Toilet system with sensors for measuring excretion output of user, fluid balance monitoring system, and method for determining and monitoring fluid balance of subject

Abstract

To provide a toilet which is able to accurately assess the quantity of faecal matter when excreted into the bowl of the toilet by a user.SOLUTION: A toilet system (1) comprises a bowl (2) and an outlet pipe (4), the toilet system (1) being configured to discern a type of excretion excreted into the bowl by a user of the toilet system (1), the toilet system (1) comprising at least one first sensor device (9) configured to capture at least one signal indicative of a type of excretion excreted into the bowl by the user of the toilet system (1), and at least one second sensor device (10) configured to capture at least one signal indicative of a quantity of excretion excreted into the bowl by the user of the toilet system (1).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a toilet system comprising a toilet bowl and a drain pipe, the toilet system being configured to determine the type of waste deposited into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system. The present invention further relates to a method for determining the type of waste deposited into the toilet bowl of a toilet system according to any one of the above claims.

[0002] The present invention further relates to a toilet system including a toilet bowl and a drain pipe, the toilet system configured to determine the type of waste discharged into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system, the toilet system further including at least one sensor device configured to capture at least one signal indicative of the amount of waste discharged into the toilet bowl by the user of the toilet system, the sensor device including a chamber provided in the drain pipe of the toilet system at a position downstream of a water seal located adjacent to at least a portion of a lower half of the drain pipe of the toilet system between the toilet bowl and the drain pipe of the toilet system, and configured to receive an amount of liquid pushed through the water seal of the toilet system.

[0003] The invention further relates to a fluid balance monitoring system configured for determining and monitoring the fluid balance of a mammalian subject, the fluid balance monitoring system comprising at least one data processing unit, at least one input unit and at least one display unit.The invention further relates to a method for determining and monitoring the fluid balance of a mammalian subject.

[0004] As used herein, the term "excretion," when used as a noun, is intended to encompass, in principle, any waste product that is removed from the human body, particularly urine and feces. Similarly, as used herein, the term "excretion" and its conjugations, when used as a verb, are intended to encompass, in principle, the activity of expelling any waste product that is removed from the human body.

[0005] As used herein, the term "main axis" refers to an axis parallel to the base, particularly the base line, and any one of the object's major axes, particularly the minor axis, depending on the particular geometry of the object.

[0006] As used herein, the expression "liquid forced through the water seal of a toilet system," and in particular "forced through," is intended to encompass liquid forced through the water seal of a toilet system by any means, i.e., not only by drainage that forces through the water seal, but also by overflowing, taking into account that it is the force of gravity that is pushing the liquid.

[0007] As used herein, the terms "subject" and "mammalian subject" are intended to encompass, in principle, any subject for which it is desirable to monitor fluid balance, particularly subjects relevant to the medical sector, i.e., mammals, and in particular humans. [Background technology]

[0008] Knowledge of the type and amount of waste excreted by a patient is very important within the medical sector, as medical personnel such as nurses and doctors use this information for diagnostic purposes and to monitor the progression of disease and the patient's recovery. For example, this information can be very useful in determining the correct treatment for the patient and in determining whether the treatment selected is effective or requires adjustment.

[0009] Toilets configured to measure the amount of feces and urine excreted by a user are commonly known. However, by far the most known solutions are limited to addressing the issue of measuring the amount of urine excreted into the toilet by the user. In the prior art, this has been done using weight sensors and also using pressure sensors.

[0010] Therefore, it is further known as common practice within the healthcare sector, particularly in hospitals, for healthcare workers to measure the amount of feces excreted by patients into a toilet or chamber pot by physically collecting and weighing the feces. However, this process is extremely time-consuming and cumbersome, and furthermore, is impractical from a hygiene-related perspective for users and healthcare workers alike. Furthermore, using a chamber pot can be unattractive and even humiliating for patients or users.

[0011] Furthermore, U.S. Patent Application No. 2018 / 368818A1 discloses a toilet device including a toilet body including a toilet bowl, a camera that photographs feces that has been discharged and is falling into the toilet bowl in time series to obtain multiple still images of the feces, and a fecal property estimation unit that estimates changes in the properties of the feces from the multiple still images acquired by the camera. The toilet device estimates changes in the properties of the feces from the still images of the feces photographed in time series by the camera.

[0012] However, prior art toilets have the drawback that the measurements they perform are not sufficiently accurate. Furthermore, prior art toilets, at best, are unable to properly distinguish between fecal matter and urine matter when voided into the toilet bowl by a user. Furthermore, prior art toilets are unable to estimate the amount of fecal matter when voided into the toilet bowl by a user.

[0013] It would therefore be desirable to provide a toilet that alleviates at least some of the above-mentioned and other drawbacks associated with the prior art.

[0014] Another drawback of prior art toilet systems is the need to completely replace the existing toilet system, which is a cumbersome, time-consuming and expensive procedure.

[0015] Furthermore, when using toilet systems of the type mentioned in the introduction to determine the mass or volume of an object placed in a container with an overflow, it is not possible to measure the mass of the toilet bowl, since the mass of the toilet bowl is constant, or the change in mass only corresponds to the volume required to fill the toilet bowl to overflow.

[0016] Also, different events of interest, such as urination and defecation, result in less runoff than, for example, flushing and rinsing a toilet bowl. Similarly, when rinsing a toilet bowl, particulate matter is more likely to wash out of the container.

[0017] Therefore, if one wants to measure an event of interest, a selective capture method is required, which can be achieved with toilet systems of the type mentioned in the introduction, where the sensor device is attached to the toilet system's drain pipe downstream of the water seal, so that in the event of an overflow, all water is collected through a hole or opening in the drain pipe.

[0018] However, such toilet systems must be carefully designed to obtain reliable and accurate measurements. For example, having holes that are too small can result in particulate matter getting trapped inside them and clogging them, ultimately blocking the flow of the fluid being measured. Another challenge is that very small events of interest can cause the fluid being measured to flow around the holes.

[0019] It would therefore be further desirable to provide a toilet system of the type set forth in the introduction that alleviates at least some of the above-mentioned and other drawbacks associated with the prior art.

[0020] Fluid balance in a subject, such as a mammalian or human subject, affects homeostatic processes, such as acid-base balance, ionic balance, fluid transport, and the like, within the subject. Fluid balance in subject 100 is shown schematically in FIG. 20. Fluid balance in subject 100 represents the relationship between the changes in water within subject 100, i.e., inflow 101, which is the volume of fluid entering subject 100, and outflow 102, which is the volume of fluid leaving subject 100. The fluid balance in subject 100 at a given time is: Body fluid balance = inflow - outflow It can be expressed as:

[0021] The fluid balance of a subject, such as a human subject, is a very important parameter and is frequently used within the medical sector as one parameter, among others, when diagnosing diseases and when monitoring the progression of diseases.

[0022] Fluid can enter a subject through ingestion of food or drink when there is a difference in water vapor pressure or osmotic pressure inside and outside the subject, or by access through bones, the vasculature, the intestines, and even surfaces.

[0023] Fluid may leave a subject by evaporation (e.g., sweating) from surface areas such as lung tissue or skin tissue, or by excretion of waste products such as urine and feces. Additionally, fluid may leave a subject orally, through sputum, ulcers, drains, mucous membranes, and gastric emptying.

[0024] A simple and frequently used method of measuring a subject's fluid balance is by observing the subject's mass. Measuring a subject's mass can be done by weighing the subject. However, mass only indicates the subject's current state and therefore only provides a snapshot of the subject's fluid balance. An increase in mass can occur due to a constant outflow and an increase in inflow, or, equivalently, a constant inflow and a decrease in outflow. Similarly, a decrease in mass can occur due to a constant outflow and a decrease in inflow, or, equivalently, a constant inflow and an increase in outflow.

[0025] Furthermore, the type of influent and effluent is important, as different waste products, such as feces and urine, have different water contents. Therefore, determining the type of effluent is important for correctly estimating the amount of water effluent from a subject. Similarly, different influents, similar masses of consumed substances, such as water and bread, have different water contents, or otherwise enter a subject. Therefore, determining the type of influent is also important.

[0026] Therefore, to understand the dynamics of a subject's fluid balance, it is important and consequently desirable to measure inflow and outflow separately so that the type and time of occurrence of each inflow and outflow can be determined.

[0027] It may also be desirable to summarize the subject's fluid balance, or change in internal fluid mass, over a period of time t, where the change in fluid mass is equal to the sum of fluid inflows minus the sum of fluid outflows over that period, which can be expressed as: Σ(body fluid balance, t) = Σ(inflow, t) - Σ(outflow, t) Here, the notation Σ(x,t) refers to the summation of parameter x over time period t. Fluid balance can be expressed as an absolute value or as a percentage of the subject's mass, e.g., a negative percentage if outflow is greater than inflow, 0% if inflow and outflow are equal, or a positive percentage if inflow is greater than outflow.

[0028] To fully understand the dynamics of a subject's fluid balance, all inflows and outflows must be determined. Ideally, this is done autonomously. However, due to the technical environment, this is not always possible. Therefore, the time and type of inflows and outflows must be registered as they occur. Typically, this is done using paper and pen, which is time-consuming, unhygienic, and highly prone to registration errors.

[0029] It would therefore be further desirable to provide a fluid balance monitoring system and method for determining and monitoring the fluid balance of a subject that alleviates at least some of the above-mentioned and other drawbacks associated with the prior art.

[0030] In particular, to provide accurate and comprehensive fluid balance monitoring and a better or more complete understanding of the dynamics of a subject's fluid balance, it would be desirable to provide a fluid balance monitoring system and method for determining and monitoring a subject's fluid balance that is capable of determining all fluid inflows and outflows to and from the subject, capable of separately measuring the amount of fluid inflows and outflows to and from the subject, capable of determining the type and time of occurrence of each inflow and outflow, and capable of summarizing changes in the subject's fluid balance or internal fluid mass over a period of time. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0031] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a toilet of the type set out in the preamble which increases the accuracy of measurements made and allows for a correct discrimination between fecal and urinary material when discharged by a user into the bowl of the toilet, and allows for an accurate estimation of the amount of fecal material when discharged by a user into the bowl of the toilet.

[0032] A further object of the present invention is to provide such a toilet that is easy and quick to use, providing a more attractive and hygienic solution for users, patients and healthcare workers alike. [Means for solving the problem]

[0033] The invention is defined by the subject matter of the independent claims. Particular embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0034] The above and other objects are achieved in a first aspect of the present invention by a toilet system including a toilet bowl and a drain pipe, the toilet system configured to determine a type of waste deposited into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system, the toilet system further including at least one first sensor device configured to capture at least one signal indicative of the type of waste deposited into the toilet bowl by the user of the toilet system, and at least one second sensor device configured to capture at least one signal indicative of the amount of waste deposited into the toilet bowl by the user of the toilet system.

[0035] By providing at least one first sensor device configured to capture at least one signal indicative of the type of waste material deposited into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system, a toilet system is provided that is capable of correctly distinguishing between fecal and urinary materials when deposited into the toilet bowl by a user or patient.

[0036] By providing at least one second sensor device configured to capture at least one signal indicative of the amount of fecal material excreted into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system, a toilet system is provided that can also estimate the amount of fecal material excreted into the toilet bowl by a user or patient.

[0037] The sensor devices capture each signal automatically and without the need for human intervention, providing a toilet system that is easier and quicker to use, especially for users and patients, and offers a more attractive and hygienic solution for users, patients and healthcare workers alike, while also saving time and resources.

[0038] Furthermore, such toilet systems provide the data required by medical personnel for diagnostic purposes and to monitor the progression of disease and the convalescence of patients in a simple, hygienic and reliable manner.

[0039] In one embodiment, the at least one first sensor device is configured to measure sound.

[0040] The inventors have discovered that by measuring the sounds associated with a user defecating waste, it is possible to distinguish with great certainty and accuracy between fecal and urinary material as it is deposited into a toilet bowl.

[0041] Furthermore, the inventors have discovered that audio measurements can be used to distinguish the excretion or disposal of other types of material, such as flatulence or paper, into the bowl of a toilet system from the excretion of fecal or urinary material, and even to filter out unnecessary and / or irrelevant data, such as false positives, from the resulting data.

[0042] This increases the accuracy of the measurements taken and provides a toilet system that can correctly and accurately distinguish between fecal and urinary material when voided into the toilet bowl by a patient or user.

[0043] A further advantage of such types of sensors is that they do not need to come into physical contact with the waste to capture the required measurements and signals, which further enhances the hygiene and durability of the toilet system as it is easier to clean and keep clean.

[0044] In one embodiment, the at least one first sensor device includes a vibration sensor, such as an acoustic sensor or a microphone.

[0045] This provides a toilet system that is very simple to construct and very easy to clean.

[0046] In one embodiment, the at least one first sensor device is located in or on the seat of the toilet bowl.

[0047] This provides a toilet system that provides a captured signal that is indicative in great detail of the type of waste that has been deposited into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system, and this is particularly applicable to signals in the form of audio signals, such as audio signals emitted by the patient or user.

[0048] In one embodiment, the at least one first sensor device is positioned within the toilet bowl or above the water level line of the toilet bowl.

[0049] This provides a toilet system that is optimized to capture signals that are indicative in great detail of the type of waste that has been discharged into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system. The inventors have shown that this system is particularly applicable to signals in the form of audio signals, such as voice signals emitted by the patient or user, and / or such audio signals that arise when waste comes into contact with the toilet bowl or material within the bowl, due to the acoustic properties that prevail above the water line in the toilet bowl.

[0050] In one embodiment, the at least one first sensor device is positioned within the toilet bowl or below the water level line of the toilet bowl.

[0051] This provides a toilet system that is optimized to capture signals that are highly indicative of the type of waste deposited into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system. The inventors have shown that this system is particularly applicable to signals in the form of audio signals, such as the audio signal generated when waste impacts water in the toilet bowl, due to the acoustic properties that prevail above the water line in the toilet bowl.

[0052] In one embodiment, the at least one first sensor device further includes any one or more of a pressure sensor, a radar, an imager, a capacitive sensor, and a flow sensor.

[0053] This provides further data for determining the type of waste that has been deposited into the toilet system's bowl in a very simple, straightforward and cost-effective manner, which in turn provides a very accurate determination of the type of waste. Capacitive sensors have the particular advantage that they can be mounted outside the toilet system's waterways, drain traps and the like, for example even outside the toilet system's bowl, thereby realizing further improvements in hygiene.

[0054] In one embodiment, the at least one first sensor device is configured to transmit at least one signal to the data analysis apparatus.

[0055] In one embodiment, the at least one second sensor device is configured to transmit at least one signal to the data analysis apparatus.

[0056] Because the first and / or second sensor device transmit the captured signal to the analysis device automatically in this manner and without the need for human intervention, a toilet system is provided that is particularly easy and quick to use for users and patients, and provides a more attractive and hygienic solution for users, patients and medical personnel alike.

[0057] Furthermore, such toilet systems provide the data needed by medical personnel for diagnostic purposes and to monitor the progression of the disease and the patient's recovery period in a very simple, hygienic and reliable way, saving both time and resources for those involved.

[0058] In one embodiment, the at least one second sensor device is configured to measure a volume of liquid indicative of an amount of waste material discharged into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system.

[0059] This provides a toilet system that can accurately estimate the amount of fecal or urinary material deposited by a user into a toilet bowl, thereby increasing the accuracy and detail of the data required by medical personnel for diagnostic purposes and for monitoring the progression of disease and the recovery of patients.

[0060] In one embodiment, the at least one second sensor device is disposed in the drain pipe of the toilet system at a location downstream of a water seal disposed between the toilet bowl and the drain pipe of the toilet system.

[0061] Such positioning of the second sensor device is advantageous, particularly in toilets equipped with a water seal, drain trap, or odor control valve in the drain pipe, since the normal water level in the bowl of such toilets is flush with the upper limit set by the water seal. Therefore, even a small amount of waste accumulated in the bowl will cause the water in the water seal to overflow into the drain pipe downstream of the seal, and the amount of overflow water can be easily measured by the second sensor device installed downstream of the seal.

[0062] The at least one second sensor device may be any one or more of a weight sensor, a liquid level sensor, and a flow rate sensor.

[0063] This provides a toilet system that accurately and precisely captures a signal indicative of the amount of fecal or urinary material excreted by a patient or user into the toilet bowl, thereby increasing the accuracy of measurements taken using the toilet system.

[0064] In one embodiment, the toilet system further includes a data analysis device, the data analysis device including a data processing unit and a data storage unit, the data processing unit configured to receive one or more signals transmitted by the at least one first sensor device and analyze the received one or more signals to produce a data output indicative at least of the type of waste deposited into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system.

[0065] This increases the accuracy of the measurements taken and provides a toilet system that can automatically and accurately distinguish between fecal and urinary materials when voided into the toilet bowl by a patient or user.

[0066] A further advantage is that data analysis can be done in this manner automatically and without the need for physical contact with the waste to determine type, thereby reducing the time and cost that would otherwise be spent by healthcare professionals analyzing the waste as well as the associated disinfection and cleaning, further enhancing the hygiene and durability of the toilet system.

[0067] The analysis can be a comparison with existing data, e.g., data from a database, and / or a statistical analysis, e.g., neural networks, principal component analysis (PCA), decision trees, or clustering.

[0068] In one embodiment, the data analysis apparatus is further configured to receive one or more signals transmitted by the at least one second sensor device and analyze the received one or more signals using the data processing unit to produce a data output indicative of the amount of waste discharged into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system.

[0069] This provides a toilet system in which the above-mentioned advantages associated with data analysis devices are extended to determining waste volume.

[0070] In one embodiment, the data analysis apparatus further includes a data visualization unit, and the data processing unit is further configured to visualize on the data visualization unit a data output indicative of one or more of the type of waste deposited into the toilet bowl by the user of the toilet system and the amount of waste deposited into the toilet bowl by the user of the toilet system.

[0071] This allows the user or medical professional to be assisted in the interpretation of the data obtained by the sensor device and the results obtained by the data analysis apparatus in a very simple and easy to understand way.

[0072] A further advantage is that data visualization can be done in this manner automatically and without the need for physical contact with the waste or the toilet system, thereby reducing the time and costs that personal care would otherwise spend on analysis and visualization as well as the associated disinfection and cleaning, further enhancing the hygiene and durability of the toilet system.

[0073] In one embodiment, the toilet system further includes an actuator configured to enable a user of the toilet system to indicate the type of waste material deposited into the toilet bowl by the user and to transmit a signal indicative of the user's instructions to the analyzer.

[0074] This provides additional data for determining the type of waste deposited into the toilet system bowl in a very simple, straightforward and cost effective manner.

[0075] In one embodiment, the toilet system further includes an actuator configured to allow a user to activate one or more of the toilet system and the analyzer before using the toilet system.

[0076] Such an actuator may be a push button or actuator, for example a motion sensor configured to automatically register a user who is near or touching the toilet system and to activate one or more of the toilet system and the analyzer in response to registering the user who has touched the toilet system, or a voice sensor configured to register a voice made by a user locking a room or a section of the toilet.

[0077] This allows the toilet system and / or analytical device to enter an active state only when the toilet system is in use by a user, and remain passive or inactive otherwise, thereby reducing power and costs.

[0078] In one embodiment, the toilet system further comprises a weight sensor positioned and configured to capture signals indicative of the user's weight before and after each toilet excretion.

[0079] This provides additional data for determining the amount of waste deposited into the toilet bowl of the toilet system in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0080] In one embodiment, the first sensor device is an imaging device located in one of the toilet seat, on the toilet seat, in the toilet bowl, or above the water level line of the toilet bowl, and the second sensor device is located in the drain pipe of the toilet system at a position downstream of a seal located between the toilet bowl and the drain pipe, and includes a chamber configured to collect liquid forced through the seal, and a weight sensor located and configured to measure the weight of the chamber and the liquid contained in the chamber.

[0081] In one embodiment, the first sensor device is positioned to face downwards at an angle α of 70 to 80 degrees, such as an angle α of 75 degrees, relative to the horizontal line H, and at an angle β of 20 to 10 degrees, such as an angle β of 15 degrees, relative to the vertical line V, where in this context an angle of 90 degrees corresponds to the vertical line V or the direction of gravity.

[0082] In one embodiment, the first sensor device is positioned off the central axis A of the toilet seat and rotated around the direction of gravity or vertical V so as to be oriented at an angle γ between 25 degrees and 25 degrees relative to the central axis A of the toilet seat, such as an angle γ of 30 degrees.

[0083] The placement of the first sensor device above the water level line of the toilet bowl and the angle of the first sensor device described above each improve the positioning and adjustment of the first sensor device to obtain the best possible data to ensure reliable type recognition, and together they help optimize the positioning and adjustment of the first sensor device to obtain the best possible data to ensure reliable type recognition.

[0084] The above and other objects are achieved in a second aspect of the present invention by a method for determining the type of waste deposited by a user of a toilet system into a toilet bowl of a toilet system according to any one of the above claims, the method comprising: capturing, using at least one first sensor device of the toilet system, a signal indicative of a type of waste material deposited into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system; transmitting the captured signals indicative of the type of waste material deposited into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system to an analyzing device including a data processing unit and a data storage unit; receiving, using a data processing unit, one or more signals transmitted by the at least one first sensor device; analyzing, with a data processing unit, one or more signals transmitted and received by the at least one first sensor device to produce a data output indicative of the type of waste deposited into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system; This includes the step:

[0085] In one embodiment, the analyzing step includes comparing with existing data, e.g., data from a database, and / or performing statistical analysis, e.g., neural networks, principal component analysis (PCA), decision trees, or clustering.

[0086] In one embodiment, the method further comprises: capturing, with at least one second sensor device of the toilet system, a signal indicative of an amount of waste deposited into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system; transmitting the captured signal indicative of the amount of waste discharged into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system to an analyzer; receiving, using a data processing unit, one or more signals transmitted by the at least one second sensor device; analyzing, with the data processing unit, one or more signals transmitted and received from the at least one second sensor device to produce a data output indicative of an amount of waste deposited into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system. This includes the step:

[0087] In one embodiment of the method, the data analysis apparatus further includes a data visualization unit, and the method further includes using the data processing unit to visualize on the data visualization unit a data output indicative of the type of waste deposited into the toilet bowl by users of the toilet system and / or a data output indicative of the amount of waste deposited into the toilet bowl by users of the toilet system.

[0088] To avoid repetition, it is noted herein that Figure 12 shows the steps of the method according to the second aspect of the present invention in a schematic manner. Furthermore, it is noted that the four steps shown in the upper right-hand corner of Figure 12, which relate to the second sensor device, are optional steps consistent with the embodiment of the method according to the second aspect of the present invention described above. Further details are provided with respect to the examples included in the detailed description that follows.

[0089] Further aspects of the invention include the following.

[0090] A toilet system including a toilet bowl and a drain pipe, configured to determine a type of waste material discharged into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system; at least one first sensor device configured to capture at least one signal indicative of a type of waste deposited into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system; The toilet system further includes:

[0091] A toilet system including a toilet bowl and a drain pipe, configured to determine a type of waste material discharged into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system; at least one first sensor device configured to capture at least one signal indicative of a type of waste discharged into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system, the at least one first sensor device configured to measure sound; The toilet system further includes:

[0092] The at least one first sensor device may be further configured to transmit at least one signal to a data analysis apparatus.

[0093] A toilet system including a toilet bowl and a drain pipe, configured to determine a type of waste material discharged into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system; at least one first sensor device configured to capture at least one signal indicative of a type of waste deposited into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system and to transmit the at least one signal to a data analysis device; A data analysis device including a data processing unit and a data storage unit, wherein the data processing unit: receiving one or more signals transmitted by at least one first sensor device; analyzing the received signal or signals to produce a data output indicative of at least the type of waste material deposited into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system; a data analysis device configured to: The toilet system further includes:

[0094] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a toilet system of the kind mentioned in the introduction, which makes it possible to assess in a simple, reliable and accurate way the amount of fecal material deposited by a user into the toilet bowl of the toilet system, and also over time.

[0095] A further object of the present invention is to provide a toilet system which also allows the sensor device to be integrated in a simple and straightforward manner into existing toilet systems that are already installed.

[0096] The above and other objects are achieved in a third aspect of the present invention by a toilet system including a toilet bowl and a drain pipe, the toilet system being configured to at least determine the type of waste discharged into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system, the toilet system further including at least one sensor device configured to capture at least one signal indicative of the amount of waste discharged into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system, the sensor device including: a chamber provided in the drain pipe of the toilet system at a position downstream of a seal disposed between the toilet bowl and the drain pipe of the toilet system, the chamber being positioned adjacent to at least a portion of a lower half of the drain pipe of the toilet system and configured to receive an amount of liquid forced through the seal water of the toilet system; and at least one through opening provided in the drain pipe of the toilet system at a position downstream of the seal water in which the chamber is provided so that liquid forced through the seal water can flow into the chamber, the at least one through opening being positioned along a major axis extending perpendicular to a front-to-rear axis L of the drain pipe, and the at least one through opening including a shape that tapers in an upstream direction.

[0097] This provides a toilet system that allows for a simple, reliable and accurate assessment of the amount of fecal material discharged by a user into the toilet bowl of the toilet system, as well as over time, in a simple, reliable and accurate manner, particularly since the risk of clogging of multiple through openings is minimized by providing the drain pipe with at least one through opening that is arranged along a major axis extending perpendicular to the front-to-rear axis of the drain pipe and that includes a shape that tapers in the upstream direction.

[0098] Using such a toilet system, the sensor device can also be incorporated into an existing toilet system that is already in use in a simple and understandable manner, simply by providing the chamber on an existing drain pipe and at least one through-opening inside the existing drain pipe.

[0099] Providing at least one through-opening arranged along a main axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the drain pipe has the further advantage that, by using the size of the opening in combination with the total flow or pressure inside the drain pipe, it can be used to determine how much liquid is drawn into the chamber for measurement.

[0100] It should be noted that the amount of liquid extruded through the water seal of the toilet system can be, for example, between 5 ml / min and 1000 ml / min.

[0101] In one embodiment, a plurality of through-openings are provided. The plurality of through-openings include a maximum size A measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the drain pipe and a maximum size B measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the drain pipe. Adjacent through-openings among the plurality of through-openings are arranged at a shortest distance C measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the drain pipe and a shortest distance D measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the drain pipe. The plurality of through-openings are arranged in a pattern satisfying the relationships C < A and D < 2B.

[0102] Small openings may become clogged if particulate matter gets caught in them, ultimately hindering the flow to be measured. Also, in the case of very small excrement, only a very small amount of liquid is extruded through the water seal, so the liquid to be measured may flow around the opening if the distance between the openings is too large.

[0103] The inventors have shown that by arranging a plurality of through-openings in a pattern satisfying the above relationships, these two disadvantages can be overcome. As a result, the accuracy and reliability of the measurements performed are further enhanced.

[0104] In one embodiment, at least one through opening includes a shape that terminates in a tapered, upstream-facing tip portion.

[0105] This allows particulate matter to be more easily and reliably directed through the opening, and the risk of particulate matter getting trapped in the opening clogging and ultimately impeding the flow of the material being measured is significantly reduced or eliminated altogether.

[0106] In one embodiment, at least one through opening comprises a polygonal, elliptical, or circular cross-sectional shape having any one or more of regular edges, concave edges, convex edges, irregular edges, or any combination thereof. Examples of polygonal shapes include triangular, rectangular, or diamond shapes. Thus, slit-shaped openings are also possible.

[0107] An aperture having such a shape has the advantage of providing the above benefits while maintaining a simple and easy to manufacture aperture geometry.

[0108] In one embodiment, the at least one through opening includes a maximum dimension A measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the drain pipe and a maximum dimension B measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the drain pipe, wherein dimension A is between 0.5 mm and 100 mm. Alternatively, or in addition, dimension B is between 0.5 mm and 100 mm.

[0109] As previously mentioned, small openings can clog too easily, while large openings can result in too much particulate matter remaining in the chamber, which can not only clog the chamber, but can also cause poor or unusable measurements due to contributions or effects on the measurements from or by particulate matter trapped in the chamber, and more importantly, can make it more difficult to empty the chamber after measurements are completed.

[0110] The inventors have shown that these two disadvantages, especially the latter, can be overcome by providing at least one aperture having a size within the above interval, thereby further increasing the accuracy and reliability of the measurements performed.

[0111] In one embodiment, the plurality of through openings includes at least five openings.

[0112] This provides a sufficient number of openings to ensure that a sufficient amount of liquid is drawn into the chamber, thereby ensuring reliable and accurate measurements.

[0113] In one embodiment, the sensor device further comprises a screening apparatus positioned upstream of or spanning over the at least one through opening.

[0114] Such a screening device has the advantage of helping to force particulate matter through the opening to avoid too much particulate matter remaining in the chamber while still allowing liquid to flow through the opening into the chamber, thereby preventing the chamber from clogging and, more importantly, avoiding poor or unusable readings due to contributions to the readings from particulate matter trapped in the chamber.

[0115] In one embodiment, the sensor device further includes a mass or weight sensor positioned and configured to monitor the weight of the chamber to capture at least one signal indicative of the amount of waste discharged into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system.

[0116] Alternatively, or in addition, the sensor device may include a flow sensor positioned and configured to monitor the flow of liquid through the chamber and capture at least one signal indicative of the amount of waste discharged into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system.

[0117] This provides a toilet system that can capture signals indicative of the type of waste deposited into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system and transmit them for analysis in an analysis device in a very simple manner.

[0118] In one embodiment, the sensor device further includes a mounting element configured to mount the sensor device to a drain pipe of a toilet system.

[0119] This provides a toilet system in which the sensor device can be retrofitted to existing toilet systems already in use in a very easy and straightforward manner, simply by using the mounting elements when mounting the chamber onto an existing drain pipe.

[0120] The attachment element can be an element configured to be attached around the drain pipe, and can also be a fastener, such as a weld or adhesive.

[0121] In one embodiment, the chamber further comprises one of a drain and a pumping device configured to pump the contents of the chamber into a drain of the toilet system.

[0122] This allows the chamber to be emptied in a very simple and efficient way: the contents of the chamber can for example simply be pushed back into a drain through the at least one through opening.

[0123] In one embodiment, the toilet system may further include a movable device configured to cover the at least one through opening, preferably from below, i.e., on the side facing the chamber, and a device for controlling the movable device and the flushing system of the toilet system to delay flushing until the movable device is moved to cover the at least one through opening.

[0124] In one embodiment, the sensor device further includes a valve mounted in association with at least one of the one or more openings and configured to control the flow of liquid into the chamber. The valve may include an actuator.

[0125] Such a valve has the advantage of helping to force particulate matter through the opening to avoid too much particulate matter remaining in the chamber, while still allowing liquid to flow through the opening and into the chamber. Such a valve can also be used to precisely control the size of particulate matter that is allowed to flow through the valve and into the chamber. This prevents the chamber from clogging, and more importantly, avoids poor or unusable measurements due to contributions to the measurements from particulate matter trapped in the chamber.

[0126] In one embodiment, particularly in embodiments where the sensor device includes a valve, the sensor device includes only one opening.

[0127] In one embodiment, the sensor device is further configured to transmit at least one signal indicative of an amount of waste material deposited into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system to the data analyzer.

[0128] In one embodiment, the toilet system further comprises an image sensor.

[0129] The above and other objects are achieved in a fourth aspect of the present invention by means of a method of providing a toilet system comprising at least one sensor device configured to capture at least one signal indicative of an amount of waste discharged into a toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system, the method comprising: providing at least one through opening in at least a portion of a lower half of the drain pipe of the toilet system at a location downstream of the seal disposed between the toilet bowl of the toilet system and the drain pipe, so that liquid forced through the seal can flow through the opening into the chamber; At least one through-opening is arranged along a main axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the drain pipe, At least one through-opening includes a shape having a tip portion facing the upstream direction, Prepare a chamber configured to receive an amount of liquid extruded through the water seal of the toilet system, Place the chamber in the drain pipe of the toilet system at a position downstream of the water seal disposed adjacent to at least a part of the lower half of the drain pipe of the toilet system between the toilet bowl and the drain pipe of the toilet system, including the step of

[0130] In a further embodiment, the method further comprises a) providing a plurality of through-openings such that they include a maximum size A measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the drain pipe and a maximum size B measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the drain pipe, wherein adjacent through-openings are arranged spaced apart by a shortest distance C measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the drain pipe and a shortest distance D measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the drain pipe, and the plurality of through-openings are arranged in a pattern satisfying the relationships C < A and D < 2B, b) providing at least one through-opening or a plurality of through-openings so as to include a cross-sectional shape that is polygonal, elliptical, or circular and has any one or more of regular ends, concave ends, convex ends, irregular ends, or any combination thereof, c) providing at least one through-opening or a plurality of through-openings such that they include a maximum size A measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the drain pipe and a maximum size B measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the drain pipe, where the size A is from 0.5 mm to 100 mm, or alternatively, or further, the size B is from 0.5 mm to 100 mm, d) providing a plurality of through-openings so as to include at least 5 openings, e) - a screening device disposed upstream of at least one through-opening or a plurality of through-openings, a mass or weight sensor positioned and configured to monitor the weight of the chamber to capture at least one signal indicative of the amount of waste discharged into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system; a flow sensor positioned and configured to monitor the flow of liquid through the chamber to capture at least one signal indicative of the amount of waste discharged into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system; a mounting element configured to mount the sensor device on a drain pipe of a toilet system; Prepare one or more of the following: The method includes one or more of the following steps:

[0131] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a fluid balance monitoring system of the type described in the introduction, and a method for determining and monitoring fluid balance in a mammalian subject, which is capable of determining all fluid inflows and outflows to and from the subject, separately measuring the amount of fluid inflows and outflows to and from the subject, determining the type and time of occurrence of each inflow and outflow, and summarizing changes in the subject's fluid balance or internal fluid mass over a period of time, so as to provide accurate and comprehensive fluid balance monitoring and a better or more complete understanding of the subject's fluid balance dynamics.

[0132] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a fluid balance monitoring system and method for determining and monitoring the fluid balance of a mammalian subject that further simplifies both the actual data entry and operational steps of medical personnel when observing a mammalian subject.

[0133] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a fluid balance monitoring system that reduces time and costs, particularly within professional healthcare systems such as hospitals, nursing homes and home care.

[0134] The above and other objects are realized in a fifth aspect of the present invention by a fluid balance monitoring system for determining and monitoring fluid balance in a mammalian subject, the fluid balance monitoring system including at least one data processing unit, at least one input unit, and at least one display unit. The at least one input unit is configured to receive measurement data including information related to determining and monitoring fluid balance in the mammalian subject from any one or more of a user interface and the at least one sensor device and transmit the received measurement data to the at least one data processing unit. The at least one data processing unit includes a data processing device and is configured to receive measurement data from the at least one input unit, process the received measurement data to obtain output data indicative of fluid balance in the mammalian subject, and transmit the output data indicative of fluid balance in the mammalian subject to the at least one display unit. The at least one display unit includes a data processing device and is configured to receive the output data indicative of fluid balance in the mammalian subject and display the output data indicative of fluid balance in the subject. The measurement data further includes information regarding the amount, type, and time of occurrence of at least one event relevant to determining and monitoring fluid balance of the mammalian subject, the at least one event being any one relevant event that results in an outflow of fluid from the mammalian subject or an inflow of fluid into the mammalian subject, and the at least one data processing unit is further configured to process the received measurement data to obtain output data further indicative of the type and time of occurrence of the at least one event.

[0135] This provides a fluid balance monitoring system that is capable of determining all of the inflow and outflow of fluids into and out of a subject, separately measuring the amount of fluid inflow and outflow into and out of the subject, determining the type and time of occurrence of each of the inflows and outflows, and summarizing changes in the subject's fluid balance or internal fluid mass over a period of time, particularly by specifying that the measurement data further includes information regarding the amount, type, and time of occurrence of at least one event relevant to determining and monitoring the subject's fluid balance, which is any one relevant event resulting in the outflow of fluids from or into the subject, and the at least one data processing unit is further configured to process the received measurement data to obtain output data further indicating the type and time of occurrence of the at least one event.

[0136] Such a system would therefore enable accurate and comprehensive fluid balance monitoring and provide a better or more complete understanding of a subject's fluid balance dynamics, providing the advantage of enabling professionals to better understand a subject's fluid balance dynamics, make faster and more accurate diagnoses, monitor the subject more carefully and accurately for faster and better recovery, and help avoid hospitalization and other difficult problems that can occur following an imbalanced fluid balance.

[0137] Additionally, there is provided herein a fluid balance monitoring system that reduces time and costs, particularly within professional healthcare systems such as hospitals. Such cost, and particularly time, reduction can also help provide benefits by helping professionals make faster and more accurate diagnoses and monitor subjects more carefully and accurately for faster and better recovery.

[0138] Furthermore, by specifying that data collection occurs in one unit, data processing occurs in another unit, and data display occurs in yet another unit, the fluid balance monitoring system can be centrally managed by the data processing unit. More importantly, with such a fluid balance monitoring system, the data registration process and the display / monitoring process can each be performed in separate units. This allows the subject or caregiver to manage data collection and registration in one unit, while the subject's fluid balance can be monitored in a different unit. Therefore, both the actual data registration process and the work process for medical personnel when observing the subject are significantly simplified.

[0139] In one embodiment, the at least one data processing unit is in data transfer connection with the at least one input unit and the at least one display unit such that all data communication between the at least one input unit and the at least one display unit occurs via the at least one data processing unit.

[0140] This allows the fluid balance monitoring system to be centrally managed by the data processing unit. This provides a simplified fluid balance monitoring system in which the data registration process and the display / monitoring process can be performed in separate units. This allows the subject or caregiver to manage data collection and registration in one unit, and the subject's fluid balance can be monitored in a separate unit. This makes it possible to present only the information relevant to each individual user of the system. Therefore, both the actual data registration process and the work process for medical professionals when observing a subject are further simplified.

[0141] In one embodiment, the measurement data includes data relating to at least one event relevant to determining and monitoring fluid balance in a mammalian subject, the at least one event including any one or more of: excretion, defecation, urination, food or drink intake, movement, sweating, breathing, sputum secretion, mucous secretions, drainage, and gastric emptying.

[0142] Considering all such events, or the most relevant such events, in monitoring the fluid balance of a subject further improves the monitoring of fluid balance in terms of accuracy and comprehensiveness, thereby further improving the accuracy of both the diagnosis of the subject and the observation of the subject for a faster and better recovery.

[0143] In one embodiment, at least one of the measurement data and the output data is stored in a cloud-based storage device or a storage device included in the data processing unit.

[0144] This provides a fluid balance monitoring system in which output and measurement data can remain centrally stored so that the data can be accessed at any time by any authorized display unit, thereby increasing the flexibility of the system.

[0145] In a further embodiment, at least one of the measurement data and the output data is associated with or encrypted with an individual identity key. Alternatively, or in addition, at least one of the measurement data and the output data may be stored with or encrypted with an individual identity key in a cloud-based storage device or in a storage device provided within the data processing unit.

[0146] This allows measurement and output data to be associated with a specific subject in a very simple way, and also ensures that measurement and output data are always associated with the correct subject, thereby minimizing or completely avoiding errors that may occur if data is mistakenly associated with the wrong subject.

[0147] In one embodiment, the individual identity keys are anonymized individual identity keys.

[0148] This allows the subject's identity to remain anonymous, at least until it is displayed on the display unit, in order to comply with relevant regulations such as the GDPR regulations in force within the European Union.

[0149] Furthermore, any of the above three embodiments relating to a central data storage device, and in particular the provision of individual identification keys, provides a system in which unauthorized personnel may be denied access to data based on separate keys granting access to, for example, data processing units, or on suitable characteristics associated with the identification key or keys, such as keys associated with decryption, etc. Such a system is provided with improved data security.

[0150] In one embodiment, the output data includes at least data indicative of fluid inflow into the mammalian subject, fluid outflow from the mammalian subject, and changes in fluid balance in the mammalian subject.

[0151] This allows the display unit to display the three most important parameters related to the subject's fluid balance, thereby realizing accurate and easy-to-understand monitoring of fluid balance, which in turn allows understanding the dynamics of the subject's fluid balance.

[0152] In one embodiment, the display unit is configured to display the output data in a manner that shows data indicative of fluid inflow into the mammalian subject, fluid outflow from the mammalian subject, and changes in the mammalian subject's fluid balance separately from each other.

[0153] This provides a fluid balance monitoring system that is capable of determining and measuring all fluid inflows and outflows to and from a subject, and not only separately measuring the amount of fluid inflow and outflow to and from a subject, but also visualizing and displaying said inflows and outflows separately along with the subject's fluid balance to provide accurate and comprehensive fluid balance monitoring that is easy to interpret for an observer, such as a medical professional.

[0154] In one embodiment, the data processing unit is configured to generate output data and transmit the output data to at least one display unit in real time or at predetermined time intervals, or alternatively, or in addition, the display unit is configured to display the output data in real time or at predetermined time intervals.

[0155] This allows for real-time monitoring of a subject's fluid balance in a very simple, fast and user-friendly manner.

[0156] The above and other objects are achieved in a sixth aspect of the present invention by a method for determining and monitoring fluid balance in a mammalian subject, the method comprising: a) providing a fluid balance monitoring system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one data processing unit with at least one data processing device, at least one input unit and at least one display unit with at least one data processing device, b) receiving, using the at least one input unit, measurement data from any one or more of the user interface and the at least one sensor device, the measurement data including information relevant to determining and monitoring fluid balance of the mammalian subject; c) transmitting the received measurement data to at least one data processing unit using at least one input unit, d) receiving measurement data from at least one input unit using at least one data processing unit; e) using at least one data processing unit, processing the received measurement data to obtain output data indicative of fluid balance of the mammalian subject; f) using the at least one data processing unit, transmitting output data indicative of the fluid balance of the mammalian subject to at least one display unit; g) receiving, with at least one display unit, output data indicative of fluid balance of the mammalian subject; h) displaying output data indicative of fluid balance of the mammalian subject using at least one display unit; This includes the steps: The measurement data further includes information regarding the amount, type, and time of occurrence of at least one event relevant to determining and monitoring fluid balance in the mammalian subject, the at least one event being any one relevant event that results in an outflow of fluid from the mammalian subject or an inflow of fluid into the mammalian subject, and the method further includes processing the received measurement data using the at least one data processing unit to obtain output data further indicative of the type and time of occurrence of the at least one event.

[0157] In a further embodiment, the method further comprises: storing at least one of the measurement data and the output data in a cloud-based storage device or a storage device provided in the data processing unit; Associating at least one of the measurement data and the output data with the individual identification key, providing it together with the individual identification key, or encrypting it with the individual identification key; generating output data in real time using a data processing unit; and transmitting the output data in real time to at least one display unit using the data processing unit; Using a display unit to display the output data in real time; The method includes one or more of the following steps:

[0158] It is to be noted that the invention relates to all possible combinations of the features recited in the claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0159] In the following description, embodiments of the invention are explained with reference to schematic drawings. [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a toilet system of the present invention, including a first sensor device configured to measure the type of waste and a second sensor device configured to measure the amount of waste. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic diagram of an analytical device for a toilet system of the present invention, shown physically separate from the remaining components of the toilet system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first sensor device of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a toilet bowl of a toilet system of the present invention, illustrating the difference in sound produced by waste depending on where the waste impacts within the toilet bowl of the toilet system. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional side view similar to FIG. 4, but in which the excrement is urine. [Figure 6] 6 is an exemplary diagram showing a signal captured by the first sensor device in the situation of FIG. 5, where the amplitude A is plotted as a function of time t. [Figure 7] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional side view similar to FIG. 4, but in which the waste material is feces. [Figure 8] 7 is an exemplary diagram showing a signal captured by the first sensor device in the situation of FIG. 6, where the amplitude A is plotted as a function of time t. [Figure 9] 7A-7C are exemplary diagrams showing the results of statistical analysis performed on the signals of FIG. 6 to provide probabilities for various types of waste entering the toilet bowl of the toilet system of the present invention at a given time. [Figure 10] 9 is an exemplary diagram showing the results of a statistical analysis performed on the signal of FIG. 8 to provide probabilities for various types of waste entering the toilet bowl of the toilet system of the present invention at a given time. [Figure 11] 8-10, which contain measurements captured by the second sensor device of the toilet system of the present invention, and performing an analysis on the data to estimate the type and amount of waste entering the toilet bowl of the toilet system of the present invention, is an exemplary graph showing the results of the analysis, where the amount is plotted as a function of time. [Figure 12] 1 illustrates a schematic representation of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. [Figure 13]10 shows a schematic representation of the location on the toilet seat of a toilet system of the present invention of a second sensor device configured to measure the amount of waste, with the remainder of the toilet system omitted for simplicity. [Figure 14] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a portion of a drain pipe of a toilet system of the present invention including a sensor device including a plurality of through openings (only one of which is visible) and a chamber. [Figure 15] 15 is a schematic cross-sectional side view similar to that of FIG. 14, showing a toilet system of the present invention with an alternative embodiment of the chamber; FIG. [Figure 16A] 10A-10C are schematic diagrams illustrating various shapes and patterns of multiple through openings of a sensor device of a toilet system of the present invention. [Figure 16B] 10A-10C are schematic diagrams illustrating various shapes and patterns of multiple through openings of a sensor device of a toilet system of the present invention. [Figure 16C] 10A-10C are schematic diagrams illustrating various shapes and patterns of multiple through openings of a sensor device of a toilet system of the present invention. [Figure 17A] 10A and 10B illustrate schematic diagrams of size and distance requirements for multiple through-openings of a sensor device in a toilet system of the present invention; [Figure 17B] 10A and 10B illustrate schematic diagrams of size and distance requirements for multiple through-openings of a sensor device in a toilet system of the present invention; [Figure 18] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a drain pipe of a toilet system of the present invention, comprising a sensor device including a plurality of through openings (only one of which is visible), a chamber, and a mounting element. [Figure 19] 16 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a toilet system of the present invention, similar to the cross-sectional side views of FIGS. 14 and 15, including another embodiment of a sensor device. FIG. [Figure 20] 1 is a schematic representation of fluid inflow and outflow in a subject, particularly a mammalian subject such as a human body. [Figure 21] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a fluid balance monitoring system for determining and monitoring fluid balance in a mammalian subject of the present invention. [Figure 22]1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the method of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0160] 1 and 2, a first embodiment of a toilet system 1 of the present invention is shown. The toilet system 1 includes a toilet bowl 2, a drain pipe 4, and a toilet seat 3. The drain pipe 4 further includes a drain pipe 5 having a water seal and a drain trap or odor control valve 6. The toilet system 1 may include a toilet tank or flushing reservoir 7 with a device 8 configured to flush the toilet bowl when operated. The device 8 may be an actuator such as a push button, a pull button, a lever, or the like. The toilet system 1 may further include a base 15 for connecting the toilet system 1 to a floor 30.

[0161] The toilet system 1 includes a first sensor device 9 and a second sensor device 10. The toilet system 1 may also optionally include a further sensor device 11.

[0162] The toilet system 1 can be a new stand-alone toilet system 1. Alternatively, the first sensor device 9 and the second sensor device 10 can be attached to an existing toilet bowl to provide a retrofitted toilet system 1. The toilet system 1 of the present invention can be provided by preparing the first sensor device 9 and the second sensor device 10 in this way, and attaching the first sensor device 9 and the second sensor device 10 to the existing toilet bowl to retrofit the existing toilet bowl.

[0163] Generally, the first sensor device 9 is configured to capture a signal indicative of the type of waste deposited into the toilet bowl 2 by a user of the toilet system 1. The first sensor device is further configured to transmit the captured signal to an analysis device 24, which is further described below with reference to Figure 2.

[0164] The first sensor device 9 is configured to measure sound. The first sensor device 9 can be an acoustic sensor or a vibration sensor such as a microphone. Suitable types of microphones include dynamic microphones, piezoelectric microphones, crystal microphones, fiber optic microphones, and MEMS microphones. The first sensor device 9 can be wired or wireless.

[0165] First sensor device 9 is positioned in or on toilet seat 3. Alternatively, first sensor device 9 can be positioned in or on the inner surface of toilet bowl 2. In either case, first sensor device 9 is positioned in a position where it can capture sounds caused by or associated with a user emitting waste into toilet bowl 2, for example emptying their bowels and / or bladder. First sensor device 9 can be positioned above upper water level 16 in the toilet bowl, or alternatively, below upper water level 16 in the toilet bowl.

[0166] The use of a first sensor device 9 configured to capture audio signals indicative of the type of waste material deposited into the toilet bowl 2 by a user of the toilet system 1 by measuring sound provides considerable detail in the captured data. Different types of waste material, particularly urine and feces, generate audio signals with different audio profiles. Careful analysis may even distinguish between fecal waste material of different consistencies, e.g., solid feces and diarrhea, which may be important for diagnostic purposes. The audio profile further varies depending on the part of the toilet bowl that the waste material impacts. As shown in FIG. 4 , an audio signal with one audio profile results from waste material 17 directly impacting the toilet bowl 2 (arrow 18), while an audio signal with a different audio profile results from waste material 17 impacting the surface 16 of the water in the toilet bowl 2. Furthermore, the use of the first sensor device 9, which is configured to capture audio signals by measuring sound, makes it possible to identify and remove unwanted data during analysis, such as false positives caused by, for example, paper, vomit or something other than fecal or urinary excretion into the toilet bowl 2, or by the user simply farting, or by nothing happening at all.

[0167] The at least one first sensor device 9 may also include any one or more of a pressure sensor, radar, imaging device, distance sensor, LIDAR, acoustic distance sensor, and flow sensor, which may also provide a signal indicative of the type of waste excreted into the toilet bowl 2 by a user of the toilet system 1.

[0168] Generally, the second sensor device 10 is configured to measure a volume of liquid indicative of the amount of waste excreted into the toilet bowl 2 by a user of the toilet system 1. The second sensor device 10 may also be configured to transmit the captured signal to an analysis device 24 (FIG. 2). The second sensor device 10 may be positioned and configured to measure the amount of liquid pushed through the water seal or odor valve 6 into the toilet bowl 2 when a user empties their bowels and / or bladder. According to Archimedes' law, the amount of liquid pushed through the water seal or odor valve 6 into the toilet bowl 2 when a user empties their bowels and / or bladder is equal to, or at least approximately equal to, the amount of the user's waste excreted into the toilet bowl 2, depending on the buoyancy of the excreted material.

[0169] 1 , the second sensor device 10 is positioned in the toilet bowl drain pipe 4 at a position downstream of the water seal 6. The second sensor device 10 includes a chamber 11 for collecting water 13 that is forced through the water seal 6 as a result of a user depositing waste in the toilet bowl 2 of the toilet system 1. The second sensor device 10 further includes a measurement unit 14 configured to measure the amount of liquid 13 collected in the chamber 11. The second sensor device 10 further includes a drain pipe 12 that is positioned in a bottom region of the chamber 11 and is connected to a sewer system or the like. The second sensor device 10 may further include a closure mechanism 32, such as a valve, flap, shutter, or the like, that is configured to close while the measurement unit 14 measures the amount of liquid 13 collected in the chamber 11, and to subsequently open when the toilet system 1 is flushed to empty the chamber 11 and allow the toilet system 1 to be flushed.

[0170] 3, the amount of liquid collected in chamber 11 can be measured, for example, as the difference in depth or water level ΔH between depth 13 before and depth 13' after waste is discharged into toilet bowl 2 of toilet system 1. The amount of liquid collected in chamber 11 can also be measured as the difference in mass of water contained in the chamber before and after waste is discharged into toilet bowl 2 of toilet system 1, ΔM, or as the difference in volume of water that flows out of chamber 11 when closing mechanism 32 is opened after waste is discharged into toilet bowl 2 of toilet system 1, ΔV.

[0171] Alternatively, the second sensor device 10 can be located in the toilet bowl 2 or in the drain pipe 4. Such an embodiment is particularly advantageous when retrofitting an existing toilet bowl with the first sensor device 9 and the second sensor device 10, as it makes installation of the second sensor device 10 very easy and cost-effective. In either case, the second sensor device 10 is located in a position where it can measure the amount of liquid pushed through the water seal or odour valve 6 when a user voids waste into the toilet bowl 2.

[0172] The second sensor device 10 may be or may include one or more of a weight sensor, a liquid level sensor, a flow rate sensor, etc. A liquid level sensor may be understood to be any type of distance measuring device that is mounted in a fixed position relative to the surface of the liquid collected in the chamber 11, whether above or below said surface.

[0173] The measurement unit 14 of the second sensor device 10 may include a flow sensor, a weight sensor, a depth gauge, a volume sensor, or the like.

[0174] The toilet system 1 may, in some embodiments, also include one or more further sensor devices, such as the sensor device 23 shown in FIG. 1 and / or the sensor devices 22, 22'.

[0175] The one or more further sensor devices 23 may include any one or more of a pressure sensor, radar, imaging device, flow sensor, which may provide further data or capture further signals indicative of the type of waste deposited into the toilet bowl 2 by a user of the toilet system 1.

[0176] The one or more further sensor devices 22, 22' are weight sensors configured to capture signals indicative of a user's weight before and after placing waste on the toilet bowl 2 of the toilet system 1, respectively. The further sensor device 22 represents a weight sensor located underneath the toilet system 1, in particular underneath the toilet bowl 2 and / or base 15 of the toilet system 1. The further sensor device 22' represents a weight sensor located underneath the feet of a user sitting on the toilet seat 3 of the toilet system 1. Both further sensor devices 22, 22' may be provided to complement each other. Alternatively, only one of the further sensor devices 22, 22' may be provided. It is also feasible to locate a weight sensor or the like in or underneath the toilet seat 3.

[0177] The toilet system 1 may further include an actuator 33 configured to allow a user of the toilet system 1 to indicate the type of waste that has been or will be deposited into the toilet bowl 2. The actuator 33 may further be configured to transmit a signal indicative of the user's instruction to the data analysis device 24 (FIG. 2). The actuator 33 may be, for example, a button, a lever, or a touch panel.

[0178] The toilet system 1 may further include an actuator 21 configured to allow a user to activate the toilet system 1 and / or the data analysis device 24 ( FIG. 2 ) before using the toilet system 1. The actuator 21 may be, for example, a pressure switch or a touch sensor located in the toilet seat 3 so as to be automatically activated when a user sits on the toilet seat 3. Alternatively, the actuator 21 may be a button, a lever, a touch panel, a motion sensor, or another suitable type of sensor. In the latter case, it is also feasible for the actuators 21 and 33 to be integrated with or located next to each other, for example using the same touch panel. Another alternative is for the actuator 21 to be configured to electronically recognize, for example using facial recognition, a person or patient whose discharged waste is desired to be measured.

[0179] The toilet system 1 may further include a connection 29 to a data analysis device 24. Referring to Figure 2, the data analysis device 24 similarly includes a connection 28 to the toilet system 1. The connections 28, 29 may be wired or wireless. Additionally, the data analysis device 24 may be an external device, or the data analysis device 24 may be integrated into the toilet system, as shown, for example and without limitation, by the box 31 shown using a dotted line above the water tank 7 in Figure 1.

[0180] The data analysis device 24 includes a data processing unit 25, a data storage unit 26, and a data visualization unit 27. The data visualization unit 27 can be, for example, a display. The data visualization unit 27 is an optional unit.

[0181] The data analysis unit 24 may be integrated into or with another component of the toilet system 1, such as the cistern 7, the toilet bowl 2, or, if provided, the second sensor device 10. Alternatively, the data analysis unit 24 may be physically separate from the rest of the toilet system, an example being a computer of a suitable type placed on a table or mounted on a wall and connected to the first sensor device 9, and, if provided, the second sensor device 10, and / or further sensor devices 22, 22', 23, to enable data transfer with said sensors.

[0182] The data analysis unit 24 is configured to receive one or more signals captured using the first sensor device 9, and the second sensor device 10, if provided, and / or the further sensor devices 22, 22', 23, and transmitted by the first sensor device 9, and the second sensor device 10, if provided, and / or the further sensor devices 22, 22', 23. The data analysis unit 24 is further configured to analyze the received signals using a data processing unit 25 to produce a data output indicative of the type and / or amount of waste deposited into the toilet bowl 2 by users of the toilet system 1.

[0183] The data analysis device 24 is further configured to display, using the data processing unit 25 and the data visualization unit 27, a data output indicative of the type and / or amount of waste deposited into the toilet bowl 2 by users of the toilet system 1. The data analysis device 24 may be further configured to store the received signals and / or the generated data output indicative of the type and / or amount of waste deposited into the toilet bowl 2 by users of the toilet system 1 in the data storage device 26. The data storage device 26 may further include data that can be used to compare with data retrieved from the received signals to further enhance the reliability of the determination of the type of waste deposited into the toilet bowl 2 by users of the toilet system 1. Such data may be, for example, data from previous analyses and / or data retrieved from other sources, such as other similar toilet systems. The data may be stored in a database provided in the data storage device 26.

[0184] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the toilet system 1 in a particular embodiment includes a first sensor device 9 and a second sensor device 10.

[0185] The first sensor device 9 is an imaging device. The first sensor device 9 is disposed in or on the toilet seat 3 of the toilet system 1. In either case, the first sensor device 9 is positioned so that it can capture images showing, for example, waste products resulting from a user emptying their bowels and / or bladder, and / or other objects, such as toilet paper, discarded into the toilet bowl 2. The first sensor device 9 is positioned above the upper water level 16 in the toilet bowl. Referring also to FIG. 13 , the first sensor device 9 is positioned so that it faces downward at an angle α of 70 to 80 degrees with respect to the horizontal line H, such as an angle α of 75 degrees, or in other words, at an angle β of 20 to 10 degrees with respect to the vertical line V, such as an angle β of 15 degrees. Thus, in this context, a 90-degree angle corresponds to the vertical line V or the direction of gravity. Furthermore, the first sensor device 9 is installed outside the central axis A of the toilet seat 3 and rotated around the direction of gravity or the vertical line V so as to face at an angle γ of 25 degrees to 25 degrees, for example, an angle γ of 30 degrees, relative to the central axis A of the toilet seat 3.

[0186] The second sensor device 10 is arranged in the drain pipe 4 of the toilet system 1 at a position downstream of the water seal 6. The second sensor device 10 comprises a chamber 11 for collecting water 13 that is forced through the water seal 6 as a result of a user depositing excrement in the toilet bowl 2 of the toilet system 1. The second sensor device 10 further comprises a drain pipe 12 arranged in a bottom region of the chamber 11 and connected to a sewerage or the like. Alternatively, the second sensor device 10 may comprise a so-called drain pump, i.e. a drain pipe (not shown in FIG. 1 ), arranged in a top region of the chamber 11 and connected to a sewerage or the like, and a pumping device arranged and configured to empty the chamber 11 by sucking the contents of the chamber 11 into the drain pipe and therefore into the sewerage. The second sensor device 10 further comprises a measuring unit 14 in the form of a weight sensor arranged and configured to measure the weight of the chamber 11. In this way, the second sensor device 10 takes advantage of the fact that, due to the structure of the water seal 6 and due to Archimedes' law, the amount of liquid pushed through the water seal 6 of the toilet system 1 corresponds to the amount of waste disposed of into the toilet bowl 2 of the toilet system 1.

[0187] The second sensor device 10 may further include a closing mechanism 32, such as a valve, flap or shutter, that is configured to be closed while the measuring unit 14 measures the weight of the chamber 11 and the liquid 13 collected in the chamber 11, and then open when the toilet system 1 is to be cleaned to empty the chamber 11 and allow the toilet system 1 to be cleaned.

[0188] The data analysis unit 24 (see FIG. 2 ), in this particular embodiment, is configured to receive one or more signals captured using and transmitted by the first sensor device 9 and the second sensor device 10. The data analysis unit 24 is further configured to analyze the received signals using the data processing unit 25 to produce a data output indicative of the type and / or amount of waste deposited into the toilet bowl 2 by a user of the toilet system 1. To this end, the data analysis unit 25 and the data processing unit 25 use suitable image analysis and / or image recognition software.

[0189] Analysis to determine the type of waste or deposits in the toilet bowl 2 of the toilet system 1 can be completed using statistical methods, such as neural networks, provided by or to the data analysis device 24. The first step in training or calibrating a neural network is to obtain relevant training data. For this purpose, thousands of toilet visits were sampled using the sensors described above. The second step is to extract example data for type determination. In this case, the example data is data from the first sensor device 9, which may represent, for example, one or more of an empty toilet bowl, urine, feces, and paper. Extraction is performed manually by a trained person. Training ensures clear definitions of each type, such as an empty toilet bowl 2 containing only water, or a toilet bowl 2 with urine, feces, and / or paper. The definitions, their interpretation, and the final type recognition are closely related. The extraction process involves naming computer directories, naming the relevant types, and later moving the associated image data to the corresponding directories. The statistical model can then be calibrated to classify the data from the first sensor device 9 to belong to one of the different classes, for example using the computer directory described above. Once calibrated, the statistical model can organize the image data as it arrives from the first sensor device 9. Hence, a time-stamped class determination can also be achieved.

[0190] The first sensor device 9 and data analysis unit 24 can now be used to identify whether there is urine or feces in the toilet bowl 2. The total volume excreted, measured by the second sensor device 10, can be associated with a type, specifically either urine, feces, or a combination. Changes in the total volume can also be associated with each type, thus providing separate volumes for urine and feces. However, if a larger volume of feces arrives before the urine, it can be difficult to accurately identify the urine. To correct this error, the same process can be repeated for data indicating an ongoing excretory event, such as urination or defecation. Essentially, both images and audio can be input for determining the excretory event.

[0191] Experiments and Examples Referring now to Figures 5-11, a typical example of data capture and analysis using the previously described toilet system 1 of the present invention is shown. To enable identification of waste types as described below, over one thousand audio capture measurements of different wastes were made to provide reference data for comparison purposes and statistical analysis. The reference data can be stored in a database, which can be provided to the memory device 26 of the analysis device 24 (Figure 2). Additional data can be added to the database as new measurements are made. Experiments have shown that it is indeed possible to determine waste type based on audio measurements of the waste with a sufficiently high degree of certainty for practical use. Similar or equivalent approaches can be used to provide reference quantity information for comparison purposes and statistical analysis.

[0192] FIG. 5 shows the toilet bowl 2 of the toilet system 1 of the present invention, with a user urinating 20, 20', resulting in thin liquid waste 20 directly onto the surface of the toilet bowl 2 and urine 20' into the water 16 within the toilet bowl.

[0193] Figure 6 shows the transformation of the captured audio signal, more precisely, the signal amplitude A of the audio signal corresponding to the urination shown in Figure 5, captured using the first sensor device 9 of the toilet system 1, plotted as a function of the elapsed time t. As can be seen, the audio profile is spread over a relatively long period Δt = t3 - t1. At t = t1, the amplitude of the audio signal is large, possibly reaching a maximum, and as time passes towards t = t3, the amplitude gradually decreases towards zero. Such an acoustic image is characteristic of urinary urination.

[0194] FIG. 7 shows the toilet bowl 2 of the toilet system 1 of the present invention, in which a user excretes feces 17, 17', resulting in the feces 17, which is a relatively hard waste, being excreted directly onto the surface of the toilet bowl 2 and the feces 17' being excreted into the water 16 in the toilet bowl.

[0195] Figure 8 shows a transformation of the captured audio signal, more precisely, a plot of the signal amplitude A of the audio signal corresponding to the excretion shown in Figure 7, captured using the first sensor device 9 of the toilet system 1, as a function of the elapsed time t. As can be seen, the audio profile is spread over a short period of time, possibly around t = t2, the time when the feces impacts the water 16 on the surface of the toilet bowl 2. As can be seen, the amplitude of the audio signal increases and decreases sharply on either side around t = t2. Such an acoustic image is characteristic of fecal excretion.

[0196] Thus, impacting objects with different characteristics and / or surfaces with different characteristics and / or being dropped in different ways into a container such as a toilet bowl 2 will create different vibrations and, as a result, different sounds and acoustic images.

[0197] The transforms or graphs shown in Figures 6 and 8, respectively, can now be analyzed and statistically analysed, for example, using neural networks, principal component analysis (PCA), decision trees, clustering, etc., to provide probabilities as to which different objects, solid or liquid, have been excreted into the toilet bowl 2 of the toilet system 1 at a given time. The results of such analysis of the transforms or graphs shown in Figures 6 and 8, respectively, are shown in Figures 9 and 10.

[0198] Finally, as shown in FIG. 11, the probabilities shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 can be used in conjunction with measurements of the mass or liquid level of the container or any connected containers obtained using the second sensor device 10 to estimate how much solid or liquid matter has entered the toilet bowl 2 of the toilet system 1 and when the matter entered the toilet bowl 2 of the toilet system 1. FIG. 11 shows an example of a visualization of the results of such an analysis. Curve 100 plots the change in water level (ΔH), change in mass (ΔM), change in volume (ΔV), or change in flow rate, as indicated by the signal captured by the second sensor device 10, as a function of elapsed time, depending on the measurement principle used. Curve 200 indicates the mass or amount of accumulated waste. The inset symbols 20, 17, and 20′ indicate the results of the statistical analysis performed on the data obtained by the first sensor device 9, providing probabilities as described above in connection with FIGS. 6 and 8, and indicating the identified type of waste for each.

[0199] As shown in FIG. 11, the exemplary analysis revealed that there was a high probability that a first amount of urine 20 was excreted into the toilet bowl 2 during the period from t=t1 to t=t2, that a certain amount of feces 17 was excreted into the toilet bowl 2 during the period around t=t2, and that a second amount of urine 20′, less than the first amount of urine 20, was excreted into the toilet bowl 2 during the period from t=t2 to t=t3.

[0200] The combination of the audio signal provided by the first sensor device 9 with the further signal provided by the second sensor device 10 increases the true negative rate of the analysis. For example, audio such as bloating sounds are not necessarily associated with a change in the mass or volume of the container and can therefore be excluded in the identification.

[0201] Compared to using mass or volume alone, experiments have shown that this method can provide greater certainty about what liquid or solid material is in a container. For example, liquid poured at the same rate may impinge on different parts differently, and the width of the liquid stream may be different but the flow rate may be the same. The same is true for solid materials.

[0202] Furthermore, the experiments not only showed that it is possible to distinguish between different types of excrement, in particular between urine and feces, but also between fecal excrement of different consistency, for example solid feces and diarrhea, which can be important for diagnostic purposes. It was further shown that it is possible to identify and eliminate during the analysis false positives that arise from excretion other than fecal or urinary excretions into the toilet bowl 2, such as paper, vomit, or something else, or from the user simply farting, or from nothing happening at all.

[0203] 1 , the toilet system 1 includes a sensor device 10 configured to capture a signal indicative of the amount of waste deposited into the toilet bowl 2 by a user of the toilet system 1, and an optional sensor device 9 configured to capture a signal indicative of the type of waste deposited into the toilet bowl 2 by a user of the toilet system 1. The toilet system 1 may also optionally include a further sensor device 11.

[0204] The toilet system 1 can be a new, stand-alone toilet system 1. Alternatively, the sensor devices 9 and 10 can be attached to an existing toilet system to provide a retrofitted toilet system 1. The toilet system 1 of the present invention can be provided by providing the sensor devices 9 and 10 in this manner and retrofitting the existing toilet system by attaching the sensor devices 9 and 10 to the existing toilet system. At least one through-opening or multiple through-openings, as further described below, can be provided in the existing drain pipe. It should be noted that the sensor device 9 is optional in the context of the present invention. It should also be noted that the location and type of the toilet system 1 can affect the feasibility of retrofitting. For example, toilet systems with P-traps and wall-mounted toilet systems can be easily retrofitted.

[0205] Generally, the optional sensor device 9 is configured to capture a signal indicative of the type of waste deposited into the toilet bowl 2 by a user of the toilet system 1. The sensor device is further configured to transmit the captured signal to an analysis device.

[0206] The sensor device 9 may be configured to measure sound. The sensor device 9 may be an acoustic sensor or a vibration sensor such as a microphone. Suitable types of microphones include dynamic microphones, piezoelectric microphones, crystal microphones, fiber optic microphones, and MEMS microphones. The sensor device 9 may be wired or wireless.

[0207] Sensor device 9 is positioned in or on toilet seat 3. Alternatively, sensor device 9 can be positioned in or on the inner surface of toilet bowl 2. In either case, sensor device 9 is positioned in a position where it can capture sounds caused by or associated with a user emitting waste into toilet bowl 2, for example emptying their bowels and / or bladder. Sensor device 9 can be positioned above upper water level 16 in the toilet bowl, or alternatively, below upper water level 16 in the toilet bowl.

[0208] The at least one sensor device 9 may also include any one or more of a pressure sensor, radar, imaging device, distance sensor, LIDAR, acoustic distance sensor, and flow sensor, which may also provide a signal indicative of the type of waste deposited into the toilet bowl 2 by a user of the toilet system 1.

[0209] Generally, sensor device 10 is configured to measure a volume of liquid indicative of the amount of waste excreted into toilet bowl 2 by a user of toilet system 1. Sensor device 10 may also be configured to transmit the captured signal to analysis device 24 (FIG. 14). Sensor device 10 may be positioned and configured to measure the amount of liquid pushed through water seal or odor valve 6 into toilet bowl 2 when a user empties their bowels and / or bladder. According to Archimedes' law, the amount of liquid pushed through water seal or odor valve 6 into toilet bowl 2 when a user empties their bowels and / or bladder will be equal to, or at least approximately equal to, the amount of the user's waste excreted into toilet bowl 2, depending on the buoyancy of the excreted material.

[0210] 14, 15, and 16A-16B, sensor device 10 generally includes at least chamber 11 and a plurality of through openings 35, 36, 37, 38, and 39. Alternatively, with reference to Figure 16C, sensor device 10 may also include at least chamber 11 and one through opening 35. Generally, sensor device 10 is positioned in drain pipe 4 of toilet system 1 at a location downstream of water seal 6.

[0211] At least one through opening 35, or a plurality of through openings 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, are provided in the drain pipe 4 of the toilet system 1, particularly in the lower half of the drain pipe 4 of the toilet system 1, at a position downstream of the water seal 6 located between the toilet bowl 2 of the toilet system 1 and the drain pipe 4, so that liquid forced through the water seal 6 can flow into the chamber 11. This can be seen in Figures 14 and 15, which show the direction of flow 34 in the drain pipe 4, with part of the water seal 6 visible on the left-hand side of Figure 14. The direction of flow 51 of liquid diverted through openings 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 into the chamber 11 is also shown in Figures 14 and 15.

[0212] Chamber 11 is provided to collect water 13 ( FIG. 1 ) or liquid forced through water seal 6 as a result of a user depositing waste in toilet bowl 2 of toilet system 1. Chamber 11 is located in essentially the same position as multiple through-openings 35, 36, 37, 38, and 39 in drain pipe 4 of toilet system 1 downstream of water seal 6. Chamber 11 is also located adjacent to the lower half of drain pipe 4 of toilet system 1, exactly like multiple through-openings 35, 36, 37, 38, and 39. This allows water 13 forced through water seal 6 as a result of a user depositing waste in toilet bowl 2 of toilet system 1 to enter chamber 11 by the action of gravity. The direction of gravity is indicated by arrow G in FIGS. 14 and 15 .

[0213] 14, the chamber 11 may be a container. In such embodiments, the sensor device 10 may further include a mass or weight sensor 53 positioned and configured to monitor the weight of the chamber and capture at least one signal indicative of the amount of waste deposited into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system. Alternatively, or in addition, the sensor device 10 may further include a flow sensor, such as an acoustic flow sensor, positioned and configured to monitor the weight of the chamber and capture at least one signal indicative of the amount of waste deposited into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system.

[0214] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 15 , chamber 11 may be a pipe-shaped chamber 11 having one end connected to drain pipe 4 at a plurality of through openings 35, 36, 37, 38, and 39 and another end connected to drain pipe 4 at a further downstream location suitable for returning the contents of chamber 11 to drain pipe 4. In such an embodiment, sensor device 10 may further include a flow sensor 54 positioned and configured to monitor the weight of the chamber to capture at least one signal indicative of the amount of waste deposited into the toilet bowl by users of the toilet system. Flow sensor 54 may be, for example, an acoustic flow sensor, which provides the advantage of allowing monitoring of flow through chamber 11 without having to install a flow sensor within chamber 11, which may obstruct the flow to some extent. Alternatively, or in addition, sensor device 10 may further include a mass or weight sensor positioned and configured to monitor the weight of the chamber to capture at least one signal indicative of the amount of waste deposited into the toilet bowl by users of the toilet system.

[0215] The chamber 11 may further optionally be equipped with a pump 55 (see FIG. 19) for evacuating the contents of the chamber 11 back to the drain 4.

[0216] 16A-16C and 17A-17B, generally, the plurality of through openings 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 are arranged orthogonally to the longitudinal axis L of the drain pipe 4, and more particularly, are arranged along a major axis X that extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the drain pipe 4. Each of the plurality of through openings 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 includes a shape that includes a tip 40 (see FIGS. 16A-16C) that faces in an upstream direction U, i.e., toward the water seal 6 of the toilet system 1, or opposite to the direction of flow 34.

[0217] The plurality of through openings 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 each include a size A (see FIG. 17A) measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the drain pipe and a size B (see FIG. 17A) measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the drain pipe. The plurality of adjacent through openings are arranged spaced apart by a distance C (see FIG. 17A) measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the drain pipe and a distance D (see FIG. 17B) measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the drain pipe. The plurality of through openings 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 are arranged in a pattern satisfying the relationships C < A and D < 2B.

[0218] The plurality of through openings 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 can include a cross-sectional shape that is triangular (see FIG. 16B), oval (see FIG. 16A), diamond-shaped, or any combination thereof. In the case of a triangular opening, the major axis X corresponds to the base of the triangle. In the case of an oval or elliptical opening, the major axis X corresponds to the minor axis of the oval or ellipse. FIG. 16C shows another example of an opening 35 that is a triangle with a straight base and a recessed side. The plurality of through openings 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 can further be sized such that size A is between 0.5 mm and 100 mm and / or size B is between 0.5 mm and 100 mm.

[0219] Generally, any number of through openings 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 can be provided. Specifically, the number of through openings 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 is 5 or more, for example 6 or 8.

[0220] The sensor device 10 may further include a screening device 52. The screening device 52 may be positioned over the through-openings 35, 36, 37, 38, and 39, for example as a grid with holes sized to allow liquid to pass through but not allow particles of solid matter above a predetermined size to pass through, as shown in Figure 14. Alternatively, the screening device 52 may be positioned upstream of the through-openings 35, 36, 37, 38, and 39, as shown in Figure 15. The screening device 52 serves to deflect solid matter, such as feces, and cause it to flow around the through-openings 35, 36, 37, 38, and 39, thereby preventing the solid matter from falling into and potentially blocking the through-openings 35, 36, 37, 38, and 39. The screening device 52 is further configured to allow liquids such as water to flow around the screening device 52 and fall through the through openings 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 into the chamber 11, while solid matter such as feces still passes through the through openings 35, 36, 37, 38, 39.

[0221] The sensor device 10, or at least the chamber 11 of the sensor device 10, can be configured to be attached to the drain pipe 4 of the toilet system 1, for example as one component with the drain pipe 4. Alternatively, the sensor device 10, or at least the chamber 11 of the sensor device 10, can be configured to be attached to and form an integral part of the drain pipe 4 of the toilet system 1 as a pipe joint. The plurality of openings 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 can be provided in an existing drain pipe 4 of the toilet system 1. Alternatively, the plurality of openings 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 can be provided in a pipe joint that is attached to the existing drain pipe 4 of the toilet system 1.

[0222] Referring now also to FIG. 18, the sensor device 10 may further include a mounting element 41 configured to mount the chamber 11 of the sensor device 10 to the drain pipe 4 of the toilet system 1.

[0223] The attachment element 41 may be welded, glued, or the like, as shown in Figure 14. The attachment element 41 may also generally include a semi-ring shaped element configured to extend around and be attached to and / or secured to the drain pipe 4, as shown in Figure 18.

[0224] The attachment element 41 may also be a flexible element that is integrally connected to the chamber 11 at at least a first end and configured to be wrapped around the drain pipe 4 and attached to the chamber 11 at a second end, for example like a terminal strip. In such an embodiment, the connection between the second end of the attachment element 41 and the chamber 11 may be, for example, a snap-lock or friction-lock connection.

[0225] 1 , the sensor device 10 may further include a measurement unit 14 configured to measure the amount of liquid 13 collected in the chamber 11. The sensor device 10 may further include a drain pipe 12 disposed in a bottom region of the chamber 11 and connected to a sewer system or the like. The sensor device 10 may further include a closure mechanism 32, such as a valve, flap, shutter, or the like, configured to be closed while the measurement unit 14 measures the amount of liquid 13 collected in the chamber 11, and to be subsequently opened when the toilet system 1 is to be flushed to empty the chamber 11 and allow the toilet system 1 to be flushed.

[0226] Referring now to Figure 19, there is shown a schematic cross-sectional side view of a toilet system of the present invention including another embodiment of sensor device 10, similar to the cross-sectional side views of Figures 14 and 15. The embodiment shown in Figure 19 differs from the embodiment of Figures 14 and 15 in the following features.

[0227] The sensor device 10 includes a pump 55 for emptying the contents of the chamber 11 back into the drain 4. The pump 55 may be mounted inside or outside the chamber 11 and connected to the chamber 11. The pump 55 may be connected to a pipe or hose 56 which may be connected to a water inlet 57 which leads to the drain 4 of the toilet system 1 at a location downstream of the at least one opening 35.

[0228] In this embodiment, the sensor device 10 includes a single opening 35 in the drain pipe 4 of the toilet system. A valve 58 is provided at or associated with the opening 35. The valve 58 is provided on the side of the opening 35 facing the chamber 11 and is therefore external to the drain pipe 4. The valve 58 can be of a standard type or can be custom-made. The valve 58 includes an actuator 59 and a drain port 61. The drain port 61 opens or widens into the chamber 11, allowing liquid passing through the opening 35 to flow through the valve 58 and its drain port 61 into the chamber 11 (flow 51). The actuator 59 can be, for example, a motion sensor or a contact sensor that activates the valve when, for example, movement or contact of the liquid flow is registered. The valve 58 can be configured to have a filtering tolerance of, for example, less than 10 mm, less than 5 mm, or less than 0.5 mm, to allow only appropriately small particles to pass through. The valve 58 may further be configured to have a maximum capacity that allows the valve 58 to handle a predetermined maximum flow rate or volume of liquid, for example, corresponding to a maximum expected or statistically achievable volume of waste.

[0229] It should be noted that in embodiments in which sensor device 10 includes two or more openings 35-39, each such opening 35-39 may include an associated valve 58 as described above, although embodiments of sensor device 10 that include a valve 58 will generally include only one opening 35.

[0230] The sensor device 10 of Fig. 19 further comprises a data processing unit 61. The data processing unit 61 can have one or more different functions. The data processing unit 61 can transmit measurement data detected by the sensor devices 53, 54 to a data analysis unit. The data processing unit 61 can control the actuators 59 of the valves 58. The data processing unit 61 can control the pump 55. It should also be noted that such a data processing unit 61 can optionally be provided in any of the sensor devices 10 further described above, for example with respect to Figs. 14 and 15.

[0231] Referring to FIG. 21, there is shown a first embodiment of a fluid balance monitoring system 200 for determining and monitoring fluid balance in a mammalian subject 100 (FIG. 20) of the present invention.

[0232] The fluid balance monitoring system 200 of the present invention generally includes a data processing unit 201 configured to manage and process measurement data, one or more input units 202 configured to receive measurement data and transmit the received measurement data to the data processing unit 201, and one or more display units 203 configured to receive output data indicative of the monitored fluid balance of the subject 100 and display the output data indicative of the monitored fluid balance of the subject 100.

[0233] The one or more input units 202 are configured to receive measurement data and transmit the received measurement data to the data processing unit 201. The one or more input units 202 are in data transfer connection with the data processing unit 201. The one or more input units 202 may include a data processing unit. The one or more input units 202 may include a display. Generally, the data processing unit 201, the one or more input units 202, and the one or more display units 203 are separate units from each other, in particular physically.

[0234] Generally, subjects 100, particularly humans, tend to move around and may experience fluid inflow 101 and outflow 102 at different locations. For example, subjects 100 generally defecate in a location physically different from where they eat. Therefore, to facilitate the registration of fluid inflow 101 and outflow 102, it is necessary to enable the recording of measurement data at different locations. The one or more input units 202 are therefore configured to enable the collection of data at several different locations. Suitable input units 202 therefore include mobile phones, tablet computers, laptops, and other similar mobile devices. The one or more input units 202 can receive measurement data using a user interface. Alternatively, or in addition, the one or more input units 202 can be configured to receive measurement data from sensors or other associated devices, such as devices 206, 207, and 208 of FIG. 21 .

[0235] For example, a toilet system 206 including a sensor or electronic scale 207 may be suitable for providing data indicative of bodily fluid outflow 102. The electronic scale 207 may also provide data indicative of the subject's 100 weight and weight change. For example, data indicative of bodily fluid inflow 101 may be measured using, for example, a plate, glass, or cup 208 equipped with a suitable type of built-in sensor, such as a volume sensor or weight sensor. Devices such as the toilet system 206, scale 207, and cup 208 described above may also themselves act as input units 202, for example, if they are Internet of Things (IoT) enabled or include a data processing device or data transmitter. Furthermore, it may be feasible to pre-program the software of one or more input units 202 to display preset types and volumes on a screen, e.g., a touch panel, of the input unit 202, so that the only new variable is time.

[0236] In this context, it is noted that suitable toilet systems 206 equipped with sensors are known in the art, and such toilet systems include the toilet system described in Applicant's Danish Patent Application No. PA202070063 and / or described above in relation to Figures 1-19, and / or the toilet system described in U.S. Patent Application No. 2018 / 368818A1.

[0237] Generally, the measurement data may include any data or information relevant to monitoring the fluid balance of the subject 100. The measurement data may include information regarding the amount, type, and time for each event and for each individual subject 100. The information regarding the amount, type, and time for each event may be stored with or encrypted with an individual identification key to allow further attribution to a particular individual.

[0238] In this context, an event may be any relevant event that results in the inflow 101 or outflow 102 of bodily fluids from the subject 100. Non-limiting examples include defecation, urination, drainage, food or drink intake, exercise, sweating, breathing, sputum secretion, mucous secretions, gastric emptying, etc. Measurement data may also include data about the subject 100, such as weight data.

[0239] The input unit 202 may be further configured to upload the measurement data to the cloud-based storage 205 or directly to the storage of the data processing unit 201. The input unit 202 may be further configured to provide the measurement data together with an identification key for identifying the relevant subject 100 to which the measurement relates. The input unit 202 may be further configured to receive data, e.g. a request, from the data processing unit 201 via the cloud-based storage 205 or directly from the data processing unit 201. The request may be a request for the provision of new or further measurement data. The request may further specify the required measurement data.

[0240] The data processing unit 201 is a central data processing unit in the sense that the fluid balance monitoring system 200 is configured such that substantially all or all data communication between the one or more input units 202 and the one or more display units 203 occurs via the data processing unit 201. Thus, the data processing unit 201, the one or more input units 202, and the one or more display units 203 are separate units. The fluid balance monitoring system 200 of the present invention is thus centrally managed.

[0241] The data processing unit 201 is configured to communicate with one or more input units 202 and one or more display units 203. The data processing unit 201 is configured to receive measurement data from the one or more input units 202 and process the received measurement data to obtain output data indicative of the monitored fluid balance of the subject 100. The obtained output data indicative of the monitored fluid balance of the subject 100 may be, for example, a summary of the data in one or more tables or one or more graphs. The obtained output data may also be in any other format suitable for display by one or more display units 203. The data processing unit 201 is further configured to transmit the obtained output data indicative of the monitored fluid balance of the subject 100 to the one or more display units 203. Thus, the data processing unit 201 is connected in data transfer relationship with the one or more input units 202 and the one or more display units 203, and the connection may be wireless or wired, via a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, etc.

[0242] The data processing unit 201 may further be configured to send data, for example a request, to the input unit 202 via the cloud-based storage 205 or directly to the input unit 202. The request may be a request for the provision of new or further measurement data. The request may further specify the measurement data that is needed. The request may be made based on data, such as a request, received from one or more display units 203. Alternatively, or additionally, a request may be sent if no measurement data has been received at the data processing unit 201 for a predetermined time.

[0243] The transfer or transmission of data between the data processing unit 201 and the one or more input units 202 and one or more display units 203, respectively, can be direct or can occur via intermediate storage, for example in a cloud-based storage device 205. The data processing unit 201 can also include internal storage. Data stored in the cloud-based storage device 205 or the internal storage device of the data processing unit 201 can be associated with an individual identification key, for example, stored with or encrypted by the individual identification key. The identification key can provide or include a proper identity of the subject 100. The identity of the subject 100 can be anonymized to comply with relevant regulations, particularly data protection regulations such as the GDPR regulations in force in the European Union.

[0244] The one or more display units 203 are configured to receive from the data processing unit 201 obtained output data indicative of the monitored fluid balance of the subject 100. The one or more display units 203 are in data transfer connection with the data processing unit 201. The one or more display units 203 are configured to display the obtained output data indicative of the monitored fluid balance of the subject 100. Thus, the one or more display units 203 include a display. More specifically, the one or more display units 203 are configured to display the obtained output data indicative of the monitored fluid balance of the subject 100 in a format suitable for easy and clear interpretation by the observer 210. Such a format may include, for example, a graph or a table. Typically, the observer 210 is a medical professional such as a nurse or a doctor. Because medical professionals are often mobile during their daily routines, suitable display units 203 include mobile phones, tablet computers, laptops, and other similar portable devices. The one or more display units 203 may include, for example, a data processing unit for performing final processing of the output data and enabling the output data to be displayed. Therefore, the display unit(s) 203 can in principle be any display unit including a processing unit connected to the data processing unit 201 .

[0245] The one or more display units 203 may further be configured to send data, e.g., requests, to the data processing unit 201 via the cloud-based storage 205 or directly to the data processing unit 201. The request may be a request for the provision of new or further measurement data. The request may further specify the required measurement data.

[0246] Since the measurement data is delivered to the central data processing unit 201, processed and output therein, the processed measurement data coming from any of the input units 202 can be displayed on any of the display units 203. Thus, output data obtained by the data processing unit 201 indicative of the monitored fluid balance of the subject 100 can be viewed on the display unit 203. The obtained output data can include any desired information. Examples are summary data such as the fluid balance of the subject 100, the total inflow 101 and total outflow 102, and a summary of the contribution of each measurement unit or measurement to the total fluid balance. Similarly, the fluid balance of the subject 100 over a given period of time can be displayed on the display unit 203. The display unit 203 can further be configured to update the displayed data continuously or at regular time intervals.

[0247] In the above description, it is assumed that the display unit 203, the input unit 202, and the data processing unit 201 are physically different units. However, it should be noted that the display unit 203 and the input unit 202 can also be the same physical unit. The display unit 203, the input unit 202, and the data processing unit 201 can even be one and the same physical unit. In either case, these units can still be made to ensure that all data communication takes place via the data processing unit 201. Regardless of the embodiment, the display unit 203 and the input unit 201 are synchronized.

[0248] 22, a method of the present invention will be described for determining and monitoring fluid balance in a mammalian subject 100. The method includes the following steps.

[0249] First, a fluid balance monitoring system 200 of the present invention is provided. The fluid balance monitoring system 200 includes at least one data processing unit 201 having at least one data processing device, at least one input unit 202, and at least one display unit 203 having at least one data processing device.

[0250] In step 301, the at least one input unit 202 is used to receive measurement data from any one or more of the user interface and the at least one sensor device 206, 207, 208, the measurement data including information relevant to determining and monitoring the fluid balance of the subject 100. The measurement data includes information regarding the amount, type, and time of occurrence of at least one event relevant to determining and monitoring the fluid balance of the subject 100, the at least one event being any one relevant event that results in the outflow of fluid from the subject 100 or the inflow of fluid into the subject 100.

[0251] In step 302 , at least one input unit 202 is used to transmit the received measurement data to at least one data processing unit 201 .

[0252] In step 303 , the at least one data processing unit 201 receives measurement data from the at least one input unit 202 .

[0253] In step 304 , at least one data processing unit 201 is used to process the received measurement data to obtain output data indicative of the fluid balance of the subject 100 .

[0254] In step 305 , the at least one data processing unit 201 transmits output data indicative of the fluid balance of the subject 100 to the at least one display unit 203 .

[0255] In step 306, at least one display unit 203 receives output data indicative of the fluid balance of the subject 100.

[0256] Finally, in step 307, the at least one display unit 203 displays output data indicating the fluid balance of the subject 100 and further indicating the type and time of at least one event.

[0257] In a further optional step, data such as measurement data and output data indicative of the fluid balance of the subject 100 may be uploaded or stored in the subject's case sheet.

[0258] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is by no means limited to the preferred embodiments described above, but on the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0259] 1 toilet 2 Toilet bowl 3. Toilet seat 4 Drain pipe 5 Drain pipe 6 Water seal 7. Water Tank 8 Actuator (cleaning device) 9. First sensor device (type) 10 Second sensor device (quantity) 11 compartments 12 Compartment drains 13 Water stored in compartment 14 Actuators 15 base 16 Water in the toilet bowl 17 Object (feces) 18 Arrow 19 Arrow 20 Object (urine) 21 Sensor (for operating the system) 22 Weight sensor 23 More Sensors 24 Data analysis equipment 25 Data Processing Device 26 Data storage devices 27 Data Visualization Unit 28 Toilet Hookup 29 Data analysis equipment connection 30 beds 31 boxes 32 Closing mechanism 33 Actuator 34 Flow direction in drainage pipes 35~39 aperture 40 Tip of opening 41 Mounting elements 51 Flow to chamber 52 Screening Equipment 53 Weight Sensor 54 Flow sensor 55 Pump 56 Pipe 57 Water inlet 58 valves 59 Actuator 60 Data Processing Device / Transmitter 61 Valve drain A: Maximum dimension perpendicular to the axis L of the opening B Maximum dimension parallel to the axis L of the opening C: Shortest distance perpendicular to axis L D Shortest distance parallel to axis L L Front and rear axis of drain pipe G direction of gravity U upstream direction X Aperture axis 100 subjects 101 Input liquid 102 Output liquid 200 Fluid Balance Monitoring System 201 Data Processing Unit 202 Input Unit 203 Display Unit 204 Display Unit 205 Cloud-based storage 206 Toilet system with sensors 207 Electronic scale 208 Cup with Sensor 210 Healthcare Professionals / Observers 301~307 Method Steps

Claims

1. A toilet system including a toilet bowl and a drain pipe, configured to determine a type of waste material discharged into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system; at least one first sensor device configured to capture at least one signal indicative of a type of waste deposited into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system; at least one second sensor device configured to capture at least one signal indicative of an amount of waste deposited into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system; The toilet system further includes:

2. the at least one first sensor device is configured to measure sound; and / or the at least one first sensor device includes an acoustic sensor, a microphone, or a vibration sensor; The toilet system of claim 1.

3. 3. The toilet system of claim 1, wherein the at least one first sensor device is positioned in or on the toilet seat, in or above the water level line of the toilet bowl, or below the water level line of the toilet bowl.

4. the at least one first sensor device further comprises any one or more of a pressure sensor, a radar, an imager, a capacitive sensor, and a flow sensor; and / or the at least one first sensor device is further configured to transmit the at least one signal indicative of a type of waste deposited into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system to a data analysis device. The toilet system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the at least one second sensor device is configured to measure a volume of liquid indicative of an amount of waste deposited into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system; and / or the at least one second sensor device is disposed in the drain pipe of the toilet system at a location downstream of a water seal disposed between the toilet bowl of the toilet bowl and the drain pipe; and / or the at least one second sensor device is further configured to transmit the at least one signal indicative of an amount of waste deposited into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system to the data analysis device. The toilet system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The data analysis device further includes a data processing unit and a data storage unit, wherein the data processing unit: receiving one or more signals transmitted by the at least one first sensor device; analyzing the received one or more signals to produce a data output indicative of at least the type of waste deposited into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system; configured to: The toilet system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The data analysis device further comprises: receiving one or more signals transmitted by the at least one second sensor device; analyzing the received one or more signals with the data processing unit to produce a data output indicative of the amount of waste and the amount of waste deposited into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system; configured to: and / or the data analysis device further includes a data visualization unit, and the data processing unit is further configured to visualize on the data visualization unit the data output indicating one or more of the type of the waste discharged into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system and the amount of the waste discharged into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system.

7. The toilet system of claim 6.

8. an actuator configured to allow a user of the toilet system to indicate the type of waste deposited into the toilet bowl by the user and to transmit a signal indicative of the user's instruction to an analyzer; an actuator configured to allow the user to activate the toilet system and / or the analyzer before using the toilet system; a weight sensor positioned and configured to capture signals indicative of the user's weight before and after an excretion event; further comprising any one or more of: The toilet system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. the first sensor device is an imaging device disposed in any one of the toilet seat, on the toilet seat, in the toilet bowl, or above a water level line of the toilet bowl; The second sensor device is disposed in the drain pipe of the toilet system at a position downstream of the seal disposed between the toilet bowl of the toilet bowl and the drain pipe, and includes a chamber configured to collect liquid forced through the seal, and a weight sensor disposed and configured to measure a weight of the chamber and the liquid contained in the chamber. A toilet system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. the first sensor device is positioned so as to face downwards at an angle (α) of 70 to 80 degrees, such as an angle (α) of 75 degrees, relative to the horizontal (H), and at an angle (β) of 20 to 10 degrees, such as an angle (β) of 15 degrees, relative to the vertical (V), in this context an angle of 90 degrees corresponding to the direction of the vertical (V) or gravity; and / or The first sensor device is installed outside the central axis (A) of the toilet seat and rotated around the direction of gravity or the vertical line (V) so as to face an angle (γ) of 25 degrees to 25 degrees, for example, an angle (γ) of 30 degrees, with respect to the central axis (A) of the toilet seat; 10. The toilet system of claim 9.

11. A method for determining the type of waste discharged into a toilet bowl of a toilet system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising: using the at least one first sensor device of the toilet system to capture a signal indicative of a type of waste deposited into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system; transmitting the captured signals indicative of the type of waste material deposited into the toilet bowl by the user of the toilet system to an analysis device including a data processing unit and a data storage unit; receiving, using the data processing unit, one or more signals transmitted by the at least one first sensor device; using the data processing unit to analyze the one or more signals transmitted and received by the at least one first sensor device to produce a data output indicative of the type of waste deposited into the toilet bowl by the user of the toilet system. A method comprising the steps of:

12. capturing a signal indicative of an amount of waste deposited into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system using the at least one second sensor device of the toilet system; transmitting the captured signal indicative of the amount of waste deposited into the toilet bowl by the user of the toilet system to the analyzer; receiving, using the data processing unit, one or more signals transmitted by the at least one second sensor device; analyzing, with the data processing unit, the one or more signals transmitted and received by the at least one second sensor device to produce a data output indicative of the amount of waste deposited into the toilet bowl by the user of the toilet system. The method further includes the steps of: and / or the data analysis apparatus further includes a data visualization unit; using the data processing unit to visualize on the data visualization unit a data output indicative of the type of waste deposited into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system and / or a data output indicative of the amount of waste deposited into the toilet bowl by the user of the toilet system; The method further includes the steps of: The method of claim 11.

13. A toilet system (1) including a toilet bowl (2) and a drain pipe (4), configured to determine at least a type of waste material discharged into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system, the toilet system further including at least one sensor device (10) configured to capture at least one signal indicative of an amount of waste material discharged into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system, the sensor device comprising: a chamber (11) provided in the drain pipe of the toilet system at a position downstream of a water seal (6) disposed between the toilet bowl and the drain pipe of the toilet system, the chamber (11) being disposed adjacent to at least a portion of a lower half of the drain pipe of the toilet system and configured to receive an amount of liquid pushed through the water seal of the toilet system; at least one through-opening (35, 36, 37, 38, 39) in the drain pipe of the toilet system at a position downstream of the water seal where the chamber is provided so that liquid forced through the water seal can flow into the chamber (11); Including, The at least one through opening is arranged along a major axis (X) extending perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (L) of the drain pipe; the at least one through opening includes a shape that tapers in an upstream direction; Toilet system (1).

14. a plurality of through openings (35, 36, 37, 38, 39) are provided in the drain pipe of the toilet system; The plurality of through openings (35, 36, 37, 38, 39) include a maximum dimension A measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the drain pipe and a maximum dimension B measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the drain pipe; Adjacent through openings among the plurality of through openings are spaced apart by a shortest distance C measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the drain pipe and a shortest distance D measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the drain pipe, the plurality of through openings are arranged in a pattern that satisfies relationships C<A and D<2B; 14. The toilet system of claim 13.

15. the at least one through opening (35, 36, 37, 38, 39) includes a shape that is tapered and terminates in a tip portion facing upstream; and / or the at least one through opening (35, 36, 37, 38, 39) comprises a polygonal, elliptical, or circular cross-sectional shape having any one or more of regular edges, concave edges, convex edges, irregular edges, or any combination thereof; The toilet system according to any one of claims 13 to 14.

16. the at least one through opening (35, 36, 37, 38, 39) includes a maximum dimension A measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the drain pipe and a maximum dimension B measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the drain pipe; the size A is between 0.5 mm and 100 mm; and / or The size B is 0.5 mm to 100 mm. The toilet system according to any one of claims 13 to 15.

17. The toilet system according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein said plurality of through openings (35, 36, 37, 38, 39) comprises at least five openings.

18. The sensor device a screening device (52) located upstream of or extending over said at least one through opening; a valve (58) mounted in association with at least one of the one or more openings and configured to control the flow of liquid into the chamber; further comprising any one or more of: The toilet system according to any one of claims 13 to 17.

19. The sensor device a mass or weight sensor (53) positioned and configured to monitor the weight of the chamber to capture at least one signal indicative of the amount of waste deposited into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system; and / or a flow sensor (54) positioned and configured to monitor the flow of liquid through the chamber to capture at least one signal indicative of the amount of waste discharged into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system; further comprising: The toilet system according to any one of claims 13 to 18.

20. The toilet system of any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein the sensor device further comprises a mounting element (41) configured to mount the sensor device to the drain pipe of the toilet system.

21. A method for providing a toilet system (1) according to any one of claims 13 to 20, comprising at least one sensor device (10), the at least one sensor device being configured to capture at least one signal indicative of an amount of waste discharged into the toilet bowl by a user of the toilet system, the method comprising: at least one through-opening (35, 36, 37, 38, 39) is provided in at least a portion of a lower half of the drain pipe of the toilet system at a position downstream of a water seal (6) disposed between the toilet bowl and the drain pipe (4) of the toilet system so that liquid forced through the water seal can flow into the chamber through the at least one through-opening; The at least one through opening is disposed along a major axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the drain pipe; the at least one through opening includes a shape including a tip portion facing an upstream direction; providing a chamber (11) configured to receive a quantity of liquid forced through the water seal of the toilet system; The chamber (11) is disposed in the drain pipe of the toilet system at a position downstream of the water seal (6) disposed adjacent to at least a portion of a lower half of the drain pipe of the toilet system between the toilet bowl and the drain pipe of the toilet system. A method comprising the steps of:

22. Providing a plurality of through openings (35, 36, 37, 38, 39) to include a size A measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the drain pipe and a size B measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the drain pipe, wherein adjacent through openings are spaced apart by a distance C measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the drain pipe and a distance D measured parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the drain pipe, and the openings are arranged in a pattern that satisfies the relationships C<A and D<2B; providing the at least one through opening or the plurality of through openings (35, 36, 37, 38, 39) to include a polygonal, elliptical, or circular cross-sectional shape having any one or more of regular edges, concave edges, convex edges, irregular edges, or any combination thereof; The at least one through opening or the plurality of through openings (35, 36, 37, 38, 39) include a maximum size A measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the drain pipe and a maximum size B measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the drain pipe, wherein the size A is 0.5 mm to 100 mm, or, alternatively, the size B is 0.5 mm to 100 mm; Providing the plurality of through openings (35, 36, 37, 38, 39) to include at least five openings; and further comprising one or more of the steps of:

22. The method of claim 21.

23. A fluid balance monitoring system (200) for determining and monitoring fluid balance in a mammalian subject (100), comprising at least one data processing unit (201), at least one input unit (202), and at least one display unit (203), The at least one input unit (202) receiving measurement data from any one or more of a user interface and at least one sensor device (206, 207, 208) including information relevant to determining and monitoring fluid balance of said mammalian subject; transmitting the received measurements to the at least one data processing unit; configured to: The at least one data processing unit (201) comprises a data processing device, the at least one data processing unit comprising: receiving the measurement data from the at least one input unit; processing the received measurement data to obtain output data indicative of fluid balance in the mammalian subject; transmitting the output data indicative of the subject's fluid balance to the at least one display unit; configured to: The at least one data display unit (203) comprises a data processing device, and the at least one data display unit comprises: receiving the output data indicative of fluid balance of the mammalian subject; displaying the output data indicative of fluid balance of the mammalian subject; configured to: the measurement data further includes information regarding the amount, type, and time of occurrence of at least one event relevant to determining and monitoring fluid balance in the mammalian subject (100), the at least one event being any one relevant event that results in the outflow of fluid from the mammalian subject or the inflow of fluid into the mammalian subject; the at least one data processing unit (201) is further configured to process the received measurement data to obtain output data further indicative of the type and time of occurrence of the at least one event. Fluid balance monitoring system (200).

24. 24. The fluid balance monitoring system of claim 23, wherein the at least one data processing unit (201) is in data transfer connection with the at least one input unit (202) and the at least one display unit (203) such that all data communication between the at least one input unit (202) and the at least one display unit (203) is via the at least one data processing unit.

25. 25. The fluid balance monitoring system of claim 23, wherein the measurement data comprises data relating to at least one event relevant to determining and monitoring fluid balance in the mammalian subject, the at least one event comprising any one or more of: excretion, defecation, urination, food or drink intake, intravenous treatment, subcutaneous treatment, exercise, drain discharge, ulcer discharge, sweating, breathing, sputum secretion, mucous secretion, gastric emptying.

26. A fluid balance monitoring system according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein at least one of the measurement data and the output data is stored in a cloud-based storage device (205) or a storage device provided within the data processing unit, preferably together with or encrypted by an individual identification key.

27. 27. A fluid balance monitoring system according to any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein the output data comprises at least data indicative of fluid inflow into the mammalian subject, fluid outflow from the mammalian subject, and changes in fluid balance in the mammalian subject.

28. 27. The fluid balance monitoring system of claim 26, wherein the display unit (203) is configured to display the output data in a manner that separately shows data indicative of fluid inflow into the mammalian subject, fluid outflow from the mammalian subject, and changes in fluid balance of the mammalian subject.

29. 29. The fluid balance monitoring system of claim 23, wherein the data processing unit (201) generates output data and transmits the output data to the at least one display unit in real time or at predetermined time intervals, and / or the display unit (203) is configured to display the output data in real time or at predetermined time intervals.

30. A method for determining and monitoring fluid balance in a mammalian subject (100), comprising: a) providing a fluid balance monitoring system (200) according to any one of claims 23 to 29, comprising at least one data processing unit (201) with at least one data processing device, at least one input unit (202), and at least one display unit (203) with at least one data processing device, b) receiving, using said at least one input unit, measurement data from any one or more of a user interface and at least one sensor device, the measurement data including information relevant to determining and monitoring fluid balance of a mammalian subject (301); c) using said at least one input unit, transmitting said received measurement data to said at least one data processing unit (302); d) receiving (303) said measurement data from said at least one input unit using said at least one data processing unit; e) using said at least one data processing unit, processing said received measurement data to obtain output data indicative of fluid balance of said mammalian subject (304); f) using said at least one data processing unit, transmitting said output data indicative of fluid balance of said mammalian subject to said at least one display unit (305); g) receiving (306) the output data indicative of fluid balance of the mammalian subject using the at least one display unit; h) displaying (307) the output data indicative of fluid balance of the mammalian subject using the at least one display unit; This includes the steps: the measurement data further includes information regarding the amount, type, and time of occurrence of at least one event relevant to determining and monitoring fluid balance in the mammalian subject (100), the at least one event being any one relevant event that results in the outflow of fluid from the mammalian subject or the inflow of fluid into the mammalian subject; The method further comprises the step of processing the received measurement data using said at least one data processing unit (201) to obtain output data further indicative of the type and time of occurrence of said at least one event.

31. the at least one data processing unit (201) is in data transfer connection with the at least one input unit (202) and the at least one display unit (203) such that all data communication between the at least one input unit (202) and the at least one display unit (203) is via the at least one data processing unit; or the first measured data and the second measured data comprise data relating to at least one event relevant to determining and monitoring fluid balance in said mammalian subject, said at least one event comprising any one or more of: excretion, defecation, urination, food or drink intake, movement, sweating, and respiration; or the output data includes at least data indicative of fluid inflow into the mammalian subject, fluid outflow from the mammalian subject, and changes in fluid balance in the mammalian subject; 31. The method of claim 30.

32. storing at least one of the measurement data and the output data, preferably together with or encrypted by an individual identification key, in a cloud-based storage device (205) or in a storage device comprised within the data processing unit; generating output data in real time using the data processing unit (201); and transmitting the output data to the at least one display unit in real time or at predetermined time intervals using the data processing unit; using the display unit (203) to display the output data in real time or at predetermined time intervals; and further comprising one or more of the steps of:

32. The method of claim 30 or 31.

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