subject's body excretion comprises the step of determining the level of systemic inflammation of the subject in response at least partially to the concentration of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative in the subject's body excretion. Claim 14 A method according to claim 12, wherein the step of determining the level of inflammation of the subject in response at least partially to the concentration of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative in the subject's body excretion comprises the step of monitoring the progression of the subject's chronic inflammatory disease in response at least partially to the concentration of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative in the subject's body excretion. Claim 15 In claim 12, the body excretion comprises urine, and the step of deriving the concentration of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative in the body excretion of the subject comprises the step of deriving the concentration of the prostaglandin E-major urinary metabolite in the urine. Claim 16 In claim 12, the body excretion comprises urine, and the step of deriving the concentration of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative in the body excretion of the subject comprises the step of deriving the concentration of neopterin in the urine. Claim 17 In claim 12, the body excretion comprises feces, and the step of deriving the concentration of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative in the body excretion of the subject comprises the step of deriving the concentration of neopterin in the feces. Claim 18 A method according to any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein one or more optical sensors are configured to detect light in the range of 200 nm to 400 nm, and the step of deriving the concentration of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative in the body excretion of the subject comprises the step of detecting the optical signature of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative in the detected light. Claim 19 In claim 18, the step of detecting the optical signature of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative in the detected light comprises detecting the optical signature of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative in an acidic form in the detected light by detecting a light intensity exhibiting one or more absorbance characteristics selected from the group consisting of an absorbance trough centered between 240 nm and 265 nm, an absorbance peak centered between 265 nm and 285 nm, an absorbance trough centered between 285 nm and 310 nm, and an absorbance peak centered between 330 nm and 360 nm. Claim 20 In claim 19, the step of detecting the optical signature of the acidic form of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative in the detected light comprises the step of detecting the ratio between the light intensity at at least one of the absorbance valleys and the light intensity at at least one of the absorbance peaks. Claim 21 In claim 18, the step of detecting the optical signature of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative in the detected light comprises detecting the optical signature of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative in the detected light by detecting a light intensity exhibiting one or more absorbance characteristics selected from the group consisting of an absorbance trough centered between 220 nm and 240 nm, an absorbance peak centered between 245 nm and 265 nm, an absorbance trough centered between 290 nm and 310 nm, and an absorbance peak centered between 350 nm and 370 nm. Claim 22 A method according to claim 21, wherein the step of detecting the optical signature of the basic form of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative in the detected light comprises the step of detecting the ratio between the light intensity at at least one of the absorbance valleys and the light intensity at at least one of the absorbance peaks. Claim 23 As a device, it comprises one or more sensors coupled to a toilet and configured to detect one or more urine-related parameters regarding the urine of a subject; and at least one computer processor, wherein the at least one computer processor, Periodically, receiving one or more urine-related parameters from one or more of the above sensors, and Determining a strain-recovery interval for the subject in response at least partially to one or more of the above-mentioned urine-related parameters, and A device configured to dynamically develop a training schedule for said subject based on the strain-recovery interval of said subject. Claim 24 A device according to claim 23, wherein the at least one computer processor is configured to periodically receive one or more urine-related parameters from the one or more sensors by periodically receiving one or more urine-related parameters representing the concentration of myoglobin in the urine of the subject from the one or more sensors, and the at least one computer processor is configured to derive the concentration of myoglobin in the urine therefrom. Claim 25 A device according to claim 23, wherein the at least one computer processor is configured to periodically receive one or more urine-related parameters from the one or more sensors by periodically receiving one or more urine-related parameters representing the concentration of NT-titin in the urine of the subject from the one or more sensors, and the at least one computer processor is configured to derive the concentration of NT-titin in the urine therefrom. Claim 26 In paragraph 23, the device is configured such that at least one computer processor generates an output that provides guidance to the subject regarding the scheduling of activities selected from a group consisting of exercise, sleep, mindfulness, stress relief activities, and nutritional intake. Claim 27 An apparatus according to any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein the at least one computer processor is configured to receive inputs representing the subject’s activity selected from a group consisting of exercise, sleep, mindfulness, stress relief activities, and nutritional intake, and the computer processor is configured to dynamically develop the training schedule for the subject based on the subject’s strain-recovery intervals and the received inputs. Claim 28 In paragraph 27, the device, wherein the computer processor is configured to receive the input from the subject. Claim 29 In paragraph 27, the computer processor is configured to be used with a device configured to automatically monitor the selected activity, and the computer processor is configured to receive the input from the device. Claim 30 A device according to claim 23, wherein the at least one computer processor is configured to periodically receive one or more urine-related parameters from the one or more sensors by periodically receiving one or more urine-related parameters representing the concentration of pterin and / or pterin derivatives in the urine of the subject from the one or more sensors, and the at least one computer processor is configured to derive the concentration of the pterin and / or pterin derivatives from the one or more urine-related parameters. Claim 31 A device according to claim 30, wherein the at least one computer processor is configured to periodically receive one or more urine-related parameters from the one or more sensors by periodically receiving one or more urine-related parameters representing the concentration of neopterin in the urine of the subject from the one or more sensors, and the at least one computer processor is configured to derive the urine neopterin concentration therefrom. Claim 32 A device according to claim 30, wherein the at least one computer processor is configured to periodically receive one or more urine-related parameters from the one or more sensors by periodically receiving one or more urine-related parameters representing the concentration of biopterin in the urine of the subject from the one or more sensors, and the at least one computer processor is configured to derive the concentration of biopterin in the urine therefrom. Claim 33 An apparatus according to claim 30, wherein the one or more sensors comprise one or more optical sensors configured to detect light in the range of 200 nm to 400 nm, and the computer processor is configured to derive the concentration of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative in the urine of the subject by detecting the optical signature of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative within the detected light. Claim 34 An apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the computer processor is configured to detect an optical signature of the acidic form of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative in the detected light by detecting a light intensity exhibiting one or more absorbance characteristics selected from the group consisting of an absorbance trough centered between 240 nm and 265 nm, an absorbance peak centered between 265 nm and 285 nm, an absorbance trough centered between 285 nm and 310 nm, and an absorbance peak centered between 330 nm and 360 nm. Claim 35 An apparatus according to claim 34, wherein the computer processor is configured to detect the optical signature of the acidic form of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative in the detected light by detecting the ratio between the light intensity at at least one of the absorbance valleys and the light intensity at at least one of the absorbance peaks. Claim 36 An apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the computer processor is configured to detect an optical signature of the basic form of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative in the detected light by detecting a light intensity exhibiting one or more absorbance characteristics selected from the group consisting of an absorbance trough centered between 220 nm and 240 nm, an absorbance peak centered between 245 nm and 265 nm, an absorbance trough centered between 290 nm and 310 nm, and an absorbance peak centered between 350 nm and 370 nm. Claim 37 An apparatus according to claim 36, wherein the computer processor is configured to detect the optical signature of the basic form of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative in the detected light by detecting the ratio between the light intensity at at least one of the absorbance valleys and the light intensity at at least one of the absorbance peaks. Claim 38 As a method, using at least one computer processor, Step of periodically receiving one or more urine-related parameters regarding the subject's urine from one or more optical sensors coupled to a toilet, At least partially in response thereto, the step of determining a strain-recovery interval for the subject, and A method comprising the step of dynamically developing a training schedule for a subject based on the strain-recovery interval of the subject. Claim 39 A device for use with a subject's urine, wherein the device comprises: one or more sensors coupled to a toilet and configured to detect one or more urine-related parameters regarding the subject's urine; and at least one computer processor, wherein the at least one computer processor Receiving one or more urine-related parameters from one or more of the above sensors, and Deriving the concentration of pterin and / or pterin derivatives in the urine of the above subject, and A device configured to detect neurodegenerative processes in a subject in response, at least partially, to the concentration of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative in the urine of the subject. Claim 40 An apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the one or more sensors comprise one or more optical sensors configured to detect light in the range of 200 nm to 400 nm, and the computer processor is configured to derive the concentration of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative in the urine of the subject by detecting the optical signature of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative within the detected light. Claim 41 An apparatus according to claim 40, wherein the computer processor is configured to detect an optical signature of the acidic form of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative in the detected light by detecting a light intensity exhibiting one or more absorbance characteristics selected from the group consisting of an absorbance trough centered between 240 nm and 265 nm, an absorbance peak centered between 265 nm and 285 nm, an absorbance trough centered between 285 nm and 310 nm, and an absorbance peak centered between 330 nm and 360 nm. Claim 42 An apparatus according to claim 41, wherein the computer processor is configured to detect the optical signature of the acidic form of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative in the detected light by detecting the ratio between the light intensity at at least one of the absorbance valleys and the light intensity at at least one of the absorbance peaks. Claim 43 An apparatus according to claim 40, wherein the computer processor is configured to detect an optical signature of the basic form of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative in the detected light by detecting a light intensity exhibiting one or more absorbance characteristics selected from the group consisting of an absorbance trough centered between 220 nm and 240 nm, an absorbance peak centered between 245 nm and 265 nm, an absorbance trough centered between 290 nm and 310 nm, and an absorbance peak centered between 350 nm and 370 nm. Claim 44 An apparatus according to claim 43, wherein the computer processor is configured to detect the optical signature of the basic form of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative in the detected light by detecting the ratio between the light intensity at at least one of the absorbance valleys and the light intensity at at least one of the absorbance peaks. Claim 45 As a method, using at least one computer processor, A step of receiving one or more urine-related parameters regarding the subject's urine from one or more optical sensors coupled to a toilet, A step of deriving the concentration of pterin and / or pterin derivatives in the urine of the above subject, and A method comprising the step of detecting a neurodegenerative process of a subject in response at least partially to the concentration of pterin and / or a pterin derivative in the urine of the subject. Claim 46 As a device, it comprises one or more sensors coupled to a toilet and configured to detect one or more urine-related parameters regarding the urine of a subject; and at least one computer processor, wherein the at least one computer processor, Receiving one or more urine-related parameters from one or more of the above sensors, and Deriving the concentration of one or more entities in the urine of the subject that indicate a catabolic process, and A device configured to determine a strain-recovery interval for a subject in response, at least partially, to the concentration of one or more entities in the urine of the subject. Claim 47 In claim 46, the device is configured such that at least one computer processor derives the concentration of one or more entities in the urine of the subject that represent a catabolic process by deriving the concentration of myoglobin in the urine of the subject. Claim 48 In claim 46, the device is configured such that at least one computer processor derives the concentration of one or more entities in the urine of the subject that indicate a catabolic process by deriving the concentration of NT-titin in the urine of the subject. Claim 49 In claim 46, the device is configured such that at least one computer processor derives the concentration of one or more entities in the urine of the subject that represent a catabolic process by deriving the concentration of pterin and / or pterin derivatives in the urine of the subject. Claim 50 In claim 49, the device is configured such that at least one computer processor derives the concentration of one or more entities in the urine of the subject that represent a catabolic process by deriving the concentration of neopterin in the urine of the subject. Claim 51 In claim 49, the device is configured such that at least one computer processor derives the concentration of one or more entities in the urine of the subject that indicate a catabolic process by deriving the concentration of biopterin. Claim 52 An apparatus according to claim 49, wherein the one or more sensors comprise one or more optical sensors configured to detect light in the range of 200 nm to 400 nm, and the computer processor is configured to detect the concentration of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative in the urine of the subject by detecting the optical signature of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative within the detected light. Claim 53 An apparatus according to claim 52, wherein the computer processor is configured to detect an optical signature of the acidic form of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative in the detected light by detecting a light intensity exhibiting one or more absorbance characteristics selected from the group consisting of an absorbance trough centered between 240 nm and 265 nm, an absorbance peak centered between 265 nm and 285 nm, an absorbance trough centered between 285 nm and 310 nm, and an absorbance peak centered between 330 nm and 360 nm. Claim 54 An apparatus according to claim 53, wherein the computer processor is configured to detect the optical signature of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative in the detected light by detecting the ratio between the light intensity at at least one of the absorbance valleys and the light intensity at at least one of the absorbance peaks. Claim 55 An apparatus according to claim 52, wherein the computer processor is configured to detect an optical signature of the basic form of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative in the detected light by detecting a light intensity exhibiting one or more absorbance characteristics selected from the group consisting of an absorbance trough centered between 220 nm and 240 nm, an absorbance peak centered between 245 nm and 265 nm, an absorbance trough centered between 290 nm and 310 nm, and an absorbance peak centered between 350 nm and 370 nm. Claim 56 An apparatus according to claim 55, wherein the computer processor is configured to detect the optical signature of the basic form of the pterin and / or the pterin derivative in the detected light by detecting the ratio between the light intensity at at least one of the absorbance valleys and the light intensity at at least one of the absorbance peaks. Claim 57 As a method, using at least one computer processor, A step of receiving one or more urine-related parameters regarding the subject's urine from one or more optical sensors coupled to a toilet, A step of deriving the concentration of one or more entities in the urine of the subject indicating a catabolic process, and A method comprising the step of determining a strain-recovery interval for a subject in at least partially responding to the concentration of one or more entities in the urine of the subject.

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