Microfluidic device for a toilet

Abstract

The invention relates to a microfluidic device for a toilet. A system is provided for discharging body discharge into a toilet bowl of a toilet and for use with a channel in fluid communication with the toilet bowl such that the toilet is flushable via the channel. The system includes a microfluidic device that includes at least one microfluidic conduit and is positionable within the channel such that when the toilet is flushed, a portion of the body discharge fills the microfluidic conduit. The microscopic imaging device is configured to acquire at least one microscopic image of a portion of the body discharge while the portion is in the microfluidic conduit. Other applications are also described.

Description

Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 698,109, entitled “Toilet with Microfluidic Device” by Kapp-Barnea, filed September 24, 2024, which is incorporated by reference herein. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the analysis of bodily discharges, such as urine and feces. In particular, some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a toilet-based system for analyzing such discharges. BACKGROUND

[0003] Various microscopic particles (or “entities”) found in urine or feces can be indicative of potential infections, diseases, or other physiological conditions. For example, microcrystals in a subject’s urine can be indicative of the subject being dehydrated or the subject’s blood containing an abnormally high level of a substance, such as ethylene glycol, calcium (e.g., calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, or calcium oxalate), uric acid, or bilirubin. Various types of bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms in a subject’s feces can be indicative of an infection. SUMMARY

[0004] To identify microscopic particles in a bodily discharge, such as urine or feces, it is often helpful to image the bodily discharge under a microscope. However, it is often impractical to safely collect a sample of the bodily discharge for such imaging.

[0005] To address this challenge, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a microscopy imaging system that advantageously does not require any manual collection of a sample. The system is used with a passageway, such as a siphon, that is configured to be in fluid communication with a toilet bowl of a toilet into which the bodily discharge is discharged, such that the toilet is flushable via the passageway. The system includes a microfluidic device that includes at least one microfluidic channel and is disposed within the passageway such that, when the toilet is flushed, a portion of the bodily discharge fills the microfluidic channel. The system further includes a microscopy imaging device that is configured to acquire at least one microscopic image of the portion of the bodily discharge while the portion is in the microfluidic channel.

[0006] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a tube configured to connect the microfluidic conduit to a tank of a toilet. After flushing the toilet, some water from the tank flows through the microfluidic conduit via the tube, thereby dislodging a portion of the bodily discharge from the microfluidic conduit. Alternatively or additionally, the system further comprises a vibrating element configured to vibrate the microfluidic device after flushing the toilet, so as to dislodge a portion of the bodily discharge from the microfluidic conduit.

[0007] Typically, the system further comprises a processor configured to process any acquired microscopic images, so as to derive properties of the bodily discharge from the microscopic images, such as a count and classification of particles in a portion of the bodily discharge. In some embodiments, the system further comprises at least one sensor, such as a light sensor and / or a microphone, configured to sense the bodily discharge prior to the toilet being flushed. The processor is further configured to derive additional properties of the bodily discharge from the output of the sensor. For some applications, the processor is configured to derive a macroscopic property of the sample from the output of the sensor, such as a concentration of the bodily discharge in the toilet bowl. For some applications, the processor is configured to transmit an output that combines the microscopic properties with the macroscopic properties. For example, in some embodiments, based on the count of particles derived from the microscopic imaging and the concentration of the bodily discharge derived from the macroscopic sensing, the processor calculates and outputs an estimated concentration of particles in the bodily discharge.

[0008] Thus, according to some applications of the present disclosure, there is provided a system for bodily discharge that is discharged into a toilet bowl of a toilet and for use with a channel that is in fluid communication with the toilet bowl, such that the toilet is flushable via the channel, the system comprising: a microfluidic device comprising at least one microfluidic conduit and being placeable within the channel, such that when the toilet is flushed, a portion of the bodily discharge fills the microfluidic conduit; and a microscopic imaging device configured to acquire at least one microscopic image of the portion of the bodily discharge while it is in the microfluidic conduit.

[0009] In some embodiments, the system further comprises the toilet, and wherein the channel is integrated into the toilet.

[0010] In some embodiments, the channel comprises a siphon of the toilet.

[0011] In some embodiments, the inlet of the microfluidic conduit is configured to be exposed to air other than during flushing of the toilet.

[0012] In some embodiments, the channel is configured for installation downstream of the toilet.

[0013] In some embodiments, the system includes a channel, and the walls of the channel are shaped to define an opening, and The microfluidic device is installed in the opening and includes a transparent cover facing the microscopic imaging device.

[0014] In some embodiments, the microscopic imaging device is configured to perform spectral imaging of a portion of bodily excretions when that portion is in a microfluidic channel.

[0015] In some embodiments, the toilet includes a water tank configured to be refilled with water after flushing. The system also includes a tube configured to connect a microfluidic conduit to a water tank, such that after flushing the toilet, some water flows from the tank through the tube into the microfluidic conduit, thereby removing a portion of bodily waste from the microfluidic conduit.

[0016] In some embodiments, the system also includes a valve connected to the pipe and configured to open for a predefined duration after flushing the toilet.

[0017] In some embodiments, the system also includes a vibrating element configured to vibrate the microfluidic device after flushing the toilet in order to remove a portion of bodily waste from the microfluidic conduit.

[0018] In some embodiments, the system further includes a processor configured to process the microscopic images to extract a count and classification of particles in a portion of bodily excretions from the images.

[0019] In some embodiments, the system further includes: At least one sensor, configured to sense bodily discharge before the toilet is flushed, and to output a signal in response to the sensing; and The processor is configured as follows: One or more primary characteristics of bodily excretions are derived from images by processing microscopic images. Derivation of one or more secondary characteristics of bodily excretions from signals, and The output combines the first and second characteristics.

[0020] In some embodiments, the sensor includes a light sensor.

[0021] In some embodiments, the sensor includes a microphone.

[0022] In some embodiments, one or more second characteristics include the concentration of bodily excrement in the toilet bowl.

[0023] In some embodiments, one or more first features include counting and classifying particles in a portion of bodily excrement, and the output includes the concentration of particles in bodily excrement.

[0024] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a system for discharging bodily waste into a toilet bowl is also provided, the system comprising: A microfluidic device comprising at least one microfluidic conduit and configured to be positioned inside or downstream of a toilet bowl, such that a portion of bodily excrement fills the microfluidic conduit. A microscopic imaging device configured to acquire at least one microscopic image of a portion of bodily excretion while that portion is in a microfluidic channel; At least one sensor, configured to sense bodily excretions outside the microfluidic channel and output a signal in response to sensing; and The processor is configured as follows: One or more primary characteristics of bodily excretions are derived from images by processing microscopic images. Derivation of one or more secondary characteristics of bodily excretions from signals, and The output combines the first and second characteristics.

[0025] In some embodiments, the sensor includes a light sensor.

[0026] In some embodiments, the sensor includes a microphone.

[0027] In some embodiments, the microscopic imaging device is configured to perform spectral imaging of a portion of bodily excretions when that portion is in a microfluidic channel.

[0028] In some embodiments, one or more first characteristics include counting and classifying particles in a portion of bodily excrement.

[0029] In some embodiments, one or more second characteristics include the concentration of bodily excrement in the toilet bowl.

[0030] In some embodiments, the output includes the concentration of particles in bodily excrement.

[0031] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a system for discharging bodily waste into a toilet bowl and used in conjunction with a conduit is also provided. The toilet includes a tank configured to refill with water after flushing, the conduit being in fluid communication with the toilet bowl, allowing the toilet to be flushed via the conduit. The system includes: A microfluidic device comprising at least one microfluidic conduit and placeable within a channel such that, when the toilet is flushed, a portion of bodily waste fills the microfluidic conduit; and The tube is configured to connect a microfluidic conduit to a water tank, such that after flushing the toilet, some water flows from the tank through the tube into the microfluidic conduit, thereby removing a portion of bodily waste from the microfluidic conduit.

[0032] In some embodiments, the system also includes a valve connected to the pipe and configured to open for a predefined duration after flushing the toilet.

[0033] In some embodiments, the system also includes a vibrating element configured to vibrate the microfluidic device after flushing the toilet in order to remove a portion of bodily waste from the microfluidic conduit.

[0034] In some embodiments, the inlet of the microfluidic conduit is configured to be exposed to air except during toilet flushing.

[0035] In some embodiments, the channel is configured to be installed downstream of the toilet.

[0036] In some embodiments, the system also includes a toilet, wherein the channel is integrated into the toilet.

[0037] In some embodiments, the channel includes the siphon of a toilet.

[0038] This disclosure will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Brief description of the attached diagram

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a system for analyzing bodily excretions according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 2 These are schematic diagrams of a toilet according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating components of a sensor module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed description

[0040] First refer to Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a system 21, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, for analyzing bodily excretions 26 (such as urine or feces) discharged by a subject into the toilet bowl 23 of a toilet 20. See also... Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a toilet 20 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] System 21 is typically used in conjunction with channel 25, which is in fluid communication with the toilet bowl 23, allowing the toilet 20 to be flushed via channel 25 (e.g., Figure 2 (Indicated by flush mark 27). Typically, in addition to the toilet bowl 23, the toilet 20 also includes a seat 88 and / or a water tank 64, which is configured to empty into the toilet bowl during flushing and refill with water 66 after flushing. Typically, the toilet 20 can be a siphon toilet, a direct-flush toilet, or any other type of toilet.

[0042] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, channel 25 is integrated into toilet 20. For example, in some embodiments, channel 25 includes the siphon of the toilet. In other embodiments, channel 25 is configured to be installed downstream of the toilet, for example, behind the wall or under the floor of the bathroom where the toilet is installed.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, system 21 includes a microfluidic device 52 comprising at least one microfluidic conduit 54 and can be positioned within channel 25 such that when the toilet is flushed, a portion of bodily waste (when mixed with water from the toilet bowl) fills the microfluidic conduit 54, for example, via capillary action (as indicated by flow marker 56). For example, in some embodiments, the walls of channel 25 are shaped to define an opening 62, and the microfluidic device 52 is mounted into opening 62. Typically, the inlet 55 of the microfluidic conduit is exposed to air except during toilet flushing, allowing bodily waste 26 to easily flow into the microfluidic conduit when the toilet is flushed. For example, in some embodiments where toilet 20 is siphon-type, the microfluidic device is positioned within the siphon of the toilet such that inlet 55 is above the quiescent water level in the toilet bowl 23.

[0044] For some applications, the walls of the channel are shaped to define an opening 62, and the microfluidic device 52 is reversibly mounted into the opening 62, allowing the microfluidic device to be replaced periodically.

[0045] In some embodiments, conduit 54 is closed, allowing fluid to enter or exit the conduit only through a dedicated opening such as inlet 55. In other embodiments, conduit 54 is open.

[0046] System 21 also includes a microscopic imaging module 94, which includes a microscopic imaging device 58 configured to acquire at least one microscopic image of a portion of bodily excretion while it is within the microfluidic conduit 54. Typically, the microscopic imaging device 58 includes a light source 59 (such as one or more light-emitting diodes) configured to emit light, an imaging sensor (such as a charge-coupled device or complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor), and one or more magnifying lenses configured to sense the reflection of emitted light and / or light that fluoresces in response to emitted light. Typically, in embodiments where the microfluidic device 52 is mounted in the opening 62, the microscopic imaging module 94 is located behind the wall of the channel 25, and the microfluidic device 52 includes a transparent cover facing the microscopic imaging device.

[0047] In some embodiments, the microscopic imaging device 58 is configured to perform spectral imaging of a portion of bodily excrement while it is within a microfluidic channel. For example, in some embodiments, the light source 59 includes a plurality of emitters configured to emit light in different corresponding wavelength ranges, and / or the imaging sensor includes a plurality of spatially arranged filters configured to transmit light in different corresponding wavelength ranges. Advantageously, spectral imaging aids in the detection of particles in bodily excrement.

[0048] In some embodiments, light source 59 illuminates the microfluidic channel with ultraviolet light (such as light with wavelengths between 300 nm and 400 nm, e.g., approximately 365 nm) to induce fluorescence, typically in the visible or near-infrared range. Alternatively or additionally, light source 59 illuminates the microfluidic channel with broadband illumination, typically reflected in the visible range (e.g., illumination having a wavelength band between 400 nm and 800 nm). Alternatively or additionally, light source 59 illuminates the microfluidic channel in the near-infrared range (e.g., with light with wavelengths between 650 nm and 1050 nm). Alternatively or additionally, the microscopic imaging device images a portion of the body excrement based on light emitted by the body excrement, even without illuminating the microfluidic channel. (In such embodiments, the microscopic imaging device does not necessarily include a light source.) For example, in some embodiments, the microscopic imaging device acquires thermal images in the near-infrared range.

[0049] In some embodiments, system 21 further includes a conduit 70 configured to connect microfluidic conduit 54 to a tank 64, such that after flushing the toilet, some water 66 flows from the tank 64 through the microfluidic conduit 54 via the conduit 70 (as indicated by flow marker 68). Thus, water removes a portion of bodily waste from the microfluidic conduit (as indicated by another flow marker 72). Typically, in such embodiments, system 21 also includes a valve 74 connected to the conduit 70 (e.g., connected to the inlet or outlet of the conduit) and configured to open for a predefined duration after flushing the toilet.

[0050] Alternatively or additionally, system 21 also includes a vibrating element 31 configured to vibrate the microfluidic device 52 after flushing the toilet to remove a portion of bodily waste from the microfluidic conduit 54. In some embodiments, the vibrating element 31 includes a pair of electrodes and / or piezoelectric elements that contact the microfluidic device and thus vibrate the microfluidic device when an electric current passes through the vibrating element. Alternatively or additionally, the vibrating element 31 includes an ultrasonic transmitter configured to emit ultrasonic waves that vibrate the microfluidic device.

[0051] More generally, the microfluidic device 52 can be configured to be positioned anywhere within or downstream of the toilet 20, such that a portion of bodily waste (typically, when mixed with toilet water) fills the microfluidic conduit 54.

[0052] Now refer to another source Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating the components of a sensor module 22 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0053] In some embodiments, system 21 further includes one or more sensors 76, each sensor 76 being configured to detect bodily discharge 26 outside the microfluidic conduit 54 typically before the toilet is flushed (e.g., when bodily discharge is discharged and / or when bodily discharge is in the toilet bowl) and to output a signal in response to sensing. Typically, the sensors 76 are contained in a sensor module 22, which typically includes a waterproof housing.

[0054] For example, in some embodiments, system 21 includes a microphone 40 configured to sense the sound of bodily waste being expelled. Alternatively or additionally, system 21 includes a light sensor 42, such as an imaging sensor and / or a spectral sensor, configured to sense light emitted, reflected, or fluoresced from bodily waste 26 when bodily waste is expelled and / or when bodily waste is in the toilet bowl 23. Typically, in such embodiments, system 21 also includes a light source 24 configured to emit light 78 at the bodily waste (in... Figure 1(Illustrated schematically), thus illuminating the body excrement for the light sensor 42. Typically, the surface of the sensor module below the light source 24 and the light sensor 42 is transparent.

[0055] In some embodiments, sensor module 22 is connected to mains power. Alternatively or additionally, such as Figure 1 As shown, the sensor module 22 is powered either wired or wirelessly by a power supply 28 (e.g., a battery pack) disposed within the housing 30. For example, in some embodiments, such as... Figure 1 As shown, sensor module 22 is connected to housing 30 via connecting arm 82, which is mounted on the edge 80 of toilet bowl 23, such that the sensor module is inside the toilet bowl while the housing is outside the toilet bowl. (In some such embodiments, the sensor module is at least partially immersed in the toilet bowl.) In other embodiments, the sensor module is integrated into toilet bowl 23.

[0056] In some embodiments, the microscopic imaging module 94 is also powered by power supply 28 (e.g., via a wired connection). In other embodiments, module 94 is powered by a separate power supply.

[0057] Typically, sensor module 22 includes a computer processor 44 configured to control other components of the sensor module (such as light source 24 and / or sensor 76) and / or receive input from other components of the sensor module (such as light source 24 and / or sensor 76). In some embodiments, processor 44 is also configured to instruct microscopic imaging module 94 to begin imaging bodily excretions in microfluidic channels in response to one or more inputs indicating that the toilet has been flushed. Examples of such inputs include signals from microphone 40, images acquired by light sensor 42, and a dedicated flushing sensor 90 (which is coupled to the flushing mechanism 92 of the toilet) Figure 2 (as shown in the diagram). Typically, the processor instructs the microscopic imaging module to begin imaging after a predefined duration from the start of rinsing. Typically, the processor 44 is also configured to receive outputs such as microscopic images from the microscopic imaging module 94.

[0058] In some embodiments, to facilitate communication exchange with the microscopic imaging module 94, the sensor module 22 is wired to the microscopic imaging module 94. Alternatively, the sensor module 22 further includes a communication module 48, which includes a wireless communication interface, and the microscopic imaging module 94 further includes another wireless communication interface 84. Figure 2 The other wireless communication interface 84 is configured to exchange communication with the communication module 48.

[0059] Similarly, in some embodiments, processor 44 is also configured to open valve 74 and / or activate vibrating element 31 in response to one or more inputs indicating that the toilet has been flushed. For example, in some embodiments, the processor opens valve 74 and / or activates vibrating element 31 after a predefined duration from the start of flushing (which is typically the duration required for tank 64 to be almost completely refilled). Subsequently, after another predefined duration, the processor closes the valve and / or deactivates the vibrating element. The processor can be connected to valve 74 and / or vibrating element 31 via any suitable wired or wireless connection.

[0060] In some embodiments, sensor module 22 includes memory 46, wherein processor 44 is configured to store data, such as microscopic images received from the microscopic imaging module. In some such embodiments, memory 46 includes a removable memory card, such as a secure digital card.

[0061] Usually, such as Figure 1 As shown, system 21 also includes a processor 96 configured to process microscopic images acquired by the microscopic imaging device 58 to derive one or more characteristics of the body excretion from the images. In some embodiments, these characteristics include the counting and classification (i.e., type) of particles in a portion of the body excretion within the microfluidic conduit 54. For example, by processing the images, processor 96 can (e.g., based on a predefined library depicting how each type of microorganism emits, reflects, and / or fluoresces light) classify the particles as urinary microcrystals, bacteria, fungi, or another type of microorganism, and further estimate the particle count.

[0062] Typically, in embodiments where the system includes sensor 76, processor 96 is also configured to process any signals output by the sensor to derive additional characteristics of the bodily excrement from the signals. For some applications, the additional characteristics include one or more macroscopic characteristics of the sample. In some embodiments, characteristics include: the type of bodily excrement in the toilet bowl, the volume of urine in the toilet bowl, the mass of feces in the toilet bowl, and Bristol scale classification and / or the concentration of bodily excrement in the toilet bowl. For some applications, the processor is also configured to deliver an output that combines the first characteristic with the second characteristic by including both sets of characteristics and / or another characteristic of the bodily excrement derived from both sets of characteristics. For example, in some embodiments, the output includes the concentration of each type of particle of interest in the bodily excrement (i.e., the number of particles per unit volume), derived from the particle count in the microscopic sample and the concentration of the bodily excrement in the toilet bowl (e.g., the concentration of urine in the toilet bowl).

[0063] In some embodiments, the processor 96 belongs to a device 98 located remotely from the toilet 20, such as a cloud server. In such embodiments, typically, the processor 44 of the sensor module 22 is configured to transmit data acquired by the microscopic imaging module 94 and the sensor 76 to the device 98 via a communication module 48 through at least one network 100 (e.g., a Wi-Fi network and / or the Internet).

[0064] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, system 21 also includes at least one device 32, which, for example, belongs to the subject or the subject's healthcare provider. Processor 96 is configured to transmit the aforementioned output to device 32, for example, via network 100, and device 32 includes a display 86 configured to display the output. In some embodiments, device 32 includes a smartphone 34, a tablet computer 36, or a laptop computer 38.

[0065] In some embodiments, in addition to the characteristics of bodily excretions, the output from processor 96 may also include additional details and / or instructions. For example, based on analysis of bodily excretions, processor 96 may output a message indicating whether a condition such as thrush or diarrhea is bacterial or fungal. Alternatively or additionally, the processor may output a recommended treatment plan, which may include the ingestion of antibiotics or antifungal agents. Alternatively or additionally, the processor may instruct the subject to seek medical care.

[0066] In some embodiments, one or more other processors perform at least some of the functions of the processor 96 described above. For example, in some embodiments, the processor 44 and / or the processor of the device 32 perform analysis of data from the microscopic imaging module 94 and / or the sensor 76.

[0067] In some embodiments, sensor module 22 includes an indicator 50 configured to indicate to a subject when a sample has been successfully imaged and / or when data has been successfully transmitted to a remote device. In some embodiments, indicator 50 includes a visual indicator, such as a light-emitting diode. Alternatively or additionally, indicator 50 includes an audio indicator (e.g., a speaker configured to emit a beeping sound). The indicator typically interacts with other components of the sensor module, such as a computer processor and / or a communication module.

[0068] Typically, each of the processors described herein can be implemented as a single processor or as a collaboratively networked or clustered collection of processors. The functionality of the processor can be implemented solely in hardware, such as using one or more fixed-function or general-purpose integrated circuits, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and / or field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). Alternatively, the functionality can be implemented at least partially in software. For example, the processor can be implemented as a programmed processor including, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) and / or a graphics processing unit (GPU). Program code and / or data, including software programs, can be loaded for execution and processing by the CPU and / or GPU. The program code and / or data can be downloaded to the processor electronically, for example, via a network. Alternatively or additionally, the program code and / or data can be provided and / or stored on a non-transitory tangible medium, such as magnetic, optical, or electronic memory. Such program code and / or data, when provided to the processor, create a machine or special-purpose computer configured to perform the tasks described herein.

[0069] Those skilled in the art will understand that this disclosure is not limited to the content specifically shown and described above. Rather, the scope of protection of this disclosure includes combinations and sub-combinations of the various features described above, as well as variations and modifications of these features that would occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description and that are not found in the prior art.

Claims

1. A system for discharging bodily waste into a toilet bowl and used with a conduit, the conduit being in fluid communication with the toilet bowl to allow the toilet to be flushed via the conduit, the system comprising: A microfluidic device comprising at least one microfluidic conduit and capable of being placed within the conduit such that, when the toilet is flushed, a portion of the bodily excretions fills the microfluidic conduit. as well as A microscopic imaging device configured to acquire at least one microscopic image of the portion of the body excretion when the portion is in the microfluidic conduit.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The system also includes the toilet, and the channel is integrated into the toilet.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein, The channel includes the siphon tube of the toilet.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The inlet of the microfluidic conduit is configured to be exposed to air except during flushing of the toilet.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The channel is configured to be installed downstream of the toilet.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The system includes the channel, and the walls of the channel are shaped to define an opening. The microfluidic device is installed into the opening and includes a transparent cover facing the microscopic imaging device.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The microscopic imaging device is configured to perform spectral imaging of the portion of the body excretion when it is within the microfluidic conduit.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The toilet includes a water tank configured to refill with water after flushing. The system also includes a pipe configured to connect the microfluidic conduit to the water tank, such that after flushing the toilet, some water flows from the water tank through the pipe and into the microfluidic conduit, thereby removing a portion of the bodily waste from the microfluidic conduit.

9. The system of claim 8 further includes a valve connected to the pipe and configured to open for a predefined duration after flushing the toilet.

10. The system of claim 1 further includes a vibrating element configured to vibrate the microfluidic device after flushing the toilet in order to remove a portion of the bodily excrement from the microfluidic conduit.

11. The system according to any one of claims 1-10, further comprising a processor configured to process the microscopic image to derive from the image a count and classification of particles in the portion of the body excrement.

12. The system according to any one of claims 1-10, further comprising: At least one sensor, the at least one sensor being configured to sense the bodily discharge before the toilet is flushed, and to output a signal in response to the sensing; as well as Processor, the processor being configured to: One or more first characteristics of the body excretions are derived from the image by processing the microscopic image. From the signal, one or more second characteristics of the body excrement are derived, and The output combines the first characteristic with the second characteristic.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein, The sensor includes a light sensor.

14. The system according to claim 12, wherein, The sensor includes a microphone.

15. The system according to claim 12, wherein, The one or more second characteristics include the concentration of the bodily excrement in the toilet bowl.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein, The one or more first characteristics include counting and classifying particles in the portion of the body excrement, and wherein the output includes the concentration of the particles in the body excrement.

17. A system for discharging bodily waste into a toilet bowl, the system comprising: A microfluidic device, the microfluidic device including at least one microfluidic conduit and configured to be positioned inside or downstream of the toilet, such that a portion of the bodily excretion fills the microfluidic conduit; A microscopic imaging device configured to acquire at least one microscopic image of the portion of the body excrement when the portion is in the microfluidic channel; At least one sensor, the at least one sensor being configured to sense bodily excretions outside the microfluidic channel and to output a signal in response to the sensing; as well as Processor, the processor being configured to: One or more first characteristics of the body excretions are derived from the image by processing the microscopic image. From the signal, one or more second characteristics of the body excrement are derived, and The output combines the first characteristic with the second characteristic.

18. The system according to claim 17, wherein, The sensor includes a light sensor.

19. The system according to claim 17, wherein, The sensor includes a microphone.

20. The system according to claim 17, wherein, The microscopic imaging device is configured to perform spectral imaging of the portion of the body excretion when it is within the microfluidic conduit.

21. The system according to any one of claims 17-20, wherein, The one or more first characteristics include the counting and classification of particles in the portion of the body excrement.

22. The system according to claim 21, wherein, The one or more second characteristics include the concentration of the bodily excrement in the toilet bowl.

23. The system according to claim 22, wherein, The output includes the concentration of the particles in the body's excrement.

24. A system for discharging bodily waste into a toilet bowl and used in conjunction with a conduit, the toilet including a tank configured to refill with water after flushing the toilet, the conduit being in fluid communication with the toilet bowl to allow flushing of the toilet via the conduit, the system comprising: A microfluidic device comprising at least one microfluidic conduit and capable of being placed within the conduit such that, when the toilet is flushed, a portion of the bodily excretions fills the microfluidic conduit. as well as A pipe configured to connect the microfluidic conduit to the water tank, such that after flushing the toilet, some water flows from the water tank through the pipe and through the microfluidic conduit, thereby removing a portion of the bodily waste from the microfluidic conduit.

25. The system of claim 24, further comprising a valve connected to the pipe and configured to open for a predefined duration after flushing the toilet.

26. The system of claim 24 further includes a vibrating element configured to vibrate the microfluidic device after flushing the toilet in order to remove a portion of the bodily waste from the microfluidic conduit.

27. The system according to claim 24, wherein, The inlet of the microfluidic conduit is configured to be exposed to air except during flushing of the toilet.

28. The system according to any one of claims 24-27, wherein, The channel is configured to be installed downstream of the toilet.

29. The system according to any one of claims 24-27, wherein, The system also includes the toilet, and the channel is integrated into the toilet.

30. The system according to claim 29, wherein, The channel includes the siphon tube of the toilet.

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