Radar device in a toilet to identify a user approaching, before urination

Abstract

The invention relates in particular to a radar device (100) comprising a housing, suitable for being positioned on an internal wall of a toilet bowl (106) and comprising a radar sensor, housed in the housing, suitable for emitting radar waves towards the opening of the toilet bowl, in order to identify a user by means of the external sexual organ. Abstract figure: Figure 6

Description

Title of the invention: Radar device in a toilet to identify a user approaching, before urination

[0001] This description relates to methods for measuring physiological data of a user sitting on a toilet seat and associated devices.

[0002] Measurement methods are applicable in the context of non-invasive physiological measurements in everyday life. Identification methods are particularly applicable in the context of urine analysis tests, especially at home, where it may be desirable to be able to identify the person who urinated in order to attribute the results of the urine analysis to the correct person, or even simply to trigger a urine analysis measurement, where it is preferable to identify the person who urinated to know whether or not to trigger a urine analysis measurement. State of the art

[0003] Obtaining physiological data allows us to know a person's state of health. In a longitudinal approach, the goal is to regularly obtain the same physiological data to measure its evolution over time. The non-invasive nature of a measurement is essential to ensure that the user takes measurements regularly.

[0004] Urine analysis is currently performed primarily in specialized laboratories or at home in a rather rudimentary manner. In both cases, the active participation of a person is required, whether a laboratory technician or the user themselves, to collect the urine sample: identifying the user presents no technical difficulty in these cases due to the active participation of the technician or the user. However, for regular monitoring of a user, this intervention proves costly and time-consuming.

[0005] Technological developments are making automated home testing possible. By automated, it is meant that user actions are reduced to a minimum. For example, documents WO2021 / 175909, WO2021 / 175944, and FR2101762 describe a self-contained urine collection device to be placed in the toilet at the user's home. The urine analysis measurement is non-invasive and requires no action from the user regarding urine collection.

[0006] One of the problems associated with this type of device, which automatically collects and analyzes urine, is attributing the measurement to a specific user urinating from among a plurality of potential users, for example among Several people use the same toilet daily. Therefore, there is a need to be able to identify the user.

[0007] Documents WO2021 / 175909, WO2021 / 175944 and FR2101762 describe some approaches, such as interaction with a button or Bluetooth recognition. However, these techniques require interaction with a device, which poses a number of constraints, particularly regarding hygiene.

[0008] The document “A mountable toilet system for personalized health monitoring via the analysis of excreta,” Park et al., in Nature Biomedical Engineering (DOI: 10.1038 / s41551-020-0562-5), proposes several methods, such as a module for identifying fingerprints or anal prints. This technique is quite invasive since an image of the user's anus is captured.

[0009] The paper “Accurate Person Identification Based on Combined Sit-to-Stand and Stand-to-Sit Movements Measured using Doppler Radars,” by Saho et al., in IEEE SENSORS JOURNAL, VOL. 21, NO. 4, FEBRUARY 15, 2021 (DOI: 10.1109 / JSEN.2020.3032960) describes the use of two synchronized radars in a room to identify a person using Doppler signatures during their sit-to-stand or stand-to-sit movement. In the example in [Fig. 1], the radars are positioned on the ceiling at a height of 3 m and approximately 1 m behind the chair. This technique requires a complex, dedicated installation, which is not easily deployable for users.

[0010] Document EP4349257, on behalf of Withings™, describes a technique for user identification using a radar that emits a signal toward the urine stream to determine one or more properties of the user's urine stream. This document utilizes the movement of the urine. These properties include the origin of the stream, the speed of the stream, and the dispersion of the stream. This method is of significant interest because it measures properties of the urine stream, and it is possible to use this urine stream to trigger the radar device by detecting the heat of the urine. Battery management is optimized since the radar is only activated when a user is present. However, this method presents some challenges: identification occurs after the user has begun urinating, and signal processing can be more complex due to the multitude of reflected signals.

[0011] It is desirable to have a measurement and identification system that does not have at least some of the aforementioned disadvantages. Summary of the invention

[0012] The present description aims to propose a method and associated devices or systems that do not present at least one of the aforementioned difficulties. More specifically, the present description proposes using a radar sensor positioned inside a toilet bowl and configured to emit radar waves and receive Radar waves reflected by the body of a moving user (particularly their external genitalia, such as the penis) during the approach phase to sit on the toilet are analyzed. Movement is defined as any macroscopic displacement of the user. These reflected radar waves are processed to determine the presence or absence of male genitalia, specifically a penis. Conversely, they can also determine the presence or absence of female genitalia. Using this information, the device identifies the user, specifically whether the toilet user is male or female. This method allows for user identification before urination begins.

[0013] According to one aspect, the description relates to a method for identifying a user in motion and in the approach phase to sit on a toilet bowl, the toilet bowl defining an opening, the identification method being implemented by a measuring device comprising a radar sensor, the measuring device being positioned inside the volume defined by the toilet bowl, the identification method comprising: - the emission by the radar sensor of at least one radar signal, in the direction of the opening, during the approach phase, - the reception by the radar sensor of a radar signal emitted and reflected by the user's body in macroscopic motion, - the processing of the received radar signal, - the identification of a user based on the processing.

[0014] In this way, identification takes place before the start of urination or defecation. In this respect, the received radar signal is received before the user urinates or defecates.

[0015] In one embodiment, identification may include discrimination between a man and a woman.

[0016] In one embodiment, identification includes assigning the seated user to a user profile recorded in the measuring device.

[0017] The processing typically includes determining a physical data point relating to the user's body, and identification is performed based on this physical data point. This physical data point may be a characteristic distance between the radar sensor and the user's body.

[0018] In one embodiment, the radar signal is reflected by the user's external genitalia in macroscopic motion and the physical data relates to the user's external genitalia.

[0019] In one embodiment, the identification includes comparing the physical data with a threshold. This threshold can be pre-calibrated on the user's toilet.

[0020] In one embodiment, the radar sensor operates per frame and in which the physical data is determined from the processing of a single frame.

[0021] In one embodiment, the physical data is determined from the radar signal received at the end of the approach phase, just before the macroscopic movement related to the approach phase ceases, that is to say when the user is about to sit down and therefore just before the movement related to the approach phase ceases.

[0022] The physical data can be determined from an instant corresponding to the moment when the user sits down, at the end of the approach phase, in particular thanks to the intensity of the received signal.

[0023] The processing may include calculating the distance between the radar sensor and the user's external genitalia during the approach phase and determining a minimum value for the distance.

[0024] Typically, the processing includes a calculation of a Distance-Doppler response.

[0025] In one embodiment, the method further comprises the detection of the presence of a user in the approach phase, using prospective waves, the implementation of the emission taking place in response to the detection of a user in the approach phase.

[0026] The detection step may include the emission of prospective waves, the prospective waves being sent intermittently.

[0027] In particular, the radar configuration for prospective waves is different from that of the radar signal for identification, in order to reduce energy consumption.

[0028] In one embodiment, the measuring device includes control circuitry with an internal clock and a memory storing at least one measurement plan associated with a user profile of the registered user, in which the measurement plan includes a time window, and in which the detection of the presence of a user takes place in response to the determination that an internal time of the internal clock is within the time window.

[0029] According to another aspect, the description relates to a method for analyzing a user's excreta, using a measuring device comprising an excreta analyzer, the method comprising: - an identification method as described above, - obtaining excreta data, - the assignment of excreta data to the assigned user profile.

[0030] Obtaining it can be done in response to the assignment of an assigned user profile.

[0031] According to one aspect, the description relates to a computer program comprising instructions capable of implementing a method as described above when the instructions are executed by a processor.

[0032] According to one aspect, the description relates to a measuring device comprising: - a housing, suitable for being positioned inside a toilet bowl, - a radar sensor, housed in the casing, and capable of emitting radar waves towards the opening of the toilet bowl, the radar sensor being capable of implementing a method as described previously.

[0033] The radar sensor can operate per frame, each frame being generated by a plurality of chirps, and the transmission and reception steps being implemented for each chirp.

[0034] In particular, the radar sensor may be a Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar sensor, or the radar signal may be FMCW. The frequencies of the radar sensor may vary between 58 GHz and 63 GHz.

[0035] The measuring device typically includes a battery to power the radar sensor(s). The housing may also be waterproof.

[0036] In one embodiment, the radar sensor includes a field of view at least partially included in the opening of the toilet bowl.

[0037] According to one aspect, the description relates to a urine analysis device, comprising: - a measuring device as described above, - a collection port on the casing to receive urine, - a test kit designed to analyze the urine received. Presentation of the figures

[0038] The following figures will help to facilitate understanding of the invention: - [Fig. 1]: [Fig. 1] schematically presents a cross-sectional view of toilets equipped with a radar device according to one embodiment of the description, - [Fig.2]: [Fig.2] presents a more detailed view of the housing of a radar device associated with a urine analysis device, according to one embodiment of the description, - [Fig.3]: [Fig.3] schematically presents a view of the components of a radar device according to one embodiment of the description, as well as its ecosystem, - [Fig.4]: [Fig.4] schematically presents a more detailed view of the housing of a radar device associated with a urine analysis device, according to one embodiment of the description, - [Fig. 5]: [Fig. 5] shows a user sitting on a toilet equipped with a radar sensor. - [Fig.6]: [Fig.6] shows a user approaching to sit on a toilet equipped with a radar sensor, - [Fig.7]: [Fig.7] presents two graphs illustrating the chirps obtained for a succession of frames as well as the associated distance-Doppler map, for a man, - [Fig. 8]: [Fig. 8] presents two graphs illustrating the chirps obtained for a succession of frames as well as the associated distance-Doppler map, for a woman, - [Fig. 9]: [Fig. 9] illustrates the distance-Doppler maps of figures 7 and 8 placed side by side, - [Fig. 10]: [Fig. 10] illustrates the results of a test campaign, - [Fig. 11]: [Fig. 11] represents a curve of the power of the received radar signal as a function of time, as well as its second derivative. - [Fig. 12]: [Fig. 12] presents a diagram representing an analysis method according to one embodiment of the invention, - [Fig. 13]: [Fig. 13] presents a diagram representing a detection method according to an embodiment of the invention, coupled with a method for analyzing excreta data, - [Fig. 14]: [Fig. 14] presents a schematic view of a urine analysis device incorporating the radar device, according to one embodiment of the description. Detailed description

[0039] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a measuring device 100, which will also be referred to as a radar device 100 hereafter, mounted in a toilet 102. As is known, the toilet 102 comprises a water tank 104, a toilet bowl 106 (hereafter referred to as bowl 106), optionally a seat 108 on which the user sits, and a lid 110. The bowl 106 includes a wall 112 defining an internal volume V and an opening O, typically surrounded by the seat 108. The wall 112 receives, in particular, urine, feces, and the flushed water. The wall 112 comprises an anterior portion and a posterior portion, arranged on either side of the drain. The anterior portion corresponds to the portion that receives urine when the user is in a seated position. The posterior portion is located on the side of the water tank 104.

[0040] When the user is seated on the seat 108 or the toilet bowl 106, their body, and in particular a posterior part, specifically their buttocks and external genitalia, at least partially obstructs the opening O of the toilet bowl 106. For simplicity, we will hereafter refer to the user as "seated on the toilet bowl 106" (regardless of the presence or absence of a seat 108), to signify that the user has positioned their body, that is to say, essentially their buttocks and external genitalia, at the level of the opening O. We will refer to the user as "approaching to sit down" to signify a user in the process of sitting down on the toilet bowl 106. Consequently, in the approach phase PhA, the user is in macroscopic motion, that is to say, a movement visible to the naked eye and not an imperceptible movement (such as a movement of tissues during a (e.g., ballistocardiogram). The movement here is muscular, for example, of the leg or lower body muscles, such as the buttocks and groin. The approach phase (PhA) concludes with a near-seated position, which precedes a seated phase (PhS) during which the user is relatively immobile in terms of macroscopic movement. In the approach phase (PhA), the user's body is in macroscopic motion; in the seated phase, the user's body may not be in macroscopic motion.

[0041] The radar device 100 is arranged in the basin 106, for example arranged on the wall 112 of the basin 106 and specifically on the anterior portion of the wall 112. More particularly, the radar device 100 is entirely received in the volume V of the basin 106, which allows it to be discreet.

[0042] The radar device 100 is designed to emit radar waves towards the opening O of the bowl 106, where the user's body, and in particular their external genitalia, are increasingly close during the approach phase to sit down. More specifically, the radar device 100 is configured to receive radar waves reflected by the user's body obstructing the opening O, i.e., primarily their buttocks and external genitalia, and to process these reflected radar waves in order to determine a physical data point of the user's external genitalia (see [Fig. 5] shown later).

[0043] In the context of this description, "physical data of the external genitalia" refers specifically to data relating to a dimension of the user's external genitalia obtained using the radar device 100, or data relating to the presence or absence of a penis. The physical data can therefore be a characteristic distance. This will be referred to as "physical data" in the remainder of this description.

[0044] In the remainder of the description, discrimination between men and women means discrimination based on external genitalia, that is, discrimination between a person with a penis (male external sexual organ) and a person without a penis (a person with labia, clitoris, and other elements of the female external genitalia). Discrimination between men means discrimination based on external genitalia, that is, discrimination between two people with penises (male external sexual organs) of different sizes.

[0045] The radar device 100 thus makes it possible to identify the presence of a rod in the user.

[0046] The radar device 100 is typically an Ondemm radar (mmWave radar), meaning that the radar emits millimeter waves, i.e., the wavelength of the radar waves is on the order of a millimeter. The frequency covered is between a few GHz and a few hundred GHz. At this wavelength, the waves do not penetrate the user's skin, or only very slightly (on the order of a maximum of one millimeter).

[0047] Excreta data

[0048] Data relating to the user's excreta (urine, feces, perspiration, etc.) can be obtained while the user is seated on the toilet. For example, this data can be obtained by an excreta analysis device. This other physiological data will be referred to as excreta data. Methods of excreta analysis will be discussed. In particular, the radar device 100 can integrate the excreta analysis device. Alternatively, the excreta analysis device can be separate from the radar device 100. An embodiment for urine will be given later.

[0049] Details on the radar device and its connectivity

[0050] The radar device 100 can communicate with a mobile terminal 114 (such as a smartphone) and / or an external server 116. In one embodiment, the radar device 100 communicates with the mobile terminal 114 (for example, directly via Bluetooth such as Bluetooth Low Energy) and the mobile terminal 114 communicates with the server 116 (via a cellular or Wi-Fi connection). In another embodiment, the radar device 100 can communicate directly with the server 116 via a cellular network.

[0051] With reference to [Fig. 2], the radar device 100 may include a housing 200 inside which a radar sensor 202 is positioned (shown schematically in dashed lines). The housing 200 is sized to be positioned in the toilet bowl 106 of the toilet 102. Due to its positioning in an area exposed to various liquids or solids, the housing 200 is watertight.

[0052] In one embodiment, the housing 200 includes a collection orifice 204, adapted to receive urine dripping onto the housing 200. In this embodiment, the radar device 100 is part of a urine analysis device which includes, in particular, the housing 200. The housing 200 may include a front shell 206 and a rear shell 208, which can be assembled and disassembled to allow access to the interior of the housing 200. The urine analysis device was described in documents WO2021 / 175909, WO2021 / 175944, WO2023 / 036805, WO2023 / 036806, WO2023 / 036808 and WO2023 / 036809 (publication numbers).

[0053] Figure 3 shows, in a schematic diagram, the components that the radar device 100 can comprise, and the general ecosystem. The radar device 100 includes a control circuit 302 with a processor 304, a memory 306, and an I / O (input / output) interface 308 configured to send and receive data from the control circuit 302. A communication module 310 can be provided to exchange data with an external terminal (e.g. a smartphone). The communication module 310 can be a wireless module, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Emission, etc. The control circuitry 302 can, in particular, communicate with the radar sensor 202 to send acquisition instructions and receive radar data for processing.

[0054] The radar device 100 may include a battery 312 which supplies the components with energy.

[0055] Memory 306 can store instructions which, when executed by processor 304, implement the method(s) of this description. The methods are preferably performed locally by processor 304 of the radar device 100. This allows feedback to the user without requiring a connection, particularly with an external terminal (such as a smartphone).

[0056] The radar device 100 can communicate, using the communication module 310 and a communication network 314, with an external mobile terminal 316, of the mobile terminal type ("smartphone"). The mobile terminal 316 includes a control circuit 318 with a processor 320, a memory 322, and an I / O interface 324 configured to send and receive data from the control circuit 302. The external terminal 316 further includes a user interface 326 for interacting with the user. The processor 320 and the memory 322 can implement an application that allows the external terminal 316 to communicate with the radar device 100. The user interface 326 can, in particular, display information to the user.

[0057] The radar device 100 can also communicate with a server 328, either directly via the communication network 314 or via the external terminal 316. The server 328 comprises a control circuit 330 with a processor 332, a memory 334, and an FO interface 336 configured to send and receive data from the control circuit 302. The server 328 can store the measurements taken by the radar device 100 (cloud architecture). The server 328 can also perform data processing.

[0058] The communication network 314 can be heterogeneous: short-range wireless (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.), long-range wireless (cellular, etc.), wired (Ethernet, etc.).

[0059] Memory 322 and / or server 328 and / or external terminal 316 can store one or more user profiles comprising, for example, a unique identifier for the user, the user's gender and age, to which physiological data are associated, for example, RF physiological data or excreta data. Typically, the user profiles are centralized on server 328, from which they are downloaded by external terminal 316 and radar device 100.

[0060] Figure 4 describes in more detail an example of a radar sensor 202. The radar sensor 202 comprises a transmitter 402, a receiver 404, and control circuitry 406. The transmitter 402 includes at least one transmitting antenna 408 and a wave generator 410. The receiver 404 includes at least one receiving antenna 412. The control circuitry 406 includes, in particular, a processor 414 and a memory 416, to drive the transmitter 402 and process the signals received by the receiver 404. The control circuitry 406 of the radar sensor 202 may be integrated or partially integrated with the control circuitry 302 of the radar device 100. The term "control circuitry 302, 406" will be used hereafter to refer to either one or the other.

[0061] The radar sensor 202 uses, in particular, the Doppler-Fizeau effect generated by a moving object to obtain, in particular, the speed of said object and / or the distance between said object and the radar sensor 202. The speed is said to be radial, because it is only the component of speed projected onto an axis connecting said object and the radar sensor 202. Similarly, we will speak of the radial distance D(t), because it is the distance along this axis.

[0062] The wave generator 410 and the Tx antenna generate electromagnetic waves wTx, emitted towards a field of view (FoV), visible in [Fig. 5]. These electromagnetic waves are partially reflected by the obstacles they encounter, i.e., the user's body (especially the buttocks), and create an echo represented by the waves wRx in [Fig. 5], which is received by the Rx antenna 404. The control circuitry 302, 406 processes the echoes to generate radar data. The control circuitry 302, 406 can convert the analog signals generated by the wave generator 310 and received by the Rx antenna into digital signals. Filters, amplifiers, etc., are typically provided in the radar sensor 202.

[0063] The radar sensor 202 can be compact, on the order of a few centimeters, or even less than 1 cm. For example, the radar sensor 202 can be contained in a cube with dimensions of 1 cm x 1 cm x 1 cm.

[0064] The field of view (FoV) is typically a solid angle, which covers a volume of space from the radar sensor 202. The FoV is generally defined by two aperture angles. The axis of symmetry of each angle is called the radar axis.

[0065] In one embodiment, the radar sensor 202 comprises several transmitters 402 configured to transmit in different directions and / or to transmit several types of signals. Similarly, the control circuitry 302, 406 is configured to manage the transmission of several radar beams and / or several types of signals.

[0066] With reference to [Fig. 4], the radar sensor 202 can be a frequency-modulated continuous wave radar, or FMCW ("Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave"), which means that the radar sensor emits a frequency-modulated signal ("chirp" according to The established terminology (an anglicism that can be translated as "frequency sweep" in French, but the English term is commonly used) is used. Put another way, during the pulse, which has a duration T, the frequency of the emitted chirp varies over a range. Several modulations are possible: sawtooth modulation, triangular modulation, frequency-shift keying, step modulation, etc. The radar sensor can be an ultra-wideband radar, also known as UWB (Ultra Wide Band). UWB radar emits wave patterns of a few nanoseconds that are repeated. Studying the delays allows us to determine distances, and studying the variations in the delay allows us to determine velocities.

[0067] As previously stated, the radar sensor 202 is an Ondemm radar (mmWave radar), meaning that the radar emits millimeter waves, i.e., the wavelength of the radar waves is on the order of a millimeter. The frequency range is between a few GHz and a few hundred GHz, for example between 20 GHz and 200 GHz.

[0068] The radar sensor 202 can emit a succession of chirps, the succession being called a "frame" (translatable as "window" in French, but the English term is commonly used). In one embodiment, a frame comprises between 16 and 256 chirps (or even more than 256 chirps), or even between 32 and 64 chirps (for example, 128 chirps). More specifically, a frame can be decomposed as follows: N.(PRT)=N.(t_chirp + t_pause), where PRT is the pulse repetition time, t_chirp is the duration of a chirp, t_pause is the pause time before the next chirp, and N is the number of chirps. The PRT can last between 300 µs and 500 µs. The pause can last 1 µs. A frame can thus last a few milliseconds.

[0069] Frequency modulation allows the creation, after mixing the transmitted and received signals, filtering, etc., of a signal called an Intermediate Frequency Signal (IFS) whose frequencies are proportional to the radial distance of the objects generating the echoes. A Fourier transform applied to this IFS highlights the frequencies and their associated distances. By analyzing the phase variations of the Fourier transforms on successive chirps, the Doppler frequencies, which are related to the object's velocity, can be identified, and the phase signal can be calculated. The radar sensor 202 can obtain the radial velocity and radial distance for each object.In particular, the 202 radar sensor can generate a "Distance-Doppler" map ("Range-Doppler" in common terminology), which represents the radial distance (on the x-axis figures, in m) and the speed of a moving object in the FoV field of view (on the y-axis figures, in m / s). A "Distance-Doppler" map can be calculated for each frame.

[0070] Within the frames, the "Distance-Doppler" map is obtained using FFTs ("fast fourier transforms") and their evolution between successive chirps. The "Distance-Doppler" maps are known and will not be described in further detail.

[0071] Using in particular chirps, the radar sensor 202 can also calculate a radial distance between itself and a moving object.

[0072] For example, after the Fourier transform, the signal comprises a real component, related to the distance, and an imaginary component, related to the phase of the signal. However, the phase of the signal is directly related to the radial distance, via the equation: A <e>=4n. OR / X, where A <1> is the phase difference, It is pi, <1> R is the radial distance difference, and X is the wavelength of the signal. By sampling the phases, it is possible to obtain the delta R. By evaluating the phase changes between chirps, the phase evolution can be determined. Modulo a multiplication or division by the factor 41 / X, knowing the phase evolution allows us to determine the radial distance evolution, R.

[0073] The smaller the identifiable phase variation (i.e., the smaller the sampling), the better the accuracy of the radial distance variations. For example, the accuracy can reach 50 pm.

[0074] A frame can last 20ms. Therefore, one hundred successive frames take 2s. More generally, in the case of an FMCW radar, a chirp can last between 30 and 200 ms, but these values ​​are not limiting.

[0075] In the illustrated examples in the description, the radar sensor 202 is an Infineon™ BGT60TR13C FMCW radar whose frequency can vary between 58 GHz and 63.5 GHz during a chirp. This range allows a bandwidth of more than 5 GHz, which ensures sufficient accuracy for the use described. Other frequency values ​​can be used, particularly around the values ​​described. This radar sensor includes three Rx antennas and one Tx antenna. In the illustrated example, the chirp includes sawtooth frequency modulation. In the example shown in [Fig. 5], the chirp frequency varies between 58 and 63 GHz, with a sampling rate of 1000 kHz.

[0076] Positioning of radar device 100 in the toilet

[0077] With reference to Figures 5 and 6, the radar device 100 is arranged in the bowl so that the field of view (FoV) of the radar sensor 202 is oriented towards the bowl opening 106, meaning that a user sitting on the seat 108 is within the radar coverage, and in particular a part of their body (specifically their buttocks and external genitalia 502, 602). More precisely, the FoV includes a portion of the bowl opening O, in order to transmit in the direction of the external genitalia 502, 602. In one embodiment, the field of view FoV is included in the opening O of the bowl 106, in order to emit as much as possible towards the external genital organs 502, 602.

[0078] In one embodiment, the radar device 100 can be positioned in the toilet 102 so as to be in the path of a stream of urine secreted by a user during urination, particularly when a user is urinating while seated in the toilet. The position of the radar device 100 in the toilet is then suitable for any type of user, male or female, regardless of age. The user can then urinate in the toilet without being concerned about the presence and position of the radar device 100.

[0079] The positioning of the radar device 100 on the wall 112 of the bowl 106 also allows it to be positioned on the path of a flush from the reservoir 104. The radar device 100 can thus be rinsed when the flush is activated.

[0080] An attachment can be provided to hold the radar device 100 on the inner wall of the bowl 106: suction cup, magnet (with support glued to the wall), hook reaching the rim of the bowl 106, etc.

[0081] User identification

[0082] Figure 5, already presented previously, illustrates a user 500 at the very end of the approach phase PhA, that is, at the moment when she sits on the toilet bowl 106. The user is schematically represented here as a woman, since she does not possess a penis. The radar device 100 is positioned in volume V of the toilet bowl 106, and the radar sensor 202 emits radar waves (referred to as wTx) towards the body (in particular the external genitalia 502) of the user U, which return reflected radar waves (referred to as wRX). The radar device 100 makes it possible to determine the radial distance D(t) between the external genitalia and the radar device 100, and in particular its evolution over time. This radial distance D(t) can constitute the physical data itself.

[0083] Figure 6 illustrates a user 600 in the approach phase to sit down. The user is schematically male, as he possesses external genitalia in the form of a penis 602 (figure not necessarily to scale). In Figure 6(a), the user 600 is not yet seated but is approaching the toilet bowl to sit down. The user is then in the approach phase PhA. In Figure 6(b), a few seconds later, the user 600 is about to sit down on the toilet bowl 106. The user then enters the sitting phase PhS.

[0084] As illustrated by figures 5 and 6, the emission and reception of radar waves take place before the sitting phase, and therefore before the user urinates or defecates.

[0085] As explained previously, the device 100 makes it possible to obtain an evolution of the radial distance D(t) of the body of the seated user with respect to the radar device 100. Now, since the radar device 100 is located in the bowl, the parts of the body closest to the radar device 100 are the external genital organs 502, 602 of the user.

[0086] This evolution over time is measured during the approach phase for sitting down. Depending on the shape of the external genitalia, mainly related to the sex of the user, the reflected radar signal varies. As the radar device 100 can detect the radial distance of a moving object, it is able to determine the radial distance of the moving external genitalia when the user is in the approach phase: due to the positioning of the radar device 100 on a wall 112 of the bowl 106, male external genitalia 602 (a penis) appear radially closer to the radar device 100 than female external genitalia 502 (in particular the labia).

[0087] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate, respectively, radar data obtained for a person with a penis (male external genitalia, therefore considered male, like user 600) and a person without a penis (similar to female external genitalia, therefore considered female, like user 500) at the end of the approach phase, i.e., in a seated position. Due to the positioning of the radar device 100 on the wall 112 (specifically on the anterior portion) of the toilet bowl 106, the external genitalia are closest to the radar device 100 once the user is seated, at the end of the approach phase. The radar data processing shown in Figures 7 and 8 is not necessary to identify the physical data in this description, as less radar processing may suffice, but it has the advantage of being visual.In practice, a FFT (fast fourier transform) of the chirp may be sufficient to obtain the desired distance information.

[0088] Each of Figures 7 and 8 contains a 702, 802 range map, with distance on the x-axis and fast time (in seconds) on the y-axis, and a 704, 804 distance-Doppler or distance-velocity response, with distance (in m) on the x-axis and velocity (in m / s) on the y-axis. The range map is a juxtaposition of the FFTs of the obtained chirps, represented in columns, as a function of the radar range. The distance-Doppler map, already presented previously, represents the velocity and position of a part of the moving object, in this case the human body, which is represented by a color whose brightness is proportional to the intensity of the received signal. In Figures 7 and 8, the most intense areas (i.e., lighter colors) indicate the presence of the user's body.These zones allow us to determine a physical data in the form of a characteristic distance, which is the distance between the radar sensor 202 and the penis (specifically the glans).

[0089] In [Fig. 7], the most intense (i.e., brightest) area 706 indicates the presence of the user's body. Roughly speaking, it is visible that the body is located less than 25 cm away. In [Fig. 8], the most intense area 806 indicates the presence of the user's body. Roughly speaking, it is visible that the body is located more than 25 cm away. This difference is explained by the presence of the male external genitalia (the penis) which hangs inside the bowl and is therefore closer to the radar sensor 202 than the female external genitalia. [Fig. 9] represents a 900 superposition of the two distance-Doppler maps 704 and 804 (distance in m and speed in m / s). Processing the radar data from [Fig. 9] allows the principle of user identification to be visually demonstrated.

[0090] These two figures also illustrate the fact that a single frame is sufficient to obtain the physical data. Consequently, the computer processing remains lightweight in terms of both computation time and computing power. More generally, an acquisition lasting less than 0.1 seconds is sufficient to obtain the physical data.

[0091] From the radar data, the device 100 extracts a characteristic distance that corresponds to the aforementioned physical data. Since this characteristic distance varies depending on the presence or absence of a rod, the characteristic distance, and therefore the physical data, makes it possible to identify the user, in particular by distinguishing between men and women. In one embodiment, the characteristic data makes it possible to distinguish between several men.

[0092] Figure 10 illustrates the results of an internal campaign. Graph 1000 represents the user's sex (male or female) as a function of the calculated distance Dmin, for 5 measurements per person, and 32 people (13 men and 19 women). With the exception of one or two data points, the discrimination between male and female is total.

[0093] Discrimination threshold

[0094] To identify, the radar device 100 can compare the physical data (e.g., the characteristic distance) with a threshold. This threshold can then be used to discriminate between men and women, or even between different men.

[0095] The threshold can be predetermined, that is, set independently of the user and their toilet (for example, set at the factory, for example, based on measurements taken during previous measurement campaigns). In the data in [Fig. 11], the threshold is approximately 11 cm (vertical line).

[0096] Alternatively, an artificial learning algorithm can be used, with training on labeled data, for example verge / without verge.

[0097] In one embodiment, since the distance between the radar device 100 and the external genitalia may depend on the user's toilet, calibration in the user's toilet may be provided. This is referred to as a pre-calibrated threshold. To this end, the radar device 100 may implement an identification method (for the purpose of calibrating the threshold) and receive information from the user (for example, via the external mobile terminal 316) indicating the user's gender. This indication can be made indirectly by selecting a user profile to which a gender has already been assigned.

[0098] Embodiment by identifying the future seated position

[0099] It has been previously stated that the radar data were obtained for a time t corresponding to the end of the user's approach phase PhA, i.e., the moment the user makes contact with the toilet bowl or seat and therefore just before the sitting phase PhS. To determine this t, called Tin, the radar sensor 202 can analyze the intensity of the received signal, which changes during the approach phase. Graph 1100 in [Fig. 11] includes a curve 1102 that represents the time evolution of the average intensity of the received radar signal during the approach phase PhA and the subsequent sitting phase PhS, and a curve 1104 that represents the derivative of this average intensity. The intensity of the received signal depends, in particular, on the size of the moving object (i.e., the user) in the field of view FoV of the radar device 100.Once seated, at the end of the approach phase (PhA) and during the seated phase (PhS), the object moves very little, so the radar generates a low-intensity signal. The low intensity of the radar signal during the seated phase is distinct from the stronger signal intensity that the radar device 100 can generate when the user urinates in the toilet bowl 106, as described in document EP4349257.

[0100] By analyzing the intensity of the received signal, the radar device can thus identify the time Tin of the end of the approach phase PhA. The intensity of the received signal is in the form of an increasing and then decreasing function during the approach phase. The approach phase PhA can be seen as the moment when the decrease is most rapid, therefore at the moment when the derivative of the signal passes through an extremum and thus the second derivative becomes zero. Graph 1104 represents precisely this second derivative.

[0101] In a first embodiment, the radar signal is acquired throughout the approach phase, so as to identify the time of interest Tin. This time Tin can correspond to the end of the user's approach phase PhA onto the toilet. Physically, this time Tin therefore corresponds to the moment when the external genitalia have reached their final position in the toilet bowl 106. At Tin, it is reasonable to consider that D(Tin)=Dmin, that is, the external genitalia are closest to the radar device. For this time Tin, the radar device 100 determines the corresponding characteristic distance, either via a "distance map" or a distance-Doppler response or any other method. This characteristic distance, which corresponds to the minimum radial distance between the user's body and the The radar device's value of 100, called Rmin, is a physical data point and is compared to a threshold to determine whether the user is male or female. This method is illustrated in Figures 7 and 8.

[0102] Identification can thus be carried out from a single frame.

[0103] Embodiment by distance

[0104] In a second embodiment, the radar signal is acquired throughout the approach phase, and the evolution of the distance D(t) is calculated as a function of time. The minimum Dmin of this distance D(t) is determined as the characteristic distance, i.e., the physical datum. In this embodiment, the calculation of a Distance-Doppler response is not required.

[0105] For both embodiments, a comparison with a threshold, as described above, makes it possible to identify whether the user is a man or a woman, or even to discriminate between two men.

[0106] Use of prospective waves

[0107] The radar sensor 202 is activated during the approach phase and in particular at the end of it, when the user sits down. Continuous activation may consume battery power.

[0108] In one embodiment, the radar sensor 202 sends forward-looking waves in order to detect a user in the approach phase.

[0109] The radar configuration for prospective waves may differ from that used for identification waves. The radar configuration here involves the type of radar signal emitted and / or the type of processing of the reflected radar signal. In particular, the configuration is more energy-efficient. Specifically, prospective waves only need to be capable of identifying a moving mass, such as a mass moving towards the toilet. The emission of prospective waves can occur at longer time intervals than those of identification waves.

[0110] For example, prospective waves can take the form of a radar signal emitted (a single chirp may suffice) every 1 to 5 seconds. This is referred to as intermittent emission. Calculating the root mean square error (RMSE) between two successive chirps makes it possible to identify the presence of a user (particularly if the RMSE increases). In response to the detection of a user's presence during the approach phase by the radar device 100, the radar sensor 202 can transmit continuously for a sufficient duration to acquire the end of the approach phase and implement the techniques described above.

[0111] User detection may include, in particular, the detection of a moving mass, and especially an approaching mass. However, sending forward-looking waves consumes battery power. For this purpose, radar sensor 202 can be activated. during predefined time slots, such as those defined in publication EP22315324 (and called temporal analyzing windows). These slots can represent a few hours per day (less than 4 hours per day, for example), so that the radar device 100 can send prospective waves intermittently, i.e., every X seconds, while maintaining sufficient battery life (X being between 1 and 10 seconds, or even between 1 and 5 seconds). To identify the user, however, the radar device 100 emits waves at much shorter intervals, or even continuously.

[0112] The predefined time range can be associated with a predetermined measurement type for a given user.

[0113] Alternatively, the emission step 1202 is carried out continuously on the said range(s).

[0114] Alternatively, the radar sensor 202 can be activated by a button located near the toilet and activated by the user. Alternatively, the radar sensor 202 can be activated by a presence sensor placed near the toilet.

[0115] Integration of a radar sensor into an excreta analysis device

[0116] In one embodiment, the radar device 100 comprises an excreta analysis device and, more particularly, a urine analysis device 1400, shown in [Fig. 14]. The urine device has been described in documents WO2021 / 175909, WO2021 / 175944, WO2023 / 036805, WO2023 / 036806, WO2023 / 036808, and WO2023 / 036809 (publication number). As explained previously, identifying the seated user can be a preliminary step before initiating a urine analysis. Identifying the seated user also allows the analysis results to be attributed to the user profile corresponding to that of the seated user.

[0117] Finally, this method is particularly suitable for a method described in document EP22315324.

[0118] As illustrated in detail in [Fig.14], the urine analysis device 1400 comprises a station 1402 and a cartridge 1404, removably mounted in the station 1402. Station 1402 includes, in particular, housing 200, which, according to a specific embodiment, is formed as an assembly of two half-shells. Housing 200 contains a test set. The test set is intended to analyze the urine received in the urine analysis device 100. Station 1402 further includes an annular housing 1406, inside housing 200, arranged around a rotational axis A. The annular housing 1106 is configured to receive, at least partially, the cartridge 1104, which is mounted for rotation about the rotational axis A (once in position in the annular housing 212). The cartridge 1404 comprises a plurality of test holders incorporating a reagent, for example, a dry reagent, arranged along a circle or an arc of a circle around the rotational axis A. In a mode of For this procedure, the test supports are test strips. The test supports are individually enclosed in a chamber.

[0119] The annular housing 1406 typically extends over 360° and forms a groove configured to partially receive the cartridge 1104.

[0120] Station 1402 further includes the collection port 218, positioned, for example, on the rear shell in [Fig. 11]. The collection port 218 can receive urine flowing by gravity onto the outer surface of the housing 204. A drain port (not shown) is also included for draining the liquid from the device 1400.

[0121] In one embodiment, the housing 200 has a diameter, measured in the direction normal to axis A, between 50 mm and 150 mm, for example close to 100 mm.

[0122] The test assembly comprises a pump, an injector, and an analyzer, not shown in [Fig. 14]. The pump draws urine from the collection port 218, and then the injector injects the urine onto a test medium in the cartridge. The analyzer then obtains properties of the test medium after it has contacted the urine. The injector and the cartridge can move relative to each other so that the injector can pierce the chamber.

[0123] In another embodiment (not illustrated), the excreta analysis device may be separate from the radar device 100. The two devices may nevertheless communicate via a wireless network.

[0124] Methods

[0125] Several different methods will be described in relation to [Fig.12]. In particular, a 1200 identification method using the radar device 100 preceding an excreta analysis method 1210 will be presented.

[0126] Figure 12 illustrates the steps of a method for identifying physical data 1200 as previously presented in the various embodiments. The steps of method 1200 can be implemented by the radar sensor 202 and in particular by the control circuitry 302, 406.

[0127] In a step 1202, the control circuitry drives the radar sensor 202 to emit signals. These signals are typically emitted towards the opening O of the toilet bowl 106, i.e., towards the user's body, which at least partially obstructs the opening O. In a step 1204, the control circuitry drives the radar sensor 202 to receive signals reflected by the user's body (the buttocks and external genitalia 502, 602). In a step 1206, the control circuitry processes the reflected signals to determine physical data about the user's body (in particular, the user's external genitalia). In one embodiment, steps 1202, 1204, and 1206 are repeated successively to obtain continuous information. Examples of such processing have been described previously.

[0128] In a step 1208, the control circuitry uses the physical data to identify the user.

[0129] Identification can correspond to assigning a user profile to the seated user. This identification can be performed from among a plurality of pre-existing user profiles stored at the server level (116, 328) and / or the radar device (100), and in particular from among two user profiles, one associated with a man and the other with a woman. In one embodiment, identification is performed from among at least two user profiles corresponding to men. In one embodiment, identification includes comparing the physical data with a threshold, as described above. The threshold can be pre-calibrated on the user's toilet to account for the variety of toilet and bowl models.

[0130] A method for analyzing excreta data 1210 is then implemented to obtain at least one excreta data point from the excreta generated by the seated user. For example, the method for obtaining excreta data may include urine collection, and an excreta data point may be data relating to the user's urine (pH, hormone, etc.). The method for obtaining excreta data may be as described in the aforementioned patent documents.

[0131] The method for obtaining excreta data is implemented here in response to the identification step 1208. Thus, depending on the identification of step 1208, the control circuitry may or may not implement an excreta data obtaining method 1210. For example, when the identification step 1208 determines that the user corresponds to a user profile for which an excreta analysis is expected (for example, a specific severity test for an athlete), the control circuitry triggers an excreta analysis method 1210.

[0132] The excreta analysis method 1210 thus includes a step of obtaining 1212 excreta data, using an excreta analyzer.

[0133] In a step 1214, excreta data is assigned to the user profile identified in step 1208.

[0134] The identification step 1208 can be performed by the smartphone or the server and not by the control circuitry. Similarly, part of the processing step 1206 can be performed by the smartphone or the server. Since user detection can trigger a measurement and urination lasts only a few seconds, it may be important for the entire identification method 1200 to be performed by the radar device itself. Indeed, a round trip to the server requires a stable internet connection and immediate server availability.

[0135] To have an embedded algorithm, clustering (an anglicism that can be translated into French as "grouping") without machine learning (an anglicism that can be translated into French as "automatic learning") can be used.

[0136] User presence detection

[0137] As described previously, forward wave transmission allows radar data to be acquired before the user is seated. Transmission of forward waves consumes battery power. To avoid this, methods 1200 and 1210 can be implemented only during certain time periods.

[0138] Such time slots were described in publication EP22315324, on behalf of Withings, as part of a biomarker monitoring program by urine analysis.

[0139] In this regard, the internal circuitry includes an internal clock and a memory storing at least one measurement plan associated with a saved user profile. The measurement plan comprises two elements: a measurement to be performed and a time window during which the excreta measurement must be carried out by the user. The excreta measurement may be a measurement of pH, specific gravity, hormones (LH or other), etc. The time windows may be as follows: a few minutes or hours per day, once or several times per week, once or several times per month. For example, the time window may be every morning from 8:00 to 9:00. The radar device 100 includes an internal clock, and the control circuitry can determine whether a time on the internal clock is within the time window or not.

[0140] No excreta analysis is performed outside of a time window. Within a time window, however, it is essential to ensure that the measurement is triggered for the user associated with the measurement plan. The identification of this description therefore occurs at this stage.

[0141] Fig. 13 illustrates a 1300 detection method using such a window. In step 1302, the control circuitry determines that a time on the internal clock is within a time window of a measurement plan stored in the radar device 100. In response, in step 1304, the control circuitry triggers the transmission of forward-looking waves 1304, whether or not a user is present. The transmission 1304 continues until the identification method 1200 and, if applicable, the excreta analysis method 1210 are implemented, or until the end of the time window. The radar device 100 can transmit forward-looking waves intermittently.

[0142] A measurement is triggered in response to a determination by the control circuitry that the identified user profile corresponds to the one associated with the time window. If this is not the case, no measurement is performed.

[0143] However, the emission of prospective waves can take place in the absence of a time window.

[0144] The detection method can be incorporated into the identification method, upstream of the latter.< / e>

Claims

Demands

1. Method (1200) for identifying a user (500, 600) in motion and in the approach phase (PhA) to sit on a toilet bowl (106), the toilet bowl (106) defining an opening (O), the identification method being implemented by a measuring device (100) comprising a radar sensor (202), the measuring device (100) being positioned inside the volume (V) defined by the toilet bowl (106), the identification method (100) comprising: - the emission (1202) by the radar sensor (202) of at least one radar signal, in the direction of the opening (O), during the approach phase (PhA), - the reception (1204) by the radar sensor (202) of a radar signal emitted and reflected by the user's body in macroscopic motion, - the processing (1206) of the radar signal received, - the identification (1208) of a user based on the processing.

2. Identification method according to claim 1, wherein the processing includes the determination of a physical data relating to the user's body and the identification is based on the physical data relating to the user's body.

3. Identification method according to claim 2, wherein the physical data is a characteristic distance between the radar sensor (202) and the user's body.

4. Identification method according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the radar signal is reflected by external genitalia (502, 602) of the macroscopically moving user and the physical data relates to the user's external genitalia.

5. Identification method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the identification includes comparing the physical data with a threshold.

6. Identification method according to claim 5, wherein the threshold is pre-calibrated on the user's toilet.

7. Identification method according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the radar sensor (202) operates per frame and in which the physical data is determined from the processing of a single frame.

8. Identification method according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the physical data is determined from the radar signal received at the end of the approach phase, just before the macroscopic movement related to the approach phase ceases.

9. Identification method according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein: the physical data is determined from an instant (Tin) corresponding to the moment when the user sits down, at the end of the approach phase, or the processing includes calculating the distance (D(t)) between the radar sensor (202) and the user's external genitalia during the approach phase and determining a minimum value of the distance.

10. Identification method according to any one of claims 11 9, further comprising the detection of the presence of a user in approach phase (PhA), using prospective waves, the implementation of the emission (1202) taking place in response to the detection of a user in approach phase.

11. Identification method according to claim 10, wherein the detection step includes the emission of prospective waves, the prospective waves being sent intermittently.

12. Identification method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the radar configuration for prospective waves is different from that of the radar signal for identification.

13. Identification method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the measuring device (100) comprises control circuitry with an internal clock and a memory storing at least one measurement plan associated with a user profile of the registered user, wherein the measurement plan includes a time window, and wherein the detection of the presence of a user takes place in response to the determination that an internal time of the internal clock is within the time window.

14. Identification method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the identification (1208) includes discrimination between a man and a woman.

15. Identification method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the identification (1208) comprises: assigning the seated user to a user profile recorded in the measuring device.

16. Method for analyzing excreta (1210) of a user, using a measuring device (100) comprising an excreta analyzer, the method comprising: - an identification method according to claim 15, - obtaining (1212) excreta data, - assigning (1214) the excreta data to the assigned user profile.

17. Method of excreta analysis according to claim 16, wherein the obtaining (1212) is done in response to the assignment of an assigned user profile.

18. Computer program comprising instructions capable of implementing a method according to any one of claims 1 to 17 when the instructions are executed by a processor.

19. Measuring device (100) comprising: - a housing (200), suitable for being positioned inside a toilet bowl (106), - a radar sensor (202), housed in the housing (200), and suitable for emitting radar waves towards the opening of the toilet bowl (106), the radar sensor (202) being suitable for implementing an identification method according to any one of claims 1 to 15 or an excreta analysis method according to claims 16 or 17.

20. Urine analysis device (1400), comprising: - a measuring device (100) according to claim 19, - a collection orifice (204) on the housing (200) for receiving urine, - a test assembly for analyzing the urine received.