TOILET FACILITY FOR NON-CONTACT MEASUREMENT OF MICTION PARAMETERS

Abstract

Toilet equipment (1) for measuring micturition parameters, comprising: • A housing (2) with a housing opening (10) for receiving urine; • A capacitive sensor (4) for time-dependent measurement of micturition parameters, wherein the capacitive sensor (4) is a capacitive proximity sensor.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a toilet device for measuring voiding parameters, wherein the toilet device comprises a housing with a housing opening for receiving urine and a capacitive sensor for time-dependent, non-contact measurement of voiding parameters. The invention further relates to a method for non-contact measurement of voiding parameters in a toilet device, which is carried out in particular using the toilet device according to the invention.

[0002] Urine excretion, also known as urination, bladder emptying, or micturition, is physiologically very important for the body for several reasons. Firstly, it regulates the body's water balance. Secondly, urine eliminates substances produced during metabolism that are no longer needed by the body. These include toxins ingested through food or medications. Urine analysis can reveal indications of diseases of the kidneys and urinary system, as well as metabolic disorders such as diabetes or liver diseases. In addition to analyzing the urine's composition, urine flow parameters can also be analyzed. This is done using uroflowmetry. Uroflowmetry is a diagnostic procedure that measures the urine flow rate during urination (micturition).It serves to objectively diagnose bladder emptying disorders and is one of the basic examinations in urology. By measuring the urine flow rate per unit of time (e.g., in ml / s), a flow curve is created, plotting the amount of urine passed over time. This flow curve shows a typical pattern in certain diseases. A disadvantage is that this measurement must be performed in a clinic or practice under supervision and requires special equipment. Furthermore, a sufficiently full bladder is essential for a properly performed measurement. The patient must wait to urinate (empty their bladder) until they experience a strong feeling of pressure. The result of uroflowmetry is only meaningful if the urine volume exceeds 150 ml.Furthermore, collecting urine over a defined period (preferably 24 hours) may be necessary, particularly in cases of kidney disease, to monitor the organ's function. The volume of urine passed is frequently checked during transplant procedures.

[0003] The WO 2018 / 222 939 A1 concerns a uroflowmetry system and teaches the use of an infrared camera in conjunction with a laser Doppler velocimeter or a laser triangulation sensor for measuring urine volume.

[0004] US 2019 / 0008439A1 concerns uroflowmetry systems, devices, and methods and teaches the use of a weight sensor to determine urine volume. The system may also include a capacitive sensor to detect the presence of a user.

[0005] US 2017 / 0105670A1 concerns a capacitive measuring device with integrated electrical and mechanical shielding. The capacitive sensor extends vertically across the vessel wall and capacitively detects the height of the liquid level inside the vessel. It is therefore not a proximity sensor.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide an improved method and a toilet device for measuring micturition parameters.

[0007] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a toilet device having the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the toilet device are described in dependent claims 2 to 10. In a further aspect, this problem is solved by a method for measuring micturition parameters having the features of claim 11. Advantageous embodiments of the method are described in dependent claims 12 to 14. Summary of the invention

[0008] In a first aspect, the invention provides a toilet device for measuring micturition parameters, wherein this toilet device comprises a housing with a housing opening for receiving urine and a capacitive sensor for time-dependent measurement of micturition parameters, and wherein the capacitive sensor is a capacitive proximity sensor.

[0009] The method according to the invention combines several decisive advantages over methods known from the prior art.

[0010] Thanks to the non-contact measurement using the capacitive proximity sensor, the sensor is not contaminated by urine or feces. Therefore, no time-consuming and costly cleaning of the sensor is necessary; the sensor is always ready for use without any external intervention.

[0011] This allows for the first time the automatic, digital measurement of micturition parameters to be carried out in the home environment. The test subject or patient no longer needs to visit a doctor's office or clinic; the measurement can be easily and discreetly integrated into their daily routine.

[0012] The non-contact measurement reduces the risk of distorted analysis results. Furthermore, the capacitive sensor can be easily retrofitted to or attached to an existing toilet fixture, thus allowing for the upgrading of existing toilet systems.

[0013] Furthermore, the measuring device according to the invention can be combined with all housing-supporting toilet installations and can thus be used in a wide variety of toilet types.

[0014] In its simplest (i.e., unshielded) version, the capacitive sensor allows for room-independent measurement, and thus, in addition to measuring micturition parameters within the housing, it can also detect processes outside the toilet facility, such as the approach and sitting down of the toilet user.

[0015] The proposed simplifications to the device not only increase its reliability but also, through the associated reduction in components, result in weight savings and significantly more efficient operation. Furthermore, they allow for immediate measurement with virtually no delay.

[0016] For the purposes of this invention, the term "toilet equipment" encompasses any sanitary device for receiving bodily excretions (especially feces and urine).

[0017] According to the invention, the term "housing" refers to a vessel as a component of a toilet installation that can collect urine. The vessel preferably has a watertight (and therefore urine-tight) wall, which is particularly preferably designed as a rigid wall, so that the housing can, for example, serve as a seat or seat base for the toilet user. In addition to the opening provided for collecting urine, the housing may have further openings, such as for the disposal of excrement or the supply of flushing fluid.

[0018] According to the invention, the term "housing opening" is defined as the opening in the housing of a toilet appliance through which urine is received. According to the invention, this encompasses not only the opening itself, but also any means that is attached or arranged at least on a portion of the opening's rim and thus forms part of the opening. Therefore, a toilet seat, as a structure resting on the rim, also falls under the definition of a housing opening. According to the invention, the capacitive sensor is a capacitive proximity sensor that reacts to the approach of liquids with an electrical sensor without contact—that is, without direct contact. It utilizes the changing electrical capacitance of a measuring electrode relative to the environment or a reference electrode.According to the invention, the capacitive sensor is designed such that the change in capacitance is caused by introducing an electrically conductive material, such as urine, or a dielectric into the immediate vicinity of the capacitive sensor. According to the invention, the "immediate vicinity" is understood to mean an area at a distance of less than 20 cm, preferably less than 10 cm, and more preferably less than 5 cm. This can be achieved, on the one hand, by a capacitive sensor in which two electrodes form the "plates" of an electrical capacitor, and in which these electrodes / plates are fixed in their spacing and orientation relative to each other, and this arrangement remains permanently unchanged. The fixed positioning of the electrodes relative to each other changes the capacitance because either an electrically conductive material or a dielectric is introduced into the immediate vicinity of the electrodes.In the capacitive sensor according to the invention, no change in capacitance occurs due to a change in the effective plate area, for example, by moving the plates relative to each other as in a variable capacitor. Nor does a change in capacitance occur due to a plate being displaced or deformed by the effect being measured, which would change the plate spacing and thus the electrically measurable capacitance. In contrast to the capacitive sensor according to the invention, the latter measuring principles require contact between the capacitive sensor and the object being measured. Furthermore, the sensor can only have one electrode, and the capacitance between this active electrode and the electrical ground potential is measured. Such sensors operate with an oscillator whose frequency-determining capacitance is partially formed by the medium being detected or the environment.When the field of the probe capacitance is influenced by a conductor such as urine, the change in capacitance is based on a change in the effective permittivity in the area of ​​the electrodes; the achievable switching distance is typically 60–80 mm. Capacitive proximity sensors generally have a calibration option (potentiometer) to adjust the sensitivity or switching thresholds to the operating conditions. Another circuit concept for a capacitive proximity sensor according to the invention operates with three electrodes. In addition to the ground electrode and a measuring electrode, an additional excitation electrode is used. Advantages of this principle are higher sensitivity with greater switching distances and lower susceptibility to interference. It also allows the detection of media with very low permittivity or at greater distances from the sensor.

[0019] According to the invention, the term “capacitive sensor” is therefore synonymous with the term “capacitive proximity sensor”.

[0020] The toilet device according to the invention allows for the measurement of all physical parameters, i.e., all parameters directly or indirectly related to micturition. Preferably, the measured micturition parameters are selected from the group comprising: urinary flow rate, micturition volume, micturition duration, micturition frequency, micturition velocity, and micturition characteristics such as intermittent urination or post-void dribbling.

[0021] Since the capacitive sensor allows for contactless measurement of urination parameters, it can be installed in or on the toilet fixture at any position. Preferably, the capacitive sensor is installed in the toilet fixture at one or more of the following positions: • On the inner wall of the housing, • On the outer wall of the housing, • Inside the case wall, • At the housing opening,

[0022] It is particularly advantageous for the capacitive sensor to be mounted on the outer wall of the housing. Assuming a standard toilet, this means mounting it on the outside of the toilet bowl.

[0023] In an alternative embodiment, the capacitive sensor is mounted on the inner wall of the housing. This positioning, due to its proximity to the urine stream, allows for particularly sensitive measurement. In this embodiment, it is advantageous if the capacitive sensor is covered with a protective layer that is waterproof and urine-resistant. Such a protective layer expediently has a hydrophobic surface, preferably one with a lotus effect. This causes the urine to bead up and roll off the sensor, and the unwetted sensor continues to allow for precise measurement. With such a hydrophobic or lotus-effect surface, the capacitive sensor is particularly suitable for use in waterless toilets and urinals.

[0024] In another embodiment, the capacitive sensor is mounted on the outer wall of the housing. This positioning ensures that the sensor does not come into contact with excrement. The external positioning also allows for easy installation (e.g., when retrofitting a standard toilet), maintenance, repair, removal, or replacement of the sensor.

[0025] In another embodiment, the capacitive sensor is mounted inside the housing wall. This positioning is also characterized by a short distance to the urine stream and is therefore suitable for sensitive measurement. Furthermore, the capacitive sensor is optimally protected from damage or contamination by being enclosed or embedded in the housing wall. This leaves the smooth (usually ceramic) surface of the toilet fixture undamaged, allowing for continued easy and thorough cleaning.

[0026] According to the invention, mounting the sensor inside the housing wall also includes mounting it on the inner side of a housing wall, provided that this housing wall is one of the two walls of a double-walled housing. Preferably, the capacitive sensor is mounted on the inner side of the housing wall facing the inside of the toilet. In the sanitary ware sector, there are numerous urinals or toilets with double-walled bowls.

[0027] Alternatively, the sensor can be integrated into the housing during manufacturing, so that it is completely surrounded by the housing material. For example, with a plastic housing, this can be achieved by molding the sensor directly into the plastic during production.

[0028] Advantageously, the capacitive sensor has a thickness between 1 nm and 20 mm. Capacitive sensors can be manufactured with a very small thickness, allowing them to be flexibly adapted to the curves of the housing and attached to the housing without wrinkling or kinking. The sensor thickness is preferably between 1 nm and 20 mm, more preferably between 50 nm and 10 mm, and most preferably between 200 nm and 3 mm.

[0029] In a further embodiment, the capacitive sensor comprises a lower support layer, a middle layer containing the electrode and the lead(s), and an upper mounting layer for connecting the sensor to the housing or the housing opening, wherein the support layer and the mounting layer preferably consist of an electrically insulating material.

[0030] The capacitive sensor can be embedded in an insulating carrier matrix, such as plastic or a solid gel. It is preferred that the surface of the carrier matrix has at least a partial adhesive layer that allows it to be attached to the housing.

[0031] The capacitive sensor expediently comprises a connecting means for the electronic and / or electrical connection of the sensor to additional electronic or electrical components. The connecting means is preferably selected from the group consisting of a metallic push button, cable, adhesive bond, and connector part.

[0032] The capacitive sensor conveniently includes a data transmission module for wired or wireless data transfer. This allows the recorded measurement data, i.e., parameters relating to urination, to be transmitted to a storage and / or evaluation unit.

[0033] In one embodiment, the capacitive sensor is designed as a film, which allows for simple and wrinkle-free application even with complex housing shapes.

[0034] In another embodiment of the invention, the sensor is directly vapor-deposited onto the housing or baked into the housing material and thus forms an integral part of the housing wall.

[0035] According to the invention, the capacitive sensor can also comprise electrodes made of a thin metal foil, which are applied to an electrically insulating layer. Such an insulating layer preferably consists of rubber or another elastomer or of a thermoplastic material. The use of a polyimide film is particularly preferred, as it exhibits high resistance to chemicals, high temperature resistance, and good insulating properties. Numerous polyimide films are commercially available, such as KAPTON from DuPont.

[0036] To better detect even small changes, it is advantageous if, in the capacitive sensor according to the invention, the actual measuring electrode is surrounded by a shielding electrode that protects the inhomogeneous boundary region of the electric field from the measuring electrode. This results in an approximately parallel electric field between the measuring electrode and the normally grounded counter electrode, with the known characteristics of an ideal parallel-plate capacitor.

[0037] In another embodiment, the capacitive sensor has a shield that supports the interference-free measurement of the micturition parameters in the housing.

[0038] In one embodiment, it can be a cover shaped as a physical barrier, which is attached to the outside of the sensor, i.e., on the side of the toilet unit facing away from the housing.

[0039] This shielding is preferably electronic shielding. A shielding electrode is expediently used for this purpose.

[0040] In one embodiment, the shielding electrode is mounted parallel to the measuring electrode and is controlled by a separate line.

[0041] The shielding electrode serves as protection against external interference signals, but can also be used to improve measurement accuracy, temporal resolution, sensitivity, selectivity and measurement direction.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the control signal for the shielding electrode can only be a direct connection to "earth" (ground potential), or according to an alternative embodiment, it can also receive adapted voltage signals such as the inverted control signal of the measuring electrode or alternating signals.

[0043] Other control methods for the shielding electrode are also conceivable and depend on the intended use. An additional amplifier circuit may be required. In a further embodiment of the invention, the toilet device is characterized in that several capacitive sensors are arranged in the toilet device in such a way that they allow two-dimensional or three-dimensional measurement of urination. An arrangement in or on the housing as a 2D array or 3D array is preferred.

[0044] According to the invention, the capacitive sensor can be permanently, conditionally detachably, or reversibly detachably connected to the housing. A reversibly detachable connection is preferred, as it allows the sensor to be easily replaced or transferred to another toilet fixture. Numerous connections are available to those skilled in the art for connecting the sensor to the housing. Examples include: adhesive bonding, adhesive-free adhesion bonding, magnetic bonding, hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, screw connections, clamp connections, plug connections, snap connections, and strap connections. Adhesive bonding or adhesive-free adhesion bonding is preferred.

[0045] In a further embodiment of the invention, the toilet device is characterized in that the capacitive sensor allows the measurement of parameters located outside the housing of the toilet device, such as information on the localization of the user of the toilet device and / or the temporal and spatial change of the user's localization.

[0046] In one embodiment of the invention, the toilet device can additionally include a temperature sensor and / or an acceleration sensor. Preferably, the temperature sensor allows for non-contact measurement of the urine temperature. It is further preferred that the acceleration sensor allows for non-contact measurement of user movement data, vibrations, and structure-borne noise during urination.

[0047] The measurement of urine temperature can be done directly or indirectly, for example directly by measuring the urine stream or by measuring the urine film running inside the housing, or by measuring urine splashes, urine spray mist or the air temperature in the immediate vicinity of the urine.

[0048] When measuring indirect urine temperature, it is preferable to perform a time-dependent evaluation of the measurement, since the urine usually cools down when it comes into contact with the housing of the toilet fixture and a meaningful urine temperature can only be recorded after a few seconds, after the housing has warmed up accordingly.

[0049] Furthermore, it is preferred that when measuring urine temperature, additional temperature data, such as the temperature of the housing wall (or parts thereof) or the air temperature, are recorded and used for the evaluation of the urine temperature.

[0050] In this context, the invention also provides for recording the length of the urine stream from the point of exit from the body to the temperature measuring point, since the urine exiting the body is cooled by the typically colder ambient air, and this cooling increases with the length of the urine stream. A user profile of urination behavior created by the toilet system can also be used for this purpose.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the temperature sensor for non-contact measurement is designed as an infrared sensor. For this purpose, it has an infrared source that illuminates one or more areas within the housing of the toilet fixture, thereby raising the temperature to a target temperature T. ziel The temperature is heated. The temperature change in this area (these areas) resulting from urination is detected by the temperature sensor.

[0052] The temperature sensor is preferably attached to the inside of the housing or the housing opening of the toilet unit.

[0053] Since the temperature sensor and / or the acceleration sensor, in a preferred embodiment, allows for non-contact measurement of the urination parameters, it can be installed in or on the toilet fixture at any possible position. Preferably, the temperature sensor and / or the acceleration sensor is installed in the toilet fixture at one or more of the following positions: • On the inner wall of the housing, • On the outer wall of the housing, • Inside the case wall, • At the housing opening.

[0054] It is particularly advantageous for the temperature sensor and / or the acceleration sensor to be mounted on the outer wall of the housing. Assuming a standard toilet, this means mounting them on the outside of the toilet bowl.

[0055] In an alternative embodiment, the temperature sensor and / or the accelerometer is mounted on the inner wall of the housing. This positioning, due to its proximity to the urine stream, allows for particularly sensitive measurement. In this embodiment, the sensor should be covered with a protective layer that is waterproof and urine-resistant. Such a protective layer advantageously has a hydrophobic surface, preferably one with a lotus effect. This causes the urine to bead up and roll off the sensor, and the unwetted sensor continues to allow for precise measurement. With such a hydrophobic surface or one exhibiting a lotus effect, the temperature sensor and / or the accelerometer is particularly suitable for use in waterless toilets and urinals.

[0056] In another embodiment, the temperature sensor and / or the acceleration sensor is mounted on the outer wall of the housing. This positioning ensures that the sensor does not come into contact with excrement. The external positioning also allows for easy installation (e.g., when retrofitting a standard toilet), maintenance, repair, removal, or replacement of the sensor.

[0057] In another embodiment, the temperature sensor and / or the accelerometer is mounted inside the housing wall. This positioning is also characterized by a short distance to the urine stream and is therefore suitable for sensitive measurements. Furthermore, the temperature sensor and / or accelerometer is optimally protected from damage or contamination by being enclosed or integrated into the housing wall. This preserves the smooth (usually ceramic) surface of the toilet, ensuring that the toilet remains easy and thorough to clean.

[0058] According to the invention, mounting the sensor inside the housing wall also includes mounting it on the inner side of a housing wall, provided that this housing wall is one of the two walls of a double-walled housing. Preferably, the temperature sensor and / or the acceleration sensor is mounted on the inner side of the housing wall facing the inside of the toilet. In the sanitary ware sector, there are numerous urinals or toilets with double-walled bowls.

[0059] Alternatively, the temperature sensor and / or the accelerometer can be integrated into the housing wall during manufacturing, so that it is completely surrounded by the wall material. For example, in the case of a plastic housing, this can be achieved by molding the sensor directly into the plastic during production.

[0060] Advantageously, the temperature sensor and / or the accelerometer has a sensor thickness of between 1 nm and 20 mm. Capacitive sensors can be manufactured with a very small thickness, allowing them to be flexibly adapted to the curves of the housing and attached to the housing without wrinkling or kinking. The sensor thickness in this case is preferably between 50 nm and 10 mm and particularly preferably between 200 nm and 3 mm.

[0061] In a further embodiment, the temperature sensor and / or the acceleration sensor comprises a lower support layer, a middle layer containing the measuring electronics and the connecting lead(s), and an upper mounting layer for connecting the temperature sensor and / or the acceleration sensor to the housing or the housing opening, wherein the support layer and the mounting layer preferably consist of an electrically insulating material.

[0062] The temperature sensor and / or the accelerometer can be embedded in an insulating support matrix, such as plastic or a solid gel. It is preferred that the surface of the support matrix has at least a partial adhesive layer that allows it to be attached to the housing.

[0063] The temperature sensor and / or the acceleration sensor expediently includes a connecting means for electronically or electrically connecting the sensor to additional electronic or electrical components. The connecting means is preferably selected from the group consisting of a metallic push button, adhesive bond, cable, and connector part.

[0064] The temperature sensor and / or the accelerometer expediently includes a data transmission module for wired or wireless data transmission. This allows the acquired measurement data, as parameters relating to micturition, to be transmitted to a storage and / or evaluation unit.

[0065] Further data from the sensors claimed herein can be sent cumulatively or alternatively to an analysis unit, which may be located, for example, in the housing of the device and / or on the guide part of the device.

[0066] Furthermore, it is possible for data from the sensors and / or the evaluation unit to be transmitted cumulatively or alternatively to an external analysis unit. This could include, for example, a data processing and / or analysis application running on a smartphone or similar device.

[0067] It is conceivable that at least some of the sensors could be switched on or off depending on the urine being analyzed, thereby making the device more energy-efficient.

[0068] It goes without saying that data or information obtained on site may be transmitted to external institutions, such as a data carrier, etc., for further evaluation or storage.

[0069] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor and / or the acceleration sensor is designed as a film, which allows for simple and flush-mounted, i.e. wrinkle-free and bubble-free, installation even in complex housing shapes.

[0070] In a further embodiment of the invention, the temperature sensor and / or the acceleration sensor is directly vapor-deposited onto the housing or baked into the housing material and thus forms an integral part of the housing wall.

[0071] In a further embodiment of the invention, the toilet unit is characterized in that several temperature sensors or acceleration sensors are mounted in the toilet unit in such a way that they allow a two-dimensional or three-dimensional measurement of the temperature or acceleration. An arrangement in or on the housing as a 2D array or 3D array is preferred.

[0072] According to the invention, the temperature sensor and / or the acceleration sensor can be permanently, conditionally detachably, or reversibly detachably connected to the housing. A reversibly detachable connection is preferred, as it allows the temperature sensor and / or the acceleration sensor to be easily replaced or transferred to another toilet unit. Numerous connections are available to those skilled in the art for connecting the sensor to the housing. Examples include: adhesive bonding, adhesive-free adhesion bonding, magnetic bonding, hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, screw connections, clamp connections, plug connections, snap connections, and strap connections. Adhesive bonding or adhesive-free adhesion bonding is preferred.

[0073] In a further embodiment of the invention, the toilet device is characterized in that the temperature sensor, which is preferably designed for non-contact measurement of the urine temperature, further preferably has one or more of the following features: • The temperature sensor is designed to allow the measurement of the stream temperature during urination; • The temperature sensor is designed to allow the measurement of the surface temperature of the inside of the housing and its change over time; • The temperature sensor is an infrared sensor; • The temperature sensor is a 1D, 2D or 3D sensor.

[0074] In a second aspect, the invention provides a method for measuring micturition parameters in a toilet facility, wherein the toilet facility comprises a housing having a housing opening and a capacitive proximity sensor, wherein the method comprises the following steps: a) Non-contact measurement of micturition parameters during urination using the capacitive proximity sensor; b) Optional measurement of urine temperature during urination via an additional temperature sensor installed in the toilet facility; c) Optional measurement of user-related movement data, vibrations and structure-borne sound during urination via an additional accelerometer installed in the toilet facility; d) Wired or wireless transmission of the measurement data collected in steps a) to c) to an evaluation unit; and e) Evaluation of the measurement data in the evaluation unit.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method described above is carried out using the toilet equipment according to the invention.

[0076] In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the evaluation of the measurement data in the evaluation unit is model-based or carried out using calibration curves. The model-based evaluation is preferably based on a mathematical, physical, physiological, or medical model, or it is carried out using pattern recognition algorithms.

[0077] In one embodiment of the invention, the toilet system additionally includes a toilet flush, the characteristics of which, such as the amount of flushing water and / or the flushing duration and / or the flushing water temperature, are used as reference values ​​for the evaluation.

[0078] In a third aspect, the invention relates to the use of a capacitive sensor for measuring voiding parameters in a toilet facility. Preferably, the sensor is used to measure the voiding parameters in the toilet facility according to the invention. It is also preferably the case that, in this application, the voiding parameters are measured according to the previously described method of the invention.

[0079] It is understood that the features of the solutions described above or in the claims can also be combined, if necessary, in order to implement the advantages and effects achievable here in a cumulative manner.

[0080] It should be noted here that, within the context of the present patent application, the term "in particular" is always to be understood as introducing an optional, preferred feature. The term is not to be understood as "namely" or "namely".

[0081] Furthermore, it should be noted that, within the scope of the present patent application, indefinite articles and indefinite numerical indications such as "one...", "two...", etc., are generally to be understood as minimum indications, i.e., as "at least one...", "at least two...", etc., unless it is clear from the context or the specific text of a particular passage that only "exactly one...", "exactly two...", etc., is meant there.

[0082] In addition, further features, effects and advantages of the present invention are explained with reference to the accompanying drawing and the following description, in which an exemplary device for on-site analysis of excrement is shown and described.

[0083] Components which are at least essentially identical in their function in the individual figures may be marked with the same reference symbols, although the components do not have to be numbered and explained in all figures.

[0084] It should be noted that the figures shown are representations illustrating the basic structure and function.

[0085] The drawing shows: Fig. 1 schematically a first perspective view of a partially depicted toilet facility according to an embodiment of the invention with a 2D array of capacitive sensors; Fig. 2 schematically a perspective view of a partially depicted toilet facility according to a second embodiment of the invention with a cover for the externally mounted capacitive sensors; Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows a perspective view of a partially depicted toilet facility according to a further embodiment of the invention with a temperature sensor.

[0086] Fig. Figure 1 shows a toilet installation 1 with a toilet bowl 2 and a toilet seat 3. The capacitive sensors 4 are attached as a 2D array of 5 x 5 sensors in an almost square arrangement to the outer wall of the toilet bowl and are each connected by a cable 5 to the power source with evaluation and data transmission unit 6.

[0087] Fig. Figure 2 shows the toilet facility 1 according to Fig. 1 with a toilet bowl 2 and a toilet seat 3. The power source with evaluation and data transmission unit 6 connected capacitive sensors 4 are completely and waterproofly covered here by a cover 7.

[0088] Fig.Figure 3 shows a toilet installation 1 with a toilet bowl 2 and its opening 10. By lifting the toilet seat 3 (not shown here), which rests on the rim 11 of the bowl, the temperature sensor 12 becomes fully visible. The temperature sensor 12 is attached to the wall of the toilet bowl by means of a clamping device 14. The temperature sensor 12 has a head 13 containing an infrared sensor that is directed towards the measuring point 15 and allows the temperature to be measured there.

[0089] It should be explicitly noted at this point that features of the solutions described above or in the claims and / or figures can also be combined, if necessary, in order to implement or achieve the explained features, effects and advantages in a cumulative manner.

[0090] It is understood that the embodiment described above is merely a first embodiment of the device according to the invention. Therefore, the embodiment of the invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0091] All features disclosed in the application documents are claimed to be essential to the invention, provided that they are novel individually or in combination with each other compared to the prior art. List of reference symbols used 1 toilet facility 2 Housings (toilet bowls) 3 toilet seats 4 capacitive proximity sensors 5 cables 6 Power source with evaluation and data transmission unit 7 Sensor cover 10 Case opening 11 Rim of the housing (rim of the toilet bowl) 12 Temperature sensor 13. Head of the temperature sensor 14 Holding device for temperature sensor 15 Temperature measuring point

Claims

Toilet device (1) for measuring micturition parameters, comprising: • A housing (2) with a housing opening (10) for receiving urine; • A capacitive sensor (4) for time-dependent measurement of micturition parameters, wherein the capacitive sensor (4) is a capacitive proximity sensor. Toilet equipment (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the toilet equipment (1) is selected from the group comprising toilet, urinal, bidet, commode chair, squat toilet and chamber pot. Toilet device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the measured micturition parameters are selected from the group comprising urinary flow rate, micturition volume, micturition duration, micturition frequency, micturition velocity and micturition characteristics such as intermittent urination or post-micturition dribbling. Toilet device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the capacitive sensor (4) in the toilet device (1) is attached at one or more of the following positions: • On the inner wall of the housing, • On the outer wall of the housing, • Inside the housing wall, • At the housing opening (10), wherein attachment on the outer wall of the housing is preferred. Toilet fitting (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the capacitive sensor (4) has one or more of the following features: • Sensor thickness between 1 nm and 20 mm, • the sensor comprises a lower support layer, a middle layer comprising the electrode and the connecting lead, and an upper mounting layer for connecting the sensor to the housing or the housing opening, wherein the support layer and the mounting layer preferably consist of an electrically insulating material; • the sensor is embedded in an insulating support matrix, such as plastic or a solid gel, wherein the surface of the support matrix has at least a partial adhesive layer; • the sensor comprises a connecting means for electronic or electrical connection, which is preferably selected from the group comprising a metallic push button, adhesive bond, cable, and plug part of a connector;• The sensor includes a data transmission module for wired or wireless data transmission; • The sensor is designed as a film; • The sensor is directly vapor-deposited onto the housing or baked into the housing material; • The sensor includes electrodes made of a thin metal foil applied to an electrically insulating layer, for example, made of rubber or a flexible plastic such as polyimide film. Toilet device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that several capacitive sensors (4) are arranged in the toilet device (1) in such a way that they allow a two-dimensional or three-dimensional measurement of micturition, and are preferably arranged in or on the housing as a 2D array or 3D array. Toilet fitting (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the capacitive sensor (4) is fixedly, conditionally detachably or reversibly detachably connected to the housing (2), wherein a reversibly detachable connection is preferred and a reversibly detachable connection is particularly preferably selected from the group comprising: suction cup, adhesive connection, adhesive-free adhesion connection, magnetic connection, hook and loop fastener, zipper, screw connection, clamp connection, plug connection, snap connection and strap connection. Toilet equipment (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the capacitive sensor (4) allows the measurement of parameters present outside the housing (2), such as information on the location of the user of the toilet equipment and its temporal and spatial changes. Toilet fitting (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it additionally comprises a temperature sensor (12) and / or an acceleration sensor. Toilet device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the temperature sensor (12) is configured for non-contact measurement of the urine temperature and preferably has one or more of the following features: • The temperature sensor (12) is configured to allow measurement of the urine temperature during urination; • The temperature sensor (12) is configured to allow measurement of the surface temperature of the inside of the housing and its change over time; • The temperature sensor (12) is an infrared sensor; • The temperature sensor (12) is a 1D, 2D or 3D sensor. Method for measuring micturition parameters in a toilet facility (1) comprising a housing (2) having a housing opening (10) and a capacitive proximity sensor (4), the method comprising the following steps: a) Non-contact measurement of the micturition parameters during urination by means of the capacitive proximity sensor (4); b) Optional measurement of the urine temperature during urination via an additional temperature sensor (12) installed in the toilet facility; c) Optional measurement of user-related movement data, vibrations and structure-borne sound during urination via an additional accelerometer installed in the toilet facility; d) Wired or wireless transmission of the measurement data acquired in steps a) to c) to an evaluation unit (6); e) Evaluation of the measurement data in the evaluation unit. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that the method is carried out with a toilet facility (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10. Method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the evaluation of the measurement data in the evaluation unit (6) is model-based or carried out via calibration curves, wherein the model-based evaluation is preferably based on a mathematical, physical, physiological or medical model or is carried out via pattern recognition algorithms. Method according to claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the toilet facility (1) additionally has a toilet flush, the characteristics of which such as flush water quantity and / or flush duration and / or flush water temperature are used as reference values ​​for the evaluation. Use of a capacitive proximity sensor (4) for measuring micturition parameters in a toilet facility (1).

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