User detection and identification in bathroom setting

Abstract

To provide a system for detecting a user of a bathroom.SOLUTION: A system comprises at least one sensor 100 coupled to a bathroom use analysis device. The sensor generates data that can be used for detecting and / or identifying the user. Also provided is a method of detecting a user of a bathroom. The method comprises a step of analyzing data generated by the sensor in the above system to detect and / or identify the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE This application relates generally to methods for detecting and identifying individuals. More particularly, a method and system for detecting and identifying bathroom users is provided. [Background technology]

[0002] WO 2018 / 187790 discloses biometric monitoring devices, methods and systems relating to biometric monitoring in a bathroom environment, where it is beneficial or necessary to detect or identify the user when the devices and systems are used as disclosed therein. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018 / 187790 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Provided herein are systems and methods for detecting or identifying a user of a bathroom device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A system for detecting a user of a bathroom is provided, the system comprising at least one sensor coupled to a bathroom usage analysis device, the sensor generating data that can be used to detect and / or identify the user.

[0006] There is also provided a method for detecting a user in a bathroom, the method comprising analysing data generated by a sensor in the above system to detect and / or identify the user. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toilet including a waste analysis device having a user detection component. [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the user detection components. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fecal analysis device having a user detection component. [Figure 4] 1A-1D are perspective views of a toilet with a waste analysis device including a user detection component, in the seat up and seat down positions. [Diagram 5] 1 is a flow chart of a user identification system coupled to a waste analysis device. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toilet coupled to various components that are part of a user identification system. [Figure 7] 4 is a flow chart of steps used by a user identification system to identify a user. [Figure 8A] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a toilet seat showing the sensor configuration. [Figure 8B] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a toilet seat showing the sensor configuration. [Figure 8C] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a toilet seat showing the sensor configuration. [Figure 8D] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a toilet seat showing the sensor configuration. [Figure 8E] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a toilet seat showing the sensor configuration. [Figure 8F] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a toilet seat showing the sensor configuration. [Figure 9A] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the user detection components in the toilet seat lid. [Figure 9B] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toilet seat lid with a two component user detection system. [Figure 9C] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a two-part lid with user detection components on the inside. [Figure 9D] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a single-component user detection component of the top lid. [Figure 10A]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an upward facing user sensing component that allows movement in two degrees of freedom. [Figure 10B] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a single fixed, upward-facing user detection component. [Figure 11] 3A-3C are three perspective views of a fingerprint reader or other sensor / location for user input. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] In WO 2018 / 187790, devices, methods and systems are provided for analyzing the waste of a bathroom user and for performing other bathroom tasks such as weighing the user, administering medication to the user, and taking the user's temperature. Detection and / or identification of the user of these devices requires associating the user with information captured about the user for purposes such as drug matching, drug quantities / prescriptions, compliance (e.g. court ordered drug testing), billing, and obtaining baseline and abnormal results for that user. The present invention addresses such a need.

[0009] Provided herein is a system for detecting a bathroom user. The system includes at least one sensor coupled to a bathroom usage analysis device. In these examples, the sensor generates data that can be used to detect and / or identify the user.

[0010] As used herein, a bathroom usage analysis device (hereinafter "BUAD") is a device that measures parameters of the usage of bathroom fixtures, such as a sink, mirror, tub, bidet, shower, medicine cabinet, or toilet. For example, a BUAD can capture facial images from a mirror (see, e.g., WO 2018 / 187790, p. 10, Figures 9A-9D), track the progress of a medicine cabinet and / or dispense medication from a medicine cabinet (see, e.g., WO 2018 / 187790, p. 10, Figures 9A-9D), or measure and analyze characteristics of waste in a toilet ("waste analysis device"), e.g., as in several examples described in WO 2018 / 187790.

[0011] In some embodiments, the system detects the presence of a user but does not identify the user. Such embodiments may be used where measurements made by the BUAD at that time are not compared to measurements from other times.

[0012] In another embodiment, the system detects and identifies users and can distinguish between users, creating a user profile for each user. Such a system allows for evaluation of a user's use of the BUAD over time and provides diagnostic information when the BUAD obtains abnormal readings.

[0013] The sensors in such systems may be any sensor now known or later developed that determines the presence of a user or measures a characteristic that varies between individuals. Non-limiting examples include an overt identifier, an image sensor, a time of flight camera, a load cell, a capacitance sensor, a microphone, an image sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a passive infrared sensor, a thermopile, a temperature sensor, a motion sensor, a photoelectric sensor, a structured light system, a fingerprint scanner, a retina scanner, an iris analyzer, a smartphone, a wearable identifier, a weighing scale integrated into a bathroom mat, a height sensor, a skin color sensor, a bioelectrical impedance circuit, an electrocardiogram or a thermometer.

[0014] A system may comprise multiple sensors or any combination of sensors housed together or separately connected to the system.

[0015] In various embodiments, the system can store a set of identifiers associated with a user. Non-limiting examples of identifiers that can be used to identify a user are explicit identifiers, as described further below, voice identifiers, image identifiers, structured light 3D scanning identifiers (e.g., measuring the three-dimensional shape of the face using a projected light pattern and a camera system), fingerprint identifiers, retinal identifiers, and smartphone / wearable identifiers.

[0016] Explicit Identifier In some embodiments, the system can store a set of explicit identifiers in association with a user profile. An explicit identifier is an identification input received directly at the BUAD or via a native application running on the user device. For example, the system can assign a particular button or input on a touch screen of the BUAD to a particular user and store this assignment in association with the user profile corresponding to the user. In one implementation, the BUAD can display, via a touch screen, an input area corresponding to each user profile associated with the bathroom usage analysis device. Alternatively, the BUAD can include a set of physical buttons, and each physical button can be assigned to a user profile. Thus, before using an appliance in the bathroom, a user can identify himself to the BUAD by interacting with the BUAD or with a native application running on his user device.

[0017] Voice Identifier In other embodiments, the system may store a set of voice identifiers in association with the user profile. A voice identifier is an audio clip of the user's voice speaking a particular word or phrase. In some such embodiments, the system may prompt the user to pronounce their name or another identifying phrase during the onboarding process and record multiple audio clips of the user pronouncing their name. When the system subsequently detects the presence of an unknown user, it may prompt the user to articulate their name. The system may then record a response to the voice identification prompt and compare the response to a set of voice identifiers stored in association with the user profile. The system may then utilize voice identifier and / or authentication techniques to match the response to a set of voice identifiers associated with the user profile.

[0018] In various embodiments, the system may prompt the user to repeat an identification phrase to increase the number of vocal identifiers associated with the user profile and thereby increase the likelihood of confidently identifying the user.

[0019] Image Identifier In an additional embodiment, the system can store a set of image identifiers associated with a user profile, which are photographs of the user that the system can utilize for recognition purposes.

[0020] As used herein, a system utilizing an image identifier, e.g., using a camera to identify a user, is not strictly limited to face detection, but includes any type of image that can be used to identify a person or distinguish a known user from a guest, e.g., an image of the body relative to shoulder / neck length, i.e., an image of the back of the user's head, etc.

[0021] In certain embodiments of such systems, the sensor comprises an image sensor, a time-of-flight camera, a load cell, a temperature sensor, or any combination thereof. In some of these embodiments, the sensor is an image sensor, such as a time-of-flight camera.

[0022] As an example, during the onboarding process, the system may perform the following tasks: The system may do any or all of the following: prompt the user to look at a camera integrated into the BUAD (or a camera on the user's smartphone); record multiple images of the user's face; and / or implement facial recognition technology to record an image of each user prior to use of the BUAD and identify the current user of the BUAD by comparing the image of the current user with a stored visual identifier associated with the user profile. In specific embodiments, the system may also introduce a pre-existing image or set of images from a user device, such as the user's smartphone.

[0023] The image sensor in these embodiments can be mounted anywhere that can sense the desired image of the user. Non-limiting examples include a wall-mounted mirror, a portable mirror, a toilet paper roll, a sink, a mat in front of the toilet or sink, mounted or integrated into the toilet seat or seat cover, or integrated or mounted into the toilet seat cover, where the image sensor can only image the user when the toilet seat cover is lifted. See also Figures 1, 3 and 4, as well as various embodiments of WO 2018 / 187790.

[0024] In one implementation, the system may prompt the user to vary the angle of their face relative to the camera to record different facial images to increase the chances of identifying the user prior to use of the BUAD.

[0025] In another implementation, the system may prompt the user to approach or position their body at different angles and positions relative to the camera to record different facial images to increase the chances of identifying the user prior to use of the BUAD. In this implementation, the system performs a gating or posture analysis prior to use of the BUAD.

[0026] In another implementation, the system may prompt the user to wash their hands in a sink to record various hand images to increase the chances of identifying the user before using the BUAD.

[0027] In another implementation, the system may include a set of lighting fixtures that the system may activate in response to detecting the presence of a current user of the waste analysis device. The system can then record an image of the current user with a high probability of user identification thanks to stable lighting conditions.

[0028] Thus, the system may perform any or all of the following: record a first image of the first user in association with the first user's user profile, thereafter, during use of the BUAD, record a second image of the current user, and match the second image with the first image to identify the current user as the first user.

[0029] Structured Light / 3D Scanning Identifier In another embodiment, the system can store a set of structured light / 3D scan identifiers in association with the user profile. The structured light / 3D scan identifiers are 3D representations of the user's face or body shape suitable for identification purposes. For example, the system can prompt the user to look at a camera, structured light system, or 3D scanner during the onboarding process and record a 3D scan of the user's face. The system can then perform a 3D dimensional scan of each user's face before an excretion event and perform facial recognition techniques to compare the 3D scan of the current user to the 3D scans stored in association with the user profile to identify the current user of the BUAD.

[0030] In another implementation, the structured light / 3D scan identifier is a 3D representation of the user's ears and the back of the head suitable for identification purposes.

[0031] Fingerprint Identifier In some embodiments, the system can store a fingerprint identifier in association with a user profile. A fingerprint identifier is a representation of a unique identifiable feature (i.e., minutia) of a user's fingerprint. In such embodiments, an illustrative onboarding process is to prompt a user to scan their fingerprint (at multiple different orientations) on a fingerprint scanner located on the BUAD (e.g., a toilet flush handle or button) and record the user's fingerprint each time the user repositions their finger. When the system detects the presence of the current user, it can then prompt the current user to scan their finger on the BUAD to identify the user. Alternatively, in an implementation of the BUAD that includes a fingerprint scanner on the toilet flush handle or button, the system can record an excretion event and identify the user involved in the excretion event when the user flushes the toilet by scanning the user's fingerprint.

[0032] Iris / retina identifier In additional embodiments, the system can store an iris or retinal identifier in association with a user profile. An iris or retinal identifier is an image or other representation of a user's retina or iris. One example of an onboarding process for such an embodiment is to prompt a user to place their eye in a predetermined position for a retinal scan located on a retinal scanner proximate to the BUAD, and record an infrared image of the user's retina. Additionally or alternatively, the system can prompt the user to look at a camera integrated into the BUAD, record a high-resolution visible light image of the user's face, and retrieve an image of the user's iris. The system can then, upon detecting the user's presence, prompt the current user to scan their retina with a retinal scanner or look at a camera integrated into the BUAD to record an image of the user's iris.

[0033] Smartphone / Wearable Identifiers In some embodiments, the system can store a smartphone / wearable identifier in association with a user profile. The smartphone / wearable identifier is a universally unique identifier (hereinafter "UUID") for a wireless communication protocol ID associated with a device owned by a user. For example, during an onboarding process, the system prompts a user to synchronize their device with a waste analysis device and record the device's ID for the wireless protocol. The user's UUID can be remotely added to the system as part of a group of users. The system can then detect the proximity of the device to the waste analysis device and therefore associate a recorded waste event with a particular user based on the smartphone / wearable identifier. More specifically, the system transmits a radio beacon signal, and upon receiving the radio beacon, the user can respond with a UUID. The system can then identify the current user by matching the received UUID with an existing smartphone / wearable identifier stored in association with a user profile.

[0034] In various embodiments, for example, in an implementation of the system for use in a care facility (such as a hospital or long-term care facility), the system can include a wearable device. The system can then store a wearable identifier in association with a user profile for each patient, and upon detecting the proximity of the wearable device, can associate use of the BUAD with the patient associated with the wearable device.

[0035] The sensors described above enable the system to record characteristics of the user measured by the particular sensor employed, which is further described below.

[0036] Total weight In some embodiments, the system can measure and record the total weight of the user and store the total weight of the user in association with the user profile. In one implementation, the system can include a weight scale integrated with a bathroom mat, such as that described in WO 2018 / 187790, p. 9, FIG. 7, which can include a set of load cells capable of measuring the total weight of the user. Thus, when a current user is preparing to use the BUAD, the system can measure the user's weight when the user steps on the bathroom mat. The system can then compare the current user's weight to the set of weights stored in association with the user profile to increase the likelihood of identifying the user. Thus, the system can record a first weight in association with the user profile of the first user, and during or before a subsequent use of the BUAD, record a second weight of the current user, and match the second weight to the first weight to identify the current user as the first user.

[0037] Load cell distribution on toilet seat In various embodiments, the system can measure and record the load distribution of a user on a toilet seat in a bathroom and store the load cell distribution in association with a user profile. In one implementation, the waste analysis device includes a set of load cells integrated inside the toilet seat, for example as described in WO 2018 / 187790, p. 4, FIG. 2D. In such an embodiment, when a user sits on the waste analysis device during an excretion event, the system can measure the distribution of forces across this set of load cells. A particular user may apply a similar load distribution every time they sit on or stand up from the waste analysis device, even as their overall body weight changes. The load cell signals may be used to find unique patterns and identify individuals based on changes during a particular event caused by the use of toilet paper. Thus, the illustrated system can perform any or all of the following: record a first load cell distribution in association with a user profile of a first user, record a second load cell distribution of the current user during subsequent use of the BUAD, and match the second load cell distribution with the first load cell distribution to identify the current user of the BUAD as the first user.

[0038] height In additional examples, the system can measure and record the height of the user and store the height of the user in association with the user profile. In one implementation, the system includes a height sensor (e.g., a visible light camera or an infrared camera) configured to detect the height of the user when the user sits or stands proximate to the BUAD. Thus, the example system can perform any or all of the following: record a first height of the user in association with the user profile of the first user, record a second height of the current user during or before subsequent use of the BUAD, and match the second height to the first height to identify the current user as the first user.

[0039] Skin color In certain examples, the system can record a user's skin color in association with a user profile. In one implementation, the system can include a skin color sensor (e.g., a low-resolution visible light camera and LEDs) configured to detect a user's skin color upon detecting the user's skin contacting a surface of the BUAD (e.g., a surface of a toilet seat of a waste analysis device). Thus, in this example, the system can perform any or all of the following: record a first skin color in association with a user profile, record a second skin color of a current user of the BUAD during use, and match the first skin color to the second skin color to identify the current user as a first user.

[0040] Bioelectrical Impedance In other embodiments, the system can record the user's bioelectrical impedance in association with the user profile. The electrodes for the bioelectrical impedance can be placed in any useful pattern on the toilet seat or lid. Figures 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, and 8F show example patterns. The patterns shown there can be either the top or bottom of the toilet seat.

[0041] In one implementation, the system may include a bioelectrical impedance circuit (e.g., integrated with the toilet seat of the waste analysis device) configured to measure the bioelectrical impedance of a user while the user is using the BUAD. The electrodes of the bioelectrical impedance may be configured in a variety of patterns and multiple electrodes may be used to improve the measurement. Repeated measurements may be taken over use of the system to further distinguish between users. Thus, the system may perform any or all of the following: record a first bioelectrical impedance in association with a user profile of a first user, record a second bioelectrical impedance of a current user during subsequent use of the BUAD, and match the second bioelectrical impedance to the first bioelectrical impedance to identify the current user as the first user.

[0042] Heart Rate / Electrocardiogram In additional examples, the system can record heart rate, heart rate variability, or any other detectable characteristic of the user's heartbeat via an electrocardiogram (e.g., utilizing electrodes mounted on the BUAD, such as the toilet seat of the waste analysis device). The heart rate / electrocardiogram electrodes can be configured in a variety of patterns and multiple electrodes can be used to improve the measurement. Repeated measurements may be taken over use of the system to further distinguish users. Thus, the system can perform any or all of the following: record a first heart rate in association with a user profile of a first user, record a second heart rate of the current user during subsequent use of the BUAD, and match the second heart rate to the first heart rate to identify the current user as the first user. In one implementation, the system can record a first electrocardiogram pattern (e.g., including the user's average duration of P waves, PR segment, QRS complex, ST segment, T waves, and U waves, or average allocation of the PR interval to the QT interval) in association with a first user, record a second electrocardiogram pattern during subsequent use of the BUAD, and match the second electrocardiogram pattern to the first electrocardiogram pattern.

[0043] Pulse oximetry In additional examples, the system can record heart rate, heart rate variability, or any other detectable characteristic of the user's heartbeat via a pulse oximeter. Several different optical techniques can be used, such as stimulating the skin with two or more wavelengths of light and analyzing the received signal using a detector. Similarly, a pulse oximetry system can be created within the system by using a broadband light source and selective filters on the detector. The use of a combination of optical and acoustic methods, known as photoacoustic or acousto-optical imaging techniques, can reduce costs, power, and / or processing needs. Different users of the system can be identified by employing repeated measurements and / or using multiple measurements during a particular event. The system can be included in one or multiple sensor configurations, such as those shown in Figures 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, and 8F. Thus, the system may perform any or all of the following: record a first blood oxygen of the first user in association with the first user's user profile, record a second blood oxygen of the current user during subsequent use of the BUAD, and match the second blood oxygen with the first blood oxygen to identify the current user as the first user.

[0044] Acoustic Sensor In additional embodiments, the system may include acoustic, sonic, or ultrasonic sensors that may be used to identify humans. In one embodiment, the system may include a 1, 1.5, or 2-dimensional ultrasound imaging system to image the user's thigh and generate a 2 or 3-dimensional image / volume for identification. The user's ultrasound image may be uniquely identified using a variety of methods, including but not limited to tissue composition analysis (fat vs. muscle vs. bone), Doppler or flow-based analysis, machine learning, or neural networks. Thus, the system may perform any or all of the following: record a first ultrasound image / volume of the first user in association with the user profile of the first user, record a second ultrasound image / volume of the current user during subsequent use of the BUAD, and match the second ultrasound image / volume to the first ultrasound image / volume to identify the current user as the first user.

[0045] In additional examples, the system may include a single ultrasonic transducer that may be used for activation or identification. In one implementation, the system may include a single ultrasonic sensor configured to measure the profile and / or thickness of the user's legs upon detecting contact of the user's skin with a surface of the BUAD (e.g., the surface of the toilet seat of the waste analysis device). The profile may be compared to stored users for identification. The change in the ultrasonic transducer's electrical response due to contact with the human body may be used to activate the unit. In another implementation, a higher frequency ultrasonic transducer may be used to record the skin profile instead of the entire leg. In another example, the system may include an acoustic sensor in the audio frequency range to record the audio of the user's breathing. From this recording, some indirect identification information may be recorded, such as breathing rate, intensity / volume and / or sound quality.

[0046] temperature In various embodiments, the system can record the user's temperature via a temperature sensor in the BUAD (e.g., the toilet seat of the waste analysis device) or via an infrared temperature sensor. Thus, the system can do any or all of the following: record a first temperature of the first user in association with the user profile of the first user, record a second temperature of the current user during subsequent use of the BUAD, and match the second temperature with the first temperature to identify the current user as the first user.

[0047] Capacitive Sensor In various embodiments, the system can measure changes in the capacitance sensor as a method of activity and / or identification. In one implementation using a capacitance sensor covering the entire seat, the change in the electrical signal from the capacitor is proportional to the area of ​​the body in contact with the seat. Thus, the sensor can be used to distinguish between users with different contact areas on the seat, for example, children and adults. In another implementation, the capacitance sensor may be designed to sense changes in body composition and / or weight. Thus, the system can perform any or all of the following: record a first capacitance change in association with a user profile of a first user, record a second capacitance change of the current user during subsequent use of the BUAD, and match the second capacitance change with the first capacitance change to identify the current user as the first user. In yet another implementation, the capacitance sensor can register at a certain threshold of user presence and activate the BUAD.

[0048] body composition In various embodiments, the system can estimate the user's body composition via a body composition sensor in the BUAD (e.g., a toilet seat of the waste analysis device) or via a scale or connected floor sensor. Thus, the system can perform any or all of the following: record a first body composition estimate in association with a user profile of a first user, record a second body composition estimate of a current user during subsequent use of the BUAD, and match the second body composition estimate to the first body composition estimate to identify the current user as the first user.

[0049] An example of a user detection and / or identification system associated with a waste analysis device is provided in FIGS.

[0050] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a waste analysis device 10 including an example user detection component 100 installed in an exemplary toilet bowl 20 .

[0051] Details of an illustrated user detection component are shown in Figure 2. The housing 102 contains a lens cover 104, on which there may be a coating of hardening material, provides anti-reflective properties that allow infrared light to pass through, is hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and / or has anti-smudge properties. An indirect time-of-flight camera module 108 with sensing element 106a is shown, although any of the other sensors described above may be used. In this example, the housing 102 is held together by screws 110.

[0052] 3 shows the location of an exemplary embodiment of a user detection component 100 on the exemplary biometric monitoring device 10 shown in FIG. 2 of WO 2018 / 187790. The location of the user detection component 100 in the illustrated embodiment allows for detection of the presence of a user while a separate toilet seat, which may be height adjustable along with a support arm and is often known as a commode chair, is in use.

[0053] FIG. 4 shows an alternative placement location for the sensor 106b of the user detection component that can be used in conjunction with a raised toilet seat 32 and / or support arm to assist the user in sitting on and standing off the toilet. In the device disclosed in FIG. 2 of WO 2018 / 187790, the toilet seat 34 can be used when a commode chair or other device to assist the user in sitting on and standing off the toilet is not required. When the user stands to urinate, the toilet seat cover 32 is up and the location of the sensor 106 for determining the distance is positioned directly above the toilet seat level so that the range of the sensor is not affected by the toilet cover when the toilet seat is up. The sensor for determining the distance can detect when the toilet cover 30 is in the down position.

[0054] Sensor Location The sensors in the systems described herein can be located anywhere in the bathroom, for example, near the BUAD. Examples of sensor locations as shown in Figure 6 include on a wall-mounted mirror 106d, on a toilet paper roll 106e, on a sink 106f, on a mat 106g in front of the toilet, separately mounted on the wall 106h, mounted or integrated into the seat or seat cover on the toilet 460 (see also Figure 10).

[0055] When housed in the toilet seat or lid, the sensors can take on a variety of electrode configurations for capacitive, bioelectrical impedance, and / or electrocardiogram measurements as shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 8A shows a single sensor on the top of the toilet seat, represented by a rectangle. FIG. 8B shows four sensors on the top of the toilet seat. FIG. 8C, FIG. 8D, FIG. 8E, and FIG. 8F show various configurations of multiple sensors on the top of the toilet seat. The electrodes can be incorporated into the toilet seat or lid by any means, including, for example, chemical vapor deposition, sputtering, evaporation, inkjet printing, dip coating, screen printing, ultrasonic welding or laser welding to the plastic of the module, thus allowing electrical connections to be safely wired to the control and sensing electronics. The electrodes can include a unique biocompatible coating to ensure good signal quality and do not adversely affect the user's response in any way.

[0056] 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D show embodiments in which a sensor array 460 or sensor 460b is mounted on or in the lid / cover 430 such that bathroom parameters (e.g. visual images if at least one of the sensors is a camera) are measured when the lid is lifted to prepare for use of the toilet and waste analysis device 410 mounted thereon. In FIG. 9A, the sensor array 460 is at the edge 432 of the lid 430. In these embodiments, the sensor array is comprised of a recess 461, a time-of-flight camera module 462, a mounting base 463, a lens cover 464 that may have a coating thereon that hardens the material, provides anti-reflective properties that allow infrared light to pass through, is hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and / or has anti-smudge properties, and a rubber cover 465. At the lid hinge 440, a hinge cap 442 and cable 444 are present to allow for secure wiring of electrical connections to the control and sensing electronics. An alternative embodiment is shown in Figure 9B, where two sensors 460b, either with the same or different functionality, are near the top of the lid 430b. Figures 9C and 9D show an embodiment in which an interior cavity 470 of the lid 430c houses electronics 480 to couple the sensors to the waste analysis device 410 or a computing device.

[0057] In another implementation, the system may include an optical or thermal imaging sensor oriented facing upward to image the anal and genital areas, capturing images that can be used to uniquely identify the user. Figures 10A and 10B show examples of such systems with a sensor array on the lid, as in Figure 9A. In Figure 10A, the facing-up system includes an image sensor 510, a rotating mirror 512, and a focusing lens 514, in which the sensor can be rotated to face upward when in use. In an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 10B, the sensor 500 is stationary. In some embodiments, a series of mirrors and lenses are used to image from under the seat facing upward.

[0058] In another embodiment, the sensor may be present on the BUAD. As one example, Figure 11 shows a toilet with a waste analysis device 410, where sensors, such as fingerprint readers, are shown at three different locations 610a, 610b, 610c on the waste analysis device 410a. Such a system can also include additional sensors, such as the sensor array 460 described further above and shown in Figure 10A.

[0059] Initializing the user profile In various embodiments, the system is configured when the user is standing, sitting, or using a device that facilitates use of the implement associated with the BUAD, such as a toilet seat lifter or support arm.

[0060] In the embodiment of the system shown in FIG. 5, the system can generate 210 a user profile representing a user of the system. More specifically, the system can generate a user profile including personal information of the user to associate identifiers, characteristics, waste events, and diagnostic information with a particular user. The system can generate the user profile via a native application running on the smartphone or other computing device of the user. Alternatively, the system can include a touch screen or other input / output device to allow the user to input personal information for inclusion in the user profile. The system can provide a secure application programming interface (API) to populate the user profile. The system can generate a user profile including name, age, sex, medical history, address (e.g., for billing purposes), or any other information relevant to the analysis of the user's BUAD (in this example, waste analysis device) use. To collect personal information from the user, the system can prompt the user to input any of the personal information listed above at the BUAD or via a native application and store the personal information in association with a UUID in a database located on the BUAD or on a server or another computing device connected to the BUAD.

[0061] In some embodiments, the system may associate a user profile with a particular BUAD to instruct each particular BUAD to identify users of that particular BUAD.

[0062] Get the user identifier In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the system may prompt the new and / or first user to specify a first set of user identifiers 220 and associate the new and / or first user identifiers with the user's new and / or first user profile 222. More specifically, the system may prompt the new and / or first user to provide identifiers that the system can use to identify the new and / or first user with a high degree of confidence. In one implementation, the system may display a prompt to select from a predefined list of identifier options, such as through an interface on the BUAD or through a native application running on the user's mobile device. Upon receiving a user selection corresponding to a particular identifier option, the system may provide an interface or perform a series of steps to record the identifier.

[0063] Detecting user characteristics As shown in Figure 5, the system may measure 230 a first set of user features of the new and / or first user and associate 232 the first set of user features with the new and / or first user profile. More specifically, the system may measure a set of user features via the BUAD and / or other integrated sensors to characterize the user (e.g., via sensor fusion) independent of the identifier associated with the user, thereby improving the system's ability to identify the user. Thus, if the system is unable to identify the user based on the set of identifiers associated with the user profile, the system may measure the current user features and match the current set of user features with the set of features associated with the user profile to identify the user.

[0064] In one implementation, during the onboarding process, the system can prompt the user to use a nearby restroom while recording a set of user characteristics corresponding to the user when the user uses the nearby restroom. Additionally or alternatively, the system can prompt the user to locate themselves as if they were using the restroom in order to record a set of user characteristics of the user.

[0065] In one implementation, the system can store a set of user characteristics for each use of the BUAD and / or other integrated sensors. Over repeated measurements, the system can distinguish between users based on patterns or similarities in the recorded user characteristics.

[0066] Presence Detection As shown in FIG. 5, after completing a new user profile for a new user during a first period, the system detects the presence of a current user of the system during a subsequent (second) period 240. In a specific embodiment, the system includes any or all of a time-of-flight camera, a passive infrared sensor (hereinafter "PIR sensor"), a visible light camera, a capacitive sensor, a door switch, or any other sensor capable of detecting the presence of a current user. In response to detecting the presence of a current user, the system can prompt the user to provide an identifier from his / her user profile via an indicator light, a touch screen display, or an audible message. In one implementation, the system activates a visual indicator that a user's presence has been detected, indicating that the system is ready to record the use of the BUAD. In some embodiments, the system can detect the presence of a user standing in front of the waste analysis device in preparation for urination or sitting on the toilet seat of the waste analysis device.

[0067] User Identifier 5, the system may perform any or all of the following in response to detecting the presence of a current user: attempting to detect a first user identifier 250; and in response to not detecting the first user identifier, measuring a set of current user characteristics 260; and matching the set of current user characteristics with the first set of user characteristics 270. More specifically, the system may implement identification logic to positively identify the current user of the BUAD or to identify the current user as a guest user of the BUAD.

[0068] In response to detecting the presence of a user, in some embodiments, the system may activate a (infrared or visual light) camera to record an image of the detected user's face or body, activate a digital microphone to record the detected user's voice, and / or activate a BLUETOOTH or WIFI chip to detect the proximity of a known user device to the waste analysis device. The system may also wait for an explicit identifier input from the user on a button or touch screen of the waste analysis device. In one implementation, the system continues to detect the identifier throughout the period during which the current user is detected in proximity to the BUAD.

[0069] In some embodiments, if the system detects an identifier such as a face image, a body image, a voice recording, a direct input, a fingerprint, and / or a radio frequency ID of a user device, the system can match the detected identifier with a set of identifiers associated with a user profile to identify the current user. Additionally, when the user starts using the BUAD, the system can simultaneously start measuring a set of current features of the user to identify the user if no identifier is detected, and add to the collection of data of features regarding the current user upon identification of the current user. Furthermore, the system can record an excretion event when the current user uses the proximal toilet in the form of an image of the toilet contents, while the system continues to collect a set of features of the current user and attempt to detect the current user's identifier.

[0070] method 5, a method 200 for associating BUAD usage with a user includes any or all of the following steps: generating 210 a new and / or first user profile representing the new and / or first user during a first period of time, prompting 220 the new and / or first user to specify a first set of user identifiers, associating 222 the new and / or first identifiers with the new and / or first user profile, measuring 230 a first set of user characteristics of the new and / or first user, and associating 232 the first set of user characteristics with the first user profile. During a second period of time following the first period of time, in response to detecting 240 the presence of the current user, attempting to detect 250 the first user identifier and measuring 260 a set of current user characteristics. The method 200 further includes, during a second period of time and in response to matching 270 the set of current user characteristics with the first set of user characteristics, recording 280, at the BUAD, usage of the BUAD, e.g., an excretion event in a toilet proximate to the excreta analysis device, and associating 290 the usage of the BUAD with a user profile.

[0071] As noted above, in some embodiments, the bathroom usage analysis device is a waste analysis device that analyzes waste during a user's use of the toilet. Any waste analysis device not known or later discovered can be incorporated into the systems provided herein. See also the examples of various waste analysis devices (referred to therein as biomonitoring devices) in WO 2018 / 187790. In various embodiments, the waste analysis device analyzes urine, feces, flatus, or gas released from feces or urine. In additional embodiments, the waste analysis device comprises a waste analysis sensor that detects electromagnetic radiation or analyte chemicals in the toilet bowl.

[0072] In some such embodiments, the waste analysis device comprises a urine container, for example, as described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 959139 ("US62 / 959139"). As illustrated therein, the urine container may be disposable or reusable. In some embodiments, the waste analysis device further comprises a replaceable visual urine analyte, for example, a dipstick, as described in US62 / 959139.

[0073] In further embodiments, the fecal analysis device comprises a washable stool collector, for example as illustrated in Figures 6A-6C on page 9 of WO 2018 / 187790.

[0074] In embodiments that identify unique users, the system utilizes a computing device capable of analyzing data detected by the sensors to determine characteristics of the user. Various computer systems and data transfer formats are discussed in WO 2018 / 187790.

[0075] In some embodiments, the computing device is dedicated to user detection and identification and is coupled to the sensor within the housing, in other embodiments, the computing device is not dedicated to user detection and identification and is not housed with the sensor.

[0076] In additional embodiments, data from the sensor is transferred to a computing device via a wired or wireless communication protocol.

[0077] In various embodiments, the computing device may also analyze data from a bathroom usage analysis device, such as a waste analysis device.

[0078] According to various variations of the system described above, the computing device includes software capable of using data from the sensor to detect and identify a first user, as well as to detect and identify different users. By repeating the protocol described above in a loop, any number of users can be identified as users of the BUAD.

[0079] In an alternative implementation, the system may include a waste analysis device that includes toilet hardware, such as the toilet bowl, tank, and other plumbing hardware.

[0080] In another implementation shown in FIG. 9A, the system includes a group of sensors mounted on the top of the toilet lid and electrically coupled to the waste analyzing device such that the group of sensors can capture an image of a user of the waste analyzing device.

[0081] In one implementation, the system may also include a user interface mounted to the waste analysis device, a proximal toilet, a toilet paper holder, a towel rack, and / or a support rail proximate the waste analysis device, such as a touch screen display, a microphone, a speaker, indicator lights, a set of buttons, etc., for communicating with and receiving input from a user.

[0082] In one implementation, a connected toilet paper holder is used to house user activity and identification sensors. The toilet paper holder can be configured to house a number of sensors, including but not limited to image sensors (visible and / or infrared), time-of-flight cameras, LEDs or other light sources, fingerprint readers, LCD touch screens, and / or temperature sensors. In one implementation, an inertial measurement unit (IMU) is enclosed inside the arm that holds the roll to measure toilet paper rotation and usage. Records of toilet paper usage can be used for automatic toilet paper reordering or to differentiate users based on toilet paper consumption.

[0083] Also provided herein is a method of detecting a bathroom user, the method including analysing data generated by a sensor in any of the systems described above to detect and / or identify the user.

[0084] In some examples of these methods, the data from the sensor is transferred to a computing device that analyzes the data to detect and identify users, as described above. In some of these implementations, the computing device identifies the user by comparing the data from the sensor to data in a stored user profile, where (a) if the data from the sensor matches the user profile, the user is identified as a user in the user profile, or (b) if the data from the sensor does not match the user profile or any other stored user profile, the user is identified as a guest or new user, where the data from the sensor is used to create a user profile for the new user.

[0085] In some of these methods, the BUAD is a fecal analysis device.

[0086] In other embodiments of these methods, the system generates a user profile identifying an individual user, detects the presence of a current user, matches the current user to the user profile, records bathroom usage events, and associates the bathroom usage events with the matched user profile. In another embodiment, the computing device or the second computing device analyzes data from the waste analyzing device and associates the data from the waste analyzing device with a user profile for the user.

[0087] When the BUAD is a waste analysis device, the present invention is not limited to detecting any particular parameter or physical condition of the user. In various embodiments, data from the waste analysis device determines whether the user has symptoms that can be determined from clinical urine or stool testing, such as diarrhea, constipation, change in urination frequency, change in urination frequency, change in urine volume, change in bowel movement frequency, change in stool volume, change in stool consistency, change in urine color, change in urine clarity, change in stool color, change in stool or urine physical properties, or any combination thereof. See, for example, WO 2018 / 187790.

[0088] In a specific embodiment, the method is implemented by a waste analysis device integrated with or including a toilet, and by a set of servers (or other computing devices) connected to the waste analysis device, and performs any or all of the following tasks: generating a user profile identifying an individual user, detecting the presence of a current user in proximity to the waste analysis device, matching a current user of the system to the user profile, recording waste events, and associating the waste events with the matched user profile. Thus, the system can associate a series of waste events with an individual user over a period of time, even though multiple users urinate and / or defecate in the toilet in which the system is integrated over the same period of time. As a result, the system, and / or systems associated with access to a series of user-labeled waste events, can statistically detect patterns in a user's waste, including through machine learning, and thereby analyze waste events over time to improve the diagnosis of a medical condition or identification of gastrointestinal changes in the user.

[0089] In one implementation of the system, data from sensors used for identification may be used to aid in diagnosing a medical condition, such as an electrocardiogram used to diagnose a user for atrial fibrillation. Another implementation of system data from sensors used for identification may be used to aid in measuring a user's gastrointestinal changes, such as changes in heart rate during bowel movements. Another implementation of system data from sensors used for identification may be used to aid in identifying a user with a fever. Another implementation of system data may be used to aid in monitoring a user for signs of infection or fever.

[0090] The system can perform various portions of the method locally, e.g., at the BUAD, or remotely, e.g., on a computing device operatively connected to the BUAD. By selectively performing certain steps of the method either locally or remotely and implementing encryption and other security mechanisms, the system can reduce the likelihood of a malicious third party linking potentially sensitive diagnostic information to a user's identity while still allowing analysis of a set of BUAD usage associated with a particular user. Additionally, the system can interface with a user device via BLUETOOTH, Wi-Fi, NFC, or any other wireless communication protocol while performing portions of the method.

[0091] In various embodiments, the system can onboard a new user of the BUAD by prompting the user to input identifying information, such as the user's name, age, and gender, to generate a user profile for the user. Additionally, some embodiments of the method can prompt the user to specify a first set of identifiers, such as an explicit identifier (e.g., a button press or touch screen interaction on the waste analysis device), a voice identifier (e.g., a sample voice clip for the user's identification), an image identifier (a set of images of the user's face or body), a structured light 3D scanning identifier (e.g., using a projected light pattern or a camera system to measure the three-dimensional shape of the face or body), a fingerprint identifier, a retina identifier, a smartphone / wearable identifier (e.g., the BLUETOOTH ID of the user's smartphone / wearable device), etc., as previously discussed. Thus, upon detecting an identifier or combination of identifiers among a set of specified identifiers corresponding to a particular user, the system can reliably identify the particular user of the BUAD at the time of detection.

[0092] During the onboarding process, or during subsequent use of a BUAD that has been positively identified as corresponding to an existing user profile, some embodiments of the method may also measure and record a set of physical characteristics of the user so that the system can identify the user in the absence of any of the user's specified identifiers. As discussed above, the method may record physical characteristics such as the user's height, weight, distribution of weight on the toilet proximate to the waste analysis device, skin color, heart rate, electrocardiogram, body temperature, bioelectrical impedance, etc., and associate such characteristics with the user profile. These embodiments of the method may thus match the characteristics of this future user of the waste analysis device with a set of characteristics associated with the user profile in order to identify the user, for example, if the user forgets their phone, or is unable to communicate due to cognitive decline (e.g., dementia), does not present their face to the waste analysis device's camera, or does not respond to voice prompts to identify their identity, thereby preventing direct identification of the user.

[0093] While the method attempts to identify the current user of the BUAD, some embodiments of the method may record the current user's excretion events with the BUAD and store any recorded optical or other data representative of the use of the BUAD. Upon identifying the current user, the method may associate the use of the BUAD with a user profile corresponding to the identity of the current user. However, in some implementations, the method may store the use of the BUAD in association with some measured characteristic of the user involved in the excretion event without association with a user profile. Thus, upon recording a threshold number of uses of the BUAD associated with a sufficiently similar set of characteristics (e.g., within a threshold similarity), the method may prompt the anonymous user involved in the excretion event to create an unidentified user profile and enter user information in the excretion analysis device.

[0094] The system and method are described below with reference to a "first user." However, the system can also support additional users (second, third, etc.) by repeatedly performing parts of the method to support multiple concurrent users of the waste analysis device by generating multiple user profiles.

[0095] In response to completion of use of the BUAD or the system detecting that there is no current user in the vicinity of the BUAD, the system may evaluate any detected identifiers and / or detected characteristics in accordance with the identification logic shown in FIG. 7.

[0096] In the example implementation of FIG. 7, the system first detects 300 the presence of a current user. The system evaluates 310 whether it detects any identifiers that match a set of identifiers associated with the user profile of the first user, and determines 320 whether an identifier is detected. For example, if the system records an image of the current user's face, then the system can perform face recognition techniques to match the current user's face with image identifiers stored in association with the user profile. In another example, if the system stores an audio clip of the current user, the system can match the audio recording with a voice identifier stored in association with the user profile according to voice recognition techniques. In another example, if the system records a direct interaction with a button or touch screen of the BUAD, the system can identify a corresponding user profile that is assigned to the button or touch screen input. In yet another example, if the system records a fingerprint with a fingerprint scanner of the waste analysis device, the system can match the recorded fingerprint with a fingerprint identifier stored in association with the user profile.

[0097] If the system fails to identify the user via the identifier 330, as described above, the system may match a set of stored features of the current user with a set of features stored in association with a user profile 350. In one implementation, the system may calculate a probability distribution based on typical or observed variance of each feature of the first user, and upon measuring the features of the current user, calculate a probability of the current user matching the first user based on the probability distribution. The system may repeat this process for each feature in the set of features and calculate a total probability of a match between the first user and the current user. In response to calculating a total probability of a match that exceeds a threshold probability, the system may identify the current user as the first user.

[0098] In this implementation, the system can define a probability distribution for a unique user and / or unique individual. For example, the system can define a narrow distribution for a user's height because height is not expected to vary beyond the measurement error range, but a broader distribution for a user's weight because the expected variation in a user's weight is often about 1% of the user's average weight. In another example, the system can store a time series of each feature of the user and calculate a probability distribution based on the time series of each feature. For example, the system can calculate a standard deviation of a user's weight as measured by the waste analysis device over multiple excretion events, and calculate a probability distribution for the user's weight during subsequent excretion events. Additionally, the system can calculate a probability distribution weighted by the most recent of the previously measured features, for example, by calculating a weighted standard deviation or weighted average of the previously measured features and calculating a probability distribution for the feature based on the weighted standard deviation or weighted average. Additionally, the system can expand the width of the probability distribution for a particular characteristic based on the amount of time since the most recent bowel movement event attributed to the user, since variation in characteristics such as a user's weight may be expected to increase over longer periods of time.

[0099] In another implementation, the system can utilize a machine / deep learning model to identify users by classifying them among a set of known user profiles. For example, the system can run an artificial neural network to define two input vectors to the network, one for the user profile and one for the recorded features of the current user. The system can then run the network to calculate a confidence score that the features of the current user match the user profile. In one implementation, the system trains the machine / deep learning model based on previous instances of the system recording user features.

[0100] In additional embodiments, the system can match a current set of user features to a stored set of user features by implementing any statistical or machine / deep learning classification algorithm.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 7, if the system fails to match an identifier of the current user with an identifier associated with a user profile 330 and fails to match a set of characteristics of the current user with a set of characteristics associated with the user profile 340, the system classifies the user as a guest user and stores the excretion event data in association with the guest user 340.

[0102] excrement analysis As shown in FIG. 5, some embodiments of the system can record 280 an excretion event in a toilet proximate the excretion analysis device and associate 290 the excretion event with a first user profile in the excretion analysis device. More specifically, in various embodiments, the system can capture image and spectral data collected via selective laser and / or LED excitation of the user's excretion. In another embodiment, the system can label the images and other data recorded in the excretion analysis device based on the presence of face, urine, and toilet paper. Upon identifying a user involved in an excretion event, the system can store the associated images and data of the excretion event in association with the user profile. The system can then analyze such data across multiple excretion events to improve the user's health / wellness or diagnose the user's gastrointestinal symptoms via image analysis, machine learning, and other statistical tools.

[0103] Thus, in one implementation, the system can store the excretion events that are not identified with a corresponding set of user characteristics, generate a guest user profile based on the set of user characteristics, and associate the unidentified excretion events with the guest user profile. Thus, the system can identify new users of the excretion analysis device and track excretion events before or without explicitly onboarding the user. Thus, when an anonymous user creates a profile with the system, the system already has the user's excretion event data and characteristics recorded and can immediately provide any diagnostic results or insights to the new user.

[0104] Additionally, the system may attempt to match subsequent unidentified users to previously generated guest profiles. If the system calculates a high probability match between the measured characteristics of the unidentified user and a set of characteristics associated with the guest user profile, the system may store an excretion event corresponding to the unidentified user along with the guest user profile.

[0105] In one implementation, in response to recording a threshold number of excretion events associated with a guest user profile, the system may prompt the guest user (upon detecting the guest user's presence prior to, during, and / or immediately thereafter) to create a user profile in the system. In response to the guest user responding to this prompt (either via input at the excretion analysis device interface or in a native application), the system may initiate the onboarding process described above.

[0106] In another implementation, in response to failing to identify the current user, the system can prompt a known user of the waste analysis device to attest (e.g., via a native application on the user's personal device) whether the user was involved in a recent waste event. For example, if the system is unable to identify the current user during an waste event, the system can send a notification to the user's smartphone requesting the user to attest whether the user actually used the proximal toilet. In response to receiving input from a user who claims to have used the proximal toilet, the system can associate the waste event with the known user. In response to receiving input from a user who denies having used the proximal toilet, the system can generate a guest user profile for a set of characteristics of the current user corresponding to the waste event.

[0107] In yet another implementation, the system can discard excretion event data when it does not identify the current user to mitigate privacy concerns.

[0108] Privacy Mechanism Since the system deals with potentially embarrassing private information, some embodiments of the system can implement privacy mechanisms to obscure diagnostic information, identifying information, and information related to the use of the BUAD (such as raw images of the waste and the timing of the user's defecation). Thus, the system can implement specific parts of the method locally at the BUAD or remotely, for example at a server connected to the BUAD, to reduce the possibility of sensitive data being intercepted while in transit or at a distributed location such as the BUAD. Additionally, some embodiments of the system can schedule and / or bulk transfer identification and diagnostic information between the waste analysis device and a set of servers in the system, obscuring the timing of a particular waste event and the associated identity of the user involved in a particular waste event by transferring them separately. Furthermore, various embodiments of the system can encrypt all transmissions between the waste analysis device and the remote servers of the system.

[0109] In one implementation, the system performs an analysis of the BUAD's usage at the BUAD and transmits the resulting diagnostic information to a remote server. The system can then also transmit the identifier and user characteristics recorded in association with the diagnostic information. The remote server can then identify the user associated with the diagnostic information. Thus, in such an embodiment, the system does not transmit images of the waste, thereby preventing interception of these images by malicious parties. Alternatively, the system can prioritize security of the diagnostic information and prevent transfer of diagnostic information between the waste analysis device and a set of remote servers by performing diagnostic analysis of the waste images at the remote server.

[0110] In another implementation, the system batches the identification information (identifiers and user characteristics) and waste images and / or diagnostic information and forwards this information to a remote server for further analysis on a predefined schedule. Additionally or alternatively, the system can forward the identification information separately from the diagnostic information and / or waste images to prevent malicious parties from associating the diagnostic information and / or waste images with the identity of the user. For example, the system can forward data between the waste analysis device and one set of remote servers at two different times, once to forward the identification information for a particular waste event and a second time to forward the diagnostic information and / or waste images. The system can then correlate these disparately forwarded data at the remote server according to an identification label that is not associated with a user profile.

[0111] The systems and methods described herein may be embodied and / or implemented at least in part as a machine configured to house a computer readable medium that stores computer readable instructions. The instructions may be executed by a computer executable component integrated with an application, an applet, a host, a server, a network, a website, a communication service, a communication interface, a hardware / firmware / software element of a user computer or mobile device, a wristband, a smartphone, or any suitable combination thereof. Other systems and methods of the embodiments may also be embodied and / or implemented at least in part as a machine configured to house a computer readable medium that stores computer readable instructions. The instructions may be executed by a computer executable component integrated with the types of devices and networks described above. The computer readable medium may be stored in any suitable computer readable medium, such as a RAM, a ROM, a flash memory, an EEPROM, an optical device (CD or DVD), a hard drive, a floppy drive, or any suitable device. The computer executable component may be a processor, although any suitable dedicated hardware device may (alternatively or additionally) execute the instructions.

[0112] References International Publication No. 2018 / 187790 U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 809522 U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 900309 U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 959139

[0113] In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantages attained.

[0114] Since various changes can be made in the methods and structures described above without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

[0115] All references cited in this specification, including but not limited to patent publications and non-patent publications, are hereby incorporated by reference. The discussion of the references herein is intended merely to summarize the assertions made by the authors, and no admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. Applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinence of the cited references.

[0116] As used herein in certain examples, the term "approximately" or "approximately" when followed by a numerical value refers to a range of plus or minus 10%. When a range of values ​​is provided, it is understood that each intervening value between the upper and lower limits of that range, to one-tenth of the lower limit, and any other stated or intervening values ​​within that range are encompassed within the scope of the disclosure, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges that may be independently included in the smaller ranges are also encompassed within the disclosure, subject to any specifically excluded limits within the stated ranges. When a stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of such included limits are also included in the disclosure.

[0117] The indefinite articles "a" and "an" as used herein in the specification and examples should be understood to mean "at least one," unless expressly indicated to the contrary.

[0118] As used herein and in the examples, the phrase "and / or" should be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctive in some cases and disjunctive in other cases. Multiple elements listed with "and / or" should be interpreted in a similar manner, i.e., "one or more" of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present in addition to the elements specifically identified by the "and / or" clause, whether or not associated with such elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to "A and / or B", when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as "comprising", can refer in one embodiment to only A (optionally including elements other than B), in another embodiment to only B (optionally including elements other than A), and in yet another embodiment to both A and B (optionally including other elements).

[0119] As used herein and in the examples, "or" should be understood to have the same meaning as "and / or," as defined above. For example, when distinguishing between items in a list, "or" or "and / or" should be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., including at least one, but also including more than one, and optionally including additional unlisted items, of a number or list of elements. Where the term clearly indicates the contrary, such as "one of" or "exactly one of," or "consisting of" when used in the examples, refers to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term "or" as used herein should be interpreted solely as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e., "one or the other, but not both) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as "either," "one of," "only one of," or "exactly one of." "Consisting essentially of," when used in the examples, should have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

[0120] As used herein and in the Examples, the phrase "at least one" referring to a list of one or more elements should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed in the list of elements, and not excluding any combination of elements in the list of elements. This definition also recognizes that elements may optionally be present in addition to the elements specifically identified in the list of terms to which the phrase "at least one" refers, whether or not related to such elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or, equivalently, "at least one of A or B" or, equivalently, "at least one of A and / or B) can refer in one implementation to at least one, optionally including more than one, i.e., A (and optionally including elements other than B) in the absence of B, in another embodiment to at least one, optionally including more than one, i.e., B (and optionally including elements other than A) in the absence of A, and in yet another embodiment to at least one, optionally including more than one, i.e., A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, i.e., B (and optionally including other elements).

Claims

1. A system for detecting a bathroom user comprising at least one sensor coupled to a bathroom usage analysis device, the sensor adapted to generate data that can be used to detect and / or identify the user.

2. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensors include an explicit identifier, an image sensor, a time-of-flight camera, a load cell, a capacitive sensor, a microphone, an acoustic sensor, a sonic sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a passive infrared sensor, a thermopile, a temperature sensor, a motion sensor, an ambient light sensor, a photoelectric sensor, a structured light system, a fingerprint scanner, a retinal scanner, an iris analyzer, a smartphone, a wearable identifier, a weighing scale integrated into a bathroom mat, a height sensor, a skin color sensor, a bioelectrical impedance circuit, an electrocardiogram, a pulse oximeter, a thermometer, or any combination thereof.

3. The system of claim 1 , comprising two or more sensors that generate data that can be used to detect and / or identify the user.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the bathroom usage analysis device analyzes behavior at a mirror, a sink, a tub, a shower, a medicine cabinet, a toilet, a bidet, or any combination thereof.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the bathroom usage analysis device is a waste analysis device that analyzes waste during use of a toilet by the user.

6. The system of claim 5 , wherein the waste analysis device analyzes urine, feces, flatus, or gas released from feces or urine.

7. The system of claim 5 , wherein the waste analysis device analyzes urine.

8. The system of claim 5 , wherein the waste analysis device analyzes feces.

9. The system of claim 5 , wherein the waste analysis device analyzes urine and feces.

10. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the waste analysis device comprises a waste analysis sensor that detects electromagnetic radiation or analyte chemicals in the toilet bowl.

11. The system of claim 5 , wherein the waste analysis device comprises a urine container.

12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the urine container is disposable.

13. The system of claim 11 , wherein the urine container is reusable.

14. The system of claim 11 , wherein the waste analysis device further comprises a replaceable visual urine analyte.

15. The system of claim 14 , wherein the replaceable visual urine analyzer comprises a dipstick.

16. The system of claim 5 , wherein the waste analysis device comprises a washable stool collector.

17. The system of claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises an image sensor, a time-of-flight camera, a load cell, a temperature sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a capacitive sensor, or any combination thereof.

18. The system of claim 5 , wherein the sensor is an image sensor.

19. The system of claim 18 , wherein the image sensor is a time-of-flight camera.

20. 20. The system of claim 18, wherein the image sensor is mounted on a toilet seat or a toilet seat cover of the toilet.

21. 20. The system of claim 18, wherein the image sensor is mounted to or integrated into a toilet seat or a toilet seat cover of the toilet.

22. 22. The system of claim 21, wherein the image sensor is integrated into or mounted on the toilet seat cover of the toilet, and the image sensor is capable of imaging the user only when the toilet seat cover is lifted.

23. 22. The system of claim 21, wherein the image sensor is integrated or mounted between the toilet seat cover and the toilet seat such that the image sensor can image the user only when the toilet seat cover is lifted.

24. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the sensor is two or more load cells integrated into a foot at the bottom of a seat on the toilet, the load cells measuring the weight distribution of the user on the toilet.

25. The system of claim 1 , wherein data from the sensor is transferred to a computing device, the computing device capable of analyzing the data to determine characteristics of the user detected by the sensor.

26. 26. The system of claim 25, wherein the computing device is dedicated to detecting and identifying a user and is coupled to the sensor within a housing.

27. 26. The system of claim 25, wherein the computing device is not dedicated to user detection and identification and is not housed together with the sensor.

28. 30. The system of claim 27, wherein data from the sensor is transferred to the computing device by a wired or wireless communication protocol.

29. 30. The system of claim 27, wherein the computing device is also capable of analyzing data from the bathroom usage analysis device.

30. 30. The system of claim 29, wherein the bathroom usage analysis device is a fecal matter analysis device.

31. 26. The system of claim 25, wherein the computing device comprises software capable of using data from the sensors to detect and identify a first user, as well as to detect and identify one or more different additional users.

32. 32. The system of claim 31, wherein the software is capable of generating a first user profile for the first user and a second user profile for the second user.

33. A method for detecting a user in a bathroom, comprising the step of analysing data generated by a sensor in a system according to any one of claims 1 to 32 to detect and / or identify the user.

34. 34. The method of claim 33, wherein data from the sensors is transferred to a computing device that analyzes the data to detect and / or identify the user.

35. 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the computing device identifies the user by comparing the data from the sensor with data in a stored user profile, and (a) if the data from the sensor matches the user profile, the user is identified as a user in the user profile, or (b) if the data from the sensor does not match the user profile or any other stored user profile, the user is identified as a guest or new user and creates a user profile for the new user using the data from the sensor.

36. 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the bathroom usage analysis device is a fecal matter analysis device.

37. 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the system generates a user profile that identifies individual users, detects the presence of a current user, matches the current user to a user profile, records bathroom usage events, and associates the bathroom usage events with the matched user profile.

38. 38. The method of claim 37, wherein the bathroom usage analysis device is a fecal matter analysis device.

39. 40. The method of claim 38, wherein the computing device or a second computing device analyzes data from the waste analysis device and associates the data from the waste analysis device with the user profile for the user.

40. 40. The method of claim 39, wherein the data from the waste analysis device determines whether the user has symptoms discernible from a clinical urine or stool test, diarrhea, constipation, change in frequency of urination, change in frequency of urination, change in urine volume, change in urine color, change in bowel movement frequency, change in stool volume, change in stool consistency, change in stool color, or any combination thereof.

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